2024-03-09 - The Brick Times

Students Compete In Court For The Mayors Cup

Repairs Needed To Address Flooding

By Judy Smestad-Nunn

Page

By Alyssa Riccardi BRICK

– Inside the Brick Township Municipal courtroom, students from the two high schools faced off during their annual Mayor’s Cup mock trial.

The event is a long-standing tradition in the town, and coincides with the Ocean

County Mock Trial Competition.

Brick Memorial High School’s Prosecution took on the Brick Township High School Defense in this year’s criminal case: United States of America v. Ellis Kerwin. Former Dean of Admissions at Metropolitan University, Ellis Kerwin,

has been arrested and charged as part of a yearlong investigation conducted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the State of Metropolitan. According to the case, Kerwin is alleged to have engaged in the theft of honest services, including accepting over $100,000 in im-

permissible benefits from representatives of “We Get You In,” which is a local college placement program run by Devon Morris.

Morris is a key witness for the State and has pleaded guilty to a related crime. Kerwin denies the allegations and

(Mock TrialSee Page 4)

Who Picks Your Politicians?

By Stephanie Faughnan

TOMS RIVER – Voters choose who they want to lead them, but how did the politicians even get on the ballot to begin with? That starts with the leaders of the two main parties.

Ocean County’s political landscape will undoubtedly undergo

significant shifts as a result of the recent GOP county convention.

With Democrats proving to be negligible competition, particularly in county-level races, the Republican elite’s choice of candidates has some wondering if a select group of people actually pick the winners even before voters go to the

polls.

George Gilmore’s comeback as the head of the Ocean County Republican Organization despite his conviction – and later pardon – for tax evasion reveals his stature as a powerful kingmaker in local politics. Notably, Gilmore is responsible for hand-

BRICK - A number of residents from the Seawood Harbor neighborhood, located off Drum Point Road, attended a recent Township Council meeting to ask for help with the repeated flooding of their roads.

Seawood Harbor Property Owners Association President Gary Penzell said they wanted to let the governing body know about the “severe conditions and severe flooding we’re having in Seawood Harbor.”

Two back-to-back storms in January resulted in 14” of water on Knoll Crest Road, the major road going into the community of 150 homes that has wetlands on both sides.

and I know we need to get funding to raise the road.”

The residents are appreciative that raising Knoll Crest Road was increased from 12th place to 7th place in the priority list, Penzell said.

In addition to the planned road elevation, Penzell asked if the township could repair a large hole that developed in December in a 200-foot bulkhead on Bayshore Drive. The township had the bulkhead erected three years ago.

When the bay rises, water goes through the hole, flooding Knoll Crest Road and adding to the problem. Caps that were on top of the bulkhead are all gone, he said.

Penzell asked if the township could replace that one section of bulkhead.

A private beach on Rochester Drive that was previously stabilized by a Belgian block border

(GOP - See Page 5) (Flood - See Page 4)

“No vehicles could get through for five or six hours,” Penzell said. “School buses couldn’t get there, parents couldn’t take their kids to school. I know the township doesn’t have a lot of options with it

Lawyer Benjamin Neller questions witness Devon Morris.

Photo by Alyssa Riccardi

This private beach on Rochester Drive is in disrepair and is impacting the nearby roadway, residents said.

Photo by Judy Smestad-Nunn

Ocean County GOP Chairman George Gilmore landed a slew of political feats at the organization’s recent convention.

Photo by Stephanie Faughnan

Mock

Continued From Page 1

claims that no crimes were committed in the Admissions Office during their tenure.

Before investigation could start, Kerwin left the university. After a new Dean of Admissions, Jean Cote, began her role, an internal admissions audit was ordered, showing some irregularities.

Prosecution lawyers Benjamin Neller and Clark Demarest stated that Kerwin exploited the United States Postal Service and denied college applicants the right to honest services. They claimed that Morris kickstarted the scheme that Kerwin facilitated. Parents of the applicants involved with “We Get You In” made sizable donations to Metropolitan University. The lawyers stated that percentage of those donations were given to Kerwin, who accepted “dirty money.”

In defense lawyers Jacob Storch and Chase Roberts’ opening statement, they attested that Kerwin is a respected woman and is innocent. They claimed her reputation is being ruined due to Morris’ criminal acts and she was just his scapegoat.

The prosecution had three witnesses: Amari Simpson played by Nate Devlin, Devon Morris played by Jakub Kriso, and Jean Cote played by Skylar Hillin.

The defense also had three witnesses: Brighton Kershner played by Christian Booker, Ola Tang played by Nunia Najjarian, and Ellis Kerwin played by Lacey Ireland.

Simpson is a veteran of the US Attorney’s Office with extensive experience in fraudulent crimes.

Morris created the business “We Get You In” with the intention of getting privileged applicants into universities. He testified that their clients had their applications sent through the US Postal Service to the

admissions offices and Kerwin’s personal mail.

Cote, the current Dean of Admissions, revealed the issues of the admission office handling the students’ applications that went unmonitored by Kerwin.

Tang is accredited by the American Forensic Accountant Society as a Certified Forensic Accountant. She stated that while doing Kerwin’s taxes, she never discovered anything out of the ordinary.

Kershner was accepted into Metropolitan University while Kerwin was Dean despite having terrible grades and being underqualified. A troubled teen who lost his parents, Kershner stated that Kerwin guided him and went out of her way to assist him.

Kerwin explained her retirement from the school was due to the fact that she was extremely ill with cancer. She said no one was aware of her departure because her illness was so sudden.

Once the mock trial concluded, Judge Joseph Grisanti (the township’s court attorney) scored each team on a point system and determined the winner of the evening.

Brick Memorial High School, a.k.a. the prosecutors, scored the win and took home the “Mayor’s Cup” trophy.

BMHS Mock Trial Team Advisor Diana Corde-Leone explained how students have been working since the beginning of the school year to prepare for the competition.

“‘These students work extremely hard to produce a finished product worthy enough to present in a real court room, in front of acting judges,” Corde-Leone said. “To say I am proud to be their coach is a true understatement, it is an honor.”

“This event last year was one of the very first events I did as mayor and it was really exciting and I enjoyed watching,” Mayor Lisa Crate said. “This year, I know a lot of the students so it’s really fun to know them personally and see them up their working the courtroom.”

Flood:

Continued From Page 1

is adding to the flooding problems since the blocks have disappeared, causing pieces of the roadway to fall into the bay, Penzell said.

“Anything that can be done by the township to make the owner of the beach take care of this property, or take over ownership of that beach, because this is causing major flooding,” he said. “The vinyl bulkhead has totally fallen apart.”

In other news, the governing body introduced an ordinance that establishes requirements and fees applicable to lead paint inspections for rental properties, which is needed in response to the state’s new Lead-Based Paint Law.

rental properties only, he said. Once a unit is certified lead-free the township still has to go back after two years in the event of chipping or peeling, he said.

Property owners have the right to get a more detailed lead-free certificate at their own cost, and short-term rentals have to be inspected by July 2024 and then at each change of tenancy or every two years.

“The state does an inspection every five years for multi-family dwellings,” he said. “The township applied for and received a grant to purchase testing materials and to send our staff for training.”

“[It] implements lead-based inspections in Brick which would be completed by township code enforcement officials during the rental Certificate of Occupancy process,” said Councilman Derrick Ambrosino.

The regulations apply to single-family

The lead-based testing would be part of the rental checklist going forward, with the rate set for inspections $25 plus $20 for each unit inspected for deposit into the Lead Hazard Control Assistance Fund, established pursuant to state law.

Reinspection would cost $50 plus the additional $20 per unit for the fund, which would not apply if the owner demonstrates that the DCA has already assessed the surcharge. The next council meeting will be on Tuesday, March 12 at 7 p.m.

GOP:

Continued From Page 1

picking members of the screening committee, who interview and endorse candidates. Then, at the convention, the rest of the Republicans choose who is awarded the coveted county line.

When looking at your ballot, the “county line” candidates make one vertical line. Often, people will just vote for all candidates on the party line, without knowing much about them. In the race for the two available seats on the county commission, the five-member board that governs the county, Gilmore unveiled the screening committee’s recommendations of Manchester Mayor Robert Arace and Jennifer Bacchione, the President of the Berkeley Board of Education, who also holds the role of Executive Director in the Ocean County Republican Organization. With no nominations from the floor, the duo secured endorsements through vocal acclamation.

“I hired Jennifer as my executive director in January of last year,” said Gilmore. “She’s been working with every single town in the county – helping them with any issues they had and helping them with their campaigns. She developed a good rapport with people.”

Gilmore also pointed out that both Arace and Bacchione represent a newer generation of candidates, with the youngest member on the current commissioner board at 66 years old. He suggested they might bring an updated set of ideas. Arace is 30, half the age of the youngest sitting member.

“I think putting Rob with Jennifer is going to

be just tremendous,” Gilmore added. “Rob’s been very forthright with the population in Manchester and transparent about what he’s trying to accomplish.”

Incumbent Commissioners Barbara “Bobbi Jo” Crea and Gary Quinn underwent the screening process to win the party line. When they learned that they didn’t have the support of the screening committee, they each withdrew from the primary.

In a press release, Crea expressed her commitment to party unity, stating that she respects the decision of the screening committee and will continue to support the organization. Quinn’s press release cited his demanding schedule, which often conflicted with spending time with his family, especially his three young grandchildren, as a factor in his decision to forgo reelection.

While not addressing this race in particular, Dr. Julia Sass Rubin, a Rutgers professor and author of “The Impact of New Jersey’s County Line Primary Ballots on Election Outcomes, Politics, and Policy,” suggested that candidates are keenly aware of the county line’s influence in determining primary election outcomes. Her study revealed that many candidates withdraw from primaries if they fail to secure party endorsements, especially in county-level and state legislative races, where candidates may lack widespread voter recognition. Rubin added that this phenomenon extends even to incumbents.

“Elected officials are aware of the importance of the line for their reelection and the power of county party chairs to award the line,” wrote Rubin. “If an elected official does not do as the county chair wants, they can lose the line

and almost surely lose the primary, ending, or severely curtailing their political careers.”

“In such an environment, it is the county party chairs rather than the voters that elected officials must please to be elected and to stay in office,” Rubin continued. “This gives the county party chairs substantial power to shape the state’s politics and public policy.”

However, Gilmore refuted allegations suggesting that he actively sought replacements for Crea and Quinn due to their backing of Sheriff Michael Mastronardy over him during his closely contested win to reclaim leadership of the Ocean County Republican Organization in 2022.

“That’s in the past,” Gilmore stated. An anonymous source pointed out that Gilmore’s recent selection of county and state-level candidates has predominantly been from municipalities governed by the Faulkner Act, where mayors wield considerable influence.

“This move,” speculated the source, “Could potentially grant Gilmore increased power at the local level, as he gets involved in the selection process after the mayor moves to a higher office and needs to be replaced.” Gilmore dismissed the claim and pointed out that towns with mayor-strong governments are also the largest in the county.

Party Line And Primary Ballots

The reality is that the behind-the-scenes dynamics involving promises made to secure votes for the party line remain largely unknown. Gilmore said there are none and pointed to his ability to secure votes and count them. Nevertheless, the influence of endorsements cannot be understated.

Ocean County, along with eighteen other counties, uses a ballot layout that groups endorsed candidates together from presidential to municipal races. Historically, a significant number of voters opt to simply “vote the line,” underscoring the impact of these endorsements on electoral outcomes.

The issue of party organizations and their chairs wielding significant power over ballot placement has sparked a pending lawsuit by 3rd District Congressman Andy Kim, a Democrat, as he vies for a United States Senate seat against Tammy Murphy, Governor Phil Murphy’s wife. The lawsuit targets county clerks in all 19 counties that award a line in their primary process, advocating for elections to be conducted using the “office block” style, where all candidates are listed together under the offices they’re seeking.

This brings to mind Rubin’s analysis, which included documenting the influence of party lines in several races, including the 2020 Republican primary race in the third congressional district.

Gilmore was not the chair when the Ocean County GOP’s screening committee recommended Katie Gibbs, but David Richter secured its party line endorsement. Gibbs received the line in Burlington County and received 57 percent of the primary vote there, dropping to 22 percent in Ocean County. On the other hand, Richter’s support surged from 43 percent without the line in Burlington to 78 percent with it in Ocean.

“Ocean County is a conservative Republican County,” said Gilmore. “And Donald Trump

(GOP- See Page 12)

John R. Lewis Voting Rights And Advancement Act Re-Introduced

Capitol Comments

Senator Cory Booker

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Laphonza Butler (D-CA), along with Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, reintroduced the John R. Lewis Voting Advancement Act, legislation that would update and restore critical safeguards of the original Voting Rights Act.

In the wake of the Supreme Court’s damaging Shelby County decision in 2013 - which crippled the federal government’s ability under the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to prevent discriminatory changes to voting laws and pro-

cedures - states across the country have unleashed a torrent of voter suppression schemes that have systematically disenfranchised tens of thousands of American voters. The Supreme Court’s decision in Brnovich delivered yet another blow to the Voting Rights Act, by making it significantly harder for plaintiffs to win lawsuits under the landmark law against discriminatory voting laws or procedures.

“A decade ago when it gutted critical components of the Voting Rights Act, the Supreme Court opened the floodgates to concerted efforts to deny voting rights. These efforts have relentlessly targeted Black voters and marginalized communities,” said Senator Booker. “The right to vote is sacred for all Americans, and Congress must act urgently to defend it.

The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act honors the legacy of the late Congressman John Lewis and so many

civil rights activists by protecting and expanding voting rights in our country to help ensure that every vote counts.”

“In our nation, there’s no freedom more fundamental than the right to vote,” said Senator Durbin. “But over the past several years, there has been a sustained effort to chip away at the protections guaranteed to every American under the Voting Rights Act. That’s why we’ve joined together today to reintroduce a bill that would not only restore the protections of the Voting Rights Act, but strengthen it - the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.”

“I was Congressman Lewis’ pastor, but he was my mentor and hero because he believed voting is a sacred undertaking that’s about more than a person’s voice, it’s about their humanity. That’s why this legislation is more important than ever, because the fight to protect voting rights and voting access for every eligible American remains unfinished, and even worse, so much of the progress

Congressman Lewis fought for is being rolled back,” said Senator Warnock. “I’m proud to reintroduce this legislation with Chair Durbin, and as we work to pass it into law, I look forward to building on John Lewis’ lifetime of service to honor him by protecting the sacred right to vote.”

Chair Durbin also announced that the Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a full committee hearing on the ongoing need for the John R. Lewis Voting Advancement Act amidst continued voter suppression efforts in Republican-led states on Tuesday, March 12.

The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act is endorsed by hundreds of organizations, including the following leading civil rights organizations: The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF), MALDEF, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC, Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law, and Demos.

$8 Million In Grants To Support Apprenticeship Programs

From The Desk Of The Governor

Phil Murphy

TRENTON – The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) has awarded $7.9 million in the most recent round of grant funding through the Growing Apprenticeship in Nontraditional Sectors (GAINS) and Pre-Apprenticeship in Career Education (PACE) grant programs to foster the creation and expansion of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs throughout the state.

Since Governor Murphy took office in 2018, the state has invested approximately $60 million through grant programs to create and develop work-based learning, pre-apprenticeship, and apprenticeship programs across the state. This has supported the creation of 678 new Registered Apprenticeship programs in New Jersey – a more than 100 percent increase – and enabled 17,454 new apprentices to be onboarded. The state currently has 8,611 active apprentices in 1,289 programs.

“Apprenticeship programs are a win-win for businesses and their workforces,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo.

“Through these programs, employers can build lasting talent pipelines and shape the skilled employees they need to stay competitive, while workers earn a wage along with acquiring advanced training to boost their careers.”

GAINS

A total of $5 million has been awarded to 13 grantees through the GAINS program, with the expectation of placing 1,018 new apprentices in occupations such as cryogenics mechanical technician, K-12 teacher apprentice, wastewater treatment plant operator, robotics technician, and more.

The GAINS program develops new and existing apprenticeship programs and creates Registered Apprenticeship programs in high-growth industries, with a focus on equality of opportunity, upward mobility, and economic fairness.

“We are absolutely thrilled and deeply grateful to be an awardee of the 2024 GAINS grant,” said Gabriela Timothy,

founder and CEO of Learned Potential LLC, a recent GAINS grantee. “This incredible opportunity will propel us closer to our mission of empowerment through education. With this grant, we can establish our Teacher Apprenticeship program and hire a dedicated team to ensure its successful launch and implementation.”

GAINS has provided unprecedented opportunities for women and people of color, with more than two-thirds of GAINS grantees being women or minorities. Women account for about half of GAINS apprentices, greater than five times the statewide average. The GAINS program alone has more than doubled the number of women enrolled in Registered Apprenticeship programs in New Jersey.

PACE

The PACE program has granted just over $2.9 million to eight awardees to place 470 pre-apprentices in occupations including home health care, massage therapy, advanced manufacturing, and fiber optics, among others.

PACE was developed primarily to alleviate economic barriers that hinder upskilling. Programs provide job readiness, essential skills, and occupa-

tion-specific training, and funding can be used to offer stipends to offset costs of supportive services, such as childcare and transportation.

Noted by Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, President of the County College of Morris, a PACE grantee: “Receiving the Department of Labor PACE grant positively impacts our students, manufacturing partners, the college, and the communities we serve. We are grateful to provide students with opportunities to be educated and trained in manufacturing, develop their resumes through apprenticeship programs, and be placed in jobs earning family sustaining wages.”

Pre-apprenticeship programs funded through PACE provide education and training to prepare participants for placement into a Registered Apprenticeship program, into a post-secondary college or occupation-specific career training program, or into the workforce. PACE programs must be partnered with at least one Registered Apprenticeship program sponsor. Together, the programs expand career pathways with industry-based training and classroom instruction, leading to better-paying positions and advanced credentials.

Government 0fficials... Have news that you would like the community to be involved with? Let everyone know by placing a news release in this paper! Send it to news@jerseyshoreonline.com.

e Arc, Ocean County Chapter Invites Local Businesses To Lunch

tunities to raise awareness for intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Please RSVP for Lunch Break at arcocean. org.

MID-LIFE VISION CHANGES

Many stories exist concerning what happens to your body when you turn 40, and most of them are disagreeable at best. However, there are changes that occur as we approach “middle age” that should be addressed as early as possible, and they include deviations in eye health. The inability to focus on close-up objects usually begins around this time of life. If you’re a contact lens wearers, changing your lens prescription is an easy fix for the problem. If you find yourself pushing restaurant menus farther and farther away to read them, multifocal contact lenses may be the solution. These lenses are similar to trifocal glasses in that they have multiple vision ranges and allow for more natural vision.

BRICK – The Arc, Ocean County Chapter is inviting local businesses to join them on their Lunch Break on March 21 at The Arc’s Pop-Up Café in Brick to celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and learn about the valuable resources people with disabilities provide to Ocean County. Participants at The Arc’s Adult Training Centers will serve a free lunch including Jersey Mike’s Subs donated by the Mantoloking Road franchise, homemade sides, and freshly baked dessert between 12 and 2 p.m. at the Pop-Up Café located at 393 Mantoloking Road in Brick. Business owners will learn about the many services The Arc can provide local companies such as commercial cleaning and shredding, warehouse work, employment sites for job coaching, and volunteer oppor-

To raise funds for The Arc’s programs and support services, the agency is having their annual Super Raffle drawing on March 21. Prizes include a $1,000 American Express gift card, $500 American Express gift card, or $250 American Express gift card. Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased in person or by mail to The Arc, Ocean County Chapter, 393 Mantoloking Road, Brick, NJ 08723. You do not need to be present to win.

For more information about The Arc’s Lunch Break for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month or The Arc’s Super Raffle drawing please contact development@ arcocean.org or call 732-978-1414 ext. 204.

Presbyopia can be frustrating and it causes a lot of people to drop out of contact lenses. Multifocal contact lenses exist to help people in their presbyopic years continue to enjoy the convenience of contact lenses while still being able to see clearly in the distance and up close. To schedule an eye exam, please call

SIGHTMD NEW JERSEY

SUSSKIND & ALMALLAH EYE ASSOCIATES at 732-349-5622. We offer evening hours most nights of the week.

P.S. Presbyopia occurs as we age because the crystalline lenses in our eyes become stiffer and less able to adapt to different distances.

MARLBORO

(732) 972-1015

TOMS RIVER (732) 349-5622

BRICK (732) 477-6981

BARNEGAT (609) 698-2020 www.oceancountyeye.com

MANCHESTER TIMES • BERKELEY TIMES • BRICK TIMES

JACKSON TIMES • HOWELL TIMES • TOMS RIVER TIMES

SOUTHERN OCEAN TIMES

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Stew Swann Vice President/COO Jason Allentoff

News Editor

Chris Lundy Assistant News Editor Bob Vosseller

Production Manager

Distribution Manager

Laura Hoban

Sales Manager

Lorrie Toscano

Mayor Crate Announces Scholarship Opportunity

BRICK – Mayor Lisa Crate would like to inform high school juniors and seniors in Brick Township who are planning to continue their education after high school about a scholarship opportunity offered by the New Jersey State League of Municipalities. The League is offering three $1,000 scholarships through the Louis Bay 2nd Future Municipal Leaders Scholarship Competition.

how we are doing in Brick Township,” said Mayor Crate.

Students wishing to apply for the scholarship competition can download an application packet at bricktownship.net. If you would like to request an application by email, send an email to emoroney@bricktownship. net.

Allison Gradzki Graphic Artist

Adriana Miranda

Layout Designer

Julia Wilkens

“I encourage any student from Brick Township who plans on going to college or otherwise continuing their education to apply for this grant,” said Mayor Crate. “With the cost of attending college still rising, the chance to earn some money to help pay for it is worth the time it will take to fill out the application and draft a thoughtful essay.”

Applicants will be required to write an essay of approximately 500 words with the “What My Municipal Government Does Best.” Judging is based solely on the essay including originality, technical composition and appropriateness and effective articulation of theme.

“I am excited to read the application essays and learn what our young people think about

The scholarship is open to all high school juniors and seniors. Residents who live in Brick but attend schools in other communities should return their application to Mayor Crate’s office. A committee will select one essay from Brick Township as a semi-finalist. That application will be forwarded and reviewed by the NJSLOM Scholarship Committee. That committee will select 15 finalists and three winners. The winners will each receive a $1,000 scholarship and their essay will be featured in New Jersey Municipalities Magazine.

All applications must be returned to Mayor Crate’s office by March 15. Completed applications should be mailed to Mayor Lisa Crate, Attention: NJSLOM Scholarship, 401 Chambers Bridge Road, Brick, NJ, 08723.

2024 Career Day

BRICK – Each year, the Brick Township Chamber of Commerce works together with the Guidance Departments of both Brick Township and Brick Memorial High Schools to organize Career Day.

The speakers come from various industries to address the students about their respective careers, the work that they do and more im-

portantly, the journey they took to get there. March 20 – Brick Township March 27 – Brick Memorial

If you are interested in participating in this event, contact the Career Day Coordinator, Bob D’Ambrosia at brickschoolscareerday@gmail.com.

Brick PBA Annual Awards Dinner

Photo courtesy Brick Police

BRICK – On February 23, the Brick Township Police Department PBA 230 held their annual awards dinner.

The Kristopher DeMarco Officer of the Year award was awarded to Ptl. Michael Miller. This award is bestowed upon a patrol officer for their overall performance for the year. Criteria includes the officer’s knowledge of the law, accomplishments in the department, and achievements that have brought acclaim to themselves or public acclaim to the department. Ptl. Miller has

been a member of the police department since 2004.

The Thomas McNelis award was awarded to Detective Tara Schindler for her exceptional leadership and performance in the Detective Bureau. Det. Schindler has been a dedicated member of the police department since 2003 and a member of the Detective Bureau since 2015.

Congratulations to all of our award recipients. Your exceptional service and dedication to the community is appreciated.

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Underway

By Judy Smestad-Nunn

BRICK - The township currently has the infrastructure for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at Windward Beach and the Drum Point Sports Complex, Business Administrator Joanne Bergin said, explaining that Brick is in the fi nal phase with the EV company to get them energized.

The next priority is to get charging stations installed at the municipal complex, she said during a recent Township Council meeting. The project is in the planning phase for the EV charging station, which will be located in the visitor parking lot.

The township currently has one EV car that is used for security by the Parks Department as they make their daily rounds.

“And we’re also updating our fleet as we go when the opportunity arises to pursue more environmentally friendly vehicles, such as electric vehicles, however we’re not going to prioritize that for things like garbage trucks and our buses that transport our seniors,” Bergin said.

Brick has an Electric Vehicle Committee, chaired by Brian Mirsky, which oversees the township’s plan to begin using electric vehicles along with the integration of charging stations at various locations for the public’s use.

Their goal is to steadily implement the use of these vehicles while utilizing grant money and programs for municipal governments. Both charging stations were funded by grants, Bergin said.

Designer Handbag Bingo Night

BRICK – Join the Laurelton Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary for Designer Handbag Bingo Night on April 13 at the Laurelton Fire House, Route 88 and Olden Road, Brick.

Doors open at 6 p.m.; Games begin at

7 p.m. Admission is $40 or $350 for a table of 10.

Tickets must be purchased in advance. Must be 21 to enter.

To purchase tickets, contact lfcladiesaux@yahoo.com or call 732-899-5587.

Peer - Pathway Leadership Conference

BRICK – Brick Township High School students attended the ELKS Peer Pathway to Leadership Conference from February 1 to February 4.

The purpose of the conference was to develop and implement an alcohol, tobacco, and drug use prevention project in their community.

INDIVIDUAL & GROUP COUNSELING

Caregivers & Bereavement Groups Available

Helping people of all backgrounds to find hope.

For more information on this and other services please contact JFCS at 732-363-0810 or www.jewishoceancounty.org/jfcs

JFCS is a program of the Jewish Federation of Ocean County and made possible thanks to our friends and supporters.

www.jewishoceancounty.org

They are proud of the student leadership and individual contributions of each of the student representatives. It is rewarding to see the BTHS students stand out amongst their peers. They are fortunate to have such wonderful student leaders who will share this message of positive choice with their peers.

Explore New Jersey Textile & Weaving History

courtesy Ocean County Library

BRICK – For centuries, people in New Jersey have turned out a stunning array of textiles and woven goods. Please join us as an educator from the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts (METC) presents “Narrative Threads: New Jersey Quilts & Textiles” at the Ocean County Library Brick Branch, 6:30 p.m. March 18.

The discussion will feature 18th- and 19th-Century tools and artifacts from the Madison museum’s robust collection that tell the tales of people who crafted goods as decorative as they were

functional, whose techniques continued through succeeding generations.

Take an up-close look at historic quilts, woven goods, and lace pieces. Handle and explore complex textile materials and tools from METC’s extensive collection. Register at tinyurl.com/OclBrickMETC for this free program. For more information, stop by the OCL Brick Branch, 301 Chambers Bridge Road, call 732-477-4513, or visit theoceancountylibrary.org/events.

Photo

Photo courtesy Brick Schools

Congratulations To MP 2 Honor Roll & Distinguished Honor Roll Students

BRICK

Students achieving Honor Roll or Distinguished Honor Roll can find their name

on full display in the main hallway outside of the guidance office. Students have been excited to fi nd their names, take pictures, and boast about their accomplishments. They are proud of all of the students. Keep up the pursuit of academic achievement!

Brick Garden Club Upcoming Meeting

BRICK – The Brick Garden Club’s next meeting will be on March 11 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Robert Anstett Cultural Arts Center, 15 Herbertsville Road. They will have time to enjoy refreshments and socialize 6:30 to 7 p.m.

The Brick Garden Club is a civic organization under the auspices of the Recreation Department of the Township of Brick. The purpose of the Club is to educate members

and the public about gardening and related areas as well as to enhance the community with beautification projects. Membership is open to anyone interested in gardening and community beautification. There are no dues. However, members are encouraged to participate in club activities and community service projects. For more information, visit brickgardenclub.com. Check

DAY TRIPS

MAR 16 – THE IRISH CABARET – STARING ANDY COONEY $136/pp at Hunderton Hills Playhouse - Includes lunch.

APRIL 24 – LONGWOOD GARDENS SPRING BLOOMS $129/pp

Includes lunch and admission.

APR 25 – SHEN YUN AT NJ PAC $229/pp

Includes lunch at Don Pepe.

APR 26 – GREEN DRAGON AMISH FRAMERS MARKET $70/pp Transportation ONLY.

APR 26 – GROUNDS FOR SCULPTURE $125/pp

Includes lunch and admission.

MAY 4 – BEEHIVE: THE 60’S MUSICAL $149/pp

Includes lunch at show - Hunterdon Hills Playhouse.

MAY 8 – BINGO WORLD! $60/pp

Transportation only. responsible for your own bingo cards.

MAY 15 – SIMPLY TINA AT CATSKILLS $125/pp

Includes $25 slot play and private lunch at epicCenter.

JUNE 25 – DANIEL AT SIGHT AND SOUND $169/pp

Includes lunch at Shady, Maple, and Center orchestra seat.

JULY 7 – NEW YORK YANKEES VS BOSTON REDSOX $318/pp

All inclusive suite. Includes ballpark, concessions menu, non-alcoholic beverages, domestic beer & bud light seltzers. AC in suite also, outdoor seating. Located left field.

BROADWAY SHOWS – INCLUDE LUNCH BEFORE SHOW & ORCHESTRA SEAT

MAY 20 – WATER FOR ELEPHANTS $199/pp

JUNE 26 – HELLS KITCHEN $175/pp

MULTI-DAY TRIPS

MAY 20-25 – 6 DAY GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS $1449/pp Dbl. Occ.

SEPT 2-5 – 4 DAY NEWPORT & BLOCK ISLAND $1079/pp Dbl. Occ.

SEPT 2-8 – 8 DAY NASHVILLE & MEMPHIS MUSIC CITY TOUR $1876/pp Dbl Occ.

SEPT 9-15 – 7 DAY MYRTLE BEACH $1399/pp Dbl. Occ.

CRUISES

NCL BREAKAWAY 7 DAY CANADA & NEW ENGLAND MID-SHIP BA $1846/pp Dbl. Occ.

Call office to inquire about additional cabin types and rates.

PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS ON TRIPS

Photo courtesy Brick Schools

First Responders Participate In Active Shooter Management Course

NOW INCLUDED! 10-YEAR PARTS & 10-YEAR LABOR LICENSED & INSURED

BRICK – On February 21, Brick Township Police, Fire, EMS and local police agencies participated in an active shooter incident management course. The training course was pre-

sented by the New Jersey State Police Public Safety and Security Unit. This training course is used as a training tool for our members in the event of an active shooter.

GOP:

Continued From Page 5

is at the top of the ticket. And, we’d like to have people who have similar values going down the line.”

“Not everyone is informed on where candidates stand and what their positions are,” Gilmore added. “Therefore, they rely upon the organization to select who with them should be supported.”

Gilmore said that it’s ultimately the quality of the candidates that should matter and pointed out that the line has been defeated in some cases. He suggested a ruling from the court (in Kim’s case) would most likely still allow candidates to be bracketed together, whether by party name or slogan.

Republican Convention Highlights

Former President Donald Trump, the sole presidential candidate seeking the organization’s endorsement, garnered resounding approval by voice vote within the county convention held at the Clarion Hotel in Toms River. Congressmen Chris Smith and Jeff Van

Drew faced no opposition in the Republican primary and were similarly met with enthusiastic affirmation.

Voters eligible to endorse Ocean County’s party line for the United States Senate did so discreetly within the confines of a voting booth. Curtis Bashaw, characterized as an entrepreneur, real estate developer, and job creator, clinched the line with over 70 percent of the vote in his favor.

A decision was made through a secret ballot to replace Toms Rivers’ official municipal club, Republicans for Toms River. This club had replaced the Toms River Regular Republican Club in 2021 under the leadership of former Chairman Frank B. Holman III. The majority of votes strongly supported reverting to the original club, which had been a fi xture for over five decades.

“I think the recognition of it being an official voting member club was improperly taken away for it for no good reason,” said Gilmore of the club that was reinstated. “There was a major disagreement between all Republicans, and the new club was hastily formed, and they hadn’t even met before they filed to be recognized.”

Spring Cra Fair

BRICK – The Ladies Auxiliary of Pioneer Hose Fire Company present their Spring Craft Fair on March 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Pioneer Hose

Photo courtesy Brick Police

Local Pets Available For Adoption

BRICK – Meet Bessie, the sweet 2-yearold lab mix looking for her forever home!

Bessie is a gentle soul weighing 55 lbs., and her heart is as big as her adorable paws. She’s a bit shy but opens up beautifully with love and patience.

Bessie is dreaming of a home with a doggy companion to share her days with. She thrives on the companionship of furry friends, making her the perfect addition to a loving family with other dogs.

This playful girl has a zest for life and enjoys the great outdoors, so a fenced yard

is a must for her to run and explore freely. She walks like a dream on a leash, making strolls in the neighborhood a joy for both Bessie and her lucky new family.

If you’re ready to open your heart and home to this lovable girl, come meet Bessie at the shelter. Let’s make Bessie’s dreams come true together! Share, tag, and spread the word to help her fi nd the perfect match. You can view this pet and more at jerseyshoreanimalcenter.org. They are located at 185 Brick Boulevard and can be reached at 732-920-1600.

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

NOTICE OF MEETING FOR THE BOARD OF SCHOOL ESTIMATE OF THE OCEAN COUNTY VOCATIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that the meeting of the Board of School Estimate of the Ocean County Vocational Technical School District is scheduled for Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at 3:00 p.m., in the Ocean County Administration Building, 101 Hooper Avenue, Room 304, Toms River, New Jersey, for the purpose of reviewing and approving the proposed budget for the Ocean County Vocational Technical School District for the 2024-2025 school year.

Formal action will be taken at this meeting.

Stephen J. Brennan, CPA, MBA Secretary, Board of School Estimate

Photo courtesy Jersey Shore Animal Center

AFSCME Local 3790, Lakewood, Volunteers For Charities

LAKEWOOD – AFSCME (American Federation of State and Municipal Employees) Local 3790, a union that represents inspectors, telecommunicators, and clerical employees who work for Lakewood Township, recently donated their time by volunteering at the food pantry of St. Vincent DePaul Society, a local Ocean County charity, located on the grounds of St. Mary of the Lake Church, Lakewood.

“The members of our local AFSCME have a big heart,” said Jimmy Esposito, president.

“Members wanted to give back to Lakewood, Ocean County, and the community at large by distributing food to the food insecure, clothing, and hygiene products. Hopefully this will be on a monthly basis. Members of AFSCME 3790 look forward to assisting many more charities in the months that come. It was an honor to work alongside St. Vincent DePaul Society.”

For more information, contact AFSCME president Jimmy Esposito at AFSCME local 3790@gmail.com.

Register Now For e Upcoming Girls T-Ball

And So ball Season

BRICK – Brick Recreation’s popular girls softball and t-ball leagues are perfect for introducing young people to and exciting sport they can play for years to come It is also a great program for girls to hone their skills as they grow older and get ready for more advanced leagues and programs.

Softball is available for girls grades 2nd to 12th. Tryouts for all new players and returning players moving to a different division will be held on:

• March 11 for 4th and 5th Grade

Division at 6 p.m.

• March 12 for 6th - 8th Grade Division at 6 p.m.

• March 13 for High School Division at 6 p.m.

All tryouts will be held at Civic Plaza. There will not be tryouts for 2nd and 3rd grade division. Registration fees include a 12-game season, playoffs and a T Shirt. Games are held on weekday evenings. Opening Day will be April 12! Register on Community Pass.

Photo courtesy AFSCME Local 3790

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

BRICK – The Brick Township High School STRONG Club offered students and opportunity to represent their understanding of love during Valentine’s Day. This activity was in conjunction with Teen

Dating Violence awareness month, empowering students to have a voice and advocate for positive decision-making. Students had an opportunity, during lunch, to represent “Love is...” messages on a

BTHS Students Of e Month - February

BRICK – Congratulations to the Students of the Month. Students are nominated by Brick Township High School staff members for outstanding effort in the classroom and positive contributions to our community. Students will be honored with a certificate, gift, and their names will be displayed on the marquee.

Gracie O’Brien, Grade 9: “Effort - Gracie has done A+ work on every assignment and assessment so far. Gracie was a model student this month in Environmental Science.” - Mr. K. Lynch Liana Clarke, Grade 10: “Liana is a diligent

student who gets started right away and does quality work. She takes pride in her work and strives to get every answer correct. She off to a great start and has been a pleasure to have in class.” - Mr. Dahl

Ryan Kemp, Grade 11: “Ryan brings positive energy and participates daily in physical education classes.” - Mr. Groschel

Christopher (CJ) Bayles, Grade 12: “CJ has been a big help to me. He helps others with a smile. He is doing great work in woodworking and a pleasure to have in class.” - Mr. J. Lynch

Book Signing With Mike “ e Situation” Sorrentino

BRICK – Get ready for a reality check like no other as you immerse yourself in Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino’s exhilarating memoir.

In this page-turning whirlwind of action-packed, unbelievable stories, Mike paints a raw and uncensored picture of his rise to stardom, steep fall, and amazing renaissance, all told with unwavering honesty.

Come get your copy of “Reality Check: Making the Best of The Situation – How

I Overcame Addiction, Loss, and Prison” signed on April 14 from 4 to 6 p.m. and join Mike on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the pursuit of living your best life.

A copy of the book purchased from the Barnes & Noble of Brick is required. Books can be purchased the day of the event, otherwise you must show your Brick Barnes and Noble receipt if you bought your copy ahead of time. Wristbands will be given out upon arrival.

Photo

heart.

Sound News

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

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

COCHLEAR HAIR CELLS…Say What?

Hearing loss affects about 50 million Americans and about 500 million people worldwide. More than 90% of individuals affected have sensorineural hearing loss, caused by damage to the inner ear and the destruction of the hair cells responsible for relaying sounds to the brain. Species like fish, birds, and reptiles can potentially regenerate hair cells, but not in mammals. It would be wonderful to just take a pill and all of a sudden you’re hearing is restored. This will more than likely not happen!

The cochlear hair cells in humans consist of rows of inner hair cells and outer hair cells. The inner hair cells are the actual sensory receptors, and 95% of the fibers of the auditory nerve that project to the brain arise from this subpopulation. In laymen terms, these hair cells convert mechanical energy into electrical energy that is transmitted to the central nervous system to the auditory

nerve to facilitate audition. The function of the outer hair cells in hearing is now perceived as that of a cochlear amplifier that refines the sensitivity and frequency selectivity of the mechanical vibrations of the cochlea. Outer hair cell damage causes hearing loss which more than likely is permanent. We are born with these hair cells, so if they die, you lose them and they don’t regenerate in mammals. However, never give up hope that someday there will be a solution. In my opinion, it will not occur with Stem Cell injections. Regenerating hair cells through gene therapy does hold promise so stay tuned.

Garden State Hearing & Balance Center has offices in Toms River, Manahawkin, & Whiting and can be reached at either 732-818-3610 or 609-978-8946 (Manahawkin) or visit us at www.gardenstatehearing.com. We Hear You & We are Here for You!

His offices are in Toms River, Whiting, and Manahawkin. He can be reached at 732-451-3962 or via Web site at gardenstatehearing.com. Dr. Izzy & Staff gives Retirement Community Talks!

Project Medicine Drop Box

BRICK – Did you know…There is a Project Medicine Drop box in the Brick Township Municipal Building? This box gives residents a place to discard unused and unwanted medications safely, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The medications dropped in the box are maintained

under the custody of the Brick Township Police Department who then destroys them in accordance with rules and procedures governing controlled substances. The Project Medicine Drop box is located in the municipal building adjacent to the Police Department front desk.

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

Catching Measles Early: A Quick Guide To Symptoms

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Have you been hearing about “measles” and wondering about it?

We’ve seen some cases across the United States lately, and this is a very contagious virus.

Originating thousands of years ago, measles has a distinctive rash. The rash, however, doesn’t occur until maybe day 5 after what looks like a cold or flu illness.

Unlike the flu, measles is picky, targeting only humans. It doesn’t infect animals. Highly contagious, it spreads through the air, making it a sneaky invader. Though the thought might send shivers down your spine, fear not! Cases are rare, with only 35 reported in various states so far in 2024. Contrast that with 1,274 cases in 2019. So I don’t want to frighten anyone, just inform you about symptoms so you can spot it right away and keep your kids at home.

Knowledge is power. Recognizing symptoms early can make all the difference.

Here’s the lowdown: Symptoms kick in about 10 to 14 days after exposure, mimicking a cold or flu. Look out for a high fever (like 103- or 104-degrees Fahrenheit), runny nose, cough, sore throat, red watery eyes, and the tell-tale tiny white spots in the mouth.

As the disease progresses, a rash joins the scene, with a fever that refuses to quit! It can remain for the whole duration of the illness.

Feeling tired, losing your appetite, and wanting to sleep is pretty typical. Measles could be the culprit. But here’s the kicker: Not everyone will feel the full brunt of these symptoms, and some might dodge

the bullet altogether and never even catch it! That’s good news.

Some of us are naturally shielded. So, some people don’t get measles even after they’ve been exposed to it because they’ve either had it in the past so they have natural immunity, or they received an MMR vaccination, or maybe they just have a superhero immune system to fight it off! Either way, exposure does not guarantee sickness.

In the spirit of keeping it light, because I hate to invoke fear, remember: If you or your little ones are under the weather, play it safe and keep them at home. They are contagious before the rash even makes its grand entrance!

Measles can spread like wildfire during what seems like just a harmless cold with sniffles. So, an individual is probably most contagious before the tell-tale body rash appears!

So, let’s wrap this up with a reminder about the high fever that always accompanies measles… be careful. Don’t go it alone. Seeking medical advice is your best bet! That’s because complications can arise like pneumonia, an earache, or encephalitis.

By staying informed and cautious, we can keep measles at bay, one sneeze at a time.

Early detection and a call to your pediatrician or Family Care specialist can help prevent the drama from escalating. Also, if you’d like to read a longer version, I will post more about measles, and remedies at my website, suzycohen. com. Please share this article with people you love.

Beware Of The Do-It-Yourself Will

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

It happens several times each year, a client walks into my office with a document entitled “Last Will and Testament” and asks me to review it. The document is always a will that the client attempted to draft on his or her own. In some cases they used a form book from the library, in other cases they used an online service or a software program which they purchased. In a few instances, they will attempt to copy another will, either their own prior will or someone else’s. In almost every instance, the document does not meet the requirements for a will in the State of New Jersey putting them in a position where they either have no will at all or which requires a court to interpret the document for them, which could cost their estates a lot of money.

Marc S. Galella Esq.

scenario, the court may rule that there is no will at all, thus subjecting the estate to go through administration, where the cost of posting a surety bond could easily exceed $1,000.00 each year in an average estate. Clearly, any savings of trying to write your own will could be wiped out by the potential costs if the will is not drafted properly.

I believe that drafting your own will is like trying to remove your own gall bladder. There is a small chance that you may do it right, but there is a far greater chance that you won’t. In over 100 do-it-yourself wills that I have reviewed, not one was a valid will that would have been probated with the Surrogate’s office.

Some people will try to draft wills themselves because they want to put in certain wording. In some cases, the wording that they are trying to put in their wills is either illegal, impractical or impossible to carry out. For example, one client wanted to leave all the assets to the executor named in the will and let the executor determine how the assets should be divided. In other words, the executor would be making the very decisions that the maker of the will should have made.

When I ask the client why they attempted to draft their own will, the most common answer I receive is that they wanted to save money. Other times they will tell me that they wrote the will themselves because an attorney refused to prepare the will they way they wanted it. In one instance a client told me he drafted his own will because he did not understand the “legalese” he saw in wills and he wanted a will that he and his family could understand.

Looking at the various reasons why people draft their own wills I find that most of them are not valid. As noted, the most common reason people try to make their own wills is to save money. This is most often an illusion. In Ocean County the average cost of preparing a will varies from $200 to $400. The cost of having to go to court if the will is not drafted property can be as high as $5,000.00. In a worst-case

Finally, wills are drafted by attorneys using terms and concepts that date back to medieval England. Those terms and concept have a specific meaning in the law. Often those terms are not readily understood by the non-lawyer. By attempting to draft a will using common English, in many cases a person will create an ambiguity that can only be resolved by a court at great expense to the person’s estate. In one case, when faced with two conflicting clauses concerning the payment of death taxes and not understanding either clause, the client put both clauses into the will and said let the executor decide which clause should apply. One can only imagine what the Internal Revenue Service would have done with that logic.

Your will is the most important document you will ever sign. It only makes sense to have it prepared by an attorney knowledgeable in estate law rather than try to do it yourself. The modest cost of having an attorney prepare the will is offset by the potential costs if the will is not drafted properly.

P OLICE B LOTTER

Daughter Charged In LBI Double Murder Found Guilty

By Alyssa Riccardi

SURF CITY – After a nearly four weeklong jury trial, a Pennsylvania woman has been found guilty of killing her father and his girlfriend in their Surf City home, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

Sherry Lee Heffernan, 57, of Landenberg, Pennsylvania, was found guilty of two counts of Murder in connection with the deaths of John Enders and Francoise Pitoy.

The jury concluded beyond a reasonable doubt that Heffernan purposely or knowingly caused the deaths of Enders and Pitoy. The jury also found Heffernan guilty of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose – specifically, a handgun, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (handgun), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose - specifically, a knife, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (knife).

In addition, the jury determined that Heffernan was guilty of using a handgun and a knife in the commission of the murders. Heffernan is scheduled to be sentenced on May 10 at which time she faces life in prison.

On October 3, 2021, officers from the Surf City Police Department were conducting a welfare check on residents who lived on North 7th Street. Inside, police discovered the bodies of John Enders, 87, of Surf City, and Francoise Pitoy, 75, of Manchester.

On October 4, 2021, the Ocean County Medical Examiner performed a post-mortem examination of Enders and determined the cause of his death to be multiple stab wounds with severance of the right carotid artery and blunt force trauma.

The following day, a post-mortem examination of Pitoy determined the cause of her death to be multiple stab wounds as well as a gunshot wound to the face.

After seeing the gunshot wound on Pitoy,

the Medical Examiner performed an additional examination of Enders and found that he also suffered a gunshot wound to the face.

Police ultimately determined that Heffernan, 55, who is Enders’ daughter, was responsible for their deaths.

Pennsylvania State Police arrested Heffernan on October 4, 2021, at her home and on October 20, 2021, she was returned to New Jersey where she’s been lodged in the Ocean County Jail since.

Prosecutor Billhimer applauds the outstanding efforts of Chief Trial Attorney Michael Weatherstone and Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Kristin Pressman, who ably and skillfully tried the case on behalf of the State. The Prosecutor likewise extends his gratitude to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Intelligence Squad, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Surf City Police Department, Long Beach Township Police Department, Stafford Township Police Department, New Jersey State Police, Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office, Ocean County Motor Vehicle Services, Pennsylvania State Police, Collegeville (Pennsylvania) Police Department, Horsham Township (Pennsylvania) Police Department, Montgomery County (Pennsylvania) District Attorney’s Office, Chester County (Pennsylvania) District Attorney’s Office, Maryland State Police, and North East (Maryland) Police Department, for their combined and collective efforts investigating and solving these heinous and senseless crimes - ultimately resulting in the guilty verdicts. Send your community events to

Sherry

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

New Jersey’s Community Colleges Expand Reach

NEW JERSEY – The New Jersey Council of County Colleges (NJCCC) is proud to announce the launch of a new website at njcommunitycolleges.org, as a centralized, more organized, cohesive place for community college information, initiatives, and resources. The new site will be an important resource for community colleges, partners, students, and businesses.

The new website combines njccc.org and njworkforce.org, the former website of the Council’s Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development, into a single online presence.

Governed by the presidents and trustees of the state’s 18 community colleges and enshrined in state law, the New Jersey Council of County Colleges (NJCCC) supports New Jersey’s community colleges and the more than 230,000 students they serve annually

across 49 locations by fostering collaboration and developing solutions that expand access to college, promote equity and student success, and create a skilled workforce to drive economic growth.

The new website will better support the Council’s efforts by providing information in a more streamlined and efficient manner to all of our audiences. This new virtual presence mirrors the growth and rapidly changing landscape of New Jersey’s 18 Community Colleges to meet the demands of students and employers.

The website serves as the single place for information and resources relating to the Council, its committees, and core function and the work of the Council’s New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development. The website provides information on events,

leadership, staff, news, and press releases in this newly branded platform.

The website also highlights the Council and Consortium’s priority initiatives, including New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities, that is aligning education with the needs of the economy, and initiatives to expand access to basic need supports for community college students, to support the expansion of apprenticeship programs, to assist adult learners, to assist more high school students to prepare for college, and to strengthen essential skills through the humanities.

The website also includes a fi rst look at the Community Colleges’ call to action and partnership entitled, “New Jersey’s Opportunity Agenda: Building Pathways to Equity and Economic Prosperity.” This agenda, developed by the Council and the 18 community colleges, is a shared com-

Coaches Wanted For Girls Tee Ball And So ball

BRICK – Brick Recreation is on the lookout for passionate individuals who love softball and tee ball to join as volunteer coaches for the upcoming 2024 girls tee ball and softball seasons. If you’re enthusiastic, love working with kids, and

want to make a positive impact in the community, they want you!

Coaches are needed for the following divisions:

Tee Ball

2nd-3rd grade

4th-5th grade

6th-8th grade

High school

Coaches are eligible to have free registration

mitment to action and novel policies and innovations that can help New Jersey adapt and thrive in this moment of complex and rapid change.

The website also serves to connect interested students to the community college serving their county and connects businesses to an array of programs and services. An interactive map on our new platform quickly connects students and businesses to the college community of their choice. Online forms allow organizations to partner with New Jersey’s Community Colleges, businesses to get involved, or questions to be answered.

We welcome all New Jerseys to use the website to partner with the Council, the Consortium, and state’s 18 community colleges to expand economic opportunity and build a skilled workforce in our state.

for one child. Anyone interested in serving as a coach should call Brick Recreation at 732-2624622 or email jnapoli@twp.brick.nj.us. All coaches subject to a background check by the Recreation Department.

Ortley Beach/Seaside - Waterfront 3 bedroom 2 bath with superb sunsets from your patio/deck and bayfront private home. Freshly painted interior with new flooring...very clean and quiet. $2,500 w/ Possible Boat Slip 908-278-5491. (11)

Spacious 2 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom Apartment for Rent - In Covered Bridge 55+ community, Manalapan. Fully renovated, new appliances, private patio, walking to clubhouse, pool. $1,950 per month. 732-829-5399. (14)

Items Wanted

COSTUME/ESTATE JEWEL-

RY 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, bric-a-brac, select china and crystal patterns. Cash paid. Over 35 years experience. Call Gary Struncius. 732-849-6068 (new number). (t/n)

Vinyl Records Wanted - Paying cash for LP albums. Rock, Reggae, Blues, Jazz. Also buying Comic Books . Call Rick 908-616-7104 (t/n)

CASH PAID!! LP records - stereos, musical instruments, guitar, saxophone, CD’s, reel tapes, music related items. Come to you. 732-804-8115. (44)

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 - Top dollar, paid for junk, cars running and nonrunning, late model salvage, cars and trucks, etc. 732-928-3713. (t/n)

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)

CLASSIFIEDS

Help Wanted

Gardeners Wanted - To maintain & plant small gardens. I work with entrepreneurs to build specialty gardening businesses. Call Sue 732-691-7250. (13)

Seeking Responsible Individual With Good Phone Skills - Experience In Hvac & Permits A Plus. Filing/Answering Phones/ Scheduling/Permits/Ordering Parts/ Customer Service. Great Work Environment. $15/Hour 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Paid Holidays. Call Care Temp Heating & AC at 732-349-1448 Or Fax Resume To 732-349-6448. (t/n)

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)

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

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

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)

Micromedia Publications is looking for a high-energy account rep to sell print and online advertising in Ocean County. Competitive base, bonuses & company benefits. Successful applicant should possess good communication skills & a desire to grow with the company. E-Mail resumes to jallentoff@jersey shoreonline.com. EOE. (t/n)

Services

Brazilian House Cleaner! - Good References and Free estimate! Call me to a appointment! Lucy 732-966-5142. (14)

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)

Do You Want Your Car To Look

Nice And Shine - Call Lenny. Lenny's Mobile Auto Detailing 908-868-4609. (16)

Housecleaning - Painting, shopping, laundry, window cleaning, carpet cleaning, office cleaning. Very good prices. 732-773-5078, 848-287-3944. (t/n)

Services Services Services Services

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. (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)

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)

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. (10)

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)

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. (8)

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

THE RIDE GUY - Takes you anywhere! No limits. Comfy mini-van. Call Charlie 732-216-3176 or Email: cr@ exit109.com. References. Let's Go! (t/n)

discounts interior exterior. Call 732-506-7787, cell 646-643-7678. (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 JOB TOO SMALL! (20)

Handyman Solutions. All Home Improvement and Repairs. Carpentry •Doors •Windows •Bathrooms •Kitchen •Tile •Flooring •Decks •Vinyl Railings •Masonry •Drywall •Painting •Electric •Plumbing •More. Licensed. Insured. Emergency Service Available. 609-384-9030. (3)

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I Answer The Phone - Cash paid for records. Reel to reel. 33/45. Call Eddie 732-829-5908 for fast deal. Travel to you. (13)

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. (10)

Coins Coins Coins - Local collector buying coins, silver and currency. Highest prices paid on the spot. I come to you. Call Chris 848-210-7372. (14)

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)

Let's clean YOURS the way WE clean OURS! - Home, Commercial, Office, Airbnb. Family Operated. Call 845-648-6313. (13)

Painting - Special Fall Pricing. Interior/Exterior. Meticulous work. All materials and jobs guaranteed. Fully licensed and insured. $ave. Call 732-850-5060. (47)

ATCO Painting & Home Improvements - Interior exterior painting. Interior woodwork. Fully insured. Free estimates Lic#13VHO4548900. 27 years experience. Tommy 609-661-1657. (10)

Lisa's Cleaning - Excellent references. I work alone. I have my own supplies. Please call Lisa at 732-581-0409.

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)

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. 848-224-0516. email woolnoughkris@gmail.com. (t/n)

A1 HANDYMAN SERVICESOver 30 years experience in all phases of home improvements. Free estimates and referrals. Call John 267475-7962 or 732-477-0379. (17)

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AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

NJCCC Responds To Governor’s Cuts To Community Colleges

NEW JERSEY – Governor Murphy’s Fiscal Year 2025 proposed State Budget drastically reduces critical state investment in New Jersey’s community colleges, inexplicably cutting $20 million from this historically underfunded but vital sector of higher education.

“This proposed 12 percent reduction in state investment significantly undermines the critical work of community colleges to build an equitable, innovative, and prosperous New Jersey,” said Aaron Fichtner, PhD, President of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges. “We now call on the State Legislature to restore the vital resources we need to serve

our students, employers, and communities.”

The proposed reduction jeopardizes the operation of New Jersey’s 18 community colleges - which serve over 230,000 residents and power the key industries of our state’s economy. Community colleges, which typically serve the most economically vulnerable students, will be forced to make difficult decisions, including raising tuition, cutting programs and student supports, and reducing staffing.

Even before this proposed reduction, New Jersey’s community colleges rank toward the bottom of the nation for state funding. Governor Murphy’s budget strips out the

same $20 million the community colleges received last year with the help of the State Legislature in the FY 2024 state budget. This increase, while important, still left our colleges far behind their counterparts in other states and well behind where we would be if funding kept pace with inflation.

As our newly released Opportunity Agenda makes clear, at this moment when New Jersey is facing rapid and complex economic, technological, social, and climate changes, New Jersey’s 18 community colleges need expanded resources, not cuts to operating aid. Our colleges have a plan to address

equity and economic prosperity, including helping all high school students get on a path to postsecondary and career success, helping our employers thrive in the global digital economy, and helping working learners, unemployed and underemployed adults, student parents, justice-impacted individuals, individual with disabilities, immigrants and refugees achieve lifelong academic and career mobility. New Jersey’s community colleges do this work with a relentless commitment to equity, accountability, and results—but our work requires adequate state funding, not budget cuts.

Built For Speed – e Cheetah’s Life Is Di cult

By Renee A. Thomaier

Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

Weighing in between 75 and 125 pounds, the cheetah stands between 28 and 36 inches tall at the shoulder. The male is slightly larger than the female. They have larger heads but unlike other big cats, distinguishing between the male and female is not so obvious.

The cheetah has a deep chest and thin frame. Their large nostrils allow them to process greater amounts of oxygen through their circulatory system of strong arteries. Long legs, slender body, flexible spine, and retractable claws allow them to reach unbe-

lievable top speeds of 70 mph. The cheetah has a long muscular tail which works to stabilize the body, adjusting to movement of the prey, allowing for sharp, sudden turns at high speeds. It is important to note that the cheetah is a sprinter and must catch their prey in 30 seconds or less. At such incredible speeds they are unable to maintain it for much longer.

The female raises her one to four cubs alone which have about a 50 percent survival rate in the wild. Hunting causes her cubs to be alone, exposing her cubs to threats from buffalo, lions, and hyena, to name a few. They leave the mother between 16 and 24 months.

The lifespan of a cheetah is approximately 10 – 12 years, the male’s being more like 8 years. This difference is due in part to competing groups of males occupying territories.

Cheetahs face many threats: habitat loss, illegal pet trade, hunting, loss of kills to larger predators, poaching, decline in prey population. The greatest threat is the conflict with humans. As human populations expand and encroach upon the cheetah’s natural habitats, cheetahs encounter humans and their livestock, resulting in retaliatory killings.

Currently the cheetah is listed as ‘vulnerable’ though some scientists are

calling for uplifting its status to ‘endangered.’ Various conservation initiatives are working to help the cheetah with some programs raising public awareness of the cheetah’s vulnerability. It would be a devastating loss to lose another species. 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.

OCC’s Grunin Center Hosts Princeton Singers

By Bob Vosseller

TOMS

RIVER

– Celebrating 40 years of music-making this season, The Princeton Singers recently performed at Ocean County College’s Grunin Center.

Under the direction of conductor-composer Steven Sametz, The Princeton Singers provided their special brand of music. Their programs include everything from a medieval chant to Renaissance masters, from Aboriginal ritual music to Igbe chanting and Arab-Andalusian muwashahat, headlining festivals in China, Great Britain, and the U.S.

Their Christmas specials are a featured part of the holiday programming of the WWFM-Classical network and the ensemble’s innovative programming is often on display at the Princeton University Art Museum, pairing Rothko paintings with music of György Ligeti, Jasper Johns with John Cage, Baroque German art with music of Heinrich Schütz, and Indian choral music with photography from India.

The Singers have been hailed as “masterful

choral singers” with a “rich vocal color” and “flowing choral tone.”

Committed to the creation of new choral music, The Princeton Singers serves as choir-in-residence at the biennial Lehigh University Summer Choral Composers Forum. The ensemble premieres new works by up to 22 aspiring composers from around the globe in a week-long practicum.

The Princeton Singers has commissioned Pulitzer Prize winners Aaron J. Kernis and Steven Stucky to create new works for them. Their most recent CD, “To The Stars,” features works by Steven Sametz.

They also served as Horger Artists-in-Residence at Lehigh University in the fall of 2021, presenting talks and recording new works by Lehigh student composers as part of their commitment to educational outreach.

For information about shows at the Grunin Center visit, grunincenter.org or call the Box Office at 732-255-0500. Visit the Box Office for OCC staff, student, and military rates.

The Princeton Singers recently performed at Ocean County College’s Grunin Center.

Photos courtesy Grunin Center at OCC

FUN & GAMES SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Across

1 Drains of energy

5 Prefix with sphere

9 Jousting weapon

14 Drive-__ ATM

15 Have to have

16 Negatively charged particle

17 Many millennia

18 Surrealist Salvador

19 Muscular

20 *Broadcast quality determined by a car antenna

23 NFL six-pointers

24 Beer barrel

25 One, in Germany

26 *Sine or cosine, for short

32 Mongolia’s continent

34 Load, as cargo

35 Movement-sensing game console

36 Get set, casually

37 Fireplace ducts

39 “You said the

same thing as me!”

40 Go kaput

41 Sheet music sym-

bol

42 Really, really stinky

43 *Issue best kept within the clan

47 Cry inconsolably

48 “__ go time!”

49 Boxer’s stat

52 Tongue-in-cheek description of a mullet, and of the answers to the starred clues

57 Move rapidly toward

58 Sweetie

59 Double Stuf cookie

60 Cosmetician Lauder

61 “Yes, let’s do it!”

62 Actor Sharif

63 Youngster

64 Sitcom backgrounds

65 Breathe hard Down

1 Microwave button

2 Coming up

3 Urges along

4 Gymnast Lee who won a gold medal at the 2020 Olympics

5 Nobel Peace Prize winner Sakharov

6 Hard-boiled Chinese snack

7 Sporty Spice of the Spice Girls

8 Garfield’s drooling frenemy

9 Crisscross pie crust pattern

10 Bless with oil

11 Yucat n boy

12 Last name of filmmakers Ethan and Joel

13 Come to a close

21 Bhindi masala pod

22 Isn’t yet decided

26 Felt-__ marker

27 Material in a lint trap

28 Abu Dhabi’s fed.

29 “Victory is mine!”

30 Pigpen grunt

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31 Put the kibosh on 32 “Eri tu,” but not “Eres Tu”

33 Look like

36 Many an email attachment

37 Low-altitude airplane pass

38 “Miss Saigon”

Tony winner Salonga

39 Salsa container

41 Formed clumps

42 Get out of bed

44 Holy Land nation

45 Step-counting device

46 Capital of Greece

49 Cosmic balance

50 Salty expanse

51 Hybrid garment

52 Pull’s opposite

53 Voting against

54 Bird in Egyptian art

55 First line on a form, often

56 “Touched your nose!” sound

57 TiVo remote button

CROSSWORD PUZZLE SUDOKU SOLUTIONS

FOR THE WEEK OF MAR 10 - MAR 16

BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS

OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Some people become sidetracked by competition, but you are likely ready to stand your ground once you have made a commitment. Accept advice about finances or a purchase to help make a dynamic change.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You may want to be that person who casually wanders up to the keyboard and entertains at the party. You may have a special ability, but you may need to put in more practice before you can amaze everyone.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) : You probably aren’t working for approval from others, but to prove to yourself that you can get things accomplished. You should possess the drive and energy to finish a home project or complete a complicated task.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Someone may be more demonstrative or show more appreciation and affection than usual. Whisper a few sweet nothings in a special ear and you may be able to experience some seriously luxurious moments.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) : Accepting someone’s wise advice or making some intelligent changes could improve your financial security during the next few days. You can solidify your relationships by engaging in spiritual discovery or sharing.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Later this week you might stumble upon an opportunity or decide to try out new ideas. You may find exactly what you have desired. Exercise the wisdom and vision to make key decisions that work out in your favor.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Be ready to spice up your love life with extra passion as the week unfolds. There could be an excellent opportunity to discuss a joint future with a special someone. Friends might offer surprising input.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) : You could meet someone deeply inspiring or someone who changes your viewpoint in the coming week. If single and in Cinderella cycles, it could be the person of your dreams. Otherwise, enjoy a unique friendship.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): It is doubtful anyone will expect you to conform to traditional standards in the upcoming week. There may be numerous changes that require innovation, which may mean that you can experiment on your own.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) : Pay attention this week while your luck and wisdom are likely at a zenith. Consider embracing any excellent opportunities to launch important plans or to make sound decisions. Exercise determination to follow through.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Getting people to enjoy losing money is the secret behind most kinds of gambling. Any indulgence is probably meaningless until you realize what you’re spending every month. Start planning for long-term goals.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You may be your own worst critic. If you let your insecurities run wild, you may see flaws that don’t exist and find ways to sabotage yourself. Learn to see things to admire within yourself, and validate them.

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