2024-04-13 - The Brick Times

BRICK e

Wood Carver’s Passion Creates Unique Art

Insurance Company as an IBM machine operator. The job at Prudential set the path of his future careers in the computer technology field.

By Alyssa Riccardi

BRICK – Figurines and characters of all shapes and sizes were meticulously handcrafted from wood by one Brick Township man. Gregory Reissner showcases his intricate woodworking which

explores many traditional methods and personifies his exquisite craftmanship.

Reissner was born and raised in Newark.

After graduating from West Side High School in 1957, he went to work for Prudential

When Reissner moved to Brick Township in 1967, he took a job as a civilian employee with the United States Army, followed by working for Merck Pharmaceutical Company where he remained for the next 23 years, and from which he retired.

When he was get-

BlueClaws 2024 Season Now At Bat

The ShoreTown Ballpark, Lakewood, awaits its opening night unveiling prior to

By Bob

Vosseller JERSEY SHORE –Spring is in the air and opening night for the Jersey Shore BlueClaws had the minor league baseball team in full action at the ShoreTown Ballpark in Lakewood for another exciting season.

The BlueClaws are a Minor League Baseball team of the South At-

lantic

Philadelphia

on April 5.

A few days earlier, BlueClaws General Manager Bob McLane and Vice President of

(Blue ClawsSee Page 5)

ting close to retiring, he expressed how he pursued his passion for woodcarving fulltime.

“I probably started seriously back in 1993 after I retired, but I was carving before that. About 30 to 40 years at least,” he said. “My friend and I used to watch people who had retired. We both came to the same conclusion that if you don’t have something to do when you’re retired, you’re

(Wood CarverSee Page 4)

Canopies Banned After Beach Loses Sand

Looking at Brick Beach 3 from 6th Avenue, it’s clear to see that large tents would take up a lot of space.

By Judy Smestad-Nunn

BRICK - There has been a significant loss of sand at the township’s three ocean beaches due to erosion from winter storms.

As a result, the governing body has passed an ordinance that forbids canopies and tents on township beaches because there is less space available for Brick beachgoers. The only exception is

The long-awaited Army Corps of Engineers Beach Replenishment Project - a federal project to replenish sand, held up in red tape - will not be completed this summer, and does not have an anticipated start date, said Councilman Perry Albanese

(Beach- See Page 4)

Homelessness Task Force Taking Shape

By Stephanie Faughnan TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Board of Commissioners recently appointed the first round of Ocean County Homelessness Trust Fund task force members. Government officials and representatives from five local non-profit or-

ganizations make up the first round of individuals whose first order of business will be to establish by-laws with the assistance of county counsel for approval by the Commissioner Board.

The initial wave of threeyear appointments to the task force includes Barbara “Bobbi Jo” Crea, Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, liaison to the Homelessness Trust Fund. Also among the appointees are Tracy Maksel, Director of the Ocean County Department of Human Services, and Maria LaFace, Director

(HomelessSee Page 5)

Pictured is resident Gregory Reissner carving one of his many characters from wood.

Photo by Alyssa Riccardi

You can view Gregory Reissner’s work at the Brick Municipal building.

Photo courtesy Brick Township Historical Society

Photo by Judy Smestad-Nunn for “baby tents,” no larger than 40” x 40” used to shade infants and small children.

the BlueClaws first game of the season.

Photo by Bob Vosseller

League and the High-A affiliate of the

Phillies. They faced off against the Aberdeen IronBirds in a home game

Wood Carver:

Continued From Page 1

going to be in trouble. So, I decided since I was already doing some carving that I would take it seriously.”

Reissner always liked working with wood, and volunteered his time and talent building stage sets for the Brick Township Children’s Theater.

Over the years Reissner had purchased books about the different types of carving. “One of the things I also did when I retired was, I started to buy books. I do the carving from the book, so some of them take longer – to figure out how to do it.

Beach:

Continued From Page 1

during a recent council meeting. “Therefore, with limited space on the beach, the township’s Recreation Committee is in favor of this resolution to ensure all beachgoers have the ability to enjoy the beach with less intrusive intrusion from canopies and tents,” he said.

During public comment, resident Vic Finelli asked what percentage of the beach has been lost.

“Well, that’s a moving target on almost a daily basis - how much sand we’ve lost - because it’s just a constant ebb and flow,

Some of them are easier to do,” he said. One of his creations on display is a wooden bowl, with different shades of wood and ornate designs.

“The bowl is very intricated – it’s what they call segmented turning, that was turned on a wood lathe. It’s made up of many parts glued together, then rounded out and fashioned on the lathe,” he said.

He began his carving career making ducks and swans, he also made trucks and earth moving toys. Reissner eventually found his interest carving figures of people.

“I don’t know why but I do a lot of Santa Clauses; I’ve done a variety of them, almost every country has its own version. United States has the classic Santa we know;

because the replenishment is not here to give us the beach that we need to allow for these canopies and tents,” said Township Business Administrator Joanne Bergin. “That’s clear.” Finelli asked if prohibiting tents and canopies would result in a loss of beach revenue.

Councilwoman Heather deJong said people can still put up regular beach umbrellas, they just can’t have “the giant canopies…it impacts the amount of space that people will be able to use on the beach.”

After the meeting, Bergin said that the township has been advised that the Army Corps has released the pre-solicitation for the Beach Replenishment Project.

“They have finally completed the process for clearing the multiple protests from the

Austria and Germany, Finland, they all have something of a different Santa Claus – different traditions that go with it. But they all come down to the same theme,” Reissner said.

“The characters are all done by hand by a carving knife. It’s a small hand knife, you need something to do the details with in the faces,” Reissner added. Reissner discussed how he’s recently been crafting gnomes, as his granddaughter loves the fantasy figures.

“I’ve made about 50 to 60 of them. My granddaughter is a guidance counselor. So, when then children come into her office, they give all the gnomes names and talk about them. It’s a nice distraction for the

kids when they come in. The kids love to go to her office in school,” he said.

Currently, Reissner is crafting wooden boxes that adorn engraved designs and writings.

“I’ve run into a little problem with my hands, arthritis is starting to set in, and it’s hard to do some of the fi ne details on the characters. So, what I do with the boxes is I engrave the boxes with a name on it. It’s what they call chip carving. It’s a very simple form of carving. It looks like a lot of detail but in reality, it’s not,” he said.

You can check out Reissner’s collection that is on display at the Brick Township municipal building located at 401 Chambers Bridge Road.

original bid and subsequent request for negotiation,” she wrote in an email after the council meeting.

“In order to rebid, the Corps had to reduce the scope of the project to meet the requirements of being a new bid,” which they anticipated putting out to bid in March, she said.

The Army Corps has advised Brick that they cannot begin to discuss a beach replenishment timeline until the project is bid and a low bidder has been identified.

According to Brick’s Director of Recreation

Dan Santaniello, the most erosion spans from Brick Beach 3 and south to 6th Avenue. He said his department “has their work cut out for them” to ensure the beaches are ready for the holiday weekend.

“We will start moving all the piles of sand that built up on walkways, and also the berms that don’t have any vegetation, onto the beach area starting the last weekend of April,” he said after the council meeting.

“We will then start pushing sand up from the water line to make the slope less of an incline than it is today,” he said. “I hope Mother Nature also helps out a little in bringing sand closer to shore so that we get more sand to work with.”

During the winter, storm waves move sand offshore, and during the summer, wave conditions move sand back onto the beach. Summer shoaling begins in early April, and by July the township beaches normally triple in size, but sand is needed now.

Blue Claws:

Continued From Page 1

Communications Greg Giombarrese hosted a pre-season kickoff event to showcase what was in store for fans and visitors this spring and summer.

Tours were conducted for visitors throughout the day and BlueClaws Director of Partnership Services Zack Nicol, Sr. was busy providing one to a family who got an overview of the field from one of the 16 luxury suites.

“This is a nice first look at the ballpark. I think there was 5,800 and something seats here. There are also picnic areas and our party decks. We got new ownership in 2018 so we have a whole lot of new stuff here,” he said. Nicol added, “we have a nine-hole mini-golf course at right field. I can’t name any other team that has that so that is pretty cool. Center field has trailers that open up to be boardwalk games - hoop shots, balloon darts, and ring toss. We have some inflatable attractions as well. That is our kid’s area.”

Homeless:

Continued From Page 1

of the Ocean County Office of Senior Services. Five representatives from local private or non-profit organizations known for their work in assisting the homeless or providing low-income housing have also been appointed to serve three-year terms. These include Mark Harding from Soldier On, Steve Heisman from

He noted the adult area includes “our sand bar where we have our thirsty Thursdays and summer concert series. This is a really cool ball park. When you come to a game, make sure you check out all the places. There is so much going on here that people aren’t sitting in their seats as much.”

Nicol said that “we started revamping these luxury suites and we are looking to revamp all of them in the next handful of years. They hold typically between 20 to 25 people. You have the outdoor and indoor seating so this is great if it is raining or cool. There is a TV in here, you can do your own catering, you have your own suite server. Depending on the time of year you’re looking at between $600 to $800 range to rent it out for a game.”

Another recent addition is a shore themed bar and food area inside the stadium near the entry areas for the luxury suites.

Giombarrese shared a fun fact, “we’ve had 807 players play for the BlueClaws. Our oldest player was a 30-year-old and our youngest was 19. We have had 123 players who have made it to the pros; we just had

Habcore, Glen McDonald from Homes for All, Elizabeth Golla from Family Promise, and Kim Santora from Toms River Housing and Homeless.

“All of these individuals bring a great deal of expertise and compassion to the table,” Crea said. “They will look at the issues faced by our seniors, veterans, families, and individuals struggling with homelessness, and together, we will make the best decisions on how to fund programs that will provide the most help.”

one do it two days ago.”

He told Jersey Shore Online.com that among the special events that the park offers, “we have this program (Veterans Night Out) where we collect names of fallen military heroes and then for our Military Appreciation Night game in July, these heroes’ names are placed on the back of jerseys worn by BlueClaws players. Then after the game, the jerseys are presented to the families of the fallen heroes in a very moving ceremony.”

McLane said “we have a similar program that honors fi rst responders as well. Our Kid’s Night Out program is similar in nature to our Vets Night Out program, but serves underserved youth throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties. We want to make sure that people that don’t normally have the ability to come to the ball park and enjoy all the fun things that others do to come out and give them a taste of what we have going on.”

“They coincide with our Medusa games through the co-initiative of minor league baseball and there are three of them on the calendar this year,” McLane added.

Joining these government officials and non-profit representatives for one-year terms will be three municipal business administrators: Joanne Bergin from Brick, Patrick Donnelly of Lakewood, and Jonathan Salonis from Toms River. These appointments specifically target the municipalities with the highest homeless populations, according to the results of last year’s Point-in-Time count. This is when social workers and volunteers met with homeless throughout the state to get

He stressed that the environment he wants to promote is “family friendly and fun atmosphere. We specialize in the three-to-four-hour vacation so that families can come to the ball park right in their back yard, forget about life for a little bit and give everybody the opportunity to come to ShoreTown and not worry about the outside world.”

When asked if the team has a slogan, McLane noted that the original slogan was “great family entertainment just got closer to home.” He said that “Greg (Giombarrese) and I have been talking about this, not that we have one for this season but we are really leaning into the idea that ‘ShoreTown is your town.’”

He added this came “with the idea that we went through the rebrand (from the Lakewood BlueClaws to the Jersey Shore BlueClaws) and the purpose was to really re-enforce the fact that we are that regional brand.”

“We are our own little beach town here in Lakewood and letting people know that it doesn’t matter where you are from, this is the place you can call home and it’s yours,” McLane added.

an accurate count of who they are, where they are, and what their needs are.

When the 2024 data is counted, said Maksel, “We may need to add additional municipalities depending on those numbers because we are required to have the municipalities that represent the largest homeless populations.”

The task force will also be further enhanced with additional appointments in the future. These appointments will be staggered to ensure

(Homeless - See Page 15)

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY

The Internet Has Ruined Weirdos For Me

Among the many, many things that the internet has ruined, one thing I miss is talking to weirdos.

For me, weirdos were just harmless folks who marched to the beat of a different drummer. You’d see them from far away and realize they were interesting. Everyone else on the street could be a background character in a movie, a nameless extra. But not them. No, they were definitely the scene stealer.

Their clothes were eccentric. Their eyes were far away, working something out in their brain. In a bit of friendly conversation, you’d notice their choice of words was just a little off

Animal Shelters: The Humane Choice Is Not Always The Cheapest

This letter is in response to the March 11th article entitled “Fate Of Toms River Animal Shelter Still In Question.”

In it, Mayor Rodrick states

“I don’t understand how that would be different” when discussing whether to maintain a township operated animal shelter or contract services through the Ocean County facility

and it made them interesting. They would share an idea that changed the way you thought about things.

Heck, I was probably considered a weirdo by many of the people I met throughout my life. Rightfully so.

I remember working at the Borders near the Willowbrook Mall 25 years ago. A customer was pointing to a display and asked if I could help him find a book that used to be on that display. I asked him how long ago he saw it. He said “I don’t know. Time moves differently for me than other people.”

Yes! That’s what I’m talking about. That guy was interesting. I never found out what he meant. It’s better to imagine it instead of knowing for sure.

I’m still thinking of him a quarter century later. I hope he’s doing well.

These days, though, I’m cautious about strangers. I’m not as willing to talk to quirky people. I’m too afraid of what crazy conspiracy theory makes up their entire world. Who knows what kind of landmine I might step in during polite conversation. What race, religion, or other group of people have they decided is the enemy?

The reason I blame the internet is because I’ve seen it happen with people I know. They start out normal. But if their only source of information is a little box that tells them to hate certain people, or that the world is doomed, guess what happens? They believe it, too.

It starts out easily enough. You click that you like an idea on social media. Then, the social media site shows you something else along the same lines but a little more extreme. Then more. Then more. The internet tells you that your ideas are the right ones and everyone else is wrong. Before you know it, you’ve put up a wall against any other point of view.

The internet had quirky ideas in the beginning. Fun websites to waste time and learn about silly stuff. Now, every other thing you see is angry.

Try this experiment: The next time you’re on the internet, see how long it takes for something to show up that’s negative, angry, or downright

dangerous.

Another experiment: Look at the top 20 posts on your social media. How many of them are friends sharing things about their lives, and how many of them are negative posts about people or things?

There’s a story about writer Kurt Vonnegut going out to buy a single envelope instead of a bunch of them at once. He knows that in the course of this errand, he’ll run into strangers to talk to. He’ll ask a woman what kind of dog she is walking. He’ll give a thumbs up to a fire truck going by. He’ll have a lot of little interactions and be rejuvenated by them. People are just “dancing animals” he said. That’s a great turn of

phrase. We’re just animals who have learned how to make art and conversation.

Vonnegut, who died in 2007, said that computers will stop us from doing things like this. He thought that the convenience of getting anything online will prevent us from having these small transactions of humanity. He was right, of course. But I wonder if he would have realized that the internet also takes away our ability to see other points of view. To see different people and how they live their lives.

I have a lot of envelopes stocked up in my house.

Chris Lundy News Editor

in Jackson. The difference is simple: Toms River’s animals will overburden the already strained county shelters.

Over the past 15 years, New Jersey has consistently lost space to house stray pets as animal shelters have closed to municipal contracts or closed altogether, one by one.

Meanwhile, no new sheltering space has opened. This trend is putting greater pressure on existing facilities and municipalities. The Toms River Animal Shelter question is just another

example of our collapsing animal sheltering system.

Complicating this further, fi nancial constraints at the municipal level and a lack of priority for animal issues generally, lead to municipalities contracting with the “lowest bidder” regardless of quality or positive animal outcomes. The result is increasing fi nancial pressure on organizations providing these services, overcrowded animal shelters, and worse: animals that can be saved are dying for lack of space.

The difference Mayor Rodrick calls out, is not a question of whether the animals should go to Jackson or stay in Toms River, it’s what expectations the government sets for humane animal sheltering in our state.

The goal of animal sheltering is to save lives, and while organizations like Best Friends Animal Society offer support to shelters, including in NJ, it also requires sound decisions and leadership at a local level.

As county and local leaders evaluate the best option for their animals, they must also establish lifesaving goals for whichever shelter

is ultimately entrusted with providing the animals’ care. New Jersey is losing animal sheltering capacity at an alarming rate.

Jane Guillaume Jackson

Don’t Believe The “Toms River Bulletin”

Unfortunately we live in a time of permanent campaigns, but there is so much more wrong with the “newspaper” Toms River Bulletin that was mailed to homes. One problem, there were quite a few blatant falsehoods throughout the bulletin. Bigger problem this propaganda was sent at tax payers expense and not as part of a campaign.

And the scariest problem is the slogan above the name, “Toms River’s official news source.” An independent press is the bedrock of our constitutional republic, has Toms River left the republic?

We’re only three months into this new Toms River administration, I hope someone can put a stop to the campaign violations and

this un-American path.

Jesse Cohn Toms River

Easier Solutions To Funding Wars

Editor’s note: This letter is in response to a letter “GOP And USSR” from the March 16 edition.

I read in one of the last few editions. Someone said give Ukraine whatever they need.

I couldn’t disagree more. To date, America has given over $80 billion dollars to Ukraine. Thats enough to fund our schools in Toms River for the next 8,000 years! Think how much money that would save us in tax dollars. There’s already 5+ countries in Europe sending weapons, aid and training to Ukraine in their war against Russia. At some point you have to accept the fact that an area [or a group of people] are just not cut out to be a country. I’ve read we’ve funded Ukraine’s government, as well as given them all the funds needed to make their economy go around. At this point you might as well make Ukraine a part of America and send in the military to deal

with it. It certainly would save us a lot of money and I heard they all just got pay raises.

Right now America is funding a war on two fronts. Ukraine against Russia. And Israel against Hamas. You have a nation of displaced refugees [70% of Gaza’s population] which is under “total siege” and locked in with the terrorist organization (Hamas) which popped up amongst them in 2007. You know half [this nation of refugees] is under the age of 18? And how many women and children? And your going to blockade them in with the terrorists and air drop supplies to them by plane?

Let’s get it together here!

And as for the nation that forcibly drafts its citizens (Russia) to fight in a war that’s resulting in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people. Maybe it’s time to consider taking Putin out. We took out Saddam Hussein in 2003. We chased down Bin Laden for the havoc he caused in New York City. Something has to die here - and it’s either Putin or Ukraine. I personally don’t have a preference though.

Mark Dorsey Toms River

Senate Leaders Urged To Protect State And Local Pesticide Regulations

Capitol Comments

Senator Cory Booker

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) led 19 colleagues in calling on Senate leadership to oppose any efforts to limit existing state and local authority to regulate pesticides in the upcoming Farm Bill or any other legislation.

“More than thirty states and hundreds of cities and counties have adopted pesticide laws and ordinances to protect workers, children, rural communities, and wildlife. State and local governments have long

acted to supplement federal pesticide laws to protect people from the serious health problems - including neurological and behavioral issues, cancer, and Parkinson’s Disease - that can be caused by unsafe exposure to pesticides,” the lawmakers wrote. “States and localities have implemented protective measures that fit their local needs, such as posting warnings when pesticides have been sprayed near schools and parks, protecting drinking water supplies, protecting and informing workers, and restricting the use of some pesticides on playgrounds. States and localities have also taken measures to protect endangered species that are especially susceptible to

pesticides, like pollinators.”

The lawmakers continued, “While federal regulations provide a base level of protection against the harms of pesticides, only localities and states are in the position to implement protective measures that are designed specifically to meet the needs of their citizens. Preempting these state and local laws prevents state and local officials from addressing local needs in favor of a one-size-fits-all approach.”

The lawmakers also expressed strong opposition to any proposed legislation which would prohibit states from requiring manufacturers to disclose known risks about their pesticide products, such as carcinogenicity.

“Preemption proposals like these would eliminate laws that give consumers the ability to make informed decisions about

using a pesticide product, based on the product’s risks to their health. These proposals would also take away consumers’ opportunity for redress if a manufacturer fails to issue warnings,” the lawmakers concluded.

The letter is cosigned by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Laphonza Butler (D-CA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (DOR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

Transportation Trust Fund Supported For Five More Years

From The Desk Of The Governor

Phil Murphy

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation renewing the State’s Transportation Trust Fund (TTF) for five more years, which will invest billions to modernize and maintain New Jersey’s statewide transportation infrastructure, while providing additional capital funding for NJ TRANSIT, supporting local and county projects to alleviate the burden on local taxpayers, and creating thousands of good-paying union jobs.

“New Jersey sits at the heart of one of the busiest stretches of commerce in the entire world,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Whether it’s trying to get home to their families after a long day or shipping critical goods to keep our economy humming, our residents and our businesses depend on the strength of our transportation system to get where they need to go. This legislation will ensure we deliver for them by enabling us to rebuild and maintain our entire transportation system, while creating thousands of good-paying jobs in the years to come and easing the burden of property taxes by offsetting these costs for local governments.”

The New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund was established by the Legislature in 1984 and has since been reauthorized seven times. The last reauthorization in 2016, under the previous administration, occurred after the previous authorization had expired, halting projects until a new agreement could be reached. That

reauthorization has primarily been implemented by the Murphy Administration, with the largest capital program ever executed by the NJ Department of Transportation (NJDOT) occurring in Fiscal Year 2021 (FY 2021).

The law (A-4011/S-2931), signed more than three months prior to the current authorization’s expiration, will:

Establish a five-year program, beginning July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2029, to ensure a steady stream of revenue to support statewide transportation projects. The law annually adjusts the Petroleum Products Gross Receipts Tax rate by updating the statutorily prescribed revenue target, commonly referred to as the “highway fuel cap,” which is currently based on 2016 highway fuel tax collections.

Authorize roughly $10.37 billion in appropriations for the State’s Annual Transportation Capital Program from FY 2025 through FY 2029. Of that amount, an estimated $2.3 billion will be passed on as State aid to counties and municipalities for transportation projects.

Provide up to $8.84 billion in bonding authority to the Transportation Trust Fund Authority over the five-year period (approximately $1.76 billion annually);

Provide roughly $1.5 billion in pay-as-you-go funding for transportation projects

Grow the $2 billion maximum annual capital program amount by 3% per year in years three, four, and five of the reauthorization, which coincides with the end of the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding. This incremental revenue growth will be split evenly among NJ DOT, NJ TRANSIT, county governments, and municipal governments, providing greater

investment at the county and local level and relieving the pressure on local property taxpayers to fund infrastructure investments.

Bolster NJ TRANSIT by providing an additional $91.75 million over the last three years of the program to augment the $767 million the agency currently receives annually from the TTF to fund new capital projects. By year five, NJ TRANSIT will receive over $813 million annually for capital projects.

Establish an annual electric vehicle fee of $250

(with increases of $10 per year in each of the remaining four years), which will ensure that all motorists using the roads share in the responsibility to maintain their conditions.

Delay the annual tax rate adjustment for sales of gasoline and diesel motor fuel by three months, from October 1 to January 1, so that any rate changes will coincide with the start of the new year.

“The reauthorization of the New Jersey Trans(Government - See Page 8)

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Photo courtesy Brick Schools

BRICK – Brick & Beyond 2024 was a tremendous success as both high schools worked together to host colleges, universities, vocational and technical schools, military, local businesses, as well as Brick clubs/ activities, organizations, and athletics. This event unites the Brick Township

Public School District in providing students current opportunities, while showcasing all post-secondary education options available. The School Counseling Departments at BMHS and BTHS worked diligently with administration to deliver an all-inclusive evening event.

Government:

Continued From Page 7

portation Trust Fund is foundational to the continued investment in our transportation infrastructure,” said Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti, Chief of Staff to Governor Murphy and former NJDOT Commissioner. “Transportation keeps our com-

munities moving and our economy strong. I remember the impact it had on our brothers and sisters in labor when the previous administration could not reach a deal in time and projects all over the state were forced to halt or shut down. With this in mind, we were determined – and now proud – to reach a good agreement months ahead of time to ensure that this critical work will continue without interruption.”

Brick EMS/Rescue Employee Spotlight

BRICK – Each month Brick Township EMS/Rescue will randomly select by drawing numbers, an EMT from their staff to share a little bit of their background and shed some positive light on their contribution to the Brick Community. For the month of April 2024 EMT Brenda Dean #53135 number was drawn.

Brenda joined the department as a parttime EMT in September of 2019 eventually

Photo courtesy Brick Township EMS/Rescue being promoted to full-time in October of 2020. Brenda has been an EMT since 2018. Brenda came to us with EMS experience as a volunteer in Ocean County and working for a private company as an EMT. Brenda is extremely involved in every aspect of the organization, currently serving as an FTO, SOD Squad Leader and a member of the Technical Rescue Team. Job well done EMT Dean!

Brick Morning Rotary Weekly Breakfast Meeting

BRICK – On April 17, the Rotary Club of Brick, NJ Speaker will be Joan Foley from All Fur One Pet Rescue, Toms River.

All Fur One (AFO) is a volunteer-run pet rescue and adoption center located in Silverton-Toms River. Their 2,300 square foot facility provides a (temporary) loving home for rescued pets thanks to our amazingly dedicated team of animal lovers. They approach animal welfare differently

Senior Men’s Cuts $15

Reg. Men’s Cuts $18

Senior Women’s Cuts $19

Reg. Women’s Cuts $22

Children’s Cuts $15

(Children 10 and Younger) Foils $50 & Up

than most expect. Their center is bright and airy - clean, organized and filled with happy pets that enjoy being in our care while they prepare to meet their adopters and happy volunteers who enjoy being their interim family.

The Rotary Club of Brick, NJ - Morning meets each Wednesday morning at the Brick Diner at 7:30 a.m. and they welcome guests and prospective members for fellowship and breakfast.

BTHS Drama Club Presents: “Shrek e Musical”

BRICK – The Dragon Drama Club presents “Shrek The Musical” at the Brick Township High School Auditorium on the following dates: April 19 at 6:30 p.m.

April 20 at 1:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.

General admission is $8 for students, 410 for adults, and $5 for seniors age 65 and over. For tickets, email cbest@ brickschools.org.

OPEN HOUSE: FRI, SAT, SUN 12PM -

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BRICK – The Brick Township High School 2024 spring sports season recently began. The teams completed their first few weeks of training and are looking forward to learning exciting seasons.

The golf team is gearing up for their first competition. Baseball and softball are in the beginning of the scrimmage season. Boys and Girls Lax are preparing for a successful season. Tennis is getting in full swing, while boys and girls spring track are in the midst of training for

Photo courtesy Brick Schools upcoming competition!

The Shore Conference of High Schools held its seasonal Leadership Seminar recently. Student leaders from BTHS spring sports, including the Unified Sports program attended this event! The event focuses on teaching student athletes how to be good leaders and ambassadors for their sport. Each student-athlete was selected by their coach to represent their respective team. Good luck this season to the Dragon sports teams!

JERSEY SHORE – The Jersey Shore Chorale presents a spring concert on the following dates and locations:

May 4 at 7 p.m. – Greenbriar 1, 1 Darley Jersey Shore Chorale Spring Concert

Circle, Brick. Tickets are $10. May 5 at 4 p.m. – United Methodist Church, 23 Church Street, Manasquan. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, free for students.

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www.Angelic.health

Career Day At BTHS

BRICK – Career Day at Brick Township High School took place on March 20 during Blocks 1 & 2. Students had the opportunity to attend sessions in the healthcare field, business sector, science/technology, law, vocational, visual & performing arts, and

Photo courtesy Brick Schools social/public service. Thank you to the Brick Chamber of Commerce, Mrs. Dawn Celona and the School Counselors for organizing an informative and beneficial event for our students to learn about different career pathways.

Local Pets Available For Adoption

BRICK – Just when we thought adoptable dogs couldn’t be any cuter, they surprise us! Look at those ears and her pretty girl side profile. Girlfriend knows how to work all of those angles. Luna is new at the shelter, about 1.5 years old, 40lbs, and very dog

Photo courtesy Jersey Shore Animal Center friendly! They would love for her to go home with another doggie. 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.

Dr. Izzy’s

Sound News

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

Start Wearing Hearing Aids

Earlier In Life!

Neurodegenerative dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease are a major health problem in the aging worldwide population. The number of people living with dementia is projected to increase 57% in the next two decades. This rising global prevalence, combined with the lack of effective drugs, has made the prevalence of dementia a public health concern.

A recent study showed that intervention on risk factors not including hypertension might prevent 35% of dementia cases and that the strongest midlife risk factor for dementia is hearing impairment. Because hearing impairment is prevalent, alleviating it might delay the point older adults cross the critical threshold of impairment into dementia. In fact, the prevalence of hearing impairment increases to 90% of individuals age 85 years or older.

Thus, the timing of beginning hearing aid use is crucial in the success of hearing aids as an intervention in old age. It is well documented that most folks will procrastinate at least 7-10 years before they even get a hearing test. Yet, we have yearly eye exams, dental checks, and routine screenings for skin cancer. This is all preventive medicine. It is my professional opinion that once you turn 50 years of age, you should have a complete hearing evaluation. Early identification of hearing impairment coupled with consistent hearing aid use will improve cognitive function and potentially delay the onset of cognitive decline.

Dr. Izzy & his Staff are always available to answer your questions about important hearing care issues. Please feel free to contact Dr. Izzy at 732-451-3962 or ikirsh@gardenstatehearing.com

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!

56th

Spring Concert At St. omas Lutheran Church

BRICK – The 56th Spring Concert At St. Thomas Lutheran Church will be on May 5 at 2 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon of concert band music lead by director James R. Bast,

assistant conductor Kathryn Sarlo and featuring tenor David Smolokoff. No tickets required. Free will offering will be collected at intermission.

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

Dear Pharmacist

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

5 Simple Strategies For Thyroid Wellness

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Today I’m bringing light to a topic close to my heart and vital for our well-being: Thyroid health. With a staggering number of us tangled in the web of thyroid disorders, and Levothyroxine in the top 5 medications annually prescribed, it’s time we take charge of this small butterfly-shaped gland. Many unknowingly are hypothyroid. The thyroid gland keeps us warm, makes us think clearly, and helps burn fat. If you are fatigued, or losing your hair or eyebrows, it might not be working well.

Given that up to 20 million Americans are on this roller coaster, most without awareness, we need a game plan. Here are some tips to help you feel better:

1. Embrace Minerals: Our thyroid thrives on minerals. Selenium? Two Brazil nuts a day keep the deficiency away. Magnesium and iodine are two of your thyroid’s best friends, so eat seafood and leafy greens. Consider high-quality supplements of those for optimal effects.

2. Stress Less: Our modern nemesis, stress, can throw a wrench in the works. Be sure to breathe, stretch, go to yoga or practice relaxation techniques that you like.

3. Cook Your Greens: Yes, broccoli and its cruciferous cousins are fabulous, but they’re also goitrogenic if eaten raw. A quick steam can disarm them, making them thyroid-friendly.

4. Avoid Gluten: It’s inflammatory. Keto diets aren’t universal fixes but could be golden for Hashimoto’s patients. Listen to your body and avoid common allergenic

foods, artificial ingredients and anything that makes you feel worse after eating it.

5. Moderate Soy Intake: Isoflavones in soy can be party poopers for your thyroid. Balance is key so moderate your intake.

Navigating thyroid health is akin to art which requires patience, precision, and a dash of intuition. For those of you on thyroid meds, it’s not just about popping pills but understanding the symphony between T4 and T3 hormones. Sometimes, a medication tweak or a shift to Natural Desiccated Thyroid (NDT) formulations could work better than either T4 or T3 alone.

I have articles at my website to help you that explain all of this and what to do, so please use my search box to read all the articles I’ve archived online for you.

Your journey to thyroid wellness is unique. Whether you’re battling fatigue, brain fog, or hair thinning, you can still fine-tune things. If you want to start a family soon, or are in the recovery phase from a recent surgery, prioritizing thyroid equilibrium can enhance your healing process.

In the quest for optimal health, whatever your condition is, understanding and nurturing our thyroid is paramount. It’s a master gland because it controls so many major aspects of your life. And the lab tests that some physicians use don’t tell the whole story. Your symptoms do.

Embrace the tips I’ve shared with you here and consult with your healthcare guardian angels. To receive the longer version of this article, just sign up for my free weekly newsletter 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) ©2024 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.

MONDAY, APRIL 15TH, TUESDAY, APRIL 16TH & WENESDAY, APRIL 17TH 10:00AM - 5:00PM

GOLD IS AT AN ALL TIME HIGH! $2,150 PER OZ!

MON., APRIL 15TH, TUES., APRIL 16TH & WED., APRIL 17TH 10AM-5PM

Homeless:

Continued From Page 5

a smooth transition and continuity of expertise within the group, avoiding a situation where all members begin and end their terms at the same time.

State law requires the task force to include at least three individuals who have lived experiences with homelessness. To achieve this, Maksel suggested replicating the process used when selecting reviewers for the Ocean County Opioid Advisory Council settlement funds. This involved an open solicitation for applications. However, the final decision on choosing representatives who were formerly homeless rests with the task force itself.

“There are certain organizations that we did not purposefully include in the inaugural board membership because they have such a large base of volunteers who might qualify,” Maksel added. “We figured those volunteers would want to apply to be the persons with lived experience at the table. We can’t have more than one representative from each agency.”

Trust Fund And Responsibilities

After years of urging from nonprofits, Ocean County joined a growing list of New Jersey counties with the establishment of its own Homelessness Trust Fund last year. The initiative, authorized by the 2009 “County Homelessness Trust Fund Act,” empowers counties to create dedicated funding streams to address the needs of homeless residents.

The legislation has already seen success in twelve other New Jersey counties, including

Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Hudson, Mercer, Middlesex, Passaic, Somerset, and Union.

“Starting in September 2023, Ocean County now applies a $5 surcharge on most recorded instruments with the county, which the Ocean County Clerk’s office deposited into the Homelessness Trust Fund,” said Crea. “The money stays in Ocean County to support programs and has raised $91,056 to date.”

Projections based on the past three years of recorded documents suggest the Ocean County Homelessness Trust Fund could generate between $275,000 and $390,000 annually.

State law requires the Trust Fund to disburse money through competitive grants to organizations fighting homelessness through various means. This includes helping homeless people find permanent homes, stopping homelessness before it happens, and providing Code Blue temporary shelter during severe weather.

The Department of Human Services oversees the county’s administration and planning related to homelessness, while the Ocean County Board of Social Services serves as a direct service provider, offering essential support such as temporary shelter and utilities assistance.

“One of our visions from the county side is to pick up where ineligibility is a problem for the already existing system of care,” shared Maksel. “We want to target the focus on things that can’t be served elsewhere.”

A key challenge for existing programs is that some residents experiencing homelessness fall outside eligibility criteria due to income levels. Social Security benefits or even low-paying jobs can push them above the threshold for many publicly funded services. The task force

will explore ways to bridge these gaps for this population – albeit with a limited pool of money.

The Ocean County Homelessness Trust Fund task force will collaborate closely with the Ending Homeless Team associated with Monarch Housing, acknowledged as premier consultants in the state for addressing homelessness. Monarch Housing also extends its expertise to the HUD Continuum of Care Process for Ocean County.

As the task force partners with the consultant, their primary objective is to craft a strategic plan to combat homelessness effectively. This will most likely entail community engagement initiatives such as focus groups and surveys to pinpoint key areas of concern. Once these priorities are identified, the task force will release a solicitation outlining the precise scope of work for organizations seeking grants.

Non-profit groups with task force members will be able to submit grant applications for review. However, they will be required to abstain from voting on matters pertaining to their own organizations.

“Anything we fund, we have to be able to prove that it measurably reduces homelessness and that it has cost savings over time,” Maksel explained. “It has to be evidence-based, the ability to be replicated in other communities and align with local homeless plans as well as the county homeless plan.”

Maksel said that the team at Human Services had attempted to bring a Homelessness Trust Fund to Ocean County for over a decade and credited Crea for “quarterbacking it to a win.”

Funds Won’t Go To Homeless Shelter

Alex Boss of Toms River was present at the

Ocean County Commissioners meeting when the inaugural task force members were appointed. He called the creation of the fund a great start but expressed a concern that regularly comes up at county government meetings.

“I’m somewhat surprised and disappointed to hear that there are no plans for a shelter,” said Boss. “As someone who has volunteered with community groups and the makeshift shelters that have been set up for this crisis, I’ve seen how dire the situation is for these individuals firsthand.”

“It is a great start,” Boss continued. “But I would like to hear why there are no plans to build a shelter in regard to this trust and also what’s being done in the interim to help these people now.”

Crea reiterated the county’s stance that it will not undertake the construction or operation of a shelter and clarified that the allocated funds cannot be utilized for such purposes. However, she affirmed the county’s willingness to collaborate with non-profit organizations interested in establishing a shelter independently. Crea proposed that multiple organizations explore the possibility of working together and assured that the county would offer financial support towards this initiative.

“The Homelessness Trust Fund will complement whatever the system of care evolves to be and live in perpetuity,” added Maksel. “So, if a shelter came to fruition, this could enhance it or help people at the shelter.”

Individuals seeking housing assistance are advised to contact 211, the state-funded universal hotline dedicated to providing resources. Additionally, the Ocean County Board of Social Services stands ready to aid those with housing concerns.

If You Are A Victim Of An Accident Or Other Incident Then Remember That Social Media Is Not Your Friend

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

Once an injury claim is reported to an insurance company their number one priority is to stop the bleeding. Not your bleeding; their bleeding!

The primary concern of any insurance company is to find a way to not pay your claim, so you will be immediately investigated.

What Do Insurance Adjusters Look For

After A Claim Is Filed?

A personal injury claim is built on evidence.

While your lawyer is compiling evidence to support your claim, the insurance adjuster on the other side is looking for ways to undermine it.

Beware of prying eyes. Your social media accounts are full of tidbits — even your most innocent posts, photos, or those you are tagged in — can be woven together and used against you. Even posts made by your family and friends are fair game for an aggressive adjuster. Even if all your social media accounts are protected with the strictest privacy controls, sometimes harmful information finds its way into the hands of the adjuster. It’s used as evidence to reduce their financial exposure or, worse yet, to prevent you from receiving any compensation at all. Adjusters look for the weakest link. If they sense you lack self-control, they may try to friend you on Facebook or follow you on Instagram. They also may try to buddy up to your friends to get insider information about you and the accident. Even your posts on dating sites can be mined and used against you.

be seen as an attempt to destroy evidence.

What Not to Do on Social Media

After a Car Accident

Sharing information about your case on social media makes it public. You instantly give up any confidentiality protections. The defense can subpoena it and use it against you. It’s best to post nothing.

What to Do on Social Media

After a Car Accident

Avoid doing anything on social media that could hurt your claim. You only have one opportunity to get this right, so you should leave nothing to chance. Tell your friends to refrain from posting anything about you or tagging you in photos on social media — past, present, or future.

If you see the need to delete anything from your accounts, ask your attorney first. It could

Our

For this reason, keep in mind the following:

• Don’t reply to questions from your friends or family asking about how you’re feeling.

• Don’t post photos of yourself exercising or doing anything physical.

• Don’t post any medical information or anything from your attorney.

• Don’t post “check-ins.”

• Don’t accept “friend” or “follow” requests from people you don’t know.

• Don’t bad-mouth the insurance company.

• Don’t defend your actions during the accident.

• Don’t send texts or private messages.

• Don’t lie, especially about when events occurred. Everything online is time-stamped and can be used against you.

Contact R.C. Shea & Associates If You Have Been Injured

If you’re the victim of an accident then choosing the right personal injury lawyer is the most important decision you will make. At R.C. Shea & Associates, a firm with over 35 year of experience, a Certified Civil Trial Layer will handle your case. There’s nothing to lose and everything to gain by scheduling a free consultation. Contact us now to get started 732-505-1212.

BRICK – Congratulations to Brick Township High School Students of the Month. Students are nominated by BTHS 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.

Grade 12, Spencer Rodrick: “Spencer is a polite, respectful, and hard-working student in class. He completes all work and self-advocates by asking questions and desiring to do better in the Investigation of Law, Order, and Justice. If he isn’t in class, he makes up any and all work in a timely manner and never has any complaints. He participates often and works well with others. He exemplifies many of the qualities and core values that represent our school building.” - Ms. Scipione

Grade 11, Tronks Solis Mendez: “Tronks is a hard-working student that dedicates himself to his academics and getting his volunteer hours for NHS. He is kind, caring and respectful.” - Mrs. Walling Grade 10, Mohamad Srouji: “Mohamad is a polite, respectful, and conscientious young man. He always greets you with a

FUN & GAMES

BTHS Students Of e Month

friendly smile and comes to class with a positive attitude. He is hard-working, intelligent, and eager to learn. I believe that Mohamad is the perfect student of the month candidate!” - Ms. Russell

Grade 9, Santiago Castaneda Jimenez: “Santiago tries very hard and is extremely respectful and polite. Santiago turns

all of his work in and is very concerned about his grades.” - Mr. Lynch “Santiago is a hardworking, dedicated, and determined student. He strives every day to transfer his knowledge in Spanish to English. After many conversations with him and attempts to teach me how to crochet, I have discovered a student

who is far deeper of a thinker than any I have encountered over my 15 years of teaching. He has read and can discuss many college level books that he has read in Spanish and is learning to explain these books in English. I cannot think of a more deserving student than Santiago.”

- Mr. Dorman

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)

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)

909-938-4623. (10)

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)

War I

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

Community. CDL w/ Passenger endorsement required. Call SilverWoods Clubhouse for more information at 732-341-4825. (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. (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)

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 609335-0330 HIC# 13vh10806000.

NO JOB TOO SMALL! (20)

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)

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)

Housecleaning - Painting, shopping, laundry, window cleaning, carpet cleaning, office cleaning. Also offering typing services. Very good prices. 732-330-4189, 848-287-3944. (t/n)

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

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. (21)

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

Roofing - Covering the Jersey Shore since 1984.

1.

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

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)

ad run. No refunds for classified ads. Newspapers are available at our office. Please feel free to stop in and check your ad. 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.

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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)

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)

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)

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)

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

The Jersey Shore continues to be quite picturesque, especially in those obscure places. Recently, 13-year-old Lila Vasconcelos of Bayville took this awesome shot at Bayview. Have a pic of the Jersey Shore you would like to share with us and our readers? Email it to photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you may win a prize!

Spring Clothing Drive

BRICK – The Veterans Memorial Elementary School PTA is hosting a clothing drive on May 2 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 81 Red Maple Drive.

Here’s a convenient way to rid your closet of unwanted items as you clean your closets and refresh your spring wardrobe. The VMES Mustangs are hosting a clothing drive and you can help too. Simply place all

your unwanted clothes, shoes (please bag apart from clothes), purses, blankets, bedding and soft toys into sealed garbage bags and drop them off at the above date and time. Your unwanted items will help raise much needed fund to help the PTA host events, purchase school equipment, etc.

Any questions contact Ashley at 862596-9128.

Trip To Cape May

BRICK – Join on June 13 for a tour of Cape May. The trip includes a trolley ride of the city, a visit to the Physick Estate and gratuities. Please keep in mind that the Estate has no handicap access. The bus will let people off at the Washington Mall where lunch will

be on your own. The cost will be $100.

Arrive at the Target in Brick at 8:15 a.m. and they will return to Brick at 5 p.m. This trip is sponsored by the Friends of the Brick Library. Contact Catherine 732-673-4451 for tickets.

Check out Micromedia Publications’ website, jerseyshoreonline.com

ARIES (March 21-April 19): If single, searching for love may change the way you see the world. Take time away from the search to discover new pals or reconnect with existing friends. Changing your focus should make a change in your energy.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20):

Manifesting your best life involves more than simply wishing and visualization. Work with the Universe by taking concrete action in the world to move your desires forward toward actualization.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) : Challenging times may cause people to get creative with credit when finances are tight. However, an increased debt load comes with higher payments. Shift your focus to reducing debt for future financial stability.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) : It’s helpful to have an abundance of information. Your knowledge could prepare you for unexpected circumstances and allow you to help others. Become well-versed to confidently handle whatever situation may arise.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Don’t leave your budget up to chance; take inventory of any unknowns related to your finances. Shift your attention to your current situation and work with the facts you have to create a grounded plan.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Release your desire to fit in while getting clear on your interests. Embrace the journey of self-discovery and allow your authentic self to magnetize people and opportunities to you. What is meant for you, will find you.

FOR THE WEEK OF APR 13 - APR 19

BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS

OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): A lack of leadership could lead to imbalance; everyone could be focused on their own projects without any thoughts about the big picture. You might have the ability to steer everyone towards cohesion.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): It’s natural for your priorities and interests to change as you evolve. Change means growth and new possibilities. Decide on your focus and start working to make your new dream happen.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) : Make good lifestyle choices daily to improve your health. Maintain your focus; remember life is a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t lose sight of your goals during moments of boredom or frustration.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) : Certain things in life might lead to confusing and unexpected interactions. People could react in similar or different ways. You can’t assume someone will be a perfect fit because they could thrive in a different environment.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Unusual schedules and distractions may have distanced you from your tribe. Prioritize nurturing these relationships, become the friend your friends deserve. Simply showing up can be a great way to show you care. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) : Not everyone is willing to take responsibility, but some may be eager to share their thoughts. Have the courage to stand up for what you believe in, even when others may not be able to do the same.

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