2024-08-03 - The Southern Ocean Times

Lighthouse Center Is A Beacon For Environmental Education

by Stephanie Faughnan (Above) The boathouse holds canoes and sailboats. (Right, top) There are a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy. (Right, bottom) The Lighthouse Center provides a place for people to learn about the environment.

By Stephanie Faughnan WARETOWN –

Whether it’s a forgotten gem or a hidden treasure, the property that places Old Barney Lighthouse within five-mile sight across the Barnegat Bay is undeniably captivating. The Lighthouse Center for Natural Resource Education, set on 194 acres, has a story as intriguing as the landscape it occupies.

The Natural Resources Education Foundation (NREF) oversees the Lighthouse Center for Natural Resource Education, located at the end of 7th Street and Navajo Drive. NREF Board member Jack Henderson, who has been involved with the property for the past 15 years, is also a member of the Fish Hawks Salt-

water Anglers Club. Recently, the Fish Hawks hosted an event for children from the Joint Base, providing the perfect opportunity to showcase the property.

The Center’s First Century

The center, once known

as the Lighthouse Camp for the Blind, holds a rich history dating back to 1927. For 50 years, the New York-based non-profit Lighthouse International operated the camp, providing a summer retreat for visually impaired individuals. With the exception of (Center - See Page 4)

Local Organization “Paddles”

To Keep Waterways Clean

By Alyssa Riccardi

JERSEY

SHORE – Local

volunteers are using their kayaking skills to clean Jersey Shore waterways – one paddle stroke and one piece of litter at a time.

Stroke Your Eco, Paddle for the Planet brings people together in the NJ waterways by vessel (kayak, canoe and/ or paddle board) to remove

any kind a garbage or trash that does not belong.

Stroke Your Eco founder Lynn Brotherston is an avid kayaker and paddle boarder who started the initiative back in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I started it as a meet up group. I was going out by myself and I would see a bunch of garbage.

(Waterways - See Page 13)

Local Holocaust Survivors Share Their Stories

shared their experiences at a recent presentation at the Toms River branch of the Ocean County Library.

By Stephanie Faughnan

TOMS RIVER – The haunting echoes of World War II reverberated through the Toms River branch of the Ocean County Library as Holocaust survivors Gela Buchbinder and Mona Ginsburg shared their harrowing experiences with over 100 stunned attendees.

The event, the fourth in the “Combatting Hate” series, offered a stark reminder of the horrors inflicted upon millions during one of history’s darkest chapters.

Both women, now residents of the same Toms River senior village, were mere children when the world erupted into chaos. Their stories, while different in detail, share a common thread of unimaginable suffering and resilience.

Gela Buchbinder

At 99 years old, Gela Buchbinder is a tiny woman with a spark of feistiness that likely helped her survive as a teenager. Her life, as part of a family of six, took a dramatic turn in 1939 when the Nazis invaded their hometown of Sosnowiec, Poland. Gela was only fourteen at the time.

“The fi rst thing they did was round up all the Jewish men, whoever they could fi nd,” Gela recounted. “Unfortunately, they found my father.”

Gela vividly described how the Nazis marched the men a distance and ordered them to lie face down before opening fi re with machine guns. Finally, the fi ring stopped, and everyone assumed all the men were dead. Three had survived the gunfi re.

“The soldiers walked over to the men who they thought were alive and hit them over the head with

(Survivors - See Page 5)

Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Holocaust survivors Gela Buchbinder and Mona Ginsburg

Photo courtesy Lynn Brotherston Volunteers come together to clean local waterways.

Photos

Center:

Continued From Page 1

the winter months, the camp served overnight guests who came to experience nature by the bay. Cabins and facilities accommodated about 100 visitors in a recreational facility that boasted accessibility features long before its time.

“The red buildings are the original ones,” shared Jack Henderson. “They were the first buildings in New Jersey to have lead-free paint on them. The reason they had lead-free paint was to protect blind kids who might touch the walls to find their way.”

The camp closed in 1996 when the trend shifted towards mainstreaming visually impaired campers. Subsequently sold in 2000, the property received a $400,000 Green Acres grant, matched by the Trust for Public Land (TPL), to facilitate its preservation. The adjacent Bowker Farm, which produced salt hay, adds to the expansive natural area.

A lease agreement between NJ Fish and Wildlife and (NREF) enables the operation of the Lighthouse Center for Natural Resource Education.

Henderson said it is his understanding that the property is the largest undeveloped piece of land east of the parkway.

Step Into Nature

A tour of the facilities led by Henderson and other NREF board members showcased the property’s diverse habitats and educational offerings. The center’s facilities feature 37 buildings including cabins, a lodge, a dining hall, a craft house and a boathouse. Remains of an old outdoor bowling alley add an extra

touch of nostalgia.

The site boasts thirteen canoes and two sailboats, which are stored in the boathouse. They were generously donated by actor Paul Newman and are named for him.

“Newman had a daughter with sight problems,” explained Henderson. “Somehow he found out about the place and donated them.”

Although the property is no longer exclusively a recreational facility for the visually impaired, New Jersey Natural Gas has organized activities to ensure people with sight issues can still experience its beauty. The company facilitated weekends where 190 participants helped with property upkeep and restoration.

Henderson said the initiative was driven by a New Jersey Natural Gas executive connected with a statewide organization for the blind, who sought to offer visually impaired individuals an opportunity to enjoy the scenic location by the water.

The site offers a breathtaking feel starting along the short trail to the water’s edge overlooking the Lighthouse. Environmentalists and nature enthusiasts will instantly become enthralled with the impressive array of eco-systems.

From vibrant salt marshes to serene ponds, to a winding tidal creek and lush freshwater swamps, even the open meadows offer a sense of tranquility.

The Ocean County Soil Conservation has also planted 17,000 different kinds of plants of varying heights along the water. The concept is to slow down wave action so that water will not overwhelm the property.

At the far end of the property, the NOAA Weather Station measures water temperature

and tide changes to aid in coastal research. Originally located on Bryant Road, this station has been integral to understanding the area’s environmental dynamic.

The shoreline is equipped with Wave Attenuation Devices strategically placed on the seabed to mitigate erosion. These devices are designed with holes that allow sediment from the bay to accumulate on the landward side, gradually restoring the shoreline and reducing wave action that could otherwise lead to further erosion.

Members of the public who would like to experience the beauty of fishing or crabbing within the facility can park outside the chained fence and walk in to do so. A caretaker is expected to take up residence in the next few months.

Restoration Projects

As its name suggests, a major part of the Lighthouse Center for Natural Resource Education’s mission is to inspire and educate as many people as possible about the natural environment.

Prior to the pandemic, students from Rider and Stockton University would enjoy overnight events at the center to study the area’s habitat. Some scouting groups have also taken advantage of the facilities.

Henderson said that the center is committed to community engagement and youth educa-

tion. However, a lack of funding poses a problem in maintaining the property. A limited number of volunteers show up on Thursday mornings to keep the facility in operation.

Senator Carmen Amato (R-9) was among those who had the opportunity to visit the Center when the Fish Hawks sponsored their event a couple of weeks ago.

“It’s absolutely a well-hidden gem in Ocean County,” said Amato. “I was able to get some background information on what they’re trying to do and the help they need from the state. I’m going to work on facilitating the additional support they need.”

To protect and restore the area, NREF has teamed up with experts from various organizations. Together, they’re working to fix problems like eroding marshes and changing water levels. After careful study of the area, they’re creating a plan to bring the land back to its natural state and improve it for wildlife and people alike.

Photo by Stephanie Faughnan

Senator Carmen Amato (center) speaks with NREF board members after a tour of the property.

Survivors:

Continued From Page 1

big heavy boards,” continued Gela. “The German soldiers were laughing, and they appeared to celebrate.”

“Mama and the other women were scared. I was praying and crying,” she said, recalling the terrifying scene.

Gela witnessed another act of savagery when an SS soldier seized a tall, bearded man and yanked off his beard. These were the young teenager’s first encounter with the Nazis – to be followed by personal torture.

The morning after their arrival in Sosnowiec, the German soldiers took ominous pleasure in setting the synagogue on fi re. They cheered, stamped, and jumped with glee as they watched the sacred building engulfed in flames.

Ultimately, the soldiers came for Gela at her home in the early hours of the morning, guns drawn. They shouted at her to get out of bed and dress immediately, threatening to shoot her if she didn’t comply.

Gela was taken to the high school, where she encountered other terrified and crying children from her school. They were all shoved, pushed, and beaten by the Germans.

Overwhelmed and in tears, Gela found a corner on the floor to curl up in for the night.

“In the morning, a doctor checked us over,” said Gela. “And, in the night, we were pushed in cargo trains like animals and sent to Czechoslovakia.”

Life In The Camp Gela said that some of those from her

hometown were taken to Auschwitz, which she described as a “killing camp.” Gela and the other young women were assigned to a “working camp,” and subjected to forced labor in a linen factory for 16-hour days.

There were 40 girls crammed into one room. Every morning at five o’clock, they had to stand at attention and listen to a speech. The girls were told that the plan was to kill all the Jews, but if they worked hard, they might be allowed to leave, along with their parents. The girls believed this promise, clinging to the hope that it might be true.

“We thought the Germans would not lie,” said Gela. “But unfortunately, they lied.”

Gela recounted the daily horrors she endured, including beatings, starvation, and cruel name-calling. She remembered one instance when her machine broke down and a towering, high-ranking SS officer threatened her.

Overwhelmed with fear, she listened as he snarled in German, “Small devil, I will hang you and then shoot you.”

Despite her terror, the young teenager defied him, telling him he could shoot her and then hang her if he wanted. It made no difference to Gela.

She told him – “If you want to shoot me, then hang me.” She didn’t care about whether she was alive or not.

At one point, someone who maintained the machines took pity on Gela and left her a tiny piece of bread. By the time she was 18, Gela weighed only 56 pounds, her body reduced to skin and bones. She had no food, wooden shoes, and sparse clothing.

One of the worst acts of humiliation came was when the soldiers came through the camp with Dr. Josef Mengele. The girls were told to make a circle and stand in it naked. They were crying, scared, and ashamed.

During her presentation, Gela held up a tiny picture that was her only remaining treasure from the horrific days before she was freed by the Russians. Gela had managed to hide a small photograph of her parents and family under the heavy machinery she was forced to operate.

Mona Ginsburg

Born in Vienna, Austria to Polish parents in 1933, Mona Ginsberg was just five years old when her childhood erupted into a state of uncertainty. Now 90, Mona’s story is one that speaks of the goodness in people, even when confronted by evil. Her kind eyes and warm voice radiated with gratitude during the presentation,

“Life was still possible for the Jews at that time in Vienna, although it was not good,” shared Mona. “My parents had left Poland because life was already very bad for the Jews.”

The decision to leave Vienna came in 1938 when a brick was thrown through the family’s apartment window and landed on the bed.

“I remember the look of horror on my parents’ face,” Mona said. “They decided to flee - my parents, my uncle and grandmother starting to walk with us through a snowstorm. My father carried my 18-month-old brother in a knapsack.”

Children were not permitted to cross the border. Consequently, Mona’s grandmother, her brother, and she were placed on a train to Belgium. They stayed with relatives in Antwerp until Mona’s parents joined them. Once reunited, the family established a new home in Antwerp.

The history books identify Antwerp as one of the hardest-hit cities in Belgium during World War II. Mona’s family was forced to leave as refugees because they were no longer welcome.

“We moved to Liège, another city in Belgium,” shared Mona. “We also had relatives there and set up home again.”

“I was registered in school as a six-year-old and made to wear the yellow star,” Mona continued. “I felt embarrassed in front of the other children.”

Hiding In Plain Sight

In 1942, Mona’s parents learned from the bishop of Liège that Catholic convents were offering refuge to Jewish children. Mona was placed in a home for poor Catholic girls, while her five-year-old brother was sent to live at a home in Banneux that had taken in Jewish boys.

“The whole village knew I was Jewish because I wasn’t baptized,” said Mona. “When I went to church, I couldn’t take communion. I went to confession with the priest, but it was all make believe.”

“My mother had said to me to never forget that I was Jewish,” Mona added. “It’s stuck to me to this day.”

When the Nazis began arresting Jews, (Survivors - See Page 6)

S POTLIGHT O N G OVERNMENT

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

Senior Freeze Checks Being Issued By e State

CAPITOL COMMENTS

9th Legislative District

Senator Carmen F. Amato, Jr.

Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf

Assemblyman Gregory Myhre

TRENTON - Senator Carmen Amato, Jr., Assemblyman Brian Rumpf and Assemblyman Gregory Myhre are alerting constituents that the New Jersey Division of Taxation has begun issuing Senior Freeze checks through the state’s property tax reimbursement program.

According to the New Jersey Department of the Treasury, more than 125,000 state residents will be receiving reim-

bursement checks this year following the expansion of the program’s eligibility requirements that allow more seniors to qualify.

The 9th Legislative Delegation issued the following statement:

“Property tax relief continues to be the leading issue for a large segment of our constituents, including seniors who want to be able to afford to stay in their homes. Throughout this year’s state budget process, our Delegation remained firmly committed to fully funding property tax relief programs such as the Senior Freeze and the ANCHOR programs.

“Drastic school aid cuts imposed

through the state’s broken school funding formula will only make property tax relief programs more critical for the financial security of homeowners, especially seniors.

“Assisting seniors with filing for the Senior Freeze program remains a core aspect of our Delegation’s constituent service outreach efforts. Whenever visiting senior communities in our legislative district, we and our staff distribute informational materials on the Senior Freeze and other state programs that will provide tax relief or other means of assistance to qualifying seniors.

“While the Senior Freeze eligibility requirements have been eased, we understand and share the frustration of many of our constituents who still do not qualify

due to having moved and thus required to establish a new base year. Eligibility complications in the Senior Freeze program only strengthen the case for the state to approve and fully fund the proposed Stay NJ Property Tax Credit Program to provide property tax relief to our seniors.”

Qualifying residents can apply for the Senior Freeze (Property Tax Reimbursement) at the following website: njportal. com/taxation/ptr

Constituents of the 9th Legislative District who did NOT receive a 2022 Senior Freeze/Property Tax Reimbursement and would like an application packet mailed to them or who are seeking assistance with the application process can contact the Amato-Rumpf-Myhre state legislative district office at SenAmato@njleg.org.

Senator Criticizes Netanyahu’s Leadership

Capitol Comments

Senator Cory Booker

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement:

“Prime Minister Netanyahu will perhaps be remembered as one of the worst leaders in Israel’s history. I’ve long had serious disagreements with his actions

and those of his ultra-right wing governing coalitionfrom their actions to erode Israel’s democratic institutions, to their allowance of illegal settlement expansion in the West Bank and lack of accountability for extremist settler violence, to their undermining of the Palestinian Authority - all of which threaten Israel’s security and the prospects for a two-state solution.

“Furthermore, when Israel needed cleareyed leadership in the wake of the horrific October 7 terror attacks, Prime Minister Netanyahu responded by prioritizing his

own political survival over the security of Israelis and the safe return of the hostages held by Hamas – including eight American citizens. Many other Israeli leaders were willing to step up and accept responsibility for their failures; Prime Minister Netanyahu instead pointed fi ngers of blame. I believe his leadership has led to a prolonged military conflict between Israel and Hamas and horrific levels of death and suffering of civilians in Gaza. His actions have made ensuring true Israeli security, ending the conflict, and establishing a lasting and just peace more difficult.

“At a time when 72 percent of Israelis think he should resign from office, there must be accountability for Prime Minister Netanyahu’s failures and his undermining of Israel’s democracy.

“I support the State of Israel – its security,

Survivors:

Continued From Page 5

Mona’s father was sent to Auschwitz, where he was ultimately worked to death. Mona’s mother was not home at the time. Realizing the danger, she went straight to join her son at the home in Banneux.

“The home was run by German nuns who took my brother and her in,” said Mona. “They were very courageous people.”

Mona emphasized that the threat of death was not only to her family. Those who rescued them also risked their lives for hiding Jewish people. Both children were even enrolled in school, which was another act of bravery.

Both Mona and her brother easily became attached to the families who took such good care of them. Mona remains close to the generations that followed in the household that took her in.

After the American Army liberated the

its flourishing, and its profound potential. I believe there is a deep and unbreakable bond between our two nations – a bond that should never be undermined by partisan politics here at home… I remain committed to holding Prime Minister Netanyahu accountable and working toward a lasting and just peace for all the people in the region.

“Ending this crisis starts with an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas confl ict that stops the fighting, brings the hostages home, and allows desperately needed humanitarian aid to flow to civilians in Gaza. Working towards a two-state solution is the only pathway to a lasting peace that protects Israel’s right to exist as a democratic, Jewish state and ensures the Palestinian people’s right to human dignity, prosperity, self-determination, and a state of their own.”

country in 1945, Mona’s mother set up a new home and took back her brother. When her mother found a bigger place, Mona joined them.

“At fi rst I didn’t want to go back to my mother,” admitted Mona. “I felt embarrassed to leave the family that sheltered me.”

A Shared Hope

Despite the trauma they endured, both women fi nd solace in sharing their stories, hoping to educate and create empathy among future generations.

“I was debating with myself about how to describe all the hardship I went through,” said Gela. “But as painful as it was, I feel we need to talk about it so that hopefully it will never happen again.”

Mona added, “There is hope for the world because there were good people who risked their lives to save Jews like me, and my mother and brother.”

C OMMUNITY N EWS

C LUB N EWS , A CTIVITIES , E VENTS & A NNOUNCEMENTS

“Old” Barnegat High School 11th Reunion

BARNEGAT – The “Old” Barnegat High School will hold its 11th Reunion since the high school closed in 1957. The fi rst reunion was held in 2002 at the Seacrest Golf Course in Galloways with 497 people attending. There were only two places in the county that could hold that many people! The other was Winkleman’s in Lakewood.

The reunions are for all that either graduated or attended Barnegat High School since it opened in 1931. Beaula Caselli, a former student and who later taught in the elementary school in Barnegat. She attended our fi rst two reunions when she

was over 100 years old. We had attendees from Hawaii (three reunions), and from Washington State, California, Texas, Florida, and many states in between. We had other reunions in 2006, 2009, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023.

This year’s reunion will be held at Callaways in West Creek on September 15. We are reaching out to anyone who went to BHS even one year and then went on to Southern Regional High School. These students would have graduated from SRHS in 1958, 1959, and 1960.

Anyone interested in attending please contact Jeanne Bonnell at 609-693-4562.

Bumpers On e Beat Car And Truck Show

WARETOWN – Join in supporting PBA Local 371 at Waretown Plaza, 537 Route 9, on October 20 for the Bumpers on The Beat Car and Truck Show.

This can’t-miss event is both family and pet friendly, so here’s what you can look forward to:

• Open to all years/makes/models of cars & trucks

• $20 registration day of show - no pre-registration!

• Raffles, prizes, giveaways, and more

• Trophies & Specialty Awards will be up for grabs

• DJ/Live Music by Big Al from Jersey Shore Car Shows

• Bring all your club members out to compete for the most excellent “Best Represented Club” award

• Awesome food on site

• Vendors will be there too

Registration 8 to 10 a.m.; Show 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event is pet friendly! Bring your pup to compete for a special award! Event proceeds to benefit New Jersey State PBA Local 371/

For more information, visit jerseyshorecarshows.com/pba371.

Art In e Park

STAFFORD – Brought to you by the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign, in partnership with Preferred Behavioral Health and COMPASS Ocean County, Mayor Henken and Township Council are proud to offer wellness and prevention workshops to children and parents this summer! The third in the series will be August 15 at 6 p.m.

Come enjoy an evening at Mill Creek

Park of art and fun. Participants will take part in a guided art lesson to create a painting while learning about the benefits of mindfulness and how it can help someone live a healthy life. This event is open for anyone 10 years and older. Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, call 732-961-4354 ext. 2800 or email cgillies@preferred behavioral.org.

Long Beach Township National Night Out

LONG BEACH – National Night Out is an annual event that brings the community together with local law enforcement and fi rst responders.

National Night Out will be on August 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Bayview Park (rain

date August 7). Family fun activity that includes face painting, jumbo inflatables, food, live music, alpacas, and most importantly local police, K9, fi re dept, beach patrol, fi rst aid will be there for you to meet!

FORKED RIVER – Forked River Fire Department’s 10th Annual Poker Run will be on September 29.

Registration from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Forked River Fire House, 127 Oak Street. Cost is

$20 per rider; $10 per passenger.

An 80 plus mile poker run across the NJ Pine Barrens. Finished at the Fire House with a BBQ. Featuring live entertainment, trophies, door prizes, vendors, and t-short sales.

MORE Project Sta Hosts Baby Shower For Expectant Mother

MANAHAWKIN – Expectant mother

Alexa Cook is pictured with Peer Support Recovery Specialist Megan Laudeman at the June 29 baby shower hosted by the staff of the MORE Project (Mothers Offering Recovery Experience).

The MORE staff reached out to local businesses, non-profits, community members, Eastlin Floral Design, and Bewitching Bakes to make the shower a special day for six soon-to-be mothers.

Through the MORE project, women and expectant mothers in recovery are supported so that they can navigate available resources, assistance programs, applications, food insecurities and transportation barriers. The MORE project is a no-cost, grant-funded program provided through the Mental Health Association in New Jersey - Ocean County office. The shower was held at the agency’s Manahawkin office location.

For more information, call 732-221-6039 or ayennella@mhanj.org.

Explore NJ Shipwreck History

SURF CITY – Many a seaworthy vessel met its end in the waters off the New Jersey coast. Join one of the Garden State’s most experienced historical divers for compelling tales from nearly 300 years of local maritime history during “New Jersey Shipwrecks: Off the Jersey Shore with Dan Lieb” at the Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch, 2 p.m. on August 17.

“Diver Dan” will provide revealing details about the circumstances and aftermaths of Jersey Shore maritime disasters including those that took place in both World Wars, and will discuss his extensive work in solving mysteries of the deep.

Dan’s research and identification of sunken vessels off our coast spans more than two decades. His diving skills and technical illustrations have enabled him to take part in 30 undersea archaeological expeditions. He has mapped nearly 30

shipwreck sites and created illustrations for state and federal reports.

A member of the New Jersey Historical Divers Association, he holds a Divemaster rating by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) and has executed more than 2,300 dives since 1974. Register at tinyurl.com/OclLbiLieb to attend this free program, sponsored by the Friends of the Island Library.

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

For more information, stop by the OCL Long Beach Island Branch, 217 South Central Avenue, Surf City, call 609-4942480 or visit theoceancountylibrary.org/ events.

Car And Truck Show, Family Fun Day

BARNEGAT – Barnegat Fire Company

Station 11 presents the Car and Truck Show, Family Fun Day on August 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Donahue Elementary School, 200 Bengal Boulevard, Barnegat. Hosted by Jersey Shore Car Shows. Fee of $20 for registration day of show. Open to all years/makes/models. Enjoy raffles, trophies, vendors. Awesome food and fun for the whole family. Pet friendly event. For more information, visit jerseyshorecarshows.com/BFC11.

Funky Flea Market

LONG BEACH – St. Francis Community

Centers first annual Funky Flea Market will be on August 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 4700 Long Beach Boulevard, Long Beach Township.

A one-of-a-kind event that combines a garage

sale, craft show, thrift shop, and artisan market. Don’t miss out on finding unique treasures and supporting local sellers. Admission is $2. For more information, contact 609-4948861 ext. 107; mdibella@stfrancislbi.org; or visit stfrancislbi.org.

Photo courtesy MORE Project

C OMMUNITY N EWS

Community Members Recognized At Township Meeting

LITTLE EGG HARBOR – Below is a recap of the presentations from the a recent Township Committee meeting:

• Proclamation presented for the Purple Heart Recognition Day to Randeall (Randy) Jordan

• Lt. Jeffrey Martin was promoted to Captain of the LEH Police Department

• Sgt. Joel Mahr was promoted to Lt. of the LEH Police Department

• Officer Steve Mancine was promoted to Sergeant of the LEH Police Department

• Tyler Shearer was appointed and sworn in as a Police Officer for the LEH Police Department.

• David Moffler, Jr. and Wayne Whitmann, Jr. were appointed as Police Officers for the LEH Police Department

• The 2024 Winners of the Mayor’s Essay Contest from Frog Pond Elementary School were recognized at the meeting and had the chance to sit with the mayor and committee for part of the meeting

Citizens Police Academy

BARNEGAT – The Citizens Police Academy is a 10-week interactive program that allows the citizens of Barnegat the opportunity to interact with members of the Barnegat Police Department. During this program, participants will gain firsthand knowledge of the day-to-day operations and responsibilities of the members of our agency. Some topics covered will include: Use of force, SWAT, crime scene processing, impaired driving, patrol concepts, CPR and more! Meets every Wednesday beginning September 11 at the Barnegat Police Department.

Class will begin at 6 p.m. and be about 2 to 3 hours long.

Applicants must successfully pass a background check and be a resident of Barnegat. Applications due by August 15. Must be 21 or older to apply. After applying you will receive a confirmation email. You will need to click on the blue link to confirm your email address to complete the application process Any questions regarding the program contact Sgt. Boyle at boyle444@barnegatpolice.us. Apply now: barnegatpolice.us/ citizenspolice.

Coping Skills & Stress Reduction

STAFFORD – Brought to you by the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign, in partnership with Preferred Behavioral Health and COMPASS Ocean County, Mayor Henken and Township Council are proud to offer wellness and prevention workshops to children and parents this summer! The second in the series will be August 7 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at 489 Nautilus Drive, Manahawkin. This presentation is for students in grades K to 2, and another for grades 4 to 6. Parents are welcome to attend as well. For more information, call 732-961-4354 ext. 2800 or email cgillies@preferredbehavioral.org.

Bingo At e Beach

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

Lake Barnegat Beach: Registration starts

at 6 p.m. and the games begin at 6:30 p.m. Date: August 8.

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

Photo courtesy Little Egg Harbor Township

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AAUW Raise Funds At Manahawkin Flea Market

BARNEGAT LIGHT – The Barnegat Light Area Branch of AAUW gathered on July 20, for their annual fundraising event at the Manahawkin Flea Market, on Bay Avenue.

Sitting for a picture are Vice President Membership & Scholarship Chairperson, Jeri Riffle, President Linda Dodulik Volpe, Treasurer Donna Marchetti, Vice President and Past Co-President & Newsletter Wanda Carlson, Past Co-President Rosemary Graziano, and a newly joined branch member Julie Plotkin.

The American Association of University Women, a National 501(c)3 organization, has been advocating for women and girls since 1881. The mission of AAUW is to advance gender equity for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy.

The local Branch enhances the future of women with their Scholarship Program, maintained by Vice President - Memberships Jeri Riffle, with essay awards of $250, one to each of the area High Schools – Southern Regional, Pinelands, and Barnegat. In addition, there are two Continuing Education awards of $1,000: The Patricia E Nolan award, The Catherine Gross award, and a $500 Judy Lynne award. This flea market sales event raised over $200 selling items from donations of the membership, and 100% of these funds will be used for the Scholarship Program.

The local branch was formed in 1961, and is far reaching geographically with current members from Barnegat Light, Surf City, Barnegat, Little Egg Harbor, and Manahawkin. AAUW Membership is open to all females with an associate (or equivalent, e.g., RN) degree or higher from an accredited educational institution. In addition, a student membership is also available to those females currently attending an accredited college!

Warren of the Manahawkin Flea Market came and met with us, and generously donated the cost of the table rental, so furthering our fund collection! They also want to thank the dozens of market shoppers who stopped by, looking to learn about our organization, asking questions about the scholarship program (obviously glad they go to the local schools!) and purchased so many of the items!

The Branch meets monthly from September through June. For further information, reach out to Jeri. Leave a voice message saying for AAUW, with your name and number, so she can return your call, at 609-290-9135.

Fired Up Car Show

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

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

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

Photo courtesy Barnegat Light Area Branch of AAUW

C OMMUNITY N EWS

EMS Take Part In Clean Communities Day

STAFFORD – On July 14, Stafford EMS took part in yet another Clean Communities Day. They thank their volunteers for being dedicated community members and public servants of the town!

Local Pets Up For Adoption

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

Belle is an amazingly sweet and friendly young lady of about 6 years old that would just love to be the newest member of your family. Belle had a home all her life but sadly, a child became asthmatic and Belle had to be given up. She’s taking it all in stride and isn’t letting anything get her down though. Belle is an outgoing girl that is cool and confident, and she’s the fi rst one to greet you when you visit the free-roaming room that she’s chilling out in. Belle can be

Photo courtesy AHS

a touch on the bossy side at times with other cats and occasionally, even with people, but don’t mistake her intentions - she’s a loving, silly girl that just wants your attention. She’s good with cats for the most part and she’s a real ham that enjoys getting attention, making new friends, playing with some toys or lounging about, gazing out the window at the world going by. She would just love to be doing all of that in the best home ever with a family of her own that loves her. Call 609-693-1900, visit ahscares.org/ forked-river-adoptables or email: office@ ahsppz.org for an adoption application.

Photo courtesy Stafford EMS

Chloe Oliver

Chloe Oliver passed away peacefully on July 18, at the age of 92. Born in Beach Haven to Edmund D. Oliver and Muriel (nee Howard). At Ursinus college, Chloe studied Phys Ed and met former spouse Gordon Tait. They had four children who they adored.

A longtime resident of Medford Lakes, Chloe was outgoing and friendly to all. She taught Kindergarten for 39 years. Her strength was encouraging children to perform. She believed that every child wanted to be on stage but lacked the opportunity. She gave them the spotlight and encouraged singing

along with her strumming the Ukelele, “Lovely Hula Hands”, “She’ll Be Comin’ Round the Mountain”, acting out Billy Goats Gruff, Three Little Pigs and many more plays. She said that her job was to make kids love school and her students loved her for it.

She carried that same spirit into family gatherings. Thanksgiving, Christmas and Mother’s Day were filled with delicious food as well as talent shows, charades and silly games.

Chloe loved swimming at local Beach 4, daily afternoon naps, tap dance lessons, tennis and bridge. She played bridge with the same group of friends for over 45 years! She had a long running tennis game and passed her love of tennis onto her children and grandchildren.

She is predeceased in death by her parents, two sisters Marion Larson, Muriel Oliver and son Timothy Blaine Tait. She will be missed by her three children, Douglas Tait, Shelley Evans, Brenda Sanchez, 13 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

The family invites you to gather for Chloe’s Funeral Service on August 24. Visitation from 9 to 10 a.m. with Funeral Mass to begin at 10 a.m. at St. Margaret of Antioch Roman Catholic Church, 208 N. Narberth Ave, Narberth PA 19072. Interment will be on August 24, at 2:30 p.m. at Oddfellows Cemetery, 4527 US130 S, Burlington, NJ 08016.

Cardboard Boat Rega a

STAFFORD – The 17th Annual Stafford Recreation Sail on Manahawkin Lake will be on August 6 at 5 p.m. (boat inspection begins at 4 p.m., Manahawkin Lake Park).

Carboard boats will be launched from the beach to race around the buoy and return to the beach.

The fi rst boat back, in their heat, is the winner. They’ll advance to the next round! Occupants must be in their boat throughout the race and must wear a lifejacket; standard paddles/oars may be used to propel the boat.

Official Boat Regulations:

• Boats must be made of cardboard and duct tape only.

• Paint is prohibited but permanent markers are acceptable.

• Cardboard cannot be sealed with paint, sealant or caulk.

• No plastic, metal or rubber reinforcements of the boats.

• Colored/patterned duct tape is permitted, if it is manufactured as such.

• Crewmembers must remain in the vessel for the duration of the race.

• Boats must be propelled by participant’s arms, oars or paddles.

• Participants under 12 y/o must be accompanied by an adult, as well as wear a life jacket.

• Derogatory or inappropriate related designs and messages are not permitted.

• Costumes are encouraged but not required

• All boats subject to a pre-race inspection

Prizes awarded to: Overall Event Winner; Divisional Winner; Most Creative; Best Spirit; Best Sink.

For additional information, call Jen McBrien at 609-597-1000 ext. 8573. To register, fill out information below and return to: imcbrien@staffordni.gov.

8th Annual Ocean County Irish Festival 2024

MANAHAWKIN – The 8th Annual Ocean County Irish Festival, presented by Northstar VETS, will be on September 7 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Manahawkin Lake Park.

Free and family fun event. Hosted by

The Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh, Ocean County Chapter A 501c3 nonprofit organization. Visit oceancountyirishfestival.com to sign up. Hurry as spaces are going fast. First come fi rst serve.

Waterways:

Continued From Page 1

I thought somebody has to do something about this,” Brotherston said. “Then I was posting meet ups online and it just transpired from there. My first clean up I think we had about 20 to 25 people; it was awesome.”

The group ventures into local lakes, rivers, streams, and parks to clean the polluted waterways. Some popular locations include Deal Lake in Asbury Park, Forge Pond in Brick, Lake Shenandoah in Lakewood, and Shark River in Neptune. Brotherston explained how these waterways constantly had trash floating in them.

“It’s littering. It might be a lot of fish-

ermen. It’s also a lot of dumping,” Brotherston said. “Forge Pond for instance, if you’re driving down Route 70, people just chuck their garbage right out their window. If you have a storm, or even a breeze, and the wind is going to push all the garbage into the parking lot area.”

“It’s a trickle-down effect. It’s going to go into a sewer system, then come out the other side into our waterways,” Brotherston added.

If you don’t have a kayak or vessel for the water, don’t worry. You can still volunteer with land clean-ups.

“My goal is to collect enough donations to get a truck and a trailer with at least 6 to 10 kayaks. That’s where I want to take this in the next couple of years,” Brotherston said.

Stroke Your Eco, Paddle for the Planet has currently held 82 clean-ups and counting. Over the past three years, they’ve collected over 43,000 lbs. of trash.

“We usually pull about 200 to 300 lbs. of garbage in every clean up. Sometimes more,” Brotherston said. “It’s insane. Especially with the tires and the furniture. If we have a storm, all the furniture from your patio is going right into the water – or garbage bins, you name it. With the tires, people don’t want to bring it to the dump because it costs about $5 per tire. So, they just dump them in the water.”

Brotherston explained how the organization is now working with townships, NJ Clean Communities, and corporate companies to spread the word about en-

vironmentalism. Brotherston shared how in the future she’d like to hold lectures in communities about littering.

“I did a speaking lecture over at Ocean County College a couple months ago. I was so passionate about doing it. I did another one at the Waretown Historical Society,” Brotherston said. “My ultimate goal is to go out and speak to kids about the effects of littering. Maybe even go into classrooms or auditoriums and speak to as many kids as I can.”

Stroke Your Eco, Paddle for the Planet is seeking volunteers for their upcoming clean-ups. Upcoming events can be found on their Facebook page at facebook.com/Strokeyoureco. To learn more or to make a donation, visit their website at strokeyoureco.org.

Ocean County Mourns Former Assistant Prosecutor, A orney

By Alyssa Riccardi

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office is mourning the loss of S. Karl Mohel, Esquire, who passed away on July 20 at the age of 67. Mohel was born and raised in Lakewood, then moved to Warren Grove before settling in “Arnietown” located in Berkeley Township.

According to his obituary, he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Colby College, Waterville, ME and his Juris Doctorate from Quinnipiac University School of Law. North Haven, CT.

Mohel was an Attorney at his practice, Law Offices of S. Karl Mohel, PC in Toms River. He began his legal career at the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office in 1984 as an Assistant Prosecutor. In 1986, Karl began his long and distinguished career as a criminal defense attorney.

Mohel also was a parishioner of St. Joseph RC Church, Toms River and was a Certified Scuba Diver, Hypnotist and world traveler, his obituary states.

“Karl loved to spend time on his property with his family, dogs, and good friends,” the obituary states.

“Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and the entire staff here at the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office send our sincerest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of S. Karl Mohel, Esquire,” the OCPO said in a statement.

“A phone call or chance meeting with Karl never failed to bring a smile to your face. He will be missed but not forgotten.”

Karl is predeceased by his parents, Arnold and Lorraine Mohel. He is survived by his wife Lisa (nee McLaughlin), his father-in-law John McLaughlin, his four children Laura Friedland, her husband

Drew, Mark Hatcher, his wife Paige, Sidney Mohel, Jr., Jacob Mohel, his fi ancée Emaleigh McNichols, four grandchildren who call him pee-pop, Leo, Marshall, Grant & Waylon, his brothers Michael Mohel, Robert Mohel, his wife Cathy Mohel, nieces and nephews David Mohel, Joseph Gregg, Gregory Jr., Jillian, Carmela, Adalena, Mia and Max.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Karl may be made to St. Jude Children’ s Research Hospital at stjude.org. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting ryanfuneralhome.com.

H ERE ’ S T O Y OUR H EALTH Dr. Izzy’s

Sound News

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

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

6 Tips For Longer Ba ery Life

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

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

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

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

battery door, the aid will eventually stop working.

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

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

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

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

H ERE ’ S T O Y OUR H EALTH

Dear Pharmacist

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Do You Touch Your Face And Mouth A Lot? Many People Do!

We express our emotions by touching our faces. When we’re surprised or scared, we might instinctively cover our mouths with our hands. During moments of deep concentration or attentive listening, a hand often finds its way under our chin. This habit isn’t just random; it’s a hands-on coping mechanism that helps soothe us by engaging our senses.

Our phones play a role in this too. With the rise of smartphones and computers, face-touching behaviors have significantly. Most people don’t clean their phones that often, and the face touching habit can transfer pathogens from screens to your face. Do you touch your face or mouth a lot? What about your hair, or nose.

5 Types of Face Touching

Mouth: Touching the mouth and nose 3-5 times per hour increases the risk of pathogen transmission.

Nose: Touching the outside of your nose or scratching it is pretty common. Surprisingly, nose picking is also common, with 91 percent of people admitting to it on a questionnaire.

Eyes: Touched 1-2 times per hour, which could be due to irritation or contact lenses.

Ears: Touched 2-3 times per hour, typically during stress or when adjusting accessories.

Hair: Frequent in individuals with long hair, occurring 4-6 times per hour.

You are going to start noticing yourself doing this more often, lol! And other people too. Frequent face touching can lead to the transfer of pathogens, causing infections and illnesses especially during high cold/flu season.

Why do we do it so much? When face

touching becomes really excessive (and “really” can be defined differently by all of us), it may be attributed to various psychological and physiological conditions.

Psychogenic pruritus, for instance, involves itching without a physical cause and can lead to frequent scratching. People with small fiber neuropathy sometimes have what’s called neuropathic itch. Tactile hallucinations, often associated with psychiatric disorders or substance use, create false sensations of touch, prompting individuals to rub or scratch their faces. Then there’s dermatillomania, a condition characterized by compulsive skin picking, can result in persistent face touching.

Formication, the awful sensation of feeling ants or other bugs crawling on (or under) your skin! The word “formica” means ants. This tactile hallucination is sometimes related to illicit drug use and can cause frequent touching and scratching. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) may involve compulsions that include repetitive face touching for some sufferers. I don’t want to medicalize it too much because for some people it’s just a matter of feeling nervous or anxious.

Understanding these behaviors is fun, and crucial for those with immune systems that are compromised. Keep good hygiene practices to reduce the risk of infections, like washing hands frequently, or applying hand sanitizers. Try becoming more mindful of the frequency of face touching to help mitigate health risks if you have immune problems. For more detailed insights into face touching and its causes, please read my longer version of this article posted on suzycohen.com

(This information is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Suzy Cohen is the author of “The 24-Hour Pharmacist” and “Real Solutions.” For more information, visit www.SuzyCohen.com) ©2024 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.

St. Francis Counseling Service

Seeking Advocates for the Fall of 2024

Are you an Ocean County resident who is interested in supporting survivors of sexual violence?

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

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

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

THERAPIES/SERVICES

• Hormone Replacement

• IV Therapies

• Thermascan

• Cryoskin • HOCATT

• Colonics • PEMF

• Salt Room/Halotherapy

• Theta Chamber

• Ozone • Botox

• Thyroid/Adrenal Fatigue Management

• Peptides

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

Development Council Elects Leadership

JERSEY SHORE – Christine Hanlon, the Monmouth County Clerk, recently inducted a new president and board members for The MODC (Monmouth-Ocean Development Council), Wall Township, at the Lobster Shanty, Point Pleasant. Thomas Gilmour, founding trustee of the Asbury Park Music Foundation, was named the president of MODC for a two-year term, replacing Matt Appel, Beacon Wealth Partners, who completed his two-year term. Other new

executive committee members for 2024 are Charlene Archer, Treasurer; Karen Campi, Secretary; John Casagrande; John LeMay; Steve Reinman; and Linda Savino. Brian Waldron was re-elected to the Executive Committee.

The newest board members for 2024 are Ian Singer, Director of Marketing for Davison Eastman Munoz Paone, P.A.; Maria Caputo, Monmouth Medical Center; Dr. Jared Morris, Monmouth County Vocational School District; Dr. Michael Maschi, Ocean County Vocational Technical School; Chris Curcia, OceanFirst Bank; Charlene Archer, Manasquan Bank; Bart Henderson, Henderson Promos; and Andrew Oeftering, UPTECH360 Corporation.

Continuing MODC Board Members for 2024 include John Gagliano, Counsel; Nancy Barone, MODC Past President; Lynn Maurer; Joseph Imbriale; Frank Preston; Kim Sambade; Louisa Vroman; Denise Gaffney; Chris Emigholz; Anthony Agliata; Bob McLane; John Kalli; Eileen Higgins; Marilee Pettit; Gary Pollack; Brian Foster; Commissioner Tom Arnone; Doug Lyons; Fran Kirschner; Kayci Clayton; Craig Trautweiler; Chris Church; Ron Reisner; Anthony Faugno; Karen Guarasi; and Toby Stark.

Jodi Grinwald, CEO of the Monmouth-Ocean Development Council, thanked former president Matt Appel for his leadership and service to MODC. She also thanked and recognized the board members whose term ended due to term limits for their dedication: Heather Barberi from the Grunin Foundation; Jennifer Edmonds of Georgian Court University; Charles

Ford of Monmouth County Vocational School; Karen Homiek of Ocean County Vocational Technical School; and Kristine Novakowski, of Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity.

Contact Jodi Grinwald, MODC’s chief executive officer, at jodi@modc.com for any questions. Visit modc.com. to learn more about MODC.

Photo courtesy MODC

Inside The Law

Educating Our Community On Nursing Home Abuse

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

People put their elderly parent or grandparent in a nursing home so that they can be safely taken care of, so that someone can properly look after them in their old age. No one expects that these nursing home residents should get anything less than the proper care and respect that they deserve, but with the horrifying rise in nursing care abuse, this is not always the case. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse in the United States, more than 30 percent of all nursing homes in America indulge in some form of resident abuse.

Statistics show that nearly 50 percent of all nursing homes are short staffed. The staff people who do work in these facilities are underpaid, overworked, and all too often overburdened, which in turn leads to elder neglect and abuse.

million by the year 2030.

Even more alarming is the prediction that the problem will only worsen in the near future. More than 91% of nursing homes lack adequate staff to properly care for patients. A Health and Human Services Department report found patients in understaffed nursing homes were more likely to suffer from a variety of problems, such as bed sores, malnutrition, weight loss, dehydration, pneumonia, and serious blood born infections. It’s a serious concern that will only increase with time, given that the population of people aged 85 or older is expected to double to 8.9

Signs of abuse and neglect may be (but are not limited to) evidence such as patterns of bruising, unexplained injuries, frequent infections, bedsores, questionable hygiene, appearance of malnutrition, emotional distress, and unsanitary living conditions. Document any such evidence you observe, and bring it to the attention of your attorney. Neglect can be just as harmful in the long run as abuse, leading to additional health problems and possibly death. Nursing home abuse isn’t limited to physical abuse; there can also be emotional, verbal, and psychological abuse, where an elder is demeaned or humiliated in other ways.

Many elders needlessly suffer from nursing home abuse in which they are manipulated, humiliated, or physically harmed by the very people entrusted with providing them with loving and tender care. Instances of physical, sexual and verbal abuse have taken place at the very nursing homes where elders are actually supposed to be well taken care of; unfortunately, cases of nursing home abuse in America and also in New Jersey are rising rather than falling.

If you think a loved one is the victim of Nursing Home Abuse call the trial attorneys at R.C. Shea & Associates for a free consultation to discuss their rights.

Our clients’ success is our greatest

Exposed! ‘Dirty Secrets Of Invasive Plants’

STAFFORD – They’re easy to fi nd and they’re often attractive. But invasive plants are also insidious, wiping out native plants as they spread. Learn the “Dirty Secrets of Invasive Plants” and how to combat them in a revealing program at the Ocean County Library Stafford Branch, 10:30 a.m. on August 12.

The informative presentation by the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Ocean County will be led by Master Gardener Sue Masoorli. Sue will explain how some of our favorite plants land on the New Jersey Invasive Plant List, how to select and grow non-invasive native plants, and what state officials are doing to stop the sale of invasive plants.

A five-year Master Gardener and a member of the organization’s Speakers Bureau, Sue is a familiar face at the Master Gar-

deners’ Annual Plant Sale and Butterfly Tent Event. Sue takes special interest in Annuals and Perennials.

The Master Gardeners of Ocean County are trained, certified volunteers who assist the Rutgers Cooperative Extension staff in providing research-based information on sustainable horticulture to county residents.

Register at tinyurl.com/OclStaffordSecrets for this free program. Bring your plant and soil questions and specimens for “Ask a Master Gardener @ Stafford,” 10 a.m. to noon that day and the second and fourth Monday of each month through September.

For more information, stop by the OCL Stafford Branch, 129 North Main Street, Manahawkin, call 609-597-3381, or visit theoceancountylibrary.org/events.

For Sale

General dental practice for sale -

Established office over 50 years in South Jersery, Ocean County/ Jersey shore area. 2023 annual gross

$275,000, 2 1/2 days a week. 3 ops, fully equipped in a professional rented office building with parking. Digital xray, sterilization and lab area. Reception area and waiting room. TMJ, Invisalign, cosmetic dentistry. Pay $2500 rent. Asking $325,000. Any interest, send questions to dentalofficeinquiry@gmail.com. (37)

Items For Sale

“Up Bed” - Never used.Electronically assists you up. Removable short guard rails. Remote control. Set of sheets included. Call/text for information and pricing. 646-872-6317. (37)

Princeton Memorial Park - Double depth companion plot for 2. Garden of Time, section 1. Price $1,500. Call 609-903-0395. (35)

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)

Entire Estates Bought - Bedroom/dining sets, dressers, cedar chests, wardrobes, secretaries, pre-1950 wooden furniture, older glassware, oriental rugs, paintings, bronzes, silver, bric-a-brac. Call Jason at 609-970-4806. (t/n)

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)

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)

CLASSIFIEDS

Services Help Wanted

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)

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. (37)

When You Need A Caregiver Call Lucy - European Registered Nurse, 25 years. US Eldercare experience, 19 years. Live in/out, hourly, negotiable. 732-657-1409 (H), 732-833-3273 (C). (47)

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)

DECKS • DECKS • DECKSWOOD • TREX • COMPOSITE • VINYL RAILINGS • BOARD REPLACEMENT • STAIRS • EXPERTS INSTALLATION • LICENSED • INSURED • ADVANCED BUILDING. 609-394-9030 (36)

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)

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)

Restaurant & Small Business Loans Available - Alternative loans & LOC for Restaurants and small businesses. No Upfront fees. For more information go to: www.cg-consultant.com and fill out submission form. Or call 570 592-6258 and leave message. (35)

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

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

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

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

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.

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:

3. 1 week* at $29.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $ 2 weeks* at $44.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $ 3 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:

Credit Card#

Cardholder Signature:

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

If you have any questions, leave a message for Ali 732-657-7344, ext. 203.

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

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Pop-Up Recovery Meetings

JERSEY SHORE – Join us for Hope Sheds Light’s Pop-Up Recovery Meetings this summer. Bring a chair, a beach towel, and an open heart to share in a safe and supportive space across Ocean and Monmouth Counties.

Ocean County: 9 to 11 a.m.

August 31 – Barnegat Bay, 373 Bayshore Drive, Barnegat September 28 – Manahawkin Lake Park III, 86 North Main Street

Monmouth County: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. August 31 – Long Brach, entrance across from 7 Presidents Skate Park September 28 – Asbury Park, 2nd Ave entrance

In case of inclement weather, the meeting will be canceled. For more information, contact lindery@hopeshedslight.org for Monmouth; victoria@hopeshedslight.org for Ocean.

Sta ord Township Green Fair

STAFFORD – Step into a world where sustainability meets excitement! Join at Stafford Township’s Green Fair where every eco-friendly choice creates ripples of positive change!

Learn about the sustainability of your community from a variety of local organizations and discover local programs, sustainable opportunities and ways to save

some green.

The goal of this event is to provide the community with educational opportunities and tools to encourage sustainable choices and green success.

The Green Fair will be held on August 12 from 12 to 4 p.m. at Manahawkin Lake Park, 86 N Main Street. For more information, call 609-597-1000 ext. 8511.

Another beautiful sunrise over the Jersey Shore. Local photographer Lisa Kenney likes to call this shot

Sunrise Surfer.” Stunning!

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

Deborah Heart And Lung Center Named Among Best Hospitals 2024-2025

BROWNS MILLS – Deborah Heart and Lung Center was named by U.S. News & World Report to its 2024-2025 Best Hospitals as a High Performing hospital for Heart Attack, Heart Bypass Surgery, Heart Failure, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement. This is the highest distinction a hospital can earn for U.S. News’ Best Hospitals Procedures & Conditions ratings.

The annual Procedures & Conditions ratings are designed to assist patients and their health care providers in making informed decisions about where to receive care for challenging health conditions or elective procedures.

“We are honored to be named again a High Performing Hospital in five key specialties by U.S. News & World Report,” said Joseph Chirichella, president and CEO of Deborah. “Our rankings demonstrate consistent performance over multiple years, reflecting our commitment to delivering best-in-class care.”

U.S. News evaluated nearly 5,000 hospitals across 15 specialties and 20 procedures and conditions. Hospitals awarded a “Best” designation excelled at factors such as clinical outcomes, level of nursing care and patient experience.

“For 35 years, U.S. News has been a leading resource for patients navigating their health care decisions,” said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. “The ‘High Performing’ designation acknowledges hospitals that consistently deliver high-quality care for specific medical procedures and conditions. This recognition highlights their expertise and commitment to patient well-being.”

To calculate the Best Hospitals rankings, U.S. News evaluated each hospital’s performance on objective measures such as risk-adjusted mortality rates, preventable complications and level of nursing care. The Best Hospitals Specialty rankings methodology and Procedures & Conditions ratings methodology measure patient outcomes using data from millions of records provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. This year, among other methodology refinements, U.S. News incorporated new data on care provided to pa-

Sta ord National Night Out

STAFFORD – Stafford Township Police presents National Night Out on August 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Manahawkin Lake. Enjoy entertainment, BMX bike show, food trucks, K9 action, vehicle tours, inflatables, cardboard boat regatta, nonprofit groups, and giveaways.

For more information, email jmcbrien@ staffordnj.gov or call 609-597-1000 ext. 8573.

tients with Medicare Advantage insurance and on care provided to outpatients, nearly

doubling the number of patients included in its annual data analysis. The Procedures & Conditions ratings are based entirely on objective quality measures.

FUN & GAMES SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Kept” novelist Prescott 3 River to the Caspian 4 Sunblock letters 5 Quick, provocative opinion 6 Unexpected smack?

Laundry brand

Grammy winner Corinne Bailey __

Medical pro who avoids the rear of the ship?

Approximate fig.

Actor Mineo

Yarns

Key near Alt

Farmers market

Medical pro who holds a pal’s hand in a tattoo parlor?

Actress Zellwe-

Old T-shirts, maybe

“__ we good?” 10 Simple card game 11 In the not-too-distant future 12 Iraq port city

Actor who plays the Emperor in 2020’s “Mulan” 18 “The Persistence of Memory” painter 22 Spain’s El __ 23 “Where creativity clicks” construction toy

Slip-on shoe 25 Programming pioneer Lovelace

Sketch

Forfeited auto 28 “Please give me

some alone time” 29 Sour 30 Birds of prey that were once endangered 34 Basketball Hall of Famer Donovan 35 Social equal

Bigwig 38 Best Picture winner set in Iran 40 Jiff 41 Pathology study 43 __ Grande

Run-down area 45 Box lunch? 46 The first “A” in

scan

Dreadful

Came to rest

Terse affirmation

Turn down

Painter’s calculation 55 Genetic info carrier 56 Director Reiner

Mani-pedi place

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Managing your money can look different for everyone, but responsibility should take precedence over pleasures. Pay your bills and stay on top of any financial obligations and you could find the stability you may need.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Sometimes changing your mind can cause hurt feelings. Forgiveness could be granted if you take the time to ask for it. Listen, explain and apologize for whatever misunderstandings might have occurred in the past.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Be careful how you phrase things if you must discuss a friend or family member’s project. They may trust you and care about what you think. Approval can be more meaningful than you expect so remember to remain kind.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Sorry may not always be enough. There might be things that you have done that you need to make amends for. Not just for the other person, but to clear your own heart. Find the best way to restore balance for yourself.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): If a metaphoric cake is placed in front of you, the whole thing could feel like a reasonable portion. Others seated at the same table may be longing for a piece so you’ll need to accept a smaller slice and compromise.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Now may be the time to sift through your contacts and strengthen your connections. A time might come soon when you need to make an important call and if you do not have the number, you could be left out in the rain.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): This may not be

FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 20 - JULY 26 BY

OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

JERALDINE SAUNDERS

the time to stray away from your usual paths. Some plans that you have might need to be put aside for a while until things have settled and you can give your full attention to your current project.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Sometimes opportunity avoids the door completely and comes quietly tapping on your window. It may not always be precise, but it can be ready for whoever finds it. It could be up to you to realize what is waiting for you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Even the fortunate few who seem good at everything may not have the time to do it all themselves. If you can spread the work out across the team, then everyone could complete their specialty and get the job done on time.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Connecting with people outside your regular circle might pay unexpected dividends if you have an emergency later. It could come down to who you know. Being connected to a network could be beneficial if a favor is needed.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You might have been working away on a temporary thing while you wait for something better to come along. It may be up to you to decide whether you want to improve on established tasks or move on to a new endeavor.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You may be tempted to focus on your flaws right now. Most people may think you are great even if you think you still need to prove yourself. If they are telling you that you are wonderful, maybe it is time to listen. (c) 2024 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

CRADLE SWEET-TART, PEAK-OF-SUMMER FRUIT IN THE BUTTERIEST, FLAKIEST PASTRY

By America’s Test Kitchen

Notes: We strongly recommend weighing the flour here. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.

1 cup (5 ounces) plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided

7 tablespoons (3 ounces) granulated sugar, divided1/2 teaspoon table salt

8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut lengthwise into thirds and chilled 1/4 cup ice water

1 1/2 pounds (about 5 cups) blueberries

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1 tablespoon Demerara or turbinado sugar

1. Place 1 cup flour, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a 1-gallon heavy-duty zipper-lock bag. Seal and shake well to combine. Add butter to bag; seal bag, pressing out as much air as possible; and shake to coat with flour mixture.

2. Set rolling pin across lowest portion of bag and, using rocking motion, flatten butter beneath pin into large flakes. Working in sections, move pin up bag and flatten remaining butter. Shake bag to mix. Roll over bag with pin, shaking bag occasionally to mix, until flour becomes very pale yellow and almost all butter is incorporated.

3. Transfer mixture to a large bowl (use a rubber spatula or bench scraper to scrape any remaining butter and flour mixture from the bag). Add ice water and toss with a rubber spatula until just combined (mixture will be tacky). Transfer dough to a floured counter. With your floured hands, press dough into a rough 4-inch square.

4. Roll dough into a 10-by-5-inch rectangle with the short side parallel to the edge of the counter, flouring the counter and dough as needed. Starting at the top of the dough, fold into thirds like a business letter, using a bench scraper or metal spatula to release dough from the counter. Turn dough 90 degrees and repeat rolling into a 10-by-5-inch rectangle. Rotate dough 90 degrees so the long side is parallel to the edge of the counter. Beginning with the long edge nearest you,

roll dough into a tight cylinder. Pinch seam closed and roll cylinder seam side down. Roll ends of the cylinder toward the center in opposite directions to form an “S” shape. Fold the “S” shape in half. Press dough into a 5-inch circle. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to two days.

5. Meanwhile, place half of the blueberries in a bowl and, using a spatula, press berries against the side of the bowl to break their skins. Add remaining blueberries and 1/4 cup granulated sugar and toss to combine. Transfer mixture to colander set over bowl and let stand for at least 30 minutes.

6. Adjust oven rack to lowest position, set baking stone on rack, and heat oven to 400 degrees. Let chilled dough sit on counter to soften slightly, about 5 minutes, before rolling. Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll dough into a 14-inch circle on a well-floured counter, rotating dough frequently and flouring the surface to keep the circle even, without any cracked edges. Roll dough loosely around a rolling pin and unroll it onto the prepared sheet. (It’s OK if the dough hangs over the edges of the sheet.) Cover dough and refrigerate until firm, about 10 minutes.

7. Remove sheet from refrigerator. Combine remaining 2 tablespoons flour and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar in a small bowl. Sprinkle flour mixture evenly over dough, leaving a 2-inch border. Using a slotted spoon, mound blueberries over the flour mixture, leaving any juices in the bowl. Reserve juices. Carefully grasp 1 edge of dough and fold up 2 inches over the fruit. Repeat around the circumference of the galette, overlapping dough every 2 inches; firmly pinch pleated dough to secure, but do not press dough into fruit. Brush dough with egg and sprinkle evenly with demerara sugar.

8. Bake galette for 20 minutes. While galette is baking, transfer reserved berry juices to a small saucepan and cook over medium heat until thickened and reduced to 1/4 cup, 3 to 6 minutes.

9. Remove galette from oven and brush fruit with half of the reduced juices. Return to oven and continue to bake until crust is golden brown and fruit is bubbling, 25 to 30 minutes longer. Transfer galette to a wire rack and brush fruit with remaining reduced juices. Let cool for 30 minutes. Serve. Blueberry Galette.

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

BLUEBERRY GALETTE