2024-08-10 - The Howell Times

Playhouse Hosts A “New Beginning”

By Liz Ciocher

HOWELL – One of Howell Township’s oldest organizations, The Grange Playhouse, is opening up this weekend after nearly facing the fi nal curtain. The Playhouse is a performing arts theater off Route 9 with some of the oldest and antique archi-

Is 25 Years In Jail Enough For Death Of A Child?

By Chris Lundy

TOMS

RIVER

– As Christopher Gregor was sentenced to 25 years for endangerment and aggravated manslaughter in the death of his son, people following the case were upset that he didn’t get the maximum.

The video of Gregor putting his son, Corey Micciolo, 6, on a treadmill and speeding it up so

the boy fell off multiple times –and then biting the boy’s head - has become infamous and leant weight to the sentencing, the judge said.

However, the charge of endangering only received a sentence of 5 years out of a maximum of 10.

The treadmill incident, which took place on March 20, 2021, did not contribute to the death (25 Years - See Page 4)

Photos courtesy of Dani Wittman (Above) A shot from “Table for Three,” the show’s fifth act. (Left) Michael Galligan and Karen Bowden in costume for “A Blast from the Past,” which is act six.

tecture, originally serving as a school house in the early 1900s.

The theater generally has three to four shows a year, including an annual series of One Act Plays, which started this year on August 2, with shows on August 3, 4 and 11. For the past three years, each one-act series has been given a theme. This year’s theme is “A New Beginning.”

“The Grange during Covid almost didn’t make it. A lot of people left, the building was falling apart,

(Playhouse - See Page 5)

Districts Vote To Raise School Taxes

By Alyssa Riccardi

HOWELL – Property taxes are going up in Howell Township after both Howell K-8 School District and Freehold Regional School District approved a tax levy increase.

The increases come as a result of the long-term effects the S-2 funding formula has had on both districts, losing millions of state aid funding.

At a recent Howell Board of Education meeting, the district presented its amended, fi nal budget.

Before the presentation, Superintendent Jospeh Isola asked the board to approve the 9.9% tax levy increase, which is normally a 2% cap. The state changed it this year to allow districts who lost funding to make up at least some of the difference.

“I’ve said very clearly in no uncertain terms that it is my recommendation that the board move forward with the decision to adopt the full amount available. I have been very clear about how serious of a statement I recognize that is,” Isola said. “However, I do think to protect our students’ future and to make sure we’re able to provide programs and staffing, it is critically important that we prepare ourselves for the future.”

Isola continued, stating how in the past they have not taxed the full amount.

“Should we take this taxing authority, and next year the budget formula is favorable to us, that will provide an opportunity to exercise restraint and we’ve done in the past and demonstrate that to our community by not taking the 2% eligible plus waivers that a typical year would provide,” Isola said.

Business Administrator Ronald Sanasac presented the revised budget to the board and public with the possible 9.9% increase. He explained how Howell Schools is a victim of S-2 funding cuts.

“We’ve lost half of our state aid funding. It’s not something we get control of. It affects us and our only other option is for local taxation,” Sanasac said.

Sanasac further detailed how in the past years, they could have gone well above 2% or at least 2%, but did not. He also explained how although the future funding formula is unknown, they are preparing for the worst

(Districts - See Page 5)

Photo courtesy Asbury Park Press Christopher Gregor was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

25 Years:

Continued From Page 1 from blunt force impact to the chest and abdomen on April 2, 2021. The exact cause of these injuries might never be made public, but Gregor was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the aggravated manslaughter charge in relation to the boy’s death. The maximum is 30. Gregor will have to serve 85 percent of

the 20-year sentence before being eligible for parole. The 885 days he has served since his arrest would be subtracted. The 5-year sentence will take place immediately after the 20-year sentence.

Gregor, now 32, will have 5 years of supervised parole after all that.

“It was not as long as we wanted but at least he will not be able to start his life over,” Corey’s mother Breanna Micciolo told reporters outside the courtroom.

Family Members Speak

The fi nal part of the trial was a sentencing hearing, where Judge Guy Ryan listened to the parties involved.

Gregor stood up and read from a speech written on yellow legal paper. “I’m sorry that we lost Corey. He was simply the best. I know we’ll miss him for the rest of our lives,”

“Corey, wherever you are, I just want to say I’m proud of you,” he said.

Although he said the treadmill incident was “inexcusable,” he said that he did nothing to cause Corey’s passing. “I regret not bringing him to the hospital sooner. I didn’t know. I just thought he was tired.”

Gregor cried through his statement. Corey’s other family cried during most of the hearing.

After the sentencing, Breanna Micciolo said those tears were for himself, not for Corey. Gregor was crying because he was afraid of getting the maximum sentence.

Following Gregor’s statement, Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Christine Lento advocated for the maximum penalty by law - 10 years for endangering and 30 years for aggravated manslaughter.

She outlined Gregor’s actions and how they fit into legal defi nitions that would get to that maximum sentence. She painted a picture of Gregor’s rage, actions to cover his tracks, and history.

“He’s a person with no impulse control and he will commit more crimes,” she said.

Lento noted how Gregor tried to coach his mother’s testimony as a way to game the system.

“There is nothing I can say that is more important than the facts of the case,” Lento said. “Christopher Gregor abused his son. He ended his life, and he left him alone in the hospital to die. I can only imagine what was going through Corey’s mind.”

Lento described the fatal wound, a laceration to the heart, and also a bruised lung and lacerated liver. “While Corey’s body was shutting down, the defendant ordered food.”

Gregor didn’t tell Breanna where Corey was when he called her for her insurance information from the hospital. “Not only did he take Corey’s life, but he took the last moments with his family.”

As for past brushes with the law, Gregor had no indictable offenses but showed a pattern of not following the law, she said.

Vito Micciolo, Corey’s grandfather, read a letter from Corey’s Aunt Nicole who was too emotional to read it. He described how Corey came home from his fi rst visit with his father with a fat lip that Gregor attributed to playing sports.

The family wanted to keep him from spending time with Gregor but the State Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P) required him to go.

“Corey didn’t have a choice and wasn’t shown any mercy and Chris shouldn’t be given a choice or shown any mercy,” he read from the letter.

Corey’s grandmother, Rebecca Micciolo, also took the stand. She talked about how Corey should be preparing to go back to school. She wonders what he would look like today.

“This is not a man who should be shown mercy,” she told the judge. “I see that treadmill video in my nightmares. He didn’t shed a tear while watching that video.”

She also noted some legal issues Gregor had in the past.

“The system failed Corey. This man has (25 Years - See Page 14)

Districts:

Continued From Page 1

possible outcome when it comes to state aid.

“The past prediction of the future is its history,” Sanasac said.

For the previously passed 2024 budget, the average monthly impact on a home was $10, based off the average house assessment of $545,000. For the new 2024 budget with the possible 9.9% tax levy, the same average house would be $21 a month.

“The legislature is viewing this increase as a save preserver, so if we don’t use it, next year don’t come crying to us,” Sanasac said.

Playhouse:

Continued From Page 1

The uncertainty left the board between a rock and a hard place. If the district does not take this opportunity and continues to lose funding, it could result in large so this is a new start for us. There’s a new future for this place, so we came up with ‘A New Beginning’ as our theme because it’s like a new start,” said Dani Wittman, production manager and director. “We are coming back to the community to fi nally offer things to them again since that did come to a full stop.”

In addition to performing arts, The Grange does other things for the community, such as hosting craft fairs and opening a thrift shop.

‘A New Beginning’ consists of seven one-act plays, with a total acting cast of

classroom sizes, programs being cut, as well as courtesy busing possibly being cut. However, with rising inflation, many were concerned about the raised taxation putting a burden on families who are living paycheck to paycheck.

Board members decided to go through different tax percentages to compare numbers before voting. The first round of voting was for the 9.9% increased tax levy, which failed to be approved. Next was 8%, which also failed.

Finally, the board voted on 7%, which was passed by five in favor and four opposed.

The Approved 2024-25 Budget

According to the district, the $148,063,688 budget will be supported by $90,300,846 in taxes collected from Howell’s residential

12 people. Along with the 12 actors, there are four directors, most of them serving as actors as well.

All seven acts were written and submitted to The Grange by playwrights within the community. Four members of The Grange, along with three people local to Howell Township, selected the seven acts out of nearly 500 submissions.

“It’s really neat to have a theater around here, I think it’s a beneficial thing to have in any area. It brings a lot of folks together,” Director Tom Mellott said. “Even our cast is a bunch of different folks; it’s always an interesting collection of people when you get a show together.”

and commercial property owners. This was previously $87,382,416, but with the new 7% tax levy it added an additional $2,918,430.

The district’s general fund, which supports the majority of the district and its operation, is $129,932,489 with a tax levy of $90,236,045.

The average monthly impact on a home is about $16, based off the average house assessment of $545,000.

Howell School District will receive $22,118,857 in state aid for the 2024-25 school year. According to the NJ Department of Education, this is an increase of $1,517,548 or 7.79%.

In addition, the district is receiving $14,726,339 in state aid for pre-k – this does not benefit the regular budget.

While many of the Grange’s event proceeds go to charitable sources, ‘A New Beginning’ is being held as a fundraiser for the organization itself. Members of the Grange anticipate the funds from the show will be used towards renovation of the venue, which is over a century old.

“We had a relatively negative reputation, but it’s getting better,” said Karen Bowden, another director and Grange member.

“Now that we have a new roof. That’s why it’s called ‘A New Beginning.’ We are transforming the space and turning into something more professional.”

While the older venue may have proposed some issues for The Grange in the past, many

Freehold Regional High School District Home to Howell High School, the Freehold Regional School District Board of Education passed an 8.7% tax levy increase. The new budget reflects an additional $10,175,000 in property taxes, Superintendent Nicole Hazel said.

“The 2024-25 budget includes $30.6 million in state aid. That’s 40%, $21million less than the pre-S-2 funding levels. Over the S-2 years, its $97.7 million,” Hazel said. The district is slated to lose $10.8 million for the 2025-26 school budget per the state aid calculations, Hazel said.

“Under S-2, the district had to abolish 115 positions over the S-2 years,” Hazel said. Hazel states that the new budget for 202425 will provide funds to hire 19 staff members that were cut from the previous budget.

see its antiquity as beneficial to their plays.

“It’s much more intimate. From the audience, it’s almost like you’re a part of it,” said actress Julianna Masco. “It’s kind of like a conversation because you’re right there, which is the great thing about being in a smaller space like this.”

‘A New Beginning’ will be presented at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 2 and 3, and at 2 p.m. on Aug. 4 and 11. General admission is $18 cash, or $20 with electronic payment.

“We’re really proud of the fact that that community is embracing us and is moving forward with everything,” Bowden said. “It’s really coming together, and the actors have been doing an amazing job.”

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY

EDITORIAL

Let’s Talk About Talking Points

There are so many “truths” being thrown around out there, but they are only just talking points.

Let’s define the term. Talking points are concise phrases that a political party will use to create a narrative. They pick a topic, and then cut it down to an easy-to-understand point of view. They take a very complex and nuanced issue and break it down into something so simple that it just has to make sense. Often, they change it so much that it doesn’t even reflect reality any more.

That message goes out to all the top brass of the party. It also goes out to all the political underlings – like the cable news folk you’ll be watching tonight. No, you are not immune to it. You’ve probably formed some of your own opinions because you’ve heard these talking points.

The reason they work is the same thing that makes Coke or Pepsi so successful – advertising. Everything is advertising. The more you hear the talking points, the more it’ll make sense to you.

We would rather not think really hard. Let’s be honest, here. If someone provides you with an easy answer to a huge problem,

we’re going to jump on it. Pretty soon, you’ll agree with the simplified piece of garbage that some committee came up with in a Washington strategy session.

I’ll give you two examples, and I’ll “both sides” them for you to show you what happens.

On the Republican side, a GOP staffer accidentally sent a list of talking points to Democrats a while back, showing how the GOP was providing a unified front in messaging.

In the space of a week, I received three anti-Trump letters that noted the exact same issues. They were worded slightly differently, but it was clear they were all coached. (I only published one.)

Your thoughts are not your own. Someone making a lot more money than you thought of them fi rst. Then they fed them to the commentators on news programs, made them into memes and spread them on social media. You saw these thoughts everywhere. If you hear a lie enough times, you believe it. Finally, they made it to your brain. They become trickle-down thoughts.

Chris Lundy News Editor

WE WELCOME LETTERS TO THE EDITOR!

The Howell Times welcomes all points of view for publication and provides this page as an open forum for residents to express themselves regarding politics, government, current events and local concerns.

All letters are printed as space allows unless deemed offensive by the editorial staff, and provided they are signed and include address & phone number for veri�ication. Letters may not be printed if we cannot verify them. Names will not be withheld from publication. While most letters are printed as submitted, we reserve the right to edit or reject letters. The weekly deadline is 5 p.m. Thursday. Mail typed letters to: PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733, fax 732-657-7388 or e-mail news@jerseyshoreonline.com. Letters may be limited to one per month per writer at the editor’s discretion. The opinions expressed in the Letters To The Editor section do not necessarily re�lect those of the staff, management or sponsors of Micromedia Publications/Jersey Shore Online. Letters to the Editor are the OPINION of the writer and the content is not checked for accuracy.

Readers Sound Off On Biden Stepping Down

Editor’s note: A few weeks ago, we asked our readers to respond to the news of President Joe Biden dropping out of the race and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris. Here are some responses:

You mean forced out by his own party?

So they could anoint someone nobody voted for that the same party, only months ago, wanted to toss aside because of her unfavorable polling and nobody within the party likes. Sounds just like democracy, doesn’t it?

Bob Broderick New Jersey

I think Biden did the right thing. The presidential job requires full mental capacities to make decisions regarding governing America. I am not averse to Kamala Harris as the 2024 candidate. The color of a person’s skin has nothing to do with intelligence. Nor, for that matter, one’s gender. I quote Robert Frank Kennedy, brother of JFK: “Some see things as they are and ask why. We see things as they could be and ask: ‘why not?’”

Carol M. Granaldi Cream Ridge

Whether you like him or not, there’s a lot to be said for President Biden voluntarily stepping aside and not run for re-election. We’ll never know if he would have won or lost, but one thing is sure: he’ll be out of office next year on his own volition. It reminds me of what George Washington did, and I’m not talking about running for President for a third term. At the end of the Revolutionary War, he voluntarily gave up command of the standing American army and returned to his life as a gentleman farmer. He could have remained in power and become something of an American monarch. Instead, he retired to civilian life. When he learned of this, an astonished King George III said that if it was true, then surely Washington was the greatest man in the world.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

At a time today when elected officials don’t know how to get off the stage - federal, state, county, and local - it is good to see someone give up the baton of power to give the next guy or gal a chance to serve we the people. It’s called citizen democracy and it’s what George Washington and our Founding Founders had always hoped for.

J. Mark Mutter Toms River

Just The Facts

For several days in the month of March 2024, Donald J. Trump wined and dined a very special guest from Hungary at his palatial estate in Mar-a-Lago. Viktor Orban is the fascist dictator from Hungary that Donald J. Trump entertained.

Donald J. Trump, in his own words, boasted about his visit to Kim Jong-un in North Korea. Kim Jong-un is the dictator of North Korea. After the visit the two men corresponded and Donald J. Trump described it with very “lovely letters.” Kim Jong-un murdered his own brother to become president for his entire life. Citizens of North Korea do not vote for president...it’s handed down within the family.

Donald J. Trump’s admiration and furtive desire to emulate Vladimir Putin, dictator from Russia, has been Trump’s goal for many years. Donald J. Trump has never and would never say a bad word about Vladimir Putin.

Donald J. Trump has a special place in his heart for the dictator from China - Xi Jinping who rules over millions and millions of people with an iron fist. Donald J. Trump would sell his soul (if he had one) to have that kind of power. There are 59 dictators all over the world today. Donald J. Trump would love nothing more than to be #60! Then he would have the power, money and loyalty he demands. Birds of a feather flock together. Be very careful with your vote - America is in peril. Vote to ensure that no dictator will ever occupy the people’s White House. Vote for democracy.

Berkeley Volunteers Are Lifesavers

Having a fall on inclined sidewalk on Davenport early morning, in Toms River N.J. led my face meeting the concrete walk with blunt force.

Called 911, EMTs were excellent on transportation to hospital.

Nose hemorrhaged, blessed to find out no facial broken bones, no teeth knocked out and no head or hip injuries. Though swollen bloody injuries on face would need X-rays of several areas. Lip split open, gums totally purple, again blessed no stitches needed. However 2 fractured ribs, did occur.

Had to call 911 eight hours after discharge due to severe nose hemorrhage that required being cauterized. Once again volunteers came from Berkeley ambulance.

Matthew one of the EMTs from late night call, found me a bed from another area at hospital.

ER room had no bed. Matthew got me in the bed, with clean sheets he hunted for. Stayed close by with my heavy nose hemorrhage, until someone came to help me.

I want to thank the Berkeley Volunteer Ambulance squad for the two separate shifts of caring, compassionate EMTs.

Gayle Palmer Berkeley

A View Of Seaside From A World Away

air had more humidity than oxygen, and our melanin boiled under our skin.

My favorite shifts were at the Still Walk or the Sea Lift. I hated working at the bumper cars for kids the most because the kids couldn’t figure out how to drive them, their parents would yell at us, and the speakers blared Elvis Presley and the music from “Grease” on repeat. The coolest rides were the Centrifuge and the Sky Scraper – we loved riding them on our free evenings. We lived in a two-story house with 20 other people and experienced all the good and bad that came with it. Some things happened to me for the first time in Seaside – I stopped an ice cream truck with the music playing just to buy ice cream, I discovered what marshmallows really are, attended a Ford Mustang rally, saw an orca, watched Cessna planes fly over the horizon with advertising banners attached to their tails, drank beer in a typical American pub, partied during a hurricane, saw how people decorate their houses for Halloween, and other things like that. Nowadays, most of these can be easily found in Bulgaria or experienced by the Bulgarians, but in 2005 we had only seen them in movies.

The nearest big city is called Toms River, separated from the Seaside peninsula by a large and beautiful lagoon. We spent our days off in its malls, and when night fell, there were huge fireflies. New York was about an hour away. We also visited Niagara Falls, but Manhattan captivated me, which was unexpected for a person who generally seeks the mountains and nature. I often dream of the magical Central Park, the colossal skyscrapers, the distinctive streets that I still recognize in almost every movie, even the noise... Everything happening in the huge metropolis generates a specific sound – a constant hum, a monotonous rumble, which is the most hypnotic and soothing thing I’ve ever heard. I doubt I’ll hear it again. And so...

Thank you for your time and consideration.

River

Sarah R. Maketansky Toms

My name is Plamen, and I am from Bulgaria. I spent the summer of 2005 in Seaside Heights through cultural exchange programs. Recently, I revisited those times and created a photo album on Facebook. In a comment a friend asked me to share more about my experiences there, so I wrote this piece. You might find it interesting: Seaside Heights, New Jersey is a small resort town located on a narrow barrier peninsula on the Atlantic Ocean coast. The place is known for its wide beaches, boardwalk, and amusement parks where we worked. It wasn’t easy – the asphalt melted under the scorching sun, the

S POTLIGHT O N G OVERNMENT

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

Bill Would Give Power To People Over Corporations

Capitol Comments

Senator

Cory Booker

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Supreme Court’s conservative majority overturned the 40-year-old Chevron deference doctrine. Chevron required federal courts to defer to an expert agency’s reasonable interpretation of ambiguous statutes administered by the agency. The Supreme Court’s overturning of Chevron undermines our government’s ability to protect Americans and the environment.

Governmental agencies engage in the federal rulemaking process to implement

Congressional statutes. Currently, industry-backed lobbyists have an outsized influence in the regulatory process compared to the general public. With their significant resources, they are able to meet with regulators, fund favorable scientific studies to submit with public comments, and overstate the negative impact of stricter regulatory oversight. These actions slow down the enforcement of important regulations, and the American people and our planet pay the price.

U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Edward J. Markey (DMA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced the Stop Corporate Capture Act (SCCA).

The Stop Corporate Capture Act codifies the Chevron doctrine and reforms the regulatory process to end corporations’ influence over the rulemaking process, prioritize scientific and public integrity, and reduce delays in implementation of laws. The bill was originally introduced in the House of Representatives by Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) in 2021.

The Stop Corporate Capture Act would:

• Codify Chevron deference

• Modernize and reform the regulatory process under the Administrative Procedure Act

• Empower and expand public participation in the regulatory process

• Increase transparency and protect independent expertise in the regulatory process

“The Supreme Court’s recent decision to overturn Chevron deference will have far-reaching implications that harm Americans,” said Senator Booker. “The Stop Corporate Capture Act is crucial to ensuring that our government remains accountable to the people, not to corporate special interests. This legislation will codify Chevron into law and will modernize and restore transparency to rulemaking so agencies are able to effectively implement laws, protect public health and safety, and tackle the climate crisis while ensuring a clean environment for our communities. We must act now to forestall the devastating effects of this decision that prevents the federal government from addressing current and future challenges.”

Endorsing Organizations: Coalition for Sensible Safeguards; AFL-CIO; AFT; American Atheists; American Bird Conservancy; American Economic Liberties Project; American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees; Americans for Financial Reform; Asbestos Disease Awareness Org; CAARMA Consumer Advocates Against Reverse Mortgage Abuse; Center for Auto Safety; Center for Digital Democracy; Center for Economic Justice; Center For Food Safety; Center for Justice & Democracy; Center for Progressive Reform; Center for Science in the Public Interest; Clean Air Council; Coalition for Sensible Safeguards; Colorado Fiscal Institute; Consumer Action; Consumer Federation of America; Consumer Federation of California; Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety; Cultivating

Lives Educational Services, Inc; Delaware Community Reinvestment Action Council, Inc.; Earthjustice; Endangered Species Coalition; Economic Policy Institute; GenDemocracy; Stop the Coup 2025 campaign to stop Project 2025; Genesee Co-op Federal Credit Union; Good Jobs First; Government Information Watch; GreenLatinos; Greenpeace USA; Impact Fund; Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy; Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility; International Center for Technology Assessment; Interfaith Power & Light; International Union; United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW); Jobs to Move America; Kettle Range Conservation Group; Kids In Danger; Lawyers for Good Government; League of Conservation Voters; National Association of Consumer Advocates; National Consumer Law Center (on behalf of its low-income clients); National Employment Law Project; National Health Law Program; New Jersey Association on Correction; NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice; Oregon Consumer Justice; People Power United; Physicians for Social Responsibility; Public Citizen; Public Justice Center; Rise Economy; Sierra Club; Small Business Majority; South Carolina Appleseed Legal Justice Center; Southern Environmental Law Center; Texas Appleseed; The Conservation Angler; 20/20 Vision; Union of Concerned Scientists; Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice; United Steelworkers; U.S. PIRG; Virginia Citizens Consumer Council; VOICE (Voices Organized in Civic Engagement); WE ACT for Environmental Justice; Zero Hour.

SERVING...

4023 US Rt 9 N • Howell NJ • Aldrich Plaza "Where Local Friends Meet to Eat"

• Tasty breakfast and lunch platters

• Specialty coffees, cappuccino, espresso and lattes!

DEGRAFF CREMATION SERVICES

SAT Preparation Class

The college admissions process can be extremely stressful on your child and you as a parent. Why not alleviate the stress of taking college admissions tests by getting the best prep around?

Class fi lls up quickly so register today!

Participants must purchase your own SAT book that the instructors will tell you before the class starts which one to buy. If you took any PSAT Tests please have the score reports available.

If not enough are registered by October 1st the class will be cancelled. So please do not buy the book until we are sure we have enough students registered for the class!

Sherry T. DeGraff NJ Lic No 3921

DIRECT CREMATION $1875

Arrangements Available In Your Home, Removal From Local Hospital, Alternative Container, Wood #ODZ, Transfer To Crematory Located at: DeGraff Lakehurst Funeral Home 119 Union Avenue, Lakehurst 732-657-7868

WWW.DEGRAFFFUNERALHOME.COM

Additional Costs: Crematory Fee, Urns, Disposition Of Cremains & Certi ed Copies Of Death Certi cates, Permit, Removal Assist. & Mileage, Viewings Or Memorial Services

HOWELL – Every year, colleges are flooded with thousands of applications from qualified students. Competition is on the rise and admissions counselors are focusing on students with strong SAT scores. With Howell PAL Prep course, you can rest assured knowing that your child is getting the best help available. Howell PAL features smaller class sizes, each class has a max of 10 students and personalized attention that other popular test prep programs do not offer. In fact, students can expect to have about a half to a third the size of the average college prep test class. From small class sizes to the guaranteed satisfaction, Howell PAL test prep tutors teach according to your child’s individual needs.

For more information and to register, visit howellpal.org.

Bill Santana Scholarship Fundraiser

FARMINGDALE – Come join in the second Bill Santana Scholarship Fundraiser on August 16 from 7 to 10 p.m. at Our House Restaurant, 420 Adelphia Road, Farmingdale.

Donations will be added to money raised at the prior fundraiser to help a student in the entertainment field. So, come with your own talent and sing the night away or just enjoy the company of other like-minded

people.

As we all know Bill Santana was a good-hearted man that loved music and would be proud to know a scholarship is in his name.

If you are unable to attend and would like to make a donation, please send it to: Entertainers For A Cause, 21 Longview Avenue Freehold, New Jersey 07728.

For more information, call 732-308-9629.

Woody’s 11th Annual Golf Outing

HOWELL – Woody’s Annual Golf Outing is August 26 and will be benefitting The Acker Family of Howell who endured a tragic accident when New Jersey State Trooper SFC Sean Acker, #6889, suffered a pulmonary embolism at his home after a

routine surgery.

Help by playing, sponsoring or donating to this event. For more information about the event and registration, email woodys105academy@yahoo.com or call 732-938-6404.

Movies Under e Stars

HOWELL – Howell Township Presents Movies Under the Stars at Howell Library Hill, 318 Old Tavern Road.

Movies begin at dusk (approximately 8 p.m.) Activities from 6:30 to 7:45p.m. Bring your blankets or favorite low back lawn chair!

August 15 – Wonka August 22 – Kung Fu Panda 4

For more information, contact Steven Fecher, Department of Community Relations at 732-938-4500 ext. 2106 or sfecher@ twp.howell.nj.us.

Bark Bash Fall Festival

FREEHOLD – Join for the 2nd annual Bark Bash Fall Festival, happening on October 12 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.at Calgo Gardens!

This family and pet-friendly event will feature a gift auction, local vendors, live music, food trucks, Tulip Tree Cafe, kids crafts and activities, adoptable pets, pro-

fessional photos, family fun, fall flowers, and so much more.

All proceeds will benefit the rescued animals and ongoing rescue efforts of the Associated Humane Societies and Popcorn Park Animal Refuge.

Questions? Email events@ahsppz.org or visit ahscares.org.

Howell Antlers #34 BBQ Fundraiser

HOWELL – Howell Antlers #34 will be hosting a BBQ Fundraiser on August 25 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Howell Elks Lodge #2515. Cost is $15 per person. Includes burger

or pulled pork, corn and salads. Proceeds will benefit the Antlers projects. Please RSVP for a head count howell34antlers@ gmail.com.

C OMMUNITY N EWS

HOWELL – The Optimist Club Of Howell Annual Car Show & Howell Township Fall Festival will be on October 19 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Oak Glen Park, 300 Preventorium Road Howell.

Show car groups must arrive together. Offsite parking for spectators. Judged show with trophies! Show car registration and parking begins at 9:30 a.m. Cost is $20 per car. Dash plaques for fi rst 200 vehicles. Enjoy music, food trucks, vendors, local

Movies Matinee At Howell Library Car Show & Fall Festival

HOWELL – Movies are back! Enjoy a free in-person movie matinee at the library throughout August.

August 15 at 1 p.m. – “Arthur the King.” Over the course of ten days and 435 miles, an unbreakable bond is forged between pro adventure racer Michael Light (Mark Wahlberg) and a scrappy street dog companion dubbed Arthur. Based on an incredible true story, this movie follows Light, desperate for one last chance to win, as he convinces a sponsor to back him and a team of athletes (Simu Liu, Nathalie Emmanuel, and Ali Suliman) for the Adventure Racing World

businesses and organizations. All proceeds go towards: Mayor Harvey Morell Memorial Scholarship Fund, Mayor John P. Morgan Memorial Scholarship Fund, Mayor Robert Francis Walsh Memorial Scholarship Fund, as well as other various Optimist Youth Programs.

For more information, contact Car Show: John Alliano - HowellOptimistEvents@ gmail.com; Event: Steven Fecher - sfecher@twp.howell.nj.us.

Championship in the Dominican Republic. As the team is pushed to their outer limits of endurance in the race, Arthur redefines what victory, loyalty and friendship truly mean.

August 22 at 1 p.m. – “A Man Called Otto.” Otto is a grump who’s given up on life following the loss of his wife and wants to end it all. When a young family moves in nearby, he meets his match in quick-witted Marisol, leading to a friendship that will turn his world around.

Contact: Kayla Schleich at 732-938-2300, mcl@monmouthcountylib.org, for more information.

Back To School Supply Drive

HOWELL – St. William the Abbot Church, located at 2740 Lakewood-Allenwood Road, Howell, is collecting school supplies for those in need.

Collection is until August 25: Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; Saturday from 4:30 to 6 p.m.; Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Items needed: pencils, pens, markers,

Tuesday

crayons, highlighters, notebooks, bunders, plastic, folders, backpacks, lunch boxes, antibacterial wipes, composition books, glue, erasers, pencil cases, tissues, dry erase markers, gallon zip loc bags, etc. Gift cards are always greatly appreciated. If you need assistance, contact the parish office at 732-840-3535, Monday through Friday.

Cruiser Nights

HOWELL – Do you have a hot rod, classic, or exotic car you’d like to show off ? Well cruise on down to the Howell Chick-fil-A on select Tuesday nights.

Every car displayed at the cruise will receive a free soda fountain drink. Featuring: Boy Scouts Troop #258, Optimist Club of Howell, and Howell Chamber of

Commerce.

Car Cruising will be held on the following dates (weather permitting):

August 20

September 17

October 22

November 9

Free Breakfast & Mental Health Support Workshop

HOWELL – Empower yourself to recognize warning signs of a mental health challenge, respond helpfully and without judgment, and refer support resources. The event is at the Howell Township Mu-

nicipal Building (4567 Route 9 North, 2nd floor) on August 24 from 9 to 10 a.m.

Join us & bring a friend! Pre-registration is required: rb.gy/3f001o. Register by August 17.

Howell Day & Green Fair

HOWELL – Save the date! Howell Day & Green Fair will be on September 21 from 3 to 8 p.m. at Soldier Memorial Park. Applications can be found at: twp.howell. nj.us/DocumentCenter/View/10748/How-

ell-Day-Vendor-Application-2024-Writable

For more information, contact Steven Fecher Department of Community Relations at 732-938-4500 ext. 2106, sfecher@ twp.howell.nj.us.

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C OMMUNITY N EWS

Local Animals

Ready For Adoption

MONMOUTH COUNTY – The Monmouth County SPCA has a number of pets available for adoption.

Arlo is a 2.5-years young husky/shepherd mix who weighs around 70 lbs. Full of fun-loving energy, this social butterfly loves every human he meets! Arlo is a happy and bouncy boy who enjoys going for walks, playing outside, and squeaking on plushies. Arlo seems to like being the only pet so he’d love a home where he

can be your one and only. Arlo is friendly with people and can go home with bigger, dog-savvy kids.

The MCSPCA only does adoptions in person (please bring all family members). They will ask you to fi ll out an Adoption Survey and speak with an Adoption Counselor to help fi nd your perfect match. They are located at 260 Wall Street in Eatontown. They can be reached at 732542-0040.

Halloween Farmer’s Market

FREEHOLD – Join for a spooktacular evening full of Halloween fun, a touch of magic, and delicious food!

Halloween Farmer’s Market will be on October 18 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Calgo Gardens, 462 Adelphia Road, Freehold. Foodies - get ready to indulge in fall flavors of all kinds! Come hungry! Live music, kids’ entertainment, fresh produce, and Halloween photo ops!

Come stroll through our ghostly garden and shop our boo-tifully curated vendors! Pick up some fresh cut flowers, mums, pumpkins, artisan breads, elderberry syrup, honey, salami, pastries, hot sauce, baked goods, pesto, & more.

Free admission! The Tulip Tree Cafe will be open! More details to come!

If you are interested in becoming a vendor, email Calgoevents@gmail.com.

Veterans Breakfast From Howell Elks Lodge

HOWELL – Howell Elks Lodge #2515, located at 84 Ramtown Greenville Road., will be having a veterans breakfast on August 18 from 8 to 11 a.m.

Cost is $10 for adults, kids under 10 are free. Free breakfast for veterans and active military. Serving eggs, sausage, bacon, pancakes, and French toast.

Photo courtesy MCSPCA

Volunteers Needed To Assist Individuals Experiencing Domestic Violence

MONMOUTH COUNTY – Domestic violence is never a person’s fault and 180 Turning Lives Around (180) stands with all individuals who are impacted. Join 180’s life-changing mission today and help those experiencing domestic violence fi nd the courage and strength to turn their lives around. When stressors like financial, housing, substance use, and societal challenges increase, violence and abuse can quickly escalate. It is in these very trying times that individuals and families need 180 even more. We are here for anyone who needs our services, including at the police departments.

For almost 50 years, 180, a private non-profit organization in Monmouth County, continues to provide confidential support and advocacy for those experiencing domestic violence in the aftermath of a highly emotional and traumatic experience with the assistance

MONMOUTH COUNTY – From nighttime hayrides to hiking adventures, we’re filling fall with fun for the whole family!

of its dedicated response team volunteers at police headquarters throughout Monmouth County. 180’s volunteer Domestic Violence Response Team (DVRT) Victim Advocates are civilian members of the community who work collaboratively with law enforcement to provide support, information, and resources. Advocates also discuss safety planning and legal rights with victims in regard to obtaining a Temporary Restraining Order. By providing empathy and a crucial perspective of the situation, these specially-trained advocates help to empower individuals to make informed decisions for themselves and their families. The free, confidential service of the DVRT program is available for victims of domestic violence, 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, at the police departments in Monmouth County. The mandatory DVRT 40-hour training course for new volunteer advocates is

being conducted by 180 staff October 8 to 30, 6 to 9:30 p.m., via Zoom on Tuesdays/ Wednesdays/Thursdays. Week 4 is on Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday. Training is provided free of charge to successful applicants.

Basic requirements for volunteers to apply include that they must be eighteen years of age or older, have access to reliable transportation, possess a valid driver’s license, be willing to serve on an on-call shift basis, participate in an interview process, submit to background investigations and fingerprinting, and successfully complete the mandatory training. The police departments and 180 are committed to culturally and socially diverse teams to best serve all individuals. Bi-lingual capability is helpful. Prior knowledge of domestic violence is not required. The identities of the DVRT volunteers are kept anonymous. For an

Check Out e Fall Parks & Programs Guide

See for yourself in our fall issue of the Parks & Programs Guide. This issue features all our offerings planned for September, Oc-

tober and November. Those on our mailing list should receive their copy in the next few days. Copies will be available in parks soon.

application or additional information, please contact Tina Morgan, Assistant Victim Support Program Coordinator, at tinam@180nj.org or 732 264-4360 ext. 4272. Please mention the town where you reside. Deadline to apply is September 27. Applications are also available for download 180nj.org/give-help/volunteer/ volunteer-advocate-for-victims-of-domestic-violence.

180 Turning Lives Around is dedicated to providing, free of charge, emergency safe housing, counseling, support, prevention, education, and advocacy in Monmouth County for individuals and families affected by domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking. If you, or someone you know, is in need of assistance, please call the 180 Turning Lives Around 24/7 Confidential Hotline at 732-264-4111 or 888-843-9262. Visit 180nj.org for more information. In an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Parks & Programs Guide information is also online at MonmouthCountyParks.com Registration starts at 8 a.m. on August 14.

By Chris Lundy

TOMS

RIVER

CIBA’S SINS: THEN AND NOW

– As a nonprofit group prepares to fight a court battle regarding environmental damages, they looked back on what caused this problem.

For decades, a company known locally as Ciba-Geigy dumped unknown tonnage of toxic waste in the river and groundwater, actions that some say has resulted in a local cancer cluster – although no direct link can be proven.

Ed Vienckowski, board chair of Save Barnegat Bay, called the Ciba land an “environmental crime scene” during the group’s recent meeting which took place at the Lavallette First Aid Squad building. Some people back then knew something was wrong about what Ciba was doing, but many were unaware. Some intentionally looked the other way.

But they couldn’t ignore it any longer when, in 1984, a Ciba drain pipe burst near the intersection of Vaughn and Bay avenues. Health concerns rose overnight, especially when it was learned that Ciba’s outflow pipe dumped chemicals off 2nd Avenue in Ortley Beach.

During the meeting, a short documentary was screened called “From Sea To Shining Sea.” It followed the Greenpeace workers who came out in 1984. It was approved for screening by Tom Fagan, director of the board of Clean Ocean Action.

Jon Hinck, who would later become a state lawmaker in Maine, led the charge. “It’s come down to direct action as a last resort,”

he said to the camera.

In a surreal moment of the video, Hinck calls the plant to inform them that divers are about to clog up the pipe and that the factory should halt production or else there could be expensive damages.

The video showed underwater footage of the pipe. They also interviewed beachgoers, like a group of surfers who described the globs of chemicals that come out of the pipe, and get churned up after nor’easters. This kind of information is important to Save Barnegat Bay, whose lawsuit hopes to quantify the harmful effects of the pollution. Another effect mentioned in the film is that sea clams have died out in the area.

There’s a brief comment from then-mayor, the late Roden Lightbody, who said that the town has to trust the DEP. “We have no control.”

There’s an interview with local attorney Daniel Carluccio (who would later become Ocean County Prosecutor) and his wife Judy who started Ocean County Citizens for Clean Water in response to Ciba’s dumping. Carluccio would defend the Greenpeace activists pro bono after they got arrested.

“It’s our job to take care of it because the DEP is not ready to do it,” Judy Carluccio said.

Marco Kaltofen, a chemist, is also interviewed in the documentary. He is now the President of Boston Chemical Data Corp., which provides research on the impact of petroleum and nuclear hazards. He said that whenever factories create material that can’t

be disposed of, it imposes a cost. The locals are impacted by the waste. Everyone has to pay taxes for oversight and cleaning it up.

The companies don’t pay for the problems they cause.

The video ends with a note that in 1985, Ciba received another five-year permit to discharge waste into the ocean without any requirement to provide samples.

Ciba stopped operations in 1990.

After the video, Seaside Park Mayor John A. Peterson, Jr. said that he represented one of the Greenpeace divers as an attorney. He used the argument that their actions were protected by free speech. They were not trying to hurt property or the factory workers.

Lavallette Mayor Walter LaCicero was a police officer at the time of the protests. He said he had to patrol the area because some residents were unhappy with the protests. There are now plaques on the boardwalk celebrating some of the people involved.

Michelle Donato, an attorney for Save Barnegat Bay, jumped off of what LaCicero said. “Wally was right. There were some people who didn’t like it because it was bad for business,” she said.

If a company damages the environment, they have a responsibility to fi x it, she said. “The company is externalizing the cost to the residents. We want BASF – the largest chemical company in the world – to pay for the damages.”

Donato’s mother was the one who contacted Greenpeace for help and had them stay in her home during the operation.

She said then-Assemblyman John Bennett III wrote a bill to get the pipeline removed. In 1984, some people formed a human chain from town to town across the beach, showing solidarity and invoking a symbolic wall to protect the ocean.

One of the people in that human chain was Phil Skowron, who spoke at the meeting. He recalled being told by the Freeholders –the five-person group that runs the county, now referred to as Commissioners – that there was “no fecal coliform” bacteria in the pipe break. Of course, there wouldn’t be, it wasn’t a sewage pipe. It was a chemical outfall, but it showed how the county leaders didn’t care.

“We had nobody interested in whatever the facts were,” he said. “Toms River was a company town.”

There was a Toms River Country Club run by Ciba. Politicians were given memberships, he said. They were in Ciba’s pocket.

“There are no sound moral qualities in a corporation,” he said.

Therefore, it fell to the people to get help. The fi rst meeting, held at Toms River High School North, had 1,500 attendees.

“We were six people on stage literally afraid for our lives because Ciba had half the people there,” he said.

While researching, one member found a single sheet of paper about Ciba which talked about the mutagenic and teratogenic properties of the chemicals.

“2nd Avenue was the lab where they would (Ciba - See Page 13)

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.

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

Inmate Labor Program Partners With Associated Humane Societies

Photo courtesy Monmouth County Sheriff ’s Office MONMOUTH COUNTY – The Monmouth County Sheriff ’s Office Inmate Labor program has been busy this summer offering assistance to towns. They recently partnered up with the Associated Humane Societies of Tinton Falls. The crew removed debris from walkways, installed a 120 ft privacy fence and spread topsoil to create a safer run area for the animals to play.

Ciba:

Continued From Page 12

fi nd out what it would do,” he said.

When Ciba got raided, employees were caught shredding paperwork, he noted.

“You have to stand up for yourselves,” he said. “You have to make corporations do what you think is right. You have to fi nd organizations that will protect you.”

Current Lawsuit

Ciba’s current owner, BASF, settled with the State Department of Environmental Protection about what to do with the property. BASF will preserve 1,000 acres of the site, while being allowed to develop or sell the remaining 255 acres, which is zoned industrial.

Of the 1,000 acres to be preserved, about 375 acres will see ecological restoration projects, such as freshwater wetlands, restoration of riparian areas, flood plain and wetland enhancements, creation of upland grasslands, pollinator habitat, and an environmental education center. There will be a 130-acre solar farm generating

27 megawatts.

Residents who say they are still feeling the impact of Ciba, said this is not enough. Add to this the facts that Ciba and BASF are different companies on paper but are historically the same; and that BASF won $17 million from Toms River in a recent tax appeal.

Save Barnegat Bay is trying to hold BASF accountable for its past transgressions.

Michelle Donato said that the DEP is “suffering from deliberate amnesia.”

In researching the project, Save Barnegat Bay went to the DEP to scan records. They were the fi rst ones to check out the records since Dan Fagin, who wrote the book “Toms River: A Story Of Science And Salvation.” This chronicle of Ciba and its impact was published in 2013. This proves that the DEP didn’t even look at the records before approving the deal.

Joseph Maraziti, who is representing Save Barnegat Bay in the suit, said that the suit is to compensate people for the pain and suffering the company caused. They are going before the appellate division in September.

25 Years:

Continued From Page 4 never had to answer for any bad behavior,” she said.

She said that Corey knew that something bad was going to happen. He had written “I die” in chalk near the front door. He had asked her “Does God see what Daddy does to me?” When she answered that He sees everything, the boy responded “Why doesn’t He help me?”

Rebecca said she couldn’t see her grandson after his death because the body was considered evidence.

It was then Breanna’s turn to talk. She began when she began a romantic relationship with Gregor. She was 16 and he was 21.

“You’ve heard a lot about my past,” she said, referencing drug use that Gregor’s attorney described. “I admit I abused drugs. But I stand here today clean and sober.”

She suggested that Gregor hit Corey either because Gregor’s sick or because he was angry at her. She is haunted by the fact that she dropped him off to his father’s home and never saw him again.

She dreads normal smalltalk now. What if someone asks how many children she has? She has a daughter now, who is one and a half. When they go to visit Corey’s grave, the little girl plays with the toys that have been left there.

“He looked up to you,” Breanna said to Gregor. “And he so wanted you to be a role model.”

Corey died surrounded by medical professionals, which was cold, but at least Gregor’s face wasn’t the last one he saw, she said.

“All this monster could have done was say he did not want to be a father,” she said. “I truly believe if he ever gets out (of jail), he will kill me.”

David Gregor, Christopher Gregor’s father, was given an opportunity to speak as well. While Corey’s blood relatives spoke from the witness box,

David Gregor spoke from the audience.

“It’s unfair to say he was afraid here,” David said about Corey’s time at his house in Monroe before Christopher moved to Barnegat.

He also said that there is information about the Micciolo family pertinent to the discussion that might never be brought to light.

The Judge’s Decision

Finally, it was Judge Guy Ryan’s time to review everything that was presented in order to determine how many years Gregor should spend in prison. He said he had read numerous letters praising Gregor’s character, and numerous victim impact letters.

He said that those praising Gregor talk about how he gave up his career in special education to come home to be a father, and the behavior on the treadmill was a way of teaching Corey “if you fall, you get back up.”

“That’s not what we saw,” Ryan countered. “That was abuse of the most

egregious sort.” Corey was ejected like he was on a conveyer belt.

“I remember the jury sucking in their breath” when they saw that, Ryan said. “A picture is worth a thousand words, but that video is worth 10,000 words,” he said.

That footage or another video of Breanna dropping Corey off to Gregor demonstrated no kindness between them. “(Corey) was treated by the defendant as if he was a stray dog.”

Ryan didn’t say that any abuse happened in the Gregor home in Monroe, but both sides have a right to closure, and they should stop attacking each other.

Several things were unable to be entered into his decision. He couldn’t take Gregor’s previous brushes with the law into account if they didn’t result in charges. One marijuana charge wouldn’t even be a crime today since it’s been legalized. He couldn’t consider hearsay. “I don’t have the luxury of expressing opinion.”

The fact that after Corey’s death, Gregor was located in Arkansas 45 minutes from Mexico shows his intent to flee. He tried to manipulate the trial through his mother’s testimony.

Sometimes, a defendant will serve two sentences at the same time. They are shown leniency.

Ryan instead ordered that Gregor will have to serve the 5-year term first and the 20-year one separately. This is following case law directed to making it so there are no free crimes.

When the years were spoken, there was audible disgust from members of the Micciolo family.

“They obviously failed my grandson, that’s for sure,” Vito Micciolo told JerseyShoreOnline.com outside the courtroom. “The whole system failed him.”

Micciolo said that throughout the trial, Judge Ryan had been meticulous to minimize any chance of appeal.

Indeed, Ryan had said that the maximum sentence is “legally unsustainable.”

“Christopher Gregor will spend the rest of his days here on earth knowing that he caused the death of his son Corey,” Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. “While nothing can bring this precious child back to his family, I hope that today’s sentence brings some sense of closure for those who knew and loved Corey. At long last, justice for Corey has been accomplished.”

Protection For Other Victims

“I don’t think we’ll ever get closure,” Breanna Micciolo, told JerseyShoreOnline.com after the sentencing. At the very least, she won’t have to see Gregor again.

However, she said her work is just beginning. She has been speaking to lawmakers about “Corey’s Law,” which would put children in a safe environment while child abuse is being investigated.

DCP&P needs a complete overhaul, she said.

Presented By:

Dr. Izzy’s

Sound News

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

Medicare Advantage Plans simplify coverage, combining Medicare Part A – which includes inpatient care, such as hospital admissions – and Part B – which includes outpatient services, such as doctors’ visits. These plans can also integrate medical and prescription drug coverage so beneficiaries have access to unified and coordinated coverage. In addition, these plans can offer dental, vision, and hearing aid coverage. Over 65% of those over the age of 65 years have some type of Medicare Advantage Plan. Why?? In general, people are saving over 30% or more versus having Medicare and a supplemental plan to cover the 20% that Medicare does not cover (Medigap Plan). In many cases, you’re sacrificing “quality of care” if you sign up for the Advantage Plan! In general, most Medicare Advantage Plans do not offer the same level of choice as a Medicare Plus (Medigap) combination. Most plans require you to go to their network of doctors and healthcare providers. If you have significant health problems, you should shy away from Medicare Advantage Plans by way of how they structure copays and deductibles. Many enrollees have been hit with unexpected costs and denial of benefits for various types of care deemed not medically necessary. Depicted below is a simple comparison when considering your options:

MEDICARE

• YOU & YOUR DOCTOR CHOOSE YOUR CARE

• NO REFERRALS NEEDED

• NO RESTRICTIONS

• NO LAB FEES

• NO PREAUTHORIZATION

Medicare Vs. Medicare Advantage Plans

• NO HIDDEN COSTS

• FULL COVERAGE

ADVANTAGE

• YOUR PLAN CHOOSES YOUR CARE

– NOT YOU

• HIGHLY RESTRICTED REFERRALS

• LIMITED SPECIALIST

• MRI & OUTPATIENT HIGH FEES

• UPFRONT COPAY ON ER VISITS

• HIGHER DEDUCTIBLES

• SOMEWHAT LIMITED COVERAGE

Many of you are signing up for Advantage plans mainly to take advantage of hearing aid benefits since there is NO hearing aid coverage through Medicare. Advantage Plans such as United Healthcare, Humana, and Braven offer these benefits. Keep in mind if you choose this path, your INSURANCE COMPANY is telling you where you have to go. You have to follow their rules and regulations and quite often, the best hearing aid for your listening needs and lifestyle are sometimes not a choice. In addition, you will have to start paying your hearing healthcare professional office fees basically after 1 yr. of service. This fee is typically $125 per visit and is NOT covered by the Advantage plan. Many Audiologists, including myself, do not accept the majority of these Advantage plans. Hospitals and physician groups are starting to drop many of these plans because they’re horrible to work with.

Dr. Izzy and his staff will always provide you with honest information about hearing health issues. Please feel free to call us at 732-451-3962 or visit us at www.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.

5 Ways Quercetin And DHQ Make You Feel Better

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Bioflavonoids, naturally occurring compounds found in various plants, are renowned for their antioxidant properties. Among them, quercetin and dihydroquercetin (DHQ) stand out. While both share similarities, DHQ has distinct advantages, making it a superior choice for health supplementation.

Bioflavonoids are plant pigments that provide a range of health benefits. They are often found in colorful fruits and vegetables, contributing to their vivid hues and acting as antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. Among the numerous bioflavonoids, quercetin is perhaps the most well-known, commonly found in apples, onions, and berries.

Regular quercetin is praised for its ability to support cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system. It is often used to manage allergies and respiratory conditions due to its natural antihistamine properties. Quercetin also supports heart health by improving blood vessel function and reducing blood pressure. A typical dosage range of quercetin is 500 to 1,000 mg per day. Compare that to DHQ which is more like 10 - 40 mg per day.

DHQ is found in the Siberian larch tree and other sources like onions and milk thistle. DHQ is chemically similar to quercetin but has a unique structure that enhances its bioavailability. It is more easily absorbed and utilized by the body, offering stronger antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

5 Benefits of DHQ Over Quercetin Enhanced Bioavailability: DHQ is more readily absorbed in the digestive tract, ensuring higher levels in the bloodstream compared to quercetin. This makes it more effective in lower doses.

Potent Antioxidant Properties: DHQ provides superior protection against oxidative stress, a major factor in aging and chronic diseases. It neutralizes free radicals more efficiently than quercetin.

Anti-inflammatory Effects: By reducing inflammation more effectively, DHQ can help manage conditions like arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders. Dihydroquercetin has amazing metal-chelating properties! This means it can latch onto harmful metal ions in your body, helping to neutralize them which then reduces inflammation and DNA damage.

Cardiovascular Support: DHQ improves blood circulation, reduces blood clot formation, and supports healthy cholesterol levels, thereby protecting heart health more robustly than quercetin.

Immune System Boost: DHQ enhances the body’s immune response, making it more resilient against infections and illnesses. We are finding this antioxidant being incorporated into more and more dietary supplements. It’s often combined with other antioxidants such as vitamin C. Let me say that quercetin remains a valuable bioflavonoid with significant health benefits, and it is very easy to find in health food stores nationwide. It’s sister “dihydroquercetin” or DHQ offers enhanced absorption and potency, making it more superior, however it’s not as easy to find. If you take either of those supplements, it is a great way to reduce free radical damage to the body.

As always, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure it does not interact with your other supplements. If you’d like to read the longer version of this article, it is posted at suzycohen.com

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

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

R.C. Shea & Assoc. Inside The Law

Understanding Non-Probate Assets In Estate Planning

By: Marc S. Galella, Esq. of R.C. Shea & Associates

The terms “probate assets” and “non-probate assets” are often used when talking about estate planning and estate administration. It is important to understand the difference between the two. Probate assets are those assets which pass under a Last Will and Testament. Conversely, non-probate assets are those assets which do not pass under the Will. Examples of non-probate assets include joint accounts marked “JTWROS” (joint tenants with rights of survivorship), “POD” (payable on death) accounts and real property deeds in the names of both spouses. Other examples include insurance policies, IRA accounts and annuities in which beneficiaries are specifically named.

In the case of non-probate assets, the assets pass upon death to certain other persons. The assets do not pass by way of the Will. For example, a bank account in the names of two persons marked “JTWROS” will automatically pass to the survivor upon the death of one of the joint owners. Similarly, if real property is owned by two married persons as “husband and wife” the property automatically passes to the surviving spouse upon the death of the first spouse to die. Additionally, an IRA or insurance policy will pass to the person named as the beneficiary upon the death of the owner of the IRA or the policy.

What is most important to understand

is that these assets do not pass under the terms of the Will. Thus, a mother cannot by her Will leave a joint bank account to her son if the joint bank account is in the name of the mother and her daughter. Upon the mother’s death the account will go to the daughter. In the same sense, real property in the names of a “husband and wife” cannot be left by a Will to a third party until both spouses have passed away.

In preparing a Will, you must know what assets are probate assets and which are non-probate assets. You must understand what assets will pass under your Will and which will pass outside of your Will. The failure to understand how these assets will pass could render your estate planning meaningless.

You must also understand the concept of non-probate assets even after your Will is complete. This is because in some cases, a person may by Will intend to distribute their assets equally among their three children, but later put a bank account into a joint name with one of the children and not realize that the account will pass to that child alone and not to all three children.

Before preparing your Will, you should discuss with your attorney all of the assets in your name and determine whether the assets are probate or non-probate assets and how you want those assets to be distributed upon your passing.

Real Estate

House For Sale - 1791 Mount Everest Road. 2BD, 1 Bath. $245,000. Holiday City Silverton. Call Mike, 732-762-3952. No text. (38)

For Sale

General dental practice for saleEstablished 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

CRAFTSMAN SNOW MACHINE24 inch used twice. Gas. $250 OBO. Cost 850. 718-948-6968. (36)

RUMBA - self charging/ cleaning programable vacuum. BOX NEVER OPENED, cost about $400. Asking $200 OBO. 718-948-6968. (36)

“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)

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)

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)

CLASSIFIEDS

Items Wanted

$$$ WANTED TO BUY $$$ 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)

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

A1 HANDYMAN SERVICESOver 30 years experience in all phases of home improvements. Free estimates and referrals. Call John 267475-7962 or 732-477-0379. (43)

Don’t let the stairs limit your mobility! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-844-897-8361. (t/n)

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)

HANDYMAN SOLUTIONSAll Types of Home Improvement and Repairs. EXPERT Carpentry •Doors •Windows •Bathroom And Kitchen Upgrades •Finished Basements •Ceramic Tile •Laminate Flooring •Decks •Vinyl Railings •Masonry •Painting •More. Licensed and Insured. Advanced Building. 609-384-9030. (38)

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)

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)

Services

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)

Do You Want Your Car To Look Nice And Shine - Call Lenny Lenny's Mobile Auto Detailing 908-868-4609. (37)

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)

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)

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 732-850-5060. NJ Lic # 13VH11804800. (17)

ALL American Home Health AidesExperienced experts in the field of trauma and recovery. Holistic approach to healing-nutrition, physical therapy, and quality of life improvements. Hourly or live in. Honest, hardworking, etc. Includes housekeeping, rides to doctors/pleasure. Skip the rest, come to the best. 848-224-0516. email woolnoughkris@gmail.com. (t/n)

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

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)

Services Services Services

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)

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. (38)

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)

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)

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)

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

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Items Wanted

Help Wanted

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

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

NJ Clearwater Festival Rolls Into Asbury Park Labor Day Weekend

run

“We

and environmentalist Pete Seeger,” said Chrissie Goedkoop of Howell, President of N.J. Friends of Clearwater (NJFC), which

(Festival - See Page 20)

Festival:

Continued From Page 19 operates the festival. “Provide people with great music and fun activities to celebrate the environment and give them practical information on how to protect that environment. It’s music and more - with a mission.”

As a certified Green Team city, Asbury Park is very supportive. “The Clearwater Festival is so important to getting the word out there about how vital it is to take care of our environment,” said Asbury Park Mayor John Moor.

“As a shore town, making sure we have clean water for our residents and visitors to enjoy the ocean is paramount to making sure Asbury Park and NJ stay as the class

of hospitality.”

The bring-your-own-chair event in beautiful, partly shaded Sunset Park is two blocks from the ocean on Main Street.

As always, the festival will feature a variety of music styles ranging from rock, jazz and blues on stage. The Wag, The DTs, Kevin & Secret Sound, and the Poppa John Bug Band take the stage Saturday and Tommy D & the Deep Blue Sea Band, Corvid Corpus and Shade Tree Mechanics on Sunday.

The NJFC Circle of Song, a group of folk singers and musicians who are known to take requests from others to join in, will be on a second stage. The Circle performances will be opened by The Solidarity Singers early Saturday. Also returning are

three of Pete Seeger’s backup performers, the Sloop Singers. They are Lydia Adams Davis, Eric Russell and Hillary Zaenchik. Also joining will be singers Mara Levine and Dale Lakata.

Ecological Systems is donating sustainable solar energy to power the two music stages.

Throughout the park, exhibits and environmental groups, such as the Climate Change Lobby, Friends of the Asbury Park Shade Tree Commission, and a children’s area will be available for fun and information. And for the fi rst time there will be special workshops for guitar playing by Spook Handy and sea shanty singing by Markus Misery.

Visit one of the food trucks in the park including Kona Ice, Island Noodles, and Del Toro Tapas. Or try Nessie Tea and Kolchuk Honey while checking out crafters and other vendors.

The Festival and the NJ Friends of Clearwater began in 1975 on Sandy Hook, following an inspiring visit by Pete Seeger. The event is returning to Asbury Park this year, where it was staged from 2001 to 2012. It has also traveled to Long Branch, Middletown and Red Bank.

NJFC is inviting environmental groups, vendors, including food vendors, crafters, sponsors and donors to be part of the event. For more information go to: NJClearwater. org or email festival@njclearwater.org.

NJ Turtles On e Move –e Hazards And How To Help

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

New Jersey is home to approximately 18 species of turtles. Some are terrestrial (land), others are aquatic (water), and some are both. Unless you know your turtles, it may be difficult to determine what kind of turtle you might be looking at. Right now, female turtles have begun laying their eggs. Often, they must travel long distances to locate the right spot. The problem with this is they will be crossing roadways in the process.

Many turtles return to the same nesting site each year. Encountering a turtle that may need assistance in its travel should be addressed carefully. If you fi nd a turtle in the middle of the road, do NOT swerve suddenly, leave the lane, or stop abruptly. If you feel comfortable handling a turtle –most can be picked up by the sides of their shells near the mid-point of their body. Never pick up any turtle by its tail as it can frighten or likely cause injury to it. Wearing gloves is recommended and any time you handle wildlife, you should wash your hands. It’s very important that if you assist

a turtle, you should move it in the direction it was headed. Since its destiny is unknown to you, simply remove it from harm’s way, by urging it onto natural terrain several feet from the road.

NEVER attempt to handle a snapping turtle unless you are experienced. Even then, it is advised to use a tool, like a branch, to gently urge it forward from behind. New Jersey turtles are a protected species so possession of one is illegal. If you fi nd a nest in your yard, keeping children and pets away is advised. Additional protection during the fi rst 30 to 45 days may be given by placing a small cage around the nest eggs. However, and this is important - note that the cage MUST BE REMOVED before the hatchlings emerge. Most turtle eggs hatch in 60 to 80 days.

I gathered the information for this article from multiple sources so statistics may vary slightly. To reach me please call 732244-2768.

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

County Commissioners Announce Veterans Resource Fair

WALL – The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners announced that the County will host a Veterans Resource Fair from 4 to 7 p.m. on August 14 at the Wall Township Municipal Building, 2700 Allaire Road.

“We are thrilled to host the annual Veterans Resource Fair and thank the Division on Aging, Disabilities and Veterans Services

for coordinating such an important event,” said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone. “Monmouth County honors and appreciates all those who have served our nation in the armed forces and we want to do everything we can to assist these men and women when they come home.”

There will be more than 20 participating organizations at the Veterans Resource

Yappy Hour & Friday Night Bites

HOWELL – Join for Friday Night Bites, a free event for dog owners and their furry friends. Every Friday until the end of October, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Hungry Puppy. You can come and enjoy free snacks, soft drinks, and treats from a sponsoring pet food manufacturer. Bring your pup and your friends to our double-gated dog park, where you

can relax and listen to some music while mingling with other pet parents. Your dog will have plenty of fun and a chance to make new friends. You can also BYOB and make the evening even more enjoyable.

For more information, please contact info@thehungrypuppy.com or visit thehungrypuppy.com.

FUN & GAMES SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Swing set site

Five-star

Cruz known as the “Queen of Salsa”

Completed 17 Some plant-based patties

“Star Trek” creator Roddenberry

After-school org.

“The Bachelor” flower

Tours of duty

Word in many California place

1 Have a sudden inspiration? 2 Jicama, e.g. 3 New Age artist who often sings in Irish

NAACP co-founder Du Bois 5 Radar or sonar 6 Is a bad dog by the dinner table, say 7 Run for the hills 8 Broadcast

Guitar player such as Este Haim or Kim Deal, e.g.

Asana expert

Get even for

Beach house, maybe

Not casual

Risk territory that borders Siberia

Squares up

Bothnian Bay country

__ pro nobis 30 Place to unwind on a train

Textbook divisions

Comeback

Vidalia bulb

“I’ve got it!”

Contraption

Low digit

Expected

Ripsnorters

Sharp blows

Capital near the Great Divide

Oozes with

Atop

Kitten’s cries

Jogging pace

“By that logic ... “

Ginormous 59 Shabu-shabu noodle, often

Actress Thurman

Voting rights activist Abrams 27 Facial venue 28 Word in many California place names

Come together

ARIES (March 21-April 19): You may engage in fun but not extreme physical activities with a partner or loved ones to derive the most pleasure from your day. Whether you go do something adventurous or something more calming, your energy should find an appropriate outlet.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Develop and fuel a long-range vision of comfort and abundance. Regardless of your age or generation, it might be a good time to save for the future. Consider upgrading your prospects by contributing to savings or making wise purchases.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): This week, remember that your actions may truly shine and speak volumes. A genuine act of kindness or generosity will always mean more than just sweet words. It might not be necessary to go overboard or be extravagant to be impressive.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): You may benefit from embracing generosity by distributing abundance and good fortune with others. Your judgement and business sense may be enhanced if you have a trusted partner to rely upon, and a helper to make key decisions.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): The sum of the parts may be greater than the whole. Every minor act of benevolence and goodwill you engage in this week could fortify bonds of friendship, enhance your reputation, and weave you more tightly into the fabric of your community.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Think about spending your extra funds on altruistic acts or by indulging in life’s little luxuries. Keep an eye out for genuine connections that might come into your world. A new friend might spark your enthusiasm or inspire

FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 20 - JULY 26 BY

your creativity.

JERALDINE SAUNDERS

OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Kindness is like a boomerang – send it out, and it finds its way back to you from one source or another. Achieving an agreeable compromise, however, may be an art. In the week ahead if a deal doesn’t look or feel right, consider if it is okay to walk away.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Should you be fortunate enough to achieve success and ascend to great heights, it is only right to offer a helping hand to elevate someone else. Someone might be more than willing to form a deeper relationship with you or snuggle a little closer.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Kindness and being agreeable could go a long way towards pleasing people, although a little friendly competition might spice things up in a fun way. Solve nagging financial problems with simple and practical changes.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): In the week ahead, think about channeling your efforts into pursuits that could generate financial gain. Devise strategies, contemplate, and research, then bide your time for the optimal moment to begin significant new endeavors.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Focus on honing your leadership skills. You may strive to a positive example of diligence that inspires emulation. When you share your aspirations with others, you may garner support, which in turn can propel you further toward achieving your goals.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Keep everyone’s spirits high and spread kindness, even if things don’t go as planned or someone lets you down. You may have a special touch for making your home feel cozy and elegant, sprinkle a little of that magic around.

NO TIME? NO PROBLEM. QUICK PULLED CHICKEN SANDWICHES TO THE RESCUE!

By America’s Test Kitchen

(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.

QUICK PULLED CHICKEN SANDWICHES WITH RED CABBAGE SLAW