2023-07-15 - The Manchester Times

Patriotic Fun Drives Down Main Street

Officials Debate Replacing Old Fire Equipment

By Bob Vosseller

MANCHESTER – Members of a local volunteer fi re company said that the town needs to help buy new equipment, but some town officials said the equipment doesn’t need to be replaced.

Members of the Whiting Volunteer Fire Company, including Captain Tom Donner, asked the Township Council if they would receive funding to replace 22-year-old tires on one of their vehicles among other equipment concerns.

Fire Chief Ian Engel later spoke with The Manchester Times about the issue. He noted that while the fi re company doesn’t follow the guidelines of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) which is not recognized in the state, “we want to make sure we are in compliance with everything.”

He noted that the fire company had

Ms. Senior NJ

By Bob Vosseller

LAKEHURST – Classic Cadillacs were a popular sight during the recently held Fourth of July Parade and Car Show held along Union Avenue on Independence Day. One

was spotted parked with a tiger - not in the tank but in the tail end of the car. Another had a youngster in a miniature version riding down the street.

The parked vehicle

with the stuffed tiger was one of a large number of vintage automobiles that were among this year’s display at the Lakehurst Historical Society’s

Celebrated

annual Fourth of July Car show that fi lled a field at the Lakehurst Elementary School and a portion of the street on Union Avenue.

GOP Leaders Endorse Democrat Prosecutor

By Stephanie Faughnan

TOMS RIVER – Breaking the mold of traditional partisan politics, the Ocean County Commissioners have asked Governor Phil Murphy to reappoint Bradley D. Billhimer to a second five-year term as the county’s prosecutor.

All five members of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners are promi-

nent Republicans; Billhimer is a Democrat.

During a recent meeting, the Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution requesting Murphy to consider Billhimer’s reappointment. The resolution highlighted Billhimer’s commitment to justice and his efforts to address the evolving needs of Ocean County. It praised his es-

tablishment of various community outreach programs, including Ocean County Cares and the Escape the Vape Taskforce, as well as his initiatives to combat the opioid epidemic.

Billhimer’s work in strengthening relationships between law enforcement and the faith-based community was also commended.

By Stephanie Faughnan

and

Bob Vosseller

TOMS RIVER – A beaming Manchester resident was all smiles as she was presented with a special proclamation from the Ocean County Board of Commissioners to commemorate her

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recent

Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Ocean County Commissioner Director Joseph Vicari presents a proclamation to Manchester resident Ferlie Almonte, Ms. Senior New Jersey 2023.

(Equipment - See Page 5) (Senior - See Page 4) (Prosecutor - See Page 7)

Photos By Bob Vosseller

(Above) Lakehurst Poppy Princess Madison Jones waves to the crowd at this year’s Borough Independence Day Parade. (Right) “Danny Boy” is the name of this ruby red convertible whose driver seems to be asleep at the wheel but he made it to his destination at the end of Independence Day Parade route in Lakehurst Borough.

Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer at a presentation given to high school and college students.

(Fun - See Page 4)

Fun:

Continued From Page 1

Vehicles of all ages, styles and models brought back memories of those who passed through the free show. There were vendors along the road as well and organizations like the Lakehurst Historical Society who were promoting museum visits to their Center Street facility.

LHS member Bill Schmidt was there seeking out members to the organization. Members of Girl Scout Troop 60009 were cooking up and selling burgers and hot dogs while providing cold beverages for what was a rather warm morning.

The car show began at 9 a.m. and set up started pretty early around the school

Senior:

Continued From Page 1

crowning as Ms. Senior New Jersey 2023.

“I have a confession to make,” shared Ferlie Almonte. “I am in love with Ocean County. Of the 41 years I have been here in America, this is the fi rst time I have ever felt so soulfully connected with the community.”

Almonte, who lives in Leisure Village West, said she could not be more thrilled and honored to represent not only Ocean County but New Jersey at the national level of the pageant. She referred to the commissioners as fearless leaders and a gorgeous and beautiful-looking group.

grounds and street. The parade came later and featured just about every vehicle in the borough ranging from police cars with Police Chief Matthew Kline leading off the parade, to a fleet of fi re trucks, fi rst aid squad vehicles, a public works truck and more. There were also numerous bike riders with decorated bicycles draped in red, white and blue that headed down the parade route.

A few of the cars seemed to have drivers that were way too young. These toddlers were in miniature Cadillacs and other cars being pulled by parents.

Members of the Girl Scout Troop 60009 looked pretty patriotic as well as they marched down the parade path. Parade spectators, most of whom were also in varying shades of red, white and blue were

“It is a great pleasure for us and the entire board to congratulate you,” said Commissioner Director Joseph Vicari to Almonte.

“We wish you the best.”

During the Ocean County Commissioner’s meeting, several other contestants from the Ms. Senior New Jersey pageant joined Almonte for the special presentation in her honor. As the state contest winner, Almonte is now gearing up to compete for the national title in October.

The goal of the Ms. Senior America pageant is to recognize women who exemplify dignity, maturity and the inner beauty of senior Americans. The pageant’s philosophy revolves around the belief that seniors are America’s foundation and most valuable

cheering those in the parade and later made their way back to the car show.

Lakehurst’s very own Poppy Princess, Madison Jones from VFW Post 1061, also had a nice ride down the street complete with her sash and tiara. Both events drew a lot of families who were looking for some patriotic fun. The car show also featured a gift auction, food, raffles, contests and a prize for the most patriotic decorated car. Sadly, the July 3 fi reworks display had to be canceled due to inclement weather. The mayor and council will be discussing a date

treasure. Their knowledge, experience, and resources shape society’s future, allowing younger generations to build a better tomorrow.

As New Jersey’s reigning queen, Almonte will spend the next year promoting positive aspects of aging across the Garden State.

Her duties include appearing on radio and television shows, participating in parades and conventions, and showcasing her talents as a performer in New Jersey Cameo Club events. She will also entertain audiences at 55-plus communities, veteran hospitals, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes.

Almonte, originally from the Philippines, has a compelling professional background

for the fi reworks during the July 20 council meeting. Currently, they are looking at the August 1, National Night Out or sometime in the fall for the opportunity to light up the sky with some pyrotechnics.

as a motivational speaker and author. Her biography highlights her ability to inspire others, emphasizing the transformative power of overcoming adversity and personal hardships, leading to resilience and reinvention.

Almonte said she uses music and stories to lift people’s spirits through her One-Woman Inspirational EDUtainment Show, “Make Your Mess Your Message,” where she performs original songs she wrote lyrics to. The newly crowned pageant winner is also involved with various non-profit organizations such as American Cancer Society, Caregiver Volunteers of Central NJ, Fil-Am Cultural Development Center of Ocean County, Show me your Heart Foundation.

Photo By Bob Vosseller

This Cadillac owner didn’t put a tiger in his tank but instead put it at the tail end of his car.

Equipment

: Continued From Page 1

previously met with Mayor Arace, Council President Roxy Conniff and Councilman Joseph Hankins. The combined budget for all three fi re companies was around $228,000.

Engel said Whiting Fire Company has a rescue and tanker. The company needs 24 tires which would cost approximately $500 each. “That’s pretty expensive. They are not in bad shape if you look at them but they need to be replaced.”

Chief Engel said his fi re company used to have 50 to 60 members and “I’m lucky we have 29 active fi remen, seven are active fi re police. Since I took over, we got nine more guys and we have five more applications in process. We just want to be treated the same as the paid department as we are absolutely doing the same job.”

Councilman Joseph Hankins responded to Donner’s comments during the council’s second meeting in June saying he felt it necessary to correct some exaggerations and misstatements made. He also mentioned the meeting with Conniff, Arace, himself and members of the Whiting Fire Department and Ridgeway Fire Department.

“We met on multiple occasions and asked them what their number one concern they had for resident safety. The paging system was addressed as an essential problem. Poor radios used to communicate for dispatching as the number one concern,” Hankins said. Hankins said this was prior to last year’s election and after that these issues were

brought up to Police Chief (Robert) Dolan “who felt there was room for improvement but not to the level that public safety was in danger.”

Hankins noted that the Council was asked to approve a $2 million bond which was approved during that night’s meeting and would address necessary repairs and funding for equipment. He expressed that Donner’s comments were meant “to publicly shame the council for not doing enough to fi nance the operations of the fi re department.”

The councilman said as a past chief of all three township volunteer fi re companies, “I remember when the department would actually take out a loan to fi nance fi re trucks. When the township began purchasing fi re trucks and when bonds were passed for their purchase there was an understanding that they would be maintained by the department that received the truck.”

He commended former “Mayor Robert Hudak and the council members who supported placing a line item in the budget for fi re equipment. It was the fi rst time that had been done since I was fi rst fi re chief in 1993 and tried to do that. Fast forward to 2023, 30 years. The speed of government frightens me.”

“Mayor Arace looked at last year’s budget of $180,000 that was budgeted for mandatory maintenance. He increased that budget to $230,000 so he went above and beyond what was done the year before believing the additional $50,000 was sufficient to recap $230,000 in taxpayer money that was being used to earmark for improved fi refighting

emergency services,” Hankins said.

The councilman added that he had looked into funding for the Whiting Fire Department and “much to my surprise they are sitting on $1,400,000 of donations that have gone into that fire company. I won’t say they want us to pay for everything but they have to realize this is a working relationship for both organizations and the council and the fi re company have to work together to accomplish its goals.”

Regarding the issue of the aged fi re truck tires and the NJ Department of Transportation’s recommendation of replacement “New Jersey is not a state that recognizes the NFPA and does not follow it,” Hankins added.

The Councilman said, “the issue that some folks have - and I’ll give you a prime

example of it - is that the NFPA gave a 10year timeline on all turnout gear so if the township was to buy a spare coat and kept it wrapped in plastic and put it on a shelf away from ultra violet light, and let it sit for five years, when it was pulled out it would have only five years left on its shelf life.”

“The large tire manufacturers were involved in the writing of these guidelines and it comes as no surprise that they want you to buy more tires. The (New Jersey) Department of Transportation standard he cited (of 10 years) I couldn’t fi nd anywhere so I had Manchester Traffic Safety look into it and they could fi nd nothing age specific of an age requirement on a tire.”

Hankins said the DOT stressed the tire having to have ample thread and no signs of dry rot.

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Manchester, NJ 08759

(Located between hair & nail salon)

Prosecutor: Continued From Page 1

Additionally, the prosecutor’s focus on bias prevention and his collaboration with numerous organizations for public safety and education in Ocean County were recognized.

The resolution passed by the Ocean County Commissioners includes references to Billhimer’s commitment to school-aged children. He and his team have conducted over 145 presentations in more than 70 schools during the 2022-2023 academic year alone. Through these meetings, they have reached over 20,000 students, educating them about topics such as internet safety, social media, and bullying.

As the county’s top law enforcement officer, Billhimer has taken his role beyond prosecuting crimes. In a remarkable initiative, he organized a symposium for local police officials to engage in a candid and accelerated discussion about perceived biases in law enforcement interactions. This proactive approach distinguished Billhimer as the sole county prosecutor to undertake such an endeavor.

“I know Brad has the support of local legislators, and we want to get the Governor to fast-track this,” said Commissioner Gary Quinn. “We don’t want to drag out his life or ours.”

Quinn acknowledged Billhimer’s presence in the rear of the meeting room, while offering further commentary on what he called the “phenomenal job” the prosecutor has done since his appointment in 2018.

Commissioner Jack Kelly said that he’d received a number of calls asking why a Republican board would support a Democrat appointment.

“What I’ve told every one of them, I’ll say here publicly,” Kelly shared. “Because Brad Billhimer has been a nonpartisan – not a bipartisan, but nonpartisan prosecutor who has done an outstanding job for the people of Ocean County. I support anybody who supports the people of Ocean County.”

The other three commissioners echoed similar sentiments regarding Billhimer’s service to the county.

Billhimer’s ties to the community run deep as an Ocean County native who graduated from the Toms River school system. His commitment to the local area continued throughout his educational journey, as he pursued his undergraduate studies fi rst at Ocean County College before transferring to Richard Stockton College of New Jersey.

In 1994, he was selected to work in Washington, D.C. as an intern for former United States Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ).

After earning his JD from Widener University, Billhimer returned to his hometown to establish his legal career. He began by serving as a law clerk to the Honorable Barbara Ann Villano, J.S.C., in Ocean County, gaining valuable insights into the judicial system. He then went on to work in the private sector, ultimately establishing his own criminal defense law practice.

In addition to his law career, Billhimer has actively contributed to the bar activities and community organizations. He has served as an adjunct professor, sharing his pro-

fessional expertise with students. In 2018, Governor Murphy appointed Billhimer as the Ocean County Prosecutor, a position he assumed after being sworn in by the Honorable Marlene Lynch Ford, A.J.S.C.

New Jersey’s State Constitution intentionally designates a five-year term for county prosecutors, who are selected by the governor and approved by the state senate. This deliberate provision ensures that their tenure is not synchronized with the term of the governor who appointed them. By setting a fi xed term, the Constitution aims to provide continuity and independence to county prosecutors, allowing them to carry out their duties without undue influence from political changes or shifts

in gubernatorial administrations.

Only a handful of Ocean County prosecutors have remained in the position for more than five years.

Marlene Lynch Ford, held the position from 2007 to 2013. After her tenure, she received a judicial appointment to the Superior Court and recently retired as the Ocean County Assignment Judge.

Several years prior to Ford, Edward Turnbach served as the Ocean County Prosecutor from 1976 to 1987, making him the second most recent prosecutor to hold the position for more than one term. He was appointed as a Superior Court Judge in 1987, serving until his retirement from the bench in 2006.

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY

Several of our nearby towns are having trouble defining what their “downtown” really is. Most of them are confi ned to the few major roads going through them. Route 9, 37, and 70 are the big state roads, and there are county roads that usually have a lot of big businesses, but they’re not really “downtown” because they are usually places you drive through to get where you really want to go.

The defi nition of “downtown” is vague, but usually it’s a collection of homes and small businesses that create local flavor. It’s a destination.

People visit Cape May or Red Bank but it’s too expensive to live there.

The “smart money” builds commercial properties first, and then

How To Make A Downtown Without Apartments

builds apartments over –or near – these commercial areas so that the businesses will have built-in customers. This smart money is really stupid. This isn’t how the world works anymore. You can order something from Amazon or a big box store and have it delivered that day.

Convenience is king, and you can’t get more convenient than never leaving your home. That’s why apartments over commercial establishments aren’t a slam dunk anymore.

What a downtown really needs is businesses next to more businesses.

Our leaders need to zone to create jobs. It’s no secret that the Parkway is packed in the morning as everyone goes to work – because everyone is working somewhere else.

Instead of having apartment buildings, build office space. Entice corporations to move their headquarters in. If you want to build up your town, you have to give your people jobs.

If you have 100 people working downtown, they will be spending more money than 100 people living downtown.

I’ve worked in enough offices to know that workers are dying to fi nd an excuse to take a break. A coffee shop on the first floor of an office complex will do way more business than an apartment complex. Why? Because workers will be stepping out to get coffee all day long. “Hey, boss, I’m going downstairs. You want something?”

If you’re home, you might not go to the elevator, go to the bottom floor, then go to

the corner shop. If you’re working, spending 20-30 minutes out of the office to run an errand is a lot more likely.

People don’t usually go out to lunch, or order lunch, when they’re home. But they do very often when they’re at work.

If you live over a restaurant, you’re going to have bugs and mice getting into your home. That won’t happen as much in an office complex because there aren’t pantries for vermin to infiltrate.

Entertainment is usually part of the “downtown” feel. Theaters, small concert venues and other things to do create jobs and a nightlife. When the office crowd leaves, the night shift comes in. They’re not competing for parking with the people who live there all

Letters To The Editor

Editor’s note: This letter is a response to the article

“Let’s Drive Away Bullying,” published June 17 in The Berkeley Times.

Bullying is very subjective, which makes it hard to pinpoint unless it’s obvious. Calling someone a

name? Eh. Saying unpleasant things to someone? Eh.

Both of those things require the “victims” to grow a thicker skin that will enable them to get through life much easier, otherwise you will go through life as a “victim” and never really reach your full potential.

So, what is real bullying?

I would say when someone

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

All letters are printed as space allows unless deemed offensive by the editorial staff, and provided they are signed and include address & phone number for 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

edit or reject letters.

The weekly deadline is 5 p.m.

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

The opinions expressed in the Letters To The Editor section do not necessarily 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.

is constantly harassed by someone or a group of people using harsh words. Hitting or pushing someone? No. That is battery. Making threats of bodily harm? No. Harassment? No. Stalking? No. Mounting an online campaign of harassment? No. All of those things are prohibited by law and the perpetrators of such crimes should be charged as such.

The problem with our schools, as we recently saw at (Central Regional High School), is that they do nothing about it and allow small situations to grow into bigger situations, and let’s be honest here, school administrations are the biggest bullies of all. Ask any parent who has complained what happens to them or their children, or simply wants proper services put in place to better educate them.

That people believe that they can “drive away bul-

the time.

Additionally, if you’re living in an apartment, you’re spending more than $1,600 a month on rent. You’re not going to be a consumer. You don’t have the money to support your local businesses.

Small businesses create wealth. Apartments only create wealth for one person – the owner of the building.

Due to a lawsuit many years ago, every town has to set aside a certain number of affordable housing units every time there’s a development. Towns are assessed using some convoluted formula and told how many units to set aside. Commercial development works into the equation, too. So, if there’s a huge office building, the town’s affordable housing number

would go up and those units would have to be placed somewhere.

That’s why towns need to have truly affordable units. The state’s definition of affordable is laughable, way more expensive than the poor can really afford. Therefore, towns should create one-bedroom homes.

Instead of filling a downtown area with a few businesses and tons of 3-bedroom apartments, consider this instead: Rows of small, accessible, locally-owned small businesses. Throw on a layer or two of offices. Then top it all off with a floor of one-bedroom apartments. That’s how you make a downtown.

Chris Lundy News Editor

lying” is ludicrous. That is never going to happen because it’s built into the human condition. Can we reduce it? Sure. Eradicate it? No.

The best defense is to raise your children to be good people, to be leaders, to do the right thing, to grow a thick skin, and learn to ignore the (expletive deleted) of the world. That’s how you get around bullying, not by playing the victim. Will even good kids do stupid things? Absolutely, but try another course in raising them instead of coddling and helicopter parenting, don’t accept trophies and awards that they didn’t earn, and stop living your life vicariously through your children. Let them live their own lives because they aren’t you and they will never be you and both they and the world will be a better place when they grow into their own selves

without constantly having to live up to the ridiculous expectations of parents who are bitter about not being who they wanted to be because their parents did to them what they are doing to their own kids.

Stanley C. Bayville

The Supreme Court Has A Legitimacy Crisis

Supreme Court decisions impact every facet of American life. Unfortunately, those decisions don’t reflect the will of the people.

Mitch McConnell’s rightwing majority Court gutted voting rights, opened the floodgates to unlimited corporate money in our elections, struck down gun safety laws, and limited

the government’s ability to protect our air and water. Since they overturned Roe v. Wade, abortion has been effectively banned (with extremely limited exceptions) in fourteen states. Nearly 1 in 3 Americans have lost access to abortion care.

This can’t go on. We need to move away from these types of extremely partisan rulings and restore the legitimacy of the Court by passing the Judiciary Act to expand and rebalance the bench.

Congress has changed the size of the Supreme Court seven times already in our nation’s history - and they must do it again to ensure that the justices protect our freedoms, not advance their own radical political agendas. It’s time for Congress to pass the Judiciary Act.

Pamela Talbot Toms River

Bill Would Help Federal Workers Fly With Pets

Capitol Comments

Senator Cory Booker

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the Fly Pet Exception for Traveling Swiftly (PETS) Act, legislation that facilitates easier overseas transport of pets for all U.S. Government (USG) personnel when they are being assigned to a post abroad. Current law requires USG personnel, both military and civilian, to deploy via U.S.-flagged air carriers when traveling on commercial flights with funds provided by the federal government when

they receive orders for a permanent change of station. This law sometimes causes unnecessary, burdensome, and costly logistical hurdles at transit stops, such as additional paperwork, vaccinations, and potential unforeseen days- or weeks-long quarantine for pets. Since many U.S. airlines have sharply reduced pet transport services since 2020, USG personnel with pets are sometimes forced to deploy once with their families on a U.S. carrier and then again, at their own expense, with their pets on a foreign carrier. The Fly PETS Act would remove these burdensome requirements by allowing USG personnel to deploy via a foreign-flagged carrier if they travel with a pet that no U.S.-

flagged carrier will transport.

Senator Booker’s bill shows bicameral support for facilitating safe and swift pet transportation as Congress authorizes legislation for the Departments of State and Defense. A bipartisan version of the bill, H.R. 3384, was introduced by Representatives Dean Phillips (D-MN-03) and Mark Green (R-TN-07) in the House last month.

“USG personnel often experience unnecessary barriers when relocating or moving overseas with their families and pets on government orders,” said Sen. Booker.“These challenges add burdensome costs for diplomats and servicemembers and may dissuade some of our most qualified personnel from taking some overseas assignments. The Fly PETS Act is common-sense legislation that will make it easier for all USG personnel to

transport their pets, reducing the stress they and their families experience as they travel abroad to serve our country.”

“For servicemembers stationed overseas, pets provide comfort, stability, and a reminder of home,” said Rep. Phillips. “But overly complicated hurdles slow down diplomats and servicemembers and their pets from getting to their posts. This bill is a commonsense way to improve diplomacy, reduce costs, and remove bureaucratic hurdles so that American diplomats can travel swiftly and efficiently to their posts.”

The Fly PETS Act would also further U.S. foreign policy goals by helping to staff critical overseas assignments with the best USG personnel and will save U.S. taxpayer money by avoiding transit stops that require additional costs and unforeseen delays in travel time.

Governor Murphy: Laws Toughened Against Auto e

LONG BRANCH – Governor Phil Murphy signed a series of bills to continue the fight to combat auto theft in New Jersey. The four bills strengthen the criminal penalties associated with auto theft, with a particular focus on persistent, repeat offenders and large-scale automobile trafficking networks.

“Every person should be able to feel safe and secure in the communities they call home. That is why over the past year we have taken serious steps to crack down on the troubling rise in auto thefts,” said Governor Murphy. “Today’s comprehensive bill signing is an additional step in the right direction. I am grateful to our legislative leaders for recognizing the seriousness of this issue and for taking swift action to bring these bills to my desk. Together, we will continue to work with our partners in law enforcement to keep New Jerseyans safe.”

A4930/S3390 expands criminal penalties related to the illegal use of motor vehicle master keys. Motor vehicle master keys are key fobs or computer programs that have the ability to operate the locks or start a motor vehicle. Under the bill, individuals who knowingly possess one of these devices or programs for unlawful purposes or advertise these devices or programs knowing that such items are commonly used for unlawful purposes will be guilty of a fourth-degree crime. These provisions do not apply to law enforcement personnel, insurance organizations, or leasing business entities.

A4931/S2284 establishes the crimes of theft of a motor vehicle and receiving a stolen motor vehicle as separate statutory provisions resulting in either a second- or a third-degree crime, depending on the value of the car. Additionally, the bill provides for extended sentences for certain persistent motor vehicle offenders. If an individual has been convicted on two or more prior, separate occasions of carjacking theft, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, or receiving stolen property that is

a motor vehicle, then that individual may be subject to an extended term of imprisonment upon request of the prosecutor.

A5034/S3006 expands the crime of “leader of auto theft trafficking network” by amending the definition of said “leader” to include persons who conspire with others as participants to engage for profit or to commit other criminal activity in a scheme or course of conduct to unlawfully take, dispose of, distribute, bring into, or transport motor vehicle or motor vehicle parts as stolen property. The bill also establishes that the “participant in auto theft network” will result in a third-degree crime.

A5189/S3777 eliminates the presumption of pretrial release for defendants charged with certain motor vehicle theft offenses if the defendant was arrested or convicted of a prior motor vehicle theft offense within the 90-day-period preceding the charge. Under the bill, the presumption of pretrial release would not apply to an eligible defendant charged with theft of or unlawful taking of a motor vehicle or receiving stolen property where the property involved is a motor vehicle if on one or more prior and separate occasions during the 90-day-period preceding the charge, the defendant was arrested for or convicted of theft of or unlawful taking of a motor vehicle; receiving stolen property where the property involved is a motor vehicle; or a crime under any statute of the United States, this State, or any other state that is substantially equivalent to any of the crimes listed above.

In the past year, the Murphy Administration has taken several steps to address the problem of auto thefts.

Earlier this year, the Governor signed S249/ A2210, making it more difficult for bad actors to sell stolen catalytic converters to scrap yards and making it easier for law enforcement to identify, locate, and prosecute violators. Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin also announced in April 2023 that 34 law enforcement

agencies in 21 counties and the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) will receive grant funding to acquire or expand automated license plate recognition (ALPR) technology across the state, building on Governor Murphy’s 2022 $10 million investment in the technology to reduce violent crime and auto theft in New Jersey through the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) State Fiscal Recovery Fund. Auto theft measures taken in the last year have proven to be successful, resulting in a 10 percent decrease in auto thefts from January through May of this year compared to that same period last year, and a 10 percent decrease in auto thefts for the last four months of 2022 compared to those same months in 2021.

In the recently signed Fiscal Year 2024 budget, $2 million more was allocated to increase the investment in statewide pretrial services, which will expand social service offerings and on-ramps to programming support for people awaiting trial.

“Car thefts are a personal and sometimes violent attack on an innocent victim,” said Peter Andreyev, Executive Vice President, New Jersey State PBA. “The bills ... will allow law enforcement to target the leaders of these theft rings and make sure that repeat offenders are properly adjudicated. On behalf of the New Jersey State PBA, I would like to thank Governor Murphy and the bill sponsors for their support on this serious public safety issue.”

Package

Fire ghters Participate In Air Management Drill

WHITING – Whiting Fire Company Station 33 members participated in a drill with a variety of evolutions built into a circuit.

Members were paired up to complete/ navigate through the following tasks for time: heavy tire fl ips, entanglement prop, weighted dummy drag, removal of the “victim” from a window, and exiting via “window.”

Photo courtesy Whiting Fire Company

The main objective to this training exercise was focused on air management during physical exertion. Although our SCBA bottles are “45-minute bottles,” actual time is greatly impacted by exertion, breathing pattern, and physical fitness. Training in this manner can greatly improve actual bottle time during emergency incidents.

Live Healthy Ocean County Chronic Disease Screenings

MANCHESTER – Mayor Robert Arace, Manchester Town Council, and the Manchester Senior Advisory Council are proud to sponsor Live Healthy Ocean County.

10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Crestwood Village 5 Club House, 325 Schoolhouse Road, Whiting.

or facility within

miles of funeral home, all funeral

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

Join for free Chronic Disease screenings provided by the Ocean County Health Department on August 2 from

WHITING – Crestwood Village 6 is hosting an Indoor Flea Market on September 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Table set up will be on September 29 from 3 to 7 p.m. Located at 6 Congasia Road Whiting, Deerfield Hall Clubhouse.

Interior tables are $12 each. Wall tables are $15 each (total of 52 tables). Tables

Services include: blood pressure screening, stroke risk assessment, medication management, diabetes, dental and health education. Dieticians and dental consultants will be on site.

for sale for Village 6 residents only until end of July, then open to all other vendors.

Breakfast and lunch items will be available for sale. There will be raffles and a silent auction. Contact Julie Sutton at 732-849-5363 (leave your name and phone number if you want a table).

C OMMUNITY N EWS

Village 6 Country BBQ & Dance

WHITING – Crestwood Village VI Residents Club presents Village 6 Country BBQ & Dance with music provided by DJ Johnny on July 15 from 6 to 10 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.)

A BBQ buffet dinner; snacks, dessert, soda, water, coffee & tea provided. Tickets are $32 each; 2023 Paid Resident club members are $30. Present your membership card/number when purchasing

tickets. If you wish to be seated together as a group, please buy your tickets at the same time and list all names for seating check-in.

Ticket sales are Mondays, 10 to 11 a.m. at Deerfield Hall clubhouse CV6 and will not be sold at the door (last date of sale is July 10) or contact Kathy Casper at 732500-6155. No refunds given unless event is canceled.

Crestwood Village 4 Flea Market

WHITING – Come and join at Crestwood Village 4 located at 15 E Moccasin Drive Whiting for their flea market on August 5.

Many friendly, reasonably priced vendors will be there to help you. Breakfast and lunch will be available. Be sure to

visit the ladies at the stage area, really great prices and everything there has been donated by the village residents. Village 4 holds a flea market the fi rst Saturday of every month. Contact carolmarsella2@gmail.com for information on renting a table.

50th Annual Horseshoe Tournament

MANCHESTER – Join Manchester Township for the 50th Annual Horseshoe Tournament at Harry Wright Lake on August 5. (Rain date August 6)

On-site registration closes at 88 max or 9 a.m. Singles and doubles. Play begins

at 9:30 a.m. Wear your oldest Manchester Horseshoe Tournament shirt for a chance to win a prize.

For more information, call the Recreation Department at 732-657-8121 ext. 5101 or 5102.

Garden Party Gi Auction

WHITING – Lakeside Garden Club

Presents Garden Party Gift Auction and Venetian Table on September 23 at Lakeside Hall Cedar Glen Lakes, 100 Michigan Avenue, Whiting.

Doors open at 12 p.m. Tickets $20 which includes one full ticket sheet. (Additional sheets available for purchase)

For additional information and tickets, call Linda Burke at 732-740-0565.

American Polish Club Of Whiting

WHITING – The American Polish Club’s regular monthly meetings are scheduled for the 3rd Wednesdays of each month except for July and August (summer break).

Meetings are open to all seniors 55 and

older who reside in other Senior Communities. You don’t have to be of Polish descent to join. Membership dues: $10 per year. Any questions, call RoseMarie Bartley, Secretary, at 732-350-4851.

MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS! Expand your patient base by advertising in Micromedia Publications’ 7 weekly newspapers. Call 732-657-7344 to find out how!

Holy Communion at 9 a.m.

Christ Lutheran Church

The Rev. Dr. J. Francis Watson, Pastor 40 Schoolhouse Road, Whiting, NJ 08759 Phone 732.350.0900 • Fax 732.350.0343

E-mail: christlutheranchurch2@verizon.net

Website: christlutheranwhiting.com

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

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

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

CATSKILLS CASINO $232/pp Dbl.Occ.

Day 1 $25 Slot Play, $20 Food Voucher. Day 2 $25 Slot Play, $15 Food Voucher, Private Lunch Buffet & Show.

AUG. 19 YANKEE VS. RED SOX’S $189/pp

Includes Main Level covered seating, Hot Dog & Drink.

AUG. 20-26 7 DAY MACKINAW ISLAND & DETROIT MUSIC CITY TOUR $1749/pp Dbl.Occ.

Includes 6 Nights Stay, Meals & More.

AUG. 28-30 3 DAY LAKE GEORGE & SARATOGA SPRINGS $659/pp Dbl.Occ.

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

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

Includes 3 Nights Stay, Meals & More.

SEPT. 5 A DAY IN CAPE MAY $139/pp

Includes 3 hour Whale Watching Cruise, Lunch at Lobster Show & Free time in town.

SEPT. 11-17 7 DAY MYRTLE BEACH $1399/pp. Dbl.Occ.

Includes 4 nights at Avista Ocean front Resort with your condo facing the beach and More

SEPT. 21 MOSES AT SIGHT & SOUND $144/pp

Includes Lunch at Shady Maple, Center Orch Seat.

SEPT. 27 A DAY IN AMISH LANCASTER $84/pp

Includes Lunch at Shady Maple, Visit to Jake’s Trading Post, Kitchen Kettle Village.

SEPT. 28 THE SPINNERS AT TROPICANA $107/pp

Includes $25 Slot Play, $15 Food Voucher and Show.

OCT. 1-3 3 DAY HAMPTONS RICH & FAMOUS TOUR $679/pp Dbl. Occ

Includes 2 Nights Stay, Meals & More.

OCT. 16-20 5 DAY MAINE FALL FOLIAGE ADVENTURE $1052/pp Dbl.Occ.

Includes 4 nights stay, 2 nights in Bar Harbor, Meals & More.

OCT. 25-27 3 DAY SALEM HAUNTED HAPPENINGS ADVENTURE $728/pp Dbl.Occ.

Includes 2 Nights Stay, Meals and Lizzie Borden House Tour.

OCT. 26 SWEET CAROLINE MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO NEIL DIAMOND AT CAESARS CASINO $105/pp

Includes $25 Slot Play, $20 Food Credit and Show.

NOV. 1-6 6 DAY ARUBA $2849/pp Dbl. Occ.

Includes Riu Palace all inclusive resort, Air Fare, Bus Transportation.

NOV. 8 THE FIRST NOEL AT AMERICAN MUSIC THEATRE $153/pp

Includes Lunch at Shady Maple before show, Center Orch Seat.

NOV. 14 MIRACLE OF CHRISTMAS AT SIGHT & SOUND $156/pp

Includes Lunch at Shady Maple before show, Center Orch Seat.

NOV. 17 HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT LONGWOOD GARDENS $125/pp

Includes Lunch.

NOV. 18 A PLAYHOUSE CHRISTMAS AT HUNTERDON HILLS PLAYHOUSE $136/pp

Includes a Plated lunch & Show.

NOV. 28 RADIO CITY HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR FEATURING THE ROCKETTES $224/pp

Includes Lunch before show, Center Orch Seat & Free time to visit Rockefeller Center.

NOV. 30 DOO WOP CHRISTMAS AT TROPICANA CASINO $103/pp

Includes $25 Slot Play,$15 Food Voucher & Show.

JAN. 17-27,2024 10 NIGHT EASTERN CARIBBEAN CRUISE NORWEGIAN

2023 eatre Trips

3

11am-4pm

Monday-Friday: 11am-2pm

MANCHESTER – Manchester Township Recreation Department presents their 2023 theatre trips. From Broadway to you!

September 12 – Grumpy Old Man: Surfl ight Theatre, Beach Haven. Cost is $98 per ticket. Includes bus, lunch at The Waterfront, show. Bus leaves from soccer field parking lot at 10:15 a.m. Lunch is at 11 a.m.; Showtime is 2 p.m. Payment due no sooner than August 12.

October 12 – Dracula a Comedy of Terrors: Surflight Theatre, Beach Haven. Cost is $108 per ticket. Includes bus, lunch at Buckalew’s, show. Bus leaves from soccer field parking lot at 10:15 a.m. Lunch is at 11:30 a.m.; Showtime is 2 p.m. Payment due

no sooner than September 12.

December 5 – Christmas at the Playhouse: Hunterdon Hills Playhouse, West Hampton NJ. Cost is $125 per ticket. Includes bus, lunch, show. Bus leaves from soccer field parking lot at 9:15 a.m. Lunch is at 11 a.m. followed by show. Payment due no sooner than November 5.

Payment is required no sooner than one to one and a half months before each show date. If you make a reservation and your plans change, call to cancel. Refunds will only be issued if there is a wait list.

To reserve your tickets, call the Recreation department at 732-657-8121 ext. 5101, 5102, 5103.

Online Pre-Registration Open 2023-2024 Lakehurst School Year

LAKEHURST – If your child will be three or four years old by October 1, 2023, he/she will be eligible to apply to our Preschool Program which starts in September 2023.

If your child will be five years old by October 1, 2023, he/she will be eligible to attend kindergarten in September 2023. This year Lakehurst School District has enhanced registration, by starting the pro-

cess virtually. Simply visit: fridayparent portal.com/lakehurst/preregistration.

Once you have completed the on-line pre-registration, and downloaded all appropriate forms, click on the highlighted “Schedule a Registration Intake Meeting” to make an appointment with the registrar. Online Pre-Registration for Preschool and Kindergarten children opens, immediately for the 2023-2024 school.

October Cra Fair

WHITING – The Lakeside Gardeners are hosting their October Craft Fair on October 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cedar Glen Lakeside Hall, 100 Michigan Avenue, Whiting.

Reserve your table now for only $20. Gifts for the holidays. Bakery table. Breakfast and lunch available for purchase. Call Gean for information at 732-864-6902. Hall is available Friday 5 to 7 p.m. for set up.

P OLICE B LOTTER

Smoking Pile Of Trash Hosed Down In Parking Lot

The garbage was removed from the truck and

By Alyssa Riccardi

LAKEHURST – Fire crews were called to the lot next to Fucille’s ball field on July 5 due to a possible trash fi re, police said.

Around 1 p.m., a garbage truck was spotted dumping trash in the municipal lot next to the field along with local fi refighters hosing down the pile.

“Waste Management observed some smoke coming from the back of the truck while it was at the intersection of Myrtle Street and Chestnut Street and assumed there was a fi re in the back of the truck,” Lakehurst Police Chief Matthew J. Kline

told Jersey Shore Online.

As per the company’s policy, they must dump the garbage in order to save the truck.

“There was a small amount of garbage that was smoldering, but no active fi re,” Chief Kline said.

As a result, Joint Base Fire Department pumped some water on the smoldering garbage. Kline confi rmed that none of the trash actually caught fi re, and no injuries were reported. Afterwards, Waste Management cleaned up the garbage they dumped.

Honey Bees Of Ca us Island

TOMS RIVER – A PowerPoint presentation will illustrate the history, biology, social organizations, and utility of the European Honey Bee. Participants will learn about the different kinds of bees, their jobs, and be introduced to the world

of hobby bee-keeping.

Lecture will take place on August 24 and September 18, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Cooper Environmental Center lecture room, Cattus Island County Park. Fee is $5 per person. Open to ages 12 years and older.

Photo by Jason Allentoff

doused with water.

OCEAN ORTHOPEDIC ASSOCIATES WELCOMES

SUNDEEP S. SAINI, DO

AREAS OF INTEREST

• Total shoulder arthroplasty (Anatomic and Reverse)

• ACL/PCL reconstruction

• Complex knee ligamentous reconstruction

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

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

• Hip Arthroscopy

• Ankle Arthroscopy

• Robotic total knee arthroplasty

MD & RESIDENCY: Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine

FELLOWSHIP: New England Baptist Hospital

Now participating with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield Call 732.349.8454 • oceanortho.com

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

4th-Grader Named Semi-Finalist In NASA Competition

By Alyssa Riccardi

BRICK – A local student was one of 45 kids selected as a semi-fi nalist of a national competition hosted by NASA.

The “Power to Explore Challenge” required students to submit a 200-word essay on how they would use Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) to succeed in their own science mission.

RPS is a type of “nuclear battery” that NASA uses to explore the solar system and more.

Sofia Chiaravalle, a 4th grade student at Midstreams Elementary School, wrote about her idea titled “Project Cousteau.” Project Cousteau would be a rover that would investigate the depths of oceans on Europa, which is the smallest of the four Galilean moons orbiting Jupiter

In her essay, Sofia asked: Is there any existence on Europa? Is there an ocean underneath the ice? How frigid is the water? Can you breathe on Europa?

Sofia went on to explain that the rover would collect samples, take pictures of any species, and record temperatures of the environment.

When asked what excited her the most about NASA’s RPS, Sofia expressed her eagerness to learn more about the planets within the solar system.

“I love space and writing so I started working on my entry right away. What I’m most excited about NASA’s RPS probes is that they allow us to learn more about all the planets in the solar system and they may help fi nd life on Europa like in my essay,” Sofia said.

After being named a semi-fi nalist and recognized by NASA, Sofia said, “I was watching the video when they announced the semi-fi nalist on the screen at school, I was very excited and screamed in joy when my name popped up!”

Sofia expressed that when she grows up, she would love to be a veterinarian and have the opportunity to work at NASA.

Manchester

“I do enjoy astronomy and learned the basics from my dad. We visited the planetarium at the college a few times and I’m always asking questions. When I grow up, I would love to become a veterinarian and work at NASA where I can help a create a habitat on Mars. Maybe I can go there someday!” Sofia said.

“I’m so proud of Sofia!” Sofia’s father Dennis said. “She took days to research everything she could on Europa, Jupiter, and RPS probes. It took her a long time to make it under 200 words, the original report was over 20 pages. Being able to see her learn about Europa and discovering that there might be life somewhere else in the solar system was a great joy.”

“We were thrilled when she was recognized! Sofia is very smart and she worked really hard on this project. I can’t wait to see what else she will accomplish,” Dennis added.

until July 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, contact Manchester Recreation ay 732-657-8121 ext. 5102 or email recreation@manchestertwp.com.

Food Truck Festival

WHITING – Crestwood Village Four’s Food Truck Festival is held every Wednesday at 3 p.m. at 15E Moccasin Drive. The best food trucks and wide range of global cuisines.

Photo courtesy Dennis Chiaravalle Sofia Chiaravalle extensively researched technology and astronomy for her essay.

MANCHESTER – Manchester Recreation Farmers’ Market has opened for the season! The market will be held at Manchester Town Hall, 1 Colonial Drive, Thursdays

Recreation Farmers’ Market

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Little Greyson was out enjoying the beach, boardwalk and rides in Point Pleasant Beach for the very first time. The photo was sent in by Travis Verello. The whole family is now headed to Six Flags Great Adventure, courtesy of Jersey Shore Online. Want a chance to win tickets yourself? Email your summer pix to photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you may get a message from us!

A Night In Paradise

MANCHESTER – Join Manchester Recreation on August 11 (rain date August 18) at 7 p.m. at Harry Wright Lake for their Hawaiian Show.

Enjoy Hula Dancers, live Luau Band, Tahitian Drummers, Fire Kinfe Warriors. Free evening for summer family fun!

A FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM

189 Route 37 • Toms River, NJ (1/4 Mile W. of GSP) 74 Brick Blvd. • Brick, NJ (The Pavillion) 623 Lacey Rd. • Forked River, NJ 732-349-4949

www.sfhlaw.com

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

Parkway Changes Planned In Ocean County

By Chris Lundy

OCEAN

COUNTY –

Significant changes will happen on the Garden State Parkway between miles 80 and 83 as exits are renumbered and lanes and offramps are altered. The New Jersey Turnpike Authority, which also oversees the Parkway, put out the plan, asking for feedback from drivers.

One of the biggest changes is that there will be a “Collector-Distributor roadway.” This is a few lanes in each direction, separated from the rest of the Parkway by a median. Drivers getting onto the Parkway will fi rst be on this Collector-Distributor until either they get off at another Toms River stop or go on to the rest of the Parkway.

Between 81 and 82, there will be new roadways added, separated from the main Parkway by a concrete median. If you’re heading north, there will be a through lane and an auxiliary lane (for getting on and off ). If you’re heading south, there will be two through lanes and an auxiliary lane.

Officials said that local traffic needs to have a separate roadway from the mainline of the Garden State Parkway. This is a heavily traveled area, and the goal is to give more room for cars. With the interchanges stacked up pretty closely together, there’s not enough room for drivers to get out of each other’s ways.

Other parts of the project include the

rehabilitation or replacement of 11 bridges, replacement of guide rails, and upgrades to signing, striping and lighting. Shoulder widths would be widened (in some cases, they are non-existent). Utilities would need to be relocated.

(Changes - See Page 22)

Photo by Chris Lundy

The Garden State Parkway near Toms River will be wider than three lanes in each direction when construction is done.

Dr. Izzy’s

Sound News

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

Improved Hearing For A Healthy Mind

Did you know that better hearing might be a key to better brain health? A growing body of research ties hearing loss to cognitive-decline problems such as dementia. So, let’s take a look at the connections and the importance of regular hearing care.

Both dementia and hearing loss are on the rise. An estimated 55 million people live with dementia, per the World Health Organization, which predicts the rate will reach 139 million in 2025. Hearing loss, estimated at over 1.5 billion youth and adults worldwide, could climb to over 2.5 billion people by 2050.

Older adults with more severe forms of hearing loss have a significantly higher risk of dementia, according to a Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health-led study released this year. Researchers uncovered a 61% greater prevalence of dementia compared to those with normal hearing.

The study adds to ever-increasing reports on links between hearing loss and significant dementia risk. It stands apart from some other investigations by having relied not only on in-clinic data but also homebased information — including testing and interviews — comprising a more nationally representative population across a 65-plus

age group.

Like a rising number of studies, the findings also showed potential benefits of better hearing in curbing the dementia threat. According to the investigators, hearing aid use was associated with a 32% lower prevalence of dementia among those with moderate or severe hearing loss.

It’s not quite conclusive that hearing aids prevent or reverse dementia — future research will continue to probe the issue. But it looks promising. In an online report, the investigation’s lead author stated, “This study refines what we’ve observed about the link between hearing loss and dementia and builds support for public health action to improve hearing care access.”

What can you do? Staying sharp and engaged is easier than you think and starts with regular hearing screenings. Whether your hearing seems to be changing or it’s simply been a while since your last checkup, contact our caring team for an evaluation today!

Dr. Izzy & his Staff are always here to answer your important hearing care questions. Please contact us today at 732-818-3610 (Toms River/Whiting) or 609-978-8946 (Manahawkin) or visit us at www.gardenstatehearing.com.

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

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

Exploring Ozempic And 8 Natural Alternatives For Weight Loss & Blood Sugar Balance

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

You may have been hearing a lot about a pharmaceutical drug called Ozempic and how it works for weight loss. Known generically as semaglutide, it’s prescribed for the management of type 2 diabetes. This med belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and is given by subcutaneous injection.

GLP-1 is a hormone in everyone’s body that helps to regulate (specifically lower) blood sugar levels. By mimicking the action of GLP-1, semaglutide helps to increase insulin secretion which then reduces glucose production in your liver. In doing so, there is less glucose secreted by the liver, and this helps manage blood sugar levels in people who have type 2 diabetes.

I am glad that people are waking up to the idea of balancing blood sugar and insulin, and the more complex idea that cravings can be controlled by working on these mechanisms. I talked about this in my book called Diabetes Without Drugs and used my knowledge to formulate a dietary supplement called GlucoScript.

Prescriptions for Ozempic and other diabetes drugs have increased dramatically due to commercials and promotions about its value for weight loss. You can certainly talk to your physician about it.

Aside from medications, I recommend a ketogenic or keto-carnivore diet to help one reduce weight dramatically and quickly. The ketogenic diet will result in greater weight loss compared to the drugs. The trial I reviewed showed about a 10-pound reduction over 30 - 56 weeks for participants taking the drug. Compare that to a keto diet which might

give you a 20-pound weight loss over about 6 months to a year. Naturally, the weight loss achieved is contingent on how many cheats you have.

Now let’s talk about a few natural approaches that some people consider. Many of these herbs are in my GlucoScript which I sell at my vitamin shop.

1. Dietary Changes: A low-carb, no refined sugar diet can only help!

2. Physical Activity: Regular exercise is a cornerstone of weight management.

3. Cinnamon: It’s not a substitute for blood sugar medication, however some studies suggest it helps. Sprinkle it!

4. Berberine: This herbal has been studied for its potential effects on lowering blood sugar levels and has strong evidence for its use.

5. Alpha-Lipoic Acid: Sometimes used for neuropathy, alpha-lipoic acid has also been studied for its benefit to blood sugar.

6. Banaba Leaf: Provides “corosolic acid” which may improve insulin sensitivity, helping you to use blood sugar more effectively. It blocks the absorption of some carbs in the gut leading to a reduction in blood sugar spikes after eating.

7. Holy Basil: Also known as Tulsi, it increases insulin secretion and improves insulin sensitivity. It reduces cortisol which is a stress hormone associated with weight gain.

8. Resveratrol: It improves insulin sensitivity and activates AMP-activated protein kinase an enzyme that scoops up glucose from the bloodstream.

For a longer version of this article, and more natural remedies that work well, as well as recipes, please visit my website suzycohen.com.

Should You Appoint Co-Executors In Your Will?

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

As I explain to people when discussing estate planning, one of the reasons you do a Last Will and Testament, and possibly the most important reason, is to provide for the orderly disposition of your assets at the time when you pass away.

A common question that is asked when I am preparing an estate plan is whether someone should appoint more than one person to be their executor. In almost all cases my answer is NO. I do not believe that someone should appoint more than one person to be the executor of their estate.

My reason for this is quite simple. If you appoint two persons to be your co-executors it would require that both of those persons agree on all decisions that need to be made in handling your estate and all documents related to your estate would need to be signed by both persons. In the best-case scenario this can be cumbersome. In many cases, the co-executors do not reside in the same town, which would require that the documents that need to be signed have to be mailed to obtain the necessary two signatures. Of course, this additional mailing would translate into additional costs for the estate.

The problem that we have encountered is what happens when the two co-executors cannot agree on how to settle the estate? For example, suppose the estate has a

house that needs to be sold and the co-executors cannot agree on the sales price. Having the co-executors fighting with each other is not the “orderly disposition of your assets.” If the two co-executors cannot agree on various decisions on behalf of the estate, the only recourse available would be for one of them to go to court and ask a judge to remove the other co-executor. In such a case, a judge will have to choose between the “good” co-executor and the “bad” co-executor. Unfortunately, in many of these cases each co-executor will try to present evidence to the court as to why the other co-executor is the “bad” co-executor. In many cases, the judge will conclude that if the two co-executors cannot agree then it is best to remove them both and appoint an independent person to act as the executor for the estate. (Legally this person would be referred to as an administrator CTA.)

Thus, you could wind up with a perfect stranger handling your estate because your two co-executors could not cooperate with each other. Accordingly, I always urge people not to appoint co-executors but rather to choose the individual they think is best capable of acting as the executor and then naming the other person as an alternate executor in the event the fi rst person is incapable of acting.

Learn To Play ‘Dungeons & Dragons’

TOMS RIVER – Ever wanted to learn to play “Dungeons & Dragons,” but didn’t know how to start? As part of our Adult Summer Reading Program theme, “All Together Now,” the Ocean County Library will present a “Dungeons & Dragons” crash course at six branches:

• Manchester Branch, 21 Colonial Drive, 732-657-7600, 6:30 p.m. July 19

• Plumsted Branch,119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, 609-758-7888, 6:30 p.m. July 24

• Lacey Branch,10 East Lacey Road, 609693-8566, 6:30 p.m. August 7

• Stafford Branch,129 N. Main Street, Man-

ahawkin, 609-597-3381, 6:30 p.m. August 23

• Toms River Branch, 101 Washington Street, 732-349-6200, 6:30 p.m. August 28

The presentation will cover basics of the Fifth Edition. Learn how to fill out a character sheet, what each part means, and how to run a campaign as a Dungeon Master. This 90-minute program will help develop your gaming skills and get you started on a pastime full of fun and adventure.

Register at theoceancountylibrary.org/ events for this free program. For more information, visit or call any participating branch, or call 732-349-6200.

Zumba Classes

WHITIING – Crestwood Village VI announces Zumba with Ashley every Thursday afternoon from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Deerfield Clubhouse, 6 Congasia Road, Manchester. All villages are welcome. For more information, call 609-405-3234.

Changes:

Continued From Page 16

The plan includes 23 basins and nine manufactured treatment devices to manage stormwater runoff.

Development

There are an above average number of crashes in these miles compared to other spots on the road, the Authority said. This part of the road was originally constructed in the 1950s, and is not made to take the kind of traffic it sees now.

There will also be more construction projects that will bring even more cars. One of them that the Authority cited was the redevelopment of downtown Toms River, with proposed apartment towers. There’s also the rerouting of traffic downtown that’s being considered.

Another big project is a multi-use condo complex in South Toms River.

Changing Exit Numbers

The standard in numbering exits is that if they are part of a single exit, they will be assigned the same number. Therefore, 81, 82, and 82A will now be 82A, 82B and 82C. That’s because these will all be accessed from the Collector-Distributor.

Exit 80 Changes

If you’re heading north on the Parkway, there will be a new exit that will bring you to Route 9 south. In this case, we’re not talking about Route 166 or Atlantic City Boulevard or whatever it is called through Beachwood

and South Toms River. We’re talking about that long road with no driveways on it that hits several lights before it joins what we commonly call Route 9. This is the road that gets backed up with traffic from Parkway south every rush hour and now traffic from Parkway north will also be routed to here.

If you’re heading the other way, onto Parkway north, you currently have two lanes which combine into one after the light at Route 530/Dover Road. The new plan would have those two lanes both continue as auxiliary lanes. They will lead to the Collector-Distributor roadway and to the rest of the Parkway.

Also near this intersection, Dover Road westbound will be widened under the Parkway to accommodate two lanes. The idea is that the light before going onto the Parkway would stay green longer because cars going west wouldn’t need as much time to go through.

A new southbound entrance ramp will be created from Double Trouble Road to Parkway south.

If you’re driving west on Dover, you would take the jughandle at Railroad Avenue then make a left to travel south on the Parkway.

A lot of people in this area trying to go south on the Parkway just take Double Trouble to interchange 77. This would provide an alternative. It would likely be more popular for people leaving South Toms River (and the new development) and Manitou Park and would prevent adding traffic on local roads.

A new traffic light will be built at Double (Changes - See Page 23)

Changes:

Continued From Page 22

Trouble Road at the existing ramp with a designated left-turn lane. It will be coordinated with the traffic light that already exists at 530 so that traffic can flow through them both.

Currently, the off ramp at exit 80 is dangerous. There is a designated right turn lane that people new to the area don’t realize is there right away. Then, the rest of the exit opens into a spot where you can go left or right, but there’s not much room to make a decision if you’re not experienced with it. Then, making a left out of there is difficult because a truck sitting at the light can block your view of oncoming cars. Making a right is tricky, too, because Double Trouble is a bit higher on your left so you can’t see cars coming.

Sometimes cars line up so long at this exit that they are stopped on the Parkway. This new traffic signal will detect cars and will turn green if the line gets long.

Interchange 81

Interchange 81 will be called Interchange 82A. The Collector-Distributor roadways will have access to this.

Heading north, the exit ramp will be redesigned and will link with the proposed roundabout in downtown Toms River. The roundabout (fancy word for circle) is proposed to be at Highland Parkway, Lakehurst Road, and Water Street.

If you’re leaving Toms River and heading north, the traffic pattern won’t change on the ramp itself. The only change is that you will get onto the Collector-Distributor. From there, you would be able to either get off at 82B or the rest of Parkway north.

The bridge going over the Parkway at Lakehurst Road will be replaced. The new one will be constructed slightly to the north of the current bridge. That way, people will use the old one until the new one is ready. Then, the new one will open up and the old one will be demolished.

Heading south from downtown, the entrance ramp to the Parkway will be enhanced to meet the standards of other entrances but the traffic flow won’t change. Heading south on the Parkway, your exit will be at a different spot. You’ll get off north of Lakehurst Road and the exit ramp will cut through the woods and come to the traffic light at Lakehurst Road. The Park and Ride will be reconfigured but the number of parking spaces will remain the same.

Interchange 82

Interchange 82 and 82A will be called 82B and C. It will still remain as a clo-

verleaf. However the entrances and exits will be improved and updated to modern design standards.

They will connect to and from the Collector-Distributor roadway. Weaving lengths along this stretch and Route 37 will either be the same or be lengthened.

Interchange 83

At Interchange 83, the Authority is working with engineers working for Ocean County for a new southbound exit ramp to Indian Head Road.

Between 82 and 83, there will be a fourth lane as well as a widening of the roadway to create standard shoulders on both sides.

Neighboring Land Impacted

The Authority wants to acquire about 15 acres for these changes. Of these, 8.81 acres are “partial fee acquisitions,” however 7.3 of these acres are publicly owned. Only .08 acres of residential property is proposed to be bought at Interchange 80. Concrete barriers are expected to minimize the impact to local properties since the lanes are going to widen, encroaching on neighbors.

Recently, residents of Evergreen Woods in Brick have complained that after the construction several years ago, the lack of trees has created a constant drone of noise that is sometimes extremely loud.

Timeline

Given the scope of the work and the number of applications that need to be made, this project will be years before completion. Construction is expected to begin in late 2025 and will take about four years. There are several approvals that would be needed before the project starts. Included is the New Jersey State Historic Preservation Office since the Parkway is a “historic district.”

The project is going through wetlands, flood hazards, and riparian zones. It’s also subject to the Coastal Area Facility Review Act, which means the State Department of Environmental Protection has to do a thorough and notoriously lengthy review.

Other environmental approvals will be needed from the NJ Pinelands Commission and the Ocean County Soil Conservation District.

Comments Welcome

The Authority is open to suggestions or comments via email to GSP80to83@njta. com. Written comments should be submitted to: New Jersey Turnpike Authority; Engineering Department; P.O. Box 5042, Woodbridge, NJ 07095-5042; Attn: Vincent Mignella, PE, Project Engineer

200

732-830-1425

Call 732-831-4483

Items For Sale

Thule Kayak Rack - Two Hullavators, $750 each. Two crossbars $150 each. 732-673-7072. (32)

Lands Exercise Bike New - Foldable. New $75. 732-849-2626. (30)

Model Trains - Large collection of American Flyer and HO trains. Call 732-551-5028 - leave message. (32)

Maple Dining Table - With leaf and 6 chairs. 7'x39" with leaf. Good condition. $1,675. 732657-6166, 732-207-7414. (32)

Golf Clubs - Ladies right hand "Taylormade" with bag, $150. 732-232-5843. (31)

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

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)

Ca$h Paid For Old 45 RPM Records. - R&B, doo wop, soul, early rock & roll, and rockabilly preferred. Call between 8AM and 8PM 909-938-4623. (20)

CLASSIFIEDS

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)

Certified Home Health Aides - Needed for Ocean County area. Hourly and live-in positions avail. P/T and F/T. Call CCC at 732-206-1047. (t/n)

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)

Services Services Services Services

Absolute best home improvements!"Building the shore since 1984" Additions, carpentry, windows & doors, roofing & siding, painting & staining, flooring, kitchens & baths, finished basements, masonry, fencing, custom decks, fully insured, license #13VH11804800. $ave. Call Brien 732-850-5060. (28)

Roofing Repairs Etc. - Roofing, siding, windows. Repairs on small jobs. Utility shed roofs replaced. Prompt service. Insured. Gutters cleaned. Call Joe Wingate 551-804-7391. (26)

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)

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)

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)

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)

EXPERT WORKMANSHIP -

Repairs Welcomed. Licensed, Insured. 609-384-9030. (32)

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. (33)

Stillwell Services LLC - Handyman services, drain cleaning, camera inspections, bathroom remodeling, sewer repair, leak detection, excavation services. Licensed, insured. 609-346-4243. (32)

GARDEN COACH ASSISTS SENIORS & DIY's - Create & maintain beautiful containers, repotting. Planting design, selection, plant care.

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

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)

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)

Are you bored? Looking for something to do? We are looking for the “Young at Heart”. Be part of the Merri-Makers Ambassador team! Start pay is $15 an hour with guaranteed tips, and a very flexible schedule. For more information contact Jessica at mmhiring@merrimakers.com or call 732-225-0009 (33)

Year round, P/T Assistant ManagerResponsible, reliable person for retail sales. Military experience helpful. Send resume to shorearmynavy@ gmail.com or call 732-597-0388 Must have appointment for interviews. (31)

Micromedia Publications is looking for a high-energy account rep to sell print and online advertising in Ocean County. Competitive base, bonuses & company benefits. Successful applicant should possess good communication skills & a desire to grow with the company.

E-Mail resumes to jallentoff@jersey shoreonline.com. EOE. (t/n)

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)

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

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 = $

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Total = $

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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

Across

1 Support that’s of-

ten rigged

5 Role, metaphorically

8 Pair sharing a <3 necklace, probably

12 Instruments in some Gershwin works

15 “I don’t mind __

/ Except as meals. / And the way they feels”: Nash

16 Tabula rasa

18 Joie de vivre

19 Susan who wrote, “The writer’s first job is not to have opinions but to tell the truth”

20 Sources of fleeting joy?

22 “Wrong hand, silly”

26 Active front?

27 Postulant

28 Grace period?

31 “Toodles!”

33 Tree on the Lebanese flag

34 Latin law

35 Place to get high and pass out?

37 Rx writers, often

38 Device that requires spin control

40 Inoculation fluids

41 Literary alter ego

42 Self-consoling sigh

44 Animal in Aboriginal cave paintings

46 Line on a handwriting test

50 One of two tarot card groups

51 Went viral

53 State whose road signs feature 8-Downs

54 Academic term

57 Nice parent

58 Dessert with a high point

59 Son of Hera

60 GRE org.

61 Like a fl y ball to the warning track

Down

1 Safari runners

2 Heterogenous union

3 One working with a dictator

4 Perfectly

5 Lacks options

6 Rose up on stage

7 Leaves in a pot

8 Symbol of 53-Across

9 Was awash in euphoria

10 Study aid

11 Three-part fig.

13 Bag

14 Eyelid issue

17 Make dough or bread

21 Earthenware vessel

23 Bags

24 Breeding grounds

(c)2023 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.

SOLUTIONS

25 Clipped

28 Wiped out

29 One having a cow?

30 Not well-done in the least

32 Derived from gold

35 Brandon __: Hilary Swank’s “Boys Don’t Cry” role

36 Tiny tech powering Iron Man and Black Panther’s suits

39 Tours of duty

41 Sweet

43 Fox holes

45 “Mine! Mine! Mine!” criers in “Finding Nemo”

47 Small pouches

48 Poetic contraction

49 Polished

52 Get set

53 Actress Thurman

55 Rowing implement?

56 Many times o’er

CROSSWORD PUZZLE S

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

NJ Report Card Released For Hospital Maternity Care

TRENTON – As part of its ongoing efforts to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce racial disparities, the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) released its annual New Jersey Hospital Maternity Care Report Card today, which showed cesarean delivery rates have continued to drop for all delivery hospitalizations.

The report card outlines key metrics on maternal health care in 2020, using data provided by licensed birthing general acute care hospitals in New Jersey, so that individuals can make informed comparisons. The annual report card includes interactive data on hospital-specific and statewide surgical births, complication rates and severe maternal birth complications.

“When we launched the Nurture NJ Maternal and Infant Health Strategic Plan in 2021, one of our many recommendations was to lower the cesarean delivery rate for mothers in our state. It is promising to see this statistic improve and we are incredibly hopeful it is a harbinger of overall improvement in our maternal health outcomes,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “There is still much more to do to ensure that every mother in New Jersey enjoys a healthy and safe pregnancy and birth, particularly our Black and Hispanic mothers, but I remain committed to continuing this work with our dedicated health care professionals and building on these best practices so that we can achieve our goal of making New Jersey the safest, most equitable place in the nation to deliver and raise a baby.”

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Healthy People 2030 national target for surgical/cesarean birth rates among women considered at low risk for birth complications was 23.6 per 100 live births, and New Jersey’s 2020 rate was near that target at 25.9 per 100 live births. Seventeen out of 49 New Jersey birthing hospitals met that benchmark, which is an improvement over the last report when only 16 of those hospitals met that benchmark and from 2019, which noted 10 hospitals.

Cesarean delivery rates dropped to 32.9 percent of all delivery hospitalizations, a slight decrease of 1 percent from the 2019 rate. These delivery rates have steadily improved since the release of the first New Jersey Report Card of Hospital Maternity Card, which showed cesarean delivery rates at 35.7 percent.

However, cesarean deliveries still have higher rates of complications compared to vaginal deliveries per 1,000 delivery hospitalizations, including: obstetric hemorrhage (123.8 cesarean versus 16.1 vaginal); post-admission infections (25.1 cesarean versus 14.5 vaginal); and Severe Maternal Morbidity (SMM) with transfusion (41.6 cesarean versus 11.7 vaginal).

Disparities continue to persist among Black and Hispanic mothers in New Jersey. Non-Hispanic Black mothers had the highest rate of obstetric hemorrhage with 62.6 per 1,000 delivery hospitalizations, followed by Hispanic mothers with a rate of 52.5 per 1,000. Non-Hispanic Black mothers also had the highest rate of SMM with transfusion at a rate of 36.5 per 1,000 delivery hospitalizations, up from 35.6 in 2019, followed by Hispanic mothers at 25.2 per 1,000. The rate of SMM

with transfusion for Non-Hispanic White mothers was the lowest at 15.7 per 1,000 delivery hospitalizations.

“Each report card provides invaluable data that will help guide us in our goal to make New Jersey the safest and most equitable place to have a baby,” said Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “We will also use this data to further inform our efforts to continue to reduce inequities in maternal health care.”

As 2020 was the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the report also shows the impact of the virus. Of all hospital deliveries in 2020, 3.8 percent of delivering mothers experienced COVID-19 infections at some point during their pregnancy. Among mothers with COVID-19 infection, more than half (60.1 percent) were positive at the time of delivery (within two days of admission for delivery) as opposed to positive any other time during pregnancy.

Key among the report’s recommendations, in collaboration with the New Jersey Maternal Care Quality Collaborative (NJMCQC), is the need for further research to understand the mechanisms that contribute to obstetric hemorrhage, third- and fourth-degree perineal lacerations that occur during vaginal births, post-admission infection, and SMM at the hospital level. Also cited was the need to study and identify modifiable risk factors that contribute to cesarean deliveries.

The Murphy Administration has been dedicated to improving maternal health outcomes through Nurture NJ.

In January 2021, First Lady Tammy Murphy unveiled the Nurture NJ Maternal and Infant Health Strategic Plan, with the goal of reducing New Jersey’s maternal mortality by 50 percent over five years and eliminating racial disparities in birth outcomes.

Governor Murphy has signed 43 pieces of maternal and infant health legislation, including measures focusing on family planning, Medicaid, health equity, substance use disorder, and data innovation. Legislation established the report card, the NJMCQC, New Jersey Maternal Mortality Review Committee (NJMMRC), and the New Jersey Maternal Data Center (NJMDC).

This report card is part of the larger NJMDC in NJDOH, which is responsible for developing data collection and submission protocols for maternal mortality, morbidity, and racial and ethnic disparity data from relevant health care facilities in the state; conducting data analyses and developing reports and a public-facing dashboard on the state of maternal health; and disseminating information and analyses to the NJMCQC, the NJMMRC, other relevant stakeholders, and the public.

The ultimate goal of the New Jersey Maternal Data Center is to provide timely data on the state of maternal health in a transparent manner to the public and to help drive changes to improve maternal health outcomes.

To view previous Maternal Health Hospital Report Cards visit: nj.gov/health/maternal/ morbidity/mhh_reportcard.

To learn more about the Nurture NJ Maternal and Infant Health Strategic Plan, visit NurtureNJ.nj.gov

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation Raises More an $5M

EDISON – Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation raised more than $5 million to support oncology care and services at Hackensack Meridian John Theurer Cancer Center and throughout the Hackensack Meridian Health network at its second annual Network Celebration, held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on June 24.

The celebratory event honored Rosemarie “Ro” J. Sorce, the first female chair of the Hackensack Meridian Health Corporation Board and friend of the network, for her extraordinary contributions, generosity and service to Hackensack Meridian Health through the years. Two-time GRAMMY® Award-winning recording artist, Academy Award-winning actress and Tony and Emmy Award-winning producer, Jennifer Hudson – also the youngest female EGOT winner in history – was the special guest performer. In addition, in true MetLife fashion, a few New York Football Giants were among the crowd.

“We are so grateful for the support for our second annual Network Celebration, which will benefit oncology care, research and services at John Theurer Cancer Center and throughout Hackensack Meridian Health,’’ said Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, CEO, Hackensack Meridian Health. “The event helps us live our mission to transform healthcare in New Jersey and beyond. I was also thrilled to honor the fantastic Ro Sorce for her years of generosity and service to our organization.”

John Theurer Cancer Center, part of the NCI-designated Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center at Georgetown University, is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a premier cancer center in New Jersey. In less than 25 years, John Theurer Cancer Center has become one of the most rapidly growing and prominent programs nationwide, with more than 1,200 team members collaborating in a highly subspecialized and multidisciplinary environment. More people in the New Jersey/New York metropolitan area turn to John Theurer Cancer Center for cancer care each year than to any other facility in New Jersey.

“Our Network Celebration was a wonderful success, and I was so pleased to be joined by our closest network of supporters in the benefit of oncology care and services at Hackensack Meridian Health while paying tribute to Ro Sorce, our dear friend,” said Joyce P. Hendricks, president and chief development officer, Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation. “Philanthropy has the transformational power to elicit positive change, especially in health care. Proceeds from our event will go far, impacting our patients, their families and friends today and in the future. We are beyond grateful to our leadership, trustees, sponsors, donors and guests for their continued support and dedication to the work that we do.”

“I was delighted to celebrate with our closest supporters and raise funds for oncology at Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation’s Network Celebration at MetLife Stadium,” said Mark D. Schlesinger, M.D., chair, Department of Anesthesiology, Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center and Network Celebration event chair. “It was memorable evening and proceeds will go far in expanding oncology care and services throughout our impressive network.”

The Network Celebration was generously supported by Title Sponsors: Jersey Mike’s, The John Theurer Cancer Center and Physicians of RCCA - Regional Cancer Care Associates and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey; Diamond Sponsors: Konica Minolta, Caryl and Jim Kourgelis, Inserra Supermarkets, Inc., Raymond James, TeamHealth and Ray Catena Motor Car; and Platinum Sponsors: Joseph M. Sanzari, Inc.; New York Football Giants, Inc.; North Jersey Brain & Spine Center, Hackensack University Medical Center Medical & Dental Staff, and Hackensack University Medical Center Executive Team and Chairs.

To learn more about Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation, visit GiveHMH.org.

To donate to Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation, visit GiveHMH.org/Donate.

Photo courtesy Hackensack Meridian Health

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

e Coral Reefs

Renee A. Thomaier

Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

One of the most interesting forms of life on this planet is the coral reef, with their existence dating back approximately 240 million years. These colorful ecosystems are found all over the world. Unfortunately, they are at risk of being destroyed. The good news is that we can take some easy steps to help them bounce back and continue to thrive.

Contrary to popular opinion, the coral reefs are not plants, but in fact, animals. They live in large colonies and are of hard and soft varieties. They make up less than 1% of the ocean but are home to around 25% of the world’s marine life. More than 4,000 fish species rely on the corals to provide food, which then provides food for human consumption. Approximately 500 million people consume fish found on the coral reefs.

The corals thrive in clear, shallow water where sunlight is strongest. The problem is, too much heat, increasing the ocean temperatures, can cause them to expel their algae and turn white in color. This process is referred to as bleaching.

Aside from providing food for humans, they also help protect coastal communities from storms and water surges by providing a

buffer, slowing down water flow and coastal erosion. Corals and sponges keep their water clean by feeding on particles found in the ocean.

Tropical waters are usually associated with coral reefs; however, the deep-sea corals don’t rely on photosynthesis for their survival, unlike their warm-water counterparts. Instead, food particles from surrounding water are their sole source of nourishment.

Some ways we can help the coral reefs –don’t litter, resist the temptation to stir the sediment as it can smother corals inhibiting them from the ability to photosynthesize. Avoid stepping on coral reefs – they are animals who can be injured or even killed. Don’t feed the fish or buy coral or any other marine life to keep as souvenirs.

Let’s respect all our ecosystems by allowing them to manage themselves – when left alone, human intervention is not necessary.

I gathered the information for this article from multiple sources so statistics may vary slightly. To reach me please call 732244-2768.

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

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

Old Barney’s Reopening A racts Nearly 1,000 Visitors In First Weekend

By Stephanie Faughnan BARNEGAT

LIGHT

– After a $1.3 million restoration project, the Barnegat Lighthouse, affectionately known as Old Barney, reopened its doors to the public. In just two days, nearly 1,000 visitors ventured inside to climb the 217 steps to the top and take in the spectacular views of the surrounding area.

Visitors who are unable or hesitant to ascend the winding staircase leading to the pinnacle of the lighthouse can now enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view through newly installed cameras.

Presently, the livestream is exclusively accessible for viewing at the Visitor Center, but plans are underway to make it readily available on the Barnegat Lighthouse State Park website, maintained by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

The restoration project began with a primary focus on the lighthouse exterior, with masonry recoating, painting, roof repairs and window replacements. Additionally, significant interior repairs were carried out, particularly targeting the steel platform of the lantern. Other essential interior renovations included tasks like painting, lightbulb replacement, and thorough cleaning.

“To cap off all of this work, we had a donation from Friends of the Barnegat Lighthouse, of the lantern, the beacon light on top and the security fencing around the lighthouse,” said Rebecca Fitzgerald, Administrator of the State Park Service.

The tall black aluminum fence replaces a chain-link fence that existed before the lighthouse restoration project.

Mark Texel, Administrator of State Historic Sites, provided some intriguing insights into Old Barney. He revealed that the Barnegat Lighthouse is among the six lighthouses managed by the state, with two of them being staffed by park staff volunteers. The Navesink Lighthouse in Highlands is the other lighthouse under their supervision.

“There’s been a lighthouse at this location since 1834,” Texel shared. “The reason this is an important spot is because we know the shoals are very dangerous.”

Originally constructed as a wooden structure, the lighthouse served as a warning to sailors, urging them to stay away from the treacherous shoals.

The recently restored lighthouse, designed by Jim Will George Gordon Mead in 1857, stands as a testament to architectural brilliance. Its first lighting in 1859 drew a crowd of 200 spectators, witnessing the inaugural use of a Fresnel lens imported from France. Today, the lighthouse boasts a newer LED Fresnel lens, that can be seen for a distance of 21.5 nautical miles.

Over the years, the lighthouse has undergone many transformations. Its history includes use as a lookout tower during World War II, when it was used to spot enemy ships along the surrounding waters.

In 1957, the lighthouse became a state park and formally opened to the public. Its popularity enhanced further when a jetty was constructed in 1991 and attracted people who enjoyed walking along the water’s edge or throwing rods into the surf.

“Fourteen years ago, the lighthouse was relit for the first time since it was extinguished (in 1926),” said Texel. “There were 8,000 people in attendance.”

To fully experience the breathtaking scene from the top of the lighthouse, visitors must take note that operational hours are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A dedicated volunteer diligently tallies the number of individuals entering, managing the traffic on the steps leading both up and down the historic structure.

Photo by Stephanie Faughnan The restoration project was fi nished just in time for the summer months.

Omarr’s Astrological Forecast

For the week of july 15 - july 21

By Jeraldine Saunders

ARIES (March 21-April 19): You may be feeling like your every move is being watched or that rules are more stringent right now. You can receive favorable results if you continue to put your best foot forward and remain focused on your current projects.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) : Remain optimistic and you can discover the hidden benefits. Numerous opportunities could be waiting for you and might help to create something worthwhile out of what may have once seemed like less useful materials.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You may be feeling a need to compromise when it comes to disagreements in order to keep the peace. You could be feeling generous towards loved ones or friends. Try not to take good luck or forgiveness for granted if it comes your way.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Try to avoid getting wrapped up in a new romantic entanglement or a get rich quick venture for now. A less emotionally dependent friendship can help create a calming space even in the face of criticism.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) : You may be bighearted enough to forgive and forget. Debts could be weighing heavily on your mind right now so it could be best to avoid major purchases until you have things more under control. Be careful to not get distracted.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Words can have more impact than you realize. Sharing wisdom and advice is a real responsibility, be sure you are 100% transparent. There could be someone suspicious of your motives right now

so do your best to reassure them when you can.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): You may be feeling more in tune recently when it comes to your social instincts and ability to create happiness for yourself and others. Be careful to avoid letting someone else alter your viewpoint with their own agenda.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): A sense of purpose may accompany you wherever you go. Your friends or family might not share your passionate ambition and determination for success, but it does not mean they do not respect you and love your enthusiasm.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You cannot evade your obligations, but they do not need to be your only priority. There can be more to life than work; remain upbeat and optimistic. Don’t exaggerate your abilities just to impress someone.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Now may be the time to embrace new people and things. Your social circle could expand exponentially if you participate in community activities or group outings. Focus on innovative ideas and concepts rather than emotional intrigue.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You may secretly be harboring romantic feelings for a coworker or friend. Try not to mistake friendly or work-based situations for romantic affection. Remain realistic and be sure you are focused on your job or duties.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Your mind is a tool that can be used any way you might need. Look for reliable information and hammer out some of the details you may need to refine. Try to avoid misunderstandings with your loved ones or coworkers.

MAKE THE MOST OF RIPE, JUICY TOMATOES IN THIS DELICIOUS DISH

By America’s Test Kitchen

TOMATO SALAD WITH FETA AND CUMIN -YOGURT DRESSING

(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.