2023-07-29 - The Jackson Times

Memorial High School’s Lasko Turns Pro On Diamond

School Removes Transportation Consultant

By Bob Vosseller

JACKSON – Weigh -

By Chris Christopher JACKSON - Ryan Lasko

has become a professional athlete.

The former Jackson Memorial High School and Rutgers University standout has signed a $1.7 million contract to play for the Oakland A’s. He was selected 41st overall as an outfielder by Oakland on the initial day of the 2023 Major League Baseball

First-Year Player Draft. The pick was slotted at a $2,094,900 signing bonus. He was the second selec-

tion in the second round. He was ranked the No. 89 prospect in the grab bag by mlb.com

“We love the athleticism,” Oakland general manager David Forst told mlb.com’s Martin Gallegos. “Middle-of-the-diamond player who just got better every year. Plus runner, plus outfield defense. Talk about highlights on defense. You can look up some of the plays he made crashing into the wall in center field. A guy that we think is on the ups and really helps the

athleticism in our system. I’m excited to see him play in person.”

A criminal justice major at Rutgers, he was a three-year starter. Lasko, a righty, stroked his 200th career hit and became the first player in program history with three straight seasons with 10-plus home runs. He ripped 32 extra base hits en route to 73 overall.

“Ryan is an excellent

player who continues to improve,” Rutgers coach Steve Owens said. “Congratulations to Ryan for his high draft selection by Oakland! He is a tremendous player with elite defensive skills in center field that are game changing at every level.”

With Lasko in the lineup, the Scarlet Knights won a total of 77 games during the past two years.

(Baseball - See Page 4)

ing what is a necessity and what is a luxury was a point of discussion which resulted in removing a consultant which will save $30,000 for the township school district.

During a recent Board of Education meeting Board President Giuseppe Palmeri brought up a line item on the bill list that concerned the consultant.

“Finance number 14 relates to a transportation consultant which

is a retired former director of transportation. This consultant was approved last year for Mr. (Kristopher) Soto who was new coming on board to help acclimate a transition to our district,” he noted.

“The budget constraints that we now face...is this a necessity or a luxury because how I see this $30,000 consultant fee, we may be able to bring back a secretary, a janitor, a maintenance worker maybe...

(BOE - See Page 7)

Official: Public Has Fear Of Speaking Out

By

Bob

Vosseller

PLUMSTED – No one should feel intimidated about presenting their questions, concerns, and general ideas before the governing body. That was the message expressed by a township official.

During a recent Township Committee meeting, Deputy Mayor

Herb Marinari shared with the governing body and public a conversation he had with a resident who has lived in the community for more than 20 years. The person asked him to look into an issue of concern.

Marinari invited the individual to come to a Township Committee

meeting to personally present his concern during a part of the meeting where the public is invited to speak.

“Every resident has the opportunity to do that.”

The Deputy Mayor said the resident responded, “‘Herb I’m not going to do that because I am afraid of reprisals.’ When I heard

that and other people who have made that comment - it is one of the worse things I’ve heard since I’ve been here. As long as you sit there and are respectful there is no reason you can’t come here to make a comment. You heard me say this a couple of months ago: This is not

(Plumsted - See Page 10)

Photo courtesy Mark Kuhlmann Ryan Lasko registers an out for Rutgers University.

Ex-Jackson Memorial High School standout Ryan Lasko displays a potent bat for Rutgers University.

Photo By Bob Vosseller Jackson school officials discuss the salary of the district’s transportation consultant during a recent Board of Education meeting.

Photo by Bob Vosseller Michael Silvestri, seated at left during a Plumsted Township Committee meeting, addresses Township Clerk/Business Administrator Jennifer Witham, at left on the dais, Attorney Jean Cipriani, Deputy Mayor Herb Marinari and Committeeman Leonard Grilletto about giving invocations at township meetings and the use of the municipal building.

Baseball:

Continued From Page 1

“Rutgers University baseball has given me everything,” Lasko tweeted. “I’ve had the chance to play for the best coaches, who gave me countless hours of instruction and support. Without them, I couldn’t be the person or player I am today. I tried to do things the right way and I had so much fun doing it.”

Lasko earned a berth on the 26-man Team USA Collegiate National Team. It represented the nation in the Netherlands in 2022. The Team USA training camp is reserved for the top nondraft eligible college players with 48-50 athletes receiving an invitation each year.

He spent last summer with the Brewster Whitecaps (Mass.) of the Cape Cod Baseball League.

Lasko started for Jackson during his sophomore and junior seasons. His 2020 senior campaign was lost to the COVID-19 pandemic. He helped his team to the championship game of the Last Dance World Series during the summer of 2020.

He was one of the top players in the Shore Conference as a junior, batting .380. He belted seven homers and eight doubles. He plated 33 runs and scored 24 runs. He raced to 14 stolen bases. He was undrafted after his senior year as the grab bag was reduced to five rounds because of the pandemic.

With Lasko in the lineup, the Jaguars won NJSIAA South Jersey Group IV and Shore Conference Class A South titles in 2018. They captured Class A South in 2019.

“Pro scouts began looking at Ryan at the college level,” said then-Jackson coach Frank Malta, now the East Brunswick High School athletics director.

Malta said there was never a fly ball that Lasko could not catch in the outfield.

“He was a highlight reel in center field,” Malta said. “He made fly balls as easy as a comebacker to the pitcher. We let guys hit it as far as they could to center field. He is a major-league outfielder right now. He is different in the way he gets a path to the ball. He is a draft guy as he does things you don’t normally see.

“We got used to his plays. Other guys said, ‘Who the heck is this kid?’ We took his plays for granted. You better hit it halfway up a tree if you don’t want him to catch it. That’s how we felt about him.”

Lasko is not afraid to bang into walls in his pursuit of fly balls. One video shown in conjunction with Lasko’s selection shows the ex-Jaguar crashing into a wall, making a leaping catch and robbing a hitter of extra bases.

“He is fearless,” Malta said. “He was always that way even as a kid in the Jackson Little League. He is a competitor.”

Malta said Lasko owns a strong throwing arm.

“His arm is excellent,” Malta said. “He gets good carry on the ball. It’s another reason he is a professional player. He is a five-tool player (hit, hit for power, run, throw and field). He embodies those tools in all that he does. He has a plus, plus arm.”

Malta said Lasko often hit leadoff for the Jaguars.

“I saw him improve each year,” Malta said. “He can hit almost anywhere in the order. He is a George Springer type of player (Springer is an outfielder with the Toronto Blue Jays).”

Malta sees a bright future for his protege.

“I look for him to hit his strides as a pro,” Malta said. “It is adjustment upon adjustment and adjustment upon adjustment in the pros. That is what it takes to make it in major league baseball. Ryan is smart enough to do it and now he has the

opportunity to do it.

Malta said Lasko was a pleasure to coach.

“He is a great kid,” Malta said. “People are so happy for him. He is a high character kid. His teachers loved him. He always did the right thing in the classroom and in the hallways. He was a very good student. I see him as the total package - a guy you want your younger guys to emulate. He was a great teammate. He always wanted to see the other guys do well.”

Lasko is dedicated to his craft.

“He always worked,” Malta said. “He never took a day off. He never took his foot off the gas. He was in our weight room at 5:30 in the morning each day. He went to bed early so that he could get up early.”

Lasko owns a well-rounded personality.

“Ryan is all business,” Malta said, “but he also finds the time to have a laugh and just enjoy it. As serious as he was, he still enjoyed himself and his teammates. He played with his high school teammates since they were nine and 10 years old. It was a fun experience to coach that whole crew of guys.”

Another member of the Ryan Lasko Fan Club is Evan Glaser. He coached Lasko for two seasons in the Jackson Little League. Lasko played center field and pitched on Jackson’s 2015 state championship team which lost in the Eastern Regional championship game to Redland, Pa., in Bristol, Ct. He also guided Lasko at the travel team and academy levels. One of the travel teams was the Jackson Red Dogs founded by Steve Slusak.

“My man!” Glaser exclaimed. “Since Ryan was seven and eight years old, he always had a unique passion for baseball. He is extremely coachable, always engaging. He plays hard. He always leaves it all on the field. If you have nine

or 10 guys like Ryan on the field, you are going to win a lot of ball games.”

Glaser admires Lasko’s style of play.

“He has baseball instincts,” Glaser said. “He has speed. He works counts. He hits for home runs. He takes extra bases. He’s the flashiest outfielder you will ever see. The amount of ground he covers ... diving plays. Throws behind runners and catches them sleeping. He shortened ball games for us because of his ability to catch people off guard.”

Glaser also praised Lasko’s attitude.

“Ryan is the most humble person you will ever meet. He is attentive. He gives everyone his time. He encourages his fellow teammates. He is always positive. We could be down by five runs with one out to play with and he is still positive. His folks raised a great guy. Let me say that,” he said.

“When they feel they are that good, some athletes have a chip on their shoulder and feel entitled. Not Ryan. You would never know he was a second-round pick. He worked his tail off. He got out of it what he put into it,” he said. Lasko’s parents are Patricia and James Lasko. He has one brother, Dan, and one sister, Emily.

NOTES: Lasko could not be reached for comment by jerseyshoreonline.com and the Jackson Times. The season salary for players in the complex (instructional) leagues is $19,800. The season salary for players in the Low A leagues is $26,000. The season salary for players in the High A leagues is $27,300. The season salary for players in the Double A leagues is $30,250. The season salary for players in the Triple A leagues is $35,800. Scarletknightscom, Baseball America and SoftballNation on the Banks contributed to this report.

Capitol Comments

Assemblyman Alex Sauickie

TRENTON - In two short months, the National Society of the Cincinnati will host a two-day tour of the Monmouth Battlefield in Freehold. The society is well known in Revolutionary War circles for its excellent educational programming and tours of battlefields. The fact that a national group is touring one of New Jersey’s many battlefields is testament to the importance of our state in the upcoming 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence and to the possibilities of historic tourism.

New Jersey is known as the “Crossroads of the Revolution” not merely because of its location between British-held New York City and the patriot capital of Philadelphia, but also because 296 engagements occurred within our borders - the most of any of the thirteen colonies. It was also the home of two winter encampments of the Continental Army and many privateer forces off our coast.

As a member of the New Jersey General

A Battle Worth Fighting

Assembly who has voiced increasing concerns over the actual and potential effects of irresponsible planning policy, I have become aware of the possibility that several warehouses might be built on the location of a British encampment in the Allentown-Upper Freehold area.

British forces used this location as they evacuated Philadelphia for New York City in 1778. The actions taken on this property and in this area ultimately led to the Battle of Monmouth, a fight that was sure to be lost but for the valiant and able leadership of General George Washington. The army, under Washington’s command, used the training they had recently received at Valley Forge to fight the largest artillery battle of the war. The Battle of Monmouth ended in a draw - a first constructive victory for the Continental Army. We in New Jersey must take a leading role in protecting our historical sites from loss due to unchecked development. This loss or threat of loss is happening all over the state, as seen with the recent issues surrounding the expansion of the Princeton Battlefield.

That is why I have introduced A5677,

a bill that would provide $50 million in grants to local governments and non-profit organizations to support the preservation, extension, and management of Revolutionary War battlefields, encampments and skirmish sites that are endangered by development.

The program would be housed in the New Jersey Department of State, where successful historical and cultural programs already work to support New Jersey’s heritage. The department will use its expertise to develop criteria for evaluating applications and award grants to the best applicants.

By creating this program, New Jersey - like our predecessors - can win on many fronts. New and expanded sites will encourage more historic tourism and bring with it an expanded need for overnight lodging, food, other economic development. This program will also educate the public on the founding of our nation and the role various men and women played in that endeavor.

This sort of civic education has been sorely lacking over the last several decades. A pre-COVID study done by the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation, found that only one in three Americans can pass the United States citizenship exam. That fact is

appalling.

As recently as this Fourth of July, I had the honor and pleasure of going to Allentown to read aloud the Declaration of Independence. The respect I saw for the historical significance of this document, not only as a symbol but for its substance, was encouraging. More such events must be held, and other founding documents remembered - like the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to our Constitution, which was first ratified by the Garden State. New Jersey has a rich history that must be preserved and shared with our fellow citizens. But in accomplishing that inspiring task, our state’s important, historical sites and locations must be protected from destruction. With other leaders across the state joining me on this legislation, we can save our state’s rich heritage. I urge each of you to get involved and do your part to preserve our legacy in time for celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.

Alex Sauickie is a life-long Jackson resident who represents his home town and 13 other towns in the State Assembly. Follow him on Facebook (AssemblymanAlex) and on Instagram (@ AssemblymanAlex), or visit his website at AssemblymanAlex.com.

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

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 Assistance 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 provid-

ed 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 reimbursement reduces barriers to students accessing support delivered by their district. Services pro -

vided 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.”

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

energy options are being crammed down the throats of the American public.

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

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 Jacksom Time s 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

possibly reinstating gymnastics which is one of the programs we had to cancel,” Palmeri said in reference to the reduction of 64 positions that was part of this year’s adopted budget. “Last month we voted on layoffs and I feel this is money that would be ... well spent elsewhere so I am wondering, Mrs. (Michelle) Richardson (Board Secretary/Business Administrator) is this a necessity or luxury for Mr. Soto?”

Richardson said the agreement was to have the consultant for one more year so that she could help with the transition of new software programs being used by staff of the transportation department.

“We are upgrading software this year. She helps with the training and is very good at what she does.”

“I would ask that this Board consider this before we vote on it,” Palmeri added.

Board member Megan Gardella asked what would happen if “we didn’t have a consultant.”

Richardson said the transportation director would “have to find a way to get this done. She was paid $24,000 last year. It is only as needed.” She said if the software company had to come out to perform trainings it would be at a higher cost.

BOE Vice President Tina Kas asked how many training hours were provided free of cost from the company, which is usually the practice in such software

purchase arrangements.

Richardson said that they were just paying for the software.

“Is this something really needed?”

Board member Erica Osmond asked Superintendent Nicole Pormilli.

Pormilli said the need for the consultant was brought up to her at the time by Richardson but that “we could look at lowering the amount.”

“To me it sounds more like a luxury. I would like to make a motion to amend the salary to $15,000 and we can change it later on if we feel we need more and perhaps not put so much into this,” Osmond said.

“I will not vote for my director of transportation that has been here for two years to have a retired director of trans -

portation (from another school district) to consistently help him. At this point he should be able to do the job and if that means we can bring back someone we had to vote to layoff last month that is what I’d like to do,” Palmeri said.

Richardson said the consultant, “handles special circumstances that come up. There is a lot of time spent on doing the day work in the office. It is not secretarial type work.”

While the Board did vote to amend the salary from $30,000 to $15,000, the lone vote against was Palmeri as he expressed wanting to eliminate the position entirely. Later in the session that motion came up for a vote and it was defeated as Board members decided to drop the consultant position entirely.

The Jackson Pathfinders

JACKSON – The Jackson Pathfinders are a friendly group of men, women, teens and scouts who love to be out on a trail in the beautiful natural lands of our town. We charge no dues or fees. All we seek from our participants are interest and enthusiasm.

Pathfinders volunteers maintain four woodland trails in Jackson:

• The Silver Stream Trail, across from 254 Frank Applegate Road and within the Metedeconk Preserve of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation. The Pathfinders are honored to be designated by NJCF as official guardians of the Silver Stream Trail.

• The Steve Kitay Living Trail, on Jackson Township land, accessed via the Silver Stream Trail.

• The Purple Heart Trail, across from 820 East Veterans Hwy (Routes 527/528) and within the Bunker Hill Bogs Recreation Area of Jackson Township.

• The Jackson Jungle Children’s Trail, within the Jackson Justice Complex. Adjacent to the Jackson Jungle Play Park, it is to the left on your way to the Ocean County Library.

Free and open to the public every day, our Pathfinders trails are for nature appreciation, hiking and mountain biking (no bikes on Children’s Trail). Visit our website for downloadable PDF maps and interactive Google maps of these Pathfinders trails and of several other trails in Jackson, including those at the Forest Resource Education Center.

News of our trails:

Purple Heart Trail - Our volunteers have completed restoration of the long-forgotten Green

Loop East, and it is now ready for visitors. It has also been mapped, and we hope to have it added to our website soon. In addition, we are planning to install some signs at key trail intersections to guide visitors around the Green Loop area.

Silver Stream Trail - One of the gems of this beautiful preserve is Metedeconk Island at the east end of the oval-shaped Silver Stream Trail. The Pathfinders will soon be improving and extending a spur trail there alongside the South Branch of the Metedeconk River.

Steve Kitay Living Trail - One of the bridges across Kitay Brook was recently rebuilt by an Eagle Scout candidate, but some of our visitors find it a little too narrow, so Pathfinders volunteers will soon be widening it for the comfort of all.

More about the Jackson Pathfinders: Our volunteers trim branches and briars, clear fallen trees, install trail markers and signs, maintain boardwalks and bridges--and much more. We love the beauty of nature and do everything we can to pass that love along to others. The Pathfinders are supported by Jackson’s Town Council, Public Works Department, Recreation Department and Environmental Commission. We serve as the local advocacy group for New Jersey’s Forest Resource Education Center, and we gladly partner with Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts on their own special projects.

The beauty of Jackson’s natural lands calls to us. Out on the trail we experience the refreshing scent of the forest, the clean and awesome streams and the freedom from crowds and traffic. The Jackson Pathfinders look forward to sharing with you our love for nature and for the trails which lead us there!

Photo courtesy Jackson Pathfinders

“The Romantic Era” By Photographer Sandy Foley

JACKSON – Expressive photography by Sandy Foley, entitled “The Romantic Era,” will be on display throughout the month of August at the Ocean County Library Jackson Branch. Meet Sandra during a special artist’s reception, 2 to 4 p.m. August 5.

The interior designer from Jackson took inspiration from her interest in fashion in 2010, creating Flair Designs LLC, specializing in costume masks, headpieces, corsets, & wings.

During New York Fashion Week 2010, Flair Designs successfully debuted for Shekhar Bahate and other celebrities.

Sandy expanded her vision to include interviews with models, stars, and musicians, and became the “Cameo Girl” for her commitment to “bring you the world of fashion, music, & art.”

She launched Fashion Haunts Magazine & Media in 2017, which features her interviews and passions including music, fashion history, photography, and paranormal pursuits.

Featured quests have included America’s Next Top Model Allison Harvard, Melissa and Joe Gorga, Tracy DiMarco, Moriah Formica of The Voice, and Samantha Ortiz.

Sandy’s fascination with pop and tattoo cultures developed into a love of storytelling through art. In 2019, she published a children’s book, “The Haunting Adventures of Boo,” and also started Fashion Haunts Photography. She began collaborating with children and adults with disabilities, and set as her next goal the creation of a special-needs art gallery.

Sandy has attracted thousands of followers to her Facebook page, Instagram, and weebly.com

“The Romantic Era” is free and open to the public during normal Branch operating hours.

For more information, stop by the OCL Jackson Branch, 2 Jackson Drive, call 732928-4400, or visit theoceancountylibrary. org/events.

Officials To Grads: Congrats, Be Safe

By Bob Vosseller

JACKSON – Mayor Michael Reina and the members of the Township Council extended their best wishes to the recent graduates of the township’s two high schools.

During a recent Council meeting Mayor Reina offered “congratulations to our graduates. You are starting new chapters in your lives. I know you are going to make your families as well as Jackson very proud. You’ve been doing it year after year.” He also thanked those who reached out to him and his family during the recent loss of his father. “I appreciate all the kind words and messages and flowers as well.”

Council President Steve Chisholm congratulated and cautioned those who just picked up their diplomas. “I had the chance to sit on the field after quite a few decades now at the Jackson Memorial service. It was a great service and I just want to remind the graduates while you are enjoying the summer and going off to college just be smart,

be safe.”

“It is a good time, one of the best times in your life but please know what you are doing - don’t do anything reckless. We’d hate to see something bad come from that so be responsible and enjoy the summer and welcome to adulthood,” he added.

“Congratulations on reaching this important milestone in your lives! As you move forward into the next chapter, I encourage you to remember the valuable lessons you’ve learned and the experiences you’ve gained during your time in high school,” Councilwoman Jennifer Kuhn said.

“You have the potential to make a difference in your communities and beyond. I urge you to use your voice and take action on issues that matter to you. Whether it’s volunteering, joining a local organization, or pursuing higher education, never forget that you have the power to create positive change,” she added. She urged the grads to consider volunteering locally.

(Officials - See Page 10)

Toscano

Wilkens

the town that I know.”

Religious Invocation

On the subject of speaking out, Michael Silvestri of Monroe Township came to the meeting in hopes of hearing an update on his request to provide an invocation at the opening of a future Township Committee meeting.

Plumsted is one of only a few towns in the state that invites a member of the local clergy to give an invocation before the start of their meeting.

Plumsted Presbyterian Church Pastor Phyllis Zoon presented the invocation during that nights committee meeting and Silvestri, who heads the Satanic Temple of New Jersey, which has members who reside in the township, would like the opportunity to do the same.

Township Attorney Jean Cipriani has been reviewing policy concerning the process of invocation selection for each month’s meeting. She promised Silvestri a definitive answer at the next committee meeting.

Silvestri noted that no religious faith should have preference over another and that religious institutions operating within the community should be allowed the opportunity to present an invocation. Silvestri’s group does meet and holds services at the municipal building and Christian groups have done the same provided they have membership that live in the township.

He had asked the township about this months ago.

Parks And Maintenance

Deputy Mayor Marinari recognized the hard work of Township Maintenance Department worker Anthony Creen during the meeting.

“That department is operating on less than a skeleton crew so he is taking care of garbage, picking up feces, the parks and doing an overall great job in trying to hold this community together. Hopefully we’ll give him some help soon.”

Committeeman Leonard Grilletto spoke about a recent effort involving volunteers

Officials:

Continued From Page 9

Condemning Hate Councilman Nino Borrelli condemned the “despicable anti-Semitic graffiti done at a construction site in Jackson late last month. We support zero tolerance for that in our town or anywhere else for that matter. What makes this more sickening was this was at a site which is for families fighting diseases and childhood cancer.”

First Responders

Borelli also noted a resolution that provides “two fully trained school resource officers for the 2023-2024 school year. Protecting the public health and safety of our school children

at Paradise Park. He noted the installation of plants and mulch provided for the effort which ran two Saturdays in a row. He also addressed the problem of vandalism within the township stating he and the mayor had met with the municipal judge and prosecutor. “Signs don’t work too well but I still feel we should have some signs up that would state people would be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” Grilletto added.

He also noted a recommendation to hire a part-time unarmed security guard “who if he sees things would report them to the police and that would help reduce some of the vandalism.”

Committeeman Michael Hammerstone noted the rehabilitation of the recreation building with new siding, a new roof and some painting and work on the dugout. “That is just about complete and I want to give a big thank you for the new scoreboard that was purchased and installed. There was a huge turnout for the ceremony of getting it up and I’d like to thank those who provided their skills and funds to help our township recreation community.”

Traffic And Fires

During that session, Committeeman Dominick Cuozzo reported that he heard some traffic concerns about Millstream Road, especially when the new warehouse is finished “and of course we already have the new Dollar General. I have contacted our engineer. I’ve been talking to him since October about getting some infrastructure improvements.”

“I know some folks on Jacobstown Road would like the speed limit to be lowered and putting curbing there would not only help with the stormwater but would also help to lower that speed limit,” Cuozzo added.

Mayor Robert Bowen spoke about a resolution which supported the NJ Forest Fire Service. “We have not had one (forest fire) in our town but we have had them close enough.”

“The smoke and the smell are very strong and so you appreciate when you live near the woods that these situations can very quickly get out of control and it is only those who quickly respond to it that they are kept in any kind of balance so we did want to recognize them by supporting this resolution,” he added.

and staff in Jackson is of the upmost importance to us.”

He commended firefighters in Jackson for their response last month to what was dubbed the Glory wildfire near East Commodore Boulevard and Cedar Swamp Road.

“We are so grateful in Jackson for our firefighters and our forest fire service for containing wildfires and thankful to the JTPD who had to block off roads in both directions on 195 and thankful to our quick acting and brave first responders who averted another crisis in our town after the tornado on April 1,” Borrelli added.

Chisholm also thanked the Forest Fire Service and all “our first responders. We all saw what a great job they did and it is still very dry out there so please, everybody, be careful with your open fires.”

Volunteers Have Cats Available For Adoption

JACKSON – Calling All Cats

is a cat rescue group made up of volunteers, some of whom work at a spay and neuter clinic. People would drop off unwanted cats. As a group, they save the babies that are left alone, the countless mothers that have had numerous litters and those that are losing or have lost their home.

Introducing Woody. He is the most handsome silver “broken tabby.” Little did he know that running into the kitchen from behind the dumpster of a local food establishment would forever change his life for the better! He was skin and bones, and needed some good ol’ TLC, but we are happy to report is doing great! He’s gained weight, has an amazing purr, and is learn -

ing daily how thankful he really is! Woody settled in quickly with his foster siblings so will definitely need a fur sibling similarly aged with whom he can play with! He is up to date on age appropriate medical and will be ready for his forever home in a few weeks.

To help humanely lower the feline population, they spay and neuter feral cats and then find homes for the friendly adults and the offspring that have been born. The rescue works extremely hard to find the best homes for cats of all shapes, sizes, colors and ages. While these cats wait, they are cared for in safe, loving, and nurturing foster homes

To start the application process, visit Calling All Cats on Facebook and Petfinder.com

Holiday Craft/Vendor Fair

Photo courtesy Calling All Cats

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!

Beautiful, Beneficial Butterflies

TOMS RIVER – Commissioner Virginia E. Haines announces that the Ocean County Department of Parks & Recreation will be offering Beautiful, Beneficial Butterflies for all ages at Cattus Island County Park, located at 1170 Cattus Island Boulevard, Toms River, on Thursdays until August 17, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. A naturalist will be on hand to show you around the beautiful and fragrant Butterfly

Garden, located in front of the Cooper Environmental Center. Learn about our native pollinators and what it takes to create your own butterfly garden at home!

No registration is required to attend this free program. Be aware that it is weather-dependent. For more information or to receive a Parks & Recreation Newsletter call 732-506-9090 or visit oceancountyparks.org.

Laser Bon Jovi At Robert J. Novins

Planetarium

TOMS RIVER – After ushering in the era of pop-metal with their hit singles “You Give Love a Bad Name,” “Living on a Prayer,” and “Wanted Dead or Alive,” Bon Jovi grew out of the big-haired ‘80s to become one of the biggest American rock bands of their time occasionally hitting on the

adult contemporary charts without ever turning away from hard rock, proving how they never lost their roots and became second only to Bruce Springsteen in defining the spirit and sound of New Jersey rock & roll.

Laser Bon Jovi at Robert J. Novins Planetarium will be on August 19 at 8:30 p.m.

Jackson EMS Seeking Volunteers

JACKSON – Make a difference in your community! Jackson Township EMS is currently seeking volunteers. No experience needed. Must be 16 years or older. Free first

aid training. Learn skills for life. Now hiring EMTs. Paid holidays. Healthcare benefits. Competitive pay. Flexible schedule. To apply, visit JTFAS.org.

Pharmacist

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.

“In-Seine” Fridays

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Department of Parks & Recreation will be offering “In-seine” Fridays for all ages at Cattus Island County Park, located at 1170 Cattus Island Boulevard, Toms River, on Fridays until August 18 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Take a one-mile nature walk to Cattus Island’s beach, where a naturalist will

explain the fine art of seining. You will see a seining demonstration and get a close-up view of native bay species.

No registration is required to attend this free program. Be aware that it is weather-dependent. For more information or to receive a Parks & Recreation Newsletter call 732-5069090 or visit oceancountyparks.org.

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LOOK FOR A VARIETY OF PHOTOS SNAPPED ALL AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE!

NEW EGYPT – If you are interested in learning about the town and you like history or just want to meet new people who help to preserve our history, the New Egypt Historical Society is looking for people like you.

They meet on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. if you would like to stop

New Egypt Historical Society Welcomes You

by and check them out. Each week the group leader discusses varies topics. Contact Margaret at 609-758-7237 or Caryl at 609-758-7368.

Mark your calendar for upcoming events:

• September 16 – Car Show 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Includes Museum Open House

tours, hot dogs, chips, beverage, ice cream.

• October 7 – Scarecrow Festival & Bake Sale . The second annual event with all materials needed to make a male/female/child scarecrow will be furnished with admission fee. Also make or purchase clothes pin wreaths.

Bake sale and hot dogs, chips, beverage, ice cream

• October 27 – Jersey Devil . Presentation on our state mythological legend of the Pinelands

• November 12, 19 & 26 – Open House Museum tours will be given from 1 to 4 p.m. with tours given by docents.

National Night Out

JACKSON – Jackson Township Police Department National Night Out will be on August 1 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Johnson Park, Kierych Memorial Drive. Enjoy rides, food, games, DJ. For more information. Contact Captain Mary Nelson at 732-833-3015 or mnelson@ jackosntwpnj.net.

Jackson EMS Seeking Volunteers

JACKSON – Make a difference in your community! Jackson Township EMS is currently seeking volunteers. No experience needed. Must be 16 years or older. Free first aid training. Learn skills for life.

Now hiring EMTs. Paid holidays. Healthcare benefits. Competitive pay. Flexible schedule. To apply, visit JTFAS.org.

Charitable Knitters Seek Yarn Donations

JACKSON – Your unused yarn can be transformed into something special for someone in need. The Knit-Chat-Chain volunteers of the Ocean County Library Jackson Branch seek donations of yarn, from the beginning of June to the end of August.

Knit-Chat-Chain volunteers use the yarn to make items which are donated for distribution to disadvantaged people in Ocean County and neighboring communities. New members are welcome. Meetings alternate on Mondays at 10 a.m. or 6:30 p.m.

Donations of new four-ply worsted yarn in all colors can be brought to the Branch throughout summer. To find out more, visit the Branch, 2 Jackson Drive, or call 732-928-4400.

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)

Help Wanted

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

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)

Services

ESTATE CLEANOUTSProperties, 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 = $

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*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)

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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)

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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!!

Vacation Bible School

JACKSON – Join the Jackson Church as they blast off and discover the wonders of God’s universe! Vacation Bible School is a free program for ages preschool to 6th grade.

Children will get dinner each night and receive a t-shirt when they attend! At VBS your children will learn all about God

through crafts, science, recreation, and more. They will also have the opportunity to learn some cool dance moves and sing along to awesome music!

VBS runs July 31 to August 4. For more information and to register visit jackson. church/vbs. You don’t want to miss out on this exciting week!

Westlake Veterans Club Annual Golf Outing

JACKSON – Join the Westlake Veterans Club for their 2nd Annual Golf Outing on September 18 at the Westlake Golf and Country Club, 1 Pine Lake Circle, Jackson for a day of golf and to support fundraising to provide a service dog for a needy veteran as well as other veteran as -

sistance in the greater Ocean County area. Become a sponsor, register for a foursome, or register as a single player. There are multiple ways to support, and give back to the community. To learn more or to register charitygolftoday.com/westlakeveterans.

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”

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CROSSWORD PUZZLE SUDOKU SOLUTIONS

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.