Solar System Ambassador Teaches About Space Exploration
by Bob Vosseller
will occur where all major planets in our solar system will line up in a harmonious formation.
Such alignments are rare occurrences and along with being a visual spectacle are often interpreted as harbingers of new beginnings.
Timko enjoys bringing such news to his audiences at programs he hosts such as “To the Moon (and Beyond): Lights on the Moon” which he brought to the Jackson branch of the Ocean County Library.
During that program he reviewed NASA’s lunar projects, the effects of space on the human body and provided a glimpse about the exciting out-of-this-world journeys yet to come.
Ordinance Would Curb Misuse Of Powered Bicycles
By Bob Vosseller
JACKSON – Township officials are looking to reduce reckless use of powered bicycles because police have reported issues with them lately.
Among four ordinances introduced during the latest Township Council meeting was ordinance 04-25 that would establish code regulations for low-speed electric bicycles and motorized bicycles.
Council President Jennifer Kuhn explained that such vehicles “have become more and more popular and are subject to safety concerns by the township police department.” She said the department’s Traffic Safety Division reached out to the Public Safety Director Joseph Candido about the issue.
By Bob Vosseller
JACKSON – While many people have been scanning the night skies for drones in recent weeks, a retired township educator continues to explore the galaxy as a glimpse of what is and what could be.
Township resident Tom Timko serves as a National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(NASA) Solar System Ambassador and expressed that every mission in outer space “advances our knowledge and our possibilities.” There are only 1,203 solar system ambassadors.
Ambassador Timko is very excited about a cosmic event that will take place later this month. On January 25, a planetary alignment
Timko discussed the essential equipment necessary for current space travel. He also explained why discovering water on the moon was imperative and provided an update on the James Webb Space Telescope. His interstellar passion came from his interest in the space
New Era Begins In Plumsted
By Bob Vosseller
PLUMSTED – Two new township committeemen were sworn in beside family members at the township’s recent reorganization meeting. James Hagelstein and Thomas Potter began their three-year terms that evening. The pair defeated incumbents Dominick Cuozzo and Michael Hammerstone in the June GOP primary in a contentious campaign. The incoming committeemen are members of the Republicans of Plumsted, a new political club that formed last year
and is largely made up of members that broke away from the original Plumsted Republican Club that endorsed Cuozzo and Hammerstone.
The reorganization meeting drew a large number of people to witness Township Clerk Jennifer Witham administer the oath of office to Potter and Hagelstein. Each took the oath of office joined by members of their family.
Following their swearing in which garnered some loud applause, it
“They are operating without helmets. They are reckless. They go into the streets. I don’t know what is going on but they need to be regulated. I reached out to the council in Brick that passed the same ordinance,” Kuhn said.
She watched a PowerPoint presentation by Township Police Officer Donald Lasko on the issue. He also provided it to Township Attorney Gregory McGuckin to aid in the development of the ordinance.
In other news, Ordinance 01-25 would amend township code pertaining to land use and development regulations entitled, “property maintenance.”
(Ordinance - See Page 4) (Solar
(New Era - See Page 15)
“This ordinance would further clarify regulations related to ground covering and planting. The ordinance also requires sufficient notice to alleged violations for pleas of guilty for first and second offense without the necessary court appearance,” Kuhn said.
She said ordinance 02-25 “establishes “a salary range for all employees of the township for 2025. The township must establish a salary range through ordinance and any employee may only be paid within the salary range so designated.”
Kuhn also spoke about ordinance 0325 that authorizes the acceptance of a
Local resident Tom Timko shows a model of the moon during a program about space at the Jackson Library.
Photo
Photo courtesy Plumsted Township
James Hagelstein joins his wife Stephanie as he takes the oath of office as Plumsted Committeeman administered by Township Clerk Jennifer Witham during the Township Committee’s reorganization meeting.
Solar System:
Continued From Page 1
race of the 1950s and 1960s, Star Trek, model rocketry, and legendary astronomer Carl Sagan’s PBS series Cosmos.
Timko, who lives just three miles from the Jackson Library, said “I’ve worked at pretty much all the schools in Jackson over the years. I’ve given tours at the jet propulsion lab in California. The first space shuttle never actually flew to space. It is on the (USS) Intrepid. They had a write-in to change the name of it to the Enterprise and they did just that.”
“I ended up being friends with Alan Stern who was in charge of the Horizons Mission,” Timko said. Stern is a planetary scientist, space program executive, aerospace consultant, and author who led NASA’s $880 million New Horizons mission that successfully explored the Pluto system and is now exploring the Kuiper Belt - the farthest exploration in the history of humankind.
Ordinance:
land donation for properties within the community shown on the tax maps on Wright De-Bow Road. “This ordinance authorizes the acceptance of a proposed donation of a certain real estate property by the estate or a former property owner.”
“Several of us are the same age. Neil (deGrasse) Tyson was born in 1957, Alan was born in ‘57 and we get to laugh about how everything has changed over the years,” Timko added.
“With Alan, I got to go to the Explorers Club in New York City and I see a guy at a high-top table, he has a lot of hair and is very tall and I end up talking to the guy for over an hour before some scientists are going to talk about the New Horizons mission. So we go into this next room and we talk about the atmosphere of Pluto for a while.”
Timko remarked further, “Al says this is the scientist I was telling you about. I am sitting next to a reporter from Business Week and she asks me ‘how do you know Brian May? You do know he’s the lead guitarist for Queen?’”
“He’s an astrophysicist,” Timko said to the surprise of some audience members. May actually has a doctorate in astrophysics and submitted his thesis on “A Survey of Radial Velocities In The Zodiacal Dust Cloud.”
“He had the degree before he played for
would have been subject to numerous environmental constraints rendering the value as minimal. If the property owner pays a minimal property tax accessed, the township would bear the cost of the tax foreclosure,” she added.
Queen. He does a lot of 3-D modeling and is really big on making 3-D visuals,” Timko added.
For his program Timko brought along a model of the solar system and presented several science visuals. He said he was dedicated to inspiring students, educators and community members about the wonders of space.
“I always tell college students that if you understand something, you can teach it to anybody. It is a great thing to give up your time and share your knowledge and talk to people about things, to help them understand,” he added.
Timko also brought some space rocks that he allowed audience members to hold. He handed out one stone “that I usually don’t hand out very often. This is a lunar meteorite from the moon and one side of it has been cut and polished so you can see all the grain content. The moon has been bombarded by meteorites constantly. Because of the heat a lot of it turns into stone. The atmosphere on the moon is worse than asbestos.”
“We didn’t know when we first went there
2000, reached out to administration and our mayor (Michael Reina) and administration worked it out.”
with the Apollo missions what we know now,” he said. When astronauts return to the moon they will bring filters with magnets in them. “You look through a microscope to the atmosphere and it looks like barbed wire. Asbestos is nothing compared to what you would breathe on the moon.”
Timko responded to an audience member’s question about the purpose of establishing a space station on the moon saying, “it will be a docking station so we go from the Earth, to the docking station and going to the moon so it won’t be like having a rocket that actually goes to the moon and lands.”
“It starts with sci-fi,” Timko added. “Look at Elon Musk’s Space X. He loves old sci fi movies and if you look at some of the rockets that he’s built, they look very much like those from the old sci fi movies. Just like in Star Trek they didn’t have the budget to land on planets so they would go into the transporter.”
Timko said with excitement, “writers, artists and sci-fi (films and TV shows) ends up often being true as the science community sees it and says, ‘I think we can do something like that.’”
that this proposal is being presented and considered.”
Continued From Page 1 (Ordinance - See Page 14)
“The property in question if left vacant
Kuhn said that the owner reached out to the township and “this has been a long effort. She is an elderly woman who has been in pre-foreclosure since 1990 and
The resident said in an email to the mayor, council and various professional staff, “I have had extensive cooperation with the township membership in expressing my desire to dedicate the property mentioned to the town due to a personal hardship. I am deeply grateful
Councilman Nino Borrelli said he met the owners last summer “who brought the issue of these properties to my attention and I then brought it to the attention of Council President Kuhn who worked with administration to see if we could help. We worked together with the township’s tax
Correspondence & Commentary From Your Local, County, State & Federal Officials
A Legislator Sometimes Needs To Call Things Out
Capitol Comments
TRENTON - Last week I wrote a summary of bills I sponsor that have become law, made progress through the legislative system, or would bring about big changes. But while making laws is certainly a big part of being a lawmaker, there’s more to it than that. Your elected representative should also take an interest in what’s going on locally, keep an eye on how the state is spending your tax dollars, and be a forceful advocate for you and your neighbors.
Meeting with constituents in my office, or by visiting their homeowner communities, is one way I keep up with what’s on the minds of local residents. Attending community events also helps me stay connected.
Representing their interests sometimes requires me to call out the poor performance of state officials when necessary. Most recently, I had to call out the state Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness for its failure to deliver useful information and a plan to find out why there have been large numbers of SUV-sized drones in our area. Residents need answers on what’s going on above their homes, neighborhoods and even military bases.
Stunningly, that failure occurred at a briefing called by the governor himself for legislators and other elected officials. As I said at the time, “When our homeland security experts can’t provide even basic assurances about what’s happening in our airspace, it sends a chilling message about our preparedness.”
Unfortunately, there are still no answers and the mystery only deepens. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) just recently expanded the areas of New Jersey covered by a drone ban, with only vague reasons given about requests from “federal security partners.”
As frustrating as the drone issue has been, it doesn’t compare to the aggravation of Jackson and Plumsted residents over the devastating cuts in state funding for their schools. Through meetings and correspondence with the state’s acting Commissioner of Education and his staff, I worked for months to head off the cuts and the property tax increases they would cause.
While some funding was restored through legislation I sponsored, it wasn’t possible to convince enough lawmakers to provide funding sufficient to avoid massive school budget cuts, property tax increases, and the sale of Rosenauer Elementary. Jackson’s volunteer school board members were forced to vote on a catastrophic budget and tax increase in line with the state’s funding
cuts – and they voted it down.
It was the state-appointed fiscal monitor, who had correctly said the school district has a revenue problem, not a spending problem, who cast the vote overriding the hard-working local school board to impose massive cuts and a huge property tax increase. I publicly called out the state for creating the problem and then imposing a “solution” that’s terrible for students and taxpayers.
Adding insult to injury, the Department of Education (DOE) publicly blamed the volunteer Jackson school board for missing a budget adoption deadline when it was the department’s own fiscal monitor who was responsible for the delay. I wrote to the acting commissioner to correct the record on this, and issued a public statement to call it out.
That very evening, a TV appearance by the governor made it apparent that the DOE was providing the same false information to him.
In that appearance, the governor also blamed the Jackson school board for budget delays caused by the state.
This made me believe that the DOE purposely delayed the Jackson school budget, and misled the governor about it. I publicly called for the acting commissioner to resign and retract the department’s false statements about the school board.
When news came out about still more extravagant spending in the Newark school district –using your income tax dollars that could have been better used in Jackson and Plumsted – I called that out as well. Newark was sending
administrators and school board members to places such as Dallas, Atlantic City, and the Bellagio casino hotel in Las Vegas, at a cost of over a million dollars for the year.
I privately and publicly told the DOE it should assign a fiscal monitor to Newark.
I’ve worked to be somewhat of a fiscal monitor myself when it comes to the state budget. I’ve called out the $700 million in mostly unnecessary spending tacked onto the budget at the last minute. It’s particularly galling to be giving public money to private stadiums and clubs when our schools are losing state aid.
Moving on, I’ve been working on solving the longstanding traffic problems on Rt. 537 near Six Flags Great Adventure and the outlets, as I’ve detailed here before. This has been a safety issue for decades and something needs to be done. I’ve met with many stakeholders, including county engineers, business leaders, mayors and others, and I’m very optimistic we’ll have a final plan in place relatively soon.
It will be an exciting year in 2025 as we get to vote on a new governor, as well as on members of the Assembly. I’m looking forward to continuing the work you’ve sent me to do in Trenton.
Alex Sauickie is a life-long Jackson resident who represents his home town and 12 other towns in the State Assembly. Follow him on Facebook (/AssemblymanAlex) and on Instagram (@AssemblymanAlex), or visit his website at AssemblymanAlex.com.
Endangered Species Act Protections Kept For Grizzly Bears
Capitol Comments
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-CA-02) applauded the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) decision to maintain protections for grizzly bears under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The agency’s decision was based on the best available science, as well as ample stakeholder input from state, tribal, and conservation partners.
“Biologists estimated that around 100,000 grizzly bears once roamed western North
America, but human encroachment and other threats have pushed this population to the edge of extinction,” said Senator Booker. “I commend the FWS for their decision to maintain Endangered Species Act protections for grizzly bears, and ultimately listening to the scientists and the local community. I will continue to advocate for science-based recovery plans and policies that ensure grizzly bears and other endangered species have the space and safety they need to recover their populations and thrive in spite of a warming climate, habitat loss, and other challenges.”
“The science is clear - we need strong protections for grizzly bears,” said Representative Huffman. “The compounding threats of climate change and politically motivated state
policies have the potential to decimate grizzly bear populations and dramatically impact their habitats. I’m glad the Fish and Wildlife Service understands these threats, has listened to stakeholders and scientists, and decided to maintain Endangered Species Act protections for this iconic species. I will continue to work with FWS over the coming comment period to determine whether any additional updates or revisions to the accompanying proposed rules are needed to ensure grizzlies are successfully recovered.”
Senator Booker and Ranking Member Huffman led a letter to U.S. Department of Interior Secretary Debra Haaland and FWS Director Martha Williams urging them to retain ESA protections for grizzly bears. The letter highlighted major threats to grizzly bears, including existing and proposed state laws and policies.
The Montana state legislature, for example, recently passed a bill that allows livestock
owners to kill grizzly bears, even on public land. In Wyoming, changes to grizzly bear counting methods could triple the number of grizzlies hunted compared to previous hunts.
“Furthermore, a warming climate is changing the nature of both grizzly bear habitat and biology. Regional observers are already noting shorter denning seasons, including later entry in the fall and earlier emergence in the spring. In order to adapt to climate change, grizzly bears need more room to roam and more protections - not less - as they explore different habitats and food availability,” the lawmakers noted.
The letter was cosigned by U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA-08), Julia Brownley (D-CA-26), Steve Cohen (D-TN-09), Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), Jerry Nadler (D-NY-12), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-13), and Nikema Williams (D-GA-05).
Assemblyman Alex Sauickie
Senator Cory Booker
C ommunity
New Jersey Nonprofits Receive More Than $740,000 From FirstEnergy, FirstEnergy Foundation In 2024
HOLMDEL – To bolster the social and economic well-being of the communities served by FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) electric company Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), FirstEnergy and the FirstEnergy Foundation have donated more than $740,000 in 2024 to organizations that support a wide array of community-enhancing endeavors. These initiatives help promote workforce and economic development, enhance the social and cultural landscape of the region and champion crucial safety initiatives.
Lorna Wisham, Vice President of Corporate Affairs & Community Involvement and President of the FirstEnergy Foundation: “Electricity is the lifeblood for homes and businesses, but it’s the people that are the lifeblood of our communities. These non-profits are people-driven, and they give opportunities, hope and security to the people who need it the most. We are proud to be able to help them make our communities such great places to live, work and raise a family.”
A total of 113 nonprofit and civic organizations in northern and central New Jersey are making progress on their missions, thanks to grants from FirstEnergy and the FirstEnergy Foundation. Areas of impact include:
• More than $120,000 to programs that combat food insecurity and local food pantries.
• More than $65,000 to eight local United Way chapters in support of their community-focused events and efforts
• A $64,000 grant to NJ SHARES to fund a program for the completion of required
repairs identified during the smart meter installation process for income-qualified JCP&L customers
• More than $58,000 to homelessness and housing security initiatives.
• More than $35,000 to veteran-focused programs and charities.
Beyond providing grants to local non-profits, the FirstEnergy Foundation encourages employees to give back to their local communities and provides support in helping employees make a larger impact. FirstEnergy provides each of its employees with 16 hours of volunteer time off (VTO) annually, allowing team members to provide time and manpower to 501(c)3 non-profit organizations. How to Apply for a FirstEnergy Foundation Grant in New Jersey: The FirstEnergy Foundation provides support to 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits, including health and human services agencies, educational organizations, cultural and arts programs and institutions, and civic groups in areas served by JCP&L and FirstEnergy’s other electric companies and in areas where the company conducts business.
The FirstEnergy Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications. To inquire about grant opportunities or corporate sponsorships, contact Alix Hayes, Community Involvement Consultant at 732-904-9778 or ahayes@firstenergycorp.com.
Learn more about FirstEnergy and the FirstEnergy Foundation’s commitment to their communities at firstenergycorp. com/community.
Prom Dress Collection Drive
TOMS RIVER – Prom time provides an evening of magic and a lifetime of memories.
The gently used gown or formal dress tucked in your closet can help a student experience that magic this spring. The Ocean County Library invites you to join our 2025 Prom Dress Collection Drive through February 28. The collection drive precedes the Library’s annual Prom Dress Giveaway, which will begin in late March. Donated evening wear will be given free of charge to students in grades 8 through 12, regardless
of financial circumstances.
All the Library’s 21 branches and reading centers serve as collection points for your donation.
Short and long styles popular within the past five years are especially sought. Donors are asked to contribute dry cleaned items ready for prom wear. No accessories, shoes or purses can be accepted.
For more information, call or stop by any of OCL’s branches or reading centers or visit the Library’s online Calendar of Events.
School District In Need Of Transportation Aides
JACKSON – The Jackson School District has a serious need for Transportation Aides for the coming year. Please share this information with anyone who might be interested in earning $18.50 per hour with
flexible hours while helping students! HS Diploma or GED and criminal background check required.
See the job posting and job description to apply ASAP! Visit jacksonsd.org.
Volunteers Have Cats Available For Adoption
JACKSON – Calling All Cats is a cat rescue group made up of volunteers, some of whom work at a spay and neuter clinic. People would drop off unwanted cats. As a group, they save the babies that are left alone, the countless mothers that have had numerous litters and those that are losing or have lost their home.
Greetings from “Kittenland,” where brothers Beauregard and Benjamin are still waiting their turn for adoption! They are great buddies, hang out, play and nap all day together. They get along great with the housecats, family pup and adore the baby kittens! It really would be nice to keep these
boys together, they really are best friends and have been together as the “big guys” for a while now. Please consider this handsome duo of fun-loving house tigers!
To help humanely lower the feline population, they spay and neuter feral cats and then find homes for the friendly adults and the offspring that have been born. The rescue works extremely hard to find the best homes for cats of all shapes, sizes, colors and ages. While these cats wait, they are cared for in safe, loving, and nurturing foster homes.
To start the application process, visit Calling All Cats on Facebook and Petfinder.com.
Fire & Ice Celebration At New Egypt Flea Market
NEW EGYPT – Get ready for an exhilarating weekend! Join us for the Fire & Ice Festival at New Egypt Flea Market on February 1 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and February 2 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., 933 Monmouth Road, Cream Ridge. Marvel at stunning ice sculptures. Warm up by the fire pits. Explore unique hand -
made creations from our talented makers. Indulge in delicious bites from food trucks. Shop at the Village Shoppes. Encounter fascinating Animal Exhibits. Admission is $5 per person, kids 10 and under free! Pet friendly event. For more information, visit newegyptfleamarket.com.
Photo courtesy Calling All Cats
First
Responders Visit Rescued Patient
JACKSON – It’s days like this that are the reasons why all first responders do what we do!
On January 7, Jackson EMS had the honor of meeting Ekta Singh.
Back in the end of October, Ekta, unfortunately was found to be in cardiac arrest in her home. Jackson Fire Department, Jackson Police Department, Atlantic Healthcare para-
courtesy Jackson EMS medics, and Jackson EMS performed CPR which resulted in Ekta being defibrillated four times.
After the fourth shock, Ekta regained her pulses and was transported to CentraState Medical Center.
We were delighted to sit with Ekta and her family to reflect upon that day and how much of a blessing it is that she is still with us today!
Jackson Moose Lodge Chili Cook-Off
JACKSON – The Jackson Moose Lodge 1459 – Millstone will be hosting a Chili Cook-Off on January 26 at 1 p.m.
Bring your appetite and join for a day or delicious fun. Who will take home the title
of Moose Lodge Chili Champion?
To enter bring a crockpot of traditional chili to lodge by 1 p.m. Judging begins at 2 p.m. Come be a judge or a contestant! Open to qualified members and guests.
Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser
JACKSON – Race For Life Kick-Off Fundraiser Pancake Breakfast will be on January 18 from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Knights of Columbus Council 6201, 401 Bartley
Road, Jackson.
Cost is $10 per adults, $7 for children 6 to 12, and free for children under 5. Includes pancakes, sausage, eggs, juice, and coffee.
Knights Of Columbus Kids Coat Collection
JACKSON – Help those in need be prepared for the upcoming winer. Knights Of Columbus 6201, located at 401 Bartley Road, Jackson, are collecting new/slightly
worn winter coats for children, for distribution by Catholic Charities.
All sizes are needed, for boys and girls. Coats may be dropped off at the Counicl.
Upcoming Blood Drive
JACKSON – The Jackson Moose Lodge 1459 – Millstone, located at 560 Monmouth Road, Millstone, will be holding a blood drive on February 5 from 2 to 7 p.m.
Donors of all blood type needed. Help save a life! For an appointment, please visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-733-2767.
Photo
Around the JerSey Shore
BlueClaws To Host Job Fair
JERSEY SHORE – The Jersey Shore
BlueClaws will host a Job Fair at ShoreTown Ballpark on January 25 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The team is once again hiring a group of hard-working, energetic professionals for a wide variety of gameday staff positions for the 2025 season.
“We have had a tremendous group of gameday staff members every season and we look forward to continuing that tradition in 2025,” said BlueClaws General Manager Bob McLane. “Providing a top-notch fan experience relies on our gameday staff and we look forward to welcoming new members to the family this year.”
Positions are available in a wide variety of departments: Game Day Operations (box office, security, parking, bat boys, Boardwalk game attendants), Concourse Level Food & Beverage (cashiers, food runners, cooks, portable cart operators, picnic attendants and grill cooks, kitchen positions, and more), Suite Level Food & Beverage (bartenders, suite servers, food runners, and party deck attendants), Backof-House Food & Beverage (both day and
night time warehouse positions), Merchandise/Retail (Claws Cove positions), Production (camera operators, music & audio positions, instant replay, and PA-announcer), Promotions (including on-field emcee, Claws Crew team members, and mascot performers), Grounds Crew, and Clean Team.
With any questions, please email employment@blueclaws.com.
All positions are part-time and begin with on-boarding and training in March. Opening Night is set for April 8. Positions run through the last home game in September, though there is opportunity for additional work at team and ballpark events as needed. Applicants must be 16 years of age by April 1 and pass a background check. Nights and weekends are required.
The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. Ticket packages, group tickets, and single-game tickets are currently on sale for the 2025 season. Additional information is available online at BlueClaws.com.
Opening Night at the Jersey Shore, presented by Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, is set for April 8.
Authors Wanted For Book Show
TOMS RIVER - Authors are wanted for the Toms River Book Show, where they will be able to meet future fans and sell their books. It will take place from 6-9 p.m. on June 6 in the Toms River Artist Community gallery located at 40 Main Street (Route 9) in downtown Toms River.
The show takes place during one of the very well attended Downtown Night Out events. A section of Washington Street from Main Street
to Hooper Avenue is closed to vehicles. People eat outside, enjoying live music and ambiance. Hundreds of people come from miles around. Interested authors will pay $50 for the space. The event is a fundraiser for the Toms River Education Foundation which helps provide extracurricular activities to enrich local children.
Please read more about it at facebook.com/ TomsRiverBookShow
Photo courtesy BlueClaws
Around the JerSey Shore
Congratulations To Speaker Mike Johnson
OCEAN COUNTY – The Ocean County Republican Organization congratulates Mike Johnson on his re-election as Speaker of the House for the 119th Congress!
With his commitment to combating inflation, securing our borders, and restoring energy independence, Speaker Johnson is leading the charge to make America affordable and strong again. As he said, “We’ll make America affordable again for America’s hardworking people.”
Ghost Forests – What They Are And What They Do
By Renee A. Thomaier
Retired
New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator
There are forests that exist where dead and decaying trees live. Like something out of an Alfred Hitchcock movie, these sites are eerie, even disturbing. They are dramatic reminders warning us of a growing problem within the global ecosystem.
When the ocean rises and floods coastal lands, sea levels rise, and ghost forests are born. Tsunamis occur, creating waves caused by seismic (earthquake or earth vibration) activity thereby devastating low-lying coasts. Salty ocean water meets and mixes with fresh water forming pools of brackish marshy water. Since the salt content in this mixed water is higher than most trees can tolerate, it poisons them. Decades of this exposure to seawater has caused hundreds of healthy forests to die. One might think the dead tree falls not long after death. In fact, a tree can remain standing for a decade or longer once it has died.
Eventually over time, the marshy land succumbs to the death of these trees, and the area becomes part of the open sea. Although the term ghost forest comes from the earliest record of the term in the 1920s, when their studies began, ghost forests
had existed for far longer. The world has experienced cold periods and warm periods throughout Earth’s geological history, causing large amounts of freezing and melting. It’s during the 21st century that these events have led to an increase in the formation of ghost forests in the last two decades. One result of ghost forest emergence is the replacement of healthy wetlands and forests in coastal areas, preventing carbon from being released into the atmosphere.
With the number of extreme weather events increasing, climate scientists report ghost forest formation is occurring at a rapid rate in areas where drought has occurred followed by a tropical cyclone. These formations contain carbon. This release of carbon into the atmosphere is a large contributor to global warming. Adding trees to shorelines, preventing and controlling wildfires will limit the amount of carbon that enters the atmosphere.
I gathered 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 Ocean County Republican Organization
R.C. Shea & Assoc. Inside The Law
Consumer Rights And Data Breach
Protecting Yourself From Identify Theft
By: Michael J. Deem, Esq. of R.C. Shea & Associates
The recent data breach by Equifax meant that sensitive personal information for 145 million Americans was potentially exposed, including Social Security numbers, birthdates, addresses and, in some instances, driver’s license numbers. This incident has left many consumers wondering how they can protect themselves from identify theft.
Monitor your Account
Check your financial account transactions regularly. Opt-in for alerts that screen for questionable transactions and opt-in for multifactor authentication. Look for charges that you don’t recognize, even if they were for small amounts. Sometimes scoundrels test the waters with small charges. Be aware of communications claiming to be from credit reporting agency or financial institution.
Review Credit Reports
By law, all consumers are entitled to a free credit report every 12 months from each of the three major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion). You can request a free credit report from
annualcreditreport.com, by phone or mail.
Any site other than annualcreditreport. com is not part of the legally mandated free annual credit report program. Make sure you spell the annualcreditreport.com domain name correctly and avoid lookalike scam sites.
Place a Freeze
A credit freeze prevents new creditors from accessing your credit file and others from opening accounts in your name. A freeze could stop identity thieves because most (but not all) businesses will not open credit accounts without checking your credit report. A credit freeze does not prevent identity thieves from taking-over your existing account.
Set a fraud alert!
A fraud alert requires creditors who check your credit report to take steps to verify your identity before opening a new account, issuing additional card or increasing your credit limit on an existing account. A fraud alert is free. You can place an initial alert on your account for 90 days if you have not been a victim of identity theft.
AARP Tax Form Help; Volunteers Needed
TOMS RIVER – Low- and middle-level wage earners can take advantage of free 2024 federal and New Jersey state income tax preparation assistance by AARP Foundation volunteers in select Ocean County Library branches, February 6 through April 10. The free service will be by appointment for taxpayers of any age at the following branches:
• Jackson Branch: 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Thursdays, February 6 through April 10, 2 Jackson Drive. For an appointment, call 732-440-7904.
• Toms River Branch – 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Thursdays, February 6 through April 10, 101 Washington Street. For an appoint-
ment, call 732-800-1678.
Taxpayers must be present during the preparation sessions. Joint filers must be present together. Please bring 2023 tax return documents and Social Security cards or comparable identification information.
AARP seeks volunteers to prepare tax forms and also to function as site coordinators, greeters, interpreters and appointment arrangers. The organization provides all necessary training and support. For more details, call 1-888-AARP-NOW (1888-227-7669) or visit aarpfoundation.org/ TaxaideVolunteer.
Tin Can Sailors Association Of New Jersey
TOMS RIVER – They welcome active duty or veterans of all sea services regardless of ship class or shore command (not just destroyers); family members of living or deceased veterans; model builders, historians, & anyone else who supports our objectives. Are you interested in our ships and sea services today and their history? Do you feel it is important to support the ships of the historic fleet (including destroyers)?
Do you support the members of today’s sea services? Join us!
Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of every month at 12 p.m. at the George P. Vanderveer American Legion Post 129, 2025 Church Road, Toms River. Food & drinks can be ordered at a reasonable cost For information, contact 732-630-1855; email: commander@tcs-desvets-nj.org or visit tcs-desvets-nj.org.
Michael J. Deem, Esq.
Presented By:
Dr. Izzy’s
Sound News
Isidore Kirsh, Ph.D., F.A.A.A. (N.J. Lic. #678)
’ s t o Y our H e A lt Dear Pharmacist
Dr. Isidore Kirsh Ph.D., F.A.A.A.
Give Tinnitus Stress The Boot
Do you feel like you always hear an unwanted, stress-inducing background noise, such as ringing, buzzing, or hissing? It could be tinnitus — and spring cleaning is a great time to put your tinnitus stress out on the curb.
Tinnitus isn’t a disease, but it may signal a health concern, such as earwax buildup or too much exposure to loud noise. Often, it goes hand in hand with hearing loss, so the best starting place is us! The Tinnitus Consultation First, we’ll provide a hearing evaluation to determine whether hearing loss is a factor in your tinnitus. If there’s an obvious physical cause, such as earwax buildup, addressing it should clear up your tinnitus. Often, though, the cause remains a mystery. Fortunately, there are ways to minimize your stress response. To determine how best to help you, we’ll evaluate your tinnitus. You’ll answer questions about your perception of the sound, and we’ll run tests to learn about its pitch and volume.
Treatment Options
Once we understand your needs, we can recommend a personalized treatment plan. It could include one of the following:
• Hearing aids: Wearing these has been shown to provide some relief, and they often
include tinnitus-management functionality.
• Masking : You listen to sounds that give your brain something to focus on other than your tinnitus.
• Habituation: You listen to a customized sound that leaves some tinnitus audible, which desensitizes you to your tinnitus and alleviates the associated stress.
• Coaching: We teach you skills that minimize your body’s involuntary reaction to your tinnitus.
• Lifestyle changes: For example, the sound gets worse for some people when they drink caffeine or alcohol. Removing these can provide some relief. Often, the sweet spot is a combination of things from the above list. Everyone’s relationship with their tinnitus is unique, so each treatment plan is, too.
Dr. Izzy and his Staff are always here to listen to your hearing care needs. Take charge of your hearing health — call us and give tinnitus stress the boot!
Please feel free to contact our office at 732-451-3962 or visit our website at gardenstatehearing.com
WE HEAR YOU & WE ARE HERE For YOU!
His offices are in Toms River, Whiting, and Manahawkin. He can be reached at 732-451-3962 or via Web site at gardenstatehearing.com. Dr. Izzy & Staff gives Retirement Community Talks!
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.
Jackson Senior Center Events
JACKSON – The Jackson Senior Center is offering the following events:
Start the year off right! Join them Mondays at 9 a.m. for workout and at 10 a.m. for Forever Young.
Crochet/knit group meets every Tuesday at 11 a.m. Skilled crocheters and knitters are available for advise, group projects and of course friendship.
Come and play Mahjong on Mondays at 11 a.m. and Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. Beginners welcome.
Join them Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays for ceramics. The instructor is here from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. stop by and check it out!
For more information or to register for the events the Jackson Senior Center 732-928-2313, Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.
The Truth About GLP-1 Agonists: Weight Loss, Side Effects, And Regaining Pounds
By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.
Let’s talk about GLP-1 agonists which are the popular drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. Their popularity has led to off-label use, especially among celebrities who may not meet these criteria but want a quick path to looking thin on the red carpet.
What happens when you stop taking them? Are they safe long-term? This article will explore everything from eligibility to side effects, so you can make informed decisions.
To use GLP-1 agonists for weight loss, you need to have a BMI of 30 or higher. However, if your BMI is at least 27 and you have weight-related health issues like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes, your doctor may still offer them to you.
GLP-1 agonists work by mimicking a hormone that controls blood sugar and appetite. They make you eat less by increasing satiety. These medications work only with consistent use, typically weekly injections. However, as with any drug, they come with potential risks and side effects.
GLP-1 agonists can cause some side effects the most common ones being nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhea. Eating smaller, slower meals and avoiding greasy foods may help. But for some, serious side effects to the pancreas or kidneys can occur. More recently, there appears to be an increased incidence of thyroid cancer in animal studies. On the bright side,
having a healthy BMI can reduce risk for heart attacks.
Another consideration is nutrient depletion, a “drug mugger” effect where GLP-1 agonists can reduce levels of vital nutrients. It’s wise to supplement and the list of vitamins and minerals that you need is posted at my website, just use my search box.
One major drawback is that the weight loss isn’t permanent for many people. GLP-1 agonists suppress appetite and modify metabolism, but once you stop taking them, old habits—and the pounds—may return. Studies suggest up to two-thirds of the weight lost can come back within a year after discontinuation. To maintain your progress, you’ll need to adopt lifestyle changes, such as portion control, regular exercise, and mindful eating. While long-term use of these medications is an option for some, it’s not a decision to take lightly due to cost, potential side effects, and the psychological aspect of reliance on a drug for weight control.
Should you try GLP-1 agonists? These drugs can be life-changing for people with type 2 diabetes which is sometimes accompanied with obesity, offering both weight loss and cardiovascular benefits. However, they’re not magic bullets. They work best as part of a comprehensive plan, and for short-term use. 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.
Veteran Claims Clinic
TOMS RIVER – If you are a veteran and need to apply for veteran’s benefits or for an increase in your existing claim rating, then please= read the following. Our specialists at your local American Legion Post #129 want to help. All veterans are welcome! On February 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. the American Legion Post #129 at 2025 Church Road, Toms River, will be hosting a claims clinic and there will be volunteer claims specialists on site to help you apply for your benefits from the Veterans Administration.
Please bring your DD-214 with you if you have it available. If you have lost your DD-214, we can help you apply for a new copy. Do you already have an approved Claim Rating? The specialist may be able to help you obtain a higher percentage rating with a higher monthly benefit. Bring your paperwork with you. If you are not able to drive, your family member or friend is welcome to come into the clinic to assist you. So, please come join and let us help you attain your deserved benefits… you earned them!
Ordinance:
Continued From Page 4
offices. I am sure glad we had met and that it resulted in this ordinance. It will help them and their family and it will add these properties to our open space inventory.”
Township Business Administrator
Terence Wall who served in the role of Township Clerk during the meeting as former Township Clerk Mary Moss be -
gan her new position in Red Bank a day prior to the meeting, reported that these ordinances will have a second reading and public hearing at the council’s January 28 meeting.
Showcasing Businesses
During the meeting new Councilman Giuseppe Palmeri announced a program to spotlight small businesses “that make our community a vibrant and welcoming place to live and work. As part of this
exciting new initiative, I will personally hand-deliver invitations to selected businesses, inviting them to be featured as part of our monthly Small Business Highlight.”
Palmeri said the council-supported program seeks to recognize and honor entrepreneurs whose contributions help promote Jackson Township and that each month a specific business will be invited to attend a council meeting, where they
will be recognized for their contribution to the community.
“I think it is really great as small businesses are the backbone of our town. We have more to come on that so stay tuned,” Palmeri added. The business will receive a plaque as a token of the governing body’s appreciation.
Consent Agenda Items
Approved as part of the consent agenda was a shared services agreement between Jackson and Ocean County for stone paths along South New Prospect Road and acceptance of a grant application for the Cops in Shops Summer Shore Initiative for the fiscal year 2025.
Members of the Municipal Alliance Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse were appointed for a term that began on January 1 and will end on December 31.
Former Township Attorney Jean Cipriani, Attorney at Law and Robin La Bue, Esq, of the Firm Rothstein, Mandell, Strohm were appointed as special labor counsel for this year.
A two-year time extension was also approved with respect to the township’s supplemental snowplowing services for a two-year period which started on January 1, 2024 and will culminate on December 31, 2025.
Seeking Funds
The Township is applying for funding through the State of New Jersey Green Acres Program to make improvements to the Justice Complex playground and held its first of two public hearings for this year’s Community Development Block Grant program. The second will be held on January 28.
Kuhn said the township “gets $150,000 for ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance to update so if you are coming into any of the buildings that we own they will change any of the handles to be ADA.” She said the township’s Department of Public Works director went over a plan last year “and he will take that money when we get it and upgrade the buildings.”
Continued From Page 1
was time to select a mayor and deputy mayor for the new year. Plumsted’s form of government calls for the five-member Committee to choose one of their own for each of those spots.
Committeeman Robert Bowen, who served two years ago as mayor, will return to that role and Herb Marinari who has served as deputy mayor for the last three years, will continue on in that position. They were both unanimously voted in by the Committee.
Bowen was sworn in by Witham who noted that Committeeman Marinari was unable to be present for the meeting and would be sworn in at a later date.
The new mayor said that public comments would be added to the beginning of the agenda “so that those of you who want to comment on something before we act
on it can actually do so and not have to comment on it afterwards. We will have public comment on agenda items and there will be a second public comment period on non-agenda items later in the meeting.”
A question that came up concerned a $30,000 appropriation item which Clerk Witham explained was for an outdated microphone sound system. “That is something we are looking at. That system is over 20 years old. The microphones aren’t working well. There is a lot of feedback so we are exploring the idea of getting a new sound system and additional speakers as it is getting hard to hear. We are at the very preliminary stages of that.”
As is routine, the Committee also adopted a temporary budget during the meeting as part of the consent agenda.
Meeting Changes
A resolution that was passed also added an additional township committee meeting
each month.
Mayor Bowen explained this was being done, “for a couple of reasons, one to stop the need for having five-hour meetings which we have been having from 6 to 11 p.m. and the other is that is hard on the staff. It is hard for the committee. We have people who get up early in the morning, school busses run early in the morning so we are trying to get business done in a timely manner.”
“Many of the towns I have visited actually can get their meetings down to 60 to 90 minutes twice a month and get business done with plenty of time to do it and not be here until 11 o’clock at night so I’d like to try it,” the mayor added. Meetings will now be held at 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday of the month.
He noted that during the summer months, “if we run out of things to do - which would be remarkable - we won’t have a second meeting. As Committeeman (Leonard)
Grilletto mentioned we have budget season coming up. We have a lot of busy meetings coming up.”
An ordinance concerning affordable housing will be sent back to the Land Use Board for further legal review.
It was also noted that anyone interested in volunteering to serve on any of the various committees and boards in township should send a letter of application by visiting plumsted.org/about/pages/volunteer-plumsted. During the public comment period resident Bill Fox of Archertown Road referenced the split of the two Republican clubs within the township and blamed that situation on “personal insulting remarks that were made throughout the year and people responding to those remarks.”
Fox, a Land Use Board member added, “everyone here needs to treat everybody with integrity, respect and compassion.” He expressed hope of a reconciliation between the two GOP organizations.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
For Rent
Adult Community - Whiting Crestwood Village 5 (55+). 2 BD, 1 BA, washer/dryer, garage, porch. No pets. No smoking. $1,600/ month, plus utilities. 732-8641419. Cell 732-604-0323. (6)
Real Estate
Trusted Local Home BuyersWe buy houses, any condition. A+ reviews. Get a fair cash offer today. Call 609-699-3767. (8)
Items For Sale
Priced 2 Sell Musical InstrumentsEntry & Intermediate Banjos, Keyboards, Acoustic & Lapsteel Guitars. Ocean County Resident. Call Mike at 201-315-8608. (6)
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)
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 PAID!! LP records - stereos, musical instruments, guitar, saxophone, CD’s, reel tapes, music related items. Come to you. 732-804-8115. (3)
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)
Cash - Top dollar, paid for junk, cars running and nonrunning, late model salvage, cars and trucks, etc. 732-928-3713. (t/n)
WANTED TO BUY - Old Records for LPs & 45s Rock/Jazz/Soul/Blues
Call Eddie (732-829-5908) For 45/78 RPM Doo Wop/Soul/R&B/Rockabilly Call Bob 909-938-4623. (6)
Help Wanted
Certified Home Health Aides - Needed for Ocean County area. Hourly and live-in positions avail. P/T and F/T. Call CCC at 732-206-1047. (t/n)
Laundromat Attendant - For FT/ PT Good communication skills, math and min computer knowledge. Transportation needed. Long term commitment only. 732-286-1863. (t/n)
CLASSIFIEDS
Services Help Wanted
Magnolia Gardens Assisted Living is hiring full time Cooks. 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. (9)
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)
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)
Part Time House Cleaner NeededVaries week to week. Must be reliable and willing to work. Must have reliable transportation. Pet friendly. Trustworthy. Serious Inquires only. Call Donna 732-330-5916. (5)
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)
Since 1979, Kitchen Magic, a family-owned business offering cabinet refacing, new cabinetry, and luxury countertop throughout the Northeast. We transform kitchens in less time, with less stress, at an amazing value. Call today for a free estimate 1-844-367-2477. (t/n)
Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-833-901-0309 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move. (t/n)
"Stick With the Man That Covers Your Can! - Residential and Commercia Pump-outs FREE 1 year supply of enzyme treatment with each septic pump-out. Septic Inspections. Septic System Installations and All Repairs. Grease Traps installation and pump outs. Tank Abandonment and Demolition. 24 Hours Emergency Service! 732-244-0189. (5)
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)
APlus Home Improvements - Over 30 years experience. Everything from small handyman tasks to large renovations. Fully insured and licensed. Seniors 10% off any job $500 or more. Lic #13VH11453600. No job too small give us a call. 908-278-1322. (7)
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)
PQ Painting & Home Improvement Services - Over 5 decades of service in NJ. Visit us online at pqpaintingservice.com. Winner of Angie’s List Super Service Award. Free estimates, reasonable rates, fully licensed and insured NJ Lic #13VH06752800. Call 732500-3063 or 609-356-2444. (t/n)
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 SERVICES -
Over 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)
Senior Campanion CaregiverRetired RN. Meal prep, transport to appointments, shopping, showering, light housekeeping. Contact Chris 845-430-1853. (48)
CAR SERVICE - Specializing in Newark and Atlantic City Airports, Point Pleasant and Bay Head Train Station. Call Kevin 727-396-7820. (8)
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)
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)
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)
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. (4)
CHEAP PAINTING Done RITEFree est. Senior discounts interior exterior. Call 732-506-7787, cell 646-643-7678. (t/n)
Garden State Property Maintenance - All yard work. Tree-trimming and removal, stump grinding, pavers, decks, flower beds, weeding. 609-661-5470. (t/n)
• 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:
Auto For Sale
Items For Sale
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 it runs and notifying us of any errors. If we make an error, we will correct it and rerun the ad. We will not be responsible for multiple insertions if you do not call us after the first ad run. No refunds for classified ads. Newspapers are available at our office. Please feel free to stop in and check your ad.
Calculate Price As Follows:
*In order to qualify for discounts, the same ad must run over the requested weeks. • Estate/Garage/Yard Sales
for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $ 4 weeks* at $74.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $
4. Make check payable in advance to Micromedia Publications, or fill in Mastercard/Visa/American Express SORRY NO DISCOVER info below:
Cardholder Signature:
Print Name:
Billing Address:
If you have any questions, leave a message for Ali 732-657-7344, ext. 203.
Ads:
There are many spots to go fishing around the Jersey Shore. One popular place is the Manasquan Reservoir in Howell Township, Monmouth County. This great shot was captured by photographer John Gaeta. Have a pic you would like to see in this space? Email photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you may win a prize!
Play Mahjong At The Jackson Senior Center
JACKSON – Come and play Mahjong at the Jackson Senior Center! Beginners welcome! Group meets on Mondays at
11 a.m. and Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. Call the center if you’d like to register or have any questions.
FUN & GAMES SUDOKU
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Responsibilities may be plentiful and take over your time for sleep and relaxation. You could be very busy because there are commitments and promises that you are honor-bound to fulfill. Try to find time for a break.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): The one who pays the piper calls the tune. This week it might be your special someone or your close friend who is full of ideas. It could be in your best interest to go along with their suggestions and be a team player.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Instead of striking a pose, aim for a happy compromise. You might be able to put a positive spin on your ideas all by yourself. Inviting others to share their thoughts and suggestions could result in a better outcome.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Let your creativity flow this week. A happy person is often one who makes good use of their imagination. You might find the greatest satisfaction by immersing yourself in a special interest or pastime.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Don’t limit yourself. You may have the ability to choose the best of the best. With romantic feelings emerging in the background, there might be a chance for you to express affection for that special someone.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Roll up your sleeves and dive into new ideas. Turn up your creative power for the best possibility of success. Others may be impressed by your dedication to your craft, even if they don’t agree with your methods.
FOR THE WEEK OF JAN 18 - JAN 24
BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS
OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Your charm could make a significant impression on someone you want and need by your side. If there is a misunderstanding this week, it might be simple to clear up. Any conflict may improve in a few days.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Be patient, as good things may come to those who wait. There might be a reason some deals are called “arm’s length” transactions – it could be wise to keep a professional distance from someone you do business with.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):
Compromise makes the world go round. Be willing to cooperate with others this week, even if it means postponing your own needs. Give a little, pay it forward, and karma could bring great rewards later.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19):
Knowledge is invaluable. However, it could be how you use and interpret that knowledge that truly impacts the results. Wisdom can’t be bought; it may only be earned through observation and learning from mistakes.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Focus on developing wealth, willpower, and social skills. Being willing to cooperate with others doesn’t mean you’re weakwilled. You might be able to create a beneficial compromise without losing traction.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Enjoy your environment. People you encounter in your surroundings may have your best interest at heart. Those who attract you the most could have high expectations, consider if you really need their approval.
WE HAVE THE KEYS TO THE PERFECT CREME BRULEE
By America’s Test Kitchen
With a lot of testing, we discovered the keys to the perfect creme brulee recipe: lots of yolks for richness, turbinado sugar for a crunchy crust, an instant-read thermometer for judging the custard’s doneness, and a final chill for the best texture.
CLASSIC CREME BRULEE
Serves 8
1 vanilla bean 4 cups heavy cream 2/3 cup granulated sugar Pinch table salt 12 large egg yolks 8 teaspoons turbinado sugar or Demerara sugar
1. Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 300 F.
2. Cut vanilla bean in half lengthwise. Using the tip of a paring knife, scrape out seeds. Combine vanilla bean and seeds, 2 cups cream, 2/3 cup granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan. Bring cream mixture to boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve sugar. Off heat, let steep for 15 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, place a dish towel in the bottom of a large baking dish or roasting pan; set eight 6-ounce ramekins on towel. Bring a kettle of water to boil.
4. After cream mixture has steeped, stir in remaining 2 cups cream. Whisk egg yolks in a large bowl until uniform. Whisk about 1 cup cream mix-
ture into yolks until combined; repeat with another 1 cup cream mixture. Add remaining cream mixture and whisk until evenly colored and thoroughly combined. Strain mixture through fine-mesh strainer into a large bowl; discard solids in strainer. Divide mixture evenly among ramekins.
5. Set baking dish on oven rack. Taking care not to splash water into ramekins, pour enough boiling water into dish to reach two-thirds up sides of ramekins. Bake until centers of custards are just barely set and register 170 to 175 degrees, 30 to 35 minutes, checking temperature about five minutes before recommended minimum time.
6. Transfer ramekins to wire rack and let cool completely, about two hours. Set ramekins on baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until cold, at least four hours.
7. Uncover ramekins; if condensation has collected on custards, blot moisture from tops of custards with paper towel. Sprinkle each with about 1 teaspoon turbinado sugar; tilt and tap each ramekin to distribute sugar evenly, dumping out excess sugar. Ignite torch and caramelize sugar, keeping torch flame two inches above sugar and slowly sweeping flame across sugar, starting at perimeter and moving toward middle, until sugar is bubbling and deep golden brown. Refrigerate ramekins, uncovered, to rechill, 30 to 45 minutes; serve.
