2023-05-13 - The Brick Times

BRICK The

Sunny Start For Farmer’s Market

Students Honored As Unsung Heroes

Fruits and vegetables were for sale, but so were baked goods, popcorn, honey

By Judy Smestad-Nunn

BRICK - The perfect weather likely played a part

er’s Market, held at Windward Beach Park on Saturday May 6.

With temperatures in the mid-60s and not a cloud in the sky, as of noon about 2,200 peo -

ple had shown up, said Recreation Department employee Joanne Noto, who manned a booth at the entrance and was doing the counting.

“The average has

been between 1,500 and 1,800 people, but it’s beautiful out and the vendors are doing great,” she said.

The 502 Baking (Farmer - See Page 4)

4th-Grader Named Semi-Finalist In NASA Competition

By Alyssa Riccardi

BRICK – A local student was one of 45 kids selected as a semi-finalist of a national competition hosted by NASA.

The “Power to Explore Challenge” required students to submit a 200-word essay on how

they would use Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) to succeed in their own science mission. RPS is a type of “nuclear battery” that NASA uses to explore the solar system and more.

Sofia Chiaravalle, a 4th

grade student at Midstreams Elementary School, wrote about her idea titled “Project Cousteau.” Project Cousteau would be a rover that would investigate the depths of oceans on Europa, (NASA - See Page 6)

By Stephanie Faughnan

TOMS

RIVER

–

Ocean County’s top law enforcement office honored 28 elementary and high school students as unsung heroes during a special ceremony earlier this month. While some students were recognized for their resilience in the face of adversity and challenges, others were distinguished for

going the extra mile to assist other people. At the onset of introducing the honorees, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer expressed his fondness for the Unsung Hero Student Recognition Awards. Billhimer said he was personally inspired by the students and suggested motivating others might be another (Heroes - See Page 5)

Game Day For Jersey Shore’s “Magical” Community

By Andrey Nalbantov

BRICK – It’s a Wednesday, and 27 duelists from around the region are facing off to determine who will be champion.

Many are strangers, some are long-time friends, others even come from the same family. That night they all had something in common

- playing their favorite trading card game. They were all in a Brick hobby shop’s weekly Yu-Gi-Oh tournament. Decks were heard shuffling, strategies were thrown around. Cheerful laughter and banter rung around the tables after the announcer gave all the COVID hygiene (Game - See Page 9)

─Photo by Judy Smestad-Nunn

and more.

-Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Mariah Walling, Brick Memorial High School, was honored for their determination.

-Photo courtesy Dennis Chiaravalle Sofia Chiaravalle extensively researched technology and astronomy for her essay.

Farmer: Continued From Page 1

Company, which sells homemade pie and other baked goods, said they sold out within an hour and had to have their inventory replenished from their local store.

Cathy Walters, who works full time at the bake shop, and Jacob Apple, who only helps out at the Farmer’s Market, said they had sold some 250 to 300 items before 9 a.m.

The Brick Farmer’s Market is a joint effort between the Township Recreation Department, the Department of Public Works, the Parks Department and the township administration, said Recreation Department coordinator Christine Hessenkemper, who has overseen the event since it began nine years ago.

The latest change to the Farmer’s Market is that dogs are allowed, she said. They can accompany their owner to the market on a trial basis.

Brick resident Elise Turner brought her Norwegian elkhound, Nico, to the market.

“Bringing him makes it better - I don’t have to leave the dog at home,” she said. “He’s stimulated because of all the food, but he’s liking it.”

Hessenkemper said plans are in place for a “Leave a Bag, Take a Bag” container where people can take or leave reusable shopping bags for use at the market.

On opening day, there were 58 vendors, six of which were brand new, she said. More would be added as more produce becomes available as the season progresses.

Brick businesses pay $20 for a stand, as do farmers. All others pay $40 for a stand, she said, and vendors who sell unique products are always welcome.

Members of the Brick Volunteer Youth Club were taking shifts, six at a time, and helping out wherever they were needed.

“They help customers with their bags, they help vendors unload, and anything that supports the market,” Hessenkemper said. “It counts towards their community service hours.”

Rich and Cassidy Bomenblit of Herbertsville came to the Farmer’s Market with their baby.

“It’s awesome,” she said. “We’ve bought pickles, popcorn and butter,” she said. “It’s very busy - everything’s sold out,” Rich added.

The market offers something for every taste and interest, ranging from baked goods to plants. This year attendees could buy honey, kettle corn, party dips, jams and jellies, Italian delicacies, wine and spirits, seafood, dried nuts, soaps, meat, pet treats and much more.

There were also about a half dozen food trucks onsite.

The Brick Farmer’s Market will be held every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. until September 30.

─Photos by Judy Smestad-Nunn

(Above): Dogs are allowed at the market on a trial basis for this year.

(Below): A half dozen food trucks were on hand for those who wanted a meal on the go.

Heroes: Continued From Page 1

achievement worthy of celebration.

The Ocean County Prosecutor’s office has made a conscious effort to work with the schools to promote positive behavior among young people. The aim is to create a supportive environment that empowers students and helps them avoid trouble with the law.

Students selected as unsung heroes were nominated by their individual school districts for the award. Each was identified as a person who does great deeds but receives little or no recognition for themselves.

“This award represents the recognition you deserve,” wrote the Prosecutor’s office in the program containing the names of all of the recipients. “Whether you have overcome obstacles, preserved in the face of great challenges, or improved academically, your faculty and administrators have deemed you worthy of this prestigious honor.”

As part of their recognition, the students were given a certificate and a bag full of goodies and presented with a challenge coin. Challenge coins hold great significance and represent an honor highly valued in military and law enforcement communities. The coins are given as tokens of appreciation and recognition for individuals who have completed a difficult task or distinguished themselves in some way.

Representatives from each of the school districts took turns at the podium to share the qualities that led to the selection of their district’s unsung hero nominee. The presenters represented a variety of roles within the schools, from principals to

teachers to social workers and school counselors.

Some of the students faced heart-wrenching losses that profoundly impacted their lives, and had to work diligently to move forward. Children who had relocated multiple times were acknowledged for their determination to adjust to new environments and navigate relationships. Others persevered through mental health and physical challenges. Still others regularly performed random acts of kindness despite an overload of personal commitments.

There was a noticeable trend among the selection of unsung heroes, as the same set of admirable adjectives was repeatedly used to describe each award recipient. Words such as determined, dedicated, resilient, positive, proactive, compassionate, kind, and empathetic appeared to embody the character traits of nearly every student recognized.

Most did not notice that Billhimer diverted from the program and skipped over the student named as the unsung hero from the Frog Pond Elementary School in Little Egg Harbor.

“I wanted to handle this in a respectful way,” shared Billhimer. “The student, Michael Browne, who was nominated for the unsung hero award was in an unimaginable accident and passed away earlier this year.”

Frog Pond Principal Tom Denning and Vice Principal Paul Nazarck took their place at the podium. Nazarack emphasized that Michael had been selected for the award before his death. Indeed, the remarks offered by Denning reflected a much happier time.

“At a young age, Michael faced experiences in his family life that would have caused adults to pause and ponder how to face life’s challenges,” said Denning. “Fortunately, Michael faces life’s

challenges head-on.”

“With his loving and caring grandparents, he is adjusting to a new state, a new community, a new school, and making new friends,” Denning continued. “He is rising above the struggles of the earlier part of his life, and he is now able to give better attention to his school responsibilities and show himself, his teachers, and his classmates the amazing things he is capable of.”

According to his obituary, Michael “Mikey” Ryan Browne tragically left his world on April 2, 2023, just days before his thirteenth birthday. His obituary mentions his achievement as an unsung hero.

The list of 2023 Award Recipients and the school districts they represented are as follows: Matthew Fronzuk, Barnegat Township High School; Joseph Thiel, Bay Head Elementary School; Mariah Walling, Brick Memorial High School; Liam Nielson, Brick Township High School; Nathaniel Davis, Central Regional High School; Harrison Headley, Eagleswood Elementary School; Michael Browne, Frog Pond

Elementary School; Yaneli Emilio-Tlapanco, Hugh J. Boyd School; Teagan McGarry, Island Heights School; Denielle Deriode, Jackson Liberty High School; Christophano Marano, Jackson Memorial High School; Charles Elmer, Lacey Township High School; Anthony Palma, Lakewood High School; Skyler Vivenzio, Lavallette Elementary School; Kirra Fredericks, Manchester Township High School; Luis Huitron, New Egypt High School; Ava Yellovich, Ocean Gate Elementary School; Eric Czaplinski, OCVTS-Brick Center; Dinah Van Name, OCVTS-Grunin Performing Arts Academy; John Fitzpatrick, OCTVS-Jackson Center; Matthew Caccavano, OCVTS-Toms River Center; Emma Carlysle Kohler; Pinelands Regional School District; Sabina Smith, Point Pleasant Beach School; Kagni Hostinsky, Point Pleasant Borough High School; Quinn Corbett, Stafford Township Intermediate School; Bella Moderno, Toms River East High School; Alexandra Finter-Flood, Toms River North; and Diana Olivos, Toms River South.

─Photo by Stephanie Faughnan

Liam Nielson, Brick Township High School, was honored for their determination.

NASA: Continued From Page 1

which is the smallest of the four Galilean moons orbiting Jupiter In her essay, Sofia asked: Is there any existence on Europa? Is there an ocean underneath the ice? How frigid is the water? Can you breathe on Europa? Sofia went on to explain that the rover

would collect samples, take pictures of any species, and record temperatures of the environment.

When asked what excited her the most about NASA’s RPS, Sofia expressed her eagerness to learn more about the planets within the solar system.

“I love space and writing so I started working on my entry right away. What I’m most excited about NASA’s RPS probes is that they allow us to learn

more about all the planets in the solar system and they may help find life on Europa like in my essay,” Sofia said.

After being named a semi-finalist and recognized by NASA, Sofia said, “I was watching the video when they announced the semi-finalist on the screen at school, I was very excited and screamed in joy when my name popped up!”

Sofia expressed that when she grows

up, she would love to be a veterinarian and have the opportunity to work at NASA.

“I do enjoy astronomy and learned the basics from my dad. We visited the planetarium at the college a few times and I’m always asking questions. When I grow up, I would love to become a veterinarian and work at NASA where I can help a create a habitat on Mars. Maybe I can go there someday!” Sofia said.

“I’m so proud of Sofia!” Sofia’s father Dennis said. “She took days to research everything she could on Europa, Jupiter, and RPS probes. It took her a long time to make it under 200 words, the original report was over 20 pages. Being able to see her learn about Europa and discovering that there might be life somewhere else in the solar system was a great joy.”

“We were thrilled when she was recognized! Sofia is very smart and she worked really hard on this project. I can’t wait to see what else she will accomplish,” Dennis added.

Brick Township Green Fair

BRICK – The 11th Annual Brick Township Green Fair, which is sponsored by the Township Environmental Commission, Green Team, Recreation Department and Tourism Development Commission, is scheduled for May 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Anstett Cultural Arts Center, 515 Herbertsville Road.

The environmental and sustainability showcase, which is free to attend, features vendors, exhibitors and student groups representing environmental and social responsibility, locally-sourced products and zero waste. This year’s theme is “Sustain Your Health.”

“Exhibitors and schools have been encouraged to make the connection between environmental health and personal health,” according to Mayor Lisa Crate. “For instance, highlighting and demonstrating the importance of water quality, air quality and healthy soil.”

Highlights of this year’s event:

• A rain barrel workshop co-hosted by the Brick MUA

• A clothing and textile recycling drop off provided by Helpsy

• Annual flower plug distribution from Brick Township Shade Tree Commission

• Student based environmental projects and initiatives from Brick Township schools

• A wellness presentation by Ocean University Medical Center

• Self-guided “Pick Up Brick” cleanup of the Sawmill Tract

• Door prizes including Brick Beach Season Passes, composters, garden planters, rain barrels and more

• Food vendors Caldino’s and Big Blue Wrap and Roll

Email krella@bricktownship.net or call Keith Rella at 732-262-1050 for more information.

State Could Receive $508M Opioid Settlement

From The Desk Of

The Governor Phil

Murphy

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced that all 21 counties and all 241 municipalities in New Jersey eligible for direct distributions have joined the State in signing onto the nationwide settlement agreements with pharmacy chains CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart, and drug makers Teva Pharmaceuticals and Allergan, to resolve claims involving their alleged roles in fomenting the country’s opioid crisis.

As a result, New Jersey and its eligible counties and municipalities are on track to receive the maximum amount available to the State under the settlements: approximately $508.1 million. Under the settlements, the amount that each state will receive depends on the level of participation among its eligible county and municipal governments. New Jersey has now achieved 100 percent participation among those counties and municipalities.

If the proposed settlements are approved, the Murphy Administration will have secured over $1 billion through investigation and litigation for New Jersey and its communities to spend in combatting the opioid epidemic.

The settlements with CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart resolve allegations that the pharmacy chains helped fuel the opioid epidemic by ignoring red flags that prescriptions were being diverted into illegal trafficking. In

addition to the financial settlements, the pharmacies have agreed to court-ordered injunctive relief that requires the pharmacies to monitor, report, and share data about suspicious activity related to opioid prescriptions.

The settlements reached with Allergan and Teva resolve allegations that the drug makers helped fuel the U.S. opioid epidemic by overstating the painkillers’ benefits, downplaying the risk of addiction, and failing to maintain controls to prevent opioid misuse. Teva, an Israeli-based drug manufacturer, makes Actiq and Fentora, which are branded fentanyl products for cancer pain, as well as a number of generic opioids, including oxycodone. Ireland-based Allergan formerly made Norco- and Kadian-branded and generic opioids. The company sold its generics portfolio, including opioid products, to Teva in 2016.

“While thousands of New Jerseyans have lost their lives to the opioid epidemic and thousands of others continue to struggle with opioid addiction, these large corporations and drug makers profited from the pain and struggle of our communities. While this settlement does not bring our loved ones back, it will bring resources to the state that will support programs and initiatives that save lives,” said Governor Murphy.

“I thank Attorney General Platkin and his office for their work on delivering these settlements to our state. This Administration will continue to prioritize and support our residents with substance use disorders.”

New Jersey announced its participation in the settlements on January

11, 2023, and eligible counties and municipalities were given until May 2, 2023, to sign on. During that time, state, county, and local officials have been working together to ensure that New Jersey receives the maximum possible benefit from the settlements, with assistance from the Murphy Administration, the New Jersey State League of Municipalities, and the New Jersey Association of Counties.

Teva, Allergan, CVS, and Walgreens are expected to announce by June 1, 2023, whether their settlements will go forward, which will depend on whether enough state subdivisions from around the country have signed on. The Walmart settlement becomes effective by its own terms so long as sign-on is achieved by 85% of the aggregate population of litigating subdivisions and 85% of the aggregate population of subdivisions with populations equal to or greater than 30,000 that have not filed suit against Walmart, and populations between 10,000 and 30,000 that have not filed suit against Walmart but have filed opioid litigation against McKesson, AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health, and/or Janssen Pharmaceuticals or any parents, subsidiaries, divisions, predecessor, successors and/ or assigns of any of these companies. If all states and eligible subdivisions participate, the agreements will collectively be valued at $20.1 billion nationwide.

“No one is immune from the opioid epidemic that continues to ravage through our communities and claims over 3,000 lives each year in New Jersey,” said New Jersey Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “The opioid settlement funds will put accountability into practice, supporting prevention efforts and expanding access to care,

treatment and recovery programs for individuals and families struggling with substance use disorder.”

These settlements announced are the latest multistate accords resolving nationwide claims against drug makers and pharmacies for their alleged roles in the opioid addiction epidemic.

In February 2022, the Attorney General’s Office announced that New Jersey was to receive a historic $641 million from settlements with opioid manufacturer Johnson & Johnson and the country’s three largest pharmaceutical distributors - McKesson, Cardinal Health, and AmerisourceBergen. The $641 million in settlement funds will be paid through 2038, and will fund programs focused on treatment, prevention, and other strategies to combat the opioid epidemic in the State.

In June, AG Platkin announced New Jersey would receive approximately $30 million in settlement funds from global pharmaceutical maker Mallinckrodt PLC. In August, he announced a multistate agreement-in-principle with opioid maker Endo International plc and its lenders that would provide up to $450 million to participating states and local governments, ban promotion of Endo’s opioids, and require Endo to turn over millions of documents related to its role in the opioid crisis for publication in a public online archive. Final settlement amounts for individual states have not yet been determined.

The state has solicited funding recommendations through an online portal and the Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund Advisory Council will host a series of public listening sessions starting on May 4. For more information, visit nj.gov/opioidfunds /. Attorney General Platkin is recused from the Walgreens matter.

Ocean County Legislators Blast Murphy’s Funding of Transgender Website With Pandemic Relief Funds

TRENTON - Senator Jim Holzapfel, Assemblyman Greg McGuckin, and Assemblyman John Catalano (all R-10th) questioned Governor Phil Murphy’s use of pandemic relief funds to develop a “Transgender Information Hub” website while other critical needs that could have been funded have been ignored.

“When we have billions in unspent pandemic relief funds that Governor Murphy has failed to put to effective use, it’s shocking that building a transgender website is where he has chosen to spend American Rescue Plan Act money,” said Holzapfel. “He could have helped struggling businesses, prevented cuts to our schools, or

fixed the broken unemployment system, but building a transgender website was his priority. It’s ridiculous.”

The governor announced the launch of Transgender.NJ.gov, a new “one-stop hub” to help the state’s “transgender and non-binary community in finding information about essential programs and services,” including how to change a name.

The new website was paid for with some of the $6.2 billion of pandemic relief funds New Jersey received through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP).

“We received more than $6 billion in American Rescue Plan Act funds nearly two years ago, but barely any of the money has

been spent,” said McGuckin. “More than $5 billion continues to sit idle in state accounts while our schools are being hit with unnecessary budget cuts and New Jersey businesses continue to be hit with round after round of payroll tax increases to replenish the unemployment fund. Instead of funding those urgent needs with pandemic relief funds, paying for a transgender website was Governor Murphy’s misplaced priority.”

According to Governor Murphy’s press announcement, the website was funded as part of the Resident Experience Initiative. The Resident Experience Program received a $40 million appropriation of ARP funds in the current FY 2023 state budget.

“Governor Murphy had billions of relief funds at his disposal throughout the pandemic, but he did next to nothing when one-third of our small businesses were going out of business,” added Catalano. “He did nothing to keep our unemployment fund solvent without harmful tax increases on small businesses, and he has done nothing to prevent years of unnecessary school funding cuts while our teachers are struggling to get students caught up from the devasting impacts of his shutdowns. The critical needs that Governor Murphy has repeatedly ignored say as much about his priorities as things like the transgender website that he has chosen to fund.”

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY

e ditorial School Security Upgrades Should Be Outside Spending Cap

Back during the Chris Christie administration, working with Democrat-led lawmakers, he instituted a law that limited tax increases by schools and municipalities to 2 percent. The law itself is way more complicated than that – because of course it is – but that’s the gist of it. Christie and the lawmakers never considered that fuel and other costs would increase by more than 2 percent. They were just looking at ways to cut costs for taxpayers and didn’t think of the big picture. If you think our taxes are high now, imagine how much higher they would be without the cap. So, the law did what it was designed to do, but put the burden on districts to decide what to cut in order to come in under the cap.

Christie was governor from 2010 to 2018. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (part of the U.S. Department of Education), there were about 400 shootings that took place in schools across the country during these years. Approximately 40% of those had no casualties, but that doesn’t make the number more palatable. My point is that the governor and lawmakers should’ve known that school security was and always will be a necessity.

School districts have partnered with towns to hire school resource officers and have regular patrols. They’ve upgraded their PA and security systems. Some have reconstructed entrance vestibules. They’ve covered the windows with shatter-resistant film. All of this was done to prevent someone from attacking the school or mitigating the damage if they got in. And all of it costs money.

Some schools have used federal relief aid to pay for this. Some are splitting the cost of an officer between

GOP Spread Lies About Offshore Wind To Protect Big Oil Companies

Letters To The Editor

the school and the town. They’ve gotten creative on how to pay for these needed security measures.

A school district shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to figure out how to protect their kids.

One of our legislators should write a bill that places any school security upgrade outside the 2 percent cap. This could be an increase in security personnel. It could also be any number of capital projects such as doors, cameras, overhead loudspeakers, impact-resistant coating on windows, security vestibules, and more. The bill would have to be specific as to what it applies so that it can be clear to school business administrators.

Will it make budget calculations more complicated?

Yes. But it’s to help schools for a change. Besides, people in the finance department do math all day long.

They love math.

I’d even go so far as to say that towns should be allowed to remove their police department from the limits of the 2 percent cap. That, however, might get sticky. One of the unwritten “benefits” of the 2 percent cap was that towns and schools had a hammer they could wield during contract negotiations. “I’m sorry, we can’t give raises more than 2%. State law.”

So, let’s stick to just school security. I’m going to be reaching out to the lawmakers I know to see if they’d be interested in sponsoring this proposed legislation.

The 2 percent cap was the state’s solution to limiting tax hikes on a local level. While it serves a purpose, this is a situation where it has caused a problem.

Don’t penalize school districts for doing the right thing.

Chris Lundy News Editor

TRENTON – The following statement is from members of the New Jersey Wind Works Coalition, in response to the New Jersey state Senate Republican independent hearing on offshore wind.

“It is disappointing, but not surprising, that New Jersey Senate Republicans are continuing to spread lies about offshore wind with the hopes of delaying progress and continuing our dependence on fossil fuels. The anti-wind campaign is anti-environment and anti-wildlife. Developing New Jersey’s offshore wind industry will create union jobs, generate economic prosperity in communities across our state, and is essential to fighting climate change, which is the number one threat facing marine life. After significant investigation, our nation’s top scientists have stated there is no evidence that offshore wind is causing the deaths of marine mammals. We know for a fact that warming oceans are threatening entire ecosystems.

“Here’s what elected leaders who really care about protecting the oceans should be doing, and the environmental

criteria for pro-marine life politicians: slowing down boats, removing abandoned fishing gear, reducing plastic pollution, and combating climate change, the greatest threat to our oceans.

“It is time to stop playing politics with our oceans, listen to the scientists, and get on board with a clean energy future, which will protect wildlife for New Jersey.”

The New Jersey Wind Works Coalition is a group of environmental advocates who support the responsible development of offshore wind.

New Jersey Wind Works Coalition Members: New Jersey LCV, NJ Audubon, Waterspirit, Pinelands Preservation Alliance, ANJEC, NJ Sustainable Business Council, UU Faith Action, Sierra Club NJ, New Jersey Environmental Lobby, Special Initiative on Offshore Wind, Anglers for Offshore Wind, GreenFaith, Great Egg Harbor River Council Association.

New Jersey League of Conservation Voters

running for mayor in the (June 6) primary, Mo is the only one who knows our town and its people.

Mo knows how to get things done. He has consistently fought Trenton for us and has our best interests in heart. That’s not to say I agree with everything he’s done 100%. For example, he likes Trump and I don’t. But I have much more in common with him than with any of the other three. They only care about themselves. Mo cares about us.

Do you think (Councilman Daniel) Rodrick would be able to make a well planned and executed argument to the DEP about Ciba-Geigy? He doesn’t even understand how a town works. Every meeting he’s caught with his pants down because he clearly doesn’t know what’s going on. He sounds like a kid who showed up to class without his homework.

Do you think (Geri) Ambrosio will do anything for us? No, she’s just going to make her boss George Gilmore the new town attorney, and give her friends jobs. She has no experience doing things for other people – unless there’s something in it for her.

care in the United States. I believe that lack of healthcare coverage was brought to light during the COVID period but it appears that it is no longer discussed as to what needs to be corrected.

Mayor Hill will have my vote in the primary and in the final election in November. While there are four different Republicans

We Welcome Letters To The Editor!

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

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

edit or reject letters. The weekly deadline is 5 p.m. Thursday. Mail typed letters to: PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733, fax 732-657-7388 or e-mail news@jerseyshoreonline.com. Letters may be limited to one per month per writer at the editor’s discretion.

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

I can’t remember the name of the fourth Republican running for mayor and I’m not going to bother looking it up.

Mo Hill cut ties with Gilmore’s corrupt party, and it was the best choice ever. Mo has no boss except the people of Toms River.

Ron David Toms River

American Health Expense Is Unaffordable

Your editorial “One Day, You’ll Be Sick” (March 25th edition) made a very good point on human wellness and the cost of health -

Having worked in hospitals and a health clinic over 40 years, I have seen the problems with our system. It is complicated and needs fixing but our elected officials in Washington are not willing to act. I started working in the financial office of a hospital as an accountant when Medicare was passed and went on to becoming a CFO in small hospitals. The system has grown and the costs have become impossible for the average American family to bear. A family of four could not afford to pay the full insurance premiums, co-pays and deductibles based on average income. Only with the employer paying part or a good portion of the premium is a family able to carry healthcare insurance today. What I have explain thus far only covers acute care but then as the population gets older, we are exposed to the many long term illnesses that are not covered by acute care insurance and will put a family’s financial position in serious trouble. We not only have to deal with health problems but how we can pay for it. As our populations grows older, it becomes a more significant factor on how do we meet these costs. Trying to save for it is difficult, as we try to save to meet our general expense needs in retirement years.

If we don’t act soon, we will be forced into a universal system in order to continue delivering care to all. It will become impossible for the average person to cover healthcare needs. Oh! What I failed to mention is that healthcare is not guaranteed in this country.

Lee Amato Lakewood

Game:

Continued From Page 1

Above all the cheers of victory and groans of defeat, something else stood out - a father asking his son if he had fun.

Walter Ward, 51, started playing the game around the end of 2003 when it became popular here in the United States. He remembered that his son, who primarily was into Pokemon, developed an interest in Yu-Gi-Oh when the anime was released for western audiences.

“I got into the game with my son,” said Ward. “I learned how to play with him.”

He believes that the stores where the trading card community thrives are great places to meet new people and feel welcomed no matter a person’s background. Also, part of the fun is the competitiveness that these games promote.

The impact of the trading card scene spans worldwide, and has shuffled around the Jersey shore for decades. Magic the Gathering was the first of its kind, started in 1993 and going strong today. It incorporates fantasy worlds similar to Dungeons & Dragons. Pokemon is another popular one, where players collect and duel with “pocket monsters,” just like in the show. Many other licensed properties, from Star Wars to My Little Pony, have been adapted to card games.

Multiple stores around our county give access to enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds to express their hobbies by trading, collecting, building decks, and then challenging each other with a healthy dose of competitiveness and the occasional saltiness. Trading card games also help to improve a good bit of tactical thinking, math, and imagination skills due to their spectacular art.

Joseph Coppinger, 22, who started playing when he was 10 years old, shared how he was enamored by how cool the monster cards looked, and that everyone can play their own deck.

When it comes to beginners starting out in the game, Coppinger and Ward share similar advice for new players. When newcomers find something that they like and want to play with, they should stick with it and take the steps until they learn how to play it with ease.

Tournament events provided by the local game stores are the perfect spot for beginners to get a grasp on the game, Cottinger said. During those events, they will be able to see players using different decks and tactics, as well as meet new people. Most stores post their gaming schedule online or in the shop.

A piece of advice he also gives out to parents who might have kids that are interested in the game:

“Let them go to events and talk to people… let them have fun,” said Cottinger. Just like Ward enjoys spending quality father-son time with his boy while playing Yu-Gi-Oh!, he suggests that this can be a great way for parents to get involved with their kids. And while it might be a challenge at the very start of a person’s dueling journey due to a learning curve, the trading card scene here at the shore has created a close-knit community where everyone is welcome.

-Photo courtesy Nova Games Gamers flock to local card stores to play in casual matches or tournaments.

Local Pets Available For Adoption

BRICK – This is Puddin’, a sweet 6-year-old Chihuahua who is looking for her forever home. Puddin’ has had a difficult start in life, as she was rescued from a backyard breeder where over 40 dogs were kept in deplorable conditions. However, she is ready to start a new chapter in her life and is looking for a loving and patient family to help her feel safe and loved.

At first, Puddin may be scared and hesitant around new people and unfamiliar environments. But with a little time and patience, she will warm up

to you and become a devoted and affectionate companion. Puddin’ loves to cuddle and would thrive in a calm and quiet home environment.

Puddin’ needs to learn how to be a dog and will benefit from a family who is willing to help her adjust to a normal routine. However, with the right family and support, Puddin’ has the potential to become a confident and happy little dog.

You can view this pet and more at jerseyshoreanimalcenter.org. They are located at 185 Brick Boulevard and can be reached at 732-920-1600.

Museum Opening & Gold Dealer

BRICK – The Brick Township Historical Society has opened its Havens Homestead Museum at 521 Herbertsville Road, Brick for the season. Each Saturday from now through October (except holiday weekends) visitors are welcome to visit between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.

The society has arranged to have a NJ licensed gold/silver dealer on May 13 during those same hours to buy your unwanted

gold and silver. This gentleman has worked at many society events for the past ten years and has been well appreciated by the patrons. Admission is free, and donations are greatly appreciated. Parking is in a lot 150 ft. east of the museum accessed by a driveway with a blue sign that says “Havens Farm.”

For more information on the society see its website at bricktownshiphistoricalsociety. com or call 732-785-2500.

Happy Hour Networking

Brick.

5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Houlihan’s, 491 NJ-70,

Lite fare included, cash bar. Fee is $15 for members, $25 not yet members. Register at brickchamber.com

─Photo courtesy Jersey Shore Animal Center

BRICK – Join the Brick Chamber of Commerce for their monthly after hours networking event on May 25 from

Surfing And Body Boarding Programs

BRICK – Looking to catch some waves this summer? Recreation’s surfing and body boarding programs will help you learn the ins and outs of the sports. Whether it’s you are brand new to surfing or body boarding, or if you are just looking to get better at it, these programs are perfect for you. The only requirement is that you must know how to swim. So grab your towel, sunscreen and plenty of water and get ready to ride the waves!

Youth Surfing Adventure Camp

This 12-hour program is for novice through intermediate level surfers. Surfers will learn and practice ocean awareness and surfing techniques. The camp will have both land and water-based instruction and progressive skill building to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment.

Open to Brick residents ages 10 to 16 years old. Fee is $175. Camp runs June 26 to June 29 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Brick Beach III.

Kids Body Boarding Adventure Camp

Body boarding - also called boogie boarding - is a great introduction to the ocean and riding waves! This 12-hour land and water-based program will teach your child this safe, fun and easy to learn sport. Instruction

topics will include equipment orientation, wave selection, riding techniques, ocean and beach safety, etiquette and more.

Open to Brick residents ages 6 to 10 years old. Fee is $155. Camp runs June 26 to June 29 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Brick Beach III.

• Any parent or guardian who wishes to stay for the program must adhere to the Township’s beach badge and parking policies.

• Participants must be able to swim. If you have any concerns about your child’s swimming ability or fitness level, call 732300-5115.

• Camps may be subdivided into smaller groups depending on age, ability and skill level.

• Participants are recommended to dress for the beach and bring daily sunscreen, towel, drinks, snacks and footwear.

• All equipment provided: board, leash, life vest and rash guard or wet suit (if needed). You’re welcome to bring your own equipment.

• They reserve the right to delay, postpone, change the amount of land and/or water participation time or reschedule camps due to weather, high winds and/or dangerous ocean conditions. Safety is our priority.

Funeral Home, all Funeral Home service fees, required cremation container MCDDT-01. Package excludes residential removal fee and Crematory charges.

Dr. Izzy’s

Sound

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

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

Over-The-Counter (OTCs) Hearing Aids Revisited

Last fall, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration published final rules establishing a new class of hearing devices — those available over the counter (OTC). Though specific to the United States, the new category may understandably spark questions for anybody seeking hearing care.

What does it mean for you? More than ever, it’s important to seek hearing help from a trained hearing care professional. Hearing loss is complex, and self-treating could worsen an existing problem. Working with a highly trained provider can help you make safe, effective decisions for your ear health.

Here’s What Else You Should Know… OTC Hearing Aids Are for Adults Only

The new class of FDA-regulated hearing instruments are approved only for those 18 and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. They are not available for children and might not align with one’s actual hearing loss, which could be greater than perceived.

The Right Fit Plays a Big Role To maximize comfort and functionality, hearing aids must be custom fitted to each individual and programmed to support their listening lifestyle. Hearing professionals are espe-

cially skilled in helping ensure the right fit now and in the future as your hearing needs change.

You May Need Other Support Hearing loss can go hand in hand with tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or balance issues and is also associated with serious conditions such as dementia. A comprehensive hearing evaluation may help uncover additional care needs that self-treating would likely not detect.

Self-Treatment Bypasses Critical Diagnostics It takes a trained professional to get to the bottom of hearing loss, which can have causes ranging from earwax buildup to head trauma, noise exposure, infection, disease, or even some medications. Self treating without the benefit of a diagnostic evaluation can mean missing key answers.

In a world of choices, deciding the right approach for your hearing wellness can feel overwhelming. Remember, price is only an issue in the absence of value! We’re here to help with the personalized advice and care you deserve. So, don’t wait. Call to schedule your appointment today!

Dr. Izzy & his Staff can be reached at 732-818=3610 (Toms River/Whiting) or 609-978-8946 (Manahawkin) or visit us at www.gardenstatehearing.com.

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Matcha Vs. Coffee: Unlocking The Health Benefits And Energizing Effects

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

I drink both matcha and coffee on a daily basis. I wonder if you know the exact differences and health benefits of each. Let’s delve into that today.

Matcha and coffee are popular beverages known for their health benefits and energy-boosting properties. While they both contain caffeine, they differ in taste, nutrient composition, and effects on the body.

Matcha is made from finely ground shadegrown green tea leaves. The shade-growing process increases chlorophyll and L-theanine content, giving matcha a vibrant green color and unique umami flavor. Matcha contains higher levels of antioxidants, amino acids, and caffeine compared to green tea, as the entire leaf is consumed. You’re literally drinking crushed up leaves when you have a matcha!

Coffee, on the other hand, comes from the seeds of the Coffea plant. It lacks L-theanine and chlorophyll but makes up for it because it’s rich in antioxidants, essential nutrients, and caffeine. Coffee beans are roasted, which gives it that characteristic flavor and amazing aroma. The first coffee tree in the United States was planted in Hawaii around 1817, when they were introduced to Kona, a region on the Big Island. They could maybe grow in south Florida; however the floods and hurricanes don’t allow it. Coffee trees could never grow in Colorado where I live. Besides, this state tends to prefer weeds better, lol!

Caffeine in both matcha and coffee can enhance alertness, cognitive function, and

memory. Matcha has less caffeine than coffee, but its effects can last longer due to the synergistic action of L-theanine. The calming properties of L-theanine can balance the stimulant effects of caffeine, providing a focused and sustained energy boost.

Both drinks may have a laxative effect, with coffee generally producing a stronger effect. Matcha has a milder effect, primarily due to its lower caffeine content and dietary fiber from ground tea leaves.

Matcha has been an integral part of Japanese tea ceremonies for centuries. The Chada ceremony is a highly ritualized practice that involves serving matcha tea in a serene and meditative setting and emphasizes harmony, respect and tranquility.

Traveling with matcha packets is convenient due to their compact size and versatility. Matcha can be easily mixed with hot water or added to smoothies, lattes, or baked goods. I made my own matcha drink at the coffee station at my hotel just last week. Coffee packets are also portable, but when traveling you can almost always find a coffee machine close by, not to mention a Starbucks or Caribou Coffee!

In summary, matcha and coffee each offer unique health benefits and flavors. Incorporating them into your routine can provide an enjoyable way to boost well-being and cognitive performance. Choose the beverage that best suits your taste and preferences, or consider combining the benefits of both by alternating or mixing them in creative ways.

(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.

Substantially Damaged Homes In Toms River:

What They Are And How To Appeal

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

Under Section 313-5 of the Toms River Municipal Code, a structure is deemed to be “substantially damaged” if the costs of restoring a damaged structure to its pre-damaged state would equal or exceed 50% of the market value of the structure before it was damaged. In other words, if the value of the damage, divided by the market value of the structure prior to the damage is over 50%, the structure is substantially damaged.

In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, in October of 2012, many homes in Toms River were deemed to be substantially damaged. A determination that your home is substantially damaged could have serious effects on your ability to obtain building permits, gain site plan approval, and could required you to elevate your home.

In March of 2022, the Township of Toms River put a new process in place by which a homeowner can appeal the determination that their home is substantially damaged. There are two approaches under which an appeal can be successful:

pre-damaged home was worth more than it was assessed for.

Under the first approach, the Township will consider factors such as proof of loss from insurance, invoices from contractors who worked on repairing the home, and receipts for materials. These will then be compared against the Damage Estimate from the FEMA Inspectors. Under the second approach, the Township will consider factors such as a tax appeal determination from the year the damage occurred, or an appraisal from a NJ Licensed appraiser for the pre-damage value of the home. The appraisal or tax appeal decision will then be compared to the 2012 tax assessor’s improvement value for the home.

If you feel your home has been inaccurately deemed substantially damaged and would like to file an appeal, please give the attorneys at R.C. Shea & Associates a call for a consultation.

1) the damage to the home is lower than the Damage Estimate calculated;

2) the

Construction Material Drop Off Day May 13

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

tiles, paneling, doors, 2×4s, roofing shingles and outdoor sheds.

• Brick residents only

• Tax bill and driver’s license required

• No hazardous materials

• No contractors or commercial vehicles

• Drop off only (no curbside collection offered)

AAUW Upcoming Meeting

BRICK – American Association of University Women (AAUW-Northern Ocean County Branch) has their in-person meeting at the Brick Library, 301 Chambers Bridge Road, on May 16 at 6 p.m. They will begin with a demonstration by Maryanna Forman of Sipology. Ms. Forman

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

New Growth After Brush Fire

By Chris Lundy

BRICK – Nature is healing in just a few short weeks after a brush fire took place in the marshland area of Cedar Island Drive and Mandalay Road.

The fire started at around 7 p.m. on April 13. Police said that the firefighters quickly put out the bulk of the fire, but hotspots kept

There were no injuries or property damage reported, police said.

In this photo, taken three weeks later, you can see the growth bringing green back to the area.

More Than 80 Animals Removed From Brick Home

By Chris Lundy

BRICK – Another incident of animal hoarding was reported when police removed 87 animals from a home on Mantoloking Road.

Brick Police said they got a call from the resident asking for help with the animals on the evening of May 4. Officers arrived and were assisted by

Brick Township Fire District No. 1 and Berkeley HazMat.

The authorities removed 83 cats and three dogs, police said. There were no deceased animals on scene. At this time, the investigation is ongoing.

This residence is different from the one where 180 animals were found at a home on Arrowhead Park Drive last year.

─Photo by Judy Smestad-Nunn popping up. In order to control the spread, they back-burned the area to eliminate fuel for the fire.

Brick Police EMS Employee Spotlight

BRICK – Each month Brick Police EMS will randomly select by drawing numbers, an EMT from their staff to share a little bit of their background and shed some positive light on their contribution to the Brick Township Community. For the month of May 2023 EMT/FTO Alexis Sweeney #53103 number was drawn. Alexis joined the unit as a part time EMT in January of 2016 and later being promoted to full-time in April 2017.

Alexis has been an EMT since July 2014. Alexis is very active within the division serving as a Field Training Officer and a member of Special Operations. She is always willing to step up and help out with everything including shift coverage, public relations, assisting in training and coordinating the BTPD EMS Annual Awards Dinner. Alexis has previous experience with a volunteer agency in Ocean County.

Local EMS Holds Training Class

What is a “Mom & Pop” Business?

A small, independent, family owned, controlled and operated business. It has a small amount of business volume. It is not franchised.

“ Open for business in a single location.”

So if your “Mom or Pop” need the services of rehabilitation and nursing services, it just makes sense to go to a “Mom & Pop.”

Here is a picture of a true “Mom & Pop” business: 1579

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

─Photo courtesy Brick Police EMS

BRICK – Brick Township Police Department EMS held a TECC (Tactical Emergency Casualty Course) for first

responders from all over NJ. Training to do the best for as many as possible. Great job everyone.

─Photo courtesy Brick Police EMS

Honor Guard Honors Late First Responders

BRICK – On April 26, the Brick Township Police Department Honor Guard attended a funeral mass to honor First Responders who died in the line of duty during the pandemic and were not offered proper burial services due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Forty-four law enforcement officers, corrections officers, firefighters and emergency responders were recognized for their service at Epic Church in Sayreville. Thank you for paying the ultimate sacrifice. Rest in Peace.

Senior Services May Activities

BRICK – Brick Senior Services provides residents ages 60 and over with a variety of services and access to activities and programs that are designed to improve their quality of life.

• Lunch & Bingo sponsored by Wellington Estates May 17 at 11:30 a.m. Must register. Suggested donation $2.

Celebrate You! Enjoy Brunch & a Movie featuring “A Man Called Otto” starring Tom Hanks. Brunch sponsored by Brandywine Living at the Gables & Reflections May 19 at 11 a.m. Must register.

• The Book Nook Club meets May 22 at 10 a.m. Join for exciting discussions and review the latest best sellers. May’s Book: “Run” by Ann Patchett.

• Coffee Truck Social & Craft provided by Home Well Care. Enjoy a specialty coffee while creating a spring craft project May 23

at 11:30 a.m. Must register.

• Medication Drop Box. Bring any expired and unused medications, prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines to be disposed of properly by the Brick Township Police Department May 23 at 11:30 a.m.

• The Community Café Mondays and Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Lunch reservation by 11 a.m. the day before is required. Transportation provided to site. Suggested donation of $2. Call 732-920-8686 for reservations.

• Computers available for your personal use. Open access Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Senior Services Office is located in the Civic Plaza, 270 Chambers Bridge Road, Unit 12 and the Senior Services Activity Center is located in VFW Post 8867, 373 Adamston Road. For information call 732-920-8686.

Memorial Day Parade

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

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

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

Send your community events to news@jerseyshoreonline.com

─Photo courtesy Brick Police

Real Estate

Toms River House For SaleSarasota 2 Bed 1 Bath, Brand new appliances, brand new paint, brand new carpets throughout. Open house Thur, Fri, Sat, Sun, May 11th -June 4th, 521 Jamaica Blvd. Holiday City 08757; or call 732-569-3174. (24)

Estate Sale

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

Garage Sale

Annual Community Garage Sale - At Greenbriar I, Burnt Tavern Road, Brick on Saturday, June 3 (rain date Sunday, June 4) from 9-3. Over 60 families will be holding sales. Follow the balloons for the streets participating. Call 732-840-9496 with questions. (23)

Garage Sale 492 St. Thomas Dr., Toms River - Holiday City/Berkeley - Fri, Sat and Sun - May 19, 20, and 21, 2023 (R/S). 908-230-3822.

All items must sell! From BricA-Brac to clothing to books and sporting goods. 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m./3 days/Don't miss this! (23)

Items For Sale

For Sale - Large cocco brown couch $250; Two twin beds white headboard/footboard $200; Black with six drawers, $300. Please call Mary 732-475-7770. (23)

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)

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)

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)

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

CLASSIFIEDS

Items Wanted

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)

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)

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 732-5576500 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)

Laundromat Attendant - For FT/

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

Help Wanted

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)

R.C. Shea and Associates is seeking to hire a paralegal with civil/commercial litigation experience as well as an administrative assistant. Pay and benefits commensurate with experience. Please call Pam Williams, office manager at (732) 505-1212 or email at pwilliams@rcshea.com (t/n)

Process Engineer (Job ID#: PE0110) Alpha Engineered Composites, LLC (Lakewood, NJ): Dvlp, configure, & optimize processes from inception thru steady state mfg, based on the goal of achieving strategic Key Performance or Target to Improve mfg indices; Identify, thru measurement & interpretation of product-process data; justify resources & capital financially; & implmt capital expenditure & process improvement initiatives; Support solution dvlpmt for special cause mfg issues; Process & maintain process instruction docs per current ISO platform. Complete monthly reports & identify thru pareto analysis, problem product-process issues; Scale transfer tech. at new facilities & verify process metrics are achieved; Support Lean Mfg initiatives focused on the elimination of mfg waste & enhancing product value; Support mfg suprvsn in techn'l input. Need Bachelor's in Mechan'l Engg, Chemical Engg, Industrial Engg, or rltd; 30 mths exp in process engg; Proficiency w/ the PLC prgmg & ladder logic Computer

Aided Dsgn, Statistical Analysis, & Process Simulation s/ware; Understanding of Lean mfg principles & the mfg dependency btwn process availability, performance, & qlty; Familiar w/ local & federal envrmnt'l, health, & safety regulations; Travel throughout U.S. & China, twice per yr (1 month each trip) to provide techn'l support to AEC joint venture.

Mail CV w/ Job ID# to 145 Lehigh Ave, Lakewood, NJ 08701. (22)

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

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

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

A1 HANDYMAN SERVICES -

Over 30 years experience in all phases of home improvements. Free estimates and referrals. Call John 267-475-7962. (22)

Services Services Services

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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

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)

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)

Services

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)

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)

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

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

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)

MY HANDY CREW - Home repairs, carpentry, painting roofing and siding, decks, powerwashing, yardwor,k all your home maintenance needs. $ave. Call Clark 732-850-5060. Insured and NJ License #13VH11804800. (46)

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

CLASSIFIEDS CANNOT BE PLACED OVER THE PHONE.

Classifieds can be placed on our website jerseyshoreonline.com

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

You are responsible for checking your ad the first time it runs and notifying us of any errors. If we make an error, we will correct it and rerun the ad. We will not be responsible for multiple insertions if you do not call us after the first ad run. No refunds for classified ads. Newspapers are available at our office. Please feel free to stop in and check your ad.

Calculate Price As Follows:

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

2 weeks* at $44.95 for 20 words + $0.40

*In

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

Credit Card# Exp.

Cardholder Signature:

Print Name:

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

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

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

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

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

Police Dispatchers Recognized

BRICK – Brick Township Police Dispatchers were recognized at the April 25 Town Council Meeting. Dispatchers were commended for their hard work and dedication to Brick Township. April 9 to 15, 2023 was National Public Safety Telecommunicators

Week.

─Photo courtesy

On behalf of Chief Dave Forrester, and the Brick Township Police Department, we thank you for your commitment, service, and sacrifice each and every day. We appreciate you.

Resident Honored For Serving Community

BRICK – Happy Arbor Day! Mayor Lisa

Crate and the Township Council proclaimed April 28 Dottie LaPosa Day. Dottie, a 50year resident of Brick, is stepping down as a member of the Brick Township Shade Tree Commission after nearly four decades of

─Photo courtesy Brick Township

volunteer service! Family and members of the Shade Tree Commission, Green Team and Environmental Commission were on hand to help honor Dottie. Join in thanking Dottie for helping to keep Brick Township beautiful.

Street Hockey Program

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

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

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

Brick Police

around the JerSey Shore Student Scholars And

Leaders Honored

TRENTON – The New Jersey Council of County Colleges (NJCCC) honored 37 students from the state’s 18 Community Colleges for being named to the 2023 New Jersey All-State Academic Team for their outstanding academic achievements and exceptional service to their communities and colleges as members of Phi Theta Kappa, the national honor society for Community Colleges. The New Jersey Community College Scholars Celebration was held at the New Jersey State Museum in Trenton.

“These exceptional students utilized the many opportunities that New Jersey’s Community Colleges have to offer and succeeded brilliantly. We applaud the New Jersey All-State Academic Team members for their academic excellence, hard-work, and perseverance to rise to the top of their

class. Their tenacity and incredible work ethic serve as an inspiration to all,” said NJCCC President Aaron R. Fichtner, Ph.D.

“These students have thrived on and off campus as community leaders to reach this high level of achievement,” said NJCCC Chair Mary Zimmermann. “They exemplify all the good that comes from a New Jersey Community College education, and we could not be prouder.”

The 2023 New Jersey All-State Academic Team members are:

• Brookdale Community College: Belinda Asamoah (New Brunswick) and Sara Hosbach (Freehold);

• Ocean County College: Brooke Doering (Toms River) and Cynthia Huggins (Brick);

Local Man Pleads Guilty To Money Laundering

By Alyssa Riccardi

LAKEWOOD – A Township man has pleaded guilty to a charge of money laundering involving an illegal wire fraud scheme, state officials said.

Eli Schamovic, 41, of Lakewood, made “several fraudulent financial transactions through at least two entities that Schamovic formed and established as merchants that used multiple credit card processing companies,” police said.

Officials said the transactions totaled more than $1 million in losses to a multinational financial services corporation that specialized in payment cards.

Additionally, Schamovic laundered portions of the proceeds of this scheme, including through an estimated $500,000 wire transfer from a bank

account under his control.

Schamovic faces a maximum10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross profits or gross loss suffered by the victims, whichever is greatest. His sentencing is scheduled for September 8.

U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger credited postal inspectors with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Newark, under the direction of Inspector in Charge Christopher A. Nielsen, Philadelphia Division; special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, and special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Tammy Tomlins in Newark, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea.

─Photo courtesy New Jersey Council of County Colleges

photo of the week

The countdown to Memorial Day continues with just a few weeks left. One staple of the Jersey Shore are the surfers. Local resident Joan Gallagher was in Seaside Heights recently when she spotted this guy riding the waves. The water

temperature that day hovered around 47 degrees. Yikes! Another great photo. Want to share one of your own? How about winning a prize? Email photos@ jerseyshoreonline.com and you may get lucky!

Fun Facts About The Praying Mantis (Mantids)

By Renee A. Thomaier

Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

There are about 2,000 species of mantids based on information documented in 2020. Only 18 species are native to North America, with the remaining species occupying tropical areas. The species you would see here in the United States are exotic species. The majority of mantids in New Jersey are invasive, more specifically the Chinese mantis and the European mantis. Believe it or not, mantids, who are insects, are closely related to both termites and cockroaches.

The praying mantis is the only insect possessing the ability to swivel their heads 180 degrees, which makes it challenging to sneak up on them. Even those who are not fond of insects seem to be fascinated, even drawn, to the praying mantis. This acceptance of them is likely due to their humanoid faces and long, grasping forelegs. Reproduction comes in the form of eggs - depositing them on a stem or twig in the fall, protecting them with a substance resembling Styrofoam which she secretes from her body. The eggs will develop over the winter. You would be able to find eggs during the winter after trees and shrubs have lost their

leaves. However, attempting to bring these egg sacks into your home could result in finding your house overrun with little mantids. The male praying mantis is sometimes beheaded before consummation with the female. Turns out the male is considered a better lover without his brain, which controls inhibition and the act of copulation. For obvious reasons the name of the praying mantis refers to the way it holds its front legs, as if to pray, however, this is a deadly predator. Their attack is lightning quick to grab an insect, using its sharply spined forelegs, enabling them to hold its prey tightly as it devours it. While they are often viewed as beneficial insects, they will devour good bugs and bad bugs. Larger mantids will feast upon frogs, birds, and lizards.

There are no state/federal laws protecting the praying mantis.

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

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

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SolutionS

Omarr’s Astrological Forecast

For the week of MAY 13 - may 19

By Jeraldine Saunders

ARIES (March 21-April 19): One way to make solidarity tangible may be to get everyone to pool their efforts now. You might get the most accomplished when paired up with a friend or working within a cooperative framework.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): It’s a great big universe, and anything is possible. Aim high whenever you may be tempted to make major changes or want to experiment with something new. The sky’s the limit when your timing is carefully chosen.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Make your own rules but try not to break someone else’s. A poorly chosen word or comment can land you in the doghouse. Luckily, forgiveness may be easier than usual to find. A sincere apology should put things right quickly.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) : The more you share with a loved one, the closer you could become. You may feel mentally agile and eager to investigate someone’s powerful ideas or interests. You might find opportunities in the least likely places.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Spread your enthusiasm generously and widely and other people could be eager to join your team. It may be challenging to remain patient when someone hesitates or gets to the point more slowly than you do but give them grace anyway.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ): Romantic and friendly relationships can be highly satisfying unless you view them as simply transactional. If you are engrossed in a project or business interest, be mindful that you don’t leave loved ones out in the cold for too long.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) : Peace and tranquility could be your most prized possessions. You and a partner might not always agree completely, but you can respect each other’s opinion. A sympathetic bystander might help you mend some fences.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Applaud someone’s good intentions. There may be opportunities for compromise that solve all your on-the-job problems. Make key decisions today or tomorrow while you have a firm grasp on potential long-range results.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) : You may have made lofty plans to live a purpose-driven life. Your money is there for a reason and can be put to effective use. Focus on making your home a safe and secure place and ignore minor disputes.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Once smitten by the love bug, you may not be able to rest until you have your way. You could be eager to shower someone with treats. It may be as easy to dispose of outworn customs and ideas as worn-out clothes.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Daily expenses might get you down, but your long-term plans for financial security may be right on track. Realign your thoughts by getting quiet and centered and praying on it, or by seeking sound advice. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Deal with any duties responsibly. You show your integrity by consistently honoring your obligations. If you need more time, be honest and ask for it. Accountability and consistency speak volumes about your character.

WE’RE SPILLING THE TEA ON ONE OF OUR MOST POPULAR SCONE RECIPES

By America’s Test Kitchen

Want to know the secret to our delicious scone recipe? It’s all about the way you handle the ingredients.

Berry beginning: Toss the frozen berries in powdered sugar to keep from bleeding into the dough.

Second step: Treating the butter in two different ways is the key to light and flaky scones. First, process half the butter until it’s fully incorporated into the dough. Then add the remaining cold butter and process until small clumps remain, creating pockets of steam as the scones bake.

A sweet end: A simple glaze of butter and honey adds a nice finish to the scones.

MIXED BERRY SCONES

Makes 8 scones

Note: Work the dough as little as possible, just until it comes together. Work quickly to keep the butter and berries as cold as possible for the best results. Note that the butter is divided in this recipe. An equal amount of frozen blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries (halved) can be used in place of the mixed berries.

For the scones:

1 3/4 cups (8 3/4 ounces) frozen mixed berries

3 tablespoons powdered sugar

3 cups (15 ounces) all-purpose flour

12 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, chilled

1/3 cup (2 1/3 ounces) granulated sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons whole milk

1 large egg plus 1 large yolk

For the glaze:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 tablespoon honey

For the scones:

1. Adjust oven rack to upper-middle position and heat oven to 425 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. If your berry mix contains

strawberries, cut them in half. Toss berries with powdered sugar in a bowl; freeze until needed.

2. Combine flour, 6 tablespoons butter, the granulated sugar, baking powder and salt in a food processor and process until butter is fully incorporated, about 15 seconds. Add remaining 6 tablespoons butter and pulse until butter is reduced to pea-size pieces, 10 to 12 pulses. Transfer mixture to a large bowl. Stir in berries.

3. Beat milk and egg and yolk together in a separate bowl. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the milk mixture. Using a rubber spatula, gently stir mixture, scraping from edges of bowl and folding inward until very shaggy dough forms and some bits of flour remain. Do not overmix.

4. Turn out dough onto a well-floured counter and, if necessary, knead briefly until dough just comes together, about 3 turns. Using your floured hands and bench scraper, shape dough into a 12-by4-inch rectangle, about 1 1/2 inches tall. Using a knife orbench scraper, cut dough crosswise into four equal rectangles. Cut each rectangle diagonally into two triangles (you should have eight scones total). Transfer scones to the prepared sheet. Bake until scones are lightly golden on top, 16 to 18 minutes, rotating pan halfway through baking.

For the glaze:

1. While scones bake, combine melted butter and honey in a small bowl.

2. Remove scones from the oven and brush tops evenly with glaze mixture. Return scones to the oven and continue to bake until golden brown on top, 5 to 8 minutes longer. Transfer scones to a wire rack and let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.

TO MAKE AHEAD: Unbaked scones can be frozen for several weeks. After cutting scones into triangles in Step 4, freeze them on a baking sheet. Transfer frozen scones to a zipper-lock freezerbag. When ready to bake, heat the oven to 375 degrees and extend cooking time in step 4 to 23 to 26 minutes. Glaze time in Step 6 will remain at 5 to 8 minutes.

(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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