2023-05-27 - The Toms River Times

Retired Cops, Public Invited To Celebrate Department’s Past

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.

Arno Michaelis was the keynote speaker at a leadership conference at Ocean County College, held in

hopes to inspire kids to be kind and compassionate. (Hate - See Page 5)

Power In The Pines Air Show Takes Flight Again After 5 Years

Retired police officers had a walkout ceremony to celebrate their service.

By Chris Lundy TOMS RIVER –

When police officers sign off on their last shift before retiring,

there’s often a walkout ceremony, when they leave the building for the last time and are recognized by a row

of their peers before entering civilian life. Many retired officers, still local, got a chance to do that at an event

welcoming them back, and asking the public to share in their history. The unfortunate rainy (Cops - See Page 4)

Inspiration Comes In Waves

For Lifeguard Who Lost Part Of

By Stephanie Faughnan

MANAHAWKIN -

Megan Misurelli, 22, has always felt a profound connection to the water, finding a sense of sanctuary within its depths. However, the 2023 Albright College graduate also understands the immense power the aquat-

Her Hand

ic world holds, where tranquility and danger coexist.

As an accomplished competitive swimmer for both Donovan Catholic and Albright College, Misurelli’s bond with the water ran deep. Her relentless pursuit of excellence and disciplined commitment clearly

demonstrated the young woman’s unwavering determination and resilience.

Beginning in the summer of 2020, Misurelli decided to put her affinity for the water and her desire to help people to work. She went through (Lifeguard - See Page 6)

By Andrey Nalbantov

LAKEHURST – It took more than 20 minutes to go the last mile to get into Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (MDL) Sunday morning - watching the

same traffic light turn red three times in a row – because of how many carloads of people were going to see the Power in the Pines show. After waiting five years, waiting even longer due (Flight - See Page 12)

DIRECT CREMATION $1995

Includes: arrangement conference, removal from place of death, alternative container Batesville ccbmdfc, transfer to crematory, crematory fee

“We are dedicated to exceeding expectations and delivering a standard of service that is 100% guaranteed.”

─Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Arnold Michaelis is a former white supremacist who

─Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Megan Misurelli feels alive at the beach and has a profound connection to the water

U.S. Air Force photo Staff Sgt. Sabatino DiMascio A KC-10 Tanker and C-17 Globemaster III demonstrate in-air refueling.

─ Photo by Chris Lundy

Cops: Continued From

Page 1

weather didn’t stop the officers from heading out of the headquarters to applause from friends and family. Police Chief Mitch Little greeted them as they passed. They walked over paving stones which had names of officers, their badge number, and their years of service.

“We wanted to remember all of the veteran officers who made their mark in this place,” Little said. “They never really got an official walkout.”

After the ceremony, everyone went inside to take a stroll down memory lane. Hallways in the front of the building have been redesigned as a museum celebrating the history of the department. The stories run the gamut from the riots in Lakewood to the theft of a Ronald McDonald statue.

Different portions mark different eras, and large panels explain the different units, like K-9. Screens cycle through old photos. There are a few shots of buildings that used to house the police.

Installations show uniforms, weapons, gear, and more artifacts.

Included in these displays are Little’s father’s own weapon, and the want ad he replied to when he got the job. A 1972 photo shows the Ocean County Prosecutor checking out the radar in a cruiser. That prosecutor was future mayor Thomas Kelaher. There’s an article in the New York Sunday News about their new uniforms in 1969, showcasing Chief Rick Clement.

A great help in assembling these photos came from Detective Charlie Dallago, who had assembled a yearbook previously, Little said.

The department will be communicating with schools and groups like scouts to provide tours, he said. They might even create educational material for them.

One of the plaques dedicates the fitness center to Detective Mark J. Catalano, who inspired many officers to reach fitness goals. Written on it is a fitting quote from the classic movie “The Sandlot,” where Babe Ruth inspires with the line “Heroes get remembered, but legends never die.”

─Photo by Chris Lundy

Police Chief Mitch Little shows off some of the displays of old gear in the museum. Some of it belonged to his father, Deputy Chief Robert J. Little.

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 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 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 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 Chica-

go. 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.”

Lifeguard:

Continued From Page 1

rigorous training to join Harvey Cedars Beach Patrol as a lifeguard. She was thrilled to return to the same position in 2021 and has been back every summer since.

Misurelli encountered a major twist of fate on July 5, 2021, one of the busiest beach days of the season. As a result of a hurri-

cane swell, rip tides emerged, causing a number of swimmers to be pulled towards the buoys and away from the watchful eye of the lifeguards.

Fearlessly charging into the water with a rescue board, Misurelli brought in two sets of swimmers to the shallow end as she headed out for a bigger group.

With her focus intent on ensuring the safety of others, Misurelli didn’t realize she was bleeding profusely. A razor-sharp strap on

the fiberglass board had ruthlessly severed a portion of the top of her right hand.

Misurelli still finds some of the events that followed to be a bit uncanny. Although her sister Melissa was a lifeguard in Ship Bottom, she just happened to be in Harvey Cedars when the accident happened. Somehow, her parents made it from Manahawkin to LBI in just seven minutes.

“A plastic surgeon who lives on the beach I was guarding that day called my mom,”

shared Misurelli. “He said he heard what happened and wanted to help.”

According to Misurelli, Dr. Frank Cimminello made arrangements for her to meet with one of his partners, a hand surgeon. Two operations later and lots of physical therapy have resulted in a return to complete mobility.

From the beginning, Misurelli made it clear she had no intentions of being a victim. She returned to the swim team as soon as she had the go-ahead. The injury required the determined young woman to initially use her fist as she did the freestyle stroke. Misurelli also wasn’t allowed to dive into the water because of the pressure. Other swimmers were four body lengths ahead of Misurelli when the races first started.

“That season I was undefeated all year,” shared Misurelli. “And I couldn’t even dive in.”

As if excelling at one sport wasn’t enough, Misurelli decided to take up tennis and made the varsity team. Amazingly, she’d only played before with her family as a pastime during COVID.

Meanwhile, Misurelli devised a way to make sure she turned in her academic papers on time. The challenge was figuring out how to type them with a 20 pound cast on her dominant hand that went all the way up to her shoulder.

“I would type with my left hand, and voice audio everything,” Misurelli said. “It all took an unbelievably long time, but I was determined to get it done.”

Despite facing a major challenge that could have changed the course of her life, Megan refused to let the incident define her. Instead, she drew upon its power to propel herself towards a future full of promise and possibility.

The young woman not only received her Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry and biotechnology, but she also authored and presented several research papers and was selected by the president of Albright College to give a keynote address at graduation.

Misurelli spoke of the challenges she encountered as a result of the accident. The young woman also told a story that summed up the reasons she equated wishes and flying as a metaphor for her life’s journey in the present time.

“I slowly retaught myself things I believed were innate behaviors,” shared Misurelli. “In short, I had to learn how to fly again. So, I started over. Trauma, I’ve learned, makes you intensely aware of the present moment in slow time and allowed me to appreciate everything.”

As she continued speaking at the commencement, she said that a wise man once told her that in this life, each of us are born twice.

“The first birth is the day you were born,” Misurelli continued. “The second birth is the day you find your purpose.”

The next time she flies again will be in August as she heads to Saint James School of Medicine in Anguilla. The journey comes with a clear purpose in mind - to fulfill a strong woman’s calling as a doctor in a third world country, where she can provide essential assistance to underserved communities in need.

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

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

We Welcome Letters To The Editor!

The Toms River 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

reject letters.

The weekly deadline is 5 p.m.

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

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

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

Package Of Bills To Support Veterans After Suicide

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Van Drew introduced three pieces of legislation - the Andrew Thomas McCaffrey Green Star Veterans Service Act, the Green Star Families Act, and the Veterans’ Telecommunications Protection Act - aimed to bring awareness of veteran suicide and to ease the burden of costs for veterans’ organizations.

“Andrew Thomas McCaffrey was a brave and fearless man who served his country in Afghanistan. Far too often, our veterans do not receive the care they need when they return from service, and tragically lose their lives to suicide,” said Congressman Van

Drew. “The Andrew Thomas McCaffrey Green Stars Veterans Service Act is a tribute to veterans like Andrew McCaffrey and provides a symbol of recognition and support for family members affected by veteran suicide. Each year, we lose thousands of veterans to suicide - we must allocate necessary funding and resources to fight for our veterans when they leave service, just as they have fought for all of us.

“This package of bills recognizes all of the dedicated and selfless veterans across our nation and will bring awareness to the terrible tragedy of suicide. In Congress, we must

invest in our veterans’ mental health and provide support to those who have lost their loved ones,” added Congressman Van Drew.

“Recognizing the existence of a problem is the first step towards finding a solution. By acknowledging the importance of the Green Star Service Flag, we take the first official step towards addressing the issue of veteran suicide,” said Matt Cahill, founder of Green Star Families of America.

The Andrew Thomas McCaffrey Green Star Veterans Service Act is named in memory of Andrew Thomas McCaffrey, who served in Afghanistan, to bring awareness and support

for those who have lost loved ones to suicide. It directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to designate a Green Star Flag for next of kin of veterans who die by suicide.

The Green Star Families Act establishes a counseling program through the Veterans Affairs Department for families and caregivers of veterans deceased as the result of suicide, at no cost to them.

The Veterans’ Telecommunications Protection Act requires providers of cable services and telephone services to charge veterans’ organizations residential rates for such services.

Federal Oversight Could Have Prevented Bank Failures

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 press-

ing 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.

ALL ABOUT SUNGLASSES

Sunglasses have a difficult job protecting our eyes from the damaging UV rays of the sun in every season, and for some, every day. When purchasing sunglasses, make sure they have 100 percent UV protection, which will also filter out UVB rays. Wraparound lenses will provide the most protection from both sunshine and sun glare. They also have the added benefit of protecting the soft tissue around eyes, which may help avoid fine lines and wrinkles. Many people have more than one pair of sunglasses and/or a favorite pair, but sunglasses don’t last forever. According to recent studies, even in the most well-made pair of lenses, the UV protection will likely degrade over time.

In addition to the UV-blocking properties, anti-reflective and anti-scratch coatings wear down, and the frame material may become brittle over the years, too. Even if you have the most durable sunglasses available, regular lens-replacement is the best way to ensure that your vision is maximally protected from the harmful effects of ultraviolet light. SIGHTMD NEW JERSEY SUSSKIND & ALMALLAH EYE ASSOCIATES offers a full range of care for your eyes, from yearly vision exams to the treatment of medical eye conditions. To make an appointment, please call 732-349-5622.

P.S. Surprisingly, the darkness of sunglasses lenses does not have anything to do with the amount of protection they provide from sun damage.

MARLBORO (732) 972-1015

TOMS RIVER (732) 349-5622

BRICK (732) 477-6981

www.oceancountyeye.com

BARNEGAT (609) 698-2020

Local Pets Available For Adoption

─Photo courtesy Toms River Animal Shelter

TOMS RIVER – Pets like this one is available at the Toms River Animal Shelter.

Bentley is a very smart boy who knows who to sit, paw, and are working on lay down. He’s a super sweet boy who just loves love. He

was surrendered to the shelter with his three siblings when their owner was no longer to take care of them.

For more information, call 732341-1000 or visit tomsrivertownship.com/155/Animal-Control-Services

EPA Environmental Youth Award Goes To Katie Culbert

TOMS RIVER – First the governor’s award, now the president’s. High School North’s Katie Culbert’s latest scientific recognition is the President’s Environmental Youth Award, from the Environmental Protection Agency.

With the honeybee population threatened by climate change, Kaitlyn – known as the “Bee Girl” at Toms River High School North in Toms River, New Jersey – decided to take matters into her own hands by studying and protecting honeybees as both a researcher and activist.

In coordination with Rutgers and Stockton Universities, Katie implemented a scientific study of Varroa mites, the leading killer of honeybees, and is currently developing a regression analysis to predict Colony Collapse Disorder. Perhaps more importantly, Katie understands that research is useless unless put into action, so she has combined her work in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) with local initiatives, collecting donations to create the 4-H Busy Bees Beekeeping Club.

As a certified beekeeper herself, Kaitlyn leads the club by teaching young people about honeybees and how they can be protected. In coordination with club members, 4-H Teens, and the Master Gardeners, she also secured a 2,500-square-foot pollinator garden and maintains it for local honeybee health.

Kaitlyn understands the critical role honeybees play in our ecosystem, and her plans for pollinator protection has only just begun. She intends to build additional gardens for honeybees throughout Ocean County Park, and this year she will serve as the “New Jersey Honey Queen,” traveling around the state to educate the public on beekeeping and the honeybee industry. Thanks to efforts like hers, the threatened honeybee population has a chance to survive, and even thrive, in a climate-evolving world.

─Photo courtesy Toms River Schools

Gift

609.857.6000 • PO Box 211 • Lanoka Harbor, NJ

JUNE 11 PHILLIES VS. DODGERS $144/pp

JUNE 22 THE JERSEY TENORS AT TROPICANA $99/pp

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

JULY 15 MEDIEVAL TIMES LYNDHURST, NJ $129/pp

JULY 27 SMOKEY ROBINSON TRIBUTE AT CAESARS $105/pp

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

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

AUG. 8-9 2 DAY BARBARA & FRANK TBE CONCERT THAT NEVER WAS AT RESORTS

CATSKILLS CASINO $232/pp Dbl.Occ.

AUG. 9 FUNNY GIRL ON BROADWAY $276/pp

Includes Lunch before show & Orch Seat.

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

Includes Lunch before show & Orch Seat.

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

Includes Lunch before show & Orch Seat.

AUG. 19 YANKEE VS. RED SOX’S

Includes covered seating, Hot Dog, Drink.

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

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

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

SEPT. 4-7 4 DAY NEWPORT & BLOCK ISLAND $1179/pp Dbl.Occ.

SEPT. 11-17 7 DAY MYRTLE BEACH

$1399/pp. Dbl.Occ.

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

SEPT. 12 MOSES AT SIGHT & SOUND $144/pp

Lunch Included at Shady Maple & a center Orchestra Seat.

OCT. 1-3 3 DAY HAMPTONS RICH & FAMOUS TOUR

OCT. 16-20 5 FAY MAINE FALL FOLIAGE ADVENTURE

OCT. 25-27 3 DAY SALEM HAUNTED HAPPENINGS ADVENTURE

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

Please call for details.

Always Included Bottled Water & Snacks, Company Escort, All Gratuities

Bus Departures Toms River (Exit 81 West Water Street NJT Station) • Brick Target (Route 70)

Please Visit Our Website for All Upcoming Trips & Itineraries

Flight: Continued From Page 1

to traffic built up the anticipation.

Saturday’s weather was rainy, which made even more people pile into the event on Sunday. Even though the base opened its gates for the event at 9 a.m., the enthusiastic visitors were already preparing to swarm each one of the three entrances in order to get inside quicker.

Hundreds upon hundreds were gathered and impatiently waiting for the already massive lines in front of the security check-up to clear so they could finally go in, and again enjoy an event that they have been missing for the past five years to return.

Finally, after five years and close to an hour in line, the Power in the Pines event was back. The reasons for the long hiatus were the COVID-19 pandemic, and two very important operations that the MDL base was in use for: “Allies Refuge” and “Allies Welcome.” During the time those operations were active, the base served as a safe haven for the Afghan evacuees.

This year the event carried the slogan “On The Wings of Community,” and according to U.S. Air Force Major Virginia Kelaher, it’s an attempt to bring the joint base closer to the towns surrounding it.

“This is a chance for the community to see what we actually do every day,” said Kelaher. “They hear our planes and see our vehicles, but do not often get to interact with us.”

And they definitely got to interact with

military personnel – in addition to seeing and hearing the vehicles.

The main area of the event was filled with different military displays, from massive aircrafts like the C130T Hercules - which carries cargo - to WWII vehicles and props, to the first-time addition of a full STEM display.

Once 11:30 a.m. came around, the whole base went into silence. A military orchestra began their set. The National Anthem rang in the air, for a moment as if everyone around the orchestra froze in time.

Moments later the main event began, a F-16 Viper Demo Team opened the first act of the show.

Followed by them were the U.S. Army Golden Knights. The demonstration parachute team also was Kelaher’s favorite part of the event. The reason for that was because she was a part of the team 10 years ago during an air show.

Then one o’clock hit, and a short quick aircraft began ascending the sky until it suddenly disappeared. Moments later a loud bang shook everyone and the same exact aircraft tore through the air.

The plane in question is an F-15C from the Massachusetts Air National Guard, and it created an adrenaline-pumping and ear drums-popping show for all the attendants. As the public announcer said, “The pilot of the plane set the bar high and kept it high.”

And while the lines for the main entrance often took hours to clear out, the smiles and amazed looks from the public showed that it was worth the wait.

Cake Decorating For Teens

TOMS RIVER – Cake is tasty, and an artfully-decorated one can make your mouth water before your first bite. Teens aged 13 to 18 can learn the art of cake decoration in a three-part program at the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch.

The series takes place June 8, July 13 and August 10, all starting at 6 p.m. They’ll be led by YA Librarian Keira Clay, known for cake decorating skills during three years at Murphy’s Marketplace in Tabernacle.

Teens will learn how to make and prepare icing colors, how to fill a piping bag, and how to master decorating techniques, then will decorate their own individual lunch box cakes.

All materials will be provided. Be sure to “dress for a mess.” Each workshop can hold a maximum of six attendees. Register at theoceancountylibrary.org/ events for each program in this free series, sponsored by Friends of the Ocean County Library – Toms River.

5th Annual Toms River PRIDE

10 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Come meet your TR#1 Firefighters cooking up some burgers and dogs!

732-355-3315

─Photo courtesy Ocean County Library

TOMS RIVER – The 5th Annual Toms River Pride on Washington Street in Downtown Toms River will be on June

South Pole Vaulters Take First At OC

─Photo courtesy Toms River Schools

Evan, who will be attending Georgian Court University in the fall, scored a 13-6; Ray (James Madison University) a 12-6; and Tim (Stockton University) a 11-6. Congratulations, boys!

TOMS RIVER – High School South’s pole-vaulting team of Evan Burnett, Ray Gardner, and Tim O’Donnell took first place at the Ocean County Relays.

Teacher Appreciation Week

A REVERSE MORTGAGE HAS HELPED THOUSANDS OF SENIORS, COULD IT BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

Final decisions are important ones - especially when it comes to retirement. And when it comes to considering a reverse mortgage, it’s important that you work with someone who will not only listen carefully to your needs and understand your goals, but also assist you in making the decision as to whether a reverse mortgage is right for you.

With the most up-to-date education and highest ethical standards, as a Certified Reverse Mortgage Professional (CRMP), I have the experience and knowledge that you deserve as you consider a reverse mortgage. I will gladly meet you and your trusted advisor.

TOMS RIVER – During Teacher Appreciation Week, all staff at High School South enjoyed special surprises including gift card raffles, personalized Indian mugs, and thank you notes from students.

South was especially appreciative of several downtown businesses including Taco-Tastic, A Thyme for All Seasons, Uncle Dood’s, Capone’s, Safu Sushi, and Tommy Boy’s Cafe that showed support for the staff by donating delicious food!

OCC Foundation To Honor Jon H. Larson At Scholarship Celebration

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County College Foundation will host the 2023 Scholarship Celebration on June 23 at 6 p.m. on the OCC main campus in Toms River. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available now. The annual open-tent event on the college’s Campus Mall is an opportunity for the Foundation to honor extraordinary individuals in the community while raising crucial funds to help students in Ocean County fulfill their dreams of a college education. This year, the Foundation will honor OCC President Jon H. Larson, Ph.D. in recognition of his many years of dedicated service to Ocean County College, its students, and the greater Ocean County community.

The evening’s festivities will feature a sumptuous gourmet buffet and a silent auction, with all proceeds from the celebration benefiting the mission of the Foundation. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities and to pur-

chase tickets, visit go.ocean.edu/gala.

The Ocean County College Foundation is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to the growth and development of Ocean County College through scholarships, endowments, and capital and special projects. Since 1965, the Foundation has provided support for thousands of deserving students in our community. Through the generosity of its donors, the Foundation has awarded more than $19.5 million in direct scholarship and special program support, and continues to provide assistance across the college community in truly impactful ways, including funding for the Helping Hands Food Pantry, the Blauvelt Speaker Series, the Grunin Center for the Arts, the Global Travel Experience, Veterans Affairs, the Novins Planetarium, the Citta Sailing Center, Viking Athletics, and many more college and student-led initiatives. Learn more at go.ocean.edu/foundation.

P.O. BOX 1991 • TOMS RIVER 08754-1991 | VISIT OUR WEBSITE: moranotours.net 1982 – 2023 CELEBRATING 41 YEARS OF AFFORDABLE TOURS DAY TRIPS

WED. JUNE 14 DAY IN CAPE MAY, N.J. $99. INCLUDES LUNCH AT LOBSTER HOUSE AND HISTORIC DISTRICT TROLLEY TOUR.

SUN. JUNE. 25 WIND CREEK CASINO BETHLEHEM, PA. ONLY $44. GUESTS RECEIVE $30. SLOT PLAY. MANY NEW SLOTS and GAMES!

SAT. JULY. 22 NEW YORK YANKEES VS. K.C. ROYALS GOOD SEATS $133. Best way to see a game at Yankee Stadium.

THURS. JULY. 27 SIGHT & SOUND THEATER “MOSES” $139. MAIN FLOOR SEATS. INCLUDES BUFFET LUNCH AT SHADY MAPLE. CALL FOR DATE A BEAUTIFUL NOISE $175. THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL 2 PM SHOW – orchestra seats.

WED. AUG. 2 MJ THE MICHAEL JACKSON MUSICAL - orchestra seats $189.

2023 MULTI-DAY TOURS

JULY 11-13 3 DAY FINGER LAKES, N.Y. $675.

WE ARE A SPORTS TRAINING FACILITY

We specialize in:

Basketball Training and Speed & Agility

We also have activities such as:

• Pickleball

• 55+ Open Gym

• Tournaments & leagues for all ages

• Full Operating Gym

• Open from 6am-11pm

Narrated tour of the scenic, wine making region including BELHURST CASTLE DINNER and TASTING, Plus, ROSE HILL MANSION and SENECA LAKE BOAT CRUISE. Includes 2 nts. lake side hotel, 2 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners. Nice summer getaway! SEPT. 17-20 4 DAY COASTAL MAINE $749. ENJOY 3 NTS. AT A BEACHFRONT MOTEL IN CHARMING OLD ORCHARD BEACH. VISIT KENNEBUNKPORT, PORTLAND’S LIGHT HOUSE, CASCO BAY CRUISE. 5 MEALS INCLUDING A LOBSTER BAKE.

NOV. 28-DEC. 5 8 DAY PUNTA CANA, D.R. ALL INCLUSIVE ONLY $1850. INCLUDES NON- STOP AIRFARE, AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION FROM TOMS RIVER, 7 NTS AT A SPRAWLING, BEACHFRONT HOTEL. ALL MEALS, DRINKS, SHOWS AND TAXES.

Some dates and prices are subject to change. INCLUDES DELUXE MOTORCOACH TRANSPORTATION. OVERNIGHT TOUR PRICES INCLUDE HOTELS AND ARE PER PERSON DBL. OCC. TOMS RIVER DEPARTURES. FREE PARKING AVAILABLE. CALL FOR FREE BROCHURE (732) 278 - 2059

─Photo courtesy Toms River Schools

Dr. Izzy’s

Sound

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

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

Over-The-Counter (OTCs) Hearing Aids Revisited

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

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

S. SAINI, DO

AREAS OF INTEREST

• Total shoulder arthroplasty (Anatomic and Reverse)

• ACL/PCL reconstruction

• Complex knee ligamentous reconstruction

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.

• Knee cartilage preservation surgery (OATs/MACI/HTO Meniscal Transplant)

• Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair Shoulder instability (Arthroscopic and open)

• Hip Arthroscopy

• Ankle Arthroscopy

• Robotic total knee arthroplasty

MD & RESIDENCY: Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine

FELLOWSHIP: New England Baptist Hospital

Deborah Specialty Physicians Office Opens Toms River

By Bob Vosseller

The Jersey Shore now has a large cardiology practice based in Toms River Township on Route 37 that will provide a wide variety of necessary services at a convenient location.

Deborah Specialty Physicians officially opened with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony and showcased its new office located at 599 Route 37 West. The township-based facility will provide advanced diagnostic and treatment options in cardiac and vascular care and a convenient community setting for accessing high-quality cardiovascular care and is affiliated with Deborah Heart and Lung Center based in Browns Mills, Burlington County. Deborah Specialty Physicians operates several satellite offices in various counties.

In attendance at the ribbon-cutting ceremony were Toms River Mayor Maurice Hill, Deborah CEO and President Joseph Chirichella, Cardiologist Dr. James Pasquariello, Ocean County Health Department Director of Administration and Program Development/ 9th District Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf, Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce representative Monique Speedy, Ocean County Business Development, Tourism Division Director Sandra Lazzaro and Ocean County Commissioner Barbara Jo Crea.

Dr. Pasquariello said, “it is an assembly of a number of very experienced physicians in the area. We can provide for the patient everything from the basic initial evaluation all the way to a full examination and with proximity to Deborah, we can access additional cardio-surgical capabilities.”

“The mission here is to have access to the best cardiac care from soup to nuts. I’ve been in practice in the area for over 40 years and many of us on the primary cardiology side have an average experience of 30 years,” Dr. Pasquariello added. He said, “this gives us both a presence here in the community and is convenient for our patients who don’t have to go all the way to Deborah for follow up care or even initial care. For some who are older it is difficult to get around, they don’t want to drive as far so we have all of that right here.”

Dr. Pasquariello said that the

office has four to five primary cardiologists and many specialists.

Chirichella said opening the new office took “about a year between the design process, the approval process and construction. We had our share of supply chain issues.”

“One of the things I am most proud of as CEO is our staff. They are very engaged, very well-trained, both the physicians and support staff, be it the technical staff doing procedural testing or the office staff, I am very proud of the work they do,” he added.

“This is a great location, and is our largest and most full-service office. We have eight offices in Ocean, Burlington, Mercer and Atlantic counties. We are wide spread and have a good coverage area. It takes 20 doctors to staff those eight offices,” Chirichella said.

He noted that patients, “want their care locally available. They want to call and get an appointment in a relatively short period of time. They don’t want to wait months to get in and that is what this is really all about, our being

in the community and being part of the community.”

“We are here to provide comprehensive quality care in the community. We have many physicians here that have all come together to provide that really high-quality care close to home,” Janet Bennett, Deborah Vice President of Cardiology Services said.

“We are really growing and adding more and more for our patients. The staff is really excited. We’ve been open for about a month now but this is our celebration to make it official,” Bennett added, The event featured tours of the new facility and an opportunity to meet the physicians who will staff the office. The office has diagnostic testing including EKG, echocardiograms, holter monitoring, pacemaker device management, exercise stress testing, nuclear testing and vascular ultrasound.

The 6,894 square foot office features 10 exam rooms, seven cardiovascular diagnostic testing rooms, easy visitor access through two sets of elevators and ample parking.

The team of Deborah specialists practicing at the new facility include cardiologists Dr. Victor Bacani, Dr. Joseph Guarino, Dr. James Pasquariello and Dr. Kock-Yen Tsang.

Dr. Burak Arkonac serves in interventional cardiology while Dr. Raffaele Corbisiero and Dr. Johnathan Krathen serve in the electrophysiology department.

Dr. Cynthia Kos serves in the Advanced Heart Failure department and the Vascular department is staffed by doctors Gregory Domer, Vijay Kamath and Saman Safadjou.

Rumpf remarked, “Deborah, thank you so much for choosing to locate here in Toms River. We understand the critical nature of cardiac care and the value that you are going to provide to our communities, not that you haven’t already by virtue of the hospital being a stone’s throw away in Burlington County but thank you for the close access for our residents in Ocean County.”

“We are very excited to have you,” Speedy said as she presented a certificate to the office.

“I am not new to Deborah as I

trusted my father’s life to the fabulous Dr. Pasquariello. We welcome you to this new one stop location,” Lazzaro said.

Commissioner Crea said, “on a personal level let me thank you for all that you have done. My history too is that my husband was a patient in your hospital in Browns Mills - you took excellent care of him.”

Toms River Mayor Hill reviewed the hospital’s history noting, “Deborah was originally founded in New York City by philanthropist Doris Shapiro in 1922 and interestingly it was for tuberculous and was a sanitarium. She was looking for an area where there would be open pine air and found a site in Browns Mills that was within driving distance from New York City.”

The Deborah Specialty Physicians at Toms River office combines the talents of 11 specialists who have staff privileges at Deborah Heart and Lung Center.

The office is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Appointments can be made by calling 609-836-6622 or by going online at DeborahSpecialists.com.

– Photos By Bob Vosseller Deborah CEO and President Joseph Chirichella, at left, joins Cardiologist Dr. James Pasquariello, Greater Tomes River Chamber of Commerce representative Monique Speedy, Toms River Mayor Maurice Hill who is about to cut the ribbon, Ocean County Health Department Director of Administration and Program Development/ 9th District Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf, Ocean County Business Development, Tourism Division Director Sandra Lazzaro and Ocean County Commissioner Barbara Jo Crea take part in the grand opening ceremony of Deborah Specialty Physicians.

The newly opened Deborah Specialty Physicians office is located at 599 Route 37 West in Toms River Township.

Teacher Arrested On Child Endangerment Charges

By Chris Lundy

TOMS RIVER – A teacher at Intermediate North was arrested for taking nude pictures of himself inside a classroom before posting them on social media. He is also accused of sending inappropriate images of himself to a student last year.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer confirmed 48-year-old Kyle Banner of Brick Township is suspended from his teaching job without pay. He was charged with Official Misconduct and three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

Police said that on Monday, April 23, administrators at Toms River Intermediate North were alerted that Banner, a teacher at both that school and Ocean County College, posted pornographic photographs of himself to his public Twitter profile. Investigators learned that students had viewed the these images on Twitter.

The photographs were taken in his classroom, police said. Detectives also recovered numerous images of Banner engaging in sexual conduct with himself in his classroom at Toms River Intermediate North. During the course of the investigation, detectives also discovered that Banner sent inappropriate photographs of himself to a student via Snapchat in October of 2022.

On the day the accusations were made, Toms River Superintendent Michael Citta sent a letter to Intermediate North

parents stating “Toms River Schools administration and my office have been made aware of the allegations of inappropriate behavior and conduct from an employee. The employee was immediately removed from the school, and information was turned over to law enforcement for investigation.”

“Please know that the safety and well-being of our students remains our number one responsibility, and any support you may need will be made available to you,” he added.

“I would encourage parents to have a conversation with their children if they had this defendant as a teacher. If anyone has additional information regarding this investigation, please contact Detective Graham Borg of the Toms River Township Police Department at 732-349-0150, or Detective Stephanie Bayha of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-929-2027, extension 3861,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.

Billhimer thanked the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit for their efforts.

Charges are merely accusations until proven in a court of law.

Jason Allentoff contributed to this story.

R.C. Shea & Assoc. Inside The Law

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

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

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.

R. Shea Esq.

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

ESTATE SALE – Old furniture, collectibles, all gotta go. 732-267-6232. (24)

Estate Sale - 6/2 at 9 a.m. Housewares, furniture. We know you will find something. 67 Morning Glory Lane, Whiting. (25)

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)

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)

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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)

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

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)

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.

5th Grader Wins Poster Contest

TOMS RIVER – Citta School

5th grader, Jonathan Sanzaro, took first place in the Ocean County Mental Health Awareness Committee’s annual poster contest featuring the theme “What a Difference a Friend Makes.” Jonathan lives by that motto every day at school as part of Citta School’s safety patrol and by being a positive role model!

Police Investigate Three-Vehicle Crash

By Chris Lundy

TOMS RIVER – Six people were injured in a three-vehicle crash that is still under investigation, police said. The crash took place at around 7:40 p.m. on May 21 near the intersection of Route 9 and Hecht Drive.

Police said that Elvis Guadulupe Dominguez Avila (address unknown) was heading south on 9 when he lost control of his vehicle and crashed into an oncoming vehicle, forcing it off the road into a driveway exit, where it struck a third vehicle.

All six people in the vehicles were transported to local hospitals, including Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus, Community Medical Center and Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

The accident remains under investigation by the Toms River Traffic Safety Unit and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. Charges are pending at this time. Assisting at the scene were the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Ocean County Sheriff CSI, and the State Diversion team.

Seaside American Legion Post To Host Memorial Day Service

SEASIDE HEIGHTS – New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Outreach Coordinator and former American Legion Seaside Post 351 commander Chuck Robbins announced that the borough post will once again be conducting a Memorial

Day service on Sunday, May 28, at 11 a.m. The Post is located at 1400 Bay Boulevard in Seaside Heights.

Robbins will be among those speaking at the ceremony and the public is invited and strongly urged to attend this event.

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

─Photo courtesy Toms River Schools

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists, PC: Treating Everything Below The Knee

By Michael Vandenberg

Dr. Scott Amoss,

DPM, CWS

is a lot more than a “foot doctor,” as people often mistake podiatrists for. In reality, “we provide comprehensive lower extremity care,” he said. So yes, if your foot hurts, Dr. Amoss will be happy to help. However, that barely scratches the surface of all the conditions he sees and the treatments he provides.

Dr. Amoss (pronounced like “famous Amoss”) grew up in nearby Ocean Township and has been connected to the Jersey Shore community and greater New Jersey area his entire life. Originally, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in chemistry at Rutgers and spent a few years in the chemical industry. However, that feeling of wanting to make a difference in people’s lives that drives all physicians caught hold of Dr. Amoss. He liked podiatry in particular because of its ability to help people really quickly. “You can immediately have a positive impact on someone’s life. They come in pain, and can leave virtually pain free.” Scott Amoss became Doctor Scott Amoss when he graduated fourth in his class with numerous honors from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine in 2000. He then completed a two year residency focusing on orthopedic, vascular, plastic, and reconstructive surgery, in addition to training in internal and emergency medicine, dermatology, and radiology.

After that, Dr. Amoss knew it was time to go out on his own, so he opened Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists in Whiting.

17 years later, the practice is going strong and recently opened a new location in Toms River to be closer to Community Medical Center, where he’s a surgeon on staff. Critically, this new foothold also allows him, as a specialist in diabetic foot care, to help the growing diabetic community in the area.

While expanding served a logistically necessary purpose, Advanced Foot & Ankle has never lost its personal touch. You’ll never just be passed off to whichever doctor is on the clock that day, because Dr. Amoss is proud to be a solo practitioner. “The patients see me and only me,” he said.

“It’s good continuity of care.” His tight-knit support staff of seven ensures that you get the streamlined care you deserve.

That’s crucial in the field of Podiatry because, after all, things can get serious when it comes to Diabetes and foot complications. Luckily, Dr. Amoss is an Amputation Prevention Specialist as well as a Certified Wound Specialist. Less serious conditions like hammertoes, ingrown nails, bunions, and athlete’s foot can be treated in the office, often during your initial visit! “We’re very conservative,” Dr. Amoss assures future patients. “I’m surgically trained but I only like to perform surgery when all other conservative means

have been exhausted. It’s going to be painless.” He makes that possible by developing treatment plans for each specific patient.

Rest assured, Advanced Foot & Ankle is fully equipped to do so as soon as you come in. Both offices have digital X-rays so they can almost instantly see what’s going on and review it with the patient. They also have a diagnostic ultrasound to diagnose soft tissue conditions, as well as a laser for treatment of pain and neuropathy, a painful nerve condition caused by diabetes and other issues. They even offer MicroVas therapy, which gives much needed relief to patients with high levels of diabetic neuropathy, as well as vascular or PAD testing.

In addition to the most cutting edge podiatric technology, Advanced Foot & Ankle has professional-grade consumer products you need for immediate relief. They offer a great selection of diabetic shoes, for example, as well as custom-made orthotics which provide arch support and help correct the

imbalance in patients’ feet. Advanced Foot & Ankle accepts most insurance plans. (Medicare covers one pair of diabetic shoes per year!)

By having strategically-located offices, an experienced and focused staff, and tons of treatment methods and equipment at his disposal, Dr. Amoss is able to easily achieve his goal of getting you fast comfort and relief. When it comes to diseases like melanoma, for example, speed is absolutely critical. The most deadly form of skin cancer, melanoma has an especially poor prognosis on the foot because it often goes unnoticed for a long time. Dr. Amoss diagnosed several of these cases last year, which probably saved those patients’ lives.

But sometimes conditions aren’t as complicated as much as some of the larger podiatrist offices try to let on. Dr. Amoss remembers one recent patient who came in after being with one such practice. “These eight doctors had exhausted all treatment options for this individual in pain,” he said. After years of getting the runaround, they told him there was noth -

ing they could do. The patient came limping into Advanced Foot & Ankle with what Dr. Amoss diagnosed in a matter of minutes as a simple corn on the tip of his toe. “We gave him a customized foot pad which helped him tremendously, and by the next day he came in to thank us and tell us how much better he was doing,” Dr. Amoss said. “He couldn’t believe he waited and wasted several years with this other group of doctors.”

At Advanced Foot & Ankle, you’ll get fast and customized treatment from a doctor you can trust. Give them a call today at 732-350-0100 and their very accommodating staff will be able to make an appointment for you with Dr. Amoss right away. And as the “urgent care of the lower extremity,” emergency appointments are also available. Advanced Foot & Ankle is located at 400 Lacey Road in Whiting (in the Stop and Shop Shopping Center) and 601 Route 37 West, Suite 300 in Toms River (in front of the Ocean Eye Institute). Or check out their website AdvFootandAnkle. com for more information.

One of Advanced Foot & Ankle locations is 601 Route 37 West, Suite 300 in Toms River (in front of the Ocean Eye Institute)

One of Advanced Foot & Ankle locations is 601 Route 37 West, 400 Lacey Road in Whiting (in the Stop and Shop Shopping Center)

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 play-

list 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 administered 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 1 Lettuce variety

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.