2024-09-28 - The Toms River Times

High School Pre-Nursing Program Expands To OCC

Photo by Stephanie Faughnan

OCVTS pre-nursing students check vital signs on patient mannequins set up in their new training classroom at OCC.

By Stephanie Faughnan

TOMS RIVER - Dozens of young people in navy scrubs stood in the center of a simulated hospital ward, surrounded by lifesize patient mannequins neatly tucked into beds. This scene set the stage for the ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the reloca-

tion of the Ocean County Vocational Technical School (OCVTS) pre-nursing program to Ocean County College (OCC).

The ceremony was attended by state and county officials, as well as school administrators.

Approximately 50 high school juniors and seniors enrolled in

Town To Close Homeless Encampment

By Stephanie Faughnan

TOMS RIVER - A reliable source has revealed that efforts are underway to close the local encampment run by Reverend Steve Brigham of Destiny’s Bridge within a month and a half. The camp, which has been a last refuge for dozens of homeless individuals, is set to be dismantled as township officials scramble to relocate its residents. The clock is ticking as non-profits and local authorities rush to fi nd them

temporary shelter, hoping to avoid an emergency situation.

Meeting minutes from a September 17 phone conference between township officials and non-profits, including Toms River

Business Administrator Jon Salonis and Assistant Township Attorney Peter Pascarella, confi rm some of the details of the plan.

“The state (DCA/OHP) spoke to the mayor’s office and some other people from the

OCVTS’s pre-nursing curriculum will now take classes at OCC instead of a traditional high school setting. This relocation mirrors the Grunin Performing Arts Academy, which has been based at the college since 2020.

OCC President Pamela Monaco

JUDGE: RESIDENTS WON’T

VOTE ON

ANIMAL SHELTER

TOMS

By Chris Lundy

RIVER

– A judge said that he won’t make Toms River go through the work and expense of holding a vote on whether it should run its animal shelter.

It went to the courts because a resident, Phil Brilliant, said that this was the only way to get relief.

The majority on the Township Council approved an ordinance to shut down the shelter and lease the building to the county. A group of residents (including Brilliant) worked to get enough signatures to send the ordinance back to the council. The council had a certain amount of time to either repeal the ordinance or let the matter go to the voters in a special election.

The fi rst reading to repeal the ordinance happened within the statutory time, but not the second one. Regardless, Mayor Daniel Rodrick shut the shelter down administratively on June 7. The council majority later passed a resolution to create a shared services contract with the county.

Brilliant took the township to court, and two hearings took place. At the end of the fi rst, Judge Robert E. Brenner told the parties to meet and try to

This Month In History: Referendums Of Years Past

By J. Mark Mutter

TOMS RIVER - In a prior column about citizen petitions in Toms River history, it was noted that our township’s very existence - as a political entity - was begun by everyday people petitioning their government.

It was done over 250 years ago, when area farmers, fishermen, and ship builders requested that the colonial Assembly of the Province of New Jersey create a new municipality.

The request was approved and the “Town of Dover” was created. Almost two decades ago, we changed that town’s name - in a voter referendum. Today we know it as Toms River.

That colonial-era petition was just the fi rst of many in our local history. Here’s more on petition and voter referendum efforts in Toms River.

Continued From Page 1

said the long-standing collaboration between the two schools has worked out well. She added that 60 percent of students from last year’s graduating class of the arts academy earned their associates degrees as they were completing high school.

Officials said the decision to move the pre-nursing program to the college came in response to a significant waiting list for vocational education within Ocean County. Currently, there are over 500 students waiting for access to various vocational programs.

Ocean County Commissioner Frank Sadeghi credited Senator Robert Singer with pushing to change the projected move from 2025 to 2024. He stressed the importance of creating future opportunities for local students within the county.

“That’s important to us - establishing a strong career path to compete in an increasing competitive world,” Sadeghi said.

The pre-nursing program offers students rigorous training, college credits, and job shadowing opportunities, providing them with essential skills and experiences in the healthcare field. The curriculum includes hands-on training with state-of-the-art equipment in a newly created training facility.

Christine Santasieri, Principal of Allied Health Programs at OCVTS, emphasized the benefits of the new location. “Students will have access to modern equipment and a rigorous curriculum, which will better prepare them for their future careers,” she

Pre-nursing students pose with local officials.

said. The program will continue to evolve, with plans to add more advanced courses such as anatomy and physiology.

Santasieri noted that the program is staffed by highly qualified educators, all of whom hold master’s degrees. Training in the program prepares students with the ability to immediately take on roles as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs.)

“We’re also in discussions with OCC to go even further,” Santasieri said. “We’d like to fi nd a way to bridge the program so that it’s more conducive to students stepping right into either an LPN or RN program.”

Calvin Ferrell, a junior from Toms River and one of the few male students in the program, expressed his excitement about

the opportunities ahead. “My mom’s a nurse, my aunt’s a nurse and a few of my cousins are nurse,” he said. “My mom helps me when I have questions.”

Calvin hopes to earn his RN and eventually a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Many of Calvin’s classmates echoed his enthusiasm for the move, saying that they hope to enter OCC’s nursing program when they fi nish high school. Graduates from OCC’s School of Nursing must pass the National Council Licensure Exam to become licensed Registered Nurses. The program is designed to thoroughly prepare students for this critical exam. Last year, OCC’s nursing graduates achieved a pass rate of 97.46%.

Both LPNs and RNs are in significant

demand, particularly in Ocean County. According to a January 2024 report prepared by New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing, Ocean County employed the greatest number of LPNs throughout the state. Most are predominately employed as staff nurses in hospitals or nursing homes. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for registered nurses will grow by six percent from 2023 to 2033, outpacing the average growth rate for all occupations. Meanwhile, employment for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses is expected to increase by three percent during the same period, which aligns with the average growth rate across various job sectors.

Photo by Stephanie Faughnan

Animal Shelter:

Continued From Page 1

reach a compromise.

That meeting took place, and Brilliant called it “very productive and respectful.”

The township made a “generous offer,” but it did not include reopening the shelter.

“The township is still moving forward as if what we’re doing doesn’t matter,” he said.

The shelter had received $1 million in a bequest from a deceased resident. The county will need to account for where that money goes, the judge said.

During the fi rst hearing, Brenner had said that if he required the town to hold a vote, two things could happen: The residents vote to let the county take it over, therefore this case would be pointless; or the residents vote to keep it in-house, but then there’s nothing that would prevent the town from shutting it down later. Either way, it could end the same as the situation is now: the shelter would not be run locally.

Irreparable Harm

Brenner said that Brilliant did not show that he suffered “irreparable harm” from the shelter being closed.

The judge asked how the animal services are handled until the county takes over.

Brilliant noted in his papers that two cats were left in the heat outside the closed shelter, and another case of a dog that ran away from home and was later found dead. Much has been said about the county having a higher euthanasia rate than the local shelter. Regardless, the animals weren’t the

plaintiff in this case, Brilliant was, and the judge said he was unable to prove that the township had harmed him irreparably.

Attorney Gregory McGuckin, representing the town, said that “residents have every opportunity to use the county’s two animal shelters. One’s in Jackson and the other is in Brick, I believe.”

The one in Brick is the private Jersey Shore Animal Center. The other county shelter is in Stafford. The county also has an overflow building in Barnegat in case there’s a hoarding situation that floods the other buildings.

If someone needs to surrender an animal, they can still bring it to either of the county shelters, McGuckin said.

The judge noted that even though this situation has seen a lot of attention in the press and social media, there are plenty of people who have no idea this has happened. They would not know to go to the county.

If there’s a wild animal, and someone calls the town animal shelter, they are given a non-emergency police number, said Peter Pascarella, another attorney representing the town. They will dispatch the one animal control officer the town still has (down from four). If he is not available, they have A-Academy as a back-up.

While there has been several protests by local residents about the shelter closing, McGuckin noted that there are no protests about how the county handles the animal operations.

The town is under no legal obligation to run an animal shelter, McGuckin said. It is within the mayor’s power to shut it down.

Brenner read a statement from Ocean County Board of Health spokesman Brian Lippai that said the board is reviewing the fi nal draft of the contract between the town and the county. The judge said he would have liked to know that there was an emergent meeting of the board of health to handle this more quickly.

It is undisputed that the township didn’t follow the timeline, Brenner said when rendering his decision.

One argument has continually been about the language of the petition. An ordinance shut down the shelter the fi rst time. An ordinance can be repealed. That’s what the Township Council did, albeit after the amount of time that the law allowed. The petition called for the ordinance to be repealed. It was assumed that this would mean that the shelter would re-open under township control. However, this wasn’t specified.

Brilliant was asking for a “common sense” understanding of that reading, that it should not be held to the letter.

“Common sense should not be abandoned,” Brenner said, but then said that the repealing of the ordinance wouldn’t do anything.

“It’s been repealed and so it would make no sense to this court to have voters of Toms River” have to decide to repeal an ordinance that has already been repealed.

There was also discussion that the original language was a lease agreement with the county while the new language is a shared service with the county.

Brilliant, as a petitioner, said that the end

result is essentially the same – Toms River won’t have home rule over the shelter.

“The court disagrees that the shared service is the same thing as a lease agreement,” Brenner said, describing legal defi nitions. Shared services are also something that is promoted by the state government, he noted. “Shared service is more beneficial to the township than the lease.”

Next Steps

Brenner said that if the shelter is not reopened in a “reasonable amount of time,” the court would take a different point of view on this matter. He did not specify the amount of time which would be reasonable or how the court’s opinion would change.

Meanwhile, Brilliant has time to appeal and both sides have time to file more papers in relation to this case.

Brilliant was also awarded a refund of his legal fees. Since he was representing himself, these amount to minor things such as filing fees for court documents.

After the court hearing, the Toms River Times reached out to both parties for comment.

“I think the judge was fair, however I think the case lost sight of the entire issue - the Township did not abide by the statute of 20 days,” Brilliant said. However, in retrospect, he regrets filing suit so late. “Had I filed before August 7, before the resolution and before the ordinance repeal, the outcome would have been very different.”

“My big takeaway is we need to keep our public and elected officials accountable and (Animal Shelter - See Page 18)

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OPINIONS & COMMENTARY

EDITORIAL

States To Watch In November – Part 1

I like looking at the predictions for who will win the election. In even years, when Senate and House members are on the ballot, I try to figure out what direction the chips will fall.

A lot of prediction websites use polls, but I take them with a grain of salt. A poll might just count 700 people who picked up the phone to an unknown number – it’s hardly indicative of the entire region. Some polls don’t even use cell phones.

There is more at stake this election than just who sits in the White House.

The current Senate has 49 Republicans and 47 Democrats, with four independents. There are 33 seats on the ballot. This year 10 of those seats are held by Republicans and

Equality Is On The Ballot This Year

On August 26, we commemorated the passage of the 19th Amendment that granted women the right to vote. This year, women’s equality is on the ballot and the League of Women Voters (LWV) is empowering voters to make their voices heard at the ballot box.

The 2024 federal election is a critical moment in fighting for equality; women’s inequality affects our health. Pregnant

19 are held by Democrats – so Republicans have the easier job to gain a majority because Democrats have more to lose. All four independents are also up.

The House currently has 220 Republicans, 211 Democrats, and four vacancies. Every single House seat is up for vote on even-numbered years. In the coming weeks, I’m going to look at some of the swing states – and not-soswing states to tip readers off on what to watch on election night. I’m going to start with a state that most people just assume is going to vote red.

Florida

Most pundits aren’t paying much attention to Florida, but they should be. Trump is favored to win the state and its 30 electoral votes (1/9th of the 270 that is needed to win).

Every prediction site assumes Trump wins Florida, but if by some upset he doesn’t, then his path to 270 is going to be very rocky.

There are some things that put Florida into the running this year that no one has really been talking about.

There are six questions on the ballot in Florida this year, two of which could seriously tip the scales for Democrats. One is legalization of recreational marijuana and the other is constitutional protection of abortion. These are issues that will bring people out to vote who normally wouldn’t. In other words, all bets are off. Now, sure, there are conservatives who want pot legalized and who want abortion rights protected, so they might vote for Trump and then vote for the ballot questions.

There might also be an opposite effect. Anti-abortionists, who are often conservative, are very strong in their beliefs, and that question might bring them out in droves. I bet that these people also voted the last two presidential elections, though.

The point is, these two questions create variables.

There are 1 million more registered Republicans in Florida than Democrats. The disparity between them keeps growing. In 2019, there were actually more registered Democrats than Republicans. How did this impact recent elections?

In 2016, Trump won Florida with 4.6 million votes to Clinton’s 4.5 million. In 2020, Trump won Florida 5.65 million votes to Biden’s 5.3 million. Would Harris get more votes than Biden?

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

That’s a question on everyone’s minds right now. If she appeals to voters who haven’t registered a party, she will.

In the 2022 gubernatorial election, Republican Ron DeSantis got 4.6 million to Democrat Charlie Crist’s 3.1 million.

That was the same year that Republican Marco Rubio got 4.5 million to Democrat Val Demings’ 3.2 million to win the Senate seat. Compare this to 2018, when Republican Rick Scott barely beat Democrat Bill Nelson. The difference was just 10,000 votes. This year, he’s up against former House member Debbie Mucarsel-Powell. He’s seen as having a slight lead over her. However, he is also very unpopular. Otherwise, he’d have a good lead. This might actually hurt Trump’s chanc-

es. Democrats have targeted him as a weak spot, in the hopes of growing their Senate presence. Prediction websites all have Rick Scott as the winner for this year’s senate race, but only barely. In fact, many prediction websites say Florida “leans Republican,” when we generally just think of Florida as deep red.

Clearly, Republicans do well in this state. Regardless, because of questions that might bring out unaffiliated, young voters, plus an unpopular Republican Senate candidate, and the fact that Harris has energized the Democrats in that state, Florida is one to watch this year.

Chris Lundy News Editor

persons no longer have reproductive freedom and face high maternal mortality rates; and, women are paid less than men and underrepresented in leadership roles in the workplace and in politics.

This is why your vote is so important. Who we elect in November will oversee our rights for the next four years. When you cast your vote this year, make sure you know whether that person wants to take away your rights or will defend your rights.

The LWV offers VOTE411.

The Toms River 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.

org, our free, bilingual tool that provides nonpartisan election information. Your vote counts! Join the LWV as we empower voters and defend democracy.

Evelyn C. Murphy, PhD President,

League of Women Voters of Monmouth County

Get Bullies Off Board

Just as summer ends every four years, voting season ramps up. Elections can seem inescapable this time of year. We all know how important it is to vote for our favorite presidential candidate. The election too few voters pay attention to is the one closest to home: The board of education. Here in Berkeley Township, we have two separate school districts. Each board is made up of nonpartisan volunteers who are meant to work with the best interests of the students and staff in mind. Like a drop creates ripples in the water, this extends to the families of students and the community. There are 2 seats open on Central Regional’s school board representing Berkeley this year. The incumbent candidates in-

clude two board members who caused emotional distress for students and staff in 2022 when they shared racist posts on their social media accounts. This occurred before the bullying event that led to tragedy in the district and international scrutiny. The outcry over the board members’ behavior forced the board to adopt a resolution distancing the board from its own members publicly. Is this who we want to trust with the mental health of our kids? Is this who we can rely to teach the students at Central Regional the values of respect and kindness? Do these people create a safe school zone for all students, and is this who we want representing the pride of the Golden Eagles?

The good news is that these board members have a full roster of qualified competitors on the ballot with a wide range of professional and educational credentials. This letter is a call to action to all Berkeley citizens: Research the candidates in down ballot elections. Think about whether you trust the board members we elect to protect your kids while they learn or if they’re to blame for the bullying we desperately

need to see an end to.

Concerned Central Regional High School Parent

The Democratic leadership talks about “Choice,” the freedom of people to make their own personal decisions. Yet, the American voter did not get to decide the Democratic presidential nominee. The Democratic leadership decided for them!

Republicans had a choice among at least 8 presidential candidates. Donald Trump was chosen as the nominee because he did a great job before, as the 45th President of the United States. During his administration there were no new wars, low illegal immigration, low crime, a full tank of gas without sacrificing a night out - a grocery bill that fit your budget!

When Kamala Harris, as Vice President, was chosen by President Joe Biden as the “Border Czar” she did nothing to help stem the tide of the migrant invasion.

During the Biden Administration there was an unprecedented 7.2+ million illegal and

undocumented people invading the US - and a lot of their room and board is being paid by the American taxpayer. But even worse, this invasion has caused rapes and murders of young girls and women and the terrorization of our legal US citizens by ruthless gangs. If the American voter had a “Choice” of the Democratic nominee for President, it wouldn’t be Kamala Harris!!

Lynn Genecki Howell

Back in 1975 I did something stupid and paid for it. Now we have a convicted felon running for president. He also does not support or respects our active military troops and veterans, who without them he could not run for president as a felon. One more thing, Trump has never been in the military and never worked a day in his life. He got his money from his father. Trump belongs in prison, not on the ballot.

Robert Sinawa Whiting

A Felon For President

S POTLIGHT O N G OVERNMENT

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

USS New Jersey Submarine Commissioned

From The Desk Of Congressman

Chris Smith

MIDDLETOWN – Rep. Chris Smith (R-4th) joined high-ranking Navy officers and sailors today at U.S. Naval Weapons Station Earle in Middletown to commission the USS New Jersey - the branch’s newest submarine and the third naval vessel named after the state of New Jersey.

“Today is a special day for the United States Navy and our country,” said Smith, who has represented three Navy installa-

“Fair

Capitol Comments

Senator Cory Booker

tions during his tenure in Congress - including Naval Weapons Station Earle, Naval Air Warfare Center Trenton and Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst (now part of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst).

“Once again, a vessel named after the great state of New Jersey will take to sea flying the flag of the United States, venturing to the darkest depths of the ocean to protect the homeland, deter aggression, and safeguard the American way of life,” Smith, the Dean of the New Jersey Congressional Delegation, said at the ceremony.

A highly advanced and lethal fast attack submarine, the USS New Jersey measures

377 feet long, weighs 7,800 tons, and can remain submerged under water for up to three months.

Smith, a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, noted that threats to U.S. national security are ubiquitous and said, “the importance of this submarine’s capability and decisiveness in battle cannot be overstated in a world with escalated existential threats from Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong Un and Iran.”

“Deployment of the USS New Jersey and other submarines - especially this Virginia class of nuclear-powered, cruise missile, fast-attack sub - provide the extra level of deterrence and long-range capability to dissuade our enemies,” said Smith.

Smith - who recognized the significant contributions of Navy Secretary Carlos Del

Toro, the submarine’s sponsor Dr. Susan DiMarco, and members of the Commissioning Committee who organized the special occasion - especially thanked the submarine’s skipper, Commander Steven Halle, and the crew who would serve in the years to come on the newly commissioned USS New Jersey.

“To the ‘Devils of the Deep,’ the USS New Jersey’s dedicated crew of plankownersyou represent the best America has to offer,” said Smith. “You have answered the nation’s call to serve at a time of distinct and present threat to the U.S. and our allies.”

“Know that the people of New Jersey and all Americans are grateful for your tenacity, courage and commitment to our nation, and your commitment to this vessel and its mission,” Smith added.

Future Act” Would End Housing Exclusion For People With Prior Drug Convictions

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-FL-10) introduced the Fair Future Act, legislation to repeal an amendment to the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 that has led to permanent denial of rental housing to people with prior drug convictions regardless of the severity of their offenses or the length of time that has passed since their conviction.

The current law has meant that the over 9 million people who have been previously convicted of drug offenses in the United States can be denied rental housing.

“No one should be permanently denied a place to live because of a prior drug conviction,” said Senator Booker. “Right now, housing laws have denied people with prior drug convictions the ability to live in rental housing and in turn, denied them a fair chance at reentering society. The Fair Future Act will eliminate this discriminatory barrier to housing and help us put an end to our nation’s cycle of poverty and recidivism.”

“People who have served their time, repaid their debt to society, and are looking to re-enter our communities cannot do so when the deck is stacked against them,” said Congressman Frost. “Housing is the foundation of a safe and secure life – yet outdated housing laws and conflicting state laws on marijuana mean that someone could go to jail, serve time, and be denied housing

in one state, while someone carrying the same amount of marijuana in another state is abiding by the law. It’s time we allow folks a fresh start and put an end to housing exclusion for folks who have paid for their crimes and are rebuilding their lives.”

The Fair Future Act was inspired in part by the personal testimony of people impacted by this flawed policy, like Yusuf Dahl, a Milwaukee native who served a fi ve-and-a-half-year sentence and went on to become an outstanding member of society, receiving an Ivy League education and leading a center for entrepreneurship, only to be denied housing while attempting to rent a home for him and his family in Pennsylvania.

“The Fair Future Act is a common-sense reform that ensures housing applicants are judged by their income, credit history, and rental record - not automatically denied by an algorithm based solely on a decades-old drug conviction,” said Yusuf Dahl. “Given

housing’s crucial role in economic mobility and stability in today’s competitive rental market, the Fair Future Act offers a necessary fi x to a federal policy that unfairly punishes formerly incarcerated individuals who have already paid their debt to society. When people have turned their lives around, we shouldn’t keep them tethered to their past by denying them one of the most fundamental rights: the right to live where they choose.”

The Fair Future Act has been endorsed by the National Housing Law Project.

“Everyone, no matter their race, place, or party deserves safe, stable, and healthy housing. But for almost 30 years, a racist and discriminatory provision has robbed people who had been convicted of drug distribution of their fair housing protections. NHLP will continue fighting for a more fair future for all,” said National Housing Law Project Executive Director Shamus Roller.

HOMESTEAD RUN’S

Fall Craft Fair

Sunday, Oct. 6th • 9am-3pm Homestead Run Clubhouse 100 Fireside Blvd. Toms River, NJ 08755 FREE ADMISSION

• Local Crafters & Novelty Vendors

• Refreshments Available

• 50/50 Available for Purchase

Downtown Toms River Scarecrow Walk

TOMS RIVER – The Scarecrow Walk is once again returning to Downtown Toms River. The community is invited to come downtown and vote for their favorite scarecrow. Scarecrows are on display from October 11 to October 31. Participating businesses will have ballots for voting. Just look for the Scarecrow Walk poster in their window!

available at participating businesses in Downtown Toms River. Just look for the Scarecrow Walk Poster in their window.

Ballots can be dropped off at the ballot box located at the following location:

The Downtown Shops at 53 Main, 53 Main Street Toms River

Toms River Branch of the Ocean County Library, 101 Washington Street

Judges Choice Prizes:

First Place – $200

Second Place – $150

Third Place – $100

People’s Choice Prizes:

First Place – $200

Second Place – $150

Third Place – $100

Do you think you have what it takes to enter the contest? Now is the time to start planning your ultimate scarecrow. So, dig out those old clothes from the attic, rummage through your fall decorations and start designing the perfect scarecrow. The contest is open to all ages and there is no entry fee. Registration is required and must be received by October 4. Again, this year we will have two chances to win. The first is the traditional People’s Choice, where the public votes on their favorite scarecrow. The second will be the Judge’s Choice. Special Judges will vote on the best scarecrow. Your scarecrow will automatically be entered into both contests. Eligibility: The contest is open to all ages and there is no entry fee. Registration is required and must be received by 4:30 p.m. October 4. You can register at downtowntomsriver.com/ scarecrow-walk.

Check-In/Delivery of Scarecrow: Entrants are responsible for bringing their fully assembled scarecrows to the courtyard in front of Town Hall on October 8 from 2 to 5 p.m. A weatherproof sign with the name of your entry will be provided at check-in. You will then get your location for placement. Scarecrows will be affixed to the light posts throughout Downtown. All scarecrows must face in toward the sidewalk and businesses and not face the street.

People’s Choice Judging: Scarecrow judging will be done by popular vote. The public can only vote once. Ballots are not valid without your name and email address. Ballots will be

• Fax: 732-657-7388 email: news@jerseyshoreonline.com • jerseyshoreonline.com

Rules: All entries must be family friendly. Scarecrows that reflect controversial social, religious, or political situations will not be accepted. Downtown Toms River has the right to reject any and all scarecrows they deem offensive or inappropriate.

Each group or individual may enter only one scarecrow. Scarecrows must remain on display outside from October 11 through October 31. Scarecrows will be subject to the weather for several weeks. Materials must be firmly attached to the scarecrow. Use materials that will stand up to all weather conditions.

They recommend that you check on your scarecrow periodically to make sure it remains in presentable condition. The better it looks the more votes you will get! If at any time a scarecrow deteriorates due to weather Downtown Toms River reserves the right to remove it. All scarecrows must be picked up by November 1. Winners will be announced November 7.

Grease Fire Leaves Residents Displaced From Toms River Apartment

By Alyssa Riccardi

TOMS RIVER – A fire that broke out in an apartment complex has left about a dozen people without homes, officials said.

The fire occurred Wednesday afternoon in a building at The Willows at Toms River apartment complex, 1000 Axl Drive.

Firefighters found heavy smoke and a small grease fire that started on a stove in one unit, with the flames spreading to the microwave. This caused the sprinklers to activate which extinguish most of the fire, officials said. However, water damage from the sprinklers spread into two other units. As a result, three units were deemed unsafe by the Toms River Building Department. The American Red Cross and Toms River Office of Emergency Management responded and provided assistance to about 12 people who had been displaced, officials said.

The Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention

stated that the fire was ruled accidental due to unattended cooking on the electric stovetop.

“I would like to take the opportunity to remind everyone that you should never leave the kitchen when you’re cooking on the stove. Unattended cooking is a leading cause of home fires throughout the country,” said Matthew Janora, Chief Inspector. “Also, this is the second fire in the past week that was extinguished and/or held in check by the building fire sprinkler system. This shows that properly maintained and fully functional fire alarm and sprinkler systems protect lives and property. Had the sprinkler system not activated, the outcome of this fire may have been much different.”

Crews were at the scene for about two hours. Assisting were Pleasant Plains Fire Department, Silverton Volunteer Fire Company, East Dover Fire Company, Toms River Fire Company No. 2, and Whitesville Fire Company.

C OMMUNITY N EWS

League Honors Star Player

Photo courtesy John Dowling

BERKELEY – The spring/summer Berkeley Premier Slow Pitch League played at Whispering Pines Park and Veterans Park. The league played their Fast Eddie Basile All-Star Game on August 29. “We honored a player who has over 500 wins and is one of the best players in our league - he has been

forced to the side lines. Billy was able to throw the ceremonial first pitch,” said assistant commissioner John Dowling. Billy came home from Vietnam when he was in his early 20s. He was a sergeant with the 101st Airborne Division, 2/327 Infantry. He started playing softball for the Howell Township Police Department in 1973. They had a dominant team for over 20 years. He pitched for Howell for 44 years in the Jersey Shore Police League. In senior softball tournament competition he pitched for the Delaware Legends since he was 60 years old. He finished playing for e.p.a. this summer in the Berkeley Premier Slow Pitch League. He is now 77 years old and just finished pitching. This year his Delaware team won the world championship in Tampa. They also won titles in Myrtle Beach, Charlotte, N.C., and Roanoke, Va. He pitched every inning of every game. About 4 years ago he was diagnosed with prostate cancer related to Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam. For the fi rst time in over 50 years he has to stop pitching due to a more serious medical condition, having been diagnosed with acute leukemia, also as a result of Agent Orange exposure.

Baby & Me Music Class

TOMS RIVER – Toms River Recreation presents: Baby & Me Music Class! Available for ages 0 to 5 on Saturdays in October in the Youth Services Building. Ms. Justine music provides 45 minute of live music, movement ad instrument play

for babies, toddlers, and young children up to 5 years old along with their caregivers. Visit register.communitypass.net/tomsriver to register. For more information call Toms River Recreation at 732-341-1000 ext. 8414.

Take notice that in accordance with N.J.S.A. 39:4-56.6, application has been made to the Cheif Administrator of the Motor Vehicle Commission, Trenton, New Jersey, to receive title papers authorizing for sale Make: Chrysler, Year: 2014, VIN/Hull Identi cation#: 1C3CCBAB0EN146560. Objections, if any, should be made in writing, immediately in writing to the Cheif Administrator of the Motor Vehicle Commission, Special Title Unit, P.O. Box 017, Trenton, New Jersey 08666-0017.

DEC 5 – RAT PACK HOLIDAY SHOW

Includes $25 slot play, $20 food credit & Admission.

$110/pp

DEC 11 – RADIO CITY HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR $229/pp

Lunch in NYC, Orchestra ticket & Free time in Radio City after show.

DEC 12 – CHRISTMAS AT THE PLAYHOUSE ‘24

Includes Plated Lunch and Legendary Dessert Buffet.

$125/pp

DEC 13 – GREEN DRAGON AMISH FARMERS MARKET HOLIDAY SHOPPING $89/pp

Includes lunch at Shady Maple & 3 hours shopping at Green Dragon.

DEC 16 – A LONGWOOD GARDENS CHRISTMAS

Includes Lunch at Local Restaurant and Gardens Ticket.

$136/pp

DEC 17 – WINTER WONDERLAND MAGIC AND WONDER SHOW $139/pp

Magic and Wonder Theatre Includes Lunch Buffet and Show.

DEC 18 – WIND CREEK CASINO

Includes $30 slot play.

$45/pp

BROADWAY SHOWS – INCLUDE LUNCH BEFORE SHOW & ORCHESTRA SEAT

NOV 16 – A WONDERFUL WORLD: LOUIS ARMSTRONG MUSICAL

$289/pp

DEC 18 – HELL’S KITCHEN MUSICAL $229/pp

DEC 30 – WATER FOR ELEPHANTS

$215/pp

MAR 5, 2025 – REDWOOD: STARRING IDINA MENZEL $219/pp

MULTI-DAY TRIPS

DEC 15-19 – 5 DAY BILTMORE ESTATE AT CHRISTMAS $1098/pp Dbl

DEC 17-19 – 3 DAY LANCASTER HOLIDAY ADVENTURE $729/pp Dbl. Occ. NEWFOR2025

APR 25-28 – 4 DAY VIRGINIA INTERNATIONAL TATTOO 2025 $1149/pp Dbl. Occ.

MAY 20-22 – 3 DAY PA GRAND CAYON ADVENTURE $648/pp Dbl. Occ.

JUN 22-25 – 4 DAY CAPE COD & MARTHA’S VINEYARD $998/pp Dbl. Occ.

PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS ON TRIPS

School Staff Donate To Vest-A-Cop

TOMS RIVER – PBA Local 137 would like to thank the teachers and staff from Hooper Avenue Elementary School for their $1,000 donation to the Vest-a-Cop fundraiser.

The teachers and staff at Hooper Avenue

Photo courtesy Toms River PBA

Elementary School all donate to their “Sunshine” fund which allows teachers and staff to wear jeans during certain points of the school year.

They again would like to thank the teachers and staff for their generous donation.

Built By Me STEM Programs

TOMS RIVER – Toms River Recreation presents: Built By Me STEM Programs! Classes are available for grades 2 to 5 in October and November.

Visit register.communitypass.net/tomsriver to register. For more information call Toms River Recreation at 732-3411000 ext. 8414.

Lego Robotics and Coding – Adventures: Grades 2 to 3; Fridays, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Enhance your child’s STEM knowledge while building and programming their own robots, unleashing their creativity along the way. This fun, interactive program will introduce students to robotics and coding using Lego Spike Essential Robotics Sets. Working in pairs, students will acquire basic programming skills and will be introduced to fundamental engineering concepts by constructing

models, utilizing sensors and motors and then coding their builds to perform various functions. Join us for an inspiring journey!

Lego Robotics and Coding with Scratch MIT - On the Go: Grades 3 to 5; Fridays, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m.

This fun and interactive program explores many aspects of STEM using Lego Spike Essential Robotics Sets. Focusing on means of transportation, students will work in pairs to build prototypes as they learn the engineering design process. They will then code their designs with Scratch MIT, a block-based code, to perform various tasks and functions. Young engineers will construct ships and helicopters as they learn and refi ne problem-solving skills while challenging their creativity. Join us for an inspiring journey!

Learn English In The Evenings

TOMS RIVER – The Adult English as a Second Language (ESL) night program provides beginner and intermediate level English language classes to adults 18 years or older. The program focuses on conversational spoken and written language, providing authentic learning experiences to all

learners preparing them for job embedded communication, community connections, and social interactions.

This program will meet weekly on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6 to 7:30 p.m., beginning October 7. Register at trschools.com.

C OMMUNITY N EWS

Brielle Berruti Sets New South Field Hockey Mark For Saves

saves. The senior goalie now has 438 saves... and counting.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR ADMINISTRATOR:

Rose Garden is one of the few “mom and pop” skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers left ... in the state of New Jersey. The world has turned “corporate;” we have not.

It has been our core belief that the delivery of healthcare is quite personal. That “intimacy” is in danger when 5 to 100 facilities are operated in multiple states by large corporations.

We have always strived for a close “family” atmosphere and believe we have succeeded. The environment is warm and inviting and exceedingly clean and spotless. Our homemade food and soups are outstanding, and the care is thoughtful, kind and productive.

We have been called the “Hotel of Healthcare.” Please ask your friends, neighbors and, most importantly, other healthcare professionals. We are here, in your neighborhood, to serve you!

The feat occurred September 14 during a game against Southern in which Berruti

The school acknowledged “the Beast” as the new career field hockey leader in saves during announcements. Congratulations, Brielle!

East Celebrates National Merit Scholarship Semifi nalist

tional Merit Scholarship program, the school learned.

It was certainly an occasion worth celebrating, as the prestigious competition recognized only 16,000 semifinalists this year of the 1.3 million who entered by taking the PSATs as juniors.

HSE Principal Erin Anders made sure Pavao was recognized for his accomplishment, as photos were snapped and shared on the school’s Facebook page.

Congratulations to Michael Pavao, and we wish him the best in his quest to advance and become a National Merit Scholarship finalist!

1579 Old Freehold Rd. • Toms River, NJ 08753 732-505-4477 • www.rosegardennj.com nursing and rehabilitation center

TOMS RIVER – High School South field hockey goalie Brielle Berruti celebrated a milestone with her teammates - her 430th save, a new school record.

Photo courtesy Toms River Schools notched a whopping 23

TOMS RIVER – High School East student Michael Pavao is a semifinalist in the Na-

Photo courtesy Allison Goodwin.

TOMS RIVER – Toms River Recreation presents: Marine Science Camp! Available for grades K to 8th on Mondays in October and November in the Youth

District Parent Pays Down Food Tab At Silver Bay

= TOMS RIVER – Christian Coronato is a parent to a student at Silver Bay Elementary School. He’s also a former district student himself, as well as a local business owner - Coronato’s Clean Cuisine - with an appreciation for the importance of a good, healthy meal.

He’s also just “a good guy,” according to his former teacher and current Assistant Superintendent James Ricotta, which helps explain why Coronato dropped off a check for nearly $1,200 at Silver Bay to help pay down the outstanding cafe debt for students in need.

“I’m just very happy to be in a position to be able to give back,” Coronato said.

Coronato grew up in Silverton and attended SBE.

“Life has been hard for so many people the last few years,” he said. “But my mom always told us to look for the ways people help. Growing up we didn’t have muchmy brother, sister and I started working at

Photo courtesy Toms River Schools a very young age. And we had to earn our way through the world. A few years back, I was able to open a small, healthy meal prep company locally. Part of our motive is to be able to give back to the community and feed everyone!”

Silver Bay Principal Anna Kasper was extremely grateful for the gesture, as was Ricotta and Food Services Director Jeff Hanaway.

“The students at Silver Bay will be more than appreciative of your kindness,” said Hanaway.

Such child-centered kindness, combined with a background in food, have some wondering whether Coronato might be an ideal new judge for the district’s annual Junior Chef competition.

Time will tell. For now, however, the district thanks Christian Coronato for his generosity and impact on the lives of our students! The Kindness Campaign has certainly reached the parents.

National CSI Camp

TOMS RIVER – Toms River Recreation

Presents: National CSI Camp! Available for grades 5th to 11th on November 7 and 8 in the Youth Services Building.

Visit register.communitypass.net/tomsriver to register. For more information call Toms River Recreation at 732-341-1000 ext. 8414.

C OMMUNITY N EWS

Cats Available For Adoption

By Chris Lundy

TOMS

Cherie has been living at the playroom for a few years now. She started off as

but she came out of her shell recently.

She’s looking for a good home where she can soak up all the attention you have to offer.

The center is located at 34 Main Street (Route 9), Suite 1B. The adoption center is run by the group called Lawyers In Defense of Animals. They can be reached at 908-910-2522, or on Facebook at /lidarescue and on Instagram @lida_rescue.

Photo by Chris Lundy

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)

COCHLEAR HAIR CELLS…say What?

Hearing loss affects about 50 million Americans and about 500 million people worldwide. More than 90% of individuals affected have sensorineural hearing loss, caused by damage to the inner ear and the destruction of the hair cells responsible for relaying sounds to the brain. Species like fish, birds, and reptiles can potentially regenerate hair cells, but not in mammals. It would be wonderful to just take a pill and all of a sudden you’re hearing is restored. This will more than likely not happen!

The cochlear hair cells in humans consist of rows of inner hair cells and outer hair cells. The inner hair cells are the actual sensory receptors, and 95% of the fibers of the auditory nerve that project to the brain arise from this subpopulation. In laymen terms, these hair cells convert mechanical energy into electrical energy that is transmitted to the central

nervous system to the auditory nerve to facilitate audition. The function of the outer hair cells in hearing is now perceived as that of a cochlear amplifier that refines the sensitivity and frequency selectivity of the mechanical vibrations of the cochlea. Outer hair cell damage causes hearing loss which more than likely is permanent. We are born with these hair cells, so if they die, you lose them and they don’t regenerate in mammals. However, never give up hope that someday there will be a solution. In my opinion, it will not occur with Stem Cell injections. Regenerating hair cells through gene therapy does hold promise so stay tuned.

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

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

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

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

Dear Pharmacist

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Why Is Your Poop Green? 5 Possible Causes

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Ever notice green fecal matter in the potty and wonder why? Don’t worry, it’s usually not a cause for alarm. Several factors could be responsible for this color change. Let’s look at five common causes:

1. Dietary Choices: Eating a lot of leafy greens like spinach or kale can turn your stool green due to their chlorophyll content. Artificial food dyes in green-colored foods and drinks can also be a culprit. Here’s what you can do: Try cutting back on green foods and see if your stool returns to its normal color.

2. Bile Pigment: Bile, a digestive fluid from the liver, is green. If food moves too quickly through your intestines, such as during diarrhea, bile doesn’t have time to break down, leading to green stool. Medications like antibiotics and iron supplements can also influence this. Here’s what you can do: If diarrhea is the cause, hydrate and eat bland foods to help your digestion return to normal.

3.Supplements and Medications: Certain supplements, particularly iron supplements, can cause green or even dark black droppings! We see iron supplements being suggested during pregnancy, if you have hypothyroidism or if you deal with heavy periods. Antibiotics can also disrupt your gut bacteria, sometimes resulting in color changes. Here’s what you can do: If medications are the cause, consult your healthcare provider to adjust dosage or timing.

4. Infections: Bacterial infections (like salmonella) or viral infections (like norovirus which is common in children) can

turn your stool green. These infections often come with other symptoms like abdominal pain or fever. Here’s what you can do aside from seeing a physician to take care of treatment: Rest, stay hydrated, and avoid dairy. Eat a clear liquid diet which includes broths, clear juices, water, and electrolyte solutions. Once symptoms improve, you can transition to a bland diet like the BRAT diet which stands for Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. This is pretty easy on a healing stomach.

5. Digestive Disorders: Conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Celiac disease can cause green stool due to malabsorption or rapid digestion. Here’s what you can do: If you suspect a digestive disorder, seek medical advice for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Green poop is often linked to harmless dietary factors or mild infections. However, if you experience persistent green stool or additional symptoms like severe pain, it’s important to seek medical attention. Keep track of what you eat, what medications you take, and any symptoms to help your doctor pinpoint the cause. Please listen to your body, some people ignore the signs that something is wrong. Just know that your stool can tell you a lot about your digestive health! So can your tongue! I have written many articles about the gut, and digestive health all of which are posted at my website. If you’d like the longer version of this article with more tips and advice (or read any of my older articles) visit 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.

CLINICAL DERMATOLOGY

Acne Treatment • Eczema Treatment

Mole Removal • Wart Removal

Seborrhea/Seborrheic Dermatitis Treatment

Skin Cancer Treatment • Skin Infections

COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY

CoolSculpting • Botox

Chemical Peel - VI Peel

Microdermabrasion • Scar Revision

Treatment of Acne Scarring

YAG Laser

SKIN CANCER SURGERY CENTER

Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Superficial Radiotherapy

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

THERAPIES/SERVICES

• Hormone Replacement

• IV Therapies

• Thermascan

• Cryoskin • HOCATT

• Colonics • PEMF

• Salt Room/Halotherapy

• Theta Chamber • Ozone • Botox • Thyroid/Adrenal Fatigue Management

Peptides

Santiago Centurion, MD

Cynthia Gelnaw, PA-C

Animal Shelter:

Continued From Page 5 if we need to challenge them in court, do it the minute the law allows,” he said.

Mayor Daniel Rodrick wasn’t in court but was reached after the hearing where he explained that the petition was to repeal a lease.

“We repealed the lease and then Mr. Not So Brilliant challenged us for doing the very thing he asked us to do. The truth of the matter is a large number of those signatures were suspect, but I didn’t want to spend the money fighting it in court,” he said. “The people who did sign the petition were told that we

were shutting the shelter down, which was completely untrue. It’s always been the plan to go to the county. The irony here is that Mr. Not So Brilliant held up the transfer, which forced the shelter to be closed for the last several months. Thankfully we will now be able to move forward with bringing the shelter up the standards required by State statute. We need dog runs and kennels must be ventilated properly. Once that is accomplished, it will be reopened under the county and they will be bringing in more resources and a veterinarian. This is a win for both taxpayers and the animals. We will save $1 million a year and the animals will get better facilities and better care.”

The Calendar Girls

JERSEY SHORE – Looking for entertainment for your organization? The Calendar Girls – a Senior Performance Show which includes a Master of Ceremonies/Comedian 12 tap/jazz dancers, plus two vocalists. They provide their own music, along with their beautiful costumes in a one-hour show.

They entertain for special events at senior expos, clubhouses, fundraisers and assisted living facilities. They are available for holiday performances. Also, they continually look for tap dancers to join their group. For information or to book a show, call the booking agent Jean at 732-730-3539.

3rd Annual Field Of Dreams Car & Truck Show

TOMS RIVER – Cruise over to the Field of Dreams for the 3rd Annual Car & Truck Show on October 6 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Music, food, raffles, trophies for winners, and more! Open to all years, makes, models.

Pre-registration is $20; day of show is $25. Pre-registration available now, or day-of registration opens at 9 a.m.

For more information, visit rwjbhfieldofdreams.com.

Main Street Antique Center

A Multi-Dealer Shop with a many faceted, ever-changing inventory of fabulous nds and unique treasures including: Glass – dinnerware – pottery – household items vintage linens – barware – depression glass jadeite – furniture – jewelry – ne china crystal – vintage lighters – handbags

Open: Wednesday to Sunday • 11am-4pm 251 Main Street • Toms River, NJ 08753 (732) 349-5764

R.C. Shea & Assoc. Inside The Law

Choosing The Right Automobile Insurance Will Protect Your Family And Assets

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

The Standard Policy does provide medical expense benefits (PIP) coverage which includes medical expenses up to $250,000.00 per person per accident. The Standard Policy also provides you with Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM Benefits), so if you are injured by someone who does not have automobile insurance, is insured under a Basic Policy or leaves the scene of the collision then you and your family are covered for your losses.

recommend choosing the Basic Policy. The Basic Policy only provides minimal coverage and leaves you unprotected in several areas. A Basic Policy only provides you with $5,000.00 of property damage liability coverage if someone makes a claim against you and only provides $15,000.00 of medical expense benefits should you require medical treatment for your injuries. The Basic Policy does not cover you if you injure someone else. The Basic Policy does not provide Uninsured Motorist coverage to protect you and your family if the careless driver who causes the collision is uninsured or is insured under a Basic Policy. Perhaps most importantly, the Basic Policy will not provide you with a free lawyer to defend any claim against your personal assets.

We recommend that you purchase a Standard Policy. A Standard Policy provides the best insurance coverage to protect your assets if you are sued and to provide compensation to you and your family if you/ they are injured.

When you purchase the Standard Policy you must elect a “tort option” that will determine your right to make a claim. You must select either the “limitation on lawsuit option” or the “no limitation on lawsuit option.” If you purchase the Basic Policy then you are assigned the “limitation on lawsuit option.” We recommend that you choose the “no limitation on lawsuit option.” Ask your insurance representative what is the actual dollar amount that your overall premium will increase if you elect the “no limitation on lawsuit option.”

By choosing the “limitation on lawsuit option” you are limiting you legal right to make a claim for monetary damages unless you sustain one of the following injuries: Death, Dismemberment; Significant scarring or disfigurement; Displaced Fractures; Loss of Fetus or a Permanent Injury that can been diagnosed by credible, objective medical testing.

Selecting the correct insurance coverage is extremely important when it comes to protecting your family and personal assets. Call the Attorneys at R.C. Shea & Associates (732-505-1212) for a free evaluation of your automobile insurance policy.

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

Composting For Your Plants And The Environment

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

I just recently purchased a composting system to use at my home. At a previous home, I went through two composting systems over time. While is prefer a container system, some people create a compost pile in their yard. It’s a fantastic element to add to your indoor/outdoor plants, replacing eroded soil. The benefits are significant and rewarding. Before getting started, here is a link where I obtained some of my information: epa.gov/recycle/composting-home

Composting allows you to get rid of those items you would normally put into your trash. With this simple addition, you can dispose of so many items you might never think about. Keep in mind, processed foods like dairy, which includes the egg itself, meat or fish bones and scraps, fats, oils, animal feces, diseased plants, should NOT be composted. Ready-made products (while some may be ok), my personal recommendation is NOT to, as doing so can attract animals. Now for the good stuff. Raw/unprocessed or cooked – fruits, veggies, nut shells, coffee, tea, crushed eggshells, and even paper napkins. Small

pieces of BROWN bread can even be composted! Grass clippings and leaves, plant stalks, twigs, –prevents the powerful greenhouse gases from being disbursed into the environment.

Composting supports microorganisms that feed on materials in the compost, using nitrogen and carbon which grows and reproduces, water for digesting the materials, and oxygen to breathe. This is one of those projects that is enjoyable and rewarding. Before you know it, you will be ‘searching’ for items to compost.

Composting requires minimal effort. Doing so helps produce high-quality soil and reduces your need for fertilizers and pesticides. This site is a great reference: helpmecompost.com/compost/ materials/what-can-you-compost/ If interested in getting started, familiarize yourself, and jump in. As always, I am here to help. I gathered the information for this article from multiple sources so statistics may vary slightly. To reach me please call 732-244-2768. 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.

Toms River Harvest Arts Festival

TOMS RIVER – The Toms River Harvest Arts Festival will be on October 19 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Washington Street will be filled with food trucks, merchandise and handcraft vendors, a beer and wine garden and local artists selling and displaying their works as part of a juried art show.

There will be free pumpkin painting for the kids and other kids activities. Live entertainment from local bands throughout the day. Local businesses, restaurants, brewery and distillery will be open on the street as well. Free admission and free parking in downtown during the event.

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

Electric Vehicle Charging Incentives Available For Some NJ Residents

= HOLMDEL – Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), has relaunched its EV Driven residential electric vehicle charging incentives after maxing out customer participation in 2023. The incentives cover the cost of preparation work that customers are required to complete before an EV charger can be installed.

JCP&L’s EV Driven is a four-year program, approved by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) in 2022, to provide incentives for electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the company’s service area. This program was implemented to help benefit the state’s environment by reducing auto emissions.

The residential incentive portion of JCP&L’s $39.8 million EV Driven program closed in September 2023, just 14 months after the program opened in July 2022, after all available incentives were awarded. The program’s reopening comes after the BPU recently authorized reallocating $4.1 million from non-residential portions of the EV Driven program.

Doug Mokoid, FirstEnergy’s President, New Jersey, said, “New Jersey is a topfive state nationally for electric vehicle sales, and we are excited to make it easier for JCP&L customers to prepare their properties for at-home EV charging. The success of the initial round of incentives

shows just how valuable these are for our customers.”

JCP&L customers may be eligible for up to $7,000 in incentives to prepare their property for EV charger installation, including:

• Up to $1,500 for customer electrical upgrades required to install a qualified Level Two electric vehicle charger.

• Up to $5,500 in utility upgrades, such as new poles, transformers and service wires, necessary to support the chargers.

Beyond the incentives for preparation work, additional bill credit incentives are available to encourage off-peak-hours charging.

Customers can find more information about the program and apply for incentives at jcp-l.com/evdriven.

Electric vehicles offer a clean, efficient alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles, averaging as low as one-third the cost-per-mile of gasoline. Depending on the battery capacity, EV driving range can vary from about 80 miles up to 280 miles. New Jersey’s Energy Master Plan calls for an increase in electric vehicle adoption to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the state, accounting for 46% of the state’s net emissions.

WATERY EYE SYNDROME

Watery eye syndrome, also known as watery eye, epiphora, or tearing, causes tears to well up in the eyes and spill over onto the face. It often occurs when there is an overproduction of tears, poor tear drainage from the eye, or blocked tear ducts. Tears are essential for clear vision and for keeping the surface of the eye healthy. Overproduction or insufficient drainage, however, can make it difficult to see and can also become annoying. Environmental conditions such as wind, smoke, dry air, or cold weather can worsen watery eye symptoms, as can allergies, yawning, and even laughing. Treatments include widening narrow tear drainage channels or creating a new drainage channel for blocked ducts.

At SIGHTMD NEW JERSEY SUSSKIND & ALMALLAH EYE ASSOCIATES, we offer comprehensive eye health evaluations and necessary follow-up care. A complete eye exam involves a series of tests designed to evaluate your vision and check for eye diseases. Please call 732-349-5622 to schedule an appointment. We offer evening hours most nights of the week.

P.S. Watery eye is common in infants and babies since they often have blocked tear ducts during the first several months after birth because the tear ducts have not yet fully opened.

MARLBORO (732) 972-1015 TOMS RIVER (732) 349-5622 BRICK (732) 477-6981 BARNEGAT (609) 698-2020 www.oceancountyeye.com

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)

Items For Sale

Yard Sale, 211 6th Ave, Ortley Beach - Sept 27-29, 9-4 pm. Many New Items, Hardware, Houseware, Collectibles, Antiques, Clothing, Holiday Items, Etc. (42)

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 Help Wanted

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)

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)

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. (44)

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)

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

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)

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)

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)

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)

THE RIDE GUY - Takes you anywhere! No limits. Comfy mini-van. References. Call Charlie 732-216-3176 or Email: cr@exit109.com. 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)

Handyman Small jobs - Painting, powerwash, electrical, plumbing, light hauling. Call 732-859-9266. (43)

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)

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)

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

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

Chaise Lounge - Grey, 3 chairs matching, wooden brick, no pillows $400. 732-288-4639. (41) Yard Sale

Homeless:

Continued From Page 1

township because of all of the talk that’s been going around,” the meeting minutes detail. “There will be no immediate demolishment of the camp.”

Salonis is quoted in the meeting minutes as saying that the priority is the safety of the people in the camp. Discussions also included a pledge of funds from the mayor’s office so that people can be relocated into hotels faster than is currently possible.

Meeting minutes further indicate that Toms River Mayor Daniel Rodrick planned to do a walk-through of the camp. However, the goal was to wait until residents knew what was being done.

Pam Baker, Deputy Director of Homelessness for Collaborative Support Programs of NJ Inc. (CSPNJ), will serve as the point person between the township and the non-profits tasked with relocating the camp’s residents.

Brigham said 20 people live in tents near Winding River Park, with another 10 across Route 37. He has spent 24 years helping the homeless and setting up tents when no other options were available. Despite the assistance from non-profits, he noted that the lack of affordable housing keeps many without permanent homes.

“It’s the American way to help the poor and the underprivileged of our society,” Brigham said. “Everything up until now that has been done in Ocean County goes against our American values.”

It isn’t the first time Brigham’s camp has been closed out. His group lived in Lakewood for some time before the town literally bulldozed the tents. Another camp was kicked out of Howell a few years back by the landowner.

Some encampment residents are resistant to leaving, while others will be relocated to motels in and outside Ocean County. Non-profits are also addressing concerns such as pet accommodations, storage of

personal belongings, and even the care of chickens that live on the property.

“One of the residents wants to take a chicken with her,” said the meeting minutes. “Not sure that’s realistic.”

The meeting minutes question whether the mayor’s office will cover storage of various items and suggests laundry should be done before moves become finalized. There were also concerns about educating the campground residents about Lyme disease after living for extended periods of time in the woods.

A previous visit to the encampment revealed that many of the people living there were resistant to moving into motel settings. Some claimed they were dangerous, while others felt a sense of family and a more stable environment existed within the community Brigham formed. Some municipalities limit hotel stays to 28 days, meaning those relocated will be forced to move again until more permanent housing becomes available.

Support Children & Teens In Need

The camp’s population ranges from 18 to 75 years old, including one veteran.

Rodrick was recently quoted as saying that the prior administration allowed the homeless camp to grow in the woods. He estimated that there are 100 people living in the camp and said that “Toms River would not a depository for Monmouth and Ocean Counties homeless on his watch.”

Calling the vast majority of the homeless as drug addicted and mentally ill, Rodrick said that a recent Supreme Court decision gave the township the legal tools to clean up the mistakes of the prior administration (regarding homelessness) that had been allowed to grow and fester.

The Court’s decision in Grants Pass v. Johnson gives authorities the right to bring charges against people for sleeping and camping in public places. However, a number of state attorneys have said the ruling currently only impacts states under the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, including California and eight other Western states.

TOMS RIVER – During the month of July, the Ocean County Library seeks your donations of new, packaged toiletries and personal care items for children and teens in need. The Sparks B.F.F. Reading Club Summer Toiletries Drive will be centered in six OCL branches: Toms River Branch – 101 Washington

Ocean

Street, 732-349-6200

Brick Branch – 301 Chambers Bridge Road, 732-477-4513

Long Beach Island Branch – 217 South Central Avenue, Surf City, 609-494-2480

Point Pleasant Beach Branch – 710

McLean Avenue, 732-892-4575

Point Pleasant Borough Branch – 834

Beaver Dam Road, 732-295-1555

Upper Shores Branch – 112 Jersey City Avenue, Lavallette, 732-793-3996

The most-needed items include hair combs, hair brushes, feminine hygiene products, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, insect repellent, sunglasses, sunscreen, reusable water bottles, flip-flop sandals, soap,

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

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

toothbrushes and toothpaste.

Please donate only new, packaged items. No donation is too small, and each will let young people in need know that someone cares.

For more information, stop by any participating OCL Branch, call 732-349-6200 or visit theoceancountylibrary.org.

LOCATION HOURS

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

Dec. 13th County Connection (OC Mall) 3PM-6PM Tuesday, Dec. 17th Lacey Library 3PM-6PM

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

History:

Continued From Page 1

Huddy Park

In 1905, marshland along the southern boundary of our town was the subject of a referendum: should the township government purchase the property and create our fi rst municipal park?

The land, known as “Gowdy’s Island” in the nineteenth century, was being filled in by its owner, Ralph B. Gowdy, in the 1890s. Ordered by the federal government to stop filling in the marshlands, Gowdy tried to sell the property. He was unsuccessful. With that, the Township held a special voter referendum in September 1905 to acquire the land. It was overwhelmingly approved by the voters.

In the early twentieth century, the land was transformed into a park. Eventually, it came to be known as “Huddy Park” in honor of Joshua Huddy, the Patriot captain who defended the village during the Revolutionary War.

Electricity Beyond The Village

Also during this time in our history, the issue of electricity was subject to a referendum question. Electricity came to Toms River, downtown, fi rst in the Court House, right after the turn of the century.

In November 1913, a special referendum was held in the township. The issue was whether electric street lights should be “carried out” to the churches In Silverton, Cedar Grove, and White Oak Bottom. The question passed.

A “Borough Of Toms

River?”

The next year, a referendum question long overlooked in our history, if approved, would have had a profound impact on our community. After we were established in 1767 by that colonial act, many new townships and boroughs were carved out of our town and created in the nineteenth century. These new municipalities were sliced out of all parts of the original township.

In 1914, an idea arose to carve out the downtown village - from the larger Dover Township - and create a separate “Borough of Toms River.”

The boundaries of the new borough were proposed as Cedar Grove Road to Hooper Avenue, west on Locust Street (today known as State Highway 37) to Main Street

to the main branch of the Toms River, according to the New Jersey Courier, the town’s then weekly newspaper. According to the Courier, “the proposition has the support of the element in town which wishes to see the town sewered and sidewalks put down the streets. These are among some of the very best citizens, who think that a borough would mean progress. The opposition is largely from small property owners who do not like the idea of being compelled to lay sidewalks or to help pay for sewers.”

The idea of a binding vote on this idea fi rst came up at a meeting in the Court House in January of 1914 when supporters said that a ”borough would mean a more go ahead town.” Opponents said that “Toms River (History - See Page 28)

History

:

Continued From Page 27

loses in importance when it is pared down to a borough of 1,200 to 1,500 people and 300 voters.” (The 1910 Federal Census recorded a township-wide population of 2,452.)

The newspaper reported that there had been “borough talk at Toms River for 30 years or more, and this is the first time it ever came to a vote.”

Today, of course, there is no Borough of Toms River. There is, however, the Borough of South Toms River - south of the Toms River, created by a legislative act in 1927. The special referendum was held in April - just months before the beginning of World War One in Europe. The Courier said “there was but little electioneering for or against the borough.” The newspaper’s May 1, 1914 headline edition says it all:

“Toms River Voters Want No Borough So They Decided.”

The vote was 130 against and 78 in favor, a 63 to 37 percent margin. There were three election districts back then (today there are 63). The vote was:

District “East” - For: 7; Against: 23

District “Middle” – For: 41; Against: 74

District “West” – For: 30; Against: 33

So, an idea long talked about by citizens was

the subject of a referendum, but defeated. Today, our downtown village remains the very heart and soul of all of Toms River.

SOURCES: The New Jersey Courier; Ocean County: Four Centuries in the Making by Pauline S. Miller (2000) NEXT: Prohibition: that United States Constitutional Amendment prohibiting the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. But did you know that even before the federal ban, alcohol was prohibited in our town by our very own local Prohibition - as a result of a citizens’ initiated referendum petition? And more on other referendum questions in Toms River history - some approved, others rejected. J. Mark Mutter is the retired Dover and Toms River Clerk. He was elected to the Dover Township Committee three times and served as Mayor in 1993 and 2000. He chaired the Township’s 225-year anniversary committee in 1992, its 250-year anniversary committee in 2017, and its Constitution bi-centennial committee in 1987. He is writing a book on the history of Toms River.

American Legion Auxiliary Holiday Craft/Vendor Fair

TOMS RIVER – Save the date! The American Legion Auxiliary Holiday Craft/Vendor Fair will be on November 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. indoors at 2025 Church Road. Vendors may inquire at 732-272-7552.

The Jersey Shore is known for a lot of things, especially its robust bird population. Photographer Jim Tarabocchia was hiking at the Manasquan Reservoir when he spotted this White-breasted nuthatch as it was taking off in fl ight. Isn’t nature amazing? Got a photo you would like to share with our readers? Would you like to win a prize? Email your shore snaps to photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you may hear from us!

Comedy Night Fundraiser Featuring Joey Callahan

TOMS RIVER – The Knights of Columbus #4969 are presenting a comedy night fundraiser, featuring Joey Callahan (Comedy Central, Borgata, Edinburgh Fringe Festival) alongside other local professional entertainment.

This event is being held October 5 at the Toms River Knights of Columbus, located

at 113 Tennyson Avenue in Toms River. Doors open at 7 p.m., showtime 8 p.m. – BYO food/snacks, cash bar (no outside beverages permitted). Admission is $25 per person ($20 if purchased before September 20).

For tickets, call or text Danny at 732-5973832. This is a 21+ event.

FUN & GAMES SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Across 1 Manicurist’s tool

5 Windex target 9 Blackjack stack

14 Black Card co. 15 “Hey, sailor!” 16 Largest city on the Red River

17 *Small Hershey’s treats

20 Some pore minimizers

21 Chowder head?

22 “Outlander” cable network

23 *Cabbagelike ornamental plant

28 Sit for a portrait

30 More iffy

31 Pool toy

34 Orecchiette shape

36 Henrik whose last play was “When We Dead Awaken”

37 Tetris shape 38 *Baker’s pan

Links standard

Left on a map 46 Reason for a makeup test 49 Transmission selection 51 *Pedicabs 53 Sacramento team 57 Apropos of 58 Stuff one’s face

59 Misinterpret, or what is hidden in each of the answers to the starred clues? 64 String quartet instrument 65 Get just right

Old Italian bread?

Poetry fests

General __ chicken

Pulls the plug on

Trivia quiz fodder 2 “Can we turn on the ceiling fan?”

3 “Glassheart” singer Lewis

4 Passage quoted in a book review, say 5 Buds 6 “That’s it!”

7 Top-__

8 Lens cover

9 Added one’s opinion

10 Experiences 11 Some connections

12 Baltimore Ravens mascot named for a writer

13 Mom, to Auntie

18 Ricelike pasta

19 Green Hornet sidekick

23 Watered-down

24 USSR secret service

25 Flight path?

26 City near Manchester

27 Accounting giant __ & Young

29 __ salt

31 Adjust a paragraph setting

32 Defensive line?

33 Lab container

35 Iron-pumping unit

38 Some Bach creations

39 Puts a glove on, in a way

40 Wrath

43 Food writer Drummond

45 Squirm

47 “Ring of Fire” singer

48 Scope

50 Comparable (to)

52 Siouan speakers

54 Lose-lose

55 Keep safe

56 Ocular woes

58 D.C. veterans

59 Sets in a bar

60 Feel poorly

61 RVer’s stopover

62 Common name for a tree-lined street

63 Ipanema’s city

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Acknowledge that you can’t be everything to everyone. It’s okay to release the need to be the superhero that saves anyone who asks. It might best to focus on being objective about your tasks and delegate responsibilities where you can.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Your social life could blossom. You may soon find physical activities to enjoy with excited companions. A loved one or partner may be delighted by your warmth and might show happiness and enthusiasm for new changes in your routine.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Let your hair down and enjoy social interactions with similar individuals. Be mindful if any habits need to be cleaned that may turn you away from yourself. Displaying multiple interests could attract friends to soon flock to your side.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Work diligently and hash through any disputes as they arise. Trust that your determined efforts could be recognized and rewarded. Later in the week you could have plenty of opportunities to showcase your creative brilliance and social skills.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Focus on achieving common goals. While you might have a personal interest in achieving a goal or finishing a project, it’s always important to prioritize what’s best for everyone involved. You may need to make a small personal sacrifice.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): As they say, friend in need is a friend in deed. Consider new ways to collaborate with others in your community or social circle to make a meaningful impact on your surroundings. Your energy and participation could help serious concerns.

FOR THE WEEK OF SEPT 28 - OCT 4 BY

OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

JERALDINE SAUNDERS

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Reschedule heart to heart talks. The signals you receive may be contrary to what was intended or the response you encounter might be unexpected. You could achieve more through offering compromise than by being stubborn.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): When you imagine something, no matter how unlikely it may seem, deep down you know it’s possible. It might be fun to celebrate new and unusual things. Look beyond other people’s flaws and quirks, and in return they may overlook yours.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):

Clear away accumulated clutter. You may have gathered many unnecessary items and thoughts. In the coming week, focus on rejuvenating both your belongings and your inner self by creating a fresh, renewed state.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): This week, you might be influenced by someone with a clear sense of purpose and a well-developed work ethic. Try not to be too professional, however, when approached by someone who may be looking for companionship.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “Survival of the fittest” could be your motto. Your drive and ambition are peaking, but it may not be the right time to start something new. Focus on learning from past mistakes and consider setting money aside for emergencies.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Your imagination is on fire, but overthinking can smother the flames. You might not make key changes because you must focus on your current obligations. There may be a chance to get organized and systematically build a framework.

SALTED CAPERS ARE THE HALLMARK OF PESTO PANTESCO

By America’s Test Kitchen

PESTO PANTESCO WITH SPAGHETTI

(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.