2025-03-22 - The Brick Times

Hometown Heroes Honored At Brick’s “Hero Awards”

By Alyssa Riccardi

BRICK – Everyday heroes received their very own cape for their dedication to helping others and improving the Brick Township community.

The 11th Annual Brick Hero Awards was held at the Brick Memorial High School auditorium and hosted by the Mayor’s Student Advisory. The event gives the opportunity to acknowledge residents and businesses who have made a positive impact in the community and awards them for their acts of kindness.

“The Brick Hero Awards are special because

they recognize the extraordinary contributions of individuals and organizations that go above and beyond to make Brick Township a better place,” Mayor Lisa Crate said. “These awards serve as a reminder of the power of community, the impact of selfless service, and the importance of celebrating those who work tirelessly for the greater good.”

This year, a total of 17 recipients were recognized based on the following categories: Business, Community Stewardship, Military/ Veterans, Non-Profit Organization, Public

(Hero Awards - See Page 4)

Chefs’ Night Out Puts OCVTS On The Menu For Success

By Bob Vosseller

OCEAN COUNTY – Chefs’ Night Out featured delicious food and drink samplings from 60 local restaurants and vendors. With a 50/50 raffle valued at $10,000 and a gift auction, it served as the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Ocean County Foundation for Vocational Technical Education.

OCVTS culinary students were out in force with several tables of dessert delicacies. Students Damien Romeo Jr. and Kimberly Cespedes even brought some dessert to attendees in the form of their Cannoli Caddy where your cannolis were made to order, with a choice of topping options.

Among the restaurants present was The Waterfront based in the Forked River section of Lacey Township that provided a small plate filled with

(Chefs’ Night Out - See Page 5)

Land To Be Given To Habitat For Humanity

By Judy Smestad-Nunn

BRICK – A proposal to convey three township-owned vacant, buildable lots to Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity was passed by the governing body on a first reading at their Council Meeting. The lots would be developed as housing for low or moderate income individuals, said Mayor Lisa Crate. If passed on its final reading, the new homes would help the township to fulfill its state-mandated affordable housing obligations.

The lots are located at 658 Windsor Drive, 533 Central Avenue and 226 Hawaii Drive.

The parcels will remain as single family affordable housing under a 30-year deed restriction, the mayor added.

The deed restriction provides the township with a right of first-refusal on any sale, and the option to purchase the property at the expiration of the 30-year period at the maximum allowed restricted sale price at the time.

The council also passed an ordinance on its final reading for the acceptance of donated property

(Land - See Page 5)

Congressman Faces Criticism At Rally

By Bob Vosseller

JERSEY SHORE

–

Crowds protested recent actions by the Trump administration, and they wanted to know where their congressman stands on the issues.

A head count from the first rally held a few weeks back was approximately 70 people, most of whom carried signs in front of Toms River Town Hall where Congressman Chris Smith (R-4th) has a district office.

A second rally was held later at the same location.

The protestors chanted slogans and spoke in opposition toward President Donald Trump’s policies concerning immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, Depart-

ment of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cuts of federal employees, removing medical insurance programs to U.S. citizens and cutting foreign aid plus the administration’s recent actions in dropping support to the Ukraine. The rallies were not organized by any one group but by area residents and members of the National Organization for Women (NOW), Manchester Democrats and a local Indivisible group who were present. Indivisible is a grassroots movement with a mission to “elect progressive leaders, rebuild democracy, and defeat the Trump agenda.”

(Rally - See Page 17)

Rylee Sherwood, pictured with her mom, received a cape for her various initiatives supporting the community.

Photo by Alyssa Riccardi

Members of the Ocean County Vocational Technical School culinary program gather during the 28th Annual International Chefs’ Night Out and Gift Auction held at the RWJBarnabas Health Arena in Toms River.

Photo by Bob Vosseller

Hero Awards:

Continued From Page 1

Safety, Public Service, School Personnel, Seniors, Volunteerism and Youth. Each hero was pinned with a green superhero cape. “In a world where negativity often dominates the headlines, this night serves as a refreshing reminder of the kindness, generosity, and dedication that exist right here in Brick Township,” said Brandi White, Coordinator of Mayor’s Student Advisory Committee. “It’s not just an awards ceremony; it’s a celebration of the spirit of community and the impact that even small acts of heroism can have. Plus, the fact that it is student-led makes it even more meaningful, as it inspires the next generation to lead with compassion and service.”

One of the honorees of the night was EMT Deputy Chief Tim Cranmer from Brick Township EMS/Rescue, who helped save an elderly woman on June 17, 2024. The initial report was that the woman fell down a hill and was uninjured. However, first responders discovered that the woman and her dog had fallen 10 to 15 feet down a steep embankment and were clinging on for life, about 20 to 30 feet above the riverbank. EMTs Bloomer and Kalinowski called for additional resources which brought Station 24, Supervisor DePiano and an additional crew.

While Bloomer descended down by a throwing bag rope to attempt to reach the woman, they were concerned she would slip further. EMT Bloomer then took the rope he was on and secured the patient as best he could with the limited tools available placing himself in harm’s way.

At the initial dispatch, Deputy Chief Tim Cranmer, who was off-duty, happened to

hear the call on the radio. Once the additional resources were requested with the update for the need of a rope rescue, Cranmer responded from his home.

Cranmer directed EMT Bloomer and former EMT Speidel to build a 3 to 1 rope system using a tree by the home as an anchor. He then donned his helmet and gloves and gained access to the river bank.

The patient was being held up by just a single line under her arms, which became unsuccessful. Cranmer took on the primary rescuer role and built a hasty harness on the patient with the assistance of the Station 24 members. As a result, she was successfully hoisted to safety.

Another honoree was Sue Penrod, an Athletic Trainer at Brick Memorial High School for the past 27 years. She was nominated by Brick Memorial High School Principal Edward Sarluca.

“To call her professional and caring would be an understatement – her commitment to the health, safety, and well-being of our student-athletes and staff is unmatched. Her impact extends far beyond the training room, as she plays a crucial role in shaping the health and safety protocols that keep our school community protected,” Sarluca said.

In high-pressure emergency situations, she has repeatedly demonstrated composure, skill, and quick thinking. This includes her lifesaving response when a student, wounded in an off-campus shooting, made their way back to the school for help. She also provided emergency care to an opposing coach who suffered a heart attack during an event. Thanks to her swift actions and medical expertise, he is alive today.

Other honorees included Rylee Sherwood, an 8th grader at Lake Riviera Middle School. She is

a Silver Award Girl Scout and a member of the National Junior Honor Society. Rylee has spent much of her free time giving back to her community through various initiatives she has both organized and led. She’s assembled Thanksgiving meal baskets for families at her middle school, ran a Christmas tree and décor drive to ensure the families at Dottie’s House (a domestic violence shelter) could celebrate the holidays in their new homes, and coordinated a town-wide classroom and school supply drive to support local teachers.

Rylee’s project “Fill the Classrooms” allowed teachers the opportunity to take supplies for free that have been donated, rather than needing to pay out of pocket.

Gary Weitzen from POAC was nominated by Donna Maletto, whose grandson has autism. Maletto told her story how she knew very little about autism at the time of her grandson’s diagnoses. But after learning about POAC Autism Services, they found a community.

“My grandson no longer wonders if he’ll have friends - he knows he will. Whenever he hears we’re going to a POAC event, he jumps up and down with excitement because he knows he will be surrounded by people who truly understand and accept him,” Maletto said. “At the heart of POAC is Gary Weitzen, whose kindness, dedication, and unwavering support have impacted so many lives.”

Keith Rella, “The Voice of Brick Township,” received a hero cape after a nearly year-long battle against a rare neurological disorder. On April 2, 2024 Keith went to Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank with a concerning heaviness in his arms and legs. In a matter of days, Keith was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), a debilitating condition where the body’s

immune system attacks the nerves. Within days, Keith lost the ability to use his arms and legs. The condition has spread into his respiratory system. Keith was not able to breathe on his own and had to be placed on a ventilator. Because he was unable to swallow, he was also placed on a feeding tube. GBS took away his ability to speak and what limited movement he had in his head and neck.

Keith has been an employee of the Township for 12 years, serving as a vital ambassador to residents and contractors that need assistance from the Brick Building Department.

On October 30, 2024, Keith was able to return home, officials said. His intensive efforts to recover has shown the world that he is extraordinary. The following is a full list of the Hero Award Recipients:

• Business – Alex Urbano, Cigars & More

• Business – Dr. David Weiss, Furry Friends Mobile Vet

• Community Stewardship – Judy Harzer

• Community Stewardship – Mike Gingrich

• Military/Veterans – Brian Kaczmarek

• Military/Veterans – Brick American Legion Aux 348

• Non-Profit Organization – Gary Weitzen, POAC

• Public Safety – Tim Cranmer

• Public Service – Keith Rella

• School Personnel – Sue Penrod

• School Personnel – Cheryl Jacobs

• Seniors – Fran Dockery

• Seniors – Judy Henry

• Volunteer – Joanne Martone

• Volunteer – Mike Desmond

• Youth – Jersey Coast Shark Anglers

• Youth – Rylee Sherwood

Land:

Continued From Page 1

on the corner of Herbertsville Road and Maple Avenue.

“This property has been identified by the Brick Open Space Savers (BOSS) Committee as an appropriate addition to the township’s Recreation and Open Space inventory,” the mayor said.

“It should be noted that the township is specifically not accepting the adjoining property owned by the same owner as it has a single family home on part of the lot,” she added. In other news, Mayor Crate said that there is a moratorium on citations for violating a trailer ordinance until the Land Use Committee has a meeting to work out details of any possible

Chefs’ Night Out:

Continued From Page 1

three items to sample. The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Kitchen of Toms River offered up shrimp and grits, Klee’s and Henry’s – both in Seasideprovided bread pudding and chocolate bread pudding samples.

Beverages were important too. Flying Monkeys served several variations of one of their craft beers. Icarus Brewing Company of Brick and Bacchus Winemakers in Toms River also provided sample drinks from their establishments.

Among the many attendees were Judy Cook and Peter Devine of Beachwood who came out to enjoy the food and atmosphere. “The desserts are all really amazing. This is our first time. We

amendments to a decades-old ordinance “for those who own trailers and for those who don’t particularly care for them…so we have to find a middle ground there somehow.”

She was referring to a 1971 ordinance that places restrictions on enclosed trailers located on private property, which has come to the forefront since a trailer ordinance was pulled from the December 10 council agenda.

The mayor said the pulled ordinance was meant to clarify the rules of the original ordinance.

Since then, dozens of trailer-owning township residents have attended council meetings to complain that they have been unfairly targeted with violation citations by Code Enforcement.

Anyone who has received a citation can

were at something like this years ago but for a different group. This is wonderful,” Cook said. Devine couldn’t decide what he enjoyed best. “I love the variety of food they have here.”

Helping out at the event were OCVTS cosmetology students under the direction of Barbara Stewart.

Stewart said, “I have 23 students and we have 21 of them here tonight. They are working the floor and clean-up, and they are enjoying the food too. We have a lot more vendors this year.”

Some Frank Sinatra classics were heard sung by Joseph Necci who performed during the evening.

The event is always held on the first Monday in March. It moved back to the RWJBarnabas Health Arena after two years at the Lacey Elks Lodge.

hold onto them for now, Mayor Crate said. No formal action will be taken until possible new details can be worked out.

She said the Land Use Committee is researching the issue and is checking into what similar townships are doing “so we can see how that works in those towns, and maybe look to see how we can make that work for Brick Township as well.”

The township does not get a great deal of revenue on the citations, “if any,” Mayor Crate said.

“Without going into too much detail, unless you are going to court, no one has been fined that has received any of these citations, nor will they be fined,” she said. “The only person who places fines on people who have these citations would be the judge.”

Numerous attendees got the chance to enjoy a night out for a cause to help fund scholarships, educational programs, and support services “that are crucial for the growth and success of our students in career and technical education,” said Annie Sayers, transition specialist with the Vo-Tech.

Sayers noted, “this is more than just a night out enjoying delicious culinary delights; it’s an opportunity to provide the necessary tools and resources to support the educational journeys of future professionals in various trades.”

The school system has a number of new projects and plans coming up. Director of Curriculum and Grants Director Gary MacDonald was present at the fundraiser and he noted that one building project concerns the expansion of the OCVTS Jackson Center. He also referenced

And finally, the mayor said that a new schedule for Pick Up Brick has been posted on the township web page. 11 different cleanup events are planned, starting with one on Saturday, March 22. Anyone who is interested can meet in the Midstream School parking lot at 10:00 a.m. The event will end at noon. The township provides buckets, grabbers, gloves and bags to pick up the trash on the trails behind the school. “It’s a great way to get out in nature, and also, I know that there are a lot of kids who are under the age of 14 who are looking for community service hours… you get service hours for this and it’s fun and you get to hang out with your friends while you do it,” the mayor said.

The next council meeting will be on Tuesday March 25 at 7 p.m.

the introduction of new programs and curricula, including the Bricklayer, Allied Craftworker & Mason, and Legal Studies and Paralegal Practice.

OCVTS Board member Maureen Stankowitz referenced the Jackson Center project noting “it is going very well. They had to put tents around the building with heaters because it was so cold they couldn’t work on it but it is on schedule. They added more classroom space and when that is added they will have bigger projects.”

“Welding is going out there and one of the smaller projects is the Toms River center and we are improving on the mason program and taking down the Waretown building and building a new building.” She said one program would be moved to Ocean County College. “There is so much going on.”

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

Congressman Appeals To Trump Administration To Redesignate

Nigeria As A Country Of Particular Concern

From The Desk Of Congressman

Chris Smith

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep.

Chris Smith (R-4 th), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, held a congressional hearing on the ongoing religious freedom violations in Nigeria. Expert witnesses joined in Smith’s appeal to Secretary Marco Rubio to redesignate Africa’s most populous nation as a “Country of Particular Concern,” a designation President Trump used in his first term to help persecuted Christians in Nigeria.

“One of our distinguished witnessesBishop Wilfred Anagbe of the diocese of Makurdi, Nigeria - will testify today that ‘Militant Fulani herdsman are terrorists. They steal and vandalize, they kill and boast about it, they kidnap and rape, and they enjoy total impunity from the elected officials. None of them have been arrested and brought to justice, ‘” Smith said.

“In December 2020, President Trump

designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern only to be reversed without justification by Secretary Blinken in November of 2021,” Smith said. “Religious leaders in Nigeria were outraged by Sec. Blinken’s decision.”

Smith - who is the author of the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act (P.L. 114-281), which expressed that governments must ultimately be held accountable for the abuses that occur in their territories - said “the Government of Nigeria has failed to make progress against religiously motivated persecution of Christians despite religious freedom being enshrined as an essential human right in its Constitution.”

“Genocide Watch has called Nigeria “a killing field of defenseless Christians,” Smith said. He noted that over 52,000 Christians in Nigeria have reportedly been targeted and killed by Islamist extremists while approximately 34,000 moderate non-Fulani Muslims have been murdered in Islamist attacks, since 2009. The targeted violence has forced about five million Nigerians - mostly Christians - into Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps within Ni-

geria and in refugee camps at regional and sub-regional borders.

Last year the House Foreign Affairs Committee adopted Smith’s resolution H. Res. 82 urgently calling on the Biden Administration to redesignate Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern. It passed on Feb. 6, 2024 in committee but never came to the House floor. On March 11, 2025, Smith reintroduced his legislation which is now H.Res. 220.

“While I strongly believe that President Trump will again designate Nigeria a CPC - and do much more to assist the persecuted church including outreach to Nigerian President Bola Tinuba…I reintroduced the resolution,” Smith said. “Help can’t come fast enough.”

Testifying at the House hearing, entitled “Conflict and Persecution in Nigeria: The Case for a CPC Designation,” were witnesses: Nina Shea, Senior Fellow and Director of the Center for Religious Freedom at the Hudson Institute; Tony Perkins, Former Chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom and now President of Family Research Council; Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Makurdi, Nigeria, and; Oge Onubogu , Director of the Africa Program at The Wilson Center.

Bishop Wilfred Anagbe testified: “A long-term, Islamic agenda to homogenize the population has been implemented, over several presidencies, through a strategy to reduce and eventually eliminate the Christian identity of half of the population. This strategy includes both violent and non-violent actions, such as the exclusion of Christians from positions of power, the abduction of Church members, the raping of women, the killing and expulsion of Christians, the destruction of churches and farmlands of Christian farmers, followed by the occupation of such lands by Fulani herders. All of this takes place without government interference or reprisals.”

Director Shea told the House panel: “Nigeria is a country of superlatives - Africa’s most populous country, its largest economy and, alarmingly, the entire world’s deadliest country for Christians. In recent years, more Christians have been killed for their faith in Nigeria than all other places combined, reports the respected research group Open Doors. Currently, militant groups of nomadic Fulani Muslim herders are reported to be the greatest threat to Nigeria’s Christians, particularly those in Middle Belt farming communities. That central area is the intersection of Nigeria’s mostly Muslim North with its mostly Christian South.”

Program’s Goal Is To House All Homeless Veterans

From The Desk Of The Governor

TRENTON – The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA) and the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (NJDMAVA) began a twoday training session at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt highlighting New Jersey’s Bringing Veterans Home initiative to reduce veterans’ homelessness to functional zero. The Bringing Veterans Home initiative seeks to house all homeless veterans in the state by July 1, 2026, while strengthening the State’s homelessness prevention system so that any newly homeless veteran can be placed in stable housing within one month.

The Bringing Veterans Home initiative coordinates efforts between DCA’s Office of Homelessness Prevention, NJDMAVA,

federal partners at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and multiple veterans service organizations. This combined effort will ensure the State can reach its goal to house 300 veterans within the next 180 days and reach functional zero by July 1, 2026.

More than $30 million in State and federal funds have been committed to support these services and interventions over the span of two years, to place more than 1,000 homeless New Jersey veterans into stable housing. Services and interventions include Veterans Affairs Supported Housing (VASH) vouchers and other rental assistance, the State’s Veterans Haven transitional housing facilities, and Supportive Services for Veterans and Families (SSVF) programs. Additionally, the initiative will expand homelessness diversion, rapid rehousing, street outreach, emergency sheltering, and permanent housing voucher programs to

more rapidly achieve housing stabilization for all program-eligible veterans.

“Our veterans have sacrificed so much to uphold our nation’s freedom and deserve our deepest gratitude and respect for their service,” said Governor Murphy. “Our Administration is committed to providing the many veterans who call the Garden State home the support and resources they need to thrive. I am grateful to Commissioner Suárez and Brigadier General Mays for their continued efforts to ensure every veteran in New Jersey has a safe and dignified place to call home.”

“The Bringing Veterans Home initiative formally unites federal, state, and veteran service organizations throughout the state in the fight against unsheltered veteran homelessness,” said NJDCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “Using this collaborative approach, we will be sheltering our homeless veterans this year and next, while creating a strategic framework that will carry momentum long into the future.”

“Bringing Veterans Home represents a groundbreaking step toward ensuring that

no Veteran endures the hardship of homelessness.”” said Brig. Gen. Yvonne L. Mays, Commissioner of the NJDMAVA and the Adjutant General of New Jersey. “Thanks to Governor Murphy, the Legislature, the NJDCA and NJDMAVA teams and so many passionate volunteers throughout the entire state, we are in a position to effectively end veteran homelessness.

“Success requires collaboration,” said Michael Callahan, Director of the Office of Homelessness Prevention at the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. “This training event shared key insights on veteran homelessness through data analysis and interviews with people who’ve experienced it firsthand. This knowledge sharing helps us meet our goal.”

“We appreciate the support from all community partners involved in this effort in ending veteran homelessness,” said Wilmington VA Medical Center Interim Director, Dr. Matt Morris. “One homeless Veteran is one to many, we want to make sure all veterans are receiving the VA services they’ve earned.”

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.

Phil Murphy

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY

EDITORIAL

Steve Sweeney Needs To Go Away Now

While this newspaper doesn’t do endorsements, I suppose we could consider this an anti-endorsement.

I speak only for myself and not the newspaper or other staff when I say that Steve Sweeney needs to just get out of politics. He should go get a private sector job making oodles of money and cash in on all those connections I’m sure he has.

Why do I feel so strongly about this?

Sweeney was the architect of S-2, the funding formula that took away tons of state aid from Toms River, Jackson, Lacey, Plumsted, and other schools around here.

As a direct result of this legislation, these districts have been facing a crisis of funding during a time when the economy wasn’t that great to begin with. Everything is getting more expensive and then the state decides to cut millions and millions of dollars from your budget?

Schools closed. Teachers and other staff were fired. And on top of all that, local taxes still went up to make up for the loss.

He’s proud of it, too. In fact, it’s the first thing he talks about if you click on “Issues” on his website.

The fact that he showed up at the Ocean County Democrats’ mini-convention looking for support is mind-boggling. It’s returning to the scene of the crime. Imagine if the guy who robbed your house stopped by your garage sale.

Additionally, he wasn’t that strong of a politician to begin with. He was unseated by Ed Durr, a man with no political history who became famous for being a truck driver that booted an entrenched politician. Durr only lasted one, two-year term in that job. Despite Sweeney being the longest-serving NJ Senate leader, outside of a small pocket of south Jersey, no one knows who he is (65,000 people voted in the election where Durr bested Sweeney).

Mr. Sweeney, with all due respect, go home. You’ve done enough damage.

Chris Lundy News Editor

Government 0fficials... Have news that you would like the community to be involved with? Let everyone know by placing a news release in this paper! Send it to news@jerseyshoreonline.com.

WE WELCOME LETTERS TO THE EDITOR!

The Brick Times welcomes all points of view for publication and provides this page as an open forum for residents to express themselves regarding politics, government, current events and local concerns.

All letters are printed as space allows unless deemed offensive by the editorial staff, and provided they are signed and include address & phone number for verification. Letters may not be printed if we cannot verify them. Names will not be withheld from publication. While most letters are printed as submitted, we reserve the right to edit or reject letters. The weekly deadline is 5 p.m. Thursday. Mail typed letters to: PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733, fax 732-657-7388 or e-mail news@jerseyshoreonline.com. Letters may be limited to one per month per writer at the editor’s discretion. The opinions expressed in the Letters To The Editor section do not necessarily reflect those of the staff, management or sponsors of Micromedia Publications/Jersey Shore Online. Letters to the Editor are the OPINION of the writer and the content is not checked for accuracy.

Support For Fighting Overdevelopment

For far too long, residents have been fighting overdevelopment with little to show for it. A second win came in September 2024 when the residents of Victory Road SUCCESSFULLY opposed an over 200,000 sq. ft. warehouse application and the Planning Board denied it. Alas, another win for Howell residents! But, we knew the fight would not end there. As expected, the developer sued, trying to overturn the denial. We call on our Township officials to stay resolved, much like they did in defending the denial of the Monmouth Commerce Center just a few years ago. I believe there is strength in numbers as our voices become one. I believe in standing steadfast to defend what is just and in so doing, committing to a cause with complete dedication, determination, and utilizing all necessary resources. This is why my team reached out to the Sierra Club for help. The Sierra Club is one of the largest national environmental organizations in the country. As a result, an attorney with the Sierra Club followed the Victory Road case and has now offered to join the fight to help the Planning Board defend their denial. The Sierra Club will only join the litigation in their common defense of the case if the Planning Board welcomes them to do so. Having an environmental organization like this on our side would: 1) Be at no cost to the taxpayers, 2) Amplify the environmental reasons for denying the warehouse, and 3) Defend the Township’s goal to protect the health, safety and welfare of our community. It’s time to do more than talk about quality of life being the most important thing. It’s time to combine Vision with Action!

Betty L. Velez-Gimbel Howell

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Common Ground

Oh Kumbaya! I finally found common ground with all those who voted for Donald Trump to be President of the United States again. First, we can all agree that he won the election. Second, Kamala Harris did not spend the last two and a half months whining and lying to the American people that she really won. And third, since it was a free democratic election, the American people will get the government they deserve.

For those citizens who feel disappointed that a majority of voters chose as their leader a demagogue who believes that the rule of law does not apply to him, your duty now is to bear witness to the consequences. And remember. For history’s sake.

Stay awake as the herd nods off, and avoids evidence of an insurrection that happened before their very eyes. Listen to the idiot wind that blows constantly from the mouths of all those Trump-pets pretending that traitors are patriots. Don’t fall for the false equivalencies, like convincing you that their retribution is the same as real justice.

And stop thinking about Donald. Entertainment is his game. He’s the best at keeping everyone distracted while he performs his con. He knows what he’s doing. Also, don’t waste your time trying to convince your friends and relatives who have slid down the rabbit hole of self-delusion. This election proved Mark Twain was right when he observed: “It is easier to fool a man, than to convince him he has been fooled.”

Jim Tweed Ocean City

The Real Origin Of The Species

Editor’s note: This letter is in response to the February 1 letter “Give Darwin His Due.”

Evolution, the theory (guess) introduced by the theorist Charles Darwin says we are not the product of an omnipotent Creator, but a blind random spontaneous process. Bang!nothing exploded and here we are. Evolution rests on the claim (assumption) that the random-verse, I mean uni-verse was made up from matter that previously existed then evolved over time. The Bible clearly and plainly tells us this is not true. “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear” (Hebrews 11:3). The popped popcorn didn’t always look like that.

In “Mind & Cosmos: Why the Materialist Neo Darwinian Conception of Nature is Almost Certainly False,” Thomas Nagel, (N.Y. University philosopher) states that evolution “flies in the face of common sense.” Dr. George Wald has stated in The Origin of Life: “One has only to contemplate the magnitude of this task to conceive that the spontaneous generation of a living organism is impossible.” Therefore you cannot get spontaneous generation of life from non-life. An impersonal force creating personal beings is contrary to what is referenced in scripture that no creation is greater than its creator.

Biologist Michael Denton, author of “Evolution a Theory in Crisis,” says: “Considering the way the prebiotic soup is referred to in so many discussions in the origin of life as an already established reality it comes as something of a shock to realize that there is absolutely no positive evidence for its existence. It is purely theoretical (guessoretical)…Science has so thoroughly discredited Darwinian evolution that it should be discarded.” TRASHED!

Charles Darwin himself, the dreamer of the

evolutionary fairy tale theory stated: “I am quite conscious that my speculations run beyond the bounds of true science.”

After all the years since he made this statement of his speculations about this false science, not one of his theories (guesses) of origins has been proven to be true - nor ever will be! So to paraphrase what was previously stated in Letters To The Editor: “Hopefully, as people become better educated about evolution” they will see that “natural selection” cannot and does not “select” anything: you need a Selector - Almighty God. Instead of making February 12th “Darwin Day” it would be better named “Duped Day.”

Charles J. Henke Brick

A Poor Choice For Department Of Education

It is important for a person who has experience as an educator to lead the U.S. Department of Education. It takes specific training to become a teacher. Would you want a plumber to perform surgery or to serve as the CEO of a financial corporation without the proper credentials?

Well, then let’s provide our greatest resource, our children, with a Secretary of Education who has experience as an educator. It is NOT Linda McMahon!

She doesn’t have the qualifications. Does she know best practices in teaching? NO. Would she know how to write a special education Individual Education Program (IEP)? NO! And so on...

She should be required to withdraw her nomination. Would not a person with no law degree apply to be an attorney? NO! So why is this any different?

Linda Pauline Chatalian Belmar

The Arc, Ocean County Chapter Celebrates Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

BRICK – March is recognized nationally as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and The Arc, Ocean County Chapter celebrated with the community at the annual Lunch Break event on March 5 at the Pop-Up Café in Brick.

The Arc invited companies in Ocean County to learn about the vocational services they provide to local businesses while offering job training, internships, and employment to people with disabilities for future success. The Arc Employment Center in Lakewood

Arc, Ocean County Chapter provides production work, commercial cleaning services, and shredding services while the Learn to Earn program offers paid internships to qualified students with disabilities and the Arc Training Centers are in search of volunteer job training sites.

The Ocean County community can learn more about The Arc’s services to support local businesses by visiting arcocean.org and becoming a partner for inclusion in 2025. This article was brought to you by our advertisers.

Flapjack Fundraiser

BRICK – Support the Veterans Memorial Elementary School PTA with endless pancakes and some surprise servers!

Fundraiser will be on March 23 from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Brick Applebee’s. Cost is $10 per ticket. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, scrambled

eggs and a beverage (coffee, juice, soda or tea.)

Special fifth grade guests as well as some VMES stars! Everyone is welcome! Bring the grandparents, cousins, friends!

Reserve spots at: vmes.givebacks.com/store/ items/1161314.

Photo courtesy The

Boys And Girls Basketball Teams Finish Successful Seasons

PROTECT YOUR PRECIOUS EYES

Many people are already aware of certain steps to take to prevent vision loss, including periodically taking a break from screens and wearing sunglasses outdoors. There are also things that can be done to prevent eye diseases, many of which can lead to vision loss. Start with regular, dilated eye exams, which can catch diseases early when they are easier to treat. Taking care of overall health can also do a lot to preserve eye health. Eating fresh, whole foods such as salmon and dark, leafy greens is good for eye health. Staying active helps prevent diseases that can affect the eyes, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Avoid smoking, which has been linked to several eye diseases.

When it’s time to have your eyes checked make sure you are seeing the right eye care professional for your needs. An ophthalmologist specializes in eye and vision care and is licensed to practice medicine and surgery. This advanced training allows ophthalmologists to diagnose and treat a wider range of conditions than optometrists and opticians. If it’s been a while since you’ve had an eye exam, make an appointment with SIGHTMD NEW JERSEY SUSSKIND & ALMALLAH EYE ASSOCIATES (732-349-5622). We offer evening hours most nights of the week.

P.S. Wearing protective glasses while playing sports and doing construction work, home improvement projects, and yard work can go a long way to protect eye health.

MARLBORO (732) 972-1015

TOMS RIVER (732) 349-5622

BRICK (732) 477-6981

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

BRICK – Winter Sports wrapped up in February. The boys and girls basketball teams had a successful finish to their seasons.

The girls team qualified for both the Shore

Monmouth University Recognizes Local Students Named To The Fall 2024 Dean’s List

WEST LONG BRANCH – Monmouth University congratulates the outstanding academic achievements of students who qualify for the Fall 2024 Dean’s List.

To be eligible for the list, an undergraduate student must fall within the top 20 percent of their major program by semester grade point average (GPA), have a cumulative GPA above 3.30, and completed all semester course work. Part-time students must complete 12 or more credits in successive semesters to qualify for inclusion.

Daniella Borges – Brick

Kevin Botwinick – Brick

Emily De Almeida – Brick

Sean Fritz – Brick

Riley Kindler – Brick

Corey Miller – Brick

Victoria Nicol – Brick

Lillian Pardey – Brick

Lily Restiano – Brick

Kasey Sles – Brick

Amanda Spirito – Brick

Katharine Tito – Brick

Adriana Tobia – Brick

The

First Pick Up Brick Cleanup Of 2025 To Be Held On March 22

BRICK – Brick Township residents are invited to join Mayor Lisa Crate and volunteers from the community for the first Pick Up Brick event of 2025 as they work together to clean the Midstreams Trails on March 22 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. This community cleanup effort is an opportunity for residents to come together and make a positive impact on one of Brick’s natural spaces. All necessary supplies will be provided and volunteers of all ages are encouraged to participate.

Pick Up Brick is part of the Township’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and community pride. Mayor Crate and Township officials look forward to seeing residents at the event as they work together to keep Brick clean and beautiful. Additional Pick Up Brick clean ups will be held throughout the year at the Riverwalk Refuge, the Township Pollinator Garden and Sawmill Trail, the Brick PAL Trails, Lake Riviera, the Airport Tract, Breton Woods, Arctic Ocean Drive Trails, the Sawmill Tract and the spring and fall Beach Sweeps. Mayor Crate will be at all clean ups and hopes many residents will join her in keeping Brick clean.

To register for Pick Up Brick clean ups fill out a volunteer registration form.

Photo courtesy Brick Schools Conference Tournament and the NJSIAA Tournament this season. The team finished with a record of 15-11.

boys team finished with a record of 8-16.

C ommunity n ew S

Brick Township High School’s Battle Of The Classes

BRICK – Brick Township High School’s Battle of the Classes was a thrilling display of school spirit, teamwork, and friendly competition!

Students from all grade levels participated in exciting challenges, showcasing their

Photo courtesy Brick Schools energy and enthusiasm. Congratulations to the seniors for taking home the victory! A huge thank you to all students for their incredible participation and to the staff for their support in making this event a memorable success. Go Dragons!

5th Annual Town-Wide Yard Sale

BRICK – Brick Township’s popular TownWide Yard Sale returns for its fifth year on May 17, giving residents the perfect opportunity to declutter, find new treasures and connect with neighbors.

With a wide variety of participating sellers, shoppers can expect an extensive selection of items including clothing, furniture, electronics, antiques, toys, books, jewelry and more. Whether you’re searching for household essentials or unique vintage finds, there’s something for everyone!

To help buyers navigate the sales, the Township will once again create an interactive Google map, which will be shared on the municipal website along with a list of participating homes.

Residents interested in selling can now register for just $5 per home. Suggested sale

hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration can be completed in person at the Township Clerk’s Office, 401 Chambers Bridge Road, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sellers can also register by mail by downloading the registration form, including payment and a self-addressed, stamped envelope and sending it in. Participation counts toward the annual limit of four yard sales per address.

There is no rain date for this event. In case of inclement weather, participants may choose to hold their sales the following day. The deadline to register for inclusion in the sale is May 14.

Don’t miss this chance to clean out your home, earn some extra money, and take part in a great community event!

Find the Town-Wide Yard Sale Registration Form at bricknj.gov.

Pet Photos With The Easter Bunny

BRICK – Save the date for an eggstra-special time with the Easter Bunny! Hop on over to Jersey Shore Animal Center and join for a fun-filled hippity-hoppity event with the Easter Bunny

Pet photos with the Easter Bunny will be on April 13 from 1 to 4 p.m. (rain or

shine). What to expect: doggy Easter egg hunt, meet and greet with the Easter Bunny, capture your Easter moment in a photo (bring your own phone/camera) (donations appreciated).

All pets must be leashed! Friendly animals welcome.

VMES Dine To Donate Fundraiser

BRICK – Veterans Memorial Elementary School PTA has announced their Dine to Donate event at Cold Stone Creamery on March 25, all day!

Treat yourself and support the PTA! Bring in flyer or show picture on your phone.

(House Calls Available By Appointment)

RIVER OFFICE 244 Main St., Toms River, NJ 08753 • (732) 505-1212

BERKELEY AREA (800) 556-7432

MANCHESTER AREA (732) 408-9455

BRICK AREA (732) 451-0800

AT: WWW. RCSHEA.COM

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!

Congratulations Girls Bowling, South Jersey Group 2 Sectional Campions

BTMUA Looking For A New Mascot And Slogan

BRICK – The Brick Municipal Utilities Authority (BTMUA) is looking for a new mascot and slogan for 2025 and is inviting the young people of Brick to help!

Mascot Competition is open to children in Grades 1 through 5. The mascot will be either an animal, bird, reptile, fish or insect that lives within the natural surroundings (in water or on land) of the Metedeconk River Watershed. Entries do not have to be perfect, and please nothing scary or frightening. Your entry must fit on an 8-inch by 11-inch sheet of paper.

Slogan Competition is open to youths in Grades 6 through 8. the slogan promotes the importance and protection of the Metedeconk River Watershed, the major source of drinking water for Brick Township, and is geared to the watershed community. It should be no more than 10 words.

Entries can either be computer or hand drawn and can be either converted or scanned into a pdf document and emailed to Shari Kondrup at skondrup@brickmua.com with subject line, ‘Submission for Metedeconk Mascot and Slogan Competition.’ Entries can also be mailed to Ms. Kondrup as follows: Shari Kondrup, Watershed Education and Outreach, Brick Township Municipal Utilities Authority, 1551 Highway 88 West Brick, NJ 08724. All entries must be received by April 16. Please include your name and email address or phone number on your entry so we can contact you. Winners will be announced the week of April 28.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ms. Kondrup by either emailing her at skondrup@brickmua.com or by phone at 732-701-4282.

Laurelton Art Society Oil Painting Workshop

BRICK – The Laurelton Art Society is pleased to announce a five-hour oil painting workshop, with acclaimed artist Scott Nickerson.

nursing and rehabilitation center

08753 732-505-4477 • www.rosegardennj.com

This event will be held at the First Baptist Church of Laurelton’s Ivy Hall 1832 Route 88, Brick on March 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Our location is ADA compliant. Participants will choose to paint from five professionally designed floral arrangements. These arrangements range from simple to

complex. This workshop is open to professional and nonprofessional oil painters whether they use regular or water-soluble oils. Seating is very limited. The fee is $50 for Laurelton art society members and $60 for nonmembers.

This event is funded by a grant from the New Jersey Council of the Arts and the Ocean County Heritage and Cultural Commission. Contact Trisha for further information at auntp13@yahoo.com.

Check out Dr. Izzy’s Sound News on Page 14

BRICK – The boys and girls bowling teams both had very successful seasons. The boys made it all the way to the South Jersey sectional semi-finals. The girls won the South Jersey, group II sectional tournament.

Photo courtesy Brick Schools

Wrestling Team Finishes Successful Season

Photo courtesy Brick Schools

BRICK – The Brick Township High School Wrestling team finished with a record of 15-9. Liz Avila took third place in the region and has moved on to the state finals in Atlantic City. Aidan Leonard and Rustam Olimov placed in the District tournament and will wrestle at Regions.

Lunch & Learn: Are You Prepared?

BRICK – Join the Brick Chamber of Commerce for their Lunch & Learn event at Ocean Medical Center on April 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ocean University Medical Center, 425 Jack Martin Boulevard, Brick.

Featuring Stevie Kiziukiewicz of Seawind Health Advocacy Group; Bob Brogan of Brogan Law Group; and Tracy Grafton

of Hackensack Meridian Health / Ocean Medical Center.

Join to learn how to make sure you, your loved ones, and your business are prepared for the things life throws at us.

Cost is $10 for members and $20 for guests. Register at brickchamber.com.

This article was brought to you by our advertisers.

Greater Shore Concert Band Spring Concert

BRICK – Enjoy a performance of wellknown and popular musical themes from both movies and Broadway musicals.

Concert will be held at St. Thomas Lutheran Church, 135 Salmon Street Brick, on May 4 at 2 p.m. The concert program is a medley of iconic soundtracks you will

recognize and enjoy including James Bond, Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean, West Side Story, Phantom of the Opera, Grease and more!

You won’t want to miss this one! Free admission, free-will offering will be collected during a brief intermission.

H ere ’ s t o Y our H e A lt H

Dr. Izzy’s

Sound News

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

Child & Senior Proof Batteries

For those of you still using disposable zinc air batteries, the packaging has dramatically changed. For at least the past 25-30 years, you would be able to peel a TAB off a battery which activates the battery cell and insert the battery into your hearing instrument. These TABS were available in all battery sizes including 10, 312, 13, and 675. The TABS were color coded to make it easy know what size to pick up at most pharmacy stores, food stores, Walmart, Costco, etc. The color designation has not changed; however, each battery package is wrapped so tight, it requires the use of a scissors to open the pack to remove each battery. For seniors with poor dexterity or general weakness, it’s practically impossible to complete this task.

This new battery packaging rule was approved mainly because of the number of children and animals ingesting batteries. In my opinion, once the batteries are removed from the packaging, both children and animals can still ingest these batteries. This new law will FORCE the majority of seniors to switch

to rechargeable hearing aid models. This is not a bad thing since there’s no need to open or close battery doors or deal with packaging at all! You just put the hearing aids in a charger and in 3 hrs. you have a full charge for the rest of the day. The amount of money you would spend buying batteries offsets the cost of the charger which is normally included in the cost of the hearing aids.

If you’re lucky enough to still purchase the older packaging, make sure that these batteries have not expired. If you’re up to the challenge of using a strong scissors to remove each battery independently from the packaging, my advice would be to remove all of the batteries and put them in a separate jar with the battery tabs still on them.

The next time you decide to purchase new hearing aids, just go the rechargeable route and you will be significantly less frustrated.

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.

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!

15th Annual Special Education Resources & Transition Fair

BRICK – Brick Township School District proudly presents its 15th Annual Special Education Resources & Transition Fair on March 27 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Brick Township High School Library. This event is free and open to the public. A

Q&A will be officer to answer any transition related topics.

For more information about any of the resources shared, contact Darla Novick at 732-785-3000 ext. 2013 or dnovick@ brickschools.org.

Dear Pharmacist

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Spring Allergies: The Best Meds & 4 Natural Secret Weapons

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Spring is here, and so is allergy season! Beyond the obvious pollen, mold spores thrive in damp environments, especially after seasonal rains, while dust mites multiply as temperatures rise. Pet dander also becomes a bigger problem as animals shed their winter coats. Meanwhile, grass pollens like Bermuda, Timothy, and ryegrass kick into high gear in late spring, especially in May and June. These lightweight particles travel easily on the wind, making you miserable in your skin.

For fast relief, many people turn to OTC antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec) or loratadine (Claritin). Cetirizine works quickly but can cause drowsiness so it should be taken at night, while loratadine is non-drowsy but may take slightly longer to kick in. Both block histamine, the chemical responsible for sneezing and itching. These are available nationwide. Nasal sprays like fluticasone (Flonase) reduce inflammation and congestion, but they take a few days to work and may cause nosebleeds if overused. This is effective for mild-to-moderate allergies, but if symptoms persist, you may need stronger support.

If OTC meds aren’t cutting it, your doctor may prescribe montelukast (Singulair), which blocks leukotrienes, another inflammation trigger that your body makes when faced with pollen. It’s great for asthma-related allergies, but some people experience mood changes or vivid dreams. Ask your doctor about that one. Antihistamines come in two generations and a lot of people don’t know that. The first-generation (like diphenhydramine/Benadryl) work fast but cause drowsiness. That’s why it got rebranded as a sleep aid! It’s great for nighttime relief but not for daytime function.

The second-generation medications (like cetirizine, loratadine, and fexofenadine) provide longer-lasting, non-drowsy relief. They’re better for daily use but can still cause dryness or headaches.

Some people live on these medications. You should know that taking antihistamines or steroid nasal sprays year-round can deplete essential nutrients, what I call the “drug mugging” effect. Here’s what to watch for:

Antihistamines: Can lower vitamin C and zinc, both crucial for immunity.

Nasal steroids: May reduce vitamin D, leading to weakened bones and increased infections.

Montelukast: Can impact magnesium and B vitamins, affecting mood and energy. If you rely on these meds daily, consider supplementing with what they deplete, your body will thank you.

I love weaving in natural options for allergy relief, consider the following:

Vitamin C: Acts as a natural antihistamine, reducing sneezing and itching.

Vitamin D: Keeps your immune system balanced.

B Complex: Helps regulate histamine and supports energy.

Catalase: Helps detox oxidative stress, which can worsen allergy symptoms.

If OTC meds aren’t helping or your symptoms include wheezing, facial swelling, or sinus infections (like sinus fungal balls, which I’ve written about before), it’s time to see a doctor.

You don’t have to suffer all season! 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) ©2025 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.

Injured At Work?! Know Your Rights To Critical Benefits!

By: Chris Shea, Esq. of R.C. Shea & Associates

You have a right to a safe and healthful workplace. If you have suffered an injury on the job, make sure you know what kind of benefits you might receive under workers’ compensation coverage.

In some instances, an aggressive compensation carrier may deny an injured worker’s legitimate workers’ compensation claims. An insurer can claim you have not been injured, or that the injury you have suffered is not serious enough to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. If this is the case, you may stand to lose critical benefits. Most important among these critical benefits is the right to medical treatment. Medical benefits are mandated by the New Jersey Worker’s Compensation Act, and require the employer to furnish the injured worker with medical, surgical, and other treatment as are necessary “to cure and relieve the worker of the effects of the injury and to restore the functions of the injured member or organ” if possible. Moreover, in those instances where the employer has refused or neglected to provide medical treatment in accordance with the provisions of the Workers’ Compensation Act, the employer will be held responsible for the cost of treatment; even if the employee receives treatment prior to the carrier’s

authorization.

Christopher R. Shea Esq.

Further, it is important to note another critical benefit of the Workers Compensation Act. This benefit protects employees from collections law suits when the employee obtains medical treatment that has been wrongfully or negligently withheld by an employer. This benefit, was upheld by the New Jersey Appellate Court in Kinley Physical Therapy Services, Inc. v. Kramer, and unequivocally states that a medical service provider is prohibited from filing an action against the employee until a determination has been made by the Division of Workers’ Compensation. The Court reasoned that a medical provider is normally not permitted to pursue collection actions in court until it resolves all administrative remedies, thus, the employee must be shielded from all actions by the medical provider until the Court determines whether or not the employer is responsible for the cost of medical care.

If you feel your legitimate benefits have been denied and you live in the New Jersey, our workers compensation lawyers would like to talk to you to see if we can assist you with your case. Please call for a free consultation. R.C. Shea & Associates, 244 Main Street, Toms River, N.J. (732) 505-1212.

Local Pets Available For Adoption

adjusting to his new surroundings. David is very shy and quiet, preferring to observe rather than jump into playtime - at least when he thinks we’re watching! We’ve caught him secretly batting around his soft ball toys when he thinks no one is looking. While he’s not quite ready to explore outside his cage just yet, David loves gentle pets and is slowly learning to trust. He is very sweet and fine with other respectful cats. With time, patience, and lots of love, we know he’ll blossom into the wonderful companion he’s meant to be. Are you the special person who can give David the safe, loving home he deserves? Come meet him and see if you’re his perfect match!

You can view this pet and more at jerseyshoreanimalcenter.org. They are located at 185 Brick Boulevard and can be reached at 732-920-1600.

BRICK – Meet David! This handsome 6-year-old boy recently arrived from an overcrowded local shelter and is still

Photo courtesy Jersey Shore Animal Center

Continued From Page 1

Attendees of the rallies urged Smith to stand up against the Trump administration and voice objection against the Republican policies they expressed would hurt seniors, minorities and federal employees.

They also called for Smith to host a town hall meeting where he could receive questions about what is going on in Washington D.C. and what the longtime Republican’s views on these issues were. Smith’s staff members noted that he had not held a Town Hall meeting in some time. They recalled one held in 1992. Smith has held his seat in Congress since 1981.

Smith’s face appeared on several of the signs that attendees carried. His image was featured prominently on a sign carried by Diane Hurlburt of Point Pleasant who said she tried to reach out to the representative. “I was here last week and filled out a form and asked a staff member if he was going to have a town hall meeting and they said they had no idea. I’ve called for three weeks and only got a message that they took my number and name.”

When asked what concerns she had, she replied “There are so many but my main concern today is for Medicaid and Medicare, our immigrant population in New Jersey and (DOGE director Elon) Musk controlling things. I have family who work for the federal government and the morale of workers is so low. The whole thing is a mess and its embarrassing as an American and also how we are treating our allies,”

she added.

NOW members Patty Villani of Point Pleasant and Linda Fote of Toms River came out for the Friday afternoon rally for similar reasons.

Fote said, “the cuts in Medicaid will really impact women. Medicaid covers about 20% of pregnancies in this country. It also covers a lot of nursing homes for the elderly who run out of their benefits. We are really here to speak up for women’s issues about Medicaid.”

Sporting a red, white and blue jacket adorned with a Captain America shield emblem and Avengers symbol, Frank B. Oarodowski of Jackson stood out in the crowd. “I was concerned about Congressman Smith’s recent vote on the Medicaid bill.”

“This is going to affect millions of Americans. There are 70 million plus Americans on Medicaid and many of them are his constituents so I can’t understand why he would willfully neglect many of his constituents?” he asked.

Oarodowski said, “It’s just unbelievable. I’ve reached out to his office but I haven’t had the chance to talk to Mr. Smith. He seems pretty absent. Hopefully we’ll get his attention. I’m not optimistic but hopeful that we’ll make some noise here.”

South Toms River resident Debra Di Donato, who is running for state assembly in legislative District 10, was pleased with the turnout. “It is very heartening to see the amount of people that this has brought out.”

“I have a genetic predisposition to breast

and ovarian cancer and research funding for various diseases disorders and cancers (which have recently been cut in funding) are very important. Without that I wouldn’t have been able to have the knowledge for the genetic testing to undergo for the preventive necessity of a hysterectomy that could be life saving for people,” she added.

Didonato said, “as a nurse I see the cuts of Medicaid and Medicare are very detrimental to care in our state and throughout the country. It is going to flood our emergency departments by the people who should be otherwise receiving care from their primary care doctors. I am out here today in hopes that we can bring some awareness to the issues that we are seeing right now.”

Other concerns focused on getting Musk’s “hands off our data” as one chant put it during the afternoon. Drivers on Washington Street slowed down to cheer on the protestors some of whom took to the sidewalk with their protest signs.

After the rally, Congressman Smith’s office was contacted by Jersey Shore Online. com to address the concerns that the protesters brought up. His office replied with a statement that was virtually identical to a press release posted on his website two days before the first rally:

“The House took the first critical step to tackle our huge $36 trillion debt – a crushing burden that we cannot sustain or survive as a nation. Most Americans are shocked to learn that the daily interest payment on the national debt is $2.6 billion. Yearly interest payments on the debt alone will rise to $952 billion in 2025 and will

climb to over $1 trillion in 2026 - and that interest payment will total $13.8 trillion over the next decade,” Smith said.

“This means the federal government already spends more on debt servicing than it does on defense spending or Medicaid. “Our children and grandchildren should not be burdened by the ever-increasing national debt. We must begin to address it today,” he said.

“The bill we passed is a budget blueprint. After extensive conversations with colleagues and House leadership, I have received commitments that we will seek to cut waste, fraud, abuse, and misdirected spending while protecting Social Security and Medicare and critical safety net programs like Medicaid that New Jersey’s seniors and most vulnerable–including individuals with disabilities – desperately need and rely upon,” Smith added.

There are no current plans for Smith to host a town hall meeting. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson has actually urged fellow Republican lawmakers to avoid public town hall meetings with voters after some events turned emotional over the president’s actions firing federal workers, defunding government programs and instituting tariffs on America’s two closest neighbors, Canada and Mexico.

The congressman, who is a long time advocate on veterans’ issues, did not respond to a question about the projected cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs that the Republican administration is making, which has been estimated between 70,000 and 80,000 employees.

By Renee A. Thomaier

Around the JerSey Shore

The Leatherback Sea Turtle – The Largest Living Sea Turtle

Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

The leatherback sea turtle, one of seven living sea turtles, grows to more than 6.5 feet in length, and can reach a weight of up to 2,000 pounds. They have the greatest migratory distribution on the planet Earth of any reptile. Their shell is not visible like other turtles. Instead, it’s covered by a layer of black or brown leathery skin, referred to as carapace. This carapace is very specialized for reaching extreme depths when diving up to 4,000 feet. This unique thermoregulatory (Wikipedia - thermoregulation is the

ability of an organism to keep its body temperature within certain boundaries, even when the surrounding temperature is very different) adaptation enables them to maintain their body temperatures at extremely cold depths.

Found in tropical, temperate waters worldwide, they reside off both the eastern and western coasts of the United States. The Virgin Islands, Hawaii and Puerto Rico are also home to these turtles. Their diet is mostly consuming jellyfish, as well as fish, seaweed, crustaceans, and marine invertebrates. Investigation into, and conservation of this species are hindered due to their mi-

gratory and pelagic (living in open waters away from the coast) lifestyle. Information on the leatherback turtle is retrieved by studying them when females migrate to tropical seas where they position themselves onto the beaches for nesting. They spend most of their time at sea.

The leatherback sea turtle is federally listed as endangered, with humans being their biggest threat due to poaching. Their eggs and newborns are food for raccoons, birds, and crabs. It’s interesting that if their nest is warm, females are born. The opposite is true that a cooler nest develops males. Immediately after hatching, the young are on their own;

getting into the water is crucial for their initial survival from predators. Once they’ve arrived, they must figure things out without any care from their parents. Their age reaching maturity is approximately 16 years, with an average lifespan thought to be at least 30 years. 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.

The Stories, Science, And History Of Trees: Virtual Author Talk

TOMS RIVER – Join as Smithsonian Horticulturalist Matthew Fleming guides us through the secret world of trees as revealed in “The Tree Book: The Stories, Science, and History of Trees.” This free author talk will take place virtually at 2 p.m. on April 8. Trees have been a part of human history

for almost as long as humans have existed. They are used for shelter, tools, fuel, food, and supplying the atmosphere with oxygen. From ancient oaks and great redwoods to lush banyans and imposing kapoks, “The Tree Book” reveals the anatomy, behaviors, and beauty of these incredible plants and

habitats in detail.

Matthew Fleming has been a horticulturist at the Smithsonian Gardens Greenhouse Facility in Maryland since 2010. He also manages three greenhouses with nearly a thousand tropical specimens throughout the many Smithsonian gardens and landscapes. He has given talks on plant-related topics at the Smithsonian, including indoor pests, overwintering tropical plants, and many more. To register, or for more information, visit tinyurl.com/FlemingOCL. Ocean County Library cardholders can request The Tree Book at tinyurl.com/TreeBookOCL.

Around the JerSey Shore

Water Company Encourages Customers to Explore Payment Assistance Options

CAMDEN – As the Winter Termination Program comes to an end this week, New Jersey American Water is reaching out to customers who might be struggling with their water or wastewater bills, urging them to explore payment assistance options such as its H2O Help to Others Program™.

“At New Jersey American Water, we take great pride in offering various support programs and resources for customers facing financial challenges,” stated Mark McDonough, President of New Jersey American Water. “With water service costing about one cent per gallon, we’re already committed to delivering exceptional value. However, as the cost of other essentials like groceries and fuel continues to rise, we want to help ensure that every customer can access safe, clean, reliable drinking water without stretching their budget.”

For almost 20 years, New Jersey American Water has provided aid to eligible customers through its unique assistance program. The H2O Help to Others Program™, managed by SHARES — a nationally esteemed nonprofit organization — offers

crucial support, advice, and referrals for essential services to New Jersey residents requiring aid. To help ensure customers are well-informed about these assistance opportunities, New Jersey American Water is actively disseminating information through various channels, including social and digital media, bill inserts, email communications, and other customer-focused notifications.

Participants of the H2O Help to Others Program who meet specific income criteria may be eligible for grants up to $500 to assist with their indoor water bills, and could also receive up to a 60 percent discount on both their monthly fixed service and volumetric charges for water and/or wastewater services. For more details on the program and eligibility requirements, customers are encouraged to contact SHARES directly at 877-NJAWH2O (652-9426), or visit sharesnation.org.

Customers looking to support others in need can contribute to the program by adding a donation via their New Jersey American Water bill. The company covers all administrative expenses for this

initiative, ensuring that 100 percent of the contributions, along with matching funds, are directly allocated to qualifying customers.

In addition to this program, New Jersey American Water provides payment arrangements and budget billing options for those who may not qualify for the H2O Program but still need help managing their bills. Customers interested in these alternatives are invited to check the company’s customer assistance web page or enroll online in their MyWater account at amwater.com/mywater.

BRICK – Free disaster, preparedness training, and the opportunity to join Brick CERT team and provide a service to our community.

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them

POINT PLEASANT – The Point Pleasant Chamber of Commerce is happy to announce their 35th annual Summerfest in the Park! June 7 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at

Join Brick CERT Team

in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available

to help.

CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.

We have six meetings a year on the third Wednesday of the month.

To join Brick CERT, contact: Joseph J.

Point Pleasant Summerfest

Community Park.

The festival will feature live music, food trucks, market/craft vendors, beer and wine garden, and inflatables for the kids. All-day

$10 wristbands for the kid’s activity area. Entrance to this community event is free and fun for the whole family. See you there! Friday Night Kick-Off party, June 6 from

Pawlowicz Jr. for Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator 732-262-1167 or email joepawlowicz@brickpd.com.

Applications may be submitted on the Brick CERT website. Download the CERT Application form from the Documents / Public Documents folder. Brick Township Police O.E.M. C.E.R.T. - HOME

6 to 10 p.m. Bands, food, and beer and wine garden only.

If you would like to be a vendor, visit: pointpleasantchamber.com.

CLASSIFIEDS

Services Help Wanted

Big Storage Containers For Rent - Clean, Dry, Secure. Toms River, Lacey, Bayville, Manahawkin, Tuckerton, New Gretna locations. 609-693-1631. (18)

Pets For Sale

CAVAPOO male pups available - Great disposition,vet chk,shots reds, buff parents on site. Contact 321-377-4000. (15)

For Rent Misc.

Help Save Libby – Urgent Vet Bills Libby needs life-saving treatment. Donate to https://gofund. me/e3c2c90b or call 808-7218189. Every dollar helps! (14)

Greenbriar Woodlands PresentsMidatlantic Men Broadway Talent, Global Hits Two Americans & One witty Brit face off in a vocal sensation to see which country does pop better.

Saturday, April 5, 7 p.m. Greenbriar Woodlands Clubhouse, 1 Kensington Circle Toms River. Tickets $30Thursday, March 13, 9:30 - 11 a.m., Saturday, March 22, 9:30 - 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 26, 6-7 p.m. Greenbriar Woodlands Clubhouse 1 Kensington Circle Toms River. Questions call Janet 848-224-4761. (15)

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)

I Buy Records - Cash paid, we answer the phone. Call Eddie at 732-829-5908. Records 33/45. Walt buys comics, toys & collectibles. Call 908-278-3782. (11)

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)

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. (17)

Magnolia Gardens Assisted Living is hiring a fullcook. 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. (17)

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

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)

Gardeners Wanted – Work independently - garden maintenance, plant care, seasonal planting. Small gardens. Experi-enced or will train. Great business opportunity! Learn and grow. Call Joseph 732-232-8144. (12)

Services

Handyman Solutions - Affordable prices that are budget friendly. All phases of Home Improvement and Repairs. Carpentry • Laminate Flooring • Painting • Drywall • Doors • Windows • Siding • Hand and Vinyl Railings • Decks • Minor Plumbing/Electrical and more. Licensed Insured. 609-384-9030 (50)

Experienced, Reliable - Private duty (no agency fees) Caregiver/Home Health aide available for live-in, or hourly position South Jersey, Jersey Shore area. Call Nina at 732-8676686. (15)

INCOME TAX ACCOUNTANTSPersonal and small business tax returns.Over 30 years experience. Reasonable fees. Mention this ad and get $20 off. Call for appointment. 732-270-6505. (16)

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)

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)

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

CAR SERVICE - Specializing in Newark and Atlantic City Airports, Point Pleasant and Bay Head Train Station. Call Kevin 727-396-7820. (8)

Caroline's Cleaning - Specializing in change-overs, offices, construction cleanup, shopping, doctor appointments and more. Call now for estimate 848-210-6213. (16)

Classifieds are placed in all 7 of our weekly newspapers covering all of Ocean County, and also Howell in Monmouth County.

Mercuro & Sons - Handyman Service General Contracting. License #13VH03469. 732-674-3346. (17)

Monmouth & Ocean MOBILE NOTARY - I come to you. Text or email for rates and availabilty 732-887-6408, Rhansen0114@gmail.com. (13)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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. (21)

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)

Cleaning Service - Too tired or can't be bothered. Call Donna 732-3305916. Rentals, overturns, construction and residential. Insured and bonded. (9)

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

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)

DO YOU WANT YOUR CAR TO LOOK GOOD AND SHINE ? Call Lenny - Lenny's Mobile Auto Detailing 908-868-4609. (15)

TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED:

• M ail 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

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:

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

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

Credit Card#

Cardholder Signature:

Print Name:

Billing Address:

If you have any questions, leave a message for Ali 732-657-7344, ext. 203. Deadline For Classified Ads: 12pm Monday (For that Saturday’s publication) 3. 1 week* at $29.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $ 2 weeks* at $44.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $ 3 weeks* at $60.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $ 4 weeks* at $74.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $ Total = $

BUYING

BRING

NO OBLIGATION! ABSOLUTE TOP DOLLAR PAID! ALL COMMEMORATIVE COINS, ROLLS, SETS, CERTIFIED & PROOFS. ALL PCGS, NGC, ANACS, & ICG PROOFS & SETS

BUYING WRIST & POCKET WATCHES

ABSOLUTE TOP DOLLAR PAID! ALL KINDS, ALL TIME PERIODS, ALL CONDITIONS! ROLEX, CARTIER, BULOVA, MOVADO & MORE ALL POCKET WATCHES WORKING OR NOT

BUYING ESTATE & VINTAGE JEWELRY

COSTUME JEWELRY - HAT PINS - COMPACTS

CUFF LINKS - EARRINGS - NECKLACES - BRACELETS

AMBER ITEMS - RHINESTONE ITEMS

ABSOLUTE TOP DOLLAR PAID!

ESTATE VINTAGE VICTORIAN: EARRINGS - NECKLACES - PENDANTS

CHARM BRACELETS

BUYING ALL GOLD

ESTATE JEWELRY & SCRAP GOLD BROKEN JEWELRY WANTED!

ABSOLUTE TOP DOLLAR PAID ON ANYTHING MADE OF GOLD

EXTRA PAID FOR DIAMOND ENCRUSTED GOLD ITEMS

BUYING ALL SILVER

ABSOLUTE TOP DOLLAR PAID ON ANYTHING MADE OF SILVER ALL KINDS, ERA & CONDITIONS

FLATWARE: KNIVES, FORKS, SPOONS, TEA SETS, TRAYS (MUST BE MARKED STERLING AND OR .925)

SCRAP SILVER JEWELRY: CHARM BRACELETS, BELT BUCKLES, MORGAN DOLLARS, EISENHOWER 40% SILVER COINS, ALL 90% SILVER (ESPECIALLY PRE-1964)

BUYING ALL DIAMONDS

1 CARAT & LARGER ABSOLUTE TOP DOLLAR PAID!

1 Carat...up to...$30,000

2 Carat...up to...$50,000

3 Carat...up to...$75,000

4 Carat...up to...$150,000

5 Carat...up to...$500,000

After a relatively cold winter, SPRING has finally sprung at the Jersey Shore. Look at these swans in the Beaver Dam Creek of Brick Township. Local resident Joseph Wozniak took the pic and shared it with you. Have a photo you would like to see in this space? Email photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you may get lucky!

23rd Annual Step Up For The Arc Walk And 5K Race

LAKEWOOD – Join The Arc, Ocean County Chapter at our 23rd Annual Step Up for The Arc Walk and 5K Race to raise awareness and funds for the 1,000 individuals with disabilities we support in Ocean County, NJ. The event will be on May 17 at Jersey Shore BlueClaws ShoreTown Ballpark, 2 Stadium Way, Lakewood. 5K Race from 7 to 9 a.m. and 1-Mile Walk and Family Fun from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Event proceeds will benefit The Arc’s mission to advocate, provide opportunities and supports necessary for all individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to be accepted and valued as citizens of the community in which they choose to live, learn, work and play. Learn more at arcocean.org.

This article was brought to you by our advertisers.

Brick Township Green Fair

BRICK – Brick Township’s Green Fair is a community-wide celebration dedicated to promoting sustainability and environmental awareness for people of all ages and backgrounds.

This exciting event will take place on May 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Bob Anstett Cultural Arts Center (515 Herbertsville Road).

This outdoor event will feature a variety of exhibitors, vendors, giveaways, refreshments, door prizes, and more - all designed to inspire and educate on ways to live a greener, more sustainable lifestyle.

Admission is free, so come explore, learn, and take part in this important initiative to make our community a cleaner, greener place!

FUN & GAMES SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Surfer’s link

Singer DiFranco

__ buco: veal dish

“Mermaids” costar

Mustachioed guy on “The Simpsons”

Longtime Hydrox rival

Cause __: megastar

Counteract

Short-legged hound

(of)

“This Is Us”

Ol mpicos

Feature of many seascapes

Director Preminger 52 They’re hard to argue with

Former Apple messaging app

Reagan attorney general Ed

“That is ... “

Wetlands growths

Website revenue

Young newts

Outrage

Sports radio host Patrick

FOR THE WEEK OF MAR 22 - MAR 28 BY JERALDINE

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Your compromises could make you a contender. You may lean towards luxurious experiences or be attracted to things that show good taste. However, you might need to mediate or find common ground to keep peace and harmony between others.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You may stand out in the crowd by being overtly original. While others might maintain balance in their relationships, you may have an incentive to forge your own path. Trying something new could highlight your candid and honest demeanor.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You may be reviewing a pending purchase. It might seem like the perfect solution, but it could be overly ambitious or an impulsive choice. Your judgment could be off, ensure that you understand the reality of your situation and budget.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): It may be helpful to strengthen your weaknesses. Consider dedicating time to mastering a topic that’s been challenging for you in the past. You may make significant strides toward your goals by trusting your intuition for decisive action.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You may feel you have the most even when you have the least. An intense drive for success might lead to overconfidence, potentially causing friction with allies and supporters who could be instrumental in your happiness and achievement.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Anything worth having is worth the investment of your time and effort. Take pride in enhancing your environment and think of ways to add touches of beauty to your home. Consider holding onto what you have even when tempted by change.

SAUNDERS

OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Your emotional armor may need some polishing. Even close friends might seem judgmental or could poke at your vulnerabilities. It may be wise to delay making important changes, promises, or decisions if you feel pressured in any way.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): The stars in your eyes may blind you to the cold hard facts. You might confuse someone’s kindness or flattery with genuine admiration when their motives are financial. Be cautious of offers and opportunities that sound too perfect to be true.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): A difficult problem may have a simple solution. Consider ways to apply straightforward logic to find quick fixes without overcomplicating things. A peaceful evening with someone special could renew your faith in the world.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You may be working to dispel rumors of trust issues. There’s a chance to enhance your reputation by demonstrating your dedication to others’ happiness or success. Exercise patience if key information is temporarily unclear.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Your partners or loved ones might demand more than just effort; they want results. Save your earnings securely and consider looking into investments that may offer additional safety. Take pride in financial discipline and budget plans.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Truth and beauty may soon become your reality. Highlighting the positive aspects of your job, hobby, relationship, or finances might come naturally. You could thrive in a serene environment where you can unleash your creativity.

KOREAN FLAVORS ENLIVEN THIS SIMPLE WEEKNIGHT DISH OF SPICY CHICKEN AND SLAW

By America’s Test Kitchen

GOCHUJANG CHICKEN TENDERLOINS WITH KIMCHI COLESLAW Serves 4

1 (14-ounce) bag coleslaw mix

1 cup cabbage kimchi, drained and chopped

6 tablespoons mayonnaise

1/4 cup sugar, divided

1 1/4 teaspoons table salt, divided

3 tablespoons gochujang

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

1 garlic clove, minced

1 1/2 pounds chicken tenderloins, trimmed

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1. Combine coleslaw mix, kimchi, mayon-

naise, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 3/4 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Whisk gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and remaining 3 tablespoons sugar in a second bowl until smooth.

2. Pat chicken dry with paper towels and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Heat vegetable oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side; transfer to plate.

3. Add gochujang mixture to now-empty skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until glossy and bubbling, about 1 minute. Return chicken to skillet and toss to coat. Serve chicken with coleslaw.

Gochujang Chicken Tenderloins with Kimchi Coleslaw.