2023-05-27 - The Jackson Times

Police, Firefighters Hit A Home Run For Fundraiser

$4M Ballot Question In November

By Bob Vosseller

JACKSON – There

will be a ballot question in the November 7 general election to raise an additional $4,035,000 for the school district.

The impact of this question for the average homeowner would be $96 a year to cover the cost of six guidance counselors, two student assistant counselors, eight interventionist teachers, 10 elementary school teachers, 12 secondary teachers, one nonpublic student coordinator, one nonpublic secretary, four child study team members and four English Second Language teachers. School Superinten -

dent Nicole Pormilli explained during that a recent board meeting that the staff positions were based on “the needs we see in our school buildings. These are positions above what currently exist.”

“If this is approved on November 7 it would result in a permanent levy tax-based change of the $4 million and then we get to add these positions to our district year after year and keep them,” she added. Recently, school administrators said that a fight at one of the district’s two high schools had occurred. News of it had circulated within

(Ballot - See Page 8)

By

the diamond - but their aim wasn’t as much to bring home a trophy but to raise funds for Jake’s Got This,

an organization that aids children who have been diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Event coordinator and

Foundation President Shannon Kulesa said it was a huge success.

(Fundraiser - See Page 4)

Former Skinhead Teaches Students About Life Without Hate

By Stephanie Faughnan OCEAN COUNTY

– A former leader of an international hate group is now spreading a different message: how to be compassionate to others and how to break a cycle of anger and violence.

Official’s Censure Held While “No Knock” Issue Debated

By Bob Vosseller

Arno Michaelis was the keynote speaker at a leadership conference at Ocean County College, held in collaboration with the prosecutor’s office and the Cultural Heritage Commission. The mission was to empower students and encourage

them to positively impact their communities.

Michaelis is the author of “My Life After Hate” and came to provide some insight into his personal history. The speaker’s past included founding an international white (Hate - See Page 12)

PLUMSTED – A call for censure of a township committeeman was put on pause during a recent Township Committee meeting. There was also related discussion of an outdated ordinance pertaining to solicitation in public.

Committeeman Dominick Cuozzo challenged the enforcement of the “Do Not Knock” ordinance. Police Chief Earl Meroney has said it was outdated and should be

changed to be in compliance with federal law. He defended his officers’ enforcement of the ordinance as it was on the books but stressed during a recent Township Committee meeting that the ordinance led to conflict.

Police body camera footage shows Committeeman Cuozzo responding to a neighborhood where members of his First Bible Baptist Church, where he is pastor, are

(Debated - See Page 10)

Bob Vosseller JACKSON – For the second year in a row, firefighters and police officers faced off on

─Photo courtesy Jake’s Got This Foundation Safe or out? There was plenty of action on the field at Shore Town Ballpark in Lakewood during the Jake’s Got This fundraiser.

─Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Arnold Michaelis is a former white supremacist who hopes to inspire kids to be kind and compassionate.

Fundraiser

“The police department won again this year and played some of Jake’s friends from last year but we also had five new kids join us this year.

“We are excited to keep adding families to our foundation. We had a bigger turnout this year despite competing with the rescheduled Jackson Little League opening day. We had about 100 more spectators than last year so it was a great growth. We added the fire truck and police car out front of the stadium for the kids to check out,” she added. The event took place at the Jersey Shore BlueClaws stadium in Lakewood.

Kulesa said, “a big crowd favorite was our dunk tank featuring dunk a cop or dunk a fireman. We had a team member from each side in the tank. Sgt. Mike Grochowski of the Jackson Police Department was in for the them and John Poppe was both the team captain for the fire as well as their dunk tank guy. Jeff Henba put together the police department team again for us this year and we raised over $7,000 by the end of the day.”

: Continued From Page 1 (Fundraiser - See Page 5)

This money will help another child book their intensive part time stay in New York, providing therapies that many parents are unable to afford, she said.

The funding will also go toward ‘Pancakes and Pedicures,’ an opportunity for girls who wear leg/foot braces to meet each

─Photo courtesy Jake’s Got This Foundation A young Jake’s Got This player takes a swing during the second annual baseball fundraiser held at the Jersey Shore BlueClaws stadium at Shore Town Ballpark in Lakewood.

Fundraiser:

Continued From Page 4 other, get pampered, and grow friendships and mentoring.

“Such a great time, so many smiles,” Kulesa added. Her son, Jake, was diagnosed as having infant brain damage when he was only 13 months old. “Here at the Jake’s Got This Foundation we look to provide guidance and recommendations from experience, help navigating the world of health insurance and support to families with children under the age of 18.” She added, “the Foundation looks to connect families with the resources they need, as well as other families who understand the daily struggles we face. We are always

open to new ideas and therapies to help our kids get stronger each day.”

Kulesa noted that around 8,000 children are born each year in the United States who receive a cerebral palsy diagnosis.

“Cost is the barrier that keeps them from reaching their full potential even with medical insurance.”

“The JGT Foundation aims to remove that financial barrier so children with cerebral palsy can have access the necessary resources of therapeutic programs that have proven to be very successful,” she added.

“We are having a partnership game with the BlueClaws on June 24. We will be selling discounted tickets to the game shortly to support the foundation. Our next big community event will be our 2nd annual pig roast September 16,” Kulesa said.

─Photo courtesy Jake’s Got This Foundation Members of Jake’s Got This Foundation, police officers and firefighters assemble on the field for a group shot during the Jake’s Got This fundraiser.

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY

F eatured L etter

GOP Debt Ceiling Bill Will Hurt Families

“Linda” is among the thousands of new people we serve at Mercy Center’s food pantry since the cuts this past February to COVID SNAP benefits, formerly food stamps. She is a hard-working, single mom with four teenagers who, overnight, went from $600 per month in SNAP benefits to just $150 in food assistance. The $450 reduction in benefits, along with the continued high prices of groceries, already makes it impossible for her to purchase enough food to feed her children. Simply put, she must turn to our pantry to make up the difference.

At Mercy Center in Asbury Park, the families we serve are still struggling because of historically high food costs, low wages, and the end of COVID SNAP benefits. It does not surprise us that United Way of Northern Jersey just reported, “37 percent of working families struggled to make ends meet during the pandemic.” The termination of COVID SNAP benefits in February dramatically affected families in Monmouth

County. We see it here on the ground in real life and in heart wrenching real time.

Now, the House of Representatives has passed a debt-ceiling bill that if passed by the Senate, would further limit access to SNAP benefits. The current bill would force additional deeply harmful cuts and will leave more families, children, veterans, and seniors hungry. As a result, even more families will turn to pantries for survival. Enough is enough.

Mercy Center’s food pantry, which served nearly 1,600 people in 2021, was flooded with families the next year, and we saw the number explode to 35,000 in 2022. In just the first quarter of this year, we served more than 20,000 people, putting us on a path to a mind-numbing 80,000 this year. We simply cannot sustain the increase in demand long-term.

House leaders want to expand existing work requirements for SNAP, which would add another layer of red tape for struggling families. Expanding work requirements for SNAP unfairly targets people who work seasonal and unstable

We Welcome Letters To The Editor!

The Jackson 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

jobs, and those with disabilities. At Mercy Center, where I am the Executive Director, we are not interested in the politics of a debt ceiling, we care about the people we serve, and they should not be forced to make the choice between feeding their families and keeping a roof over their heads.

Our pantry line already begins in the early morning hours before we open, five days a week, in all types of weather. Even greater limits - as proposed in the debt ceiling package - on top of the post-COVID cutbacks on SNAP will certainly lengthen that line.

When COVID SNAP enhancements ended in February, Mercy Center’s food pantry felt the pain immediately. We experienced an increase from 5,581 clients in February to 7,221 people in March. That’s a 30 percent jump! We had 596 new pantry users in February, to a whopping 1,711 new people in March. That’s a 187 percent hike. We are bracing for the day when the proposed cuts result in another round of pain for our most vulnerable.

Even worse, we are seeing

Silverton Farms

Saved Itself

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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.

frustration that comes with food insecurity. The anger and fear is palpable. We have had to install cameras and provide our volunteers with panic buttons as they routinely now must manage the understandable but unruly behavior that comes with the growling of an empty stomach or the crying of a hungry baby.

Approximately 785,000 struggling New Jersey residents - children, parents, seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, and more - are already hurt by the COVID cuts. SNAP households in Monmouth County – where more than half those struggling are children – lost $190 per month in benefits. This deficit of approximately 1.5 million meals each month cannot be on the back of food pantries like Mercy Center. We are funded solely on donations, and we cannot be substitutes for the enormous loss in food assistance, which will accompany greater SNAP restrictions.

It is important to note the SNAP system was imperfect before the devastating cuts – hygiene products are not included for women and

girls, and mothers are not permitted to use the benefits to purchase diapers for their infants and toddlers. Imagine a teenage girl, already behind because of COVID learning gaps, unable to go to school because she cannot afford hygiene products. Money for food will have to come first.

Another pre-existing failure with SNAP that will be exasperated by new limitations is with benefits for seniors. We get calls regularly from seniors in desperation with nothing in their refrigerators or cabinets, telling us they are starving. They routinely lose SNAP benefits as their caregivers are not allowed to use their cards on their behalf, and our seniors have no transportation to get to grocery stores themselves and often, have mobility issues. In fact, Mercy Center started delivering food from our pantry to their homes in response to their cries for help.

House Republicans argue that requiring able-bodied adults without dependents, ages 18 to 55, up from the current requirement for ages 18 to 49, to work or participate in a work training or

education program for a least 20 hours per week to receive continuous SNAP benefits would save the nation a “few billion dollars.” Studies have shown such limits on benefits do not increase earnings or employment – they just increase hunger and food insecurity. At Mercy Center, we believe it is harsh, cruel even, to play politics with the well-being of our neighbors in need. It is also counter intuitive and short minded for our politicians to make further cuts to SNAP that fuel local stores, pumping life into New Jersey’s economy. As debt ceiling talks continue, we urge you to contact your local member of Congress and say, “enough is enough.” SNAP is universally recognized as the single-handed most important tool in the fight against hunger. Longer lines at food pantries are not the solution to the political fight over the debt ceiling.

Kim Guadagno Former Lt. Governor Executive Director of Mercy Center

This letter is in response to the March 18 article titled “Township Eyes Land For Open Space.”

The article stated that the township had just preserved 1520 Silverton Road, with a picture of the preservation sign for Silverton Farms. This is a false statement. I, Tom Nivison, preserved Silverton Farms over 20 years ago, long before the current administration was in place. Mayor Hill should get no credit for preserving Silverton Farms, despite his efforts

to take that credit by using our address. I don’t believe Mayor Hill has so much as visited or even purchased a vegetable from my farm, though he lives less than 1 mile away in the 30+ years we have been open. We would have graciously welcomed his support had he decided to attend any of the various fundraisers we have hosted over the years of which many supported local causes.

Thank you for your time.

Tom Nivison Toms River Council Candidate

Supreme Court Needs Code Of Ethics

The recent news about Clarence Thomas’s financial entanglements with GOP megadonor Harlan Crow should be alarming to every American. This is what happens when the highest court in the land is given free rein to police itself. Clarence Thomas isn’t the first justice to engage in unethical behavior. And if Congress continues to ignore the need for a Supreme Court code of ethics, he won’t be the last. Of the nine justices currently on the bench, four have been called out for unethical be-

havior and connections in the last year. Neil Gorsuch sold property to the head of a law firm with cases in front of the Supreme Court. Samuel Alito dined with anti-abortion activists and allegedly leaked decisions on reproductive health. John Roberts’ wife has earned millions of dollars from law firms with business before the Supreme Court. Congress has a constitutional duty to act as a check on the Supreme Court and restore faith in our judicial system. It’s time they act and pass a Supreme Court code of ethics.

Pamela A. Talbot Toms River

ALICE Lives Here, And Needs Some Help

job automation impact us?

Assemblyman Alex Sauickie

Some of you may recall the 1974 movie “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore,” but most have never heard of the ALICE project. Led by the United Way of Northern New Jersey, it has spread over half the country, providing research on the number of working households who are struggling financially. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These working households depend on a job, usually a low-paying one, to make ends meet. So why is this important to the residents of Ocean County, and how does

Well, according to the 2021 ALICE report, Ocean County with its 240,736 households has the third highest percentage of residents in the state in terms of both the working poor and those living below the poverty level. In other words, ALICE lives here in Ocean County with many families living day-today off their lower-skilled jobs that provide important services.

Many of these jobs are the very ones that are most at risk of being lost to automation. According to a report by Zippia, a job research company, automation will displace 20 million manufacturing jobs by 2030 and has the potential to eliminate 73 million total American jobs by that year. Job loss due to automation cannot be stopped, but with

proper planning the life-changing impact can be lessened and maybe even reversed. That’s why I’ve sponsored four legislative proposals in the General Assembly to bring attention to this silent job-killer, and provide some relief to hard working families in Ocean County and in the rest of our state.

One of these bills (A4987) creates a job training and career development program, which focuses on connecting employers with workers whose jobs have been lost or endangered by automation. It provides wrap-around services for these workers so that they can gain the needed skills to find new employment.

Another bill (A5150) requires the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to track and maintain information on job losses due to automation. Effectively addressing a matter such as this requires upto-date data and a clear picture of the trends.

A third bill (A-5224) requires public colleges and universities to enroll students impacted by automation in job-training courses tuition-free, as long as there is room in the class and the student doesn’t qualify for financial aid.

The final bill (A-5451) provides a tax credit – against either the corporation business tax or the gross income tax, whichever the company pays – for hiring people who have lost their jobs due to automation.

By introducing these bills and bringing these issues to the public’s attention, it is my hope to gain the support of the Governor and other members of the Legislature. It is our duty to make every effort to ensure that all of our ALICEs can afford to live and stay here.

Alex Sauickie is a life-long Jackson resident who represents his home town and 13 other towns in the State Assembly.

Federal Oversight Could Have Prevented Bank Failures

Senator Robert Menendez

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, pressed federal financial regulators during an oversight hearing on their efforts to ensure greater executive accountability and effective supervision in the wake of recent bank failures.

The Senator noted that Michael Barr, the Federal Reserve Vice Chair for Supervision, identified in his recent report major weaknesses in Silicon Valley Bank’s incentive compensation program, noting that it encouraged excessive risk taking to maximize short-term financial metrics and did not adequately reflect longer-term performance, nonfinancial risks, or unaddressed audit or supervisory issues.

“As I noted in our hearing with the executives...the incentive structure SVB put in place rewarded breakneck growth and profitability, while kneecapping efforts to manage growing risks to the firm,” said Sen. Menendez.

The Senator pointed out that financial regulators have been slow to develop and swiftly implement a strong incentive-based compensation rule – a rule that is required under Dodd-Frank and is now more than 10 years overdue – that could have helped in preventing the situation we saw at SVB.

“I have a sense, having sat through the

Great Recession, almost the financial collapse, listening to all we were asked to do as members of the Banking Committee back then. When we pass things, we seem to get it vetoed by omission,” added Sen. Menendez. “Which means maybe the regulators don’t like what we say, but it’s the law. And then nothing happens. A decade – a decade! At some point, gentlemen, you have responsibility. So, I hope you’ll get to that quickly.”

The Senator also highlighted how Vice Chair Barr’s report on the supervision of SVB revealed that Fed examiners gave the bank’s management satisfactory ratings even after supervisors began identifying and communicating issues with governance and risk management in 2018. The Federal Reserve continued awarding management satisfactory ratings despite identifying significant concerns year after year. He questioned why regulators appear reluctant to downgrade bank ratings to reflect their performance.

“To me, this shows that Fed examiners fundamentally misunderstood their role in enforcing a safe and sound banking system,” concluded Sen. Menendez. “Your job is to identify risks proactively and ensure they are fixed before they impact performance, since we’ve seen time and again that the banks themselves do a poor job of it.”

At the end of his line of questioning, Sen. Menendez secured commitments from Vice Chair Barr to sharpen the focus of the Federal Reserve’s supervisory efforts in order to proactively identify and ensure banks fix vulnerabilities.

In late March, Sen. Menendez led a bipartisan group of Senate Banking colleagues in pressing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on the agency’s use of enhanced supervision and prudential standards for SVB. He also signed a letter led by Chair Sherrod Brown to Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Gensler requesting prompt examinations of Silicon Valley Bank’s purportedly selling millions of dollars’ worth of company stock in the days and months leading up to SVB’s failure.

In response to the recent bank failures,

Sen. Menendez joined dozens of Senate and House colleagues to introduce the Secure Viable Banking Act, legislation that would repeal Title IV of S.2155, the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act of 2018, and increase prudential standards for banks similar to Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank. Sen. Menendez is a longtime advocate for prudent financial regulation, and was outspoken about the dangers of passing S.2155 five years ago, which reduced critical oversight and capital requirements for large banks.

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social media with reports that were not entirely accurate. The event was handled immediately by district staff and addressed in accordance with the school’s Code of Conduct.

The district declined to provide further details as student matters are not

discussed publicly due to student privacy requirements. Pormilli said that such incidents were growing in number and were reflective of the need to add additional personnel to address mental health issues as well as substance abuse incidents.

“The mental health needs have increased. We are dealing with more social emotional issues, more conflict issues. We need a better ratio of coun -

selors for students,” the superintendent said, noting the need for more substance abuse counselors as well.

Rosenauer Not For Sale

During the latest Board of Education meeting, Pormilli said one option off the table this year involved “a rumor that has been out there for ages in regards to selling Rosenauer school. It is a small elementary school and is intended to be

a small elementary school.”

She added, “it is a wonderful neighborhood school. Many students walk to that school because it is a neighborhood school.”

Pormilli explained while the review showed that selling the building would provide some savings, the relocation of those students wouldn’t make it feasible.

“Currently, there would not be space in the two closest elementary schools. We also had to consider all those walkers that would now have to be bussed and that would be an additional expense. At this time, we have determined that closing the school would not be good for the district,” she said.

Loss Of 64 Positions

The adopted $165,790,499 budget included the loss of 64 positions.

Business Administrator Michelle Richardson explained that the spending plan “contains a general fund tax levy increase of 2% which is the cap that the state allows.”

This will translate into a $2 increase for the owner of the average home assessed at $330,688. The tentative school rate is $1.4203 per $100 of assessed home value.

The loss in staff is in addition to the 151.5 staff reduction already realized in the last five years - bringing the total loss to 215 positions.

Pormilli said, “that is a reduction across all staffing. We reduced yet again our school budgets and put on pause any Tier 1 capital improvement projects unless they are related to safety. We’ve reduced much needed upgrades to our technology department. Due to the reduction in staff, we will see class sizes increase.”

The dire financial position was created by the bill commonly referred to as S-2. This transferred state aid away from some districts like Jackson and gave it to other districts. Local school officials have been fighting this change but have been unsuccessful in overturning it.

See Page 15

Volunteers Have Cats Available For Adoption

JACKSON – Calling All Cats is a cat rescue group made up of volunteers, some of whom work at a spay and neuter clinic. People would drop off unwanted cats. As a group, they save the babies that are left alone, the countless mothers that have had numerous litters and those that are losing or have lost their home.

Cookie came back into the rescue after her papa became sick and she was unable to stay with him. She is friendly and affectionate and loves pets. Cookie gets along with other cats and really loves her foster siblings, because of this she should go to a home with other cats. She is spayed, up to date on all medical and microchipped.

To help humanely lower the feline population, they spay and neuter feral cats and then find homes for the friendly adults and the offspring that have been born. The rescue works extremely hard to find the best homes for cats of all shapes, sizes, colors and ages. While these cats wait, they are cared for in safe, loving, and nurturing foster homes

To start the application process, visit Calling All Cats on Facebook and Petfinder.com

─Photo courtesy Calling All Cats

Debated:

Continued From Page 1

speaking with police. The police were responding to a call in the neighborhood stating there was solicitation at homes there including homes marked as “no knock.”

The township’s ordinance prevents, even with a permit, religious groups from soliciting on Sundays from noon to 2 p.m. which fell into the time of the

incident at 12 Ivins Drive on April 23.

The body cam footage captures Cuozzo stating to the officers, “I don’t appreciate you hassling our guys. We have a permit to do what we are doing. We are inviting people to church. There is nothing wrong with what we are doing. In fact, there is no time frame in doing what we are doing.”

“What you are talking about is soliciting. We do not solicit,” Cuozzo said. He told the police he responded to the scene after Justin Kissam and two other members of the church were stopped by

police, “I felt like making sure that the police did not hassle us. That is why I talked to the chief about it.

I said here is what I don’t want to do, I don’t want you guys confused that we are soliciting.”

He added, “I do not want you guys not to be expecting we are coming so I filled out the permit so you guys would know so we wouldn’t have moments like this but now we won’t have it again, right? Perfect. Nice to see you guys. Please excuse us we are going to continue.”

The officers warned Cuozzo that if they did con-

tinue that would be a violation of the ordinance to which the Committeeman responded, “there will be no citing. You are not going to cite us. You are not going to do that alright. You guys are going to exit.”

“You are not our boss. You are not going to tell us what to do,” the officer responded.

Committeeman Cuozzo replied, “Actually, I am your boss.”

The footage also shows an unidentified uninvolved man who said he was a former police officer from Hamilton Township joining Cuozzo. He was also questioning the officers at the scene prior to Meroney’s arrival. Later, the chief asked the man “why are you giving my officers a hard time?”

At the latest Township Committee meeting, Chief Meroney said his officers did what they should do, but that the “no knock” ordinance needs to change.

“The officers that were called for service by residents were going by the current ordinance. I went on scene and in speaking to Committeeman Cuozzo and some other individuals, I did some research. The ordinance is what caused the whole situation,” Meroney said.

“I have seen the video but the ordinance should have been on here (the night’s agenda) because the ordinance is what put everyone - including my officers - in this situation,” he said, stressing his officers “were doing what the ordinance said in good faith.”

The issue stems from solicitation by religious and political groups being permitted to solicit within the community. “I am the one who brought it to counsel (township attorney). I don’t want my officers to be in that predicament again.”

“The ordinance does need to be changed. It was anticipated to be on this agenda but it will definitely be on the next agenda,” township attorney Jean Cipriani said.

During the meeting, Christopher Kissam of Browns Mills, who is the Assistant Pastor of Bible Baptist Church, said he was speaking on behalf of his son Justin who was unable to attend. “That night my son - after being verbally accosted by a grown man who is also a township official, told my son to quote get the “F” off the property and tell your pastor to “F”ing kill himself. My son was then detained by law enforcement officers for allegedly soliciting without a permit.”

“I’m sorry sir but that is not true. You were not at the scene. Your son was cordial. The officers did not detain him,” the chief said from the audience. Cipriani cautioned him not to have an exchange as Kissam had time left in his five-minute public comment before the Committee.

“I am appalled as to how my son was treated,” Kissam added. He had not yet seen the body camera footage.

Chief Meroney returned to the podium to say, “they were not detained. The officers spoke to them and advised them of the township ordinance. They were upholding the ordinance. They were doing their job. You will see when you see the video that they were free to go. I have no political gain in this at all. I am here to protect everybody.”

There was no body camera footage that showed the type of exchange between police and Justin Kissam that was Christopher Kissam had described.

Censure

The resolution for censure was pulled from the agenda as several committee members had not yet seen police body camera footage. Mayor Robert Bowen had the resolution added to the agenda (Debated - See Page 18)

C

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Re-Opens

By Alyssa Riccardi

JACKSON

–

Get ready for an exciting summer season at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor as it reopens with a spring preview.

The park will operate several of its signature attractions while debuting new guest enhancements in preparation for summer. Hurricane Harbor will operate weekends through June 11, with daily operation running June 17 through September 4. Operating hours are as follows: • May 27 to 29, June 3 to 4 and 10 to 11: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

New For 2023:

• Enhanced Menus – Guests will see more diverse options featured within the water park. Items include jerk chicken sandwiches, Caribbean salad, bacon wrapped pork kabob, dole soft serve and more.

• VIP Lounges – Guests looking for a

premiere experience can upgrade to a private VIP lounging area with access to games and televisions.

• Splash Island – Coming this summer, kids will delight in the brand-new tree house play structure. With more than 50 play features, young families will love the mini slides and curtain waterfalls. But no treehouse is complete without that gigantic water bucket perched high above and always ready to soak the splash-seekers below.

• Seven Brand New Slides – Coming this summer, guests will find seven brand new colorful slides meant for smaller riders. The addition of Cowabunga, Jellyfish Twist (two slides), RipCurl, Shark Attack, Splashin’ Seal, and Stingray Racer bring the perfect number of drops and twists for little ones seeking a gentle thrill. For more information, visit sixflags. com/hurricaneharbornj

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

supremacy group, acting as a reverend of a racial holy war, and performing as the lead singer in a hate metal band.

From Wisconsin, Michaelis now speaks to groups as an activist for love and compassion.

In a thought-provoking speech, he challenged students to reflect on their role as upstanders or bystanders in society. He said he valued the power of storytelling: the narratives people believe in and share will shape their lives and interactions with the world around them.

Michaelis drew from his own past and shared some of the mistakes he made. He admitted that during his youth, he was not an upstander nor a bystander but rather someone who actively caused problems for himself and others.

However, the former skinhead said he has since dedicated his life to working in the field to counter violent extremism. In doing so, Michaelis said he’d learned a great deal about the often tragic backgrounds that contribute to their radicalization.

Many have experienced childhoods marked by suffering, abuse, and hatred, with some even enduring sexual trauma. He emphasized how such trauma can break a person, leading them to perceive hate as an escape from their pain. He likened the allure of hate to that of a dangerous drug capable of trapping a person in addiction and misery.

Michaelis said his personal story somewhat deviated from the typical narrative associated with former extremists. Despite growing up in a seemingly idyllic household, he revealed that his father’s alcoholism was a significant

Hate: Continued From Page 1 (Hate - See Page 13)

source of his own suffering. While his father was not a mean drunk, his excessive drinking and prioritization of leisure activities over work put the burden of providing for the family on Michaelis’s mother, who worked tirelessly to make ends meet.

“I grew up watching my mother suffer,” said Michaelis. “I could see how badly she was hurting, and it hurt me.”

However, Michaelis admitted that he distanced himself rather than offering help to his mom. By the time he was in kindergarten, he was already a bully. Michaelis said as he grew a bit older, he got a big kick out of parents and teachers being afraid of him.

By age 14, Michaelis was already drinking alcohol, which intensified his antisocial tendencies, fueling his desire to shock and repulse others. Michaelis admitted to adopting white nationalist ideologies through exposure to white power music, which glorified a distorted worldview centered on hatred towards marginalized communities.

The room of approximately 400 students was hushed as Michaelis recounted the allure of using symbols like the swastika to provoke and repulse people.

A society driven by hate and violence inevitably produces evil and violence in return, he said. He highlighted the tragic consequences that befell his friends as a result of their involvement in hate-fueled actions. Michaelis’ closest friend ended up in prison for a shooting incident, while another lost his life in a street fight, both victims of the hate and violence they had embraced.

Michaelis emphasized that casting blame on others not only hindered problem-solving, but

Hate:

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also exacerbated issues and increased a continuing cycle of blame. Ultimately, the speaker learned something from co-workers who treated him well despite his actions to them.

“What was most exhausting was when people I claimed to hate treated me with kindness,” said Michaelis. “And that’s really what drove home how wrong I was to be a violent racist.”

During the seven year period he was involved in white supremacy groups, Michaelis said all the hate he professed, mixed with violence and alcohol, caused him to break up with his girlfriend. Michaelis was suddenly a single dad to an 18-month-old baby and decided it was time to stop.

By then it was 1994; Michaelis said he left hate groups and went from being a white power skinhead to a raver in Chicago. His new friends noticed his swastikas tattoos but were into the party scene and accepted him as he was. He has since covered up the tattoos.

At this point in his life, Michaelis told the students he’s just trying to undo the harm

that he’s done. He encouraged them to practice kindness, gratitude and forgiveness.

“It will make you happy,” said Michaelis. “It will also lead people around you to be happy, and it will make you an upstander in the world.”

He was introduced by Dr. Henry Jackson, OCC’s Executive Director of Academic Success.

“Here at OCC, we’re going to make this a tradition to try and get our students to be upstanders,” he said. “And not bystanders.”

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer told the students he hoped the conference would give them a transformative experience shaping their high school years and motivating them to celebrate diversity and treat others with respect.

Billhimer explained his role as the chief law enforcement officer in the county, saying that his office prosecutes between 5,000 and 6,000 cases each year. The prosecutor’s office also investigates criminal cases in conjunction with local police departments.

“We have members of our office that are on pace to speak to over 100 schools this year,” shared Billhimer . “The goal of all that outreach we do is so we don’t see you as a defendant.”

Participants should wear comfortable clothing, sneakers and bring a water bottle.

There is a $5 per transaction fee when paying oniine with a credit card. NO REFUNDS after June 21. All refunds will be assessed a $10 administrative fee. Credit card transactions: $5 processing fee will not be refunded. Credit cards will NOT be refunded. Refunds are done by voucher and take approximately 4-6 weeks.

─Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Arnold Michaelis is a former white supremacist who hopes to inspire kids to be kind and compassionate.

Residential Dementia & Alzheimer’s Community

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.

Dear Pharmacist

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Travel Smart: The 12 Must-Pack OTC Medications And Supplements

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

In order to have more confidence while away, it’s essential to be prepared to handle the little things. This will help you avoid unnecessary (and difficult) stops at pharmacies in unfamiliar terrain.

Today, I’m sharing the 12 most important things to pack for your next trip, based on my own experiences. I bet there’s something in my list that you haven’t thought of before. For me, I like to take unit-dose pills or capsules not the entire bottle of these items, because not doing so will fill up your suitcase pretty quickly.

Let’s dive into the 12 indispensable items from a pharmacist’s perspective, to keep your travels smooth and enjoyable.

1. Antihistamine - For mild allergic reactions or itchy rashes. Claritin for day use, and Benadryl at night.

2. Cold medicine - A nose spray can help with nasal congestion or a sinus headache.

3. Anti-itch cream - Hydrocortisone cream relieves itching from bug bites, rashes, or other minor skin irritations.

4. Sleep aid - Not sleeping properly on your trip will cause misery! I recommend melatonin for jet lag, but if you have Benadryl as your anti-histamine that will also put you to sleep. You can also check out my custom formula called Sleep Script.

5. Eye drops - A redness-reliever eye drop can soothe irritated eyes from air travel or allergies.

6. Earplugs - Silicone earplugs can help you sleep through loud noises at night.

7. Pain reliever - Ibuprofen or acetaminophen are the two that I recommend. Either one of these can help relieve pain from headaches, toothaches, and muscle aches that

may occur during travel. Acetaminophen is a little better for fever if you happen to get sick.

8. Anti-diarrhea medication - Imodium or other anti-diarrhea medication, along with a probiotic, can alleviate traveler’s diarrhea.

9. Electrolyte solution - Pedialyte® or similar solutions replenish fluids and electrolytes lost due to diarrhea or vomiting. It will also help you with leg cramps! You can take powder stick packets with you and make your own with some bottled water.

10. Antacids - Tums or Pepcid AC can alleviate heartburn or acid reflux symptoms after eating some spicy Pozole Rojo!

11. Bandages and antibiotic ointmentTreat minor cuts and scrapes with items like Neosporin and bandages.

12. Ginger capsules or tablets - Useful for nausea, motion sickness, or queasiness from windy roads or boat rides.

If traveling with insulin and needles, inform the airline, pack in carry-on luggage, and comply with TSA guidelines, including proper labeling and temperature control measures. Packing these essential OTC medications and supplements can prevent or alleviate many travel-related health issues, so you can focus on enjoying your trip. For chronic medical conditions requiring prescription medication, pack in their original packaging or prescription bottle.

Before closing, consider the destination. Some countries in regions such as India, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Egypt, Mexico, and Thailand have a slightly higher risk of diseases due to inadequate sanitation or water treatment facilities in some regions. As such, people are more likely to experience traveler’s diarrhea or other diseases like cholera or typhoid fever.

(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.

Employers And Employees Alike Should Be Aware Of NJ’s Recently Enacted Wage And Hour Law

Christopher R. Shea Esq.

By: Christopher R. Shea, Esq. of R.C. Shea & Associates

Laws signed by Governor Phil Murphy make New Jersey construction contractors responsible for their subcontractors’ debts for unpaid wages and violations of employer tax law.

The first of the laws (S4064/A5801 approved as P.L.2019, c.510) says that any contract entered into on or after January 1, 2020 for the erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, maintenance or repair of any building in the State other than an owner-occupied residence, the contractor making or taking the contract shall assume, and be responsible for, any debt owed to a wage claimant, or third party on the wage claimant’s behalf, incurred by a subcontractor at any tier acting under, by, or for the contractor for the wage claimant’s performance of labor under the contract.

The second of the laws (S4225/A5840 approved as P.L.2019, c.374) imposes liability on every construction contractor for subcontractors’ unpaid employer taxes under the workers’ compensation law (N.J.S.A. 34:15-1 et seq.), the unemployment compensation law (N.J.S.A. 43:21-1 et seq.), the temporary disability benefits and family leave insurance law (N.J.S.A. 43:2125 et al. and N.J.S.A. 43:21-39.1 et al.), and the New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act (N.J.S.A. 54A:1-1 et seq.). In addition, a contractor now shares civil legal responsibility for provisions of those laws regarding retaliatory actions against employees for exercising their rights under any of those laws and provisions of those laws regarding the misclassification of workers, and both the client employer and the labor contractor providing workers to the client employer may be subject to any remedy provided for violations of those laws. The laws also pin individual liability on any owner, director, officer, or manager acting on behalf of an employer who violates any provision of State wage and hour laws or State employer

$6,450

tax laws, regarding compliance with such laws. These are powerful risk shifting laws which has led to an outcry for remedies to fix ultimate responsibility on the culpable subcontractor and reimburse the payor. The problem is that the culpable subcontractor will, in all likelihood, be unable to pay the debt or the fine assessed, otherwise there would be no liability to shift. In this way, the State has now made guarantors out of contractors for all those below them in the chain of contract.

So, what can contractors do to protect themselves from their subcontractor’s (presumably) unknown behavior? Well, the ultimate answer remains unknown at this point in time, but here are our thoughts: First, every subcontract should have a properly drawn indemnification clause that imposes liability on the subcontractor for all losses on account of the subcontractor or it’s lower-tier subcontractors’ failure to obey the labor and tax laws, referenced above. Second, contractors should investigate the purchase of a stand-alone wage and our insurance policy, or if possible, a wage and hour extension coverage endorsement to their present employment practices liability policy (EPL). Finally, a contractor can contractually require the lower tiered subcontractors to provide certified payroll reports on a regular basis, thereby making the subcontractor swear to compliance with New Jersey’s wage and hour laws.

If you or someone you know has questions about New Jersey Wage and Hour laws, contact the attorneys at R.C. Shea and Associates. P.C. (732) 505-1212.

Debated

but during that meeting, requested it be pulled. He explained that after conversations with fellow Committee members, they wanted to review the footage and information surrounding the incident.

Committeeman Cuozzo, however, made a motion for a vote on the resolution, numbered 2023-190. That motion was seconded by Committeeman Michael Hammerstone.

Mayor Bowen said “there are four committee members who have agreed that they are not prepared and would like to move it to a special meeting or the next meeting so that they can discuss it in full.”

Deputy Mayor Herb Marinari said he didn’t want it to go to June “as this is an important issue that needs to be resolved as soon as we can. I have not seen the video nor heard the audio and I can’t make a decision without that. I want to hold this off at least until the rest of us know exactly the

situation that took place.”

“I have seen the video but I will respect the desires of my colleagues that are not prepared for this,” Hammerstone said.

Cuozzo said he could not speak about the content of the resolution during an executive session that took place prior to the general meeting. “I was present for these things and I believe the quotes are being taken out of context and the discussion we were having was not for anything except for a First Amendment definition of what it means to solicit.”

He accused the mayor of “making a decision about something and promoting it as if it has already happened to our entire community. I don’t think that is the way this committee should operate. It is the prerogative of the committee to censure members of the committee. However, the way this has been handled is not right.”

Township Attorney Cipriani clarified that the motion before them was whether the censure resolution be voted on. “That is the primary motion.”

Mayor Bowen said, “We have said at many pre-

vious meetings to make sure these types of issues are handled independently - they go directly to counsel (attorney). This item went directly to counsel. They reviewed it.”

He added that a meeting was held that included himself, the deputy mayor, the police, the business administrator and the township counsel.

“I want to know how anybody found out about this? How did it happen?” Cuozzo asked.

“The police knew about it so they contacted labor counsel as they have the right to do. Labor counsel reviewed it and sent their recommendation and findings and wrote the resolution. When you say it is political, you are saying our counsel is political,”

Mayor Bowen responded.

“Yes, that is exactly what I am saying,” Cuozzo replied.

Mayor Bowen said, “we have had many OPRA (Open Public Records Act) requests for this. We wanted to do it in an orderly and timely basis. We were concerned that it would be another month of people requesting the video and posting it all over the internet and doing whatever they wanted to do

as far as editing it and reposting it so we thought it would be appropriate and fair to you to do it in an orderly basis before all that happened.”

“You moved to pull it from the agenda. You can’t have it both ways. Which way is it mayor?” Cuozzo said.

“My colleagues have asked that it be deferred - and I respect that - so they can be prepared to discuss this serious matter,” the mayor replied.

Cuozzo voted yes to vote on the resolution during that meeting. The rest of the governing body voted to wait.

Committeeman Cuozzo also recently faced a request of censure by 53 Plumsted residents in March. That request was reviewed by Cipriani who recommended to the Committee last month that the requests not be acted on.

She stated that the complaints made in those requests were not applicable to Cuozzo’s role in public office and noted that the censure had to be in line with actions and commentary made as member of the governing body and that was not found to be the case.

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

CLASSIFIEDS

Items Wanted

Vinyl Records Wanted - Paying cash for LP albums. Rock, Blues, Reggae, Soul. Very good condition only. Call Rick 908-616-7104. (26)

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)

Estate Sale

Junk or Wrecked Cars and Trucks Wanted - Cash paid. 732-6577251, Steve. Thanks. (22)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

niture, collectibles, all

go. 732-267-6232. (24)

Garage Sale

Auto For Sale

2004 Kia Amanti - Great condition. New tune up and fuel injectors. 33,500 miles. $3,200. Call 732-793-2108. (25)

Items For Sale

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

Misc.

Take notice that in accordance with N.J.S.A. 39:10-16*, application has been made to the Chief Administrator of the Motor Vehicle Commission, Trenton, New Jersey, to receive title papers authorizing and the issuance of a New Jersey certification of ownership for, 2004, Nissan, VIN Number JN8DR09Y94W904212. Objections, if any, should be made in writing, immediately in writing to the Chief Administrator of the Motor Vehicle Commission, Special Title Unit, P.O. Box 017, Trenton, New Jersey, 08666-0017. (26)

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)

CASH, CASH, CASH! - Instant cash paid for junk cars, trucks, vans. Free removal of any metal items. Discount towing. Call Dano 732-239-3949. (t/n)

Don't pawn your coins - Call me first. I pay more. Old coins, currency. Will cash in your change. Chris 848-210-7372. (23)

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

(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 -

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)

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)

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)

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 = $ Total = $

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

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 TOWN ZIP

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.

around the JerSey Shore

Looking Back On April At Ocean Health Initiatives

NEW JERSEY – OHI is plunging head-first into the spring season with a stunning lineup of events for their patients and their community. As they headed into their twentieth year of service, OHI hosted multiple vaccine drives and giveaways in parcel with their mission to promote health and wellness through preventive medicine.

On April 8, OHI launched their second annual Easter in the Square event. In partnership with the Lakewood Police Department, NJ Department of Health, JetBlue, and the All Saints Episcopal Church, OHI gave out hundreds of prizes to local families including coloring books, crayons, blankets, and toys with a rocking playlist to get the vibes going. Children’s bikes were also given to the winners of a hula hoop contest and egg races. OHI extends its gratitude for the donations given by BMI and Project Linus that helped make these giveaways possible. On top of this, OHI provided free COVID tests and vaccines as well as flu shots and blood pressure and glucose screenings to anyone interested at the event. Thankfully, 53 vaccines were admin-

istered on that day, which helps to lower the risk of preventable diseases.

Later that month, OHI hosted its Loads of Love “Spring Clean” Event in partnership with Aetna Better Health and Project Linus on April 29. Doing the laundry can be a tedious chore; but OHI pumped up the jam with a DJ and loads of giveaways including blankets, laundry bags, and sixty free loads of laundry to make it a lot better. COVID and flu vaccines were also taken advantage of at this event. With Aetna in attendance, 36 families registered for NJ Family Care, a publicly funded health insurance program for people who can’t otherwise access insurance.

OHI has a big roster of events planned for the rest of this year so make sure to check out their socials for the scoop on where they’ll be next! Ocean Health Initiatives is a nonprofit, federally qualified health center in Ocean and Monmouth County that provides high quality care to anyone who walks through their doors, regardless of their ability to pay. To schedule an appointment, visit ohinj.org today!

─Photo courtesy OHI

photo oF the week

As Memorial Day kicks off the official start of summer, there’s excitement growing at the Jersey Shore. Recently, Norah and Henry Wilson were having some fun at sunset, wading, and catching snails at the

Manasquan Reservoir in Howell. Now, their grandfather Patrick Garaffa, will be able to take them to a Jersey Shore BlueClaws game on us! Want to win tickets? Send your shore pix to photos@jerseyshoreonline.com

Government 0fficials... Have news that you would like the community to be involved with? Let everyone know by placing a news release in this paper! Send it to news@jerseyshoreonline.com.

F un & G ames S udoku

Crossword p uzzle

40 Scam targets

41 *Singer who’s the namesake of the high school in “Grease”

43 Rapper Lil __ X

44 Poirot’s pals

45 “To recap ... “

47 Small point

48 Pedestal or plinth

51 Wedding vow

54 One who might use one of the ends of the answers to starred clues

59 SeaWorld tanks

62 Collectibles from afar

63 Happening now 64 Med. imaging procedure

65 Bob and weave 66 Medical ins. plan 67 Denver-to-Wichita dir.

Down

2 “The Name Game”

(c)2023 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.

SolutionS

32 Judd of country

33 Scope

35 “Frozen” reindeer

36 Guitarist Lofgren

37 Org. in many civil rights cases

39 Short muscles?

42 God, in Grenoble

46 Tic Tacs, e.g.

48 Yawning, perhaps

49 Essential acid

50 Minor arguments

52 Prepare for takeoff, as a frosty windshield

53 Aquatic predators

54 “The Alienist” author Caleb

55 Field for this puzzle’s theme

56 Possible cause of student nervousness

57 Revolution prefix

58 Hamlet, by birth

59 Allentown : “Alas!” :: Altenburg : “__!”

60 Sine __ non

61 Ocean State sch.

Omarr’s Astrological Forecast

For the week of MAY 27 - june 2

By Jeraldine Saunders

ARIES (March 21-April 19): You may be tempted to compromise your values in the week to come. When challenged to negotiate favorable terms, you avoid doing anything in the heat of the moment that goes against your integrity.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) : Stay on track. Someone may try to guilt you into ignoring your own insightful ideas. Don’t let anyone or anything divert your attention from working toward accomplishing your ambitions in the upcoming week.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Make headway with your ideas as this week unfolds. Take steps to insure you are known as someone who is persistent, follows through on promises and gets the job done. Remain crystal clear about your expectations.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): You could underestimate your abilities in the week ahead. Having a strong partner may bring mixed blessings if you let yourself feel less competent by comparison. Focus on ways to make money and fulfill existing commitments.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Find additional benefits as you travel your career path. In the week ahead, you might enjoy improved working conditions or work on a special project that gives you lasting comfort. Follow the rules to keep a partner happy.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You might feel that someone is blowing off your concerns or taking you for granted. Rather than brooding over these things, support your own well-being. Focus on uplifting your spiritual practice as the week unfolds.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Help yourself with one hand and help others with the other one. Whenever you grow overly ambitious, remember you are part of a team. This week you may be called upon to help a coworker or sort out a compromise.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Stick to your convictions even when someone else tries to stick holes in them. In the week to come, let other people know where you stand. Avoid offering advice on any subjects outside your sphere of experience.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Family needs may come first but ambitions are not far behind. Your job or a project may take up more time than usual in the week ahead. A partner can inspire you to work harder to attain material success.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You might be riveted on what makes things tick and how you can use self-knowledge to get ahead. The goals on your mind are entirely achievable this week because there should be plenty of people eager to help.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): If plagued by uncertainty, focus on trusting yourself. It may be impossible to achieve perfection in the week ahead, but you can do your best. Face up to obligations and perform necessary tasks.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): One step at a time. Your imagination may be unleashed, so you might think there are no limits to what you can accomplish in the week ahead. Someone could be ready to remind you to take baby steps first.

THIS DRINK IS JUST THE THING TO COOL YOU OFF IN THE HEAT OF SUMMER

By America’s Test Kitchen

WATERMELON AGUA FRESCA

Serves 4 to 6 (Makes about 6 cups)

8 cups (1-inch pieces) seedless watermelon (2 1/2 pounds)

2 cups water

1/4 cup lime juice, squeezed from 2 limes, plus lime wedges for serving

2 tablespoons honey

1/8 teaspoon salt

Ice

Fresh mint leaves (optional)

1. Place a fine-mesh strainer over a pitcher; set aside.

2. Add half of the chopped watermelon and half of the water to a blender jar. Place lid on top of blender and hold firmly in place with a folded dish

towel. Process until smooth, about 30 seconds.

3. Pour mixture into a fine-mesh strainer set over a pitcher. Use a rubber spatula to stir and press on watermelon bits to get out as much juice as possible. Discard the solids in the strainer.

4. Repeat blending and straining in Steps 2 and 3 with the second half of the watermelon and water.

5. Add lime juice, honey and salt to the pitcher. Use a rubber spatula to stir until well combined.

6. To serve, place ice in glasses and pour agua fresca over ice. Add a lime wedge and mint (if using) to each glass.

Note: Agua fresca can be refrigerated for up to five days; stir to recombine before serving.

(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.