2024-05-18 - The Howell Times

Basketball Team Scores Third Championship Win Anti-Hate Vote Framed By Israel-Palestine Tensions

The team was honored for their third championship win.

By Alyssa Riccardi HOWELL – Members

of the Newbury School 5th Grade Basketball Team were recognized for their hard work and dedication, becoming this year’s champions. The team was honored

by the Howell Board of Education at their May meeting, accompanied by everyone’s favorite Cobra mascot.

“The Newbury 5th Grade Basketball Team had another great season this year. They

brought home a third championship for our Cobras,” Newbury School Principal James Quinn said.

The 5th grade basketball program works in conjunction with the Howell Basket-

ball Club. The program lasts about two months and chooses 20 kids – 10 boys and 10 girls – from each school to form teams.

Tentative Date Set For New VA Clinic Opening

By Chris Lundy TOMS RIVER –

After years of preparation for the new facility, the grand opening of the Veterans Administration clinic is July 16.

A VA official told The Toms River Times that the date is tentative and subject to change.

The building’s offi-

By Stephanie Faughnan

HOWELL

– Tensions ran high at a Township Council meeting as residents and activists clashed over a resolution addressing a controversial billboard and the broader Israel-Palestine conflict.

The resolution, initially aimed at condemning antisemitism, sparked heated debate and ultimately underwent revisions to oppose all hate. References to the billboard were removed from the fi nal document approved by the governing body.

No longer on display, the billboard affixed to a structure owned by Lamar Advertising Company was located on Route 9 on the Howell/Lakewood border. It contained the message “Stand with Humanity. Stand with Palestine. Paid for by Voice for Humanity Project.”

The Voice for Humanity Project is a Palestinian-led nonprofit dedicated to amplifying unheard voices, driving transformative change, and urgently addressing humanitarian needs. Their website lists a post office box in Fairview, located in Bergen County.

Representatives of the group at the Council meeting said they did not intentionally target the Howell-Lakewood border. However, the billboard’s placement raised questions among some members of the Orthodox Jewish community, who felt it contained a targeted message against them.

Currently, veterans travel to Brick’s James J. Howard Outpatient Clinic for their needs. They have complained that the facility is understaffed and that it doesn’t have enough

cial address is 1051 Hooper Avenue, and there’s an entrance to the parking lot from that road. There’s another entrance on Caudina Avenue, which is the back road past two banks that leads to the Seacourt Pavilion. When groundbreaking ceremonies took place in 2022, the expectation was that it was going to open in spring of 2024.

The schools involved include Newbury, (Win - See Page 4) (VA Clinic - See Page 4)

The Toms River VA Clinic is mostly constructed.

Approximately 100 people attended the Council meeting. Before public commentary began, Township Attorney Caitlen Harney clarified the motivation behind the resolution, stating it stemmed from concerns raised by residents about the sign’s message, which some perceived as antisemitic.

Harney said the governing body lacked the authority and ability to restrict the content of billboards. She said such considerations are part of First Amendment rights – specifically freedom of speech.

“But we are not condoning any type of discrimination,” said Harney. “Any type of hate speech whether it be any type of race, religion, national origin.”

(Tensions - See Page 5)

Photo courtesy Matt Zupanc

Photo by Chris Lundy

Win:

Continued From Page 1

Aldrich, Ramtown, Ardena, and Memorial.

Coaching this year’s team were Nick Czaplinski and Jeff Andrews alongside head coach Matt Zupanc.

“I was lucky enough to be an assistant coach last year on the same Newbury team, and I was lucky to be involved again this year as the head coach,” Zupanc said.

When discussing the program, Zupanc described it as unique and unlike any other youth sport team.

“What’s really cool is that the skill levels are so varying. You have kids who have never played basketball who are now play-

ing, and then you have kids who have been playing for years. It’s unique in that regard, that you have such a wide range of talent. The kids have a great comradery, they all support each other,” he said. “I coach several youth sports teams in town, both recreation and travel, and this program is unlike any other.”

Students participate in eight games during the regular season – two games a week. They then move on to the Playoffs and fi nally the Championship game. For the Newbury Cobras, their regular season ended 6-2, with only two loses to Ramtown. Then in the Playoffs, they beat Ardena and went up against Ramtown once more in the Championship, ultimately winning.

“After losing to the Ramtown Rams twice

Take notice that in accordance with N.J.S.A. 39:456.6, application has been made to the Chief Administrator of the Motor Vehicle Commission, Trenton, New Jersey, to receive title papers authorizing the sale for, 1995 Harley Davidson Softail, Vin# 1HD1BKL10SY046834. Objections, if any, should be made in writing, immediately in writing to the Chief Administrator of the Motor Vehicle Commission, Special Title Unit, P.O. Box 017, Trenton, New Jersey 08666-0017.

during the regular season, they faced them for a third time in the Championship game and came away with a very hard-fought victory. A show of sportsmanship by both teams in the Championship and by all the teams during the season was outstanding, and something we can all be proud of as a community,” Quinn said.

The win, however, was a bittersweet victory, as Newbury School will no longer participate in the program due to the district reconfiguring schools to make room for the expanded Pre-K.

“The special part about this year was we knew going in that this was the last year for Newbury to be a participant, since Newbury is becoming the preschool next school year. It will no longer be a 5th grade school. It was

VA Clinic:

Continued From Page 1 parking. Also, some of them have to travel up to East Orange for certain services.

There were a few years when the VA was working on choosing the location, and there was red tape that stretched out the process. Multiple towns vied for the opportunity to host the new “Community Based Outpatient Clinic.”

The same site was previously selected by the VA in 2019, but the prospective developer at that time declined the lease in early 2020. This caused the VA to restart the site selection process.

The new building will be about twice the

really great to bring home the championship for Newbury in their last year,” Zupanc said.

“The kids were fully committed,” he said. “They worked hard and came together as a team. It’s a great group of kids with high energy. At the end of the day, we came out on top and it was great to celebrate that with the kids.”

At the May Board of Education meeting, the Newbury team were each given a certificate to recognize their success.

“Congratulations to the Newbury Cobras on another outstanding basketball season – the third championship from the Newbury School community; and thank you to all the coaches who volunteered time to lead the students throughout the season,” Quinn said.

size as the one in Brick, measuring 68,000 square feet. It will neighbor county social services as well. There is also a bus stop and other amenities nearby.

Officials at the groundbreaking said that the building will enhance services currently provided, and will also add more. Some of the specialties noted during the presentation was primary care, mental health, dental, podiatry, and women’s health, which is the fastest growing department. On the new building, women’s health has its own entrance. There’s also an entrance for ambulance pick-up. A road around the outskirts of the property could one day link to the social services buildings nearby.

In the initial phase of public commentary, pro-Palestinian advocates took the floor, many dedicating their allotted five minutes to criticize Israel, its policies, and the loss of lives.

Howell resident Dr. Hisham Hamza, a member of the Islamic Center of Ocean County, expressed concerns about the perception of the billboard as antisemitic in

the fi rst place. He highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Palestine, urging people to look at Palestinian civilians with empathy, emphasizing their lack of control over their circumstances.

“Antisemitism is real, and we condemn it very much,” said Hamza. “Not just as a fellow Americans – but also as Semites. We are Arabs. We are from this Middle East area. And by our DNA, we are Semite.”

Others, like Howell local Gabriella Greene, expressed concerns about the res-

olution’s focus. Greene questioned why a ceasefi re resolution she recently proposed to the Council had been overlooked in favor of addressing the billboard.

Three members of the Darwish family spoke about their experiences in Howell as fi rst-generation Palestinians. Hadel, 24, Zaid, 22, and Leen, 20, told Council members of the difficulties they’ve experienced because of their cultural background.

“I would get odd looks because my country does not exist or that it is Israel, not Palestine,” Leen shared. “My entire life, any time I’ve tried to speak up about the injustice in Palestine, I have been silenced…and even though I stayed near facts, I would be told that I was antisemitic.”

At 11, Tamer, the youngest of the Darwish family, has already experienced problems because of his family’s national origin. When a classmate told Tamer that his relatives were responsible for the atrocities of 911, Tamer reported the incident to his school guidance counselor.

Members of the Jewish community who attended the meeting pointed out that it was held one day after Holocaust Remembrance Day. For David Singer of Lakewood, the billboard came with a message that left him uncomfortable.

“That billboard was, in other words, saying ‘Jews get out.’ That’s the way I felt,” shared Singer. “And I urge everybody to do the best that’s in their power to restore the tranquility, to restore freedom of speech, democracy, but most of all humanity, as somebody said earlier, how humanity should be defi ned.”

Boruch Perlowitz moved to Howell seven

years ago after living in Israel for four years. Originally from Brooklyn, Perlowitz commended local officials and the Howell Police Department for their work. However, he said he’s felt less safe in the world since October 7 and assumed most Jews felt the same way.

An experience in Point Pleasant Beach served to remind Perlowitz that antisemitism still exists today.

“A group of teenagers passed by us and shouted ‘Heil Hitler,’ Perlowitz reported. “Not Free Palestine, but ‘Heil Hitler.’”

Eliza Letterman, who has lived in Howell almost her entire life, offered her perspective on the issue of antisemitism. She described herself as a proud Jewish woman who had the unique experience of growing up in a very large Orthodox Jewish community.

Letterman, a senior at Emerson College, said she’d seen and felt antisemitism during her youth. Her parents also encountered it, and it was rampant on social media. Letterman couldn’t remember the town taking any action against what she viewed as blatant harassment and discrimination that Jewish people faced within the community before the events of October 7.

“Which leads me to the point that this town’s residents are not actually concerned with antisemitism and discrimination against us,” said Letterman. “They just don’t want to stand with Palestinians.”

Letterman said her Jewish upbringing taught her to stand up against oppression and genocide. She was recently part of a (Tensions - See Page 13)

Photo by Stephanie Faughnan

Members of the local Orthodox community moved to the front row to speak after pro-Palestinian supporters left their seats.

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY

“Look! Up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s… It’s a distress signal. It’s a UFO? It’s an airliner on fire? Did a jet crash on Route 72? No, a small plane! What are you stupid? Thanks Karen. Wait, what is it?” As of right now, it appears to have been a whole lot of nothing.

To say it was unnecessary panic could be an understatement. Social media pages were all abuzz on the afternoon of Tuesday, May 7, after reports surfaced that an aircraft of some kind may have crashed in Barnegat in a wooded area off Route 72. The authorities were care-

EDITORIAL

Aircraft Distress Signal Leads To Facebook Drama

ful to state the facts: they had an unconfi rmed report of a small aircraft crashing, they were investigating and they would update everyone with information as soon as they had it. Police, fi re and emergency rescue personnel sprang into action, news crews from around the tri-state area descended on southern Ocean County, traffic on 72 backed up near the staging area – all while concerned residents, unlicensed sleuths and keyboard warriors ate each other alive on Facebook. Thankfully, despite several hours of speculation, it was just a false alarm.

There were no missing planes, no missing people, no injuries, and no fatalities. Thank God! What we did get was a kaleidoscope of colorful comments on posts – some friendly, some not so friendly. Some offered thoughts and prayers and the use of their personal drones for the authorities to aid in the search and rescue while others called people horrible things, spread complete falsities, and even managed to bring politics into the mix.

Some even criticized the police for not releasing enough information during the early stages of the investigation. The scanner pages

had unfiltered discussion threads that would make your head spin, especially if you work for a reputable media outlet trying to report only truths and not the opinions and pontifications of the masses. While Micromedia Publications tries to make sure that the news we cover is fair, balanced and factual, our focus was to fi nd out the truth before reporting anything about the incident. Some other local news outlets picked up the story when details were scarce – leading to more confusion, clickbait headlines and little information worth being placed in a news post.

So, just what did happen?

Police say that a report came in from an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) but there were no missing planes, no aircrafts in distress and there was nothing actually wrong. Emergency crews did what they do best – they responded, investigated and put out the truth of what they knew before heading home.

What we learned from this event was a good lesson for everyone – calm down and stay connected to officials and authorities who have the real information, not people who are trying to stir the broth for ad click revenue, likes and followers. Also, it

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

New Look For Primary Ballot

On June 4th

Since Andy Kim won his recent lawsuit, the Democratic County line as it was previously known, has been revamped into a block style ballot with columns by office instead of by the individual person.

There will now be a column for each office with the names of all the candidates for that particular office under each column heading.

In Ocean County, the Column for County Commissioners, will contain four names on Primary Day

June 4th

The two Real Democrats, Regina Discenza and Joseph Lamb, are running as “Ocean County Democrats.” When the ballot drawing was held, Discenza and Lamb got block positions 1 & 4 in the County Commissioner column. Please choose carefully on June 4th - check your registration. You must be registered in the party you want to vote on Primary Day. If you are unaffiliated, you may declare a party on Primary Day. Only unaffiliated voters can do this.

If you have any questions about voting in the Primary

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.

this year, call the Board of Elections to verify your registration.

Regina Discenza Forked River

Vote By Mail Info Changed

Allow me to tell you of my 2020 election experience:

In early October of 2020 in my mailbox I received the forms for the 2020 election mail-in ballot. Being a senior citizen and fearful of the Covid-19 pandemic I fi lled out the forms and mailed it to the address on the envelope provided. On election day I watched the results on television. The winner was reported and I accepted the outcome on the television. The subsequent controversy of the outcome became of great interest to me and I sought out via the internet the web page that would provide proof my vote had been counted. Several attempts on the web page to get the proof my vote had been counted resulted with the words “REPORT NOT FOUND.” I continued for several weeks to get the results of my vote until I

called a telephone number provided by the local Election Board.

The person who answered my call said “there was a problem at the Trenton office but the local office has had no problem, my vote was counted.” I asked her why does my inquiry state “REPORT NOT FOUND?” She then asked for my name and date of birth. I told her my name and date of birth “7/17/44” she asked me to repeat it. Again I said my name and my date of birth “7/17/44.” “Oh” she said, “we have 7/17/94. I’ll change it. There it’s okay, now.”

I went back to the web page that previously had stated “REPORT NOT FOUND.” It informed me my vote has “now” been counted. I am puzzled, how could the tally of the election be accurate when I was told it was counted, but then it wasn’t, and then it was after my inquiry and after the tally had been concluded? How could an unidentified office worker make a change (DOB) on my ballot? This was done without my identification being verified. If my change of date of birth can

be changed via a phone call so then can my vote.

This I will swear to in any court, and this scenario “could” have taken place millions and millions of times over. It is easy for me to believe the election of 2020 has been tampered. And it is this maligned process that has led to the Jan 6th protest at Capitol Hill.

I need your assistance in bringing this information to the attention of our lawmakers. I will testify before Congress. I am sure you agree with me our nation is at the “eve of debacle.”

Donald Trump is right, the tally was tampered with.

My vote is proof the election has been miscounted.

My ballot was changed by an unidentified office worker, not someone certified to carefully count my vote.

Michael Meehan Toms River

Former Commissioner Vicari Made History

During his last days in office, Commissioner Joseph H. Vicari crowned his 43

can be dangerous for anyone to post info that isn’t properly vetted or is an opinion disguised as a fact. The local media has a responsibility to the public – to be accurate. It also means that you don’t have to be fi rst to break a story – just be truthful and if someone is actively spreading misinformation, stop it in its tracks. I would like to personally thank all of the emergency responders who went to the scene and who always help to keep us all safe.

Jason Allentoff Vice President/COO

years in office. One of his last acts as Ocean County Commissioner Director was to pass the Cathedral of the Air resolution.

It was in support of American Legion Post 129, Preserve the Cathedral of the Air Committee, in their efforts to get the Cathedral of the Air designated a national historic landmark. This was keeping with his continuous efforts to preserve and promote Ocean County historic treasures. He started his career as a history teacher in Brick. From then on he never lost his love of Ocean County history and promoted it throughout his successful 43-year career.

A framed copy of the resolution was presented to Ralph Moranz, Commander of American Legion Post 129 by Commissioner Vicari.

The then-Commissioner Director Vicari said about the Cathedral of the Air resolution, “With more than 30,000 veterans living in Ocean County, you have my word we will do everything to support you.”

Samuel Saporite Bayville

S potlight o n g overnment

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

Bill Package Introduced In Response To College Protests

Capitol Comments

Senator Robert W. Singer 30th Legislative District

TRENTON – To help push back against the rise of antisemitic demonstrations in New Jersey, Senator Robert Singer and Assemblyman Sean Kean plan to introduce an extensive package of seven bills that discourages antisemitic policies and actions taken by state affiliated organizations.

“In recent weeks, a disturbing number of antisemitic

protests and demonstrations have sprung up throughout the country, with several appearing right here in New Jersey. Many of these protests are either deliberately, or unknowingly, advocating support for Hamas and, at the same time, for a complete divestment from Israel,” said Singer (R-30).

“While I wholeheartedly support free speech, includ-

ing speech I vehemently disagree with, New Jersey taxpayers should not have to financially support institutions that allow antisemitic behavior. This package of bills will ensure that organizations in New Jersey that take steps to support or permit activities expressing antisemitism will not receive taxpayer funding.”

“These protests have caused Jewish students to feel intimidated and fearful at colleges and universities. Further, some of the demonstrations have led to antisemitic speech and actions. This cannot be tolerated or allowed, especially by institutions that receive taxpayer

funding,” said Assemblyman Sean Kean (R-30).

One of Singer’s bills would remove all State aid and other funding types to any university that divests from Israel - including if their endowment fund or any university subdivision, department, or section divests from Israel or participates in BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions).

Similarly, another bill would disallow any university that receives State funding from creating any scholarships earmarked specifically for and only open to students from a country or territory whose government is controlled by a political

party designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. Department of State. Under this bill, the university would lose all State aid. Additional legislation in the package include:

A bill to disallow any university that receives State funding/aid from creating a partnership, agreement, Memorandum Of Understanding, etc. with a university in the Palestinian-controlled West Bank or Gaza territories, punishable by immediate loss of all State aid and other funding types.

A bill to disallow “cultural competency” to be used as a hiring criteria at universities, punishable by

immediate loss of all State aid and other funding types.

A bill to disallow flags of US Department of State designated terrorist organizations from being displayed on State property (including leased buildings) or university campuses, punishable by immediate loss of all State aid and other funding types.

A bill to require colleges and universities to pre-approve any tent set-ups or camping/encampments on their campuses, and to create a process relating to this. A resolution to condemn Rutgers for acquiescing to the demands of the encampment protestors.

Free Digital Mental Health Services Secured For NJ College Students

From The Desk Of Lt. Governor

Tahesha Way

MONTCLAIR – Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way and Secretary of Higher Education Brian K. Bridges, Ph.D., announced New Jersey college students will have free, 24/7/365 access to teletherapy, crisis connection and wellness programming through the remainder of the Murphy Administration. Launched one year ago, the state’s first-in-the-nation partnership with mental health and wellness platform, Uwill, currently serves students at 45 eligible institutions of higher education in New Jersey who opted into the partnership.

“There is no question that young people have been facing a mental health crisis for some time – the causes of which are multi-faceted and include everything from the rise of social media, to increased academic pressures, the impact of the pandemic, and much, much more. While we are still at the beginning of our fight to strengthen youth men -

tal health, I am incredibly proud of the serious way our administration has approached this issue,” said Way. “Today’s announcement that we have secured additional funding for New Jersey’s first-in-the-nation partnership with Uwill continues to demonstrate the Governor’s commitment and leadership on youth mental health. With this program, we are ensuring college students who are struggling will have access to mental health support services 24/7/365 days a year.”

As of April, over 10,000 students have registered on Uwill’s digital platform and have scheduled nearly 32,000 sessions with the diverse network of licensed and qualified mental health providers available. The impact data OSHE collected through student and institution staff feedback surveys, in addition to utilization data, reflect the positive impact and success of the partnership in strengthen-

ing well-being among New Jersey college students and filling previously unmet mental health needs:

We are reaching college students who had not previously accessed support: 61% of students registered on the platform indicated that they had not previously made an appointment with a therapist or mental health counselor at their institution.

We are reaching students when on-campus services cannot: 79% of institution staff agreed the partnership has enabled them to provide or enhance mental health support to students after hours, when they would otherwise be unavailable.

Utilization data further illustrates this with roughly 33% of the appointments made through the Uwill platform occurring during ‘off-peak’ hours - on the weekends and before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. on weekdays.

We are seeing early indications of improving outcomes: 59% of institution staff agreed this increased access to mental health services is likely to further retention and graduation rates (only 3.4% disagreed).

The announcement means currently enrolled students,

students enrolling to start college in New Jersey this fall, and those who plan to enroll with the Class of 2028 will all benefit from this free support until April 2026.

“During trying times, it’s more important than ever that we work together to ensure everyone feels seen and supported,” said Jonathan Koppell, President of Montclair State University.

“While we can’t always change the world around us, we can foster a culture that empowers our students and employees to overcome obstacles, and provide them with the resources to thrive. We are grateful for the state’s commitment

to investing in services like Uwill, and are relieved that today’s announcement means thousands more students across the state will have the opportunity to get the support that they need.”

Though the spring semester is ending, students currently enrolled at a New Jersey institution and registered on Uwill’s platform will be able to access services throughout the summer.

The partnership continues to work in complement to Governor Murphy’s Administration-wide strategy to strengthen youth mental health in New Jersey, which included $16 million in grants for institutions of higher education

to increase the capacity of campus-based services. Grants awarded by OSHE last summer are supporting 44 institutions in establishing community provider partnerships as well as professional development opportunities for faculty and staff that are building multicultural competency. For a list of the New Jersey institutions that are partnered with Uwill to provide services, visit nj.gov/highereducation/mentalhealth/ telehealth.shtml

Students looking to register on the platform to access the digital mental health support and services should contact their college or university directly.

• Tasty breakfast and lunch platters

• Specialty coffees, cappuccino, espresso and lattes!

Residents Gather For National Day Of Prayer

– Great turnout and thank you to all those involved in The National Day of Prayer focusing on church, family, education, business/workplace, military, and government.

• Howell Township – Councilwoman Evelyn O’Donnell

• Cornerstone Church – Pastor Mike McCarrick, Michael Dolan

•

•

• Saint Veronica

• Congregation Ahavat Olam – Rabbi David Amar

• Howell Community Church – Pastor Harold Harmon

Southard Grange Bake Off

HOWELL – The Southard Grange is hosting a Bake Off on June 4. Bake Off is open to members and non-members of the Grange. Email Southard218@gmail. com by June 1 to sign up. Contact them for any questions.

Southard Grange Bake Off will be June 4. State Grange Bake Off will be October 18.

Class A: Decorated Cupcakes - An entry will consist of 12 cupcakes decorated at the discretion of the baker. A mix may be used for the cupcakes.

Class B: Mix Berry Pie - An entry will consist of a pie using a mix of 3 types of

berries. Topping is at the discretion of the baker.

Class C: Crumb Cake - An entry will consist of a crumb cake, the shape at the discretion of the baker.

Disposable pans must be used, but in the event, they are not, the committee will not be responsible for their return.

This contest is for determining local Grange entrants to State Bake Off. Prizes for State Grange judging is:

1st place - $20

2nd place - $15

3rd place - $10

HOWELL

Photo courtesy Howell Township

Immanuel Bible Church – Pastor Joe Suozzo

Squankum United Methodist Church –Reverend Michael Mazer

Church – Deacon John Franey

High School Students Shine At Tech Conference

HOWELL – Howell High School’s TSA (Technology Student Association) Chapter saw success at the recent annual NJ TSA High School State Conference held at The College of New Jersey. High school students from around the state compete in over 30 competitive events, with the winners qualifying to compete against students from all over the country at the National TSA Conference in Orlando this June. Howell’s winners include:

Achievement Award Recognitions

• Georgi Abuashvili - Bronze Achievement, NJ State Silver and Gold National Achievement Awards

• Nicolette Caronia - Bronze Achievement, NJ State Silver and Gold National Achievement Awards

• Ewan Coppola – Bronze Achievement

• Dakota Giordano - Bronze Achievement, NJ State Silver and Gold National

Achievement Awards

• Kaitlyn Thomas - Bronze Achievement and NJ State Silver Achievement

• Ariana Toney – Bronze Achievement, NJ State Silver and Gold National Achievement Awards

Competitive Event Recognitions

• 1st Place – Senior Solar SprintTeam of Thomas Campbell and Brandon Reynaga

• 2nd Place – Digital Video Production – Team of William Alsager, Nick Rescigno, Emma Rodriguez, Kaitlyn Thomas, and Hayden Vigdor

• 2nd Place – Board Game Design –Team of Nick Muniz and Dan Rodionov

• 3rd Place – Chapter Team – Team of Liam Byrne, Liam Daley, Will Daley, Harrison Feldman, Ben Jarmon and Christian Metchenko

• 3rd Place – Structural Design and Engineering – Team of Ryan Cruz and Justin Zawistowski

Howell PAL Volleyball Clinic

HOWELL – Join for the first HHS volleyball clinic for an exciting blend of skill-building drills, teamwork exercises, and friendly competition! Perfect for aspiring players of all levels, the clinic offers expert coaching in a fun and supportive environment. Get ready to bump, set, and spike your way to success! This clinic is for incoming 5th - incoming

8th graders. For the 2024-2025 school year. Please bring water and wear sneakers. Knee pads are optional but recommended. Clinic will be held from July 29 through August 1 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Howell High Schools Gym. For more information and to register, visit howellpal.org.

Sensory Storytime With Raising Sunshine

HOWELL – Sensory Storytime with Raising Sunshine will be held on May 29 at 10 a.m. at the Howell Township Public Library. Best for ages 1 to 4, with parent/caregiver. Registration required. Join for a special

sensory story time with Raising Sunshine for some engaging interactive play! Space is limited, please call to cancel. Register online at MonmouthCountyLib. org.

Photo courtesy Howell High School

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P.O. Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733 • Phone: 732-657-7344 • Fax: 732-657-7388 email: news@jerseyshoreonline.com • jerseyshoreonline.com

Student Wins First Place At Agriscience Fair

Photo courtesy Freehold Regional School District

FREEHOLD – Ellie Drucker, a sophomore in the Animal & Botanical Science Magnet Program at Freehold Township High School, won first place in the Social Systems Division III category at the recent FFA Agriscience Fair! Ellie’s work was a “Retrospective Study on the Role of Pets During COVID-19 Quarantine.”

Hooked On Fishing, Not On Drugs And Free Fishing Day

HOWELL – On June 1 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (rain or shine), Howell Township is hosting its annual Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs at Echo Lake, 1225 Maxim-Southard Road in Howell.

The free event is held in conjunction with Baxter’s Fishing Derby and NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife’s statewide Free Fishing Day.

Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs offers youth ages 5 to 16 a relaxed and enjoyable day in nature alongside family and friends. Youth who are new to and experienced with fishing can register at 8 a.m. the day of the event, right at Echo Lake.

Participation is free and includes:

string bag for the first 100 youth who register)

• Trophies and prizes

The six learning activity stations teach participants about lures; knot tying; bait selection; fish identification; hooks, rigs, and fish release; and substance use prevention. Youth must complete the 6 learning-based activities prior to filling out their registration form.

MANCHESTER TIMES • BERKELEY TIMES • BRICK TIMES

President & Publisher Stew Swann Vice President/COO Jason Allentoff

News Editor Chris Lundy Assistant News Editor Bob Vosseller

Production Manager Allison Gradzki Graphic Artist Adriana Miranda Distribution Manager Laura Hoban Sales Manager Lorrie Toscano

Layout Designer Julia Wilkens

& letters to

• Free fishing for adults and youth

• Six youth learning activity stations

• Fishing bait (mealworms and night crawlers)

• A grab-and-go breakfast and picnic-style lunch

• Give-aways (including a nylon draw-

This event is made possible through Howell Township, the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife, and community sponsors dedicated to enhancing the lives of youth, including the Howell Alliance, Howell Optimist Club, Spring Lake Fishing Club, NJ PAALS, the Baxter family, and Stop and Shop of Howell.

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

Howell PAL Football Camp

HOWELL – Whether you are a beginner or skilled player in football, this camp is for you! The camp is geared toward the skill positions of quarterback, running backs, wide receivers, linebackers, and defensive backs. Camp will also cover increasing your football ability and speed techniques. Price includes shirt and lunch each day!

Camp is held from July 8 to 11 at How-

ell High School Turf. Open to ages 7 to 13. Please arrive on time at 8 a.m. and promptly be picked up at 11 a.m. Campers should wear shorts and a t shirt, hat, and sneakers. Also bring multipurpose round cleats. Metal cleats will not be allowed. Bring water bottles with names on bottles & mouth piece.

To register or for more information, visit howellpal.org.

C ommUnitY n eWS

Local Animals Ready For Adoption

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

Sasha is a gorgeous 6-year-young, declawed girl who came to the shelter when her owner passed away. Sasha has kept her spirits high after the loss of her human companion and is hopeful to fi nd a new home soon. Sasha is a funny girl who gives the cutest head-bonks when she’s feeling silly - she likes gentle petting and will let

you know when she’s had enough. Sasha would do best as the only kitty in an adult home with a cat-savvy family

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 fi nd your perfect match. They are located at 260 Wall Street in Eatontown. They can be reached at 732542-0040.

Farmingdale’s 51st Memorial Day Parade

FARMINGDALE – Join to celebrate the 51st Annual Memorial Day parade! Whether you’ve been attending for years or are new to the area, come and enjoy the patriotic setting of the history town as the streets come alive with music, dancing, classic cars, horse drawn carriages, and many surprises!

New to the timeless tradition, once again they are happy to announce that starting at 11 a.m., there will be a Main Street Market featuring artisan vendors. Be sure to browse visit their boutique tables before the parade begins!

Roads close at 12 p.m. (All residents along the parade route must have their vehicles off the street by 11 a.m.) The parade will kick off at 1 p.m. There will be a Veteran Memorial ceremony at 11:30 a.m. being held at Farmingdale’s War Memorial at Lutz Park hosted by VFW Post 9691 American Legion Post 178.

Come early! Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on, a bag for kids to collect thrown candy! Show off your patriotic spirit by bringing your flags to wave high as the floats ride by!

Mother’s Day Ragtime Concert

HOWELL – In honor of Mother’s Day, Fred Lahotay will be performing love songs played in the 1920s Ragtime style. Songs include “I Love My Baby,” “Don’t Take Your Love from Me,” and “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love.”

The concert will be held on May 18 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Howell Library. Light refreshments will be served following the concert.

This performance is made possible through the support of the Friends of Howell Library.

Independence Day Celebration

HOWELL – Howell Township’s Independence Day Celebration will be held on July 2 from 5 to 9:30 p.m. at Soldier Memorial Park.

Free event. Live entertainment by “The Amish Outlaws.” Enjoy DJ, food vendors, beer & wine tent, cornhole tournament,

children’s activities, free inflatable and mechanical rides, fireworks at dusk & more! Rain date is July 6. All events subject to change due to the weather. For more information, contact Steven Fecher, Department of Community Relations at 732-938-4500 ext. 2106 or sfecher@twp.howell.nj.us.

Photo courtesy MCSPCA

Real-Life Example Pops Up At Police Presentation On Scams

By Stephanie Faughnan

BARNEGAT

- A recent presentation by the Barnegat Police Department on how to identify and avoid scams proved to be more than just informative. For a local resident, it was the realization that she was likely in the middle of being targeted by one.

As she listened to the materials introduced by Detective Robert Armstrong and Detective Lauren Keilitz, one of the attendees revealed a personal experience.

Before coming to the meeting, a pop-up message appeared on the woman’s computer, claiming it was infected and displaying a phone number for “assistance.” The message, designed to mimic a legitimate tech company like Microsoft, seemed convincing. Although not requesting money, the caller on the other end convinced the woman to grant them remote access to her computer and instructed her to keep it powered on for two days without using other devices.

The woman’s experience directly correlated with the presentation’s content on tech support scams, alerting them to the potential danger. Recognizing the red flags, the two Barnegat detectives advised the presumed victim to halt communication with the caller. They recommended she visit her local bank to ensure her accounts weren’t compromised.

According to statistics provided by the Barnegat Police Department, reported scam cases have been on the rise in recent years, with 170 cases documented in 2022, esca-

lating to 205 in 2023, and already reaching 56 cases thus far in 2024. Nationally, the Federal Trade Commission reports staggering figures, with fraudsters tricking roughly 690,000 adults into giving them money through scams in 2023, resulting in a total loss of $10 billion.

However, the true extent of the problem may be far more significant, as many victims hesitate to report incidents out of embarrassment or shame.

“With the constant rise of internet artificial intelligence and all the different things you’re seeing out there in the news, it’s only going to get worse – so prevention is key,” said Captain Andrew Parsley. “We’re going to try to stop it before it’s a problem and before anybody loses anything.”

Armstrong emphasized the insidious tactics employed by scammers, who prey on individuals’ trust and emotions, often targeting vulnerable populations such as seniors. He underscored the importance of vigilance in combating such threats, urging residents to safeguard their personal information diligently.

“People who are proactive in their lives and pay their bills can be a target because of these things,” shared Keilitz. “They handle everything, and when they get a phone call that something has happened, they feel they need to correct it – and do the right thing.”

Some fraudsters impersonate IRS representatives, claiming that taxes were not paid due to a supposed mistake by the victim’s accountant. Others resort to threatening

tactics, such as falsely asserting that utilities will be disconnected unless an immediate payment is made. These calls often originate from seemingly legitimate sources but are, in fact, part of elaborate scams.

“The grandparent scam was big, especially about a year or two ago,” Armstrong said. “These were originally out of the Dominican Republic, where someone was calling random people and preying on their emotions.”

This tactic involves impersonating a grandchild, or other loved one in distress, claiming to be in an accident or needing bail money. These include requests for large amounts of cash, claims of bail money being needed (which is not the case in New Jersey), and the use of courier services to collect the money.

Scammers can now use artificial intelligence to mimic voices. They create a sense of urgency and may even insist that payment be made by gift cards.

Attendees at the session were advised to exercise caution when dealing with unrecognized phone numbers and suspicious emails. Even seemingly legitimate emails, with convincing logos and sender informa-

tion, may be designed to trick recipients into giving sensitive information or engaging in fraudulent activities.

“I remember there was a Facebook scam telling people to call a phone number because their account was hacked,” said Armstrong. “We can’t talk to someone from Facebook when we’re investigating a case. There is no number for Facebook.”

“The scam was so good that when I googled the number, it came up as Facebook,” Armstrong continued. “Keep an eye on that. If you do a Google search and it says sponsored, they’re paying for that.”

One of the most troubling things about scams is that they often originate outside (Scams - See Page 16)

Photo by Stephanie Faughnan

Detective Lauren Keilitz spoke to residents about identifying and avoiding scams.

Tensions:

Continued From Page 5

peaceful protest at her college that Letterman said led to her brutalization and arrest by police on campus.

More than one speaker suggested that anti-Zionism does not equate to antisemitism. The meeting was volatile but controlled as police officers kept ready to prevent any physical attacks. That’s not to say there weren’t numerous verbal assaults.

A local Orthodox man questioned the authenticity of some Jewish-looking attendees supporting Palestinians. He said some of the individuals dressed like Orthodox men were likely paid actors. Palestinian supporters expressed similar sentiments concerning what they viewed as a staged

14th Annual Youth Law Enforcement Boot Camp

HOWELL – The 14th Annual Youth Law Enforcement Boot Camp sponsored by the Howell Township Police Department and the Howell Police Athletic League. Open to students entering 6th, 7th, and 8th grades for the 2023-2024 school year. Mandatory parent and cadet meeting: July 10 at 6 p.m. at the Howell PAL.

Camp dates: July 29 to August 3 and August 5. Camp hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Graduation: August 6 at National Night Out. Fee: $100 (nonrefundable upon acceptance to the program).

To apply go to howellpal.org.

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.

Southard Grange Open Mic Night

HOWELL – If you enjoy playing or listening to music, be sure to check out Southard Grange’s open mic night on the first Sunday of each month beginning at 6 p.m. Admission is donation based.

For more information call 848-373-8529. Southard Grange is located at 4860 US 9 South, Howell.

meeting disruption.

An individual wearing a police chaplain vest and Trump cap, draped an American flag around his shoulders and held a sign reading “We Stand With Israel.” He shouted loudly about his recent experience in Israel. A loud uproar ensued as another man chanted “Blah, blah, blah” to drown out the sound of the disruption.

Howell resident Sheri Reavis spoke out against the disturbance and expressed her

disappointment. While she admitted that no one was there to broker world peace, she hoped for better.

Following a closed-door session, the Council opted to change the resolution’s focus. The original draft condemned antisemitism and expressed support for the Jewish community. The revised resolution, however, broadly denounced all forms of hate speech and discrimination.

Moshe Klein of Howell expressed his

disappointment in the Council’s inability to pass a resolution solely condemning antisemitism.

However, Voice for Humanity Project’s Instagram account called the change in the resolution a victory that “serves as a testament to the resilience of pro-Palestinian advocacy and the triumph of justice over the deplorable tactics employed by Zionists to suppress the truth and vilify Voice for Humanity.”

R.C. Shea & Assoc. Inside The Law

“ONE RING” Wireless Phone Scam

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

If your phone rings once and then stops, think twice before returning the call. It may be a SCAM!

Some wireless consumers receive calls from phone numbers with three-digit area codes that appear to be domestic, but are actually associated with international pay-per-call phone numbers. These calls often disconnect after one ring to try to tempt consumers to return the call. Therefore, if you receive a call like this and do not recognize the number of the incoming call, do not return the call. If you do, you may be connected to an international hotline than can charge a fee for connecting, along with significant per-minute fees if they can keep you on the phone. These charges may show up on your bill as premium services.

to Jamaica.)

This scam appears to be a variation of fraud involving phony messages on answering machines urging you to call a number with an unfamiliar area code to collect a fake prize or fi nd out about a “sick” relative.

Tips To Avoid The Scam

• Check any unfamiliar area codes before returning calls.

• Be aware that many 3-digit area codes (mostly in the Caribbean) connect callers to international telephone numbers.

How The Scam Works

Your wireless phone rings once or twice before the call is disconnected. The number that appears in your wireless phone log as a missed call appears to be a U.S area code, but is actually a three-digit international area code. If you return the call you will be connected to a phone number outside the United States, often in Canada or the Caribbean, and charged expensive international call rates. (For example, “649” goes to the Turks and Caicos, “809” goes to the Dominican Republic, “284” goes to the British Virgin Islands, and “876” goes

• If you do not otherwise make international calls, ask your local or wireless phone company to block outgoing international calls on your line.

Remember, you should always be cautious even if a number appears authentic. Criminals may also engage in caller ID “spoofi ng” - deliberately falsifying the information transmitted to your caller ID display to disguise their identity. Bottom line: Avoid answering or returning any calls from unfamiliar area codes or calls you suspect may be spoofed.

What To Do If You Are A Victim Of This Scam

If you are billed for a call you made as a result of this scam, fi rst try to resolve the matter with your telephone company. If you are unable to resolve it directly, you can fi le a free complaint with the FCC.

Movies Under The Stars

HOWELL – Howell Township Presents

Movies Under the Stars at Howell Library Hill, 318 Old Tavern Road.

Movies begin at dusk (approximately 8 p.m.) Activities from 6:30 to 7:45p.m.

Bring your blankets or favorite low back lawn chair!

August 1 – Back To The Future

August 8 – Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie

August 15 – Wonka

August 22 – Kung Fu Panda 4

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

Foodie Farmer’s Market at Calgo Gardens

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

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!

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.

Michael J. Deem, Esq.

Presented By:

Dr. Izzy’s

Sound News

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

Tinnitus Relief Is Possible?

You don’t have to “just live with it.”

Do you feel like you often hear an unwanted background noise, like ringing, buzzing, or whooshing? It’s called tinnitus, and you’re not alone — so do more than 50 million adults in Canada and the U.S.

What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus isn’t a disease. It’s a symptom, a sign that something is impacting your auditory system. It shows up as a sound that your brain generates — so only you can hear it. Tinnitus isn’t always ringing, buzzing, or whooshing. Each person’s tinnitus is unique: Some hear ringing, others screeching, hissing, ocean waves, and even music!

What Causes Tinnitus?

It’s linked to many health issues, from hearing loss to high blood pressure to head injuries, so the cause of your specific case of tinnitus might be tough to pinpoint. The sound can be temporary or permanent. Fortunately, for many, the sound is easy to ignore. But for others, it can be stressful or even debilitating.

Is It TIN-uh-tis or Tin-EYE-tis?

The internet offers plenty of answers to that question. Dictionaries, language experts, and medical experts disagree. There are many well-reasoned arguments bandied about. But

we think you should pronounce “tinnitus” however you’d like — our concern is helping you find relief!

Is There a Tinnitus Cure?

There’s no true cure for tinnitus. But relief is possible. Some methods that can help you get free of the stress it causes include:

Sound therapy Using specific sounds to give your brain something else to focus on. A relatively new device on the market is Lenire which incorporates sound therapy & tongue stimulation.

Hearing aids Tinnitus tends to accompany hearing loss, so hearing aids often provide relief. Most hearing aids incorporate tinnitus maskers which can assist in alleviating the bothersome tinnitus

Habituation Putting your tinnitus in the background so your brain can learn to ignore it

Counseling Teaching you skills to minimize your body’s involuntary reaction to your tinnitus

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!

Relay For Life: Volunteers, Sponsors Wanted

By Chris Lundy

BERKELEY – Just like a relay race, the Berkeley-Lacey Relay For Life is making the rounds again. It will be held on June 15-16 at Veterans Park in Bayville.

The goal of these participants is not to win the race, but to win the fight against cancer. According to the World Health Organization, cancer accounted for one in six deaths globally in 2020. Relays for Life raise money for the American Cancer Society to help patients with rides to appointments, lodging for family, a hotline, and more. It’s the best way to help those struggling with the disease and fight it by researching cures.

The event starts at noon on Saturday, lasts overnight, and ends the next morning. This symbolizes the darkness that comes with a cancer diagnosis, and the light of hoping for

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

a better tomorrow, said Event Lead Robyn Paciulli-Griffith.

Throughout the evening, there will be scheduled laps for various groups. The first lap, for example, is made up of survivors.

The event is currently looking for sponsors, volunteers, teams, and anyone interested in donating some time. For example, if they have a business and would be interested in running an activity during the event. If you would like to help or participate, reach out to Paciulli-Griffith at 848-333-7318 or rnofgnt@yahoo.com.

Although Veterans Park is a far cry from Yasgur’s farm, the theme of this year’s Relay is “Woodstock.” That’s why there will be some musical accompaniment at various times throughout the two days.

For more information on how to help, or how to get help, visit cancer.org

First Aid Golf Outing

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 fill 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.

Rethinking Depression: Exploring 6 Natural Remedies To Help Right Now

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Depression, a pervasive mental health issue, often leads people into a relentless cycle of medication adjustments without addressing underlying causes. The prevalent use of antidepressants, although beneficial for some, has drawn criticism for their side effects and the inability to address root causes such as nutritional deficiencies or hormonal imbalances.

SSRI antidepressants can increase serotonin activity but only temporarily, and this comes at a cost. Common side effects include nausea, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction, among others. Despite these drawbacks, the medications are not designed to correct fundamental biochemical imbalances, which are often the precursors to mood disorders.

These meds don’t provide any minerals or vitamins which are required to make serotonin and norepinephrine, two key neurotransmitters in the quest for ‘happiness’ and mood stability. Serotonin, a key neurotransmitter associated with mood, is predominantly made in the gut, not your brain like most think. Foods rich in tryptophan, such as dates, papaya, and bananas, can naturally enhance serotonin levels, potentially reducing depression symptoms.

On the supplement front, several nutrients play crucial roles in neurotransmitter synthesis:

1. Vitamin C is essential for the metabolic pathways that produce serotonin and other neurotransmitters.

2. Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) influences the release of serotonin and norepinephrine, impacting mood and energy levels.

3. The active form of folic acid called 5-MTHF facilitates the production of mood-regulating neurotransmitters. The prescription called Deplin, is made of this B vitamin.

4. Magnesium plays a multifaceted role in mental health, affecting serotonin regulation

and helping prevent migraines, a common comorbidity with depression.

5. Nutrients that support the thyroid, such as tyrosine and iodine, are essential for the production of thyroid hormones. Additionally, mood instability is commonly associated with hypothyroidism.

6. Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian Ginseng), is an adaptogenic herb, and supports adrenal health and helps the body cope with stress, enhancing overall well-being.

While it’s tempting to seek a simple solution through medication or natural remedies alone, the most effective approach to managing depression involves a comprehensive strategy that addresses dietary, biological, and psychological factors. Consulting with healthcare professionals to tailor treatments, whether through dietary adjustments, supplements, or conventional medications, is crucial.

The conversation around depression treatment is evolving, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach that respects both the complexity of the human body and the individual experiences of those affected by mood disorders. Millions of people are searching for alternatives that tackle the root causes of depression, beyond just managing symptoms. And you will probably agree that mental health concerns have become more prevalent in the post-pandemic season … not to mention the constant social media ‘irritations’ that never let our brain shut off.

This shift towards a more integrative perspective not only broadens treatment options but also aligns more closely with the body’s natural processes. I’m a big believer in holistic approaches, and nourishing the body’s metabolic pathways.

Does this topic interest you? I have a much more comprehensive version of this article with more treatment options. To have it emailed, please 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.

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

Scams

:

Continued From Page 12 of the country. Therefore, it’s difficult for authorities to prosecute the individuals behind these types of criminal activity.

Scams And Protective Measures

The dozens of residents who attended the presentation were predominately senior citizens. For many, the presentation was informative and included details of other prevalent scams, including:

Romance scams: Fraudsters create fake online profiles and develop emotional connections with victims, often claiming to be overseas for work or military service. They exploit loneliness and manipulate victims into sending large sums of money for supposed emergencies or travel expenses.

Random Messages: Unsolicited texts or messages on social media platforms should also send off alerts. Scammers may initiate conversations by pretending to be a forgotten acquaintance or someone seeking a simple favor. Their goal is to build rapport and create a sense of trust, eventually lead-

ing to requests for personal information or fi nancial assistance.

Hacked Accounts: Scammers may use various methods of communication, claiming someone’s account has been hacked and requires a payment to recover. This may happen with bank or social media accounts. Legitimate companies won’t demand money to restore access to free accounts. Those who suspect their accounts are compromised should contact the platform directly using verified methods (e.g., website login, official phone number).

Sextortion: Perpetrators of sextortion often manipulate victims into sending compromising photos or videos, exploiting their emotions and threatening severe consequences if demands are not met. Other victims who have visited adult websites can be threatened with legal jeopardy and subject to extortion attempts.

Marketplace or Concert Tickets: Fraudsters may advertise discounted concert tickets or even sell cars or other merchandise with claims they need the money upfront.

Reduction in Bill Offers: Scammers may pose as companies like Comcast to offer bill

Native Plant Workshop & Exchange

MIDDLETOWN – The Monmouth County Park System will host a Native Plant Workshop & Exchange on May 18 at Deep Cut Gardens, 152 Red Hill Road, Middletown. Gardeners are invited to attend a free Using Native Plants in Your Landscape lecture from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. To register for the lecture, call 732-671-6050.

The plant exchange begins with drop-off from 8 to 10 a.m. Bring established plants in four-inch, one-quart, or 1 to 2-gallon containers and take home the same size and

number of plants. Please label all plants. Only plants native to the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States will be accepted. House plants may also be exchanged (these do not need to be native). Visit the Deep Cut Gardens page on the Park System’s website at MonmouthCountyParks.com for a list of acceptable plants. Plant selection begins at the conclusion of the lecture. Registration is not required for this free plant exchange. For more information on the Native Plant Workshop & Exchange, call 732-671-6050.

Car Wash Fundraiser

HOWELL – The Howell Elks Lodge #2515 is hosting a Car Wash Fundraiser on May 19 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 84 Ramtown-Greenville Road, Howell. Cost is $10 per car.

reductions. One of the fi rst clues to recognizing the issue is a request for an account number. If a legitimate source is calling, they should have the account number.

Cell Phone Delivery: Someone is selling tracking numbers for cell phone deliveries. Residents were advised to pick up their phones at local stores.

Solicitations from Unknown Sources: Scammers may pose as legitimate sounding sources to solicit money. Scenarios requesting donations online have sometimes proven to be fake as well.

The detectives reminded the audience that their signatures appear on public documents such as mortgages that are public documents. Scammers also review social media to target victims and learn a lot about them, which creates a sense of trust.

“When they make the calls, it feels like they know so much about you,” said Keilitz. “So, you feel like it has to be legitimate – but the information is very easy to fi nd. These people make a full time job to scam people and take the time to do the research.”

Most scams involve gift card payments, while others require victims to pay in Bit-

coin and cryptocurrency.

Residents should use multi-factor authentication as much as possible as a protective means against scammers. This involves sending a text message to a phone or other device with a code to ensure logins to accounts are secure.

Passwords should not include familiar information like social security numbers, birthdays, or children’s names. The use of phrases works for passwords because they’re easier to remember.

“Our IT guy taught me that saving your passwords on your devices, your computers and your cellphones,” said Sgt. Vincent Damiano. “Is actually a safe bet because they’re encrypted.”

“You can save it so that their computer auto-populates the password for you rather than you type it in,” Damiano added. “That’s safer than actually typing them in each time.”

The Barnegat Police Department plans to continue its community discussions on various safety concerns. The date of the next scheduled event has not yet been determined but will focus on traffic laws.

Guild Of Creative Art’s “Garden Theme” Exhibit

SHREWSBURY – Guild Exhibiting, Associate and General Members are expected to submit approximately 120 works to display in our colorful and inspirational exhibit in the Guild’s main gallery. In addition, several Exhibiting and Associate Artists’ works will be hung in the “mini show” in the reception are, andfor the fi rst time - Neptune High School Students’ creations will be hung in the Guild’s newly-renovated state of the art studio.

The range of mediums will include acrylic, acrylic decoupage, ceramics, etching, mixed media, oil, pastel, pen and ink, photography (analogue and digital), photo collage, sculpture, stained glass and watercolor.

Exhibit will be shown through the month of May. The Guild is located at 620 Broad Street, Shrewsbury. For more information, call 732-741-1441 or email Guildofcre-

ativeart@verizon.net; guildofcreativeart. org.

Guild Hours: Tuesday, through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Guild is closed on Mondays, except for classes. Admission is free; on-site parking free.

Photo courtesy The Guild Of Creative Art

photo oF the WeeK

Did you happen to catch the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, last week? We were lucky that photographer Gregory Andrus from Portraits of the Jersey Shore was armed with his camera. This picture was taken on Saturday, May 11 around 4:30 a.m. in Toms River looking north. Stunning! Have a photo you would like to see in this space? Would you like to win a prize? Email your pics to photos@ jerseyshoreonline.com and you may be lucky!

Go On A Boat Tour Of The Manasquan Reservoir

MONMOUTH COUNTY – Explore the Manasquan Reservoir, Howell, with a Park System Naturalist during their weekend boat tours. Available hourly from 2 to 5 p.m., these 45-minute boat tours include opportunities to view local wildlife. The cost is $6 per adult and $4 per child, age 12 and under. Tours leave from the Visitor Center and run through Labor Day. Please note, tours are both weather and water level dependent. Here are a few other things you may enjoy:

• Superheroes from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. on Mondays through June 17 at the Fort Monmouth Recreation Center, Tinton Falls. Build confidence and independence through games and activities that encourage teamwork and problem-solving skills. Open to ages 2 ½-5 with adult. Pre-registration and fee required.

• Growing Up Wild from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on May 21 at various county parks. Open your eyes and ears to the natural world during these guided walks on the trails. After walking, we’ll enjoy a related activity. Open to ages 3 to 5 with adult. Pre-registration and fee required.

Howell Farmers Market 2024 Season

HOWELL – The Howell Farmer’s Market will be held from May 19 to October 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Echo Lake Park, 1205 Maxim Southard Road, Howell.

Interested locally grown/locally made vendors should contact the Association by email to: ManagerHowellFarmersMarket@ gmail.com for more details.

Comic Book Festival - Saturday, 5/18 Fernwood Hall Falmouth Avenue, Whiting. Meet stars from "Annie", Artists, Writers, Cosplay, Crafts. Infromation 609-242-7756. (23)

House For Sale By Owner - Pheasant Run Adult Community, Forked River. 2BD, 1 Bath, additional family room. Un-buildable property in back to create park-like setting. Asking $295,000 will negotiate. 609-290-9702. (23)

FOR SALE: Single Crypt (Wall)East Chapel mausoleum - burial plot. Ocean County Memorial Park, Toms River, NJ. Owner moved. $6,499.00. Call 954-444-9646. (24)

Pierogi sale on 5/18/2024 - $11.00 per dozen at St Stephen Ukrainian Church in Toms River. To order call 732505-6293 and leave message. (23)

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)

CLASSIFIEDS

Services Services Services Services Help Wanted

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

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

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

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

R.C. Shea and Associates is seeking to hire a paralegal with civil/commercial litigation experience as well as an administrative assistant. Pay and benefits commensurate with experience. Please call Pam Williams, office manager at (732) 505-1212 or email at pwilliams@rcshea.com (t/n)

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

Services

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

Wallpaper and Bordering - Hanging and removal of old. No job too big or small. Great references. Call Angela 609-290-9702. (23)

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)

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)

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)

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 609335-0330 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. 732-3304189, 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)

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)

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)

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)

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.

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.

add’tl word = $ 3 weeks* at $60.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $ 4 weeks* at $74.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $ Total =

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

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

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:

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

PHONE NUMBER

Deadline For Classified Ads: 12pm Monday (Ads will be running the Saturday of that week)

If you have any questions, email Ali at agradzki@jerseyshoreonline.com.

County Officials Prepare For America’s Semi-Quincentennial In 2026

MONMOUTH COUNTY – The MonmouthNJ250 Committee hosted a meeting on March 18 with representatives from Monmouth County municipalities. The purpose of the meeting was to share the county’s vision, strategy and planning to prepare for America’s upcoming 250th birthday in 2026 and ways that each municipality can participate in this once-ina-lifetime celebration like they did during

America’s Bicentennial celebration in 1976.

“Crucial to our work is sharing updates, ideas and information with the municipal governments throughout the county,” said MonmouthNJ 250 Committee Chair, Monmouth County Clerk Christine G. Hanlon.

“Like America’s Bicentennial celebration in 1976, we encourage local municipalities to participate in the celebration by establish-

ing their own committees to recognize this historic milestone and to develop and implement celebrations for America’s 250th.”

“It was great to see everyone united in one space, eagerly discussing the many of exciting events and plans for commemorating America’s upcoming 250th birthday,” said MonmouthNJ 250 Committee Co-Chair, Monmouth County Commissioner Director

Thomas A. Arnone. “Planning for a celebration like this takes a great deal of time, and we are working hard to create memorable experiences that honor Monmouth County’s revolutionary history and its significance to the birth of our great nation.”

For news and updates from the MonmouthNJ 250 Committee and to sign up for the e-newsletter or visit MonmouthNJ250.org.

FUN & GAMES SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Across 1 Catch a glimpse of 5 “__ Great Heights”: single by The Postal Service 9 Shelter org.

“Take it!” 15 Wind with a range of roughly three octaves 16 Pulse 17 *Paperwork for a UFO pilot? 19 Emotional states

Mobile game?

Sauce thickener

Suffix with ether

*Fast fashion?

Drag through the mud

CPR provider

Manner

Snap at, say

Tricks to improve productivity, and the tricks used to form the answers to the starred clues?

“Yay me!”

“Can’t argue with that”

The Met __: annu-

Mapa

New Rochelle 3 Camden Yards player

__ Choice Awards

Icy center? 6 WWII sub 7 Short-legged dog 8 Clothing line? 9 Not more than 10 Stain-removal brand 11 Armed conflict waged on behalf of superpowers

Fish sticks fish 13 Core muscles 18 Closed in on

Off the beaten path 24 Forage plant 25 Like some lingerie 26 Retina locale 28 “Collapsed in Sunbeams” singer Parks 32 Yoga postures

Mug 36 *House of worship known for raucous parties? 39 Tech leader? Down 1 Board book subject 2 New York suburb

33 Waterway with locks 34 Explosive letters 35 Burkina __

D.C. daily

Fascinate 38 “Sure, I guess” 39 “I don’t have all day!” 42 Stomachs 44 West Coast petroleum giant that merged with Chevron in 2005 45 Really get to

Arachnid incubator 48 Whale fare

Pumped up

Devoid of joy 51 2015 boxing film directed by Ryan Coogler 55 Multigenerational tale

__ tide

Hot temper

USPS unit

(c)2024 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.

AroUnD the JerSeY Shore

High School Receives Plaque For Successful Food Drive

MANALAPAN – Members of the National Honor Society at Manalapan High School recently accepted a plaque from Fulfi ll NJ: FoodBank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties to recognize the group’s successful food drive. The plaque recognizes the National Honor Society as a “1,000 Pound Club” member after the school collected 1,109 pounds of food during their holiday food drive.

Students Learn About Cybersecurity

COLTS NECK – In an era where the digital landscape is constantly evolving and threats loom larger than ever, the importance of cybersecurity expertise cannot be overstated.

Recently, students enrolled in the Cybersecurity Pathway Program at Colts Neck High School were privileged to host Steve Weinstein for a presentation on the intricacies of cybersecurity and the evolving industry landscape. The visit provided students with a unique opportunity to glean insights from a seasoned expert and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the field.

Schools

Mr. Weinstein is an investor in Tego Cyber (TGCB), a cyber security company focused on autonomous threat detection and threat intelligence for clients including Databricks, Amazon Web Services, and other hosting and cloud clients. He is also the Chair, Emeritus of The Foundation for Supply Chain Solutions (F4SS), an industry association focused on improving the capabilities of, networking, benchmarking, and education of Supply Chain leaders across Household, Health & Beauty, and Food & Beverage CPGs and their External Manufacturers, Contract Packagers and other Solution Providers. F4SS is focused on

understanding key trends and cutting-edge technologies such as blockchain, IoT, cybersecurity, and other systems that enable data transparency and flow to remove barriers in supply chain planning, manufacturing, and distribution.

Mr. Weinstein’s visit underscored the significance of collaboration between academia and the industry in addressing the cybersecurity challenges of tomorrow. By fostering meaningful partnerships, sharing resources, and facilitating knowledge exchange, we bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that future Cybersecurity Pathway Program graduates are equipped with the necessary skills and the ability to thrive in the dynamic cybersecurity landscape.

Photo courtesy Freehold Regional District

Photo courtesy Freehold Regional

District

AroUnD the JerSeY Shore

Attention Gardeners – Creating A Garden You’re Proud Of

By Renee A. Thomaier

Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

Renewing gardens is not only pleasing to the eye but helps animals, including insects. For some these are food sources, others it could mean shelter. I garden myself, and have learned by trial and error which plants are less likely to be eaten by wildlife. Understand that if an animal is unable to find foods they like, they may tolerate foods they otherwise would not feed upon. If you don’t typically include annuals in your garden, try some. They are cheaper (in case they DO get eaten).

Plants that are unavailable at a local garden center, try online. Start slowly with what is unfamiliar to you and see what works. Generally, deer and other animals do not like fragrant plants. You can scatter those plants into your garden helping to keep wildlife away.

Suggestions below are comprised of both perennial and annual plants/shrubs/trees and are partial listings. Each category below may include both perennials and annual. Some mentioned I can attest to personally; others are provided through my research. Not every plant/shrub/tree may be available in your zone (plants that thrive in specific geographic areas).

Animals will not eat: Researched Resistant and based on personal experience - milkweed, lavender plants – both are pe-

rennial; snapdragon (poisonous) and are annual; Researched Resistant – bleeding hearts, coneflower, corydalis, coreopsis, daffodil, lungwort, yarrow, poppy, annual vinca, astilbe, liatris, shasta daisy, butterfly bush, sunflower, zinnia.

Poisonous Plants/Trees: Keep small children and pets away. Always wear gloves when handling. The signs for possible poison plants are: Researched Poisonous - milky sap, naturally shiny leaves, plants that have yellow or white berries, umbrella-shaped plants. Poisonous plants include lillies of the valley, foxgloves, oleander, deadly nightshade (belladonna), water hemlock, rhubarb, castor oil plant, Chinese wisteria, azalea, rhododendron, yew.

Deer/Animal Resistant – not so much. Based on personal experience – marigold and hostas. Although both are listed on deer resistant research, I have found that to be untrue. That ‘may be’ due to inability to find other adequate food sources. Gardening is so relaxing and once you find some success, your efforts will make you proud.

To reach me, please call 732-244-2768 and do leave a message.

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 is punishable.

Friends Of The Park Hosting Pickleball Tournament

COLTS NECK – Calling all pickleball players! The Friends of the Monmouth County Park System is hosting the Monmouth County Cup Pickleball Tournament on June 1 at the Dorbrook Recreation Area, Colts Neck.

This charity event promises to be great fun for both seasoned tournament players and those competing for the fi rst time. Play

is doubles and mixed doubles. The cost is $65 per player. Registration is underway and available online.

The Friends of the Parks is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports our parks, programs and projects. For more information on the Friends of the Parks, visit friendsofmonmouthcountyparks.com or call 732-842-4000 ext. 4330.

Shrewsbury Chorale Concert In Red Bank

RED BANK – The Shrewsbury Chorale presents the fi nal concert of their 20232024 season, “Together We Dream,” with songs of inspiration by Rosephanye Powell, Jake Runestad, Michael John Trotta, and more.

This program is rich, contemporary, and accessible. The 4 Powell spiritual settings

form the center of our program. They will conclude with Runestad’s “Alleluia” (2023).

The concert will be on June 2 at 4 p.m. at the United Methodist Church of Red Bank, 247 Broad Street, Red Bank. Tickets ($25, $20 for seniors and students, $10 for children 12 & under) are available at the door, or on their website.

Ms. New Jersey Senior America Pageant

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

ARIES (March 21-April 19) : Add a little excitement to your life. Spur of the moment outings might be exciting and fun for you to experience. You might find something unusual or original that suits your taste and style at a thrift store or unique market.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You might yearn for something more exciting than the typical escape but may settle for being the life of the party. A little compromise and openness may attract a new opportunity to collaborate with someone.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) : Your mind is yours to command; you can steer it any way that you choose by using your imagination. Thoughts can be a tool that can help to mold the experiences you attract, do your best to remain optimistic and cheerful.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) : Organize your devices or tackle your to do list; get everything sorted when you have a chance. Making new contacts and scheduling in time for networking could help you achieve your ambitions in the week to come.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): There is never a dull moment within your inner circle. You may have exquisite taste especially when it comes to your environment. You may uncover advantageous information that could give your bank account a much-needed boost.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You could be attracted to items of quality, so consider making a purchase that catches your eye today. You may open yourself up to make a few extra dollars this week by tapping into your skillset and desire to succeed.

FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 18 - MAY 24

BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS

OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Today may bring several exciting things to do beyond your typical activities. You may feel called to spend time with a friend or take a day trip to a local attraction. There could be an opportunity to apologize or mend fences with someone.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) : You might be deeply touched by someone who may possess seemingly angelic qualities, someone who is generous with their praise and support could lift up your spirits. This may be a good day to make amends in strained relationships.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):

What attracts your attention now may not seem quite as fascinating next week. That is why it may be useful to seize any opportunity to indulge in some momentary pleasures. Ground yourself and live in the moment.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): New friends could add some excitement to your day by inviting you to participate in unusual activities. You might be faced with making major changes, consider opting for temporary measures as they could be the safest bet.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Your determination and stamina is valuable, but it’s important to take a break from time to time. Cherish moments surrounded by your support system and put your ambitions on the back burner for some much-needed relaxation.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Engaging in group outings or local community events could be more enjoyable than staying home alone. However, it might be wise to prioritize politeness and avoid discussions that might clash with any popular opinions.

(c) 2024 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

Ballers & Bookworms Trivia Night

HOWELL – Are you ready to test your knowledge and have some fun?

Join Ballers & Bookworms at their 2nd annual trivia night fundraiser on June 6 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Southard Fire Department (4611 US-9, Howell Township). Enjoy delicious food provided by Wholly Bowls, compete in three rounds of trivia, and bid on amazing prizes in our silent auction. All proceeds will

10

th

support Ballers & Bookworms’ mission to provide academic and athletic support to youth from underserved communities. Don’t miss this chance to showcase your smarts and help level the playing field!

Register now and invite your friends! Tickets are $35 per person. Make teams of up to eight people. Register at donor box.org/events/568989.

Annual Howell Wrestling Golf Outing

HOWELL – The Howell Rebel Wrestling 10th Annual Golf Outing and Gift Auction will be on July 12. Registration begins at 1:30 p.m. Shotgun start at 2 p.m. Dinner/Awards/Gift Auction to follow. Cost for individual golfer is $200; golfer foursome is $800. The Howell Rebels Wrestling Parents Club is looking for members of the community and businesses to sponsor and help support the Annual Golf Outing.

You can email your foursome to marlanahodgins@hotmail.com to reserve a spot then return form with payment and amil to: Marlana Hodgins 576 Casino Drive Howell, Nj 07731. Make checks payable to: Howell HS Wrestling Parent Club Inc. You can also pay cash the day of the outing.

Any questions can be directed to Marlana Hodgins at 732-284-1939 or Jackie Going at 732-614-6701.

Adelphia Fire Company’s Annual Steak Bake

HOWELL – Adelphia Fire Company’s annual steak bake fundraiser is back! All you can eat steak, fries, salad, and dessert. Soft drinks and beer included.

The fundraiser will be on June 8. Doors open at 6 p.m.; Dinner from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Adelphia Fire House, 925 Adelphia Road.

VERSATILE CHICKPEAS ARE YOUR TICKET TO AN ARRAY OF SATISFYING MEALS

By America’s Test Kitchen

Ticket donation of $50 includes all-youcan-eat steak, fries, salad, dessert, soda/tea, and beer. Buy your tickets online or contact a member today: square.link/u/G2OlmiSh. Sponsorship opportunities available, contact 732-577-1781 or info@adelphiafire.com to learn more.

CRISPY CHICKPEA CAKES WITH ZUCCHINI RIBBON SALAD AND YOGURT-TAHINI SAUCE