2024-12-07 - The Berkeley Times

Neighbors Worry About Deadly Intersection

By Chris Lundy

BERKELEY – People living near the intersection of Bimini Drive and Jamaica Boulevard came out to a recent Township Council meeting to urge officials to make the crossroads less dangerous.

Bimini leads off Route 37 into hundreds of homes. Jamaica snakes its way through several senior communities and serves as a way to travel between them. They meet in a highly active

Flooding, Other Water Issues Cause Concern

By Chris Lundy BERKELEY – Water

management issues

have been the topic of conversation at many Township Council meetings this year as officials address flooding and other concerns.

Much of the bayfront communities were built on low-lying land, or lagoons that were built jutting out into the water. These don’t have staying power against the forces of nature.

sam Drive. The area has been flooding frequently, even prior to when he moved here a few years ago.

intersection that neighbors said causes lots of accidents.

John Capaldi lives nearby and said there were three recent accidents, and one of them was fatal. He told the story of someone making a U-turn in the middle of the road. There’s a pedestrian crossing sign…but people have run it over.

Police Chief Kevin Santucci said he spoke to some of the residents in the area about this issue. Prior to the meeting, he

spoke to the Traffic Safety Department in the police. He said they looked into six crashes at the intersection. In one of them, the driver didn’t see a motorcycle. In one of them, glare from the sun was to blame. In the other four, the driver didn’t see the stop sign at Jamaica.

One audience member shouted out that there have been many near-misses. In other words, it’s not just the number of crashes.

(Intersection - See Page 4)

Students Prepare Thousands Of Meals

For

By Alyssa Riccardi

Those In Need

BRICK – The Ocean County Vocational Technical School’s Brick Center was buzzing with activity during the week before Thanksgiving, where students worked tirelessly to provide a holiday meal for those in need.

There were 182 culinary students who prepared over 3,500 Thanksgiving dinners for “Feed the Need,” an initiative that began more than 25 years ago.

“Feed the Need started with us just providing 25 meals to a local church,” Culinary 1 instructor Chef Gary Lesniak said. “Every year it seemed to build.

The program back then just relied on donations; people dropping of turkeys, etc.”

The program now partners up with Fulfill, who provided over 400 turkeys this year, as well as RWJ Barnabas Community Medical Center, who supply the grocery products for the side dishes. OCVTS then provides the packaging and containers needed for distributing these meals.

So, what’s on the menu? Corn bread, stuffing, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, sweet potato soufflé,

(Students - See Page 5)

Berkeley is not alone in this. Brick recently accepted a $401,859 grant from the State Department of Transportation to elevate areas of Normandy Beach.

Michael Heisemer became the latest Berkeley resident to ask the governing body for help with flooding, in particular on Island Drive and Bal-

Councilman James Byrnes said that the county engineers have been working on a plan to mitigate flooding in many areas of Berkeley. The town’s own professionals and the volunteers at the Waterways Advisory Committee provided a lot of important information for them. It’s going to be an enormous undertaking, so they are looking for federal funding.

“A lot of times we can’t raise the road because it’ll drown houses,” he said. The water will follow gravity into people’s yards, basements (if there are any) and homes.

(FloodingSee Page 4)

(Left) People drive carelessly despite signs in the area. (Right) Residents are concerned about the dangerous intersection of Bimini Drive and Jamaica Boulevard.

Photos courtesy John Capaldi

Thousands of meals were prepared by culinary students.

Photos courtesy OCVTS

Intersection:

Continued From Page 1

The chief learned that there used to be a blinking stop sign at that corner but it was damaged in a crash.

The police also ran a speed study for a month during the summer. The average speed was 47 mph; it is a 25 mph zone. The lowest speed was 15 and the highest was 67. There were almost 4,000 vehicles passing through a day.

Santucci said that tackling this problem needs to be multi-faceted. There needs to be signage. Drivers need to be educated, and there needs to be more enforcement.

He warned that “Once we start enforcement, people in this room are going to get tickets.”

It’s a truism among police officers that whenever residents complain about speed-

Flooding:

Continued From Page 1

Township Planner James Oris said they have been dealing with the State Department of Environmental Protection as well so they can see what they are allowed to do. One portion of the road was recently paved and residents should have seen some improvement during certain circumstances.

ers and ask for police to pull them over, the ones complaining wind up being the among the speeders.

The residents asked for speed bumps, but police generally don’t want those installed because they cause more problems.

Bimini resident Larry Benardella said that Bimini does not have a shoulder. People have to park around the corner when they visit him. “You’re playing Russian roulette walking your dog.”

The town has been bringing robocans into some neighborhoods for garbage collection. With one can in the road on his side and one across the street, “Bimini just got 8 feet skinnier.” That’s going to cause more crashes.

Mayor John Bacchione said that robocans can be put on the sidewalk, and in the area of grass between the sidewalk and the street.

“We would prefer them on the street

In related news, Mayor John Bacchione talked about a project to fix culverts at Holiday City.

The goal is to be able to better control the lakes in the senior community. This received murmurs of recognition from residents in attendance at the meeting.

This is the last round of money the county is going to appropriate, the mayor said, thanking “the county for thinking of us.”

The township worked hard to clean the lakes

but we can make changes to put them on the edge of the curb,” he said. He also encouraged the use of signs and police enforcement.

Another Bimini resident, Anthony Palmieri, said that as soon as people pass the railroad tracks they speed up.

The chief said that officers will be directed to patrol the area. Residents might see them parked for a bit before leaving. If that’s the case, they are leaving to go to an emergency call.

Susan Palmieri said that the intersection should have a traffic light. It’s the only major entrance to that senior development that doesn’t have a light. People know this and so they use it more often.

“The word is out that Bimini is the westernmost connection to get to Davenport” Road, so heavy trucks and car carriers use it. If there was a traffic light there, it would prevent crashes, she said. Also, it could be

in the past, Councilwoman Sophia Gingrich said. With the culverts being repaired, they are going to be in good shape.

Resident Tom Porpora said that there are sand bars and bugs when the water’s not flowing.

Bacchione said they redirect the culverts where they want the water to go.

Oris said that will help with the water quality as well, because it will improve the flow between the lakes.

timed in such a way that if you get through the light on Route 37 you can’t build up enough speed to make it to the light on Jamaica.

However, another Bimini resident, Ken Metcalfe said that he doesn’t want a light because he’d never be able to get out of his driveway when cars back up from the light. He suggested staggered slow bumps. First responders can go around them, but then again, some people won’t mind breaking the law to do it.

Another resident’s suggestion was to alternate stop signs on the streets leading up to the intersection.

Township Planner James Oris said there are laws about where to put stop signs and traffic signals.

If there’s a crash at an intersection where the town put a stop sign or traffic signal up arbitrarily, then the township would be liable, the chief said.

Some of the projects are smaller in scope, but no less important.

Business Administrator Scott Tirella explained that there’s a storm drain between two houses on Bananier Drive that was collapsing and creating a sinkhole. If left unrepaired, it would eventually affect the foundation of a nearby house. In order to pay for the work, the township is going to use funds leftover from another project.

Students: Continued From Page 1

gravy, and of course turkey.

This year, culinary students worked with over 3,000 lbs. of turkeys, 1,500 lbs. of potatoes, 1,200 lbs. of sweet potatoes, 850 lbs. of stuffing, 450 lbs. of green beans, and 90 gallons of gravy.

“First, we have to let the turkeys sit for about five days to a week to thaw out,” Lesniak said. “The turkeys have to be broken down. Afterwards, the carcass and bones get roasted and prepared for stock to make gravy. That’s the first section and most of that is done by the Culinary 2 students. The

other classes participate in preparing mashed potatoes, sweet potato soufflé, and green bean casserole.”

The meals are then packaged and distributed to various local social service agencies such as Preferred Behavioral Health, Department of Child Protection and Permanency (DCCP), Inspire NJ, and numerous local churches and school districts. Additionally, meals were provided to the Ocean County Sheriff’s dispatch team who will be working on Thanksgiving this year.

Lesniak noted that the need for meals have increased greatly over the years in Ocean County.

“It’s increased steadily since we started. We

thought we were hitting a milestone when we provided 1,000 meals, which was maybe 10 to 15 years ago. Then the next thing you know we’re up to 2,000. Last year we were close to 4,000 meals,” Lesniak said. “This year is actually less than last year. I’m not saying that the need is really any less, we just don’t have the distribution. Part of that I think is everything from the pandemic, to the cost of food. A lot of these organizations are also struggling. So, we lost some of our distribution.”

Feed the Need is the biggest meal preparation by the culinary arts students, many of whom plan to work in the food industry or further their culinary education after they

graduate. Lesniak explained how they’re always encouraging students take part in community service projects and to give back to their community.

“There’s no other high school, college, culinary school that I know of that provides that number of meals to their local communities. As far as I know we’re the only one that makes such a big effort and try to reach as many people of we possibly can,” he said. “We also emphasize [to students] that we’re only scratching the surface on the hunger problem, even right here in Ocean County. But at least we’re trying to provide some holiday cheer for people who may not otherwise have a turkey dinner.”

District Checking Wear And Tear On Schools

By Chris Lundy TOMS RIVER – As

the school buildings have been showing their age, officials have been determining what they should prioritize in terms of repair.

Mark Wagner, who serves as the district’s capital projects manager, said at a recent Board of Education committee meeting that there are a lot of high end items that are in need of repair or replacement.

“We still have a number of schools with boilers over 30 years old,” he told the Board and administration. A number of windows need to be replaced, and most of the roofs are beyond their expected lifespan. He recommended the district perform a

facility condition assessment. This would be an appraisal of all such items to see what needs to be done with all of them.

Some of the assessment can be done inhouse, he said. However, if a neutral third party said something needed to be done, it could lend credence when asking for a state agency to review the project.

Business Administrator William Doering said that they would discuss this internally to see what can be assessed in-house. Proposals would have to be sought for the rest. Repairs and maintenance are done on a regular basis in every school district, and Toms River is no different. However, in budget crunches, capital projects are

sometimes postponed.

Toms River is saddled with the S-2 funding formula which has drastically cut state aid year over year. This has resulted in a loss of many positions as well as changing how officials view all expenditures.

That’s not to say that the district has not been doing any repair. Work is continually done throughout the year.

Additionally, in 2019, voters passed a referendum to raise $147,148,269 for school repairs. Of this, the state paid for about a third, or $47,281,593.

Every committee meeting gives and update on these projects. In fact, immediately after the 2019 vote, a board member told

The Toms River Times that the projects won’t be started all at once. This means they wouldn’t need to bond it all at once. Doering had also said at the time that the goal was to prioritize the projects. They would be done in increments, and the district would have flexibility to take money out when bond rates are lower. Some projects could be bonded after older debt is paid off.

Additionally, there were $17.8 million in energy projects. What happened was that the district bonded for the $17.8 million, and the projects being done are saving $1 million annually in energy costs, so it will be paid off without raising taxes.

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

Congressman Blasts Exelon For Seeking Another Rate Hike

From The Desk Of Congressman

Jefferson Van Drew

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Van Drew blasted Exelon’s egregious proposal to impose an 8% increase on utility bills in order to pay for infrastructure upgrades like electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. They are seeking approval for this rate hike from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU).

“Let me be clear - Exelon has already taken

far too much from the hardworking families and small businesses of South Jersey,” said Congressman Van Drew. “Now, they are trying to force our residents to bankroll their radical agenda, including electric car charging stations, while they continue to rake in massive profits. This is a company valued in the tens of billions of dollars. If they want to upgrade their infrastructure, they can do it on their own dime - not by gouging South Jersey residents even further.”

Congressman Van Drew also called on resi-

dents to take immediate action, emphasizing the importance of public opposition to this proposal.

“A lot of you have been asking how you can help in this fight and now is the time to act. While I will continue to do all I can at the federal level, this is a state-level issue that will ultimately be decided by the NJBPU. Their decision hinges on public input, and your voice matters. Now is the time to flood your state officials with calls, messages, and concerns and demand they call on the NJBPU to reject this outrageous rate hike.

“I will be briefing the incoming administration on this matter and will continue to push for a federal investigation into Exelon’s practices. But

to stop this rate hike, we need action now. Exelon has gone too far this time, and we will fight this tooth and nail to protect South Jersey families and businesses from this continued exploitation. South Jersey deserves better than to be treated as a piggy bank by a greedy corporation looking to line its pockets at our expense.”

Contact your local officials and tell them the time to stop this is now:

To file a complaint with the NJBPU, you can call (800)-624-0241.

To contact the office of the Governor of New Jersey, call (609)-292-6000.

Officials Call On BPU To Reject Electric Rate Increases

Capitol Comments

Carmen F. Amato, Jr.

9th Legislative District

TRENTON - Senator Carmen Amato, Jr., Assemblyman Brian Rumpf and Assemblyman Gregory Myhre sent a letter to the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) calling on President Christine Guhl-Sadovy to reject Atlantic City Electric’s proposed 8% electricity rate increase.

“Already, too many ratepayers cannot afford to pay their electric bills. An 8% rate increase will only push more ratepayers to their financial limits while disproportionately impacting those living on fixed or retirement incomes struggling to remain in their current housing,” wrote the Delegation.

Atlantic City Electric recently filed with the BPU seeking approval for their proposed electricity rate increase which would cost residential customers approximately $12.96 more per month. You can read the full letter below:

Dear President Guhl-Sadovy:

As you and your staff are fully aware from the correspondence sent by our Delegation this year, Atlantic City Electric customers in our Legislative District have been hit hard by sharp rate increases causing unforeseen financial hardships for many struggling seniors and working families.

There is growing alarm since Atlantic City Electric recently filed a rate case with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities for approval of a rate increase in which residential customers would see their bills increase by 8% or approximately $12.96 per month.

In no uncertain terms, our Delegation is calling on the New Jersey Board of Public

Utilities to outright reject the 8% rate increase sought by Atlantic City Electric. Already, too many ratepayers cannot afford to pay their electric bills. An 8% rate increase will only push more ratepayers to their financial limits while disproportionately impacting those living on fixed or retirement incomes struggling to remain in their current housing.

Thank you, in advance, for your attention to this request sent in representing the people of the 9th Legislative District.

To speak with representatives from the 9th Legislative District, please contact Jason Smith at jsmith@njleg.org.

Bill Would Strengthen Ethics On U.S. Supreme Court

Capitol Comments

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced legislation aimed at promoting ethical conduct and accountability for ethics violations within the U.S. Supreme Court. U.S. Representative Daniel Goldman (D-NY-10) introduced companion legislation in the House earlier this year.

Numerous allegations of ethical improprieties and undisclosed conflicts of interests and gifts, along with refusals to recuse by Supreme Court justices have eroded the public’s trust in the Court and increased demand for more transparency and accountability in the nation’s highest court.

The Supreme Court Ethics and Investigations Act is a critical first step towards improving ethical standards among the justices and holding justices accountable when they commit ethics violations. Specifically, the bill would establish two new offices within the Supreme Court.

An Office of Ethics Counsel would provide regular ethics training and advise justices on ethics issues, including disclosing gifts and deciding when to recuse from cases.

An Office of Investigative Counsel would investigate potential instances of ethical impropriety by justices and report the findings to Congress.

“There is no reason that the Justices who sit on the highest court in the country should be held to ethical standards that are lower than those of any employee in our federal government,” said Senator Booker. “There’s a crisis of confidence in the Supreme Court. Public trust in the institution is at its lowest point in decades as a result of alleged ethical lapses and conflicts of interest. By creating a mechanism to investigate and hold justices accountable for ethics violations and establishing an Ethics Counsel to provide consistent advice on issues like recusal, gifts, and disclosures, this bill is a critical step towards restoring the credibility of the Court in the eyes of the public.”

This legislation is endorsed by the following organizations: Fix the Court, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), Accountable. US, End Citizens United (ECU), Project on Government Oversight (POGO), P Street, Court Accountability, and Demand Justice.

“Our nation’s highest court continues to face an unprecedented crisis of legitimacy, in part because there is no enforceable code of ethics nor accountability as required of all other federal judges,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “I am thrilled

that Senator Booker is leading the charge in the Senate to pass my ‘Supreme Court Ethics and Investigations Act.’ This legislation is a sorely needed step to hold Supreme Court Justices accountable and restore Americans’ faith in the Court.”

“Americans should be able to have faith in the integrity of the highest court in the land, but the justices rely on each other for ethical guidance, and have no one checking their work,” said Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI). “This legislation will help to address these issues by establishing offices to provide professional advice to justices on ethical matters and to investigate complaints made against them or their spouses. The American people should be able to trust that justices arrive at decisions fairly and objectively, and the Supreme Court Ethics and Investigations Act will help to hold the highest court in the land to the highest level of ethical accountability.”

“The Supreme Court’s lack of enforceable ethical standards degrade and detract from its credibility and trust. This measure takes an important step forward in making the Supreme Court more accountable to the American people by establishing internal offices to advise justices on ethical issues and investigate potential wrongdoing. Basic transparency and accountability - along with an enforceable code of ethics - is urgently needed to restore sinking public confidence in the Court,” said Senator

Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).

“It’s no surprise that repeated allegations of Justices accepting lavish paid vacations and other conflicts of interest have decimated public trust in our nation’s most powerful court. Since the Court has decided to disregard its ethical obligations, Congress must step in to hold Justices accountable,” said Senator Welch.

“This legislation is a necessary step toward increasing transparency and accountability in the Supreme Court and restoring public trust in this vital democratic institution.”

The Supreme Court Ethics and Investigations Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal, Laphonza Butler (D-CA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Peter Welch (D-VT).

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

Annual Toy Drive

BEACHWOOD – Join Beachwood & Pine Beach PBA Local 253, Beachwood Emergency Medical Services, Pine Beach Volunteer Fire Company No.1 and Beachwood Vol. Fire Department in their annual Beachwood & Pine Beach 1st Responder Toy Drive!

ask is the gift be unwrapped.

For anyone who would like to donate to the toy drive but cannot make the event, there are toy drop-off bins located in the lobbies of Beachwood Police Department and Pine Beach Police Department. You can also drop off toys at Beachwood Fire Dept., Pine Beach Fire Dept., or Beachwood EMS if you see members at their buildings. They will be accepting donations at these locations until December 13.

OPHTHALMIC MIGRANES

Many people are familiar with painful migraine headaches coupled with visual disturbances called “aura.” It is also possible to have a painless migraine that still causes visual disturbances. These are called ophthalmic or ocular migraines. Symptoms are not unlike those that accompany a typical migraine headache—double vision, flashes of light, or seeing spots or a zig-zag pattern in either direct or peripheral vision—but the visual symptoms are not followed by a painful headache. They usually resolve in under an hour. While these episodes can be confusing or unwelcome, they do not damage the eye or eyesight. Treatment is recommended when the ophthalmic migraines start to interfere with everyday life, such as the ability to read or drive. Although the symptoms of ocular migraines can be frightening, the condition is harmless and short-lived in most cases. However, ocular migraines can indicate serious health problems, such as increased risk for stroke or severe carotid artery disease. When you need the best eye care in the area, look to SIGHTMD NEW JERSEY SUSSKIND & ALMALLAH EYE ASSOCIATES (732-349-5622). We offer evening hours most nights of the week.

P.S. Retinal migraines, usually limited to only one eye, are similar to ophthalmic or ocular migraines because they cause visual disturbances without the associated migraine pain.

MARLBORO (732) 972-1015

TOMS RIVER (732) 349-5622

BRICK (732) 477-6981

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

This year’s event will be December 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will be held outside in a drive-up and drop-off manner at the Mayo Park Building located at 501 Beacon Avenue, Beachwood.

Please consider donating a new unwrapped gift for a Beachwood or Pine Beach child in need this holiday season. No gift or gesture is too small. All that we

Additionally, you can make a monetary donation and they will do the shopping after the event for any additional toys they need. Visit their Facebook page for the link: facebook.com/PBA253.

A Very Merry Grinchmas

BERKELEY – Mayor John Bacchione and Berkeley Township Recreation invites you to A Very Merry Grinchmas on December 13 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at 630 Atlantic City Boulevard (Recreation Center).

Open to school aged children 1st to 4th grades. Dress in your favorite ugly sweater! Meet the Grinch! Cost is $10 per child and includes one slice of pizza and a juice box. This is a parent drop and go event. Pre-registration required.

Claus & Paws Pizza Party Fundraising Event

BAYVILLE – K’s Kitten Rescue Claus & Paws Pizza Party will be on December 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Senza Cucina, 333 Atlantic City Boulevard, Bayville.

A fun, holiday fundraising event benefitting K’s Kitten Rescue. Eat lunch, meet cats, and get photos with Santa!

Bring the whole family to Senza Cucina for a special event where you can purchase some delicious food for lunch, meet some of K’s kittens and get photos with Santa! Three meal options including pizza, buffet and a la carte.

For more information, visit kskittenrescue.org.

C ommunity n ew S

Central Regional Seniors Of The Month

BERKELEY – Central Regional High School congratulations the Seniors of the Month for the months of September, October, and November.

September Seniors of the Month:

Riley Billhimer

President of the Class of 2025

President of the National Honor Society

Captain of the Girls’ Varsity Soccer and Track Teams

Member of “Share the Honor” – a nonprofit she helps lead to provide varsity jackets for underprivileged student-athletes

Plans to attend Boston College and major in Speech-Language Pathology with the goal of opening her own therapy center

Ava Schmidhauser

Secretary of the National Honor Society

Secretary of the Class of 2025

Captain of the Girls’ Varsity Soccer Team

Member of the Girls’ Basketball and Track Teams

Represents Central Regional as a “Shore Ambassador” to promote sportsmanship in the Shore Conference

Plans to continue her academic and soccer careers at Kutztown University

October Seniors of the Month:

Patrick Florek

Member of the National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, and National Society

Photos courtesy Central Regional of High School Scholars

Captain of the Varsity Ice Hockey Team

Recipient of the Hobey Baker High School Character Award

Plans to attend college to study business and finance, as well as completing an electrician apprenticeship

Plans to open his own electrical company

Athena Rodenbaugh

Member of the National Honor Society, History Honor Society, and Math Honor Society

Member of the Girls’ Varsity Volleyball Team

Plans to attend college and major in mathematics with the ultimate goal of becoming a high school algebra teacher

November Seniors of the Month:

Samantha DeMarco

Member of the National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, and History Honor Society

Captain of the Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse Team

Plans to attend a four-year university majoring in Engineering or Computer Science while continuing to play lacrosse at the college level

Kareem McGrath

Member of the National Honor Society and Math Honor Society

Member of the Boys’ Varsity Winter Track Team and the Lacrosse Team

Plans to attend NJIT to pursue a degree in electrical engineering

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

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

Production Manager

Allison Gradzki

Graphic Artist Adriana Miranda

&

Distribution Manager Laura Hoban

Sales Manager Lorrie Toscano

Layout Designer Julia Wilkens

Resident Celebrates 90th Birthday

BERKELEY – Mayor Bacchione attended a 90th birthday celebration for Edie Walton and presented her with a certificate of recognition marking the milestone.

Edie Walton, a 35-year resident of Holiday Heights, celebrated her 90th Birthday on November 22.

Edie has been a member of the Auxiliary for the First Aid Squad for years and was always involved in many clubs and activities including Bingo and square dancing. Edie taught exercise classes, and she still attends classes twice a week and walks one mile every day. Edie is a friend

Township to many, and when someone new moves into the neighborhood, Edie is the first one to introduce herself and ask how she can help.

Berkeley Township extends its sincere congratulations and best wishes to Edie Walton. Mayor Bacchione noted, “It is not every day that a Berkeley resident turns 90, and it is certainly a special occasion when the resident can celebrate the achievement of his 90th birthday milestone with friends and family. We offer our sincere congratulations and best wishes for many more happy, productive years.”

Winter Craft Fest

BAYVILLE – Come start the holiday season off right on December 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Berkeley Recreation Center, 630 Route 9 Bayville, for a day full of vendors, crafts, and festivities for all! They will be collecting new toys and

ShopRite gift cards for local families. All items will be donated to Christmas Angels of Ocean County.

Register to attend for free at: keyrealestategroup.ticketleap.com/winter-craftfest-2024.

Photo courtesy Berkeley

Students Make Thanksgiving Food Baskets

Photo courtesy Berkeley Schools

BERKELEY – The H&M Potter Elementary School Student Council assembled 10 Thanksgiving food baskets for families in need. They will be decorating the boxes and having them delivered.

Saturday Morning Ceramics Holiday City Berkeley

BERKELEY – Coming soon to Holiday City Berkeley, Saturday Morning Ceramics! Join for an information meeting on December 7 at 10 a.m. in the Arts & Crats Room, Clubhouse 1.

They will meet with the Recreation Committee Managers to discuss plans for kicking off Saturday Morning Ceramics and a weeknight class to be determined. They will be working with bisque only

and underglazes. Plates, bowls, and mugs, which will be fired using food-safe glazes, as well as tchotchkes and holiday items, will be available.

Saturday Morning Ceramics is only for residents of Holiday City Berkeley and their guests. A resident must accompany guests.

For more information, contact Patty at 732-236-3914.

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

BAYVILLE – Students at Bayville School had lunch with the principal for completing Acts of Kindness and Raising Funds for the Kindness Fundraiser!

Basketball Game For Charity

BERKELEY – Central Regional High School Class of 2027 presents Basketball Game For Charity on December 13 at Central Regional High School Gym at 6 p.m.

Featuring staff members from the Cen -

tral High & Middle, Berkeley Schools, Ocean Gate, and Island Heights. Admission is $5 or a new, unwrapped toy. All toys will be donated to Toys for Tots. Any questions, email Lsmith@ centralreg.k12.nj.us.

Movies For Adults With Special Challenges

BERKELEY – Individuals and day programs for adults with special needs are welcome to enjoy a movie at the Berkeley Library in the meeting room. The audience will select their film on the

day of the showing. Room opens at 10:30 a.m., movie starts at 11:30 a.m. Program will be held on the following dates: December 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 30, & 31.

Maker Mondays Kids Craft Drop In At Jakes Branch

BEACHWOOD – Nature Crafts and activities are an easy way to inspire kids to develop a love and appreciation of the outdoors. Drop by with your child any time between 10 and 11 a.m. and help them create their own natural wonder!

Free program. Open to ages 3 to 5. Held on Mondays at the Nature Center, Jakes Branch County Park, Beachwood.

December 9 – Sensational Suncatchers December 23 – Nature Necklace

Photo courtesy Berkeley Schools

C ommunity n ew S

Students Connect With Cops

SOUTH TOMS RIVER – Thank you to Mrs. MacRae and her 2nd grade students for another fun get together of what started as Team Pin Knockdown and progressed to

Photo courtesy South Toms River Police a game of dodgeball mixed in! Keep up the good work in school kids, always a pleasure to visit and spend some time at South Toms River Elementary School!

Holiday City Berkeley Annual Holiday Giving Tree

BERKELEY – Holiday City Berkeley annual Holiday Giving Tree benefits Ocean’s Harbor House. Event will be on December 8 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Clubhouse 1. Ocean’s Harbor House is committed to helping impacted youth and families create pathways to self-sustaining futures through shelter, housing, case management, education, workforce development, life skills training, and collaborative partnerships. They have been guiding

youth and families toward independence since 1988.

Pick an ornament (or however many you would like) and purchase a gift card from the business listen on the back in an amount you are comfortable donating. Gift cards will be collected at the December Shareowners Meeting and at the Holiday Celebrate.

For more information, contact Fran at 732-454-4145 or Patty at 732-236-3914.

Annual Kids New Christmas Pajama & New Book Drive

BAYVILLE – It’s that time of year again! The annual Christmas PJ Drive for Living Water Community Church is here. This year, they are collecting new pajamas and new books for children in need. Children aged newborn to 16 years are especially in need this year so they are focusing on them. Youth sizes Medium, Large, and XL

are encouraged. They will accept these donations at any time up to December 15. You can leave in collection bin, in the lobby at the church. You can also make a monetary donation; this will help with the purchase of the PJ sizes they still need: livingwatercma. breezechms.com/give/online

Bayville Elks Lodge Seeking Donations

BAYVILLE – Bayville Elks Lodge #2394 are seeking donations to help create tricky tray baskets for the Special Children’s Charity Ball.

Filler for baskets (nothing shredded), ribbon, tape, clear cellophane gift wrap, large baskets. Please bring all donations to the Bayville Elks Lodge.

NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE AUTHORITY PROPOSED OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS, MILEPOST 80 TO 83, GARDEN STATE PARKWAY

NJDEP CAFRA INDIVIDUAL PERMIT APPLICATION NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD

Take notice that the public comment period for New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) File Number 1500-22-0002.2 LUP240001 will begin with publication in the DEP Bulletin on December 4, 2024. The public comment period will continue for thirty (30) calendar days and will end on January 2, 2025. A brief description of the proposed project follows:

The New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) is proposing to improve Garden State Parkway (GSP) from approximately Milepost 80.2 to 84.1 (including Interchange 80, 81, and 82/82A) by improving GSP geometrics to meet current NJTA design standards where feasible. Other proposed improvements include continuous auxiliary lanes to better accommodate queuing and weaves; Collector-Distributor (CD) roads (service roads) to physically separate local ramp traffic from the GSP through traffic; safety and operational improvements of GSP interchanges, ramps and adjoining State and local roadway networks. Additionally, improvements at Interchange 80 will include adding a new southbound entrance ramp to the GSP and northbound exit ramp to the local roadway network. The improvements will include reconstruction to approximately seven (7) bridges and several culvert pipes throughout the project area. Ancillary improvements will include replacement of guide rail, lighting, drainage system upgrades and overhead signing. Utility and NJTA Fiber Optic (ETC) relocations will be required at locations where proposed improvements conflict with these existing systems.

Any comments on the application referenced above must be submitted to the Department at the address below within 30 calendar days after the start of the comment period (December 4, 2024):

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Division of Land Resource Protection P.O. Box 420, Code 501-02A

Trenton, New Jersey 08625

Attn: Toms River Township/South Toms River Borough/Berkeley Township/ Beachwood Borough Supervisors

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!

What Are “Non-Probate Assets” In Estate Planning?

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

The terms “probate assets” and “non-probate assets” are often used when talking about estate planning and estate administration. It is important to understand the difference between the two.

Probate assets are those assets which pass under a Last Will and Testament. Conversely, non-probate assets are those assets which pass outside of the Will. Examples of non-probate assets include joint accounts marked “JTWROS” (joint tenants with rights of survivorship), “POD” (payable on death) accounts, and real property deeds in the names of both spouses. Other examples include insurance policies, IRA accounts, and annuities in which beneficiaries are specifically named.

Non-probate assets the assets pass upon death to certain other persons. The assets do not pass by way of the Will. For example, a bank account in the names of two persons marked “JTWROS” will automatically pass to the survivor upon the death of one of the joint owners. Similarly, if real property is owned by two married persons as “husband and wife” the property automatically passes to the surviving spouse upon the death of the first spouse to die. Additionally, an IRA or insurance policy will pass to the person named as the beneficiary upon the death of the owner of the IRA or the policy. What is most important to understand is that these assets do not pass under the terms of the Will. Thus, a mother cannot, by her Will, leave

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

In preparing a Will, you must know what assets are considered probate assets and which are non-probate assets. You must understand what assets will pass under your Will and which will pass outside of your Will. The failure to understand how these assets will pass could render your estate planning meaningless. You must also understand the concept of non-probate assets even after your Will is complete. In some cases, a person may, by Will, intend to distribute their assets equally among their three children, but later put a bank account into a joint name with one of the children and not realize that the account will pass to that child alone and not to all three children. Before preparing your Will, you should discuss with your attorney all of the assets in your name and determine whether the assets are probate or non-probate assets and how you want those assets to be distributed upon your passing.

Contact the attorneys at R.C. Shea & Associates for all your estate planning needs. (732) 505-1212.

#10746 | George Neal Lic.#7570 Jonathon Neal Lic.#13189

3rd Annual Pelican & Eagle Drives Winter Wonderland Light Village

BAYVILLE – Do you enjoy the magic of holiday lights and decorations? Enjoy the Pelican & Eagle Drives Winter Wonderland Light Village.

Join for opening night starting at 6 p.m. on December 21 (rain date December 22) – 63 Pelican Drive will have a scavenger hunt game available and some treats for the little ones.

If you are feeling generous, there will be nonperishable food and monetary donation boxes. Nonperishables will be donated to local food banks and pantries. They have a very special guest, too - San-

ta! You will also be able to vote on your favorite houses on Opening Night! You may walk the sidewalks or drive around the neighborhood to enjoy all the holiday decorations.

Please be respectful of our neighborhood. Do not block driveways and/or touch any lights or displays unless otherwise directed. If you can’t make it December 21, the lights and decorations will be up for anyone to view through December 31. They will have a full list of houses participating as well as special surprises by December 20.

South Toms River Police Now Hiring

SOUTH TOMS RIVER – The South Toms River Police Department is currently seeking a Waivable SLEO II Certified Police Officer to join their ranks as a Full Time Police Officer.

Applications can be picked up Monday

through Friday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Police Headquarters, 19 Double Trouble Road South Toms River.

Closing date for application pick up will be September 30 at 3 p.m. Any questions, please call 732-349-0313 ext. 115.

Michael J. Deem, Esq.

Sound News

My Hearing Aid Is Dead Again It’s The Stupid Wax Guard!

Hearing aids can stop working for a variety of reasons. The most common cause is build-up in the wax guard. 99% of all hearing instruments have a white wax guard that is typically replaced by you or the hearing care professional. The wax guard protects the receiver of the hearing aid from getting clogged. If you fail to clean your hearing aids on a daily basis, the wax guard could potentially get clogged within a week. You should either clean the wax guard with a soft dry toothbrush or use Audio wipes. With custom hearing aids that are molded to your ears, the wax guard can easily be cleaned and replaced. For those of you that wear receiver in the canal hearing aids, you would typically have to remove the rubber dome to clean the wax guard and replace it. Make sure when you put the dome back on the receiver, that it’s properly secure or the dome may get lodged into your ear and you may not be able to remove it. If you are religiously replacing the

wax guard every week, it is more than likely that you have a significant amount of ear wax which should be removed by either your PCP or ENT. If you replace the wax guard and/or dome and the hearing aid is still not working, you should make an appointment with your hearing care professional.

In summary, make sure you clean your hearing aid on daily basis with a soft dry toothbrush. Consider purchasing Audio wipes from your hearing care professional which is a “non-alcohol” based wipe. These are extremely valuable for removing wax from the filter or dome. You should also be put on a 4-6 month schedule with your hearing health care professional to properly clean and adjust your hearing instruments. These visits should be at no charge.

Dr. Izzy and his Staff are always here to listen to your hearing care needs. Please feel free to contact our office at 732-451-3962 or visit our website at gardenstatehearing.com

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

ere ’ s t o Y our H e A lt H

Dear Pharmacist

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

When Your Heart Speaks: What Left Ventricular Hypertrophy Is Trying To Tell You

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Your heart is the ultimate multitasker—pumping tirelessly through your highs and lows, adjusting to life’s relentless demands. But sometimes, when under constant strain, it starts sending you signals that it’s overwhelmed. One such message is Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH), a condition where the walls of the left ventricle—the heart’s main pumping chamber—become abnormally thick. LVH is your heart’s way of saying, “Something’s off.”

LVH develops when your heart has to work too hard, often due to high blood pressure, stiff blood vessels, or even stress. While the thickening may initially seem like a coping mechanism, over time, it stiffens the heart walls and hampers blood flow. This can lead to symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and, in severe cases, heart failure. The good news? LVH isn’t necessarily permanent, and simple steps, medical and holistic, can make a world of difference.

LVH can be sneaky, especially in women. Hormonal shifts during menopause, pregnancy-related conditions like preeclampsia, and chronic stress can all raise your risk. Symptoms in women often mimic anxiety or other issues, leading to misdiagnosis. Palpitations or chest tightness may be dismissed as panic attacks, while shortness of breath and fatigue are chalked up to daily stress. Sometimes LVH is associated with hyperparathyroidism, and you can easily check your PTH levels.

Ignoring these symptoms is risky, heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women. Recognizing LVH as a potential early warning sign empowers you to take action before serious complications arise.

Symptoms of LVH may include:

• Persistent fatigue

• Shortness of breath during routine activities

• Chest tightness or palpitations

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Swelling in the legs or feet

• Difficulty breathing when lying flat (orthopnea)

• Sudden nighttime shortness of breath (paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea)

In advanced cases, cognitive changes like confusion or memory issues may appear, signaling reduced blood flow to the brain.

Certain medications may exacerbate LVH, such as decongestants or anabolic steroids. On the flip side, treatments like ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers can reduce heart strain and even reverse some effects of LVH. Always consult your doctor about the best options for you.

A groundbreaking study highlighted how supplements like CoQ10, taurine, and carnitine can actually shrink the size of the left ventricle, improving heart efficiency. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.

Hawthorn extract is another option that has shown promise in reducing LVH and supporting overall heart function in early studies. While it’s not a standalone cure, its ability to promote healthier heart muscle structure makes it a valuable complement to other treatments.

Your heart’s cry for help, in the form of LVH, is a chance to pause, reflect, and take action. From proper nutrition to stress relief and targeted medications, you have the power to ease the burden on your heart. Because your heart isn’t just a muscle, it’s your lifeline. Listen to it, nurture it, and let it thrive. The world needs you, strong and healthy.

If you’re interested in a deeper dive into this topic, I’ve written a longer, more comprehensive blog on my website at suzycohen.com.

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

We’d love to help you thrive during your golden years—let’s talk about how.

Come visit us and explore whether your plan supports the way you want to live.

EPA Financial Services

Email: Heather@epafinancial.com

732.286.1000 www.epafinancial.com Like us on Facebook! 2040 US Highway 9 • Toms River, NJ 08755

Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Fixed insurance products and services are separate from and not offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®.

Around the JerSey Shore

Il Volo To Perform At Hard Rock Live At Etess Arena

ATLANTIC CITY – Italian superstar singers, Il Volo, are coming to Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City on March 22 at 8 p.m.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com and Ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000. All shows are subject to change.

Il Volo is one of the most famous Italian trios in the world, having captivated audiences on every continent with the

extraordinary voices of Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto and Gianluca Ginoble. With a career full of successes, they have collaborated with the biggest international stars and filled arenas worldwide, releasing a total of 13 albums - the latest, “Ad Astra,” released March 29 by Epic Records/Sony Music Italy. In 2025, they will take their music worldwide again with a World Tour across the USA, Canada, and Latin America.

Let’s Talk About Stink Bugs

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

It’s not easy thinking or talking about things that make us uncomfortable or uneasy, but we’re going to do so in this article. It’s better to be armed with information than to feel a sense of desperation should you encounter these bugs, particularly if they arrive in numbers. The stink bug is an invasive species, arriving in the mid-1990s from eastern Asia. They were first collected in Allentown, PA in the fall of 1996. Their identification was not recognized until September of 2001. Quickly they spread to New Jersey, Virginia in 2004 and now to the border of North Carolina. Today they have been found in 44 states and the District of Columbia. The brown marmorated stink bug is considered a pest, feeding on plants, posing threats to farmers. As we approach the colder months, you may find them entering your house thru windows, cracks and other small access areas. They often seek the warmth of the sun by hanging out on the sides of buildings and trees during the day. By now, you’re probably wondering how to keep them out of your home. What about getting rid of them if they do take up resi-

dence? Preventive measures could be periodic checking of cracks and crevasses, openings, window access, door frames, light switches, ceiling fans, for example. Using quality silicone or caulk to repair exposed areas, replacing/ repairing damaged screens on doors and windows are key. Replace exterior lighting to yellow bulbs or sodium vapor lights may also help. Mostly they are controlled by insecticides. The good news, yes, good news, is that they are also a benefit providing biological control of pests, such as caterpillars. That may not sound like much, but caterpillars can consume plants very quickly. Stink bugs do not pose any threat to humans. They don’t bite but handling them could cause them to release their well-known unpleasant odor. Surviving on plants, they suck the juice from the leaves, stems and roots of plants. They do not discriminate the plants they attack.

I gathered the information for this article from multiple sources so statistics may vary slightly. To reach me please call 732-244-2768. It’s illegal to possess, relocate, or cause harm to wildlife for any reason. Managing wildlife without the proper state/federal permits is illegal. Violating laws protecting wildlife is punishable by law.

Photo courtesy Valentina Sabino

Around the JerSey Shore

Water Company Recognizes Local Charities

CAMDEN – New Jersey American Water and the American Water Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization established by American Water, the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., announced today that the Foundation has awarded a combined total of $25,000 in State Strategic Impact grants to five non-profit organizations that are battling food insecurity throughout New Jersey.

Torrina Bennett-Michael, Director of External Affairs at the Community FoodBank of New Jersey, expressed profound gratitude for the support from the American Water Charitable Foundation and New Jersey American Water. As one of the five recipients, she stated, “This donation, coupled with the year-round support from New Jersey American Water for our events, enables us to enhance our efforts in providing essential assistance to nearly 675,000 individuals in our 15-county service area who are facing hunger.”

“At New Jersey American Water, our commitment goes beyond providing quality service,” said Mark McDonough, President of New Jersey American Water and Board Member of the American Water Charitable Foundation. “Food security and water security go hand in hand. We are proud to provide clean safe reliable water to our customers’ taps and we are happy to support our community food banks

in their mission to provide healthy nutritious food to residents in our service areas throughout the state.”

Five organizations across New Jersey American Water’s footprint received donations totaling $25,000:

• Community FoodBank of New Jersey

• The Food Bank of South Jersey

• FulFill NJ: Food Bank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties

• Mercer Street Friends Food Bank

• Norwescap

Carrie Williams, President of the American Water Charitable Foundation, stated, “We are thrilled to collaborate with New Jersey American Water to support local food banks across the state. This year’s initiative underscores our commitment to community welfare by directing essential funds to the areas in greatest need.”

Funding provided by the American Water Charitable Foundation was provided through the 2024 Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program’s State Strategic Impact grant. State Strategic Impact grants support high-impact projects and throughout American Water’s national footprint.

For more information about food insecurity and to locate a food bank near you, visit feedingamerica.org.

Notice Of Prequalification Hearing

Berkeley Township, County of Ocean Project: Manitou Park Schoolhouse Restoration

Berkeley Township will be conducting a public hearing to adopt prequalification regulations for the exterior restoration of the Manitou Park Schoolhouse. Prequalified bidders are sought due to the historic status of the building, and the specialized repair and restoration work required. Qualified bidders must meet the requirements of the pre-qualification criteria to be considered bona fide bidders on this restoration project which is partially funded by the New Jersey Historic Trust.

The scope of work for this project includes: Hazardous materials abatement, restoration of historic double-hung windows, installation of new windows, exterior door replacement, removal of flooring layers and replacement of damaged flooring, replacement of main entrance porch/stair system, replacement of east stair enclosure addition, replacement of existing roofing, installation of stud and joist sistering at perimeter walls and first floor structure, removal of existing mechanical ductwork and installation of new exhaust fans, removal of all lighting fixtures and exit signage, and exterior painting at windows, doors, and wood components.

The Prequalification hearing will be held

on January 6th, 2025 at 10 a.m. at Town Hall, 627 Pinewald-Keswick Road, Berkeley Township, NJ 08721.

Please be advised, at the time of bid submission, the following requirements must be met by all qualified bidders: Qualified bidders must have a Public Works Contractor Registration at the time of bid submissions, and will be required to submit Certificate after receipt of bids, but before award of a contract. This will also be required for any named or listed prime subcontractors. Additionally, bidders must provide a Consent of Surety and a Bid Guarantee. This will also be required for any named or listed prime subcontractors. This is a prevailing wage job.

Qualified bidders must also have a current valid business registration certificate to do business in the State of New Jersey, and prior to the award of a contract. Potentially successful prequalified bidders will be required to comply with the requirements of N.J. S.A 10:5-31 et seq. and N.J.A.C. 17:27 et seq.

A prequalification questionnaire will be made available to interested contractors after the prequalification criteria have been adopted. Please direct all inquiries to the Township of Berkeley: Scott Tirella, Administrator, (732) 244-7400, stirella@ berkeleytownship.org.

Shore Wellness Expo

Tuesday, December 10th 9:00 A.M to 2:00 P.M.

Plaza 1 Mini Mall

730 Jamaica Blvd. Toms River

Join us for a day of meeting and enjoying local medical professionals.

Brought to you by Arocho Insurance Agency, Andrea Home Care Group, Silver Woods, and Plaza 1 Mini Mall Vendor Market.

Around the JerSey Shore

Heart-Racing Suspense, Family Style: Virtual Author Talk With Laura Dave

Photo by Katherine Eskovitz

TOMS RIVER – Spine-tingling mystery tales become even edgier – and poignant - when a family is at the center. Master suspense storyteller Laura Dave will take you inside her newest novel, The Night We Lost Him, during her Ocean County Library Virtual Author Talk, 2 p.m. on December 11.

“The Night We Lost Him” is flying off the shelves at the Ocean County Library, which carries it in hardcover, audiobook, Ebook and Eaudiobook formats along with Laura’s “The Last Thing He Told Me,” “The First Husband,” “Hello, Sunshine,” “London is the Best City in America,” “Eight Hundred Grapes” and “The Divorce Party.”

Her latest pulse-pounder brings estranged siblings Nora and Sam into a tenuous partnership to probe the death of their father Liam Noone, a tycoon with three ex-wives and a cozy cottage on a California cliff where his fatal plunge was ruled accidental. What they discover is a family secret that changes everything.

Consistently atop the New York Times bestseller list, Laura’s novels have been translated into 38 languages. “The Night We Lost Him” is one of six that has been optioned for film and television.

Register at libraryc.org/theoceancountylibrary to attend this free program, to view the upcoming schedule, and to view previous talks. Registrants will receive links to the program by email and may submit questions for the author during signup

O.C.E.A.N., Inc. Head Start Is Accepting Pre-School Applications For 2024-2025

OCEAN COUNTY – O.C.E.A.N., Inc.

Kids/Head Start (not for profit organization) is accepting applications for the FREE Head Start Pre-School Program for income eligible families.

O.C.E.A.N., Inc. invites the public to call and schedule an appointment to visit our centers located throughout Ocean County including: Brick, Manchester, Toms River, Lakewood, Home Based.

Head Start Program Features: Developmentally appropriate curriculum

Vision, hearing, dental screenings

Developmental screenings

Children with special needs are welcome Field trips

Parent involvement activities Nutritious snacks daily

Professionally trained staff

O.C.E.A.N., Inc. provides developmentally appropriate practices, accepting children from income eligible families between the ages of 2 to 5 years. Through a scheduled appointment, parents and children will be able to tour the center (s), meet the staff, learn about the developmentally appropriate curriculum and enroll their children. O.C.E.A.N., Inc. appreciates volunteers at all Head Start Centers. For further information and to learn more about how you can register your child in Head Start call 732-341-7557 Ext. 1227 or visit us on the web at oceaninc.org to download an application. O.C.E.A.N., Inc. is sponsored by CACFP and is an equal opportunity provider.

EDUCATORS! Have a special event planned for your class? Let everyone know by placing a news release in this paper! Call 732-657-7344 to find out how!

Around the JerSey Shore

Grunin Center Announces New Spring Season

TOMS RIVER – The Grunin Center for the Arts at Ocean County College is excited to announce a stellar new lineup of shows for the

upcoming spring season, featuring music, theater and special events for audiences of all ages.

Music

Join folk singer and instrumentalist Seán Dagher for a sea shanty singalong (March 1). Dagher, widely known for his recordings with the Assassin’s Creed video games, takes audiences on a seaward journey through traditional work songs interspersed with sea-themed ballads, all accompanied by Seán on Irish bouzouki. Come ready to raise your voice with these popular sailing songs!

Modern-day folk trio A Band Called Honalee presents their tribute to the music of Peter, Paul & Mary (March 15), while Stoned Soul Picnic (April 5) celebrates three legendary singer/ songwriters of the 1960s/’70s: Joni Mitchell, Carole King and Laura Nyro.

Be prepared to dance with Las Guaracheras (March 28), an all-female salsa sextet from Colombia whose cultural and artistic objective is to uplift female voices within Afro-Latin music and build a more inclusive, diverse, and respectful cultural space for all.

Musician/comedian Vance Gilbert brings his unique brand of musical poetry and acoustic storytelling extraordinaire to the Grunin Center (April 12).

Theater & Magic

The Magic of Kevin Spencer (March 15) combines storytelling, stage magic, and audience participation in a sensory-inclusive

performance designed to be welcoming to all audiences, including families with children with autism or other developmental or intellectual disabilities that create sensory sensitivities.

The Ocean County College Repertory Theatre Company presents “Amadeus,” Peter Shaffer’s Tony Award-winning play, in the Black Box Theater (March 14 to 16 and 21 to 23).

Speakers

& Special Events

The OCC Foundation’s Blauvelt Speaker Series returns this spring with two compelling voices: Parkland survivor and activist David Hogg (March 27) and former NFL pro and media host Tiki Barber (June 5).

Series Events

The popular Jazz on a Sunday Afternoon and Afternoon Recital series continue throughout the spring, bringing world-class jazz artists and exceptional classical musicians to the Grunin Center stage.

Tickets

Ticket sales begin November 22 at grunincenter.org. Tickets are available online, at the Grunin Center Box Office, or by calling 732-255-0500. Group rates and discounts for students and military/veterans are also available for select performances.

Photo courtesy Ocean County College

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Real Estate

House For Sale - Adult Community Pheasant Run in Forked River. $289,000. For more information call 609-290-9702. (47)

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)

Misc.

Thank you St. Jude for an-swering my prayer. SR. (52)

Personals

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

Items 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. (1)

Electric Scooter - New. Great for seniors. Rechargeable charger included. Front basket, air tires, red. Local. Can deliver. Best offer. 732-736-6583. (52)

Priced 2 Sell Musical InstrumentsEntry & Intermediate Banjos, Keyboards, Acoustic & Lapsteel Guitars. Ocean County Resident. Call Mike at 201-315-8608. (52)

Items Wanted

$$$ WANTED TO BUY $$$ Jewelry and watches, costume jewelry, sterling silver, silverplate, medals, military items, antiques, musical instruments, pottery, fine art, photographs, paintings, statues, old coins, vintage toys and dolls, rugs, old pens and postcards, clocks, furniture, bric-a-brac, select china and crystal patterns. Cash paid. Over 35 years experience. Call Gary Struncius. 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)

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)

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

CLASSIFIEDS

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)

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

Help Wanted

R.C. Shea and Associates is seeking to hire a paralegal with civil/commercial litigation experience as well as an administrative assistant. Pay and benefits commensurate with experience. Please call Pam Williams, office manager at (732) 505-1212 or email at pwilliams@rcshea.com (t/n)

Bus Driver NEEDED! - Flexible

Scheduling. Perfect for Retiree in Retirement Community. CDL w/ Passenger endorsement required. Call SilverWoods Clubhouse for more information at 732-341-4825. (t/n)

Laundromat Attendant - For FT/ PT Good communication skills, math and min computer knowledge. Transportation needed. Long term commitment only. 732-286-1863. (t/n)

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

ADVANCED BUILDING - HOME IMPROVEMENTS/REPAIRS • CARPENTRY • TRIM• FLOORING • BATHROOM AND KITCHEN UPGRADES• DECKS• DOORS• WINDOWS • 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)

Avon Sales - Eyeliner, eye shadow, perfume, men's cologne. Call for a brochure 732-330-4189 or 848287-3944. If you are interested in selling Avon contact 732-3304189 or 848-287-3944. (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)

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

Services

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 RITE -

Free 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. 732-691-0123. Lic #13VH09460600. (t/n)

ANGEL APPLIANCE REPAIR732-403-6975. 50+ years serving Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Senior owned and operated. INSURED, RELIABLE AND HONEST. (47)

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)

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)

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.

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

in

Around the JerSey Shore

Grunin Center Announces New Spring Season

TOMS RIVER – The Grunin Center for the Arts at Ocean County College is excited to announce a stellar new lineup of shows for the upcoming spring season, featuring

Photo courtesy Ocean County College music, theater and special events for audiences of all ages.

Music

Join folk singer and instrumentalist Seán

Dagher for a sea shanty singalong (March 1). Dagher, widely known for his recordings with the Assassin’s Creed video games, takes audiences on a seaward journey through traditional work songs interspersed with sea-themed ballads, all accompanied by Seán on Irish bouzouki. Come ready to raise your voice with these popular sailing songs!

Modern-day folk trio A Band Called Honalee presents their tribute to the music of Peter, Paul & Mary (March 15), while Stoned Soul Picnic (April 5) celebrates three legendary singer/songwriters of the 1960s/’70s: Joni Mitchell, Carole King and Laura Nyro. Be prepared to dance with Las Guaracheras (March 28), an all-female salsa sextet from Colombia whose cultural and artistic objective is to uplift female voices within Afro-Latin music and build a more inclusive, diverse, and respectful cultural space for all.

Musician/comedian Vance Gilbert brings his unique brand of musical poetry and acoustic storytelling extraordinaire to the Grunin Center (April 12).

Theater & Magic

The Magic of Kevin Spencer (March 15) combines storytelling, stage magic, and audience participation in a sensory-inclusive

performance designed to be welcoming to all audiences, including families with children with autism or other developmental or intellectual disabilities that create sensory sensitivities.

The Ocean County College Repertory Theatre Company presents “Amadeus,” Peter Shaffer’s Tony Award-winning play, in the Black Box Theater (March 14 to 16 and 21 to 23).

Speakers & Special Events

The OCC Foundation’s Blauvelt Speaker Series returns this spring with two compelling voices: Parkland survivor and activist David Hogg (March 27) and former NFL pro and media host Tiki Barber (June 5). Series Events

The popular Jazz on a Sunday Afternoon and Afternoon Recital series continue throughout the spring, bringing world-class jazz artists and exceptional classical musicians to the Grunin Center stage.

Tickets

Ticket sales begin November 22 at grunincenter.org. Tickets are available online, at the Grunin Center Box Office, or by calling 732-255-0500. Group rates and discounts for students and military/veterans are also available for select performances.

Ocean County A Leader For Republican Candidates Statewide

TOMS RIVER – Ocean County GOP Chairman George Gilmore released the following statement on the results of the 2024 election in New Jersey:

New Jersey took a big swing towards common sense and practical leadership in the election this year. While the statewide results may have been a surprise to many, the reality is that here in Ocean County our voter base held true to Republican conservative principles.

Ocean County once again delivered the highest vote total and highest plurality in the state for Donald Trump – providing him with 227,210 votes, over 121,000 more that Kamala Harris. Moving down-ballot, our U.S. Senate candidate, Curtis Bashaw received 197,020 votes, over 87,000 more than Andy Kim. Congressman Van Drew and Smith won their respective portions of the county with 67% and 71% of the vote. At the local level for County Commissioner, Jennifier Bacchione received 214,109 votes and Rob Arace 211,778 votes, both winning by over 116,000 votes over their opponents.

We have come to expect success for our Republican Candidates in Ocean County. We have consistently built and maintained the strongest Republican organization in the state, and I am 100% confident that no matter what happens to the “county line” in the future our republican candidates will continue to be successful.

While statewide Republicans have come to reply on Ocean County for their largest margins of victory, Ocean County hasn’t always provided the largest number of raw votes for our candidates (some of the more heavily populated North Jersey counties have previously held that title), that changed in 2024. There were more than 222,000 votes cast for Republican candidates out of Ocean County while the next closest county provided just 210,000 votes.

As always, we welcome all candidates to spend more time in Ocean County. As 2025 ramps up we are prepared to work hard for the candidates who earn our endorsement, and we expect to provide similar levels of success for them next year!

Movies In The Park 2024

BEACHWOOD – Experience the magic of the cinema outside beneath the stars. Grab some popcorn and find a seat. The show is about to begin! Beachwood Recreation Commission puts on movies in the park at Mayo Park. Admission is free, and the movies they pick are all family-oriented and family-friendly.

December 13 – “The Polar Express” There will be no rain dates for the above movies. In case of inclement weather movies will be moved indoors.

Volunteers Needed At New Jersey Blood Services

NEW JERSEY – New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS), a division of New York Blood Center, which provides blood for local patients, is looking for a few good volunteers.

The blood drive volunteer is an integral member of our team whose tasks include assisting donors with registration and/or

at the refreshment area.

No medical background necessary. Volunteers should be outgoing to provide friendly customer service, be able to perform tasks as needed and must provide proof of COVID vaccination prior to volunteering. Must have transportation. All training is provided including additional

precautions for the safety of our team and blood donors.

For additional information call or text Sharon Zetts, Manager, NJBS Volunteer Services at 732-850-8906, Monday to Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To apply online as a blood drive volunteer, go to: volgistics.com/appform/2127944197.

Around the JerSey Shore

Sacred Sisterhood: Women’s Dance Circle

BAYVILLE – Come join for an empowering and joyful gathering of women at the Sacred Sisterhood: Women’s Dance Circle! This outdoor, in-person event is a celebration of femininity, unity, and self-expression through movement. Let’s create a safe and supportive space where we can connect, uplift, and inspire each other.

During this magical evening, we will explore

various styles of dance, from energetic and rhythmic movements to graceful and flowing sequences. No previous dance experience is required – just bring your open heart and willingness to let go and have fun!

Amie Gentile will guide us through a series of dance exercises, encouraging us to embrace our unique bodies and express ourselves freely. Through the power of dance, we will tap into

our inner strength, release stress, and connect with our feminine essence. You’ll have the opportunity to choose and play drums, chimes, shakers and various other instruments! White body paint optional!

This event is an opportunity to connect with like-minded women, forge new friendships, and feel the incredible support of sisterhood. Together, we will create a vibrant and uplifting

Check out Micromedia Publications’ website, jerseyshoreonline.com

energy that will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired.

So, gather your sisters and join at the Sacred Sisterhood: Women’s Dance Circle – a space where women can come together, dance, and celebrate the beauty and power of being a woman!

Visit eventbrite.com/o/amie-gentile-69571212193 to register and view date options.

While the summer season is long behind us, there is still plenty of marine life to see at the Jersey Shore. Recently, Amy Lynn Johnson of Toms River was walking the sand at Island Beach State Park where she found a beached starfish and a sea goose berry. Amazing, isn’t it? Want to see your pics in this space? Email photos@ jerseyshoreonline.com and you may even win a prize!

Beam Aboard For Holiday Fun

SEASIDE HEIGHTS – Santa Claus beamed down to the Seaside Heights Community Center, 1000 Bay Boulevard, for the December meeting of the STARFLEET – USS Challenger, a Star Trek Science Fiction Fan Club that meets monthly.

Visit usschallenger.org or email BillSchmidt1000@aol.com or call at 732-575-

6904 for more information.

Come join for next Christmas Party. The December monthly meetings for this event will be December 21, Winter Solstice at 1 p.m. Please bring pot luck dish and drinks optional. The regular Monthly meetings are the first Sunday of the month.at 1 p.m. Come get a picture with Santa.

HOLIDAY SHOPPING SPREE 2024

December 11, 12, 13, 14, AND December 18, 19, 20, 21

9AM-2PM • Plaza 1 Mini Mall 730 Jamaica Blvd. • Toms River 08757

Purchase holiday gifts for everyone on your shopping list!

FUN & GAMES SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Across 1 “__ your age!” 4 Hound 7 Mischievous sprite 10 For instance 13 Bach work 15 “Fore!” site 16 __-K 17 Record collection?

18 “And there’s more” abbr. 19 Extra NBA periods

20 Simple style 21 Meringue-based confection 23 Perched on 25 Defensive retort 26 MVP of the first Super Bowl 30 Copies, for short 33 Flying start? 34 Sudden attack 35 Bentley of “Yellowstone” 38 Inventor who coined the term

Musical symbol

Nordic runner

Breezes (through)

Let up

Bo’s’n’s quarters

Storage place 47 With 60-Across, undefeated boxer who wrote the cookbook “Food for Life” 49 Prefix between kiloand giga52 Passage 55 Do better than 60 See 47-Across 61 Mauna __ 62 Brandy-based cocktail, and a hint to locating the second part of four three-part puzzle answers

Mauna __

67 Leaves in hot water? 68 “The Matrix” hero 69 Justice Dept. arm Down 1 “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” band 2 Really overcook 3 Lug

4 Org. with a long track record?

5 Language spoken along the Bering Sea 6 Eat at

7 Agenda listing 8 Like five bones in the hand 9 Nocturnal piglike mammal 10 Athletic apparel 11 “Star Wars” droid nickname 12 Basic question type 14 Stick on a crudit s platter

22 Latin 101 word

Synthetic

-

Dwarf planet once known as Xena

-

Tin __

Canadian gas brand

Dandelion part

Italian cream cheese 40 Where stars may align 42 Miss in the game of Clue 45 Flamenco cheer 46 Brief exercise? 47 Hardly seaworthy 48 Turnpike toll factor 50 German industrial city

Trickery

-

“All done!”

57 Low-pH substance 58 RSVP convenience 59 Mex. miss

(c)2024 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.

JERALDINE SAUNDERS

OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

ARIES (March 21-April 19): You might enjoy being the center of attention. Spending time with loved ones and admirers could consume your weekend. Consider waiting until at least the middle of the week, however, to begin any new projects or routines.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You may have been gathering ideas and working up the courage to make a significant change, yet you might not feel completely ready in the upcoming week. Be patient while the last pieces fall into place and watch things come together.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Be mindful not to let criticism drive you off course in the week ahead. You might steer your way toward your goals if you’re ready to deal with obstacles; whether or not you reach them may depend upon your moral fortitude.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): You may benefit from a style refresh to stay up to date on the current fashion. You might be asked to attend formal functions in the week ahead. Don’t get too caught up in outdated traditions. Relax, you won’t be judged harshly.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Holiday spirit paired with an optimistic outlook may inspire you to take action. Consider avoiding taking unnecessary risks in the early part of the week. Traveling or studying with others could broaden your educational horizons.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): People may abandon a situation at the first sign of trouble. Things could seem challenging for a few days. It could be wise to wait and see how events unfold before making any drastic decisions. Don’t take criticism personally.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Embrace the journey ahead and enjoy the cheerful holiday season. When it comes to business and professional life, it may be wise to trust the experts to take the lead. Stay positive and you’ll overcome any negativity that comes your way.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Aim to be well informed with the facts close at hand. Reflect on what has worked for you in the past and what hasn’t. Reevaluate old habits that may hinder your progress and aim to streamline your daily routines and behaviors.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):

Be extra careful about getting your bills paid on time and honoring your obligations this week. Look for ways to let people know how reliable you are. Being trustworthy may benefit you in ways you might not have imagined.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Any task worth doing is worth doing well. Put your best foot forward in your responsibilities and endeavors this week. Stay focused and don’t let emotions sway you if someone tries to tempt you away from hopes and dreams.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Don’t hide your dreams to avoid expected criticism. Your loved ones may be more supportive than you think if you’re willing to trust them with your heart. They might want to encourage and support you in achieving your goals.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You might notice flaws in many things during the next several days. It’s important to focus on being helpful and constructive rather than critical. Think of ways to offer promising solutions and support instead of highlighting faults.

By America’s Test Kitchen

Pickled jalapeno slices

Hot sauce

1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 400 degrees. Combine water and baking soda in a large bowl.

Add beef and mix until thoroughly combined. Set aside.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 4 to 6 minutes. Add chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder and 1 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute.

3. Stir in tomato paste and cook until paste is rust-colored,

1 to 2 minutes. Add beef mixture and cook, using wooden spoon to break meat into pieces no larger than 1/4 inch, until beef is no longer pink, 5 to 7 minutes.

4. Transfer beef mixture to a bowl; stir in cheddar until cheese has melted and mixture is homogeneous. Wipe skillet clean with paper towels.

5. Thoroughly brush both sides of tortillas with 2 tablespoons oil. Arrange tortillas, overlapping, on a rimmed baking sheet in two rows (six tortillas each). Bake until tortillas are warm and pliable, about 5 minutes. Remove tortillas from oven and reduce oven temperature to 200 degrees.

6. Place 2 tablespoons filling on one side of one tortilla. Fold and press to close tortilla (edges will be open, but tortilla will remain folded). Repeat with remaining tortillas and remaining filling. (At this point, filled tortillas can be covered and refrigerated for up to 12 hours.)

7. Set wire rack in second rimmed baking sheet and line rack with double layer of paper towels. Heat remaining 1/4 cup oil in now-empty skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Arrange six tacos in skillet with open sides facing away from you. Cook, adjusting heat so oil actively sizzles and bubbles appear around edges of tacos, until tacos are crispy and deeply browned on one side, 2 to 3 minutes. Using tongs and thin spatula, carefully flip tacos. Cook until deeply browned on second side, 2 to 3 minutes, adjusting heat as necessary.

8. Remove skillet from heat and transfer tacos to prepared wire rack. Blot tops of tacos with double layer of paper towels. Place sheet with fried tacos in oven to keep warm. Return skillet to medium-high heat and cook remaining tacos. Serve tacos immediately, passing extra cheddar, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, jalapenos and hot sauce separately.