2023-06-24 - The Brick Times

Pollinator Garden Grows At Havens Homestead

Playground Construction Underway

By Alyssa Riccardi

BRICK – A year in the making, Brick Township has officially unveiled their fi rst pollinator garden featuring 100 different kinds of plants. Located at the Robert Anstett Cultural Arts Center at the Havens Homestead Farm, the goal of the garden is to encourage all the pollinating species to visit the area.

“Vin Palmier from the Environmental Commission wrote a grant to the New Jersey

(Garden - See Page 4)

County Creating Homelessness Trust Fund

By Chris Lundy

OCEAN COUNTY – After many years of criticism over the way Ocean County handles homelessness, the leaders are creating a trust fund that will pay for temporary housing and other services. The county will charge a $5 fee on certain documents filed or recorded with the County Clerk’s Office. In 2022, there were more

than 130,000 documents, officials said. The fee is expected to go into effect Sept. 1.

“Based on the number of documents recorded over the last three years, the fund could raise anywhere from $275,000 to $390, 000,” Commissioner Barbara Jo Crea said. “These funds are raised annually and will be

(Trust Fund - See Page 5)

By Judy Smestad-Nunn

The renovation of Cedar Bridge Manor Park is underway after officials broke ground at the .91-acre waterfront park late last month. A $130,820 bid for the purchase and delivery of playground equipment for the “pocket” park has been awarded to Game Time Equipment of Spring Lake.

The playground equipment is part of the renovation project that includes shoreline stabilization, a half basketball court and other enhancements to the neighborhood park, said Councilwoman Melissa Travers during the June 13 Council Meeting.

The council also passed a resolution to approve the acceptance of a donation by Game Time Equipment to install the playground equipment, which is valued at $43,000.

(Playground - See Page 6)

Co l o r R u n H o no rs L a t e Teac he r

By Alyssa Riccardi BRICK – The Brick

Township Schools community came together for a colorful event that raises scholarship money in honor of a late teacher.

This year marks the third year that Brick Memorial High School Student Government Association held their annual Color Run.

Approximately 150 students, staff, and other members of the community made a colorful mess throwing different shades of powder in the air, while running through in full white attire.

“I am ridiculously proud of both the students and the staff who came out. I know that participating in a Color Run may not be everybody’s cup of tea, because you

do get a lot of color head to toe; you are covered in color,” Student Government Association Advisor Barbara Stansbury said.

This impactful event raises scholarship money in memory of mathematics teacher Allison Grasso, who passed away in late 2021 as a result of complications from a brain aneurysm.

(Color Run - See Page 4)

Photos courtesy Brick Township Volunteers helped plant the Township’s new pollinator garden at the Havens Homestead Farm.

Photo by Judy Smestad-Nunn A playground will be one of the amenities at Cedar Bridge Manor Park.

Garden:

Continued From Page 1

Association of Environmental Commissions to get funding to start the pollinator garden and we were awarded $2,000,” Township Planner Tara Paxton said. “We also had some Green Acers Funding that we utilized to supplement that and we purchased over 100 different kinds of perennials that bloom and flower at all different times for bees, butterflies, and birds in the garden.”

Paxton explained how municipal staff along with the Master Gardeners of Ocean County, the Brick Garden Club and the Environmental Commission helped plan out schematics and fill the beds.

“Our Parks Department had been amazing in helping us build the actual garden itself. My staff has also been amazing. It’s become our little passion project,” Paxton said. “We worked with Planning Board Member, Environmental Commissioner Jo Anne Lambusta, she’s a master gardener. She helped us with the planting list. Myself and Vin Palmier came up with the planting list based on Jersey gardens and our zones and native pollinator species. Ed Peters, GIS Technician, did the mapping. We searched mature sizes of the plants and he created

Color Run:

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“Allison was a teacher at our school for 17 years. She was a mother, wife, grandmother, animal lover, and friend before passing away late in 2021,” Stansbury said.

“Allison loved to have a good time, always had insane amounts of energy, and only felt a job was well-done when one got their hands dirty. It makes total sense that the event to honor her was this Color Run,” she added.

This year’s Color Run raised over $2,400, which will be used to award scholarships to five deserving seniors who are pursuing vocational school.

“Allison had an amazing heart and spirit, often providing her students with basic necessities including food, clothing, and free dental care. As a dental hygienist, she also believed very

a plan for the spacing and the placement.”

Designs consist of clam shells used to make walkways to keep down weeds naturally. Planting beds were built by local Boy Scouts and are used to house some herbs. The area is also fenced in so deer don’t come along and eat the plants.

At the end of May, volunteers were joined by Mayor Lisa Crate, Council President Heather deJong and Councilman Vince Minichino to assist with planting these pollinators. They also collaborated with members of the Brick Garden Club, Environmental Commission, and the Sustainable Brick Green Team.

The garden will serve as a model for future pollinator pathways and is located alongside the Michael P. Fowler Community Garden.

“I think the garden will be a positive impact because it’s an addition to a park that is really frequented by people who love to be outdoors. There’s a lot of people who go there to walk the trail, to walk their dogs. We also have the community garden, where people grow vegetables,” Paxton said. “I think it’s going to be a wonderful amenity to enhance people’s experience at one of our nice park facilities, which is natural, still left in its natural state as a farm. It will only enhance the Township by having this amenity to enjoy.”

strongly in students attending vocational schools and community colleges along their journeys to fulfill their dreams,” Stansbury said.

Stansbury explained why this event is so important to many people in the school community as well as her personal connection to Allison Grasso.

“Allison and I went to college together. She retuned back to school after she was done raising her two boys. We both were at the same school for our student teaching and ironically, we were both interviewed and hired on the same day to work at Brick Memorial. We’ve been very close friends,” she said.

“I knew so many people had such strong feelings since her passing was so sudden. For her, this is the least I can do and let her family know that despite the fact that she’s no longer physically with us, we’re not going to forget her,” Stansbury added.

Trust Fund: Continued

From Page 1

used to support ongoing homelessness and housing instability programs along with the Code Blue program.”

Code Blue is a state law that opens shelters when the temperature approaches freezing. All of the shelters are run by volunteers, church groups, and nonprofits.

The money will stay in Ocean County, officials said.

“We can use the funds raised by the Homelessness Trust Fund with more flexibility to provide rental assistance vouchers, supportive services and prevention services,” Crea said.

The money also can be used for the acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation of housing projects or units within housing projects that supply permanent affordable housing for homeless persons or families, including those at risk of homelessness.

“Per the Homelessness Trust Fund guidelines, the funds cannot be used by the County to build a homeless shelter,” Crea said. “They will be used to provide support services.”

The county will also create a task force to oversee the fund and serve as an advisory board to the commissioners.

“We are seeing increases in the under employed and families are having a difficult time making ends meet and keeping a roof over their head,”

Commissioner Gary Quinn said. “We need to do more and this is one of the tools we have available to us to create a permanent funding source that can be used to help our residents.”

The funds can be used to interact with people coming in for shelter during Code Blue and get them the resources they need, he said.

“Nineteen percent of Ocean County households struggle with factors of housing insecurity,” Quinn said. “The creation of the Homelessness Trust Fund is in response to the changes we have seen in getting assistance to those who need it.”

The public hearing on the fund is scheduled for the July 6 Commissioner Board meeting held at 4 p.m. in Room #119 on the first floor of the Administration Building located at 101 Hooper Avenue, Toms River.

Advocates for the homeless welcomed the creation of the fund. Pastor Sue Jones of the Toms River Housing and Homeless Coalition said it is a very positive step, not only in how to treat people in need, but it shows a change in how the homeless are being viewed. The fact that the county government is making this decision speaks volumes.

This will provide a continual source of funding that will help people in need immediately as opposed to something like a grant that’s not sustainable, she said.

There’s a stigma out there about homelessness; some people think all homeless people are mentally ill or ad-

dicts. The truth is that there are many different reasons that people end up in this situation, she said.

The majority of people calling their help line are not on the streets but one step away, she said. These are people whose landlords are giving them the boot illegally, for example. There’s also a large number of seniors, particularly women, whose spouse has died and without two Social Security checks a month, they can’t make ends meet.

The major cause of homelessness is the lack of truly affordable housing, and the lack of good-paying jobs with benefits, she said.

The people on the streets are the visible sign of homelessness, but there are many more that the average person doesn’t see, she said.

The trust fund is not the total solution to the problem, she said, because homelessness is a complex issue that requires a complex response.

“We don’t expect the county to do it all,” she said. “We continue to be working with the county and municipalities to see how we can do this job better.”

When the county creates the task force to oversee the fund, she urged them to seat members who are well-versed with the plight of the homeless here and have a track record of making a difference.

Past Controversy

In previous interviews, county leaders have said they didn’t want to create the trust fund. They compared the $5

fee on documents to a tax levied on residents. It is unclear what led to this change.

Up until now, the county’s dealt with the homelessness problem by putting them up in motels when available. Being a shore community, that means only half the year. The Asbury Park Press reported recently that the county had to pay out $1.5 million to the estate of a homeless woman who they placed in a motel and was murdered. Alecia Perreault, 29, was just 89 pounds and disabled from rheumatoid arthritis, and had begged to be moved from a motel she said was too dangerous.

Ocean County is one of the only counties in New Jersey that doesn’t operate its own homeless shelter. This leaves nonprofits and houses of worship to open overnight-only shelters.

Advocates for the homeless sued the county to try to force them to open a shelter back in 2011. On a separate occasion, the Atlantic City Rescue Mission sued because Atlantic City was spending millions helping homeless people from Ocean County.

Nonprofit leaders have said that mayors have told them that they don’t want any shelter in their town. Some towns have been outright aggressive against the homeless. Lakewood’s government, for example, literally bulldozed a homeless encampment. They also removed trees from public areas to prevent homeless from sleeping under them.

Playground:

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In other township news, the governing body approved the submission of an application to the NJ Department of Transportation 2024 Municipal Aid Program Grant to fund roadway elevations of Broad Avenue, Arrow Court and Normandy Drive, all located on the barrier island. The governing body also authorized a

receipt of bids for roadway improvements to Pinewood Drive, located off Route 88, which was funded in the 2022 capital budget.

During the portion of the meeting set aside for elected officials to comment, Mayor Lisa Crate said that Brick Memorial High School has a class - the only one in the state of New Jersey - that teaches mural painting.

“It’s a rigorous process, but students have the opportunity to design and then be cho-

sen and then paint their murals throughout the school,” she said. There are currently over 50 at the high school, she added.

“There’s lots of wall space left for future seniors to participate in that activity,” the mayor said. “We have some amazingly talented students.”

The students have also painted some murals at Brick Township High School. Mayor Crate said she hopes that the class could paint a mural somewhere outside the

schools in the community.

“That’s something we’ll be talking about and see if we can come together as the school community and the community at large to put together for everyone in the town to enjoy,” she said.

And fi nally, Council President Heather deJong spoke about the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, which provides nutritional health and the availability of locally-grown produce to seniors over 60 and who fall within a certain income limit.

“Not only is it the healthy eating but it supports our local farmers, who are our small businesses, and we do actually have someone at our farmers market, Farmer Al who is the fi rst one on the right hand side when you go in, who accepts the senior farmers market nutrition program vouchers,” deJong said.

The program is being run a little differently this year, she said. Seniors must register through Senior Services who will issue a booklet containing a QR code, so the vouchers are issued electronically.

In the past, Senior Services issued checks, but this year it will be more technology-friendly, deJong said.

“All you have to do is show your QR code to the farmer, and he’ll have the technology to scan it, and that is it,” she said.

The program begins on July 1.

For more information about the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, call Senior Services at 732-920-8686.

The next council meeting will be on Tuesday, June 27 at 7 p.m.

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY

E DITORIAL

Should Towns Ban New Gas Stations?

It seems there’s a gas station every mile or so on major roads, unless, of course, you’re running near empty. Then, you can’t find any.

Do we really need so many? Maybe at rush hour. And sure, the tourist traffic.

I can’t help but think we’re making a mistake in letting them be built all over the place. With the rise of electric cars, will gas stations be a fossil?

When a gas station closes down, it sits there forever. That’s because there’s really nothing else that property can be anymore. Those tanks can leak, poisoning the ground and eventually drifting into the aquifer. There’s also petroleum runoff from vehicles driving on them.

Every single gas station you see on the road today will likely be there forever. Think about that. Every single one.

The land is too small for a redeveloper to buy it, knock it down, and build something different on it. And even if they did, they’d have to install monitoring wells and get inspections and soil sampling. It would be too costly. There’s nothing they can build on that small lot to earn that much money back.

Letters To The Editor

Towns should not allow any new gas stations to be built, knowing that one day, decades from now, it will be an environmental mini-disaster and an eyesore.

However, maybe this electric car thing will be a fad.

An April 11, 2023 article in The New York Times said that 5.8% of vehicles bought last year were electric. That’s nowhere near the White House’s plan to have half of new car sales be electric by 2030.

Still, a lot of car companies are following that trend and making electric options.

A lot can change. The control of the federal government and its rules. Manufacturers might invent something different than gas or electric engines 20 years from now.

But one thing that won’t change is the gas station itself. That’ll be there for the rest of your life...and it will be there long after you and I are gone.

Town officials have the ability to choose what businesses go where. They need to give more thought to where gas stations get built, because once they are, they are here to stay.

Chris Lundy News Editor

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

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

Criminals Get Legally Bought Guns

One of the biggest arguments for the widespread protection of gun rights is “If you make owning a gun criminal, only criminals will have guns.” But no one asks where these guns are coming from in the first place. Where are criminals getting them? Every single firearm was legally purchased at some point.

There are a ton of statistics out there about where criminals are getting their guns. You’ll hear people say “Most criminals get their guns illegally, so tougher gun enforcement laws won’t change that.”

This ignores the fact that every gun was purchased legally...the first time. Gun manufacturers aren’t just selling guns out of the back of their factory to gang members. They make legal sales to stores. Stores make legal sales to people. Most of those people are law-abiding citizens and no one has to worry about them.

But then, something happens. That law abiding citizen sells the gun at a gun show or on the internet to someone who then uses it in a crime.

But if you look at the stats further, those 43% of criminals who bought the guns on the black market? Those black market guns were all legally bought at stores before they made it to the black market.

According to federal statistics (nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/ public-mass-shootings-database-amasses-details-halfcentury-us-mass-shootings), 77% of mass shootings in the past half century were done with legally-purchased guns. Again, this stat fails because 100% of these guns were bought legally the first time. The only way to stop illegal purchases of guns is to stop the legal purchases of guns as well. It always starts with a legal sale.

This is unrealistic because America will never give up its love affair with guns, but the point I’m making is to stop selling machine guns. If you stopped selling machine guns at stores, then eventually they won’t make it down to the criminal on the street.

People say “I need a gun to protect myself from criminals who have guns.” It doesn’t start with criminals. It starts with legal purchases every time.

“I was shocked to learn from our residents that the Freehold Regional High School district will be eliminating bus routes for students who live within a 2.5 mile radius of the schools due to the loss of approximately $6 million of state aid. I know our State leaders, Senator O’Scanlon, Assemblywoman Flynn and Assemblyman Scharfenberger have been tireless advocates for restoring state aid to schools that suffered severe losses here in Monmouth County.

It is my understanding that these requests have fallen on the deaf ears of the Acting Commissioner of Education, who has openly refused to address these funding cuts, almost as if it is above her pay grade and not within her authority. But, in reality, the Department should prioritize this issue, especially since there is an answer to this funding shortfall - the Governor can restore all state aid cuts by including those funds in the 2024 FY State Budget.

To date, the Governor and the Acting Commissioner of Education have refused to do so despite calls by our state elected officials to address this funding gap immediately.

suffer while the State funds nonessential projects like a $45 million pilot program for electric school buses when it fails to address the essential components of a student’s education? There is a simple solution to this problem. Governor Murphy, will you help the children of Marlboro now?”

Juned Qazi

Marlboro Council President

TR Schools: Don’t Use Long Term Money For Current Expenses

Editor’s note: This letter is in response to the school’s plan to sell land next to Silver Bay Elementary to the township for open space.

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 re�lect those of the staff, management or sponsors of Micromedia Publications/ Jersey Shore Online. Letters to the Editor are the OPINION of the writer and the content is not checked for accuracy.

According to Fox News ( foxnews.com/us/where-docriminals-get-guns), legally purchased guns get into other people’s hands illegally by one of three ways. The first is a private transaction at a gun show or some other person-to-person situation. The second is when someone buys a gun legally as part of a criminal scheme to sell it to someone who later uses it for crime. The third is theft.

A 2016 survey released in 2019 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) found that some 43% of criminals had bought their firearms on the black market, 6 percent acquired them via theft, and 0.8 percent purchased a weapon from a gun show. Fox News quotes this survey but doesn’t include the fact that the survey supported Red Flag laws and other regulations like gun safes.

Any gun you own right now will eventually wind up in someone else’s hands. What will they do with it?

Chris Trawley Brick

Governor Needs To Reinstate School Funding

On behalf of the Marlboro Township Council, Council President Juned Qazi issued the following statement demanding that Governor Murphy and the Acting Commissioner of Education Allen-McMillan immediately restore state aid funding to the Freehold Regional High School District to avoid having students being forced to walk to school along busy and treacherous roadways which are not suitable for pedestrian use.

On behalf of Marlboro families and children, we implore the Governor to restore our state aid so that the students of Marlboro may travel safely to school in the upcoming school year. The mysterious state aid formula was prepared prior to the pandemic, when no one could have imagined the challenges schools are now facing due to learning loss, mental health costs, and never mind the astronomical increases in transportation costs – bussing costs alone have increased for schools over past year by 30%.

Why has the Department of Education left this to the towns to address? We cannot address those increases in costs within the budgetary cap limits imposed upon school districts and municipalities.

What is most frustrating is that the State has billions in reserves that can address this funding shortfall – why are the kids of Marlboro left to

The TR Regional School District should not use long term money for current expenses, specifically to sell land which is part of school property to TR Township and use the proceeds for current expenses. A small part over each of 5 to 10 years may be allowable, or all could be spent in one year for a significant purchase intended for use over many years, maybe, such as audio-visual learning (alone or along with other regional schools) to teach students and review with teachers giving very important support, but as I said, not for current expenses. My undergraduate and/ or graduate degrees were in Political Science, Psychology, Management, and Finance including budgeting along with considerable experience in many of those areas especially budgeting and digital information.

Two or three decades ago New Jersey used long-term bond money to pay budgeted current expenses to get voter approval by meeting the budget; some people have never forgotten that violation. Maybe the governor and legislature knew no better.

Walter “Mac” McInerney Toms River

Local Pets Available For Adoption

MANCHESTER

BRICK – This handsome boy is Fritz and he is just purr-fect! Fritz is 3 years old and was transferred from an overcrowded NJ shelter. He is cat friendly and loves to play with wand toys. He needs a few days to decompress into a new environment but after

that he’s a piece of cake! A great addition to any home.

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

Ride And Picnic For Homeless Veterans

BRICK – The 9th Annual Jim Hall Memorial Benefit for homeless veterans will be held on June 24 at Brick Elks Lodge 2151, located at 2491 Hooper Avenue. The event is rain or shine.

Riders will be taking a scenic ride after the ceremony at 9 a.m. from the lodge.

The $25 per person price includes food and refreshments. The picnic starts at noon.

There will be raffle prizes and live music with the Mangos.

There will be a donation line at this event, for all donations to the Jim Hall Homeless Veterans instead of the Army of Hope picnic. Make checks payable to NJSEA (memo: Homeless Veterans).

For information, call Chris Russo at 732539-5738 or Frank Scotto at 732-239-8704.

Photo courtesy Jersey Shore Animal Center

Preschool Summer Camp

BRICK – The summer camp is intended for preschools aged children, and will be held at the Recreation Preschool from June 26 to August 2. This is a partial week camp and is broken up by age. Camp for 4-year-olds: registration full Camp for 3-year-olds: two days per week (Tuesday and Thursday) 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The child must be 3 by June 26, 2023 and fully potty-trained. Fee is $125.

They will participate in a fun-filled day of plenty of play, arts and crafts, gym time, walking trips to the park, outdoor water activities, and in-house visit (for 3 year olds). Register on Community Pass.

Photo courtesy Brick Police

BRICK – Congratulations to Brick Township’s newest full-time police offi cer, Nicholas Dellaquila, seen here with Chief David Forrester. Offi cer Dellaquila graduated from the Ocean County Police Academy and will begin the field training program. Best of luck.

P OLICE B LOTTER

Officer Fired After Child Porn Charge

By Chris Lundy

BRICK – A township man working as a special police officer was arrested for uploading images of child exploitation to the internet, and was subsequently fi red.

John Kisch, 57, of Brick, was charged with Possession of Child Pornography. He was employed as a part time Class I Special Police Officer.

“Upon being notified of the charges against John Kisch (on June 13), we immediately terminated his part-time employment with the Township of Brick,” said Business Administrator Joanne Bergin.

“These crimes are among the most reprehensible someone can commit as they affect innocent and vulnerable children. We have – and will – continue to hold Brick Township employees to the highest standards. If convicted of these charges, the Township fully supports prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.”

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said that local police were tipped off by a referral from the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. They, in turn, received information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that an IP address connected to a Brick home was the source.

Detectives used a search warrant on his

residence and seized his computer. On this machine, police said they found more than 100 images of child pornography.

“Kisch is alleged to have possessed images of child pornography, every image is a risk to further victimize those being depicted,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel. “HSI special agents and our partners with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and the New Jersey State Police will continue to bring to justice those that are engaged in any activity involving the exploitation of our innocent children.”

“We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect the most vulnerable among us. Children are most deserving of our unwavering commitment to investigating and prosecuting these types of offenses,” said Prosecutor Billhimer.

He commended the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, United States Department of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, for their collaborative assistance in connection with this investigation leading to Kisch’s arrest.

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

Car Seat Check-Up Event

BRICK – Brick Township Police Department EMS will be performing child passenger safety checks June 28 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Brick Walmart 1872 Route 88. Whether you are a new or seasoned parent, grandparent or care giver to a young child/ infant, stop by and let one of their certified

CPS Technicians give you peace of mind that your child is safe. The technicians will assist with installation as well as give you guidance based on the latest research and child passenger laws.

For more information, call 732-451-2038 ext. 6.

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

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

H ERE ’ S T O Y OUR H EALTH

Dr. Izzy’s

Sound News

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

Hearing Aids And Water

By now, you’ve probably heard that there are waterproof hearing aids. This is true, and they’re an amazing technological advancement, but most devices are only water resistant. This is made possible by a moisture-repellent nano-coating. It’s helpful but not impenetrable. Here are some tips to protect your tech from water damage: Want more advice on how to protect your investment in better hearing? Call us today — we’re HEAR to help! This may seem like a lot of things to keep in mind while wearing and caring for your devices, but the precautions are worth it. Over time, exposure to moisture can corrode the delicate electronics and shorten their lifespan. By doing what you can to keep them dry, you’ll save on repairs, replacements, and premature upgrades.

Avoid Moisture Altogether Remember to take your devices out of your ears before showering, hitting the pool, or getting into the hot tub. Be sure to store them in their own secure case rather than in a pocket or purse. The safest risk is the one you don’t take.

Wipe Them Down Wiping your devices daily with a clean, dry cloth helps clear moisture and debris. Audiowipes can be purchased from your hearing healthcare professional which is even a better option than using a dry cloth. This is especially important during the colder months when condensation is more likely to form.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dr. Izzy & his Staff are always available to answer all of your hearing care questions. They can be reached at 732818-3610 (Toms River/Whiting) or 609978-8946 (Manahawkin) or visit us at www.gardenstatehearing.com.

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

Y OUR H EALTH Dear Pharmacist

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

The Rise Of Peptides: Unveiling The $48 Billion Phenomenon In Therapeutics

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

According to a recent report, the global peptide therapeutics market is projected to reach a staggering $48 billion in just a couple more years. These tiny but mighty molecules hold great potential in treating a variety of health concerns. Practitioners should spend a few minutes researching peptides because they are the next big thing! Let me give you the basics.

I’ve studied peptides for about 4 years and learned a lot. People are buying them online even though they’re not researchers and physicians. How else do you think we’ve hit 48 billion of dollars in sales… it’s not because a few universities did a study on mice!

The world of peptides is relatively new, and their use as “supplements” isn’t yet established. Most peptides are administered by self-injection so if you are needle shy, these will never be an option. Individuals are acquiring and using peptides by buying them online and just YouTubing dosages, creating a “Wild West” scenario. I don’t recommend that.

Here are the most popular peptides to consider and before self-treating please consult your physician:

1. BPC-157 - This peptide is one I’ve mentioned before in other blogs now archived on my website. It’s derived from a naturally occurring protein found in the stomach called “body protection compound.” It can be taken either orally or injected subcutaneously. It has potential benefits for wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and tissue repair properties. Oral vs. injectable administration might be even more effective for stomach problems.

2. ARA 290 - ARA 290 is also known as “EMA401” or “cibinetide” and it is a synthetic peptide that has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. I’ve mentioned this before in my article on Small Fiber Neuropathy now archived at my website. It is derived from the Erythropoietin (EPO) protein, which is involved in red blood cell production. Research on ARA 290 has been primarily focused on neuropathic pain, diabetic neuropathy, and sarcoidosis. It can lead to headaches and hypercoagulability.

3. SYN-COLL - This is a patented, synthetic tripeptide designed similarly to human collagen. It’s used for skin elasticity, firmness, and a more youthful appearance. That’s why I put this peptide into Collagen Beauty Peptide Serum. It works both topically and by sub-Q injection.

4. Thymosin Alpha 1 - Thymosin Alpha-1 is a synthetic peptide that looks like the natural hormone you secrete from your own thymus gland. It modulates the activity of T-cells and other immune cells. I use it myself. It was quite popular during the pandemic and is thought to help with autoimmune conditions.

5. Thymosin Beta 4 (TB-500) - This one promotes the healing and repair of damaged tissues and is particularly useful for the regeneration of joint and tendon tissues. It stimulates collagen and other essential structural proteins.

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about the most popular peptides and that you can see why they are growing so quickly. If you’d like to read more about this, sign up for my free newsletter at suzycohen.com.

(This information is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Suzy Cohen is the author of “The 24-Hour Pharmacist” and “Real Solutions.” For more information, visit www.SuzyCohen.com) ©2022 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.

So

Appealing a Zoning Officer’s Decision

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

Did you know that you can appeal your local Township Zoning Officer’s decision if you are denied the approval or issuance of a permit? The Zoning Officer, also referred to as the administrative officer, is the enforcement arm of zoning, and is the “gate keeper” to any construction you would like to take place on your property.

Before any individual or legal entity can undertake a construction project, they are required to make a request, also known as an application, for a zoning permit. Some examples of such applications include the construction of new buildings, additions to existing structures, decks, fences, pools, patios, sheds, generators, driveways, commercial buildings, tenancies, and signage.

When an application is filed, the Zoning Officer is then responsible for deciding whether your request conforms to the local zoning ordinances. This “approval” must take place before any construction permits can be issued by the Township. Therefore, without a Zoning Officer’s approval, you are prevented from making any improvements you would like to make on your own property.

Ordinarily this is not an issue. However, when dealing with “gray areas” of local ordinances, Zoning Officers tend to deny an application simply because the ordinance is vague or uncertain. Further, when a local ordinance is unclear on a point, a Zoning Officer may establish their own policy in an arbitrary and subjective manner.

For instance, if you want to construct a

“

Robert C. Shea Esq.

deck on your property and the local ordinance does not properly defi ne exact parameters, the Zoning Officer might choose to apply a rule that makes it impractical to construct a deck in a reasonable manner. In such a situation, you would be forced to seek approval from the local Zoning Board, which is a much lengthier and labor-intensive process.

However, if a Zoning Officer denies your application in such a manner, N.J.S.A. 40:55D-70 allows you to challenge said determination within (20) days of the decision. This challenge then forces your Zoning Board to review the Zoning Officer’s decision and determine whether the administrative officer has improperly denied your application. In other words, if a Zoning Board rules in your favor, the Zoning Officer must abide by the Board’s interpretation, and you receive an approval for said permit.

If you, or a loved one, have currently been denied a permit by your Township, the Law Office of R. C. Shea & Associates can provide the legal knowledge and experience required to appeal such a decision, and seek the outcome that allows you to construct what you want on your own property. Call us today, (732) 505-1212.

For Sale

Furniture and household itemsAll free. ALL MUST GO. 732-267-6232. (28)

Yard Sale

Yard Sale Saturday June 24, 9

a.m. to 1 p.m - Entire contents of a house, jewelry, furniture, pictures, etc. Everything must go. 832 Chelsea St. Forked River. (28)

Items For Sale

Pond and Waterfall Cascading Over Rocks - Great for yard. Pond size 7x11, 20 inches deep. 732-255-4619. (28)

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)

Vintage Lighters wanted - One piece or entire collections. Looking for Zippo, Dunhill, Ronson, Cartier and European lighters. Email: vintageltr@aol.com or call Ira at 201-774-8482. (28)

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

CASH PAID!! LP records - stereos, turntables, musical instru-ments, guitar, saxophone, CD’s, reel tapes, music related items. Come to you. 732-804-8115. (30)

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

Vinyl Records Wanted - Paying cash for LP albums. Rock, Reggae, Blues, Jazz. Very Good condition only. Call Rick 908-616-4104. (30)

Used Guns Wanted - All types: collectibles, military, etc. Call 917-681-6809. (t/n)

Junk or Wrecked Cars and Trucks

Wanted - Cash paid. 732-6577251, Steve. Thanks. (29)

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)

I Buy Records - Cash paid, LPS 33/45, reel to reel. I answer the phone, Eddie 732-8295908 anytime. (27)

CLASSIFIEDS

Services Services Services Services Help Wanted

Receptionist Part-time, Weekends Magnolia Gardens - Family owned and operated Assisted living community looking to fill part-time and weekend receptionist position. All positions start at $15.00 an hour. For more information call 732-557-6500 or come to our home and fill out an application at 1935 Lakewood Road, Toms River 08755. (31)

Certified Aides Full time, Per Diem, Weekends Magnolia GardensFamily owned and operated Assisted living community looking to fill nursing, and medical aide positions. All positions start at $15.00 an hour. For more information call 732-5576500 or come to our home and fill out an application at 1935 Lakewood Road, Toms River 08755. (31)

Dietary Aides Full Time, Part Time, Weekends, Magnolia GardensFamily owned and operated Assisted living community looking for Dietary Aides. All positions start at $15.00 an hour. For more information call 732557-6500 or come to our home and fill out an application at 1935 Lakewood Road, Toms River 08755. (31)

Part Time House Cleaning - Saturday per diem for Summer. Also mornings during week. Each week varies. Need to be dependable, pet friendly and trustworthy. Valid driver's license and vehicle. Call Donna 732-330-5916 or text. Leave message, date and time. (28)

and F/T. Call CCC at 732-206-1047. (t/n)

Part-Time Custodian For 55+ Community - Experience as a custodian or in a similar role is preferred. Familiar with basic handyman practices. Attention to detail and conscientiousness. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. and follow written work orders as directed. Apply in confidence to 732-506-6616. (29)

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

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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

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)

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

Do You Want Your Car To Look

Nice and Shine? - Call Lenny, Lenny's Mobile Auto Detailing 908-868-4609. (28)

ADVANCED BUILDING - Build •Repair •Replace. Affordable Expert Workmanship. Carpentry •Trim •Decks •Doors •Tile •Vinyl Railings •Bathroom •Flooring. Licensed, Insured 609-384-9030. (28)

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)

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)

Handcrafted Wooden CanesMade of select imported and domestic hardwoods. Stock, or made to order. Call 908-917-2177. Renaissance

Resident Chuck M. Woodcarver. (28)

GARDEN COACH ASSISTS SEN-

IORS & DIY's - Create & maintain beautiful containers, repotting. Planting design, selection, plant care.

Experienced (Master) Gardener/ Instructor. Joseph 732-232-8144. (29)

I'm Looking Caregiver Jobs - 24/7 living, with 20 years experience with reference. my contact number: 202297-0302 Maguli begeladze. (27)

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)

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

THE RIDE GUY - Takes you anywhere! No limits. Comfy mini-van. Call Charlie 732-2163176 or Email: cr@exit109.com. References. Let's Go! (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)

1. Below, circle the heading you would like your ad to appear under:

2. Print clearly your ad as you want it to read. Include Phone # within ad below (counts as 1 word). Use separate sheet if necessary.

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)

General Contractor Seeking Male/ Female Assistant - With DL and knowledge of general home improvements preferred but not required. Pay based on experience. Call Clark 732-850-5060. (28)

Car Service - 24/7. Doctors, shopping, airports, hospitals, cruise, shops, Atlantic City, family functions, NYC accomodations for large groups. Call for reasonable rates. Kerry 732-606-2725. (42)

DIRECTV. New 2-Year Price Guarantee. The most live MLB games this season, 200+ channels and over 45,000 on-demand titles. $84.99/mo for 24 months with CHOICE Package. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-877-557-1213 (t/n)

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)

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)

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:

3. 1 week* at $29.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $

2 weeks* at $44.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $

3 weeks* at $60.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $

4 weeks* at $74.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $

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

Total = $

4. Make check payable in advance to Micromedia Publications, or fill in MASTERCARD/VISA/AMERICAN EXPRESS – NO DISCOVER – info. below:

Credit Card# Exp.

Cardholder Signature:

Print Name:

5. MAIL TO : PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733. Credit Card Orders Only can be faxed to: 732-657-7388. Or go to jerseyshoreonline.com to place your classified.

6. Please include your BIlling address and contact phone number (this is required)

Address

Deadline For Classified Ads: 12pm Monday (For that Saturday’s publications)

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

Four Monmouth Seniors Awarded Scholarships

JERSEY SHORE - New Jersey Natural Gas, in conjunction with BlueClaws Charities, presented four scholarships to graduating Hispanic high school seniors from around the Jersey Shore before a sold-out crowd at ShoreTown Ballpark.

The four winners were: Kiara Castera (Keansburg High School), Mia Esposito (Manalapan High School), Giovanna Rivera (Manalapan High School), and Erik Sanchez (Long Branch High School & the Monmouth County Career Center).

The scholarships were handed out in conjunction with the first Medusas de Jersey Shore game of the season. The BlueClaws become the Medusas de Jersey Shore at three games across the summer as part of a Minor League Baseball initiative called “Copa de la Diversión.” This season-long event series is specifically designed to embrace the culture and values that resonate most with participating teams’ local U.S. Hispanic/Latino communities.

“New Jersey Natural Gas is committed to sustainable communities and has several education programs to support students in our

service territory,” said Maria Diaz, director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at New Jersey Resources. “We are thrilled to come alongside the BlueClaws Charities to award these scholarships to help advance their educational opportunities.”

Applicants submitted an essay describing their goals and why they felt they were deserving of the scholarship, along with letters of recommendation from community leaders.

“We received a series of tremendous applications from students around the Jersey Shore and are proud to select these four as our winners,” said Jim McNamara, executive director of BlueClaws Charities. “We congratulate our winners and wish them the best as they move on to college to continue their education later this year.”

The BlueClaws will become the Medusas de Jersey Shore on two more occasions this year: July 27 and August 17. At these games, the BlueClaws wear special jerseys to become the Medusas de Jersey Shore. There are also food and drink specials, music, and the team celebrates the best of Hispanic culture and heritage.

Blood Drive

BRICK – Summer is always the most difficult time of year to keep up the blood supply with schools being out and people vacationing. Holiday weekends are often synonymous with fireworks and car accidents which call for a higher need for available blood.

The Weichert Realtors blood drive in Brick

will be on June 26 from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Laurelton Fire Department, 1725 Route 88, Brick.

Appointments recommended. For an appointment go to tinyurl.com/weichert-brick-0626 or call 800-933-2566 or Johnnie Ettore at 732-996-1475.

Photo courtesy BlueClaws

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

The Jersey Shore is known for its amazing views. Here’s one captured by local resident Marilyn Casson. Here we are at Bayside Park at sunset overlooking the Barnegat Bay. Stunning! Want to share your photos with the world? Does a prize sound good? Sure it does! Email your Jersey Shore pix to photos@jerseyshoreonline. com and you may hear from us!

OHI Summer Carnival Fundraiser

NEW JERSEY – Ladies and gentleman! Boys and girls! Come one, come all to Ocean Health Initiatives’ annual summer fundraiser at D’Jais Bar in Belmar where exciting times await!

On June 28, OHI is hosting a carnival themed fundraiser to continue its mission of providing high-quality primary and preventive care services to the residents of New Jersey, regardless of who they are or their ability to pay.

They’re kicking off the summer with a real extravaganza down by the shore that includes carnival games, virtual rides, and a rich selection of everyone’s favorite noshes and morsels from the boardwalk. As always, there will be a live DJ to keep

Send

the vibes going all night long, as well as an open bar, a silent auction, and a 50/50 raffle.

With your generous support and donations, OHI intends to invest in better medical equipment, community outreach, educational materials, vaccinations, health awareness, and much, much more.

A wide range of sponsorship opportunities are available! Your participation of a tax-deductible sponsorship or donation will be used to increase OHI’s dedication and commitment to serving the population that is reached by our Health Centers and beyond.

Purchase tickets online at ohinj.square. site. Purchase sponsorships online at ohinj. square.site.

F & G AMES S UDOKU

C ROSSWORD P UZZLE

35 Drunkenness

37 Cut off

38 Backs

39 Herb used in some Indigenous smudging rituals

“Self-Portrait as a __ Player”

3 Just after

4 Mil. title

5 Troublemaker 6 Prize

7 LED component

8 Hilfiger rival

9 Pen name of journalist Elizabeth Cochrane Seaman

10 Sort

11 Element of some meditation exercises

12 Admired with quiet reverence, with “of”

27 Kids on a farm

28 Plant that sparked the Victorian craze “pteridomania”

29 Indoor rower, for short

30 “Smallville” role for Durance

31 “You okay there?”

32 Cone source

33 Pub trayful 36 Classic car 37 Coastal formations?

39 Appear to be 41 Cultivated

Down 1 Start of a library conversation, maybe 2 Gentileschi’s

13 Goes back out 14 Crossword editor Harper in Hallmark’s “Crossword Mysteries” series 21 __ nous 23 Hashtag that went viral during a pop

(c)2023 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.

SOLUTIONS

42 Refinery waste

43 Cuban bar tender 45 Little dipper?

46 Nutmeg spice

47 Supermodel with a cosmetics line for women of color

48 W. Coast force

50 “When will u b here?”

52 Hoops stat

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Omarr’s Astrological Forecast

For the week of june 24 - june 30

By Jeraldine Saunders

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Natural talent can earn you praise but you may find yourself competing with people who have taken the time to practice until perfect. Sometimes the only way to improve is to fail and accept instruction or helpful criticism.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Your adaptability in the face of chaos can make you invaluable to friends. Plans may need to remain fluid and you should remain flexible if the group becomes unable to come to a consensus.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) : It isn’t only what you say but also how you say it. Avoid making snap answers and think things over before you speak. Take the time to understand the impact your words might have and tailor your delivery.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Ideas may keep bubbling up even if you don’t have the time or resources to see them through. Note ideas to save for more productive times. One idea may fit perfectly with others to create a breakthrough moment.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): It may be time to let your loving and affectionate feelings roam free. Cheesy love songs on your playlist can make more sense if you are not too afraid to share. Hearts can be bigger than you think.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): A charismatic smile and articulate speeches are not enough. People may enjoy the glamour but also expect results. Demonstrate to higher-ups that you are as good or even better than your reputation.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Accolades are nice, but they may not be a qualification

for the task at hand. You might find yourself competing in a whole new arena. Getting paid can require a different skill set than you usually use; let your abilities and talents shine.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) : It can be up to you to bring your imagination to life. Whether it is an invitation, a new book or a few kind words, it cannot be real until you release it into the world. Unleash your creative talents and see what happens.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) : Breaking the sound barrier can disrupt the peace. It may be better to remain quiet about your intentions for now. There might be a chance to communicate with less friction in the near future.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): No matter how important your role might be, there is always a chance of events beyond your control popping up. Life will continue to go on regardless of whether your desk is clear or not. You can prevail over unexpected changes or upsets.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) : You may have been waiting for a signal to tell you when it is time to jump. Take the time to breathe if loved ones disrupt your plans. Keep sending out feelers until you have a clear understanding of how you should proceed.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Getting names wrong, pronouncing words incorrectly or dropping items at the worst possible time can be easily overlooked or forgiven. Don’t agonize over mistakes you made; your tribe will still love you even if you make an error.

THIS SUPER-SIMPLE SUMMER RECIPE DELIVERS BIG ON SWEET, JUICY AND SPICY FLAVORS

By America’s Test Kitchen

AHI - CHILE TOSTADAS

(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.