2024-11-23 - The Toms River Times

Local Author’s Book Series Teaches Empathy For Neurodiverse Children

Alyssa Lego displays the books she wrote to foster understanding and empathy around neurodiversity.

By Stephanie Faughnan

TOMS RIVER - Alyssa Lego, a 22-year-old Boston College senior from Toms River, is on a mission to raise awareness about autism. Inspired by her brother Michael, who is nonverbal, Alyssa has dedicated time and creativity to telling stories that foster understanding and empathy around neurodiversity.

“My younger brother is 19

and on the autism spectrum,”

Alyssa shared. “Michael is two and a half years younger than me, and growing up, I realized that he experienced a lot of ableism, discrimination, and bullying because of his disability.”

The 2021 Donovan Catholic graduate has already released four books in her “You Me Neurodiversity” series, each one helping children and adults

Environmental Summit Provides Hands-On Learning

By Chris Lundy

BERKELEY – You can learn a lot in the classroom, but sometimes you have to go to the source.

That’s why more than 200 5th-8th grade students from nine area schools spent a day learning about marine ecosystems at Island Beach State Park during the 36th Annual Clean Ocean Action Fall Student Summit. Each session was like an immersive field trip, where the students were able to learn about environmental protection in a fun and

hands-on way.

While one group learned seining, another group looked for mollusks and crustaceans. They learned about invasive species and something even more invasive – microplastics.

The schools participating were Bay Head School, Bordentown Regional Middle School, Calvary Academy, Hugh J. Boyd, Jr. Elementary in Seaside Heights, Lavallette Elementary, Manchester Township Middle School, Memorial Middle School in Point Pleasant,

(Learning - See Page 5)

better understand autism and its impacts. However, her journey to becoming an advocate began as a young teenager.

Alyssa said that watching how others treated her brother forced her to grow into the protective big sister role from an early age. She found that she was particularly affected by how Michael was bullied.

“When I was 13 or 14, I sat down with the woman who’d been my fourthgrade teacher,” shared

Alyssa. “We created a lesson plan program called ‘Friends Who Are Different.’ It was all about respecting students.”

After fine-tuning the program, Alyssa courageously pitched the concept to the Toms River School District. “Friends Who Are Different” caught fire, with Alyssa touring kindergarten classes to deliver the message of understanding and acceptance.

“I did that for about a year,” Alyssa said. “For the next seven years, I was heavily involved

(Author - See Page 4)

Neighbors Want Town To Fight Hotel Plan

By Chris Lundy TOMS RIVER

– Residents living near the land where a hotel is proposed have been asking the governing body to fight it on their behalf.

LRE TR LLC is the developer behind the 125-room hotel plan. The hotel’s entrance would be on the southbound side of Hooper Avenue just north of Walnut Street. It would be across from where all the county office buildings are being constructed.

The hotel itself, though, would be in a currently wooded area overlooking homes on Walnut and Vauxhall Road. Nearby residents spoke at two recent Township Council meetings asking for help.

The hotel was planned since 2009, and was approved by the Planning Board in 2019, Vauxhall resident Robert Gallucci said. This year, it was before a land use board again to ask for a change in the signage that is allowed.

“The building got bigger. The design changed,” he said. Therefore, it should have to go before the land use board to get another approval. For example, there weren’t any windows facing Vauxhall in

(Hotel Plan - See Page 5)

This Month In History: Should Alcohol Be Served?

By J. Mark Mutter

TOMS RIVER - Our town was busy with citizen initiated efforts on local issues of the day in the early part of the twentieth century: acquiring the land for our first municipal park in 1905 and extending electrical service beyond the downtown area in 1913, both approved in voter referendums, but rejecting a plan to create a sep -

arate borough out of the village in 1914.

It was all part of the Progressive era in American history when everyday citizens led reform efforts on national and local issues of the day.

In Toms River, the last of these efforts in the early 1900s concerned the sale of alcoholic beverages.

(History - See Page 7)

Photo by Stephanie Faughnan

Author:

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with a lot of fundraising work to support autism communities in New Jersey.”

Alyssa left home to go away to college, still determined to keep advocating for autism awareness – though she wasn’t yet sure how. After brainstorming with her mother, Dawn Lego, she devised the idea for the You Me Neurodiversity series. The goal was to create engaging stories for young children that introduce concepts of acceptance and understanding in a fun, relatable way.

The first book, “Max and the Tower of Acceptance,” came out in spring 2023. The story introduces Max and his journey to explain to his classmates what it is to be autistic.

“His classmates have this new appreciation for him,” shared Alyssa. “And he develops this really close relationship with his teacher, Miss Jones.”

Through Max’s story, Alyssa brings readers along as his friends build a “tower of acceptance” and discover what it means to appreciate each other’s differences. One of the most touching parts of the book is the dedication – to Michael, who Alyssa refers to as her beautiful brother.

“You are a constant source of inspiration, and your unique way of experiencing the world has forever shaped my perspective,” Alyssa wrote. “In your gentle presence, I have learned the true meaning of acceptance, empathy, and the beauty of neurodiversity.”

Following “Max and the Tower of Acceptance,” Alyssa published “Lily Finds Her Voice” in the summer of 2023. This book tells the story of Lily, a nonverbal young girl who uses an AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) device to communicate.

Lily’s story is close to Alyssa’s heart, as Michael also uses an AAC device. While he can say words occasionally, the device allows Michael to express more complex thoughts and emotions. Through Lily’s journey, Alyssa hopes to show readers that communication goes beyond spoken words - it’s about understanding each other’s needs and creating connections.

“Henry and the Birthday Invitation,” the third book in the series, was released in early 2024. It follows Henry, a boy with autism, who is finally invited to a friend’s birthday party. Henry’s friends make sure he feels comfortable at the party by creating a “quiet corner” with calming items, showing how small changes can make a big difference.

“I don’t think my brother was ever invited to a birthday party,” Alyssa said. “Henry’s story is what inclusion can look like.”

The latest addition, “Julie Visits the Statue of Liberty,” debuted in August 2024. The book was inspired by Michael’s interest in visiting the iconic statue. After seeing him mention the Statue of Liberty on his AAC device, the family planned a sensory-friendly trip that allowed Michael to experience the landmark comfortably. Julie’s story celebrates the adventure of exploring new places while keeping the needs of neurodiverse individuals in mind.

To make the books even more impactful, the two new titles include “self-advocate pages” spotlighting individuals with intellectual disabilities. A coloring book entitled “Colorful Minds; Colorful Worlds” encourages children of all abilities to express their emotions through art.

“It’s a neurodiversity affirming coloring book,” explained Alyssa. “It’s a way to express emotions and share the joy of coloring with a neurotypical and a neurodiverse person.”

Alyssa and her mom worked together on the graphic designs of the books, which are self-published and available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. A portion of all proceeds goes to autism-focused

charities.

Alongside her writing, Alyssa is active in promoting autism awareness on social media and attends conferences to speak about neurodiversity and inclusive education. Most recently, she spoke at the Summit for Transformative Learning in St. Louis, Missouri. After college graduation, Alyssa plans to work in healthcare public relations, bringing her advocacy skills to a new field.

No matter what she does professionally, Alyssa will always be there for her younger brother in every way. She’s honored that her parents have named her as one of Michael’s legal guardians along with them. And she gives both her mom and dad credit for raising her to be accepting and tolerant.

“It’s the way they would tell me things about my brother, and how we would reconcile them,” Alyssa shared. “They would tell me this is how Michael communicates, how he behaves, and how we help him and support him.”

“I almost didn’t know there was anything abnormal or different until we would enter the community,” she continued. “Then, we would get the backlash, the bullying and the questions. I thought finding creative solutions was normal, as was being resilient and not afraid to fail.”

Hotel Plan:

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an older plan but now there are, and they will be looking “in our back yards.”

The developer is using traffic studies from 2009, he said, questioning how they could still be accurate since the town has become more congested since then.

Maria McGowan, who also lives on Vauxhall, said that 62 families have signed a

Learning:

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Saint Peter’s School in Point Pleasant Beach, and Westfield Friends School in Cinnaminson.

Kristen Grazioso, education and volunteer manager for Clean Ocean Action, pointed out that while some lessons were taught by groups like the Barnegat Bay Partnership, some were

petition against the hotel.

“We can’t believe there is no expiration date on a variance,” she said.

Gallucci and McGowan’s concerns are the same as the ones they brought up at a meeting three weeks prior, and they were still looking for help. At that meeting they spoke about the volume of police reports that get generated by a hotel.

Dennis McGowan said that a jughandle would serve residents better in that spot than

taught by seniors from the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science (MATES).

“They’re learning from their peers,” she said.

“They are inspired by the experience.”

The younger students might decide to attend MATES after this. She noted that she’ll meet MATES students who fondly remember the summit. Even if they don’t continue their

a hotel. He also asked if there was a reforestation plan to make up for the trees taken down.

Another Vauxhall resident, John Green, said that if the hotel has a liquor license, it is too close to Westminster Nursery School (run out of the Presbyterian Church) by state statute.

He noted that the area has a lot of kids who walk to Walnut Street Elementary School, and others who wait at bus stops in the area.

There are too many kids near the street to have a high-traffic hotel, particularly if liquor

educational career in environmental science, the goal is to encourage them to think and live in a more environmentally sustainable way.

“By having them here, hands on, connected with the environment, they’ll be more inspired to protect it,” she said.

Some examples of the field trips included a botany walk, beach combing, fishing, beach

Support Children & Teens In Need

is served.

“We are looking at it,” Township Attorney Greg McGuckin said at the most recent meeting. At the previous meeting, he suggested the timelines of the paperwork that was filed could be checked to see if the developer is in violation.

“The administration is looking at it and if there’s anything that can be done,” Township Attorney Peter Pascarella said at the most recent meeting.

profiling, and beach sweeps. Roundtable discussions focused on subjects like horseshoe crabs, terrapins, and nonpoint source pollution.

The schools only had to provide transportation. The rest was free thanks to the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust and Eloise & John Pound in memory of Anne Inman Webster, as well as Island Beach State Park.

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

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,

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.

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Here’s the story, and it’s told through some dusty old records, long forgotten, that were found by accident.

The Town Hall Basement

When I served as our municipal clerk, the Township government embarked on an ambitious records management program with the help of state grant monies. Over several years, we obtained almost a half million dollars from New Jersey to organize records. When I first became clerk - by state law, the chief records custodian of the municipality - there were over 10,000 “bankers boxes” of records, containing literally hundreds of thousands of files with documents. And, they were everywhere! In Town Hall, from the attic to the basement, in nine separate locations, and off campus, at the Law Enforcement Center, at Public Works, and at the Recreation office, Youth and Senior Center buildings. They were in all sorts of condition and organization - and important to the functioning of the local government and everyday people’s needs. Things like an old building permit, or zoning approval, or tax record, and so much more.

It was a herculean task to organize and it took years of hard work by dedicated municipal employees. One of the things that I vividly remember was our very energetic Records Manager, Gregory Horback,

rushing into my office, all excited one day, with something he had accidentally stumbled upon in the deep recesses in the basement of Town Hall.

Our current Town Hall has two sections: the original part, facing Washington Street, which was first a private residence built in 1902, and later a doctor’s office. The Township government acquired the building in 1949, made revisions to it, and it opened as Town Hall in 1950. The newer, rear part of the municipal building, by the parking garage, was built over several years in the 1970s and opened in 1979.

In the midst of our records management work, Mr. Horback came upon papers in a dark cubby hole on the dirt basement floor of the 1902 building. They were then almost 100 years old. On aged, fragile paper - 19 pages of paper - was a neatly hand written request addressed to the municipal clerk. It was from the citizens of the town.

In one sentence, it stated: “We, the undersigned, respectfully represent that we are legal voters of Dover Township (our legal name then) in the County of Ocean, State of New Jersey, and that we hereby request you to order an election under the provisions of Chapter Two of the laws on one thousand nine hundred and eighteen to determine whether or not the sale of intoxicating liquor as a beverage in Dover Township shall be prohibited.”

That’s it: a simple, straightforward question, with pages of signatures of people whose names that are still familiar with

us today: Applegate, Clayton, Herflicker, Irons, McKelvey.

What a find!

But as curious history buffs, Greg and I asked ourselves: whatever happened to this request? Was an election ever held? If so, did it pass? Did it fail? There were no records about that in that old dusty cubby hole. Where to look, where to research this mystery of our local history?

The Township’s Minutes

We quickly decided that the Township’s minutes - safely kept in the locked, walkin, fire proof vault - in the 1979 wing of the building -might the place to start looking.

Sure enough, we found an entry in the 1918 minutes. It, too, was handwritten. (The Township minutes began being typed in 1925.) They recorded that the petition was certified by the town clerk, Theodore Fischer.

Fischer was the longest serving clerk in our history, over 40 years, spanning the time before the First World War, through the “Roaring ‘20s and Great Depression, and the Second World War. (He was also the village barber!) He is an icon in our local history.

Fischer ordered a special election and on May 28, 1918 it was held - almost two years before the Eighteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution which prohibited alcohol on a national level. There were two election districts in the township then. (Today there are 63.) In the

Victorian Tea Room

“Eastern District,” the local Prohibition question passed 135 to 121 votes. In the “Western District,” it passed 156 to 154. But it was all short lived: Prohibition throughout the United States was repealed in 1933.

SOURCE: Dover Township Committee Minutes; 1918 petition

NEXT: The “growing pains” voter referendums of the 1960s. With the opening of the Garden State Parkway in 1954, the Township population quickly grew. Between the 1950 and 1960 Census years, the population more than doubled. This resulted in numerous issues that our town faced. Four referendums were held in the ‘60s involving the municipal government. They concerned the size of the local governing body (then known as the Township Committee), the organization of the police department, pensions for municipal employees, and land use controls to slow development.

A fifth question involved the school system and the rapidly growing student population: should the Toms River school system be “regionalized?”

J. Mark Mutter is the retired Dover and Toms River Township Municipal 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, it’s 250-year anniversary committee in 2017, and it’s Constitution bi-centennial committee in 1987. He is writing a book on the history of Toms River.

THURSDAY

Treat yourself to the pleasure of a Full Victorian Holiday Tea, surrounded by the festivity of 35 dazzling Christmas trees. Step into our enchanting Tea Room adorned with crisp linens, fine English Bone China and charming tea pots with cozies.

Our five-course Holiday Tea includes a freshly brewed pot of tea of your choice, a seasonal salad, a petite cup of soup, a warm scone with clotted cream and lemon curd, an assortment of tea sandwiches and a full plate of home-made desserts.

Reservations are required with advance payment of $50 per person plus tax and gratuity, $20 for children age 12 and under, and free for children 5 and under. Enjoy live music during your visit. Seating times are Wednesday thru Sunday, 11am and 3pm.

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

Senators: Release Ethics Report On Trump’s Attorney General Pick

Comments

WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) joined all Senate Judiciary Democrats in a letter to the House Ethics Committee urging the House Ethics Committee to preserve and transmit to the Senate Judiciary Committee all relevant documentation on former Congressman Matt Gaetz, including the report that the House Ethics Committee was reportedly prepared to vote to release. The letter follows Mr. Gaetz’s resignation from Congress after President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Mr. Gaetz to serve as Attorney General.

In April 2021, the bipartisan House Ethics Committee announced that the Committee was “aware of public allegations that Representative Matt Gaetz may have engaged in sexual misconduct and/or illicit drug use, shared inappropriate images or videos

on the House floor, misused state identification records, converted campaign funds to personal use, and/or accepted a bribe, improper gratuity, or impermissible gift, in violation of House Rules, laws, or other standards of conduct,” and as a result, the Committee had “begun an investigation and will gather additional information regarding the allegations.”

In June 2024, the House Ethics Committee issued a statement noting that the Committee had “determined that certain of the allegations merit continued review” and that “the Committee has also identified additional allegations that merit review,” including allegations pursuant to Committee Rules 14(a)(3) and 18(a) that Representative Gaetz may have: engaged in sexual misconduct and illicit drug use, accepted improper gifts, dispensed special privileges and favors to individuals with whom he had a personal relationship, and sought to obstruct government investigations of his conduct.”

The Senators wrote, “The sequence and timing of Mr. Gaetz’s resignation from the

House raises serious questions about the contents of the House Ethics Committee report and findings. We cannot allow this critical information from a bipartisan investigation into longstanding public allegations to be hidden from the American people, given that it is directly relevant to the question of whether Mr. Gaetz is qualified and fit to be the next Attorney General of the United States.”

The Senators continued, “The Senate has a constitutional duty to provide advice and consent on presidential nominees, and it is crucial that we review all of the information necessary to fulfill this duty as we consider Mr. Gaetz’s nomination. We thus request that you immediately provide to the Senate Judiciary Committee your Committee’s report and all documentation related to your investigation into Mr. Gaetz’s alleged misconduct. The Senate Judiciary Committee will accept this information in any format that accords with your Committee’s rules, but please include all underlying source materials on which you relied, including interviews and contact information for any of these sources.”

There is substantial precedent for the release of such materials in both chambers of

Congress. In 1987, the House Ethics Committee released a preliminary report about former Rep. Bill Boner after he left Congress, stating: “In the Committee’s view, the general policy against issuing reports in cases such as here involved is outweighed by the responsibility of the Committee to fully inform the public regarding the status and results of its efforts up to the date of Representative Boner’s departure from Congress.” Similarly, in 2011, the Senate Select Committee on Ethics released its preliminary report on former Senator John Ensign after he resigned from Congress. The House Ethics Committee has also continued investigations after Members have left Congress, such as in 2010 when it twice reauthorized its investigation into former Rep. Eric Massa after his departure. The letter was led by Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and signed by U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Laphonza Butler (D-CA).

Update Given On Record-Breaking Drought And Wildfire Response

From The Desk Of The Governor

Phil Murphy

TRENTON – As New Jersey continues to experience historically low precipitation, above-average temperatures, and deteriorating water-supply conditions, Governor Phil Murphy and DEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced on November 13 the State is declaring a Drought Warning and gave an update on the significant increase in wildfires over last year. As New Jersey enters the next stage in severity of water-storage conditions, officials strongly encouraged the public to reduce water use during a virtual press conference.

Firefighters across New Jersey are battling a number of wildfires during a record-breaking dry spell that is affecting the entire northeast. Since early October, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service has responded to 537 wildfires, a more than 1,300% increase in wildfires over the same period last year. The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management has deployed the State’s All-Hazards Incident Management Team to supplement operations.

The Jennings Creek wildfire, burning along New Jersey’s border with New York, claimed the life of New York State parks system employee Dariel Vasquez as he fought the fire.

Since the start of the year, nearly 1,300 wildfires have burned over 11,000 acres. The average number of fires per year since the year 2000 is 1,071 wildfires and 4,000 acres burned. As a result of the extremely dry conditions, mandatory statewide Stage 3 fire restrictions remain in effect. These restrictions prohibit all fires unless they are contained in an elevated stove using only propane, natural gas, or electricity. No wood or charcoal fires are allowed, and the use of kerosene or gas torches of any kind is prohibited while this level of restriction is in place.

Commissioner LaTourette signed an Administrative Order authorizing the Drought Warning designation, which is the next stage of drought after a Water Supply Drought Watch. DEP announced Drought Watch status in mid-October, following a period of prolonged dry conditions. A Drought Warning enables the DEP to more closely manage water systems by directing water transfers among systems, controlling releases from

reservoirs, and modifying the rate of flow in streams and rivers in order to balance ecological protection and needs of water suppliers.

“New Jersey is experiencing unprecedented weather conditions - as a result of climate change - that require us to take these precautionary measures now,” Governor Murphy said. “It can be challenging to adjust our daily habits, but it is imperative that we all work together, heed the guidance to conserve water, and use the utmost caution outdoors to reduce the risk of wildfire as dry conditions continue statewide.”

“Climate change is driving our record low precipitation and above-average temperature recorded statewide in September and October,” Commissioner LaTourette said.

“This combination of events has resulted in decreased streamflow and groundwater levels, which harms our available water supplies. Taking these measures now and encouraging reduced water use will help provide some measure of protection from the weather uncertainty we face entering winter.”

Major reservoir systems are below their normal water levels for this time of year and may need transfers of water through interconnected infrastructure to balance storage.

The Coastal North region’s storage is predominantly created from the combined storage in reservoirs operated by New Jersey

American Water and the New Jersey Water Supply Authority serving portions of Monmouth and Ocean counties are 62 percent capacity, compared to their normal level of 86 percent for this time of year.

Water Conservation Guidance The public is strongly encouraged to follow these tips to reduce water use:

• At this time of year, it is appropriate to let lawns go dormant for the season.

• Winterize, and shut off irrigation systems as soon as possible.

• Only use a watering can to water flowers and shrubs or allow them to go dormant for the season.

• Use a broom to sweep the sidewalk, rather than a hose.

• Use a commercial car wash that recycles water, as washing your car at home typically results in more water use.

• To save water at home, fix leaky faucets and pipes. Consider replacing your toilet with a low-flow version; this can save around 11,000 gallons per year.

• Upgrade your showerhead to low-flow versions, which can save some 7,700 gallons per year.

• Upgrade your faucets or install faucet aerators; this can save some 16,000 gallons per year.

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.

Senator Cory Booker

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY

EDITORIAL

If You Want To Run For Office, Start Volunteering

The campaign is over. Let the campaign begin!

I know we just had an election, and everyone could certainly use a breather. But for those few of you thinking of running for office, now is the time to take that next step.

Start attending meetings of whatever board you want to join. Watch the proceedings. Learn how they do things and why. If you win, you’ll be spending your evenings at these meetings anyway; you might as well get used to it.

More importantly, become active in your community. Whether it’s youth sports, church groups, or some other volunteer activity, they’d be happy to have you.

Hopefully, the reason you want to get into politics is to help someone other than yourself. This is why you should start volunteering. Why wait until you’re in office to help people? Get going now!

Do you care about the environment? There are organizations for that. 2 nd Amendment? There are organizations for that. Education?

There are organizations for that. Reach out and find them.

Every time I interview candidates for office, I ask them if they are involved in any community groups. It really paints a picture. It tells voters how you spend your free time. It will also give you a taste of interacting with the public. Many people live very structured lives where you will never meet someone who you don’t already know. Getting yourself out there will introduce you to new ideas and points of view. They might not be intelligent ideas or valid points of view, but you’ll be able to understand what people in your community are thinking. Otherwise, you’re just talking to just your own friends and family. And, even if you don’t wind up running, or you run for election and lose, the hours you spend doing public service will be time well spent. Who knows, you might even decide that this is a better way to help people.

Chris Lundy News Editor

WE WELCOME LETTERS TO THE EDITOR!

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 verification. 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 reflect 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.

Watch How Your Taxes Are Spent

I am very humbled to have received over 92,000 votes for the position of Ocean County Commissioner. Thank you to all those that voted for me!! I really appreciate it.

However, majority rules and those that got 215,000 votes won.

Another clean sweep for George Gilmore.

We all know who pulls the strings behind the Ocean County Commissioners.

I will continue my watch and I urge more citizens to attend the untelevised and non- video recorded County Commissioner meetings at 4 p.m. on Wednesday afternoons in the Ocean County Administration Building on the corner of Hooper Ave and Washington Street in Toms River.

The Commissioners have a TON of your tax moneycome watch them spend it for you!

See you there!

Regina Discenza Forked River

Rise And Fall

Shortly after graduating from West Point, I found myself stationed in West Germany as a 2nd Lieutenant. Being fascinated with history and living in Germany, I started reading “The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich.” As I remember, my company commander, a Captain, asked me, “Why are you reading that?” My answer, “Because I want to see how he [Hitler of course] did it!” When I finished the book, I couldn’t help think how gullible the German people were to follow a crazed man into a nightmare as they had. Over the years my wife and I often spoke of how, if the Roman Empire could fall, why not the United States of America? We thought this would happen one day, given the history of the world and the outcome of various regimes. We never

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

dreamed it would happen in our lifetime.

Fast forward ahead to the present. It is said that those ignorant of history are bound to let it repeat itself. I feel like I am watching the movie of the book I read so many years ago. How can people be so gullible as to follow a man that has no interest in them, nor any interest in making things better for them? And those in power who follow this man and let the power transfer to him will certainly become powerless in the end. If I knew they would read a book, I could recommend a good one for them.

As for me, it is quite possible that, if these gullible folks do not wake up, I could easily become an author by just following the chapters in the above mentioned book, changing only the names, dates, and locations.

James Dulong Mantoloking

Governor Candidate Speaks

I am writing to announce my candidacy for the office of Governor of New Jersey in the upcoming election. Throughout my life, I have been deeply committed to serving our communities, advocating for positive change, and fighting for the values that make New Jersey a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

As a longtime resident of New Jersey (since 1958), I have witnessed both the challenges we face and the incredible potential we hold. New Jersey is a diverse and vibrant state, rich in history and culture, but we cannot overlook the pressing issues confronting families, workers, and taxpayers today. I believe that together, we can create a brighter future for all residents through transparency, collaboration, and innovative solutions. I want to hear what New Jerseyans have to say. I believe my experience

as a teacher, principal, and Superintendent of Schools in New Jersey, and as an elected official for 30 years, including Mayor of the City of Burlington for eight years, has equipped me with the skills necessary to lead our state effectively. I earned Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Leadership. As an Associate Professor for Central Michigan University, I taught members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard on the graduate level at Camp Pendleton and Joint Base MDL. I also participated in the U.S. Army War College as a citizen leader while serving as mayor.

I am passionate about listening to the voices of our citizens and ensuring that those concerns guide my initiatives, policies, and decisions. I believe in fostering an inclusive environment where every New Jerseyan feels heard, valued, and part of the decision making process.

I am excited to embark on this journey to connect with the people of New Jersey. I invite everyone to join me in this campaign for a better tomorrow, where we prioritize education, enhance opportunities in the trades, provide quality healthcare, and generate economic growth which benefits all New Jerseyans. Together, we can build a New Jersey that reflects our shared values and aspirations.

When asked if I am a New York Football Giants or Philadelphia Eagles fan I answer by saying that I was invited, as a free agent, to closed tryouts for both teams after playing NCAA College Football. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to earning your support as we work towards a brighter future for our great state of New Jersey.

James A. Fazzone

Jersey Jim Fazzone for Governor

Don’t Allow “Homeschool Pod” At Church

This letter was sent to the Brick Board of Adjustment and Planning Board.

I am a resident of Brick. I am writing to express concern regarding the pending approval of the use of the Fellowship Chapel of the Jersey Shore as a school run by Rebeka Snegon and the Liberty School Association. I am a former NJ educator. I hold a Doctorate in Education from Rutgers University and served in many capacities during my long career. I have written extensively on a variety of topics, have consulted internationally, and have a deep understanding of education in New Jersey.

My concern is that under New Jersey code, the described project is not a school. New Jersey recognizes public and nonpublic schools and this project does not fit the definition of either, therefore it cannot operate as a school. Here is the code:

Definition of a Nonpublic School in New Jersey

A nonpublic school means an elementary or secondary school within the State, other than a public school, offering education for grades kindergarten through 12, or any combination of them, wherein any child may legally fulfill compulsory school attendance requirements and which complies with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 [N.J.S.A. 18A:46A-2(b)].

A nonpublic school is a place where children attend and receive instruction equivalent to that provided in the public schools for children of similar grades and attainments (N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25). As such, a nonpublic school requires in-person attendance by children.

Nonpublic schools are eligible to receive services for their students through several State and federal

More Than 30 Vets Welcomed At Hooper Ave

HEALTHY TEARS

Dry eyes and dry eye syndrome are caused by lack of moisture and lubrication on the eye’s surface. Normally, a film of tears is present to keep the eyes moist and free from debris. A healthy tear film comprises three important elements: oil, water, and mucus. The oily element is produced by meibomian glands in the eyelids. The watery element is produced by lacrimal glands behind the upper eyelids. The mucus-like element is produced by the cells in the white part of the eye (sclera). Dry eye occurs when one or more of these essential elements aren’t sufficiently produced. Dry eyes can cause side effects ranging from mild irritation to constant inflammation; the condition may even scar the eye’s surface.

Dry eyes can increase your risk of a corneal abrasion, particularly if you routinely wake up with dry eyes. If your eyes dry out while you are sleeping, your eyelids may stick to your cornea. When you wake up and open your eyes, your eyelids can tear part of the corneal epithelium, causing a painful abrasion. To schedule an appointment with SIGHTMD NEW JERSEY SUSSKIND & ALMALLAH EYE ASSOCIATES, please give our office a call at 732-349-5622. We offer evening hours most nights of the week.

P.S. Dry eye syndrome is chronic and may not be curable, but available treatments can result in fewer symptoms, greater comfort, and better vision.

MARLBORO (732) 972-1015

TOMS RIVER (732) 349-5622

BRICK (732) 477-6981

BARNEGAT (609) 698-2020 www.oceancountyeye.com

P.O. Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733 • Phone: 732-657-7344 • Fax: 732-657-7388 email: news@jerseyshoreonline.com • jerseyshoreonline.com

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Allison Gradzki Graphic Artist Adriana Miranda

TOMS RIVER – Hooper Avenue Elementary held its annual Take A Veteran to School Day, which brought in more than 30 veterans who have served in various branches of the military. They were treated to a short show pre -

Photo courtesy Toms River Schools sented by K-2 students before speaking to the grades 3-5 classes. At the conclusion of their presentations, they were treated to a continental breakfast funded through donations and a PEP grant from the Toms River Education Association.

Visit The OC Historical Society For The 4th Annual Victorian Style Holiday Open House

TOMS RIVER – Celebrate this Holiday Season At the Ocean County Historical Society’s 4th Annual Victorian Style Open House on November 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sales

Lorrie Toscano

Layout Designer Julia Wilkens

For many members of the Ocean County Historical Society one of the first signs of the Holiday Season is the OCHS Holiday Open House. The event offers something for the whole family. Make sure to have your picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus at no charge. They will be arriving from the North Pole at 11 a.m. and staying until 2 p.m. You are also going to want to tour the 1860s house and museum, decorated for the holidays. When you get hungry enjoy the holiday snacks and drinks. And, of course, Santa will have special gifts for the children.

Make sure to bring your children and grandchildren to this fun filled event. And keep in mind, the day is meant to be enjoyed by people of all ages.

According to OCHS Board member Frank Parks, “my wife and I look so forward to the Open House each year. We love dressing up in holiday themed clothes and have our picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus each year. A lot of fun, and great memories.”

The Ocean County Historical Society is located in Downtown Toms River at 26 Hadley Avenue. In keeping with the holiday spirit, there is no fee for admission to the museum or for pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

For additional information, contact Jeff at 609-339-9134 or jeffschenker@ myyahoo.com.

C ommunity n ew S

Ocean County Sportsmanship Award Goes To Lady Raiders

TOMS RIVER – The High School East girls soccer team is the recipient of the 2024 Ocean County Sportsmanship Award.

The honor, voted on by the Soccer Referees Association, goes to individuals or teams that compete with respect, integrity, and goodwill, and who go above and beyond to display good character.

In a prime example of what the Lady Raiders are all about, the “Mae Game” earlier this fall honored the late Maegan “Mae” Higham, a former Toms River student-athlete who passed away this summer from a rare form of adrenal cancer. The team invited the Higham family to the game and on the field for a pre-game moment of remembrance, and then went out and defeated Red Bank Regional, 2-0. The team takes its cue and its lead from head coach Jamie Blondina.

“Jamie has high standards for her team’s performance and behavior both on and off the field,” said Athletic Director Ted Gillen. “She is demanding but fair, and her team reflects her expectations with their tough

Photo courtesy Toms River Schools play, and also how they conduct themselves with class, respect, and kindness.”

The Lady Raiders pride themselves on doing things the right way, and that was evident during one of the team’s big recent initiatives - a bathroom renovation project at the East field house. The coach, her team, and volunteers painted the bathroom in order to restore its purpose and presence. It was a project based in kindness and humility, of doing the dirty work to benefit others. The school community has taken notice, and has lauded the team for the practical and aesthetic improvement.

“It’s appropriate and just plain awesome that one of our own teams would earn this award this year, during our 2024-2025 Kindness Campaign,” said Assistant Superintendent Pat Thomas. “East soccer truly does embody everything this award stands for, and on behalf of the district, I am so proud of them, and happy for this squad.”

The 2024-2025 High School East girls soccer team will be presented the 2024 Ocean County Sportsmanship Award at a banquet later this month.

Pleasant Plains Semi-Annual Pancake Breakfast

TOMS RIVER – Pleasant Plains Vol. Fire Department 81st annual pancake breakfast will be on November 24 from 7 to 12 p.m. at 40 Clayton Avenue, Toms River. Doors open at 7 a.m. Tickets are $10. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, juice, coffee, tea, or hot chocolate (all you can eat includes only pancakes). Free refills on cof-

fee and tea. Regular and sugar free syrup. 50/50 raffle and gift auctions.

Dine in, local delivery, and pick up available. Call 732-349-0808 for more information.

They will also be collecting items for the local food pantry. If possible, bring a non-perishable item.

Fitness Class

TOMS RIVER – Toms River Recreation presents: POUND with Pepper! Classes are on Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m. from December 12 to February 6 (no class December 26), as well as Tuesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. from December 10 to February 11 (no class December 24 & 31).

All classes in both sections will take place at the Youth Services building. The cost to register is $45, which includes all classes within the chosen section.

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

Letter Of Thanks Prompts Helicopter Visit

TOMS RIVER – In a year of kindness at Intermediate South and throughout the district, it’s nevertheless amazing what one small act can do.

Take Emily Foti, for example. One day the student in teacher Abigail Stolowski’s life skills class is writing a letter of thanks to law enforcement. And before you know it, a helicopter is landing at her school.

Yes, on November 11, the New Jersey State Police paid a dramatic visit to Intermediate South, landing one of their helicopters on the soccer fields. They were there to personally thank Emily for her letter of appreciation, and hey - they made the trip,

courtesy Toms River Schools so why not stay to answer questions about careers in law enforcement?

The troopers showed students in the period-1 life skills class a NJSP Trooper car so they could see all the equipment and technology they utilize each day during their shift. The NJSP helicopter landing site became a post for a Q&A session among students, the pilot, and flight medics.

“It was a great morning and a great experience for our students in Ms. Stolowski’s life skills class,” said Assistant Principal Casey Daniel. “Thank you to the New Jersey State Police for a great presentation and all the time you spent with the students.”

Coaches Cup Goes To North Field Hockey

TOMS RIVER – High School North’s field hockey team won its first-ever Coaches Cup Tournament November 2, defeating Middletown North in an overtime thriller, 2-1.

The Mariners entered the Shore Conference Tournament as 12 seed, setting up an unlikely championship match with the

Photo courtesy Toms River Schools 15th-seeded Lions. The girls withstood a fourth-quarter Middletown North goes to force overtime, and Emily Marra’s nine saves proved crucial in the victory. Kylee Williams and Jill Tetzlaff each scored a goal, and High School North are now 2024 Shore Conference field hockey champions. Congratulations, girls!

Photo

Students A Big Part Of Veterans Day Parade

TOMS RIVER – Students from the broadcast journalism studios of Toms River Schools TV (TRSTV) were behind the cameras downtown today to record the annual Veterans Day Parade. The day’s festivities included recognition

of the district’s Veterans Day Essay Contest winners, and of course parade participation and performances by district students, bands, troupes, and its JROTC Academy. All of it worthy of a day dedicated to honoring those who served our country.

5th Annual Survivor Day 5K Run/Walk

ISLAND HEIGHTS – The 5th Annual Survivor Day 5K Run/Walk Intonational Survivors of Suicide Loss Day will be on November 23 at 9:30 a.m. at 5 Wanamaker Municipal Complex Island Heights. Registration is $40 per person. T-shirts to pre-registered runners. Prizes for top runners in various age groups. 100% of donations go toward promoting mental health awareness.

This Year’s Race is Dedicated to: Anthony “Butchie” Kurnel III, Berkeley Township Police Department #329, a life marked by service, love, and community. Butchie was born and raised in Bayville, and served as a lieutenant for 23 years at Berkeley Township Police Department.

Butchie was a husband, father of 3, and a proud grandfather to Anthony. He was the cornerstone to his family and held such a bright presence in the community. He was 55 years old when he lost his life to the silent killer of mental health and suicide. His legacy will live on as we remember the countless lives he has touched, all the laughs we’ve had and all of the people he’s lent his hand out to help. We remember Butchie, not only for the challenges he faced, but for the joy he brought to everyone, his dedication to his family, and the care that he brought to every aspect of life. For more information and to register, go to runsignup.com

Photo courtesy Toms River Schools

Pet And Family Photos With Santa

TOMS RIVER – 1,107. That’s how many youths are receiving care management services from Ocean Partnership for Children (OPC) today. The number fluctuates daily, but the crises remain the same. Since 2005, OPC has been the designated Care Management Organization for Ocean County and has worked with nearly 9,000 individual youth over the past 20 years. Care Managers work with between 14 to 22 youth at one time, aged up to 21, depending on census. The crises that are being managed range from suicide risk and attempts, substance use, human trafficking, bullying, school refusal, intellectual and developmental needs to legal involvement and youth incarceration, trauma that spans cultures and socioeconomic status, fire setting, and crippling depression. Yes, this is all happening in the backyards of Ocean County residents – our neighbors and friends.

Commitment. Passion. Endurance. Those are the words used to describe OPC’s staff, and more specifically, its Care Managers. Care Managers maintain constant contact with youth and families, meets with them in the community, creates and coordinates Child Family Teams, meeting consistently to implement individualized service plans. The goal is to stabilize the youth’s crisis, helped them to recognize and use their own strengths, and link the team to sustainable, community-based supports. Care Managers often say they are aiming to “work themselves out of a job” by helping families “become their own Care Managers.”

OPC does not have a waitlist; if a child is in crisis, they are receiving the support and service from OPC. In addition to providing Care Management services and assisting with basic needs for families during difficult times, OPC also runs a series of youth support groups throughout the year. The groups are open to all Ocean County youth, and they do not need to be enrolled with OPC receiving care management services to join the groups.

OPC is hosting a fun and pet friendly fundraiser December 7 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at their office in Downtown Toms River to help support their mission – Pet and Family Photos with Santa! Come out to support the great work of OPC, learn about their mission and other resources in the area, and peruse the vendor market! There will be refreshments, hot cocoa, and door prizes for everyone in attendance. Extra bonus – Downtown Toms River is hosting their Winter Wonderland starting at 11 a.m., so come on down to donate at the Santa Photos with your furry friend and continue your way supporting all the local businesses! Register ahead of time for the Pet and Family Photos w/ Santa. The suggested donation per family is $30, but any amount folks can donate is appreciated beyond measure by OPC. For questions or information about the event, contact: Jessica Pepe, Development Coordinator, at jpepe@oceanpartnership.org or 732-597-0976.

To register and donate now for the event, visit: app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/OceanPartnershipforChildrenIn/2024HolidayPhotos.

Simon’s Soup Kitchen To Hold Thanksgiving Day Feast

SEASIDE HEIGHTS – Just in time for Thanksgiving, Simon’s Soup Kitchen announced that it will continue to hold its annual Thanksgiving Day dinner. While a traditional dinner of turkey, stuffing, and all the fixings, along with plenty of pies, will greet guests, this year’s feast will be served as individual take-out style dinners. This special take-out dinner distribution will take place on November 28 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Parish Center of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church located at 168 Grant Avenue, Seaside Heights.

“This is an opportunity for those who regularly come to our soup kitchen, as well as anyone else who would like to join us, to enjoy the food and traditions that are so much a part of the Thanksgiving holiday,” said John Salemi, Sr. Executive Director, Simon’s Soup Kitchen.

This special feast will be prepared and served by a dedicated group of over 25 volunteers who lend their time on Thanksgiving and throughout

the year.

“For many who can’t afford to prepare a meal of their own, this is an opportunity to receive a traditional Thanksgiving dinner,” said Salemi.

“Each year, those who join us express their gratitude for such a hearty feast prepared by our volunteers. For each of us, it is a reminder of the many things for which we can be thankful for especially this year as 2024 has been so hard on so many with the current economic conditions.”

This special holiday dinner distribution will be in addition to the normal serving schedule of operating every Tuesday and Friday evening beginning at 5 p.m. from October through April the Parish Center of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on Grant Avenue, Seaside Heights. Everyone in need of a hot meal is welcome. For more information on Simon’s Soup Kitchen visit simonssoupkitchen.org or call 732-270-5941.

American Legion Family Holiday Party

TOMS RIVER – The 7th Annual Ocean County American Legion Family Holiday Christmas Party will be on December 6. Cocktails are from 6 to 7 p.m. Dinner and party from 7 to 10 p.m. Cost is $25 donation. Enjoy a buffet style dinner and music

by Matt Thal Band. Visit from Santa. His/ her gift exchange. 50/50. Holiday clothing contest.

Get your reservation in asap. Deadline is November 30. For more information, call Nick Wingler at 732-330-9707.

Sandra Lou Lockwood, 86

Sandra Lou “Sandy” Lockwood, 86, of Whiting, NJ died on October 24, 2024.

Sandra was born in Toledo, Ohio in 1938 to Norman and Gertrude Glaser. In 1966 she and her first husband, Richard Rennert, relocated to Pequannock, NJ where she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education at William Paterson College. After she and Richard divorced, she opened a licensed daycare center in her home, providing support for her own children while providing loving care to others. She took great pleasure in helping children get a solid start.

In 1989 she married Clay Lockwood, with whom she shared 21 happy years of marriage, until his passing in 2010. Sandy and Clay were dedicated in their spiritual life, worshiping at Jacksonville Chapel in Lincoln Park, NJ, and, after relocating to southern New Jersey, at Redeemer Fellowship Church in Toms River.

Music was part of Sandy’s daily life. She enjoyed singing, and was proficient on piano and auto-harp. During the last years of her life, at Crestwood Manor in Whiting, she entertained other residents and staff on the piano. Other pastimes included rooting for the Yankees, solving puzzles, and crafting needlework - she made intricate cross-stitch Christmas stockings for each of her children and grandchildren. Sandy was a clever wordsmith, easily fashioning puns and wordplay, and appearing on the television

show “Concentration” in the 1960s.

Sandy is survived by her four children: Mark (Lisa) of Loveland, Colorado; Jeanne (Paul) of Livonia, Georgia; Laurie of Toms River, New Jersey; and Jon (Dawn) of Concord, Massachusetts. She was the proud grandmother of 8 grandchildren.

Above all, Sandy dedicated her life to being a follower of Jesus Christ. It offers comfort to her loved ones to know that she has entered God’s Kingdom, to be in His presence as well as the presence of her loved ones who have gone before.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 23 at 10am at Redeemer Fellowship Church, 1644 N Bay Avenue, Toms River.

Silverton Fire Co. Christmas Tree Fundraiser

TOMS RIVER – If you are looking for a fresh cut Christmas tree, shop at the Silverton Firehouse!

Trees will be delivered sometime on November 30 and the members have to off load the truck and prep for sales. Depending on the

delivery time, we may be open November 30; if not December 1 at 10 a.m.

They will have 350 in stock and they will go quick. All of sales directly benefit the Silverton Volunteer Fire Company # 1. Come visit, you will be happy with the quality of the trees.

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!

H ere ’ s t o Y our H e A lt H

Dr. Izzy’s

Sound News

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

Shepherd Others To Better Hearing

Are you someone who has experienced the care our practice provides? Have you acknowledged your hearing issues, fought back, and won? If so, you now have the opportunity to assist someone else on their journey to better hearing and whole-body health. Want to be a hero? Here’s how you can shepherd someone into the process and support them along the way:

uous encouragement, emphasizing the positive changes they can expect.

Provide Educational Resources - Share articles, brochures, or online resources about hearing loss and its impact. Helping them learn the importance of hearing health can motivate them to take action. Keep It Up - Continue to check in on their progress and offer assistance. Celebrate their milestones, no matter how small, and remind them of the benefits they’ll enjoy with improved hearing health.

nursing and rehabilitation center

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

Start the Conversation - The stigma is real. Begin by having an open and compassionate discussion about hearing health issues. Share your own experiences and the benefits you’ve experienced from addressing your own hearing issues. This can help reduce the stigma and fear often associated with getting treatment (like wearing hearing aids).

Encourage Professional Help - Suggest they schedule an appointment with us. Assure them you know a great hearing care professional and offer to accompany them on their first visit. Your support makes the process less intimidating.

Be Patient and Understanding - Understand that acknowledging one’s own hearing issues, and seeking help for them, can be a gradual process. Provide contin-

By guiding someone through this process, you give the gift of a better life. Your empathy, encouragement, and practical support can make all the difference in helping them take the first steps toward better hearing health.

Your journey can inspire someone else to take control of their hearing health. Let’s work together to improve lives. Help a friend schedule an appointment to address their hearing health today.

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 and 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!

Dear Pharmacist

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

The Nutmeg Buzz: It’s More Than Just a Holiday Spice!

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

I recently made a Bourbon Pumpkin Pie (recipe’s up on my website for all you brave souls drooling to taste it!) and decided to grate some whole nutmeg right into it. Wow, what a difference! Freshly grated nutmeg brings a richer, deeper flavor compared to the powdered spice I usually use. Seriously, it’s like comparing a string quartet to a kazoo. Nutmeg is already a holiday superstar, but did you know this humble spice has some pretty quirky effects on the brain?

Nutmeg can cause a bit of a natural high. It has compounds that can make you feel, well, a little “off” if you use too much. Ever notice that one relative who gets mysteriously weird after dessert on Thanksgiving? You thought it was the carb load, but it could be the nutmeg in that pumpkin pie!

Nutmeg contains myristicin, a psychoactive compound that, in larger amounts, has been known to trigger a trippy experience.

Nutmeg’s “trippy” compound, myristicin, also shows up in other familiar spices like parsley, cinnamon, anise, clove, and fennel but only tiny trace amounts. Nutmeg is the true heavyweight of the bunch.

Dosage matters: A little goes a long way. Recipes usually call for about half a teaspoon which is considered a small pinch in the grand scheme of your soup or pie. But some people, and especially teens who did that TikTok challenge, were downing teaspoonfuls (cringe!) and at those amounts, nutmeg becomes dangerous.

Ingesting too much nutmeg activates the sympathetic nervous system, triggering fight-or-flight responses. A “nutmeg trip”

can come with a cocktail of nasty symptoms: Dry mouth, blurred vision, nausea, dizziness, hallucinations and even heart arrhythmias. For anyone with heart issues, too much is dangerous. And the sneaky part? The negative effects don’t kick in right away. People may feel fine at first and then BOOM!

Beyond the “nutmeg buzz,” this spice is loaded with health perks. It’s a fantastic anti-inflammatory, a natural remedy for pain and digestive issues, and even has sleep-promoting properties. Used correctly, nutmeg is a culinary and health powerhouse, adding a warm, earthy depth to dishes while also offering a range of benefits. I much prefer nutmeg to clove! It’s been linked to better memory, reduced blood pressure, and even anti-cancer properties. A 2023 study published in Current Molecular Pharmacology, found that myristicin could block a critical cancer pathway showing that it might have real potential as a new, natural approach to stomach cancer treatment!

In short, nutmeg is a superfood, just in a pinch, not a scoop!

The takeaway is that nutmeg is a delightful, healthful spice when used properly, it’s one I highly recommend especially if you grate the fresh seed. It can elevate your cooking in so many ways. Just keep an eye on those measurements and, while you’re at it, maybe keep an eye on your kids’ social media trends, too. Nutmeg deserves a spot in your spice cabinet, but like many awesome natural things, it deserves respect.

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

Dr.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

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• Cryoskin • HOCATT

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• Ozone • Botox

• Thyroid/Adrenal Fatigue Management • Peptides

HANDS FOR ALL

A Division of HOMES FOR ALL, INC.

A Not-For-Profit Affordable Housing Developer

680 Hooper Ave. • Building B 2nd Floor Toms River, NJ 08753

Tel: 732.286.7929 • Fax: 732.286.9698

Letters

:

Continued From Page 9 programs. The programs are administered through the public school district in which the nonpublic school is located. To be eligible for services, a nonpublic school must be registered with the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) and must complete the Nonpublic Enrollment Report annually, located in the NJDOE Homeroom.

The following New Jersey statutes apply to compulsory education:

N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25 requires that “every parent, guardian or other person having custody and control of a child between six and 16 to ensure that such child regularly attends the public schools of the district or a day school in which there is given instruction equivalent to that provided in the public schools for children of similar grades and attainments or to receive equivalent instruction elsewhere than at school.”

Note: The provision, “to receive equivalent instruction elsewhere than at school” in N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25, permits a parent/ guardian to educate the child at home.

N.J.S.A. 18A:38-31 states that “a parent or guardian or other person having charge and control of a child between the ages of 6 and 16 years, who shall fail to comply with any of the provisions of the article (N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25) relating to his/her duties, shall be deemed to be a disorderly person and shall be subject to a fine of not more than $25 for the first offense and not more than $100 for each subsequent

offense, in the discretion of the court.”

While the code allows for non-compliance in the case of homeschooling, it clearly states “N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25, permits a parent/guardian to educate the child at home.”

This project is not an “at home” situation and therefore, is not a school. If the Liberty School Association wishes to comply with the code, it needs to demonstrate that it is a “day school in which there is given instruction equivalent to that provided in the public schools for children of similar grades and attainments or to receive equivalent instruction elsewhere than at school.”

It also needs to comply with the definition of a non-public school including … “legally fulfill compulsory school attendance requirements and which complies with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 [N.J.S.A. 18A:46A-2(b)].”

If The Liberty School Association is proposing a school, it has failed to present appropriate documentation that would allow it to be considered a non-public school. If it is homeschooling, then the state only recognizes homeschooling if it occurs at home. Any other option will place the parents of the children in violation of N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25 which requires that “every parent, guardian or other person having custody and control of a child between six and 16 to ensure that such child regularly attends the public schools of the district or a day school in which there is given instruction equivalent to that provided in the public schools…”

At the August, 2024 meeting Ms. Sne -

gon stated she intends to run the “school” based on New Jersey requirements for homeschooling. Unfortunately, New Jersey is one of one five states which has no regulations. The only “regulation” in code is a suggestion:

“N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25, permits a parent/ guardian to educate the child at home.”

The NJ Department of Education Frequently Asked Questions Homeschooling page states “The New Jersey Department of Education encourages parents to notify the local board of education of the intent to educate the child elsewhere than at school so that questions do not arise with respect to the parent’s compliance with the compulsory education law.”

There is no mandate to comply. Notification is “encouraged.” There are currently NO guidelines or requirements that homeschooling parents must follow.

I firmly believe that the evidence provided so far by the Liberty School Association prohibits the use of Fellowship Chapel of the Jersey Shore for the unclear purpose The Liberty School Association has presented. If approved, aside from the traffic and concerns other have expressed, there is a real danger that the parents, the Chapel, and the town can be held accountable for failure to meet NJ code which is clear in describing three options: public school, non-public school, and homeschooling.

I urge the Board to deny approval for the project.

Tina Gordon, Ed.D. Brick

Around the JerSey Shore

Water Company Urges Conservation During Drought Warning

NEW JERSEY – Veolia Water New Jersey is calling on residents to limit outdoor watering and take other steps to conserve water in response to a Drought Warning issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). The warning comes as the state faces record-low rainfall and elevated temperatures.

Alan Weland, Regional President, Veolia Water New Jersey, said: “We support the call for conservation by Governor Murphy and the NJDEP. There are many small changes consumers can make to prevent wasting water, such as fixing leaky faucets and shortening showers. These measures will help reduce the stress on water systems throughout New Jersey.”

Over the past three months, New Jersey has experienced below-normal rainfall levels and higher-than-usual temperatures. September and October were the driest two-month period on record, with October marking the driest single month ever recorded in the state, receiving just 0.2 inches of rainfall - far below the normal average of 4.19 inches. This rare fall drought has also affected other states in the Northeast, from Maryland to Maine, with dry conditions fueling wildfires throughout the region.

Weland said, “Please be assured that we are closely monitoring our water supplies and working with state and local officials to ensure we meet the needs of residents and businesses across New Jersey. I want

to thank residents for doing their part to conserve and encourage everyone to continue their efforts as New Jersey navigates this challenging situation.”

Water Conservation Guidance

The public is strongly encouraged to follow these tips to reduce water use:

• Winterize and shut off irrigation systems as soon as possible. Letting lawns go dormant for the season helps reduce unnecessary water use.

• Use a watering can to water flowers and shrubs, or allow them to go dormant for the season.

• Sweep sidewalks and driveways with a broom instead of using a hose.

• Use commercial car washes that recycle

water, as washing a car at home typically uses more water.

• Fix leaky faucets and pipes around your home to prevent wasting water.

• Upgrade to low-flow toilets to save approximately 11,000 gallons of water per year.

• Install low-flow showerheads to conserve up to 7,700 gallons of water annually.

• Upgrade faucets or install aerators to reduce water use by around 16,000 gallons per year.

More tips and tools for saving water can be found at: mywater.veolia.us/new-jersey/ water-in-my-area/water-saving-tips and on the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s site at dep.nj.gov/ conserve-water.

Visit The OC Historical Society For The 4th Annual Victorian Style Holiday Open House

TOMS RIVER – Celebrate this Holiday Season At the Ocean County Historical Society’s 4th Annual Victorian Style Open House on November 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For many members of the Ocean County Historical Society one of the first signs of the Holiday Season is the OCHS Holiday Open House. The event offers something for the whole family. Make sure to have your

picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus at no charge. They will be arriving from the North Pole at 11 a.m. and staying until 2 p.m. You are also going to want to tour the 1860s house and museum, decorated for the holidays. When you get hungry enjoy the holiday snacks and drinks. And, of course, Santa will have special gifts for the children.

Make sure to bring your children and grandchildren to this fun filled event. And keep in mind, the day is meant to be enjoyed by people of all ages.

According to OCHS Board member Frank Parks, “my wife and I look so forward to the Open House each year. We love dressing up in holiday themed clothes and have our picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus

each year. A lot of fun, and great memories.” The Ocean County Historical Society is located in Downtown Toms River at 26 Hadley Avenue. In keeping with the holiday spirit, there is no fee for admission to the museum or for pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. For additional information, contact Jeff at 609-339-9134 or jeffschenker@myyahoo. com.

Nov.

from

• Free Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 11am-2pm

• Take a Tour of Our Holiday Decorated Victorian Style Home

• Enjoy Holiday Refreshments and Gifts for the Children

Bring your children and grandchildren to this fun filled event!

Contact Jeff at 609.339.9134 or jeffschenker@myyahoo.com for additional information.

that he just had to snap this shot. We agree – it’s awesome! Want to see your picture in this space? Email photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and we may just publish it.

over 40 crafters. First 200 shoppers who purchase a gift will receive a free shopping tote. There will also be a 50/50 along with gift table raffle available.

For more information contact Laurinda at 732-272-7552.

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Around the JerSey Shore

Locals Named Rising Stars Of Banking

courtesy New Jersey Bankers Association

CRANFORD – The New Jersey Bankers Association (NJBankers) recognized 22 Rising Stars of the banking industry during its annual Awards Dinner at The Stone House at Stirling Ridge, Warren. The awards recognize individuals going above and beyond to support their company and their communities. For the first time this year, the awards were opened to non-bank members of NJBankers. These are businesses that work with the banking industry to ensure its success. Honorees were nominated by their institution and chosen by an independent panel of judges based on their leadership qualities, contributions to the banking industry, and their commitment to better serving their community.

The 2024 Award winners are:

• Tony Almeida of Holmdel, Executive Risk Advisor at CBIZ Borden Perlman

• Stephanie Ennett of Forked River, AVP, Digital Banking & Product Development Manager at First Commerce Bank

• Rebecca Guerrasio of Oxford, PA, AVP, Administrative Officer – Employee Development and Innovation at Crest Savings Bank

• Mary Helena of Newark, Internal Auditor at Haven Savings Bank

• Margaux Howard of Ridgewood, FVP, Capital Markets/Commercial Deposits at Valley Bank

• Robert Jack of Deptford, VP, BSA Officer & Deposit Operations at Century Savings Bank

• Sai Kailash of Bangalore, India, Product Manager, Bank Payments at Cross River Bank

• Jonathan E. Mayer, Esq., of Willow Grove, PA, Associate Attorney at Ste -

vens & Lee, PC

• Robert Meighan of New York, NY, FVP, Learning and Development Training Lead at Valley Bank

• Matthew Mirett, Esq., of Morristown, Partner at Sherman Atlas Sylvester & Stamelman LLP

• Noah Michael O’Hare of Middletown, Vice President, Retail Operations Administrator at Spencer Savings Bank

• Anthony M. Osbourne, Esq., of South Brunswick, Shareholder at Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer, P.A.

• Melanie Pellegrino of Rutherford, Sales Support Manager at Blue Foundry Bank

• Katherine Perea of Ogdensburg, VP, Retail Banking Officer at First Hope Bank

• Mark Prowe of Fanwood, Treasury Operations Officer at Columbia Bank

• Emmanuel Ramirez of Wayne, FVP, Director of SEC Reporting at Kearny Bank

• Douglas Reyes of North Plainfield, Senior Investment Analyst at Peapack-Gladstone Bank

• Amanda Roche of Long Valley, VP, Finance Department Supervisor at Unity Bank

• Brooke Rutkowski of Parsippany, AVP, Learning Specialist at ConnectOne Bank

• Jeff Sgarro of Highland Park, Retail & Operations Training Manager at Provident Bank

• Tasfia Sultana of Brick, Information Security Analyst at Manasquan Bank

• Theresa Youmans of Little Egg Harbor, Universal Banker Supervisor at Manasquan Bank

For more information on NJBankers and upcoming events, visit njbankers.com.

Photo

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Personals

Active Male, Age 60 - Fun, outgoing. Seeks female for dinner, movie, trips. Seeking stable well rounded female. Brick area. 973-270-4798. (52)

For Rent

Adult Community - WhitingCrestwood Village 5 (55+). 2 BD, 1 BA, washer/dryer, garage, AC. No pets. No smoking. $1,400/month, plus utilities. 732-864-1419. Cell 732-604-0323. (51)

LBI, Monthly WINTER Rental2 BR 1.5 Bath, Steps2Beach Upscale Modern, Immaculate Furnished Unit in Duplex, Ocean Views, Parking $1800/month. No Pets, smoke free. Call/text 973-997-9655 for Pics. (51)

For Sale

Exercise Equipment - Precor EFX

5.17 Elliptical Fitness Cross Trainer. Ex Cond. $475; Schwinn 250 Bio Fitness Recumbent Exercise Bike. Ex Cond. $175; 732-232-5016. (49)

Aquarium 70 Gal. - Bow front. Light oak cabinet. Hood, two cannister filters, heater, plastic plants, gravil, rocks. In storage. $150. 732-691-0452. (50)

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)

Vinyl Records Wanted - Paying cash for LP albums, Rock, Reggae, Jazz, Blues. Also buying Comic Books. Call Rick 908-616-7104. (51)

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)

WANTED TO BUY - Old Records for LPs & 45s Rock/Jazz/ Soul/Blues Call Eddie (732829-5908) For 45/78 RPM Doo Wop/Soul/R&B/Rockabilly Call Bob 909-938-4623. (46)

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

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

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

Coins Wanted - I will buy all U.S. coins minted prior to 1965. Bill Nila The Coin Man 732-477-7225. (52)

CLASSIFIEDS

Services Help Wanted

DAY Substitutes Needed for Ocean County Vocational Technical School district: Courier, Custodial, School Nurses/RN, Secretarial, Teachers for Trade Skill areas-Audio, Auto, Childcare, Computer, Construction, Cosmetology, Culinary, Dental, Electric, Engineering/Machine Technology, Fashion Design, Heavy Equipment Operator, HVAC, Marine, Medical, Multimedia, Photography, Plumbing, Pre-Nursing, Welding or visit www.ocvts.org. EOE, Please email resume at tedgar@ocvts.org or call 732-240-6414 Ext. 3317. (51)

CPA FIRM SEEKS PART TIME RECEPTIONIST FOR THE TAX SEASON - (1/25-4/25) Monday-Friday And Some Saturdays (WILL TRAIN). Call 732-270-3966. For call back please speak slowly and clearly your name & phone number. (51)

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)

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. (52)

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. (52)

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)

Services

Italian/American Couple - looking to clean, laundry or drive. Please call Christopher or Mary Ann at 732-475-7770 or 732-948-2025. (49)

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)

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)

Housecleaning - We offer services: House cleaning, laundy, window cleaning, painting, office cleaning, carpet cleaning, shopping, take clothes dry cleaning, typing, office work, demonstration, merchandise in store. Very good prices. Call 732330-4189 or 848-287-3944. (t/n)

Car Service - 24/7. Doctors, shopping, airports, hospitals, cruise, shops, Atlantic City, family functions, NYC accomodations for large groups. Call for reasonable rates. Kerry 732-606-2725. (42)

Anyone Interested In Having Their - Office, home or apartment cleaned, contact Diane. Honest and reliable. Free estimates. 845-762-9952. (49)

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

Adult Care Provider - Filipino Woman seeking live-in job as home healthcare provider for elderly with 10 years experience, with excellent reference. Please call 973-454-6818. (46)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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

Affordable Landscaping - Fall & spring clean ups. Shrubs & tree pruning, sod & seed lawns, retaining & stone walls, topsoil & mulch planting, & much more. 640-999-0072. (47)

HOUSE CLEANING - 848-3261907 KEVIN over 30 years professional cleaning experience Cleaned pediatric cardiology office over 15 years REFERENCES available $30.00 hour 848-326-1907. (46)

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)

Senior Campanion CaregiverRetired RN. Meal prep, transport to appointments, shopping, showering, light housekeeping. Contact Chris 845-430-1853. (48)

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)

Services Services Services

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 732-5003063 or 609-356-2444. (t/n)

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

Reliable, Experienced, Private duty - (No agency fees.) Caregiver/ Home Health aide Available. Live-in, or hourly in Southern Jersey area. Call 732-867-6686. (48)

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. (8)

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

AND

DECKS•

• TILE• MASONRY• SIDING • PAINTING• ELECTRICAL • PLUMBING • AND MORE• HOURLY RATES FOR SMALL JOBS• LICENSED • INSURED • GUARANTEED WORKMANSHIP • CALL 609-384-9030 EMERGENCY SERVICE AVAILABLE • SENIOR AND VETERAN DISCOUNTS. (50)

Local Experienced Senior Care Giver available for work mornings til 12:00 and evenings after 4:30 pm. Please call Kathy 908-246-7896. (48)

TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED:

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

• Go to jerseyshoreonline.com, click classifieds, fill out the form and pay by credit card. OR

• Fax this form to 732-657-7388 ATTN: ALI.

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

• Estate/Garage/Yard Sales

• Auto For Sale

• Items For Sale

• Items Wanted

• Help Wanted • Services

• For Rent

• Real Estate • Other

2. Print clearly your ad as you want it to read. Include Phone # within ad below (counts as 1 word). Use separate sheet if necessary.

You are responsible for checking your ad the first time

Calculate Price As Follows:

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

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

Billing Address:

TRAVEL INSURANCE Are You Really Insured?

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

Before you purchase travel insurance, especially in this post COVID era, read the policy to make sure you are covered. As with any insurance policy, you are only insured for certain enumerated conditions or events and there are always a ton of exclusions which will leave you uninsured. These days, a lot of people are purchasing Travel Insurance in the event they cannot take a planned trip due to COVID restrictions, such as testing positive a few days before leaving for a Cruise. Many cruise lines will not permit you to board their ship if you recently tested positive for COVID, even if you have very minor symptoms or no symptoms at all. So, if you have tested positive for COVID can you file a successful insurance claim for your lost vacation?

In order to make a successful claim, your trip must have been cancelled due to a “Covered Event”. Your policy will list what is considered a “Covered Event” and it will also list the many, many Exclusions. Read the “Covered Event” and “Exclusions” sections of the policy carefully. Many Trip (Travel) Protection Insurance Policies do not provide coverage for “travel restrictions imposed for a certain area by a governmental authority”, “a Pandemic or an Endemic”. So, if just prior to your trip to Mexico the Mexican government closes its border to vacationers and you are denied entry into the Country then your insurance claim may be denied.

In addition, if you or a family member are ill or injured then your policy will require that you demonstrate that the sickness or injury commenced while your coverage is in effect under the Policy and you may be required to attend in-person treatment with a physician

who must then diagnose you with a condition that is “so disabling in the written opinion of a Physician as to prevent you from taking your Trip.” So, does the mere fact that you have tested positive for COVID necessarily mean that your condition is “so disabling in the written opinion of a Physician as to prevent you from taking your Trip? If not, your claim will be denied.

Additionally, don’t become blind-sided by the “Optional Cancel For Any Reason” coverage. Yes, you can purchase this optional coverage for an additional premium, but does this mean you can cancel for any reasons whatsoever? The answer is “NO”. Again, you must read the policy. For example, one policy that I read stated that, “We will reimburse You… when You cancel your trip prior to departure for any reason not otherwise covered by this policy, provided [certain] conditions are met…” This sentence does not mean that you can ignore the many, many enumerated Exclusions in the policy. Finally, make sure you are purchasing enough insurance benefits to cover your trip. Like any insurance policy, you choose the limits of your coverage and even if your claim is covered you will be limited by the amount of insurance coverage you purchased.

The attorneys at R.C. Shea & Associates are experienced litigators ready to serve our community and we hope you enjoy your vacation.

Breakfast With Santa

TOMS RIVER – Come see Santa before Christmas and enjoy a breakfast buffet cooked by the firefighters of Toms River Fire Company No. 2!

Breakfast with Santa will be on December 15 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Toms River Elks Lodge, 600 Washington Street.

Kids under 3 years old are free. Kids

under 10 years old are only $8. Kids over 10 and adults are $12. Breakfast buffet choices include: pancakes, bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, potatoes, coffee, tea, orange juice, apple juice & water. Their super 50/50 raffle will also be drawn at the conclusion of the breakfast. See a member for tickets. All proceeds benefit Toms River Fire Company No. 2.

Island Heights Fire Co. Holiday Raffle

ISLAND HEIGHTS – Island Heights

Volunteer Fire Co. 1 annual holiday raffle is currently running! Tickets are $10 each and the grand prize will be 50% of the proceeds from ticket sales. Tickets are available from any Island Heights Firefighter, or you can message them on Facebook to purchase:

facebook.com/IHVFC53. Don’t miss out on a chance to win some money right around the holidays, while supporting your local fire company at the same time! Drawing will be on December 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Firehouse. Winner need not be present.

Michael J. Deem, Esq.

Dasti & Staiger Embraces Season Of Giving With Community Spirit

FORKED RIVER – As the season of gratitude approaches, Dasti & Staiger is proud to highlight its commitment to community service and giving back. Our team of dedicated attorneys actively participates in various charitable initiatives, reflecting our deep-rooted belief in supporting the community in which we live and work.

Our attorneys hold leadership positions on several non-profit boards, including Lauren Staiger on the RWJ Barnabas Health Behavioral Health Center Board, Brandon DeJesus as the State Bar Trustee for the Ocean County Bar Association and Jeffrey Cheney with the Central Ocean Business Association. Managing Partner,

Christopher Dasti also serves on the Ocean County College Foundation Board and recently contributed as a committee member for HOPE Sheds Light’s fundraising committee.

“We are all very blessed and fortunate for the positions we find ourselves in,” Dasti said. “It’s important for our firm to not

only excel in our professional responsibilities but to also give back to the community that supports us. Our long-term goal is to foster a culture of giving within our team, encouraging involvement in causes that matter to us.”

As Thanksgiving approaches, we aim to reflect and express gratitude for the opportunities we have been given. Dasti emphasized, “Work life can be stressful at times, and it’s crucial to take a moment to acknowledge how fortunate we are. We strive to be a pillar in our community, and we look forward to continuing our efforts in the future.”

Dasti & Staiger’s motivation stems from a shared desire to see our community thrive. “We all live here, we’re raising our families here, and we want to ensure it’s a great place for everyone,” Dasti added. “Helping others is a responsibility we all share, and the reward of making a difference is immeasurable.”

As we move forward, Dasti & Staiger invites everyone in our community to join us in giving back. “Mentorship and friendship have paved the way for many of us,” Dasti noted. “It’s important to remember that we can all help others through our experiences, whether it’s by donating time, resources, or simply offering guidance.”

For more information about Dasti & Staiger and their commitment to community involvement, please visit their website at dastilaw.com.

OCC Concert Band: The Sounds Of The Holidays

TOMS RIVER – If you want to get into the holiday spirit, we have the music to get you there! Join the OCC Concert Band on December 7 at 7 p.m. as they perform holiday favorites the whole family will love. This year, they are pleased to feature a special guest artist on clarinet, Ms. Jean Gould. Ms. Gould is a retired member of the elite U.S. Army Field Band. She will be performing A Klezmer Tribute.

Get your tickets early for The Sounds of the Holidays! Tickets are $24 for adults, $14 for children. Purchase at grunincenter. org/event/occ-concert-band-the-sounds-ofthe-holidays.

Ocean County Health Department Free

Luncheon

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Health Department is hosting a free luncheon and focus group discussion for local business owners and organizations on December 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the OCHD (175 Sunset Avenue, Toms River).

Share your experiences and concerns regarding substance use in our community. RSVP by December 13 to 732-341-9700 ext. 7285 or asantini@ochd.org.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists, PC: Treating Everything Below The Knee

By Michael Vandenberg

Dr. Scott Amoss, DPM, CWS is a lot more than a “foot doctor,” as people often mistake podiatrists for. In reality, “we provide comprehensive lower extremity care,” he said. So yes, if your foot hurts, Dr. Amoss will be happy to help. However, that barely scratches the surface of all the conditions he sees and the treatments he provides.

Dr. Amoss (pronounced like “famous Amoss”) grew up in nearby Ocean Township and has been connected to the Jersey Shore community and greater New Jersey area his entire life. Originally, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in chemistry at Rutgers and spent a few years in the chemical industry. However, that feeling of wanting to make a difference in people’s lives that drives all physicians caught hold of Dr. Amoss. He liked podiatry in particular because of its ability to help people really quickly. “You can immediately have a positive impact on someone’s life. They come in pain, and can leave virtually pain free.” Scott Amoss became Doctor Scott Amoss when he graduated fourth in his class with numerous honors from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine in 2000. He then completed a two year residency focusing on orthopedic, vascular, plastic, and reconstructive surgery, in addition to training in internal and emergency medicine, dermatology, and radiology.

After that, Dr. Amoss knew it was time to go out on his own, so he opened Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists in Whiting. 17 years later, the practice is going strong and recently opened a new location in Toms River to be closer to Community Medical Center, where he’s a surgeon on staff. Critically, this new foothold also allows him, as a specialist in diabetic foot care, to help the growing diabetic community in the area. While expanding served a logistically necessary purpose, Advanced Foot & Ankle has never lost its personal touch. You’ll never just be passed off to whichever doctor is on the clock that day, because Dr. Amoss is proud to be a solo practitioner. “The patients see me and only me,” he said. “It’s good continuity of care.” His tight-knit support staff of seven ensures that you get the streamlined care you deserve.

That’s crucial in the field of Podiatry because, after all, things can get serious when it comes to Diabetes and foot complications. Luckily, Dr. Amoss is an Amputation Prevention Specialist as well as a Certified Wound Specialist. Less serious conditions like hammertoes, ingrown nails, bunions, and athlete’s foot can be treated in the office, often during your initial visit! “We’re very conservative,” Dr. Amoss assures future patients. “I’m surgically trained but I only like to perform surgery when all other conservative means

have been exhausted. It’s going to be painless.” He makes that possible by developing treatment plans for each specific patient.

Rest assured, Advanced Foot & Ankle is fully equipped to do so as soon as you come in. Both offices have digital X-rays so they can almost instantly see what’s going on and review it with the patient. They also have a diagnostic ultrasound to diagnose soft tissue conditions, as well as a laser for treatment of pain and neuropathy, a painful nerve condition caused by diabetes and other issues. They even offer MicroVas therapy, which gives much needed relief to patients with high levels of diabetic neuropathy, as well as vascular or PAD testing.

In addition to the most cutting edge podiatric technology, Advanced Foot & Ankle has professional-grade consumer products you need for immediate relief. They offer a great selection of diabetic shoes, for example, as well as custom-made orthotics which provide arch support and help correct the

imbalance in patients’ feet. Advanced Foot & Ankle accepts most insurance plans. (Medicare covers one pair of diabetic shoes per year!) By having strategically-located offices, an experienced and focused staff, and tons of treatment methods and equipment at his disposal, Dr. Amoss is able to easily achieve his goal of getting you fast comfort and relief. When it comes to diseases like melanoma, for example, speed is absolutely critical. The most deadly form of skin cancer, melanoma has an especially poor prognosis on the foot because it often goes unnoticed for a long time. Dr. Amoss diagnosed several of these cases last year, which probably saved those patients’ lives.

But sometimes conditions aren’t as complicated as much as some of the larger podiatrist offices try to let on. Dr. Amoss remembers one recent patient who came in after being with one such practice. “These eight doctors had exhausted all treatment options for this individual in pain,” he said. After years of getting the runaround, they told him there was noth -

ing they could do. The patient came limping into Advanced Foot & Ankle with what Dr. Amoss diagnosed in a matter of minutes as a simple corn on the tip of his toe. “We gave him a customized foot pad which helped him tremendously, and by the next day he came in to thank us and tell us how much better he was doing,” Dr. Amoss said. “He couldn’t believe he waited and wasted several years with this other group of doctors.”

At Advanced Foot & Ankle, you’ll get fast and customized treatment from a doctor you can trust. Give them a call today at 732-350-0100 and their very accommodating staff will be able to make an appointment for you with Dr. Amoss right away. And as the “urgent care of the lower extremity,” emergency appointments are also available. Advanced Foot & Ankle is located at 400 Lacey Road in Whiting (in the Stop and Shop Shopping Center) and 601 Route 37 West, Suite 300 in Toms River (in front of the Ocean Eye Institute). Or check out their website AdvFootandAnkle. com for more information.

One of Advanced Foot & Ankle locations is 601 Route 37 West, Suite 300 in Toms River (in front of the Ocean Eye Institute)

One of Advanced Foot & Ankle locations is 601 Route 37 West, 400 Lacey Road in Whiting (in the Stop and Shop Shopping Center)

FUN & GAMES SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Nagging newly -

Menzel who won a Tony for playing Elphaba in “Wicked”

Iowa State city

Good Grips brand

Sausalito summer

Bygone Russian royal

H.S. class with a unit on heredity

Classic arcade game with pixelated aliens, and what three answers in this puzzle

National park in

Fiddle (with)

Outwitted a Predator?

security? 29 New Age singer from County Donegal 30 Silver Alerts, e.g.

Toddler’s perch, at times

“If I had to bet ... “

Sweat the small stuff 36 Grove of palm trees, maybe

Muscat’s country

Chutzpah 39 Lose it completely? 40 Lived and breathed 41 Kanga’s kid

Hamilton bills

Use as an ingredient 48 Tubular pasta

50 Tennis great profiled in ESPN’s “30 for 30” special “Arthur and Johnnie” 51 Like Sarah Lawrence since 1968 52 Social insect

Furious 55 Triage ctrs.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) : Competitive games may be like mini dramas you can’t take your eyes away from. Whether it’s a board game or a friendly soccer match, they could bring people together. Laughter and a dash of healthy rivalry could brighten your day.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): When you’ve been contemplating change, the universe may seem to conspire in your favor. It might be the people you meet or the places you visit that could fire up your imagination. You may feel motivated to try something new this week.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Perform the delicate dance of not stepping on anyone’s toes. Be considerate, but don’t tiptoe so much that you lose your rhythm. Add a sprinkle of kindness or a pinch of wit to the recipe when cooking up fun ideas for loved ones.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Nobody wants to play the role of the hypocrite, it’s like casting yourself as the villain in your own story. If you advocate for kindness, be kind. If you preach patience, practice it. Walk your talk to create a happier life.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Loyalty might be your middle name but sometimes you must take charge. Leading by example may feel like being the compass for others and allowing your light to guide the way. Let your actions be in sync with your dialogue this week.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You may handle juggling friendships and tightrope-walking between extra commitments. Gatherings and community events that you attend in the week ahead could help you put things back into perspective. Find a good balance.

FOR THE WEEK OF NOV 23 - NOV 29 BY

OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

JERALDINE SAUNDERS

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Ignore the urge the digital world and allow yourself to venture beyond four walls for an adventure. Consider gathering loved ones, or those who light up your life, for a social outing. The sound of laughter and cheer may be therapeutic for everyone.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Think of loyalty as your trusty sidekick, like the Robin to your Batman. It may be there unwavering when you need it but consider letting it stretch its wings a bit. Be open to spontaneity, like a secret handshake with new experiences.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):

Imagine your life as a movie. Your words are the script, but your actions are the scenes. When you say one thing but do another, it creates a dissonance that may cause you to stop believing in yourself. Stay authentic and true.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): A stroke of good luck doesn’t mean you need to rewrite the entire plot. Goals are the backbone of your narrative so be sure to evaluate them carefully before making changes. Luck may frequently change, but purpose remains the same.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Imagine your goal as the center of the target. You may find that each element including your thoughts, actions, and circumstances gradually aligns, like arrows pointing toward that bull’s eye. Trust that timing plays a part.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): The best moments of life may happen when you step away from the screen and participate in the real world. Consider choosing a new path this week, whether it is a walking trail or a game board and be sure to include some friends.

By America’s Test Kitchen

3/4 cup panko bread crumbs

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1 large egg

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 (8-ounce) boneless pork chops, 1 1/2 inches thick, trimmed Lemon wedges

1. Toss panko with melted butter in a bowl until evenly coated. Microwave, stirring

frequently, until light golden brown, 1 to 3 minutes; transfer to a shallow dish. Whisk egg, Dijon mustard, flour, dry mustard, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne together in a second shallow dish.

2. Pat chops dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, cut two slits, about 2 inches apart, through fat on edges of each chop. Cut 1/16-inch-deep slits, spaced 1/2 inch apart, in a crosshatch pattern on both sides of the chops. Working with one chop at a time, dredge in egg mixture, letting excess drip off, then coat with panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

3. Lightly spray base of air-fryer basket with vegetable oil spray. Arrange chops in prepared basket, spaced evenly apart. Place basket in air fryer and set temperature to 400 degrees. Cook until pork registers 140 degrees, 18 to 22 minutes, flipping and rotating chops halfway through cooking. Serve with lemon wedges.