The first lap around Veterans Park was by cancer survivors.
By Chris Lundy BERKELEY
– This is a race where prizes are awarded before anyone steps foot on the track.
The reason for this is that so many of the participants are already several laps into their
own run. The Berkeley-Lacey Relay For Life celebrated cancer survivors and caretakers as well as raising money during a weekend-long event.
Groups gathered at Veterans Park in
Berkeley. The opening ceremony featured medals given out to survivors, with an explanation of how many years they’ve been cancer-free and the type of cancer they had. Some had multi-
by Chris Lundy
ple types. There were also awards given out to caregivers, who are often the unseen and unsung heroes behind the scenes.
Staying overnight has
(Relay For LifeSee Page 4)
Youth Services Revamped To Serve Diverse Needs
By Stephanie Faughnan
TOMS RIVER –
Ocean County Youth Services has undergone a major transformation, moving away from programs focused on juvenile supervision to one offering a wide range of services for
at-risk and disadvantaged youth. The shift will result in helping approximately 5,500 young people in just this year.
Previously known as the Juvenile in Need of Supervision (JINS) program, the Center primarily
served a small number of court-mandated youth. Commissioner Jack Kelly said he envisioned a more expansive program that would proactively reach out to at-risk youth and offer them the support they needed to succeed. The impetus
for the change dates to 2020 and a meeting with Jonathan Carman, Superintendent of Ocean County’s Department of Juvenile Services.
“We still work with the courts, but we’re not under their jurisdiction,” said Kelly, who serves as liaison to Juvenile
Services.
Kelly explained that the original purpose of the JINS program was to deter youth from ending up in the Juvenile Detention Center by showing them fi rsthand what life inside the
(Youth ServicesSee Page 5)
By Chris Lundy BERKELEY -
Two sanitation workers driving a garbage truck were responsible for saving a man’s life, and were lauded at a recent Township Council meeting for their quick thinking and compassion.
Patrick Rowley and Louis Velazquez were driving a garbage truck on June 17,
Mayor John Bacchione explained. Rowley noticed a driver slumped behind the wheel of his car. Rowley was driving, and engaged the air brakes to make a sudden stop of the garbage truck so it wouldn’t crash. Meanwhile, Velazquez called 911.
(LifesaversSee Page 4)
Jonathan Carman, Superintendent of Ocean County’s Department of Juvenile Services, looks on at Shelby Voorhees, Youth Services Commission Administrator, who was honored for her work by Ocean County Human Services
Photo
Mayor John Bacchione, left, poses with Louis Velazquez and Patrick Rowley.
Photo courtesy Berkeley Township
Photo by Stephanie Faughnan
Relay For Life:
Continued From Page 1
several meanings. One of which has to do with showing that there is dawn after the night – light follows darkness. The other represents the round-the-clock struggle that families have with this disease, event lead Robyn Griffith said.
Relays support the American Cancer Society, which in turn funds research, endorses policies (such as smoke-free restaurants), and supports families who are plunged into fi nancial straits because of the diagnosis.
The theme of this year’s relay was “Woodstock,” which was also a time when like-minded people spent an overnight in a field for a good cause. Some people wore tie-dyed clothing and decorated
Lifesavers:
Continued From Page 1
The two men got out of their truck to help the resident. They pulled him out of the car and into the shade.
According to Weather.com, June 17 in Berkeley had a high of 85 degrees. They stayed with the driver, assisting him as best they could, until medics arrived shortly thereafter.
their booths with a hippie theme. The overhead music was thoroughly 60s, and some songs had deeper meaning if you thought about it. Sly and the Family Stone’s “I Am Everyday People” was about equality but it could also be taken a different way: those living with cancer in their lives could be you or me.
“By the end of 2024, there will be approximately 2.1 million new cases in the United States,” Griffith told the crowd. Of these, 610,000 will be fatal. It’s the second leading cause of death. Heart disease is fi rst, but 1 in 4 cancer patients also have heart disease.
In order to fight this, fundraising like this needs to take place.
“We can’t do it without each and every one of you here today,” she said.
Berkeley Mayor John Bacchione said that “the evil of cancer took my best friend –
“Mr. Rowley’s and Mr. Velazquez’ actions not only saved the driver’s life but also prevented harm from innocent bystanders who could have been injured if the truck had not stopped in time,” Bacchione said, reading from the proclamation that honored the two employees of the Public Works Department.
Deer Problem
In other news, the deer situation in the
VERIZON UPGRADES
my father – in 2005.” It also claimed the business administrator of the town, John Camera, just days before the relay.
Berkeley’s former mayor Carmen Amato – now a State Senator – had been involved in the relay for years in honor of his father, who passed 21 years ago. He emotionally recalled losing his friend, John Camera.
“I think of him, and I think of my father, and I think of all who were lost, and I remember to keep fighting,” he said.
Lacey Deputy Mayor Peter Curatolo also works for the Ocean County Health Department, and had fighting words. “We won’t stop meeting here every year until we put our boot on the throat of cancer and watch it take its last breath.”
The fi rst walk of the relay is reserved for survivors, and they took a solemn but proud lap around the concert area of the park.
senior communities continues to be a concern.
Councilwoman Sophia Gingrich shared a story of her own close encounter with a deer while she was driving, and explained how dangerous and frightening they are to drivers.
One of the reasons the deer come around is because some residents feed them, she said. She was hoping to curtail this behavior by having signs posted in the Holiday City and
One of the survivors was nicknamed “Legendary Mary,” who told her story of the 9 years she’s been fighting cancer, and how chemotherapy impacted her heart. She’s had 2/3 of her femur eaten away by cancer, but she stood up before the crowd to give inspiration.
“My journey’s been rough. I have good days and bad days. Everyone has good days and bad days – even if they don’t have cancer,” she said. “I never stop thinking positive.”
She’s been keeping active and joined a bowling league. She is now undergoing a new kind of therapy that didn’t exist when she was fi rst diagnosed.
Barry Bendar, one of the organizers, followed her speech by saying that the new therapy was probably at least partially funded by money raised at a Relay For Life.
Silver Ridge Park sections of town that explain it’s illegal to feed wildlife. These signs would also list the fines that come with breaking the town code. This might drive home the point that inviting the deer makes it a problem for neighbors.
Mayor Bacchione suggested some clarification on the language that would be used on the sign so that it can’t be misconstrued in any way, but liked the idea. They both said the exact wording could be worked out later.
NETWORK ALONG JERSEY SHORE TO BOLSTER PUBLIC SAFETY, HANDLE MASSIVE DATA INCREASE
Sea Girt, Lavallette, Brick, Seaside Park, Ortley Beach, and Asbury Park get network upgrades
Verizon has just completed a major network upgrade at the Jersey Shore. Specifically, in Sea Girt, Lavallette, Seaside Park, Ortley Beach with additional upgrades coming in Asbury Park and Brick this summer. This is a response to the dramatic increase we’ve been seeing in usage from people at the beach, both summer visitors and year long residents, but also small businesses and public safety o cials - who need reliable communication in high density areas.
The upgrade is going to support more customers simultaneously using their phones with improved reliability and speeds.
Youth Services:
facility was like.
“We still do that now, but differently than we did,” Kelly explained. “We do it without the threat and inviting the kids in and doing the job (with better programs).”
Kelly added that he initially proposed some ideas, but he credited Carman and his staff for developing detailed plans and successfully implementing them.
Towering at 6’7”, Carman’s stature might seem intimidating to some kids, but his presence is far from it. A former offensive lineman for the Buffalo Bills, Carman’s football career undoubtedly serves as an icebreaker with children. However, it’s his warm demeanor and dedication to making positive changes that truly impact the programs and inspires people around him.
In a recent presentation to the Ocean County Commissioners, Carman and his team shared some success stories and the variety of services offered at the Center. Those who accompanied Carman at the meeting included Dr. Barbara Barr, Administrator of the Youth Center; Shelby Voorhees, Youth Services Commission Administrator; Nick Meier, who works with the GED program; and Maggie Alvarez, who coordinates several of the programs within Youth Services. Holistic Support And Innovative Programs
is home to several programs. Some are a result of partnerships with other local organizations, with many involving community engagement.
Maggie Alvarez, who joined the Youth Center in 2021, previously worked as an officer at the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center. She spoke about the Next S.T.E.P.S. program run by therapists Brenda and Donovan Bedward, a husbandand-wife team.
“They work with groups, but there’s nothing typical about their approach,” Alvarez shared. “The program includes daily dinners and group activities, providing a safe and supportive environment for children who struggle to leave their homes.”
Many of the children who attend this program want nothing to do with school and would prefer to stay home to play video games. Initially, participants aren’t happy when forced to surrender their cellphones at the door. The interaction with others in meaningful activities often turns that resistance into something forgotten by the time they leave.
“One of our success stories is a 16-yearold girl who dropped out of school in the seventh grade,” said Alvarez. “She had anxiety and said she was picked on in school and didn’t want to leave her home.”
Alvarez said the young lady has evolved into working on her GED and working to encourage other kids with her positive experiences.
activities. Additionally, they run a Boys Game Changer group on the same day, providing similar weekly support and activities.
An eight-week “Spread Your Wings” program addresses wellness and anxiety issues through yoga. In addition, MY Jacobs Ladder provides supervised one-onone full-day programs for young adults with autism three days a week. Mentorship
A mentorship program run by Barry Steinmetz has also proven to add to positive change. Steinmetz works with elementary schools to identify children who might benefit from mentorship. Adult volunteers provide guidance and support many of these young people might otherwise lack.
The intergenerational interactions between the older and younger populations have been a resounding success. During COVID, they initiated a letter-writing program as a means of communication. This initiative proved so effective in motivating the kids who needed support that it has continued beyond the pandemic.
“Barry vets the mentors and checks with them,” said Carman. “We do all of the background checks.”
Community Partners
The Youth Services Commission, part of the Department of Juvenile Services, manages and oversees state grant funds from the Juvenile Justice Commission within Ocean County, specifically targeting youth involved with the court system or those at risk.
“Our strong network of community partners sets Ocean County apart statewide, as we are known for our collaborative approach and deep community connections,” said Voorhees. “This connectedness defi nes our work, bridging youth, families, providers, and other departments. We engage extensively with our community, listening to youth and families to understand their needs and desires.”
One of the agencies Voorhees works with is Bright Harbor Healthcare, helping bring different things to the Center and the R.A.I.S.E. building. This is being done in response to requests from the family court for agricultural optionsincluding an emphasis on gardening and even raising chickens.
The Ocean County Youth Center, located at 155 Sunset Avenue in Toms River,
Continued From Page 1 (Youth Services - See Page 6)
The Ocean Partnership for Children operates a Girls Empowerment group on Tuesdays, offering weekly support and
One of the mentorship program’s notable impacts has been on gang involvement. Carman shared that these young people often seek love, attention, and respect, which caring mentors can provide. This approach has significantly reduced gang activity and helped prevent youth from engaging in gangs.
“These are things that bring life skills to these families,” said Voorhees. “We are seeking to teach them how to sustain themselves - growing food in their own garden, taking those skills back into their homes into their communities, and really showing them that they can sustain themselves.”
Voorhees collaborates regularly with Bright Harbor, Ocean Partnership for
Youth Services:
Continued From Page 5
Children (OPC): Ocean County’s Care Management Organization (CMO), Ocean County Department of Human Services and the Ocean County Health Department. The goal is to offer a safe, supervised environment where youth can engage in recreational and structured activities to build life skills and competencies. The interactions also provide opportunities for informal mentoring with trusted adults. After 23 years of working for the County, Voorhees exudes dedication – something not lost on those who interact with her. Tracy Maksel, Ocean County Human Services Director, said her department takes pride in
By Nick Pappas
JACKSON – The Westlake Veterans Club (WVC) mission statement is as follows:
Mission Statement: “The mission of the Westlake Veterans Club will be to engage military veterans and supporters in cultivating fellowship, creating missions and opportunities that support military veterans and undertake support for community events which honor veterans and military service.”
In support of our mission, the Westlake Veterans Club holds various fund-raising events – a Summer Spectacular show,
honoring individuals who have made significant contributions. She singled out Voorhees as someone who has helped reduce the stigma around mental health and behavioral issues.
“Shelby is our Human Services Advisory Council chairperson as well as a committee member on a number of our advisory boards,” said Maksel. “She always brings a fresh perspective on innovation when we’re talking about developing new programs and using existing programming. She’s always one with a forward thought in her mind and enough tenacity to make sure that she keeps us in line.”
A Transformative Approach
The Ocean County Juvenile Services’ GED program, launched in 2021, is not just about helping young adults earn their high school equivalency diplomas – it’s about celebrating their achievements.
The program boasts approximately 25 graduates so far, and their success is marked by a unique ceremony that goes beyond simply handing them a piece of paper. Families are invited to participate in a celebratory event complete with photos and cake, ensuring these young adults feel the pride and accomplishment they deserve. Their names are also permanently displayed on a “wall of fame” with a star alongside them, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Leading up to the GED test, participants receive one-on-one tutoring from retired teachers. Meier explained the Center’s approach: “I give them ‘locators’ to see where they’re at educationally-wise. Depending on where they score, we’ll work with them one on one.”
Locals Help Haven For Women Veterans
Golf Outing, Memorial Bow Sales, and Poinsettia Sales amongst other events. In 2023 our goal was to be able to provide a service dog to a needy veteran. Partnering with the Zilinski foundation the WVC was able to provide two veterans with service dogs, named Agnes and Thor.
The WVC theme for 2024 is to support women veterans. After an exhaustive search the WVC charity committee found an organization that provided support targeted to our female veterans. Veterans Haven South, located in Hammonton, NJ looked promising, and 4 members of the
charity committee visited to check out the facility.
Veterans Haven South is a New Jersey State-operated facility for homeless veterans. After being medically evaluated at a VA Medical Center, eligible veterans must agree to a long-term program focusing on psychological, social and vocational rehabilitation.
Random drug and alcohol testing is constantly performed, and violators are immediately placed in an Intensive Outpatient Program to assist with maintaining sobriety. Veterans Haven South provides
The Center also provides fi nancial assistance by covering the cost of GED testing accounts, which would typically be an outof-pocket expense for participants taking the test independently.
Meier also highlighted the Center’s collaboration with the Ocean County Vocational Technical Schools, exposing young people to automotive, culinary, and computer hardware courses. They visit the vocational schools weekly from October to May and explore additional classes catering to various interests and career paths.
“Our real goal is to make these kids successful in life,” said Kelly. “That’s why we put together this whole program and went away from a program where we were having just a few kids and not reaching out to a whole lot of youth.”
transitional housing, vocational training and clinical assistance. Currently there are 10 women veterans residing in the Women’s Wing, with the ability to house up to 20 women vets.
The huge disparity between male and female veterans often leaves the women shortchanged or as an afterthought. To that end the club decided to fill the gap to make day-to-day life better for these too often overlooked service people. The WVC has stepped up to outfit the newly opened women’s wing of Veterans Haven South. (Haven - See Page 12)
S POTLIGHT O N G OVERNMENT
Correspondence & Commentary From Your Local, County, State & Federal Officials
Bill Would Address Vulnerabilities In Federal Gun Background Check System
Capitol Comments
Senator Cory Booker
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) reintroduced the Preventing Pretrial Gun Purchases Act, legislation that would address flaws in the background check process and keep firearms out of the hands of individuals that courts determine pose a risk of harm to others. U.S. Representative Dan Goldman (D-NY-10) will introduce the companion bill in the House.
The Preventing Pretrial Gun Purchases Act would:
Amend federal law to deny firearm sales to any person subject to a pretrial release court order that prohibits the person from purchasing, possessing, or receiving guns while awaiting trial. Prohibit any person from knowingly selling or
disposing of a gun to individuals who fall in this category. Authorize $25 million in additional funding to be made available to states to pay for timely and accurate reporting of pretrial orders involving firearms restrictions to NICS
The Preventing Pretrial Gun Purchases Act has been endorsed by the following organizations: Everytown for Gun Safety, Newtown Action Alliance, Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, and Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence.
Current federal law requires licensed gun dealers to conduct a background check of a firearm buyer through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) before completing a sale to ensure that the buyer is not a prohibited purchaser. Yet, the differences between various state and federal background check processes have exposed dangerous vulnerabilities in the system that put Americans at risk. One vulnerability is
that jurisdictions are unable to effectively and accurately report the pretrial status of individuals who, as a condition of their pretrial release, are prohibited by a court from purchasing or possessing a firearm.
“When there are individuals who we know pose a risk to public safety, we must ensure they can’t buy a gun and potentially harm or end someone’s life,” said Senator Booker. “This legislation will address a dangerous gap in our background check system and ensure that individuals who are prohibited from having a firearms don’t walk into a gun store and buy one. Nearly every community in our country has been touched by gun violence, and this legislation will help protect Americans.”
“I’m proud to stand with Senator Cory Booker and jointly introduce the Preventing Pretrial Gun Purchases Act, which will close a loophole in the background check process by flagging anyone on pretrial release who is not permitted to purchase a gun,” said Congressman Dan Goldman. “We must fight the gun violence epidem-
ic from every angle, and ensuring that those who are not permitted to possess a gun cannot legally buy one is a critical commonsense step towards keeping our communities safe.”
“Strengthening our background check system is critical to ending the epidemic of gun violence that continues to grip our nation,” said Senator Blumenthal. “This measure will address current gaps in background check systems that enable dangerous individuals to purchase or own a gun. Congress can and must take this commonsense step to save lives and prevent senseless tragedies.”
“Support for universal background checks is nearly unanimous among Americans, but when background checks have misguided loopholes, fi rearms can still fall into the hands of someone dangerous to themselves or others,” said Senator Durbin. “I’m joining Senator Booker to introduce the Preventing Pretrial Gun Purchases Act, which is much needed, commonsense legislation to strengthen background checks.”
Website Will Let Public Track Federal Infrastructure Investments
From The Desk Of The Governor
Phil Murphy
TRENTON – The Murphy Administration announced the launch of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Formula Funding Tracker, an interactive website that will provide insight into how federal BIL funds, and state matching dollars, are being used statewide and measure the progress and impact of BIL-funded projects.
“President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is enabling states to make the type of transformational investments not seen since the New Deal,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “New Jersey has an extraordinary opportunity to reimagine and transform its aging infrastructure, protect its natural resources, and address longstanding inequities experienced by underserved communities throughout the state. This new website will enable taxpayers to monitor their dollars in action and track the progress we are making on all of these fronts.”
The federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), also referred to as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), is providing vast resources across a broad spectrum that are enabling New Jersey to make once-in-a-generation investments to improve and transform infrastructure throughout the state. New Jersey is believed to be one of the first states to take the initiative in launching an
online funding tracker to enable the public to monitor BIL-related investments of both federal and state tax dollars. The Biden-Harris Administration highlights state-by-state investments made possible through the President’s agenda on invest.gov
“The Biden-Harris Administration’s partnership with Governor Murphy is invaluable in our efforts to invest in New Jersey and deliver meaningful, tangible progress for families,” said Senior Advisor to the President and Director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs Tom Perez. “Communities across the New Jersey can now follow along as federal and state dollars power the infrastructure renaissance taking place in neighborhoods across the state.”
The BIL Formula Funding Tracker provides users with project locations and descriptions, phases of work, funding allocations, and the amount expended. The site’s dashboards feature searchable data, location mapping, and customized reports and analysis. The tracker integrates funding and expenditure data received from the New Jersey Department of Transportation, NJ TRANSIT, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. This data will be updated quarterly.
Projects chosen for BIL-funds are assessed based on a variety of factors, including environmental and social justice for underserved communities, impacts on sustainability and
resilience, and how they help advance Governor Murphy’s goals of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging throughout the state.
The Administration is actively working on incorporating equity and sustainability analysis, which is expected to be rolled out soon.
To date, the five-year bill, which was signed
into law in 2022, has provided New Jersey with more than $7.28 billion in formula funds. Governor Murphy’s administration has prioritized tracking funding disbursements and identifying areas to further support Local Public Agencies (LPAs) in capturing additional funding resources.
Research shows that the longer a person has diabetes, the more likely he or she is to develop an eye problem. Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition affecting up to 80 percent of people who have had diabetes for 20 years or more. It requires a medical diagnosis since initially, no symptoms or only minor vision problems are present. However, because it can lead to blindness, seeing an ophthalmologist for a yearly eye exam is essential. Eventually, symptoms such as seeing spots, suffering from vision loss, and having blurred or fluctuating vision will develop over time. There are two types of this eye disease: early diabetic retinopathy, the most common form, and advanced diabetic retinopathy.
The longer you have diabetes and the less controlled your blood sugar is, the more likely you are to develop diabetic retinopathy. Developing diabetes when pregnant (gestational diabetes) or having diabetes before becoming pregnant can increase your risk of diabetic retinopathy. If you’re pregnant, your eye doctor might recommend additional eye exams throughout your pregnancy. To schedule an exam, call SIGHTMD NEW JERSEY SUSSKIND & ALMALLAH EYE ASSOCIATES at 732-349-5622. We offer evening hours most nights of the week. P.S. Anyone with diabetes is at risk for diabetic retinopathy.
www.oceancountyeye.com
C OMMUNITY N EWS
Double Trouble State Park July Programs
BERKELEY – Double Trouble has announced the following programs for the month of July:
Wildfi re in the Pine Barrens – July 12 at 9 a.m. Join on a 1.3 mile hike and learn about the dangers and benefits of wildfi re in the New Jersey Pine Barrens. Please come prepared for outdoor activities (long sleeves and pants, hats, bug spray, sunscreen, etc). Rain or thunder may cancel. Meeting spot: head of the Sworden’s Pond trail (Yellow), in between the Platt and Sweetwater reservoirs. Please arrive early as the meeting location is about a 3/4-mile walk from the village parking area. No registration or tickets required.
Art in the Park: Watercolor Painting – July 13 & 20 at 9 a.m. Swing by for a chance to learn more about watercolor painting and to see the Packing House, as well as the Gowdy bog, in a new light. Paint, paper, paintbrushes, paint board, etc. all provided. Bring a towel or beach chair if you wish to sit. Rain or thunder may cancel this event. Meeting spot: outside Packing House. No registration or tickets required.
Guided Sawmill Tour – July 16 at 10 a.m. As Double Trouble State Park celebrates its 60th Anniversary, learn how this village was fi rst settled in the colonial era
for its abundant supply of Atlantic white cedar. Join our historian on this 115th anniversary of the establishment of the Double Trouble Company for a guided tour of their sawmill and to learn how this early industry both gave Double Trouble its unique name and lead to a burgeoning cranberry industry. Meeting location: Double Trouble sawmill. No registration or tickets required.
Guided Nature Hike – July 19 at 9 a.m. Join our naturalist for a guided walk down the beautiful Mill Pond Trail. This shady hike will be a little over a mile in length. Rain or shine, thunder may cancel. Bring rain gear if precipitation is forecasted. Meeting spot: outside Village Restrooms. No registration or tickets required.
Art in the Park: Sketching Nature –July 27 at 9 a.m. There’s a lot to see when you take a walk through the Pine Barrens, but there’s also lots to draw! Tag along and choose an animal, landscape, tree, bug, or plant to sketch. Please bring your own pencil and paper, and a chair or towel if you wish to sit. Rain or thunder may cancel this event. Meeting spot: Village parking area. No registration or tickets required. For group or guided tours, contact our Resource Interpretive Specialist/ village historian at 732-341-4098 or DoubleTrouble@dep.nj.gov.
VFW Post 9503 Upcoming Meeting
BAYVILLE – The VFW Post 9503 will be holding their next meeting on July 12 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 383 Veterans Boulevard, Bayville.
C OMMUNITY N EWS
cers Support Local Lemonade Stand
GATE – On June 21, Ocean Gate Police Officers Caporrino, Pelino, Baxter and Baier decided to take a break from the heat and help support some local business.
Beachwood Car & Truck Cruise Night
BEACHWOOD – Join Beachwood Recreation for a fun-filled evening at Beachwood Elementary School on July 23 from 5 to 8 p.m. for the Car & Truck Cruise Night! This free event is open to all vehicles and offers something for everyone in the family.
Enjoy food trucks, face painting, kids power wheel contest. Bring your family and friends to enjoy an amazing night of cars, trucks, food, and entertainment. For more information, contact: recreation @beachwoodusa.com.
Community Yard Sale
PINE BEACH – The Pine Beach Community Yard Sale will be held on September 7 and 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration forms may be obtained through pinebeachborough.us or picked up at Borough Hall.
Registration fee is $20 and includes advertisement and listing on map. Pick up maps and certificates on September 6 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Pine Beach Volunteer Firehouse, 525 Prospect Avenue, Pine Beach.
New Emergency Management Coordinator Sworn In
SOUTH TOMS RIVER – Robert
was sworn in as the new Coordinator of the Office of Emergency Management effective July 1, 2024.
Congratulations Rob and Mayor Cradle and the Council members of the Borough of South Toms River look forward to working with you and your staff.
Krohn
Photo courtesy Ocean Gate Police
OCEAN
2024 Sounds Of Summer Concert Series
July 10 – Sketchy Medicine 6 to 7 p.m.; Bon Journey 7:30 to 9 p.m.
BERKELEY – Mayor Bacchione and the Township Council present: The 2024 Berkeley Township Sounds of Summer Concert Series.
Concert and events will be held at Veterans Park, 489 Forest Hills Parkway, Bayville (except for the concert at the beach).
Concerts are free to the public. Free parking. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Refreshment vendors at the park. For more details, visit btrec.org.
July 24 – Jukebox Legends 6 to 7 p.m.; Stifler’s Mom 7:30 to 9 p.m.
August 7 – Dominique & Julian 6 to 7 p.m.; Event Horizon 7:30 to 9 p.m.
August 24 – Alotta Colada 5 to 8 p.m. at White Sands Beach, 23rd Avenue Seaside Park
September 14 – Slap Happy 6 to 7 p.m.; Boy Band Project 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Movies In e Park 2024
BEACHWOOD – Experience the magic of the cinema outside beneath the stars. Grab some popcorn and fi nd a seat. The show is about to begin! Beachwood Recreation Commission puts on movies in the park at Mayo Park. Admission is free, and the movies they pick are all family-oriented and family-friendly.
July 12 – Barbie
July 26 – Elf
August 9 – Jumanji
August 23 – The Marvels
September 13 – Elemental
September 27 – The Garfield Movie
October 4 – Ghostbusters the Frozen Empire
October 18 – Casper
There will be no rain dates for the above movies. In case of inclement weather movies will be moved indoors.
PBA 237 Annual Golf Tournament
BERKELEY – On August 2, Berkeley PBA #237 will host their 10 th annual Golf Tournament at Cedar Creek Golf Course in Bayville.
The tournament will be a shotgun start beginning at 1 p.m. in a “Captain and Crew” format. Registration begins at 12 p.m.
Admission is $110 per golfer and includes golf, cart, and dinner at the nearby V.F.W Hall. There is a dinner only option for $25. You can register at berkeleytwppba237.org. In addition, PBA #237 is accepting hole, t-shirt, and website sponsors for the tournament. You can fi nd more information on their website.
Pine Beach Fire Fest VIII
PINE BEACH – Fire Fest is on again! Come join on September 28 at Vista Park on the banks of the Toms River Riverside and Midland Aves Pine Beach.
Food trucks, vendors, live music by Drunken Clams Rock, and new for this year, a car
show! Vendors and sponsors: If you haven’t registered or paid for an ad in our book yet, the forms can be found at pinebeachfire. org/fire-fest.
Any questions can be sent to pbvfcfi refest@gmail.com.
Central Regional Employment Opportunities 2024-2025 School Year
BERKELEY – Central Regional School District is now hiring for the 2024-2025 school year. Open positions include: Full-Time Maintenance Technician Full-Time Custodian
School Safety Officers
Assistant Principal Athletic Trainer
For more information, visit applitrack. com/centralreg/onlineapp.
Full Send Fest
Power Wheels Division. DJ/MC. Vendors. Three-tier gift auction. 50/50 raffles. Cornhole tournament. Food Trucks. Children’s activities and so much more.
BAYVILLE – Full Send Family presents Full Send Fest on August 31 from 12 to 6 p.m. at Robert J. Miller Airpark located at 901 Route 530 Berkeley Township. Charity Car Show extravaganza to honor and remember our fallen brothers Mike Stull, Dion Cardell and Brian Blaszka. Top 30 overall. 12 specialty categories.
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or vendor, send a message to Mandi at 732810-1828. For more information, join the Facebook group: Full Send Fesy.
C OMMUNITY N EWS
Ocean County “My County” Poster Contest
OCEAN GATE – Congratulations to Emma for winning Mrs. McCue’s class’s 4th grade Ocean County “My County” poster contest that is sponsored annually by the Ocean County Commissioners!
She didn’t place in the countywide contest, but they are proud of her efforts and
representation for the Ocean Gate School District!
Thanks to the Commissioners and Ocean County Clerk Scott M. Colabella for sponsoring this learning experience and to Mrs. McCue for always fostering the opportunity.
Lot-A-Fun Fest
ORTLEY BEACH – Friends of Ortley Beach is gearing up for their new free, family fun event, Lot-a-Fun Fest - a beachside celebration of summer on July 20 (rain date: July 27) from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the 3rd Avenue parking lot!
It will feature organized games and contests for the whole family, a bounce house, facepainting, a visit by our local fi retruck, raffle baskets, 50/50 raffle, and food galore (for purchase). Entertainment will be provided by local favorite, Rich Meyer.
Vito’s Sandwiches & Specialties will be serving juicy burgers, hot dogs, or sausage & peppers with macaroni salad, potato salad and coleslaw for $12 per person. Get your food tickets in advance here. On the day of the event, tickets will be $15 per person.
To purchase a sweet treat between games,
feel free to visit the on-site Monster Ice Cream truck, Italian Ice Cart or Zoffe’s Coffee Cart.
Buy your food tickets here: friendsofortleybeach.org/product/lot-a-fun-festfood-order.
Come with your family and friends and invite your neighbors too! Remember to bring your own chairs to enjoy all the festivities. You won’t want to miss the fun of connecting with neighbors, and meeting new friends. Join Friends of Ortley Beach and be a part of the family-friendly spirit of the beach community!
All hands-on deck! They could use some help setting up and running events. If you can volunteer an hour of your time for Lota-Fun Fest, contact Lori at presidentfob@ gmail.com, and sign up for your timeslot here.
Photo courtesy Ocean Gate School
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
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Lisa Kenney of Toms River likes to capture the beauty of Jersey Shore beaches by taking photos and turning them into art. This magnificent shot was taken in Seaside Park. Have a pic you would like to share with our readers? Want to win a prize? Email your Jersey Shore photos to photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you may hear from us!!
Haven:
Continued From Page 6
The women’s wing has an open space for social gathering that needed some updating targeted for the women veterans. We provided a new drop ceiling, flooring, furniture, paint as well as upgrades to the women’s bathroom. All labor was provided by the residents of Veterans Haven South, which provided them with a sense of pride and ownership.
“Our motto at Veterans Haven South is “Leave No One Behind.” Our team thanks each of the contributors to the Women’s Wing day room,” said Veterans Haven South
Superintendent Patrick Kennedy. “Thanks to the Westlake Veterans Club, our women Veterans have a welcoming space they can use to gather and navigate their unique journeys from homelessness to success their communities.” Please consider supporting this effort. Here is the link to Veterans Haven South. It’s worth looking at: nj.gov/military/veterans/services/ vetshavensouth.
We welcome new members; club membership is open to all Westlake residents. As of now, we have close to 200 veterans and Supporters that belong. Westlake Veterans Club meetings are held the first Thursday of the month in the Ballroom.
South Toms River Neighborhood Watch
SOUTH TOMS RIVER – Join this crucial and important organization. Come say hello, meet your neighbors, all are welcome!
Meetings are 6 p.m. at South Toms River
Borough Hall before the regular South Toms River council meetings.
Any questions, contact Lt. Michael Schneidt at 732-349-0313 ext.117 or email m.schneidt@ boroughofsouthtomsriver.com.
AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE
Verizon Upgrades Network Along Jersey Shore To Bolster Safety, Handle Massive Data Increase
NEW JERSEY – With people flocking to the Jersey Shore for sunshine, beaches and endless options for summer fun, Verizon has seen a massive increase in data usage on its network – even on the boardwalk and the sand. To address this surge and prepare for the continued influx expected throughout the summer months, Verizon recently completed major upgrades to the network serving customers, businesses and first responders along the Jersey Shore.
Network infrastructure upgrades have been activated in Sea Girt, Lavallette, Seaside Park, and Ortley Beach, with additional network upgrades expected in Brick and Asbury Park.
These upgrades will deliver even faster, more reliable internet connections to communities across Monmouth and Ocean counties, supporting public safety, enabling businesses, and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors.
“Staying connected is a huge part of people’s lives. Even when they’re at the beach, our customers are streaming, answering emails, video calling, and using their favorite apps,” said Garima Garg, Associate Vice President of Engineering and Operations for Verizon. “These investments bolster the network and empower residents, businesses, and our fi rst responders.”
Communication is key for fi rst responders
For those tasked with helping keep our communities safe, communication is vital – especially when emergencies happen. When recently surveyed, fi rst responders revealed network reliability and speed are
top priorities. For public-safety officials, network improvements enable:
• Improved communication and data sharing
• Faster response times to emergencies
• Enhanced ability to utilize real-time crime-fighting technologies
“When crowds are at their peak, it’s important to have the capacity to handle call traffic, for both civilians and fi rst responders,” said Jason Mitchell, Associate Director for the Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team’s East Region. “Additionally, network advancements like 5G Ultra-Wideband are helping enable innovative new technology for fi rst responders to use as they keep people safe.”
Small businesses say connectivity matters
The summer season is critical to many small businesses along the Jersey Shore. When it comes to reaching customers, managing employees and making sales, small business owners are investing in connectivity. A survey of small and medium businesses found that businesses have continued to significantly upgrade their bandwidth in the past three years: 52 percent in 2021, 51 percent in 2022, and 53 percent in 2023. This continued need for increased bandwidth highlights the growing digital dependency for businesses of all sizes.
“Small businesses are looking for every tool to help manage their operations and drive sales,” said Erika Angell, Verizon Business Vice President of R2B East.
“Connectivity isn’t a ‘nice to have’ for small businesses, it’s a ‘must have,’ and we are committed to providing our small business customers with the tools and solutions they need to keep their businesses moving forward.”
OHI Annual Summer Fundraiser
BELMAR – Save the date! Ocean Health Initiatives’ annual summer fundraiser at D’Jais Bar in Belmar where exciting times await!
On July 31, OHI is hosting a boardwalk themed fundraiser to continue its mission of providing high-quality primary and preventive care services to the residents of New Jersey, regardless of who they are or their ability to pay. We’re kicking off the summer
with a real extravaganza down by the shore that includes boardwalk games, rides, and a rich selection of everyone’s favorite noshes and morsels from the boardwalk.
As always, there will be a live DJ to keep the vibes going all night long, as well as an open bar, a silent auction, and a 50/50 raffle. Join us and purchase tickets online at ohinj.square.site. You can also purchase sponsorships online!
Athletes In Action Soccer Camps
BAYVILLE – Athletes in Action Soccer Camps are held from August 12 to 16 at 6 p.m. at Emmanual Community Church, 331 Wheaton Avenue Bayville.
For boys and girls 5 to 13 years old. Cost is $45 per child. Family discount available. To register go to ECCBayville.org, print out the forms, fill out and return by August 5.
Lightning Strike Kills Toms River Man
By Bob Vosseller
SEASIDE
PARK
– A Toms River man died while trying to save swimmers during a June 23 storm.
Area residents spotted a threatening shelf cloud and the coming of a severe thunderstorm that traveled through several northern barrier island communities from Point Pleasant Beach to Seaside Park.
Loud thunder was heard as the wind picked up and around 7 p.m. 58-yearold Patrick Dispoto acted to warn several young people that he spotted on the beach after lifeguards had left.
According to a News 12 report, Dispoto’s girlfriend Ruth made sure she was safe inside his truck prior to heading up the dune and onto the sand. That is when the storm struck and a short time later, he was found unresponsive and CPR efforts began immediately.
Dispoto was pronounced dead just before 9 p.m. at an area hospital. Ruth said she believes he was the victim of a lightning strike that occurred on the beach. This was confirmed by authorities a few days later.
She said he died a hero trying to help
get those he observed off the beach to find shelter. News of his death spread quickly and hundreds of tributes were posted on social media. Many of those posts called him a “cowboy hero” because he was rarely seen without his signature cowboy hat. He was also noted by family and friends for his kindness and big heart.
Those that knew him have stated they would never forget their “lovable cowboy hero.” There are those who never met Dispoto but who also praised his selfless action to help the youth on the beach.
His death comes only three years after a similar tragedy in the South Seaside Park section of Berkeley Township when 19-year-old lifeguard Keith Pinto was also struck by lightning just a few miles south. Pinto was working at the White Sands beach on August 30, 2021when a sudden storm tore through Ocean County. He was killed and seven others were injured.
A man was struck by lightning a year prior to that incident, at Island Beach State Park. Lifeguards and public officials are stressing that people leave the beach when there is a storm or even when there is a possibility of a thunderstorm’s arrival. Signs noting lighting detection devices
are now a more common sight around shore community beaches. One is in the Ortley Beach section of Toms River Township. Work on upgraded lightning detection systems in Seaside Park began this week. Such warning systems are designed to detect lightning and allows municipalities to issue warnings.
They are strategically placed and the device sensors pick up electromagnetic signals that are produced by lightning and provide immediate feedback to special monitors.
According to Scientificamerican.com each year in the United States, lightning strikes around 37 million times. It kills approximately 21 people a year in the U.S. on average. “For as often as lightning occurs – there are only a few days each year nationwide
without lightning – there are still a lot of misunderstandings about nature’s largest spark and because of this, a lot of people take unnecessary risks when thunderstorms are nearby.”
Photo courtesy Patrick Dispoto’s Facebook Patrick Dispoto made sure his girlfriend, Ruth was safe in his truck before he ran out to the beach in an effort to warn several young people to get off the beach during an approaching thunder and lightning storm.
$258,000 Grant To Support Water Quality Monitoring At NJ Beaches
NEW JERSEY – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia announced $258,000 in grant funding to help New Jersey ’s coastal communities protect the health of beachgoers. She was joined by Congressman Frank Pallone Jr., Ranking Member of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, Shawn LaTourette, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Bradley Beach Mayor Larry Fox and other dignitaries. The funding will assist New Jersey in conducting water quality monitoring and public notification programs for their beaches.
“This funding helps keep beaches and coastal waters clean so that people can have fun, relax and enjoy all the beauty that New Jersey coastlines have to offer,” said Lisa F. Garcia, Regional Administrator. “EPA funding is vital for successful beach monitoring and notification programs.”
“With our district home to some of America’s most popular summer destinations, we know better than most the importance of protecting our beaches,” said Representative Frank Pallone (NJ-06). “Federal support is indispensable to ensure our beaches are safe and clean. As New Jerseyans and countless others flock to our state’s beaches for a great summer, now is the perfect time for the allocation of this federal support so swimmers know the water is clean to enjoy. I will always prioritize federal support for New Jersey beaches.”
“I’m thrilled to see this EPA grant funding support water quality monitoring and public safety in New Jersey’s beaches,” said Senator Cory Booker. “This investment will protect public health, preserve our natural resources, and benefit our coastal communities.”
“The Department of Environmental Protection and our local partners are extremely grateful for EPA’s continued support of New Jersey’s highly successful Cooperative Coastal Monitoring Program,” said New Jersey Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. “This funding supports the important work done through a longstanding partnership between the DEP and local health departments to monitor and report on water quality so that residents and visitors can enjoy carefree and fun days at the beach. As a result of these efforts, the public can easily visit njbeaches.org to fi nd information about water quality data and beach status reports before heading down the shore to enjoy New Jersey’s consistently excellent water quality.”
Under the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act, the EPA awards grants to eligible state, tribal, and territorial applicants to help them and their local government
partners monitor water quality at coastal and Great Lakes beaches. When bacteria levels are too high for safe swimming, these agencies notify the public by posting beach advisories or closings.
Since 2001, the EPA has awarded nearly $230 million in BEACH Act grants to test beach waters for illness-causing bacteria, identify the sources of pollution problems,
and help notify the public. Three factors influenced the EPA’s allocations for the 2024 grant amounts: (1) the length of the beach season, (2) the number of miles of shoreline, and (3) the populations of coastal counties.
To be eligible for BEACH Act grants, states, Tribes, and territories must have coastal and Great Lakes recreational wa-
ters adjacent to beaches or similar points of access used by the public. They must also have a water quality standards program and EPA-approved numeric recreational water quality standards for coastal waters. Additionally, eligible entities must meet 11 performance criteria for implementing monitoring, assessment, and notification components of the beach program.
Hearing loss affects about 50 million Americans and about 500 million people worldwide. More than 90% of individuals affected have sensorineural hearing loss, caused by damage to the inner ear and the destruction of the hair cells responsible for relaying sounds to the brain. Species like fish, birds, and reptiles can potentially regenerate hair cells, but not in mammals. It would be wonderful to just take a pill and all of a sudden you’re hearing is restored. This will more than likely not happen!
The cochlear hair cells in humans consist of rows of inner hair cells and outer hair cells. The inner hair cells are the actual sensory receptors, and 95% of the fibers of the auditory nerve that project to the brain arise from this subpopulation. In laymen terms, these hair cells convert mechanical energy into electrical energy that is transmit-
ted to the central nervous system to the auditory nerve to facilitate audition. The function of the outer hair cells in hearing is now perceived as that of a cochlear amplifier that refines the sensitivity and frequency selectivity of the mechanical vibrations of the cochlea. Outer hair cell damage causes hearing loss which more than likely is permanent. We are born with these hair cells, so if they die, you lose them and they don’t regenerate in mammals. However, never give up hope that someday there will be a solution. In my opinion, it will not occur with Stem Cell injections. Regenerating hair cells through gene therapy does hold promise so stay tuned.
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!
NJ Blood Services Declares Emergency Ahead Of Summer Trauma Season
NEW JERSEY – New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS) is declaring a blood emergency due to a significant drop in blood donations preceding and following Memorial Day weekend. In the past three weeks, donations have been 2,100 units short of what is needed to meet hospital demand, placing a strain on the region’s blood supply heading into the summer months that are typically marked by a spike in traumas.
Annually, more than 56,000 traumas are reported in the region, the majority of which occur on weekends and during the summer months. Blood transfusions are often needed to treat traumas, and a spike in traumatic accidents can cause a strain on the blood supply. Additionally, school breaks, travel, and busy summer schedules make blood donation less of a priority and often lead to seasonal shortages.
The region currently only has a two-day blood supply of types O- and B-, well below the optimal level of five to seven days. Platelets and all other blood types are also in short supply. In addition to the rise in traumas, blood is needed daily for routine patient care. Nearly 120,000 individuals are diagnosed with cancer each year in the area
and a quarter of the region’s blood supply is used to treat cancer patients alone.
“We are putting out the call for help following a decrease in blood donations after Memorial Day weekend. While the summer months bring warm weather and joyful gatherings of family and friends, each year our hospitals receive an influx of trauma patients that need our help and require blood transfusions for treatment,” said Andrea Cefarelli, Senior Vice President at New Jersey Blood Services. “As we enter trauma season, we are asking local residents to give back and make donating blood one of their regular summer activities.”
NJBS hosts daily blood drives and operates 19 area donor centers to reach donors and meet local hospital needs. Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines, visit nybc.org or call 800-688-0900.
To make an appointment, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit nybc.org. Can’t donate blood? You can still support NYBC’s mission by texting ‘NYBC’ to ‘20222’ to give $25.
Dr. Isidore Kirsh Ph.D., F.A.A.A.
H ERE ’ S T O Y OUR H EALTH
Dear Pharmacist
SOME OF WHAT WE OFFER:
Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.
How To Lose Weight Fast: 7 Tips For Effective And Lasting Results
By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.
During the summer, we all become hyper-aware of our weight because, let’s face it, it’s bikini season! All those winter months spent indulging in too much cheese and Netflix binging can catch up with us, making weight loss a bit tricky. Most people are turning to Ozempic, however I don’t think you don’t need an expensive drug to do it!
1. Eat Slower and Savor Your Food. One of the simplest yet most effective ways to lose weight is to eat slower. This gives your brain time to get the hormonal feel-full signal, which helps you avoid overeating. Plus, you’ll appreciate the flavors and textures of your meals more.
2. Control Portions. Start by using smaller plates and bowls, which can trick your mind into feeling satisfied with less food. Also, be mindful of serving sizes, especially when eating out or indulging in snacks. Remember, it’s not just what you eat, but how much you eat that matters.
3. Eliminate Carbohydrates. Reducing your carbohydrate intake is a proven method for quick weight loss. Carbs, especially refined ones like white bread, pasta, and sugary snacks, can spike your blood sugar and lead to weight gain. Eating protein and healthy fat allows you to feel satiated for a longer time, which stabilizes blood sugar levels.
4. Limit High-Carb Vegetables. While vegetables are generally healthy, some are higher in carbs and can hinder weight loss if eaten in excess. Limit vegetables like potatoes, corn, and peas, and opt for low-carb options like leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, and zucchini.
5. Balance Your Blood Sugar. Balancing your blood sugar is essential for effective weight loss. Fluctuations in blood sugar can lead to cravings and overeating. Balancing blood glucose controls craving. There are dietary supplements that can help you support healthy blood sugar levels including my own GlucoScript Max. Incorporating something like that into your routine can make a significant difference in your weight loss journey. Key ingredients to look for include gymnema, berberine, bitter melon and resveratrol.
6. Increase Your Protein Intake. Protein is a powerhouse nutrient for weight loss. It helps build muscle, boosts metabolism, and keeps you feeling full longer. Include a source of protein in every meal, such as lean meats, fish, eggs, beans, or tofu.
7. Stay Hydrated. Drinking plenty of water is vital for weight loss. Water helps flush out toxins, keeps your metabolism running smoothly, and can even reduce hunger by making you feel fuller. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day, and consider drinking a glass before meals to help control your appetite.
Losing weight fast doesn’t mean compromising your health. By incorporating these functional medicine principles into your routine, you can achieve effective and lasting results. Remember, it’s not about quick fixes but creating sustainable habits that support your overall well-being. For a longer, more detailed version of this article, visit suzycohen.com and sign up for my free newsletter. I will email it to you on Tuesday.
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AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE
Ocean County’s Carousel Of Music 2024
Serving All Faiths & Cemeteries
Pre-Arrangements Available Digni ed Services Available in Every Price Range
Conveniently located next to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton RC Church
Frederick R Whiteley III NJ Lic No. 4116, Manager
OCEAN COUNTY – The fan-favorite Ocean County Carousel of Music is back again for the 2024 season. The free concert series runs through August 30 presenting over 40 concerts.
“We are delighted to announce this year’s Carousel of Music schedule,” said Commissioner Virginia E. Haines, who serves as Chairwoman of the Ocean County Department of Parks and Recreation.
“The Parks and Recreation Department, along with the towns and organizations that host the concerts, have worked very hard to provide a variety of music that appeals to all Ocean County residents and visitors,” Haines said.
The Carousel of Music is a long-standing tradition that began in the late 1970s by the late Franklin V. Fischer, who served as the Ocean County Surrogate.
“His vision was to bring live music to the residents of Ocean County and he successfully did that for years,” Haines said.
When the series began, the majority of the concerts took place at local libraries. Soon after, the County acquired a band shell where performances were held. Eventually, a mobile stage was added to bring live music all over the County.
concerts during the 2023 season.
“Bands like the Wilbur Witteman Band, the Toms River Municipal Band, the 63rd Army Band, the Sentimental Journey Big Band, and the Garden State Philharmonic have been part of our series for years,” said Mary Jane Bavais, Director of Ocean County Parks and Recreation. “This year we have many fun tribute shows including Fleetwood Mac, Billy Joel, and Elton John.”
“The Carousel of Music was created to provide free live music to the residents of Ocean County,” said Director of the Ocean County Board of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners Barbara Jo Crea.
“In the years since its inception, the series has continued to bring joy to the thousands of audience members who have attended the concerts. The Board of Commissioners sponsors this program every year because we know how much people enjoy the shows and how great they are for our communities,” Crea said.
From the beginning, one of the major goals of the Carousel of Music series was to highlight many different genres of music. As music taste change, the series updates its list of performers to strike a balance between beloved acts that return year after year and newer performances.
Over 10,000 audience members attended
“We encourage anyone in Ocean County to try to go to at least one of these concerts,” said Haines. “Go get some fresh air while taking advantage of this free entertainment and making connections within your communities.” This year audiences will enjoy an array of performances from rock, new country, and jazz, to tributes of popular performers and many more.
Attendees of the shows are recommended to bring a blanket or a chair. To find a complete schedule with the lineup, start times, and locations visit oceancountyparks.org/ frmSpecialEvents or call 732-506-9090.
ree Holocaust Survivors To Share Stories
TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Library is honored to host three Holocaust survivors who will discuss their experiences in the fourth presentation of its “Combatting Hate” series. Join us for “A Conversation with Mona Ginsberg, Albert Hepner and Gela Buchbinder” in the OCL Toms River Branch, 6:30 p.m. on July 23.
Mona Ginsberg, born in Austria of Polish lineage, and Albert Hepner, Belgian by birth, were hidden children during the Nazi invasion and occupation of their country. In Poland, Gela Buchbinder was assigned to a concentration camp.
and in 1940 were forced to leave Antwerp for Liége, where Mona was hidden in the village of Banneaux.
Mona, her mother and brother lived with different families and kept in contact. Her father died in Auschwitz. After hostilities ended, Mona and her family re-started life together. She moved to America and stayed in touch with the family that shielded her.
Gela Buchbinder, born in Poland, was one of six children in a family that operated a produce store. Anti-Semitic brutality bred social isolation. When war descended in her 14th year, she was herded into a cargo train bound for Czechoslovakia.
Albert Hepner was separated from his newly-widowed mother and older brother for four terrifying years, shuttling from strangers’ homes to churches to convents, suffering beatings and degradation. After the war, he was placed in an orphanage.
Scarred by his ordeal for many years even after arriving in America, he found the courage to speak in public and authored a self-published account, “Avrumele: A Memoir.”
Mona Ginsberg was five years old in 1938 when a brick flew through a window of her family’s dwelling in Austria. They fled to Belgium
Forced into labor in a linen factory, she became hardened to malnourishment, beatings and threats. Placed in a concentration camp, she weighed 56 pounds, suffered arthritis and had lost all her teeth by age 18.
Register at tinyurl.com/TrOclCombattingHate to attend this free program recommended for teens and adults. For more information stop by the OCL Toms River Branch, 101 Washington Street, visit the Library’s online Calendar of Events or call 732-349-6200.
R.C. Shea & Assoc. Inside The Law
B.Y.O.B. Understanding New Jersey’s Laws N.J.S.A 2C:33-27
By: Michael J. Deem, Esq. of R.C. Shea & Associates
B.Y.O.B. laws apply to people who do not have a liquor license and who own or operate a restaurant, dining room, or other public place where food or liquid refreshments are sold or served to the general public. BYOB laws pertain to malt beverages (beer) and wine only. Other spirits, such as vodka, rum, scotch, and whiskey, are prohibited. Restaurants shall not charge the consumer any admission fee or cover, corkage, or service charge to consume their own wine or malt alcoholic beverages. You must be 21 to consume alcohol.
B.Y.O.B. laws are enforced by municipalities and not the State of New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). Therefore, B.Y.O.B. is not universally allowed. Restaurants may not permit B.Y.O.B. in their establishments if the local government of the municipality in which the restaurant is located has forbidden the practice. New Jersey B.Y.O.B. laws do not prohibit customers from bringing alcoholic beverages into restaurants or other establishments with a liquor license, however the licensee (business owner) can either permit or disallow B.Y.O.B. in accordance with their business policy.
There is nothing that restricts the right of a municipality or an owner or operator of a restaurant, dining room, or other public place where food or liquid refreshments are sold or served to the general public from prohibiting the consumption of alcoholic beverages on those premises. In fact, some municipalities prohibit the sale and consumption of alcohol all together. There are also more than 30 dry towns in the state which means they do not sell liquor of any kind in stores, bars, restaurants, or other venues. However, some dry towns allow restaurants to offer B.Y.O.B. Restaurant and other establishment owners should check local ordinances to determine if B.Y.O.B. is allowed in specific towns or municipalities.
Finally, alcohol consumption is limited to specific hours and like licensed restaurants, BYOB restaurants should not allow their patrons to overindulge on their premises, even though the restaurant is not actually providing nor serving alcoholic beverages.
Please drink responsibly. Call the attorneys at R.C. Shea & Associates for your legal needs. 732-505-1212.
AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE
Real-Life Example Pops Up At Police Presentation On Scams
By Stephanie Faughnan
BARNEGAT - A recent presentation by the Barnegat Police Department on how to identify and avoid scams proved to be more than just informative. For a local resident, it was the realization that she was likely in the middle of being targeted by one.
As she listened to the materials introduced by Detective Robert Armstrong and Detective Lauren Keilitz, one of the attendees revealed a personal experience.
Before coming to the meeting, a pop-up message appeared on the woman’s computer, claiming it was infected and displaying a phone number for “assistance.” The message, designed to mimic a legitimate tech company like Microsoft, seemed convincing. Although not requesting money, the caller on the other end convinced the woman to grant them remote access to her computer and instructed her to keep it powered on for two days without using other devices.
The woman’s experience directly correlated with the presentation’s content on tech support scams, alerting them to the potential danger. Recognizing the red flags, the two Barnegat detectives advised the presumed victim to halt communication with the caller. They recommended she visit her local bank to ensure her accounts weren’t compromised.
According to statistics provided by the Barnegat Police Department, reported scam cases have been on the rise in recent years, with 170 cases documented in 2022, escalating to 205 in 2023, and already reaching 56 cases thus far in 2024. Nationally, the Federal Trade Commission reports staggering figures, with fraudsters tricking roughly 690,000 adults into giving them money through scams in 2023, resulting in a total loss of $10 billion.
However, the true extent of the problem may be far more significant, as many victims hesitate to report incidents out of embarrassment or shame.
“With the constant rise of internet artificial intelligence and all the different things you’re seeing out there in the news, it’s only going to get worse – so prevention is key,” said Captain Andrew Parsley. “We’re going to try to stop it before it’s a problem and before anybody loses anything.”
Armstrong emphasized the insidious tactics employed by scammers, who prey on individuals’ trust and emotions, often targeting vulnerable populations such as seniors. He underscored the importance of vigilance in combating such threats, urging residents to safeguard their personal information diligently.
“People who are proactive in their lives and pay their bills can be a target because of these things,” shared Keilitz. “They handle everything, and when they get a phone call that something has happened, they feel they need to correct it – and do the right thing.”
Some fraudsters impersonate IRS repre-
sentatives, claiming that taxes were not paid due to a supposed mistake by the victim’s accountant. Others resort to threatening tactics, such as falsely asserting that utilities will be disconnected unless an immediate payment is made. These calls often originate from seemingly legitimate sources but are, in fact, part of elaborate scams.
“The grandparent scam was big, especially about a year or two ago,” Armstrong said. “These were originally out of the Dominican Republic, where someone was calling random people and preying on their emotions.”
This tactic involves impersonating a grandchild, or other loved one in distress, claiming to be in an accident or needing bail money. These include requests for large amounts of cash, claims of bail money being needed (which is not the case in New Jersey), and the use of courier services to collect the money.
Scammers can now use artificial intelligence to mimic voices. They create a sense of urgency and may even insist that payment be made by gift cards.
Attendees at the session were advised to exercise caution when dealing with unrecognized phone numbers and suspicious emails. Even seemingly legitimate emails, with convincing logos and sender information, may be designed to trick recipients into giving sensitive information or engaging in fraudulent activities.
“I remember there was a Facebook scam telling people to call a phone number because their account was hacked,” said Armstrong. “We can’t talk to someone from Facebook when we’re investigating a case. There is no number for Facebook.”
“The scam was so good that when I googled the number, it came up as Facebook,” Armstrong continued. “Keep an eye on that. If you do a Google search and it says sponsored, they’re paying for that.”
One of the most troubling things about scams is that they often originate outside of the country. Therefore, it’s difficult for authorities to prosecute the individuals behind these types of criminal activity.
Scams And Protective Measures
The dozens of residents who attended the presentation were predominately senior citizens. For many, the presentation was informative and included details of other prevalent scams, including:
• Romance scams: Fraudsters create fake online profiles and develop emotional connections with victims, often claiming to be overseas for work or military service. They exploit loneliness and manipulate victims into sending large sums of money for supposed emergencies or travel expenses.
• Random Messages: Unsolicited texts or messages on social media platforms should also send off alerts. Scammers may initiate conversations by pretending to be a forgotten
(Scams - See Page 24)
Personals
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Services Services Services Services
NOTICE: N.J.S.A. 39:10-16, application was made to Chief Administrator NJMVC for title papers to authorize a NJ Certification of Ownership for 96’Wellcraft, VIN/ Hull ID WLFUH6I596. Objections to Chief Administrator NJMVC, Special Title Unit, Box 017, Trenton, NJ 08666-0017. (30)
Estate Sales/Garage Sale - July 4 weekend dates 7/4-7/6. hours 9 am to 6 pm. Location 305 Arnold Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach. Fine crystal, dishes, cooking utensils, fishing/boating equipment, 9.9 mercury, Green Egg BBQ, electronics, headboard, ottoman, tools, toys, games, clothing motorcycle jacket, flashlights, scuba gear, teapot, infant products, gun cases, animal figures, costume jewelry, soapstone, cooler, antiques, bicycles Tiffany lamps, Lladro, Sadowski, watches, Lennox, Gorham, antique silver, GoPro, scansion, mirrors, kaleidoscope, cut glass crystal, Argentinian knives. (30)
Items For Sale Misc.
Kayaks - Santee Sport 126 Red/ WH, $650. Santee Sport 116 orange/ WH, $650. Cash only, regular price over $1,000. 732-673-7072. (30)
Kayak Thule Roof Rack - Two ullavators $650 each. Two crossbars $150 each. Regular price over $1,000. 732-473-1893. Cash only. (30)
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, CASH, CASH! - Instant cash paid for junk cars, trucks, vans. Free removal of any metal items. Discount towing. Call Dano 732-239-3949. (t/n)
Cash Paid LP Records - 33/45's, reel to reel's. Fast response, we answer the phone 732-829-5908, 24/7, Eddie. (30)
Entire Estates Bought - Bedroom/dining sets, dressers, cedar chests, wardrobes, secretaries, pre-1950 wooden furniture, older glassware, oriental rugs, paintings, bronzes, silver, bric-abrac. Call Jason at 609-970-4806. (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)
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)
Used Guns Wanted - All types: collectibles, military, etc. Call 917-681-6809. (t/n)
Help Wanted
Part Time
Positions - At Crestwood Village 7 Clubhouse. Call Al at 856-520-3432. (31)
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)
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)
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)
Assistant For Mildly Disabled 73-Year-Old Female - Help with shopping, transportation, medical appointments. Hours flexible. Call Maryann 732-678-3161. (31)
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)
Do You Want Your Car To Look Nice And Shine - Call Lenny. Lenny's Mobile Auto Detailing 908-868-4609. (33)
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)
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)
LANDSCAPING - Restorations, Repairs, Stones, Mulch, Sod Installs, Hedges, Shrubs, Bushes, Downed Branches Trimmed & Removed, Demolition, Cleanouts, ect., Dumpster service provided by A901 Licensed Hauler ect. MAN WITH VAN LLC. Jim 609335-0330 HIC# 13VH10806000. NO JOB TOO SMALL! Servicing Toms River, Lakehurst, Manchester, Whiting, Jackson, New Egypt, Plumstead Beachwood, Bayville, Berkeley. (47)
Handyman Service - Carpentry, masonry, painting repairs large and small. 40 years experience. Call Jim 732-674-3346. (39)
Painting - Special Spring Pricing. Interior/Exterior. Meticulous work. All materials and jobs guaranteed. Fully licensed and insured. $ave. Call 732-850-5060. (47)
Garden State Property Maintenance - All yard work. Tree-trimming and removal, stump grinding, pavers, decks, flower beds, weeding. 609-661-5470. (t/n)
APlus Home Improvements - Over 30 years experience. Everything from small handyman tasks to large renovations, decks, finished basements and much more. Lic #13VH11453600. No job too small give us a call. 908-278-1322. (52)
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)
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)
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)
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. (33)
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)
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)
Since 1979, Kitchen Magic, a family-owned business offering cabinet refacing, new cabinetry, and luxury countertop throughout the Northeast. We transform kitchens in less time, with less stress, at an amazing value. Call today for a free estimate 1-844-367-2477. (t/n)
Nor’easter Painting and Staining, LLC - Interior and exterior. Decks, powerwashing. Affordable. Senior discounts. References. No job too small. Fully insured. 732-691-0123. Lic #13VH09460600. (t/n)
TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED:
• Mail 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
Help Wanted
Services
For Rent
Real Estate
Other
2. Print clearly your ad as you want it to read. Include Phone # within ad below (counts as 1 word). Use separate sheet if necessary.
Calculate Price As Follows:
*In order to qualify for discounts, the same ad must run over the requested weeks.
Print Name: 4. Make check payable in advance to Micromedia Publications, or fill in Mastercard/Visa/American Express SORRY NO DISCOVER info below:
Cardholder Signature:
Billing Address:
Two
Custodian
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
NEED AN EMERGENCY HOME REPAIR?
WE’RE HERE TO HELP AT NO CHARGE
HANDS FOR ALL
A Division of HOMES FOR ALL, INC.
A Not-For-Pro t A ordable Housing Developer
680 Hooper Ave. • Building B 2nd Floor Toms River, NJ 08753
Tel: 732.286.7929 • Fax: 732.286.9698
Scams
: Continued From Page 20
acquaintance or someone seeking a simple favor. Their goal is to build rapport and create a sense of trust, eventually leading to requests for personal information or financial assistance.
• Hacked Accounts: Scammers may use various methods of communication, claiming someone’s account has been hacked and requires a payment to recover. This may happen with bank or social media accounts. Legitimate companies won’t demand money to restore access to free accounts. Those who suspect their accounts are compromised should contact the platform directly using verified methods (e.g., website login, official phone number).
• Sextortion: Perpetrators of sextortion often manipulate victims into sending compromising photos or videos, exploiting their emotions and threatening severe consequences if demands are not met. Other victims who have visited adult websites can be threatened with legal jeopardy and subject to extortion attempts.
• Marketplace or Concert Tickets: Fraudsters may advertise discounted concert tickets or even sell cars or other merchandise with claims they need the money upfront.
• Reduction in Bill Offers: Scammers may pose as companies like Comcast to offer bill reductions. One of the first clues to recognizing the issue is a request for an account number. If a legitimate source is calling, they should have the account number.
• Cell Phone Delivery: Someone is selling tracking numbers for cell phone deliveries. Residents were advised to pick up their phones at local stores.
• Solicitations from Unknown Sources: Scammers may pose as legitimate sounding
sources to solicit money. Scenarios requesting donations online have sometimes proven to be fake as well.
The detectives reminded the audience that their signatures appear on public documents such as mortgages that are public documents. Scammers also review social media to target victims and learn a lot about them, which creates a sense of trust.
“When they make the calls, it feels like they know so much about you,” said Keilitz. “So, you feel like it has to be legitimate – but the information is very easy to find. These people make a full time job to scam people and take the time to do the research.”
Most scams involve gift card payments, while others require victims to pay in Bitcoin and cryptocurrency.
Residents should use multi-factor authentication as much as possible as a protective means against scammers. This involves sending a text message to a phone or other device with a code to ensure logins to accounts are secure.
Passwords should not include familiar information like social security numbers, birthdays, or children’s names. The use of phrases works for passwords because they’re easier to remember.
“Our IT guy taught me that saving your passwords on your devices, your computers and your cellphones,” said Sgt. Vincent Damiano. “Is actually a safe bet because they’re encrypted.”
“You can save it so that their computer auto-populates the password for you rather than you type it in,” Damiano added. “That’s safer than actually typing them in each time.”
The Barnegat Police Department plans to continue its community discussions on various safety concerns. The date of the next scheduled event has not yet been determined but will focus on traffic laws.
e Sole Support System Of e Monarch Bu er y - e Milkweed Plant
By Renee A. Thomaier Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator
Many of you have probably heard the term pollinators. Species that pollinate include bats, bees, beetles, birds, butterflies, flies, moths, ants, and wasps. Wow, who knew there were so many species who help pollinate this wonderful place we call Earth? Without them none of us would be able to survive.
The monarch butterfly feeds exclusively on the milkweed leaves - it is their sole life support. They must have milkweed to complete their life cycle. It is with the destruction of these plants in agricultural, urban, and suburban areas, that identifies these as the primary reasons for the monarch disappearing. I’d like to point out that deer and many others will NOT eat milkweed.
The milkweed is one of the easiest plants to care for and can be purchased from nurseries online as well as at retail nurseries. It’s important to plant other pollinating plants along with milkweed. Pollinating plants cannot exist without the support of other pollinating plants. The life cycle of the monarch begins once the female deposits her tiny eggs singly on any
number of the milkweed leaves. The cycle goes from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis and finally to butterfly. Once the eggs are laid, in only four days, a hungry caterpillar emerges, so tiny it can barely be seen. They immediately begin feeding on milkweed leaves. The caterpillar is mostly black and gray, but after a day or two, they develop yellow, black, and gray stripes. When they are done feeding, they will glue their backside to a safe patch, hanging upside down for one day, in the shape of a ‘J’. Emergence from the bottom of the exoskeleton occurs in a matter of minutes. The chrysalis (pupa) is not a cocoon. It is here where the butterfly develops. Ten days later it releases itself in the form of a monarch butterfly. If it’s a female, she immediately begins looking for milkweed plants to lay her eggs. I gathered the information for this article from multiple sources so statistics may vary slightly. To reach me please call 732-2442768.
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.
FUN & GAMES SUDOKU
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
1 Starting from 2 Italian port on the Adriatic
Garments with hooks
Part of a swearing-in ceremony
Community with barn raisings 6 Suitable for hosta 7 Turn to stone
“Do it now!,” and what can be said about the answers to the starred clues
Travel aimlessly
Depleted Asian
“Who’s there?” reply
Jokes
Like dry mud on cleats
8 Four Corners state 9 Javier’s “Being the Ricardos” role
Flat panel TV type
Ride (on)
Card worth four points in evaluating a bridge hand
Cooking spray
Slanted, as some writing
“Retreat!!”
Oh of “Killing Eve”
Fix badly?
Tell (on)
Be in debt
Zoom alternative
Tit for __
__ shed
“Super heroes must eat oats” for the Great Lakes, e.g.
42 __ favor
45 “Let me repeat ... “
48 Bronze, iron, et al.
49 Fire pit residue
50 Chaps
53 Super Bowl LV city
55 The “A” in many degrees
56 Fatty tuna, at a sushi bar
57 Personnel list
58 Spine component
59 “Twilight” vampire Cullen
60 Wetlands plant
61 Sack
62 “It’s the end of an __”
63 Label
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ARIES (March 21-April 19) : Cherish every moment in the present and the people in it. Express your gratitude to your inner circle because it could mean more than you know. Consider putting moneymaking strategies aside for now.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20) : Flexibility may be your best defense against occasional challenges. When temporary disruptions arise, consider leaning in with curiosity. Stretch yourself to accommodate new ways of handling things.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Dream big, even if others seem to lack the same vision. Your goals may be awaiting some practical action steps. You may seek solace in friends, or by fueling your imagination through educational materials.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): You might simplify your style. Consider embracing a minimalist approach, organizing your space to reflect what you love and need. Harmonize and coordinate with others to work towards shared goals.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Neatness could be more important than you realize. Declutter your space to make room for something new. You could become an oasis of contentment for someone who may be operating under pressure.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) : In the week ahead, you may need to remind yourself to put tasks before pleasure. While you might long for more fun times or a romantic getaway, it could be important to tackle responsibilities and obligations first.
FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 6 - JULY 12
BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS
OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Cherish loved ones and indulge in the things that truly bring you joy. You may find freedom in forgiveness and thoughtfulness. Consider letting your creativity soar to new heights by trying out new experiences.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Keep your cool and stay collected, no matter which buttons may get pushed. Expressing optimism could be like a magic wand, turning passing challenges into opportunities for a brighter tomorrow.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):
Turn daily chores and tasks into thrilling adventures. Quick trips with the right person may reignite your passion and spark new ideas. It’s the little things you do that could lead to big accomplishments.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) :
Your friendly demeanor and willingness to be a team player might make you a shining star at any gathering. Staying calm during disputes or arguments could invite in much needed peace and harmony.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18):
Your story may detail your epic journey from the comfort of your favorite place to the present moment. Thoughtful planning could lead to wise investments that allow for a brighter and more secure future.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Strengthen the bonds of affection and loyalty with your loved ones by following through on agreed-upon plans. Patience may be a virtue to utilize this week, especially if any misunderstandings arise.
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THIS IMPRESSIVE DESSERT IS PERFECT FOR ANY CELEBRATION
