2023-08-26 - The Berkeley Times

Relay For Life Shows That There’s Strength In Numbers

for example, was made up of survivors.

The event got its start in 1985, when Dr. Gordon Klatt walked and ran for 24 hours around a track in Tacoma, Washington, raising money to help the American Cancer Society. The walk was about 83.6 miles and he raised $27,000. The next year, the Relay for Life was born. It has continually been an overnight event since then. No one walks for 24 hours straight, though. They take turns, and that’s why it’s a relay. The benefits aren’t just fi nancial, they’re social and emotional as well.

How Much Damage Did Ciba Cause?

By Chris Lundy

TOMS

RIVER

–

On the

heels of a settlement being signed in which the owner of the Ciba-Geigy property will still be able to profit from it, environmentalists are forming a strategy to again fight the chemical giant and the state agency that has “environmental protection” in its name.

Ciba-Geigy created dyes and other chemicals from 1952 until 1990. It also dumped unknown

amounts of toxic waste into the soil and waterways. Many people believe that the area’s cancer cluster was caused by them.

The current property owners, BASF, and the State Department of Environmental Protection reached a settlement that would keep about 1,000 acres of it preserved for open space, pollinator gardens, trails, and an

sure no one

By Chris Lundy BERKELEY - It will touch everyone’s

You might not be a cancer patient, but someone you love is likely to get cancer. According to the World Health Organization, cancer accounted for one in six deaths globally in 2020.

Robyn Griffith, who coordinated the Berke-

ley-Lacey Relay for Life, said that fundraisers like this helps the American Cancer Society give patients rides to appointments, lodging, and a hotline. It’s the best way to help those struggling with the disease and fight it with researching cures.

“Together we can make the biggest impact to save lives,” she told the group at the

opening ceremony at Veterans Park.

The event starts during the day, lasts overnight, and ends the next morning. This symbolizes the darkness that comes with a cancer diagnosis, and the light of hoping for a better tomorrow, Griffith said.

Throughout the evening, there were scheduled laps for various groups. The first lap,

Fran Curtis detailed her battle with several cancers. It led her to the Reach To Recovery program, where survivors are partnered with someone who is currently fighting. It helps to have someone who has been through it and knows what it’s like. There’s also Man To Man, for prostate cancer.

Diana Dozois met Curtis through Reach

Program Will Help Police, Autistic

By Chris Lundy

BERKELEY – A new program will help police and those on the autism spectrum interact during stressful situations.

Getting pulled over is stressful for everyone.

For someone who has sensory processing or communication chal-

People Interact

lenges, it can escalate the stress and lead to a difficult situation for all involved.

Berkeley is joining the Blue Envelope program. If pulled over, the driver shows the blue envelope to the officer.

On the outside are instructions for the driver, such as keeping their

hands on the wheel. There’s a reminder that the officer may shine their flashlight in the car and that the police car may have flashing lights.

On the reverse side of the envelope, it tells the officers what to do, such as simplifying requests. There’s instruction to

the officer that if the driver becomes upset, to contact a person on the emergency contact card inside. A checked off box will also indicate whether the driver is verbal or nonverbal.

The driver will keep their driver’s license, vehicle registration, vehicle insurance, and

an emergency contact card inside the blue envelope.

“This program is highly successful in other towns in the state,” said Mayor Carmen Amato.

“The Blue Envelope Program was brought to my attention by a resident of our community. Having (Envelope - See Page 5)

Photo by Chris Lundy

The Relay For Life brings survivors, caretakers, and loved ones together to make

fights cancer alone.

Photo by Chris Lundy

Environmental lawyer Albert Telsey gave an overview of his tactics in fighting this settlement.

Photo courtesy Berkeley Township Mayor Carmen Amato and Police Chief Kevin Santucci announce the Blue Envelope program.

Relay:

Continued From Page 1

To Recovery. She was three weeks past her own diagnosis when she lost her mother to cancer. Curtis was like a mentor to her through this rough time.

Ciba:

Continued From Page 1

environmental recreation center.

Locals are angry that 255 acres of the site would be allowed to be developed on Route 37 in an area currently zoned as light industrial. BASF will also be able to profit from a huge solar array.

Ciba became an Environmental Protection Agency Superfund Site in 1983. The settlement with the State DEP will not impact the situation with the federal EPA.

Save Barnegat Bay, a local environmental group, held a meeting to show the public how they will fight the settlement. They intend to show that the damages created by Ciba are far more than what the current property owners are being required to pay – preserving 1,000 acres and building passive recreation.

“Frankly, I’m really angry that a grassroots organization like this is fighting when it should be done by the State of New Jersey,” said Ed Mankowski, board chair of Save Barnegat Bay.

“I’m sick and tired of the arrogance and dismissive attitude of a department that’s supposed to be protecting us.”

A short film they presented, made by Monmouth University students, showed locals criticizing the settlement, and Ciba’s influence over the years. It also showed how a member of the DEP said the settlement was too expensive to fight legally.

What Is BASF?

BASF is the largest chemical company in the world, founded in 1865. During World War II, it created the largest chemical factory at the time at Auschwitz. It used forced labor to create the

There was a tendency among the speakers to use the term “we” when referring to the American Cancer Society. It’s because this is a group effort, and there’s strength in numbers. It’s a club that you don’t want to be a part of, but everyone will be eventually.

Another speaker, Brandon Page, asked

chemicals used to exterminate people in concentration camps. They acquired Ciba in 2008. Why would BASF purchase Ciba, which had been closed for almost 20 years? In 2008, Ciba was a financial drain since it was little more than a Superfund site losing millions of dollars associated with clean-up.

Save Barnegat Bay members said that corporations will buy companies that are losing money in order to make it look like they are taking a hit, and asking regulators to go easy on them.

“It’s about a corporation turning a liability into an asset,” said Britta Forsberg, Executive Director of Save Barnegat Bay.

More Than Just Toms River

Forsberg showed a map of the expansive reach of Ciba’s pollution. Most people know about the plume of waste in the ground, and the dumping in the water. However, it’s mostly been deemed a Toms River issue.

This is incorrect, she said. There’s reason to believe that it spread to surrounding towns as well, particularly the ones on the barrier island where waste washed up.

The meeting was attended by several elected officials from Toms River and beyond, showing their support for Save Barnegat Bay.

Toms River Mayor Maurice Hill said that the town was fighting Ciba to remove their drums for decades. The talks ended when BASF bought them.

“We’ve had very little communication there,” he said.

However, BASF sued the town in a tax appeal, winning $17 million, he said.

BASF said the land was worthless so they

people in the audience to put their hands up if they’ve been helped by the American Cancer Society. This could either be getting tested at an early age because the Society recommends it, or having smoke-free restaurants. Eventually, every hand was up.

“You are all the American Cancer So -

shouldn’t pay so much in taxes. If it’s worthless, then how come the company is profiting off of it, he asked.

They are looking to make a lot of money developing 250 acres, in addition to the $500,000 annually that they are anticipating from the solar fields, he said.

“All the NJ DEP has done is pour salt on the wounds,” he said.

He referred to the settlement as a “sweetheart deal for the largest chemical company in the world and once again, Ocean County residents get the shaft.”

Hill said that Toms River will be joining Save Barnegat Bay in their action against the settlement.

Berkeley residents might have also been affected, Berkeley Council President John Bacchione said. “Whatever we can do, we’re here for you,” he said.

The Plan To Stop It Forsberg presented three experts in the field to briefly explain their goals in stopping the settlement, but “they’re not going to put all the cards on the table because we’re likely on our way to court.”

Albert Telsey is an environmental lawyer who successfully prosecuted Ciba in 1986. He has also taken on DuPont and the DEP.

“The DEP, in my opinion, is monetizing environmental non-compliance,” he said.

Toms River has created an ordinance blocking conservation easements in industrial areas, he said. In oversimplified terms, it means that BASF can’t do what it wants to do on the 1,000 acres because of local law.

ciety,” he said. After the event, Griffith thanked everyone involved in the endeavor. The event raised more than $24,000. She said it couldn’t have been done without the volunteers and support from the town. For more information on how to help, or how to get help, visit cancer.org

Additionally, BASF’s claim that the pollution happened from a previous company – Ciba – is sketchy since these corporations buy and sell divisions of each other in order to leverage power and keep themselves from being held accountable, he said.

The settlement has a value, said Frances Schlosstein, President and CEO of TBLS, a valuations consulting firm.

The environmental damages made by Ciba has a price, she explained. The price BASF is paying in the settlement is “diminutive by orders of multitude.” This means that the company owes Toms River and surrounding towns much more than they are offering.

Damaged resources, she said, stops you from having what is yours.

Jeffrey Andrilenas, TBLS Group Environmental Advisory Services Lead, said that the DEP started doing cost assessments back around 2007 or so. The way to come up with a figure was sometimes anecdotal: the fishing is starting to come back; there used to be river otters.

The DEP focuses on contamination on the site itself, but they haven’t been studying the impacts on the surrounding towns, he noted.

How To Help

SaveBarnegatBay.org has ways to get involved and links to donate to fund the legal fight. Updates can be found on their Facebook page.

Science teacher Christine Girtain will be having her high school students give questionnaires to the public about how the environment has changed during the years that Ciba was active. Information about this will be forthcoming.

Envelope:

Continued From Page 1

been involved with the autism community over the years with ‘Light it up Blue’ and the ‘Strike Out Autism Challenge,’ along with different autism groups in our town, I thought it was a good program to have here.”

“The Blue Envelope Program will help to avoid miscommunication between our officers and drivers that are on the Autism Spectrum,” said Chief Kevin Santucci.

Anyone interested in obtaining a blue envelope can visit Berkeley Township Police Headquarters, located at 631 Pinewald-Keswick Road or call the non-emergency main number 732-349-1132

Ext: 2126 and an officer will drop off your blue envelope. This program is currently only available to Berkeley Township residents.

Will $5 Homelessness Surcharge Affect You?

By Chris Lundy OCEAN COUNTY

– To create a Homelessness Trust Fund, officials approved a $5 surcharge on most recorded documents at the Ocean County Clerk’s Office, but what does that mean for the average person?

The applicable documents are listed below, but many are not ones that most residents will see more than a few times in their lives. Mortgages, deeds, liens, power of attorney are a few of the more common ones, but most people probably don’t need aircraft liens or notices of lis pending.

Starting on September 1, 2023, Ocean will join several other counties that have such a surcharge. The idea of it is that some money will help tackle the problem. That money won’t come from taxpayers. People without homes will be helped by people making real estate transactions. Up until this year, the County Commissioners didn’t want to install this charge, calling it an added tax. However, upon looking at the list of documents, it’s clear that it would be nothing like a tax because the average resident might go decades without needing to fill out any of these forms. It would only be “like a tax” to the real estate community and developers. County government still does not want to run a shelter. Rather, this money will help fund programs already in place.

Commissioner Barbara Jo Crea has said that the fund could bring in about $275,000 to $390,000 a year. This money will stay in Ocean County.

Homelessness advocates have urged the county to create this for some time as a tool in the belt, but not the solution to all the homeless problems in the area.

The only beneficiary officials have named is the Code Blue program. This is in reference to the shelters that open after the temperature drops near freezing.

The $5 will be charged on all land documents whether they are submitted via mail, Express Mail, courier, electronic transmission, or in person, according to county records. If you submit a document without the fee, your document will be rejected and returned to you, with a request for the fee.

E-recording customers will have the $5 automatically tallied onto their total. It will be listed on a separate line item on the receipt following a successful recording.

According to oceancountyclerk.com , the following documents will be assigned the fee: Aerial Easement, Aircraft Lien, Assignment Of Mortgage, Bankruptcy Lien, Bill Of Sale, Building Contract, Cancelled Mortgage, Cancelled Mortgage Recorded 2 Times, Cancelled Mortgage Recorded 3 Times, Cancelled Mortgage Recorded 4 Times, Collateral

Assignment, Construction Lien Claim, Contract Of Sale, Deed, Discharge Construction Lien, Discharge Of Building Contract, Discharge Of Collateral Assignment, Discharge Of Contract Of Sale, Discharge Of Judgement Lien, Discharge Of Lease, Discharge Of Lis Pendens, Discharge Of Mechanic’s Liens, Discharge Of Mechanic’s Notice Intension, Discharge Of Mortgage, Discharge Of Notice Of Settlement, Discharge Of Reimbursement Agreements, Discharge Of Tax Sale Certificate, Discharge Recognizance, Disclaimer, Easements, Federal Lien, Final Judgement, Land Use Permit, Lease, Lis Pendens, Mechanic’s Lien, Mortgage, Mortgage Modification, Municipal Tax Foreclosure, Municipal Tax Sale Certificate, Notice Of Lis Pending Recorded, Notice Of Settlement, Notice Of Settlement Double Transaction, Power Of Attorney, Recognizance Bond, Release / Stipulation, Release Of Assignment Of Mortgage, Release Of Bond Constr Lien, Release Of Federal Tax Lien, Release Of Mortgage, Repayment Agreement, Revocation Of Power Of Attorney, State Permit, Stop Notice, Subdivision Maps, Subdivision, Tax Sale Certificate, Trust Agreement, Underground Easement, Vacations, Warrant Of Execution, Warrant Of Satisfaction and Writ Of Execution.

Annual Beach Party Had Fun In The Sun

BERKELEY – It was a great night at Berkeley Township’s Annual Beach Party! Mayor Carmen Amato and Berkeley

Recreation would like to thank all who came out. The Verdict put on a great performance.

2023 Sounds of Summer Concert Series

BERKELEY – Mayor Carmen Amato and Berkeley Recreation are happy to announce the return of the “2023 Sounds of Summer Concert Series” at Veteran Park. The next show will be August 30. The entertainment for the evening will feature Julian & Dominique at 6 p.m. and a Chicago Tribute Band at 7:30 p.m. The night

will also feature a school supply drive for Berkeley students.

Come on out for a great evening of entertainment. Don’t forget to bring a chair! Refreshments are always provided by our area non-profit groups and organizations that use these concerts as fundraisers for their group.

V.F.W. Post 10185 News

By Past Post Commander James Egan

We meet at 1 p.m. at Silver Ridge Park West Clubhouse, 145 Westbrook Drive, Silver Ridge West. We hold our meetings on the fi rst Thursday of every month. To join our post, just bring a copy of your Discharge (DD-214) to our meeting and you will be signed up right away. You’ll receive a hardy welcome and refreshments before the meeting. You will also have a chance to talk with fellow veterans and make new friends. Anyone needing transportation to our meetings can call Past Commander James Egan at 732-341-4905 or one of the other Officers, and we will gladly pick you up and take you back home after the meeting.

Remember if you hear of any Post member passing away or being in the hospital, call any Officer.

Saturday, September 2nd is VJ Day. This is the 78th Anniversary of the Japanese surrendering to U.S. General Douglas MacArthur and General Jonathan Wainright. This historic event took place aboard

the Battleship Missouri, anchored in Tokyo Harbor, ending WWII on September 2nd, 1945.

Monday, September 4 is Labor Day.

Monday, September 11 is Patriot Day.

Friday, September 15, is National POW/ MIA Recognition Day. Rosh Hashanah begins at Sunset and ends Sunday at Sunset.

Saturday, September 23 is the fi rst day of autumn.

Sunday, September 24 is Gold Star Mother’s Day.

Thursday, September 29 is V.F.W. Day. The Veterans of Foreign Wars was established on September 29, 1899. That is 224 years of fighting for veterans’ rights. You can join the fight for veterans rights by becoming a member of V.F.W. Post 10185, we need your support. To get an application or more information call Quartermaster Dennis Aldridge at 848-480-2728. You will be glad you did.

God bless America and God bless our troops.

Fly the flag every day, weather permitting.

Photo courtesy Berkeley Township

$2M Provided For Low-Income Senior Housing Services

living in public housing throughout our state to ensure their health and well-being.”

Senator Robert Menendez

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker (both-D-N.J.) announced a total of $2,017,856 to provide service coordination and supportive services to low-income seniors at HUD-assisted multifamily housing properties. Under FY 2023 Service Coordinator in Multifamily Housing and Congregate Housing Services programs, these funds promote health and wellness to support residents as they age in place in an independent housing setting.

“The COVID-19 pandemic exposed just how critical supportive services are for our seniors. These federal funds will help New Jersey’s HUD-assisted properties provide health, wellness, transportation, and other supportive services so seniors can age in place and enjoy healthier, more fulfilling lives,” said Sen. Menendez.

“Every American deserves safety and support as they age,” said Sen. Booker. “This federal investment will help provide supportive services to low-income seniors

The following grantees/ owners of HUD-assisted multifamily housing properties received funding: Kinder Towers, $45,909; Eleanor Levovitz Senior Citizens, $49,252; Alexian Manor, $56,387; Lindenwold Towers, $61,174; Atlantic City Townhouses, $68,928; Harborview Apartments, $68,561; Pennsville Towers, $35,069; Woodmere, $76,263; Luther Acres, $70,646; NCSC/UAW Senior Citizens, $46,145; New Community Roseville, $23,483; New Community Manor, $54,810; New Community Gardens, $78,435; New Community Douglas Homes, $44,669; Cathedral Square Housing, $58,862; New Community Commons, $78,887; New Community Senior Citizens, NCC Associates, $79,653; South Village II, $100,067; South Village I, $99,832; South Brunswick Community Development Corp., $56,283; Community Haven Senior Citizens, $35,942; Irvington Senior Apartments, $113,039; Trent East Senior Apartments Urban Renewal Limited Partnership, $146,628; Trent West Senior Apartments Urban Renewal Limited Partnership, $153,575; Senior Housing of

Hazel Street, $51,965; Little Egg Harbor Development, $42,979; National Church Residences of South River, $15,777; National Church Residences of East Brunswick, $25,114; National Church Residences of Lopatcong, $4,816; Housing Authority of Plainfield, $35,454; Oceanport Urban Renewal Preservation, $24,620; WTJC, LLC, $27,533; Mulhenberg Gardens Urban Renewal, LLC, $87,099.

Sen. Menendez has long been a leader in the fight to build more affordable housing. In March, the Senator joined a group of 17 Senate Committee Chairs and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) in sending a letter to President Biden urging the federal government to utilize a “whole-of-government” approach to address the nation’s housing crisis. In May, Sens. Menendez and Booker announced a total $12,237,784 for the state of New Jersey from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the nation’s Housing Trust Fund (HTF), an affordable housing production program that complements existing federal, state, and local efforts to increase and preserve the supply of high-quality, safe affordable housing for low-income households, including families experiencing homelessness.

In January 2022, Sen. Menendez an-

nounced $1,429,328 million in federal grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Housing Counseling Program to seven local agencies throughout New Jersey to provide funds to HUD approved housing counseling agencies to advise people on buying or renting a home, defaults, foreclosure, and other financial challenges. In August 2021, he introduced the Livable Communities Act that encourages local communities to partner strategically to develop bold, innovative solutions that reflect their unique character, while leveraging existing assets, including access to transit to help revitalize neighborhoods, spur economic development, create jobs, and address their affordable housing needs. That same month, the Senator also introduced the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative Act of 2021, which supports locally driven strategies to revitalize underserved neighborhoods by making permanent the highly competitive Choice Neighborhoods grant program at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In 2021, the Senator also secured $100 million to expand access to housing counseling and assistance services for millions of renters and homeowners struggling to remain in their homes amid the economic crisis created by the pandemic.

Legislation Establishes $100M Boardwalk Preservation Fund

From The Desk Of The Governor

Phil Murphy

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy signed S3989/A5675, which establishes the Boardwalk Preservation Fund and appropriates $100 million for the renovation and repair of boardwalks in Shore communities across the state. Primary sponsors of the legislation include Senator Paul Sarlo, Senator Michael Testa, Assemblyman Louis D. Greenwald, and Assemblyman William Moen; co-sponsors include Senator Vin Gopal and Senator Vince Polistina. Additionally, Governor Murphy announced the official opening of the Boardwalk Preservation Fund’s application process, which is being managed by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and will remain open until October 31. As a crucial complement to the Boardwalk Preservation Fund in Atlantic City, the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget also includes an investment of tens of millions of American Rescue Plan dollars toward infrastructure in-

vestments that will continue to drive the City’s economic recovery and success.

“From Atlantic City to Asbury Park, for decades our state’s boardwalks have served as iconic fixtures in our Shore communities, contributing not just to their local economies but to their unique histories and cultural fabric as well,” said Governor Murphy. “Maximizing the potential of our boardwalks requires robust, forward-looking investments that will prepare them to endure the test of time and the intensifying impacts of the climate crisis.

I’m proud to build upon Lieutenant Governor Oliver’s legacy as a champion of Atlantic City while we stand alongside elected officials on both sides of the aisle in support of these invaluable community assets.”

“The boardwalks are the lifeblood of many of our Shore communities,” said Senate President Nick Scutari. “They are a distinctive part of the Jersey Shore that plays a key role in the state’s tourism economy. The Boardwalk Fund will help ensure that our boardwalks are repaired and maintained so they continue to be hallmarks for New

Jersey that can be enjoyed by local residents and visitors.”

“Our state is well-known for its beautiful shoreline, which is among our greatest natural resources, and vibrant beach towns. They are central to New Jersey’s identity and contribute to our strong economic base,” said Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin. “These towns fuel our tourism industry and serve as a powerful economic driver. We need to uplift travel and tourism so that local economies are able to thrive.”

“The Boardwalk Fund is an ongoing investment that will help Shore communities reduce the expenses of upgrading and maintaining the boardwalks that are as much a part of the Jersey Shore as the sand and the sea,” said Senator Paul Sarlo, Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee. “The boardwalks are a key part of the state’s identity and serve as a lifeblood for local businesses. The Jersey Shore belongs to everyone and this initiative will help keep alive the fond memories so many of us have of our Shore experiences so they can be enjoyed for generations to come.”

“The boardwalk is, more than any other single feature, the symbol of the Jersey Shore to the world – it is truly iconic,” said Christina M. Renna, Pres-

ident & CEO, Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey. “Unfortunately, many boardwalks across the state’s shoreline are in a state of disrepair and in need of an infusion of capital for repairs and restoration. The Boardwalk Fund will help do just that, assuring that this tourism destination remains intact for years to come.”

For more information or to apply for funding from the Boardwalk Preservation Fund, please visit DCA’s website. DCA is planning a technical assistance webinar for August 29, 2023.

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY

Here in the letters page, we give you a chance to endorse the candidate of your choice. You’ll see endorsements for any party. But what you won’t

Apartment Plan Will Set Downtown Back

All spring and now into this summer in Toms River, we have seen a great debate about the future of our downtown. Most recently, we now have seen the controversial plan to scale back those two Water Street 10-story towers down to 6 stories.

Looking at the big picture, here’s why I think that the downtown development ideas, while well intentioned, are just wrong for our town.

In a sentence, they’re a step backwards in Toms River’s history - not a step forward.

The plans are mostly centered along both sides of Water Street where it intersects with Main Street and are designed to capitalize on the river which has defined our historic village.

Before an inlet on the beachfront was closed to a storm in 1812 - shutting off easy access to the seaport - Toms River was a busy colonial-era outpost.

With the closing of the inlet, Toms River continued to grow in the 1800s, but at a more modest pace.

By the late nineteenth century, many commercial buildings had been built along the southern side of Water Street. There was the First National Bank of Toms River, Berry’s Hardware Store, John Hyers’ Liquor Store, “Peanut John’s” Fruit and Vegetable Store, a bicycle shop, and more.

Into the 1900s, as time went by, these structures were still there, but they were owned and operated by different

Newspaper Will Not Endorse Candidates

see is an endorsement from the newspaper itself.

Micromedia Publications, and our website JerseyShoreOnline.com , does not endorse candi-

dates. We feel it is our job to provide you with as much information as possible for you to make your own decision. However, we will never tell you

who to vote for. We want you to make an informed decision.

All media sources are supposed to be neutral.

It’s always been our goal

Letters To The Editor

businesses.

But the history of these various structures along Water Street over two centuries is this: they all fi rst blocked off the view of the river, and later they all blocked off the view of Huddy Park.

That park - once a swampy area - was acquired by the township after a special voter referendum in 1905.

It’s our first municipal park and was filled in to make it the park that we know today. It was later named in honor of our Revolutionary War defender, Captain Joshua Huddy.

In the 1960s, our town’s officials made a very forward-looking decision to “open up” this area of the riverfront through the use of federal urban renewal monies. My friend, L. Manuel Hirshblond, the township clerk at the time, administered the project. I knew Manny since I was in high school. We both grew up in Toms River. As a young assistant township attorney, I worked for him. Years later, when I was the clerk, he worked for me - coming out of retirement to help me out as my deputy.

Manny and I would always trade stories of the Toms River of old, and one thing I heard many times was that the township’s vision back then was to keep the river and park vista open for all to enjoy - and this is where today’s plans get it all wrong.

Two tall apartment towers immediately to the west of the park and a tall parking deck, and a several story restaurant and separate wedding venue structure immediately to the east of the park

(proposed) will surround and simply overwhelm the river and park.

That’s why I say today’s plans are a giant step backwards in Toms River’s history - not a step forward. They will bring us back to those days in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries when the river and park were blocked off by commercial buildings. No one wants that.

I’ve been told that I live in the past; that I represent the Toms River of old. I think not; the proponents of today’s misguided plans wear that badge of criticism - their plans, if ever built, will bring us back - way back - to the nineteenth century.

We should keep this little spot in our downtown as open to the river and park as possible. Do we need improvements there? Of course - but it should be something much more modest, something more consistent, with what was decided not too long ago in the 1960s.

Let us see and enjoy the river. Let us save Huddy Park. Let us save our historic downtown.

J. Mark Mutter Toms River

(The writer of this letter served on the Dover Township Committee for three terms and served as mayor in 1993 and 2000. He is the former clerk of Dover and Toms River Township. He chaired the township’s 225-year anniversary committee in 1992, its 250-year anniversary committee in 2017, and its Constitution bi-centennial committee in 1987. He is a former member of the township’s Historic

to report the news fairly and accurately, and without bias. How could we do that if we supported someone’s campaign?

Therefore, the letters

page is a place for YOUR opinions about candidates, not ours.

Chris Lundy News Editor

Preservation Commission and currently is the township Historian. The opinions expressed in this letter are stated by him solely as a private citizen.)

The Longest 3 Hours

187 minutes.

That’s how long Trump knowingly failed to act while his armed supporters stormed our nation’s Capitol. Instead, he watched the violence unfold on cable news, and even sent messages of encouragement by social media, telling the insurrectionists that he “loved” them.

This is one of many disturbing details in the most recent indictment against Trump, where he was charged with four federal criminal counts, including conspiracy to defraud our country in an unprecedented attempt to remain in power.

According to the indictment, Trump deliberately lied about voter fraud, then used those lies to try to pressure local officials to illegally overturn election results and create a fake slate of electors. He then pressured Vice President Mike Pence to toss out the legitimate results and count the fake electoral votes instead.

When all that failed, the January 6th insurrection was Trump’s last desperate attempt to cling to power. Elected officials and law enforcement officers were attacked, simply for doing their jobs - acting on the will of the people and certifying the election results. It was

violent, destructive, and in some cases, fatal.

There can be no more serious crime than a conspiracy to overturn the foundation of our democracy itself: the vote of the American people. Fame, fortune, and former office cannot and should not prevent someone from standing trial and being held accountable for their crimes.

Arthur Grisi Toms River

Support Chris Christie For President

Chris Christie is on the rise. He just placed 2nd in the New Hampshire poll –over DeSantis. Of course, Trump is in the lead, but I can’t stomach having him lead the ticket again. He made Republicans all look like racists and sexists and we need a return to real American values. New Hampshire is one of the states that sets the tone

for the rest of the country. Whoever polls well there, polls well in other states. DeSantis laid off a third of his campaign staff. That means he’s floundering. There’s blood in the water and the rest of the Republicans are smelling it. For as loud as he is, no one is listening to him.

That’s why we need to support Christie’s campaign. Trump is a tough challenger. But we need someone with conservative views who is a true Republican – not an angry person who is going to make Americans angry at each other. Christie is more like the Republicans of old, who had character, Christian values, and didn’t want the government interfering in our lives.

Chris Christie might be the only candidate able to reunite Republicans after the damage Trump did to the party. ChrisChristie.com shows how you can help.

David Corcoran Island Heights

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The Berkeley 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 veri�ication. Letters may not be printed if we cannot verify them. Names will not be withheld from publication. While most letters are printed as submitted, we reserve the right to

weekly deadline is 5 p.m. Thursday. Mail typed letters to: PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733, fax 732-657-7388 or e-mail news@jerseyshoreonline.com. Letters may be limited to one per month per writer at the editor’s discretion.

The opinions expressed in the Letters To The Editor section do not necessarily re�lect those of the staff, management or sponsors of Micromedia Publications/ Jersey Shore Online. Letters to the Editor are the OPINION of the writer and the content is not checked for accuracy.

Eagle Scouts Honored

BAYVILLE – On August 12, the VFW Post 9503 Detachment had the honor of attending an Eagle Scout Court of Honor. What made this very special, was that their namesake’s grandson Jake Smith was awarded his Eagle Scout badge.

Jake is the 2nd scout from the left. This puts these young men in an elite

group. Since the inception of the Eagle Scout award in 1912 only 2.01% of eligible scouts earn this award. Thank you to the Smith’s for the invitation and your hospitality. Also thank you to Marines Barrow, Pivarnick, Swiers and Migliorisi for attending. Each Scout was given a certificate, a patch and challenge coin from our Detachment.

Time To Make Your Annual Health Appointments

By Phyllis Brown Holiday City At Berkeley EMS

BERKELEY – All of my annual doctors’ appointments are in September or October. Making them all for the same month or time of year makes it easier for me. Primary doctor for your annual checkup is a must. An annual wellness visit can help keep you healthy by catching any early signs of illness or chronic conditions that can still be treated or prevented.

Your blood pressure, cholesterol and body mass index (BMI). Vaccines you may need or boosters. Preventive health screenings, such as breast cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, bone density and diabetes (hemoglobin A1C, microalbumin, diabetic eye exam) Any prescription and over-thecounter medicines you take may need change.

Any other health concerns or questions

you have. Something has changed? Let your doctor know. Maybe make a list of things to ask your doctor. I always say “I should have asked the doctor or told him/her about....” about 20 minutes after I leave. My list keeps me from forgetting.

Your health is your responsibility. Don’t put it off. Fall is a good time of year. Summer is done and the holidays haven’t started yet. September is National wellness month.

Bored? Want to do something meaningful?

Join HCBEMS at 100 Port Royal Drive; 732-240-4999. Volunteer for a job where the greatest rewards are not fi nancial. They cover almost 11,000 homes. Without volunteers there is no free EMS.

Work one 12-hour day a week, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday to Friday. Get an education, a uniform, time on an ambulance, and a chance to be useful and needed and use a siren!

Veterans Picnic And Resource Fair

BAYVILLE – The Bayville Elks #2394

Veterans Picnic and Resource Fair will be on August 27 from 1 to 6 p.m. at 247 US Highway 9, Bayville.

Veterans bring your DD-214. Come out and

celebrate the sacrifice that all our veterans gave to making our country the it is today, free! All veterans are welcome and are free. Cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children under 12.

Photo courtesy VFW 9503

Open House For Preschool, Kindergarten, New Student

BERKELEY – Preschool Open House for students and parents will take place on August 30 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Bayville School, Clara B. Worth School, and H & M Potter School.

Kindergarten Open House for students and parents will take place on August 30 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bayville School, Clara

B. Worth School, and H & M Potter School. New Student Open House for students and parents will take place:

Berkeley Township Elementary School: August 29 from 9 to 11 a.m.

Bayville School: August 30 at 1 p.m.

Clara B. Worth School: August 30 at 1 p.m.

H & M Potter School: August 30 at 1 p.m.

Holiday City Squad 20 Auxiliary EMS Fundraiser A Success

BERKELEY – The Holiday City Murder

Mystery Luncheon held at the Holiday City West Community on August 13 was a total success with more than 160 people in attendance.

We must also recognize and acknowledge Linda Madoalena, the president of the

EMS Squad 20 Auxiliary for organizing this fundraiser. All funds are donated to the squad for the purpose of replenishing supplies and equipment for the benefit and use in the community.

We welcome new members to assist us in fundraising and implementing new ideas.

Movies In The Park

BEACHWOOD – Experience the magic of the cinema outside beneath the stars. Grab some popcorn and find a seat. The show is about to begin! Beachwood Recreation Commission puts on movies in the park at Mayo Park. Admission is free, and the mov-

ies we pick are all family-oriented and family-friendly.

The movie schedule this year is:

“Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax” - September 8

“Space Jam” - September 22

“Spiderman No Way Home” - October 5

“Hotel Transylvania” - October 13

National Active & Retired Federal Employees Association – Fall/Winter Meetings 2023

OCEAN COUNTY – Chapter 637, Northern Ocean County, and Chapter 1619, Lakehurst, of NARFE would like to invite all Federal Employees, active and retired, or spouses of deceased Federal Employees, to join at their monthly meetings. They discuss benefits, pensions and annuities. Each month there is a guest speaker on relevant topics, fellowship and refreshments. Meetings are the 3rd Monday of the month (excluding January, February, July and August). They meet at 1 p.m. at the Manchester Municipal building, Route 37 and Colonial Drive, Manchester, in the downstairs meeting room (elevator available). They look forward to welcoming new and current members.

2023 Fall/Winter Meeting Schedule is as follows:

September 18, 1 p.m. – Sandra Lazzaro, Division Director of Ocean County Busi-

ness Development & Tourism, and Maria LaFace, Director of Senior Services, will discuss what their offices have to offer.

October 16, 1 p.m. – Gail Irby, Account Manager, FEP BCBS, will come in person to discuss the changes to BCBS Coverage and Rates for 2024.

November 20, 1 p.m. – Ocean County Sheriff, Michael Mastronardy, will discuss his office’s function and some safety tips as well.

December 11, 1 p.m. – Discounted Luncheon for Chapter 637 and 1619 Members who attend teo Fall Meetings. All others will pay full price. Place to be determined.

January & February – No meeting in January and February.

Any questions, further information, call Janet Adams at 732-279-3857 or Shirley Veiga at 732-408-7482

7th Annual Beachwood Community Day

Enjoy vendors, giveaways, games, inflatables, pony rides, petting zoo, live music, food and much more!

BEACHWOOD – Join Mayor Roma for the 7th annual Beachwood Community Day at Birch & Surf Park on August 26 from 12 to 4 p.m.

School Supply Drive Underway In Berkeley Township

BERKELEY – With the 2023/2024 school year around the corner, Mayor Carmen Amato is already gearing up for his annual School Supply Drive.

“Although we are still in the middle of summer and beach season, it is never too early to start collecting school supplies for children in need,” said Mayor Amato. “I want to ensure that every student in our town has the tools and resources they require to have a successful school year.”

Items needed for collection include backpacks, pens, colored pencils, markers, crayons, rulers, safety scissors and folders.

The highly successful annual drive has collected over $30,000 in school supplies for Berkeley Township elementary school children since its inception in 2012.

“All supplies collected go directly to Berkeley Township students in need. The need is greater and greater each year, and I can’t thank the community enough for continuing to support this initiative,” Mayor Amato added.

Residents who drop off school supplies will be entered into a drawing for one of four donated $25 visa gift cards. Those interested in donating supplies can drop them at the following locations: Berkeley Town Hall (627 Pinewald Keswick Road, Bayville) Drop off in Mayor’s Office Berkeley Township Recreation Building (630 Route 9, Bayville)

Barrier Island complex or the 23rd Avenue Life Guard Station both in South Seaside Park

Recreation booth during summer concerts (Veterans Park, Bayville)

As a reminder, The State of New Jersey has established a Sales Tax Holiday for certain retail sales of computers, school supplies, and sport or recreational equipment when sold to an individual purchaser for non-business use. The Sales Tax Holiday takes place from August 26 through September 4.

Mayor Amoto said, “I wish everyone a safe and happy end of summer and a great start to the school year.”

Spaghett i Dinner Fundraiser

PINE BEACH – While returning to the fi rehouse after a fi re call on May 31 one of Pine Beach Volunteer Fire Company No.1’s active members suffered a serious medical emergency at the fi rehouse and was taken to Community Medical Center. Since that event, the member is recuperating but has been unable to work and has had no income for nine weeks and the household bills have been piling up.

To help them offset some of his expenses, they are holding a Spaghetti Dinner Benefit on September 10 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Beachwood Firehouse, 745 Beachwood

Boulevard. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children under 12, and kids under 3 eat free. There will also be a 50/50 drawing and we will soon post a link to on online store to purchase t-shirts with the names of all of our sponsors on the back.

Tickets will soon be available from any Pine Beach fi refighter and will be sold at the door. All proceeds will go directly to the injured member. Please come out and show your support for someone who puts everything on the line to protect our community. For more information, call Joe at 848-224-3757.

Packing House Tour At Double Trouble

BAYVILLE – Join a village historian for a guided tour of the historic Double Trouble Cranberry Sorting and Packing House as you hear stories of this former company town. Starts at 11 a.m. in front of the packing house on August 26. Held sun or drizzle. Steady rain or thunder cancels. Ages 8 and up. No pets. Please

plan on arriving at least 15 minutes before program start.

Registration requested at DoubleTrouble. eventbrite.com . Groups of 10 or more people must contact us directly to inquire about arrangements for a tour at least one month before desired date. For additional information call 732-341-4098.

Back To School Kindness “Chalk The Walk”

OCEAN GATE – Ocean Gate School District

Back To School Kindness “Chalk The Walk” is on September 4. Anyone is welcome to leave Gators messages

of kindness on the sidewalks with sidewalk chalk to welcome them back to school. Please address messages to all gators or a whole grade level, not just to individual students.

Meet The Mayors - October Breakfast

BAYVILLE – Annual Meet the Mayors Breakfast will be on October 20 from 8 to 1 p.m. at Bubbakoo’s Burritos at 333 Atlantic City Boulevard, Bayville.

Join the Central Ocean Business Association for breakfast as we hear from our local mayors. Cost is $10 for members, $15 for future members. Purchase tickets at cobanj.org.

Janie

Jonathon

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

Landfi lls – Where Does Returned Merchandise Go?

Renee A. Thomaier

Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

You purchased an item, but later found something else you liked better and returned the original purchase. Nothing wrong with it, just not quite right. What about those items that you purchase online and are received with a little damage. Not terrible, works fine, looks ok, but not perfect. And with free returns, why not hold out for perfection? Return the item.

What happens to merchandise you return? Some retailers will give returned and unsold items to Goodwill or thrift stores. Some returned items, specifically underwear, will go back on the shelf. Retailers, a bit hesitant to provide a straight answer to the question, say making deals with stores or liquidators that sell salvaged goods is their policy. Then there are those who will sell ‘as is’ items. Depending on the store, you might even receive store credit for taking those items home.

The old days of appliance repair are over. Cheap parts and convenience in getting a new one is just too appealing. According to the National Retail Federation, in 2021 $1.05 trillion of the total U.S. retail sales was online and roughly $218 billion of this was returned. Yikes!

How many of us have seen a landfill in person? If you’re like me, you’ve seen a glimpse of one on TV and the image disappeared leaving you without any further thought. The reality behind landfills is a grim one. Pollution, all kinds of waste, carbon emissions, and wildlife, particularly birds flying overhead, picking through the discarded remains of our everyday living. Images of landfills show massive numbers of birds feeding and congregating upon waste as if waiting for the next drop-off.

How can you help? Buy fresh produce (less packaging); compost; eliminate single-use items such as cups, plates, and napkins; recycle; reuse containers from previous purchases; opt for paperless billing. Alternatives can cost you less money, save you time at the grocery store, and generate less trash. Try keeping some of those ‘ok items’ you purchase. After all, our planet isn’t getting any larger.

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

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

Tin Can Sailors To Meet

TOMS RIVER – Tin Can Sailors Association of New Jersey NJ DESRON 2 –Phoenix Squadron are inviting those from all branches of the military to their group.

The group is seeking new members and is inviting veterans to their meetings held on the third Wednesday of every month at noon at the George P. Vanderveer, American Legion Post 129, 2025 Church Road, Toms River.

The group is a chartered squadron of The National Association of Destroyer Veterans (Tin Can Sailors)

For further information, contact the membership by calling 732-630-1855 or e-mail commander@tcs-desvets-nj.org or visit the group’s website at tcs-desvets-nj. org. The organization also has a Facebook page, facebook.com/groups/tincansailorsnjdesron2

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

E-mail: christlutheranchurch2@verizon.net

Website: christlutheranwhiting.com

DEGRAFF CREMATION SERVICES

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AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

Ocean County Commissioner Vicari Raises Concerns About Power Grid Reliability

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TOMS RIVER – Noting Ocean County’s growing population and the large number of senior citizens that call the County home, the Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners Joseph H. Vicari is raising concerns about whether the power grid will be resilient enough to maintain power as the reliance on electric energy grows.

“As the state of New Jersey proposes to rely more and more on the power grid to operate our cars, cook our meals and other day to day activities, Ocean County faces many challenges that relate to the reliability and stability of the power grid,” stated Vicari in a letter to Joseph L. Fiordaliso, President of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. “Being a leading tourism County, our population grows to 1.3 million people each summer. In addition, the County is home to the largest senior population in the state with more than 200,000 seniors living here, many of whom are 85-years-old and older.

“There is a growing concern with the greater reliance on electricity and also the increase of severe storms that we are experiencing as to whether our sources of electric power will be enough to keep our residents and visitors safe,” he wrote.

Ocean County is serviced by Jersey Cen-

tral Power & Light Company and Atlantic City Electric for its electric power needs.

Vicari stated it is necessary for JCP&L and Atlantic City Electric to make certain that policies are updated and in place to enhance the power grid’s reliability, and design a sustainable infrastructure with strong resiliency so disruption of service is kept to a minimum for residents and visitors alike.

“We need to do all we can to avoid brownouts and power outages,” Vicari said. “With the large number of senior citizens that live here, it’s imperative the power grid is upgraded in order to meet their needs especially when it comes to powering devices that may affect their health and well-being.”

Vicari noted it was important to act now so that the almost 700,000 year-round residents living in Ocean County can feel secure about the reliability of the power grid in order to keep their lights on, keep businesses running, operating rooms functioning in addition to the many needs affiliated with power.

“There is a growing demand for more long-term reliability and resiliency of the power grid,” Vicari said. “Now is the time to act and assure this for all of our residents.”

Girl Scouts Love State Parks 2023 - Double Trouble State Park Trail Cleanup

BERKELEY – It’s time to lead the way at your favorite state parks and help create a better planet for all!

How? By heading out to explore your local state parks during this year’s Girls Scouts

Love State Parks Weekend on September 9 from 9 to 10:30 a.m.

During this event you can foster a clean environment for everyone to enjoy and enjoy the beautiful environment of Double Trouble State Parks - upland forest, cedar, tea-colored streams - while making it look

even better.

You can hike one of the trails and remove any litter left behind. Gloves, pickers and buckets provided. Scouts must be accompanied by an adult. Steady rain or thunder will result in cancelation.

This event is limited to 20 Girl Scouts. Register at DoubleTrouble.eventbrite.com Only Girl Scouts can register; adults do not register. After registering, you will be emailed a meeting location and additional information.

AS THE LEADING RESOURCE FOR SENIOR VETERANS WE WILL GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE APPROVAL PROCESS

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H ERE ’ S T O Y OUR H EALTH

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

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How Are Hearing And Cognition Related To Each Other?

We HEAR with our ears and LISTEN with our brain. Our brain plays a significant role in our ability to hear.

With untreated hearing loss, you have to work harder to make sense of what people are saying. This is called having a higher “cognitive load”.

Having a higher “cognitive load” can affect your memory and how you process information.

Be empowered to make changes!

Lifestyle factors can impact cognitive impairment. Address these risk factors:

• Hearing Loss

• Vision Loss

• Medication Side Effects

• Vitamin B12 Deficiency

• Diabetes

• Cardiovascular Issues

• Sleep Disorders

• Poor Lifestyle Choices

• Brain Fog

• Sports that Impact the Head Stress

Your Hearing Healthcare Professional’s assessment includes a cognitive screening that will help you understand how you are processing information, organizing your thoughts, and remembering things. Cognivue Thrive is a personalized, consistent and reliable way to receive an overall screening of your brain health.

• Self-administered 5-10 minute assessment

• Non-invasive

• Interactive

• Immediate results with a simple report Call today for an appointment! 732-8183610 (Toms River/Whiting) or 609-9788946 (Manahawkin)

EMS Seeking New Members

BAVILLE – The Bayville Emergency Medical Services is seeking individuals who want to make a difference in their community.

Benefits of membership:

• Free sponsorship for initial EMT Training Program

• Free Training and Continuing Education (Including A, B, C Refresher Courses)

• Opportunities for growth

• LOSAP

• Special operations opportunities

Requirements:

• Must be 18 years of age or older (or 16 years old for cadet members)

• Must possess a valid driver’s license

• Must have the ability to use a computer

• Must be able to use good judgement and remain calm in high-stress situations

Fulfi ll Meal Distribution

At Recreation Center

BERKELEY – Mayor Carmen Amato and Berkeley Township Recreation, in conjunction with Fulfill, remind residents that anyone in need of food, for any reason, is

welcome to come to the Recreation Center on Tuesdays from 2 to 4 p.m. No registration required. The Recreation Center is located at 630 Atlantic City Boulevard, Route 9.

21 Plus Foundation - 2nd Annual Fall Festival

BERKELEY – Join at Veterans Park on September 23 from 12 to 4 p.m. for a family friendly fun filled day of music, cornhole, children’s activities, food trucks & more! The Fall Festival serves as a fundraiser as

well as a community awareness event.

21 Plus has provided support to adults with disabilities since 1979 (21plus.org). For more information, contact info@21plus.org or 732-240-3118 ext. 215.

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

Dear Pharmacist

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

The Glymphatic System - Your Brain’s Nighttime Janitorial Staff

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Hello brainiacs. Today my article takes a deep dive into our noggins! If you’ve been curious about the world inside your head (and I’m not just talking about your favorite song stuck on repeat), then strap in.

A few years ago, scientists discovered a way that the brain washes itself. It’s called the glymphatic system. Here’s a simple analogy to describe your glymphatic system and how it functions:

Imagine you’ve hosted a party in your house (the brain). After the party, there’s trash everywhere—empty cups, plates, leftover food, etc. (equivalent to brain waste like amyloid-beta). If left unattended, the trash might attract pests and create a foul smell.

The glymphatic system acts like a cleaning crew that comes in to restore order and cleanliness to the house. When this cleaning system doesn’t work efficiently, debris accumulates and you get brain fog, memory problems, neurological diseases, and neurotransmitter problems.

The balance with dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin, melatonin, and others goes awry and mood is affected. Mental health issues can arise. And doctors can’t yet measure levels of neurotransmitters, creating a challenge to restoring balance.

Luckily, we have the glymphatic system. It’s not an organ, it’s a specialized network of cells and pathways that work together to shower off your brain. Life would be so much better if the glymphatic system

worked 24/7 and was more efficient but we’re only human. We can only handle so many toxins, additives, pollutants, and cellular debris before we tilt to an unhealthy state.

To be complete, I should give honorable mention to our microglia cells which are part of our immune system and act as our first responders. They’re always looking out for threats, and when they see any, they signal the cavalry in the form of cytokines. When the microglia are overworked, overused, infected, harmed, or insufficient in numbers, chaos ensues in the form of depression, insomnia, anxiety, bipolar, OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), ADHD, and other neurodegenerative diseases.

In conclusion, the glymphatic system is a relatively recent discovery in the realm of neuroscience and it helps clean up the brain. So does your microglia which is part of your immune system. Cleaning up is a good thing because we know toxins do actually get into the brain because today, we know that our blood-brain barrier is permeable. We used to think it could stop the entry of toxins, but that’s so. The things we want the glymphatic system to wash up are too many to name here. But a few include protein fragments like amyloid-beta that are implicated in Alzheimer’s, tau proteins, Lewy bodies, and other toxins associated with mental health disorders. If you’d like more information on the topic of brain “housekeeping,” I have a longer version of this article at suzycohen.com.

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

Hospice Volunteers Needed

OCEAN COUNTY – Compassionate Care Hospice/Amedisys needs volunteers interested in walking along side another.

Requirements: compassion and a loving heart! There is training for you and you will become part of a team of professionals who

walk this special journey with another. You will be able to give a patient companionship or a family member respite. If you are interested please call Kathleen O’Connell at 914-275-5766 or Kathleen.oconnell@ cchnet.net.

Summer Generation Pound

BEACHWOOD – Sponsored by Beachwood Mayors Wellness Campaign, Summer Generation Pound is held on Tuesdays at 6 p.m., now through September 5. Open to ages 5 to 10. Drop is cost is $5.

Generation Pound is a youth-oriented program that fuses movement and music to improve focus, coordination, physical

fitness and teamwork skills. By combining exercise and interactive activities. Kids will learn new ways to explore movement, embrace their creativity and rock out - ultimately building strength, confidence and self-awareness.

For more information, call Pound Pro Nikki at 732-773-0807.

Subdividing Property: A Beginners Guide

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

If you’re involved in land development, regardless of whether it is residential or commercial, you must always fi nd resourceful ways to add value to the property you own. Sometimes this involves new construction, sometimes its rehabilitating rundown structures, sometimes it’s simply having the patience and fortitude to hold onto the property itself. However, one lesser-known technique is to “subdivide” your land. Subdividing land is just what it sounds like. You simply take what people refer to as the “mother-lot” and divide it into two or more tracts of land.

By subdividing your original piece of property, you are essentially creating “new” land, which will then receive its own lot and block numbers. The reasons for subdividing are numerous. Some people subdivide property to then immediately re-sell for fi nancial gain. Some people may want to subdivide their land for family-related purposes. Some people may want to subdivide their land for residential or commercial development. However, while subdivisions can be extremely profitable, subdividing land is not always easy. Subdivision application

can vary in complexity. Every Municipality has their own subdivision regulations and ordinances which determine whether you are required to appear before a Planning Board or Zoning Board. These local zoning regulations can range from simple setback requirements to flood risk elevations or infrastructure obligations. Further, deed restrictions already imposed on your property may impact your ability to make such subdivisions. All of these factors, and more, must be taken into consideration before attempting to subdivide land.

Nevertheless, is subdividing your property worth it? Absolutely. Subdividing a parcel of land can potentially increase the total value of the land, or help you obtain additional income, and/or help boost the marketability of your land if you already have it placed on the market. Some people even sell the subdivision approvals themselves for a great deal of money. With this in mind, you should contact R. C. Shea & Associates for help navigating the approval process for any type of subdivision that you are interested in pursuing.

The Calendar Girls

JERSEY SHORE – Looking for entertainment for your organization? The Calendar Girls – a Senior Performance Show which includes a Master of Ceremonies/Comedian 12 tap/jazz dancers, plus two vocalists. They provide their own music, along with their beautiful costumes in a one-

hour show. They entertain for special events at senior expos, clubhouses, fundraisers and assisted living facilities. They are available for holiday performances. Also, they continually look for tap dancers to join their group.

For information or to book a show, call the booking agent Jean at 732-730-3539.

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

Teens, De-Stress Anywhere You Are With Online Calm Room

TOMS RIVER – Stress can affect anyone, for any number of reasons. Teens feeling overwhelmed can unplug, unwind, and re-focus in the Ocean County Library’s online Calm Room.

Located in the Teen Zone at theoceancountylibrary.org , it offers tools and resources for understanding how stress develops, ways to manage it, and tips for physical, mental and emotional well-being.

Teens will find portals to soothing sights and sounds, live nature and animal cams, personal stories, mindfulness and meditation guides, and links to related apps, podcasts and websites including Calm, Headspace, Rainy Mood, A Soft

Murmur, and others.

The Calm Room is part of the Teen Health and Wellness Database, which provides articles and videos by professionals and teens on various topics related to teen health and wellbeing.

The database also contains a list of free, safe, confidential hotlines in Ocean County, the state of New Jersey, the U.S. and Canada for issues such as homelessness, addiction, bullying, depression, grief, HIV/AIDS, and more.

This free service is provided in collaboration with Rosen Publishing. To learn more, stop by any of OCL’s 21 branches or reading centers, visit theoceancountylibrary.org, or call 732-349-6200.

Field Of Dreams 2nd Annual Car, Truck, And Motorcycle Show

TOMS RIVER – Field of Dreams 2nd Annual Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Show will be on October 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1505 North Bay Avenue, Toms River. Registration starts 9 a.m. Rain date October 15.

Pre-register here: rwjbhfieldofdreams.com/ product/car-show-entry-fee.

More information here: jerseyshorecarshows.com/fod.

Here is a show you don’t want to miss! There will be something for everyone to enjoy, so make sure you bring the whole family! Here’s what to expect:

$20 pre-registration by September 15 or

$25 day of show (Veterans pay $20 day of show!)

Open to all years/makes/modes of cars, trucks & motorcycles

50/50 Raffle

Wonderful raffle prizes

Trophies and Awards

Awesome food

Vendors will be present

The park will be open so make sure to bring the kids

Music by DJ Big Al from Jersey Shore Car Shows

100% of the proceeds benefits Field of Dreams!

Grief Support Group

BAYVILLE – Help and encouragement after the death of a spouse, child, family member, or friend. GriefShare is a special weekly seminar and support group designed to help you rebuild your life after losing a loved one. The group is led by caring people who have experienced grief and want to help you through the difficult days ahead. We know it hurts, and we want to help.

Group meets every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Living Water Community Church 333 Route 9, Unit B15 Bayville.

Cost: $25, including a workbook for the entire 13-week cycle. (Scholarships Available). Register at: livingwatercma.breezechms. com/form/2f7a73. For more information call 732-797-0575 or email cminichino@ livingwatercma.com.

Annual Summer Reading Bag Of Books Sale

BERKELEY – The Friends of the Berkeley Library are having their annual Summer Reading Bag of Books Sale now through Labor Day.

Bring your own regular size reusable grocery bag, fill it with your favorite books, pay only $5! All proceeds from the book sale go to sponsoring future programs and events at the

Berkeley Library

Examples of sponsored programs by The Friends of the Berkeley Library are: summer reading prizes, painting with Debby Pease, Eyes of the Wild animal programs, teen game night, movie programs, faux fossils, and more! Berkeley Library is located at 30 Station Road, Bayville.

EDUCATORS! Have a special event planned for your class? Let everyone know by placing a news release in this paper! Call 732-657-7344 to find out how!

SPECIALTY:

Orthopedic Surgery - Hip &

Reconstruction/Joint Replacement

MEDICAL SCHOOL:

Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine

RESIDENCY:

Orthopedic Surgery - Jefferson Health New Jersey

FELLOWSHIP:

Adult Hip and Knee Reconstruction - Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics/University of Maryland

Dr. Nugent completed his orthopedic subspecialty training in Hip and Knee Replacement surgery at The Baltimore Adult Hip and Knee Reconstruction Fellowship. This collaboration between the Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics and the University of Maryland provided the opportunity to learn advanced techniques in hip and knee replacement, including complex primary and revision surgery from nationally and internationally renowned leaders in the eld.

Before fellowship, Dr. Nugent completed his Orthopedic Surgery residency at Je erson Health NJ, where he served as Chief Resident. During his third year of training, he received the residency’s research award for best research project. Dr. Nugent completed his pre-medical education at the University of Delaware and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ). He then completed medical school at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine.

He has several peer-reviewed research publications in the eld of orthopedic surgery focusing on both patient and surgeon well-being. He has presented at multiple national orthopedic meetings including the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) annual meeting.

In his spare time, Dr. Nugent enjoys spending time with his wife, playing golf, visiting the beach, and watching live music. He is passionate about patient care. In treating patients like family, his ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life of his patients, through both nonoperative and operative interventions.

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

Ocean County To Hold Boat Flare Disposal Program In September

OCEAN COUNTY – Building on the success of its pilot program held in May, the Ocean County Board of Commissioners has announced a second boat flare disposal program to be held in September.

“The first program that we ran in May to collect old boat flares and dispose of them properly was very successful,” said Ocean County Commissioner Barbara Jo Crea, liaison to the Ocean County Department of Solid Waste Management. “Providing this free program to our boaters gives them the opportunity to safely dispose of old flares and it comes with environmental benefits.”

Crea noted more than 1,300 marine flares were collected during the first disposal event.

The free September program will take from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. September 23 at the Ocean County Training Center, 200 Volunteer Way, Waretown.

Flares will be accepted from Ocean County residents only. Flares from marinas and businesses will not be accepted. There will be 300 appointments available and residents can drop off a maximum of 10 flares. Program

participants are asked to remain in their vehicles at all times.

Registration is required and can be done online at the Solid Waste Management homepage: co.ocean.nj.us/ recycle or by calling 732-506-5047.

“While all boaters are required to carry flares on their boats for safety reasons, there are very few if any avenues to dispose of them safely,” Crea said.

The United States Coast Guard requires all boats on intercostal and inland waters to carry a means of distress signaling suitable for night use. Regular flares are sold in packs of four and expire every four years.

The program is being overseen by the Ocean County Department of Solid Waste Management, the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office and the Ocean County Training Center which houses the Ocean County Fire Academy.

“The staff from these various departments did a lot of research to create this program,” said Deputy Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners Gary Quinn, who serves as liaison to the Fire Marshal’s Office and

the Training Center. “We encourage our boaters to use this free disposal program.”

Agencies consulted during the initial planning process included the U.S. Coast Guard, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New Jersey State Police, Marine Services Bureau, fire academies in Ocean County including Toms River and Brick Township, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Marine Trades Association of New Jersey, Sea Grant New Jersey, and other coastal communities throughout the United States including Annapolis, Maryland and California.

Ocean County received a Research, Development & Design (RD&D) permit from the NJDEP to develop the program. An open burning permit was also issued by NJDEP to comply with air quality regulations.

Materials that will be accepted are Red Hand-held, Parachute, Red Meteor, Orange Smoke Signals, and Floating Orange Smoke flares.

The program will not accept road flares, electronic flares, plastic flare launchers, and other explosives.

Crea noted that often during the county’s household hazardous waste collection programs residents would either bring flares or ask about flare disposal.

“We do not accept flares at our household hazardous waste collection sites,” she said. “We do not want them dumped at the landfill or put out in recycling or trash so it was important to develop a program that addressed this.”

Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners Joseph H. Vicari said the program is another important step in keeping the Barnegat Bay and Ocean County’s waterways clean.

“The program is keeping used flares out of the water and helps keep our boaters safe,” Vicari said.

Vicari, who serves as liaison to Tourism, said there are about 25,000 boats registered in Ocean County.

Once collected, Ocean County destroys the old or used flares in a container used for controlled burn at the Ocean County Training Center under the supervision of trained personnel.

CLASSIFIEDS

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. (t/n)

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)

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)

Junk or Wrecked Cars and Trucks

Wanted - Cash paid. 732-6577251, Steve. Thanks. (38)

Bus Driver NEEDED! - Flexible Scheduling. Perfect for Retiree in Retirement Community. CDL w/ Passenger endorsement required. Call SilverWoods Clubhouse for more information at 732-341-4825. (t/n)

Part Time Custodian/Handyman position. Hours 8am to 12pm, 5 days a week. Wages based on Experience. Call for Appointment at 732-2448686, extension 210 or apply within at Holiday Heights HOA, 96 Prince Charles Drive, Toms River, NJ. (37)

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

Help Wanted

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)

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)

Call Care Temp Heating &

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)

Garden State Property Maintenance - All yard work. Tree-trimming and removal, stump grinding, pavers, decks, flower beds, weeding. 609-661-5470. (t/n)

PET SITTER my home. Reasonable rates. Must meet pet prior to commitment. You supply all. References available. 201-519-4659. (38)

Painting - Simply the best. "It's all in the name." Interior/Exterior. Unbeatable pricing. Meticulous work. All materials and jobs guaranteed. Fully licensed and insured. $ave. Call 732-850-5060. (39)

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)

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

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

GARDEN COACH ASSISTS SEN-

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

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

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)

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)

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)

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. (37)

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)

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

• Estate/Garage/Yard Sales

• Auto For Sale

• Items For Sale

Services Services Services Services

• Items Wanted

•

•

•

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 SORRY NO DISCOVER info below:

Credit Card# Exp.

Cardholder Signature:

Print Name:

DIRECTV Sports Pack - 3 Months on Us! Watch pro and college sports LIVE. Plus over 40 regional and specialty networks included. NFL, College Football, MLB, NBA, NHL, Golf and more. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-877-557-1213. (t/n)

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

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) 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

(20)

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. PHONE NUMBER (THIS IS REQUIRED)

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

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

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

Official: Feds Should Address Prescription Shortage

By Bob Vosseller and Chris Lundy OCEAN COUNTY – A

county official wants to see the federal government step up and take action on the current prescription drug shortage.

Joseph H. Vicari, Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, said the drug shortage continues to impact patients from coast to coast, and the federal government needs to step in and ensure that residents have access to their vital medications. Published reports state the shortages are impacting life-saving medicines including powerful drugs used in cancer treatments.

According to a report by the American Society of Health System Pharmacists, Congress recently ordered manufacturers to create risk management plans to be proactive about supply chain problems, rather than reactive. However, more than half of these manufacturing facilities still do not have plans in place.

These plans will allow doctors to prescribe drugs that they expect will be available because the manufacturers are more responsible, rather than prescribing something that later is in short supply because the company failed to prepare for the worst.

The ASHP also recommended that Medicare and Medicaid give add-on payments to critical generic drug manufacturers as long as they have a plan to have plenty of availability.

The government should also spread its purchasing among many manufacturers to keep them all providing drugs actively, according to the ASHP. The federal government should also fi nancially support manufacturers that create a buffer of supplies.

Vicari, who is the liaison to the Ocean County Office of Senior Services, recently wrote a letter to Senators Robert Menendez and Cory Booker asking them to “do everything they can” to end the pharmaceutical shortages. Congressmen Chris Smith and Jeff Van Drew also received Vicari’s letter.

“How can the strongest economy on Earth be facing a shortage of these vital pharmaceuticals? It is well past time that the United States becomes self-sufficient and capable of producing all of the drugs needed by our aging population,” Vicari stated in his letter.

The shortages are especially harmful to Ocean County’s large senior citizen population, Vicari said in his letter. “Ocean County is home to one of the largest concentrations of senior citizens in the entire nation. These older adults are facing a crisis – the continuing and growing shortage of critical prescription medications.”

Vicari added details about issues across the nation, not specifically at local medical facilities: “doctors report that they are reducing dosages of these life-saving drugs in an effort to treat as many patients as possible. Across the country, hospitals are delaying or even cancelling needed surgeries only because the necessary drugs are not available. Our seniors are looking for answers, and so am I.”

“I encourage you to do everything you can to help rectify this ongoing crisis. Access to medical care and needed medicine is a basic human right,” Vicari said. “Please help us ensure that our seniors – and younger families, too – do not have to worry about their health simply because a necessary prescription is not available.”

Substitutes Wanted For Berkeley Schools

BERKELEY – The Berkeley Township School District is looking for substitute teachers. The rate of pay is $105/day. If you have 60 college credits you are eligible to substitute in Berkeley Township Schools.

To apply, visit btboe.org. Click on: Board of Education; Click on: Board Documents & Resources; Click on: Employment Opportunities. Complete an Applitrack application.

What is a “Mom & Pop” Business?

A small, independent, family owned, controlled and operated business. It has a small amount of business volume. It is not franchised. “ Open for business in a single location.”

So if your “Mom or Pop” need the services of rehabilitation and nursing services, it just makes sense to go to a “Mom & Pop.”

Here is a picture of a true “Mom & Pop” business: 1579 Old Freehold Rd. Toms River, NJ 08753 732-505-4477

nursing and rehabilitation center

www.rosegardennj.com

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

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

The Jersey Shore is a great place to hang out. Mr. Crab knows this and was recently spotted enjoying the summer at the cove in Brigantine. Just keep the tartar sauce away from this little guy. Photographer Michelle Brooks captured this amazing moment with the Atlantic City skyline in the background. Now the Brooks family will be enjoying a Jersey Shore BlueClaws game, courtesy of Jersey Shore Online. Want to win tickets of your own? Send your pix to photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you may hear from us!

Yoga On The Beach

BEACHWOOD – Yoga On The Beach is back! Join on Saturdays from 8 to 9 a.m. at Beachwood Beach. Cost is $5 per person (pay as you attend) and kids 10 and under are free! Dates: June 24; July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; August 5, 12, 19. 26; September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30.

Pine Beach Fire Company Seeking Members

PINE BEACH – The Pine Beach Volunteer Fire Company No.1 is always looking for energetic, motivated people to add to their team. They are accepting applications for several membership categories: Firefighter: 18 years and older, must reside within the immediate response area (approx. 2 to 3 miles). Firefighter I cer-

tification preferred, but training will be provided. EMT/EMR certification a plus. Must be willing to run toward things sane people are running away from. Members will be enrolled in the LOSAP program. Junior Firefighter: 16 to 17 years old, in-house training provided. Parental permission required.

Associate: Non-firefighting category, assists with social and fund-raising functions.

Fire Police: Non-firefighting function. Control of traffic in emergency areas, scene security when needed.

Corporate Affiliate: Provides professional service and assistance (accounting,

clerical, legal, fundraising, marketing, etc.)

If any of these appeals to you, come visit any Thursday evening between 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and speak with one of the officers or membership committee and we’ll get the process started. More heroes wear bunker gear than capes.

HCB First Aid Auxiliary Seeking Volunteers

TOMS RIVER – HCB First Aid Auxiliary

is in need of volunteers: They need volunteers to work with us (men and women). Open to the public not just HCB.

The job of the HCB First Aid Auxiliary is

to work to raise money for the HCB First Aid Squad. The squad members are volunteers that spend many hours a week going on calls to help people in need of medical help. “Our job as an auxiliary is to raise money so they

can accomplish this.”

They usually meet once a month on a Monday at 3 p.m. at the First Aid Squad on Port Royal Drive. Their meetings only last about an hour. They organize fundraisers to raise

money for the squad such as Psychic Fairs, Gift Auctions etc. If you want to keep busy, give us a try. They are a friendly group. All are welcome. If interested please call Linda Maddalena at 732-505-6795.

FUN & GAMES SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

3 Arthur who appeared on “All in the Family”

4 Considering

5 Attractive words?

6 Humble abodes

7 Nwodim of “SNL”

33 Order

34 Orders

36 “Antiques Roadshow” determination

37 Unfriendly way to answer the phone

38 “No problemo!”

39 “Just relax”

41 Regal rod

44 Part of UAE 45 “__ of the Louvre”: Emma Lazarus poem 46 Let up 48 Followed a doctor’s order?

CROSSWORD PUZZLE SUDOKU SOLUTIONS

OMARR’S

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Try not to let someone put a damper on your enthusiastic mindset. Remain trustworthy and you can receive help from others when you need assistance with your own projects. Doing the right things could add to your prestige.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) : Remain watchful when hoping for opportunities and you have a better chance of finding them. You can implement beneficial changes in financial arrangements or business plans that could alleviate some of the strain.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) : Try not to shy away from social outings or community events even if something is weighing on your mind right now. Remain courageous if you are feeling regretful over past mistakes and you could avoid an awkward situation.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) : You may be ready to book a bucket-list vacation or take an inspiring visit to a special event. Share your dreams and your connections to others can become stronger. A loved one’s attention could bring a smile to your face.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Your time may be coming soon. Make the final plans and prepare for the last steps. The ideal circumstances can make your project take off, but only if you are properly prepared. The pieces are there, the rest is up to you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Try to keep your energy levels up when you can. Being active can clear your head and give you an excuse to spend some quality time with your closest friends and loved ones. Someone close to you may be eager to please.

FOR THE WEEK OF AUG 26 - SEPT 1

BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS

ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Trust is the cornerstone of a solid relationship. You may need to compete to emphasize your credibility. Don’t become so enthusiastic to get the job done quickly that you promise more than might be deliverable.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Relationships can run more smoothly if you spend more time focused on someone’s feelings and less time on financial strategies. You may want to put a new business plan into action, but might need to wait for another day.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Do your best to avoid a narrow mindset. A family member may be asking for too much right now and bring down your mood. Pay your bills, take care of responsibilities, and wait for a better time to have a heart-to-heart chat.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Tackle any business or career matters with intensity and focus on using the latest trends to give yourself a boost. You may need to put on your thinking cap when it comes to making important decisions or changes.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Knowledge may be power, but you could be looking in the wrong places for reading material about moneymaking ideas right now. Spend some time researching and planning for the financial changes you want to implement.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Failure may be integral to discovering how not to do things. Nothing new can be implemented if it is based on assumptions no matter how prepared you think you might be. Useful lessons could be found outside of a peer’s opinion.

THIS IS THE BEST LEMONADE YOU’LL HAVE THIS SUMMER

By America’s Test Kitchen

(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.