2024-06-22 - The Southern Ocean Times

Domestic Violence Awareness Poker Run: Barnegat Schools Abolish Transgender Policy A Tale Of Hearts And Harleys

By Stephanie Faughnan

SOUTHERN OCEAN COUNTY – Tragedy can tear people apart – and even throw them into a deep abyss. And then, there’s the people from Hearts and Harleys, who have channeled grief into a powerful mission of hope and healing. Nearly ten years ago, now Barnegat resident

John Pabst received unfathomable news. His seven-year-old son Gavin Pabst and the child’s mother, Michelle Heist, were dead. Even more inconceivable – the two were murdered.

John and Michelle were in the middle of a divorce when the devastating events unfolded on

(Awareness - 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 fi rst 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 of the honorees.

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

(Courage - See Page 6)

By Stephanie Faughnan BARNEGAT

– The local school board voted 5-3 to abolish its transgender student policy on June 11. The decision aligns with a trend seen in about 20 other New Jersey districts that have also repealed similar policies recently.

The vote’s timing, coinciding with Pride Month, has sparked a debate within the community. Some board members advocated for further discussions and postponing the vote until July.

Doreen Continanza, who serves as the Board’s Vice President and Chair of the Governance Committee, said the policies were poorly written from the state and that the district didn’t have the liberty to make changes to the verbiage.

During the first reading of the motion to abolish the policy in May,

board member Sandra Churney detailed her reasons for opposing Policy 5756. Churney has consistently spoken out against the policy, saying it interferes with parental rights.

Key provisions of the policy include allowing students to choose their preferred name and pronouns while keeping their birth name confidential and requiring staff to respect these preferences.

School officials are also advised to work with the student to create an appropriate confidentiality plan regarding the student’s transgender or transitioning status.

“Confidentiality plans are where the staff doesn’t tell you what’s going on with your children,” Churney shared.

“That might be poorly written for you (parents) – parents need to pay attention to that.”

The Transgender Student Guidance for

(Policy - See Page 5)

Photo by Stephanie Faughnan

Dennis Devy, Jon Miller, and Jeff rey Martinez take a moment to pose before the future Captain Cow Chopper.

Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Supporters of LGBTQ+ people cheered students speaking about equality.

Photo by Stephanie Faughnan

Ocean County Sheriff’s Department’s Color Guard presented the colors at the Reception.

Awareness:

Continued From Page 1

November 12, 2014. Michelle’s boyfriend at the time had viciously attacked the mother and son. He then attempted to cover up the horrendous crime by setting their residence on fi re.

It was a clear act of domestic violence.

And, while nothing can bring back John’s little boy or his loving mom, the overwhelming loss spurred him into action. The grieving father is on a mission to raise awareness about domestic violence and establish a safe haven for victims in Southern Ocean County.

But how? Enter a red Harley Davidson, a talented crew of supporters, and a whole lot of heart.

Heroes Assemble

In the summer of 2014, John and a group of friends organized a motorcycle poker run to raise money for a family friend’s medical bills. Debbie Sanford had cancer, and both Gavin and Michelle were still alive.

“Gavin was really bonded with his Miss Debbie,” shared John. “He was so happy to be a part of everything and help someone he loved.”

After the devastating loss of Gavin and Michelle, John, along with friends, embarked on a new mission. Inspired by the outpouring of support during Debbie’s fundraiser, they created an annual memorial poker run in their honor. Debbie, who has since passed away, played a key role in coming up with the name Hearts and Harleys.

The group evolved into a non-profit designed to raise funds for a cause. Its logo features ribboned hearts with a touching blend of red, Gavin’s favorite color, and purple, Michelle’s special one. The ribbons encapsulate the organization’s mascot - Captain Cow was designed to commemorate Gavin’s favorite superhero and Michelle’s nickname, Moo-Moo.

Gavin, who John lovingly referred to as “Bubbas,” idolized Captain America as someone who rose to be a superhero and do good. John believes his son was destined to be the same kind of person, now together with his mom in eternity.

A few years ago, Hearts and Harleys entered the Orange County Choppers’ Dream Chopper Contest, hoping their story would result in the build of the “Captain Cow Chopper.” They made it to the top 16 out of 70,000 entrants. However, John’s connection to another superhero and yet another sad story is now making Captain Cow Chopper a reality.

John’s late friend and former colleague, Tony LaFera, was integral to Hearts and Harleys. LaFera was also the best friend of Jon Miller of Tuckerton’s Jon Miller Car Care Center.

At 37, after a lifetime of bad luck, LaFera made a courageous decision to return to school and pursue a career as a registered nurse. He successfully landed a position at a local hospital during the pandemic. Despite all precautions, LaFera contracted the virus and tragically passed away from it in January 2021. As much as LaFera’s death continues to pain Miller, he couldn’t

be prouder of the man he had known since the fourth grade.

“Tony was a guy who rose to the top and found a way to fall on his sword for us,” said Miller. “He went to work when everyone else was staying home. He died an absolute hero.”

Anyone who knows Jon Miller knows he’s a creative genius when it comes to designing the perfect vehicle. One of his most extraordinary feats was the transformation of a regular old DeLorean into a time machine.

Yes, like the one seen in the box office hit “Back to the Future.” Miller’s car hit the national spotlight when it was used to promote the iconic movie for its current Broadway run.

Miller’s decision to take on the build of the Captain Cow Chopper made perfect sense. He summed it up in just a few words.

“Because I can, and Tony can’t,” said Miller. “This was Tony’s vision. For a long time, Tony told me there was a great man I needed to meet (John Pabst.) He said we represented a lot of the same things.”

“Everything Tony tried to do he failed at except saving lives,” Miller continued. “He was a real hero and the one thing he was really passionate about was Hearts and Harleys.”

Miller said he suffers a little bit of guilt because he didn’t connect with John and get involved sooner. The two share a unique connection – John lost his son, and Miller almost lost his to a rare disease.

Captain Cow Chopper To Debut

Just like fi nding the perfect DeLorean to

transform into a time machine required patience, locating the right bike was no easy feat. The style was critical, as was the color – it was important to fi nd something that could accommodate the logo and not cost thousands of dollars to change. And there was fi nding a gifted artist that could make the transformation.

Miller said he first learned of Jeffrey Martinez when he read a Southern Ocean Times feature article about him. Martinez, who has received international recognition as an airbrush artist, instantly agreed to take on the project.

The concept brings together an illustrious picture centered on what it would look like if Captain Cow rode a chopper. Innovation is also key – with a heart-shaped cake pan even fi nding a place in the fi nal design.

“The artwork on the motorcycle will be extensive and intimate,” shared Miller. There will be an airbrushed portrait of both Gavin and Michelle, a tribute to Tony, and an artistic interpretation of Hearts and Harleys logos and theme.”

The chopper is more than just a machine – it’s also a rolling tribute to Gavin and Michelle and a symbol of hope for other victims of domestic violence.

A network of people has come together to make Captain Cow Chopper a reality. Among them is another of Miller’s lifetime friends, Dennis Devy of New Jersey Multimedia. Devy has devoted his time and talents to promoting both the poker run and construction of the Captain Cow Chopper. Anthony Moresco of TonyMexx Custom Painting prepped and (Awareness - See Page 13)

Policy: Continued From Page 1

School Districts issued by the state in 2018 stated there is “no affirmative duty for any school district personnel to notify a student’s parent or guardian of the student’s gender identity or expression.”

In an article published by the New Jersey State School Board Association, attorney David B. Rubin wrote that the “guidance did not advocate keeping students’ sexuality secret from their parents. To the contrary, it encouraged parental involvement, but for the most part left it to the student to decide if, when and how that should be accomplished.”

Churney said that she would sue the school district if anyone was to institute a confidentiality plan for her child. She went on to say that many parents and school boards across the state shared her concerns about the policy’s wording. In her view, abolishing the policy would send Trenton a clear message: Barnegat and other districts’ rejection of the policy could force the state to rewrite it, rather than simply accepting the current version.

Policy 5756 as adopted by most school boards throughout the state stressed the importance of maintaining a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for all students.

“School is supposed to be a safe space for our children,” said board member George Fedorczyk. “It has always been a space for not just our children – but all children.”

Fedorczyk submitted the policy hadn’t received in-depth discussion, but rather

evolved into arguments about personal opinions. He conceded personal reservations about the policy’s wording, expressing a preference for collaborative efforts with the board and administrators.

“I think abolishing it puts not only us, but our students at risk,” Fedorczyk added. “And I’m not willing to take that liability.”

The State of New Jersey has filed lawsuits against four school districts that have modified the language of their transgender policies. Board member Bonnie Levy questioned why the district could not hold off on abolishing the policy until the outcome of those lawsuits.

“We are just abolishing, and we can abolish any policy we want,” said Board President Scott Sarno. “We don’t have to have policies as a board.”

Sarno said that the four districts involved in litigation with the state all modified their policies. The change in their verbiage conflicted with the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination. Sarno added that the district will continue to abide by the requirements of state laws regardless of the abolishment of the policy.

“Our goal as school administrators and staff is to make sure all kids feel safe,” confi rmed Dr. Brian Latwis, Superintendent of Schools. “And we will be following all applicable state laws. “

Sarno, Continanza, Churney, Carol Geene, and Lauren Washburn voted to abolish the policy. Fedorczyk, Bruno Iamonte, and Bonnie Levy cast dissenting votes. Regina Tarnowski was not present at the meeting.

The Public Speaks

Despite student presentations and awards drawing a larger audience in May, there were no comments from parents at either the May meeting or the fi nal vote in June regarding the transgender policy abolishment. Two students and other individuals voiced their opinions before the board made its decision at the June meeting.

Jane Haviland served as the student representative to the school board and is headed to Cornell University as a political science major. She offered her perspective of the board’s actions regarding policy discussions.

“After many months of observation, I feel that I have enough experience to have a voice and be the voice of the student body,” Jane shared.” As our voice, I can acknowledge that the board wants to keep in mind the best interests of the students. But the reality is that the board does not reflect this human body accurately nor does this district seem to be progressing with education as rapidly as society is.”

Haviland acknowledged the inherent challenges and expressed her appreciation for the board’s awareness in trying to make positive and progressive changes. However, she said that efforts simply weren’t enough.

“It is my hope that in the future differences and change can be seen as positive things,” continued Jane. “It is extremely important to stress inclusivity. We are calling ourselves One Barnegat and it is time that we do become One.”

Daniel Hoffman will take on Jane’s role as the board’s student representative when

he returns to Barnegat High School as a senior in September. He has attended a number of school board meetings since his freshman year. Hoffman is also the youth director of the newly formed Barnegat Pride organization.

Expressing his disappointment, Hoffman began by criticizing the actions of several members of the board. He argued that their decision to abolish the transgender policy was discriminatory towards a significant portion of the student body and fueled by personal vendettas against minority groups. He concluded by calling the abolishment of Policy 5756 “unthinkable” and predicted “astronomical devastation” for both students and staff.

“With such actions, it is you who creates a dangerous and egregiously toxic environment of a place where many students feel is an escape from an already troubled home life,” said Hoff man. “Student/staff confidentiality is enshrined into every inch of education code and law in this state.”

Newly retired educator school counselor Michele Cucinotta agreed that students need a safe place to figure things out. She added that she was not saying that parents did not have a right to know what was going on with their children.

“If the children can speak to someone in a safe place,” said Cucinotta. “that person can try to help navigate how that child or that teenager can go about talking to their parents and coming out and being their true self.”

While other individuals from the local (Policy - See Page 15)

Courage:

Continued From Page 1

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 fi rearms 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 (Courage - See Page 14)

Photo by Stephanie Faughnan

Firefighters honored for 40-53 years of fire service from various municipalities with Senator Carmen Amato, Ocean County Prosecutor Brad Billhimer and 200 Club of Ocean Trustees.

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 Southern Ocean 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

S POTLIGHT O N G OVERNMENT

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

Senate GOP Blocks Bill To Protect In-Vitro Fertilization

Capitol Comments

Senator Cory Booker

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

“As very real threats against IVF continue to grow, Republicans today had yet another chance to prove their so-called ‘support for IVF’ by helping us pass our legislation that would protect IVF access and lower fertility care costs nationwide - and nearly every single Republican voted against it,” said Senator Duckworth.

“Despite literally campaigning on the fact that they support IVF, this marks the third time Republicans have blocked legislation I’ve led to protect IVF - making it clear that the only thing Republicans do care about is misleading voters and bowing down to the most extreme wing of their party. Today, Republicans once again turned their backs on families, veterans and the majority of Americans who support access to IVF. And we won’t forget it.”

“Republicans just voted against IVF for all the world to see, on the record. So let’s put to rest, once and for all, the idea Republicans actually care about protecting IVF access. And while we are at it - let’s put to rest this utter fiction that their bill does anything to support IVF. The issue with Republicans’ bill isn’t that it doesn’t do enough to protect IVF, it is that their bill does nothing to meaningfully protect IVF from the very real threats from lawmakers and anti-abortion extremists in their party all over this country. Their bill would allow states to regulate IVF out of existence!” said Senator Murray. “Republicans will keep trying to cry ‘fearmonger’ but it’s hard to hide a fi re

when everyone can see the flames. We saw what happened in Alabama, the chaos that caused. We saw what happened yesterday in Indianapolis, a prominent conservative group voting to fully, explicitly oppose IVF - and we saw how Republicans voted today. Everyone in America knows the threat to IVF is real, and it is not going away just because it’s inconvenient for Republicans. And Democrats are not going away either - we are going to keep fighting to protect IVF, make sure everyone can access this medical care, and make sure no politician can stand in the way.”

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 accordance 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.

Dare Day 2024

STAFFORD – Congratulations to over 350 5th graders for completing the 10-week DARE Courses with Officers Vincent and Jorge! They celebrated with bounce houses, pizza, popcorn, slushies, water balloons, a

Photo courtesy Stafford Police

BMX show (which included a backflip over Officer Vincent sitting on the halfpipe!), a DJ, volleyball, arts and crafts, Stafford EMS Display, and a K-9 demonstration by the NJ Department of Corrections Special Operations Group!

Summer Folk Art Programs At “Tip” Seaman County Park

TUCKERTON – Commissioner Virginia E. Haines is pleased to announce new, interactive Summer Folk Art Programs at the recently renovated community center at Stanley “Tip” Seaman County Park in Tuckerton. Join for hands-on, educational art programs for kids or for folklife presentations on Barnegat Bay decoys and boats. All programs are $5 per person. Registration is required. To register call 732-506-9090.

The “Tip” Seaman Community Center has been recently renovated and now features an art exhibit, decoy display, and television with a selection of folklife videos. After you join us for these summer programs, don’t forget to return to “Tip” Seaman County Park on September 28th & 29th for the 42nd annual Old Time Barnegat Bay Decoy & Gunning Show. Enjoy new hands-on, family friendly activities for any age. Along with decoy demonstrations, basket weaving take-home activities, presentations, shows from the Dock Dogs, and more!

Paint a Flattie Decoy – July 10 & August 5; 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Make your fi rst fl attie decoy and become a folk artist! Learn about decoy carving, red knot birds and horseshoe crabs while you paint flat,

wooden decoy shorebirds called “flatties” to take home. These flatties will be painted on two sides and stand with a wooden dowel and stand! Fee is $5 per person. Open to ages 5 to 12.

Cat Boats, Sneakboxes, A-Cats – July 14; 2 to 3 p.m. Join presenter Arthur C. Liese in a discussion of the lore, history, art, and literature surrounding the classic designs of cat boats, A-cats, and barnegat bay sneakboxes. Arthur is the founding principal of the Collins Group, an architectural restoration and residential building fi rm. He is a sailor, builder and restorer of classics Barnegat Bay sneakboxes. Fee is $5 per person. Open to all ages.

Barnegat Bay Decoys and Their Makers – August 11; 2 to 3 p.m. Uncover the culture of the Barnegat Bay through decoys and the people who make them at the newly renovated Tips Seaman Community Center. Decoys, artwork, a pound fishing box, and other hunting items will be on display. Presenter Louis Scheidt is a lifelong resident of the Jersey Shore and decoy collector. Fee is $5 per person. Open to all ages.

To register call 732-506-9090. Visit oceancountyparks.org for more information.

Bingo At e Beach

LACEY – Join Lacey Recreation for Bingo on the Beach! Make sure to bring a blanket or a chair. This is a free event.

Lake Barnegat Beach: Registration starts at 6 p.m. and the games begin

at 6:30 p.m. Dates: June 27, July 18, August 8.

Deerhead Lake: Registration starts at 5 p.m. and the games begin at 5:30 p.m. Date: August 28. Live music after Bingo.

WED. JULY 24 WATER FOR ELEPHANTS TONY NOMINATED : “Best Musical” $159. WED. JULY 24 WICKED ORCHESTRA SEATS $166. SUN. SEPT 29 WIND CREEK CASINO RECEIVE $30 SLOT PLAY. $45. THURS. OCT 3 SIGHT & SOUND THEATER “DANIEL” $166. INCLUDES LUNCH AT SHADY MAPLE SMORGASBORD.

THURS. OCT 5 AMISH COUNTRY LANCASTER, P.A. $95. INCLUDES BUFFET LUNCH, BIRD-IN-HAND BAKE SHOP, KITCHEN KETTLE VILLAGE

JULY 16-18 3 DAY FINGER LAKES, GENEVA N.Y. $659. 2 NTS. AT 41 LAKEFRONT HOTEL, NARRATED AREA TOUR, VENTOSA VINEYARDS LUNCH AND WINE TASTINGS, SENECA LAKE CRUISE, ROSE HALL MANSION TOUR, MURANDA CHEESE TASTINGS, 4 MEALS. NICE, RELAXING SUMMER GETAWAY!

SEPT. 22-25 4 DAY CAPE COD AND MARTHA’S VINEYARD $839. 3 NTS. FAIRFIELD INN, HYANNIS, KENNEDY MEMORIAL, WHALE WATCHING CRUISE OR SAND DUNE TOUR, CAPE COD NATIONAL SEASHORE, MARTHA’S VINEYARD ISLAND TOUR, PROVINCETOWN, AND BREAKERS MANSION, NEWPORT, R.I. 6 MEALS, TOO CARIBBEAN VACATION SPECIAL

DEC. 4-11 8 DAY PUNTA CANA , DOMINICAN REPUBLIC ONLY $1850. INCLUDES: R/T AIRFARE, 7 NTS. BEACHFRONT IBEROSTAR DOMINICANA ALL-INCLUSIVE HOTEL, ALL MEALS, DRINKS,

FIRE ARMS WANTED! ALL TYPES: COLLECTIBLES, MILITARY, ETC. Call 609-597-4646 OR 917-681-6809

597-4646 63 east bay ave, manahawkin, nj 08050 new/used/military » buy/sell/trade pkfirearmsnammo.com PAUL ORLANDO ffl dealer/owner

Southern Regional Athletic Hall Of Fame Inductees

• Mr. Joe Caucino - Extraordinary Contribution

• 2015 Boys Volleyball NJSIAA SJ Sectional Champions

• Chloe Courter - Class of 2015

• Brennan Davis - Class of 2017

• Janine Kaiser - Class of 2010

• Emily Miglin - Class of 2014

• Nick O’Connell - Class of 2019

• Emma Wilhelm - Class of 2019

• 2016 Boys Volleyball State Champions

• 2016 Wrestling Group V State Champions The Hall of Fame ceremony took place on June 8. It was a great turnout for the annual event. Congratulations to all individuals, team members and coaches on a well-deserved honor. Thank you for all you have done for Southern Regional.

Field Hockey Athlete Commits To College

Photo courtesy Southern Regional

Photo courtesy Southern Regional MANAHAWKIN

Congratulations to Southern Regional Field Hockey Emme Beck

Limestone University to continue her education

pictured with Coach Lombardo-Adams, Coach Newill,

C OMMUNITY N EWS

Local Pets Available For Adoption

LACEY – The Associated Humane Society shelter at the Popcorn Park Zoo has pets available for adoption.

Parsley is an adorable little dude of just 10 weeks old that’s ready to move on to bigger and better things! He came to us with the rest of his siblings after being born on a local resident’s property. Parsley spent time in foster care, getting healthy, strong, and learning to be a model kitti-zen! He’s a super sweetheart

that is initially a little cautious but once he gets to know you, he’s all fun and games. He loves toys, rolling around and playing, and getting lots of attention. Parsley loves wrestling with his siblings too and he’d do best in a home with another kitten or cat that he could be best buds with.

Call 609-693-1900, visit ahscares.org/ forked-river-adoptables or email: office@ ahsppz.org for an adoption application.

John And Abigail Adams: An American Love Story

BARNEGAT – Step back into our nation’s earliest days to meet one of its most extraordinary couples. The Ocean County Library Barnegat Branch will present the American Historical Theatre’s Peyton Dixon and Kim Hanley in “John and Abigail Adams: An American Love Story,” 11 a.m. on June 29. John Adams, our second president, aimed to do what he saw as right, whether defending British soldiers after the Boston Massacre or traveling abroad to fi nd fi nancial aid for the Revolutionary War effort. Abigail Adams was John’s wife, best friend and strongest supporter. She was educated, respected, and just as outspoken as her husband.

Together, they sacrificed and strove for the

ideal of the United States as a democracy, equal for all regardless of gender or race, values they instilled in their six children including John Quincy Adams, who followed in his father’s Presidential footsteps. Register at tinyurl.com/OclBgtAdams for this free program, sponsored by the Ocean County Library Foundation.

The Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 organization dedicated to enhancing services and opportunities offered to all Library users by writing activities and raising funds for non-traditional OCL programs.

For more information, stop by the OCL Barnegat Branch, 112 Burr Street, call 609-698-3331 or visit the library’s online calendar of events.

A Great Murder Mystery At Cuisine On e Green

LITTLE EGG HARBOR – Come to Cuisine for a great night of murder! Mind over Murder Mystery will be presented along with a buffet dinner on June 29 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 261 Country Club Boulevard, Little Egg Harbor. Don’t miss it - you will have a wonderful time! Cost is $68 per person. Contact Jenn at 609-296-2137 for required reservations.

Independence Day Fireworks

LACEY – Lacey Township Recreation Department presents Independence Day Fireworks on July 3 at Lacey Township

High School. Live music from Shallow Green. Festivities begin at 7:30 p.m. fi reworks begin at 9:15 p.m.

609-693-1100 x2203 818 West Lacey Road

Photo courtesy AHS

partner Venus from the Stafford Township Police Department showcased their skills at the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) National Narcotics Detection Trials in Wichita Falls, Texas. This prestigious event brought together

top K9 teams from across the country to compete in challenging room and vehicle searches, testing their ability to detect narcotics swiftly and accurately. They are thrilled to announce that Detective Wiatrowski and Venus achieved outstanding results, placing 1st nationally in room searches and securing 2nd place overall!

Photo courtesy Stafford Police

Awareness:

Continued From Page 4

painted the bike, giving Captain Cow Chopper a gleaming red base.

Multiple vendors have also discounted parts or labor to keep the costs down for the construction of the symbolic bike.

Unfortunately, Pabst will have to wait until the grand unveiling to see it as Miller is keeping it under the veil until then. It occurs at the end of the poker run at the Watering Hole Café in Mays Landing.

Miller estimates the final cost for the transformation of Captain Cow Chopper will be in the range of $10,000. Hearts & Harleys has launched a GoFundMe campaign to bridge the gap, assuring all donations meant for domestic violence victims will continue to support their mission. Any funds raised

beyond the goal will go directly toward Hearts & Harleys’ charitable efforts.

Hearts And Harleys 2024 Poker Run

All are invited to the Hearts and Harleys 2024 Poker Run on July 27 with a rain date of August 3. While the roar of motorcycles is certainly expected, participants on bikes, trikes, jeeps, hot rods, and cars are all welcome to join in.

The excitement kicks off at Nancy’s Country Kitchen, located at 910 West White Horse Pike in Egg Harbor City, where sign-ups begin at 10:30 a.m. For just $30, participants can enter for a chance to win big with the best poker hand at the final stop.

Tickets must be purchased in advance by contacting John at 609-204-6382 or emailing john.pabst@heartsandharleys.org. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to ride for a cause and make a difference.

Fired Up Car Show

STAFFORD – The Stafford Township Volunteer Fire Company and Ladies Auxiliary host the annual Fired Up Car Show on August 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Stafford Township Firehouse located at 133 Stafford Avenue Manahawkin.

All proceeds benefit the Stafford Township Volunteer Fire Company. Free to the public!

Kitchen will be open. Cars and trucks of all makes and years may enter. Registration fee is $20 per vehicle. Trophies presented for Best in Show, 30s and earlier, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 2000s to present and best truck.

Rain date is August 24. Questions contact Rico at fi redupcarshow@gmail.com.

Beach Haven Government Meetings

BEACH HAVEN – The Borough of Beach Haven’s commission meets the second Monday of the month at 420 Pelham Avenue at

7 p.m. For additional information call 609492-0111, visit beachhaven-nj.gov, or email beachhavenborough@beachhaven-nj.gov.

Courage:

Continued From Page 6

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 first 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 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.

• 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 presented 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 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.

Policy:

Continued From Page 5

community spoke out in opposition to abolishing the transgender policy, one Barnegat resident shared other reasons he found it inappropriate.

“My understanding of this policy is that it talks about giving transgender students the same opportunities to participate in physical education in accordance with their gender identity,” said Kurt Kalenak. “It’s been shown by basic biology that men are generally stronger than women, and it puts the women at a disadvantage and increases risk of injury.”

Kalenak also maintained that the brain is not fully developed until the mid-20s and that the last stages of development impact decision making and logic. He also stressed that parents are the fi rst and primary educators of their children – not the schools or government.

Notice of the board’s intentions to abolish its transgender policy attracted attention outside Barnegat. Among them was Shawn Hyland, Director of Advocacy for the New Jersey Family Policy Center.

“I work very closely with the state legislature and school boards across the state,” said Hyland. “And, with parental right groups, and with many families, with some right here in Barnegat.”

Hyland said that the families he works with were very pleased that the school board had decided to rescind Policy 5756. He also cited a relevant poll conducted by the Monmouth University Polling Institute in August 2023, which showed that 76% of New Jersey residents believe parents should be informed about their child’s gender identity.

Sta ord Township Fire Company Super 50/50

STAFFORD – Stafford Township Volunteer Fire Company presents the annual Super 50/50. Tickets are $20. Donations help the Stafford Township Volunteer Fire Company.

1st Prize 25% of ticket sales; 2nd Prize 15% of ticket sales; 3rd Prize 10% of ticket sales. Drawing is December 4 at 7 p.m. at Station 47, 133 Stafford Avenue, Manahawkin.

Keeping Children Safe

Lauren Albrecht, Director of Advocacy and Organizing for Garden State Equality, spoke about the need for teachers to have guidance when a student comes out at school. She explained the goal of the policy was not to keep things from parents – but to ensure children felt safe.

“Garden State Equality believes that every parent should know exactly what’s going on in their kids’ lives,” said Albrecht. “And

that’s why it’s important for you (parents) to create a safe and affirming environment at home – so your child feels comfortable coming out to you.”

The ACLU and Garden State Equality sent a letter to the district and board after the revocation of Policy 5756. The correspondence dated June 13 encourages the board to consider readoption of the policy, saying that district is risking the well-being of its students.

Citing the CDC, the letter states that “LGBTQ+ youth are far more likely to be bullied and harassed at school, to be alienated from their families and communities, and to suffer from depression and suicidal ideation than their non-LGBTQ+ peers. Newly released CDC data found that teens who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or questioning experience ‘extreme distress’ and more than 52% have self-reported as “recently experienc[ing] poor mental health.”

H ERE ’ S T O Y OUR H EALTH

Dr. Izzy’s

Sound News

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

6 Tips For Longer Ba ery 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!

Bereavement Group

• Tuesdays: Timothy Ryan Funeral Home on Fischer Boulevard Toms River

• Wednesdays: Quinn Hopping Funeral Home on Mule Road Toms River

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).

OCEAN COUNTY – Therapist/Clergy, Rev. Dr. Anthony Lipari, FCM, has been offering Grief Support Group sessions for over 21 years during the last week of every month. The sessions are offered at 1 p.m. throughout Ocean County. The locations are as follows:

• Mondays: Ocean County Memorial Park in Waretown

• Thursdays: Anderson Campbell Funeral Home on Ridgeway Road Manchester

• Fridays: Manchester Memorial Home on Schoolhouse Road Whiting

THERAPIES/SERVICES

• Hormone Replacement

• IV Therapies

• Thermascan

• Cryoskin • HOCATT

• Colonics • PEMF

• Salt Room/Halotherapy

• Theta Chamber

• Ozone • Botox

• Thyroid/Adrenal Fatigue Management

• Peptides

H ERE ’ S T O Y OUR H EALTH

Dear Pharmacist

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Managing Alzheimer’s: A Balanced Approach With Medications And Natural Remedies

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

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

R.C. Shea & Assoc. Inside The Law

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. 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.

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

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.

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

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

period, the Earth’s continents were all joined together, referred to as a Pangaea. 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.

(Dinosaurs - See Page 23)

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.

Estate/Garage/Yard Sales

Auto For Sale

Items For Sale

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)

1. Below, circle the heading you would like your ad to appear under: If you have any questions, leave a message for Ali 732-657-7344, ext. 203.

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

Calculate Price As Follows:

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

Make check payable in advance to Micromedia Publications, or fill in Mastercard/Visa/American Express

info below:

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

Dinosaurs:

Continued From Page 21

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 732244-2768.

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

Ocean County Residents Achieve Centenary University Dean’s List

OCEAN COUNTY – Centenary University President Dale Caldwell, Ed.D., has announced the Dean’s List for the spring 2024 semester. To achieve this honor, full-time students must earn a semester grade point average of 3.8 or above and complete a minimum of 12 semester credits.

Ocean County residents who earned Dean’s List honors are:

• Jackson – Gregory Carrillo, Kayla Melnizek

• Lanoka Harbor – Skylar Hardy

• Manahawkin – Jenna Garofalo

• Toms River – Richard O’Brien, Emily Salmorin

Lacey Township Garden Club

LACEY – Come visit the Lacey Township Garden Club at the Lacey Township Farmers Market. They will be at the Farmers Market on the following dates: July 12 and August 9. They will be there from 11 a.m.

all dates to sell out. They will have plants, bulbs, tubers, painted rocks, flower taffies and much more.

For more information, call Carol Crotty 609-971-3729.

FUN & GAMES SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Across 1 Apple discard 5 Cash dispensers 9 Edinburgh resident

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 53 Coup d’__: sudden regime change

Modern creatures that are technically dinosaurs

Where to watch tracks and tunnels?

Facts and figs.

Volcano on Sicily

“The Martian” actor

Writes the wrong

code, say

Filter (through)

1 Spanish house 2 Magnum __: masterpiece 3 Gym sets, briefly 4 Tell-all news story 5 Flight update abbr. 6 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

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!

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 JERALDINE SAUNDERS

OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

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.