2024-09-14 - The Southern Ocean Times

$54M Beach Project Beginning On LBI SpaceX Rocket Seen From Barnegat

captured this

By Stephanie Faughnan

By Stephanie Faughnan

LONG BEACH ISLAND – Beach enthusiasts overwhelmingly appreciate plenty of sand between their toes as they sunbathe and build sandcastles. However, sand offers more than just recreational benefits for Long Beach Island - it’s a crucial defense against coastal erosion and storm damage.

Fulfi ll Celebrates 40 Years

Of Compassion

By Liz Ciocher

OCEAN

COUNTY –

The Foodbank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, redubbed Fulfill several years ago, is coming on 40 years of activism in the community.

Fulfi ll takes a lot of steps in helping secure

food and end hunger in this part of New Jersey, including running food pantries, soup kitchens and many other programs. Millions of meals have been provided to those in need through the help of Fulfi ll.

“The charitable food

As the island’s shoreline continues to erode, maintaining adequate sand levels is vital for preserving its natural beauty and protecting homes and infrastructure. To address this pressing need, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has awarded a $54.4 million contract to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company to (Beach - See Page 4)

BARNEGAT – A local man’s routine morning walk turned extraordinary on September 10 when he witnessed a rare celestial sight in the predawn sky. John Gennarelli had ventured out a little earlier than usual, hoping to catch a glimpse of the highly anticipated SpaceX Polaris Dawn mission.

“I looked up and all I could say was, ‘Oh my God, there it is,’” Gennarelli recalled. “It was amazing.”

SpaceX launch on his morning walk. eral states, with sightings also reported in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Ohio. Florida residents could buy tickets to watch the launch in person, raising funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. However, Gennarelli considers himself lucky to catch a glimpse of history unfolding from his home hundreds of miles away.

According to the website dedicated to Polaris Dawn, it is the latest in SpaceX’s exploration efforts and includes a four-person crew aiming to achieve something never done before - the fi rst-ever commercial spacewalk. If all goes according to plan, the astronauts will

distribution network provides a really important, vital service. Food’s a survival need. Something you cannot go without. If you believe that people shouldn’t be hungry, food banks have a really important role to (Fulfill - See Page 5) (Rocket - See Page 5)

Fulfi ll.

What he saw was the luminous streak of the Falcon 9 rocket, which had just launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, at 5:24 a.m. Eastern Time. The rocket’s bright trail was visible across sev-

Photo by Stephanie Faughnan

Long Beach Township has a shorter shoreline after erosion.

Photo courtesy of John Gennarelli

A Barnegat resident

stunning view of

Photo courtesy Fulfill Food is donated and then distributed through

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restore and safeguard the island’s beaches.

“Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company plans to start dredging/placement operations at some point during the week of September 23- 27,” explained Steve Rochette, Public Affairs Officer for the USACE Philadelphia District. “They will start in Beach Haven and work towards Holgate. Work would then shift to Harvey Cedars.” Rochette described the work schedule for the project as a “moving target,” citing variables such as weather, equipment, and dredging productivity.

Restoring Beaches

This initiative is part of the Barnegat Inlet to Little Egg Inlet Coastal Storm Risk Management Plan. It aims to rebuild eroded beaches and dunes, which will serve as protective barriers against storm surges and high tides. The project also includes repairing dune crossovers, installing fencing, and planting native dune grasses.

A collaborative effort among the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Philadelphia District, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and Long Beach Island municipalities is driving the beach replenishment project forward. This partnership will see the federal government covering 65% of the project’s expenses, while state and local governments will fund the remaining 35%. Ocean County has picked up the municipalities’ share, contributing nearly $5 million, broken down as follows:

• Long Beach Township: $2,253,597

• Harvey Cedars: $2,068,915

• Beach Haven: $656,878

Ocean County Commissioner’s Deputy Director Gary Quinn said that county officials decided to mirror the funding used for the beach replenishment program designed to tackle shoreline erosion from the Manasquan Inlet to the Barnegat Inlet. Quinn said that given the deep connection between Ocean County’s coastal economy and its beaches, maintaining beach health is essential for both residential and business

interests. By restoring the shoreline, the project is expected to enhance environmental conditions and support the economic stability for those affected by the pandemic.

Ocean County’s fi nancial contribution to the project has been allocated from federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

The replenishment effort will take approximately 180 days to complete. The process involves using hopper dredges to remove more than 1.75 million cubic yards of sand from offshore borrow areas.

“It then transits back and forth between a pump out buoy located a few hundred yards off the beach,” said Rochette. “The sand and water mix are then pumped through pipe onto the beach.”

“Bulldozers and other construction equipment will then grade the materials into the designed dune and berm system,” he added.

Beach replenishment goes by a few different names, including beach nourishment and beach restoration. The last time the Army Corps of Engineers conducted dredging/placement on Long Beach Island

was in 2018. And the fact that it’s time for more work is not entirely unexpected. As far back as 1990, a couple of experts from Duke University’s Department of Geology conducted a research project entitled “An Analysis of Replenished Beach Design Parameters on US East Coast Barrier Islands.”

Researchers concluded that “most US East Coast replenished barrier islands experienced durabilities of less than five years…with only 12% lasting longer than five years.” The study also determined that “replenished beaches are much more unstable than their natural predecessors.”

Beach replenishment is a critical investment for coastal communities. Studies by the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association indicate that every dollar spent on sand replenishment can prevent hundreds in future storm damage. Although replenished beaches often erode faster than natural ones, these projects provide essential short-term protection and help reduce the risk of costly damage to homes and infrastructure.

Dive Team, Scientists Learn How To Defeat Bay Jellyfi sh

By Chris Lundy

BERKELEY – Jellyfish have been a growing issue in shore communities lately, but a group of environmentalists and divers have learned a way to prevent the problem – but they need your help. The idea is simple – disrupt the life cycle

of the bay nettle so that it never makes it to adulthood.

The process is hard – scraping the polyps from all docks and artificial material throughout entire lagoon areas.

Paul Bologna, a biology professor and the Director of the Marine Biology and Coastal

Sciences Program at Montclair State University, gave a presentation at a meeting of Save Barnegat Bay. It was the culmination of a multi-year experiment called Stop the Sting, and they learned quite a bit.

“We usually think of adult jellyfish as a problem, so we don’t think about their earlier life cycle,” he said. There’s good reason for this. Little is known about the early stages of most jellyfish breeds. We do know that bay nettles reproduce sexually, which creates polyps that attach to other objects in the water, he said. However,

(Jellyfi sh - See Page 15)

Fulfill

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play,” said Triada Stampas, president and CEO of Fulfill.

Stampas, whose original interest in food drives peaked from a background in public policy, has worked with three different food banks in the tri-state area. Prior to working with Fulfill, she spent 10 years with the food bank of New York City.

more ground following Superstorm Sandy in 2012.

To celebrate their 40th anniversary, Fulfill is hosting two events: a gala as well as a community day that are open to the public.

“What we really want to do is bring old friends together, bring in new friends, and really open our doors to the community,” Stampas said.

raiser on Thursday, September 26. The goal for the gala is to honor the community officials who have contributed to Fulfill’s personal mission, including people like New Jersey’s Governor Phil Murphy, first lady Tammy Murphy, the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners and others.

ahead with [this fundraiser],” Stampas said. “We’re looking at what’s needed now and what’s needed moving forward in order to be able to execute our mission in the way that makes sense today and in the way that can make an impact today for the folks who need us.”

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Fulfill has two main locations across Monmouth and Ocean county, residing in Neptune and Toms River. Neptune is the organization’s main facility, while expansion to Toms River helps cover exit their spacecraft and venture into space, donning custom-designed extravehicular activity (EVA) spacesuits, a crucial step in advancing private space exploration.

Over the next five days, the Polaris Dawn crew will orbit Earth at record altitudes, traveling further than any human has since NASA’s Apollo moon missions in the 1970s. The goal is not only to push boundaries but also to conduct scientific research that will benefit future space missions, including efforts to reach the moon and Mars. The mission includes testing laser-based Starlink communications, which could revolutionize space communi-

The community day will be held on Sunday, September 22 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Neptune location. Here, the program plans to offer tours of the facility and other activities to build a stronger connection to residents.

Fulfill’s Gala will be held as a fund-

cations for long-duration missions beyond Earth’s orbit.

The astronauts will perform a two-day pre-breathing process which changes the cabin pressure to prepare the crew for their highly anticipated spacewalk scheduled for September 12, where the crew will float 700 kilometers above the Earth.

The crew will also perform various health-related experiments while in orbit. They will gather data on radiation exposure, study how spaceflight impacts human health, and conduct research related to conditions such as Spacefl ight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS), which poses a risk during long-duration space missions.

Billionaire Jared Isaacman, CEO of pay-

Awards will also be presented to these groups. The cocktail-attire event, hosted by Emmy and Peabody Award-winning television journalist Jack Ford, has tickets available for $350, or attendees under the age of 30 for $200.

“We’re honoring the legacy and the champions who have made a difference over our 40 years, but we’re also looking

ment-processing company Shift4, serves as mission commander for the Polaris Dawn. Scott Poteet serves as the mission pilot and is a retired United States Air Force lieutenant colonel. Mission Specialist Sarah Gillis has acted as a lead in the SpaceX astronaut training program, while Deputy Mission Director Sean Gustafson is a retired USAF reserve pilot. Mission Specialist and Medical Officer Anna Menon also brings a wealth of credentials as part of her affiliation with SpaceX.

The Polaris program highlights St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as its chosen cause, noting that the hospital fi rst opened in 1962, coinciding with the historic moment when an American fi rst orbited the Earth.

Along with the Gala tickets, donations to the organization will help Fulfill continue to expand and help those in need.

For more information about upcoming events or donation properties, visit Fulfill’s official website, fulfillnj.org

“Fulfill is not just a foodbank; it is a testament to the power of collective action against hunger, a beacon of hope for the community it serves,” the website reads.

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY

EDITORIAL

Back To School Shopping…For Others

Now’s the time to start your back to school shopping – for next year.

During the first week or two of September, stores are pushing sales on school supplies. But give it one more week or so and then everything will be deeply discounted. That’s the easiest time for you to shop for the less fortunate.

Every school system or town (probably) has school supply drives. Sometimes the district does it. Sometimes the town. Sometimes it’s the fire department, EMS or police. You might have to call the town or school to find out where to drop them off. Chances are, an official or a reputable volunteer group is collecting stuff like bookbags, lunchboxes and pencil cases.

You might not think of these things as expensive, but to some people, they are.

Being a kid in that position is embarrassing. First day of school, everyone’s in their favorite outfit with brand new gear. The tags were just taken off that morning. Except for the growing percentage of the student body who has to go without. They’ve got handme-downs like a bookbag with a zipper that doesn’t work perfectly or a lunchbox with an odd smell. So, what I do, is I wait for the late September sales. This is when stores want to flush the merchandise out. They don’t want to pack it

in the stockroom for next year. They list everything on clearance and hope it sells. I go in and pick up a few backpacks, lunchboxes, water bottles, and other items. Then I put them at the top of my coat closet for the school supply drives the following August.

The trick is to find something generic that any kid would like. You might want to grab one with a cartoon character, but ignore that impulse. What if the kid it’s going to doesn’t like that character? They’re going to be stuck with it for an entire year. Or what if that character isn’t cool a year from now? Or the show goes off the air? Stay away from anything too girly or too boyish unless you buy one of each. Look for gender-neutral colors. It needs to be generic but not boring. Enough rules for you? I don’t mean to scare you into thinking this is hard; I just want to give you ideas. Honestly, it’s a very easy thing to do. It usually takes 10 minutes, and it’s not too costly. It’s the same reason I shop for coats for donations in January. So, go have some fun and spend a few bucks for the less fortunate. I’ve heard lots of stories about how much they help – and the smiles that the kids have when they are taken aside and given these precious items.

Chris Lundy News Editor

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

The Real Reason For Inflation

It’s no secret that things are getting more expensive, but the reason has nothing to do with the White House but everything to do with the bank accounts of CEOs.

There are four companies that control 85% of the beef market (Reuters) – Tyson, JBS USA, Cargill and National Beef Packaging Company.

The same can be said of the airline industry (Time Magazine) – American, Delta, Southwest and United control 80% of the airline industry.

A few companies run almost the entire soda industry. A few companies produce most of the cereal. And so on and so on and so on.

The president has nothing to do with the unregulated corporate greed that’s infesting America. It’s these companies who decide to raise the prices of things simply because they can.

For their part, in 2023, the USDA invested millions to build up small beef manufacturers in order to create more competition to drive down prices, but who knows if that’s been felt yet.

Terry Andrew Toms River

Ignored By Politicians

Many people are not going to like this, but it is my experience. It started in 2019 when i asked Senator Connors to assist me with a bill to be passed. Well nothing happened.

So earlier this year (2024) I asked Senator Amato for assistance with a bill. Well his staff only wanted to communicate via mail. So I played their game. After several attempts I finally said to myself that there was no help going to be given to me by anyone in the 9th district at all.

Just recently I sent an e mail to the 9th district expressing my disappointment and since they would not even meet with me, I’m sad I can no longer support them in the future. That is not to say that as a Republican that I would vote for the other party. I am a devoted Republican and

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

will stay that way for ever. The response was to remove me from any future e-mailings that they may send out. This is how the 9th District wants to help its people get things done - Ignore their requests for a meeting and remove them from there e-mail listings.

It is a shame that they, the elected officials, pick and choose their meetings. So disappointed in my elected officials.

John Sansevere Berkeley

Dear Manchester Residents:

Thank you to all the 4,000plus Manchester voters who voted for me in the 2022 mayoral election and to all voters who signed my petition for me to seek the office of Manchester Council in 2024. I have decided not to run for Council in 2024 because of personal and business reasons. I will continue to work hard for the poor and middle class of our town, especially as it pertains to our senior citizens, military veterans, business owners and youth. In my voting district #16 where I live, Pine Ridge at Crestwood, I have discovered many senior citizens who are facing rent increases they can’t afford.

I am supporting a legislative bill which will cap rent increases at 2% in mobile home communities. In communities, such as mine, I am working at stopping predatory practices against the elderly poor who are defenseless. There are current practices by mobile home park owners and powerful community associations which must be stopped by drafting and implementing new laws. I believe in peace and justice for all. I believe in a woman’s right to choose and support equality for women. Women voters in this election cycle will be deciding elections all over this country. In upcoming articles, I will be writing about Manchester’s non-partisan election and what non-partisan really means, the who and why’s of Manchester Democrat & Republican leaders and the

growing diversity of our town. In addition, topics and issues surrounding racism, antisemitism & how we can become more united.

I look forward to meeting and talking with you.

Ken Seda

Manchester

Abortion The Main Issue

It’s becoming more and more clear that I’m right. The overturning of Roe vs. Wade was not a win for Republicans. It was a huge loss. Too many voters don’t want their access to women’s health restricted. If Republicans worried about real problems and not abortion and IVF, then they would win more elections. They would attract more voters.

Too many politicians on both sides have crazy ideologies. They will do one good thing and 10 crazy things. But, I believe women’s right to choose will be the number one issue when it comes to voting. Kamala Harris will be the next president if they don’t change their tune ASAP. Men in suits have no say what my daughter can do with her body. Period.

Jersey Coast Emergency News Facebook Page

Why Hate Trump?

Somebody wrote me a message and said to me why are you so mean about hating Trump. He’s never done anything wrong and I begged to differ. Since I can’t go by what he says with his mouth, let’s look at his actions.

Let’s judge him by his actions and character alone.

Admittedly a sex offender

Admittedly a pedophile

Admitted to incestuous desires

Repeat adulterer

Stole from charities

Defrauded contractors

Defrauded investors

Defrauded customers

Paid off a porn star

Parties with Epstein and young girls

30,000 public lies

Tried to steal an election

Collapsed a growing economy before Covid

Let Covid get worse than necessary by taking advice from quacks and a pillow salesman

Repeatedly violated the Emoluments Clause

Repeatedly violated the Hatch Act

Made up childish nicknames to insult his opponents.

Record job losses as a President

Record stock market drops as President

Record deficit as President. Yeah. To be fair and impartial, he’s pretty much the worst person on the planet, and definitely the worst President in history just based on his actions.

Scott Neuman Manchester Township Former Congressional Candidate CD 4

Just The Facts About Trump’s Veteran Comment

This is in response to the letter titled “Trump’s Insult to Veterans” printed in the August 24, 2024 issue of The Manchester Times. First and foremost, THANK YOU to the author, a VETERAN, for serving our country. With due respect for the author’s right to free speech, the 45th President did not call anyone “suckers,” as the article claims. The then-candidate, Donald Trump, did use “loser” to refer to a veteran/ POW, who became a U.S. senator, now deceased, and failed to address the serious neglect of veterans by the VA administration. In my circle of people, “loser” is appropriate. I’m proud of my soldiers, but not so those who want us to “move on” from a political system of “checks and balances,” which is common sense personified. Again, THANK YOU to the author and to all the men in my family and elsewhere, who are VETERANS and served starting with WWII. We need to support these men and women in every way possible.

Marie Pellicano Manchester

S potlight o n g overnment

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

Lawmakers Say NJDEP’s Pact Will Sink Shore Economy

TRENTON – Proposed environmental regulations threaten to sink shore town economies and dreams of home ownership for middle- and working-class New Jersey families, Republican lawmakers said in a letter to NJ Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette.

The department released its draft New Jersey Protecting Against Climate Threats regulations Aug. 5, an initiative launched through executive order by Gov. Phil Murphy back in 2020. The pact includes two key elements, the Resilient Environments and Landscapes rule and the Climate Pollutant Reduction, which seek to modernize environmental land use rules and reduce greenhouse gas emissions respectively. However, the proposals were seemingly drafted without the input of residents and

local elected officials, Republican lawmakers charge. The letter - signed by shore Assembly members Antwan McClellan, Erik Simonsen, Don Guardian, Claire Swift, Gregory Myhre, Brian Rumpf, Paul Kanitra, Gregory McGuckin, Vicky Flynn, Gerry Scharfenberger and Sean Kean - calls on LaTourette to bring all stakeholders to the table to make adjustments before adoption.

“While we fully support efforts to protect our environment, we are deeply troubled by the potential economic repercussions of the proposed rules. Our review indicates that the department’s approach could inadvertently undermine the economic vitality of our local communities, particularly by driving up costs, delaying community improvements, and further perpetuating New Jersey’s reputation as one of the

most unaffordable states in the nation,” the letter states.

Republican lawmakers cited the department’s own findings, which concede that construction and housing costs will rise because of the environmental rules. In some cases, fees for land surveying will immediately double or triple. Further, the NJDEP’s findings failed to consider impacts on land values and tax ratables, infrastructure funding, building code requirements, renovation costs and accessibility considerations. The rules, if adopted, would make home ownership impossible for all but the wealthiest buyers and drive vacationers and investors to more affordable locations outside the state.

Shore communities have finally bounced back or even exceeded pre-pandemic visitor spending, according to tourism

economics. The latest confirmed figures from 2022 show that Atlantic, Cape May, Ocean and Monmouth counties saw $23.4 billion in tourism revenue in 2022. Republicans argued the proposed NJDEP rules will devastate those gains.

“The cascading effect from the prohibitively high cost of development, and the consequent reduction in building activity, will have a profoundly negative effect on our shore economies. Homeowners and vacationers will seek more affordable alternative locations than the Jersey shore, which will increase property taxes on current residents and decrease revenue for local business. Without adjustments to these regulations, there is a significant economic risk that would undermine our communities’ diverse and inclusive character,” the letter concludes.

Governor Honors New Jersey-Filmed Productions At Toronto International Film Festival

From The Desk Of The Governor

TORONTO – Governor Phil Murphy hosted a reception to honor the seven productions filmed in New Jersey that are premiering at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The productions include “Americano,” “Millers in Marriage,” “Presence,” “Relay,” “Riff Raff,” “Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band,” and “The Room Next Door.” The filming of these productions took place in various communities throughout Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, and Union counties.

“I congratulate the seven New Jersey-filmed productions that are screening at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival. We are proud of all the producers, directors, actors, and crews who had a part in making these tremendous films,” said Governor Murphy. “Filmmakers have their eyes on the Garden State and all our great state has to offer. Since I took office, my administration has worked hard to bring the film industry back to New Jersey, helping to return the state to the spotlight.”

Governor Murphy reinstated the Film and Digital Media Tax Credit Program in 2018 and expanded the program in 2021 and 2023. The program offers 3035 percent tax incentive for all film and television productions. Additional incentives are offered for productions with approved diversity plans.

The state’s film tax credit program has led to a boom in the state’s film industry. In 2022, overall in-state production spending exceeded $650 million, besting the previous record of $500 million the year prior. In addition, motion picture, television and streaming productions in the state created over 8,500 jobs in 2022. The surge in production has been accompanied by increased interest from studios looking to build facilities in New Jersey. Netflix, Lionsgate, and 1888 Studios are currently in development, with other studios across the state being proposed.

“New Jersey’s film industry has grown tremendously under Governor Murphy’s leadership, making the Garden State a national leader in the industry in just a few years,” said New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The state’s iconic landmarks, eclectic landscapes, diverse talent, and enticing incentives make

Disclaimer: Micromedia Publications has always provided a space in its newspapers to provide a place for readers to learn what their elected officials are doing. These items are lightly edited for such things as punctuation and grammar but are mostly unchanged from the source. These press releases are the politicians’ own views, not that of Micromedia Publications. We cannot vouch for the accuracy of information that these politicians are providing, and readers are encouraged to keep an open mind and consider multiple sources.

New Jersey a prime location for all types of productions. When productions come to New Jersey, they create good-paying jobs, support mom and pop businesses, and generate economic activity across the state.”

“The seven productions being honored at the Toronto International Film Festival prove that New Jersey is not only the best place to raise a family but also the best place to film,” said Wesley Mathews, President & CEO of Choose New Jersey.

“Under the Murphy Administration, the Garden State has become the premier destination for television and film production.

The state’s commitment to enhancing its film industry infrastructure and incentives ensures that we’ll keep attracting more productions and further solidify our status as a leading filming destination.”

“Having several productions filmed in New Jersey screen at the acclaimed Toronto International Film Festival sym-

bolizes the momentum of the state’s film industry,” said New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission Executive Director Jon Crowley. “Major productions and studios are attracted to the breadth of local talent, diverse filming locations, and generous incentives that New Jersey has to offer.”

“Shooting ‘Millers in Marriage’ in New Jersey was an incredible experience,” said Aaron Lubin & Ellen Schwartz, Producers of Millers in Marriage. Besides the outstanding cast & crew, New Jersey gave us an extraordinary spectrum of distinct locations from friendly and eager homeowners to businesses. The tax credit was truly phenomenal. For an independent production, the extra resources from the State of New Jersey, make an enormous difference to our budget. Shooting here is a producer’s dream and we look forward to making another film here soon!”

Phil Murphy

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Local Fire/EMS Agencies Participate In Back To School Fundraiser

STAFFORD – On August 31, several area Fire/EMS agencies participated in Applebee’s “Stuff the Bus” fundraiser. Members donated back to school items for those in need attending the Stafford, Barnegat, Eagleswood, and Little Egg Harbor

elementary schools! This great event is spearheaded by Adam Bard, the Executive General Manager of Applebee’s. After the drop off of donated items, Adam kindly treated members to a meal. They thank everyone for their donations!

STWC General Meeting

STAFFORD – Come to the Stafford Township Women’s Club as they start their new year September 2024 through June 2025! New members are welcome to drop in at any meeting... everyone is welcome from any town!

The September STWC General Meeting will take place on September 25 at 12:30 p.m. at the Bay Avenue Community Center in Manahawkin.

September is their annual Italian Luncheon Fundraiser. Cost is $10 per person and includes choice of three different types of pasta, meatballs, sausages, Italian bread & butter, salad, dessert and coffee or tea. Your Board Members are cooking again so it should be delicious!

They will be presenting their Budget for approval and preparing for the upcoming events:

• Christmas Stocking project in September Boscov Coupon fundraiser from now until Shopping day on October 22

• Surflight Theatre show “Steel Magnolias” on October 2

• Installation Ceremony of new members in November

• Surflight Theatre Christmas show “Miracle on 34th Street” on December 3

• Ship Bottom Christmas Parade on December 4

• STWC Stafford Steamrollers dancers, singers & artists ongoing rehearsals and so much more!

Looking forward to seeing you all there! Bring your friends, neighbors and any other ladies you think would enjoy the “Social & Service” that is the Stafford Township Women’s Club!

Mental Health Resource & Wellness Event

LITTLE EGG HARBOR – Little Egg Harbor Township Board of Health and Mayor’s Wellness Campaign will be hosting a Mental Health Resource & Wellness Event on September 26 from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Little Egg Harbor

Township Community Center, 319 W. Calabreeze Way.

Light food available. Raffle baskets. Childcare services for those attending. For more information, visit facebook. com/LittleEggHarborTownship.

Margaret E. Lyons Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser

MANAHAWKIN – The Margaret E. Lyons Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser will be on September 22 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Mana-

hawkin Elks Lodge #2340. Come drink, eat, and dance with the Drunken Clams. A $40 donation includes beer, wine, soda, and food.

Photo courtesy Stafford EMS

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Township Congratulates Employees On Retirement

Autumn Book Bargains At Library Sale

SURF CITY – Your chance at early fall bargains on great reads, sounds and videos is here! Visit the Friends of the Island Library’s fundraising Big Book Sale at the Ocean County Library Long Beach Island Branch, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. September 20 and 21.

to support the OCL Long Beach Island Branch.

New members are always welcome to join the Friends’ activities in programs, fundraising and advocacy. Application forms are available at all OCL branches and reading centers and at theoceancountylibrary.org/ oclfriends.

Browse through a wide array of gently-used print and audio books, DVDs and compact discs at unbeatable prices. Each cash-only transaction helps the Friends of the Island Library provide programs

Township Of Ocean Dog/Cat License Renewal

WARETOWN – Please license your dogs and cats. Late fee is applied March 1, 2024. All dogs and cats seven months and older must have a 2024 license! To be licensed, your pet must have:

• A rabies vaccination that does not expire

For more information, stop by the OCL Long Beach Island Branch, 217 South Central Avenue, Surf City call 609-494-2480 or visit theoceancountylibrary.org/events. prior to November 2024.

• Proof of neutering/spaying (if applicable)

Costs:

• $12 – spayed/neutered

• $15 – non spayed/non neutered

• $10 Late Fee Applies March 1 (renewals)

Rotary Club Of Barnegat Inner City Meeting & Dinner

BARNEGAT – Rotary Club of Barnegat invites you to join Inner City Meeting & Dinner on September 25 at 6 p.m. at the American Legion, 499 N. Main Street, Barnegat. Cost is $50 per person. Speaker is Steven

R. Neuner, District Governor, Rotary District 7505. Make checks payable to Rotary Club of Barnegat or pay online at square. link/u/iFQEjf5b.

For more information, call 609-384-1643.

Lacey Day Returns

LACEY – Come join us for Lacey Day 2024! Lacey Day will be on September 28 from12 to 4 p.m. at Gille Park.

They will have food trucks, music, activities for kids and so much more! Food Trucks to be announced soon!

Photo courtesy Stafford Township

STAFFORD – Mayor Henken and Township Council would like to congratulate Ronald Acton and Kevin McGrail on their retirement from the Township! Ron and Kevin have served the community for many years and they wish them the best in this new adventure!

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Local Pets Available For Adoption

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

You know who’s feeling a little overlooked lately? Our big boxer-ish boy, Sparrow. He feels like he’s just blending into the background, like no one ever asks about him, no one has ever come to meet him in all this time. Sadly, Sparrow is right. He’s about 8 years old, he’s visually-impaired in one eye, and he needs to be an only pet. We get it but still, you will love Sparrow if you just give him a chance! We promise you!

Sparrow spent all his life in a home but unfortunately, his owners became elderly and they simply could no longer care for a

large dog. They did let us know, however, what a fantastic boy Sparrow is. Well-behaved, housebroken, playful, and simply a joy to be with. We pretty much see the same thing here! Sparrow did, however, exhibit some resource-guarding when evaluated after his arrival in May. Sparrow will need to be fed alone and not given such things as bones, etc. Aside from that, they don’t make em’ any sweeter, more loving, or more personable than this guy. He would give anything to get the heck out of here and back into a good home, where he belongs. Please give Sparrow a chance! Call 609-693-1900, visit ahscares.org/ forked-river-adoptables or email: office@ ahsppz.org for an adoption application.

Ocean County United Festival

STAFFORD – On September 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. the Great Bay Democratic Club, Stafford Township Democrats and Stafford United and Strong are hosting the “Ocean County United Festival” at the A. Paul King Ocean County Park. Meet Democratic District 2 congressional candidate Joe Salerno and Stafford Town-

ship Democratic candidates. There will be live music, community organizations, games and children’s activities. Event is free, donation of $25 entitles you to free food plus beer and wine for adults. Register at oceancountyevent.com. Visit greatbaydems.com for more information. Rain date is September 15.

Manahawkin Elks Super 50/50 Raffle

MANAHAWKIN – Manahawkin Elks Lodge #2340 is hosting a Super 50/50 Raffle. Drawing will be on October 5 at 4 p.m. at the Lodge, 520 Hilliard Boulevard.

Donation of $10. Prize is 50% of proceeds. Winner not be present. Purchase tickets at the Lodge or text Kirk at 973277-2206.

The Southern Times welcomes your special announcements! Engagements, Weddings, Births, Birthday Wishes, etc. Please call 732-657-7344 for more details!

Photo courtesy AHS

Walk With The Mayor And Deputy Mayor

LITTLE EGG HARBOR – Walk with the mayor and deputy mayor on September 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Little Egg Harbor Sports Complex, Sports Complex Drive. They invite the community to come

Southern Regional Football Win “Batt le At The Beach”

MANAHAWKIN – Congratulations Southern Regional Football on defeating Highland 17-0 in the season opener at the 2024 “Battle at the Beach” on August 31. The Rams and Tartans opened of Day 3 of the WJFCA Annual Kickoff event at Egg Harbor Township High School. Great job by

walk, talk, and become proactive for a healthier lifestyle. Warm-up with Tara owner of ModiFire Fitness. Cool down yoga with Nina. Free healthy snacks and bottled water. Free blood pressure checks, health care vendors. the players and coaches.

Special congratulations to RB/KR/DB Justin Silva who was named Game MVP. Thank you WJFCA, Coach John Emel and Coach Clyde Folsom on giving the program an opportunity to compete in a 1st class event. Best of Luck the rest of the season.

Stafford’s Annual Halloween Parade

STAFFORD – Stafford Township’s Annual Halloween Parade will be on October 12 at 12 p.m. Open to children and adults of all agers. Parade lines up 11:30 a.m. at the Firehouse

133 Stafford Avenue, then proceeds to Manahawkin Lake Park. Please have participant’s name & age visible on all costumes. Prizes will be awarded to all age groups.

C ommUnitY n eWS

Lanoka Harbor Volunteer Fire Company 2024 Cash Raffle

LANOKA HARBOR – The Lanoka Harbor Volunteer Fire Company 2024 Cash Raffle tickets are now available. The drawing will be held on December 1 at 12 p.m. following their Annual Breakfast with Santa. Each ticket purchase entitles the bearer to one entry as well as entrance to the breakfast.

Tickets are $50 each with four prizes:

• 1st Place $5,000 Cash (or 25% of Income Received)

• 2nd Place $3,000 Cash (or 15% of Income Received)

• 3rd Place $1,000 Cash (or 5% of Income Received)

• 4th Place $ 1,000 Cash (or 5% of Income Received)

They have sold out of tickets ever year! Gets yours while there still available! If you would like to support the Lanoka Harbor Fire Company contact any active member of the fi re company or stop by the Lanoka Harbor Firehouse (Station 61) located at 2 Warren Avenue, Lanoka Harbor (Corner of Rt. 9 & Warren) any Monday night. (Cash, Checks, PayPal or Venmo accepted)

17th Annual Fall Harvest & Wine Festival

STAFFORD – Save the date and get ready for the 17th Annual Fall Harvest & Wine Festival in the heart of downtown Manahawkin!

Once again, this year they will be spanning two parks. Manahawkin Lake Park will host the Fall Harvest Festival on October 12 and the wine festival will take place on October 13 on the grounds of historic Heritage Park with the Old Stone Store and Manahawkin Train Station museums open both days!

Each site will feature entertainment, food and vendors. The weekend is packed with adventure and features such favorites as

the Halloween parade, scarecrow making, pumpkin patch, Red Rocker Record Fair, crafters, food trucks and live entertainment!

Follow the link for details on some fantastic fall fun and a link to get your tickets to the wine festival before they sell out (wine tickets are limited) staffordnj.gov/410/ Fall-Harvest-Wine-Festival.

Don’t forget, shuttle bus service will be offered from the Municipal Complex parking lot, 260 E. Bay Avenue to the festival on both days!

For more information, call 609-597-1000 ext. 8573.

7th Annual Causeway CARes 5K

MANAHAWKIN – Causeway Cars and Causeway CARes have been raising awareness and money for community issues in Ocean County since 1969. Issues like homelessness, food insecurity, education, senior and veteran’s needs, and many more. Since its inception in 2018, The Causeway 5K has raised more than $145,000 to help Ocean County residents improve the quality of their lives. All proceeds are donated to Ocean County non-profit organizations.

This year’s 7th Annual Causeway CARes

5K will be on October 13 at Southern Regional High School, 90 Cedar Bridge Road, Manahawkin. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. 5K Walk begins 8:45 a.m. 5K Run starts 9 a.m.

Flat and fast course, chip-timed. Overall and Age Group awards, as well as door prizes. T-shirts guaranteed to fi rst 250 registrants.

Pricing: $40 by September 30; $45 after September 30 and on race day. For more information and to sing up, visit raceforum. com/CAUSEWAY.

Late Summer Pop-Up Concert

STAFFORD – Stafford Township Historical Society presents A Late Summer Pop-Up Concert featuring Joey D & Johnny B’s Rockin’ Oldies Band on September 16 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

These old guys really rock, playing great party and dance tunes from the 50s, 60s

and 70s! Come on out and see why they are rated “New Jersey’s Favorite Doo Wop and Dance Band!”

Farmers Market vendors will be on hand to round out the summer season. Manahawkin Lake Park is located at 86 N. Main Street, Manahawkin.

Ocean County Business Expo

LACEY – Ocean County Business Expo, brought to you by Central Ocean Business Association (COBA), will be on November 19 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Lacey Township Community Center, 15 E Lacey Road, Forked River.

The Ocean County Health Department will have a free clinic for Flu and COVID vaccines!

For more information, call Lousia Kasper at 732-995-3681 or Denise Thatcher at 609384-4619.

Olympic Bronze Medalist Hailed

By Chris Christopher JACKSON

- Most people receive none. Some receive one.

Sebastian Rivera received three.

The ex-Jackson Township and current Toms River Township resident received three - that’s right, three! - hero’s welcomes after earning a bronze medal in wrestling for Team Puerto Rico at the Paris Olympics.

To say the least, it was an eventful summer for Rivera. Far from a day at the Funtown Beach in Seaside Park where he spent just his second day on the Atlantic Ocean sands, relaxing with 15 friends, including ex-Toms River East standout

Frankie Edgar of mixed martial arts fame.

“Lone place where we can drink,” Rivera said.

“A good little hangout. Relaxing. Definitely.” Rivera resided in Jackson for 17 years, attending the Lucy N. Holman Elementary School and the Christa McAuliffe Middle School.

With his admirers observing, the Jackson Township Police Department provided Rivera with a 10-mile escort to his Toms River home.

Toms River first responders hailed Rivera, who waved and smiled to his fans from atop a fire truck. The parade lasted for one hour. Greeted by about 100 fans, Rivera signed autographs and t-shirts that honored his prowess.

“It was awesome,” he said. “I was real tired. I had jet lag, but I was able to get up in the morning. It was awesome to have that welcome. There is a village that loves me. I am blessed to have people around me. They watch me and give me all of the support I need. I am just blessed.”

The day began at 5 a.m. when Rivera received his cinnamon sugar, jelly, glazed and Oreo donuts.

“It was a cool, little experience,” he said. “I was able to go to the beach. I saw the sun rise. This time, I had my medal. I sacrificed and suffered so much to get where I am. I enjoyed the sweets and the sunrise. The sacrifice and suffering were worth it. If you sacrifice and are OK with the sacrifices you make in order to be great, good things will happen. I loved the grind. I found peace in the suffering. It all worked out in the end.”

The 5-foot-6 Rivera was Puerto Rico’s flag bearer during the opening ceremonies.

“I got to represent Puerto Rico on the biggest stage in the world. I held it with a lot of pride. I am happy they gave me the honor. Two weeks before I left for Paris, I received a text saying I was chosen to carry the flag. I flew to Puerto Rico where there was a big ceremony. I walked down the streets of Old San Juan with the Olympic flag,” he said.

Rivera captured bronze, edging Mongolia’s Tulga Tumur-Ochir 10-9 in 65 kg (143.3 pounds) freestyle action, becoming the first Rutgers wrestler to medal at an Olympics in program history. Down 4-0 with less than three

minutes to go, Rivera notched a takedown and three rollovers for an 8-4 lead. His adversary countered with a four-point move to tie the bout at eight and added one point for a 9-8 lead with 1:18 left.

Rivera collected his opponent for a takedown, which was initially not called when time expired. However, a challenge from coaches Jeff Buxton (a Rutgers volunteer assistant coach) and Donny Pritzlaff reversed the call, confirming the last-second points for Rivera and a 10-9 win.

“I felt that his knee was down,” Rivera said. “The replay showed that it was down. I felt I did enough to score two points with the takedown and I was correct. Thank God Jeff held onto that challenge.”

With Rivera needing to score two points in the closing seconds, he got two double-underhooks, forcing the Mongolian to throw a desperation headlock attempt. Rivera ducked underneath it and came out behind his opponent in a quadpod position. Initially, the Mongolian appeared to avoid collapsing to the mat as the final seven seconds melted away. The video review of the final sequence showed that the Mongolian’s right knee had touched the mat with Rivera behind him, meeting takedown criteria. The jury of appeals awarded Rivera with the winning score. With a little more than two minutes remaining in the bout, the Mongolian hit a foot sweep that took Rivera to his back. The scoring sequence was borderline enough that Rivera’ camp pondered the consequences of pressing the button resting (Olympic - See Page 21)

Photo courtesy Sebastian Rivera

Sebastian Rivera reacts after earning a bronze medal.

Jellyfish:

Continued From Page 4 the polyps can reproduce asexually. “They clone themselves like crazy.”

One jellyfish could lead to thousands if left unchecked, he said.

“We could draw every jelly out of the bay and they’ll all be back the next year” because of the way the polyps reproduce, he said.

The proliferation is also due to development on the water. Lagoon areas in particular are breeding grounds. There are many bulkheads and docks where the polyps can attach. Lagoon water is still, which leads to poor water quality, which makes fish weaker and easier for the adult jellies to prey upon.

One of the ways scientists know that jellies thrive around development is because of Superstorm Sandy, Bologna said. The population was brought much lower after the storm wrecked docks and other construction. As people have been rebuilding, so too have the numbers of jellyfish been increasing.

The idea, then, is to strike at the jellyfish while they are in the vulnerable polyp stage, attached to things like docks and bulkheads.

The Berkeley Township Underwater Search and Rescue squad is a team of divers who are deployed for emergencies like a boat capsizing. They were instrumental in going door to door in the Berkeley Shores neighborhood to get permission from homeowners to clean their docks and bulkheads. The polyps are too small to see with the

naked eye. In order to be sure to clean them off, they had to be washed off with a high-pressure water hose or the dock had to be scrubbed manually.

Not everyone in the neighborhood allowed them to work on their property, so sometimes the impact was negligible. If one person let their dock get cleaned, but their neighbors didn’t, they didn’t see a big difference.

However, there were a few areas where a better percentage of residents allowed the dive team to work. Water was sampled here, and the polyps were counted. They saw a drastic reduction in the number of polyps, Bologna said. In 2022, after the fi rst cleaning, they found zero polyps, for example. They compared this to a control group in Forked River that had no cleaning, in which the number of polyps were much, much higher.

The problem was that they didn’t see much of a hit in the number of adult jellies that year. Bologna said that probably means that the adults were coasting in from other lagoons where the homeowners didn’t allow the docks to be scrubbed.

Another problem might be that the polyps could be attaching to algae, which is something they learned from a separate project in the Metedeconk River, he said.

The project was funded through the State Department of Environmental Protection through partners Save Barnegat Bay and the Berkeley Township Underwater Search and Rescue.

Bologna also thanked a student of his, Anthony Tamberelli, who spent three and a half years working on this project.

How Can You Stop Jellyfish?

The dive team and environmentalists want to educate shore residents on what they can do to stop jellyfish from proliferating. One thing they can do is to take floating docks or any other temporary structure out of the water over the winter. This will kill any polyps that are attached and hibernating. You can scrub your bulkhead or dock once in May and another time in September or October.

Bologna suggested a ban on fertilizers would decrease the algae in the water and give the polyps less safe places to grow.

Craig Elliot, chief diver, urged people to educate themselves on the Stop The Sting project at btusar.us/ There’s an instructional video online. Then, after learning about it

yourself, tell your neighbors, because it’s more effective if everyone does it.

He said none of this would be possible without the countless hours that the 40-plus members of the dive team have contributed over the years. The group also had to design and manufacture their own equipment for some of the work.

Carl Mattocks, captain of the dive team, thanked all of the community members who invited them to work on their property. During the study, the dive team was only allowed to work with individual homeowners due to the funding. However, now they are more able to work with marinas and yacht clubs, he said. Anyone interested in more information can reach out at president@ btusar.us.

Photo courtesy BTUSAR

Divers clean jellyfish polyps off of lagoon structures.

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)

Consistently Wearing Hearing Aids May Reduce Your Risk Of Dying

Hearing loss is highly prevalent, affecting well over a billion people worldwide. In about 25 years, this statistic will double. Many studies have clearly identified hearing loss as a major risk factor for adverse health outcomes including reduced quality of life, depression, dementia, and possibly mortality. Hearing aids are a first line intervention for most individuals with hearing loss. However, the delay in getting “hearing help” can be up to 10 years!

A recent Lancet Study utilized a cross sectional analysis of 9885 adults who participated in the National Health & Nutrition Examination Survey between 1999 and 2012. The association between hearing aid use and risk of mortality was examined among adults with various degrees of hearing loss. Among individuals with hearing loss, the risk of mortality was lower among regular hearing aid users than “never” users of hearing aids. There are many theories proposed to explain the association between hearing loss and mortality. The first possible expla-

nation involves common pathology that affects both hearing and comorbidities leading to death, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dementia. A second mechanism is the relationship between hearing loss and frailty. Thus, auditory deprivation resulting from hearing loss might negatively affect brain structure. The bottom line is consistent hearing aid use contributes to improved brain function. Several studies suggest up to a 50% reduction in cognitive decline with consistent hearing aid use. In my opinion, there needs to be additional efforts to improve accessibility and affordability of hearing aids in individuals with lower socioeconomic status.

If you suspect the possibility of HEARING LOSS, don’t be a fool and wait years to get a complete hearing evaluation. Dr. Izzy and his Staff are always available to provide you with honest answers about your hearing health care. Please feel free to contact our office at 732-451-3962 or visit our website at gardenstatehearing.com WE Hear YOU & WE are Here for YOU!

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!

Isidore Kirsh

H ERE ’ S T O Y OUR H EALTH

Dear Pharmacist

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Finding Relief From Diabetic Nerve Pain And Inflammation

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Living with diabetes often means dealing with more than just blood sugar levels. One of the most common and painful complications is nerve pain, known as diabetic neuropathy.

Diabetic neuropathy occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the small blood vessels that nourish your nerves, particularly in the legs. This damage disrupts normal nerve function, leading to pain, tingling, or numbness. Inflammation compounds the issue, as the body’s immune response can further harm nerves. This creates a vicious cycle: high blood sugar causes inflammation, which leads to more nerve damage.

Fortunately, there are several natural and holistic strategies you can adopt to manage these issues without solely relying on medications. Lifestyle changes come to mind as your first line of defense. For example, adopt a balanced diet such as the Mediterranean diet, Paleo or Keto diet. Exercise routinely, and shed excess pounds if that applies to you. Further, it’s a good idea to reduce smoking since that damages blood vessels and worsens neuropathy. There are natural supplements that may help, let’s get into those:

1. Alpha-Lipoic Acid: This antioxidant helps reduce pain and improve nerve function. This may significantly relieve symptoms of diabetic neuropathy for some.

2. Acetyl-L-carnitine: Known for supporting nerve function and pain relief, this amino acid helps promote nerve regeneration.

3. Curcumin: Often thought of for joint health, curcumin (a part of turmeric spice) is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

4. Gymnema Sylvestre: Traditionally used to

support blood sugar management, this herb can also help reduce nerve pain.

5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish oil, flaxseeds, and chia seeds, omega-3s are known for their anti-inflammatory effects, which can help alleviate pain and inflammation associated with diabetic neuropathy.

6. Fig Fruit Extract and Banaba Leaf: These plant extracts are known for their potential anti-inflammatory effects and blood sugar regulation, respectively, making them useful in managing neuropathy symptoms.

For quick relief from intense pain, topical treatments can be effective without the side effects of oral medications you can try capsaicin cream, topical CBD creams and essential oils such as lavender, geranium, eucalyptus and frankincense. But these alone may not be your cure, so in that case, you should consider medications if necessary. The most popular ones include gabapentin, duloxetine and/or amitriptyline. They blunt how you perceive the pain which helps, but they don’t relieve the pain, or stop progression.

As medical science advances, new treatments for diabetic neuropathy are emerging. I’ve read about electromagnetic therapy to improve blood flow, and injections of platelet-rich plasma.

Successfully managing diabetic nerve pain and inflammation requires a combination approach that begins with a healthy diet and lifestyle. The holistic supplements are listed above, and there are others too. If you’d like more information on this topic, as well as a related topic called “small fiber neuropathy” read the longer version of this article posted at my website 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.

Need help with enrolling in Medicare or GetCoveredNJ? Contact a licensed, independent broker to help with your enrollment needs. Call, text or email for an appointment!

or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

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

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Ocean

photo oF the WeeK

Labor Day has come and gone. However, it’s now the shoulder season at the Jersey Shore! Local Summer as some call it. Here’s an amazing pic by photographer Scott Nevins taken at sunrise at Beach Haven West. Have a pic for this space? Email photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you may win a prize!

Benefit For Ocean County Columbus Day Parade Committee

BRICK – The Ocean County Columbus Day Parade Committee will be hosting a benefit dinner at Carrabba’s Italian Grill, 2491 Old Hooper Avenue in Brick, on September 14 beginning at 12:30 p.m.

County Health Department Seasonal Influenza and COVID-19 Vaccination Sites for 2024

Tuesday, Oct.8th Fawn Lakes Community Center 10AM-12PM

Friday, Oct. 11th Waretown Community Center 10AM-1PM

Saturday, Oct. 12th YMCA - Toms River 10AM-1PM

Tuesday, Oct. 15th Seaside Heights Recreation Center 1PM-4PM

Wednesday, Oct. 16th Thorton Community Center 10AM-1PM

Wednesday, Oct. 16th Cassville Fire Department 3PM-6PM

Thursday, Oct. 17th Toms River Senior Center 10AM-1PM

Friday, Oct. 18th Ocean County Fire & EMS Academy 10AM-1PM

Friday, Oct. 18th Plumsted Health Fair 11AM-1PM

Saturday, Oct. 19th South Toms River Recreation Center 10AM-1PM

Monday, Oct. 21st Stockton University at Manahawkin 11AM-4PM

Tuesday, Oct. 22nd Manchester Library 10AM-1PM

Wednesday, Oct. 23rd Holiday City South Club House 10AM-1PM

Thursday, Oct. 24th Island Heights Municipal Bldg 10AM-1PM

Friday, Oct. 25th Toms River Library 1PM-4PM

Tuesday, Oct. 29th Holiday Heights Club House 10AM-1PM

Friday, Nov. 1st Bay Avenue Recreation Center 10AM-1PM

The cost is $25 per person and includes Italian lunch and Tricky Tray (gift auction). For more information, contact Michael at 732-477-6507 or John at 732 262-7926.

Wednesday, Nov. 6th Lacey Community Center 10AM-1PM

Friday, Nov. 8th Brick Senior Center 10AM-1PM

Tuesday, Nov. 12th Silver Ridge Park East Clubhouse 10AM-1PM

Tuesday, Nov. 12th Ocean County Connection (OC Mall) 10AM-1PM

Wednesday, Nov. 13th Pt. Pleasant Beach Fire House 10AM-1PM

Thursday, Nov. 14th Beachwood Community Center 10AM-1PM

Saturday, Nov. 16th Ocean County Fire & EMS Academy 10AM-1PM

Tuesday, Nov. 19th Lakehurst Community Center 1PM-4PM

Wednesday, Nov. 20th Thorton Community Center 3PM-6PM

Thursday, Nov. 21st Bayville Elks 1PM-4PM

Tuesday, Dec. 3rd Plumsted Library 1PM-4PM Wednesday, Dec. 4th Seaside Heights Recreation Center 1PM-4PM

Thursday, Dec. 5th St. Mary’s by the Sea Episcopal Church 3PM-6PM

Friday, Dec. 6th Brick Library 10AM-1PM

Tuesday, Dec. 10th Bay Avenue Recreation Center 10AM-1PM

Thursday, Dec. 12th South Toms River Recreation Center 3PM-6PM

Friday, Dec. 13th County Connection (OC Mall) 3PM-6PM

Tuesday, Dec. 17th Lacey Library 3PM-6PM

Monday, Nov. 4th Manchester Twp. EMS Annex 10AM-1PM DATE LOCATION HOURS

STAY INFORMED WITH IMPORTANT NOTICES ABOUT OCEAN COUNTY AND OUR UPCOMING FLU AND COVID-19 VACCINATION CLINICS!

Flu, COVID and Pneumonia vaccinations available at Ocean County College, drive-thru location,Toms River, every Monday, 12pm – 6pm, October 7th, 2024-December 16, 2024. Flu and Covid vaccines will be

R.C. Shea & Assoc. Inside The Law

Identifying Nursing Home Abuse And Neglect

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

Nursing Home Abuse can take many forms. It can be intentional, visible, obvious or it can be more subtle-abuse through neglect and general lack of care on the part of nursing home staff. Abuse can be physical, emotional, financial, or even sexual. Each of these takes a heavy toll on any person, but nursing home abuse and nursing home neglect can be especially hard on the elderly -- some of the most vulnerable members of our society. Whatever form nursing home abuse takes, it is urgent that you and your loved one open a dialogue about this extraordinarily sensitive topic. Communication is necessary to end the abuse and let the healing begin.

The first step in opening a dialogue is identifying suspected abuse. There are many signs of nursing home abuse that you can look for.

The first sign you may notice is a change in behavior. The emotional effects that often accompany abuse can manifest as sluggishness or depression, a lack of enthusiasm for things your loved one once enjoyed, or even a loss of interest in visits. The change in attitude can be significant and sudden, or it may be subtle and prolonged. The most important thing is to be observant and notice if the change is taking place on any level.

Of course, it is also possible that signs of abuse will be far more apparent. Physical signs of nursing home abuse or nursing home neglect can take the form of bruises, sores, cuts, scars, or any similar injuries. These may be from simple accidents, but if

there is anything suspicious about the injury, the problem should be addressed immediately. Suspicious signs might include a reluctance to talk about how the injury occurred or claiming not to remember the cause. Even more obvious signs are bedsores which are a common signs of nursing home neglect. They are painful and, if infected, can be potentially lethal.

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.

When abuse or neglect are identified or suspected it is important to notify the authorities and contact a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer to discuss your legal rights.

Document any such evidence you observe, and bring it to the attention of the local authorities and 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.

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

Th is Predator Spends More Th an Half Its Life Hunting

By Renee A. Thomaier

Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

This predator is a powerful representation of strength and endurance. Spending more than half its life hunting for food, it lives mostly on ocean sea ice. The polar bear’s Latin name ursus maritimus means “sea bear.” They are closely related to brown

bears; however, they have adapted to living in the coldest environments. Alaska is home to polar bears, with populations estimated to be somewhere between 4,000 and 7,000.

The polar bear is a carnivorous animal, consuming more meat than other bear species. The United States, specifically Alaska, is believed to be the only state where polar bears are found. Because the climate is

arctic where vegetation barely exists, it is thought that this may explain why their diet is mostly meat. They consume available whale carcasses, seals, and during the lean times, may hunt fish and small rodents.

The female becomes sexually mature at about four or five years of age. If she is pregnant, it is only then that she will create a den upon the sea ice where she will go into

a hibernating state. She will awaken upon the birth of her cubs and for nursing them. Most common in the number of cubs is two, but they can have anywhere from one to three cubs in a winter season. A newborn cub is approximately 12 to 14 inches in length, with a weight of over a pound. For polar bears there is food available all year round, unlike some species who must migrate to find food and birth their young. Males do not utilize the dens. Once the spring arrives the mother bear and her cubs will emerge from their den. Protecting her cubs, she will guard them against all threats, including male polar bears who will kill the young. Staying with her for over two years, they will learn the necessary survival skills. Depending upon the region and conditions of sea ice, only about 50 percent of cubs will live past their first year. 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.

10 th Annual LBI Fly Invitation Kite Fest

SHIP BOTTOM – Extraordinary kite displays and demonstrations will once again grace beautiful Long Beach Island beaches on October 11 to 12.

The Kite Festival is a unique, family-friendly experience that allows you to enjoy both the landscape of serene beaches with the colorful beauty of magnificent kites! We are excited to partner with the Passing Wind Kite Club and the South Jersey Kite Flyers for another amazing kite weekend.

Main kite events will take place on Ship Bottom Beaches (18th to 22nd Street) on October 11 from 12 to 5 p.m. and October 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Including the return of the ever-popular Night Fly at 68th Street Beach in Long Beach Township on October 12 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Harvest Fest features: crafts, vendors, baked goods, homemade soups & chili. Bring your own camera for pictures with Santa (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) - the kitchen will be open to purchase breakfast/lunch! Their office can be reached at 609-6935222 or laceyumcnj@gmail.com. Lacey United Methodist Church Harvest Fest

LACEY – Lacey United Methodist Church’s Harvest Fest will be on November 23 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 203 W. Lacey Road, Forked River.

Olympic:

Continued From Page 14 in front of Buxton in the red corner. Rivera turned to Buxton in his corner and implored his coach to hit the challenge button for a video review. Buxton saved it for the final seconds.

Rivera was 3-1 in his first Olympics. He downed Australia’s Georgii Okorokov 12-2 in the first round on a Saturday. He fell 8-6 by VPO1 to eventual gold medalist Kiyooka

of Japan, spraining his right medial collateral ligament. He felled Moldova’s Maxim Sacultan by VSU1 15-4 in the repechage before downing Tumur-Ochir the following day. Sacultan opened an early 4-0 lead, but Rivera answered with a takedown and three gutwrenches to go ahead 8-4. Rivera erupted for 15 straight points - 10 of which came from turns on top.

“I am happy with the bronze,” Rivera said. “I felt I could win the gold and it hurts that I did not get it.”

Rivera, 26, is California Dreamin’ as he has

the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on his mind.

“I plan on it,” he said, “but I am taking it slowly. I want to save my body. Wrestling is a big time event and hopefully I make it to 2028 at 65 kilograms. It is just the weight that makes sense for me. When I do everything right, I feel good at that weight.”

Rivera took to the mat for the first time at the age of four under the guidance of his dad, Steve, a former Manalapan and Trenton State College wrestler and the owner of Elite Wrestling in Jackson. Rivera’s mom, Melissa, has

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

also played a role in his development. Using grit and athleticism as his passport, Rivera has also competed in more than 10 foreign nations, including France, Italy, Bulgaria, Spain, Argentina and the Dominican Republic. And, he has put the shoulders of adversaries to the mat in some 25 states. Christian Brothers’ 113-pound state champion in 2016 as a senior, Rivera received a degree in planning and organizational change from Northwestern in 2020. NOTE: scarletknights.com and flowrestling. org contributed to this report.

Personals

Senior Single Males 75+ - Wanted for female friendship. High standards, good character, have a heart for seniors. Leave message 732-678-6786. (43)

For Rent

Seaside PARK - "YEARLY" one bedroom apartment. Clean and Quiet, Steps to Beach, $1500Security and Credit Check, NO Pets. 908-278-5491. (41)

Auto For Sale

1968 Chevelle 55 - 4 speed, P/ B+5t, Stain Exh, Posi, A-Title. 52,000 miles, blue/black interior, $47,500. 138-Vin 609-351-5859. Radio delete. Disc brakes. (39)

Items For Sale

Items For Sale - Wine Equipment mint condition, Mulcher/Destemer, Pump, Carboys, Vats, Demijohns, Sorting Table. Patsy 413-530-6728. (40)

Inside Single Niche - In Ocean County Memorial Park Toms River, Bldg. 10 SCEG-4-1. Worth $1,800. Asking $1,300. Call 732477-8559. 732-604-8769. (39)

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. 732849-6068 (new number). (t/n)

Used Guns Wanted - All types: collectibles, military, etc. Call 917-681-6809. (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, 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)

WANTED TO BUY - Old Records for 45/78 RPM Doo Wop/ Soul/R&B/Rockabilly, Call Bob 909-938-4623. AND FOR LPs & 45s - Rock/Jazz/Soul/Blues Call Eddie 732-829-5908. (40)

Cash - Top dollar, paid for junk, cars running and nonrunning, late model salvage, cars and trucks, etc. 732-928-3713. (t/n)

CLASSIFIEDS

Services Help Wanted

P/T 1st or 2nd Class Conventional Machinist - WeekdaysLakewood, NJ. Hours/Rate TBD. 732-367-3100 ext. 107. (38)

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)

Magnolia Gardens Assisted Living is hiring a full time Maintenance worker. If interested, please email resume to HR@magnoliaal.com or call us at 732-557-6500. You can also visit us in person at 1935 Route 9 Toms River 08755. (39)

School Bus Drivers Needed - Free CDL Training. $23-26/hour starting rate + overtime, 401K, Health, Life, and Dental Insurance. FT and PT positions available. 732-905-5100. (39)

Magnolia Gardens Assisted Living is hiring a full/part time CNA. Must be licensed, and available to work weekends. If interested, please email resume to HR@magnoliaal. com or call us at 732-557-6500. You can also visit us in person at 1935 Route 9 Toms River 08755. (39)

Magnolia Gardens Assisted Living is hiring a full and part time Dietary Aides If interested, please email resume to HR@magnoliaal. com or call us at 732-557-6500. You can also visit us in person at 1935 Route 9 Toms River 08755. (39)

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)

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)

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. (40)

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)

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)

LANDSCAPING - Restorations, Repairs, Stones, Mulch, Sod Installs, Hedges, Shrubs, Bushes, Downed Branches Trimmed & Removed, Demolition, Cleanouts, ect., Dumpster service provided by A901 Licensed Hauler ect. MAN WITH VAN LLC. Jim 609-335-0330 HIC# 13VH10806000. NO JOB TOO SMALL! Servicing Toms River, Lakehurst, Manchester, Whiting, Jackson, New Egypt, Plumstead Beachwood, Bayville, Berkeley. (47)

THE RIDE GUY - Takes you anywhere! No limits. Comfy mini-van. Call Charlie 732-216-3176 or Email: cr@exit109.com. References. Let's Go! (t/n)

Painting - Special Fall Pricing. Interior/Exterior. Meticulous work. All materials and jobs guaranteed. Fully licensed and insured. $ave. Call 732-850-5060. (47)

HOUSE CLEANING - 848-3261907, Over 30 years of professional experience. Cleaned pediatric, cardiology office over 15 years. REFERENCES available. $30 hour. KEVIN 848-326-1907. (39)

CHEAP PAINTING Done RITEFree est. Senior discounts interior exterior. Call 732-506-7787, cell 646-643-7678. (t/n)

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)

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

DIRECTV - All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Directv and get your first three 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)

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

Handyman Service - Carpentry, masonry, painting repairs large and small. 40 years experience. Call Jim 732-674-3346. (39)

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)

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)

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

HANDYMAN SOLUTIONS - All 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)

Do You Want Your Car To Look Nice And Shine - Call Lenny Lenny's Mobile Auto Detailing 908-868-4609. (43)

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)

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)

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)

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)

• M ail this form to: PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733. OR

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AroUnD the JerSeY Shore

The Hindenburg Experience Talk

OCEAN COUNTY – We will be presenting the Hindenburg Experience Talk at your place! Talk is completely free. We are available to present this Hindenburg Experience talk to your woman’s clubs, men’s clubs, residence clubs, veterans clubs, historical societies, Girl and Boy Scouts, local schools and libraries and other meetings as well upon request. Any teachers throughout the county that may want their students to learn more about the Hindenburg disaster, we are also now giving the talk by Zoom call to your class. We will come to you. The talk is approximately 45 minutes to one hour long. For more information, call Bill Schmidt at 732-575-6904 or e-mail BillSchmidt1000@

aol.com. Come and experience the last flight of the Hindenburg from Frankfurt, Germany to Lakehurst, NJ in 1937! At 803.8 feet in length and 135.1 feet in diameter, the German passenger airship Hindenburg (LZ-129) was the largest aircraft ever to fly. The commercial fl ights of Hindenburg, along with Graf Zeppelin, pioneered the fi rst transatlantic air service. She carried hundreds of passengers and traveled thousands of miles before it burned in a tragic fi re on May 6, 1937, at NAS Lakehurst (Manchester Township). Please join us through your imagination on a trip through Hindenburg’s history. (Presenter: Bill Schmidt).

Rockefeller Center Bus Trip

BRICK – The Ocean County Columbus Day Parade Committee will be hosting a bus trip to Rockefeller Center in New York City on December 8.

p.m. in Barnegat.

The bus departs from the Barnegat Municipal Complex at 9:15 a.m. and the Brick Plaza (Cedar Bridge Road entrance) area of Burlington Coat Factory at 10 a.m. The bus will return at about 8 p.m. in Brick and 8:30

Cost is $40 per person and includes bus ride, free time in New York City for viewing the Christmas Tree, shopping and sightseeing, and refreshments on the bus. Full payment by November 28 is necessary to reserve a seat.

For further information or to make reservations, contact: Michael at 732-477-6507.

photo oF the WeeK

The sky over the Jersey Shore never fails to disappoint. Recently, Rick MacLean took this gorgeous photo at Johnson’s Pit in his hometown of Beachwood. His wife Jennifer sent this to us and they recently enjoyed a Jersey Shore BlueClaws game courtesy of Jersey Shore Online. Although the season has ended, you can still win fabulous prizes from us – send your pix in for this space – photos@jerseyshoreonline. com and you may be hearing from us!

Santos, Doo Wop Live, With DJ John Luke

TOMS RIVER – Santos, Doo Wop live, with DJ John Luke, will be on September 21 at Whispering Pines Park in Toms River, from 12 to 4 p.m. Call John at 609-501-4948 for tickets, $10

each. Ticket includes a hot dog and drink. They are also having Ron’s Lickety Split Ice Cream.

Door prizes with your ticket. This is a non-profit event.

FUN & GAMES SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

28 “The Simpsons” neighbor Flanders

Kaput 30 Solitary sort

Kuwaiti rulers 32 Ballpoint, e.g. 34 Faux __ 36 Tailless primate 37 Bottle part 39 “So what” shoul-

“Search Party” actress Shawkat

Drifting aimlessly

“__ Face”: Lady

Small fruit pastries

Seabirds that often follow ships

Solemn ceremony

Scene not meant to be seen 26 Decreases in strength 27 Yosemite peak, familiarly

__ Tunes

Leans to one side

Je t’__: French “I love you”

Leveling device

Canvas cover

Avocado shape

A few

Idris of “Luther”

“Where America’s Day Begins”

“Chicago” star

Sense of self

(c)2024 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Embrace rising above petty jealousy and occasional misunderstandings. While you might feel inclined to play the peacemaker, trying to exert your charm to settle a feud could lead to emotional strain or worsen the situation.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): A burst of creative inspiration could lead you to embark on a successful new journey. However, today’s circumstances might challenge you to be patient. Consider waiting for more opportune conditions to move forward.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Ambition might drive you, but it may be wise to find a balance between personal freedom and intimacy. Engaging in gossip or expressing your views in public could be counterproductive, consider remaining discreet as the week begins.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): You might need to read between the lines. While good communication might be crucial, honing your listening skills could help you navigate conflicting situations better. Stay objective when dealing with minor tensions and challenges.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) : A positive trend may be on its way. Exercising patience could help bring both monetary and spiritual rewards. You may consider accepting whatever comes with open arms because later in the week you might be able to capitalize on it.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): It might feel like the world is against you at times, but it’s just an illusion in the landscape of your thoughts. You may stay impartial if you find yourself pulled into a conflict. Together with a loved one, you can build a peaceful haven.

FOR THE WEEK OF SEPT 14 - SEPT 20 BY

OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

JERALDINE SAUNDERS

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Love and affection might be in the air, but a persistent feeling that something has been missing could disrupt your inner peace. Your true strength lies more in being dependable and precise, rather than taking advantage of unearned trust.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Letting your imagination soar could lift your spirits. However, this may not be a great day to explore your ability to trust and commit to a person, a task, or an ideal. Later in the week you might feel lead to pull the trigger on a new project.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):

You may feel all set to jump back into action but be cautious of unexpected events that could lead to misunderstandings. It might be wise to look for new ways of keeping your money safe and secure for now, until the cosmic dust settles.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19):

Shifts in plans may yield positive results. Position yourself well, as unexpected things could come your way. Someone might push for information, but it may be better to wait until late in the week to take inspired action.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Go with the flow as the week begins, as plans may shift, and schedules might get disrupted. Consider focusing on your current tasks and hold off on starting any new projects until later in the week when success could perhaps be more likely.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) : Stay poised like a ballerina. You aspire to achieve inner peace and serenity, yet you may confront conflict head on. Being sympathetic and understanding could be your superpower. Remain alert and adapt to the constant shifting rhythms.

FRESH CORN AND BASIL ADD SUMMERY NOTES TO THIS EASY PASTA DINNER

By America’s Test Kitchen

TORTELLINI WITH CORN AND BASIL CREAM SAUCE

(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.