2023-05-20 - The Manchester Times

The

Whiting Veteran Honored On 105th Birthday

New Storie S told oN 86th A NNiver SAry o f hi Nde Nburg

By Bob Vosseller MANCHESTER

– It was a day for celebration, not only for Joseph C. Longo, but for his entire family as well. There was much to enjoy as Longo celebrated his 105th birthday. He was reunited with his son Larry who lives out of state, brother Peter and many other family members and received a special motor-

cycle parade by members of the American Legion Riders and a proclamation from Manchester Township. Longo is one of 12 children born of Italian immigrants who arrived at Ellis Island in 1911. He grew up in Orange, New Jersey and after getting married in 1947, he and his wife Mary moved to West (Birthday - See Page 4)

First Responders Praised For Wildfire Response

By Bob Vosseller MANCHESTER –

Firefighters, EMS members and police lined up in front of the dais as a proclamation was read by Mayor Robert Arace thanking them for their service during the April 11-13

By Bob Vosseller LAKEHURST

– It’s been 86 years since that fateful day, and people are still telling stories of the Hindenburg disaster that took place on May 6, 1937.

Local WWII Hero Honored In Biography

By Mark Bator

recent article that appeared in The Manchester Times from research that NLHS member Jim Larsen of Manchester shared. Larsen was also present at the evening’s ceremony.

“My grandfather was on the tail section and he was 52, he ran (from the falling burning airship) and he tripped on the track where they could turn it and naturally it came down on him causing injury and mostly burns,” Hurley said.

TOMS RIVER –

The extraordinary life and times of an under-appreciated World War II hero was the subject of a question-and-answer session with author Steven M. Gillon at the George P. Vanderveer American Legion

Navy Lakehurst Historical Society (NLHS) and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL) hosted a memorial event that took place outside Hangar One which used to house the famous airship. Among those invited were Margherita Thielke, who witnessed the disaster as a child, and Lakehurst resident Allen Hurley, the grandson of Allen Hagaman who was the one groundcrew worker who had perished. Hurley told said that he learned a lot from a

Thielke said “I’m 97 now. I lived in Haledon, New Jersey. My half-brother Mike and my father went to see the Hindenburg land. My brother was 14 and I was 11. We went in a 1934 Chevrolet Coupe with a rumble seat. It (Stories - See Page 5)

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–Photo by Bob Vosseller Joseph Longo seated at right holding his proclamation with the help of his 100-year-old brother Peter, seated at left, joins family members at AristaCare Nursing Home in Whiting where friends, family and guests came out to honor his service in World War II and celebrate his recent 105th birthday.

–Photo courtesy The Longo Family Joseph C. Longo in U.S. Army dress uniform during his service during World War II.

–Photo by Bob Vosseller Navy Lakehurst Vice President Jennifer Suwak, left, joins special guest speaker Dr. Horst Schirmer in holding a wreath for the remembrance ceremony with Allen Hurley of Lakehurst.

–Photo By Bob Vosseller Firefighters, EMS, and police line up as they listen to a proclamation by Mayor Robert Arace honoring them for their response to a raging wildfire last month.

(Hero - See Page 7)

(RespondersSee Page 16)

Birthday:

Continued From Page 1

Orange where they raised three children. After retiring from 33 years of service in the US Postal Service, Joe and his bride moved to Cedar Glen Lakes retirement community in Whiting.

After losing his beloved wife of 71 years in 2014, he moved to AristaCare in 2019 where he resides today and where his patriotic themed party was held with red, white and blue napkins and a birthday cake.

“He is a member of the Greatest Generation and a (Private First Class) of the US Army and proud to have served under General George Patton while stationed in France,” said his son Larry Longo, who planned the gathering.

To commemorate his 105th birthday, an Honor Guard of 18 American Legion Riders, motorcyclists who are Legion members from Toms River Post 129 and Brick Post 348, presented the colors and an American flag. Brick Post Road Captain Greg Wagner said, “it was our honor to be here today.”

The Longo family includes his 100-yearold brother Peter who along with his brother and family members watched the Riders circle around outside the front of the building before the festivities moved indoors.

Longo was injured during the war. “He was very young and healthy and it was a superficial wound. He said he marched

with General Patton,” his daughter Linda Linder said.

“He has told the story differently over the years. At first it was that he waved to him as he passed through. Then it was that he ran after him to shake his hand. The next thing we hear it will be that he and the General planned the Normandy Beach invasion,” his son joked.

“My father enlisted and he was supposed to come home in February of ‘41 and then in December, Pearl Harbor happened and so he was stuck for another four years. His short-term memory isn’t good but his longterm memory is,” Linder said.

She noted that her dad “was an avid bowler, golfer and bocce player. He was a mailman for 33 years and loved the outdoors. No desk job for him. He will tell you the reason he has been living this long is because he was a letter carrier.”

Linder added that along with her and Larry, they had an older brother Vincent who died 11 years ago.

Her daughter Shannon presented her grandfather with his dog tags from his military service.

“There is a lot of people here,” Joe Longo said as he looked out to those assembled from his family, AristaCare staff and others present.

“They are here for you and to honor you and Pete for your service in World War II,” Larry Longo replied. “I want to thank my

during his service in World War II during a party to celebrate his 105th birthday.

dad and my Uncle Pete for their service and I want to thank them for what they taught us.”

Larry Longo added, “their children and grandchildren were taught a work ethic. They took care of the family. My dad

worked for the Post Office and he put my sister and I through college. He told me many times, my goal in life is to give you a better life than I had and he did. God bless you both, God bless everyone here and most of all, God bless America!”

–Photo by Bob Vosseller Joseph Longo’s granddaughter Shannon Linder puts on his U.S. Army dog tags that he wore

Stories

: Continued From Page 1 took us three hours to get here because there were no highways.”

“The Hindenburg was late and we waited until quarter after 7. We saw it coming and the Hindenburg was really high. It came in to land but all of a sudden, I saw a flash. I thought it was fireworks,” she added. She recalled, “everyone started to scream and it got so hot and we ran for our lives and they just ran right over me. I could find my father and brother so I just stood where we were standing and watched the wounded people being put on the Navy truck. One man was inside and all his skin was hanging from his face.”

Dr. Horst Schirmer was a special guest. His father, Max Schirmer, was an engineer that worked on the Hindenburg. He noted the name Hindenburg came from a German Field Marshal from World War I. “It was built like a piece of art. It had eight crossings of the region and nothing ever happened.” He added that there were two factors that contributed heavily to the cause of the

disaster, a sharp angle turn being one of them. This was believed to have been done as part of a rush job to land.

The landing was postponed due to bad weather so there was a rush to get back on schedule because many of the passengers needed to get back to Germany and then head to the coronation of King George VI in England, he said. The irony of the King Charles III coronation held earlier in the day of the ceremony was also noted.

The other factor was “a leak (of hydrogen), they took action and sent six members of the crew into the bow but then came the electricity which caused the first explosion and led to the second explosion.”

Once again, NLHS President Carl Jablonski served as master of ceremonies for the event that included welcome remarks from JBMDL Deputy Commander U.S. Navy Captain Frank T. Ingargiola and guest speakers Schirmer, NLHS Vice President Jennifer Suwak, and County Commissioner Virginia Haines. Members of the Lakehurst Historical Society including their new president Bernadette Dugan and former president George Oglesby were among

those in the audience.

Jablonski read the names of those passengers, crew and grounds worker who died in the Hindenburg tragedy and wreaths were presented for the U.S. Army, U.S. Marines, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S.A.F. Space Force and Prisoner of War/Missing In Action.

Captain Ingargiola noted the lives lost and that the audience was seated at the exact location of “a part of American history. Today we honor those lost and their families. We commemorate the Hindenburg disaster on the same date, time and place where it occurred. This disaster effectively brought the German transatlantic flights to an end.”

“We are here to honor those who rushed toward the flames to save lives, many of which were sailors stationed here at the time. This disaster claimed 36 lives which included 13 passengers, 22 crew members and one worker on the ground,” Captain Ingargiola said. “There were 62 survivors, many of whom jumped from the flames and burning wreckage and ran as fast as they could. They were the lucky ones.”

Suwak’s remarks noted a future NLHS

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.

project that will help bring history alive.

“One of the big initiatives we have right now is to continue beta testing our AR augmented reality and fly virtual replicas of some of our lighter than air and other aircraft so we can preserve that history, explore it and teach it with modern technology.”

“Imagine seeing a nearly exact replica of the Hindenburg flying above us in the airfield through an Ipad on a museum app. We are looking for support with the project. It is incredible technology,” she added.

Prior to the ceremony, Ocean County Historical Society (OCHS) member Bill Shannon handed Jablonski a piece of material from an airship and asked him if he thought it might be from the Hindenburg.

“This was what was on the Navy airships, the K-ships that went out for U-Boat patrol,” Jablonski said, quickly identifying the item.

Shannon told The Manchester Times, “We got it as a donation and we want to put it out on display but we want something with it to identify it. We have a lot of stuff for the Hindenburg there already (at the OCHS museum in Toms River) plateware, pictures of some of the people, survivors and some that didn’t make it.”

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.

Hero:

Continued From Page 1

Post 129. Gillon, a history professor at the University of Oklahoma, entertained those in attendance and provided insight regarding his latest book, “Len Lomell: D-Day Hero.”

In addition to Lomell’s wife, Renee, many of those in attendance had known Lomell personally. So, in addition to the information imparted by the author, numerous friends and acquaintances of the local hero took the opportunity to share their recollections at the well-attended event. Lomell had been a member of American Legion Post 129 and had run his law practice in Toms River, as well. Lomell was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1942, and had become an Army Ranger. As part of his involvement in WWII, Lomell’s squad was tasked with taking the German stronghold at Point du Hoc as part of the D-Day invasion. He is credited with being the one soldier who made D-Day a victory. Lomell’s exploits, many of which had not previously been known to the author, are contained in the book.

As Gillon explained to the audience, he had met Lomell while doing a television show on the History Channel.

“I was just mesmerized by his story and incredibly impressed by him,” Gillon said of Lomell. “I know that most of his friends and people who knew him called

him ‘Bud.’ To me, he was Mister Lomell. I was also struck by how modest he was, how down to Earth he was. He was just like a regular guy. He never wanted to be the center of attention.”

The idea for the book was hatched during the COVID-19 pandemic, and during the question-and-answer session, the author revealed how the book truly came to fruition.

Just as he had done with the previous 11 books he has written, Gillon did hours of fact-checking and interviews in preparation for the task.

“What happened is,” Gillon explained to his audience, “in the very beginning, I did a lot of background research before I even reached out to the family. I wanted to make sure the story held together.”

Gillon explained that historical materials about Lomell were often hard to come by, including at the Library of Congress.

“In this case there were very few of those types of documents,” Gillon said. “And what you do as an author, is you gather up as much information as you can.”

But the most noteworthy assistance came from the Lomell family themselves when the late war hero’s wife had a small gathering, which included Gillon, at her home.

“And I think it was that time, after that meeting,” Gillon related, “Renee asked me to stay behind. She went into the back room where she stored lots of [Lomell’s] memorabilia. She brought out a big black folder,

and she explained to me what it was.”

Inside the folder was a 186-page letter that Lomell had written to his grandchildren in 1980 that documented his life.

“As a historian, it doesn’t get any better,” explained Gillon. “He essentially did a lot of the work for me.”

The biography recounts the heroic actions of Lomell, whose exploits, while impressive, have not been woven into the fabric of the American zeitgeist in the same fashion as such iconic figures as General George S. Patton, or Audie Murphy. From his inauspicious beginnings as a World War II draftee, the selfless bravery and resourcefulness of Lomell are accurately recounted by Gillon, who vividly painted the scene for those in attendance at the lecture.

“I just think it’s great that we have someone who’s written a nationally published book,” said Toms River Mayor Maurice B. Hill, who was also in attendance at the event. “And it’s available now to people, to read about his history, and how important [Lomell] was in changing the outcome of World War Two.”

Many audience members had known Lomell, either through his membership at the American Legion Hall, through his law practice, or simply as an involved community member, and took turns sharing their stories with the author. While he did not do so publicly during the event, Hill also knew Lomell personally, as well.

“I actually met him downtown,” Hill explained, “at a number of events, Memorial Day events. He was our Grand Marshall, and he was always a very humble guy. I used to see him at the Ocean County Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day celebrations they had.

The mayor and the town council of Toms River are even working to have a new VA outpatient clinic being built off Hooper Avenue named in Lomell’s honor, with resolutions already in place.

“[Lomell was] one of the pillars of the town,” said Hill. “He’s done a lot for the community.”

Preliminary indications are that the measure will pass and that Lomell’s name will be adopted for the clinic.

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY

My Mental Health Is Bad, How About Yours?

Mental health is probably the most important kind of health care. It trickles down to everything else. If you are depressed, for example, you won’t want to take care of the rest of your body. It all starts at the top.

I suffer from anxiety and depression. I have for decades but only did something about it a few years ago.

I wish I had taken it seriously when it started in high school. I couldn’t always focus, and my moods went from super happy to super sad. I didn’t really think anything of it because I just described a basic teenager.

By the time I got to Montclair State University, I was telling my teachers that I might have to leave early because I can’t sit through classes. “It’s not

Offshore Wind Ensures A Future For Our Shores

If we want to sustain our beachfront backyards, we need to start investing in our environment. Clean energy is coming to the shore and we can’t afford to miss it.

Ocean Wind 1 will be the

you, it’s me,” I said. Remember that Far Side cartoon where the kid asks if he can be excused because his brain was full? That was me. After about a half an hour, I couldn’t handle any more stimuli. I was pressing my fingernails into my arm to try to keep my mind from wandering.

You would think that would be a warning sign, but no... I thought I was too tough for that. I had created a bunch of crutches to get by instead of dealing with the problem in my head head-on.

About 5 years ago, I finally gave in and started taking a happy pill every day. I didn’t even have to go to a psychiatrist – my own general practitioner was able to prescribe.

The first pill took the edge off, but didn’t solve the problem. So, we upped the

dosage. That was ok but it didn’t get the job done. So, we tried a different med. That pill worked even better but I still had some freak-outs for no reason. Finally, the pill I’m on now is pretty good. There are still bad days but I think I’m mostly in the groove with it. I share these trials and errors because I want you to know that simply taking a pill isn’t going to solve everything. You’re still going to have to adjust it, and put the work in. But it’s work worth doing.

Now that I’m on the mend, I can’t believe how long I let myself suffer. I could have been happier for 25 years. A quarter century of “just getting by.” I’m kicking myself now. Why did I wait?

I’ve never been at the point where I was going to hurt myself or others

so, to me, I didn’t think I really needed help. I didn’t realize that all this time I really was hurting myself. And I could have been a better husband and friend during those years if I was able to crawl out of my cave long enough to do so. And worst of all, having a toddler while dealing with extreme mood swings was bad. Real bad. There’s a connotation to being “crazy,” obviously. No one wants to be called that – or to think of yourself as that. But we’re all a little nuts, honestly.

I’ve never been to a therapist. I check in at the GP every so often, fill out a questionnaire, and I’m done. What I’ve said to people is “My life is great, but my brain doesn’t let me enjoy it.”

Our brains are full of

Letters To The Editor

chemicals and electrical impulses. Sometimes, your wiring will be off. That’s nothing to be ashamed of. If you need a cup of coffee to get your head on straight in the morning, why not also take meds?

What’s the difference between taking a pill for a migraine and taking a pill for depression? They both make your head pain go away.

Part of the problem was that I’ve always been so independent that I would never ask for help. I kept thinking “I can handle this. I can fix this.” And I would ignore the evidence that I couldn’t.

I never played a sport in my life, how could I be macho? It turns out that it’s ingrained in us. Men especially are told never to ask for help. Americans got their start by literally

fighting for independence. That self-sufficiency is in our DNA. Add to it that Jersey strength and damn, we will fight like crazy and never back down. Never get help. Never admit weakness.

The strongest thing you can do is admit a weakness. It takes amazing bravery to swallow your pride and ask for help.

May is Mental Health Month, where caregivers are trying to eliminate the stigma that keeps people from getting the help they need. So, if I can admit my mental health issues to our tens of thousands of readers, I encourage you to tell the people you love and to tell your doctor. Don’t wait for 25 years like I did.

Chris Lundy News Editor

first offshore wind project in New Jersey and stands to represent a pivotal moment in fighting climate change as a society. I firmly believe that our communities, coastline, and wildlife can only benefit from supporting and utilizing clean energy.

With the looming threat of climate change, our environment requires more support

We Welcome Letters To The Editor!

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 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

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.

than ever. The future of our coastline faces an increased risk of flooding, diminishing marine life, and extreme weather. Many argue that we aren’t prepared to take on clean energy, and that we need more time to prepare for such an immense change in New Jersey. I would argue that we aren’t prepared for the consequences of our inaction. We cannot afford to sit idly by and wait for climate change to take our shores. According to the Barnegat Bay Partnership, New Jersey is “experiencing one of the highest rates of sea-level rise in the US” (Climate Change Impacts on the Barnegat Bay, 2020). Rising sea levels and warmer waters can prove disastrous for our local ecosystems, and we are not prepared for the damage. With Ocean Wind 1, we are fortunate enough to be at the forefront of the fight for our environment.

I urge New Jersey residents

to do their own research and take the time to learn about Orsted and offshore wind. We have already seen the effects of climate change on the Jersey Shore, and I strongly urge our communities to take action now by supporting Ocean Wind 1.

Sources: us.orsted.com/renewable-energy-solutions/offshore-wind barnegatbaypartnership. org/protect/threats-to-barnegat-bay/climate-change/ Climate change impacts on Barnegat Bay: barnegatbaypartnership.org/protect/ threats-to-barnegat-bay/ climate-change/

“Our Offshore Wind Projects in the U.S.” Offshore Wind Energy & Our Wind Projects in the U.S. | Ørsted, us.orsted.com/renewable-energy-solutions/offshore-wind

Ashley Larsen Toms River

Paramount Home Buyer Regrets Decision

My problems as a homeowner continue at Paramount Escapes Ocean Breeze in Barnegat. As one of the 31 homeowners who experienced a significant delay in the construction of my new home due to Paramount’s failure to comply with Affordable Housing regulations, I thought my problems with Paramount were over. Unfortunately, this is not the case.

Fifteen months after I had selected the lot and model home I wanted, I discovered that my house would have both front steps and steps into the garage. None of the model homes have these steps, and it was too late for me to do anything to change it.

Fast forward another seven months to closing. I discovered that the cement

entryway steps were uneven in height, narrow in width and lacked handrails. I also learned that the garage steps extended so far into the garage that I could not park my car on that side. My two-car garage is in reality a one-car garage, unless I decide to buy a Mini Cooper.

Paramount flatly refused to work out a compromise with me on the front steps. All they offered to do was bring the steps up to code by making the risers of equal height. It’s no surprise that I didn’t accept Paramount’s offer. There is no point in ripping out the steps a second time in order to achieve a safer result with a wider footprint and handrails.

I now regret that I didn’t get my deposit back from Paramount last summer and walk away when I had the chance to do so.

Dorothy Quail Barnegat

Bill Would Help First Responders, Teachers Become Homeowners

Capitol Comments

Senator Robert Menendez

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and several of his colleagues in the Senate reintroduced the Homes for Every Local Protector Educator and Responder (HELPER) Act to create a first-time homebuyer loan program under the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) for teachers and first responders who have served at least four years in their respective role.

“First responders and teachers work day in and day out to make a difference in the lives of New Jerseyans and Americans all

across the country. Yet, all too often, many struggle to achieve their dreams of becoming homeowners due to the high cost of buying a home,” said Sen. Menendez. “As members of Congress, we have a responsibility to be there for our public sector workers and that’s why I’m proud to join my colleagues in supporting this bipartisan bill to make it easier for our police officers, firefighters, and teachers to afford buying a home in or near the communities they serve.”

The HELPER Act would:

• Create a new home loan assistance program administered by the FHA for law enforcement officers, firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), paramedics, and pre-K-12 teachers who have served for

at least four years in their respective roles and are first-time home buyers.

• Eliminate a mortgage down payment requirement.

• Eliminate a monthly mortgage insurance premium requirement.

• Include an upfront mortgage insurance premium to help fund the program.

• Allow for a one-time use of the program by eligible individuals.

Joining Sen. Menendez in cosponsoring this legislation are Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.). U.S. Representatives Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.) and John Rutherford (R-Fla.) reintroduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

Sen. Menendez has long been a leader in the fight to build more affordable housing and expand access to affordable homeownership. This March, Sen. Menendez joined a group of 17 Senate Committee Chairs and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) in sending a letter to President Biden urging the federal government to utilize a “whole-of-government” approach to address the nation’s housing crisis. In February, Sen. Menendez announced a combined total of $93,830,496 from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to modernize public housing properties and for management improvements across 54 towns in the state of New Jersey in Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Passaic, Union, Salem, Somerset, Sussex and Warren Counties.

New Law Responds To Attacks Against Doctors, Nurses

missioner Judith Persichilli.

Phil Murphy

TRENTON – In response to increased attacks on health care workers in recent years, Governor Phil Murphy signed the ‘Health Care Heroes Violence Prevention Act’ to make it a criminal offense to intentionally threaten health care professionals or volunteers in an effort to intimidate them or interfere with their work. The act also establishes additional penalties against individuals who assault health care workers or volunteers.

Under the bill (A-3199), a person who knowingly and willfully makes, delivers, or sends a threat against health care workers covered by the act is guilty of a disorderly persons offense, which is punishable by imprisonment of up to six months and/or a fine of up to $1,000. For individuals convicted of assault against the covered workers, this act allows them to be sentenced to an anger management course of up to 12 months and community service of up to 30 days.

“If there’s one thing the COVID-19 pandemic made abundantly clear, it is the essential role health care workers play in our society,” said Governor Murphy. “Growing threats and attacks against these courageous heroes are unacceptable. We owe health care workers, including volunteers and employees in health care settings, our gratitude and respect. This law will provide greater protections for health care workers in our state to help deter both physical and verbal acts of violence against these professionals.”

“Protecting health care workers is essential to maintaining a strong and viable workforce and ensuring public health,” said Health Com-

“Their tireless commitment to improving health care delivery and saving lives should be without the additional worry of their physical and mental well-being.”

The act applies to health care professionals, as well as any volunteer or employee of a health care professional or health care facility, while in the course of performing their official duties. Health care facilities and certain physicians will be required to display a written notice to notify the public that it is a crime to assault health care workers and volunteers, and is subject to a fine, imprisonment, or both.

Sponsors of the bill include Senator Troy Singleton and Assembly Majority Leader Louis Greenwald, as well as Senator Fred Madden and Assembly members Shavonda Sumter, Sadaf Jaffer, Lisa Swain, and Daniel Benson.

“Over the last three years, our nurses, doctors and health care professionals were on the frontline of the COVID pandemic – often putting their own health at risk,” said Senator Singleton. “Sadly, this figurative battlefield turned literal, with people physically assaulting these essential workers. This is simply unacceptable. This law will send a clear message that our health care workers must be treated with the respect, decency and civility they deserve.”

“We could not have gone through the past several years without the dedication of our frontline healthcare workers. They are truly heroes in this pandemic. Unfortunately, these frontline healthcare heroes have reported a dramatic increase in violent acts since 2020,” said Assembly Majority Leader Greenwald.

“These repeated acts of violence against our health care heroes are simply unacceptable. This law will strengthen protections for these frontline workers by enhancing penalties and awareness about violence in the workplace.”

“The law provides important new protections for health care workers. These healthcare workers provide critical services for their patients,” said Cathleen Bennett, President & CEO of the New Jersey Hospital Association. “Unfortunately, instead of showing appreciation and patience to healthcare workers, there has been an increase in workers being treated poorly. When that leads to violence, we must act to protect healthcare workers. With the enactment of this measure, Gov. Murphy, Senator Singleton and Majority Leader Greenwald send a strong message that the tireless efforts of healthcare workers are appreciated and valued.”

“Health care workers are five times more likely to be assaulted than any other workforce, adding to the many reasons healthcare workers are migrating out of the profession,” said Debbie White, HPAE President. “We applaud the Legislature and the Governor’s office for the passing of this bill into law – the Health Care Heroes Violence Prevention Act. It’s a step forward in taking reasonable measures to minimize our risks. It’s time to treat workplace violence in healthcare settings with the seriousness this crisis warrants. If our hospitals and nursing homes are unsafe for workers, they are unsafe for our patients too.”

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JUNE 22 THE JERSEY TENORS AT TROPICANA

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SEPT. 4-7 4 DAY NEWPORT & BLOCK ISLAND

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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

OCT. 16-20 5 FAY MAINE FALL FOLIAGE ADVENTURE

Manchester’s Teachers Of The Year Honored In Ocean County Ceremony

MANCHESTER – The Manchester Teachers of the Year were honored and recognized at the 2023 Ocean County Teacher of the Year Recognition Breakfast.

In a ceremony celebrating this outstanding achievement, Superintendent Berenato was honored to announce each of our teachers as they received their awards in front of a packed room full of esteemed colleagues and County officials.

Congratulation to:

• Manchester Township High School’s

Teacher of the Year Tracy Racioppi

• Manchester Township Middle School’s Teacher of the Year Darla Lanza

• Manchester Township Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year Melissa Nazaro

• Ridgeway Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year Robyn Palmer

• Whiting Elementary’s Teacher of the Year Paulina Rapciewicz

• Regional Day School’s Teacher of the Year Kimberly Peel

Strawberries & Symphonic Band

WHITING – Enjoy an afternoon with Pinelands Symphonic Band and strawberries short cake on June 11 at 2 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, 40 Schoolhouse Road, Whiting.

Donation of $15. Tickets may be purchased church office Sunday through Thursday, 10 to 11:30 a.m. starting May 28. No tickets will be sold at the door. For more information call Christ Lutheran Church at 732-350-0900.

Photo courtesy Manchester Schools

A Celebration Of Students At The April BOE Meeting

MANCHESTER – Each month, the Board of Education and School District Administration recognize and celebrate the achievements of students from each of the District’s schools! The April recognitions included:

Ewaade Aderogba, from Ridgeway Elementary, and her artwork have been selected to appear in the 16th Annual Mental Health Awareness Calendar for the 2023-2024 school year. The poster she created highlighted how everyone can improve mental health through friendship and other enjoyable activities. Ewaade will be honored by the committee on May 3rd at the Ocean County Library. Congratulations Ewaade!

Rebecca Fonte and Joseph Murray from Manchester Township Elementary School were recognized last evening for their outstanding musical talents. Both students have been chosen to be a part of the Region III Elementary Honors Band and will perform at their festival on April 29. Congratulations!

– Photo courtesy Manchester Schools

Sofi Sliwowski and McKayla Luttrell from Whiting Elementary were honored last evening for contest submission awards. Sofi is the second-place winner of the annual county-wide Public Health Awareness competition. She will be recognized later by the County Superintendent’s Office in a special ceremony.

The Ocean County Library, in partnership with the Mental Health Awareness Committee of Ocean County and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is recognizing McKayla Luttrell. She is one of 12 fifth-grade students across the county who will be honored for their artwork from the “What a Difference a Friend Makes” contest. Her picture will be featured in this year’s calendar and she will be recognized at a special ceremony at Ocean County Library on May 8th. Congratulations to you both!

Myrtle Reed is recognized as the Regional Day School Student of the Month. Myrtle (Students - See Page 20)

Christ

The Rev. Dr. J. Francis Watson, Pastor 40 Schoolhouse Road, Whiting, NJ 08759

Phone 732.350.0900 • Fax 732.350.0343

E-mail: christlutheranchurch2@verizon.net

Website: christlutheranwhiting.com

HAIRCUTS BY DAVE

Who is Back in Manchester

$10.00 THE BEST FOR LESS!

1745 Route 37 W • Toms River, NJ 848.226.8231 • 732.551.2889

Crestwood Village 6 Residents Club News

WHITING – CV6 Residents Club meetings are the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. Their next meeting is June 20. The guest speaker will be announced in June. Check their bulletin board in the clubhouse or the Village Six Facebook page. They encourage residents to join by becoming a member and enjoying all of the events. Support all Crestwood Village Six activities.

The Residents Club will be hosting a “Summer Nights” dance June 17, from 6 to 10 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Music will be provided by Clint Lourdakis (DJ Poobah). Snacks, dessert, soda, water, coffee and tea provided. BYOB and your own food for your table if you would like. They are requesting all guests to bring either a dry food item and/or a non-expired canned food item which will be placed in their donation box for St. Stephen’s food pantry. There will be door prizes, a true 50/50 and raffles. Tickets are $12 ($10 for 2023 Residents Club paid members) are being sold Mondays at the Crestwood Village 6 Clubhouse, 6 Congasia Road, from 10 to 11 a.m. For questions or tickets call Kathy Casper between the hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 732-500-6155. You can also leave a voicemail message and someone will return your call.

The Residents club will be hosting a “Village 6 Country BBQ & Dance” on July 15 at the Deerfield Hall Clubhouse, from 6 to 10 p.m., doors open at 5:30 p.m. Music will be provided by DJ Johnny. A BBQ buffet will be available for our guests. Snacks, dessert, soda, water, coffee and tea provided. BYOB There will be door prizes, a true 50/50 and raffles. Tickets are $32 ($30 for 2023 Residents Club paid members) are being sold Mondays at the Crestwood Village 6 Clubhouse, 6 Congasia Road, from 10 to 11 a.m. Please note: There will be no tickets sold at the door on the day of the dance for this event. For questions or tickets call Kathy Casper between the hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 732-500-6155. You

can also leave a voicemail message and someone will return your call.

The Residents club will be hosting “1st Annual Uncanny Hootenanny” Square Dance on August 19 at the Deerfield Hall Clubhouse, from 6 to 10 p.m., doors open at 5:30 p.m. They will have Caller Betsy Gotta and her husband Roy. Snacks, dessert, soda, water, coffee and tea provided. BYOB and your own food for your table if you would like. Tickets are $12 ($10 for 2023 Residents Club paid members) are being sold Mondays at the Crestwood Village 6 Clubhouse, 6 Congasia Road, from 10 to 11 a.m. For questions or tickets call Kathy Casper between the hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 732-500-6155. You can also leave a voicemail message and someone will return your call.

The Resident club will be hosting a “See You In September” Dance on September 16 from 6 to 10 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Music will be provided by Henry “Ocean DJ” Snacks, dessert, soda, water, coffee and tea provided. BYOB and your own food for your table if you would like. Tickets are $12 ($10 for 2023 Residents Club paid members) are being sold Mondays at the Crestwood Village 6 Clubhouse, 6 Congasia Road, from 10 to 11 a.m. For questions or tickets call Kathy Casper from between the hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 732-500-6155. You can also leave a voicemail message and someone will return your call.

The Crestwood Village 6 Indoor Flea Market will be held on September 30 at the Deerfield Hall Clubhouse, 6 Congasia Road, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Setup will be available on September 29 from 3 to 7 p.m. and September 30 from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. Tables are $12 interior and $15 on the wall. Village six members only may sign up until the end of July. There will be a silent auction, 50/50, breakfast and lunch will be available for purchase. Any questions call Julie Sutton 732-849-5363.

Students Collect Donations For Cereal Challenge

JACKSON – Thank you to everyone who donated

Challenge! A total of 45 boxes were collected. A donation was made to a local food bank and the RDS food pantry. Students and staff enjoyed a STEM activity which included playing Jenga and making a domino maze!

Manchester Day

MANCHESTER – Mark your calendars! The event will kick off at 2 p.m at Harry Wright Lake on June 24. Join for a fun filled day with vendors, live entertainment featuring “Yacht Rock Gold” and “Steppin’ Out,” games,

prizes, free swimming and fireworks in the evening! Free shuttle service schedule is available from the municipal parking lot, Bowker Field parking lot and senior villages (main club house).

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.

$79

–Photo courtesy Regional Day

a box of cereal to the Cereal

Package

Package includes: 2-Hr Memorial Visitation (during regular business hours) a complimentary select Urn, removal from Hospital or Facility with-in 25 miles of Funeral Home, all Funeral Home service fees, required cremation container MCDDT-01.

Manchester

PAL 2023 Fishing Derby

MANCHESTER – The Manchester Township Police Athletic League has set June 3 as the 18th Annual Kids Fishing Derby date. The Derby will run from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This event will be held at Pine Lake in the Pine Lake Park section of Manchester Township.

The past Derbies have proven to be a tremendous success due to the support of the Mayor, Township Council, Manchester Police, Public Works and Recreation Department. Volunteers and generous donations from local businesses have made this a great day for our community. The Ocean County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs is supports the Derby as well.

They will also be registering this event with NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife, HOF-

NOD’s 8th Annual Youth Fishing Challenge. The Division of Fish and Wildlife supports all those organizations participating in the Event by providing program materials and prizes for the children. The Derby sends an educational anti-drug and alcohol abuse message as well as fishing education and fun.

This event is for children up to 15 years of age and must be accompanied by an adult. Free food and prizes will be given to participants. There is no fee charged to attend this event. Children must bring their own fishing equipment. Bait will be provided.

Preregister by sending your child(ren)’s name and age, as well as the guardians name to: Manchester Pal, PO Box 487 Lakehurst, NJ 08733.

Manchester Coordinating Council

Upcoming Meeting

WHITING – The Manchester Coordinating Council monthly meeting will be held May 22 at 1:30 p.m. at Village 5 club house, Schoolhouse Road, Whiting.

The subject matter discussed at our meetings are issues that concern residents

in Manchester. Two representatives are appointed by the Board of Trustees of our 55 + communities to participate in issues that we are all interested in and bring back information to share with their residents. Guests are invited to attend.

Pasta Supper

WHITING – Need a night out? Need a night off from cooking? Join us at Whiting UMC for a Pasta Supper on June 17 at 5 p.m.

Your reservation includes pasta, marinara sauce, meatballs, tossed salad, garlic toast, dessert, coffee or tea and a drink. Tickets

are $15 per person and must be reserved in advance. Reserve your tickets by calling Mary at 732-350-4704 or Robin at 774454-1032. Leave your name, phone number and how many tickets you are ordering. You will pay for your reserved ticket when you arrive at 5 p.m. No walk-ins.

WHITING – Meetings are open to anyone over 55 due to speaker related information.

Meetings are at 1 p.m. on the 4th Tuesday of the month from September to June. Membership is $10 per year. Refreshments are served. They have luncheons during the year also. At some meetings Treasure table. Recent events were a big hit.

The Ragtimers lunch and show on April 22 had everyone top tapping and hand clapping. The sandwiches from Te Amo in Whiting were also a big hit. The May 6 Health Wellness and more Fair had so much useful info for those who attended and lots of door prizes and 50-50. The kitchen was

open for breakfast and lunch with a variety of egg sandwiches and bagels, lunch various types of grilled cheese and three kinds of toppings for the franks. Cake and muffins were also available as well as coffee and tea. They still have the specialty coffee bar at the meetings with cappuccino, flavored coffee and iced coffee.

The next meeting is June 27, then break for the summer. For more information contact Rosie Weaver, President, at 732-881-1044. If you would like to join just show up you can sign up for the 23-24 year at the June meeting. If you are new and come to June meeting and sign-up June is a free meeting.

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”

Women’s Club Of Deerfield Hall Village 6 Bereavement Support Group Village 6

WHITING – The next meeting is on May 26 in the D & E room of Deerfield Hall 6 Congasia Road, Whiting.

Everyone is welcome this is not just for Village 6 residents. Meeting is from 1 to 3 p.m.

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).

with social time and refreshments. Anthony Lipari is the speaker on the stages of grief. Meetings are held on the last Friday of the month from September to June. You can just show up you do not have to register.

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

Responders

: Continued From Page 1

wildfire that threatened lives and property in the township and nearby Lakehurst Borough.

Approximately 3,859 acres burned within 48 hours.

“The work that was done that evening was absolutely miraculous. They worked tirelessly for 48 hours straight and not one structure was damaged and not one person was hurt,” Arace said during a recent Township Council meeting. “We owe a debt of gratitude to our volunteer firefighters and the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.” Mayor Arace said. He noted that thanks to those present and those beyond the agencies represented that evening.

As he did during a prior council meeting, Councilman Joseph Hankins also acknowledged the members of the Whiting Volunteer Fire Company’s Ladies Auxiliary who served up food and beverages to the firefighters throughout the evening while they were battling the blaze.

“They stayed all night long to provide

meals and they do a great job,” Hankins added.

Councilman Craig Wallis clarified for the public during his council report that some present were not wearing uniforms.

“I just want to make sure everyone understood that (lineup) shows our entire EMS service, we had Whiting, Ridgeway and Manchester volunteers that were at these fires too. Our volunteers were out there on the front line also.”

“If you go down Beckerville (Road) and survey the area and you see the structure protection that was done to protect homes and property,” the mayor said, adding that his thanks extends to agencies who came to Manchester from other towns.

“Thank you for recognizing all our emergency services. That is very much appreciated. Just to show that we are always preparing and learning, in the past week we had a large table top exercise of all things that involved forest fires,” Police Chief Robert Dolan said.

Dolan explained, “we sit around, they give us a scenario and all the stakeholders that are here and some that are not here like the NJ Forest Fire Service and School Board directed by OEM (Office of Emergency Management) Coordinator Robert Sharry and his deputy go over what the problems are.”

“Every scenario is different and we learn something every single time. We are always training and trying to be ready for all kinds of situations,” the chief added.

Budget Introduced

In other business, the Council approved the introduction of this year’s municipal budget. Mayor Arace said that June 12 would be the date to adopt the budget after a public hearing.

“I’ll be bringing up an in-depth analysis, line by line of the highlights, some of the challenges and how we’ve overcome them and ultimately where we wound up. I’ll be putting together a slide presentation and there will be full transparency on the status of our budget,” the mayor added.

Council Candidates

Municipal Clerk Teri Giercyk informed The Manchester Times that petitions will be available on June 12 for those interested in running for council. Those seeking additional information can call the Manchester Municipal Clerk’s office between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Call 732657-8121, ext. 3200, or visit Town Hall at 1 Colonial Drive. The deadline for filing petitions is 4 p.m. on September 5, for the November 7 general election.

Town Wide Yard Sale

LAKEHURST – The Borough of Lakehurst Youth and Recreation Committee is sponsoring a Town Wide Yard Sale on May 20 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (rain date May 21). All proceeds will benefit the Youth and Recreation Committee’s programs.

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 condensation is more likely to form.

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

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

Try a Hearing Aid Dryer or Dehumidifier This small appliance not only dries and sanitizes your devices as you sleep but can also double as their regular storage container. Hearing aids should be dried every night. Many rechargeable hearing aids incorporate a dehumidifier built into the charging unit.

Keep a Hat on Hand You never know when an unexpected rain shower might crash your outdoor fun. Having a spare hat can help keep the rain off you as well as your hearing aids.

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

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

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

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

The Dark Side Of Medicine: 10 Outrageous And Horrific Treatments

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Today, I will explore the dark and disturbing history of medical treatments. While these methods may seem shocking and gruesome by today’s standards, they were once considered cutting-edge solutions.

As we delve into the past, it’s important to appreciate the progress we’ve made in medicine. Additionally, I’ll briefly speculate on current treatments we do today, that may be viewed as primitive in the future. It’s scary to think about it.

Tight now let’s explore 10 fascinating and bizarre historical remedies and reflect on medicine’s hall of shame:

Bloodletting: Bloodletting, a widespread medical treatment in ancient and medieval times, aimed to restore balance by draining blood to rectify an imbalance of the four “humors.” Despite its popularity, bloodletting often led to infection and death.

Trepanation: Trepanation involved drilling holes into the skull to release evil spirits or pressure, with the intent of treating conditions like headaches and epilepsy. This risky procedure persisted until the 18th century.

Mercury as a Cure-All: Mercury was once considered a universal remedy for various ailments, including syphilis and toothaches. However, its toxic nature caused severe side effects and contributed to neurological damage, as seen in hatters during the 19th century.

Tobacco Smoke Enemas: In the 18th century, tobacco smoke enemas were used to treat respiratory issues and even revive drowning victims. This practice, based on the belief that tobacco smoke could warm the body and stimulate respiration, proved ineffective and dangerous.

Lobotomies: Lobotomy, a procedure that severed connections in the brain’s prefrontal cortex, gained popularity in the 20th century as a treatment for severe mental illnesses. Despite its initial promise, it often resulted in severe side effects and has since fallen out of favor.

Animal-Dung Ointments: In ancient Egypt, animal dung was believed to possess healing properties and was used to treat various ailments. However, this unsanitary practice introduced harmful bacteria and worsened infections!

Mummy Powder: Powdered mummies were used as a medical treatment in the belief that they possessed curative properties. This practice, which persisted for centuries, was not only ineffective but also contributed to the destruction of historical artifacts.

Hemiglossectomy for Stuttering: During the 18th and 19th centuries, doctors believed that stuttering resulted from an unusually thick or long tongue. Hemiglossectomy, the removal of a portion of the tongue, was thought to cure the condition but often led to severe complications.

Strychnine as a Stimulant: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, strychnine, a highly toxic alkaloid, was used as a stimulant and performance-enhancing substance. However, its poisonous effects posed significant risks to health.

Cocaine as a Miracle Cure: Cocaine was once hailed as a miracle cure for various ailments and was widely used in medicine and everyday products. However, its addictive and dangerous nature eventually led to its decline and regulation. While we can’t predict the future, some current medical practices might be considered primitive in years to come. Chemotherapy’s non-selective nature, electroconvulsive therapy’s side effects, organ transplantation’s risks, and the necessity of amputations may one day be replaced by more targeted and advanced alternatives. We can only hope!

Reflecting on the past, it’s evident that our understanding of health and medicine has come a long way. These historical treatments serve as a reminder of the progress we’ve made and the importance of evolving our therapies so that they are less invasive and more effective.

Pharmacist” and “Real Solutions.” For more information, visit www.SuzyCohen.com)

©2022 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.

HAVE YOU RECEIVED THE UPDATED BIVALENT BOOSTER?

The virus that causes COVID-19 is much different now than it was when the first vaccines came out in late 2020. The booster helps you recover faster if you do get sick.

The orginal COVID-19 vaccines for all primary series and original boosters are monovalent, meaning it contained one strain of the virus.

The updated boosters are bivalent, meaning the vaccine contains two strains of the virus, addressing the original strain of the virus and the more contagious omicron variants!

For information on eligibility, additional clinic times and locations, visit our website!

Students

: Continued From Page 11 always goes above and beyond to assist students and staff at Regional Day School selflessly and with a smile on her face. She truly brightens everyone’s day. Congratulations Myrtle!

Sam Garcia represented Manchester Middle School and the Ocean County SBA presentation of “8th Grade Dialogue”- This student recognition program honors 8th grade students whose character, determination, school spirit, leadership, and community service inspire all of us and Sam was an excellent representative. Great job Sam!

We are extremely proud to have Michael Fink and Kassandra O’Neill represent MTMS as our Student Athletes for the Month of April. Michael and Kassandra are both a great representation of what it means to be a student athlete. Michael plays baseball during the Spring Season and Kassandra is on the Cross Country Team in the fall and she plays softball in the spring. They both work just as hard in the classroom as they do in the athletic arena and serve as an excellent example to our

younger student athletes.

The Talon, Manchester Township High School’s student journalism news website (talonnews.org), would not exist without co-editors-in-chief, seniors Val Kohan and Samantha Verdi. Both are four-year journalism students who were inducted into the MTHS Chapter of the Quill and Scroll International Honor Society for High School Journalists in November 2021.

Val and Sam helped bring the new website to life in September, complete with its own domain name, by helping to design its look and select its interactive features.

Congratulations to Manchester Township High School Athletes of the Month Junior Juliana Cackowski and Senior Joseph Sclama. Juliana is a duel athlete for the Hawks helping the fall gymnastics team to consecutive division titles and who also plays softball in the spring. Joseph came on to the Hawk’s baseball team to save the State Title s. Delran as a Sophomore. He currently plays 1st base, leads the team in multiple stat categories and is a Shore Sports Network Player of the Week Nominee. In addition, they are both excellent students and role models. Congratulations!

Manchester Recreation Farmers’ Market

MANCHESTER – Manchester Recreation will be hosting a Farmers’ Market and they are looking for farmers and vendors with food products that are homegrown or homemade. The market will be held at Manchester

Town Hall, 1 Colonial Drive, Thursdays through July 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

If interested, contact Manchester Recreation ay 732-657-8121 ext. 5102 or email recreation@manchestertwp.com.

Consider A Caregiver Agreement

By: Marc S. Galella, Esq. of R.C. Shea & Associates

A Caregiver Agreement is a written contract entered into between a person needing care and a person providing care. Usually, the Caregiver Agreement is between an adult child and a parent, a relative or a friend. Through the use of a Caregiver Agreement, the disabled or elderly person can transfer money to family members as compensation rather than as a gift.

A properly prepared Agreement specifically lists what services the child is to provide to the parent and at what price. The Agreement must be in writing and entered into before the compensated services are rendered. Since the caregiver child is getting “paid” they must report the income for tax purposes. In some cases, the parent may be able to deduct the payments as a medical expense.

The advantages of having a Caregiver Agreement include establishing clear caregiver compensation, providing a practical housing arrangement and assisting a Medicaid plan.

Family members overwhelmingly provide the care for elderly and disabled loved ones at home. Although it’s a labor of love, taking care of ailing loved ones also has a market value, meaning that caretakers can be paid as a way to protect assets. It’s only fair that the child who is caring for the parent should be paid for the services. When a caregiver’s compensation is memorialized in a legal document, allegations by other siblings are minimized because the contract spells out the details. Further, to protect family relationships, it’s recommended that all family members agree with the Arrangement even if they are not parties to the agreement.

By having a Caregiver Agreement the parent may be able to avoid a nursing facility by providing for the parent to be able to remain in the parent’s home or the home of the caregiver instead of a nursing facility.

A Caregiver Agreement can also be part of a Medicaid plan. As long as the Agreement is correctly drafted, and both parties abide by its terms, funds payable to the caregiver under the Agreement will accelerate Medicaid eligibility. Since payments are made for the services rendered, they should not be treated as gifts. This will thwart Medicaid penalties as a result of giving money directly to the caregiver child. Since caregiver agreements transfer money over a period of time, they are better entered into sooner rather than later.

The child should consider the following points if the child feels uncomfortable about taking money to care for the parent:

• A third party caregiver would get paid for caring and giving room and board to the parent;

• If the parent were to apply for Medicaid, money that the child could have been paid for legitimately caring for their parent will instead be paid to the nursing home as part of a Medicaid spend down.

A proper Caregiver Agreement can be a valuable elder-law planning tool in the right circumstances. Contact R.C. Shea & Associates (732-505-1212) to see if a Caregiver Agreement makes sense for you.

Marc S. Galella Esq.

around thE JErSEy ShorE

Psychic Fair

TOMS RIVER – Psychic Fair presented by the H.C.B. First Aid Auxiliary will be on July 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Holiday City West Clubhouse, 45 Cabrillo Boulevard, Toms River.

Tickets are $60 for 30-minute sessions (by appointment only). Appointments book up fast so schedule early. Money raised will be donated to the HCB First Aid Squad. For appointment, contact Madeline Wesolowski at 732-797-0686 or Madweso@comcast.net. Please leave message. She will get back to you.

Joe Hicks: Joe is a medium. As far as he can remember he has heard & seen things others don’t. When he spoke to his parents about it, they would brush it aside. He realized that not everyone saw what he could see. For years he only helped friends, but then it became more apparent that he had this gift & should be helping others. He says what he has is truly a blessing.

Margaret Steele: Is a medium, Angel card readings and automatic handwriting to contact

your personal ones in Heaven. Certified Reiki Master, who also uses crystals to perform healing sessions on people & animals.

Tori: Is a Professional psychic reader. Has lot of experience. She does spiritual healing, card reading and Reike. also is a hypnotist, but does not have enough time in a half hour session.

Carol Hellings: Is a Professional psychic reader. She has been practicing for many years. She is a certified astrologer and published on Palmistry. She appeared on TV, radio, and taught classes in psychic development.

Alvateen (Carolyn): Has decades of experience. She feels like she was born with the gift of intuition.

Leslie: Has over 25 Years of experience as a Medium, Intuitive and Paranormal Investigator. With the aid of her spirit guides, she is able to give healing messages from those in spirit. And by utilizing the Tarot, Leslie can give guidance and clarity on any issues that you may need assistance with.

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)

Yard Sale

YARD SALE 10 Glen Rd Howell NJ, Saturday May 20, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Rain date May 21. (23)

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)

Auto For Sale

2004 Kia Amanti - Great condition. New tune up and fuel injectors. 33,500 miles. $3,200. (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)

Beautiful Furniture - Dinette set $150; kitchenette set $25; wardrobe closet $20; couch, loveseat and tables $100. All excellent condition. 413-626-6956. (24)

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. (26)

Entire Estates Bought - Bedroom/dining sets, dressers, cedar chests, wardrobes, secretaries, pre-1950 wooden furniture, older glassware, oriental rugs, paintings, bronzes, silver, bric-abrac. Call Jason at 609-970-4806. (t/n)

CLASSIFIEDS

Items Wanted

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)

Services 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)

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)

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

(t/n)

Help Wanted

FULL TIME LAYOUT DESIGNER/PRODUCTION ASSISTANT

- Micromedia Publications is looking for an innovative and creative individual to join our production team. Duties will include layout of newspapers and support for our general manager, production manager and graphic artist. Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign preferred but will train. Strong communication, typography skills and time management are a must. Please e-mail resume to Jason at jallentoff@jerseyshoreonline.com (t/n)

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)

Seeking Responsible Individ

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. (26)

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)

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)

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

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)

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)

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)

PQ Painting & Home Improvement Services - Over 5 decades of service in NJ. Visit us online at pqpaintingservice.com . Winner of Angie’s List Super Service Award. Free estimates, reasonable rates, fully licensed and insured NJ Lic #13VH06752800. Call 732500-3063 or 609-356-2444. (t/n)

Become a Published Author. We want to Read Your Book! Dorrance Publishing-Trusted by Authors Since 1920. Book manuscript submissions currently being reviewed. Comprehensive Services: Consultation, Production, Promotion and Distribution. Call for Your Free Author`s Guide 1-877-791-2033 or visit dorranceinfo.com/micro. (t/n)

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

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

CLASSIFIEDS CANNOT BE PLACED OVER THE PHONE.

Classifieds can be placed on our website jerseyshoreonline.com

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

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

Calculate Price As Follows:

2. 1 week* at $29.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $ 2 weeks* at $44.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $ 3 weeks* at $60.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $ 4 weeks* at $74.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $

*In order to qualify for discounts, the

Total = $

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

Credit Card# Exp.

Cardholder Signature:

Print Name:

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

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

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)

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)

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)

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)

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

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.

The countdown to Memorial Day continues. Local resident Ryan J. Drewes captured this amazing sunset in Mantoloking recently. Want to share your pix with our readers? What about a chance to see the Jersey Shore BlueClaws on us? Email photos@ jerseyshoreonline.com and you may get lucky!

Annual Memorial Day Ceremony

MANCHESTER – Manchester Township is proud to announce its annual Memorial Day Parade has been scheduled for May 29 at World War II Memorial Park in Whiting. Marchers will begin their journey to the Memorial, located at Lake Road, at 10 a.m. from the intersection of Monroe Avenue and Bayonne Avenue. Once the parade reaches the Memorial, guest speakers will offer remarks commemorating the day. Parade participants will gather at 9:15 a.m. at Monroe Avenue and Bayonne Avenue. Groups are invited to march in the parade. The Township also welcomes all to place

wreaths or flowers at the Memorial. Any group that would like to place a wreath at the Memorial should call the Department of Recreation at 732-657-8121, ext. 5102 to register.

The tradition continues as Manchester invites children to adorn their bicycles with patriotic decorations and take part in the parade. Prizes will be awarded for the best decorated bicycles. All children who participate are required to wear a proper bicycle helmet.

They hope to see many of Manchester’s residents at this community event honoring those who proudly served our country.

photo

around thE JErSEy ShorE

Unity Tour Honoring Fallen Police Makes Stop In Ocean County

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Hundreds of law enforcement officers

Police Unity Tour

By Bob Vosseller

TOMS RIVER – Hundreds of police officers riding bicycles traveled through the township’s downtown district as part of the annual Police Unity Tour, stopping to honor two officers from Ocean County who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“It was our honor to have the Ocean County Justice Complex on Hooper Avenue chosen by the Police Unity Tour to host its Rose Ceremony,” Ocean County

Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy said. “The County has performed this function in the past.”

“This year the Rose Ceremony honored Sgt. Matthew Horton of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office whose end of watch was Feb. 22, 2022 and Captain Joseph Goertz of the Lakewood Police Department whose end of watch was Oct. 31, 2021,” Mastronardy added.

(Unity Tour - See Page 29)

–Photo courtesy Ocean County

biked into downtown Toms River as part of the annual

stopping to pay tribute to two officers from Ocean County.

Unity Tour:

Continued From Page 28

The simple but solemn ceremony featured Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Craig Johnson as master of ceremonies. It included family members and friends of the officers with loved ones being presented with gold roses from representatives of the Unity Tour and their respective police departments. The Ocean County Board of Commissioners issued proclamations honoring the fallen.

“We are here today to express our deepest appreciation to Sgt. Horton and to Capt. Goertz, and to their loved ones and colleagues,” Commissioner Gary Quinn remarked.

“While Sgt. Horton provided 15 years of service to the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office and Captain Goertz, 23 years of service to the Lakewood Police Department, we cannot quantify the good they have done simply in time. Rather, we know that their service to law enforcement came with compassion, concern, courage and character,”

Quinn added. Quinn serves as liaison to the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office and he was joined by his Board colleagues, Director Joseph H. Vicari, and Commissioners Virginia E. Haines and Barbara Jo Crea in presenting the Board’s proclamations.

“As the Unity Tour completes its ride this year, the legacies of Sgt. Horton and Capt. Goertz will receive a place in our nation’s history that they rightly deserve at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial,” Quinn said. “They served and sacrificed for a purpose far greater than themselves.”

Morgan Blann of Brick Township was also honored during the ceremony by survivors John Tobias, Denise Tobias and Lisa Preslar, for her ongoing efforts to raise awareness and honor fallen officers or firefighters as part of Running 4 Heroes, a charitable organization, started in 2019, that provides help to first responders.

Upon the conclusion of the Rose Ceremony the riders mounted their bikes and headed to their next destination.

nursing and rehabilitation center

–Photo courtesy Ocean County Deputy Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners Gary Quinn addresses the attendees at the May 9 Rose Ceremony held at the Ocean County Justice Complex, which is part of the annual Police Unity Tour.

around thE JErSEy ShorE

The Osprey Of New Jersey –From Endangered To Comeback

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

The osprey, a raptor (bird of prey) is also known as the fish hawk, and their abundance could be spotted along the Jersey coast. With a six-foot wingspan, they soar in the skies plucking fish from the local waters. When DDT pesticides came into use, their diet of fish exposed to pesticide resulted in stunted osprey reproduction. Their eggshells were thinner, causing a decline in their numbers.

The New Jersey endangered species list reported there were less than 50 nests in the state by 1974. DDT use was banned, and the osprey numbers started to slowly increase.

Tree lines were replaced by development. The work of conservation groups erecting platforms encouraged osprey nesting in the marshy habitats. There were over 200 healthy pairs nesting there by the mid-1980s.

More than 800 platforms exist in our state with approximately 75% of osprey nests utilizing these man-made structures. The diligent efforts by The Nature Conservancy and other conservation groups, the osprey numbers in our state are thriving. In 2022, it was estimated by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife and the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, that approximate-

ly 733 pairs nested in our state during that time. This number is an increase of 45 new nests from the prior year 2021. While there was a total of 206 pairs that failed to produce young, there were 720 young produced from the 555 known-outcome nests throughout the state.

Weather has had an adverse impact on the nests; however, productivity has been well above what is needed to sustain the population. We can attribute the comeback of the osprey largely to conservation groups, in particular The Nature Conservancy, who, before nesting begins, repairs/replaces approximately 30 osprey platforms in southern New Jersey. This consistent upkeep of nests is vital to the ospreys and their continued success in breeding. We owe a special thanks to The Nature Conservancy for their continued efforts in helping the osprey. Visit youtu. be/wEVbPGAWuGE for a live osprey stream. 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.

Softball 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.

AS THE LEADING RESOURCE FOR SENIOR VETERANS WE WILL GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE APPROVAL PROCESS

Omarr’s Astrological Forecast

For the week of MAY 20 - MAY 26

By Jeraldine Saunders

ARIES (March 21-April 19): An enthusiastic new friend might encourage you to overspend or take unnecessary risks. You could be at odds with someone who may want to take advantage of your honesty or sincerity. Putting on airs can lead to misunderstandings, so remain true to yourself.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Try to keep your attentions focused on purposeful plans. It can be important to surround yourself with positive, encouraging people. Keep an eye on your finances and avoid making large investments or major purchases for now.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You may feel overly sensitive to criticism and could be easily upset by instability. This is not a suitable time to take on new ventures or projects. Take this time to focus on your mental health and find small ways to relieve some of your pressures.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Take your time regarding your finances. If you are in too much of a hurry to make a purchase, you could have regrets later. Be skeptical about possibly risky investments and you will be able to skate past thin fiscal ice.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Boundaries could be put into place and should be respected. Someone may poke holes in possible plans or red tape could prevent you from achieving your objectives. You may find that getting your way might not always lead to contentment.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Let facts be your friend. Obtaining a straight answer from companions may be as difficult as herding cats. You may need to practice more patience and understanding when interacting with ill-tempered people.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Impulsive people may pressure you into making changes to your career, finances or personal life. You may be tempted to take advantage of someone’s loyalty but remember that impulse decisions could lead to issues later on.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) : Try to find a place to burrow away far from possible noise and distractions. You may need a quiet space to fix problems or address deficiencies. Someone might agree with you on the surface but could be fixated on their own agenda.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): During an internal game of tug of war, either side could end up falling into the mud. You might wrestle with your conscience about trying something new and stimulating when it could be wiser to stick to what is tried and true.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Pump up your persistence and you can prevent getting detoured by possible controversies. This may not be a good time to question the rules or to ignore your responsibilities. Stick to what you know and avoid experimenting for now.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You may be willing to focus on all work and no play. Your ambitions may be at a high point, perhaps because you feel the crunch of having more expenses than income. Follow any rules to avoid possible disapproval.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Having a good relationship with the people you meet could be like petting porcupines. You may need leather gauntlets rather than kid gloves to manage some relationship issues. Maintain a low profile and avoid arguments for now.

HOMEMADE PUDDING IS THE PERFECT WAY TO END YOUR MEAL

By America’s Test Kitchen

SMALL - BATCH CREAMY CHOCOLATE PUDDING

Serves 2

3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/8 teaspoon espresso powder

3 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon Dutch-processed cocoa

2 teaspoons cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon table salt

3 tablespoons heavy cream

1 large egg yolk

3/4 cup whole milk

1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 2 pieces

1 1/2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped fine

1. Stir together vanilla and espresso powder in a bowl; set aside. Whisk

sugar, cocoa, cornstarch and salt together in a large saucepan. Whisk in cream and yolk until fully incorporated, making sure to scrape the corners of the saucepan. Whisk in milk until incorporated.

2. Place saucepan over medium heat; cook, whisking constantly, until mixture is thickened and bubbling over the entire surface, 4 to 6 minutes. Cook 30 seconds longer, remove from heat, add butter and chocolate, and whisk until melted and fully incorporated. Whisk in vanilla mixture.

3. Pour pudding through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl. Press lightly greased parchment paper against the surface of the pudding and place in the refrigerator to cool, at least 1 1/2 hours or up to two days. Whisk pudding briefly and serve.

(For 25 years, confident cooks in the know have relied on America’s Test Kitchen for rigorously tested recipes developed by professional test cooks and vetted by 60,000 at-home recipe testers. See more online at www.americastestkitchen. com/TCA.) (c) 2023 AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN. DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

(c) 2023 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.