2023-06-24 - The Southern Ocean Times

Film Explores Vietnam Era With Local Settings

Town: Restriped Road Could Confuse Drivers

By Stephanie Faughnan LACEY –

In the state renowned as the birthplace of the film industry, a 26-year-old creative talent from Forked River is gearing up to launch his inaugural feature film, “Retrograde Victory.”

Filmmaker M.J. Walker’s anticipated release aligns perfectly with the flourishing

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. (Fund - See Page 12)

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

surge in New Jersey’s fi lm industry as Netfl ix and Lionsgate establish their presence in the state.

Inspired by actual events, “Retrograde Victory” takes a departure from the conventional narratives surrounding the Vietnam War and offers a fresh perspective. Walker

emphasized that the film is not a documentary.

“The story is based on my grandfather’s (Barry Crease) experience during that era,”

he said. “It tells the tale of a lot of people who didn’t go but had friends that did. Maybe they couldn’t be drafted because they were an only child, or maybe their other brothers had already gone, and they were last one.”

(Film - See Page 4)

By Stephanie Faughnan

BARNEGAT – As drivers enjoy the newfound smoothness of the road surface in front of the municipal complex, an unexpected challenge has officials worried about safety.

Local officials and residents both expressed immense satisfaction when the county repaved West Bay Avenue, stretching from Sandpiper Road to Route 9. However, the completion of the project on May 12 came with what appears to be an unwelcome change to the original design.

Instead of the familiar left-turn lane that previously guided eastbound drivers into Town Hall, double yellow lines now occupy that space. This alteration has presented a significant concern for government authorities, who recognize its potential implications on traffic flow and driver behavior.

(Restriped- See Page 5)

Police Reel In Kids With Fishing Event

By Stephanie Faughnan

LITTLE EGG HARBOR – Embracing the power of nature, the local police department hosted its annual “Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs” initiative, encouraging children to discover the joy of angling and fi nd positive outlets for their free time.

“The event was sponsored by PAL (Police Athletic League),”

shared Sgt. Sean Crotty. “Matthew Benn and his sister own Sea Pirate Campground and invited us to have it there.”

Numerous youngsters, ranging from grades 1 to 6, eagerly cast their lines into the water, brimming with anticipation. The well-stocked lake teeming with an abundance of bass ensured that a multitude of children (Fishing- See Page 5)

(Left) Meticulously dedicated to detail, the director even secured a vintage phone booth for the movie set. (Above) MJ Walker has donned several hats as the filmmaker preparing to launch his first feature film, “Retrograde Victory.”

Photos courtesy MJ Walker

Photo by Stephanie Faughnan

No Break in Lines Yellow lines in front of town hall have no break or left turn lane.

Photo courtesy Little Egg Police Lake When kids reeled one in, it was measured by the officers running the event.

“The story is based on my grandfather’s experience during that era...”

M.J. Walker

Film:

Continued From Page 1

“Or, they could have been like my grandfather, who was faced with an injury,” he shared.

During the script’s development, Walker received invaluable insights from his grandfather, which unraveled intriguing details about the Vietnam War. One particular conversation profoundly impacted Walker when his grandfather mentioned the loss of his friend, Paul, on Hamburger Hill.

Intrigued by the revelation, Walker embarked on a research journey to uncover more about Hamburger Hill. He discovered that the battle involved a relatively small number of soldiers over a ten-day period. Walker’s perseverance led him to an online memorial that included the name of his grandfather’s friend.

“As I was writing the script, I thought how morbid it would be if the character in the movie died a day before the battle ended,” said Walker. “Lo and behold, when I went to visit Paul’s grave, the gravestone said he died the same day I wrote in the script.”

The uncanniness was not lost on Walker and propelled him to learn more about the lives of numerous young individuals who were drafted and deployed to Vietnam. Walker’s summary of the “goal of his first film is not simply to show another side of the Vietnam War, or even just another tale of comedy and tragedy, but to show the worth of humans.”

In the meantime, Walker’s roles in “Retrograde Victory” go beyond those of a camera operator, screenwriter, and research expert. He is also the location scout, casting director, producer, and executive director.

With meticulous dedication as the props master, Walker demonstrates a keen eye for detail. Going above and beyond, he has personally invested his own funds to buy significant items like a vintage phone booth to ensure an authentic portrayal. Additionally, for an upcoming scene, Walker hopes to secure a leased bus that perfectly captures the essence of the era. His commitment to historical accuracy shines through Walker’s endeavors as he strives to create a truly immersive experience for the audience.

“In 1967, just about everybody smoked Newports,” said Walker. “Until 1967, the Newport carton was a very basic font for a sealed carton. I found this because I would read catalogs about cigarettes.”

“I went out of my way and spent so much money for a whole package of old cigarettes,” Walker continued. “The only one I wanted in that pack was just the Newports from 1967. The guy wouldn’t let me buy just that one pack.” When selecting set locations, Walker searched out places that could be adapted to reflect the Vietnam era. Locals will recognize the Forked River Diner in the film, sans the modern-day cars regularly parked out front. Other scenes have been shot in Asbury Park, Brick, Jersey City, and Shark River Hills.

In his search for actors to bring his movie to life, Walker turned to trade journals, utilizing them as a valuable resource. Among the talented individuals he discovered, one actor, in particular, fills him with immense pride - Zane Claudio. Cast in the pivotal role of Barry, named in honor of Walker’s own grandfather, Claudio’s performance holds special significance within the film.

A remarkable aspect of the entire project

stems directly from Walker’s journey as a selftaught aspiring creative. From a young age, he displayed a natural talent for intricate hand drawings, eventually leading to his exploring video game mapping during his teenage years. Through self-guided learning, Walker ventured into the realm of digital photo and video editing software, progressing further to master 3D software.

The evolution of cell phone cameras served as an additional invaluable learning tool, propelling Walker’s artistic growth to its current stage. From humble beginnings, Walker’s innate abilities and relentless pursuit of knowledge have brought him to where he stands today, poised to make a significant impact in the world of filmmaking.

A year after graduating from Lacey High School, Walker decided he needed to head out to Los Angeles to pursue his dreams. He didn’t know anyone there, and he didn’t have a portfolio.

“I was working at a supplements store,” said Walker. “And I was filming music videos for friends I made. One was an aspiring actor and the other a rapper.”

Walker didn’t charge for the videos as he was trying to build up his portfolio. While he had some interesting experiences out in LA, he returned to New Jersey after a couple of years.

“I love film,” Walker shared. “I think that the ‘movie look’ is something that people born before the 2000s can tell subconsciously is a movie based on the look.”

Walker said he prefers to shoot in 16mm film rather than digital as many modern filmmakers use. While digital cameras are very good with the dark parts of an image, the backgrounds are

very white and blown out.

“So, film has a beautiful look with the skies and clouds and the sun,” shared Walker. “You could shoot the sun, and the sun’s bright. In most cases, you can see the color of it.”

According to the “Retrograde Victory” website, one of the things Walker wanted to capture was a raw and gritty aesthetic reminiscent of movies filmed between 1967 and 1969. Before, major film companies were using slow speed 35 mm Eastman Kodak film. Walker said that Kodak’s 16mm film stock now emulates the vibrant color films of the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s while offering increased dynamic range and lifelike colors. The cost of producing the movie is no minor expense. Walker estimated that every 11 minutes of film, including paying actors – runs him about $400.

Walker plans to have “Retrograde Victory” ready for distribution next year. The first objective is to make sure at least a handful of people give him some feedback. Walker has set a goal to have the film reach a broader audience, with film festivals serving as a platform for that purpose.

Discussions with an industry veteran have opened Walker to a new perspective, including the significant opportunities that exist in foreign distribution alongside streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime.

Add one more job to Walker’s role in the “Retrograde Victory” movie. A self-reliant man, Walker’s ready to set up meetings himself to approach potential distributors or streaming platforms. With Netflix and Lionsgate establishing a presence in New Jersey, Walker won’t have to travel far to make his pitch.

More information about the film, visit retrogradevictory.com.

Restriped:

Continued From Page 1

The entrance to the municipal complex driveway lies in close proximity to two left turn lanes at the traffic signal ahead at the intersection between West Bay Avenue and Barnegat Boulevard. Motorists stopping to turn into Town Hall risk confusing other drivers, who may not understand the reason behind the sudden halt at a significant distance from the light ahead.

“An accident is going to happen,” predicted Martin Lisella, Township Administrator.

“One of our employees almost got hit today.”

According to Lisella, the intention was to maintain consistency with the original design and not make any changes to the lines on the roadway. He said a county traffic engineer reviewed the plans and made modifications without prior notification. Local officials had no knowledge of the changes until they were completed.

Township officials and the police department have reached out to the county engineer’s office, emphasizing the need for a prompt resolution to either revert to the original design or identify a practical alternative.

Ocean County Engineer John N. Ernst, P.E., P.P. responded to Lisella by letter on May 22, stating that the “purpose of a double yellow striped line is to separate opposing lanes of travel and prohibit passing.” Ernst supplied references to three separate documents to support his assertions that there are no restrictions on entering/existing driveways to enter/exit a driveway.

Research shows that New Jersey law does not appear to specifically cover whether it’s legal to cross double lines to make a left turn.

Notwithstanding, the New Jersey Driver’s Manual states that “solid lines show when not to pass.” It goes on to say these lines may be crossed with care when entering or leaving driveways in business or residential areas.

“Typically, the only time you put breaks in a double line would be for a street intersection, not for a driveway,” Ernst explained. “If we did it for every driveway, we wouldn’t have a double yellow line. We were trying to be consistent with the way we treat all the driveways along the roadway.”

Ernst mentioned that the county is contemplating the addition of a dash within the double line near the driveway. He acknowledges that local officials would prefer a painted-out island area in the median, resembling the previous configuration. County and township officials will continue to negotiate.

“We’re open for discussion,” Ernst said. “If we’re comfortable with what they’re asking us to do, we can try to accommodate their requests.”

Barnegat Police Captain Jason Carroll said that local police are extremely concerned that the current configuration could result in an accident. In the event of a vehicle stopping to make a left into the driveway, a driver behind them might have trouble braking on time, potentially leading to a rear-end collision.

Carroll emphasized that the police department eagerly anticipates the forthcoming meeting with county engineers to prevent such incidents, noting that no such occurrences have been reported thus far.

Fishing:

Continued From Page 1

experienced the exhilarating moment of landing a prized catch.

Little Egg Police Department members weren’t the only ones to engage with the children on their two hour fi shing adventure. Citizens on Patrol (COP) helped with the registration process. Troopers from the New Jersey State Police Department, Conservation Police Officer Nicole Carman, and the Municipal Alliance Committee also helped reel in some fun.

Local junior police recruits offered a more youthful interaction with the elementary school anglers. They patiently untangled lines, deftly baited hooks, and struck up conversations with the younger children waiting for a nibble.

Crotty said the event demonstrated further evidence that the community

works together. The bait was provided by Scott’s Bait and Tackle. Boys and girls fished alongside one another, all vying to hook the largest fish. The grand prize winner received a hat, shirt, and gift card donated by Shooters, another local business.

A youngster named Marshall captured the first place prize with a 13.5 inch bass, followed by Xavier in second place with a 11 inch bass. A third place tie went to Caden and Aaron, who both reeled in 9.5 inch bass. Overall, the competition resulted in four bass and six perch caught. Everyone walked away a winner of with PAL donating prizes of tackle boxes and fishing poles.

“We make the kids aware of why we do this program without pushing anything,” Crotty said. “We’re trying to promote positive activities to keep them away from making bad choices.”

Photo courtesy Little Egg Police Families and volunteers came out to the Hooked on Fishing event at the campground.

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

W� W������ L������ T� T�� E�����!

The Southern Ocean 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.

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

Executive Order Li s COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement For Health Care Employees

From The Desk Of The Governor Phil Murphy

TRENTON – Following recent changes to federal requirements regarding COVID-19 vaccines, Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order (EO) No. 332 to lift the COVID-19 vaccination requirements for health care settings in New Jersey.

An executive order signed on April 3, 2023 previously lifted the requirement for employees in health care settings who were not up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations to undergo routine testing,

while also lifting both the COVID-19 vaccination and testing requirements for workers in congregate settings. This EO lifts the remaining requirement that health care settings maintain a policy requiring their workers to be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations.

“Today’s order aligns our state with recent updates to federal requirements and reflects our different circumstances now, as compared to the past few years. My Administration will continue to take responsible steps to adjust New Jersey’s COVID-19 policies and guidance accordingly,” said Governor Phil Murphy.

“COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, and I continue to encourage all

residents to stay up to date on their vaccinations. Vaccination remains a key public health tool to help protect our health care workers and the patients in their care.”

Health care settings include, but are not limited to, long-term care facilities; psychiatric and specialty hospitals; longterm residential substance abuse disorder treatment facilities; clinic-based setting such as Federally Qualified Health Centers and family planning sites; and community-based health care settings such as pediatric and adult medical day care programs.

The changes come after the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it will rescind and no longer enforce its rule requiring most employees of Medicare and Medicaid-certified health care providers to be vaccinated against COVID-19 for that provider to be eligible

to participate in Medicare and Medicaid. EO No. 332 brings New Jersey in line with these changes.

The EO was also prompted by recent changes to the Emergency Use Authorizations of the COVID-19 vaccines that were issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which clarified that individuals can now receive one dose of the Moderna or Pfi zer bivalent mRNA vaccine regardless of their prior vaccination status.

As with the previous executive order, individual employers may continue to require vaccination or testing protocols in excess of these statewide requirements and the New Jersey Department of Heath may continue to track vaccination data in respect to healthcare settings.

This executive order takes effect immediately.

Bill Would Protect Birth Control From Supreme Court

Capitol Comments

Senator Robert Menendez

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-N.J.) joined Senate and House colleagues in reintroducing the bicameral Right to Contraception Act, legislation that would codify and strengthen the right to contraception, which the Supreme Court first recognized more than half a century ago in its Griswold v. Connecticut decision. Enshrining the right to contraception into federal law would reverse steps already taken by Republicans in states across the country to restrict access to contraceptives and ensure that any future attempt by the far-right majority on the Supreme Court to overturn Griswold would not endanger access to this essential reproductive health care.

The lawmakers first introduced the legislation last July in the wake of Justice Clarence Thomas’s concurring opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization - which overturned Roe v. Wade and the Constitutional right to an abortion. In his concurring opinion, Justice Thomas urged the Court to “reconsider” its substantive due process precedents, including Griswold.

“Reproductive rights remain under a coordinated assault by Republicans across the nation including the latest attempts to

ban medication abortion.

It’s critical that we work to reverse steps taken by the far-right and codify the right to contraception for all Americans,” said Sen. Menendez. “The Right to Contraception Act would safeguard the ability to access this essential reproductive health care without interference. We must protect these rights so everyone, regardless of race, socio-economic status, or zip code, has equal access to essential health services.”

“Birth control is a crucial part of reproductive health care,” said Sen. Booker.

“At a time when reproductive rights are under attack throughout the country, protecting Americans’ access to contraception is more important than ever. By enshrining the right to contraception into federal law, the Right to Contraception Act would protect access to this fundamental right so individuals can control their own bodies and futures.”

Although nine out of 10 American adults support access to all forms of birth control, several states restrict access to contraceptives by eliminating public funding for it, defining abortion broadly enough to include contraception, and allowing health care providers to deny service related to contraception on the basis of their own beliefs. Attacks on health care, especially reproductive health care, fall hardest on Black, Brown, Indigenous and immigrant communities, as well as LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, low-income people, and those living in rural and underserved areas.

Specifically, the Right to Contraception Act would uphold access to contraception by

• Guaranteeing the legal right for individuals to get and use contraception and for health care providers to provide contraceptives, contraception, and information, referrals, and services related to contraception;

• Prohibiting the federal government or any state from administering, implementing, or enforcing any law, rule, regulation, standard or other provision that would prohibit or restrict the sale, provision, or use of contraception; and

• Allowing the Department of Justice (DOJ), providers, and individuals harmed by restrictions on contraception access made unlawful under the legislation, to go to court to enforce these rights.

In the House, the bill is supported by 71 members.

In April, Sen. Menendez led a group of Senate colleagues in introducing the Stop Anti-Abortion Disinformation (SAD) Act that would ban false advertising related to abortion services by Crisis Pregnancy Centers. The bill directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prohibit deceptive or misleading advertising related

to the provision of abortion services and collect penalties from organizations in violation.

In 2022, Sens. Menendez and Booker joined a group of colleagues in commenting on the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) proposed rule prohibiting discrimination in health care under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act. In their comment letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and the Department’s Director of the Office for Civil Rights, Melanie Fontes Rainer, the group of senators applauded the Biden Administration for restoring and expanding key nondiscrimination protections dismantled by the Trump Administration and urged to strengthen protections for underserved communities.

Also in 2022, the Senator joined a group of Democratic colleagues in introducing the Freedom to Travel for Health Care Act which would make it clear that it is illegal for anti-choice states to limit travel for reproductive health care services and would empower the Attorneys General and affected individuals to bring civil action against those who restrict a woman’s right to cross state lines to receive such care.

GARDEN STATE PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

Scout Creates History Signs For Former Rail Line

SOUTHERN OCEAN – Thank you Eagle Scout Candidate Sean Clark! Sean installed six signs detailing the history of the Central Railroad of New Jersey’s operations along the former rail line on a six-mile stretch the Barnegat Branch Trail in Barnegat, Ocean, and Lacey townships. His passion for local railroad history was the driving force behind the project. Sean conducted all of the research, developed

the content, and traveled around to various museums in order to create the panels. He is also responsible for the design and layout of the panels.

Sean solicited donations in order to provide the materials for the project and cover the cost of printing and with the help of his fellow scouts from Troop 26, Sean recently installed the signs along the BBT.

Magic Academy

LACEY – Kids build confidence, enhance critical thinking skills, build creativity, improve mental health and develop social skills while having fun. This life changing program is guaranteed to unlock your child’s potential and impact the rest of their life. Receive a professional magic kit from the Discover Magic Program and perform in a student show on the last day. Houdini’s Secrets: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Learn how to pass an object through someone’s hand, make a money appear or disappear, predict the future and more.

Impossible Feats: 1 to 3 p.m. Travel through time with a magic bandana, read people’s minds, make your shoe balance on a playing card and more Programs take place at the Lacey Recreation Classroom with Instructor - Academy of Amazement. Dates: August 14 to 18; open to ages 7 to 12. Cost is $190 per class or $370 for both. If you choose to do both sessions it includes a supervised lunch (students must bring their own lunch).

To register visit: parksrec.egov.basgov. com/laceynj.

Moonlight Kayak Ramble

LITTLE EGG HARBOR – Join for this relaxing paddle around Pohatcong Lake. We will cruise the lake perimeter and head upstream a bit while we enjoy the sounds of nature at night.

Kayak tour is on July 30 from 7:30 to 9:30

a.m. meeting at the Soccer Lot, Freedom Fields County Park, Little Egg Harbor. Open to ages 16 and up. Cost is $25 per person; $10 if bringing own boat.

More information at oceancountyparks. org.

Send your community events to news@jerseyshoreonline.com

Photo courtesy Ocean County Parks

Local Pets Available For Adoption

LACEY – The Associated Humane Society shelter at the Popcorn Park Zoo has pets available for adoption.

Marley hopes you’ll spread the word for her, even if you can’t help her yourself. Look at her big smile! Surely you can’t turn her down.

Marley’s about 6 years old and she arrived in 2021 and was adopted for a long while. Unfortunately, she came back due to reacting poorly to some strangers. Marley’s the kind of girl that bonds quickly with you and you may never see anything other than sweetness out of her, but she may come across someone that she feels funny

Photo courtesy AHS about, so you just need to be prepared for that. The solution: put Marley in a separate room when company comes over and don’t let strangers approach her.

Marley is such a sweetheart that is overjoyed just to be with you! She’s good on a leash, housebroken, she sits when asked and is so gentle with taking treats. She’s very affectionate and loving, and all she asks for is a pet-free home. Marley is available to be fostered or adopted.

Call 609-693-1900, visit ahscares. org/forked-river-adoptables/ or email: office@ahsppz.org for an adoption application.

Barnegat Farmer’s Market

BARNEGAT – Barnegat Farmer’s Market is seeking vendors for the 2023 Season: June 22 to October 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 14 Birdsall Street Barnegat.

Interested vendors are asked to email Jeanne Broadbent jbroadbent@barnegat. net for more information and an application form.

SHORT

OUR

• Promote a culture within our company where our employees provide the highest standards of medically complex care in a patient focused environment

859 West Bay Ave. Barnegat, NJ 08005 609-698-1400

• Foster a compassionate and caring patient setting, while utilizing cutting-edge technology

• Use proven best practices, and an aggressive approach towards rehabilitation and recovery

Garden

Club Members Beautify Planters Along Route 9

STAFFORD – On June 7 members of the Stafford Township Garden Club were on hand to beautify the planters along Route 9 and N. Lakeshore Drive in preparation for the Founders Day parade, which was held on June 10.

Historical Nature Walks

BARNEGAT – Step back in time and walk the Cedar Bridge grounds with parks staff. Each stop along the way feature different historical or environmental topics. Tours will begin and end at the Cedar Bridge Tavern. Walking shoes

required! No registration required. Walks are on the following dates: July 8, 22, August 12, 26, and September 9, 23; from 1:30 to 2 p.m. at Cedar Bridge Tavern, Cedar Bridge County Park, Barnegat.

Photo courtesy Stafford Recreation

O cer Graduates From Academy

Forlenza, the newest graduate of the Ocean County Police Academy, Class #114.

Kids, Sing Along With Jessica Carroll

SURF CITY – Enjoy fun singing and fancy stepping during the Kids’ Concert and Dance Party with Jessica Carroll, 11 a.m. June 29, at the Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch.

Raise your voice and shake your shoes as Jessica performs new, classic and upbeat

children’s songs. All ages are welcome to participate.

Register at theoceancountylibrary.org/ events to attend this free program. For more information, visit the OCL Long Beach Island Branch, 217 South Central Avenue, Surf City, or call 609-494-2480.

Youth Tennis Camp

LACEY – These lessons will teach children the basic fundamentals in stroke production, court movement, and basic footwork skills. Children will need to supply their own racquet. Don’t forget to bring lots of water!

Youth Tennis Camp will take place at Gille Park Tennis Courts with Instructors - Serving Ace Tennis Academy. Session

I: July 10 to July 13; Session II: July 24 to July 27. Cost is $60 per session.

Ages 13 to 16 - 8 to 8:30 a.m.

Ages 7 to 8 - 8:45 to 9:15 a.m.

Ages 9 to 10 - 9:30 to 10 a.m.

Ages 11 to 12 - 10:15 to 10:45 a.m.

To register visit: parksrec.egov.basgov. com/laceynj.

Bingo At e Beach

LACEY – Join June 29, July 27 and August 24 for Bingo at the Beach at Lake Barnegat Beach! Registration beings at 6 p.m. and games begin at 6:30 p.m.

Package includes: Removal from hospital or facility within 25 miles of funeral home, all funeral home service fees, and required cremation container MCDDT-01. Package excludes residential removal fee and Crematory charges.

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

STAFFORD – Stafford Police Department congratulates Officer

Photo courtesy Stafford Police

Fund: Continued From

effect Sept. 1.

Page 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 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 fl exibility 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 advi-

sory 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 fi rst 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 addicts. 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.

By Renee A. Thomaier

Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

As swimming season approaches and trips to our beautiful beaches occurs, treating our ocean with respect in all ways is key. Today I will speak about the 10 shark species that cruise around the New Jersey waters. The most common shark in our waters is

Sharks . . . Here At e Jersey Shore

the smooth dogfish. They grow no longer than five feet in length, with the average being more like three feet. Not dangerous to people.

The chain catshark is one of the prettiest sharks in our waters, having irregular black, chain-like markings against a light brown body. Adults reach no more than two feet long and pose no threat to humans.

Sand tiger sharks, while fearsome in appearance, have never caused a human fatality. Seven feet long, they prefer sticking close to the coast.

The dusky shark and scalloped hammerhead are heavily targeted by the soup industry satisfying the demand for their fi ns in making fi n soup. The dusky shark is globally listed as endangered. Both pose

no threats to humans.

Twelve feet long for females, blue sharks are generally shy, may approach people, but not dangerous to humans. A few bites have been recorded but no fatalities.

One of the most endangered species in New Jersey waters is the porbeagle. Endangered in New Jersey, shortfi n mako sharks are also at risk due to sport/commercial fish, entanglement in nets/fishing lines. One unprovoked fatal attack out of ten has occurred. Over the last few decades, the common thresher population has drastically declined, IN DANGER OF EXTINCTION.

Lastly the great white shark tends to stay far from the shore, but sometimes approaches more closely. There have been reports and footage of encounters with humans, however, our fascination with spotting them, studying them using cages and cameras, is initiated by us.

No matter where your water recreation happens, always be aware, take precautions and respect wildlife. Remember, when entering the water, you are only a visitor into their space, their home. Animals can be unpredictable, and each situation is unique.

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

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

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.

Dear Pharmacist

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

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.

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.

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!

P&K FIREARMS & AMMO INC.

(609) 597-4646

PAUL ORLANDO ffl dealer/owner

USED FIRE ARMS WANTED! ALL TYPES: COLLECTIBLES, MILITARY, ETC. Call 609-597-4646 OR 917-681-6809

63 east bay ave, manahawkin, nj 08050 new/used/military » buy/sell/trade pkfirearmsnammo.com

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!

Lacey Garden Club Rain Barrel Workshop

LACEY – On July 6, the Lacey Township Garden Club is sponsoring a rain barrel workshop by Save Barnegat Bay. Rain barrels are placed under a gutter’s downspout to collect rainwater from roofs. Lightweight 55-gallon plastic barrels will be provided to those who must register at the following

link: forms.gle/UkBjZujhYr5E5Kf99

Registration is required to receive a barrel, but the public may attend even if they do not wish to get a barrel at this time. The program will start at 1 p.m. at the Charles Smith Community Center, Room C, 15 East Lacey Road, Forked River. All are welcome to attend.

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

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.

732-505-1212 • RCSHEA.COM

Robert C. Shea Esq.

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)

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)

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.

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)

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)

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.

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.

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)

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

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

C ROSSWORD P UZZLE

F & G AMES S UDOKU

15 Order of magnitude?

35 Drunkenness

37 Cut off

38 Backs

39 Herb used in some Indigenous smudging rituals

40 Life styles? 41 Personal matter? 42 Parking space 44 Fortified, with “up” 46 Cool amount? 49 Sierra __ 51 Smell-O-Vision rival 53 Source of intelligence 54 Summary of top headlines 55 Prankster’s declaration 56 Mail order?

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

“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”

13 Goes back out

14 Crossword editor Harper in Hallmark’s “Crossword Mysteries” series 21 __ nous 23 Hashtag that went viral during a pop star’s legal battle 25 Ewe said it 26 Elevate

(c)2023 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.

SOLUTIONS

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

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

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

Republican Group Holds Scholarship Breakfast

FORKED RIVER – The Ocean County Federation of Republican Women (OFCRW) held their Annual Scholarship Breakfast on June 10 at the Captain’s Inn in Forked River.

All scholarship applicants were required to submit their academic transcripts, a short essay and be sponsored by an Ocean County Republican Club member. After reviewing several applications and receiving recommendations from the OCFRW Scholarship Committee chaired by Vicki Heslin, OCFRW was proud to award four highly accomplished young women with scholarships to be used for their higher education.

The following women received $500 scholarships from OCFRW:

• Erin Beaudry, Toms River East

• Eleanor Curatolo, Forked River

“We are so excited to be able to provide support to these exceptional young women as they head off to college through our OCFRW scholarship,” said Chairwoman Noriko Kowalewski. “Each year the applicants raise the bar through their hard work and dedication. We look forward to seeing the incredible accomplishments these young women achieve in their future endeavors.”

In addition to the scholarship presentation, guest speaker Alexis Bailey, Vice President of Government Affairs for the New Jersey Business and Industry Association congratulated our scholarship recipients and shared remarks with the attendees.

• Arianna Ponce, Toms River East

• Katelyn Rizzo, Toms River North

Photo courtesy Ocean County Federation of Republican Women

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

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

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

Fire Pit Friday

LONG BEACH – Long Beach Township is excited to announce Fire Pit Fridays will be at the 68th St. Beach from 7 to 9 p.m. The following bands will be performing on the Berkshire Hathaway – Zach Shore Stage:

June 30- Super Trans Am

July 7- My Hero Zero

July 14- The Royals

July 21- The Kiley Baxter Band

July 28- Jimmy & The Parrots

August 4- Isn’t It Always

August 11- Eaglemania

August 18- Chris Fritz & The Impulsives

August 25- Frontiers – Journey Tribute Band

Food and soft drinks sold each week by RAD Kitchen/Philly Pretzel and Daddy’O’s or Manafi rkin will be selling alcoholic beverages to those 21 and over with ID. You may also bring your own food and coolers.

Learn About e Women Of Tuckerton

LITTLE EGG HARBOR – Tuckerton Historical Society presentation “Learn About The Women Of Tuckerton” will be held on July 8 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Giffordtown

Schoolhouse Museum 35 Leitz Boulevard, West Tuckerton, Little Egg Harbor. Guest Speaker: Lesley Schierenback, (Tuckerton Seaport’s Folk Art Director).

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.