2024-06-22 - The Manchester Times

Luau Provides Hula Of A Time

By Bob Vosseller MANCHESTER – Danc-

ers, drummers and a hostess all helped transform the meeting room of the township library into a tropical paradise.

Members of the Berlin, New Jersey based Paradise Island Entertainment provided a luau show to several Ocean County Library (OCL) branches during Asian Pacific Month. They shared some tropical island culture at the

Manchester Library drawing a packed audience. The entertainers included hostess Marie DiLeonardo, drummer Sefo Valinote and dancers Jecamille Maniwang, Sydney Maniwang, Carleigh Bernardo and Laureanna Holgado.

DiLeonardo provided some commentary about the various island cultures as she introduced the dancers following costume changes.

(Luau - See Page 4)

First Responders Celebrated For Courage

By Stephanie Faughnan

TOMS RIVER – The 200 Club of Ocean County shone a light on bravery and dedication at their 35th Annual Awards Reception. Over two dozen local first responders and a Berkeley councilman received recognition for their courage and unwavering commitment to the safety of

Ocean County residents. The evening began with the Ocean County Sheriff ’s Department’s Color Guard presenting the colors. Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer, the county’s chief law enforcement officer, was among the officials who acknowledged the contributions (Courage - See Page 5)

Students Celebrate Intern Experience

A Manchester Township High School student notes her experience as a healthcare intern during a Structured Learning Experience class gathering.

By Bob Vosseller

MANCHESTER – Manchester Township High School’s (MTHS) Structured Learning Experience (SLE) class recently had the opportunity to gather in gratitude with their internship mentors. This school year, MTHS seniors who were accepted into the Structured Learning Ex-

perience class had the opportunity to explore potential future career paths through a hands-on, authentic learning experience brought to them by the partnerships fostered between the community and the district.

Teachers Brianna McKiernan and Maryann Adams

(Students - See Page 4)

By Bob Vosseller

LAKEHURST – Borough officials adopted this year’s municipal budget earlier this month. The spending plan will see an increase for homeowners.

Borough Chief Financial Officer Wayne Sibilia informed The Manchester Times that the total budget is $5,081,931.10 which represents an increase of 2.72% over last year’s total budget amount.

This year’s municipal tax levy is $2,826,665.69. Sibilia added, “that is an increase of 2.90% from last year’s levy and the 2024 municipal tax rate is 1.208. That is an increase of 2.24% over the previous year’s municipal tax rate.”

“The average residential assessment for 2024 is $253,471 and the 2024 municipal tax on an average residential assessment is $3,062. That is an increase of $72 per year and is 2.41% over last year’s tax on an average residential

(Tax Increase - See Page 8)

Photo courtesy Manchester Schools

Photos by Bob Vosseller Paradise Island Entertainment drummer/musician Sefo Valinote at right, joins dancers of the Luau show during a recent visit to the Manchester Township Library.

Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Manchester Police Sgt. Paul Bachovchin with Senator Carmen Amato, Ocean County Prosecutor Brad Billhimer, and 200 Club of Ocean Trustees.

Luau:

Continued From Page 1

She also shared the interesting love story that brought the entertainers together. “It all started with Sefo’s family. His uncle moved to Hawaii and he was the main fire knife dance dancer in the show there. One night at the show when they brought all the ladies up from the audience just as we do here, sparks flew between one of the ladies and him, literally, and she was from the beautiful tropical island of Deptford, New Jersey.”

That remark brought laughter from the audience. “They fell in love and they wrote letters back and forth for about six months and he then followed her here to New Jersey. Sure enough they brought the whole family over slowly and they all ended up having babies and starting their new show. One of the babies is here dancing with us.”

“We’ve been doing this for a long time. We were in diapers dancing together and singing and we are very excited to continue the tradition here for all of you today,” she added.

DiLeonardo said “all the music you hear today and the singing is Sefo who is playing the guitar and bass and drums on all of the tracks.”

She noted some common Hawaiian words such as hula and aloha. Aloha is the Hawaiian word for love, affection, peace, compassion and mercy. It is commonly used as a greeting but also has a deeper cultural and spiritual significance to native Hawaiians, for whom the term is used to defi ne a force that holds together existence.

The word is also found in all Polynesian

languages and always with the same basic meaning of love, compassion, sympathy, and kindness. Its use in Hawaii has a seriousness lacking in the Tahitian and Samoan meanings. It is believed that the fi rst expression of aloha was between a parent and child.

“Do we know how to say goodbye? Love? Aloha doesn’t necessarily mean hello or goodbye. It means love and it means spirit and family and all-encompassing things,” the hostess added.

Along with Hawaii and Tahiti the dancers performed some favorites from New Zealand which consists of more than 600 islands, most of which are remnants of a larger land mass that now lies beneath the ocean. New Zealand is the sixth-largest island country, and the third-largest located entirely in the southern hemisphere.

“Does anyone know the island name for New Zealand?” DiLeonardo asked the audience. “The long one is Aotearoa. In New Zealand they do a dance with the poi ball which is a braided string with a pom pom at the end and a ball.”

The poi ball dance is a traditional dance form that originated in New Zealand. It is a rhythmic dance that involves the use of poi, which are balls attached to strings. The dancers skillfully manipulate the poi in a variety of ways, creating mesmerizing patterns and rhythms. DiLeonardo noted, “poi balls used to be filled with something heavy like rocks but today we fi ll them with tissue paper. Although we won’t do this today, we do light them on fi re when we perform outside.”

Valinote’s drumming skills are often put to the test. His wife remarked, “we are going to start nice and slow and we want the audience to go with the beat of the drum with a clap and the faster you clap the faster Safo will beat the drum.

DiLeonardo asked audience members if they had ever been to Hawaii and the other tropical spots brought up during the program. She also called upon women and later men to don some grass skirts and follow along some basic dance moves.

Some audience members even got the

chance to drum along with Safo with some drums on loan.

“We get to go to the islands quite often. We have a pretty large group. We have 25 dancers total. We’ve gone to Tahiti as well,” she added.

The group will return to Manchester as part of the Township Recreation Department’s summer concert series annual Hawaiian Luau show. To learn more about the group’s activities, visit their website at paradisehula.com. Their Instagram is: @ paradiseluaushow.

oversee the class and spend the fi rst semester teaching about college and career readiness. They discuss with students their talents, skills, and desired career paths, work through developing and submitting resumes, learn how to “dress to impress,” practice interview skills, and more during their fi rst semester.

After successfully being accepted for an internship during their second semester, students then spend their afternoons in the workplace interning.

This school year presented MTHS with the largest group of interested seniors for the SLE class. 16 students participated in the SLE program and 15 businesses from Ocean County graciously hosted Manchester’s interns.

During the SLE Gratitude Gathering, as a culmination of their semester, students

invited their internship mentors to a donated, catered lunch, and gave presentations about their experience as interns. Local businesses that hosted students included: Tacohaulics, Hazelet Realty Group, Amore Boutique, Hilltop Nursery School, Ocean University Medical Center, Jenkinson’s Aquarium, Hanlon’s K-9, NorthStar Veterinary Hospital, Howling Woods Farm, Community Medical Center, Trinity Rehab Physical Therapy, Joan Valentine House, Fuggi Law Firm, Peter Loffredo Law Firm, and Manchester Accounting Services.

During the presentations students discussed how they were able to apply many of the skills they have to their internships. They also learned fi rsthand about business and working with customers.

Interim Superintendent of Schools Mrs. Pedroza complimented the hard work the students and staff did this year and thanked the local businesses for letting kids see what a career is like before college.

:

Continued From Page 1 of the honorees. Senator Carmen Amato (R-9) presented resolutions to the award recipients on behalf of the state legislature.

Valor In The Face Of Danger

Sgt. Paul Bachovchin of the Manchester Police Department stood out for his courageous actions during a tense standoff with an armed, suicidal individual.

“The Manchester Police Department received a call from a representative of a local Addiction Treatment Center, alerting them to a life-threatening situation,” said 200 Club of Ocean County President David G. Paulus. “Involving an individual who was traveling from Maryland to their location, claiming he was going to take his own life.” Paulus said the individual was armed with a .22 caliber fi rearm, and when he stopped on a local road, he pointed it at his own head. Bachovchin was credited with persuading the individual to drop the fi rearm without harming himself.

“The sergeant utilized de-escalation training, maintained his composure, displayed patience, discipline, and good judgment,” summed up Paulus. “And with compassion and empathy, effectively saved the man’s life.”

First responders from Lakewood took center stage for an amazing act of quick response. EMTs Ross Caruso and Evan LaValle, alongside Lakewood Police Officers Kevin Jacobs and Joseph Rusk, received Valor Awards for their selfless act of bravery in rescuing a victim from a fully engulfed burning vehicle.

Caruso and LaValle were traveling in the area of the reported call for the vehicle fi re on Route 70 and were the fi rst on the scene. Upon their arrival, they noticed a person was trapped underneath the overturned, fully engulfed vehicle.

“The crew attempted to remove the victim, but his lower extremities were pinned beneath the roof of the car and the ground,” Paulus said.

The EMTs, together with Officers Jacobs and Rusk attempted to extinguish the flames but were not able to successfully do so because it was fully engulfed. The four lifted the vehicle enough to remove the trapped victim and move them to a safe location where he was then quickly taken to the hospital.

“This was a tragedy that was averted because of the bravery and total disregard of their own personal safety of these officers and EMTs while saving a life,” added Paulus.

Jackson Police Officers Davis DeJesus and Tyler Melnick were commended for their skillful de-escalation tactics during the apprehension of a disturbed individual wielding several knives.

According to Paulus, the two officers responded to a residence where an individual was acting irrationally and refusing to return to a substance abuse rehab center. When DeJesus and Melnick fi rst arrived on the scene, the man was outside. He quickly retreated inside his house and locked himself there with his wife.

“As they (the officers) approached the stairs inside,” said Paulus. “The individual quickly appeared, wielding several knives.” Paulus said the officers covered the subject

with their firearms and employed outstanding de-escalation techniques, ultimately convincing him to disarm himself and surrender.

“The rational thinking and dialogue of the officers created a successful and peaceful outcome,” Paulus summed up. “And tragedy was averted.”

Lifesaving Actions

The ceremony also acknowledged fi rst responders whose quick thinking and decisive actions made a lifesaving difference.

Patrolman Ryan Saul of the Manchester Police received a Life Saving Award for his swift medical intervention, potentially preventing a tragedy.

Saul responded to a residence following a report that an individual was experiencing significant bleeding from his leg and losing consciousness. The bleeding was attributed to a rare medical disorder. The officer applied a tourniquet to effectively control the bleeding and stabilize the victim for medivac air transportation.

“The quick and adaptive emergency response demonstrated by this patrolman, along with his accurate application of the tourniquet, proved instrumental in saving this person’s life,” said Paulus.

Teamwork among well-trained individuals who were all off-duty saved the life of a man who experienced a heart attack at a local gym. Manchester Township EMT Dylan Tortorelli, Point Pleasant EMT Joshua Menack, and Toms River Police Officers Alex Van Lew and Charles Grainger were lauded for their lifesaving efforts.

“These four random individuals used their individualized training and coordinated

with each other to jump into action,” shared Paulus. “They systemically began performing CPR on the victim with the eventual help of an AED.”

“The victim was brought back to life,” Paulus continued. “He was transported to hospital for treatment, where he was later released. The quick actions of these four individuals saved the man’s life.”

Life-Saving Awards were also presented to Berkeley Patrolman Donald Rowley and Councilman Thomas Grosse for their swift medical assistance during a holiday party. They were able to perform CPR on a gentleman whose family sent a letter in to thank the fi rst responders.

The victim’s family thanked Rowley and Grosse for springing into action without hesitation and for bringing him back to life. Doctors who treated him after his cardiac arrest told him he should have bought a lottery ticket, as he survived, but many others aren’t as lucky.

“But to him, he already won the lottery,” wrote the family. “By being able to see his family again…Last December, our family had our very own Christmas miracle, and that was because of your actions.”

Manchester Police Sgt. Charles Gatnarek and Patrolmen Steven Wendruff, Robert Campolei, and Kamar Gainey received lifesaving awards for apprehending an armed individual during a domestic violence incident. Responding to a call where a woman reported being stabbed by her son, officers arrived at the scene and swiftly escorted the victim and her husband to safety. Inside the (Courage - See Page 8)

Courage:

Continued From Page 5 residence, Sgt. Gatnarek observed the armed suspect with his hand concealed in a sweatshirt pocket.

“The sergeant unholstered his handgun and began giving the individual clear verbal commands to display his hands,” said Paulus. “At this time, the other officers quickly assumed a position to cover and unholster their conducted energy devices.”

Although the suspect continued to ignore commands, the officers were ultimately able to maintain complete control in a highly stressful situation and dangerous situation, thereby avoiding injury to the suspect and themselves.

Celebrating Longstanding Service

Eight firefighters received Meritorious Service Awards, acknowledging their remarkable dedication to their communities. These include:

• Thomas Scannell of Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Company #1 for 53 years of service.

Tax Increase:

Continued From Page 1 assessment,” Sibilia said.

The public hearing for the budget held earlier this month featured no public comments and was unanimously approved.

Mobile Home Service Fee

During a recent meeting, Geneva Road resident Bruce Margeson asked what the service fee for mobile home parks was for.

Council President Steven Oglesby explained

• Marty Silecchia of Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Company #1 for 48 years of service.

• Jeffrey Barnard of Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Company #1 for 42 years of service.

• Kenneth Mallette of Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Company #1 for 46 years of service.

• Richard Masker of Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Company #1 for 52 years of service.

• Charles “Chip” Smith of Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Company #1 for 45 years of service.

• Ronald Braen Jr. of the Laurelton Fire Department, District 2 for over 48 years of service and 35 years as Commissioner.

• Former Chief Jack Amrozewicz of the Lanoka Harbor Fire Company #1 for 40 years of service.

Scholarships Awarded

The 200 Club of Ocean County also present-

that it is the formula used for pad fees. Municipal Clerk Maryanne Capasso further explained the formula and fee calculations and informed Margeson that it was a difference of .31 cents from last year.

New Position

Councilman Robert McCarthy stated that he and Mayor Harry Robbins met with the leadership of the Public Works Department to develop a day to day proceeding for a newly established position. Council President Oglesby stated that the Public Works Department

ed the David Ascione Memorial Scholarships to family members of uniformed services personnel attending Ocean County College. Recipients included Daniel Aulisi (Brick, criminal justice), Alexis Clark (Toms River, nursing), Brianna Helwig (Brick, nursing), Allison McKeen (Mays Landing, nursing), and Gianna Torres (Toms River, nursing).

Jacquelin Ascione, a trustee of the 200 Club and daughter of founding trustee David Ascione, highlighted the significance of the scholarships. Jacquelin said she was both an alumnus of the college and taught there.

“Ocean County provides an amazing opportunity for everybody who attends whether you attend for one semester, a year, or you actually graduate,” Jacquelin said. “It provides a basic foundation of liberal arts and criminal justice and an amazing variety of subjects.”

A Legacy Of Support

The 200 Club’s roots trace back to a tragedy in 1953, when Detroit police officer Arthur Meyer was killed in the line of duty. In a show of solidarity, 100 businessmen came together

was erecting walls at Lake Horicon to keep the sand from blowing off the beach.

Councilman McCarthy mentioned that the borough currently has one lifeguard, possibly two for Lake Horicon during the approaching summer season.

Council President Oglesby stated everything is being set in motion with proper job descriptions and they are also working on figuring out how to have a human resources department without having a human resources department.

to raise $20,000 for his family. This act of compassion became the foundation for the organization’s mission – to provide financial assistance to families of fallen first responders and to recognize the heroism displayed by these brave individuals who protect our communities every single day.

“As board members, we typically don’t know these men or women,” said Paulus. “But we hear the many stories of their pride and their dedication to duty. We meet their children, and we offer our condolences to their spouses.”

Over the years, the 200 Club of Ocean County has assisted numerous families, including those of Bayville Fire Company #1 Firefighter Eugene T. Furey, Berkeley Police Sergeant Alison Wray, Jackson Police Officer Robert J. Ventura, Lakewood Police Officer Christopher Matlosz, Lakewood Police Officer William Preslar, Lavallette Police Cadet Ken Carpenter, Manchester Police Cpl. Scott Thompson, Ocean County Prosecutor Detective John Scott Stevens, and Ocean County Prosecutor Detective Tina Rambo.

The Council voted to authorize a professional services contract for engineering services to update the Borough’s Stormwater Management Plan, Stormwater Control ordinance and Pinelands Stormwater Control ordinances. Other approved resolutions included a contract between Lakehurst and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFCSME) Council 635 and a contract to Martin A. Ackley Associates for a required New Jersey Department of Transportation core testing project.

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY

EDITORIAL

Town Meetings Aren’t Real Life

Looking back on years of being a local reporter, I’ve discovered a misconception – within my profession and with the public. And that is the importance of town meetings. This applies to Board of Education meetings as well, but I’m going to refer to them as town meetings throughout this editorial.

A town meeting becomes a bubble. People within the bubble think that the entire town is represented in that little meeting. That’s simply not true.

Most people go through their day, go to work, watch TV, talk to a few people, and then do the same thing the next day. They have no clue what happens at town meetings. They don’t even know who their elected representatives are. When I write about what happens at meetings, I’ll often explain what an ordinance or resolution is because I didn’t know what these things were until I had it explained to me, too.

Real life is what people can see. Traffic on their way somewhere. The increased costs at the grocery store. Their neighbors doing something illegal. These are the things people know about. These are the things people care about.

Toms River has seen some big political struggles this year. But if you watch the meetings online – before the town deletes them, that is –you’ll see there’s only maybe 400 viewers. In a town of 90,000 people, there’s just 400 people watching, and the same 20 or 30 people that

actually show up. The Toms River Board of Education has even fewer people watching, and that board additionally serves the populations of Beachwood, Pine Beach, and South Toms River. The last meeting I watched had 30 views. No one cares unless there’s a huge controversy. There’s actually a huge issue going on with the Toms River schools right now – their lack of funding from the state. I guess that issue isn’t interesting enough to people to tune in.

I’ve seen politicians give big presentations during town meetings. Give big speeches. They don’t realize that the only people who hear this are a few hundred people. A drop in the bucket of their entire constituency.

I’ve seen members of the public make valid points, and some yell angrily. But the only people who hear it are the same few hundred people. That might sound like a lot of people but it’s not. In some ways, it’s preaching to the choir. The political insiders and those few people in the know already understand the issues. You’re not reaching any new ears. Everyone who watches a few meetings figures out what’s going on pretty quickly. They’re all in the bubble with you.

The tens of thousands of other people in town have no idea what you’re talking about.

Chris Lundy News Editor

The Manchester 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.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Thank You For Your Vote

Regina and I would like to thank all the Democrats, unaffiliated voters and Republicans who voted for us. The Democratic County Committee and leadership rejected our bid for the party line in a vote of 174 to 51. Yet the voters have shown that the county committee and leadership are seriously out of line with the Democrats in Ocean County in this split victory for us.

Democrats are tired of the Democratic County leadership’s collusion with George Gilmore, and they have spoken. The lawsuit of Congressman Andy Kim has changed the Democratic primary ballot that will increase democracy for every Democratic primary election from now on.

We are looking forward to the general election and will ask every Democrat, Unaffiliated voter and Republican to vote for Regina. We will ask every voter to join us in this quest to stop the high taxes, ridiculous purchases, and the bossism of George Gilmore.

In the last three years, the County Commissioners have raised taxes 24.8 percent even though they used federal American Rescue Plan Act funds of $103 million!

The County Commissioners refuse to have a permanent shelter for the homeless even though they purchased a voting system in 2023 for $10 million that duplicated the votes in six districts in four towns in Monmouth County in 2022! And this does not seem to be a system wide problem outside Monmouth County. Just how reliable can it be? And they also purchased a fi rearm range in Little Egg Harbor in 2023 for $10.5 million even though it was assessed at 100 percent at $5.4 million!

The County Commissioners have now formed a commission for the homeless! The County Commissioners have their priorities mixed up. A commission

should have been established to look at the need for a new voting system and firearm range, but a permanent shelter for the homeless should have been made!

The County Commissioner meetings are held at four o’clock in the afternoon when it is inconvenient for most residents to attend. It is time that a video of the County Commissioner meetings be available on Youtube or some other media so that Ocean County residents can understand how their taxes are spent in a budget of more than $565 million!

Again, thank you!

Regina Discenza and Joseph Lamb

The Decline Of Patriotism

The evident decline of patriotism in our area recently is of tremendous concern to some of us. Here are three quick examples, though more could be cited.

First, regarding the “Patriotic Rock” on Route 539 in Manchester, the one decorated beautifully with the painted American flag. This rock was vandalized not once, but twice recently. Thomas Sarno, a retired New York city police officer, and Laurie Lamola, a USAF veteran, worked very hard for several days to remove the tar after the first time, only to have the rock abused again by those who may or may not realize that it’s a crime to deface the American flag. The shameful defacing of our flag pained many, but especially local veterans as it occurred during the time of year near Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day.

On the very day the Patriotic Rock was pronounced fully restored, May 19th, a fi rst-time event took place at the Whiting Town Center parking lot. My fiancee and I did not attend the event but we were going for our weekly meal at the Heritage Restaurant and had to pass through the

tents and booths of this event (we estimate 300-400 were in attendance) to get to the Heritage. Though this event fi lled up the entire Whiting Town Center parking lot, all the way from the entrance on Route 530 to the other end of the lot by the Book store, there was not one American flag to be seen anywhere! Not one! This neglect made us sad, and we were not alone. (We do, however, commend the Heritage for their patriotic display inside the foyer of their restaurant! Too bad there was none of it in that event outside).

One more example of the decline of patriotism in our area. In early May there was the annual “National Day of Prayer” and I think that everyone from every church and denomination in Whiting would agree that America needs prayer!! Yet precious few churches remembered the day, failing to direct their congregations to call upon God for our spiritual needs in a concentrated manner. Some who used to do this faithfully in years past made no mention of the day in their service the Sunday before, this time around. Prayer for one’s nation is not just a spiritual duty, but a patriotic one! The excuse that “Covid changed everything” is no good reason for a church dropping the “National Day of Prayer” because God’s Word hasn’t changed and neither has the fi rst Thursday of May been changed from being a day of intensified intercession.

In closing, the 80th anniversary of D-Day is June 6th. Flag Day is June 14th, and of course Independence Day is the 4th of July. Perhaps we can use these occasions to begin to reverse the decline of patriotism in our area?

Chet Jelinski Whiting

Real RINOs

Beware of people who are oblivious to the obvious. People who lose an elec-

tion, and believe they won. Not based on evidence. But based on what they “feel.” I am a Conservative. Many Republicans today delude themselves by calling me a RINO (Republican In Name Only). True Conservatives believe in the Constitution, democracy, and the rule of law. Donald Trump only believes in himself. Every other value, or person, is expendable. Don’t believe me? Pay attention when he speaks. Then watch what he does. Do you really believe if you are loyal to him, you are “special?” If that pitch sounds like a cult, it’s because it is.

Today there are even people in some churches whose words and deeds imitate Donald more than they do Jesus. Like Donald, they mistake bluster for courage. They need to feel like they are brave. But they hate real courage. Remember when Donald referred to John McCain as a loser because he had been captured when his jet was shot down in Vietnam? Donald hated McCain for possessing something Donald lacks completely: character. When McCain was offered an early release because his father was an Admiral, he declined because it violated the military code of being released in order of capture. Can you imagine Donald turning down that deal? You can’t. Donald is incapable of putting anyone, or any ideal, above himself. To not see that, you might be a bright person. But you have surrendered your common sense.

Listen to him talking code to encourage cowards to make anonymous threats, against prosecutors, judges, witnesses, poll workers, political opponents, journalists, or anyone else he feels threatened by. Republicans stuck on Trump (the real RINOs) are stuck on stupid. Will the Party be too?

James Tweed Ocean City

Manchester’s 2024 Budget Explained

From The Desk Of The Mayor

By Manchester Mayor Robert Arace

Amid the continuous rise of inflation, it has been hard for all of us to balance a comfortable budget at home. These challenges equally affect our municipal expenses and budgeting. In the following article, I have highlighted some of the reasons behind our budget decisions, including maintaining emergency services and vital infrastructure needs. The safety and quality of our township should always be our top priority, and we are proud to present a budget that recognizes these upgrades and maintenance as a necessity for our residents’ quality of life.

To address the many challenges of responsibly planning a forward-looking $47.55 million township budget, we must moderately increase the municipal property tax rate. We understand this affects our taxpayers and are

committed to using these funds efficiently to benefit our community. From 2023 to 2024, this rate increased by .039 per $100.00 in assessed value, translating to a municipal property tax increase of $82.41 on the average home assessed at $202,000. It should be noted that this municipal budget represents just one-fourth (26.32%) of the total property tax and is the only portion under the control of the Township. The remainder of your tax bill is made up of School (51.9%), County (21.37%), and Municipal Open Space (0.41%).

By working tirelessly with county, state, and federal leadership, notably Congressman Chris Smith, I secured a substantial amount of grant funding for this budget. We have accumulated a total of $4.4 million in grant funding, which, in addition to responsible and creative budgeting strategies, helped to lessen the municipal tax burden on our residents. Manchester Township received $1.8 million through the Ocean County American Rescue Plan Grant, $1.15 million from the Burns Law

Enforcement Grant, $250,000 from the Department of Community Affairs Ambulance Legislative Grant, and nearly $750,000 in Department of Transportation Grants. This is in addition to numerous smaller grant awards supplementing funding for items such as police body armor, firefighter equipment, and stormwater management upgrades.

This budget plan recognizes that we must take responsibility for the future stability of our Township by funding much-needed Capital Projects, including $10 million for improvements to Water and Sewer East and West Utilities, $2.2 million in road paving, $4.7 million in dispatch center upgrades, and the completion of the Tuskegee Playground Project.

We want to plan for our future and not “kick the can down the road” for these necessary large-scale projects. Neglecting these needs would incur more significant budgetary issues in the future while ignoring public safety. Also maintained in this budget are the full slate of critical senior services programs and recreation events such as Manchester Day, the Summer Concert Series, and Christmas in

the Pines. This spending plan also considers contractual increases in employee salaries. It ensures that our emergency services are fully staffed, adequately trained, and ready to assist our residents at a moment’s notice. Again, budgeting is a challenge, and I’m thankful to the CFO and her team for their tremendous work in finding innovative solutions that mitigate the need to raise municipal taxes. Creative solutions were needed, as the township’s health care, pension, recycling, property insurance, and worker’s compensation insurance costs increased this year. Additionally, maintaining a healthy surplus aided in compensating for these increases. We anticipate regrowing the surplus through miscellaneous revenues and canceling budget expenditures and appropriation reserves.

I invite our residents to visit the Township website at manchestertwp.com, where they can view the Municipal Budget and a PowerPoint budget presentation detailing expenditures and revenues. As always, anyone with questions or concerns regarding the 2024 municipal budget is welcome to contact my office or the Finance Department.

Senate GOP Blocks Bill To Protect In-Vitro Fertilization

(D-IL), and Patty Murray (D-WA) called out Senate Republicans’ hypocrisy after nearly every single Republican blocked the Senate Democrats’ Right to IVF Act, despite publicly claiming to support IVF for the millions of Americans who rely on it to build their family. A little more than

10 days away from the second-anniversary of the Supreme Court’s disastrous Dobbs decision that put IVF at risk, Senate Democrats pushed to pass this pro-family, pro-freedom legislative package that would both establish a right to IVF and other assisted reproductive technology (ART), expand access for hopeful parents, veterans and federal employees as well as lower the costs of IVF treatment for middle

class families.

“I am profoundly disappointed that Senate Republicans have voted today to deny countless families the opportunity and the right to make their own deeply personal decisions about starting a family,” said Senator Booker. “I will never stop fighting for the fundamental freedoms of all Americans, and I will continue to

(Government - See Page 22)

Senator Cory Booker

WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth

16th Annual Family Freedom Walk Held

hundred walkers came out to raise funds for America’s Keswick’s 16th an-

By Bob Vosseller MANCHESTER

Walk held at their Whiting based retreat earlier this spring. the time they gave us money on social media and on the day of the walk.”

– The aim was to raise $175,000 to rebuild lives and families impacted by addiction. America’s Keswick’s 16th Annual Family Freedom Walk (FFW) more than accomplished their goal.

The recent event was held on their grounds at 601 Route 530, Whiting, and featured hundreds of addiction recovery graduates with their families and friends of the ministry.

The name of the ministry was inspired by England’s Keswick. The heart of America’s Keswick is its ministry which has always been addiction recovery and every event the church holds is in support of the men and women in their recovery programs.

Those programs offer a six-to-12-month residential addiction recovery program for women (Barbara’s Place) and a 4 plus month program for men (The Colony of Mercy.)

“This is our biggest fundraiser of the year,” said Robert Kenney, who heads fundraising. “We’ve been seeing online donations coming in all day from people eager to support the ministry. Before the walk starts a lot of the graduates (from the church’s addiction program) and a lot of the guys still in the program duke it out on the softball field so this is a really cool time.”

Kenney said, “food-wise we planned for 500 walkers but because it is a nice day we might end up with more people. This is also one of our conference weekends and we have graduates of our program are invited back every year. They come back this weekend for the conference and it happened to fall on the weekend of the walk.”

“We have close to 200 guests right now registered for the weekend so they will be at the walk and whoever shows up from the outside will join them,” Kenney added.

Unlike some prior years, this year’s walk had perfect sunny weather with mild temperatures. Walkers and supporters enjoyed snacks, hot dogs, games and music. Participants walked around the scenic surroundings of the retreat as graduates provided testimonials about their experience of recovery.

Kenney said “there are prizes for the top fundraisers and the top graduates who raise money. We acknowledge all the businesses that partnered and we give them shout outs from

For those that couldn’t walk, they instead rocked in rocking chairs. Afterwards there were games of corn hole and the Colony Grad Band performed before the complimentary dinner was served.

Pastor Graeme Wilson, who has taken on the role of the chief executive officer and president of the church, was there with his wife and their new baby. Kenney said, “he was here as a young kid, got a job here on the grounds at the age of 13 in the dining room. You can really see God’s hand in bringing him up. Having grown up here he knows every aspect of the ministry and I believe he will flourish and take the ministry forward and do a great job of leadership.”

Mary Ann Kiernan and her husband John were enjoying the pre-walk softball game.

“Mary Ann is like a spiritual mother to me because when I came to the Colony of Mercy, she was the Intake Coordinator - meaning that anyone who came in here, she would walk them through the process,” Kenney said. “She was so gracious and had a gentle way of helping people get what they really need.”

“I remember that day very clearly,” she said, noting Kenney’s arrival.

“All the hard work she did bore a lot of fruit and you can see it this weekend,” Kenney added.

Mary Ann Kiernan retired in 2017 as intake coordinator. She was associated with the Colony of Mercy since 1998. “We brought our son here. He came back a second time but he’s been clean and sober now for 24 years in August. He loves the Lord and has a beautiful wife and family”

She said, “I love this weekend because I brought in over 1,000 guys (to the program) and I get to see them. They are like my boys and I just love talking to the guys and seeing how they are doing. I am now one of the trustees.”

America’s Keswick Director of Marketing Elizabeth Welte said a similar event is held each autumn. “Our Turkey Trot has only run for four years and happens at the end of November. Everyone is welcome at our events. Businesses and non-Christian groups can also utilize our retreat facilities.”

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Photo by Bob Vosseller

Several

nual Family Freedom

Dive Team Performs Drills

Police Chief Honored With Prestigious Award

MANCHESTER – The Manchester Police Department is incredibly proud to announce that Chief Ellis has been honored with the prestigious Chief Anthony J. Parenti Excellence in Traffic Safety Award, presented by the New Jersey Traffic Officers’ Association!

Photo courtesy Manchester Police

This award recognizes Chief Ellis’s outstanding dedication and innovative efforts in promoting traffic safety and making our roads safer for everyone.

Join in celebrating Chief Ellis’s remarkable achievement and thanking him for his tireless service!

Crestwood Village 3 Travel Club News

WHITING – It’s time to get your tickets for upcoming trips. It is important to get your tickets as early as possible so the trip doesn’t have to be cancelled because there weren’t enough tickets sold to run the trip.

August 8 – Trip to Tropicana Casino in Atlantic City: Price $35. Trip includes round-trip transportation and a $15 casino bonus. They will gather at Unity Hall at 8:45 a.m. and return at 5:45 p.m. Casino bonuses are subject to change without notice. Valid government issued ID required to receive casino bonus.

September 17 – Lunch at Shady Maple and “Daniel” at Sight & Sound Theatre in Lancaster, PA: Price $160. This promises to be another great show so be sure to reserve your ticket early so you won’t be disappointed. They have orchestra side seats reserved for this show. They are col-

lecting a $50 deposit now to reserve your seat; another $55 payment will be due by April 15 and the balance of $55 will be due by July 15. Gather at Unity Hall at 8:30 a.m. and return at 8:30 p.m.

November 7 – Trip to Resorts Casino in Atlantic City: Price $35. Trip includes round-trip transportation and a $20 casino bonus. They will gather at Unity Hall at 8:45 a.m. and return at 5:45 p.m. Casino bonuses are subject to change without notice. Valid government issued ID required to receive casino bonus.

Deposits will only be refunded if trip is cancelled. Tickets for trips will be on sale on Monday mornings at Unity Hall, 250 Schoolhouse Road, from 9 to 11 a.m. For reservations or information, call Rose Kantenwein at 732-408-5441. Make all checks payable to CV3 Travel Club.

51st Annual Horseshoe Tournament

MANCHESTER – Join Manchester Township for the 51st Annual Horseshoe Tournament at Harry Wright Lake on August 3 (rain date August 4). On-site reg-

istration closes at 88 max or 9 a.m. Singles and Doubles. Play begins at 9:30 a.m. for further information, call the Recreation Department at 732-657-8121 ext. 5101 or 5102.

•

Staff Retirements And Years Of Service Are Celebrated

MANCHESTER – Interim Superintendent Pedroza joined the Manchester Township Elementary School staff, Whiting Elementary School staff, and Regional Day School staff in celebrating the retirements of:

• Gina Szewczyk of MTES who is retiring after 25 years

• Carolanne Weinberger of MTES who is retiring after 29 years

• Nancy Trust of Whiting Elementary School who is retiring after 9.5 years

• Paula Nowakowski of Regional Day

Photo courtesy Manchester Schools School who is retiring after 28 years

• Jo Ann Slovak of Regional Day School who is retiring after 25 years

• Patricia Turver of Regional Day School who is retiring after 5 years

• Donna McPartlin of Regional Day School who was celebrated for her 25 years

Thank you for all you have done for the students and staff of Manchester. They wish those of you who are retiring the best during your next endeavors!

8th Grade Vs. Staff

Obstacle Course

LAKEHURST – As tradition continues at Lakehurst Elementary School, the ever-popular Staff vs. 8th grade obstacle course was a successful event. The super generous PTA volunteers their time to run the fun-fi lled events. Some events include building towers as well as a fan favorite of navigating through hula hoops and meeting your opponent to “rock, paper, scissors” your way to help your team to the next obstacle. Promoting teamwork and comradery for both 8th grade and staff alike, Lakehurst Elementary School looks forward to the yearly event.

Photo courtesy Lakehurst Elementary School

Memorial Event Honors Fallen Hawks

MANCHESTER – On June 8, the Manchester Township High School (MTHS) Leadership Seminar Class, led by Mrs. Patruzo, hosted families and friends of fallen MTHS Hawks in a memorial event. The MTHS Leadership Seminar Students have been working most of this school year to develop and execute an event that would bring the memorial garden up to date. Family, friends and MTSD staff were invited to attend the event as they remem-

Photo courtesy Manchester Schools bered those Hawks who are no longer with us through this memorial. The ceremony included a butterfly release, words spoken about the fallen as well as a candlelight vigil at sunset. Thank you to those who came to celebrate the lives and memory of all of the fallen Hawks. Congratulations to the MTHS Leadership Seminar Class and Mrs. Patruzo for hosting such a beautiful and memorable event for all.

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Congratulations To The Regional Day School Class Of 2024!

MANCHESTER – Manchester’s Regional Day School held its commencement ceremony for the six proud graduates of their Class of 2024!

Congratulations to:

• Victoria Cappetta, Middletown High School South

• Andrew Dickinson - Lacey Township High School

• Valentino Falzarano - Central Regional High School

• Shandrea Huth - Toms River High School North

• Nathan Keselica - Pemberton High School, and

• Jasmine Muldowney - Toms River High School North

The ceremony began with a welcome by Principal Lisa Michallis who invited the Manchester Township High School ROTC Cadets to perform the Presentation of Colors.

Students from Regional Day School’s C-3 Pod then joined the MTHS NJROTC Cadets and MTHS Band in the flag salute before the presentation of our proud graduates. There was not a dry eye in the house after Mrs. Diane Pedroza, Interim Superintendent of Schools addressed the graduates who truly live out our school district motto “Excellence by Example” every day.

The Presentation of Awards was met by many cheers and appreciation for our students and the hard work they put into completing their program at the Regional Day School. Some students, now 21 years old, began their journey at Regional Day School when they were 5 years old. This has been a second home to them that Regional Day School parents commonly refer to as “their happiest place on earth!” Congratulations to:

• The Kindness Counts Award: Jasmine Muldowney

• The Outstanding Improvement AwardAndrew Dickinson

• The Star Student Award - Shandrea Huth

• The Enthusiastic Learner Award - Valentino Falzarano

• The Sunshine Award - Andrew Dickinson

• The Great Communicator Award - Victoria Cappetta

• The Sneaker Award - Andrew Dickinson and Nathan Keselica

Manchester Township Administrator’s Unit Gifts/Scholarships and Manchester Township Education Association Gifts/ Scholarships were presented to all of today’s Regional Day School graduates. Before receiving their diplomas, the graduates presented flowers to their families and those staff members with who they wanted to share a special appreciation during the ceremony.

Congratulations to the Regional Day School Class of 2024! As Principal Michallis shared, Regional Day School’s students are what make RDS truly an exceptional place to learn and grow!

Cedar Glen Lakes Upcoming Events

WHITING – Cedar Glen Lakes will be hosting the following upcoming events: Karaoke with DJ Charlie: July 13 from 7 to 10 p.m. at Lakeside Hall, 100 Michigan Avenue. BYOB and snacks. Cake and coffee served. tickets are $7. Call Rich for ticket information: 732966-6434.

Oldies Dance: August 10 from 7 to 10:30 p.m. at Lakeside Hall, 100 Michigan Avenue. Featuring DJ Silver & Gold. Tickets are $15 per person (includes a surprise). BYOB. Call Vinnie G. For tickets and information: 201-214-5072.

Bereavement Support Group

WHITING – The group still meets it has not moved. The next meeting is June 28 at 1 p.m. The meetings are helpful to those who have lost a spouse, friend, or family member. Those of us have suffered a loss at one time or another are here to help with your grief process. The meetings are free and refreshments

are served. You do not have to register you can just show up. They are held at Crestwood Village 6, Deerfield Hall, 6 Congasia Road Whiting in the D & E Room. The last meeting of this session. The group plans to meet mid-summer for lunch No meeting July and August start again in September.

Photo courtesy Manchester Schools

Cathedral Of The Air Service Will Celebrate History

By Bob Vosseller MANCHESTER

– For the first time in many years, the historic Cathedral of the Air will be a gathering place for a special service this Sunday.

The service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on June 23, at 2494 S. Hope Chapel Road. It will mark the 92nd anniversary of the groundbreaking of this historic church on June 26, 1932.

The “Cathedral of the Air” is a memorial chapel located on the Lakehurst side of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. The chapel served our military and public for years.

The last service to be held at the chapel was in April 2012. The chapel was designed for regular worship for Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish military personnel. Now, it hosts only weddings, funerals, and baptisms.

The Navy Lakehurst Historical Society at one time held its meetings in the Norman-Gothic cathedral too. An annual service honoring chaplains who gave their lives to save others is another tradition.

The Cathedral of the Air’s structure was completed in the early 1930s. Stained glass windows were installed from its completion through the 1950s. The Cathedral of the Air was the concept of American Legionnaire Gill Robb Wilson, who was the Legion’s national chaplain.

The project was approved in 1929 and ground broke three years later. In 1933, the cathedral structure was completed and its first stainedglass window, Chancel Rose, was installed.

Over the next two decades, other stainedglass windows, 18 in all, were installed, depicting everything from Creation and Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden to the Graf Zeppelin at Lakehurst in 1928.

Catholic symbols were hung throughout the cathedral – stations of the cross, a three-foot crucifix hanging over a wooden exit door, the Virgin Mary holding the Christ-child . The icons are covered during Protestant services. Despite its proximity to the base and Hangar One, the Cathedral of the Air played no role in the aftermath of the Hindenburg disaster

of May 6, 1937. The cathedral has often been first stop for those who take part in Navy Lakehurst Historical Society and Lakehurst Borough Historical Society tours. The tour also includes visits to the Hindenburg crash site, Navy Lakehurst Heritage Center, the Ready Room, the POW-MIA Room, and Hangar One among other historic locations in the borough.

In 1943, the Cathedral was updated to memorialize the memory of the four World War II chaplains and their historic and selfless acts on the SS Dorchester. Each chaplain has his own stained-glass window in the cathedral.

There are also memorials to the soldiers who lost their lives in the tragic crashes of the USS Akron and USS Shenandoah airships, two military dirigibles that had been based at Lakehurst Naval Air station.

In 2022, Manchester resident Bill Schmidt came before the mayor and council to share his concerns regarding the future of the historic chapel. Schmidt and his fellow members of the Toms River American Legion Post 129 called for an inquiry as to potential future plans for the property that lies near the entrance point of the Lakehurst Naval Base. He and others have heard rumors about a plan to sell the property which is currently owned by the federal government.

Congressman Chris Smith, (Representative-4th District) became involved in the matter and was assured by Joint Base officials “that there are no plans to sell the Cathedral of the Air, a treasured piece of Ocean County history that serves as a testament to the noble service and sacrifice of the brave men and women from our community who have stepped up to defend our great nation over the years.”

Joint Base Dix-McGuire-Lakehurst Deputy Director Captain James Howell who also serves as commander of the Naval Support Activity invited American Legion Post 129 to Sunday’s ceremony. AL Post 129 Commander Ralph Moranz and the Preserve the Cathedral of the Air Committee extended the invitation to the public.

Soccer Athlete Commits To College

Christ Lutheran Church June Events

WHITING

Tickets are $10.

Movie And Popcorn Night – June 29 at 4 p.m. Featuring the Sound of Music. Plenty of popcorn soda and water. Donation of $2.

"I

"Very

TESTIMONIALS:

Photo courtesy Manchester High School Booster Club MANCHESTER – Congratulations to Manchester High School’s Joey Kurak for signing with Rowan University to continue his soccer and academic career.

Photo courtesy Manchester High Schools Booster Club MANCHESTER – Congratulations to Manchester High School’s Caitlin Lynch for signing with Stockton to continue her academic and softball career.

Dr. Izzy’s

Sound News

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

6 Tips For Longer Battery Life

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

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

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

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

If moisture corrodes the battery door, the aid will eventually stop working.

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

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

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

His offices are in Toms River, Whiting, and Manahawkin. He can be reached at 732-451-3962 or via Web site at gardenstatehearing.com. Dr. Izzy & Staff gives Retirement Community Talks!

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Dear Pharmacist

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Managing Alzheimer’s: A Balanced Approach With Medications

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

And Natural Remedies

Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of people worldwide, progressively impairing memory and cognitive function. To manage this challenging condition, a combination of pharmaceutical treatments and natural remedies can be highly effective.

Medications like donepezil, memantine, and rivastigmine play a crucial role in improving cognition and slowing the progression of symptoms. These drugs work by targeting different pathways in the brain, enhancing neurotransmitter activity, and offering some relief from the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s. Alongside pharmaceutical options, several natural remedies show promise in supporting brain health.

Let’s go through those right now:

1. Ginkgo Biloba: Ginkgo Biloba is celebrated for its potent antioxidant properties and its potential to enhance cerebral blood flow, which can be crucial in preserving cognitive function as we age. This ancient herb also supports neurovascular health, potentially alleviating symptoms associated with cognitive disorders and improving mental performance, making it a valuable supplement for those seeking to maintain brain health over time. It’s a blood thinner, so be aware of that. Supplements are available nationwide.

2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids, primarily derived from fish oil, play a vital role in brain health and development. These essential fats are known for their anti-inflammatory effects and their ability to potentially slow cognitive decline by preserving cell membrane health and facilitating neurocommunication. Regular intake of Omega-3s is linked to improved mood and cognitive function, underscoring their importance in a balanced diet. You can eat fatty fish, or you can take supplements.

3. Lion’s Mane Mushroom: Lion’s Mane mushroom is increasingly recognized for its neuroprotective effects, attributed to its ability to stimulate the synthesis of nerve growth factor, thereby aiding the growth and repair of nerve cells.

This unique mushroom may enhance memory and cognitive abilities by promoting better neuronal health and plasticity. I put it in Memory Script, a patented product that I have created for people like my dad, and others seeking better recall. Lion Mane’s benefits extend to mood stabilization and cognitive enhancement, making it an exciting focus for further research in neurological health. You can cook with it or supplement!

Integrating these treatments with lifestyle changes can provide a comprehensive approach to managing Alzheimer’s. It goes without saying that regular physical exercise (to your level) is beneficial for health, as it increases blood flow to the brain and promotes the growth of neurons. Mental stimulation through activities like puzzles, reading, and learning new skills can help keep the brain active and engaged, potentially slowing the decline in cognitive abilities. Social interaction is equally important, as staying connected with others can improve mood and reduce the risk of depression and anxiety, which are common in Alzheimer’s patients. By combining these pharmaceutical and natural treatments with healthy lifestyle choices, individuals with Alzheimer’s can optimize their cognitive function and improve their quality of life.

While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, these strategies offer hope and support for those affected by this debilitating disease. For more details, as well as cautions and other options please read my comprehensive article which is available 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.

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

St. Francis Counseling Service offers free and confidential counseling services to survivors of crime, specializing in services for survivors of sexual violence. Call (609) 494-1554 for more information on counseling services. 24/7 Confidential Sexual Violence Hotline (609) 494-1090 4700 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach Township, NJ 08008

Dr.Bartisshasoftenbeenreferredtoas“adoctor’sdoctor”,andisfrequentlycalled upon for his diagnostic skills. He is founder and Medical Director of ICAM and a member of the American College for the Advancement of Medicine, the American AcademyofAnti-AgingMedicine,theAmericanAcademyofOzoneTherapists,and adiplomateoftheAmericanAcademyofFamilyPhysicians.Dr.Bartissisamedical writer, lecturer and author who is recognized as one of the top ten specialists in thefieldofBio-IdenticalHormoneReplacementTherapy(BHRT).

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Government:

Continued From Page 10

advocate for comprehensive reproductive health care that is affordable and accessible to everyone in this country. No family should have to endure hardship to realize their dream of having children. This fight is far from over.”

Booker, Duckworth, and Murray joined IVF patients, providers and advocates in coordination with RESOLVE and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) for a press conference to underscore the urgent need to pass the Right to IVF Act as Republicans continue their anti-choice, anti-science crusade.

Building on the lawmakers’ previous efforts to protect and strengthen access to IVF, the Right to IVF Act included updated and enhanced versions of:

Senator Booker’s Access to Infertility Treatment and Care Act, which would increase affordability of fertility care - including IVF - by requiring employer-sponsored insurance plans and other public insurance plans to cover fertility treatments. Additionally, it would standardize a baseline of high-quality fertility treatment coverage under private health insurance plans, while protecting Americans against excessive out-of-pocket costs.

Senator Duckworth’s Access to Family Building Act, which would establish a nationwide right for patients to access IVF and other ART services, a right for doctors to provide IVF treatment in ac-

cordance with medical standards as well as a right for insurance carriers to cover IVF without prohibition, limitation, interference or impediment. By establishing a statutory right, this would pre-empt any state effort to limit such access and ensuring no hopeful parent - or their doctors - are punished for trying to start or grow a family.

In February, Senator Duckworth sought unanimous consent to pass this legislation and Republican U.S. Senator of Mississippi Cindy Hyde-Smith blocked it.

Senator Murray’s Veteran Families Health Services Act, which would expand the fertility treatments and family-building services that are covered under servicemembers’ and Veterans’ health care to include - among other things - the option for individuals to cryopreserve their gametes (freeze their eggs or sperm) ahead of deployment to a combat zone and in vitro fertilization (IVF) for servicemembers and veterans who are unable to conceive without assistance.

In March, Senator Murray sought unanimous consent to pass this legislation and Republican U.S. Senator of Oklahoma James Lankford blocked it.

Senator Duckworth’s Family Building FEHB Fairness Act, which would require Federal Employees Health Benefit (FEHB) Program - the largest employer-sponsored health insurance plan in the world - carriers to cover IVF and ART to help more hardworking Americans start and grow their families.

Buying And Selling A Boat Are Fertile Grounds For Scammers

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

If you are considering buying or selling a boat, then you should be aware that the market is full of bogus buyers and sellers. When it comes to buying or selling a boat, if anything seems unusual then proceed with caution. While fraudulent transactions apply to both purchase and sales, this article will focus on the seller’s side of the transaction.

If selling your boat is not difficult enough, these days the last thing you need is to encounter someone, somewhere, trying to trick you at least once, if not two or more times as you try to complete the boat-selling process. Because fraud comes in all shapes and sizes, it is not possible for us to focus on one type of transaction, so we will concentrate on the most common red flags.

Obvious poor punctuation and grammar. These scammers crank out a thousands of their “inquiries” every day and many of them have a poor grasp of the English language. Also, pay attention to their use of multiple phone numbers (and/or multiple email addresses) from the same individual.

Everything the alleged buyer asked about was thoroughly detailed in your listing. Some of these scammers operate through robo or computerized forms of communication like e-mail or texting. So, if the potential purchaser is asking you for information that is already in your listing, then this should raise a red flag and you should proceed with extreme caution.

to do take possession of your boat.

The offer to pay by cashier’s check and pick up the boat after it had been cashed. This seems like a reasonable show of good faith, but scammers have become very good at printing fake checks so realistic that banks initially accept them. It isn’t until days or even weeks later that the scam becomes apparent, and then the bank can pull those funds right back out of your account. Check with your bank to confirm its policy regarding final acceptance of funds.

Enlisting a third party to pick up the boat without the buyer ever having inspected it. Boats are not cheap. No credible buyer will purchase a boat sight unseen. A credible purchaser will at least obtain a boat survey, which is similar to a home inspection. In addition, most honest buyers will be present when the boat is picked-up, rather than sending an agent

Paypal or Venmo variation of payment. The phony buyer will ask for your PayPal ID in order to send you a payment, possibly for substantially more than the purchase price. Shortly after that, you will receive a fake confirmation from PayPal with your user ID for more than the agreed purchase price, and the buyer will contact you asking you to forward the extra money to a shipper. Again, you’ll lose whatever money you’ve sent.

An unwillingness to provide basic proof of identity such as a photo of their driver’s license. If they are who they say they are then there should be no issue with providing proof of their identity. Automobile dealerships will obtain proof of your identify when you try to purchase one of their vehicles. Strangers routinely share this basic information when they are involved in motor vehicle collisions, so it should not be sacred during the purchase of a boat or a car.

R.C. Shea & Associates is a full-service Law Firm. We are located at 244 Main Street, Toms River. Visit our website at www.rcshea.com.

Hippie Witch Vendor Event Returns Next Month

MANCHESTER – Witch hats, peace signs and crystals oh my! The Hippie Witch Vendor event will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 14 at 108 Lacey Road in Whiting.

Those from Whiting and other enchanted people will gather to hunt for magickal trinkets, treasures and tarot card readings. Celebrating and supporting local artisans,

crafters and practitioners of magic, the fi rst Hippie Witch hosted in Whiting on May 19 was a great success.

Princess Katey of Princess Creations Tarot and Healing who is also known as the Witch of Whiting remarked that “Hippie Witch is coordinated by Haley Blossom, Seaside Heights local Sea Witch and owner of Gem Stoned Spiritual Supplies; and Deborah

DeNourie, the owner of the Center of Light and Gratitude.”

“Many vendors have shared how abundant and busy their booths were and all of the patrons came adorned in their Sunday best, rocking their talismans, tie-dye and witches’ hats,” she noted.

The princess added, “the Hippie Witch event generated a palpable spark in the

air and vendors and patrons had a smile on their faces, you could feel the energy and magick. Many patrons brought their beautiful children and their dogs making it a family affair.”

“Our themes are: Magickal, mystical, hippie, witchy, handmade, high vibe, small batch, Women and Family owned. As you make your way through our charming merchants square, you will find things like organic and natural products, jewelry, crystals, herbs, sun and dream catchers, candles, tie-dyed and thrifted clothes, original art pieces, self-published books, oddities and dreadlocks and fairy hair,” the princess added.

She remarked, “we want to highlight our guest of honor, Wild Exotics Animal Refuge, a NJ nonprofit corporation. Founder and President Brittany Vanderstine, an Ocean County native, has a passion for saving unwanted and abused exotic animals.

The Witch of Whiting added, “using the knowledge, she gained with her Bachelors in criminal justice, she plans to continue to advocate for animals in need through the legal system. She has worked with Popcorn Park Animal Refuge, the Associated Humane Societies and is currently a wildlife rehabilitation apprentice at Garden State Wildlife Center.

To make a donation for animals in need and more information visit Wildexoticsanimalrefuge.org. Stop by their booth on July 14 at Hippie Witch Vendor Event to meet the team, check out their merch and help animals in need.

“As a Whiting resident I am so grateful to be part of this Hippie Witch community, bringing people together, magick, fun and healing to our town. Some of our vendors, myself included, will be offering energy work, channeled messages, tarot and oracle card readings. Whether you are new to magick, a seasoned practitioner, or anything in between, we have beautiful people holding space, bringing spiritual wisdom and healing,” she added.

The Witch of Whiting said, “one of my missions in this life is to erase the stigma connected to the word “witch.” A witch is a wise person, almost every culture has had them and they are usually the healers, shamans and medicine people of their communities. Using their intention, the elements, plants and herbs, the cycles of the seasons, planets, sun and moon, practitioners communicate and work with spirit.”

“This is the same spirit that lives inside every living thing on our Earth. Every human, every animal and every plant. We are all connected, and we are all one. I believe that all living beings just want to give and accept Love, be happy and healthy and enjoy life,” she said.

The princess noted, “just like the pioneer hippies of the 1960s and 1970s, we are still seeking peace for our world today. I don’t think I would be wrong to say that most people would like to live in harmony. So come as you are to the Hippie Witch Vendor Event. All of our Vendors are excited to meet you, answer questions, and to co-create a magickal day filled with exploring, shopping, learning and healing,”

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

CLASSIFIEDS

Services Help Wanted

2006 Cadillac CTS - Showroom condition. White. Only 16,000 miles. Something to be proud of. Only $18,000 or B/O. 732-477-1778. (28)

Auto For Sale Items For Sale

Sale - Loveseat, mirrors, antique chairs, wickery, unique stuff. 732-506-9156. WOW 1 Of A Kind! U Got 2 C! (27)

Items Wanted

COSTUME/ESTATE JEWELRY 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)

WE BUY CARS - Any year. Any model. Any condition. Running or Not. CASH PAYMENT AND FREE PICK UP OF VEHICLE. 609-3841610. Www.Webuycars2day.com. (32)

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)

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)

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

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

Services

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)

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

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

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

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

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)

Housecleaning - Painting, shopping, laundry, window cleaning, carpet cleaning, office cleaning. Also offering typing services. Very good prices. 40% off your first service! 732-330-4189, 848-287-3944. (t/n)

APlus Home Improvements - Over 30 years experience. Everything from small handyman tasks to large renovations, decks, finished basements and much more. Lic #13VH11453600. No job too small give us a call. 908-278-1322. (52)

TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED:

• M ail this form to: PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733. OR

• Go to jerseyshoreonline.com, click classifieds, fill out the form and pay by credit card. OR

• Fax this form to 732-657-7388 ATTN: ALI.

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

Estate/Garage/Yard Sales

Auto For Sale

Items For Sale

Items Wanted

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.

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)

Help Wanted

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)

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)

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 List Super Service Award. Free estimates, reasonable rates, fully licensed and insured NJ Lic #13VH06752800. Call 732500-3063 or 609-356-2444. (t/n)

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)

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)

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

Since 1979, Kitchen Magic, a family-owned business offering cabinet refacing, new cabinetry, and luxury countertop throughout the Northeast. We transform kitchens in less time, with less stress, at an amazing value. Call today for a free estimate 1-844-367-2477. (t/n)

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)

Caetano landscaping - Full landscape service. Mason work, handy man, etc. Please call for a free estimate. 732-832-6102. (28)

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)

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

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

Available Now To Care For Your Loved Ones In Home. For day's, nights 24/7. 20 years experience. Realiable with medical background. Please call Irma 732-604-9291. (30)

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

Calculate Price As Follows:

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

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info below:

For Classified Ads: 12pm Monday (For that Saturday’s publication)

you have any questions, leave a message for Ali 732-657-7344, ext.

AroUnD the JerSeY Shore

All Shook Up At Ocean County College

TOMS RIVER – All Shook Up presented by the OCC Repertory Theatre Company; Inspired by and featuring the songs of Elvis Presley.

It’s 1955, and into a square little town in a square little state rides a guitar-playing young man who changes everything and everyone he meets. Loosely based on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, this hip-swiveling, lip-curling musical fantasy will have you jumpin’ out of your blue suede shoes with such classics as “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Hound Dog,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “Don’t Be Cruel.”

Originally produced on Broadway by Jonathan Pollard, Bernie Kukoff, Clear Channel Entertainment, Harbor Entertainment, Miramax Films, Bob & Harvey Weinstein, Stanley Buchthal, Eric Falkenstein, Nina Essman/ Nancy Nagel Gibbs, Jean Cheever, Margaret Cotter, in association with Barney Rosenzweig, Meri Krassner, FGRW Investments, Karen Jason, Phil Ciasullo Conard. Originally produced for Goodspeed Musicals, Michael P. Price, Executive Producer, Sue Frost, Associate Producer.

Performance Dates:

• July 12 – 7:30 p.m.

• July 13 – 2 & 7:30 p.m.

• July 14 – 2 p.m.

• July 19 – 7:30 p.m.

• July 20 – 2 & 7:30 p.m.

• July 21 – 2 p.m.

Purchase tickets at the grunincenter.org.

AroUnD the JerSeY Shore

Dinosaurs - Prehistoric Reptiles –Some Fun Facts

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

Approximately 250 million years ago, life on this planet had become extinct. Somewhere over the next ten million years, the evolution of dinosaurs began. While we are not exactly sure when dinosaurs appeared, we are certain it began between 230-245 million years ago. This period is referred to as the Mesozoic era and began 252.2 million years ago, with the conclusion of the Paleozoic era ending 66 million years ago. The major divisions of the Mesozoic Era, from oldest to youngest, the Triassic, Jurassic, and the Cretaceous. Each of these periods their numbers and varieties increased before coming to an end in the Cretaceous period. Dinosaurs had disappeared and died off. Dinosaurs began as small reptiles where they quickly increased in numbers and spread all over the world. We do have descendants of dinosaurs – all birds, in fact. Right down to the hummingbird. More than 900 different dinosaurs had roamed the Earth, living on all continents. Initially, when dinosaurs came to be in the Triassic period, the Earth’s continents were all joined together, referred to as a Pangaea.

Some dinosaurs were covered with feathers, and most had very small brains. Carnivores were the smartest of dinosaurs. The dinosaur with the longest name was the ‘micropachycephalosaurus.’

It’s unknown what killed the dinosaurs. Some theories are that around that time, an asteroid crashed into the Earth off the coast of Mexico. This created the chain of events, leading to the extinction of non-avian dinosaurs. This theory is the most accepted one, with other ideas pointing to climate change. All dinosaurs didn’t go extinct all at once. This occurred over several hundred or thousands of years, slowly killing all but the avian (bird) dinosaurs. Some dinosaurs even had four wings. Some carnivorous dinosaurs had hollow bones. Average dinosaurs weighed in at approximately 7,700 pounds.

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

Dinosaur fossils are found in three places, namely, the badlands of Argentina, China, and North America. However, the world is covered in fossils, but since there is no vegetation in desert-like areas – the fossils are more easily found.

Cedar Glen Lakes Garden Club Seek Vendors

WHITING – Cedar Glen Lakes Garden Club is seeking vendors for the annual craft fair event on October 12 at 100 Michigan

Avenue, Whiting.

Call Gean to reserve your table at 732-8646902. This is a sellout event so call early!

Now that the summer has arrived at the Jersey Shore, there are plenty of activities to do. Ryder knows that first hand as he recently enjoyed crabbing at the beach in Island Heights. According to Ryder’s mom, Sara Rotolo, crabbing is a family tradition this time of year. Now, they’ll be enjoying the rollercoasters at Six Flags. Want tickets of your own? Email your shore pix to photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you may get lucky!

FUN & GAMES SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Across 1 Apple discard 5 Cash dispensers 9 Edinburgh resident 13 Highest point

Metal corrosion 15 Novelist Tokarczuk who won the 2018 Nobel Prize in Literature 16 Where to watch pillars and frames?

19 Professional org. 20 Big name in ridesharing 21 Observe 22 “Rugrats” dad 24 “Almost Famous” director Cameron 26 Low-scoring tie

Guzzles (down) 32 Serious hwy. crime

33 One-sixth of an inch, to a typesetter 35 Uncommon

“Onwards!”

Put a hex on

Play idly, as a guitar

Stitching target

“Frankly,” in texts

Coup d’__: sudden regime change

Modern creatures that are technically

Where to watch tracks and tunnels?

Facts and figs.

Martian” ac-

the wrong

Filter (through)

1 Spanish house 2 Magnum __: masterpiece 3 Gym sets, briefly 4 Tell-all news story 5 Flight update abbr.

Ballet skirt 7 “The Beat With Ari Melber” broadcaster

8 Has the wheel 9 Female pig

10 From a short distance, with “at” 11 Big, mean giant 12 Help oneself to 17 Ocean floor dwellers with many arms 18 Sci-fi film with light cycles

23 Aussie colleges 25 Wave a red flag at 26 Postal scale unit 27 Workforce during the wee hours 28 Amazon gadget activated by saying “Alexa” 30 Set loose

31 Unload for cash

32 Start a card game 34 Rock band with the album “Powerage” 37 “__ we forget” 38 Length of many TV dramas 39 Joyful Spanish shout 44 Mushroomed 45 Power interruption 47 Treats with petty malice 49 City hall bigwig 51 Barbershop request

52 “Dirty John” actor Eric 54 Ruler of imperialist Russia

56 Solemn observance

57 “All finished!”

58 One of the Rice Krispies trio

60 “Thanks a __!” 61 QB stats

AroUnD the JerSeY Shore

National Wildland Firefi ghter Day

Photo by Bob Vosseller

A prescribed burn demonstration in Whiting a few months ago showed how the Forest Fire Service uses such burns as a mitigation tool to reduce the buildup of forest debris that fuel wildfires.

By Jeff Heilbrun

OCEAN COUNTY In April there was a 200 acre wildfi re less than one half mile from the River Pointe main gate. It was bordered by Ridgeway Boulevard, a small branch of the Toms River, the unused NJ Central Railroad tracks, and the Eastern Pallet Company. Last year a wildfi re in Lakehurst consumed six square miles, was two miles from River Pointe and caused ash to fall throughout our development.

We are fortunate to live in the Pinelands National Reserve - the largest tract of open space between Boston and Richmond. Toms River and Lakewood are not in the Reserve. Much of Jackson and even large sections of Manchester are not in this protected, relatively pristine environment.

Living in an area that is considered at least partially rural and inhabited by large swathes of pine trees does have a dangerous characteristic – the possibility of wildfi res. The predominant tree, the pitch pine, is not only highly flammable because of its resin, but it only reproduces when heat opens its cones enabling the scales to break apart and eventually germinate.

Since only 2022 the second of July has been a day dedicated to the men and women who battle these blazes - National Wildland Firefighter Day. The purpose of this day is to show appreciation to the men and women who risk their lives to fight wildland or forest fi res, protecting natural resources, property and lives.

The day was established through the efforts of the Board of the National Interagency Fire Center. The federal agencies represented on this Board include the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Land

Management, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service and the US Forest Service. However, wildland fi refighters - besides working for federal departments - can also be employed by state or local governments. National Wildland Firefighter Day seeks to honor not only the people who fight wildland fi res but also those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. It is celebrated at this time of the year because it falls in July during the Week of Remembrance for Fire Safety. Wildland fi refighters respond to nearly 63,000 fi res every year across the U.S. Factors such as drought and fi res in wildland-populated areas have led to increasingly complex and challenging fi refighting activity that starts earlier in the year and lasts later into the fall. A primary method to prevent damaging wildfi res, especially in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, is the controlled or prescribed burn. This is the practice of intentionally setting fi re to low, dry, decaying underbrush to minimize burn material that could fuel a dangerous hotter fi re.

The term prescribed burn is relatively new since many controlled burns, especially in the west got out of control. Virtually all the smoke that residents of River Pointe can smell late winter and early spring are from these prescribed burns. Sadly, it is estimated that 9 out of 10 wildfi res are caused by humans, whether intentionally or unintentionally. It was 1947 when the US Forest Service and Smokey the Bear said “Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires.” In 2001 his wording changed to the more encompassing “Only You Can Prevent Wildfi res.”

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Be yourself and allow your light to shine. Your “can do” spirit could make you stand out at social gatherings. It may be beneficial to avoid making any sudden stops, starts, or impulsive changes in the second part of the week.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Proudly support someone in your life and enjoy forming a closer level of connection. You may not have time to handle conflicts for a few days but consider thinking about a strategy or plan of action to eventually resolve them.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The best adventures often happen when you are doing what you love, especially with a supportive friend by your side. And if things get tough, remember to look for the joy of the current moment while continuing to move forward.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Lean into your own wishful thinking but stay grounded while doing so. Common sense input from someone may offer a bit of guidance to you. When it comes to love, consider staying calm and developing a mutual respect.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You may be feeling extra pressure from your tasks and routines. Stay resilient and keep working towards your goals. Collaborating closely with someone who you admire and can learn from may be what you need to steer you in the right direction.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): When contemplation beckons, hit the pause button. There could be more to discover about a purchase or investment in the coming week. Someone might appreciate and respect you more if you stand up for yourself and start setting boundaries.

FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE 22 - JUNE 28 BY

OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

JERALDINE SAUNDERS

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Have fun without drawing unnecessary attention to yourself. In the week ahead, you may feel overlooked, but this may offer you the perfect opportunity to work towards your goals in silence and steer clear of any possible hassles.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) : You may be pulled in different directions, define your own ambitions if you don’t feel aligned with anyone else’s. Deadlines may frustrate others, but keeping your cool could help you perform better in the week ahead.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Using common sense may be very beneficial. Consider sitting down to decide on the course of action that best aligns with your values. Take action and review the outcomes to possibly avoid repeating mistakes.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) : Hold off on making irrevocable decisions and giving into wishful thinking during the week to come. Take a moment to get your facts straight and do not get distracted by fantasies or lofty goals that may not be your own.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You may need to free yourself from self-imposed limitations that could cause you to feel boxed in. Your acquaintances might not understand your ambitions. Consider shifting your efforts toward pleasing yourself and accomplishing your goals.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Looking for similarities rather than differences might take you further. Your pursuit of perfection may be a reason that you can get along with a variety of personality types. Consider tuning out the gossip and sticking to the facts.

(c) 2024 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

TURN A DINNER OF ROASTED CHICKEN AND VEGETABLES INTO A SIMPLE YET FLAVORFUL SKILLET STANDBY

By America’s Test Kitchen

PAN-ROASTED CHICKEN BREASTS WITH ARTICHOKES & CHERRY TOMATOES

(For 25 years, confident cooks in the know have relied on America’s Test Kitchen for rigorously tested recipes developed by professional test cooks and vetted by 60,000 at-home recipe testers. See more online at www.americastestkitchen. com/TCA.) (c) 2024 AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN. DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.