2024-05-04 - The Toms River Times

Daughters Of American Revolution Honor Local Founder

1930.”

DAR member Carol Mahler, dressed in period-appropriate attire, reads the story of Joshua Huddy authored by Virginia Watson Reeve as current Regent Virginia “Ginny” Haines looks on.

By Stephanie Faughnan

TOMS RIVER - The Captain Joshua Huddy Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) recently rededicated a plaque honoring their organizing regent, Virginia Watson Reeve. The ceremony highlighted her dedication to the organization, her passion for history,

and her strong character. The rededication service was held at the Ocean County Historical Society Garden, where the plaque was relocated from its original site near Toms River Town Hall. It is engraved with the inscription “Captain Joshua Huddy Chapter DAR Honors Virginia Watson Reeve as Organizing Regent March 8,

Reeve’s two grandsons traveled substantial distances to attend the ceremony. David Younkers and his wife Karen made the trip from Richmond, Virginia. Robert “Mill” Younkers and his wife Lydia Ann came from Denver, Colorado, and were pleasantly surprised when their son and daughter-in-law also flew in from Denver for the occasion.

The impetus for the plaque’s relocation came from Mill and Karen’s last trip to Toms River. Mill said they would stop by to visit the plaque dedicated to his grandmother as part of their ritual during their visits. When he noticed the plaque was loose, he contacted township authorities, who told him it was not their responsibility – even though it was on township property.

Mill contacted the local DAR, who took charge, retrieved the plaque,

cleaned it up, and planted it in the historical society garden, where it was rededicated to her memory.

Reeve, a descendant of Revolutionary War soldier Col. Theodore Sedgwick, was instrumental in establishing the Captain Joshua Huddy Chapter in 1930. She was also a founding Ocean County Historical Society member and a prolific writer on numerous topics.

During the ceremony led by the chapter’s current Regent, Virginia “Ginny” Haines, speakers emphasized Reeve’s role in preserving local history, particularly her efforts to ensure Captain Joshua Huddy, a local hero, received proper recognition.

“She wrote in 1950 that the Chapter name Captain Joshua Huddy was most fitting,” added DAR member Diane Varsa. “His downward defense of the blockhouse and

(DAR - See Page 4)

Piney Author Fights Stereotypes, Shares Rich Local History

By Stephanie Faughnan

PINE BARRENS -

William “Bill” Lewis, 50, served as a Marine, studied hard at night to earn a degree with top honors, and works for the federal government.

On top of all that, he’s authored four books, produced a documen-

tary film, and delivered guest lectures on several occasions.

Lewis also just happens to be a third-generation Piney, a fact that might strike some as inconsistent with their image of a people quite proud of their deep-rooted lineage.

The term “Piney” often

conjures up images of backwoods stereotypes or folklore characters.

Lewis considers the word an unmistakable slur and has made it his mission to reclaim the narrative of the Piney identity.

“We know with a stereotype there’s little to

(Piney - See Page 6)

Petitioners Want Animal Shelter To Stay Under Town’s Control

By Chris Lundy TOMS RIVER –

As the governing body moved forward on leasing the Toms River Animal Shelter building to Ocean County, a group of residents are working to recall the ordinance.

The ordinance allows the town to enter into a lease agreement with the county. If it is recalled it will be sent back to the Township Council. They will have to either remove it or put it to voters in November.

Phillip Brilliant, one of the organizers of the recall, told The Toms

River Times they have just 20 days after the April 24 meeting to collect 3,079 signatures. This is according to the state law that governs the recall of ordinances. The petition must have at least 15% of the total votes cast in the last election during which members of the General Assembly were elected. This would have been November of 2023, when 20,523 votes were cast in Toms River. He is optimistic that they’ll reach 3,079. “There’s a lot of momentum for animals.”

(Animal ShelterSee Page 4)

No Tax Increase, But Questions Remain

By Chris Lundy TOMS RIVER – Mayor

Daniel Rodrick said his first budget in office will have no tax increase, but residents and officials are questioning it.

The township collects taxes for the county, school district, and other taxing entities. This article just entails the municipal tax rate.

The budget boasts a 0% tax increase without gimmicks, Rodrick said. Prior administrations used one-time fixes such as federal funds that weren’t available for

future years. He said that the budget was balanced by “reducing unnecessary positions and (unnecessary) spending.”

The budget was read by title only at the most recent Township Council meeting.

The next regular meeting of the council will have the full budget presentation, he said. May 22 at 7 p.m. is currently the next meeting date, however, the council has had a few special meetings this year.

(Taxes - See Page 5)

Photo by Stephanie Faughnan

Bill Lewis’ shirt shows his collection of books with the latest “South Jersey Legends & Lore’s” cover displayed top left.

Photo by Stephanie Faughnan

DAR:

Continued From Page 1

saltworks of Toms River had never been properly credited.”

DAR member Carol Mahler, dressed in period-appropriate attire, presented the historical account of Joshua Huddy authored by Virginia Watson Reeve.

A Life Of Accomplishments

Virginia Reeve was married to Reuben H. Reeve and had three children, who all enjoyed vacationing in Ocean Gate during the summer months.

In a time when women were not all in the workforce, Reeve was a secretary to the founder of Lederle Laboratories, which was acquired by Wyeth, which Pfizer subsequently acquired. She didn’t let the fact that she was employed stop her from becoming active in things that mattered to her.

Reeve was one of the founding members of the

Animal Shelter:

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This is more or less the same group of residents who successfully recalled an ordinance that cut police captains. In that situation, the township clerk certified that there were enough signatures but the mayor made the changes administratively instead, thereby nullifying the recall.

DAR in her hometown in Summit, which was called the Beacon Fire Chapter. A one-time staff member of the Summit Herald, Reeve had scrapbooks filled with clippings of letters she wrote to various newspapers.

“She used to write letters to The New York Times, The Saturday Evening Post, and the Reader’s Digest,” Mill said of his maternal grandmother. “If she agreed with something, she would compliment them, commend them. And if she was opposed to anyone, well, you better watch out because you became scorched earth. She would let you know in a hurry.”

By 1926, the Reeves decided their love for the Jersey shore warranted a move to Toms River. Within four years, Reeve became the organizing regent of the Ocean County Chapter of the DAR.

“She was definitely not a wallflower,” Mill said of his grandmother. “She was a leader, probably the most patriotic person I ever knew. And she was very, very proud of her genealogy.”

Reeve ‘s activism and advocacy were evident throughout her life, whether through her prolific

Brilliant said that anyone who wants to sign the petition should visit the Facebook page “Toms River Residents For Transparency.”

There are times and locations listed for the petition drives.

They will be at the Elks Lodge, 600 Washington Street, on May 1 from 5-7 p.m. and at Castle Park on North Bay Avenue across from the shelter on May 1 and 2 from 5-7 p.m.

Public Support

At the Township Council meeting where the

letter-writing or involvement in community organizations. Her commitment to causes she believed in and her welcoming demeanor were said to have left an indelible impression on all who knew her.

Reeve ‘s impact resonated not only through her own accomplishments but also through her children, who followed in her footsteps of service and leadership. Her son Fred served in the Coast Guard and later established a successful business. Her daughter, Dorothy “Dot” Reeve, blazed trails as a lieutenant commander in the Navy and became Ocean County’s first female attorney. She was also the first woman to head a local American Legion Post.

Her daughter, Evelyn, Mill and David’s mother married Millard James Younker, and the couple started the Toms River Venetian Blind Service in 1947 and expanded to own four stores.

“My grandfather died in 1949,” shared Mill. “I’m sure that was a tough time for her. She was still very active in everything and became even more active at that time.”

Mill was 22 when his grandmother died on

ordinance was approved, a number of people spoke out against it.

Dr. Robert Cimer, a veterinarian who contracted with the shelter in the past but currently has no stake in its operation, vouched for its quality and the treatment of animals there.

Debbie Geissinger of Lost Dog Search and Rescue in South Toms River also praised the animal shelter and its staff and said she heard horror stories about one company that the town had previously considered using for

December 7, 1965, and had fond memories of his visits with her. Mill marveled at the significance of the date of his grandmother’s death as she kept newspaper clippings daily during World War II.

“She kept them in a chest that her husbandmy grandfather - made,” Mill added. “I have that chest.”

Part of Reeve’s legacy continues to live on in the Waretown Branch of the Ocean County Library system. She had left sufficient funds to build the library in that part of the county.

About The DAR Members of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) must be able to trace their lineage to ancestors who actively supported the Revolutionary War effort. This includes individuals who served in the Continental Army or state militia, contributed to the funding of the armies through supply taxes, or held positions as public officials during the pivotal period of American history.

The Captain Joshua Huddy Chapter of the DAR currently has 95 members.

animal control.

Alison Lemke of Lacey asked why only dogs and cats count and not other animals. This is in reference to the county only taking in dogs and cats.

Barbara Cypher of Beachwood said if your dog gets lost, you can feel safe knowing they’ll be cared for in Toms River if the shelter remains under local control.

Other residents raised questions such whether

(Animal Shelter - See Page 5)

Animal Shelter:

Continued From Page 4

the town still owes money on the building, and whether it’s worth losing home rule since the county will make decisions.

One speaker asked how the mayor would be able to justify this to voters, saying he saved them $20 in taxes, but animals had to die in order for that to happen.

Michael Cohen, a Toms River resident and employee of the shelter, thanked Council President Craig Coleman for visiting the site recently. Cohen brought data to the meeting comparing the Toms River shelter to the county’s two shelters. In 2022 and 2023, Toms River achieved “no-kill status” which means that they had a “save rate” higher than 90%. The county shelters were in the 70th and 80th percentile.

The Toms River shelter has taken in animals with special needs and cared for them until they were adoptable. He feared that if animals

Taxes:

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The governing body is all Republican, but Councilmen David Ciccozzi and James Quinlisk are from a different club than the others. They didn’t vote in favor of the budget resolution. They have been critical that the budget committee of the council hasn’t had meetings.

“We haven’t seen the budget,” Quinlisk

like that went to a county facility, they would be euthanized.

He also took issue with the mayor’s move to eliminate fees. Mayor Daniel Rodrick had made that decision in an attempt to get animals adopted faster. However, Cohen said, this leads to people adopting for the wrong reasons, such as the dog fighting ring that was broken up in Howell recently. People will get free dogs to train their attack dogs on.

Also, people getting free pets are not as devoted to animals as people who go through a traditional adoption process. The shelter has had nine returns as of April 24, compared to ten returns in all of 2023.

“A long stay in a shelter is not unusual, unfortunately,” he said, in response to Rodrick’s efforts to drop normal procedures in order to speed up the process.

Cohen noted how this lease is not on any published agenda for future meetings of the Ocean County Commissioners or Board of Health. Does The County Want It? While there has been a lot of heated debate in

said. “The seven members (of the council) are voting on something they haven’t seen.”

Rodrick and other council members countered that this was the reading of the budget in name only and that more information will be coming up at the budget presentation. Residents have said that Councilman George Lobman should abstain from voting on the budget since his house is on the market. Lobman was appointed to fill Rodrick’s spot on the council. Lobman is not running

Toms River, county officials have been quiet on the matter.

Hours before the meeting, The Toms River Times reached out to the County Health Department which oversees the county’s shelters.

A Department of Health representative said “Our board is aware of the vote tonight but conversations are still ongoing with Toms River. No final decisions have been made at this point.”

They said that since the county doesn’t handle animal control duties, Toms River would still need to have employees or a contract for animal control.

A representative of county government said “We have nothing further to add.”

Lease Details

Township Attorney Gregory McGuckin said that the ordinance has to be passed in order to sign a lease. Some parts of the lease that he highlighted include that the township can terminate the lease within 60 days if the county doesn’t want to use it as an animal shelter. The township can terminate the lease

for office to keep the spot. Lobman said that he has lived here since 1973, and has served the township in a number of ways. It’s his prerogative to sell his property and this doesn’t change his service to the town. As long as he pays taxes in this town, he has a vested interest in Toms River.

Chief Financial Officer

During the meeting, the Council majority voted to make Business Administrator Jonathan Salonis the temporary chief

within 120 days for other reasons.

The majority of the Township Council voted in favor of the lease. Councilman James Quinlisk, David Ciccozzi and Thomas Nivison voted against it.

“It’s evil, what’s happening here,” Ciccozzi said.

“You can’t put a price on human emotion,” Nivison said.

He also severely criticized the lease that he wasn’t given until an hour before the meeting. For example, the county would be able to use money that was willed to the shelter on improvements to the building rather than directly for the animals’ care. A new roof would take up all that money, and it’s not what the decedent’s intentions were.

Nivison attempted to table this lease indefinitely, but was outvoted. Tabling means that the council wouldn’t vote on it.

Nivison, who has hosted petition drives against this at his business Silverton Farms, also said the adoption fee should be brought back.

financial officer.

Rodrick said the town is going to hire a CFO but they need someone to sign off on things right now. “It’s a formality until we hire someone.”

Councilman Quinlisk was concerned that there was no ending date in the resolution appointing Salonis. He also voiced worry that Salonis is already wearing a number of hats since so many other administrative staff have been fi red or quit.

Piney

: Continued From Page 1

no truth,” said Lewis. “We’re just labeling people because they’re different, and we don’t understand them.”

The spark for Lewis’ first book, “New Jersey’s Lost Piney Culture,” ignited during a seemingly ordinary encounter. An avid birder, Lewis was hiking in Florida when he met a couple from Indiana. The gentleman, sporting a Wharton State Forest hat, asked Lewis if he’d ever heard of the Pine Barrens.

Lewis explained that he was from the Pine Barrens and was surprised to hear the couple had just visited the area. They became interested in it after reading “The Pine Barrens,” a book written by John McPhee in 1967, a staff writer for The New Yorker

“I’d never read the book, but my curiosity was piqued, and I picked up a copy,” said Lewis. “In my opinion, it’s what saved the Pinelands. It galvanized the environmental movement and made it a national preserve along with Governor Byrne.”

While some of the book’s details rang familiar, others hit Lewis to his core. McPhee said the classic example of a Piney was someone who pulled pinecones and red sphagnum moss.

Lewis recalled his close family members doing the same and came up with the conclusion that his family were Pineys.

“And then he said that Pineys was a derogatory word,” Lewis related. “And referred to backward people and incestual and immoral people.”

Lewis knew at the point that it was time for someone who lived the Piney culture to set the record straight.

The History Of The Pineys

In “New Jersey’s Lost Piney Culture,” Lewis identifies ten types of Pineys – all of whom have enjoyed the vast land known as the Pine Barrens. His research revealed that the Pine Barrens comprises 1.1 million acres in 56 municipalities.

As far as Lewis is concerned, one doesn’t have to be from the Pine Barrens to earn the Piney distinction. He gave the example of a woman who moved from Staten Island as worthy of being called a Piney – because of her sheer love for the land.

“I am a different Piney than my grandfather was,” Lewis added. “He couldn’t read or write.”

“I’m college educated, but that doesn’t mean I’m smarter than he was,” continued Lewis. “He had a different knowledge set than I do.”

The origins of the term “Piney” trace back to the Pine Barrens, where early inhabitants forged a way of life deeply intertwined with its beautiful landscape. For generations, Pineys fostered a spirit of self-reliance and community - living off government-owned land.

served a decorative purpose, fueling a thriving industry until its decline in the 1990s. Plastic flowers took the place of dried natural blooms – and pinecones were suddenly imported from overseas.

Lewis reminisced about his childhood and recalled the excitement of knowing there was always something to harvest and make some money. He credited his strong work ethic to the days he and his little sister bundled up to collect pine balls in Warren Grove. People dressed in their Sunday finest stared at them when they stopped in a diner to warm up and get special treats.

“I consider Pineys to be farmers without owning the land,” explained Lewis. “They were farming with different types of plants in the Pine Barrens.”

However, a shift came with the establishment of the Pinelands National Reserve. Public lands had always been associated with rules against removing anything from them. What had been somewhat lax enforcement changed. What was once considered sustainable harvesting – collecting pinecones and participating in the dry flower trade – was absolutely against the rules. Authorities cracked down, impounding vehicles and issuing fines. A way of life passed down through generations became an unexpected source of conflict.

Meanwhile, the Pineys’ struggle with misconceptions dates far back in history. In the early 20th century, acting New Jersey Governor James F. Fielder ran for office advocating for the segregation and sterilization of Pineys. His stance was based on a flawed eugenics study conducted by Dr. Henry Goddard.

“It was his findings with a young Piney girl that really started the eugenics movement,” said Lewis. “It was the idea that she was feebleminded, and it was something that was bred and went up and down the family tree.”

More On The Pine Barrens A world traveler who truly feels there’s no place like home, Lewis speaks passionately about the Pine Barrens. He’s an expert on the region’s flora, the hidden paths leading to tranquility, and even its local legends. His latest book, “South Jersey Legends & Lore,” explores both the well-known Jersey Devil and lesser-known stories like John Bacon’s tale, highlighting the Pine Barrens’ role in the American Revolution. For younger audiences, Lewis crafted “Adventure With Piney Joe,” which takes children on a journey blending history with folklore, fostering an appreciation for the area’s people and rich heritage. Lewis has also designed a coloring book called “Piney Everlasting, Volume 1.”

Lewis described his grandfather’s generation as pioneers and painted a picture of a community adapting to the seasons and opportunities available to them.

“Their routines shifted throughout the year. They’d pick blueberries in the summer and participate in the cranberry harvest come fall –both staples of Piney history,” said Lewis. But that wasn’t all. Year-round, they’d collect dry flowers, a tradition that stretched all the way down to Tuckerton.

Many of the people Lewis interviewed for his book recalled meticulously collecting “pine balls,” as they were called, specifically from pygmy pines. Pinecones and dried flowers

The documentary, “The Reluctant Piney,” offers a glimpse into the lives of other Piney community members, further enriching the understanding of this resilient group.

“I call them reluctant because they’re reluctant to leave the woods,” Lewis explained. “They’re reluctant to get a 40-hour workweek – reluctant to have a boss.”

“They were all their own individual bosses,” continued Lewis. “Whatever they did in the woods that day, that’s the amount of money they would come home with. Progress kept coming along and pushing them out of the woods.” Lewis’s books are available on Amazon. For those interested in learning more, his Facebook page, Piney Tribe, boasts over 11,000 followers and offers daily content about the Pine Barrens and its people.

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Correspondence & Commentary From Your Local, County, State & Federal Officials

Bill Provides Military Assistance To Israel, Blocks Funds To UNRWA

From The Desk Of

Congressman Chris Smith

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) took to the House Floor during debate and urged his colleagues to pass legislation (HR 8034) that would provide more than $26 billion in critical military assistance to Israel while prohibiting any US funds from flowing to the failed and pervasively antisemitic United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in Gaza. The bill was passed by the House in a vote of 366-58.

“The United States must make absolutely clear in both word and deed, not just today, but every day - and without equiv-

ocation - that we stand with Israel,” said Smith, the Co-Chair of the Israel Allies Caucus.

“Both defensive weapons systems like Iron Dome and David’s Sling and all necessary offensive military capabilities must be conveyed without delay to Israel for as long as it takes to defeat Hamas and to deter Iran, Hezbollah, and other radical Islamists,” Smith said.

Smith, who has led efforts in Congress to expose UNRWA’s rampant antisemitism, said the legislation will prohibit US funding for the problematic UN agency. The measure mirrors Smith’s own bill - the Stop Support for UNRWA Act of 2024 (HR 7122) - that was passed by the House Foreign Affairs Committee in February.

“Of significance, HR 8034 prohibits aid to Gaza from flowing through UNRWA,

an antisemitic disgraceful organization that teaches Palestinian children to hate Jews and glorifies suicidal martyrdom and the evisceration of Israel as a state,” said Smith, who has chaired three hearings over the past ten months on UNRWA’s unbridled antisemitism and recently joined an international panel of experts in Geneva to highlight the issue.

“UNRWA is a child soldiers factory that we have funded for decades,” Smith continued. “Twenty-one years ago - on this Floor in 2003 - I offered an amendment that passed the House to defund UNRWA.

The Senate never acted.”

“A few weeks ago, the Foreign Affairs Committee passed my bill to stop UNRWA funding,” said Smith. “HR 8034 defunds UNRWA.”

“Israel has an absolute right to exist - free from aggression and antisemitic hate,” Smith said.

According to the House Republican Lead-

ership, the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2024 includes:

$4B to replenish Iron Dome and David’s Sling missile defense systems;

$1.2B for the Iron Beam defense system; $3.5B for the procurement of advanced weapons systems, defense articles, and defense services through the Foreign Military Financing Program;

$1B to enhance the production and development of artillery and critical munitions;

$4.4B to replenish defense articles and defense services provided to Israel;

$2.4B for current US military operations in response to recent attacks;

$9B for worldwide humanitarian aid; and $400M to help secure non-profit institutions in America, including from increased threats of antisemitism; Provides flexibility for transfers of defense articles to Israel from US stockpiles; and Prohibits funds to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).

Legislation Would Address Plastic Production Crisis

Capitol Comments

Senator Cory Booker

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), along with U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (D-CA-02), reintroduced the Protecting Communities from Plastics Act, legislation that addresses the plastic production crisis that is fueling climate change and perpetuating environmental injustice.

With plastic production and consumption on track to double in the next decade, the resulting greenhouse gas emissions threaten to put our climate goals further out of reach, while expanded plastic production will drive more pollution in environmental justice communities around the United States. Petrochemical, plastic production, and waste incineration facilities, which are disproportionately located in or near Black, Brown, and low-income communities, release harmful air and water pollution that cause increased

incidences of asthma, cancers, endocrine disruption, development disorders, and heart disease.

Transitioning off of fossil fuels only to replace that demand with more fossil-based plastic production is not a sustainable solution, and will continue to perpetuate existing climate and environmental justice impacts.

The Protecting Communities from Plastics Act would directly tackle the plastic pollution crisis by cracking down on the plastic production process, building on key provisions from the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act to address the harmful environmental justice impacts of this growing sector, and moving our economy away from an overreliance on single-use plastic.

It would establish stricter rules for petrochemical plants to safeguard the health of American communities and reduce greenhouse gas emissions fueling the climate crisis.

Additionally, it would begin to shift the U.S. economy away from its dependence on certain single-use plastics, creating new nationwide targets for plastic source

reduction and reuse in the packaging and food service sectors. These targets are paired with federal incentives to spur expansion of reusable and refillable systems, with an emphasis on ensuring benefits are realized in environmental justice communities.

“The plastic pollution crisis is an urgent threat to our public and environmental health. Communities living near plastics facilities often suffer from exposure to harmful pollutants and increased longterm health complications,” said Senator Booker. “As we continue to tackle climate change and transition to a clean energy economy, fossil-based plastic production undermines our efforts to reduce our carbon emissions and address environmental injustice. This legislation will create nationwide targets for single-use plastic source reduction and pause the permitting of new and expanded plastics facilities while the EPA makes much-needed regulatory updates.”

“When it comes to reducing waste, we are taught the three Rs: reduce, reuse, and recycle. However, the reality for plastics is really the three Bs: buried, burned, or borne out to sea - which means dangerous chemicals are seeping into our soil, air,

and water. This is a public health emergency for Americans everywhere, and disproportionately impacts communities of color and low-wealth communities,” said Senator Merkley, who serves as the Chair of the Environment and Public Works subcommittee overseeing environmental justice and chemical safety.

“With plastic particles ending up on the snowcaps of the Arctic and inside our own bloodstreams, it’s clear we need strong legislation like the Protecting Communities from Plastics Act to get the plastics crisis under control. I will continue to work alongside my colleagues to get these solutions signed into law.”

“Plastic production is toxic at every stage beginning with the extraction of fossil fuels, continuing by polluting the air and water of communities near production facilities, poisoning our very bodies and ultimately harming our ocean upon which all life depends. We applaud the Protecting Communities from Plastics Act for seeking to stop this egregious harm and providing a much-needed course correction toward the cleaner, healthier and more sensible future we all deserve,” said Jennifer Savage, Plastic Pollution Initiative Senior Manager, Surfrider Foundation.

C OMMUNITY N EWS

Junior Lifeguard Program

TOMS RIVER – The Junior Lifeguard Program emphasizes Teamwork, Leadership, and Aquatic Safety while introducing young people to safe marine and aquatic recreation opportunities.

The program is designed to provide quality water safety education while improving young people’s physical conditioning, their understanding and respect for the environment, and their respect for

themselves, their parents, and their peers. The program will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays, July 9 to August 8, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at North Lifeguard Station 4th Ave & Boardwalk in Ortley Beach. Open to children ages 10 to 15. Fee is $75 per child.

Registration opens May 15 at tomsrivertownship.com . For more information, call 732-341-1000 ext. 8415.

Memorial Day Pig Roast & BBQ

TOMS RIVER – The American Legion Post 129 will be hosting their Memorial Day Pig Roast & BBQ on May 25 from 1 to 5 p.m. (rain date May 26) at 2025 Church Road in Toms River.

Tickets are $25 in advance; $30 at the door; children under age 12 are $10. Ticket includes draft beer, can soda, bottled water. Cash bar for wine and spirits.

Menu: pig roast & BBQ chicken wings, hot dogs, hamburgers, salads, baked beans and more.

Tickets are available at Post 129 Canteen Bar or xall Rocky Lucia at 917-417-4818 or Pete Coleman at 732910-7013. Pay online at salpost129.com. All ticket sales are final; no refunds or exchanges.

Local Resident Honored At Centenary University

TOMS RIVER – Centenary University recognized 16 students for outstanding achievement at the Academic Awards Ceremony held on April 17. The annual event honors students for distinction across individual fields of study, as well as for overall grade point average in the graduating class.

“The students honored at this event have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to

their studies at Centenary University,” said Vice President for Academic Affairs Amy D’Olivo, Ph.D. “As academic leaders, they inspire others to strive for excellence, in the classroom and in other areas of campus life.”

Students recognized at the awards ceremony included Richard O’Brien of Toms River, Elaine Stewart Tyrrell Memorial Scholarship.

Toms River Resident Inducted Into Phi Alpha eta History Honor Society

TOMS RIVER – Kutztown University’s Department of History inducted the 2024 class of its Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society April 16, including Sarah Paige Boettger of Toms River.

680 Hooper Ave. • Building B 2nd Floor Toms River, NJ 08753

Tel: 732.286.7929 • Fax: 732.286.9698

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Business Academy Students Rack Up Nearly $10K In Prizes

A MESSAGE FROM OUR ADMINISTRATOR:

Rose Garden is one of the few “mom and pop” skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers left ... in the state of New Jersey. The world has turned “corporate;” we have not.

It has been our core belief that the delivery of healthcare is quite personal. That “intimacy” is in danger when 5 to 100 facilities are operated in multiple states by large corporations.

We have always strived for a close “family” atmosphere and believe we have succeeded. The environment is warm and inviting and exceedingly clean and spotless. Our homemade food and soups are outstanding, and the care is thoughtful, kind and productive.

We have been called the “Hotel of Healthcare.”

Please ask your friends, neighbors and, most importantly, other healthcare professionals. We are here, in your neighborhood, to serve you! 1579 Old Freehold Rd. • Toms River, NJ 08753 732-505-4477

– It was a big day for High School South’s Business Academy students. At Georgian Court University’s Lion’s Den Business Pitch competition, Eloise Weintraub, Alyssa Schenk, and Jordyn Lynch took home the $2,500 first-place prize. Later in the day, HSS’s Business Academy students swept all three places and

$6,000 of prize money at the 2024 Ocean County Sink or Swim Business Competition. Josh Rhine and Jackson Rice won the $3,000 first-place prize; Eloise Weintraub and Alyssa Schenk won the $2,000 second-place award; and Faith Jenkins and Emma Stich won the $1,000 thirdplace prize.

Toms River Excellence Expo

The Toms River Excellence Expo held at the campus of High School North was an opportunity for students to show off their hard work and talent.

Beach Badges On Sale Now

TOMS RIVER – Toms River Beach Badges are on sale now at the Toms River Recreation Building (1810 Warren Point Rd), the Toms River Senior Center (652 Garfield Ave), and the Toms River Tax Office (33 Washington Street).

Full season badges are just $50 until May 27 and then go up to $65, so get yours ASAP! Senior Badges are just $15. Kids are free up to age 12. Beaches include Ortley Beach on the Ocean and Shelter Cove on the Bay.

TOMS RIVER

Photo courtesy Toms River Schools

Photo by Chris Lundy

C OMMUNITY N EWS

Lynch Sparkles For South In Win Over North

TOMS RIVER – Aiden Lynch accomplished several things in his dominant start, a 9-0 win for High School South.

First, the shutout earned the Indians their first win of the campaign, a much-needed victory following five tough losses to begin the season. Secondly, the win avenged a loss in their previous game to Shore Conference and in-district rival High School North. This time around,

Lynch silenced the Mariners’ bats, yielding just three hits and two walks against six strikeouts. Finally, Lynch’s outing was indeed a spark for South, as the team reeled off two more victories since, and now has a three-game winning streak. Congratulations, Aiden, and good luck to the Indians as they continue their season on the diamond.

Former Pine Beach Student Gives Back To School

BEACH – A former Pine Beach student, Ashley Wojcik, created a sensory hallway at her old school for her National Honor Society project. Ashley, who now

attends High School East, chose to give back to her community by creating this hallway for current students because she says the school will always have a special place in her heart.

PINE

Photo courtesy Toms River Schools

Photo courtesy Toms River Schools

Preschoolers Enjoy Night Out With Friends At Prom

TOMS RIVER – Preschoolers from across the district dressed in their best duds and had the night of their young lives at a district-sponsored prom held in their honor. It was a time to hang with best buddies or meet a new friend as students were there

from several schools including the Early Learning Center, Silver Bay, and Citta Elementary School.

Judging by the smiles on everyone’s faces, it looked to be a fantastic, well-attended event!

Cats Available For Adoption

By Chris Lundy

TOMS RIVER – An adoption center with a free roaming cat playroom is open in downtown Toms River on Fridays from 6-8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4 p.m. and also by appointment.

These two kittens are a bonded brother-sister pair who are so new to the center

that they don’t have names yet. Come down to meet them.

The center is located at 34 Main Street (Route 9), Suite 1B. The adoption center adheres to COVID-19 restrictions and is run by the group called Lawyers In Defense of Animals. They can be reached at 908-910-2522, or on Facebook at /lidarescue and on Instagram @lida_rescue.

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

Photo courtesy Toms River Schools

Photo by Chris Lundy

Silver Bay’s Flat Stanley Visits Major League Sports Teams

TOMS RIVER – Third grade students at Silver Bay Elementary had an adventure learning about America by participating in the Flat Stanley project based on the book by Jeff Brown. The project is meant to facilitate letter writing for school children as well as increasing reading, writing and geography skills.

The students in Mrs. Brubaker’s class read the book “Flat Stanley” and then sent letters to all of the teams in the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. The response was amazing! So many teams responded, including the New York Giants, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Philadelphia Phillies.

Students learned some favorite foods and traditions of different cities and pictures from the communities, but they were also able to connect different regions of the United States with European exploration and the American Revolution. The students also received many surprises from teams including stickers, key chains, necklaces, trading cards, pencils and even t-shirts.

The most exciting surprise, however, came from the Cleveland Cavaliers: a picture of Travis Kelce holding one of the Flat Stanley’s while watching a game! It was an exciting and memorable project for everyone involved.

Diabetes Self-Management Program

TOMS RIVER – This free, six-week self-management program and workbook, designed by Stanford University, will help you to: learn how to manage symptoms including fatigue and depression; use relaxation techniques; eat healthy and monitor blood sugars; improve communication skills; use medication effectively; increase

your self-confidence; solve problems and set action plans.

Program will be held at the Program Room, Parks Administration Office, Toms River, on Mondays from May 6 to June 17, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The fee is $5 per person.

Register at oceancountyparks.org.

Photo courtesy Toms River Schools

Tortilla, Taco Taste Test At Junior Chef 2024

Meat Tortilla, with help from EDE’s Melissa Keenan

North Dover – Adelaide O’Flynn and her Organic Veggie Chili Quesadilla, with help from Walnut Street’s Jennifer Lappino.

South Toms River – Ben Jubert and his Fruit Roll Up, with help from Joanne Guild.

TOMS RIVER – First it was sandwiches, then it was salads. Junior Chef 2024 posed a Mexican cuisine challenge: tacos and tortillas. And the contestants did not disappoint. Those contestants were:

East Dover – Carly Barret and her Pizza Tortilla, with help from EDE’s cafeteria worker Angela Sabie.

Walnut Street – Stephanie Vargas and her Pizza Quesadilla, with help from Clare MacIver.

Pine Beach – Sara Apfel and her dish called The Special, with help from Kathleen Semchesyn.

West Dover – Kendall Royer and her Nacho Mountain, with help from Walnut Street’s Kristen Cutrona.

Hooper Avenue – Chase Gutowski and his Crunch Wraps, with help from Walnut Street’s Lynn Denisco.

Washington Street – Anthony Junay and his

Students

Cedar Grove – Jonah James Haggerty and his Taco Dog, with help from High School North’s Freida Minkema.

Silver Bay – Giuliana Muscio and her Giuliana’s Tasty Turkey Taco, with help from Danielle Morale.

Beachwood – Lori Wilson - Charlotte Garbiras and her Charlotte’s Taco Special, with help from Lori Wilson.

Citta – Nicholas Sanzara and his Buffalo Quesadilla, with help from HSN’s Maria Cunha.

In its third year, the event’s organizer is Food Services Director Jeff Hanaway with help from Maryellen Kennedy. The venue was High School East, and judges included board members, district staff and administrators, and oversight from Chef Rob of JBJ Soul Kitchen. The winner of this year’s Junior Chef competition was East Dover’s Carly Barret, whose Pizza Tortilla “won the heart of the judges,” according to Kennedy. The runner-up was Beachwood’s Charlotte Garbiras and her bite-sized creation, Charlotte’s Taco Special. And rounding out the winners was STRE’s Ben Jubert, whose Fruit Roll Up was the lone dessert entry, and was impressive enough to earn third place.

As in years past, JBJ’s Chef Rob was kind enough to offer a spot on the menu to our winning chef for one week during the month of May.

Congratulations to all of the Junior Chef winners and participants!

Selected For Band And Orchestra Association

– Orchestra students from across the district’s elementary schools were nominated and selected to perform with the South Jersey Band and Orchestra Director’s Association (SJBODA) Honors

After one three-hour rehearsal the morning of the concert, the students performed the same afternoon on April 20 at Egg Harbor Township High School. What an incredible accomplishment!

TOMS RIVER

Photo courtesy Toms River Schools Strings Ensemble.

Photo courtesy Toms River Schools

C OMMUNITY N EWS

State STEM Competition Nets Students Some Hardware

TOMS RIVER – Students from Intermediate East and North attended the Technology Students Association state conference April 17 at The College of New Jersey, where they competed in STEM competitions they’ve worked hard to prepare for all year.

Alexandra Kanterezhi-gatto, Michael Kuhlsen, and Christina Dakrat placed third in the Junior Solar Sprint, a competition in which they designed a solar-pow-

ered car to race against others. Michael Kuhlsen also worked with Tyler Morton, Brayden Macom, and Cooper Kuhlsen to win 2nd place in a category called “Off the Grid” - a competition that had them designing a zero-energy home that would be able to function without fossil fuels and city water, and use as little energy as possible in a grassland environment. Congratulations to our NJTSA winners and participants!

South Choir Takes ird In National Showcase

TOMS RIVER – High School South’s choir participated in a showcase competition at Hershey Park in Pennsylvania during the weekend of April 20.

“It was a busy day and we competed

against 12 other choirs from across the country,” said choir director Phil Martin. The students finished in third placewith a trophy to prove it - and earned a rating of “Excellent.”

Photo courtesy Toms River Schools

Photo courtesy Toms River Schools

Dr. Izzy’s

Sound News

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

Dr. Isidore Kirsh Ph.D.,

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!

HCB First Aid Auxiliary Seeking Volunteers

TOMS RIVER – HCB First Aid Auxiliary is in need of volunteers: They need volunteers to work with us (men and women). Open to the public not just HCB.

can accomplish this.”

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

They usually meet once a month on a Monday at 3 p.m. at the First Aid Squad on Port Royal Drive. Their meetings only last about an hour. They organize fundraisers to raise money for the squad such as Psychic Fairs, Gift Auctions etc. If you want to keep busy, give us a try. They are a friendly group. All are welcome. If interested please call Linda Maddalena at 732-505-6795.

All-Recovery Support Meeting

TOMS RIVER – Join HOPE Sheds Light every Tuesday for the All-Recovery Meeting at the Ocean County College.

This peer-led group meets from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Wellness and Recovery Center, Building 4, Room 113, offering

support and connection for those affected by substance use disorder. Your presence can make a difference – we hope to see you there.

For more information, contact victoria@ HOPEShedsLight.org.

Senior Center Healthcare Expo

TOMS RIVER – The Toms River Senior Center will be hosting a Healthcare Expo on May 31 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will feature over 40 vendors, a free

BBQ lunch, live music, raffle baskets, and more!

Call 733-341-1000 ext. 8208 with any questions or to arrange transportation.

Dear Pharmacist

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Raw Unfiltered Honey Vs. Pasteurized: A Guide For Allergy Sufferers

By

Honey, nature’s golden delight, has graced our tables and enriched our diets for centuries. Interestingly, Americans consume about one and a half pounds of honey per person annually!

While honey’s rich flavor and health benefits are widely celebrated, for those with allergies, the choice between raw and pasteurized honey involves more than just taste, it’s about well-being.

When you go shopping to buy honey, you’ll see two choices. So let’s delve into the distinctions between “raw/unfiltered” and “pasteurized” honey to determine which is more suitable for pollen allergy sufferers.

1. Raw and Unfiltered Honey - Raw honey is minimally processed. It is not pasteurized, meaning it isn’t heated at high temperatures, and only lightly filtered, preserving most of its natural nutrients, including pollen, antioxidants, and enzymes. These components are believed to support immune function and might even offer allergy relief to some. However, for people sensitive to pollen, consuming raw honey could pose risks. Although the pollen in raw honey typically differs from the wind-borne pollen that triggers seasonal allergies, it can still provoke reactions in highly-sensitive folks. The benefits of raw honey also include a complex flavor profile that varies with the flowers visited by the bees. It also contains beneficial enzymes.

2. Pasteurized Honey - Pasteurized honey is heated sufficiently to kill yeast cells and remove any crystallization, creating a smoother product. This process significantly reduces the pollen content, making it a safer option if

you consider yourself to be allergic to pollen, or have severe senstivities. It’s just as sweet, and has some health benefits but with a lower risk of causing allergic reactions. The type of flowers that bees pollinate can greatly influence the medicinal properties of honey. For example, Manuka honey from New Zealand is famed for its antimicrobial properties, while North American clover honey is often used for its soothing qualities against coughs and throat irritations. Buckwheat honey, known for its high antioxidant content, is another variety that is dark and rich, commonly used for boosting the immune system and respiratory health.

And then there is agave nectar, a totally different natural sweetener that is right next to the honey section. This is derived from a succulent plant, and it does not contain pollen. Choosing between raw and pasteurized honey (and agave) depends on all these factors. I like all of those better than artificial sweeteners, but that’s just me!

In conclusion, I recommend pasteurized honey for allergy sufferers due to its reduced pollen content, and raw/unfiltered honey for people without pollen sensitivities. The latter offers a richer nutrient profile and a deeper connection to the flora that bees have visited.

Whether used as a sweetener in tea or drizzled on top of yogurt, selecting the right type of honey can help you enjoy its health benefits safely and delightfully. I have a longer version of this article at my website with more sweetener options and more detail. To have it emailed, 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.

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

TRSTV Students Learn Broadcasting History At InfoAge

Photo

TOMS RIVER – The InfoAge Museum has, for the past several years, been a popular field trip destination for district students, particularly those within career-based pathways.

That continued as High School East students studying broadcast journalism at the school’s TRSTV studio ventured to Wall Township,

courtesy

Toms River Schools

where they toured the facility, saw exhibits in broadcast communications, history, military history, and many more cool displays of art and culture past and present.

The trip was made possible through the district’s Perkins-funded programs, and certainly did not disappoint!

June Psychic Fair

TOMS RIVER – The Psychic Fair presented by the H.C.B. First Aid Auxiliary will be on June 1 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Holiday City West Clubhouse, 45 Cabrillo Boulevard, Toms River.

Tickets are $60 for 30-minute sessions (by appointment only). Appointments book up fast so schedule early. Money raised will be donated to the HCB First Aid Squad. For appointment, contact Madeline Wesolowski at 732-797-0686 or Madweso@comcast.net. Please leave message. She will get back to you.

Wanda: A spiritual reader from a long ancestral background of psychics. Reading Tarot for over 15 years. She deals in herbal medicines and spiritual healing.

Joe Hicks: Joe is a medium. As far as he can remember he has heard and seen things others don’t. When he spoke to his parents about it, they would brush it aside. He realized that not everyone saw what he could see. For years he only helped friends, but then it became more apparent that he had this gift and should be helping others. He says what he has is truly a blessing.

Margaret Steele: Is a medium, Angel card readings and automatic handwriting to contact your personal ones in Heaven. Certified Reiki Master, who also uses crystals to perform healing sessions on people & animals.

Tori: Is a Professional psychic reader. Has lot of experience. She does spiritual healing, card reading and Reike. Also is a hypnotist, but does not have enough time for this today.

Carol Hellings: Is a professional psychic reader. She has been practicing for many years. She is a certified astrologer and published on palmistry. She appeared on TV, radio, and taught classes in psychic development.

Mary Starfire: Mary will cover and uncover

the past, present, future and more. The readings will include many areas as well as a basic, general and best course of action on what is needing attention now. Also, as a medium you never know who may wish to come through. Mary suggests that you tape record or take notes to reference back if needed.

JoEllen Powley: JoEllen is a certified Angel Card Reader (certified by Doreen Virtue). Incorporating Solfeggio Chakra Tuning Forks to raise your vibration and spiritual awakening. She provided readings at Bella Songa in Bradley Beach for many years.

Linda Picotti: Is a medium sensing messages from spirits as a teen. As she became older, she saw and heard many more things. For over 20 years, she has been connecting with loved ones for the purpose of healing grief and bringing messages of love. She uses clairvoyance (clear seeing), clairsentience (clear sensing/feeling) and clairaudience (clear hearing) to interpret information from Spirit and bring the message to you with love and compassion.

Betsy O’Connell: Betsy O’Connell is the owner of Trinity Wellness Emporium. She provides yoga, meditation, other forms of wellness to all ages. Betsy was born into her gifts and has learned to enhance them through meditation & practice. Both sides of her family have very unique gifts of speaking to those who crossed over, past live regressing & foretelling. Betsy is clairvoyant, clairaudient & clairsentient. This means she can foretell, she can speak, see, and hear spirit. She knows if intentions are good or bad, if people have been together thru the lifetimes & also able to read auras People can bring something to record readings (notebook or phones to record) and pictures.

Future Events: Psychic Fair on September 21; Mystery Theater on October 20.

Educating Our Community On Nursing Home Abuse

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

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

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

Statistics show that nearly 50 percent of all nursing homes are short staffed. The staff people who do work in these facilities are underpaid, overworked, and all too often overburdened, which in turn leads to elder neglect and abuse.

Even more alarming is the prediction that the problem will only worsen in the near future. More than 91% of nursing homes lack adequate staff to properly care for patients. A Health and Human Services Department report found patients in understaffed nursing homes were more likely to suffer from a variety of problems, such as bed sores, malnutrition, weight loss, dehydration, pneumonia, and serious blood born infections. It’s a serious concern that will only increase with time, given that the population of people aged 85 or older is expected to

double to 8.9 million by the year 2030. Signs of abuse and neglect may be (but are not limited to) evidence such as patterns of bruising, unexplained injuries, frequent infections, bedsores, questionable hygiene, appearance of malnutrition, emotional distress, and unsanitary living conditions. Document any such evidence you observe, and bring it to the attention of your attorney. Neglect can be just as harmful in the long run as abuse, leading to additional health problems and possibly death.

Nursing home abuse isn’t limited to physical abuse; there can also be emotional, verbal, and psychological abuse, where an elder is demeaned or humiliated in other ways.

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

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

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

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e Largest Venomous Animal On Earth

By Renee A. Thomaier Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

63 Lacey Rd. Unit C • Whiting, NJ 08759 609-978-9002 • www.ICAMNJ.com

Originally discovered in Australia, the Komodo dragon migrated from their native home in Indonesia approximately 900,000 years ago. Comprised of only a handful of islands in Indonesia, the Komodo National Park is one of the wild places you would fi nd the dragon, where they are heavily monitored to protect their habitat as well as visitors. The dragon is also found in parts of Africa, Australia, and southeastern Asia.

The Komodo dragon, a member of the monitor lizard family, can reach a length of 10 feet long and weight more than 300 pounds. They are the world’s largest lizard with a massive appetite for meat. The Indonesian islands are one place where these dragons can be found in their native habitat. Don’t think that you can travel to one of these islands and take a walk through the woods by yourself. The woods are full of these massive creatures and being accompanied by a ranger or guide who is armed with a 6-foot-long wooden staff is required. Listed as an endangered species, conservation is promoted throughout the United States (Pittsburgh Zoo, the Bronx Zoo,

and the Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C., to name a few) where you can visit. The fascination in this lizard’s large size and predatory habits has contributed to it becoming a tourist attraction. In turn, that attraction has supported its protection.

The diet of this predator consists of mostly carrion, but they can take down enormous prey, such as deer, pigs, cattle, water buffalo, along with members of their own species. They can occasionally be dangerous to humans. When hunting for prey, it is their venomous bite delivering toxins that causes the prey’s blood to clot, causing the animal to go into shock, leading to rapid blood loss. The animal is dead or near death when the dragon takes possession of their prey. In one sitting the Komodo dragon is capable of consuming 80% of their body weight. I gathered the information for this article from multiple sources so statistics may vary slightly. To reach me please call 732244-2768.

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.

Help Spread Love One Lasagna At A Time

LAWRENCEVILLE – Thanks to Lasagna Love NJ, hundreds of New Jersey residents receive a homemade lasagna every month. Whether you’re going through a financial hardship or difficult medical or emotional time, Lasagna Love delivers homemade dishes as a symbol of care and compassion, bringing a sense of warmth and comfort to those in need. New Jersey, regional director Donna Disbrow shares, “Delivering lasagnas to a family in need warms the hearts of everyone involved. About one hundred lasagnas are delivered every week in New Jersey, thanks to the kindness of our volunteers. Last Fall, 500 families waited months for a lasagna, because the requests outweighed the number of volunteers. All of those families have now

been fed, but in order to prevent that from happening again, we need more volunteers to cook, donate supplies, and deliver lasagnas.” Lasagna Love NJ is currently looking for volunteers to cook and/or deliver lasagnas to families in need. To fi nd out how you can help, visit lasagnalove.org/volunteer to register today!

Lasagna Love is a global nonprofit organization whose volunteers purchase ingredients, cook and deliver lasagna to a family in need. Their mission is to feed families, spread kindness and strengthen communities. Since 2020 the nonprofit has joined together more than 52,000 volunteers from around the world and fed more than 1.8 million people.

Youth Library Volunteer Program

TOMS RIVER – Attention teens: The perfect opportunity to share your talents, broaden your knowledge and help your community is here. Beginning May 1, the Ocean County Library will accept applications for the 2024 Service and Achievement in the Library (S.A.I.L.) program.

S.A.I.L is open to teens who are entering eighth grade and older. You’ll learn library functions, take part in projects, and develop your people skills. S.A.I.L. is a great way to earn community service hours and a terrific

addition to your résumé or CV. Positions are limited in number and will be filled on a fi rst-come, fi rst-served basis. Virtual options will be at the discretion of each branch teen services librarian. Please contact your local branch teen services librarian with your questions and concerns. Applications at theoceancountylibrary. org/teens/SAIL go live at 9 a.m. May 1. To register, complete and submit the form by your local branch’s deadline. See all about it on YouTube.

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

Hank Williams Jr. To Perform At Etess Arena

ATLANTIC CITY – Hank Williams Jr. takes

the stage at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City on July 26 at 8 p.m.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com, Ticketmaster. com or 800-745-3000. All shows are subject to change.

Hank Williams Jr.’s extremely impressive resume has spawned 70 million albums sold worldwide, six RIAA-certified Platinum albums, 20 RIAA Gold-certified, 13 No. 1 albums and 10 No. 1 singles. Marking 52 years since his first album in 1964, Williams Jr. released It’s About Time (Nash Icon Records) in 2016. In addition to the history-making “Are You Ready for the Country,” the project included tunes such as “Dress Like an Icon,” “Just Call Me Hank,” “It’s About Time” and “The Party’s On” as well as re-recorded versions of classics “Mental Revenge” and “Born to Boogie” with Brantley Gilbert, Justin Moore and Brad Paisley on guitar. It’s About Time marked Hank’s 37th studio album in his five-decade career. Following It’s About Time, Williams Jr. has released several compilations, including All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over: Great Tailgating Songs, A Country Boy Can Survive (Box Set), Hank Jr.

Sings Hank Sr. and 35 Biggest Hits. In 2022 Hank Jr. continued to redefine the boundaries of rock and country music with the genre-crossing, chart-topping release of his most recent album, Rich White Honky Blues. Debuting at No. 1 on the Current Country, Americana/Folk and Blues Albums charts, the project was a successful collaboration between Williams and GRAMMY-winning Producer, Dan Auerbach. The 12-song-set was recorded live, reprising classics from Robert Johnson, Lightnin’ Hopkins, R.L. Burnside, Muddy Waters, and more, delivering reinvigorated classic blues sounds infused with Williams’ signature rock and country flavor. He continues to add accolades to an extremely impressive resume, which includes ACM Entertainer of the Year, CMA Entertainer of the Year and BMI Icon, in addition to a GRAMMY win and coveted inductions into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and Country Music Hall of Fame. As a touring artist, Hank Jr. was a pioneer in bringing arena rock production values to country music, and he remains one of the most consistent ticket sellers in music, period, as generation after generation gets turned on to one of the most dynamic live performers ever to take the stage.

Photo courtesy Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

Black Pumas To Take e Stage At Hard Rock Live

ATLANTIC CITY – Black Pumas will perform at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City on August 3 at 8 p.m.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com, Ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000. All shows are subject to change.

When Black Pumas made their self-titled debut in 2019, the Austin-bred duo set off a reaction almost as combustible and rapturous as their music itself. Along with earning a career total of seven Grammy Award nominations (including Album Of The Year) and winning praise from leading outlets like Pitchfork and Rolling Stone, singer/songwriter Eric Burton and guitarist/producer Adrian Quesada achieved massive success as a live act, touring large theaters all over Europe and North and South America and delivering a transcendent show Burton aptly refers to as “electric church.”

As they set to work on their highly awaited sophomore album, the band broadened their

palette to include a dazzling expanse of musical forms: heavenly hybrids of soul and symphonic pop, mind-bending excursions into jazz-funk and psychedelia, starry-eyed love songs that feel dropped down from the cosmos. Wilder and weirder and more extravagantly composed than its predecessor, Chronicles of a Diamond arrives as the fullest expression yet of Black Pumas’ frenetic creativity and limitless vision.

Like Black Pumas, Chronicles of a Diamond once again harnesses the lightning-in-a-bottle chemistry between Burton (a self-taught musician who got his start busking on beaches and subway platforms in his native Los Angeles) and Quesada (a Grammy Award winner whose background includes playing in Latin-funk orchestra Grupo Fantasma and accompanying legendary artists like Prince). Produced by Quesada and primarily mixed by six-time Grammy Award winner Shawn Everett (Alabama Shakes, The War on Drugs), the ten-song LP finds Burton taking the role of co-producer and infusing his free-spirited musicality into every track.

Kids’ Stu Flea Market

LAKEWOOD – The Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation will hold their annual Kids’ Stuff Flea Market at Ocean County Park, 659 Ocean Ave, Lakewood, on May 5 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will be located inside the park at the Beach Complex parking lot.

The event will be rain or shine, and is a great opportunity to buy items related to children, including toys, games, clothing, and sporting goods. New and used items may be sold. To register as a vendor, visit the website at oceancountyparks.org or email Jake at jhaug@co.ocean.nj.us for an application.

Ocean County Library Announces Closure For Sta Development Day

TOMS RIVER – All branches and reading centers of the Ocean County Library will be closed May 10, for the Library’s annual Staff Development Day.

Library patrons are welcome to use OCL’s online resources, databases, eMagazines, eBooks, video and audio streams and digital classes at theoceancountylibrary.org.

Photo courtesy Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

Youth Library Volunteer Program

TOMS RIVER – Attention teens: The perfect opportunity to share your talents, broaden your knowledge and help your community is here. Beginning May 1, the Ocean County Library will accept applications for the 2024 Service and Achievement in the Library (S.A.I.L.) program.

S.A.I.L is open to teens who are entering eighth grade and older. You’ll learn library functions, take part in projects, and develop your people skills. S.A.I.L. is a great way to earn community service hours and a terrific

addition to your résumé or CV. Positions are limited in number and will be filled on a fi rst-come, fi rst-served basis. Virtual options will be at the discretion of each branch teen services librarian. Please contact your local branch teen services librarian with your questions and concerns. Applications at theoceancountylibrary. org/teens/SAIL go live at 9 a.m. May 1. To register, complete and submit the form by your local branch’s deadline. See all about it on YouTube.

Register For TRLL 2024 Spring Season

TOMS RIVER – Register now for Toms River Little League 2024 spring season. Softball bасk to back New Jersey State Champions.

Open to girls ages 4 to 16. Register online at trll.us. Registration Fees: $225 fi rst child; $175 second child (additional

children are free).

Players must reside in Toms River Township or attend one of the following schools: St. Joseph’s Grade School, Donovan Catholic, Hugh Boyd Elementary, Lavallette Elementary, or Island Heights Elementary School.

Ms. New Jersey Senior America Pageant 2024

ATLANTIC CITY – Ms. New Jersey Senior America, Inc., is seeking senior women, age 60 and over, to participate in the Ms. New Jersey Senior America Pageant 2024, to be

held at Harrah’s Resort Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, on May 30 at 1 p.m.

For all inquiries, call: 609-412-4980 or 908-2168534, or visit: newjerseysenioramerica.org

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

CLASSIFIEDS

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)

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)

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)

Buying - World War I & II Swords, Bayonets, Daggers, Helmets, Hats, Medals, Marine, Uniforms, Flags, etc. Cash Paid! 609-581-8290. Email: lenny1944x@gmail.com. (19)

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

WE BUY CARS - Any year. Any model. Any condition. Running or Not. CASH PAYMENT AND FREE PICK UP OF VEHICLE. 609-384-1610. Www.Webuycars2day.com. (21)

Services Services Services Services Help Wanted

Childcare in my home Brick/Point border Princeton Ave. - Many years experience with infants toddlers and school aged. 2 full time positions available 1 part time. Great prices no registration. Call Jenn to set up a meet and greet 347-458-5797. (22)

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)

Attention Hairstylists - Looking for a change? Preferably with a following. Good commission in Toms River. Shampoo, assistant, license, and experience. Call Tina 732-904-0014. (t/n)

We love nice people. Looking for honest, solid citizen who likes to talk and help people. Eaglespeed Auto has a counter/office position full or part time. Call Henry 848-333-3756. (22)

Services

VFW Post 100092 - Barnegat, NJ 08005. Coffee - donuts every Wednesday 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Meeting 2nd Thursday1800-2000 hours each month. Looking for new members, call 609-698-4120. (21)

HANDYMAN SOLUTIONS - All Types Home Improvement and Repairs. Carpentry • Doors • Windows • Bathroom And Kitchen Upgrades • Finished Basements • Ceramic Tile • Laminate Flooring • Decks • Vinyl Railings • Masonry • Painting • More. Licensed Insured. Advanced Building 609-384-9030. (18)

Experienced, Affordable, Compassionate - 24/7 private Caregiver/Companion is available for your Elderly loved ones: Help w/ personal hygiene, med reminders, meal preps, errands, laundry, housekeeping. 732-867-6686. (16)

Do You Want Your Car To Look Nice And Shine - Call Lenny. Lenny's Mobile Auto Detailing 908-868-4609. (22)

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) Wallpaper and Bordering - Hanging and removal of old. No job too big or small. Great references. Call Angela 609-290-9702. (17)

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)

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)

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)

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. Removal of old shingles, all woodwork inspected and repaired. GAF lifetime roofing shingles. meticulous cleanup. Fully insured and free estimates. $ave. Call Clark 732-850-5060. NJ Lic # 13VH11804800. (17)

DIRECTV - All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Direct and get your first free months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/ mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-877-557-1213. (t/n)

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)

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

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

MY HANDY CREW - Home repairs, carpentry, painting roofing and siding, decks, powerwashing, yardwork all your home maintenance needs. $ave. Call Clark 732-850-5060. Insured and NJ License #13VH11804800. (10)

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)

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)

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

Estate/Garage/Yard Sales

Auto For Sale

Items For Sale

Items Wanted

Help Wanted

Services

For Rent

Real Estate

Other

2. Print clearly your ad as you want it to read. Include Phone # within ad below (counts as 1 word). Use separate sheet if necessary.

At Home Caregiver - looking for live-in or hourly position. Experience & references. Own car. Call nataly 732-527-6100. (20)

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)

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

Calculate Price As Follows:

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

Make check payable in advance to Micromedia Publications, or fill in MASTERCARD/VISA/AMERICAN EXPRESS info. below:

Signature:

Name:

TO: PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733. Credit Card Orders Only can be faxed to: 732-657-7388. Or go to jerseyshoreonline.com to place your classified.

INCLUDE YOUR BILLING ADDRESS (THIS IS REQUIRED)

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

Over $1.5M Raised For St. Jude’s Hospital

NEPTUNE – Thunder 106, a Press Communications, LLC affiliate, just completed their annual “Country Cares for St. Jude Kids Radiothon” presented by Irwin Lincoln and Irwin Mazda of Freehold raising $214,812 and pushing their total 12-year contribution to $1,551,112. St. Jude’s is the leader in cancer care, research, and treatment for children. Families never receive a bill for treatment and all travel, housing and/or food costs are paid by St. Jude’s.

The Thunder 106 Radiothon unfolded April 11 & 12, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Listeners were invited to join “Partners in Hope” and donate monthly on the St. Jude website, via phone or text. All individuals who became a partner received a “This Shirt Saves Lives” shirt.

Starting the evening of April 12, Mike Ryan, Vice President of Programming for Thunder 106, started his 106-mile walk on the Jenkinson’s Boardwalk in Pt. Pleasant, sponsored by Monmouth Park Racetrack to help raise awareness and donations. Mike said, “It means everything to me to help St Jude in their mission to end childhood can-

cer. Once again, our listeners came through with an amazing amount of donations … More than ever before. I am so grateful for their support!”

The walk culminated at 5 p.m. on April 14 with Boots on the Boards at Jenk’s Club, headlined by National Recording Artist and former American Idol star, Scotty McCreery and presented by Door Boy.

This year’s event was also made possible by A.J. Perri, Value City NJ Furniture & Mattress, Four Boys Ice Cream, Rylee Home Services, Gunner Roofing, Chocolate Carousel, Earth Treasures, Surfside Smile Company, Hutchins HVAC, American Institute, Mach 1 Barbell, Nissan City of Red Bank, Reproductive Science Center, Kinney Pools, NJ Natural Gas, Joe Leone’s, V & S Landscape Supply, Ocean Casino Resort Casino, and Builders General.

For more information about Press Communications, The Thunder 106 Country Cares for Kids Radiothon, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, its partners, or how to donate, email info@PressCommRadio.com.

Photo courtesy Press Communications

LAKEWOOD – The Arc, Ocean County Chapter will host the 22nd Annual Step Up for The Arc Walk and Inaugural 5K Race on May 18 at ShoreTown Ballpark, home of the Jersey Shore BlueClaws, to benefit programs and support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Step Up for The Arc is an inclusive community event to raise awareness and acceptance for people with disabilities. The 5K Race will

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

Step Up For e Arc Walk & 5K Race

start at 8 a.m., with check-in opening at 7 a.m. timed by Split Second Racing. There is a $30 registration fee to participate in the 5K.

The Walk and Family Fun Day will kick-off at 10 a.m. and include carnival games, arts and crafts, live performances, refreshments, a 1-mile walk, and an after-party lunch catered by Jersey Mike’s Subs. This event is free to attend and online registration is encouraged.

To register for the Step Up for The Arc Walk

and 5K Race please visit arcocean.org. This year’s event hopes to raise $85,000 for The Arc, Ocean County Chapter’s programs and support services providing housing, employment, job training, transportation, recreation, family support, and clinical support services to 1,000 individuals with disabilities. All participants who donate or fundraise $50 or more will receive this year’s commemorative Step Up for The Arc t-shirt. Donations

OCC Foundation Scholarship Celebration

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County College Foundation will host the 2024 Scholarship Celebration on June 28 at 6 p.m. on OCC’s main campus in Toms River. The annual open-tent event is an opportunity for the Foundation to honor extraordinary individuals in the community while raising crucial funds to help students fulfi ll their dreams of a college education. Tickets and sponsorships are available now.

This year’s event will honor: The Citta Foundation for its long-standing support of OCC and the Ocean County community;

Ilene Cohen, OCC’s executive director of Athletics, for her enthusiastic leadership and advocacy for the advancement of the College’s student-athletes; and College Lecturer Lincoln A. Simmons for his tremendous contributions to the academic programs at OCC and pivotal leadership roles on collegewide committees. The event committee is chaired by Michael Manzo, chair of the OCC Foundation Board of Trustees. Kenneth J. Malagiere, executive director of the OCC Foundation, will host the evening’s festivities, which

feature a gourmet buffet and a silent auction.

To support a student with a scholarship or for information on becoming a sponsor, donating an auction item, or purchasing tickets to the event, visit go.ocean.edu/gala or call the OCC Foundation at 732-2550492. Proceeds from the annual Scholarship Celebration support the mission of the Ocean County College Foundation.

Since 1965, the OCC Foundation has provided support for thousands of deserving students in our community, awarding

can be made online directly to event participants or mailed to The Arc, Ocean County Chapter, 393 Mantoloking Road, Brick. Thank you to our silver event sponsors Be Best You and Gallagher and our bronze sponsor Manasquan Bank. To learn about our sponsorship levels and benefits visit arcocean.org.

For more event details, email development@ arcocean.org or call us at 732-978-1414.

over $21 million in direct scholarship and special program support. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are able to continue to provide additional assistance across our college community in truly impactful ways, including the funding for the Helping Hands Food Pantry, the Blauvelt Speaker Series, the Grunin Center for the Arts, the Global Travel Experience, Veterans Affairs, the Novins Planetarium, the Citta Sailing Center, Viking Athletics, and many more college and student-led initiatives.

FUN & GAMES SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Across 1 Stock option in a seafood business?

7 Works for literati 14 Rather dense 15 Waterway dividing two sides of a college football rivalry

16 Knesset country 17 Digits in parentheses

18 Isn’t quite neutral 19 Signer of the first of the Oslo Accords

20 Pad kee mao pan

Huff

One of many on Massachusetts Avenue in D.C.

__ machine

Dappled horses

Chat 32 Washington’s Grand __ Dam 33 Webinar’s first

Treat traditionally paired with RC Cola

35 Like Robert Johnson’s music

Styling combs

Fifth-century bishop in Ire.

Tempts

Grammar police, e.g.

Took off

Help for a broken-hearted BFF 47 Some IRAs

Bass kin

“OK, sure”

Ancient Roman province now part of modern 16-Across

option in black cans

1 Sanitizes, perhaps

2 Playwright called “The Father of Realism”

3 Truthfully 4 Dramatic advance 5 Exploits 6 London’s __ Pie Island

7 Ancient physician’s reference book

8 Bean sprouts?

9 Bottom-up, in a way

10 “__ sunt dracones”: line on an ancient globe 11 Profess

12 Take from the top 13 Long haul 15 Raucous crowd 19 Floor 22 Magazine whose archive was purchased by a consortium that includes the Smithsonian

23 “Bingo”

25 Keep from crack-

ing, perhaps

27 Yellowstone, for one

28 Good name for a knight?

29 Dates

30 Breaks down

31 Unorthodox sect

32 Pigeon holes

34 Trading places

36 Try and reach quickly

38 Shampoo buys

40 Spa wear

42 Hurries toward safety

43 Brown bread

44 Onetime producer of Magna Doodle

45 “Sex on Fire” Grammy winners Kings of __

46 Candle holder

48 Pyrite crystal, at times

50 Female lobster

51 Abbey’s husband on “The West Wing”

(c)2024 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.

JERALDINE SAUNDERS

OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

ARIES (March 21-April 19): You may experience a relief of stress and guilt by honoring your commitments. Remain understanding and empathetic even when it may be challenging. Your charm may attract supportive and helpful people who may celebrate your efforts.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You may have been taking creative leaps that exceed the limits, but your imaginative ideas might still have room to grow. Focus on activities that require an innovative touch. Lean on your peer group for support and encouragement.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You may experience a mixture of wins and losses in the upcoming week. You may feel you are under relentless pressure to make money but there could be obstacles in your path. Stay focused on your tasks and routine rather than on your accounts.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Better communication might be the answer to most of your challenges. Let your ambitions be known and communicate your needs with someone close. Take time to lay the groundwork for important plans that must be started in the week ahead.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Being a perfectionist won’t guarantee that anyone can be flawless, including yourself. Utilize sensitivity and diplomacy if you feel the need to double-check someone’s details. Employ social grace and compassion to navigate your way through the world.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You may find a new sense of clarity as things could start falling into place and revealing the entire picture. Discuss things with someone you trust. As you gain a better understanding of the facts, you might be enlightened about an important matter.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): It may be of benefit for you and others if you strive to have conversations over lectures. Being entertaining and thoughtful could transform mundane subjects. Temporary attractions should be unlikely to disturb your important connections.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In the week ahead, you might feel called to put down roots and settle into a routine that may be safe and dependable based on your needs. Adopting a rational approach and putting emotions aside could put conflicting desires into perspective.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): It may be difficult to recognize aspects of yourself that could be improved upon. When others point out what they believe to be your shortcomings, lean in with curiosity and humility. You may want to remain objective in conflicts at home.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Treating everyone the same way you’d treat your inner circle might result in a sense of harmony and equality. You may feel overlooked as someone close could be busier than usual and might not have an abundance of time to dedicate.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You may be focused on achieving your ambitions and this could lead to the exclusion of everything else. Remind yourself to take care of your well-being by taking breaks. You might find balance by exercising or making plans with a friend.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Old ideas could resurface for reconsideration. You may have a new perspective that puts what you could have previously reviewed onto a brand-new path. The more you seek security and peace, the more likely you might attract it.

THESE VEGETARIAN-FRIENDLY BURGERS ARE DELICIOUS

By America’s Test Kitchen