2023-07-29 - The Brick Times

Students Create Toy Bin So Every Child Can Play At The Beach

Car Wash

Students of the Early Act Club are joined by their advisors and township officials for the unveiling of the “Take a Toy, Return a Toy” bin.

By Alyssa Riccardi BRICK –

Have you ever brought your kids to the beach but forgot to bring a pale or shovel? Or maybe you just don’t have any beach toys to bring?

Brick Township

students have come up with the idea of a “Take a Toy, Return a Toy” to serve anyone who visits Brick Beach III this season.

The colorful toy bin was created by students as part of the

Emma Havens Young Elementary School Early Act Club, led by advisors Kristy Soltmann and Kristen Carone. Early Act Club is a community service club where students give back to their

school but also give back to their community.

“We want to start from a young age to show you can give back to others in so many different ways,” Soltmann

(Students - See Page 4)

Proposed

For Busy Intersection

By Judy Smestad-Nunn

BRICK - Plans to build a car wash on a busy section of Route 88 has met with resistance from residents of Laurelton Heights, when about two dozen of them came out to a recent Board of Adjustment meeting to make their feelings known.

JAC Operating LLC has submitted an application for an automated 2,800 square-foot car wash with 12 outdoor

vacuuming stations at 1905 Route 88.

The site is currently wooded and located next to the Camp Mall shopping center. Attorney for the applicant, Jason R. Tuvel, said there would be no new “curb cuts” on Route 88 since the plan calls for access to the car wash from the existing strip mall.

The site design presents some challenges,

New Homeless Camp: Behind Every Face Is A Story

By Stephanie Faughnan

TOMS RIVER – A clandestine homeless encampment has managed to defy discovery since last October, catching local authorities completely off guard.

The revelation came to light during a recent weekend summer sunset patrol by diligent members of the Ocean County

Air Support Squadron (OASS). From the vantage point of their small aircraft, volunteers took a double take as they gazed down upon the landscape below.

Amidst an area nestled near high tension wires, rows of tents and people moving about revealed a hidden world that had successfully eluded scru-

tiny for eight months.

Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy oversees OASS, which serves as the county law enforcement agency’s air wing. Utilizing their own aircraft, skilled pilots conduct surveillance over waterways, roads, and wooded regions. Through the submission of photographs, any

unusual discoveries are diligently documented.

Mastronardy credited the sharp-eyed team with discovering the hidden encampment, which had been alluded to in a social media post that same day. Upon identifying the setup, Toms River Police were notified of the situation.

Local authorities dis-

(Car Wash - See Page 5) (Homeless - See Page 5)

patched a targeted group to the camp to engage with them and evaluate their situations. While some expressed resistance to what they perceived as outsider intervention, others hoped to find alternatives to their current living conditions. In the wake of county officials taking proactive

Photo courtesy Kristy Soltmann

Photo by Judy Smestad-Nunn

The proposed car wash would go in the woods next to this shopping center.

The many faces of the newly discovered homeless encampment.

Photo by Stephanie Faughnan

Students:

Continued From Page 1

said.

Some of the things Early Act Club has done are recycling, making cards for teachers during holidays or birthdays, and cheering fellow students on during testing. They also make holiday cards for the local nursing homes, and beach clean-ups.

“When we started out the year, we presented the students with an open floor and we took in what they would like to do,” Carone said. “One of the kids suggested that they wanted to do something with the beaches.”

“They said ‘not everyone can afford beach toys like everyone else,’ so they thought ‘what if we could have a system where they can borrow it and use it while they’re there.’ And that’s how the idea spiraled to what it is now,” Soltmann said.

The group later approached the township and the recreation department to help the idea come to life. The Early Act Club received a donation of lumber and screws from the Home Depot in Lakewood so they could build the bin. Students then decorated the box by painting it vibrant colors. They then hosted a school-wide initiative to collect toys for the bin.

“It was really them doing all the brain

power and we were just the person behind the curtain getting all the finishing details done,” Soltmann said.

The toy bin was officially unveiled at the entrance of Brick Beach III at the end of June, just in time for the summer season. Soltmann and Carone were joined by Mayor Lisa Crate and Councilman Derrick Ambrosino along with members of the community to celebrate the project.

“We’re so proud of all of the ideas the students came up with by themselves. We were really just the wheelhouse; it wasn’t our idea it was totally them and we just took their idea and put it in motion. We’re so proud of all of their hard work and dedication this year,” Carone said.

“The fact that they wanted to help out their community and not just themselves really speaks volumes for them. We’re just so proud,” Soltmann said. “This is something they can share with their community and have that bond. It goes to show that no idea is too little; it can really turn into something big once you work as a community together.”

Soltmann explained how they plan to continue the tradition with students and create a new toy bin next year and donate it to another local beach.

“We can’t wait to continue to give back to the community and donate another box for another beach next year. As a school everyone was so happy and excited to be a part of this,” Soltmann said.

Car Wash:

Continued From Page 1

Tuvel said, since it has three frontages (Route 88, Kenneth Place and Kieser Boulevard). Front yard setbacks call for 50 feet, so they are asking for two variances since the proposed setback on Route 88 is 30.9 feet and the Kenneth Place setback is 27 feet. The Kieser side meets the requirement since the setback there is 58 feet.

Tuvel argued for the variances, saying that the carwash is “not an intense use.”

The applicant’s engineer, Mark Whittaker, said a car wash is a permitted use in the B-2 zone. The zoning allows for 30 percent lot coverage while the 28-foot wide, 100-foot long car wash would only have 9.9 percent lot coverage. The design plan includes room for an 11-car queue.

The engineer said there would be no water

Homeless:

Continued From Page 1 steps to create a homelessness trust fund and task force, the urgency for support became all the more evident.

Homelessness Advocacy

Setting up a community of tents to address shelter isn’t exactly a novel concept for Minister Steve Brigham of Destiny’s Bridge. At the start of the millennium, Brigham began by providing for the needy by offering food and essentials. However, an encounter with a man

runoff from the site since the plan calls for pervious pavement, which would also capture roof runoff. Trench drains would reclaim 60 percent of the water used to wash vehicles and it would be recycled back into the carwash, he said.

The existing entrance into the strip mall, which would also be the entrance to the proposed car wash, is directly across from a Wawa entrance on Route 88, which has already resulted in traffic jams, accidents and complaints from residents. The plan calls for the installation of sidewalks on Route 88 only.

Currently, left and right turns are permitted leaving the Wawa, but in November of last year, the NJ Department of Transportation - who has jurisdiction over Route 88 - reached out to Brick Township to ask if the council would pass a resolution banning left turns out of Wawa.

The governing body passed the resolu-

who asked Brigham for rent money resulted in a more comprehensive approach.

After providing the man with a tent and camping gear, Brigham settled him in Jackson. Two weeks later, the man expressed difficulties finding work and a lack of nearby food pantries. Responding to the man’s concerns, Brigham agreed to relocate him and later extended assistance to other homeless individuals he learned were in need.

So began the story of Lakewood’s Tent City, which was ultimately dismantled by authorities. Its occupants received some compensation as others moved on to Howell to another

tion, which would prevent the left turns that require cars to cross over Route 88, and approve the appropriate signage. The township administration has said they hope to come to a new access agreement with the owner of the Wawa.

During the meeting, township planner Tara Paxton said her main concern is traffic circulation at the car wash with “driver confusion” accessing the site. “It’s a mess right there on Route 88,” she noted.

Paxton asked if the noise from the vacuum stations would be under 65 decibels, which is required by ordinance. Whittaker said the main vacuum would be located near Route 88 from which hoses would run to each station.

Board of Adjustment chair David Chadwick allowed for limited public comment directed towards the professionals who testified at this hearing.

Michelle Testa said she has owned two adjacent properties in the area for 36 years.

homeless community. Township officials in Howell promised to help them, and then sold that property to a developer, who kicked them off.

The most recently discovered homeless encampment set up by Brigham stands out due to the ages and health of many of its residents, who are living without the comfort of conventional support systems.

In a social media post earlier this month, Brigham gave the first names of nineteen individuals ranging from ages 28-78 with requests for clothing donations. He also told the story of someone who advocated for a homeless shelter

She said she would like the developer to be required to build sidewalks at all three road frontages since there is a nearby bus stop. “There are so many children, it could be a safety issue,” she said.

Laurelton Heights resident Kevin Maloney, who said he moved to Brick to get away from northern urban areas, said he does not like the proposed name of the car wash, “Urban Express” - and proposed one that is more appropriate for Brick, such as “Seaside Express.”

These and other resident concerns are likely to be addressed at the next meeting, dedicated to this application only, when traffic engineers (one hired by the developer, another representing the township) will testify, as will the applicant and other professionals. Afterwards, there will be additional public comment.

That meeting will be held on Wednesday September 13 at 7 p.m.

within Ocean County a decade ago for others. Lynn fell upon hard times and came to the encampment as she had nowhere else to live.

Tragically, just two weeks after settling in the camp, Lynn called one of her newfound friends to say she wasn’t feeling well. The next call was from one of Lynn’s family members, informing them that she had passed away in the hospital due to a heart attack.

Brigham easily admits he has little faith in the government. He expressed his concerns regarding the risk of removing people from the tent community in a more recent social (Homeless - See Page 12)

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY

E ditorial

How Many Hands Have Touched Your Food?

The inflation spreading through the country is hitting everyone really hard where it hurts the mostgroceries. I usually stick to store brands and I still get sticker shock. However, it’s not surprising.

Think, for a minute, about how many people are involved in getting food to your table.

Now let’s think about how much money each of those people are making.

Let’s start with something simple, like apples. Starting on the farm, I imagine that only the owners and a few supervisors are making a living wage. People getting their hands dirty might not be. A lot of them are probably undocumented or migrant workers. There are cases of children working in

farms and factories, even in the U.S., so I wouldn’t be surprised if something you ate in the last week was harvested by a 12-year-old. Not to mention the literal slave labor that takes place around the world.

The apples might be bagged up by the pound. The bags were created by someone, and the oil industry brings us the plastic. Someone also had to design the logo and lettering on the bag.

Food inspectors are probably (hopefully) involved at some point. I had a friend who used to work at a lab where she would take something like a potato chip and run it through tests to determine if the ingredient label was telling the truth.

Then, the apples have to be loaded on a truck and driven to a distribution center.

The distributor then sends it to your grocery store. That involves drivers. And mechanics. It also includes gas station workers and the entire oil industry (again). Then, a grocery store clerk puts them out on display for you to buy.

This doesn’t include all the people involved in logistics, inventory, and accounting –the behind the scenes stuff. Those apples went through dozens of hands before reaching your table (that’s why you should always wash your produce!).

How many dollars were spent? How many people were paid?

When you think of it that way, it’s amazing that apples are $2-3 a pound. The only way for everyone involved in the process to actually make money is to

sell a huge quantity of it.

And all of this for apples. Now, imagine if the apple is an ingredient in something, like cereal. Then, there are even more workers for each ingredient.

You might not know this, but a lot of grocery stores hire predominantly part time workers. That way, they don’t have to pay health insurance (because in this country, the only people who have health insurance are those with full time jobs).

Grocery stores also hire merchandisers. I did that job for a bit, when my daughter was a baby. We were a separate company, and would drive out to grocery stores all over New Jersey for a week or so at a time. We would take everything off the shelf, (sometimes) clean the shelf, (sometimes) check

Letters To The Editor

Letters To The Editor

The letter in your May 13, 2023 edition (“GOP Spread Lies About Offshore Wind To Protect Big Oil Companies”) from a long list made up mostly of never before heard from faceless supposedly organizations is an example of how many available

energy options are being crammed down the throats of the American public. Accordingly, let’s examine just a could have the known reasons that encourage care and research into the proposed alternative pushed by this letter … offshore wind power.

The New Jersey coastline provides a major route for birds, fish and marine mammals for their semi-annual migrations.

We Welcome Letters To The Editor!

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

All letters are printed as space allows unless deemed offensive by the editorial staff, and provided they are signed and include address & phone number for verification. Letters may not be printed if we cannot verify them. Names will not be withheld from publication. While most letters are printed as submitted, we reserve the right to 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 reflect those of the staff, management or sponsors of Micromedia Publications/ Jersey Shore Online. Letters to the Editor are the OPINION of the writer and the content is not checked for accuracy.

We are aware that over 300 dead whales have been found in the New York bight in a fairly short period of time.

What effects have construction involving offshore wind had on those whales and dolphins? Little research has been done and cross checked on these biological events.

What about proofs received about other offshore wind projects around the work, and many on land too, that have shown that birds of many species do not fare well when they have to fly through huge blades of wind machines set several hundred feet above the water?

Then we have the economic costs of offshore wind. Due in no small part, the salt air environment above the ocean is no place for heavy duty equipment.

Those of you who have a shore property or keep a boat at the shore are well aware of the incredibly corrosive effects of salt

expiration dates, and stock the products in a new location. And the biggest scam was that if no grocery store hired us that week, we filed for unemployment for that time period!

Some companies have their delivery people do merchandising for their own products. Companies buy space on a shelf, sometimes entire sections, to display only their products. Customers want low prices. Obviously. So the grocery store has to figure out the sweet spot to be able to pay for the product, their own employees, utilities and taxes and everything else while still making it cheap enough for you to buy. When the prices of everything started going up, it was not a surprise to me. There are so many people involved

in making a pound of apples that I’m amazed they are so cheap. During those early times of COVID, the system broke down and we started to realize just how important the supply chain really is.

There are dozens of people involved in producing something as simple as produce – and most of them are not making a living wage. Some of these companies are starting to realize the value of their supply chain, so they are paying better salaries. While everyone else was up in arms about the increase in food costs, I shrugged my shoulders and said “It was good while it lasted.”

Chris Lundy News Editor

infused air and water. Those corrosive effects and the fact that when men work in and around the ocean, miles from shore, costs rise exponentially. Nowhere in that letter do the writers take those dramatically higher costs into account.

But you will get stuck, readers, you will get stuck. Right in the pocketbook just the way elitists normally stick it to you!

Other offshore wind projects have proved out the fact that offshore wind generates far more than electricity when there is sufficient wind but not too much.

What else could the offshore wind mills generate other than electricity?

Far larger electrical bills for the poor souls living around that particular offshore wind facility and that would mean customers of PSEG, Atlantic City Electric, Jersey Central and, possibly, Long Island since PSEG operates Long Island Power. If you

read the backs of your electricity bills you will see the rates per kilowatt hour broken out to show the costs of generating the electricity and the costs of transmitting the power to you. My latest PSEG bill shows the generation costs are $0.04 per kilowatt hour. That charge is a good deal less than charged by other utilities around the country. Why might that be, you might ask. The answer is simple. In PSEG territory over 85% of power is generated in nuclear generating plants and the rest are mostly natural gas fired plants of one type or another.

Now compare the generation costs for offshore wind with your current sources. Offshore wind averages $0.40 per KWh not the $0.04 that I am paying today. THAT’S 10 TIMES MORE!

Maybe offshore wind is too environmentally risky and too expensive to be considered at this time.

There are thousands of

other scientists who are not convinced that there are unusual environmental effects occurring at this time. Many point out that there are over 900 confirmed cycles that Earth is involved in at this time and none of those cycles suggest a quick end to our Earth. In fact, after Al Gore thumped his political drum years ago with dire threats of doom he called the risks “global warming” only to discover some years later that Earth is currently in a cooling cycle so the Worriers quickly checked out of “global warming” and climbed in bed with “climate change” instead. Remember that?

But, heck, we’ve had climate change for millennia. Summer, fall, winter and spring.

We have enough to face at this time without throwing Trillions of Dollars at what just might be a phantom!

Capt. Lindsay Fuller Medford

Letter On Wind Power Is A Lot Of Hot Air

Bill Would Give Farm Workers Overtime, Protections

Capitol Comments

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both-D-N.J.) joined Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and other Senate colleagues in reintroducing the Fairness for Farm Workers Act. This legislation would update the nation’s labor laws to ensure farm workers receive fairer wages and compensation. The bill would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide overtime and additional minimum wage protections for farm workers.

“Farm workers play a vital role in driving our economy and keeping Americans fed, and as such, they deserve the fair wages and just compensation their hard work calls for,” said Sen. Menendez. “At a time when loud and angry voices insist on erasing the backbreaking work our domestic and agricultural workers

do each and every day, legislation like the Fairness for Farm Workers Act ensures those who fuel the American agricultural industry on fields across the country are protected and equitably compensated.”

“It is an injustice that the millions of farm workers feeding our nation lack basic protections afforded to nearly every other American worker,” said Sen. Booker. “I have seen firsthand their crucial contributions to our country, and know that too many work for low pay and in dangerous conditions because of a lack of federal protections. This legislation will ensure farm workers receive the fair wages and overtime pay they deserve by putting an end to their exclusion from our labor laws, ending decades of this discriminatory policy.”

The Fairness for Farm Workers Act would update the nation’s labor laws to ensure farm workers receive fair wages and compensation. 85 years ago, the Fair Labor Standards Act established federal standards for minimum wage and overtime pay but excluded millions of domestic and

agricultural workers who were overwhelmingly people of color. Although farm workers gained some minimum wage protections in 1966, exclusions on overtime pay persist. This bill would implement overtime pay over the course of four years and bring greater equity to the American agricultural industry. As of 2020, over a trillion dollars of America’s GDP and one in ten jobs are linked to agriculture.

Specifically, the Fairness for Farm Workers Act:

Requires time-and-a-half overtime pay for all agricultural workers, with additional compliance time for small farms.

Removes exemptions to overtime for agriculture generally and ends the exemptions for overtime and minimum wage requirements for certain small farms, hand harvest laborers, non-local minors, and range livestock production. Maintains the family farm exemption to these requirements.

Removes exemptions to overtime for workers employed in irrigation projects, livestock auctions incidental to farm work, small country grain elevators, certain sugar processing, certain types of intra-state transportation and preparation for

transportation of fruits and vegetables, cotton ginning, and cotton compressing.

The legislation is endorsed by over 130 organizations including United Farm Workers (UFW), NAACP, Alianza Nacional de Campesinas, Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, Latino Justice PRLDEF, Farm Labor Organizing Committee, National Center for Law and Economic Justice, Legal Aid Justice Center, Hispanic Federation, Coalition on Human Needs, Disciples Refugee & Immigration Ministries, National Organization for Women, Migrant Justice, Southern Poverty Law Center, and Equal Rights Advocates.

In May, Sens. Menendez and Booker, alongside several Senate colleagues, sent letters to nine companies that contracted with Packers Sanitation Services, Inc. (PSSI), which the Department of Labor found were unlawfully employing migrant child labor at these host companies’ facilities. In the letters, the senators ask each host company to detail the changes to their contractor monitoring and procurement processes they plan to implement or have made since the discovery of PSSI’s use of child labor to ensure this never happens again.

Access To Behavioral Health Care In K-12 Schools To Expand

Phil Murphy

TRENTON – As part of his efforts to address youth mental health needs both at the state and national levels, Governor Phil Murphy signed a bill (A-3334) expanding expenses that New Jersey’s K-12 public schools may be reimbursed for in regards to behavioral health services that are provided to students and their families who are Medicaid recipients.

“It’s undeniable that many young people are facing mental health challenges right now and would benefit from the support of compassionate, trained professionals,” said Governor Murphy. “Through the work of my Administration, in collaboration with local, state, and national partners, we are taking decisive action to address the mental health needs of our youth. By ensuring schools will be reimbursed for the provision of behavioral health care services to students covered by Medicaid, this legislation will advance our ongoing efforts to expand affordability and access to the mental health support New Jersey children need.”

The Division of Medical Assis -

tance and Health Services (DMAHS) within the New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) and its contracted managed care organizations will be responsible for reimbursing local education agencies for the provision of behavioral health services covered under Medicaid to students who are eligible Medicaid beneficiaries. This builds upon the impact of programs like the Special Education Medicaid Initiative (SEMI), in which public school districts are reimbursed a portion of the costs associated with providing health-related services to Medicaid-eligible students in their special education programs.

The covered services offered either in-person or via telehealth must be provided by either a licensed medical practitioner or local education agency approved as a Medicaid provider. Schools are allowed to submit a request for reimbursement through Medicaid if they are unable to be reimbursed through a legally liable third party.

With this authority, DHS will begin seeking federal approvals for this program. Once the program is approved over the course of the next few years, DMAHS, along with the New Jersey Departments of Education and Treasury, will assist schools in implementing a plan to submit Medicaid claims for reimbursement for these services.

“In the midst of a youth mental health crisis, ease of access to emotional, behavioral, and mental health supports and services are critical to youth wellbeing and parent peace of mind,” said Department of Children and Families Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer. “The ability to expand these services into schools through Medicaid reim -

bursement reduces barriers to students accessing support delivered by their district. Services provided through DCF’s Children’s System of Care have long been on the Medicaid platform, and expansion of that coverage to district-driven mental health services helps to enhance the existing continuum for students and their families.”

CORNEAL SCAR TREATMENT

A corneal scar is any abnormality in the naturally transparent lens of the cornea. Such abnormalities can inhibit the cornea’s ability to bend and focus light properly. Though not all scars cause loss of or damage to vision, those that do can bring about considerable vision loss. Fortunately, there are treatment options available today for most corneal scarring. If the scarring is minimal, eyeglasses may be the solution. However, for more severe scars, rigid gas permeable or scleral contact lenses can be used to provide a smooth surface to the cornea. If contacts fail to improve vision, a transplant of healthy, donated corneal tissue may be the only option for healthy eyesight.

If you think you may be suffering from corneal scarring, the ophthalmology team at SIGHTMD NEW JERSEY SUSSKIND & ALMALLAH EYE ASSOCIATES is here to help. Our expert physicians care about keeping your eyes healthy and your vision clear. We are highly skilled and have a wealth of world-renowned knowledge, experience, and innovation to deliver the finest in complete eye care with a caring and compassionate touch. To schedule an exam, please call 732-349-5622. We offer evening hours most nights of the week.

P.S. It may be possible to remove shallow corneal scars with laser surgery.

Senator Robert Menendez

DeGRAFF CReMATION SeRVICeS

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Located at: DeGraff Lakehurst Funeral Home 119 Union Avenue, Lakehurst 732-657-7868

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Sherry T. DeGraff NJ Lic No 3921 Additional Costs: Crematory Fee, Urns, Disposition Of Cremains & Certified Copies Of Death Certificates, Permit, Removal Assist. & Mileage, Viewings Or Memorial Services

Council Honors Eagle Scouts

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Allentoff

Manager

BRICK – Mayor Lisa Crate and the Township Council honored two young men who earned the rank of Eagle Scout at the July 11 meeting.

Henry Rogacki IV and Jack Pristas were

Photo courtesy Brick Township presented with Certificates of Commendation for their achievements. Pictured are Henry Rogacki IV, Mayor Lisa Crate, Jack Pristas and Councilwoman Melissa Travers.

Editor

Lundy Assistant News Editor

Vosseller

Manager

Toscano

Manager

Gradzki Graphic Artist Adriana Miranda

your news tips, copy & letters to news@jerseyshoreonline.com

Mayor Visits The Arc

Holiday Craft/Vendor Fair

TOMS RIVER – Save the date! November 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The American Legion Auxiliary located at 2025 Church

Road will be hosting their Annual Holiday Fair. Vendor space still available if interested contact Laurinda at 732-272-7552

2023 Business Brew – August

BRICK – Join the Brick Chamber of Commerce for their monthly Business Brew Breakfast on August 4 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Sandy’s Café. Make new connections and grow your network while enjoying a delicious breakfast. Sponsor-

ships available for this Business Brew! Reserve your sponsorship with your registration. Fee is $15 for members, $25 for guests. For more information, email info@brickchamber.com. To register, visit BrickChamber.com.

BRICK – Mayor Lisa Crate visited the Arc, Ocean County Chapter on July 13 for their Career Day. She had a great time meeting

Photo courtesy Brick Township these outstanding young people and talking with them about being mayor and her career as an educator.

Fire Camp Concludes

What

A

BRICK – The Brick Fire Campers took the waves. A huge thank you to the Specialized Marine Units of Brick Township Fire, Point Pleasant Station 75, Manasquan Fire, Ocean Beach, and Silverton from the Toms River Fire Department. It was a great experience for the campers to witness live water rescues and the different types of equipment utilized by the fire service.

The Hackensack Meridian Aeromedical Team, led by Joe Solda, visited the Brick Fire Training Center on July 13. The cadets were able to board Air 2 where the crew shared valuable information with them about how the fire department works closely with them and how someday if they work hard, they may be able to become part of their team.

Then they visited the individual fire houses and worked with station crews to utilize some of the fire department equipment. The cadets rode on fire trucks and Fire District 1 provided a barbecue lunch for them at Pioneer Hose Fire Company. At the end of the day, another visit by our friend Bill from the Peaches and Cream Ice Cream Truck rounded out another perfect day.

On July 14, Fire Camp 2023 concluded

Photo courtesy Brick Fire Department

with a small ceremony and lunch with camp families! The week would not have been possible without the Brick Township Board of Fire Commissioners, our amazing volunteers from all four Fire Departments and surrounding towns who helped lend a hand, as well as the incredible staff at the Division of Fire Safety, Brick Township Police Emergency Medical Services and Hackensack Meridian Health Aeromedical. Thank you to Peaches & Cream Ice Cream Truck for saving the day on two of the hottest days!

A huge thank you goes to Jersey Shore Fire Response for spending the week with us and capturing lots of moments for the kids to remember for years to come! Thank you for the awesome video you made to recap our week and to share some of their experience with their parents!

Thank you to the cadets who were dedicated to learning, invested in trying something different and persevered through the hot, humid conditions this week! Lastly, but certainly not least, thank you to the parents who entrusted us with your children and allowed them to provide the kids with an experience worth remembering.

Entrepreneurs Of Faith

BRICK – Entrepreneurs of Faith serve to provide inspiration and empowerment needed for a successful, balanced life while pursuing the call of God in order to build genuine relationships within the business community.

They meet every 2nd Friday of the month from 9 to 10 a.m. in the New Youth Room on the left side of the building at New Beginnings Church.

Light breakfast to be served, come expecting! Learn more & register at entrefaithful.com.

Annual Car Show

BRICK – Brick Township’s Annual Car Show has grown into one of the largest as the Jersey Shore. Every year, hundreds of classic cars, hot rods, muscle cars, trucks, motorcycles and more from every

era park at Windward Beach. Stop by on August 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. and check out all of the amazing vehicle. If you are interested in displaying your vehicle, call 609-548-9991.

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

So

Garden Club Celebrates 20th Anniversary Of The Secret Gardens Of Brick Tour

BRICK – The Brick Garden Club held its 20th Anniversary Secret Gardens of Brick Tour and Tea on July 11. It was amazing to be a part of such a beautiful event with so many enthusiastic volunteers!

Mayor Lisa Crate issued a proclamation naming the day the Brick Garden Tour and Tea Day! We appreciate her interest in our club and the support given by the Parks/ Recreation, Maintenance and Buildings/ Grounds township departments.

The Brick Memorial High School Key Club’s team, supervised by Ms. Tarnowski, volunteered several hours to help set up and take down numerous tables and tents as well as carry boxes out of and back into the basement.

Thank you to the owners around Brick who shared their yards with hundreds

of ticket holders. We are always looking forward to the next tour so please contact us to nominate a garden!

Thank you to the many local businesses who sponsored us by donating raffle prizes and promoting the Tour and Tea!

The Brick Garden Club’s Secret Gardens of Brick Tour and Tea continues to be a special event in our township. New members are welcome to attend informative meetings and serve the township by caring for the town gardens at Rt. 70/Brick Boulevard and at the Robert Anstett Cultural Arts Center, offering scholarships, and participating in the Green Fair and Holiday Tree Display.

All of our photos and more information about the club can be found on our website, brickgardenclub.com.

Senior Farmer Market Nutrition Program Vouchers

BRICK – Brick Senior Services is distributing Senior Farmer Market Nutrition Program vouchers to eligible residents ages 60 and over. The SFMNP promotes nutritional health among NJ’s older residents by providing them with locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs via vouchers. Vouchers will be distributed while supplies last.

The eligibility guidelines are: Age 60 and over

Annual Gross Income:

Family Size: 1 - $26,973

Family Size: 2 - $36,482

Family Size: 3 - $45,991

Distribution will be held at 270 Chambers Bridge Road, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.; and 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Proof of address and income verification are required. Call Brick Senior Services at 732-920-8686 for more information.

Photo courtesy Brick Garden Club

C ommunity n E w S

Local Pets Available For Adoption

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.

Photo courtesy Jersey Shore Animal Center

BRICK – Meet Arthur, the sweetest 2 1/2-year-old brown tabby! Rescued from an overcrowded NJ shelter, this gentle boy loves calm cat companions, feather toys, and fuzzy mice. Arthur is perfect for first-time cat owners seeking a loving companion. Don’t miss out on

this adorable feline! Adopt Arthur today and experience a lifetime of “purrfect” moments together!

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

National Night Out Against Crime/ Kids Day

BRICK – This summer tradition is celebrated in communities throughout the United States including Brick Township! National Night Out Against Crime/Kids Day will be on August 1 at 6 p.m. at Windward Beach. It gives residents the opportunity to meet the men and women of Brick Township Police

Department and learn about how they work for you every day. There will be demonstrations, equipment, vehicles, K9s and more.

They have combined this with the Kids Day Celebration to make it even more special. Several organizations and businesses that serve the young people of Brick will be on hand.

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 GETAWAY FROM NEW YORK BALCONY CABINS $2447/pp Dbl.Occ.

Homeless:

Continued From Page 5

media post.

“This treatment of homeless seniors by local and county government is utterly inhumane and honestly, downright shameful,” Brigham said. “While resources are scarce, affordable housing is unavailable, and the wealthy are more concerned about their property values than human lives, the very least government officials ought to do is allow community organizations like ours to assist the poor without interference, in whatever way we are able.”

“It’s like putting a Band-Aid on the whole thing,” Brigham said when interviewed. “Sure, people will get put up in a hotel for a couple of days or even a couple of weeks. But families don’t always get to stay together. And they can’t bring their animals with them. They’re back on the streets in no time.”

Among the team assembled for the first visit by Toms River Police were plain clothes officers, the Board of Social Services, social workers, and volunteer representatives from organizations such as Just Believe, Inc. Paul Hulse, is CEO of Just Believe, which runs a Code Blue shelter in Toms River when temperatures drop below freezing points.

Hulse said he thought there was a need for his group’s services after reading Brigham’s first post.

“We are also privately funded through private grants from the state, county, and Toms River,” shared Hulse. “We also receive support from a number of private businesses.”

Hulse said his organization works with various non-profits to secure assistance. The list of affiliates includes mental health professionals, veteran groups, and affordable housing entities.

Who Are They?

Before word got out that authorities knew of the camp’s existence, Brigham had already agreed to allow this reporter to visit the camp. However, the scheduled appointment was moved up by a few days in a matter of minutes.

“I just got a call from people over at the camp,” Brigham shared. “The police were there with a bunch of people. They’re planning on coming back tomorrow.”

Brigham’s tone made it difficult to discern whether he was aggravated by the perceived invasion or even a bit worried - or perhaps a mix of both emotions. Nevertheless, the decision was an easy one and the appointment was scheduled for early the next morning.

Along the unpaved and twisty road through untamed nature, a sense of secrecy enveloped the surroundings. It was early morning and as the camp came into view, the only living creatures around were a playful flock of different colored chickens. Everyone else was tucked away in the tents lining two sides, creating a pathway winding through the heart of the camp.

“No roosters,” offered Brigham. “They make too much noise. The chickens are good for getting rid of the tics.”

Brigham first pointed to some water jugs that he fills regularly and then sighed as he looked at the pile of black garbage bags. He commented on the inevitability of garbage and a throw away society.

The unmistakable upset in Brigham’s voice

was palpable as he began moving from tent to tent to check on those he considered part of his ministry. He explained that they each had a chance to share their stories if they wished. Despite the option of anonymity, a surprising number willingly posed for quick portraits, unreservedly offering their full names to accompany their narratives.

Bill Honeker, 63, originally from Brick, emerged from his tent, ready to provide Brigham with the details of the previous day. His bare torso revealed a chiseled six-pack, only marred by a surgical scar from a liver transplant. Fred, a sweet boxer, stood faithfully next to his master.

Honeker said he rides his bicycle to the gym regularly to work out and then showers after he’s done there. Meanwhile, a great deal of Honeker’s Social Security benefits goes to paying for his medication.

“Between food and my medication, there’s nothing left to pay for rent,” shared Honeker. A former dock builder and plumber, Honeker said he once owned his own home, a boat, and a truck. He lost it all after a bad breakup with a girl he was supposed to marry.

“They told us yesterday that they’re trying to get everybody out of here as soon as they can,” Honeker said. “They want to level everything out and get everyone in temporary placement.”

Honeker was visibly upset as he recalled the time he and Fred were separated when Honeker landed in a temporary shelter in Asbury Park.

“Steve helped me out and I got reunited with my dog,” Honeker said. “I’ve been here since November.”

Originally from Beachwood, 55-year-old Victoria O’Connor suffered a brain aneurysm that left her paralyzed on her right side. She laughed when asked if she immigrated from England prior to moving to Ocean County.

“After my aneurysm, I started to have the accent,” chuckled O’Connor. “I wish it was Irish instead.”

O’Connor said she spent two and a half years in rehabilitation to recover from her aneurysm. After she moved in with her brother, O’Connor stated that she was tricked into leaving because of addiction issues. Although now sober for four years, O’Connor spent some time living outside the Lacey Library, facing daily interactions with the police.

A year ago, Brigham extended a lifeline by providing O’Connor with a tent, giving her a place to call her own.

Two of the tents occupied within the encampment provide shelter for families who lost their homes when the Surf and Stream Campground owners sold their property to the county government. The new owner of that Manchester property had big plans for developing it, but the county was able to buy it and make it open space. Either way, the people were kicked out.

Three cots fit together like a puzzle piece in the tent occupied by the Jamison family. Frances, 64, said she and her family lived at Surf and Stream for 19 years. A thin tube inserted into the frail woman’s nostrils led to an oxygen concentrator hooked up to a generator.

Frances, who is battling COPD and a kidney blockage, said that although she and her 72-year-old husband, Robert are separated, he lives with her as her caretaker. The couple’s 37-year-old son William nervously caressed

(Homeless - See Page 13)

Just minutes from Toms River and the Monmouth/Ocean County beaches

Homeless:

Continued From Page 12

Lulu, the family’s devoted English bulldog who was somehow squeezed into the tight space.

While mental health challenges prevent William from working, he also admitted he wanted to be there to help his ailing mother.

Frances interjected by proudly calling her son a “Mama’s Boy.”

Kelly Forcier, 57, also came from the Surf and Stream campgrounds and is situated in a tent near the Jamison family. While she isn’t always hooked up to oxygen, she also relies on the generators to provide it to her when she needs it.

Despite his knowledge of the impending shut down of Surf and Stream, Forcier said the manager encouraged her to buy a new camper. COPD is just one of Forcier’s medical issues that have contributed to her totally disabled designation. Two months ago, Forcier found out there was a place for her within the encampment.

“We tried asking for help while we were there (Surf and Stream),” Forcier said. “They were going to give me a week in a hotel room. I get Social Security and could afford a hotel room through the winter, but then where? What about food?”

A white haired man with an air of distinction couldn’t say enough about how fortunate he was to find a home within the encampment. Morrow Hayes, 78, said he earned an MBA from Wharton School of Business and had a flourishing career as a commercial real estate developer.

As Hayes held onto his cherished pup, Brutus, he said that he doesn’t know what he’ll do if the encampment shuts down. He agreed to go with the social services team to the hospital to get checked out. Hayes called Brigham to pick him up upon his release from the medical facility.

“I’ve been here several months,” shared Hayes. “This would be catastrophic if things are shut down. It’s well run with no crazy behavior.”

One of the other community members walked past Hayes to agree with him. He also whispered that Hayes sometimes gets confused and can’t always find his way back to his tent.

Katie Grow, 68, moved from Glen Ridge to Beachwood a couple of decades ago. Glen Ridge is an affluent community with a medi-

an income of $243,000. Katie had a booming career doing ad sales when her life changed. Rather than speak within the confines of the tent she shares with her family, Katie motioned to a tent reminiscent of a small conference room with four chairs and a long table. Apparently, earlier rains seeped through as the seat was more than a little wet as the interview commenced.

“I’m not scared of hard work,” Katie asserted. “My husband and I raised our family and made plenty of money. But we didn’t save for a rainy day – we were busy taking care of other people.”

A philosophical and fiercely articulate woman, Katie plans to write a book about her experiences. It won’t be one that focuses on the “woe is me.” After all, Katie invokes a daily mantra that she says comes from the lyrics of Stevie Wonder’s “In the Key of Life.”

“You know sometime in life’s hate and troubles, can make you wish you were born in another time and space,” paraphrased Katie. “But you can bet your life…that God knew exactly where he wanted you to be placed.”

Katie said that she lost her job after doctors gave her opiates for intractable pain and she became addicted to them. She lives at the camp with her husband, Dennis, Sr. and their son, Dennis, Jr., who has some mental health issues. The family also has two aging cocker spaniels from the same litter – one with a visible tumor on its back.

“We’re all living on my $753 check each month,” Katie said. “Where else can we go?”

The snapshot of the residents within the encampment are enough to cause anyone to lose sleep. Many of the people said they already felt let down by some of the agencies that showed up to help them. They worry that alternatives to their current conditions could find them separated from their families or forced to give up their loyal pets.

And, then there’s the problem of anything less than permanent placement. No one appeared to have family or friends to turn to – as those options had already been discounted.

Ocean County Commissioner Bobbi Jo Crea, who initiated the homelessness task force and fund, revealed the level of compassion she feels for every person without a roof over their heads.

“We’ve begun the first steps to working on this issue,” said Crea. “Our plan is to get input from the various agencies and nonprofits to point people in a direction that offers them the help they need.”

H ere ’ s t o Y our H e A lt H

Dr. Izzy’s

Sound News

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

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

Rechargeable Versus Battery Operated Hearing Aids

The majority of my patients (80%) prefer the convenience of not having to replace batteries every 3-7 days along with opening and closing the battery door on a daily basis. The newer lithium-ion batteries will typically give you 20 hours of charge and you should rarely run out of charge while wearing the hearing aids throughout the day. You will have the option of choosing either a “standard” charger or “premium” charger. Always choose the premium charge because if you lose electricity in your home, the charger has a 2-3-day reserve charge. Rechargeable hearing aids are extremely moisture resistant so sweating is generally not an issue. For many years, those individuals wearing hearing aids with disposable batteries were subject to moisture seeping into the battery door and corroding the inside of the battery door and eventually screwing up the circuit. These issues are practically eliminated with rechargeable

hearing aids. Some individuals with severe to profound hearing losses still require the use of “large” 675 batteries, although there are some high powered rechargeable BTEs. For experiencing hearing aid users who have been wearing hearing aids for many years, they may continue to replace their batteries on a weekly basis. For those that travel frequently, having to lug around a “charger” in the suitcase may not be preferred to have a few packs of 312 hearing aid batteries.

In my opinion, the vast majority should consider switching over to rechargeable hearing aid systems for improved reliability and cost savings in not having to purchase batteries all of the time.

Dr. Izzy and his Staff are always available to answer your questions about hearing health care issues. Please feel free to contact us at 732-818-3610 (Toms River/Whiting) or Manahawkin (609-978-8946).

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!

Senior Shuttle Providing Transportation To Traders Cove Concerts

BRICK – The Brick Township Senior Shuttle will be available for complimentary door-to-door transportation for residents ages 60 and over to the Traders Cove Concert Series this August.

The Traders Cove Concerts will be held on August 2 (Funktion Band), August 9 (Basso

Brothers), August 16 (Strictly 60’s) and August 23 (Juke Box Legends). Concerts begin at 7 p.m.

Seating on Senior Shuttles is limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information or to schedule a ride, call Senior Services at 732-920-8686.

Thyroid Support Group

WHITING – Thyroid Support Group will meet on August 14 at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 180 Route 539, Whiting. Information and support for thyroid issues will be shared.

If you need directions, call the church office at 732-350-2121 on Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Call the Facilitator Stefanie at 732350-2904.

Saint Peter School Offers Pre-K Program

POINT PLEASANT BEACH – Are you looking for a well-rounded Pre-K program for your child? With opportunities for full/partial days, five days a week, Saint Peter School offers a family affordable program that empowers students to grow their academic skills within a collaborative, family-focused, Christ-centered learning community.

The Calpini Family shares how their son became better prepared for kindergarten while attending the SPS Pre-K

program, “Our child not only loves to go to school each day, but is excited about learning! He is encouraged to explore new concepts in an interactive classroom setting, and is building the social and emotional skills necessary to be Kindergarten-ready.”

Saint Peter School is located at 415 Atlantic Avenue in Point Pleasant Beach. For more information, call 732-892-1260 or visit stpschool.org/ admissions/preschool.

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

The Anatomy And Function Of The Thyroid Gland - A Pharmacist’s Perspective

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

I used to have hypothyroidism about 15 years ago, and I fixed myself. Ever since I’ve been okay! It dawned on me today while talking with a neighbor that she actually has hypothyroidism too, but her lab tests are considered normal for the most part, so today, let’s dive into the remarkable thyroid gland. It’s a small but powerful player in our overall health. Located just below the Adam’s apple and resembling a butterfly, the thyroid gland measures only about 2 inches in length but carries significant responsibilities. It acts as a conductor, harmonizing various bodily functions and regulating your metabolism. It helps you feel warm and plays a role in hair and nail growth. If you have hypothyroidism, you will not be able to lose weight no matter how hard you try.

Named for its shield-like shape, the thyroid gland was studied and described in medical literature for centuries. It wasn’t until the late 19th century that its role in metabolism was confirmed. The thyroid gland secretes hormones like Triiodothyronine (T3), Thyroxine (T4), and Calcitonin.

T3 and T4 control our metabolic rate, influencing everything from heart rate to calorie burning. If you often feel cold, you may be low in thyroid hormone. When these hormones are balanced, we feel energetic, our metabolism functions optimally, and our hair, eyebrows, and nails grow beautifully. Imbalances can lead to conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Worse, if left untreated, hypothyroidism may contribute to OCD, depression, anx-

iety and brain fog. These conditions will get treated with psychiatric medications instead of what’s really needed, natural thyroid hormone replacement!

The thyroid gland is part of the larger endocrine system, closely coordinated by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Together, they form the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis, which maintains thyroid hormone levels. Disruptions to this axis can result in thyroid disorders. Hypothyroidism, characterized by reduced thyroid function, can cause fatigue, weight gain, and feeling cold. Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, results from the overproduction of thyroid hormone and may lead to rapid heart rate, weight loss, and feeling hot. Trouble is that a TSH lab test won’t usually detect this. I can tell you exactly what tests with resources provided at my website suzycohen.com.

Understanding the thyroid gland’s anatomy and function is crucial for managing all sorts of signs and symptoms in your body. As a thyroid thriver, I’ve become a bit of a warrior to help others find the root cause of their problems when lab tests don’t! You probably know about my best-selling book on Amazon called “Thyroid Healthy” which is intended to help you navigate this condition and find appropriate treatment.

In conclusion, the thyroid gland is a small but essential part of our body. Its optimal function contributes to our overall well-being. So, let’s take care of this little butterfly-shaped powerhouse in our neck and appreciate its tireless efforts in keeping us at our best.

(This information is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Suzy Cohen is the author of “The 24-Hour Pharmacist” and “Real Solutions.” For more information, visit www.SuzyCohen.com) ©2023 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.

Check out Micromedia Publications’ website, jerseyshoreonline.com

Memorial Garden For Pets

WHITING – Memorial Garden for Pets is now available for the cremains of your beloved pets at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 180

Route 539, Whiting. Call the Church Office at 732-350-2121 on Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for details.

St. Stephen’s Annual Dignified Junque Flea Market

WHITING – St. Stephen’s Annual Dignified Junque Flea Market is coming on September 2 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Come and join to buy housewares, clothes, books and more, baked goods,

toys, furniture, mechanical and electric, frames, toys, boutique and more. Come and see! Call the church office from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday for more details.

Educating Our Community On Nursing Home Abuse

By: Michael J. Deem, Esq. of R.C. Shea & Associates

People put their elderly parent or grandparent in a nursing home so that they can be safely taken care of, so that someone can properly look after them in their old age. No one expects that these nursing home residents should get anything less than the proper care and respect that they deserve, but with the horrifying rise in nursing care abuse, this is not always the case.

According to the National Center on Elder Abuse in the United States, more than 30 percent of all nursing homes in America indulge in some form of resident abuse.

Statistics show that nearly 50 percent of all nursing homes are short staffed. The staff people who do work in these facilities are underpaid, overworked, and all too often overburdened, which in turn leads to elder neglect and abuse. Even more alarming is the prediction that the problem will only worsen in the near future. More than 91% of nursing homes lack adequate staff to properly care for patients. A Health and Human Services Department report found patients in understaffed nursing homes were more likely to suffer from a variety of problems, such as bed sores, malnutrition, weight loss, dehydration, pneumonia, and serious blood born infections. It’s a serious concern that will only increase with time, given that the population of people aged 85 or older is expected to

double to 8.9 million by the year 2030.

Signs of abuse and neglect may be (but are not limited to) evidence such as patterns of bruising, unexplained injuries, frequent infections, bedsores, questionable hygiene, appearance of malnutrition, emotional distress, and unsanitary living conditions. Document any such evidence you observe, and bring it to the attention of your attorney. Neglect can be just as harmful in the long run as abuse, leading to additional health problems and possibly death. Nursing home abuse isn’t limited to physical abuse; there can also be emotional, verbal, and psychological abuse, where an elder is demeaned or humiliated in other ways.

Many elders needlessly suffer from nursing home abuse in which they are manipulated, humiliated, or physically harmed by the very people entrusted with providing them with loving and tender care. Instances of physical, sexual and verbal abuse have taken place at the very nursing homes where elders are actually supposed to be well taken care of; unfortunately, cases of nursing home abuse in America and also in New Jersey are rising rather than falling.

If you think a loved one is the victim of Nursing Home Abuse call the trial attorneys at R.C. Shea & Associates for a free consultation to discuss their rights.

Laurelton Art Society Seeking New Members

BRICK – Artist and art enthusiasts, the Laurelton Art Society of Brick (LAS) is looking for you! Are you interested in art, attending demos by talented artists or displaying your art?

Come and join LAS at the First Baptist Church of Laurelton 2 to 4 p.m. the

second Saturday of the month (next meeting September 9) at 1836 Highway 88, Brick.

Scholarships awarded every year. Festival of Art show every April. Library exhibits throughout the year. For more information, visit laureltonart.com

1st Annual Classic Car Show

BRICK – Saint Dominic’s Roman Catholic Church is hosting their 1st Annual Classic Car Show on August 4 at 5 p.m. Pre-registration is $10; day of registration is $20. Enjoy prizes, music, food trucks, activities

for kids, beer and wine garden, 50/50, blessing of the cars and more! Rain date is August 11. Register at: stdominicsparish.app. neoncrm.com/np/clients/stdominicsparish/ eventRegistration.jsp?event=2.

Michael J. Deem, Esq.

Real Estate

House For Sale By OwnerAdult Community Pheasant Run in Forked River, 2BR, 1 bath, and additional all year room. Asking $340,000. Serious inquiries only. Angela 609-290-9702. (32)

Items For Sale

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

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)

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)

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

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)

Cash On The Spot - For records, 33's, 45's, reel to reels. Call - We pick up the phone! Eddie 732-8295908 will travel. (31)

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

Junk or Wrecked Cars and Trucks

Wanted - Cash paid. 732-6577251, Steve. Thanks. (32)

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)

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)

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

Seeking Responsible Individual With Good Phone Skills - Experience In Hvac & Permits A Plus. Filing/Answering Phones/ Scheduling/Permits/Ordering Parts/ Customer Service. Great Work Environment. $15/Hour 7:30 a.m.

- 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Paid

Holidays. Call Care Temp Heating & AC at 732-349-1448 Or Fax Resume To 732-349-6448. (t/n)

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)

PT Janitor/Handyman position - Hours 8 a.m.-12 p.m. 5 days a week. Send resume to: admin@holidayheights.com. (33)

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)

Services

Want to perform your best at sports, work, or anywhere else?

Call/message me at 732-209-4125 for free discovery call! (33)

Compassionate, Experienced 24/7

Caregiver - Will Take Care of Your Elderly Loved Ones: Companionship, Personal Hygiene, Meal Preparations, Medication Reminders, Help w/ Errands, Laundry, Housekeeping. Call: 732-867 6686 Nina. (33)

Services Services Services

Services Help Wanted

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)

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator $0 Money Down + Low Monthly Payment Options Request a FREE Quote. Call now before the next power outage: 1-833-901-0309. (t/n)

PQ Painting & Home Improvement Services - Over 5 decades of service in NJ. Visit us online at pqpaintingservice.com . Winner of Angie’s List Super Service Award. Free estimates, reasonable rates, fully licensed and insured NJ Lic #13VH06752800. Call 732500-3063 or 609-356-2444. (t/n)

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

Since 1979, Kitchen Magic, a family-owned business offering cabinet refacing, new cabinetry, and luxury countertop throughout the Northeast. We transform kitchens in less time, with less stress, at an amazing value. Call today for a free estimate 1-844-367-2477. (t/n)

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

Do You Want Your Car To Look

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

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)

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)

CLASSIFIEDS CANNOT BE PLACED OVER THE PHONE.

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

• Estate/Garage/Yard Sales

• Items Wanted

• For Rent

• Auto For Sale

• Help Wanted

• Real Estate

• Items For Sale

• Services

• Other

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.

You are responsible for checking your ad the first time it runs and notifying us of any errors. If we make an error, we will correct it and rerun the ad. We will not be responsible for multiple insertions if you do not call us after the first ad run. No refunds for classified ads. Newspapers are available at our office. Please feel free to stop in and check your ad.

Calculate Price As Follows:

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

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

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

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

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

Total = $

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

• Decks • Doors

EXPERT WORKMANSHIP - Carpentry

• Windows

• Flooring

• Vinyl

Credit Card# Exp.

Railings

• Tile

• New

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

Don’t let the stairs limit your mobility! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-855-634-0529. (t/n)

A1 HANDYMAN SERVICESOver 30 years experience in all phases of home improvements. Free estimates and referrals. Call John 267-475-7962. (22)

Experienced and reliable Home Health Care Group - Is ready to assist you hourly or 24/7 according to your special needs. Personal care, companionship, groccery shopping, driving to dr's appointments, medication monitoring etc. Refferences available. Call for more details 732-910-8869. (34)

MY HANDY CREW - Home repairs, carpentry, painting roofing and siding, decks, powerwashing, yardwor,k all your home maintenance needs. $ave. Call Clark 732-850-5060. Insured and NJ License #13VH11804800. (46)

LANDSCAPING - Restorations, Repairs, Stones, Mulch, Sod Installs, Hedges, Shrubs, Bushes, Downed Branches Trimmed & Removed, Demolition, Cleanouts, ect., Dumpster service provided by A901 Licensed Hauler ect. MAN WITH VAN LLC. Jim 609-335-0330 HIC# 13vh10806000. NO JOB TOO SMALL! (20)

Cardholder Signature:

Print Name:

5. MAIL TO : PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733.

Credit Card Orders Only can be faxed to: 732-657-7388. Or go to jerseyshoreonline.com to place your classified.

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

Address Town ZIP

Phone Number

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

CLASSIFIEDS CANNOT BE PLACED OVER THE PHONE.

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

Talk about being in the right place at the right time. Surf City resident Elizabeth Laird was at the beach on Long Beach Island and captured this amazing shot of a fisherman as the sun rose over the Jersey Shore. Stunning! Want to share your pix in this space? What if we were to offer you a prize? Email photos@jerseyshoreonline. com and you may hear from us!!

Estuary Kayak Tours

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Department of Parks & Recreation will be offering Estuary Kayak Tours for ages 14 and up. Tours will launch from the boat dock at the Ocean County Parks Administration Office, located at 1198 Bandon Road, Toms River, on Wednesdays until August 16 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Explore the salt marsh and Silver Bay as Cattus Island County Park naturalists guide you on our two-person sit-upon kayaks. Kayaks, paddles, and PFDs will be provided. Please plan on arriving 15 minutes prior

to the tour with water shoes and clothes that can get wet.

To register, send a check or money order for $5 made payable to the “County of Ocean” to Ocean County Parks and Recreation, 1198 Bandon Road, Toms River, NJ 08753. Provide your name, address, and daytime telephone number, along with program number 222306 and the date of your choice when registering. For more information or to receive a Parks & Recreation Newsletter call 732506-9090 or visit oceancountyparks.org.

Tin Can Sailors Association

TOMS RIVER – The Tin Can Sailors Association Of New Jersey NJ DESRON

2 – Phoenix Squadron welcomes all branches of the military to their group. They invite you to join their meetings that are held on the third Wednesday of every month at 12 p.m. at the George P. Vanderveer, American Legion Post 129, 2025 Church Road, Toms River. Order

breakfast or lunch at a very reasonable cost to you, eat during meeting.

They are a chartered squadron of The National Association of Destroyer Veterans (Tin Can Sailors). Contact them at 732-630-1855 or email commander@ tcs-desvets-nj.org or BillSchmidt1000@ aol.com; 732-575-6904. Website: tcsdesvets-nj.org.

A Need We Feed Fundraiser

LAKEWOOD – A Need We Feed to hold fundraiser on September 23 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Icarus Brewing on 1790 Swarthmore Avenue in Lakewood.

Tickets are $55 per person which includes beer and donut pairing, $5. food voucher for The Nip N Truck Food Truck, which will be at the event. You will also receive a custom beer glass.

There will be live entertainment by Johnny and the Brue Crew, games, and gift auction. Additional beer and food will be available for purchase.

Join for a fun day while raising money to provide meals to our community’s veterans, seniors, families, and the homeless. Tickets can be purchased at aneedwefeed. org/brews-bites-fundraiser.

FUN & GAMES SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

accusation, and an apt description of the answers to the starred clues 43 Up to, in ads 44 U2 lead singer 45 Mall event 48 Overly

9

ewan

2 “Give or take”

3 Floral wreath

4 Yesterday evening

35 Tidal movement

36 Joey of kiddie lit

38 Final thoughts?

40 Buenos __

41 Hand or foot

42 “Mental Illness” Grammy winner Aimee 46 HDTV choice 47 __ shadow 48 Unexpected endings 49 “I’m blushing!”

50 “Fancy!”

52 Southern California chain known for pastrami

54 Tidal movement

56 Lets use for now

57 Ideal places

58 Some matriarchs

Press”

(c)2023 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.

SOLUTIONS

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Garden State Hearing And Balance Center

Acommitment to patients, coupled with technology and value have set Garden State Hearing & Balance Center apart for years, with recent investments making the treatment of hearing loss and similar conditions more manageable than ever.

The practice, which has offices in Toms River, Manahawkin and Whiting, was the first in the United States to be Audigy-Certified, a testament to its adherence to the industry’s best practices that are required for certification.

“Any business that is Audigy-Certified, from a best practices standpoint, is in the top two to three percent in the country,” said Dr. Isidore Kirsh – commonly known as Dr. Izzy – founder and director of the practice, who holds a doctorate degree (Ph.D.) from the Union Institute & University.

The Center performs testing for patients with auditory processing disorders and testing for people who are suffering from tinnitus – ringing in the ears – as well as hearing loss and balance issues.

Dr. Kirsh’s practice includes state-of-the art equipment to evaluate hearing and balance issues, which are often related to inner ear disorders.

“Seventy percent of patients who complain of balance problems usually have an inner ear component,” Dr.

Kirsh said.

Hearing loss, unfortunately, often goes untreated since it is not painful and often not a priority for patients. But for the 40 million people who suffer from it, Dr. Kirsh explains, it is important that they seek diagnosis and treatment to improve their life and ensure good health.

“Over the last few years, there have been a lot of studies that show a relationship between untreated hearing loss and memory deficits such as dementia and Alzheimer’s, which means your susceptibility to obtaining these memory issues increases as a function of the hearing loss that you have,” Dr. Kirsh said.

With rare exception, the only way to help preserve your hearing is through a hearing aid –sometimes a stumbling block for patients who are self-conscious about wearing one. But technological improvements have led to the devices becoming virtually invisible, and more helpful than ever.

“They can be 100 percent invisible, they can have Bluetooth as well as Wi-Fi capabilities,” Dr. Kirsh explained.

“You can stream a signal through your iPhone or your television, even movies and Broadway shows, right to your hearing aid. Most of today’s hearing aids are very inconspicuous, meaning the

cosmetic issue is really not an issue anymore.”

Hearing aids also can have features such as GPS locator capability.

“The technology is improving significantly every year,” Dr. Kirsh said.

For patients, hearing aids can be financed interest free for 24 months, and Dr. Kirsh’s practice provides free battery replacements for life. Patients can also return a hearing aid during a 75 day trial period, during which time they return to Garden State Hearing &

Balance Center a minimum of three times to check on their progress.

“We don’t over schedule or double book, so people are generally seen on time,” said Dr. Kirsh.

The practice has thrived on accessibility for patients, investments in technology, and the easing of the financial aspect of treatment.

“We try to give people as much value as possible, and

that really separates us from some of the other hearing care professionals out there,” Better hearing is a priceless gift! Dr. Kirsh said.

Pictured is Dr. Isidore Kirsh. His offices are located at 250 Route 37 West, Toms River, 732573-4020; 53 Nautilus Drive, Suite C, 1st Floor, Manahawkin, 609-489-5415; 75 Lacey Road Ste 1B, Whiting, 732-606-4912. Visit gardenstatehearing.com for more information.

“We don’t over schedule or double book, so people are generally seen on time.”

–Dr. Kirsh

FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 29 - AUG 4

BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS

OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

ARIES (March 21-April 19) : Life is full of whims and now may be the time to follow them. Spend some time or money on things that can help you appreciate life’s simple pleasures. Overcoming objection can be easier when your respect other’s opinions.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) : You could be content to be highly visible in public, but enjoy your romantic moments in private. You may be happy to spend more time with family or friends and can easily balance your social life and your obligations.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You could only want to hear what you want to right now. Double check your figures or reexamine contracts and try not to get distracted by freelunch schemes or be persuaded into making major changes to your financial situation.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Seeing is believing, they say, but there are times when you view an optical illusion. Some situations are like the intricate paintings of a woman’s face that reveals a field of flowers when seen at a different angle.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) : You may have a reputation for being able to easily adapt to new situations or rethink your current position. Surprising events might offer challenges, but you could be well prepared to shift gears if the occasion calls for it.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Your eagerness and can-do attitude can impress others.An enthusiastic approach to innovative ideas and valuable information could earn you the title of wunderkind. Your loved ones may benefit from your positive input.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): If weighty personal or relationship concerns are at the front of your mind it may be time to give yourself some breathing room. Your wellhoned business skills can be useful on the job or when considering financial matters.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): A puzzling situation may freeze you for a few hours. You could be stopped in your tracks, afraid to move in any direction right now. Take your time to find your way out of this dilemma and work towards a resolution.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):

When you feel you are in too deep you may not know which way is up. Regain your sense of direction by looking for the light. A good friend might put business matters into perspective and provide sound financial advice.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) : Your smile could win someone’s heart or light the fires of affection. New friendships may lose their luster quickly, but loyal relationships can bring joy for a long time to come. If someone creates a mix-up offer forgiveness.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): It may be best to choose the sure thing rather than gambling with your valuable resources. You could be distracted by surprising family disclosures or by friends’ invitations to participate with them in their hobbies.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): If given the right incentive even an old dog can learn new tricks. There may be moments when you feel you’re past your prime. A new and interesting partner could be a welcome source of motivation and inspiration.

CREAMY AND UNDENIABLY MEATY, THIS PASTA IS SURE TO BE A CROWD-PLEASER

By America’s Test Kitchen

PASTA ALLA ZOZZONA

Serves 4

5 ounces guanciale

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

5 ounces sweet Italian sausage, casings removed, broken into 1-inch pieces

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

3/4 cup passata

8 ounces rigatoni

Table salt for cooking pasta

1 ounce Pecorino Romano cheese, grated fine (1/2 cup), plus extra for serving

2 large egg yolks

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1. Slice guanciale into 1/4-inch-thick strips, then cut each strip crosswise into 1/4-inch pieces. Heat guanciale and oil in a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until fat is rendered and guanciale is starting to brown, 4 to 6 minutes.

2. Add sausage and onion and cook, using

a wooden spoon to break meat into pieces no larger than 1/2 inch, until sausage is no longer pink, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in passata; reduce heat to medium-low; and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until fat is fully incorporated, 2 to 4 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, bring 2 quarts water to boil in a large pot. Add pasta and 1 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring often, until al dente. Reserve 1 cup cooking water, then drain pasta and return it to the pot. Add tomato-meat sauce to pasta. Set pot over medium-low heat and stir until pasta is well coated, about 1 minute.

4. Whisk Pecorino, egg yolks, and pepper in a medium bowl until combined. Slowly whisk 1/2 cup of reserved cooking water into egg yolk mixture (mixture will not be smooth). Off heat, stir egg yolk mixture into pasta until sauce looks glossy and is slightly thickened, about 1 minute. Adjust sauce consistency with remaining reserved cooking water if needed. Transfer pasta to platter and serve immediately, passing extra Pecorino separately.

(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.