2024-07-13 - The Berkeley Times

History Teaches Us: What Was It Like In A Fallout Shelter?

food

By Chris Lundy BERKELEY – A

small, cramped space. Rationed food and water. Not much to do but sit and wait. But it beat being outside in the radiation. The Berkeley Township Historical Society hosted a speaker who brought actual items from fallout shelters and explained the mindset of people who

were looking at escalating tensions between the U.S. and Russia.

Jeff Brown, a history teacher at Southern Regional, said his students respond really well to the artifacts he brings in. The items impress the reality of it upon the students. Looking at a “Time” magazine cover lets kids know what people were thinking back then. Showing

county preserves good luck point land

By Bob Vosseller BERKELEY –

The Ocean County Board of Commissioners recently approved the preservation of land in the Good Luck Point section of town, a small neighborhood jutting off into the Barnegat Bay.

The Ocean County Natural Lands Trust Fund Advisory Council recommended its purchase as part of ongoing efforts to protect the coastal marsh in that area, according to Commissioner Virginia E. Haines. Haines, who serves

as liaison to the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust program said, “we will be adding this property to the 22 others that have already been preserved.”

“This is an area of Ocean County that was

(Land PurchaseSee Page 5)

the rations people were supposed to eat in a shelter drove home the era for kids who were born 40-50 years later.

The people at the historical society were just as intrigued. Some of them shared stories of the Cold War era and the things they were told.

Brown touched on the politics behind why these fallout shelters

were built. Nelson Rockefeller, who was governor of New York, met with President Kennedy to urge him to endorse fallout shelters. JFK pushed Congress for public shelters, which his friends criticized as ‘a great way to save Republicans,’ because that’s who was living in the suburbs and rural areas – and

(Fallout - See Page 4)

By Chris Lundy BERKELEY

– At a recent Township Council meeting, Mayor John Bacchione criticized a proposed New Jersey Natural Gas increase.

If approved, the change for the typical NJNG residential heating customer using 81 therms a month will be an increase of $29.01.

Bacchione said that the town’s elected officials were against the increase when it was first proposed and they are still against it months later. The proposed increase comes on top of an 11% increase in 2021.

“The request comes without proof of the company’s efforts to control costs at a time when inflation is at an all-time high,” he said.

Utility companies request increases every so often, called a “base rate petition.”

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities holds a hearing to determine if the increase is warranted. Usually, the Board strikes some kind of balance, allowing an increase but not the full amount requested. The process could take as much as a year to go through.

NJNG’s request, if approved fully, would bring in a $222.6 million increase to its base rates. The company said that this comes after approximately $850 million of investments such as infrastructure and cybersecurity. A press release highlighted replacing 140 miles of old mains

(Gas Prices - See Page 4)

$12.5M Allocated To

Address Homelessness

By Stephanie Faughnan TOMS RIVER

Ocean County has faced longstanding criticism for the absence of a homeless shelter. Recent contract awards indicate the county’s approach to tackling home-

lessness will be to fund external entities rather than running a shelter itself.

“The funds we have allocated support our strategy to entrust the development of transitional housing for the homeless to nonprofits equipped

to provide these services,” said Commissioner Director Barbara “Bobbi” Jo Crea.

“These initiatives, combined with establishing our Homelessness Task Force and the Homelessness Trust Fund, represent Ocean County’s com-

mitment to preventing homelessness and implementing effective solutions.”

This article is the first in a series examining how the Ocean County Board of Commissioners is

(Homeless FundSee Page 5)

(Left) Teacher Jeff Brown brought artifacts from the time when fallout shelters were being built. (Right) The saltines in this tin of

was offered to others.

Photo by Chris Lundy

Fallout:

Continued From Page 1

to a degree still are.

Brown briefly explained why an atomic weapon creates a mushroom cloud, what the radiation does, and why it’s so dangerous. With this as the backdrop, the audience had questions if a fallout shelter would actually work.

Even if it didn’t, the point was to have a plan, he said. This was the federal government telling people that there is a plan for the worst case scenario, whether that plan worked or not. Part of this was to calm the public.

The consensus was that it might slow the impact of radiation, but it’s not going to make you 100% safe.

“So much was theoretical,” Brown said, “based on the low-yield weapons used in Japan.”

The expectation was that you would stay in the shelter for about two weeks. But what did that two weeks look like?

Brown showed some items that would be stored in a shelter. He had cans of water that were still full, never opened. They were still drinkable. The public shelters had water

Gas Prices:

and their service lines as well as a new three-year union labor agreement.

rationed for one quart per person per day. Between this and the low calorie content of the food stashed away, you would end those two weeks dehydrated and malnourished. And then you would open the door to a brave new world where the radiation had hopefully disappeared after two weeks.

A pack of saltines from an opened ration was offered to the crowd and a few brave people took them. The verdict? “It’s what despair tastes like.” They quickly downed some snacks that were provided by Historical Society members – not from the rations – to get the taste out of their mouths.

Speaking of snacks, there was also a candy in the shelters. These sweetened bites looked like cereal and they also served as a carbohydrate supplement to keep your weight up while self-incarcerating. As it turns out, though, one of the food colorings used was the infamous red color that was later found to cause cancer.

The less said about the makeshift toilets, the better.

A battery-powered radio is something that is important to have in your house in case of emergency even today. A family radiation measurement kit is less likely to be in your home.

Some of the name brands on the products in the rations and on the equipment are companies still around today.

These public shelters were closed in the 1970s, but some might still remain, like hidden time capsules.

Brown said he knew of three public shelters that were located in Ocean County. The Ocean County Courthouse had one. Another was the BOMARC missile compound near the Joint Base. The third was Texas Tower 4, which was 85 miles off the coast of Long Beach Island. Its job was to spot enemy submarines. The tower was lost to a nor’easter in 1961; the 28 on board were lost because their Air Force superiors didn’t let them evacuate.

The public versions of these shelters were hidden away in buildings like schools, marked by the yellow and black radiation sign. He said one was even found when taking a bridge down. But people were expected to build them on their own property. Because these were not inspected or on any building plans, it’s unknown how many people actually built them. It’s believed that there were about 200,000 nationwide. The cost to build one might be a bit steep, and you needed the property to do so, there-

fore it was believed that middle and upper class people were the ones doing this. There were even private companies you could hire to build them for you.

The shelters themselves were not very large, and there were not always a lot of supplies available, so what would you do if someone knocked on your door to use it? The question became “Is it love your neighbor or gun your neighbor?”

This was another reason that the total number of shelters is unknown. If you had one in your home, you might not want to make that known to everyone in case the entire street comes calling.

If the suburbs and rural areas were the places people could build them, why would they? What would be the threat level on the Jersey shore?

Ocean County would be a target-rich area, he said. There’s the Joint Base. There’s Oyster Creek. And we’re somewhat nestled between New York and Philadelphia.

There were far-reaching consequences of this era, Brown explained. The Civil Defense portion of the government that planned these would evolve over time to become the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Continued From Page 1 (Gas Prices - See Page 9)

“Our top priority is to safely and reliably deliver the energy our customers count on to heat their homes and run their businesses,” said Steve Westhoven, President and CEO of NJNG. “The investments we make in our infrastructure reflect this commitment and the critical role our system plays in reaching New Jersey’s carbon reduction goals. We look forward to working with our regulators to achieve a successful resolution of this fi ling that is reasonable and fair for our customers and our company.”

NJNG explained that the cost of the gas itself is updated annually based on market prices and automatically passed on to customers. The company doesn’t profit from the sale of natural gas. The rate increase covers the construction and maintenance of gas lines and employees.

NJNG has 576,000 customers in the state. Any customer having difficulty paying their natural gas bill is encouraged to visit

Land Purchase :

Continued From Page 1

devastated when Superstorm Sandy came ashore in October 2012. It’s important to continue to protect this area so future storms will not have the same effect,” Haines added.

The Board of Commissioners approved the purchase following a public hearing at a recent meeting. The property owner accepted a negotiated offer of $247,000 for the land.

The site is nearly three-fourths of an acre, and is located off Dorrance Drive, which is adjacent to approximately 10 acres of existing open space in the Good Luck Point area.

Haines explained, “the funding for this purchase is coming directly from the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust Fund. Throughout the history of preserving Good Luck Point properties, there have been some purchases made with other funding sources including Blue Acres funds along with other partnerships that we have de-

Homeless Fund:

Continued From Page 1

veloped.”

Blue Acres is a funding source through the New Jersey Department of Environment Protection. Since its creation in 1995, the program has worked to protect public safety and the environment by relocating New Jersey families whose homes are subject to repeated flooding and acquiring property for use as natural flood storage, parks and community open space.

There’s an economic benefit for shore homeowners. Berkeley residents currently receive a 20% discount on flood insurance rates because the National Flood Insurance Program gives discounts if towns do certain projects that will lessen the costs of flooding in the future. One of these projects is taking flood-prone land off the market and preserving it as open space. There are more than 1,700 homes in a flood zone in Berkeley.

“This area has been a priority for land preservation under the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust Fund program. The purchase of these lands preserves the coastal marsh which mitigates coastal flooding and also maintains the unique marsh habitat,”

utilizing $12.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to prevent homelessness and assist the unhoused. The funds were awarded at a recent Commissioners’ meeting following a competitive bidding process.

Dr. Tracy Maksel, Director of Human Services, said that the focus was on four goals in coming up with ARPA projects to address homelessness within the county.

“One was to build capacity to cover that gap that was identified and then to

Haines said.

County officials realized the importance of protecting the shorelines due to things such as tidal flooding when the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust Fund was approved in 1998. Through the years, the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust Fund has expended $9,029,900 for the approximate 724 acres of purchased land in the Good Luck Point area.

“Good Luck Point has always been a location that we have looked to preserve, especially after it suffered catastrophic damage during Superstorm Sandy. We continue to work with partners and our open space preservation program to help with hazard mitigation in the future should there ever be another major storm,” Haines added.

Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners Barbara Jo Crea explained, “as we preserve more land in the Good Luck Point area, we continue to protect our shoreline which will buffer the coastal marsh from development and help reduce the risk and impact of routine coastal flooding.”

“Prioritizing these parcels of land continues with the Ocean County Natural

target individuals that would be otherwise ineligible for the existing public service delivery system,” said Maksel. “Third was definitely to incorporate partners that had the infrastructure and the foresight to be innovative with these projects. And then the fourth was reducing stigma and incorrect assumptions

Lands Trust Fund’s founding goals, which has helped us preserve almost 30,000 acres of open space throughout the County,” Crea added.

Berkeley Mayor John Bacchione is a member of the volunteer advisory group that suggests which parcels get purchased by the county.

In related news, the Township Council recently passed two motions asking for the county to buy more land in town.

One of them was simply an update of a previous move. The county has already purchased the Cedar Creek Campground on Route 9. However, a few lots were accidentally left off of the paperwork, so they were now added.

The other one was a request for the county to buy Block 882.16, Lot 89. This is a parcel currently owned by the Berkeley Township Sewerage Authority. It’s adjacent to Mill Creek Island Park and the Florence T. Allen Conservation area, so if the county bought this land it would add to an already contiguous section of preserved land.

Chris Lundy contributed to this story

around homelessness.”

Maksel credited Rose Bulbach of her office in managing contracts that have to do with housing, homelessness, food insecurity, and overall human service programs that are not aligned with other units like behavioral health, workforce (Homeless Fund - See Page 18)

S POTLIGHT O N G OVERNMENT

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

Local Lawmakers Vote Against State Budget

Legislative District Capitol Comments

Carmen F. Amato, Jr.

9th

TRENTON - Highlighting heavy taxation and excessive spending levels, Senator Carmen Amato, Jr., Assemblyman Brian Rumpf and Assemblyman Gregory Myhre all voted NO on the Fiscal Year 2025 State Budget.

The 9th District Legislators offered the following remarks regarding their actions on the state budget which was signed into law by Governor Murphy on June 28 of

this year, shortly following its passage by the State Legislature:

“Raising state government spending to nearly $57 billion places too harsh a tax burden on ordinary citizens, including those living on fixed and retirement incomes. It was already evident that our communities are hurting, and our businesses are hurting. This budget will also worsen an unacceptable situation with the inevitable outcome that taxpayers and consumers will be paying more.

“Too many of our constituents believe they are losing ground fi nancially. This is not only due to persistent inflation occurring on a national level, but also as a direct result of

failed state policies that provide insufficient tax relief especially when considering the state budget has a surplus of $6 billion.

“The drastic school aid cuts imposed on targeted school districts are indefensible. This is compounded by a sharp cut in municipal aid which can only further strain local governments responsible for providing crucial services and lead to higher property taxes. For these and other compelling reasons, each member of our delegation supported floor motions to restore critical funding, including for negatively impacted school districts.

“Yes, the state budget has many positive aspects which include funding for services and programs established to assist seniors, persons with developmental disabilities and

veterans. Also, it was a small but important victory to eliminate firearm permit fee increases originally proposed in the state budget. The Second Amendment should not be used as an instrument to generate tax revenue.

“Each member of our delegation pledged to our constituents that we would be advocates of bringing fiscal sanity to Trenton. In the end, the heavy taxation and excessive spending levels which dominate this state budget made it completely unsupportable.” Senator Amato serves on the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. Assemblyman Rumpf serves on the Assembly Budget Committee and Assemblyman Myhre serves on the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Bill Would Protect Tenants At Risk Of Eviction

Capitol Comments

Senator Cory Booker

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) announced legislation to empower tenants and help support housing security in communities across the United States. The Eviction Right to Counsel Act of 2024 establishes a fund to provide grants to state, local, and Tribal governments that enact legislation ensuring legal representation to tenants who are at risk of eviction, with a focus on low-income people.

The legislation also encourages jurisdictions to enact additional tenant protections. The new program prioritizes funding to jurisdictions that establish notice periods, just cause laws, emergency rental assistance programs, and eviction diversion programs. Incentivizing jurisdictions to establish a right to counsel in eviction proceedings, while also enacting these related tenant protections, will empower renters and help them to achieve more secure, safe and stable housing, reduce eviction rates, and provide a substantial return on investment by keeping people housed.

The Supreme Court’s disappointing ruling in City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson, that allows for the adoption of policies that further criminalize poverty and homelessness, underscores the urgent need to direct resources to jurisdictions that are taking steps to protect vulnerable tenants, prevent the cycle of housing insecurity, and invest in proven, cost-effective

strategies that reduce the strain on homelessness and housing services in communities. In addition to investments we must be making in counseling and healthcare services, addiction treatment, boosting our supply of affordable housing, and providing emergency rental assistance, the Eviction Right to Counsel Act of 2024 is an urgently needed step to support communities across the country that are working to provide safe and secure housing for all Americans.

“Our nation is in the midst of an affordable housing crisis,” said Senator Booker. “Americans are facing high rent prices and, in many cases, are left defenseless against eviction or the threat of eviction.

Black renters are disproportionately burdened by eviction, being fi led against at more than five times the rate of white renters. Increasing the representation and protections for all tenants at risk of eviction will make housing more fair and equitable while also providing some needed relief to overburdened housing services in communities across the country. This is more important than ever in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision in Grants Pass that criminalizes homelessness, exacerbates the plight of those struggling to maintain stable, safe housing, and puts added pressure on local communities that are doing the right thing and taking steps to provide critical services to those most in need.”

The number of renters spending more than 30 percent of their income on rent has risen dramatically over the last two decades. While pandemic-era eviction pro-

tections shielded renters during the 2020 economic downturn, those protections have slowly ended, forcing renters back into a market with soaring prices. Today, half of all renters in America struggle to pay their rent. This impossible situation has forced renters out of their homes, leaving them struggling, oftentimes with nowhere to go.

The Eviction Right to Counsel Act of 2024 would:

• Authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to create a grant program for state governments, local governments, or Indian Tribal governments that enact right to counsel legislation.

• Defi ne “covered individuals” as tenants with income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line.

• Cover civil actions in court or administrative forums related to eviction or termination of housing subsidy Establish a program where jurisdiction

that passes “right to counsel legislation” are eligible to apply for federal funding. Under this program, full legal representation must be provided at no cost to covered individuals involved in covered proceedings - helping to expand access to legal representation during eviction or housing subsidy termination cases.

• Prioritize the allocation of grants to eligible entities that have enacted related tenant protections. These laws may limit the reasons for eviction, provide longer notice periods before eviction, or focus on tenant rights and protections.

Allow eligible entities receiving grants to use the funds to cover various costs associated with implementing the right to counsel legislation. This includes expenses related to attorney training and resources necessary for representing covered individuals in covered proceedings.

Authorize $100 million per year over 5 years for the eviction right to counsel fund.

P OLICE B LOTTER

Driver Seriously Injured In Ocean County Crash

By Chris Lundy

BERKELEY – A crash at a busy intersection in a retirement community sent one driver to the local trauma center.

Police said that that at 9:15 a.m. on July 3, a Toyota Camry was heading west on Jamaica Boulevard and failed to stop at the stop sign at Bimini Drive. It was then struck in the driver’s side by a Honda Civic going north on Bimini.

After the crash, the Camry came to rest on the front lawn of a home on Bimini. The driver suffered “significant injuries” and had to be extricated from the car and airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical

Center in Neptune. The Civic came to rest on the sidewalk of Jamaica Boulevard. That driver was brought to Community Medical Center in Toms River via ambulance.

The Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CSI responded to the scene and assisted with the investigation. This crash is being investigated by Patrolman Ed Hendrickson of the Berkeley Township Police Department’s Traffic Safety Bureau. Anyone with information regarding this crash is asked to call the Berkeley Township Police Department’s Traffic Safety Bureau at (732)-341-1132 ext. 2125. Callers can remain anonymous.

Moderate Noise At Joint Base For July

By Alyssa Riccardi

LAKEHURST – If you happen to hear loud booms in the area, it’s not 4 th of July fi reworks – it’s the soldiers training at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL).

Every month, JBMDL releases their “Noise Level Calendar” so residents know when to expect mild or severe noise. This is to deter calls to local 911 dispatchers.

The calendar is labeled with three different levels of noise: slight noise, moderate noise and abundant noise.

Almost every day in the month of July is scheduled for “moderate noise.” However, there is on day scheduled for “high noise” which is July 29.

Noise levels are subject to change without notice due to training requirements and weather, JBMDL said.

Food Trucks, Vendors Wanted

BERKELEY – In search of food trucks/ food vendors to participate in the 2nd Annual “Eagles Take Flight” Event before the Season Opening Football Game!

Eagles Take Flight will be on July 30 at 3 p.m. at Central Regional. Don’t hesitate to contact Kelly Strucke at kstrucke@centralreg.k12.nj.us to participate!

So ball Finishes Season 18-4 And Claims Shore Conference A South Title

BERKELEY – The Central Regional softball team concluded their season with an overall record of 18-4 and the “A” South Conference title. The team was also the last public school standing in the Shore Conference Tournament losing to eventual champion St. John Vianney 1-0 in 9 innings in a classic semifi nal game. The team was led by team MVP Beth Doderer who tied the single season school record with 8 homeruns and fi nished with a .448 batting average.

Gas Prices:

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njng.com/energyassistance to learn about assistance programs.

New Business Administrator

Scott Tirella, a former police officer from Lacey Township, will be Berkeley’s new business administrator, and will maintain the day-to-day operations. He replaced John Camera, who passed away suddenly earlier this year.

Tirella will be “an asset to the town,” Bacchione said.

Councilman Thomas Grosse said “John Camera will be sorely missed. Over the last 10 years, he became a good friend. He leaves behind six children and a wife. Our hearts go out to them. Scott, welcome

Photo courtesy Central Regional

On the mound, Beth fi nished her 3-year career as the starting pitcher with 456 strikeouts and 37 wins. Other key contributors on the season where, catcher Sophia Capasso who fi nished with a .444 batting average, Isabella Flora who led the team with a .468 batting average, Lena Banks who batted .426 and Faith Fisher who led the team with 9 doubles and batted .371. Defensively the team was led by SS Angela Matthews, 1B Jaelynn Witte, and OF Kaitlyn Dybus.

aboard. I’m sure you’ll do an amazing job.” New Projects

A resident asked about the walkway planned to go around Veterans Park.

A township official replied that they applied for four grants to fund that project, but only received two of them. They are discussing how to proceed, but one idea is to break the project into two phases. Phase 1 would be everything that could be paid for with the money the town did get. Phase 2 would be completed when the additional funding is secured.

In other news, the township awarded a contract: grading and drainage improvements to Precise Construction Incorporated, whose bid was $512,375; to pave gravel roads of Anchorage Boulevard and East Barnegat to Earle Asphalt, whose bid was $257,113.13.

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.

MONDAY-THURSDAY

Beachwood Vol. Fire 102 nd Anniversary & Awards Dinner

Photo courtesy Beachwood Vol. Fire

BEACHWOOD – On June 22, the Beachwood Vol. Fire Department held its annual awards dinner and celebrated their 102nd year of service at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center in Toms River.

Department

They paid tribute to our past members and recognized members for outstanding service for 2023-2024.

Members Alison Smith and Jonathan Kobus were ceremoniously sworn in as they had completed their probationary period as new members in 2023-2024. They were presented copies of the Department’s oath.

Each year they present two awards for exceptional service to the administrative side and the fi rematics side of the company. Assistant Chief Dennis Allen was the recipient of the 2023 President’s Award, and Lieutenant Joseph Gugger received the 2023 Chief’s award. They were presented with certificates and citation bars.

Lifesaving Award

The Department also recognized Firefighters Dominick Roselli and Robert Tapp along with Pine Beach Fire Department Captain Joseph Diehl who were involved in a respiratory emergency incident involving an 18-month-old child.

On the evening of June 9, 2024, a family drove to the fi rehouse with their child in respiratory distress. Upon arrival, the father ran into traffic on Beachwood Boulevard, waiving down a vehicle to stop, which happened to be Firefighter Tapp in his personal vehicle. The father advised Tapp that his baby was not breathing. Tapp pulled into the station and contacted dispatch. The father and mother’s shouts for help alerted Firefighter Roselli and Capt. Diehl who were at Roselli’s home, which is next door to the station. Roselli and Capt. Diehl quickly came to the scene. Roselli cleared the baby’s obstructed airway and got him breathing again. Capt. Diehl calmed the parents while Tapp contacted police and paramedics who responded to the scene. The actions and teamwork of these fi refighters saved this child’s life.

Roselli was presented with the Department’s Life Saving Award and citation bar. Tapp and Capt. Diehl received Merit certificates for their actions. Pine Beach Fire Chief Juan Alicia received the award in behalf of Capt. Diehl. Outstanding job gentlemen!

Congratulations to all of the award recipients.

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

OMMUNITY N EWS

Boys Lacrosse Finishes Season

BERKELEY – The Golden Eagles concluded a successful season in style against Absegami as Senior Kellan Hess scored his fi rst career goal.

The team was led by team MVP and junior Goalie Brady Etzkorn who fi nished the season with 279 saves and over 500 for

Photo courtesy Central Regional his career.

Sophomore Jake Agugliaro lead the team offensively with 27 goals and 13 assist. Other offensive key contributors were senior Matt Matt Golizio with 18 goals, senior Grant Paczkowski with 13 goals and 12 assist, and junior Brian Vannote with 13 goals.

Elks Cornhole Tournament Fundraiser

BAYVILLE – Bayville Elks #2394 2nd Annual DAP Cornhole Tournament Fundraiser will be on July 27 at 11 a.m. at the Lodge.

Cost is $40 per person and includes a Tournament Souvenir Shirt who registers for the tournament! This is a

Switcholio event!

Prizes awarded to 1st, 2nd, 3rd place finishers. Four-game round to determine seeding.

Registration at 11 a.m. and check; 12 p.m. bags fly! Food and beverages for sale during the event. Kid Cornhole fun!

Sign up on Scorholio or RSVP to Jan or Deb.

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Central Regional Middle School Wins Red Division

BERKELEY – For the third straight season the middle school softball team has won their division. This year the team fi nished with a 12-1 record. Kayla

Photo courtesy Central Regional

Rasmussen and Sophia Van Splinte were voted to represent Central Regional at the annual all-star game for middle school. Great season ladies.

Double Trouble State Park July Programs

BERKELEY – Double Trouble has announced the following programs for the month of July:

Guided Packing House Tours: Join Saturdays at 10 a.m. for a guided tour of the historic cranberry packing house. Meet at loading dock. Weather dependent.

Sawmill & Packing House Open: In celebration of our 60th anniversary, the historic Cranberry Packing House and Sawmill will be open as a pilot program for self-guided tours most weeks Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Closed for inclement weather, during group tours, or if village historian is offsite. See facebook.com/DoubleTroubleStatePark for schedule.

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.

C OMMUNITY N EWS

Girls Lacrosse Finishes Season At 11-8

BERKELEY – After graduating one of the best girls and top goal scorers in the state the Central Regional Girls Lacrosse team had a tremendous season under Coach Kvalheim.

The team had a slow start going 1-4. The team then rattled off eight wins in a row on their way to qualifying for shore conference tournament and qualifying for the NJSIAA

Photo courtesy Central Regional SJG4 state tournament and upsetting #8 seed Washington Township.

The team was led offensively by Ryann Dunn who scored 56 goals, and Mia Treney who recorded 74 groundballs. Defensive leaders were Junior Morgan Schinder who recorded her 100th career save as a goalie and Emma Christensen who forced 35 turnovers.

Cats Available For Adoption

By Chris Lundy

TOMS RIVER – An adoption center with a free roaming cat playroom is open in downtown Toms River on Fridays from 6-8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4 p.m. and also by appointment.

This little kitten in the photo is four and a half months old. He was new to the center, and wasn’t here for very long before he got adopted out with his littermate. He wasn’t even

here long enough to get a name! There are more than a dozen other cats and a couple kittens who are still looking for a home of their own. The center is located at 34 Main Street (Route 9), Suite 1B. The adoption center adheres to COVID-19 restrictions and is run by the group called Lawyers In Defense of Animals. They can be reached at 908-9102522, or on Facebook at /lidarescue and on Instagram @lida_rescue.

Photo by Chris Lundy

C OMMUNITY N EWS

South Toms River Recreation Commission Seeking Volunteers

SOUTH TOMS RIVER – South Toms River Recreation Commission is looking for friendly people with a love for the community to join our team.

This role is perfect for persons age 14 to 99 who wish to share their time and talents for 1 to 100 hours this year.

They are currently recruiting for the following:

Adult Homework Club volunteers – This reoccurring role involves working with elementary students- time commitment 2 to 3 hours per session. There will be approximately 48 sessions between September and June. Background checked volunteers can sign up for some or all. All volunteers for this role must agree to a background check.

Family Fun Day helpers – This event

is scheduled for August 17. Volunteers are needed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is appropriate for all ages. There will be various activities throughout the day. Volunteers are welcome to work 1 to 9 hours as availability and interest varies.

Library Organizer – This is a flexible volunteer opportunity appropriate for anyone age 14 to 99.

Trash Pickup – This is a flexible volunteer opportunity appropriate for anyone age 14 to 99

Event Organizer – This is a flexible volunteer opportunity appropriate for anyone age 14 to 99 who wishes to collaborate with the Recreation Commission to plan, organize, and execute events. All ideas you are willing to work on are welcome.

Firehouse Rock Music Festival

OCEAN GATE – Ocean Gate Fire Company is proud to announce they will be hosting the Inaugural “Firehouse Rock” Music Festival on September 7 (rain date October 5).

They have multiple bands and acts

scheduled to perform from 2 to 8 p.m. at 33 E Arverne Avenue, Ocean Gate. If you are interested in selling your crafts, business wares, or food, email martinconte@me.com to become a vendor.

Fresca Friday Nights Cruise-In

BAYVILLE – Fresca Friday Nights Cruise-In is the fourth Friday from April to October, 5 to 8 p.m. at Cucina Fresca Italian American Specialty Market, 791 Route 9 Bayville. Hosted by the Jersey Shore Car Shows. Free

event. Open to all years/makes/models. Participants get a 10% food discount. Enjoy music, prizes and great food.

For more information, visit jerseyshorecarshows.com.

Dr. Izzy’s

Sound News

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

Dr.

How Are Hearing And Cognition Related To Each Other?

We HEAR with our ears and LISTEN with our brain. Our brain plays a significant role in our ability to hear. With untreated hearing loss, you have to work harder to make sense of what people are saying. This is called having a higher “cognitive load”.

Having a higher “cognitive load” can affect your memory and how you process information.

Be empowered to make changes! Lifestyle factors can impact cognitive impairment. Address these risk factors:

• Hearing Loss

• Vision Loss

• Medication Side Effects

• Vitamin B12 Deficiency

• Diabetes

• Cardiovascular Issues

• Sleep Disorders

• Poor Lifestyle Choices

Ashley

• Brain Fog

• Sports that Impact the Head Stress Your Hearing Healthcare Professional’s assessment includes a cognitive screening that will help you understand how you are processing information, organizing your thoughts, and remembering things. Cognivue Thrive is a personalized, consistent and reliable way to receive an overall screening of your brain health.

• Self-administered 5-10 minute assessment

• Non-invasive

• Interactive

• Immediate results with a simple report 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!

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!

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

Isidore Kirsh

H ERE ’ S T O Y OUR H EALTH

Dear Pharmacist

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Understanding Anxiety: Key Neurotransmitters, Genes, And Natural Remedies

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Have you ever found yourself lying awake at night, overwhelmed with worry about every little thing? If so, you’re not alone. Anxiety disorders affect 40 million adults in the U.S. each year, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. The underlying causes of this pervasive worry can often be traced to brain chemistry and genetics. Let’s explore the 4 neurotransmitters and 3 genetic factors that contribute to anxiety and how we can manage them through both conventional and holistic approaches.

1. Serotonin: The Mood Regulator. Serotonin is known as the brain’s natural mood stabilizer. Low levels of serotonin can lead to anxiety and depression. Medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Prozac, are often prescribed to increase serotonin levels. However, there are natural alternatives that can help boost serotonin. These include St. John’s Wort and 5-HTP.

2. Dopamine: The Motivator. Dopamine is associated with reward and motivation. Imbalances in dopamine levels can cause mood disturbances, including anxiety. Medications like Wellbutrin can help, but natural methods include Mucuna pruriens -the velvet beanwhich is a natural source of L-dopa.

3. Norepinephrine: The Stress Responder. Norepinephrine is crucial for the body’s stress response. High levels can lead to heightened anxiety. Medications like beta-blockers help manage norepinephrine effects. Herbal options include ashwagandha, and L-theanine (found in green tea).

4. Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA): The Calmer. GABA is the brain’s primary in-

hibitory neurotransmitter, calming neural activity. Low levels are linked to increased anxiety. Benzodiazepines enhance GABA’s effects, but herbal options that might help include valerian root, chamomile, or passionflower.

Controlling worry isn’t as simple as popping a pill or an herbal supplement or tea. Those may help, but sometimes you have to overcome your genes. The 3 genetic factors that influence anxiety and worry include the following:

1. COMT Gene: This gene helps break down dopamine and norepinephrine. If it’s not up to par, you’ll have higher levels of both of these neurotransmitters, contributing to anxiety. Managing COMT polymorphisms can involve supplements like magnesium and high-quality mitochondrial B complex vitamins.

2. SLC6A4 Gene: This gene affects serotonin absorption in the brain. Certain versions, such as the short allele, are linked to a higher risk of anxiety and depression.

3. BDNF Gene: This gene is involved in the brain’s response to stress. Variations like Val66Met can influence susceptibility to anxiety by affecting how the brain handles stress.

Managing these 3 different genetic variations (if you have them) is easier said than done. Medications like certain antidepressants, beta-blockers, and sedatives may be effective but often come with side effects and dependency risks. That’s why I always suggest herbal and holistic approaches first. I have written a more comprehensive blog on this topic which is posted at my website, suzycohen.com. Please see a qualified practitioner if your anxiety is very serious, or if it includes PTSD. Use my search box at my website to find articles about these topics as well.

(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.

Homeless Fund:

Continued From Page 5

development, and children.

The $12.5 million fund was awarded for two distinct projects. The first involves a $5 million allocation to Bright Harbor Healthcare, formerly known as Ocean Mental Health Services. This funding will enable the nonprofit to provide the Department of Human Services with Young Adult Bridge Housing. The details of this effort will be covered in the next part of this series.

The second allocation, which will be discussed in Part III of this series, involves a $7.5 million award to HABcore Inc. These funds are designated for the Acquisition for Innovations to Address Homelessness and involve collaboration between Family Promise of the Jersey Shore and Bright Harbor.

1 Out Of 5 Face Housing Problems

Preconceived notions and stigma often cloud the public’s understanding of homelessness. Maksel said that when she began working for the county 26 years ago, the original assumptions about homelessness were very stigmatizing.

“They still exist today,” said Maksel. “And what homelessness looks like is vastly different.”

The data concerning the number of Ocean County residents experiencing housing insecurity are alarming. Maksel said that 19.5 percent of residents face this crisis in various stages. Fifty percent of homeless individuals in Ocean County are living with a disability.

Poverty is a significant factor contributing to homelessness, with 10 percent of Ocean County residents living below the poverty line, defined as an annual income of $15,060 for a one-person household. Seven percent of Ocean County seniors are living in poverty.

Children make up 18.3 percent of those living in poverty, and over five percent of New Jersey’s homeless students reside in Ocean County.

struggle with these issues, Maksel emphasized that untreated illnesses of all kinds contribute to homelessness.

Nationally, half of the homeless population is over 50 years old and lives on fixed incomes. Factors such as elder abuse, illegal evictions, and financial exploitation exacerbate their vulnerability.

Maksel also addressed the belief that homelessness programs are overly costly and increase taxes. She explained that proper management of homelessness reduces reliance on acute healthcare, law enforcement, and public health systems, ultimately mitigating expenses for the community.

Addressing Homelessness

Homelessness advocates consistently point to Ocean County’s lack of shelter as a disservice. However, Maksel’s handout describes the problem as more complicated and is being addressed as a continuum of services by a network of providers.

In an effort to combat homelessness, Ocean County has allocated funds for nonprofits to offer various support services designed to help individuals stay in their homes. These services include assistance with catching up on overdue rent, mortgage payments, and utility bills and helping people find more affordable essential items. Individuals also receive financial counseling to assist them in planning.

Addressing behavioral health issues, workforce development, and other support services are also integral parts of the county’s comprehensive plan to tackle homelessness.

Commissioner Jack Kelly expressed his gratitude that all the issues would be handled as part of the proposed programs. He emphasized that tackling the root causes of homelessness is essential for helping people on the path to self-sufficiency.

We can choose from a Nationwide Network of Banks to find the best fit for you. 3-month, 6-month, 12-month and more! We can also offer US Government backed T-Bills, Notes, and Bonds. Rates are currently hight, but coming down. Take advantage now! Your neighbors have trusted us with their finances for over 50 years!

Domestic violence is a major cause of housing instability, accounting for 27 percent of those at risk of homelessness in Ocean County. Additionally, 12 percent face eviction due to arrears, 9.3 percent have suffered a loss or reduced job income, and 8.5 percent cite household breakup or death as contributing factors. Maksel debunked the myth that homeless individuals are unwilling to work. She estimated that approximately 50 percent of homeless people have a job, but wages have not kept up with economic changes. A person earning minimum wage would need to work 86 hours a week to afford a small one-bedroom apartment, excluding other essential expenses like food, transportation, and healthcare.

The misconception that all homeless people suffer from mental illness or substance abuse also perpetuates stigma. While about 20 percent of Americans

Maksel noted that transitional sheltering is the first step, providing a safe place for those without housing to meet their basic needs. However, she emphasized that sheltering is temporary and not a long-term solution to homelessness. The aim is to prevent the establishment of homeless encampments and unsafe living conditions for those without permanent housing.

The county plans to use smaller shelters as part of its strategy, gradually helping individuals transition to affordable and sustainable housing. Bridge housing will support those who need temporary accommodation while they secure a permanent home with the assistance of service providers.

Although finding affordable housing remains a challenge in the current market, the county is exploring creative solutions, such as matching roommates to share homes and developing tiny homes to address the issue.

Look for the next part of our series next week to learn how Bright Harbor will use funds to create a Youth Bridging Program within Ocean County.

R.C. Shea & Assoc. Inside The Law

NURSING HOME ABUSE: Patients Are Ignored

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

I’m not sure if it derives out of shame, fear or just plain laziness--- but as experienced trial attorneys we regularly see situations where a patient’s complained of pain following an obvious injury yet the complaint(s) was ignored by the facility.

A recent horrific example of ignored patient complaints came from our peaceful neighbors to the North. There was a reported case of a woman at a Canadian nursing home who went 24 days without so much as an x-ray of her leg after she fell from her wheelchair and screamed in pain.

Finally, after 24 days of pleas from the patient’s daughter and significant discoloration of the leg, the facility ordered an x-ray of the woman’s leg - which demonstrated that her tibia was indeed broken.

Situations such as this should never occur in any patient. In fact, in the states, such occurrences of uncontrolled pain are not only inexcusable - but they are against the law!

Nursing homes have an obligation to provide pain relieving measures to their patients. While certain medical conditions such as broken bones and bruising may be obvious indicators that a patient was injured, nursing home staff must also be diligent to look for signs of distress in patients with less visible condition that require pain relief.

With disabled nursing homes patients, staff

Michael J. Deem, Esq.

should take note of patient’s facial expressions, involuntary motor actions, moans and changes in behavior as potential indicators that the patient may indeed be suffering. After noticing these signs, the staff should timely contact the patient’s physician as well as the patient’s family.

The recognition of a patient’s pain and subsequent pain relief is required pursuant to Federal Regulation of nursing homes.

F-Tag 309 (Quality of Care) requires nursing homes to provide ‘necessary care and services to attain or maintain the highest practical physical, mental and psychological well being, in accordance with the comprehensive assessment and plan of care.’

Despite some ambiguity as to the significance of ‘highest level of practicable care’ really means, the interpretive guidelines to F-Tag 309 provide more specific guidance for providing pain relief and unquestionably requires nursing homes to both monitor patients and provide them with sufficient pain-relieving measures.

If you are concerned about a loved one who you suspect is being abused in a nursing home, call the attorneys at R.C. Shea & Associates to discuss the patient’s legal rights.

Beachwood Recreation Seeking Volunteers

BEACHWOOD – Beachwood Recreation is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to join their team or lend a hand at their awesome events all year round!

Whether you’re into organizing activities, assisting during events, or just want to give back to make Beachwood even better, they’d love to have you on board! If you’re ready to make a positive impact and have

a blast while doing it, sign up at forms. gle/PnaFqnX4eCLbgib98, and we’ll get in touch with you soon.

Let’s come together to create unforgettable experiences for our community! Whether you’re a student needing service hours, looking to meet new people, a retiree seeking something fulfilling, or simply have a passion for helping others, they welcome you!

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

American Legion Post Provides Historic Context To Independence Day

By Bob Vosseller

SEASIDE HEIGHTS – With the heat index soaring and available parking spots nowhere to be found, attendees none the less flocked to the Shore Boros American Legion Post 351for a generous helping of history on Independence Day.

This marked the third year in a row for a very unique Fourth of July observance at the American Legion Post. Post Service Officer Ian Worrell, who originated the idea, read passages of the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights while the Gettysburg Address was recalled by new member Tom Hadley. This reporter was asked to speak about the First Amendment and the freedom of the press..

Worrell previously noted that, “We have a tendency to put the significance of the day and put it in our back pocket until tonight when we can go see the fireworks. Independence Day was an appropriate time to review the historic documents of the nation’s founding fathers. I feel it is important to remind people about the importance of the Fourth of July. Many people

associate July 4th with barbeques, picnics, fireworks and fun and that is part of what it is meant to be.”

He noted the importance of remembering “the freedoms we enjoy and are bestowed upon us – if it weren’t for the courageous acts by people of the 18th century willing to put it all on the line, there would not be a United States of America.”

Post Commander William Kevish noted that this Independence Day marked the country’s “248th birthday. I want to thank you all for coming and taking time out of your busy Fourth of July. You are dedicated people and I appreciate that.”

He explained Worrell’s position as service officer. “That means if any military person comes through that door, even if they are not a member of this Post, Ian Worrell is charged with attempting to help those people. That is what his job is.”

Post Chaplain Bob Van Deventer provided the opening prayer and then Worrell asked everyone to sing the national anthem. He said (Seaside - See Page 24)

VERIZON UPGRADES 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.

Items For Sale

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)

Treadmill and Exercise BikeFor sale excellent condition, $350 for both or sold seperately. (31)

Items Wanted

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)

COSTUME/ESTATE JEWEL-

RY Looking to buy costume/estate jewelry, old rosaries and religious medals, all watches and any type of sterling silver, bowls, flatware candlesticks or jewelry. Same day house calls and cash on the spot. 5 percent more with this AD. Call Peggy at 732-581-5225. (t/n)

$$$ WANTED TO BUY $$$

Jewelry and watches, costume jewelry, sterling silver, silverplate, medals, military items, antiques, musical instruments, pottery, fine art, photographs, paintings, statues, old coins, vintage toys and dolls, rugs, old pens and postcards, clocks, furniture, bric-a-brac, select china and crystal patterns. Cash paid. Over 35 years experience. Call Gary Struncius. 732-849-6068 (new number). (t/n)

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)

Services

Since 1979, Kitchen Magic, a family-owned business offering cabinet refacing, new cabinetry, and luxury countertop throughout the Northeast. We transform kitchens in

1-844-367-2477. (t/n)

CLASSIFIEDS

Services Help Wanted

Two Part Time Custodian 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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Garden State Property Maintenance - All yard work. Tree-trimming and removal, stump grinding, pavers, decks, flower beds, weeding. 609-661-5470. (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)

CHEAP PAINTING Done RITEFree est. Senior discounts interior exterior. Call 732-506-7787, cell 646-643-7678. (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 - We offer services: House cleaning, laundy, window cleaning, painting, office cleaning, carpet cleaning, shopping, take clothes dry cleaning, typing, office work, demonstration, merchandise in store. Very good prices. Call 732330-4189 or 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)

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)

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)

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

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

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.

You are responsible for checking your ad the first time it runs and notifying us of any errors. If we make an error, we will correct it and rerun the ad. We will not be responsible for multiple insertions if you do not call us after the first ad run. No refunds for classified ads. Newspapers are available at our office. Please feel free to stop in and check your ad.

Calculate Price As Follows:

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

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

4. Make check payable in advance to Micromedia Publications, or fill in Mastercard/Visa/American Express SORRY NO DISCOVER info below:

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• Fax this form to 732-657-7388 ATTN: ALI. 5. PHONE NUMBER (THIS IS REQUIRED)

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

School Board Sues Trenton Over Funding

By Chris Lundy TOMS RIVER -

The School Board has tasked a law fi rm with pursuing any means necessary to have the school district receive more funding from the state.

Busch Law Group, represented at a local meeting by Hope Blackburn, in consultation with David B. Rubin, will be fi ling suit against Trenton and state officials.

“The pleas for our students have been met with accusations, empty promises, and direct threats,” said William Burns, attorney for the school board. “A state takeover of our schools and school district has been threatened. The forced closure of district schools has been threatened. The slashing of jobs that have a direct impact on our classrooms and our kids has been threatened. And when Superintendent Michael Citta and Business Administrator William Doering pushed back, saying we cannot and will not cut programs or jobs that impact kids, and reminded the state that they were legally required to certify only a budget that provides for a Thorough and Efficient Education, the revocation and forfeiture of Mike and Bill’s certificates were threatened.”

The commissioner of the Department of Education has been blaming the community, school board, and administration for the shortfall, Burns said. The state has suggested putting questions on the ballot to see if the public wants to fund things like athletics.

The hiring of the lawyers was announced during a meeting where the school budget did not pass, and after years of cuts from the state. The new funding formula, referred to as S-2, has cut millions from the district year over year, while other laws capped how much the district could raise in taxes.

“The fallout of all this has pushed the most cost effective - the lowest-spending district in the state of New Jersey - to bankruptcy,”

Superintendent Michael Citta said.

The superintendent summed up the last seven years which brought them to this point. They have cut more than 250 jobs, raised taxes the maximum 2% every year, and increased revenue from such things as renting facilities. This has not been enough by itself to make up for the $137 million in cumulative cuts.

Some of the worst was avoided through one-time fi xes, like federal COVID funding, or when the district sold land to Toms River Township for open space.

Gov. Phil Murphy has suggested that districts should sell schools or other assets (although he wasn’t specifically talking about Toms River at the time), and in fact Jackson is selling the Sylvia Rosenaur Elementary School.

Citta warned against any more one-time fi xes such as this. Selling a school creates a one-year cushion but that hole in the budget will still be there the following year. The entire funding formula needs to be overhauled.

“To be clear, we are fighting tyranny, oppression, and persecution, not by a foreign entity, but by our own state government. We are fighting for the right of our students to receive the education they are legally entitled to and, more importantly, the education they deserve,” he said.

The district still needs $26.5 million to operate. Without it, there would be class sizes over 100, no extra-curricular activities, and no kindergarten.

“What they have done is nothing short of legislative child abuse and neglect,”he said.

Citta noted that neighboring towns like Brick, Lacey, Plumsted, Stafford and Jackson were also impacted.

“The state of New Jersey knowingly created this problem,” Citta said. “How can they do that to 15,000 children?”

This Year’s Budget

A law recently passed to allow the district to wait until the state passed its budget to craft their own. The School Board met on July 3 to vote on their budget.

The budget would have contained a 9.9 percent tax increase; this was allowed due to another recently-passed law.

When it came time to vote on the budget, it was voted down by all board members present – James Capone, Jennifer Howe, Kevin Kidney, Ashley Lamb, Melissa Morrison, Anna Polozzo, Joseph Nardini, and Board President Kathy Eagan.

This means that the district will be opening schools in September and operating as they

did in June. However, district officials have said in the past that the money would run out in April or May.

Board member Lamb warned that even though the school board voted down the budget, the county executive superintendent, who reviews the budget, might reverse this.

“(Voting against the budget) is the best choice of the worst options, unfortunately, so all I can do is vote no,” she said.

At one point, there was a plan to raise the taxes 9.9 percent if state aid was increased to meet them the rest of the way. That didn’t happen.

“I would’ve voted ‘yes’ if it had gotten the funding,” board member Polozzo said. “I vote ‘hell no’” because the budget as written doesn’t provide for students, especially the most vulnerable ones.

Before S-2, there were other issues. “We’ve been begging for money non-stop since 2010,” she said.

Last Year’s Contracts

Several administrators, including Citta, are working under their previous contracts. They don’t have a raise.

Officials thanked administration members whose raises went through, but chose to give the money back.

At a recent board meeting, several contracts were not renewed. This was partly because board members had to recuse themselves from a vote because they had (School Board - See Page 24)

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Continued From Page 23

a conflict. It was also partly because some board members said they couldn’t vote on raises while the budget was in flux. No More Politics

“The easiest thing to do in this untenable position is to panic, point fi ngers, and fight amongst ourselves, which is what cannot happen. The fight is with the Department of Education and the State of NJ, whose decision makers have created these policies to harm our students, teachers, staff and community,” Citta said. “Already, however, we have witnessed local politics attempt to step into this crisis and cause division.”

He urged people to reach out to their elected officials and advocate for kids, and to talk to their neighbors about what is going on in the district.

Board member Howe said she was tired of politicians using children as collateral in some game.

“15,000 kids shouldn’t be caught in the middle,” she said. She hoped people in Trenton realize “You’re just affecting kids. These are kids who just want to go to school, and they want to join the band, and they want to be in a show, and they want to be on a sports team… and they don’t want to have 100 kids in their classroom and they’re fighting for attention.”

Board member Morrison said that the chil-

dren are being used as pawns by politicians in Trenton. “All of the children and their families deserve better,” she said.

Several local leaders were named at the meeting, including Police Chief Mitch Little, South Toms River Councilman Thomas Rolzhausen, and Toms River Councilmen James Quinlisk and Justin Lamb.

Assemblyman Paul Kanitra (R-10th) spoke at the school board meeting, and said his colleagues Assemblyman Gregory McGuckin and Senator James Holzapfel also support the district.

Kanitra said that when the state passed the $56 billion budget, Newark’s school system received an additional $100 million. The district came under fire recently for throwing a $50,000 party for staff. Newark’s state aid is $1.25 billion.

“They are picking winners and losers in the state,” he said.

Pine Beach Mayor Lawrence Cuneo, a teacher, said that his residents are concerned about taxes. If the district raises taxes by 9.9% this year, they worry that the same increase could be done next year, too. Some residents have expressed that they want Pine Beach to leave the district.

“We put out estimated tax bills and there was almost a riot in town,” he said.

“You have to do what’s right,” he said, noting the school board and officials are in a difficult position, but reminded them that “the taxpayers are getting crushed.”

Seaside:

Continued From Page 20

he found the 2 p.m. time period as a good time to “pay homage to our country” as it wouldn’t interfere with parades or barbeques.

“Our country was formed on the principal of freedom. The idea of freedom. President Ronald Reagan once stated, ‘freedom is never one generation away from extinction’ we didn’t pass it along to our children with the pledge of allegiance. It must be fought for and handed down to them to do the same,” Worrell added.

“The elected or appointed officials of that time had to make a case not only for the colonists because many of the colonists of the 13 colonies couldn’t quite understand why there was a need to break from the crown of England,” he added.

Worrell noted, “a lot of people felt the crown is protecting us but others recognized the tyranny and that they needed to be free and independent other than to be governed from a foreign distant shore where people didn’t think like we thought.”

He explained, “That is why we have the Declaration of Independence and it explains to the British crown the need to be free and independent from their rule.” He read the noted document which stated that “we hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal. That they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

“As we know America became a free and independent country,” Worrell said noting that after the war the Colonies were a loosely knit band. “They were still not quite knit together

and it became apparent to the elected officials that a common thread had to be put together to fully unite the country in thought and in practice.”

“In 1789 in Philadelphia, delegates met to put down the ideals of what would govern, outline policy and protect the people of this newly formed nation. What resulted from that convention was the Constitution of the United States of America upon which our very existence hangs. People also saw the need for changes,” Worrell said. He then read the preamble to the Constitution and the first 10 changes – the first 10 amendments - including what he said was the most important, the First Amendment which covers the freedom of religion, speech, and the press and the right to peacefully assemble and to petition the government for redress of grievances.

This reporter noted the need to preserve the freedom of the press and for people to utilize objective news outlets to gather news and to distinguish news commentary from news reporting and that social media was not a fair alternative to actual news reporting.

Hadley read the Gettysburg address presented by President Abraham Lincoln following one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War in that Pennsylvania town in July of 1863.

“In researching this, I didn’t know there was actually three different versions of it in a transcript.”

The forum provided for attendees to speak about their feelings about being free and living in America. David Proctor, who retired from the U.S. Navy was among those who spoke. “What it means for me to be an American is freedom of speech and to be able to worship God as we see fit.”

A picture-perfect beach day at the Jersey Shore during the Independence Day holiday weekend. This patriotic photo was sent in by Joanne Cruise, who you can listen to on 100.1 WJRZ-FM. Have a pic to share with our readers? Email photos@ jerseyshoreonline.com and you may win a prize.

1st Time Visitor To Casino Wins $1.6M

ATLANTIC CITY – An out-of-state, fi rst-time visitor to Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City has won a wide area progressive jackpot of $1,593,457.

The lucky player bet $10 on a Wheel of Fortune slot machine with a $1 denomination. According to slot manufacturer IGT Jackpots, its Wheel of Fortune slot machines are the nation’s most popular slots.

The lucky player’s total amount wagered was $87 during this extremely profitable visit to the casino resort.

$1,593,457 is among the top five slot

machine jackpots won at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City since its opening in June of 2018.

The jackpot amount is based on a 20year annual annuity payout. The lucky winner declined to participate in jackpot publicity.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City features an award-winning gaming floor that offers 2,425 slots, including a private high-end slot salon, plus 130 table games of blackjack, baccarat, craps, roulette and more.

Crisis Hotline Volunteers Needed

TOMS RIVER – Crisis Hotline Volunteers needed for CONTACT of Ocean & Monmouth Counties’ training beginning September 17, twice a week, every Tuesday and Thursday, for six weeks from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Training will be held in person at Christ Episcopal Church, 415 Washington Street, Toms River. CONTACT is a 24-hour crisis

intervention hotline that also provides information and referral to community resources. All calls are free, confidential and anonymous. Training is free. Become a voice to those in distress. Make a difference in your community! Call 732240-6104 or email contact@contactoceanmonmouth.org for additional information and registration.

FUN & GAMES SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

for coll. credit

Otherworldly

Wee

“Quite so”

Without exception 20 *Research on the ampersand? 23 Brief “If you ask me (and even if you didn’t)”

Current 25 Rapper Lil __ X

Wan 31 *Ambien, for one?

Brazilian city

Otherwise

Tammy Duckworth’s title, briefly

“Oh, admit defeat already!,” and advice that was followed to form the answers to the starred clues

Shoyu __: noodle

Fallon’s predecessor

with 11

World Heritage Site org. 66 Root word?

“To Kill a Mockingbird” star

Pre-release software version

Buffalo 5 Intro to physics? 6 Fringe benefit

Frozen drink 8 Nurture

“Schitt’s Creek” co-creator 10 “__ we done here?” 11 Lancelot or Mixa-Lot

Vital 15 Really stinky 21 Unrealistically common affliction in soap operas 22 Positive shift 25 Scottish monster, affectionately 26 Rise

27 Baby birds? 28 Sagittarius symbol 29 Mum

Stockpiles

Beast of burden in many fables

Support for a proposal?

Hi-__ graphics

Tres __ cake: dairysoaked dessert

Sea plea, briefly

Took care of

Really hot

In a fitting way

Set up

Smidge

Weightlifting move

Reverse

“Eso Beso” singer

Sprinkler attachment

“Awesome, dude!”

Pipe problem 57 Tattered cloth 58 Blow away

Big name in laptops and lipstick

(c)2024 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.

FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 13 - JULY 19

BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS

OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

ARIES (March 21-April 19): RYour charisma can light up any room so be your genuine, authentic self. Transparency can help to foster trust and connection. Consider being more open and honest, and you might create harmony in your relationships.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) : It’s great to be the center of attention, but only if it’s for the right reasons. You may not need fame to know you’ve made it because sometimes, one person’s undeniable love could be all the validation you need.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20 ): Trust those gut feelings since they could be your guiding light. Romance is the language of love, not business. Consider taking longer when making decisions regarding serious and unpleasant subjects.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) : Listen to those who believe in you, and don’t let self-doubt hold you back. Being positive mixed with a dash of realism might keep things balanced. Be generous while also empowering others to stand on their own.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Think before you speak, especially in tricky situations, careless wording could be misinterpreted. Always remember, you’re free to be yourself and move freely in the world; you are lovable just as you are.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) : Common sense is your best tool. There may not be a need for quick fixes because patience may reveal the real magic. Consider staying put and thinking things through when you seem on the verge of misunderstanding.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) : Break through impasses with a trusted partner and let the pieces fall where they may. Things in the love and romance department may be sizzling. Friends could be the perfect treat that brings good cheer and joy.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Don’t underestimate the intelligence of those entering your life. Brilliance is in the air, possibly bringing valuable information. Consider embracing an exciting project or professional connection that may come your way.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):

True love is always in style, and you’ve got that magnetic charm that draws people closer. Consider taking time to enjoy a deep connection with a special someone, and steer clear of fleeting distractions.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19):

Approach your projects with a strategy. Rushing might not lead to your desired outcome. You may benefit from planning your action steps, then going full steam ahead. Use your innovative instincts to gain momentum.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Balance is key to having a well-rounded and comfortable life. Consider making time for tasks, family, and friends in the upcoming week. Be careful not to let personal ambitions overshadow your loved ones.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): The more you learn the more you can grow. If you feel like everyone’s focused on your flaws, use it as a chance to improve. Shift your mindset into finding an opportunity to get better within every critique.

SPICED STEAKS BECOME A COMPLETE MEAL WITH A SIDE OF RICE AND BEANS

By America’s Test Kitchen

ANCHO-RUBBED FLANK STEAK AND CILANTRO RICE WITH AVOCADO SAUCE