2024-06-08 - The Jackson Times

JACKSON e

Renovating Athletic Facilities Will Be Team Effort

By Bob Vosseller

JACKSON – There is a painted sign on the wall of the Memorial High School Field House that reads, “Through These Doors Walk Champions” and it will take that team spirit to revive the aged building.

The team however will be made up of township officials and volunteer groups who

are raising funds to renovate school facilities that are in bad condition.

Mayor Michael Reina, the Township Council, the Board of Education, Jackson Education Foundation, Department of Public Works, fi re and police departments, and a number of dedicated residents are working to enhance the commu-

nity’s sports facilities at the high school.

With the school district’s ongoing fi nancial struggles from the reductions of state aid through the S-2 state aid funding formula in the last several years, capital projects like the Jackson Memorial High School’s Locker Room, Field House, and concession stand haven’t been focused

on and are in desperate need of repair and replacement.

At a kick-off event at Memorial High School, Board of Education President Giuseppe Palmeri said the facility has been in disarray for some time.

“Basically, we are trying to raise some money and help out the kids. Jackson is suffering right now so we need everyone to come together and do what we can for the community,” Mayor Michael Reina said. Superintendent of Schools Nicole Pormilli said given the district’s budget crisis due to the loss of $22.4 million in state aid over the past seven years, projects like this would never be possible without the township taking the lead and fi nding ways to make it happen.

(Athletic FacilitiesSee Page 4)

Resident Irked By Sludge In Street

By Bob Vosseller PLUMSTED –

Elayne Szydlo of 13 Lakeview Drive moved to New Egypt six years ago and her street was dry. Three years ago, sewer pipes were installed and her nightmare began as the road reached perpetual leakage.

During a recent Township Committee meeting Szydlo raised her voice in frustration telling the governing body that she had reached her limit about the problem. She told The Jackson Times, “The street was a mess, our small street was used as

the staging area to store all of the road equipment for over a month,” she said. “This street typically has a high water table due to its proximity to the lake. After a rain, there is sump pump runoff from homes in

Council Tells HOA To Revise Bylaws

By Bob Vosseller

JACKSON – A home owners association in the township will need to revise some of its bylaws concerning the election of trustees to their board.

The issue was addressed during a recent Township Council meeting, after they discussed it in closed session.

A few months ago, the council had passed a resolution regarding residents of Harmony Farms serving as trustees of

the Harmony Farms Association.

Resolution 196-24 appointed five residents to serve on the Board of Trustees of that association “but it appears that resolution was improperly adopted based on limited information provided to the Township Council,” said Township Attorney Gregory McGuckin.

“As a result, the Township Council wishes to rescind Resolution 196-24

(HOA - See Page 4)

GOP Challengers Score Major Upset In Primary

Plumsted Mayor Dominick Cuozzo, left and Committeeman Michael Hammerstone, seen here removing a sign, were ousted during the primary election.

By Bob Vosseller PLUMSTED

– In a contest between two members of the original township Republican organization versus two members of the new GOP club, the challengers beat

the incumbents by a vote margin of two to one in the June 4 primary race. The results had Republicans for Plumsted candidates Thomas Potter with 948 as the

(Road WorkSee Page 4) (GOP - See Page 5)

Lockers at the Jackson Memorial High School Field House are among the items in need of repair and replacement.

Photo courtesy Jackson Schools

A resident of Lakeview Drive is upset that a lake is growing where her property meets the street.

Photo courtesy Elayne Szydlo

Screenshot by Bob Vosseller

Athletic Facilities:

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“This is a wonderful example of this town’s commitment to putting students first,’’ she said. “We are so grateful to the Township, Board of Education, Jackson Education Foundation and the members of this community for collaborating and giving their time, energy or donation support to this effort,” Pormilli said.

Junior Harold Mee, who as a member of the football and track teams for Jackson Memorial, has spent his fair share of time in the field house and locker room, said the renovations will be a welcome improvement that the students will appreciate.

“We are big on tradition, so as nice as it would be to be in the same fieldhouse as the amazing athletes who came out of our school, walking into a nicer environment would make us all feel even better about being there,” Mee said. “The tradition is still going to stay there, we are just going to be able to do it in a better looking style.”

Ishmal Thompson, who is also a junior on the football and track teams, said they are grateful the community is trying to come together to help them and to preserve a part of the athletic history of the school.

HOA:

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retroactive to its adoption on May 14, 2024,” the attorney said. He advised the Harmony Farms Association to immediately amend their bylaws to establish a procedure to elect their trustees and warned that the township governing body could take further action if such a procedure was not established by the Home Owners Association within 90 days.

That resolution was unanimously approved by the council following McGuckin’s explanation of the issue.

Traffic Study

Council President Jennifer Kuhn also provided an update concerning an issue at Robin Estates. The mayor and council in partnership with the Jackson Police Department, and traffic safety and civil engineers from T&M Associates, announced a traffic safety study would be conducted in that neighborhood.

Robin Estates is a small community of single-family homes with two major con-

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the area, which dries up in a day or two.” Szydlo added, “after the sewer pipes were installed, the street started having constant flooding. Rain or shine, the water kept coming.”

“There’s a lot of guys who came through that locker room before us, a lot of history, a lot of people who hit that Jaguar as they walk out the door together,” Thompson added. “We are happy (that) people are working together to keep giving us that great feeling when we walk out that door.’’

School Board Vice President Tina Kas, who also serves as president of the Jackson Education Foundation, said, “we built the Foundation to be able to help the school district and all 10 schools and we are proud to be part of this particular project.”

“We are collaborating with the township, the mayor and council and all the other advocacy groups in the town,” she added.

Council President Jennifer Kuhn noted that the building is turning 60 years old this year. “The showers are all exposed and the building is old. Not all of the water works. The locker rooms are falling apart. We want to keep the kids spirits high and help update their facility.”

Football Coach Vincent Mistretta said, “we have a nice building here but over the years without routine maintenance and without money being put into this, things get older and need updating. Our kids work very hard and they want a space to call their own and call their home. It just isn’t updated and it needs a little bit of work.”

Councilman Nino Borrelli said he learned about the recent fundraiser and collaborative effort to upgrade Jackson Memorial High School’s athletic facilities online and shared the information and personally contributed money to the effort.

“It’s nice to see the town come together to help out as our township public schools experience drastic cuts in state aid again this year,” Borrelli added.

School District Business Administrator Daniel Baginski said, “I’m proud to work with the community to improve the facility. The budget has been very difficult this year so any assistance we can get will be a huge benefit to the school district.”

Councilman Mordechai Burnstein said, “for athletes to be successful they need a nice surrounding to relax and a place to prepare and to come after the game.”

“Change is necessary with the building that we have here. We want better conditions for the kids,” Football Coach Keith Anderson said. “We have a lot of pride in the community and this school and all the sports programs.”

The group is seeking community volunteers and corporate sponsors to help upgrade the aging facility inside and out. Financial donations are being sought from local businesses, alum-

ni, and residents to complete the renovations. These contributions will serve to enhance facility quality and improve experiences for athletes, fans, and members of the community.

Sponsors Sought

Several sponsorship levels have been established. Bronze is $750 which includes mention in local press releases and on social media platforms. Your company’s logo will be on a banner at the renovation site.

The Silver level is $1,500 and features benefits of Bronze Sponsorship plus a framed Certificate of Appreciation.

The Gold level is $3,000 and includes the benefits of bronze and silver sponsorship along with your/company name on a plaque prominently displayed at the renovated facility and special acknowledgment during the unveiling ceremony.

The organizers of the campaign stressed that any amount is appreciated and all contributors names will also be noted through mention by officials at Township Council and Board of Education public meetings that are live streamed, featured on websites, posted to social media and covered by The Jackson Times

For updates and information on how to support this effort visit jacksonsd. org/JEF

nector roads passing through it, Manhattan Street and Cooks Bridge Road. Those roads are both heavily traveled and shared with the Meridian healthcare building, Holman Elementary School, Johnson Park, West Lake, Winding Ways, Sixty Acres, Johns, and multiple commercial strip malls.

Residents voiced concerns during a recent council meeting about their neighborhood being used as a pass-through and ‘shortcut’ to bypass the major roads and lodged multiple complaints regarding speeding drivers and even reckless drivers exceeding the speed limit through the quiet 25-mile-per-hour side streets.

“Residents came out to the meeting and let us know their concerns, and these are not new issues at all,” said Councilman Mordechai Burnstein. “These are issues the town has been grappling with for years, and in the past, we’d conduct a speed enforcement operation, but once we leave, the problem comes back. We’re now looking at a permanent solution for these residents.”

The councilman added that township officials, including himself, along with Director of Public Safety Joseph Candido,

and Department of Public Works Director Shawn Bolinsky, recently met with traffic safety and civil engineers with T&M Associates.

The engineers told officials that one of the problems with the neighborhood was its design. The neighborhood was built in a 20th-century grid-style layout, which makes it easier for the community to use as a shortcut.

“We don’t design neighborhoods like this anymore,” the engineers stated. The study will examine traffic patterns and identify hot spots and problems within the design. After data is collected, the engineers seek to deliver a plan to remedy the problems, which could involve many possibilities.

Kudos On Memorial Day Parade

Kuhn spoke about the recently held Memorial Day Parade, “which thankfully the (rainy) weather held off. Mike Basso does this every year and he said it takes a year of planning. We had so many of the kids from sports and we had the (Jackson High School) Memorial and Liberty bands. It was a really great event. The weather got a little rainy at the end.”

“It was another wonderful Memorial Day

parade and ceremony in Johnson Park. Much thanks to (Jackson Police) Officer Mike Basso and others in our town who organized it. Without a doubt, our town of Jackson is one of the most patriotic places around,” Councilman Nino Borrelli said.

He added, “we owe a debt of gratitude to our veterans like Sgt. David Watson who so movingly spoke at our town’s ceremony about his and his fellow soldiers’ experiences and we owe a debt of gratitude to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our great country and who protected the freedoms we enjoy as Americans.”

Summer Concert Series

The township Summer Concert Series began on June 5 at Johnson Park with Reggae Night featuring Random Test. There were food trucks on site and guests brought their own lawn chairs and blankets. The event was sponsored in part by the Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Commission. Mayor Michael Reina said, “we are happy to share unique events to get residents together to enjoy an evening in the park with family and friends. The summer concert series will be one to remember.”

“The front of my house is a running stream full of sludge, mud and algae. At the time I contacted the township, and the (Plumsted Municipal Utilities Authority), and finally (Committeeman) Bob Bowen took an interest and suddenly there was an interest.”

She said “engineers and surveyors came and it was agreed that underground

drainage pipes were damaged during the sewer pipe installations. That was about 2.5 years ago. Grant money was applied for and granted; the project cost is approximately $385,000.”

“The work was planned to be done in 2023, then it was ‘postponed.’ The work was planned for this month and I just found out it was about to be postponed

again. Hence why I spoke up at the meeting,” Szydlo said.

She commented to the mayor and committee, “I never complain but what can we do to expedite the Lakeview Drive property? It has been three years. I have a path in front of my house 24/7, rain or no rain. It is green algae, muck, stuff

(Road Work - See Page 5)

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floating around in there and I have to step in that. Anyone who comes to my house has to step into it to get into my house.”

Szydlo said, “I’ve been patient. This was from damage done when the sewer was built. It has been three years. It was supposed to have been (fixed) this month. The whole street was having a party.

:

top vote getter, James Hagelstein with 948, incumbent Committeeman Michael Hammerstone with 497 and coming in with the least number of votes, was Mayor Dominick Cuozzo with 488 votes.

This election was for two, three-year terms on the Township Committee. The five-member committee choses the mayor among themselves every year.

This tally is unofficial until it is confi rmed by the Ocean County Clerk’s Office in a few weeks, but the numbers aren’t likely to change the outcome.

Cuozzo, who is serving as mayor this year and Hammerstone are members of the Plumsted Republican Club.

Now you delayed it again because it has something to do with the engineer. What can we do?”

That night a representative from Morgan Engineering, the township’s new engineering firm was present. “I can not wait any longer,” she told the representative and the governing body.

“People have to jump over this moat of all this sludge and algae. It won’t stop,” she added.

“Are you familiar with where the mois-

a challenge in the fall as no Democratic candidate filed to run in the traditionally Republican community, which made this year’s primary more critical.

This marked Cuozzo’s fi rst term on the Committee. Hammerstone joined the dais when he was appointed in February 2023 to fill an unexpired term of a committeeman who resigned. He was seeking a full term. All four candidates waged an active campaign.

ture is coming from?” Mayor Dominick Cuozzo asked.

Szydlo replied, “It is part sump pump and part of the drainage that was broken in the road when they were putting the pipes in. That is what I was told.”

“Now we have flooding in the middle of the street and there are puddles there now. We have been patient but I’m not patient anymore. It is embarrassing,” she added.

“Come visit me and step over the moat,” she suggested.

The recently opened One North Main Street Ice Cream parlor owned by Stacey Reed served as the celebration point for Potter and Hagelstein supporters following the results count.

“I’ve been there with our buildings and grounds crew. I agree it is really a terrible situation and I believe you are right about the cause,” the mayor said.

The resident said, “the road is crumbling. I can’t go through another summer like this.”

Mayor Cuozzo said, “we are planning to do it this summer.”

“This is the second extension,” Szydlo pointed out. “I’m just not accepting it anymore. It’s disgusting.”

relief especially on the faces of those who work for the town.”

Continued From Page 1 (GOP - See Page 6)

As winners of the primary, Potter and Hagelstein will have their names on the ballot in November. They are not expected to face

Cuozzo had received some criticism at a recent committee meeting for choosing conservative radio show host and potential 2025 gubernatorial candidate Bill Spadea, as this year’s Memorial Day grand marshal instead of a local veteran of the community. Cuozzo said he thought having a high-profile name as grand marshal was a great idea. Potter and Hagelstein received the endorsement of several former Plumsted mayors including Jack Trotta and Robert Bowen.

“I am beside myself,” Potter told The Jackson Times . He said the campaign brought out facts and details about how the township was being run and the need for change. “I think we pointed it out. We’ve lost some good employees recently. Three just resigned and we may be losing more. Budget is not what he (Cuozzo) said it was. He has decimated the town.”

Potter added, “I thought we might win but I didn’t know we would win this big.”

Hagelstein expressed his excitement saying, “It has been a lot and it started back in January with the formation of the club. It is almost surreal but it is so good to see the town come together. We have about 100 people here tonight. It is like a breath of

Potter told The Jackson Times, that he ran for the seat “because the town, as a whole, is not being represented by a majority of the committee. It is evident that only a certain few are being served by the committee. There also seems to be a lack of fiscal responsibility that members of the committee were and are ignoring.”

Hagelstein said he ran for the spot because he was “disturbed to fi nd such a small body of people were dictating our local government and leaving the majority with no voice or options within the town. I watched these matters play out and have become increasingly disgusted by the treatment of the community, division, and authoritarian mentality that has been shown.”

“I wanted to provide an additional option to the township and ultimately tipped my

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hat to enter the political realm of Plumsted Township with the intent of being a person of the people,” he added.

Last year, Cuozzo faced a recall petition which failed due to it not meeting the necessary number of required signatures. He also faced censure by a request of 53 residents which failed because the petition involved complaints that went beyond

Cuozzo’s role as a committeeman.

Committeeman Robert Bowen, who served as mayor last year, also called for Cuozzo’s censure a month later related to an incident involving an exchange of words between him and members of the township police department. Cuozzo’s comments were captured on police body camera concerning enforcement of an ordinance governing solicitation within the community. Mayor Bowen and Deputy Mayor Herb Marinari voted in favor of the censure stating the comments by

Cuozzo were inappropriate.

Cuozzo was able to break the two-to-two tie with his own vote during the meeting when the resolution was brought up for a vote by the five-member committee. Since a censure is little more than a slap on the wrist, this was more a symbolic gesture than anything else.

Cuozzo’s candidacy had been called into question in the past. Of the 13 people who signed for him to run for office, almost half are questionable. Cuozzo and his wife listed Cuozzo’s church, where he is a

pastor, as their address. Christopher Kissam, another pastor, and his wife Loretta listed their address as 100 Lakewood Road, which is also the church.

Daniel Clark used his address as 98 Lakewood Road, which is the church.

Furthermore, one of the people who signed, Eric Williamson, lives at 167 Long Swamp Road. This is listed as vacant land on Plumsted’s Master Plan. On the master plan, their real address is listed as 2307 South Broad Street in Hamilton.

Chris Lundy contributed to this story

Justice Alito’s Shore House In News Again

By Stephanie Faughnan

LONG BEACH ISLAND – A copyrighted photograph depicting a group of handmaids visiting Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito’s summer home has been widely circulated without proper credit to the Southern Ocean Times. It also contains misinformation about the timing of the event.

Contrary to recent claims, the protest did not occur this past weekend but on May 14, 2022. Renewed interest in Justice Alito’s Long Beach Island residence emerged following reports that a controversial “Appeal to Heaven” flag, associated with insurrectionists, was on display. However, Alito’s residence was not photographed, and its address was not released in conjunction with the 2022 article in this newspaper.

His address which appeared in public records on May 14, 2022 was redacted soon after

protesters peacefully passed by Alito’s house. Every house on his small street no longer appears in records maintained by the Ocean County Clerk’s office.

This was done in accordance with Daniel’s Law, which protects the addresses of judges and law enforcement personnel. This law was enacted following the shooting death of Daniel Anderl, the son of Judge Esther Salas. It emphasizes the need to safeguard the personal information of judicial figures and others, as well as their families.

The Southern Ocean Times has received numerous inquiries about Alito’s address and future protests but remains committed to not disclosing this information.

The Handmaids Upcoming Protest

The group of protesters, dressed in symbolic attire from Margaret Atwood’s “The Hand-

maid’s Tale,” chose that stormy day in May 2022 to peacefully walk past Justice Alito’s Long Beach Island residence with purpose.

The demonstrators’ choice of attire and silent protest were deliberate, aiming to evoke imagery of subjugation and loss of rights. It was then motivated by the leaked draft opinion written by Justice Alito that would subsequently reverse Roe v. Wade as federal law.

Some of the handmaids chose to hide their identities for fear of retribution by their employers or associates. Their silent demonstration, marked by a two-and-a-half-minute play of an updated version of Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Sounds of Silence,” was a statement on their fears of societal regression regarding women’s rights.

The concerns expressed by the handmaids materialized on June 24, 2022, when the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson

Women’s Health Organization overturned Roe v. Wade, transferring the authority to regulate abortion laws to individual states. This landmark decision has led to abortion services in some states being either severely restricted or entirely unavailable, sparking widespread concern and activism.

Many of the original handmaids have continued to express a desire for anonymity – however their commitment to women’s rights has not faltered. Their voices will be part of a broader audience in the upcoming weeks.

Rather than returning to Justice Alito’s residence, the handmaids will join a protest marking the second year of the controversial Dobbs decision. Organized by the Ocean County National Organization for Women, the event is scheduled at Huddy Park in Toms River on June 24 from 5-7 p.m. All are invited to join the public protest.

Capitol Comments

Assemblyman Alex Sauickie

S POTLIGHT O N G OVERNMENT

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

It’s Not Just A TV Show – It’s A Necessity

TRENTON - A popular TV show started 34 years ago, in 1990, and spawned a number of spinoffs. One spinoff started in 1999 and lasted so long that it outlived the original show. Now, the spinoff runs right after the revived original in the evening TV lineup.

I’m referring to the famed TV show “Law and Order.” The show became popular not only because it took viewers through the two major segments of the criminal justice process, the police investigation and the prosecution of the case, but also because it told stories “ripped from the headlines,” based on cases recently in the news.

The show’s title isn’t just a reflection of the bifurcated stories of investigation and prosecution. It’s also a phrase long used to describe what’s necessary for civil society to work and to thrive. The absence of law and order means anarchy and danger.

So it was unsettling to see that the traditional kickoff of the summer season, the Memorial Day weekend, included the declaration of a state of emergency in Wildwood, a stabbing in Ocean City, and a false shooting scare in Seaside Heights. That doesn’t sound like law and order to me.

Let’s take a closer look at each event. Reports from Wildwood used terms like “civil unrest,” and it sounds like there was an overwhelming number of young people that made it difficult for police to manage things without backup from other towns. Still, I’m unaware of any significant violence that took place there.

Unfortunately, the same can’t necessarily be said of what happened in Ocean City. Police responding to reports of a fight on the boardwalk Saturday evening found that a 15-year-old boy was stabbed by an unknown male. While his injuries were described as not life-threatening, it’s still alarming when anyone gets stabbed during an evening on the boardwalk, let alone a minor.

Also on Saturday evening, in Seaside Heights, reports of gunshots led to crowds fleeing the boardwalk while police closed in with guns drawn looking for perpetrators and victims. Police Chief Tommy Boyd said the panic resulted from a TikTok “challenge” in which people yell “gun!” and run away from a scene just to create chaos. He correctly called this “beyond stupid.”

Peter Andreyev, the new president of the New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association, has a prescription for addressing and deterring such behavior.

“[This year’s Memorial Day] weekend is just more proof that the law is broken and that there needs to be real consequences for violent, drunken, and dangerous

behavior for both juveniles and adults,” he said.

“Bail reform needs to be completely rethought and police need the authority to bring violent or inebriated juveniles back to the station for their parents to take responsibility for their actions. Having no consequences for bad behavior has proved itself again to be a failed criminal justice policy,” he added.

I have to agree. We’ve had similar problems, particularly but not exclusively, in shore towns for years. While those towns are generally well-prepared to restore order when necessary, I believe Mr. Andreyev is right that the Legislature hasn’t done enough to ensure consequences for unruly or dangerous public behavior. In some respects, it has instead made things worse.

On bail “reform,” I think the “reform” is in need of real reform, if you can follow that. I’ve heard from prosecutors and others that most crime is committed by a number of reoffenders. To address that, we can’t have a revolving door policy that allows serious or repeat offenders right back on the street shortly after an arrest.

I’ve introduced a bill to restrict the release of those charged with the highest offenses – first degree crimes – and of those already convicted of an indictable offense who are again arrested for second-degree crime. They would still get their chance to make a case to the judge for release pending trial, but there would be strict standards for a judge to allow it.

The bill has similar, but somewhat less strict, standards for those suspected

of lower-level crimes. It also toughens current law for those who violate any condition of pretrial release.

I’ve introduced another bill that deals with rioting and other crimes against public order. It creates new categories of riot that include aggravated riot, inciting a riot, and aggravated inciting a riot. Aggravated riot can be charged for any of five actions, including causing serious bodily injury or property damage of over $5,000 worth, certain deadly weapon offenses, and endangering the safe movement of a vehicle.

The bill also penalizes anyone purposely or recklessly obstructing a highway or any other public passage. Additionally, it upgrades assault offenses in specific circumstances.

Further, the bill specifies that it’s a criminal mischief offense to willfully and maliciously deface or damage a memorial or historic property if the damage is more than $200 worth. That would be a crime of the third degree. Burglary and theft would be upgraded in certain cases, and mob intimidation and cyber-intimidation would become offenses.

“Law and Order” may be a good TV show, but it’s an even better thing to have on our streets, campuses, beaches and boardwalks.

Alex Sauickie is a life-long Jackson resident who represents his home town and 12 other towns in the State Assembly. Follow him on Facebook (/ AssemblymanAlex) and on Instagram (@ AssemblymanAlex), or visit his website at AssemblymanAlex.com.

Community Review For Off shore Wind Limited

From The Desk Of Congressman

Chris Smith

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Chris Smith (R-4th) issued the following statement as Governor Murphy pushes to further limit community review for offshore wind projects on the heels of a bogus environmental impact statement published by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) for the Atlantic Shores South project off the New Jersey coast:

“Despite the unmistakable signs that offshore wind projects are economically unsustainable and pose serious dangers, Governor Murphy and the Biden administration continue to foolishly press forward with their failed policiesall at the expense of New Jersey taxpayers.

“On the federal side, the Biden administration just published a fi nal environmental impact statement for the Atlantic Shores South project - which includes 200 offshore wind turbines with transmission cables making landfall in Sea Girt - that isn’t worth the paper it is written on.

“No matter how arrogantly the federal

government insists it can ‘mitigate’ the admitted adverse impacts, pounding 200 wind turbines into the ocean floor across more than 102,000 acres will fundamentally transform our marine environment with devastating effects for wildlife, commercial and recreational fishermen, radar navigation, national security, and tourism.

“Not to be outdone, Governor Murphy just let Orsted off the hook for $175 million that was owed to New Jersey, even after the foreign corporation pulled out of its huge taxpayer-subsidized deal with the Governor in November.

“Under Murphy’s ongoing plans, New Jersey taxpayers are getting hit on both sides. As taxpayers, we are being asked to subsidize multibillion dollar corporations

that argue they need more public monies to make these projects feasible. As energy ratepayers, we will see the cost of our energy go up.

“To rub salt into the wound, the Governor has short-circuited and moved up the already aggressive timeline for new proposals, expediting efforts so that local leaders and community stakeholders have even less time to get answers to questions raised.

“It is long past time that Biden and Murphy heed the overwhelming public outcry of environmentalists, fishermen, and local residents who have significant concerns over these offshore wind projects and stop their extreme plans to industrialize our beautiful ocean.”

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY

Vice presidents and lieutenant governors get forgotten. I think I’ve heard more from First Lady Tammy Murphy than Lt. Governor Tahesha Way – or Sheila Oliver before her. Maybe it was because Tammy Murphy had her eye on the senate. If Kim Guadagno had been more of a distinct entity, she probably would have beat Phil Murphy. Unfortunately, she was seen as part of Chris Christie’s administration. He wasn’t very popular toward the end. There was one issue during the campaign where she tried to separate herself from him, but I don’t even remember

Remembering Roe V. Wade

June 24 marks 2 years since Roe V. Wade was overturned by the Supreme Court. Join Ocean County National Organization for Women in Huddy Park on June 24 from 5-7 p.m. as we stand up for ourselves, our mothers, our sisters, our daughters, all the women in our lives and throughout the country. Bring friends and family. Bring signs that remember Roe V. Wade and support candidates who share our commitment to women’s reproductive rights. Let us know you are com-

EDITORIAL

The Invisible Vice President And Lieutenant Governor

what it was now.

Politics has this effect on “underlings,” for lack of a better word. You’re not allowed to break rank. Even in local politics, there’s a structure enforced so that everyone in one party shows a unified front. It doesn’t matter if they don’t really agree. In some cases, they actually hate each other, but they are all on the same team and the R or D that comes after their name is more important than anything else.

Think about what happens when a politician breaks ranks on an important vote. They get beaten down by their party.

Remember how Kamala Harris attacked Joe Biden

when they debated? Then once they were on the same ticket, they were best buds. Funny how that happened.

Biden was so quiet as Barack Obama’s VP that the Dems ran Hilary Clinton, a previous president’s wife.

Harris should be taking on a few key roles that matter the most to American people. Jobs, economy, taxes, immigration and maybe an international role as well. Because let’s face it, everyone knows she’s eventually going to run for president. She ran for president in 2020, and she’s young; we’ll be seeing a lot of her in the future.

But if the Democrats are smart (I’m too tired of politics to make a joke so you

insert your own joke here), we should be seeing her more. She needs to get out there in the public eye so people can see what she’d be like as a leader, instead of as a follower.

When those 2028 debates happen, the other Dems will attack Biden’s record – because she won’t have enough of a record to run on. She’ll run in 2028 no matter who wins in 2024.

They need to present a stronger team since we know we can’t count on just Biden. It echoes Reagan’s second term, when people were questioning his fitness to serve. People were joking about his senility, and, well, they were more than just

jokes, weren’t they? In a way, George H. W. Bush’s first and only term was actually his second. That was a vice president we actually knew about – because he was practically running the country for a couple of years. Bush’s VP was Dan Quayle and the only things people remember about him are jokes. George W. Bush’s VP was Dick Cheney and in many ways he was more powerful than anyone realized. People have suspected that Harris would have taken over for Biden by now. Maybe that’ll happen if Biden wins this year. By 2026, she’ll phase in so that she’ll be the presumptive nominee for 2028. This will save a lot

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

ing by emailing OceanCountyNow@gmail.com

Ocean County NOW

Verizon Didn’t Call Locals About Plan

As a concerned resident of Belmar, I have been following Verizon’s proposal to place up to twenty 30 foot-high 5G cell towers along Ocean Avenue, fronting a shoreline that remains one of the most cherished sights both for residents and visitors. Verizon’s calculation that 20 cell towers are needed (amounting to one 30’ cell tower per block)

The Jackson 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.

seemed irrefutable, until a local initiative, led by a Republican and a Democratic Council member, began challenging Verizon’s plan. Still, it seemed to be an uphill battle, and one that would affect many sites in NJ, not just Belmar.

At a Town Hall-style meeting in Belmar on April 18, citizens from surrounding towns in Monmouth and Ocean Counties recounted proposals and current construction of cell towers that Verizon had put forth for their towns, without town input or support. The frustration level with the lack of concern for not only residents but also the beautiful, irreplaceable shoreline and scenic vistas was palpable at the meeting, until Jessica Rohr, the Director of Public Affairs from the office of Congressman Chris Smith, updated the community with Congressman Smith’s view. Rep. Smith had responded to the situation by authoring a bill, “Securing Local Communities Input in Broadband Development Act” which would nullify two FCC regulations that limit local governments input into the building of 5G towers. Rep. Smith’s bill aims to strike a balance between the needs and concerns

of the communities and the proposals of utility and telecommunications companies, and provides for necessary local input without unreasonable time constraints. The bill was scheduled to be introduced the following day.

I am grateful for Congressman Smith’s timely input into this meeting, as well as his concern for residents across the state and the country. This bill, addressing federal regulations that limit community input to the development of highly visible towers, will bring a balance to the ability of utility and telecommunications companies to destroy scenic vistas, negatively challenge interpretive context in historic sites, work against community beautification efforts, negatively impact tourism and diminish the voice of planning boards and residents in their own communities.

Congressman Smith has had a long history of being responsive to the needs of residents within CD4, and I am grateful for his leadership in response to this issue. I hope the entire NJ Congressional delegation will support this bill and help move it forward.

Barbara Henniger Belmar

Explanation For Vote By Mail Change

This letter is in response (the May 18 letter “Vote By Mail Info Changed.” Thank you sir. I understand your concerns. I am not an election official but I hope I can let you know your concerns have explanations.

First, I believe Ocean County uses optiscans for the tally of absentees. Meaning they are fed through a machine that reads your info and choices. Most elections bureaus use these. I think where your ballot was flagged is the scan read one of your “4s” as a “9” in your birth year which didn’t match the records on file.

Ocean County is the strongest Republican county in NJ so I don’t believe it was nefarious in any way. Inasmuch as NJ vote for president was not of issue (a clear Biden majority) I submit there was no fire drill to correct the issue here. Also none of the other downballot races were close in Ocean County or Toms River Township. I would assume an employee would have checked the DOB of your ballot that you wrote by hand and eventually changed

of in-fighting and money being spent by the opposition. All the money will be donated to one candidate – her – instead of splitting it between a dozen candidates like the Republicans will be doing. We have a good idea of who Joe Biden and Donald Trump are – but who is Kamala Harris? Who is Trump’s running mate going to be and does it even matter who he picks? People who want to vote for Trump will vote for Trump no matter who his VP pick is. Because the vice president is invisible.

Chris Lundy News Editor

it in the system. I presume they can change the info (and it would indicate who did so at what date and time) BUT they cannot change the vote itself. I didn’t vote for Trump in 2016 (wrote in someone) or 2020. BUT I was calling for all four networks to call the race in 2016 for Trump as I saw the raw vote lead and percentage in for the PA, MI and WI tally and knew Clinton couldn’t win. So Trump won 2016 period. Just as Biden won 2020. Both were close but had the certified winners. I’m tired of the trope this past presidential election was stolen. The carnage of Jan 6th was a disgrace to democracy and our transfer of power tradition and guidelines. Recount after recount showed the results were correct in qualifying the winner - even the GOP led Cyberninja company hired by Arizona legislature actually credited Biden with more votes than reported in Maricopa County (Phoenix) than officially allotted. All these tropes to me seem to be a pretext in case Donald Trump loses yet again this November. It’s sad. Very, very sad (as HE would say).

Doug Easterly Spray Beach

C OMMUNITY N EWS

First Responders Visit Saved Patient

JACKSON – In early May 2023, Jackson Township EMS responded to a report of cardiac arrest with CPR in progress. Jackson Police Department officers and RWJ-Barnabas paramedics were also dispatched to the scene. Arriving fi rst, police officers continued CPR on the patient and applied an Automated External Defibrillator. EMS units arrived shortly thereafter to fi nd the male patient with a pulse, breathing spontaneously, and regaining consciousness.

JTEMS EMTs worked with RWJ-Barnabas paramedics to stabilize the patient and rapidly transport to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for defi nitive treatment. Now in May of 2024, one year and a few days later, those same JTEMS EMTs and RWJ-Barnabas paramedics were invited to

Photo courtesy Jackson EMS

meet with Robert, their patient from this incident, who not only survived his cardiac arrest but is thriving. Robert and his family wished to thank the providers that came to his aid one year prior, and to share the perspective of a survivor on his experiences. Jackson Township EMS is honored to have had the opportunity for such a meeting, and they thank Robert for reaching out.

To the public, this incident highlights the importance of CPR training and rapid intervention in cardiac arrest. This incident had a positive outcome because of immediate, high-quality CPR. CPR training is held regularly in most areas. Contact JTEMS for questions regarding training in Jackson Township. CPR saves lives, get trained today!

Theater Guild At The Four Seasons Of South Knolls

Celebrate Sold-Out Performance

JACKSON – Members of The Theater Guild at The Four Seasons of South Knolls in Jackson, continued to hone in their musical and theatrical skills into another Variety Show this past April and what a way to celebrate Springtime 2024. This three-day event was another sold-out performance featuring their very own residents. This was truly a Variety Show which was a look-back in time that included music & TV shows from the past and of course commercials which had the audience laughing in the aisles. Remembering The Ed Sullivan Show, The Dating Game and of course The News of The Day were just some of the fun. Amazing how your seniors have taken the ordinary into something extraordinary was one of the responses the Guild kept hearing after each show & wondering what will they do next year. Time will tell.

Photo courtesy The Four Seasons Of South Knolls

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Volunteers Have Cats Available For Adoption

courtesy Calling

JACKSON – Calling All Cats is a cat rescue group made up of volunteers, some of whom work at a spay and neuter clinic. People would drop off unwanted cats. As a group, they save the babies that are left alone, the countless mothers that have had numerous litters and those that are losing or have lost their home. Introducing Bailey. He came into the rescue with his siblings Buckley, Bentley, and Penelope. Bailey is a little shy at first but then warms up and loves to get pets. He will do anything for treats. He loves other cats and would be best to be adopted with one of his siblings or

go to a home with another kitty to play with. He is neutered, up to date on all medical and microchipped.

To help humanely lower the feline population, they spay and neuter feral cats and then find homes for the friendly adults and the offspring that have been born. The rescue works extremely hard to find the best homes for cats of all shapes, sizes, colors and ages. While these cats wait, they are cared for in safe, loving, and nurturing foster homes

To start the application process, visit Calling All Cats on Facebook and Petfinder.com.

Find Bargain Books And More At Jackson Friends’ Annual Sale

DVD movies or programs. Proceeds from each cash-only transaction will benefit the OCL Jackson Branch.

JACKSON– Freshening up your reading, viewing or listening collection? Hunting for bargains? Stock up and save during the Jackson Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale, June 25 through June 29 at the Ocean County Library Jackson Branch.

The sale will take place during normal Branch operating hours all five days:

• June 25 through June 27 – 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.

• June 28 and June 29 – 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Browse our gently-used hardcover and softcover books, music compact discs and

The Friends are volunteers who support the Library through fundraising, programs and advocacy. New members are always welcome. Membership applications are available at all OCL branches and reading centers and at theoceancountylibrary.org/oclfriends.

For more information, stop by the OCL Jackson Branch, 2 Jackson Drive, call 732-928-4400 or visit the Library’s online Calendar of Events.

Photo

All Cats

Ocean County Winners At Congressional Art Competition & Exhibition

JACKSON – The winners of the 2024 Fourth Congressional District Art Competition were announced by Rep. Chris Smith at a weekend award ceremony held at Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Medical Center in Toms River.

“Congratulations to all the student artists who showed tremendous talent in this year’s contest - especially Monica Kirschenbaum from Wall High School for her winning piece entitled ‘Independence Day,’ which will be displayed at the US Capitol over the next year,” said Smith, who sponsors the annual contest aimed at recognizing and fostering the artistic talent of high school students in the local community.

“Although only one artwork selected by our judges can hang in the US Capitol along with winning submissions from other participating congressional districts in America, each of you are to be greatly commended for your time, talent, and the efforts you made to create these pieces of art,” Smith told the students at the Friday

award ceremony.

“A heartfelt thanks to the art teachers for encouraging and honing the skills of the amazing student artists,” Smith continued.

“We celebrate this year’s 100+ extraordinary young artists and the remarkable works of art they have produced - and we acknowledge the years of nurturing, devotion, and discipline it took to perfect that talent by parents, teachers, and friends.”

All artwork submitted to the competition had been on display at RWJ-Barnabas Community Medical Center since March, culminating in the May 3 award ceremony.

Jordan Bohrer, a 12th grader at Jackson Liberty, received an honorable mention for her “Duke and Dutchess” artwork, done in oil paint.

Lacey High School 11th grader Jackson Conlan received an honorable mention for “Cup of Sea,” done in mixed media. Additionally, “Rick’s Last Project” in colored pencil by Madison English from Lacey Township High School received an honorable mention.

Spray Park Now Open

JACKSON –The Spray Park is open weekends only now through June 16. Open 7 days a week from June 22 until September 2. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The park will be on sensor mode, you must

walk in front of the red fire hydrant for it to turn on. To review spray park rules and regulations visit: jacksontwpnj.net/DocumentCenter/View/220/ Spray-Park-Rules-and-Regulations-PDF

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

Photo courtesy Rep Chris Smith

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Water Park Opens For The 2024 Season

JACKSON – Six Flags Hurricane Harbor

New Jersey, one of the Northeast’s largest water parks, with over 50 refreshing rides and attractions, has kicked off the 2024 season. The park will be debuting Splash Island, an entirely new vibrant, family-friendly area designed for the entire family to enjoy together. Featuring over 50 play features, including colorful slides and refreshing waterfalls, Splash Island is sure to entertain kids and parents alike. Guests can also indulge in expanded cabana offerings and specialty mixed beverages from Seacrets Distilling Company. Hurricane Harbor will operate weekends May 25 through June 9 and daily June 15 to September 2.

The Wild Safari is also celebrating its 50th Anniversary season with the addition of Savannah Sunset Resort & Spa, opening June 14. Located in the heart of the 350-acre Wild Safari which is home to nearly 1,200 animals, this exclusive resort promises an unforgettable, world-class experience for those seeking an indulgent retreat. Guests will be immersed in a oneof-a-kind luxury resort destination offering VIP animal experiences and access to all that the Six Flags Great Adventure Resort destination has to offer. Savannah Sunset Resort & Spa is now accepting reserva-

tions. Visit sixfl ags.com/savannahsunset to reserve your spot for this unique luxurious safari overnight experience right here in the United States.

This summer brings even more thrills with the addition of the park’s 15th roller coaster, THE FLASH: Vertical Velocity. The fi rst Super Boomerang coaster in North America will launch guests forward and backward at nearly 60 miles an hour. Additionally, two original park attractions, the Giant Wheel and Saw Mill Log Flume, will receive enhancements allowing guests to continue to create fond memories with each visit.

The best way to enjoy all that Six Flags Great Adventure Resort has to offer is with a Season Pass. For a limited time, when guests purchase a Gold Pass they will receive a free upgrade to Platinum, which includes unlimited visits to Six Flags Great Adventure, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor New Jersey, Wild Safari, free parking and a variety of other perks and discounts. With the purchase of a Platinum Pass, receive a free upgrade to Diamond and get access to all 27 Six Flags parks.

For more information on Six Flags Hurricane Harbor New Jersey, visit sixfl ags.com/ hurricaneharbornj. For information on Six Flags Great Adventure Resort visit sixflags. com/greatadventure.

Plumsted Township 2024 Events

PLUMSTED – Mayor Dominick Cuozzo would like to remind residents to “save the dates” for the impressive lineup of Plumsted Township events scheduled for the enjoyment and participation of all within the charming community. More specifics to follow soon. You may contact the PIO at pio@plumsted. org with any further questions related to these planned events.

June 15 – New Egypt Day

July 13 – Fireworks 2024

August 6 – National Night Out

September 11 – Plumsted Remembers

October 12 – Fall Street Fair

October 19 or 26 – Fishing Derby

October 31 – Main St. Trick or Treat

November 11 – Pride in Plumsted Veteran’s Event

December 7 – Christmas Tree Lighting and Photos with Santa

R.C. Shea & Assoc. Inside The Law

Gun Owners Beware!

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

mere accusation of Domestic Violence could result in the loss of your guns and your right to purchase more guns.

“When a person claims to be a victim of domestic violence, and where a law enforcement officer responding to the incident finds probable cause to believe that domestic violence has occurred, the law enforcement officer shall arrest the person who is alleged to be the person who subjected the victim to domestic violence...”

N.J.S.A. 2C:25-21.

In addition, a law enforcement officer has the right to seize any weapon that is contraband (illegal), evidence, or an instrumentality of crime. A law enforcement officer who has probable cause to believe that an act of domestic violence has been committed shall (a) question persons present to determine whether there are weapons on the premises; and (b) upon observing or learning that a weapon is present on the premises, seize any weapon that the officer reasonably believes would expose the victim to a risk of serious bodily injury. If a law enforcement officer seizes any firearms, then the officer shall also seize any firearm purchaser identification card or permit to purchase a handgun issued to the person accused of domestic violence. These weapons shall then be delivered to the county prosecutor. N.J.S.A. 2C:25-21.

Thereafter, the Prosecutor’s Office

will petition the Superior Court, within 45 days of seizure of your firearms, to obtain title to your seized guns, or to revoke any and all permits, licenses and other authorizations for your use, possession, or ownership of such firearms. The Prosecutor’s Office may also object to the return of your firearms because they allege that you are unfit, or you pose a threat to a person or the public.

If, after a hearing, the court determines that the confiscated firearms are not to be returned to you, then court may Order the revocation of your firearms purchaser identification card or any permit, license, or authorization. And if that happens then the court shall order you to surrender any firearm seized as well as all other firearms that you possess. The Prosecutor will then be Ordered by the court to dispose of the firearms if you are unable to arrange for the sale of the firearms to a registered dealer within 60 days.

If you find yourself in this situation, give the attorneys at R.C. Shea & Associates a call to discuss your Second Amendment Rights. (732) 505-1212.

Township Considering Expansion

Of Police Department Lot

JACKSON – Jackson Township Mayor Michael Reina and the Jackson Township Council are studying the feasibility of expanding the parking lot for the police department at the Jackson Justice Complex.

Council President Kuhn and Councilman Burnstein upon the invitation of the P.B.A. recently attended the monthly P.B.A. meeting. At the meeting, Union members mentioned that due to the department’s steady increase of personnel the department has been using the adjacent county library and park parking lot for overflow. Council

President Kuhn and Councilman Burnstein contacted the Administration relating to the parking concerns.

Council President Jennifer Kuhn, Council Vice-President Scott Sargent, DPW head Shawn Bolinsky, with Business Administrator Terence Wall met and went over the area to be used for the expansion. Over the next couple of months, the township will continue to study the police department lot adjacent to headquarters to see whether or not the department can store their vehicles

more suitable and secure location.

Sound News

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

Take Control Of Your Memory & Brain Health

We have the power to optimize our cognition by adopting a combination of key healthy lifestyle choices and being aware of your overall wellness. Studies show that taking proactive steps may help reduce your risk of memory loss and other forms of cognitive decline. Here are evidence-based recommendations to proactively manage lifestyle-related risks and certain medical conditions that may affect cognition.

Healthy Hearing: Hearing impairment has been recognized as a modifiable contributor to cognitive decline when identified in midlife. See your hearing healthcare professional for a complete hearing evaluation.

Medication Management: Taking your medicine as prescribed is important for overall health. Reviewing your medications with your healthcare provider or pharmacist is an integral part of medication management.

Optimal Vision: Research has found the relationship between cognitive decline and vision impairment may be a modifiable risk factor. To manage or prevent vision impairment, schedule regular visits with your vision specialist.

Stay Mentally Fit: Participating in cognitively stimulating activities may help sharpen certain thinking skills that tend to diminish with age. Have fun engaging your

brain by reading books, playing games, and doing puzzles.

Maintain Connections: Studies have shown that increased social activity is linked to a lower rate of cognitive decline. To stay social, connect with friends and family, or consider volunteering for a local organization.

Exercise Regularly: Exercising your body can help keep your brain in shape. Research supports a strong link between physical activity and brain health. It is recommended to get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week.

Eat Healthy: Food that is good for your overall health is good for your brain. Talk to your physician about whether you are consuming a balanced diet that takes into consideration appropriate numbers of calories and nutrients. Make sure your Vitamin D levels and Magnesium levels are appropriate. Sleep & Relax: Insufficent sleep can not only make a person irritable, but it can also affect memory and decision making. Healthy adults need between 7 and 9 hrs. of sleep per night. 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!

Ceramics At Jackson Senior Center

JACKSON – Join on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays for ceramics. The instructor is here from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stop by and check it out! If you would like to

register for ceramics or any of their other wonderful activities, call the Jackson Senior Center at 732-928-2313 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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

St. Francis Counseling Service Seeking Advocates for the Fall of 2024

Are you an Ocean County resident who is interested in supporting survivors of sexual violence? Our FREE 40-hour training will certify you to advocate for people after they have experienced sexual violence. Once trained, you will be on-call to provide crisis intervention, educational information, and resources to survivors. All potential advocates are encouraged to apply. To apply and schedule an interview, please contact Cheryl Fuller, MSW at cfuller@stfrancislbi.org or call (609) 494-1554

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

H ERE ’ S T O Y OUR H EALTH Dear Pharmacist

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

The P2X7 Receptor: Unlocking The Gateway To Inflammation And Mood Regulation

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

The P2X7 receptor is a crucial component of cellular communication with a pivotal role in health and disease management, impacting conditions like anxiety, depression, and chronic inflammation. This receptor, belonging to the P2X family, is primarily found on immune and brain cells, reacting to stress and damage signals by interacting with adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a key cellular energy molecule.

When ATP levels are high outside cells, it indicates stress and damage. The P2X7 receptor responds by initiating immune reactions and inflammation. This is particularly significant in the brain, where elevated ATP activates the P2X7 receptor, leading to cell death, increased inflammation, and disruptions in neurotransmitter dynamics—all of which can influence mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

The receptor’s presence isn’t limited to the brain - it’s also found in the skin, lungs, and gut, where it plays a critical role in managing local immune responses. In the brain, it’s involved in neuroinflammation, which affects both mood and pain perception.

For instance, in glial cells such as astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, important for mood regulation and neuronal insulation, dysfunction can lead to conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Both those conditions share some genetic factors, as well as an issue with dopamine.

The role of the P2X7 receptor in neuroinflammation points to its potential as a therapeutic target for anxiety, depression, autoimmune diseases, and chronic inflammation. Additionally, because of its involvement in pain signaling, targeting this receptor could lead to the development

of new, more effective pain relievers with fewer side effects.

While pharmaceuticals are commonly used to block this receptor, natural substances like caffeine, curcumin, and resveratrol also appear to modulate this pathway, offering benefits for some people with depression and brain inflammation. Part of why it works is because it hits the P2X7 receptor. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to tailor treatment approaches to individual health needs.

3 Practical Tips for Modulating P2X7 Activity:

Here are some practical tips for modulating the activity of P2X7 receptors:

1. Dietary Choices: Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods and spices like turmeric (curcumin) and grapes or berries (resveratrol).

2. Healthy Lifestyle: If you can, do some regular exercise of your choice, and stress management techniques to maintain optimal ATP levels.

3. Avoid Inflammatory Foods/Meds: Limit or avoid chemicals and artificial ingredients that impact gut health and immune cell production.

In summary, the P2X7 receptor is a key player in the body’s response to cellular stress and damage, influencing various health conditions. Understanding and targeting this receptor can lead to better management of inflammation, pain, and a range of mental and physical health issues.

I have a more detailed version of this article available at my website in case the topic interests you. 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.

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

Jane’s Addiction, Love And Rockets To Play At Hard Rock

courtesy Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City

ATLANTIC CITY – Rock bands Jane’s Addiction and Love and Rockets are coming to Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. The show is slated for September 7 at 8 p.m.

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

Jane’s Addiction is an American rock band from Los Angeles, formed in 1985. The band consists of vocalist Perry Farrell, guitarist Dave Navarro, drummer Stephen Perkins and bassist Eric Avery.

Jane’s Addiction was one of the first bands from the early 1990s alternative rock movement to gain both mainstream media attention and commercial success in the United States. Founded by Farrell and Avery, following the disintegration of Farrell’s previous band Psi Com,

Jane’s Addiction’s first release was a self-titled live album, Jane’s Addiction (1987), which caught the attention of Warner Bros. Records. The band’s first two studio albums, Nothing’s Shocking (1988) and Ritual de lo Habitual (1990), were released to widespread critical acclaim, and an increasing cult fanbase. As a result, Jane’s Addiction became icons of what Farrell dubbed the “Alternative Nation.” The band’s initial farewell tour, in 1991, launched the first Lollapalooza, which has since become a perennial alternative rock festival.

Love and Rockets is an English rock band formed in 1985 by former Bauhaus members Daniel Ash (vocals, guitar and saxophone), David J (bass guitar and vocals) and Kevin Haskins (drums and synthesizers) after that group split in 1983. Ash and Haskins had recorded and performed in another band, Tones on Tail, between 1982 and 1984. Love and Rockets’ fusion of underground rock music with elements of pop music provided an early catalyst for alternative rock. Their 1989 single “So Alive” reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. They released seven studio albums before breaking up in 1999 and reformed briefly in 2007 for a few live shows, before splitting again in 2009. They reformed in 2023, and announced several tour dates.

Photo

P OLICE B LOTTER

Maintenance Man Sentenced To Jail For Theft

By Alyssa Riccardi

JACKSON – A 58-year-old maintenance employee has been sentenced to 364 days in the Ocean County Jail as a condition of a three-year probationary term for stealing an Apple watch and over $4,000 in cash from an apartment complex, officials said.

Troy Jones, 59, of Jackson was previously found guilty of Burglary and Theft in connection with an incident that occurred in Jackson Township on December 22, 2021.

Jones was found guilty of both charges on March 20, following an almost twoweek long jury trial. The jury concluded beyond a reasonable doubt that Jones unlawfully entered a home in Jackson and stole property.

The thefts were reported on Chatham Court West in the Gardens at Jackson 21. The occupants told police that after returning home from work around 6 p.m., they discovered that $4,500 in cash and an Apple watch were missing.

Authorities discovered that Jones, who

is a maintenance worker at the complex, used a master key to enter the home and steal the money and watch.

On January 12, 2022, Jones was charged with burglary and theft and a warrant was issued for his arrest. The following day, Jones surrendered himself at Jackson Township Police Headquarters in the presence of his attorney. Jones was processed and transported to the Ocean County Jail, and subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer commended the diligence and dedication of Assistant Prosecutors Madeline Buczynski and Iva Krasteva who handled the case on behalf of the State. The Prosecutor likewise extends his gratitude to the Jackson Township Police Department, Jackson Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Offi ce Trial Unit, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, for their combined and collective assistance in this investigation and prosecution.

Multicultural Committee Is Still Seeking Members

By Bob Vosseller

JACKSON – A multicultural committee which was a requirement for a legal settlement between the township and the Department of Justice and State Attorney General’s Office is still in need of members from the community.

The township is seeking individuals interested in serving on this municipal Multicultural Committee, which is “dedicated to fostering unity, celebrating diversity and insuring an inclusive community for all” according to a release from Jackson.

This Committee will consist of approximately 34 members, one from each voting

district, that will meet regularly to create and organize community events in building bridges and bringing together residents from different religious, non-religious and cultural backgrounds, as well as create and implement a public education campaign that will focus on highlighting diversity within the township and promoting cultural and religious sensitivity and acceptance of all members of Jackson.

Those interested in becoming part of this committee can send an email to officeofadministration@jacksontwpnj.net. Applicants are requested to include their name, address, email and best contact number.

Donate Your Used Cell Phones For Th is Worthy Cause

OCEAN COUNTY – Nancy Seibert has been collecting for “Cell Phones for Soldiers” since 2006. She has combined forces with Bayville based “Support the Troops Project,” led by Lloyd Mullikin since 2004, who mails these cards and packages overseas to our troops in harm’s way. Cell phones collected, in any condition, and are not reused but sent to a recycler. Cords and cases are not necessary. The profits are then sent to the organization headquarters in Massachusetts from which Nancy orders her free, true 60-minute calling cards. They are provided for those military who are unable to contact their families without incurring monumental

expense during their deployment. They also accept monetary donation for help defray the cost of mailing these boxes. Checks can be made out to the VFW Post 9503 with a notation in the memo “Support the Troops.” Checks can be mailed to Lloyd Mullikin, 307 Allaire Ave., Bayville, NJ 08721 or call him at 732-269-1397. It would then be a tax-deductible donation.

To date, Nancy has collected over 23,000 cell phones and donated over 99,000 calling cards. If you have the name of a military member serving overseas, feel free to contact with their, name/rank and APO/FPO address and they will be happy to donate cards to them. She can be contacted at

732-606-6040.

The following are drop locations:

• All Lester Glenn Auto Dealership (Service waiting room)

• Central Regional Middle and High School lobbies

• All Berkeley Sounds of Summer Concerts

• All Berkeley Municipal Bldgs. And Recycling Center

• Beachwood Municipal Bldg.

• VFW 9503, Bayville lobby

• Bayville Elks

• Bayville Auto

• Altieri Chiropractic, Bayville

• Pine Beach PO

• Presbyterian Church of Toms River

• American Legion 129, Toms River

• Ocean Country Courthouse and County Clerk Offices, Toms River

• Sonata Bay Clubhouse, Bayville

• Silver Ridge and all Holiday City Clubhouses

• Heritage Family Restaurant, Whiting

• Universal Radiology, Lacey

• Jersey Shore BlueClaws, Lakewood

• C&C Marina, Bayville

• Keller/William Realty, Bayville

• Sarah’s Hair Salon, Bayville

• Community Medical Center, Outpatient lobby

• East Coast Flag and Flagpole, Beachwood

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

Ocean County College Nursing Graduates Honored At Pinning

Photo courtesy Ocean County College

tradition. It represents your transition from the role of student to nurse,” said Tracy Walsh, Dean of OCC’s School of Nursing, addressing the graduating class.

The tradition of nurse pinning dates back to the 1860s, when Florence Nightingale was given a medal for her services as a military nurse. Later, after Nightingale became a nurse educator, she would present each of her nurses with medals after they completed nursing school as a symbol of their hard work and dedication. Over the years, the medal was replaced with a pin representing the graduates’ nursing school.

lamp carried by Florence Nightingale as she made nightly rounds, caring for injured soldiers in the dark.

“The candle’s flame represents knowledge, wisdom and power,” explained Walsh. The lighting of the candle symbolizes the transition of that knowledge from the nursing faculty to the graduates as they embark on their new profession.

TOMS RIVER – Graduating students from the Ocean County College School of Nursing received their pins at the annual Nurses Pinning Ceremony on the College’s Gateway Building Lawn. The graduates

completed the two-year course of study leading to an Associate in Applied Science degree in Nursing during fall 2023 and spring 2024.

“The pinning ceremony is a nursing school

“Ocean County College School of Nursing carries on this tradition and presents graduates with a pin representing completion of the nursing program,” Dean Walsh told the graduates. “Wear your pin so those you care for know you have graduated from this well-respected nursing program.”

During the ceremony, graduates recited the OCC School of Nursing dedication pledge while holding a candle representing the

OCC President Pamela Monaco, Ph.D., expressed pride in the graduates’ accomplishments in an address to the assembled students. “On behalf of the OCC community, I offer my warm and sincere congratulations and our best wishes for a successful and rewarding career,” she said. “May each of you fi nd great happiness and fulfillment in your new profession, and may each of us be so lucky that when we need a nurse, we will have one of you beside us.”

The ceremony was broadcast live on Ocean TV-20 and on the college’s website, ocean. edu. The video is available for online viewing at go.ocean.edu/graduation.

By Bob Vosseller SEASIDE HEIGHTS –

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

Police Address Rowdy Behavior By Teens

Memorial Day weekend has come and gone and amid the barbeques and visits to the beach were some instances of excessive noise and large groups of teenagers prowling about.

Some reports of rowdy behavior were noted in the borough with some TikTok and social media videos having recorded large crowds on the boardwalk and several arrests.

Seaside Heights Police Chief Tommy Boyd acknowledged that it was a busier-than-normal weekend with teenagers making their share of noise screaming and yelling at various points on the borough boardwalk.

Reports of gunfire on Friday night however were quickly debunked. False

rumors of a gun and shots fi red sent law enforcement investigating the reports and teens fl eeing from the boardwalk. The Ocean County Sheriff’s Office confi rmed that there were no shots fi red.

Chief Boyd noted in a New Jersey 101.5 interview that in the early morning hours “The kids defi nitely took over the boardwalk but it was all high school. The college kids I saw and I talked to from Paterson - from Jersey City were like, ‘We weren’t like this when were kids.’ It’s a different world.”

Borough officials kept watch of the crowds during the weekend to get a reading on how this summer season might go in the weeks ahead.

It is also prom season and many teens see Seaside Heights as a place to hang

out and party after their prom which is believed to have contributed to the chaotic weekend, according to authorities.

Borough Police reported the arrests of 72 adults and 18 juveniles during the course of the busy Memorial Day weekend. A curfew of 10 p.m. for juveniles was put into effect on Saturday night after the non-shooting incident occurred. Curfews were previously instituted during busy times and summer months by Toms River and barrier island communities as a means to limit potential unruly teen behavior. Memorial Day weekend always has a heightened police presence.

Beyond rowdy behavior were incidents of fights and large gatherings around certain convenience stores along the barrier

Sensory Backpacks Now Available At Library

island which also caused the need for instituting curfews toward young people. Also noted by county law enforcement agencies were the use of social media to advertise large social gatherings which have created problems in recent years with pop-up parties.

Over the years police have also noted increased cases of underage drinking and overdoses at the night clubs like the now defunct Club Karma in Seaside Heights. Many of the problem areas in Seaside Heights such as night clubs like the Bamboo and other popular night spots that drew a youth-oriented clientele are gone as Borough officials steadily moved to make the community more family tourism oriented and to crack down on underage drug and alcohol use.

TOMS RIVER – Sensory backpacks are now available for customers at all Ocean County Library branches to use during their visits. Sensory backpacks are an important way to support neurodiverse

individuals, and to improve access to the library.

Items designed for various sensory needs are inside the backpack, including a weighted blanket, wiggle cushion, noise-canceling

headphones, sensory bracelets, fidget toys, therapy tangles and emoji emotion cards. Contents at each branch may vary.

Sensory Backpacks are designed to enhance your library experience. The Ocean

County Library is strongly committed to a welcoming, inclusive environment for all members of the community. Keep up with Library programs and events at theoceancountylibrary.org.

Comics, Cards Festival - 6/9 Elks Toms River. Guests Sharon Lentz (Dark Shadows), Neil Vokes, Jeff Brennan. Crafts, Toys, Cosplay. 609-242-7756. (26)

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)

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)

Cedar Glen West is an active adult community seeking a full time administrative assistant to join our team. Person must have a minimum of 3 years of experience, have excellent customer service, organizational & letter writing skills and proficient in Excel, Outlook and Word. Competitive wages, health care benefits and 401k plan offered. Contact William Speichert at 732-657-5525 or e-mail williams@cedarglenwest.net. (26)

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

Magnolia Gardens assisted living is looking for Full time certified aides for both evening and overnight shifts. If interested please call at 732-557-6500 or fill out an application on our website. You can also visit us in person at 1935 Lakewood road Toms river 08755. (27)

Nor’easter Painting and Staining, LLC - Interior and exterior. Decks, powerwashing. Affordable. Senior discounts. References. No job too small. Fully insured. 732-6910123. Lic #13VH09460600. (t/n)

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

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

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

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)

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)

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)

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)

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. (29)

Items Wanted

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)

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) PQ Painting & Home Improvement Services - Over 5 decades of service in NJ. Visit us online at pqpaintingservice.com . Winner of Angie’s

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

Ca$h Paid For Old 45 RPM Records. - R&B, doo wop, soul, early rock & roll, and rockabilly preferred. Call between 8AM and 8PM 909-938-4623. (10)

CASH, CASH, CASH! - Instant cash paid for junk cars, trucks, vans. Free removal of any metal items. Discount towing. Call Dano 732-239-3949. (t/n)

BUYING Vintage Old ClothingAny condition. T-shirts, sports sweatshirts, denim, workwear, carhartt, college, military, camoflauge, jackets. Call Dave 732-281-4508. CASH. (27)

Used Guns Wanted - All types: collectibles, military, etc. Call 917-681-6809. (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. (26)

Magnolia Gardens assisted living is looking for a Full-time Maintenance worker. Pay starts at $18 an hour. If interested please call at 732-557-6500 or fill out an application on our website. You can also visit us in person at 1935 Lakewood road Toms river 08755. (27)

Magnolia Gardens assisted living is looking for a part-time receptionist for afternoons and weekends. Pay starts at $15.13 an hour. If interested please call at 732-557-6500 or fill out an application on our website. You can also visit us in person at 1935 Lakewood road Toms river 08755. (27)

Magnolia Gardens assisted living is looking for full time certified aide for morning shift. Must have weekend availability. If interested please call at 732-557-6500 or fill out an application on our website. You can also visit us in person at 1935 Lakewood road Toms river 08755. (27)

Uras Monuments - Seeks a parttime sales associate in our Toms River location. Qualified candidates must perform basic office duties and have excellent communication skills including answering phones and in store customer service. Hours are 2 or 3 weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and every other Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Email resume to urasmonuments finance@gmail.com. (27)

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)

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)

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)

Do You Want Your Car To Look Nice And Shine - Call Lenny. Lenny's Mobile Auto Detailing 908-868-4609. (29)

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)

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 732-8505060. NJ Lic # 13VH11804800. (17)

Housecleaning - Painting, shopping, laundry, window cleaning, carpet cleaning, office cleaning. Also offering typing services. Very good prices. 732-3304189, 848-287-3944. (t/n)

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)

Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-833-901-0309 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move. (t/n)

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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.

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

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 = $

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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

OCC Foundation Scholarship Celebration

TOMS

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

This year’s event will honor: The Citta Foundation for its long-standing support of OCC and the Ocean County community; Ilene Cohen, OCC’s executive director of Athletics, for her enthusiastic leadership and advocacy for the advancement of the College’s student-athletes; and College Lecturer Lincoln A. Simmons for his tremendous contributions to the academic programs at OCC and pivotal leadership roles on collegewide committees. The event committee is chaired by Michael

Free Document Shredding

By Alyssa Riccardi

OCEAN COUNTY – Safely

shred and recycle your documents throughout the area with the Ocean County Residential Document Shredding Program.

The program is sponsored by the Ocean County Board of Commissioners and is free to Ocean County residents only. This is for paper only. It’s a good time to shred documents with Social Security or bank account information. Residents are allowed to bring a maximum of four file boxes. Reusable containers are welcome. No black plastic bags.

June 15 – Little Egg Harbor, 1 Sports Complex Drive; June 22 – Pt. Pleasant Boro, 2300 Panther Path; September 7 – Manchester, 101 S. Colonial Drive; September 14 – Lacey, 820 Municipal Lane; September 21 – Barnegat, 5 Lippincott Avenue; October 5 – Brick, 836 Ridge Road; October 19 – Ship Bottom, W 10th Street & Shore Avenue; October 26 –Beachwood, 1600 Pinewald Road

All events run 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or until truck fills. No: batteries and electronics (both are a fire hazard), books, junk mail, greeting cards, photos, x-rays, or CDs.

Please stay in your vehicle at all times. Place materials in the vehicle’s trunk and workers will remove all items directly. All documents destroyed confidentially on-site. Loads containing unacceptable items may be rejected.

Manzo, chair of the OCC Foundation Board of Trustees. Kenneth J. Malagiere, executive director of the OCC Foundation, will host the evening’s festivities, which feature a gourmet buffet and a silent auction.

To support a student with a scholarship or for information on becoming a sponsor, donating an auction item, or purchasing tickets to the event, visit go.ocean.edu/gala or call the OCC

Foundation at 732-255-0492. Proceeds from the annual Scholarship Celebration support the mission of the Ocean County College Foundation.

Since 1965, the OCC Foundation has provided support for thousands of deserving students in our community, awarding over $21 million in direct scholarship and special program support. Thanks to the generosity of

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

Snails And Slugs: Nuisance, Beneficial, Or Both?

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

Snails And Slugs: There are many species of snails. Snails are like slugs with the most obvious distinction being the hard shell that the snail carries around. Some slugs have shells, only they are softer. Both snails

and slugs are nocturnal (active at night). Moisture, food and shelter attract slugs. Drought resistant plants will help make your garden less desirable to them. Reproduction happens quickly, with some common snails laying up to six batches of eggs each year –80 eggs per batch.

How Snails Are Harmful: They can be

considered nuisances in your garden. They consume a variety of shoots and tender leaves, with their first choice of food being lettuces and herbs like basil, and they love hostas. Foods like tomatoes, strawberries and citrus are favorites, with items bearing rough, aromatic leaves, like rosemary, being off their menu. Spring and late fall are

considered prime time for snail and slug damage, consuming several times their weight eating plants – every day. If you notice some garden damage, research to identify what it is and how you can treat it. Sources for answers are the internet, garden centers, experienced gardeners. It is always best to use safe, humane methods of treatment/removal. Birds, small mammals, and some carnivorous insects, lizards, snakes, beetles, toads/frogs are natural predators.

The Benefits Of Snails: They eat decaying/ dead plant matter, which helps to keep your garden clean while recycling the soil, i.e., composted material, making water more accessible to reaching plant roots. Breaking down decaying leaves, for instance, creates nutrient-rich food. Mostly they are found near streams or areas where there are high levels of humidity. They are also great at controlling pests in your garden.

Final Thoughts: When gardening, use gloves and tools and wash your hands. If you discover an infestation, it might be wise to contact a professional for assistance. Personally, I have never seen an infestation, and I believe if we make smart choices leaving nature alone, it will take care of itself. I gathered the information for this article from multiple sources so statistics may vary slightly. To reach me please call 732244-2768.

It’s illegal to possess, relocate, or cause harm to wildlife for any reason. Managing wildlife without the proper state/ federal permits is illegal. Violating laws is punishable.

2024 Jackson Track & Speed Club

JACKSON –Jackson Track & Speed Club is now open for registration. Every Tuesday and Thursday night, June 27 through July 25.

• Training sessions: June 27; July 2, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25 (no training session on July 4t)

• All sessions are at Jackson Memorial HS Track (101 Don Connor Boulevard)

• Athletes age 9 to 18 + years old

You do not need to attend all eight sessions Families of three or more call for family discount!

Three training options for 2024:

• Option 1 – Speed development camp (6 to 7:30 p.m.) This Camp is for all athletes who want to increase their speed!

• Option 2 – Speed Development + Event training (6 to 8:30 p.m.) Speed camp from 6 to 7:30 p.m. then event training from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.

• Option 3 – Event training only (7 to 8:30 p.m.)

(Event Training offered in: Hurdles/PoleVault/High-Jump/Long-Jump/ Triple Jump)

For more information and the form to sign up, contact Coach Stephen Theobald at stheobald68@gmail.com or call 908-433-3570.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

“See the line where the sky meets the sea, it calls me – and now one knows, how far it goes,” err, excuse us – that was the song from Disney’s Moana. Whiting resident Sandy Martin snapped this amazing shot of the beach at the Jersey Shore. The summer arrives on June 20! Email your pics for this space – photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you may win a prize!

Comedian Dave Chappelle Coming To A.C.

ATLANTIC CITY – Legendary comedian

Dave Chappelle is coming to Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. Two Dave Chappelle comedy shows are slated for June 28 at 7 and 10 p.m.

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

Dave Chappelle is an award-winning American comedian, screenwriter, television and film producer, and actor. Recognized as one of the greatest comedians of all time, Chappelle is the recipient of the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor (2019). His work has earned him more than 30 nominations and awards in television and film for projects that include his groundbreaking sketch comedy television series Chappelle’s Show, comedy specials, and guest appearances on Saturday Night Live. Chappelle has received five Emmy awards including three for his Netflix comedy specials Sticks & Stones (2020) and Equanimity & The Bird Revelation (2018), and two for hosting Saturday Night Live (2017 and 2021). Chappelle has won four Grammy Awards for Best Comedy Album (2017-2019 and 2022). In May 2021, Dave Chappelle collaborated with Talib

Kweli and yasiin bey to host The Midnight Miracle, a thought-provoking podcast that uniquely blends the salon and variety show traditions while providing a glimpse into the inner lives of the hosts.

This event will be a phone-free experience. Use of phones, smart watches and accessories will not be permitted in the performance space. Upon arrival at the venue, all phones, smart watches and accessories will be secured in individual Yondr pouches that will be opened at the end of the event. Guests maintain possession of their devices at all times, and can access them throughout the event only in designated phone use areas within the venue. All devices will be re-secured in Yondr pouches before returning to the performance space. Anyone seen using a device (phone, smart watch or accessories) during the performance will be escorted out of the venue by security. We appreciate your cooperation in creating a phone-free experience.

Pilot Boy Productions, Inc. and/or Dave Chappelle own all rights in the content and materials delivered during his performance (the “Materials”). Any use of the Materials without the express prior written consent of Pilot Boy Productions, Inc. is strictly prohibited and is punishable to the full extent of the law.

FUN & GAMES SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

therapies, for short

Snakelike swimmers

often

“Seize the day!,” and what the answers to the starred clues literally have

“It’s __-win situation”

*Nests, as a set of measuring cups

West Point team

Show off shamelessly

Time-share units 7 Participated on karaoke night

Mont. neighbor

Bright blue pigment

How some tots count to five

Ready for skinny-dipping

programs that send automated messages

Skip out (on)

Autograph seeker

Fencing blade

Woodwind insert

Name associated with supersonic speed

Actor Morales

Really inexpensive

Holds weight

Kit __ Klub: “Cabaret” setting

“I see now!”

__ shui

Perceived

How prosciutto is sliced

Cooks in an oven

Talented

Naturally inclined (to)

Courteous

Pedometer units

For a __ pittance

St. crossers

Color named for

Besides

Texting format, briefly

(c)2024 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Maintain your boundaries when necessary but consider remaining open to making reasonable changes and adjustments to accommodate others. Trust is a two-way street, so keep an open heart and mind, and others may do the same.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) : Persuasion is an art, not a command. If you encounter resistance, consider presenting your case with reason and clarity. Your zest for life could be infectious, but make sure you’re moving forward with the right information.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You may try something different or learn something new. Find a sideline that gives you an oasis amid the pressure of daily routines. You may be surprised to find you excel at activities or studies you have never attempted before.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): As the week unfolds, your approach to people may become more direct. Stay conscious of feeding scripted replies and generic lines just to fit in. Opt for responsive and genuine interactions when you’re socializing.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Stress or overwhelm can diminish politeness or consideration of others. A dash of kindness goes a long way, especially with people who may test your patience. Consider going with the flow, this moment may soon be forgotten.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) : Building bridges may be more rewarding than building walls. You might be selective about who you allow to join your inner circle. Your alertness may catch important messages that could require your immediate attention.

FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE 8 - JUNE 14 BY

OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

JERALDINE SAUNDERS

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): If someone may be trying to fool you or dull your sparkle, just smile and wave. Trust in those who may have already proven themselves, and don’t get distracted by fleeting temptations. Your heart knows who’s worth your time.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Tread lightly and keep your advice sweet and simple. This may encourage harmony and help keep everyone on the same page without any arguments. Feel free to skip conflicts and obstacles that don’t align with your goals.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Your good name may be safe and sound, but a bit of tidying up might clear the air. Consider contemplating where you excel versus what could use a polish and start there. One of your hobbies might be worth more of your time.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): A warm and friendly demeanor may complement your already mastered professionalism while offering a sense of comfort. Stay focused on your goals and consider allocating your resources wisely to make them a reality.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You may be filled with enthusiasm for creative activities, for projects, and even routine tasks. However, be mindful that your intense drive doesn’t create a conflict with loved ones. Consider finding a good balance for your ambitions.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Relax and remember, it’s not about being perfect. Focus on doing your best and taking care of your responsibilities with a positive outlook. You may have plenty of energy to execute imaginative ideas and make them real.

(c) 2024 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

LAYER DIP

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