2024-05-11 - The Howell Times

“Learning Garden” Brings The Classroom Outdoors

By Alyssa Riccardi HOWELL – Students

at Ardena Elementary School were recently gifted a special classroom space for outdoor learning and a natural playscape.

The school announced the inauguration of their brand new “Learning Garden” with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate its grand opening.

Ardena’s Learning Garden was devised by the school’s Green Team, led by teachers Allison Weigle and Candace Grande. The two submitted and were ultimately awarded a $10,000 grant through Sustainable Jersey, funded by PSEG.

According to its website, Sustainable Jersey is a network of municipalities, schools and districts working collectively to build a better world for future generations.

The classroom will be used for both academic and social-emotional

Bill Would Restore State Aid To Schools

By Bob Vosseller

TRENTON – Noting the devasting effects of the S-2 state aid formula, lawmakers hope their new bill would help restore some of the funding cut from local school districts.

Assemblymen Alex Sauickie and Paul Kanitra stated that a bill they introduced would appropriate $210.1 million to schools that previously received supplemental stabilization aid for their 2023-24 budgets.

Supplemental stabilization aid was one-time funding given to schools that were hit hard by S-2 and needed help to continue operating.

Since 2018, hundreds of the state’s school districts have faced cuts under S-2, the name of a bill that redirected aid away from some schools toward others. Certain schools were considered “overfunded.”

Jackson schools, part of Sauickie’s 12th Legislative District and just one of 16 school districts he represents, have lost $22.4 million in aid, leading to cuts of 214 positions, sports teams, AP classes and electives.

purposes, according to a statement on the program. An example would be science teachers using the space and the native plants for science lessons. Additionally, the students can use the outdoor classroom as a place to relax or study with their peers

The initial design was crafted by local com-

munity member Eleanor James, owner of Sparrow & Brambles Landscape Architects. The Ardena Parent Teacher Association (Garden - See Page 4)

The district was forced to take a $10 million loan from the state, and pay a state monitor, to close budget gaps. The district needs $30 million to close its budget gap for the 2024-25 school year, but was informed April 10 that no districts will be allowed to seek loans.

(State Aid - See Page 3)

Holocaust Survivor Speaks About Childhood In Hiding

By Judy Smestad-Nunn

BRICK – Holocaust survivor

Maud Peper and her younger sister, Rita, spent most of World War 2 hidden away on a farm in the Netherlands, separated from their parents and forced to adopt new names and new identities while being concealed from the Nazis by the Dutch resistance. The girls were just 6 and 4 years

old respectively, and during a recent presentation at the Brick Library, Maud Dahme (her married name) said she was forced to grow up quickly.

Born in Amersfoort, Holland in 1936, Dahme recalled her childhood and how life began to change for the Jewish residents after Hitler came to power in Germany, especially after Kristallnacht

(or the Night of Broken Glass), named for the shards of broken glass that littered the streets after the Nazis broke the windows of Jewish-owned businesses.

“Every Jewish person had to register, they had a list, and anyone over 6 had to wear a yellow star,” she said. “Every Jewish person who worked in government, including (Holocaust - See Page 5)

Photo courtesy Howell Public Schools

The Learning Garden will function as an outdoor classroom for students.

Photo by Judy Smestad-Nunn Maud Dahme speaks about her youth spent in hiding.

State Aid:

Continued From Page 1

“Students in my district have faced overcrowded classrooms and cuts to academic and extracurricular activities year after year,” Sauickie said. “It’s past time to admit the failure of this school funding formula and restore what’s been lost to en-

Heroes Of Hudson 8th Annual Golf Outing

HOWELL – The Heroes of Hudson are back for their 8th annual golf outing on May 17 at 9 a.m. at Cruz Gold Club, 55 Birdsall Road, Farmingdale.

This year they are helping the Maloney family. Quinn and her sister Irelyn are the youngest of five children and have battled health issues for most of their lives.

Quinn, who is 10 years old, suffers from reactive airway disease, severe central apnea, epilepsy, Chiari malformation, hyperimmunoglobulin, enchondromas, convergence defect in her vision, multiple neurological issues, and scoliosis.

Irelyn, who is 14 years old, was born with familiar Mediterranean fever, missing spinal processes in her back, hyperimmunoglobulin, pericardial fusion on her heart, and has already undergone 19 surgeries with 60 hospital visits.

Over the years, medical expenses have piled up for the Maloney family, so let’s get together for another great time for a great cause! RSVP today!

For more information, email herosof hudsonnonprofit@gmail.com.

Summer Concert Series

HOWELL – New in 2024! Howell Township had announced their Summer Concert Series which will be held at Soldier Memorial Park from 5 to 9:15 p.m.

These free events will offer DJ, food vendors, beer & wine tent, fireworks after every concert and more!

DJ KC James from 5 to 7 p.m. Live Entertainment: 7 from 9 p.m. All events subject to change due to the weather.

July 2 – The Amish Outlaws

July 17 – Super Trans Am July 24 – Nine Deeez Nite

July 31 – The BStreetBand

For more information, contact Steven Fecher, Department of Community Relations at 732-938-4500 ext. 2106 or sfecher@ twp.howell.nj.us.

Craft And Flower Market

FARMINGDALE – West Farms United Methodist Church is hosting a Craft and Flower Market on May 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 153 Casino Drive, Farmingdale. Vendor space is $25. For vendor registration information, contact westfarmsumc@gmail.com.

sure our students have the fi nest education New Jersey has been known for.”

“It’s not too late to reverse the damage done, but that day is coming,” Sauickie added.

The 10 th Legislative District which Kanitra represents has also experienced a severe impact. Six districts - including Brick and Toms River, which have each lost almost 60% of their state aid - sued the state for details of the funding formula

and won their case. Despite the legal victory, the state has not revealed the funding formula.

Toms River is facing a $26.5 million fiscal cliff; Brick schools have a $6 million budget gap for 2024-25 and will likely have to cut another 30 positions, he said.

“I’m going to go out on a limb here. Maybe program and staffi ng cuts that increase classroom sizes and decrease opportunities for students indicate that these schools

weren’t actually ever overfunded,” Kanitra said. “It’s time to restore what was clearly, wrongly taken from these students.”

A source from Sauickie’s office said the Assembly bill is A-4230 and was assigned to a committee. The identical Senate counterpart is S-3076. It is sponsored by the entire Senate Republican caucus and was referred to the Senate Education Committee.

Chris Lundy contributed to this story

NJ 08733 • Phone: 732-657-7344 • Fax: 732-657-7388 email: news@jerseyshoreonline.com • jerseyshoreonline.com

Garden

:

Continued From Page 1

as well as many Ardena families and staff members have been major supporters of the Learning Garden.

During this year’s annual Arbor Day celebration, the school held the project’s ribbon-cutting ceremony which was attended by Ardena’s third grade students. Also joining students were district administrators including Superintendent Joseph Isola, as well as Lauren Skowronski from Sustainable Jersey, and Lisa Doud from the Howell Township Shade Tree Commission.

Since it was Arbor Day, the Howell Township Shade Tree Commission donated a dogwood tree to Ardena’s Learning Garden. In addition, the Shade Tree Commission provided a sapling for every third-grade student and a shrub for

each of the six Arbor Day poster contest winners.

“Ardena School is thrilled to accept this grant from Sustainable Jersey and the PSEG Foundation to put toward our natural playscape. An outdoor space for our school has been a dream for several years and this grant brought this dream to life,” said Kathleen Mignoli, Principal at Ardena Elementary School.

“Children benefit from time spent outdoors - fresh air, sunshine, open space, exposure to nature and experiences with natural materials. Ardena’s Learning Garden will serve as an extension of the indoor learning environment, providing students with authentic, hands-on learning experiences that help them grow and learn, positively impacting all areas of child development,” Jane Losinger, Vice Principal of Ardena School, said.

MANCHESTER TIMES • BERKELEY TIMES • BRICK TIMES JACKSON TIMES • HOWELL TIMES • TOMS RIVER TIMES SOUTHERN OCEAN TIMES

Registration Open For Summer Camp

roller skating, beach, boardwalk, baseball, swimming, diving boards, arcades, zoo, golf, ropes course, zip lining, & lunch cruise!

Register at register.capturepoint.com/ HowellTownship. For more information contact Steven Fecher, Director of Community Relations, at 732-938-4500 ext. 2106, email sfecher@twp.howell.nj.us, or visit twp.howell.nj.us/115/Activities.

Photo courtesy Howell Public Schools Students plant a tree at the Learning Garden in honor of Arbor Day.

Holocaust:

Continued From Page 1 teachers, was fired. Jewish children were not allowed to go to public school.”

Signs designed to isolate the Jewish population started to appear that forbade them from using the parks, using public transportation, going to the movies, eating in restaurants, socializing with non-Jews and more.

“Life became very difficult,” Dahme said. “We had to be very careful.”

In May 1942, their rabbi summoned his congregation to the synagogue to read a letter that was written by the German command.

“The letter said there was wonderful news: the Germans were going to take the Jewish population away from the war scene, that we should bring one suitcase or backpack and board trains that would take us east,” she said.

Afterwards, the Peper family, trying to get more information, secretly visited with their gentile friend, who was the deputy mayor, and they noticed the same letter from the German command on his desk.

The deputy mayor had been working with the Dutch resistance who had been traveling all over the Netherlands asking Christian families if they would be willing to take in

Jewish children.

“Children are our first priority,” he said. “I have an address for your children. I can’t tell you who they are, I can’t tell you where they live, the only thing I can tell you is they live on a farm, and we must have your answer by tomorrow morning.”

Their answer was yes, Dahme said, so the next day, the couple had to surrender their 4- and 6-year-old daughters to the Dutch resistance, not knowing if they would ever see their children again.

The sisters were brought to a local home and were woken up in the middle of the night and spirited through the woods to a train station in another town. They traveled to an area of the Netherlands inhabited by poor and deeply religious Christian farm families. German soldiers were everywhere, she said.

The girls, who went by the new names of Margie and Rika Spronk, were fortunate to end up spending the next three years with a kind, older, childless couple who introduced the sisters as their nieces whose city home had been destroyed by bombs.

After the liberation in April 1945, the sisters were with their “Aunt” in the farm’s pumphouse when a man and a woman showed up in the doorway. It was their parents, who had survived the war by hiding in

the Amersfoort attic of a friend’s car dealership. Neither of the girls recognized them. After a few days, Dahme recalled agreeing to go home with the couple, “but if we don’t like you we’re coming back and staying with Aunt.”

There were 140,000 Jews living in the Netherlands before Germany invaded in May 1940, including some 15,000 who had fled Germany.

By the summer of 1943, 107,000 Jews had been transported to the extermination camps, according to the World Holocaust Remembrance Center. Only 5,000 returned after the war. More than 75 percent of Dutch Jews perished in the Holocaust, including most of her uncles, aunts and cousins.

Dahme said that 24,000 Dutch Jews went into hiding and 16,000 of those were not discovered..

She has dedicated her life to educating students, teachers and other groups about the Holocaust and ensuring it is not forgotten by speaking about her experiences as a young child in hiding and about the bravery of the resistance fighters.

Dahme began her presentation by reading a passage from “Facing Memories: Silent No More,” by Holocaust educator and survivor Dr. Robert Krell, who said child survivors lived in silence after the war because silence

Fighting H.A.R.D. 4th Annual Golf Outing

served them well while in hiding.

“Survival so often depended on not being noticed, being inconspicuous on the ability to suppress tears and ignore pain,” Krell wrote.

“Grief was borne in silence, and so was rage. Silence is the language of the child survivor. We might have talked after the war, but adults persuaded us to get on with life and forget the past. Adults who themselves had survived, and suffered so much, inadvertently diminished the experiences of the children. In the aftermath of that silence… what needed saying was not said.”

This was true for Dahme, she said, and after the war when the sisters were reunited with their parents, they never asked their daughters about the three years they spent apart.

The family emigrated to the United States in 1950, but Dahme did not speak about her wartime experience until 1981 after a Holocaust denier criticized a program aired by 60 Minutes.

“I’m so grateful for the people who risked their lives to save us,” said Dahme, who has four children, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

“Hitler did not succeed with our family tree,” she said. “Many branches were broken, but there are many new branches and blossoms.”

HOWELL – Fighting H.A.R.D. Foundation will be having their 4th annual golf outing on July 30 from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Pebble

Creek Golf Club, 224 County Road 537 Colts Neck. They are currently looking for sponsors for the event and registering golfers. They have

a few foursomes available to purchase. Price is $275 per golfer or $1,100 per foursome. To register your foursome or become a

sponsor, email info@fightinghardfoundation. org or call Tara at 908-907-1691 or Tim at 908-907-7666.

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY

I would like to share what has been one of the most enlightening and spiritually rewarding experiences I have had in my 73 years. It is strange to call a heart attack a rewarding experience but the individuals who crossed my path turned what could have been my time card being punched out to blessing me with another day.

My situation was unique in that I had an in-office gastrointestinal procedure on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 which required a minor surgical intervention. Was driven home, felt awful, within an hour I was calling 911 for extreme pain in neck, back and chest. I had no idea I was having an atypical heart attack. Ambulance arrived, asked what hospital I wanted then said since it is heart related we go to Community Medical Center. It had been many years since I had been in Community and was in

FEATURED LETTER

Heart Attack Causes Patient To Thank Hospital Staff

for a big surprise.

The hospital that at one point did not have an outstanding reputation has turned into a state of the art teaching hospital and with the foremost cardiac care unit in this area. Not only is the technical equipment the most up to date but the premise of teaching has changed. The residents and interns walk around with the lead resident or director along with the nurses for rounds so that everyone is on the same page but this hospital takes it to another level. The focus of care includes mind, body and soul. The eye contact and smile from every person involved with my care immediately assured me that I was safe, that these professionals had my best interest and wellbeing at heart. My situation was life threatening on a two-fold front, I needed a stent placed in my artery ASAP which meant going on blood thinning medications which could cause a bleed out from the abdominal incisions that

day. The attending cardiologist Dr. Kianfar conferred with both staff resident gastroenterologist and my own from Gastroenterology of Toms River. We all made the decision to have the stent placed.

Within a short time of being placed on the lifesaving blood thinners I began bleeding. This is where the staff of Community Medical Center showed that the standards of this hospital are set far above the old learning curve. I opened my eyes to see every director, department head resident, lead professionals surrounding my bed with precision of knowledge and exact speed matching the situation. These fantastic people knew exactly what they were doing and again…I knew I was safe. Kim, who later I found was Director of Critical Care Nursing was putting in my IV, head resident was assuring me, all eyes were on me with utmost concern yet with confidence that together they would abso-

lutely save my life which is exactly what they all did. Having Dr. Ortolano stopping by my room several times just to say hello and asking was I ok all the while knowing he was working on the sidelines ensuring every level of my care. Kim always in the background making sure everything was going well and that I was fine. These professionals are so intense that I could feel their presence and had to look fast or they would fade into the background again. There were no egos here, only dedicated lifesaving professionals.

My life line, aside from being cared for by such an amazing staff mentored by true leadership, was my nurse, Kevin. Every nurse who cared for me went above and beyond in level of care but there is an element of ability within Kevin that only a select few obtain. Kevin can sense what his patients are feeling physically and emotionally and meets their needs without them asking, he already

knows. After each test I had, after each procedure was completed, I would open my eyes and there would be Kevin looking intently to gauge how I was…and again I knew I was safe. Kevin and Kim set the standard of what caring for another human means and have the knowledge and capacity to alter a patient’s quality of life, ensuring they can reach the highest.

The excellence of care did not stop with the Coronary Critical Care Unit, as I healed I was transported to the step down unit and once again was blessed with having 2 of the most amazing young women assigned as my nurses. Esty, my day nurse is so young while being so mature and professional beyond her years. Esty also has the capacity to see beyond a patient’s words to discern what the patient really needs at that moment and she was always ready with a warm smile and packet of Myralax. And Mabel, whose quiet and totally competent man-

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The Mayor has framed the issue as a “matter of life and death.” Although if you have paid attention to Toms River politics in recent years you would know there is certainly a lot more to the story. In 2012 due to Hurricane Sandy, the Ortley Beach First Aid Squad closed. The Case Against Rodrick’s EMS Plan

WE WELCOME LETTERS TO THE EDITOR!

The Howell Times welcomes all points of view for publication and provides this page as an open forum for residents to express themselves regarding politics, government, current events and local concerns.

All letters are printed as space allows unless deemed offensive by the editorial staff, and provided they are signed and include address & phone number for veri�ication. Letters may not be printed if we cannot verify them. Names will not be withheld from publication. While most letters are printed as submitted, we reserve the right to edit or reject letters. The weekly deadline is 5 p.m. Thursday. Mail typed letters to: PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733, fax 732-657-7388 or e-mail news@jerseyshoreonline.com. Letters may be limited to one per month per writer at the editor’s discretion. The opinions expressed in the Letters To The Editor section do not necessarily re�lect those of the staff, management or sponsors of Micromedia Publications/Jersey Shore Online. Letters to the Editor are the OPINION of the writer and the content is not checked for accuracy.

Dover-Brick Beach First Aid squad ended operations due to a lack of volunteers in 2022. Without these organizations much of the barrier island receives help from the mainland and Lavallette.

This is a failure of leadership on the part of many government officials. Past Toms River officials and some Ocean County officials have suggested the creation of a regional fi rst aid squad. Such a plan would result in saving lives more effectively, savings for taxpayers, and reduce bureaucracy in local government. Instead, due to the rivalry between the different factions of the township and county GOP, Mayor Rodrick’s plan is to hire 8 new techs with full salaries and benefits while taking a chunk out of our

“lean and efficient” police department that is widely beloved by the community. First, the cuts do not make up the new costs and second this weaponizes community services for politics. If Dan Rodrick and his council were serious about solutions and public safety they would seek regionalization.

Noah Hilsdorf Toms River

Two Terrible Choices For President

It appears Joe Biden and Donald Trump are going to be their party’s presumptive nominees for President.

I believe President Biden has done enough to satisfy all fair-minded people

that he does not deserve a second term. When he first took office, I think most people thought he would govern as a moderate democrat. As it turned out, however, it didn’t take long for the number-two to hit the air circulator.

Right from the start, entitlement programs became a priority of his administration. Open borders, sanctuary cities for illegal aliens, and a foreign policy of appeasement were just a few of President Biden’s accomplishments over the last three years. The President also attempted to absolve students of their responsibility to pay off their student loans, and many in his party did their best to defund the police.

On the other side of the political aisle, you have that

ner would glide into my room without me even seeing her, I just knew she was there by the gentleness of her energy. Mabel’s knowledge and abilities puts her beyond the bar of nursing excellence. Her kind eyes and gentle smile kept my heart warm during the quiet night when I was confronted with the reality of what I had just lived through.

And I would not have lived through this experience had it not been for the excellent, knowledgeable and immediate care that I received from the moment the ambulance brought me into the ER to the moment my nurse wheeled me out to rejoin life again. I was safe. Thank you thank you thank you all a thousand times for what you all gave me and which I will always be so humbly grateful for.

urban, hubris-free, paragon of veracity - that principled, dripping with rectitude straight-shooter from Maralago, Donald Trump. Many contend Mr. Trump’s presidency was not a presidency but an affliction, and one that threatened the very foundations and core of our democratic institutions. There you have it, our choices for President. One doesn’t know what day it is or where he’s at, and the other a malignant narcissist who is emotionally, ethically, and morally unfit to be President.

Washington, Jefferson, Madison - things were going well. Then Nixon, Trump, and Biden. What happened?

Borden Applegate Jackson

Diane Mountzouris LPC, LCADC Toms River

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

Access To Birth Control Act Reintroduced

Capitol Comments

Senator Cory Booker

WASHINGTON, D.C. –

U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Patty Murray (D-WA) led the reintroduction of the Access to Birth Control Act. The legislation would guarantee patients’ timely access to birth control at the pharmacy nationwide - including by addressing pharmacies’ refusals of contraception that prevent patients from obtaining their preferred form of birth control medication.

U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL-02) introduced companion legislation in the House.

Contraception is an essential part of reproductive health care, and protecting access to contraception at the pharmacy is more important than ever given the relentless attacks on reproductive health care currently ongoing throughout the country. In addition to ensuring that patients have access to contraception at the pharmacy without delay, the bill would also ensure that pharmacies do not operate an environment where patients are intimidated, threatened, or harassed when seeking

access to contraception or medication related to contraception. In the event that a pharmacy violates one of these requirements, the bill establishes liability for civil penalties for the pharmacy and a private cause of action for patients to seek relief.

“Reproductive rights are under attack across our nation, and the Access to Birth Control will defend against relentless attacks on birth control,” said Senator Booker. “Nobody should face intimidation or interference when seeking access to essential health care, including when trying to access contraception. We must ensure everyone is able to maintain autonomy over their bodies, their reproductive choices, and if and when they choose to start a family.”

“Access to birth control

is essential - and Congress should do its part to ensure that women can obtain contraception without delay, without fear or intimidation, and without exception,” said Senator Murray. “This bill is simple and especially important in light of increased threats to contraceptive access from Republican anti-abortion extremists. I’ll always fight to make birth control accessible, available, and affordable for every woman.”

“As attacks on women’s health care increase, I’m proud to introduce the Access to Birth Control Act in the House. Accessible, safe contraception is an essential part of reproductive freedom and a provider’s personal views should not hinder access,” said Representative Robin Kelly. “The

Access to Birth Control Act is especially important to reduce disparities for people of color, who face disproportionate discrimination and harassment when accessing necessary reproductive care. Everyone should have the right to safely access the care they need in their own communities.”

Although Supreme Court precedent recognizes a protected right to contraception, conservatives on the Court have ignored precedent to undermine reproductive rights. In the radical Dobbs decision, the Court reversed the nearly 50-year precedent of Roe v. Wade that guaranteed a right to access abortion care. Access to contraception in the United States should not hinge on the Supreme Court’s ideological balance or the willingness

of individual pharmacists to fill prescriptions. Providers, including pharmacists, play a key role in providing contraceptive services and important information about prescription and over-thecounter birth control options to people across the country. According to the National Women’s Law Center, pharmacists have refused to fill prescriptions for birth control or provide emergency contraception over the counter to patients in 24 states and the District of Columbia. These refusals are based on personal beliefs and can negatively impact a patient’s health. Additionally, these refusals disproportionately affect people of color, low-income people, LGBTQ people, and those who live in rural and other underserved areas.

NJ To Receive Over $156M Through U.S. EPA’s Solar For All Program

From The Desk Of The Governor

Phil Murphy

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy and New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) President Christine Guhl-Sadovy announced that New Jersey has been selected to receive $156.1 million in federal funding to make affordable clean energy more accessible across the Garden State.

Awarded by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through its Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund: Solar for All program, this investment will enable the NJBPU to support solar access for multifamily affordable housing; establish pathways to residential solar ownership for low-income disadvantaged community (LIDAC) households; expand community solar initiatives; and support solar workforce development and enable critical grid upgrades to support more solar

generation in New Jersey.

New Jersey’s Solar for All award is anticipated to enable the State to deploy more than 175 MW of solar energy to benefit 22,000 overburdened households within the first five years of funding. Additionally, the award has the potential to result in 240,000 short tons of CO2 emission reductions, approximately $250 million in total energy bill savings over 30 years for residents in newly connected households and enable 90 MWh of associated storage through the NJBPU’s multifamily solar program.

“New Jersey is once again utilizing innovative strategies and equitable clean energy solutions to leverage the Biden Administration’s landmark investments,” said Governor Murphy. “In addition to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and strengthening New Jersey’s grid infrastruc-

ture, the projects supported by this unprecedented funding will produce significant cost-savings for hard-working New Jersey families, including tens of thousands of overburdened households across the state. I want to thank President Biden and his administration and our congressional delegation for delivering on transformative and necessary climate funding in the Inflation Reduction Act.”

“The NJBPU is committed to ensuring that all New Jersey residents – regardless of their zip code or income – can reap the full environmental and financial benefits of our transition to a 100% clean energy economy,” said NJBPU President Guhl-Sadovy.

“Thanks to the Biden Administration and its landmark Inflation Reduction Act, we will continue New Jersey’s path toward an equitable clean energy transition.”

EPA released the $7 billion Solar for All Notice of Funding Opportunity on June 28, 2023, to expand the number of low-income and disadvantaged communities primed for residential solar invest-

ment - enabling millions of low-income households to access affordable, resilient, and clean solar energy.

New Jersey plans to expand its community solar initiative, including by raising the cap on the total amount of allowed community solar installations through energy year 2027. This program will be structured through direct incentives to developers, provided certain conditions are met. The NJBPU will also provide additional grants to developers to incentivize community solar projects that would otherwise be infeasible due to the need for costly grid upgrades. Additionally, New Jersey’s Solar for All proposal requires a minimum of 20% savings and 80% LIDAC subscribers, compared to the State’s permanent community solar program administered by the NJBPU, which requires 15% savings and 51% LIDAC subscribers. NJBPU will launch a pilot program to allow municipalities, community-based organizations and other resident-representing non-profits to partner with developers to structure equity-based sub-

scription models.

Multifamily solar, including associated storage, is anticipated to serve approximately 5,500 households.

New Jersey will extend access to solar energy for low-income residents, particularly in affordable housing. New Jersey proposes to fund a program offering a per-kilowatt incentive, with a capped carve-out for onsite energy storage solutions.

Residential solar is anticipated to serve approximately 1,250 households.

In New Jersey, there are 30% fewer residential installations in disadvantaged communities compared to other areas. New Jersey will launch a pilot program encouraging pathways to ownership of residential solar for overburdened households.

New Jersey will invest funds to provide grants for workforce training programs and fund customer outreach or interconnection support for electric utilities. Additional funds will be leveraged to fund ongoing efforts to modernize the grid and increase efficiency of interconnection approval.

“New Jersey has a dark history of racial segregation in housing, and that legacy has deprived many people of color from safe, energy-efficient housing. The Solar for All program will help residents who live with energy insecurity see financial savings in our clean energy future,” said Ed Potosnak, Executive Director, New Jersey LCV. “Community solar has the potential to meet 30-40% of energy capacity needs in New Jersey by 2050. This clean, renewable energy doesn’t only help our wallets – it doesn’t pollute the air like dirty fossil fuels and will help mitigate climate change and create healthier communities.”

“The New Jersey Sierra Club is excited to see federal funding from the EPA coming right here to New Jersey’s communities to make clean, solar energy more accessible for all regardless of income,” said Anjuli Ramos-Busot, Director of the Sierra Club New Jersey Chapter. “Access to clean energy and clear air should never be a privilege, and this investment will take us one step closer toward energy justice in New Jersey.”

$6,450

Women’s Club Hosts

High Tea Fundraiser

HOWELL – On April 28, the Howell Women’s Club hosted their fi rst high tea fundraiser at Echo Lake and it was a total success.

Club members, friends and members of the Howell community joined to celebrate

each other over tea, fi nger sandwiches, and assorted baked goods. The money raised will be put to good use via their scholarship fund and to help out other local charities. If you’re interested in joining the Howell Women’s Club, message them on Facebook.

Tour The Manasquan Reservoir By Boat

HOWELL – Look for turtles, egrets, herons, ospreys and other wildlife in their natural habitat during a boat tour of the Monmouth County Park System’s Manasquan Reservoir.

Led by a Park System Naturalist, these 45-minute tours leave from the Visitor Center, Windeler Road, Howell. Tours are offered at the top of the hour from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, May 4 through September 2. Wednesday afternoon tours are offered at 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. from July 10 through August

28. Evening tours are offered at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. on the fi rst Friday of June, July and August. All tours are weather and water level dependent.

The cost is $6 per adult and $4 per child age 12 and under. Life jackets are required and provided. Tickets can be purchased in the lower level of the Visitor Center on the day of the tour.

For more information about the boat tours, visit MonmouthCountyParks.com or call the Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center at 732-751-9453.

11th Annual Evening Of The Stars Honorees

HOWELL – The Howell Township Education Foundation is pleased to present the following honorees for their 11th Annual Evening of the Stars which was held on May 2 at Howell Middle School North. They celebrated the accomplishments of alumni and friends of the Howell Township School District. The following individuals

and programs were honored:

• Joseph Cantaffa

• Michael Montaldo

• Robert Kelly

• Ariana Dunbar

• Cherelle Hill

• Howell Middle School North Drama Club

• Howell Middle School South Drama Club

Spring Craft Fair

HOWELL – Join the Southard Grange for their Spring Craft Fair on May 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (rain date May 19) at 4860

Route 9 in Howell.

For more information, call 848-373-8529 or email southard218@gmail.com.

Photo courtesy Howell Women’s Club

C ommUnitY n eWS

C LUB N EWS , A CTIVITIES , E VENTS & A NNOUNCEMENTS

May Is Mental Health Awareness Month

HOWELL – Since 1949, May Is Mental Health Awareness Month has aimed to eliminate mental health stigma, provide those in need with connection to mental health support resources, promote mental health education and advocacy, and call attention to the importance of helping individuals and families affected by mental illness so they can achieve well-being and acceptance.

To commemorate the month, the Howell Alliance is hosting a free virtual QPR suicide prevention training on May 20 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer - the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Just as people trained in CPR and the Heimlich maneuver help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and then use the question, persuade, and refer strategies to assist someone with getting help. Pre-registration is necessary for participation: zoom.us/ meeting/register/tJcrd-yopj8uGNHBTyhDNqOgwpU6bIhUM_vD.

Youth and young adults are not exempt from mental health disorders; in fact, many behavioral health experts warn that America is currently facing a youth mental health crisis. The CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey: 2011-2021 reports that, in 2021, during the past year...

• 42% of high school students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness that stopped them from doing their usual activities

• 22% of high school students seriously considered attempting suicide

• 18% of high school students made a suicide plan

• 10% of high school students attempted suicide one or more times

HOWELL – The Howell Police Athletic League has been in existence since 1979. They focus on creating a positive atmosphere bringing law enforcement and children together. PAL has many sports, recreational and educational activities available for all age groups. This is all possible due to the continuous, caring and generous support of the community. The Howell PAL is not just an organization, it’s one big family. Join them for their Annual Golf Outing on August 12 at Pine Barrens Golf Club. Register online ASAP. If you are unable to attend but would like to be a sponsor, they have different sponsorship opportunities available! All foursomes will receive a complimentary photo taken on the day of

To read the CDC’s comprehensive Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRSB): 2011-2021 (the survey’s most recent edition that was released in February, 2023), visit cdc. gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/pdf/yrbs_data-summary-trends_report2023_508.pdf.

2NDFLOOR (888-222-2228) is a confidential, anonymous, 24/7 call/text helpline for NJ’s youth and young adults ages 10 to 24. 2NDFLOOR’s trained counselors are available 24/7, 365 days a year to help youth fi nd solutions to the problems they face at home, at school, or at play.

The counselors are standing by to provide supportive listening, information and referrals for behavioral health services, and options to help youth address their concerns. Learn more about 2NDFLOOR’s helpline, as well as information on cyberbullying, dating abuse, mental health, and sex/sexuality on their website 2ndfl oor. org.

For the general population, the Crisis Text Line has crisis counselors available 24/7 and provides free mental health texting service for confidential crisis intervention. Just TEXT “HOME” TO 741741 to get started, or visit the Crisis Text Line’s website for more information on mental health conditions and support resources: crisistextline.org.

The Howell Alliance’s “Substance Use/ Mental Health Support Services” web page (twp.howell.nj.us/540/Substance-UseMental-Health-Support-Servi) provides a comprehensive list of substance use/mental health support resources and local crisis interventions. The website also has a link to “Monmouth County Is Stigma-Free” on its home page.

For more information, contact the Howell Alliance at 732-938-4500 ext. 4012, or criddle@twp.howell.nj.us.

Golf Outing

the event.

Tournament Schedule: 10 a.m. Brunch and Registration 12 p.m. Shotgun Start (Scramble Format) Complimentary On-Course Beverages 5:30 p.m. Dinner, Golf Awards Presented, Prize Drawings and Sponsor Recognition

Awards & Prizes for Outing: Team Awards for 1, 2, 3 Place Team Individual Awards Closest to the Pin, Longest Drive, Hole in One Putting Contest

Registration & payment deadline is July 10 (Guarantees t-shirt size requested). If you have questions, reach out to Joanne Mandracchia at jmandracchia@howellpal.org.

Local Animals Ready For Adoption

MONMOUTH COUNTY – The Monmouth County SPCA has a number of pets available for adoption.

Nancy Drew - everyone’s favorite investPURRgator! This beauty was found with her five kitties abandoned in a box. Luckily, she made her way to the MCSPCA and is ready to find her forever home now. Nancy is around 2 & 1/2 years young and is a friendly and snuggly girl who loves getting pet and will rollie-pollie around like a cute little baby.

Nancy loves people but will prefer to be your only kitty! Who’s ready to solve the mystery of finding her forever home?

The MCSPCA only does adoptions in person (please bring all family members). They will ask you to fill out an Adoption Survey and speak with an Adoption Counselor to help find your perfect match.

They are located at 260 Wall Street in Eatontown. They can be reached at 732-542-0040.

Women’s Club 50/50 Raffle Tickets

HOWELL – The Howell Women’s Club is selling 50/50 raffle tickets. All money raised goes to fund a scholarship and to local charitable organizations.

Tickets are $5 each. Drawing will be May 14 at 7 p.m. at Taunton School, 41 Taunton Drive. Winner does not have to be present.

Howell Board Of Education Meeting Canceled

HOWELL – The Howell Township Board of Education Regular Meeting and 24-25 Budget Public Hearing Meeting scheduled

for May 8 was cancelled and was rescheduled for May 6. To view recordings of Board of Education meetings, visit howell.k12.nj.us.

Litt le Pals Summer Camp

HOWELL – Little Pals Summer Camp runs form July 1 through August 30, located at Little PALS Preschool 115 Kent Road,

Howell. Open to ages 6-weeks to 5-years-old (Pre-K). Register online at howellpal.org. For more information call 732-919-2825.

Dr. Joseph Saka Dr. Hal Ornstein Dr. Dan Phan Dr. Samantha Boyd

Photo courtesy MCSPCA

Spring Garden Days Plant Sale

FREEHOLD – The Rutgers Master Gardeners of Monmouth County Spring Garden Days Plant Sale will be on May 17 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and May 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rutgers Cooperative Extension Monmouth County Agriculture Building, 4000 Kozloski Road, Freehold. Rain or shine - cash or checks (no credit cards)

Annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, vegetables, herbs, trees, shrubs, home and garden décor are available. Free horticultural presentations, free garden tours, free composting demonstrations and free gardening Q&A with Rutgers Master Gardeners for all May 17 topics are:

10 a.m. Tomatoes and Peppers and Eggplants - Oh My!

11 a.m. Superb Herbs

12 p.m. Our Busy Native Bees

1 p.m. Annuals: Stars of the Summer Garden

May 18 topics are:

10 a.m. Stop and Smell the Roses

11 a.m. Helpful Hints for Happy Houseplants

12 p.m. Enjoying Hummingbirds: Masters of Beauty and Disguise

Free tours for all (every hour weather permitting). Native plant garden, rain garden, monarch waystation and pollinator garden, vegetable gardens, herb garden and composting area.

Baxter’s Fishing Derby

HOWELL – Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs, Baxter’s Fishing Derby will be on June 1 at Alfred C. Sauer Park at Echo Lake, 1225 Maxim-Southard Road.

Free fishing day for adults and children.

Enjoy grab and go breakfast, picnic style lunch, learning stations, fishing derby contest, awards & prizes.

Rain or shine. Participants are encouraged to bring their own fishing pole and sup-

plies. Bait: mealworms and night crawlers provided.

Registration and learning stations – fi rst 100 registrations revived drawstring bag: 8 to 11 a.m.

• Fishing Derby contest: 8 to 11 a.m.

• Trophies, awards, prized: 11:15 p.m.

For more information, contact Department of Community Relations at 732-938-3500 ext. 2106, sfecher@twp.howell.nj.us.

LINCROFT – Spring is in bloom! There’s no better place to enjoy it than in a county park. During May, the Monmouth County Park System offers fun, family-friendly activities for residents to enjoy. Here’s what is planned:

Historic Portland Place Tours – May 11 to 12, 15 to 19, 22 to 26, and May 29 to June 2 at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30

Enjoy May In A County Park

p.m. & 2:30 p.m. at Historic Portland Place, Hartshorne Woods Park, Locust. Tour this beautifully restored 18th century house with exhibits that help tell the story of the region’s history and the Hartshorne family legacy in Monmouth County. Tours are limited to 10 persons and may be suspended during severe weather conditions. Register on site at the

Portland Place Visitor Center day of tour. Milling Demonstrations – May 11 & 12, 18 & 19 and 25 & 26 at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. & 3:30 p.m. at Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold. See the 19th century gristmill in action. Each demonstration lasts approximately 15 minutes.

Creative Arts Festival – May 11 from

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Thompson Park, Lincroft. See the works of artists and fine crafters from all mediums including pottery, jewelry and painting. The event also features live music, art activities and demonstrations, food vendors and more! Admission and parking are free. Cookstove Demonstrations – May 11 & 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel. See what’s cooking on the woodstove and discover how recipes, cooking techniques and kitchens have changed since the 1890s. Plant a Sunflower – May 12 from 12 to 2:30 p.m. at Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel. Help the staff plant this year’s sunflower field. Then return in the fall and harvest one to bring home.

Traditional Chair Caning Demonstration – May 12 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel. See the process of weaving natural plant fibers into the seat of a traditional chair during this demonstration.

Casual Birder – May 14 at 9 a.m. at Thompson Park, Lincroft - Meet in the Marlu Lake parking lot. Join a Park System Naturalist for a laid-back morning bird walk and meander through the park for about an hour and a half to see what birds we can find. Participants should expect to be walking a few miles (2 to 4) on sometimes uneven or muddy terrain. No need to be an expert at identifying birds to enjoy. A limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow if needed.

Climb Time – May 15 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Shark River Park, Wall. Try the Park System’s 25’ portable climbing wall. You must be 42” or taller to climb. Open to ages 8 and up; under 18 with adult.

Splendid Spring Strolls – May 16 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center, Howell - Meet in the parking lot. Join a Park System Naturalist on a peaceful trail walk and soak up the season. Sturdy footwear is recommended as trails used may have inclines or tree roots to step over.

Seabrook-Wilson House Open – May 16, 23 & 30; May 12, 19 & 26; and May 13, 20 & 27 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Bayshore Waterfront Park, Port Monmouth. Visit this house which dates back to the early (Park - See Page 13)

1700s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and see displays on the ecology of the bay and local history.

Open Shoot Archery – May 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Thompson Park Activity Barn, Lincroft. All equipment is provided for this open shoot. No outside equipment permitted. This is not an instructional clinic and not designed for beginners. If you are new to archery, register for one of our instructional classes prior to attending. Open to ages 10 and up; under 18 with adult. The cost is $10 per person; cash or check only.

19th Century Woodworking Demonstration – May 18 from 12 to 3 p.m. at Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel. See how a woodworker studies his materials, plies his tools, and crafts beautiful and functional items.

Accordion Melodies of the 1890s – May 18 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel. Hear melodies of the 1890s played on the accordion during your visit.

Walnford Day – May 19 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold. Spend a day celebrating 200 years of Waln history with demonstrations, music and wagon rides.

Nature Lecture: Horseshoe Crabs Trying to Survive in a Modern World – May 22 from 7 at 8 p.m. at Bayshore Waterfront Park Activity Center, Port Monmouth. Discover why the popula-

tion of horseshoe crabs is declining and what people are doing to protect the crab through research, and what you can do to help during this talk.

Embroidery Demonstration – May 25 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel. View the lost art of applying decorative designs with a needle and thread. Be inspired by the various stitches and embellishments to create a beautiful piece of clothing or decoration for the home.

Thompson Park Canoe Rentals –May 25 & 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Thompson Park, Lincroft. Canoes will be available for rent on Marlu Lake. All equipment provided; limited number of canoes available. Open to all ages; under 18 with adult. All rentals must be returned by 3 p.m. Fee is $15 per boat for 1-3 people for two hours. Cash or check only.

Story Time by the Creek – May 26 from 11 to 11:45 a.m. at Historic Walnford, Upper Freehold. Join us for story time beside the picturesque Crosswicks Creek! Children are welcome to bring a snack and a mat, blanket or towel. Open to ages 2-7, with adult.

Decoration Day Celebration – May 27 from 12 to 3 p.m. at Historic Longstreet Farm, Holmdel. Enjoy the good company of family and friends as we honor this early American holiday.

To learn more about these Park System activities, please visit MonmouthCountyParks.com or call the Park System at 732-842-4000.

Consumer Bowl Team Wins Competition

MARLBORO – Marlboro High School’s Consumer Bowl Team recently won the Central Region competition! The group will now compete at the state level in late May.

The New Jersey High School Consumer Bowl is an educational competition for high school students across New Jersey. The competition was first introduced by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs in 1997, to educate young adults on a variety of consumer topics dealing with credit, purchase of cars and furniture, health clubs, and other general consumer topics to provide these students with the power to spot

courtesy Freehold Regional District scams and to protect themselves from fraud and dishonest business practices. Each school can enter a team of four individuals, with one person as the alternate.

The New Jersey Consumer Bowl has three levels to the competition: county, regional, and state. Marlboro won the Monmouth County and Central Region competitions for the third year in a row. This year’s winning team includes Sean Gelman (captain), Summer Adler, David Tabak, Elan Abramson, and Chase Sussman. The team’s teachers/advisers are Patrick Scinto and Nicole Bendik.

Photo

Consumer Rights And Data Breach:

Protecting Yourself From Identify Theft

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

The recent data breach by Equifax meant that sensitive personal information for 145 million Americans was potentially exposed, including Social Security numbers, birthdates, addresses and, in some instances, driver’s license numbers. This incident has left many consumers wondering how they can protect themselves from identify theft.

Monitor your Account - Check your fi nancial account transactions regularly. Opt-in for alerts that screen for questionable transactions and opt-in for multifactor authentication. Look for charges that you don’t recognize, even if they were for small amounts. Sometimes scoundrels test the waters with small charges. Be aware of communications claiming to be from credit reporting agency or fi nancial institution.

Review Credit Reports - By law, all consumers are entitled to a free credit report every 12 months from each of the three major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion). You can request a free credit report from

annualcreditreport.com , by phone or mail. Any site other than annualcreditreport.com is not part of the legally mandated free annual credit report program. Make sure you spell the annualcreditreport.com domain name correctly and avoid look-alike scam sites.

Place a Freeze - A credit freeze prevents new creditors from accessing your credit fi le and others from opening accounts in your name. A freeze could stop identity thieves because most (but not all) businesses will not open credit accounts without checking your credit report. A credit freeze does not prevent identity thieves from taking-over your existing account.

Set a fraud alert! - A fraud alert requires creditors who check your credit report to take steps to verify your identity before opening a new account, issuing additional card or increasing your credit limit on an existing account. A fraud alert is free. You can place an initial alert on your account for 90 days if you have not been a victim of identity theft.

Monmouth County Job Fair

FREEHOLD – Attention job seekers!

The Monmouth County Board of Commissioners is proud to announce the first-ever Monmouth County Job Fair, which will take place on May 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Monmouth County Fire Academy located at 1027 NJ-33.

“This unique Job Fair will highlight the many Civil Service career paths within Monmouth County and give attendees the chance to meet and network with County hiring managers from the Division of Social Services, Public Works & Engineering, the County Clerk’s Office, the Parks and Library Systems and many more,” said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone.

“Representatives will be on hand to discuss the excellent benefits package, job training opportunities and a wide array of career paths available right here in Monmouth County.”

“This exciting opportunity will offer on-thespot interviews for certain positions, resume building services, prizes and giveaways,” said Commissioner Dominick “Nick” DiRocco, liaison to the Department of Human Resources. “Make sure to stop by and learn about the current job postings available through Monmouth County Government.”

To learn more about employment opportunities with Monmouth County, go to visitmonmouth.com.

Foodie Farmer’s Market at Calgo

FREEHOLD – In Bloom at Calgo Gardens is hosting a Foodie Farmer’s Market on May 23 from 3 to 7 p.m.

Enjoy live music, kids’ entertainment, and fresh produce. Come stroll the garden and shop from the beautifully curated, boutique

Gardens

vendors! Pick up some fresh cut flowers, artisan breads, elderberry syrup, honey, salami, pastries, hot sauce, baked goods, pesto, and more!

Free admission. The Tulip Tree Cafe will be open. Bring your whole family!

Michael J. Deem, Esq.

Presented By:

Dr. Izzy’s

Sound News

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

Find the Right Match Make sure your batteries are the right size, type, and performance level for your devices.

Prepare Before You Pull Pulling the tab activates your batteries, so be sure you’re ready to use them — they can’t be deactivated. It’s advisable to wait at least 2-3 minutes before closing the battery door to maximize battery life.

Power Down Turning off your hearing aids and opening the battery door when they’re not in use helps your batteries last longer.

Keep Water Out Moisture damages batteries, so protect your devices from water and store them overnight in a dehumidifier. If moisture corrodes the

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

6 Tips For Longer Battery Life

battery door, the aid will eventually stop working.

Avoid Extreme Temperatures Extremes are no good for batteries, so store them at room temperature whenever possible.

Choose Rechargeables Rechargeables eliminate waste and the need to constantly mess with tiny batteries. Long time hearing aid users still prefer to replace their batteries as opposed to having to drag the charger with you on vacation trips.

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!

First Aid Golf Outing

HOWELL – The Howell Township First Aid and Rescue Squad #1 4th Annual Golf Outing will be June 10 at Pebble Creek Golf Club.

Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.; Shotgun start at 9 a.m. As always breakfast, lunch, and drinks will be provided. We also have prizes for events on the course

and a raffle! Does not matter if you are a beginner or expert, because you are guaranteed a good time.

To register or sponsor simply fi ll out the form found on their Facebook page and forward it to Htfarsgolfouting@ gmail.com. For more information, call 732-618-8596.

H ERE ’ S T O Y OUR H EALTH

Dear Pharmacist

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Misophonia: When Chewing Food And Other Sounds Drive You Crazy

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Back in 1949, someone designated May as Mental Health Awareness Month. As such, I’m going to spend the next four weeks discussing different issues that fall into this category. First up, misophonia - the word that means “hatred of sound.”

Have you ever felt a deep irritation from every day sounds like from someone chewing food or breathing? That’s misophonia. Maybe you relate - it essentially means you hear a sound that has the potential to drive you CRAZY!

This is a condition that can range from mildly annoying and tolerable to utterly enraging and disabling. It’s more than hyperacusis, which is more along the lines of heightened sound sensitivity. You see more of that condition with kids on the spectrum.

Misophonia will trigger a seemingly irrational emotional response, usually with anger. The offending sounds are usually chewing of food, or slurping but could also be lip-smacking, sniffling, utensils dinging the plate, repetitive tapping of feet/ fingers, or hearing words with consonants like “s” or “p.”

This is just a sampling of sounds that cause people to feel unsettled, anxious, angry, or enraged. It makes them stay at home, say no to events, and stay away from people who they know will trigger them. Misophonia, which translates to “hatred of sound,” is a medical disorder that causes reactions like anger, disgust, or anxiety. Often misunderstood and under-researched, this condition is sometimes

caused by serotonin deficiency, which is why it is sometimes seen in people who have a little Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). It’s not always the case though. At times, reduced GABA activity is at play too, which is why sedatives may help. And interestingly, there’s a correlation with people who have excessive myelin around their auditory pathways.

But it’s not really the sound per se, new studies suggest there’s a mirroring effect that people with misophonia have. In other words, their brain overreacts when they hear someone chewing, for example, and it’s like they themselves are participating in the annoying activity/sound, which enhances their reaction.

Medications are available to help to improve GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) activity which might help balance neurotransmitters. In my longer article, I provide natural GABA-inducing herbal remedy options and the latest in drug treatment.

Recognition of this as a mental health problem is critical. It’s often dismissed as a personality quirk. Sometimes it occurs in combination with other disorders such as Tourette syndrome, anxiety, major depression, and as I’ve mentioned, OCD. If this topic is interesting to you, or a friend, please consider reading the longer, more comprehensive version that I’ve posted at my website, suzycohen.com. My information is strictly educational, so if have this condition, see a qualified medical doctor with expertise in mental and emotional health concerns.

(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.

AroUnD the JerSeY Shore

Drop Boxes Are Available For Monmouth County Mail-In Ballots

FREEHOLD – Monmouth County Clerk

Christine Giordano Hanlon is advising residents that drop box locations throughout Monmouth County are available for the return of completed mail-in ballots for the Primary Election.

“Voters who choose to complete and return a mail-in ballot can do so conveniently at any of the 35 authorized drop box locations throughout Monmouth County,” said Clerk Hanlon. “Drop boxes are a safe and secure

way for voters to return their ballots.”

The deadline to submit a mail-in ballot for the Primary Election to an authorized ballot drop box is 8 p.m. on June 4, the day of the election. The complete list of the county’s drop box locations is available at monmouthcountyvotes.com/voter-information/vote-by-mail-drop-box-locations or on the Monmouth County Votes mobile app. Completed ballots may also be returned for counting either by regular mail or in-per-

son at the Board of Elections Office at 300 Halls Mills Road in Freehold by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Voters can track the status of a submitted mail-in ballot by signing up for the Monmouth County Clerk’s “BallotTrax” system, which provides online ballot tracking and offers enhanced features of status notifications to voters via voice, email or text message. Voters can sign up for County BallotTrax online at http://monmouthcoun-

tyballottrax.com or utilize the state’s ballot tracking system at nj.gov/state/elections/ vote-track-my-ballot.shtml.

For information on how to obtain a mailin ballot, visit monmouthcountyvotes.com/ voter-information/vote-by-mail.

Questions about voting or the elections process can be directed to Jesse Estlow of the Monmouth County Clerk’s Elections Division at 732-431-7790 ext. 7794, or by email at Jesse.Estlow@co.monmouth.nj.us.

photo oF the WeeK

This magnificent hawk was spotted in Waretown by local resident Brandi Bauer. Have a photo to share with our readers? Would you like to win a prize? Email your Jersey Shore Photos to photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you may hear from us!

Monmouth Civic Chorus Announces 2024 Scholarship Winners

MONMOUTH COUNTY – Monmouth Civic Chorus is pleased to announce the winners of its Vocal Scholarship Auditions which were held on April 10 at Monmouth Reform Temple in Tinton Falls.

Maria Guerrero, 17, of Little Silver is the fi rst-place winner. Maria attends Red Bank Regional High School. She has appeared in over 38 musical theater productions and is on the original off-Broadway cast recording of CAMP, A New Musical. Maria plans to major in theatre/directing when she attends college in the fall.

Olivia Crowe, 17, of Point Pleasant Beach tied for second place.Via is a senior at Point Pleasant Beach High School. She has been performing with Continuo Arts Foundation groups for the past eight years. A sing-

er-songwriter, she released her fi rst album Unfi nished in 2023. Via will be attending University of Miami Frost School of Music.

Jacob Phelps, 19, of Helmetta tied for second place. Jacob attends the Calais School. A classically-trained baritone, he has performed in Royal Conservatory of Music Celebration of Excellence Recitals at Carnegie Hall and Merkin Hall. Jacob plans to attend St. Joseph’s University.

Bryan Reimertz, 18, of Red Bank is an honorable mention winner. Bryan is a student at Middletown High School North. He has sung in All-Shore Chorus, All-State Chorus, and he played Igor in MHSN’s spring production of Young Frankenstein. Bryan is undecided on his college choice at the present time.

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)

Cash Paid LP Records - 33/45's, reel to reel's. Fast response, we answer the phone 732-829-5908, 24/7, Eddie. (22)

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)

Advertise in the main sections of Micromedia’s weekly newspapers. Your ad will be seen by thousands. Our skilled team of account executives can work with any budget. Call 732-657-7344 ext. 206 for more information.

CLASSIFIEDS

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)

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)

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)

Services

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

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)

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)

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)

LANDSCAPING - Restorations, Repairs, Stones, Mulch, Sod Installs, Hedges, Shrubs, Bushes, Downed Branches Trimmed & Removed, Demolition, Cleanouts, ect., Dumpster service provided by A901 Licensed Hauler ect. MAN WITH VAN LLC. Jim 609-335-0330 HIC# 13VH10806000. NO JOB TOO SMALL! Servicing Toms River, Lakehurst, Manchester, Whiting, Jackson, New Egypt, Plumstead Beachwood, Bayville, Berkeley. (47)

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)

Garden State Property Maintenance - All yard work. Tree-trimming and removal, stump grinding, pavers, decks, flower beds, weeding. 609-661-5470. (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. (25)

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)

HANDYMAN SOLUTIONSAll 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)

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)

• Estate/Garage/Yard Sales • Auto For Sale • Items For Sale

Items Wanted

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

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)

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)

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)

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)

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

MAIL TO : PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733. Credit Card Orders Only can be faxed to: 732-657-7388. Or go to jerseyshoreonline.com to place your classified. Credit Card# Exp. Cardholder Signature: Print Name: 4. Make check payable in advance to Micromedia Publications, or fill in MASTERCARD/VISA/AMERICAN EXPRESS info. below: 1. Below, circle the heading you would like your ad to appear under:

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.

ea. add’tl word = $ 4 weeks* at $74.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $ Total = $

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

PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR BILLING ADDRESS (THIS IS REQUIRED) ADDRESS TOWN ZIP

PHONE NUMBER

If you have any questions, email Ali at agradzki@jerseyshoreonline.com. Deadline For Classified Ads: 12pm Monday (Ads will be running the Saturday of that week)

JERSEY SHORE – The BlueClaws will host their Spring Flea Market on May 19 in the parking lot outside ShoreTown Ballpark and registration is now open.

The event runs from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. and is free for all shoppers. Registration is just $40 and includes an 18’ x

BlueClaws Spring Flea Market

27’ vendor area (the equivalent of three parking spaces). Additional spaces can be added for $5. All registration is done online at: milb. com/jersey-shore/events/flea-market. Registration runs through May 17 at 12 p.m. Event day registration can be made for $50 (cash only).

“We’re looking forward to another great Flea Market,” said Kevin Fenstermacher, BlueClaws Assistant General Manager. “These have always proven to be quite popular and this will be another fantastic event.”

Vendor set-up on the day of the event begins at 5 a.m. and must be complete

by 8 a.m. (no vendors will be allowed in after 8 a.m.) Space is on a first-come, first-serve basis on the day of the event. There is no pre-determined space for vendors. Additionally, vendors cannot hold spaces for later-arriving vendors. With any questions, email events@ blueclaws.com.

FUN & GAMES SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Across 1 Political commentator Navarro 4 Dump 9 Whom Cordelia calls “As mad as the vex’d sea”

Marvel Comics artist Buscema

People who call New Zealand “Aotearoa” 15 Far from ordinary

Piano trio?

Earth sign

Ordinary

Confront

Mideast carrier

“The Body in the Library” sleuth

Big grazer

“Who am __ argue?”

Watched warily

String quintet?

Start to bat?

Planning ses-

1 Trust without verifying 2 Speak against 3 Magazine with annual Best of Beauty awards

Minor

Red choice 6 Massage deeply 7 Sod buyer’s calculation 8 Water sign 9 WC

Nobelist Wiesel

Plane 12 Meets near the shore? 16 “Good riddance” 18 “The Rookie” org. 22 Jeff Lynne’s band 25 “A time to every purpose” Bible bk. 27 Gentle washer setting 31 Minecraft resource

“Cape Fear” co-

33 Drink suffix

Superior to

Finishes one’s studies, in a way

Viniculture science 38 Comfy shoe brand 39 Unadon fish

Chore 41 Great __: Midwest region

Bird in the Duolingo logo

Took care of garden pests

Indifference

On the job longer

Vestiges

Brings in

“I think somebody needs __!”

Shower wall unit

Protected

Before, in an old ode

El __

AroUnD the JerSeY Shore

Volunteers Needed To Support Survivors Of Sexual Violence

MONMOUTH COUNTY – Sexual violence is never the survivor’s fault and 180 Turning Lives Around (180) stands with all survivors. We believe in their strength and courage. It is in these very trying times that survivors need 180 even more and we are here for anyone who needs our services. We invite the community to join 180’s life-changing mission today.

For 48 years, 180, a private non-profit organization in Monmouth County, continues to provide support and advocacy for victims of sexual violence in the aftermath of a highly emotional and traumatic experience with the assistance of its dedicated Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) volunteers. 180’s special-

ly-trained, Confidential Victim Advocates, in collaboration with countywide law enforcement and the Forensic Nurse Examiners program, provide emotional support and assistance to victims, and their significant-others, during accompaniments for timely and sensitive hospital medical examinations, and police and grand jury procedures. 180’s volunteers also provide telephone support, which includes at the time of crisis, addressing medical and emotional needs, information regarding the justice system, and referrals for services. They also provide support and advocacy for the survivor’s significant-other and adult survivors of childhood sexual assault.

180 is conducting the mandatory,

40-hour SART training course for new volunteers June 4 to 27, Tuesdays/Wednesdays/Thursdays, 6 to 9:30 p.m., via Zoom. Basic requirements for volunteers to apply include that they must be 18 years of age or older, have access to reliable transportation, possess a valid driver’s license, be willing to serve on an on-call shift basis, participate in an interview process, and submit to fingerprinting and background checks. 180 is committed to a socially and culturally diverse team to best serve the community. Bi-lingual capability is helpful. Prior knowledge of or training in sexual violence is not required. To obtain an application, contact Kate Gerahty, Confidential Sexual Violence Advocate

Manager, at kateg@180nj.org or 732 2644360 ext. 3308, or 180nj.org/get-help/ sexual-assault-response-teams-sart. The deadline to apply is May 24. Together, we can create pathways to safety and healing. 180 is dedicated to providing comprehensive supportive services at no charge – emergency safe housing, counseling, legal advocacy, creative arts therapies for children, education, and advocacy for those in Monmouth County who are affected by domestic violence and sexual violence. If you, or someone you know, is a victim of sexual violence, please call 180’s 24/7 Confidential Hotline at 1-888-264-RAPE (7273). For more information, visit 180nj. org. In an emergency, call 911.

Volunteers Needed At New Jersey Blood Services

NEW JERSEY – New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS), a division of New York Blood Center, which provides blood for local patients, is looking for a few good volunteers.

The blood drive volunteer is an integral

member of our team whose tasks include assisting donors with registration and/ or at the refreshment area. No medical background necessary. Volunteers should be outgoing to provide friendly customer service, be able to perform tasks as needed

and must provide proof of COVID Vaccination prior to volunteering. Must have transportation. All training is provided including additional precautions for the safety of our team and blood donors. For additional information call or text

Sharon Zetts, Manager, NJBS Volunteer Services at 732-850-8906, Monday to Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To apply online as a blood drive volunteer, go to: volgistics.com/appform/2127944197.

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

Search: @ JSHOREONLINE

AroUnD the JerSeY Shore

Drama Director Named Outstanding Educator In Performing Arts

MARLBORO – Congratulations to Anthony Greco, the Drama Director at Marlboro High School, on being named the 2024 Outstanding Educator in Performing Arts by the Monmouth County Arts Council! Mr. Greco was nominated for this honor by members of the Marlboro community in recognition of his hard work with numerous educational institutions including Marlboro High School. He will be recognized at the Monmouth Arts 2024 Arts Education Awards later this week.

Th is Mammal Has The Lowest Metabolic Rate Of Any Mammal

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

With only six species of this animal in the wild, it may be one of the most incredible animals on Earth. Found in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, the sloth will spend most of their time inching along the branches of trees and sleeping. Their sluggish nature has several benefits, most obvious is they save enormous amounts of energy. Slower movements help them to avoid being detected by predators. Despite their slow movements, the sloth is a very good swimmer.

With such a slow metabolism, it’s not surprising that they only descend treetops once a week to eliminate at the foot of the tree. They can perform most tasks hanging upside down from a branch. Things like eating, sleeping, and mating are done while hanging. There are some interesting facts about sloths. For instance, they are the only mammal with a large enough digestive system to process avocado seeds whole. Without sloths, there would be no avocados. They are three times stronger than humans and have been known to remain upside down even after death. A single leaf

can take 30 days to digest. On a full stomach, the sloth can starve to death. Unlike many other species, their body lacks the ability to self-regulate their body temperature. Therefore, they rely completely on the environment to maintain their body temperature. Some species of fungi live in the sloth’s fur and are found to be active in fighting some strains of bacteria, cancer, and parasites.

Falling 100 feet will not cause injury to a sloth. Sloths are designed to fall out of trees and do so on average, about once a week during the entirety of their life. Since their movements are so slow it is almost impossible to determine the age of an adult sloth. On record, their lifespan in captivity is 50 years, but it is suspected that in the wild they live much longer than that. Like most wildlife, they live their best life in their natural environment.

I gathered the information for this article from multiple sources so statistics may vary slightly. To reach me please call 732-244-2768. It’s illegal to possess, relocate, or cause harm to wildlife for any reason. Managing wildlife without the proper state/federal permits is illegal. Violating laws protecting wildlife is punishable by law.

Politics-In-Action Summer Camp

HOWELL – Politics-In-Action is a program designed to teach students about civics, government and politics through simulations, classes, speakers and more! In a time of political polarization, students are encouraged to think differently while being guided in a Christian and Constitutional perspective.

The summer program is open to ages 8 to 18. This year, camp will run from July 8 to 13 at the Immanuel Bible Church, 1244 West Farms Road Howell. Cost is $160 per student. For more information and to register, visit politics-in-action.org/politicsinaction -camp-2023.

Photo courtesy Freehold Regional District

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Owning the latest and trendiest tools might become your favorite topic of conversation. The fire of your ambitions might be banked this week, giving you freedom to focus on improving your resources or trying something new.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Spur of the moment activities may be more enjoyable than carefully planned events. Using original ideas and displaying an independent spirit could put you at the top of your game as next week unfolds. Keep shining brightly.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You possess the determination and persistence to make your dreams of making more money come true. Someone who you consider loving and wise might provide some sound advice about how you could more easily reach your goals.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Cultivate a better reputation in your professional life by keeping your promises unfailingly. It might be worthwhile to reach beyond your means if you have someone supportive by your side to cheer you on. Connect with your inner circle.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Asking questions and showing interest in someone else highlights your friendliness. You might have a positive influence on others by being concerned and thoughtful. Consider initiating a passion project that needs your long-lasting enthusiasm.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Using your foresight and good judgment may help you avoid sticky situations. Consider making important phone calls today to clear up any misunderstandings. You may be excited to study anything out of the ordinary and unusual.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Whether

FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 11 - MAY 17 BY

OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

JERALDINE SAUNDERS

you put your heart or resources on the line, your goal could be to make a commitment when the time is right. Loved ones may introduce interesting activities into your life that provide a wholesome break from your usual routines.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You could meet someone with the wisdom and wherewithal to give you a positive sense of direction. Welcome the possibility that some of the people who come into your life this week could prove to be a source of comfort and security.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):

Sprinkle tolerance and good will around generously in every conversation and the enthusiasm of others may grow. Stay mindful of your budget but anticipate that you may have a few extra expenses in the upcoming week.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You might be willing to release certain traditions since you may understand the benefits of complex and innovative ideas. Giving in to spontaneous excitement and thrills could add some zest to your life and enhance your connections.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) : Everyone may not fit the mold. A self-motivated person could alter your perceptions of how things should be in the week ahead. Some tasks may require a sense of concentrated and sustained effort rather than spurts of enthusiasm.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Deep thought could help you make wiser decisions and choices. When you are at peace and tranquility soothes your soul, you may realize there could be plenty of time. Enjoy intuitive insights into the way things work as a whole.

(c) 2024 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

THIS SPRINGTIME DESSERT ACTUALLY TASTES LIKE STRAWBERRIES

By America’s Test Kitchen

CHEESECAKE BARS

STRAWBERRY