JACKSON e
Easter Bunny Hops Around Jackson For Annual Egg Hunt Mayor’s Salary Sliced In Half
(Left) Olivia Grace, (10 months) enjoys her first Easter Egg Hunt at Jackson Church on Bennetts Mills Road on Palm Sunday. (Right) The Easter Bunny hops down the old bunny trail near 1 Jackson Drive after another highly successful Jackson Township Easter Egg Hunt which drew more than 300 children and adults.
By Bob Vosseller
JACKSON – The hunt was on at two locations for prized fi lled eggs on Palm Sunday in the township. One was at the soccer field by the Justice Complex while the other was at a township church. At both of them, the children had a basket full of fun and lots of eggs. You can’t keep a good rabbit down and despite
lots of rain for its original date, the Easter Bunny made it near the soccer field at 1 Jackson Drive for the township’s annual Easter Egg hunt. The event that drew more than 300 attendees was coordinated by the Township’s Recreation Department who partnered with the township’s Commission for the Disabled/Handicapped who helped bring (Egg Hunt - See Page 13)
Council Hires Deputy Clerk, Looks At Bus Issues
By Bob Vosseller
JACKSON – Township officials hired a new Deputy Municipal Clerk during a recent meeting that also focused on issues like bus travel in town.
Beth-Ellen Gencarelli, who used to work at the Manchester clerk’s office, was
hired through a resolution to be the new deputy clerk.
Bus Safety Resolution 141-2025 regulates the pickup and discharge of children by school buses on certain roadways. Vice
Council President Mordechai Burnstein said
“we are working with law enforcement to try to get ordinances that are actually enforceable that will hopefully bring the necessary safety results.”
Council President Jennifer Kuhn elaborated on that resolution saying, “this resolution has multiple streets on
there. We worked with Traffic Safety (Bureau of the township police department) We will have signage. This is not an ordinance. This is a resolution and a call for help from the residents for children getting off of buses to try to keep them safe.”
Burnstein added the
resolution calls upon the various bus transportation vendors to meet yearly and have the bus routes for public and private school students reviewed by the police department.
“All routes should be reviewed. Last year it was done very late and (Council - See Page 4)
By Bob Vosseller
JACKSON – Council members moved to cut Mayor Michael Reina’s salary in half during their latest council meeting. The part-time mayor was picking up $65,000 a year but will now be earning $32,000 following a 3-1 vote.
When Reina was re-elected three years ago, he ran with council candidates Jennifer Kuhn and Scott Sargent. The mayor was also aligned with Vice Council President Mordechai Burnstein. Things have since changed between the administration and the council. Giuseppe Palmeri joined the council in January backed by the Jackson GOP. Palmeri won the spot that was vacated by incumbent Steven Chisholm who decided not to run for re-election when he was not endorsed by the township’s Republican organization. Kuhn, Burnstein, and Palmeri voted for the mayoral pay cut. Councilman Nino Borrelli was the lone dissenting vote on this measure. Reina was not present at this session.
The council itself got a salary increase last year. In a three to two vote back then, they raised their salaries from $8,668 to $32,000, a pay raise of around 370%.
The council president pay was raised to $35,000 last year. However, through the same resolution that cut the mayor’s salary recently, the council president will now make $32,000 - the same as Reina. Council salaries will remain at $32,000.
The council raise happened in February 2024. Borrelli and Chisholm voted against the salary increases while Kuhn, Sargent and Burnstein voted for their passage.
In February of this year, Council President Kuhn called for a DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) type review of key departments such as the building department, Department of Public Works, Code Enforcement and police department stating her belief that modification of staffing appears to be required and there might be areas where fi nancial cuts can be made.
Kuhn is calling the council’s version of DOGE, Diligence of Jackson Efficiency (DOJE) which “represents our new focus on careful oversight and getting the most value for every tax dollar we spend. It is a reminder that we work for you the residents and that every decision should benefit this
(Salary - See Page 5)
Photo by Bob Vosseller
Council:
Continued From Page 1
it wasn’t fully done so we are calling for it to be done earlier so the PD has a chance to review it and make any recommendations,” he said.
Kuhn said she and Burnstein are scheduled to meet with “LSD (Lakewood Local School District) buses and bus vendors and I believe they are trying to get the camps in there, on May 7 to have a face-to-face conversation about the process and procedures of how the buses are driving and we just want to make sure we are on top of that with (Police Public Safety) Director (Joseph) Candido and the police department.”
She noted that doing it by resolution made more sense that creating an ordinance for the same purpose. “That is why an ordinance is taken off the table and we are just doing a resolution so we can put it upon everybody else (to make sure children safely enter and exit buses without crossing the street or as in as safe a manner as possible, given drivers of speeding vehicles sometimes ignore the law),” she added. Also passed was a resolution that will allow the police department to request and acquire excess Department of Defense Equipment.
Resolution R142-2025 authorized Jackson Police to participate in the Defense Logistics Agency, Law Enforcement Support Office 1033 program.
Also approved was a resolution authorizing Designated NJ Transit Bus Stops which Councilman Nino Borrelli voted against explaining he had not received enough information about this resolution.
“We have traffic issues on the roads in our town and I think this will add another element to it with big buses coming in. That is my concern,” he said.
Burnstein said, “we don’t have the ability to say which buses come into Jackson. The goal of this resolution is to give the PD more oversight in regard to these vendors and a chance to see that everything gets reviewed.”
Kuhn accused Borrelli of “saying no to employment here” in his voicing objection to that resolution. “These people need transportation to get to work. It is not like they are causing more traffic or anything.”
“I wish you would have called me and asked me because I would have explained to you it is not causing more traffic. It is helping and I believe the mayor said he’s been trying to get (in communication with NJ Transit). That is
Summer Skateboarding Lessons
JACKSON – Jackson Recreation presents their Skateboarding Lessons for Summer 2025. Open to ages 5 to 14.
Held from July 21 to 25 at the Jackson Skatepark, Jackson Justice Complex. Beginner class – 9 to 10 a.m. Learn skate -
boarding; pushing, riding, turning, going up and down, small ramps and more. Register at register.communitypass.net/ Jackson. For more information, go to davidfarrellskateboarding.com or jacksontwpnj.net.
what the mayor said. I don’t know if that is true,” Kuhn added.
She said the idea was to get more vendors “to come in so people could get to work. So that is the explanation to that but you already voted no.”
Borrelli replied, “I expressed a concern. Maybe I’ll be wrong but time will tell.”
Also approved was the issuance of a grading license to Kahal Jackson Pines Corporation regarding property identified as 217 Brewers Bridge Road, and awarding a contract to Magic Touch Construction Co., Inc. for the township’s Community Development Block Grant renovations and alterations for the Jackson Township Senior Center.
R148-2025 granted a special permit for a social affair and authorized Clerk Sandra Martin to certify a special permit application.
The governing body also passed a resolution accepting a grant of $3,840 from the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control for this year’s Cops in Shops Summer Shore Initiative Program.
A resolution authorizing and approving a person-to-person liquor license transfer application to Liquor Works Corporation (Plenary Retail Distribution License No. 1511-44-006-
011) was also approved. “This changes the effective date to April 14,” Kuhn said clarifying its purpose.
Ordinances Approved
Ordinance 2025-09 entitled “Subcode Fees” was unanimously passed. The ordinance was designed to comply with New Jersey construction code was unanimously passed. The council also introduced Ordinance 2025-10 which will add payment methods, establishing permitted methods of payment to the township.
“This specifies that all payments to the township must be paid by personal check, business check, money order or credit card. Cash will no longer be accepted except for the following: the tax collector’s office, municipal court and the senior center. They will still be accepting cash,” Kuhn noted. “Legally the courts have to accept cash.”
Kuhn added, “mainly we are looking to no longer have the offices handle cash - including the clerk’s office - which has gone cashless within 10 weeks. We wanted all the other departments to follow suit.”
In relation to that, Resolution R139-2025 closed out the cash fund in the township clerk’s office.
Cassville Volunteer Fire Company Annual Cigar Night
JACKSON – Join the Cassville Volunteer Fire Company #1 for their Annual Cigar Night on May 29 at 6 p.m. at 785 Miller Avenue, Jackson. Enjoy a relaxing evening
of cigars, food, drinks and good old friendship. Sponsorship opportunities available. For more information, contact 732-9289100 or contact@cassvillefire.org.
Salary
: Continued From Page 1 community.”
She added that in looking at this year’s budget preparation, “some cuts will need to be made. We want to hear from you. Your feedback is essential. We are addressing long standing issues that have been overlooked for far too long.”
The mayor’s salary reduction came as part of Resolution R140-2025 which established salaries of elected officials. Referencing that resolution, Kuhn said, “I made a promise to residents when I was sworn in to council that we would review every dollar of spending and cut costs where possible. That is exactly what we are doing tonight.”
She noted that the mayor and council were all part-time positions. “It simply makes sense for these roles to receive a part time salary.”
She noted increase in township costs including a 20% increase this summer in utility bill expenses. “If we have the opportunity to save taxpayers $30,000 with one vote then we have the responsibility to act.”
Borrelli voted no to that resolution explaining, “I’m not taking away from the hours of work that my fellow council members and I put in to serve our town. However, our council positions continue to be on a part-time basis and I feel strongly that they should be tied to the cost of living. I haven’t received any reasons or justifications to reduce the mayor salary who has
Take Notice that in accordance with N.J.S.A. 39:10-16*, application has been made to the Chief Administrator of the Motor Vehicle Commission, Trenton, New Jersey, to receive title papers authorizing and the issuance of a New Jersey certification of ownership for, Make Yamaha, Year 2015, VIN/Hull identification Number JYARN3787FA000121. Objections, if any, shoud be made in writing, immediately in writing to the Chief Administrator of the Motor Vehicle Commission, Special Title Unit, P.O. Box 017, Trenton, New Jersey, 08666-0017.
at this time taken on the additional duties of the township business administrator for a couple of months now.”
Reina’s term expires next year as mayor. Kuhn and Sargent’s spots on council will also come up for re-election in 2026. The Jackon Times contacted Mayor Reina concerning Resolution R140-2025. He said as mayor and acting business administrator, “I wasn’t given a courtesy call about it beforehand but it is within their authority
to do this. They (Council) kept their raise from last year and mine was cut.” He noted that Kuhn’s council president salary was reduced by $3,000.
The mayor said he didn’t agree with the manner the Council was approaching its DOJE review of internal department reviews and noted that he would not engage in pointless arguments with the council. He added that he did not believe that there were any widespread misconduct or
inappropriate actions by township workers and that if any township employee was doing anything illegal, “then the authorities should be contacted. That is what the authorities and law enforcement are there for.”
The mayor said he is working on this year’s budget and that council had voted down two potential replacements for business administrator. He has been serving in both capacities for seven weeks now.
The Importance Of Community – 30 Years of Micromedia
Let us go back in time to April 18th, 1995. A postage stamp cost 32 cents. A McDonalds Big Mac meal cost $2.99. Gas for the car averaged 90 cents a gallon. The world was glued to the O.J. Simpson trial. Bad Boys with Will Smith topped the box office. The number one song in the U.S. was “This Is How We Do It” by Montell Jordan. Cell phones weighed a ton and could only make calls. The internet was slow as molasses and Google had not been founded yet.
Some of you reading this may have been working, raising children, learning your ABC’s or having your diapers changed –others may not have been a twinkle yet.
In the basement of a home in Pine Lake Park, former copy machine salesman Stew Swann and his niece Robyn Friedrich were making Ocean County history – creating the first edition of The Manchester Times They were aided by Stew’s late wife Alice, who showed her unconditional love and support through the entire inception of Micromedia Publications.
It’s 30 years later and Micromedia has seven
weekly newspapers, three hyperlocal news websites, thousands of readers, many loyal advertisers and the respect from the local government and communities we serve.
Our print newspapers are everywhere, we have over 100,000 social media followers, we’re on the Newsbreak app, Google News, Apple News, on radio spots and our Jersey Shore Online continues to keep everyone updated and informed with millions of pageviews each year.
Micromedia has an incredibly talented staff who are dedicated to the mission statement the company was founded on: the importance of community.
The commitment to the management, design, the fair & balanced journalism, the sales and distribution of our products has never been interrupted – even through tragic times like 9/11/01, Superstorm Sandy and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Micromedia has also been helping small businesses flourish through affordable print and digital advertising. This keeps the money local, and every penny of ad revenue we
earn allows us to keep our papers free and our staff working.
I have been with the company since 2013 and I can say with great confidence that our readers and advertisers are getting a fantastic product each week and each day online.
While other local media outlets continue to fold, Micromedia prevails as our company President Stew Swann puts his staff and products above profits. The company’s
survival has always been his top priority and we hope to be here for another 30 years and beyond.
We appreciate you and remember, this is YOUR community newspaper. We are here for YOU!
Jason
Allentoff Vice President/COO Micromedia Publications
Stew Swann and Robyn Friedrich founded Micromedia in 1995
Capitol Comments
Assemblyman Alex Sauickie
S POTLIGHT O N G OVERNMENT
Correspondence & Commentary From Your Local, County, State & Federal Officials
A Column About A Column
TRENTON - Writing for this fine publication is something I view as a service to my constituents. It’s important for readers to know how decisions being made in Trenton will affect Jackson and area residents, whether as taxpayers, energy ratepayers, parents, teachers and students, or otherwise. But I’m not just a contributor to The Jackson Times, I’m also a dedicated consumer. Its great reporting helps keep me well informed of what’s going on in Jackson and the surrounding area, as it does for all of its readers. I often send articles to my staff to ensure they remain educated on local issues as well. The opinion columns by other contributors are interesting and informative, too. Whether or not I agree with a writer’s opinions or conclusions, I get a lot out of understanding a different point of view, just as I do when interacting with my colleagues in the Legislature on both sides of the political aisle. One such item in particular caught my eye recently. In the March 22nd issue. News Editor Chris Lundy published an editorial bluntly titled, “Steve Sweeney Needs To Go Away Now.” Bluntly put, I wholeheartedly agree.
Chris’s piece wasn’t just a screed about a politician he finds annoying for one reason or another. It was a well-reasoned and informed editorial about how former Senate President
Steve Sweeney chose to use the power of his position in a way that has devastated local schools.
Chris zeroed in on S2, the now-infamous legislation that has clobbered schools in Ocean County and elsewhere around the state. S2 is short for Senate Bill Number 2, but it might as well stand for Steve Sweeney. As Chris points out, Sweeney is proud of sponsoring that destructive law and highlights it on his gubernatorial campaign page.
That’s right. As the editorial states, not only is Sweeney running for a promotion from ex-Senator to Governor, but he also had the gall to show up in Ocean County seeking the support of local Democrats.
“The fact that he showed up at the Ocean County Democrats’ mini-convention 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,” Chris wrote. Spot on.
I’ve criticized Sweeney on S2 myself in an op-ed for another publication in September. It was primarily about how he was a major force in eliminating pension cost-of-living adjustments for police, firefighters, teachers, and thousands of other public retirees. Now he’s running for governor with a dubious scheme to restore them.
However, I couldn’t pass up the chance to call him out over S2 as well. I noted how his terrible legislation cost hundreds of teachers their jobs, ballooned class sizes, and destroyed student opportunities in academics and extracurricular activities.
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.
Jackson PBA #168 Annual Golf Outing
JACKSON – Jackson PBA #168 Golf Outing is being held on May 19 at The Pine Barrens Golf Club, our largest fundraiser of the year. This is the best outing you will attend. We are in need of sponsors, gift donations, etc. that is the only way this event is a success. If you
want to play in the event, get your payment in as soon as possible, as this event is full to capacity within a month.
Contact jhanba@jacksontwpnj.net, rareiff@ jacksontwpnj.net, or call 908510-0399 for more information.
Love Our Planet: Earth Day Fair
PLUMSTED – Fifty-five years ago, the fi rst Earth Day showed millions of Americans how small acts protect our environment. It changed how we think about our natural resources and started a movement that is still vital today. Learn how you can be part of it during the Earth Day Fair at the Ocean County Library Plumsted Branch, 10:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. on April 26. Come for informational displays, in-
The convention Chris mentioned was held at Central Regional High School in Bayville, Berkeley Township, a school that did fairly well under S2. Its annual state aid increased by $1.75 million, almost $700 – 52% – more per student.
In comparison, student enrollment at the school increased by only 153, or 7.4%, during S2. The per-pupil aid increase is certainly good for the school, but it’s yet another example of how the Department of Education’s statements don’t hold water. Department personnel, including the commissioner, have contended that brutal cuts to Jackson, Plumsted and other districts were based on declining student enrollment. We all know that other factors are involved in the formula, but the department kept referring to enrollment in my dealings with it.
Among the five competitors at the convention, Sweeney came in a distant second with half the votes of the winner. While his 31 votes accounted for about 20% of the total, that’s still more than Sweeney deserves from a county he’s harmed so much. I don’t know if his finishing second was a statement of how much better he is than the other three candidates, or how bad they are, in the eyes of those voting.
Chris properly identified Toms River, Jack-
son, Lacey and Plumsted as Ocean County school districts slammed by Sweeney’s brainchild bill. Brick is another reason for Ocean to reject Sweeney.
Unfortunately for students, parents and teachers around the state, schools in Atlantic, Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem, Burlington, and Monmouth counties have also been crushed by Sweeney’s S2, to name just a few. The pain inflicted on Ocean schools has also been liberally distributed by S2 to places such as East Greenwich, Swedesboro-Woolwich, Gloucester Township, Waterford, Evesham, Pemberton, Tabernacle, Asbury Park, Neptune, and dozens more.
“Personnel is policy” is a term coined by Ronald Reagan’s campaign personnel director, who went on to assist with the transition from the Carter administration. Whomever is given power, and those hired by that person, matter when policy is determined – such as how to manage state school aid.
Let’s cross Steve Sweeney off the list of people to consider for our next governor.
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.
Public Notice
teractive booths, crafts, and hands-on education about ways that you can help ensure the planet’s health for generations to come.
Register at tinyurl.com/OclPlEarth for this free program. For more information, stop by the OCL Plumsted Branch, 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, or call 609758-7888. See the full schedule of library programs in the online Calendar of Events.
Notice is hereby given that Ocean Health Initiatives, Inc. (OHI), having an o ce located at 101 2nd Street, Lakewood, NJ, will accept bids for General Contracting Services for the renovation of approximately 2,500 SF on the third oor of the Lakewood Healthcare center located at 101 2nd Street, Township of Lakewood, Ocean County, NJ. Bidders will be required to submit (i) AIA Document 305, current edition, as part of the proposal; (ii) be nancially sound; (iii) have required jurisdictional licensing; (iv) be bondable; and (v) have documented experience working as a General Contractor on $1 Million plus clinical construction/ renovation projects. Bidder may NOT be listed on httpss://www.epls.gov/ as having been excluded by Federal Government Agencies from receiving federal contracts or federally approved subcontracts. e estimated project cost is $350,000.00 with 100% of the contract costs being federally funded. Each bid must adhere to the Federal guidelines for prevailing wage in Ocean County, NJ. MWBE contractors are encouraged to apply. A mandatory pre-bid walkthrough conference will be held on site Friday, April 25, 3 pm. Drawings prepared by Saphire + Albarran, Architecture, and approved by OHI will be available (for cost) at 101 2nd Street, Lakewood, NJ. Speci cations are on the drawings. RFIs can be submitted to Saphire + Albarran, Architecture by Monday, May 5, 2025, 5 pm. Responses to RFIs will be made by Monday, May 12. OHI will only accept sealed bids by mail or courier, received by OHI, by Monday, May 19, 2025, 5 pm. Bids will be opened privately, and no bidder or representative thereof will be permitted to be present at the time of the opening. OHI has the right to waive informalities and irregularities in a bid and to accept the bid which, in OHI’s judgment, is in its own best interest based on the bidder’s experience, tness, and other criteria determined by OHI to be relevant.
Middle School Jazz Ensemble Win Best Overall Band
Photo courtesy Jackson Liberty Lion Band
JACKSON – Congratulations to the McAuliffe Middle School Jazz Ensemble for earning Best Overall Band at the April 5 Jackson Liberty Jazz Festival. They also took awards for Best Sax Section, Best Trumpet Section, Best Soloist Award for Kai Williams and Outstanding Musician Award for Josie Wolfe.
Students Perform In All Shore Band Concert
JACKSON – Many congratulations to these six students in their afternoon performance of the All Shore Band Director’s Association Honors Band Symphonic Band Concert!
They performed a wide variety of wind band compositions and were a fantastic representation of the Jackson Memorial
High School Band program. A special shout out goes to Mr. Diaz in his recognition as the All Shore Band Director of the Year. This is an honor which was selected from his peers. He is forever grateful for this recognition and wishes to thank the Jaguar Band community for all their support!
Spring Basketball Clinic
JACKSON – Jackson Recreation has announced a Spring Basketball Clinic which will be held at Switlik Elementary School from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the following dates:
Grades K to 4: April 28, 29, 30, May 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.
Grades 5 to 8: May 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23.
Registration fee is $100 for residents and $125 for non-residents. Register at register. communitypass.net/jackson.
Photo courtesy Jackson Memorial Jaguar Bands
C OMMUNITY N EWS
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.
Meet Nadia, the true Queen of the Castle! She is just doing what she does best, monitoring the antics of the baby foster kittens running around her! She is truly a cat that needs a home with a friend (or two) who can just be her best friends. She was one in May, so she tends to nap in the afternoon with the adult house cats and she’s quite comfy doing that. But she does insist on partaking in the breakfast mayhem in the morning when all the foster babies are at the buffet! Much as she enjoys the moment, she prefers her meals off to the side and not have her plate in the kitten rotation of musical meals! She is a beauty, a true regal house panther. She is spayed, up to date on all medical and microchipped.
To help humanely lower the feline population, they spay and neuter feral cats and then fi nd 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 Petfi nder. com.
Knights Of Columbus 40 th Charity Golf Tournament
JACKSON – The Knights of Columbus Council 6201 is hosting their 40th Charity Golf Tournament in memory of Wally Joseph M. Washington on May 12 at Pine Barrens Golf Club, 540 S. Hope Chapel Road, Jackson.
Shotgun start at 10 a.m. Cost is $225 per golfer and must register by May 5. Price includes green fees and cart; driving range and practice green; food such as breakfast, hot dog on turn, dinner; long drive and closet to the pin prizes; hole-in-one bonus prizes.
All proceeds will be distributed to the following organizations: Deborah Heart &
Lung; Catholic Charities; Tunnel to Towers Foundation Operation Homefront; Autism Speaks.
For more information, visit kofc6201.com or contact Steve Stazko at 732-939-3975 or staz811@aol.com.
Knights of Columbus Council 6201 is also hosting a Charity Golf Raffle on mat 12 at 5 p.m. at Pine Barrens Gold Club. Donation cost is $20. Win a foursome at the Pine Barrens Golf Club. For further details, contact Lou McGraw at 732-804-8766 or Chris Lehmann at 732-685-6170. Tickets available at the Club. Winner need not be present. Raffle benefits local charities.
Jackson Liberty Lion Band Clothing Drive
JACKSON – The Jackson Liberty Lion Band is hosting a Clothing Drive on May 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Jackson Liberty High School, 125 N. Hope Chapel Road. They will be collecting new or gently used clothing, shoes, purses, belts, bed and bath linen and stuffed animals. Every piece
helps! They will also accept bicycles and baby strollers. No pillows, books, toys, furniture, appliances, pr household items can be collected. Thank you for your support! Questions? Contact fundraising@liberty lionband.com.
Plumsted Junior Police Camp
PLUMSTED – The Plumsted Township Police Department is proud to announce that they are once again hosting their Junior Police Camp! They look forward to hosting this camp again for Plumsted School District Students! The application deadline is soon approaching, get them in so your child can attend! Any questions please reach email mgoldfluss@plumstedpolice.org.
Photo courtesy Calling All Cats
Officers Participated In Mammoth Sniper Challenge
JACKSON – Two police officers from Jackson Special Response Team participated in the Mammoth Sniper Challenge to evaluate equipment performance, test physical conditioning, and refi ne longrange shooting techniques.
The Mammoth Sniper Challenge is a grueling three-day test of physical and mental endurance. Teams must locate and engage long-range targets - some as far as 1,200 yards - from simulated sniper hides. Over the course of 72 hours, competitors ruck more than 30 miles, carrying everything they need to sustain themselves, including food, shelter, rifles, ammunition, and other essential gear. Each team must maintain an average pace of at least 16 minutes per mile to stay in the competition.
On Day One, our officers stepped off with 66-pound rucks alongside 86 teams. By the fi nal day, only 44 teams successfully crossed the fi nish line within the time cap. A broken scope turret put one of their rifles out of commission for four of the 11 stages, adding an extra challenge to an already demanding competition. Despite the setback, our officers adapted, using secondary targets to rough zero the damaged scope and salvage points on primary targets. Their resilience paid off, securing a 22nd-place overall fi nish. Truly a direct reflection of our above average training put forth by our Firearms Unit and Special Response Team training. We are very proud of the accomplishments put forth by P.O. Curt Nagel and P.O. Chris Brown. Way to go gentlemen!
Uncover NJ’s Baseball Roots
PLUMSTED – Major League Baseball: a rite of spring, a superstar showplace, a hotbed of public opinion, and a link to our nation’s past. Learn about the Garden State’s colorful role in its development. Join author and historian John Zinn for “Baseball History: Early New Jersey Baseball, 1855 to 1880” at the Ocean County Library Plumsted Branch, 11 a.m. on April 29.
The discussion will shed light on the earliest days of our national pastime and the people who shaped “base-ball.” John will set the record straight on some popular myths that have grown through the centuries and illustrate the game’s evolution by describing the way it was played just before
the Civil War.
John Zinn is an independent historian with a passion for baseball. He chairs the New Jersey Historical Society’s Board of Directors, writes a baseball history blog, The Manly Pastime, and is the author of five books, including several about the Brooklyn Dodgers and The Mutinous Regiment: The Thirty-third New Jersey in the Civil War, available at the Ocean County Library. Register at tinyurl.com/OclPlZinn to attend this free program. For more information, stop by the OCL Plumsted Branch, 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, or call 609758-7888. See the full schedule of library programs in the online Calendar of Events.
Jackson Recreation Summer Camp ATV Riding Program
JACKSON – Jackson Recreation Summer Camp ATV Riding Program is open to 5th through 8 th graders 10 years old and up.
Program will be held on June 27 from 12 to 3 p.m. at 253 Hawkin Road, New Egypt. Cost for residents is $100. Register at capturepoint.com.
Photo courtesy Jackson Police
Step Up For The Arc Walk & 5K Race Will Benefit Individuals With Disabilities In Ocean County
LAKEWOOD – The Arc, Ocean County Chapter will host the 23rd Annual Step Up for The Arc Walk and 5K Race on May 17 at ShoreTown Ballpark, home of the Jersey Shore BlueClaws, to benefit programs and support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Step Up for The Arc is an inclusive community event to raise awareness and acceptance for people with disabilities. The 5K Race will start at 8 a.m., with check-in opening at 7 a.m. timed by Split Second Racing. There is a $30 registration fee to participate in the 5K.
The Walk and Family Fun Day will kick-off at 10 a.m. and include carnival
games, arts and crafts, live performances, refreshments, a 1-mile walk, and an after-party lunch catered by Jersey Mike’s Subs. This event is free to attend and online registration is encouraged.
To register for the Step Up for The Arc Walk and 5K Race please visit arcocean.org.
This year’s event hopes to raise $85,000 for The Arc, Ocean County Chapter’s programs and support services providing housing, employment, job training, transportation, recreation, family support, and clinical support services to 1,000 individuals with disabilities. All participants who donate or fundraise $50 or more will receive this year’s commemorative Step Up for The Arc t-shirt. Donations can be made online directly to event participants or mailed to The Arc, Ocean County Chapter, 393 Mantoloking Road, Brick, NJ 08723.
To learn about our corporate sponsorship levels and benefits visit arcocean.org.
For more event details, email development@ arcocean.org or call us at 732-978-1414.
New Egypt Historical Society Annual Yard & Bake Sale
NEW EGYPT – The New Egypt Historical Society is having their annual Yard Sale & Bake Sale on May 17 from 8 to 11 a.m. at 125 Evergreen Road, New Egypt. Rent a table or come shop the bargains! Cost for a space is $10. Bring your own table; set up at 7 a.m. For more information
or to reserve a pace call Margaret Neuman 609-758-7237.
The museum will have a table and anyone wanting to donate items, bring between 7 and 7:30 a.m. They will see their books and postcards. The Museum will not be open that day for tours.
Recreation Hiring For Summer Camp Positions
JACKSON – Jackson Township Recreation is now hiring for summer camp 2025. They are currently hiring for counselors and leaders.
Camp runs from June 30 through August 15. For applications, visit jacksontwpnj. net/recreation. For more information, call 732-928-1200 ext. 1257.
“Friday Night Lights” Challenger Program
JACKSON – “Friday Night Lights” Challenger Program for children with special needs. Spring flag football and new in 2025 – cheerleading. Open to aged 5 to 21. Play flag football or learn some cheers at your own pace and have fun! Convenient Friday (one-day) sched-
ule trophies and pictures for all athletes. Games: Fridays only through May 16 from 5 to 6 p.m. location: 133 Manhattan Street, Jackson. Sign up at: jackson-jaguars.org. For questions email: challenger@jyfcjags. org.
Photo courtesy The Arc of Ocean County
Egg Hunt:
Continued From Page 1 smiles to the faces of many children of varied ages. Eggs were well hidden around the Jackson soccer field.
The event featured a DJ, food trucks, ice cream, face painting, crafts and of course, the Easter Bunny was the star attraction. Recreation Director Anthony Horta said he was very pleased with the turnout.
In an interview with The Jackson Times, the Easter Bunny said, “this is the fi rst year they (the Recreation Department) got together with the Commission for the Disabled/Handicapped we put out more than 6,500 eggs. We had face painting going on and Mr. Creamy (ice cream vendor truck) is here.”
Karen Lundgren, the secretary of the Commission for the Disabled/Handicapped was having fun with a fellow member of the commission which had two tables - one of
which offered a craft activity.
“The kids were really having a great time and the weather isn’t too bad today,” Lundgren added.
“We had a lot of people today. They came in droves,” Horta said.
“Those eggs went fast,” Lundgren added. Around the same time at Jackson Church located at 68 Bennetts Mills Road, an inside egg hunt was taking place. The Youth Group of the church were busy preparing displays of plastic eggs and tying palms into crosses for the Palm Sunday service as well as setting up dozens of colorful plastic eggs inside two class rooms for the smaller children’s egg hunt.
Denise Tiedemann, the Senior Pastor at Jackson Church, formerly known as Jackson United Methodist Church was happy over the turnout for her morning service and the many children who enjoyed the day’s egg hunt.
“We are still a Methodist church but we
call ourselves Jackson Church now. Our youth program started from this arts ministry called Jackson Arts Ministry which started very small where I was writing skits and writing stand up for the kids,”
Pastor Tiedemann said.
The pastor noted, “it had a very humble beginning but it started growing and we started doing a few shows each year and now we have our youngest group is the Junior Jammers which is 2nd to 4th graders and we have through 8th grade and a high school group now.”
“In the fi rst weekend of June they are doing “Annie Jr.” with the middle school group and the high school group is doing “Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat.”
She noted that the church bought an outside stage during the years of the pandemic “as it was safer to meet outside and now the late spring early summer show it is really nice to sit outside and watch the kids perform.”
The Day Jersey Stopped: War Of The Worlds
TOMS RIVER – The “alien attack” that H.G. Wells invented later convinced radio listeners for a heart-stopping hour in 1939 that New Jersey was under siege from outer space. Relive the magic and join us for “Raconteur Radio Presents: War of the Worlds” at two Ocean County Library branches on April 24.
• Plumsted Branch – 2:30 p.m., 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, 609-658-7888
• Stafford Branch – 6:30 p.m., 129 North Main Street, Manahawkin, 609-597-3381
Experience the New Jersey troupe’s live version of the 1938 broadcast that sent Jerseyans scurrying. Howard Koch’s riveting script and the immense talents of Orson Welles and his Mercury Theater on the Air convinced millions that rural, sleepy Grovers Mill, NJ was overrun by
seemingly-indomitable aliens that carved a trail of destruction as they advanced toward New York.
Raconteur Radio re-enacts plays from radio’s “Golden Age,” timeless literature, and pop culture satires for audiences throughout New Jersey and elsewhere. Their eye-catching presentations with period costumes, rare props and theatrical lighting have won praise from The New
She added the church’s youth groups meet twice a month. “We have the one worship service at 10:30 a.m. and I also serve a smaller church, Pleasant Grove which is a little chapel in Jackson which I go to at 9 a.m. and then come here at 10:30.”
The church also has a special needs ministry that meets on the fi rst and second Monday night of the month. “It is for young adults with special needs and they do some worship and fellowship and adults come and mentor them and they participate in the church,” the pastor added.
“We are trying to do our best to share our faith through what we do. The most important message is you are made for a reason; God loves you. There is a lot of uncertainty and a lot of unknowns but one of the things we want to share is that even when things look a little different there is a lot of wonderful things going on and reasons to be hopeful,” Pastor Tiedemann said. The church’s website is jackson.church/.
York Times, Star-Ledger, Huffi ngton Post, Time , NPR, the Museum of Radio and Television and more.
Register at tinyurl.com/OclRRWW to attend this free program in the participating branch of your choice. For more information, visit or call the OCL Plumsted or Stafford branch or call 732-349-6200. See the full schedule of Library programs in the online Calendar of Events.
H ERE ’ S T O Y OUR H EALTH Dr. Izzy’s
Sound News
Presented By: Isidore Kirsh, Ph.D., F.A.A.A. (N.J. Lic. #678)
Should I Buy An Over-The Counter Hearing Aid (OTC)?
Believe it or not, OTCs have been around for over a decade but they’ve never been properly classified and regulated. The FDA finally decided to regulate these hearing instruments which over time will eliminate all of the “crap” that’s still out there making claims of almost perfect hearing without even having a complete hearing evaluation! Depicted below are just my opinions of OTCs based on the 34 years of experience I have in the hearing care field. First, it’s very important to have a complete hearing evaluation in a sound booth by a board-certified professional such as an Audiologist. The so-called online hearing tests are not very accurate and how do you know it’s just NOT wax? Second, all OTCs are only appropriate for those individuals who have mild to moderate hearing losses. How do you know the degree and type of hearing loss you have unless you go to the most qualified hearing professional? If you truly are within the fitting range of the OTC and you would like to pursue this option, send them a copy of your hearing test or Audiogram and at least have them pre-program the hearing instruments for your hearing loss. Keep in mind, if you’re a “new” hearing aid user the OTC company more than likely will program the hearing aids at 100% of your prescription and more than likely this setting will be too loud. Third, the majority of the hearing aids sold that are OTC go behind the ear and there’s a thin tube that extends into your ear with some type of dome. How does the OTC company know the length of your ear canal and the diameter of your canal? There are 5 different lengths and at least 10 different
dome sizes! Typically, the OTC company will send you a variety of dome sizes and wire lengths and hopefully one of them will work. The only reason folks seek out OTCs is COST! Cost is only an issue in the absence of value. I’ve seen patients who have purchased at least 3 sets of OTCs over 18 months and they’ve become totally frustrated because they still can’t clarify conversations and they can’t go directly to a professional for help. Keep in mind the hearing care professional is there to help you but they need to be compensated for their time. In many cases, their knowledge can be a game changer for that frustrated hearing-impaired individual. For example, I saw a patient who purchased hearing aids from a “big box store” and in general really didn’t have that many complaints except they still couldn’t hear the TV clearly. I said to this individual, “did you know you could stream the TV show directly into your hearing aids?” This option wasn’t even offered by the representative at the Big Box store. This individual was willing to pay significantly more money for new hearing aids because now he was able to understand 99% of all TV shows.
In summary, be careful if you decide to go the OTC route. Have a complete hearing evaluation and make sure the OTC device can be tailored for your hearing loss. Make sure you’re within the fitting range of the product and make sure you have a reasonable trial period to test it out.
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!
Ocean County Bereavement Groups
OCEAN COUNTY – Therapist/Clergy,
Rev. Dr. Anthony Lipari, FCM, has been offering Grief Support Group sessions for over 21 years during the last week of every month. The sessions are offered at 1 p.m. throughout Ocean County. The locations are as follows:
• Mondays: Ocean County Memorial Park in Waretown
• Tuesdays: Timothy Ryan Funeral Home on Fischer Boulevard, Toms River
• Wednesdays: Quinn Hopping Funeral Home on Mule Road, Toms River
• Thursdays: Anderson Campbell Funeral Home on Ridgeway Road, Manchester
• Fridays: Manchester Memorial Home on Schoolhouse Road, Whiting
Jackson Farmers’ Market Begins May 8
JACKSON – The Jackson Township Jackson Farmers’ presented by Hear Here will be held on Thursdays, May 8 through September 4, from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Justice Complex, 1 Jackson Drive. Sponsored by the Jackson Township Department of Recreation.
Dr. Isidore Kirsh
H ERE ’ S T O Y OUR H EALTH
Dear Pharmacist
Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.
18 Essential Gadgets To Safeguard Your Independence
By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.
We don’t usually think about losing our independence until daily tasks get tough. It can sneak up in the form of balance issues, forgetfulness, or a little less strength than we’re used to. But here’s the good news: A few smart adjustments and the right tools can keep you safe, self-sufficient, and thriving in your own space.
Let’s dive into my favorite gadgets and tips to keep you independent and confident at home:
1. Review Medications - Some meds like sedatives, antihistamines, or blood pressure pills can mess with your balance or make you foggy.
2. Grab Bars - Install these in the shower or next to the toilet. They’re a game changer for preventing slips and boosting stability.
3. Non-Slip Mats - A simple fix for slippery bathrooms and kitchens. Think of them as invisible bodyguards for your feet.
4. Reacher Grabber Tool - No more climbing on chairs. This tool helps you reach high shelves or pick up dropped items with ease.
5. Button Hooks & Zipper Pulls - Getting dressed shouldn’t be a battle. These tools help if your fingers don’t cooperate like they used to.
6. Adaptive Utensils - Ergonomic silverware with easy-grip handles makes eating more comfortable - especially if you have arthritis.
7. Cane or Walker - Staying mobile is crucial. Choose a stylish cane or walker to match your pace, and your personality!
8. Bed Rail - Offers support for getting in and out of bed safely and adds peace of mind at night.
9. Adjustable Bed - Helps relieve pain and
makes getting comfy much easier. Great for circulation, too.
10. Voice-Activated Assistant - Alexa or Google Assistant can set reminders, play music, turn off lights, and more - all hands-free.
11. Magnifier with Light - Reading labels or instructions? A good magnifier saves your eyes and frustration.
12. Large-Button Remote - Because squinting to fi nd the “volume up” button should not be a daily task.
13. Key Turner - If turning a key feels like a wrist workout, this gadget gives you the leverage you need.
14. Swivel Seat Cushion - Getting in and out of the car is smoother (and safer) with this simple seat add-on.
15. Hot or Cold Packs - Soothe muscle pain or stiffness with a hot/cold pack that does both. Warm it up before stretching to loosen tight spots, or chill it for inflammation and swelling. Keep one handy in your freezer—just in case.
16. Motion Sensor Lights - Perfect for nighttime trips to the bathroom. No fumbling for switches.
17. Pill Organizer with Alarm - Keeps your medication schedule on track - no more guessing or missed doses.
18. Medical Alert System - In case of an emergency, help is just a button away. It’s like a guardian angel on your wrist. Staying independent is about making smart choices, before a crisis hits. A little planning, a few helpful gadgets, and the right support can make all the difference. You’ve got this!
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.
PHOTO OF THE WEEK DEGRAFF CREMATION SERVICES
Sherry T. DeGraff NJ Lic No 3921
DIRECT CREMATION $1875
Arrangements Available In Your Home, Removal From Local Hospital, Alternative Container, Wood #ODZ, Transfer To Crematory Located at: DeGraff Lakehurst Funeral Home 119 Union Avenue, Lakehurst 732-657-7868
WWW.DEGRAFFFUNERALHOME.COM
Additional Costs: Crematory Fee, Urns, Disposition Of Cremains & Certi ed Copies Of Death Certi cates, Permit, Removal Assist. & Mileage, Viewings Or Memorial Services
The Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge is a popular spot to visit in Southern Ocean County and a great place to take pictures. Local resident Debra Gowers captured this picturesque view. Have a photo you would like to share? Email photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you may win tickets to an upcoming Jersey Shore BlueClaws game!
Another Giraffe Born At Safari
By Chris Lundy
JACKSON – Another giraffe has been born at Six Flags Great Adventure while a young foal has joined the herd.
The baby boy was born in March, and was safely delivered and is doing well, park representatives said.
Meanwhile, Coral, a giraffe born December 15, was successfully reunited with her family after some time dealing with health issues. Although babies can usually stand a half hour after they are born and can run just 10 hours later, Coral had some difficulty standing. She has since overcome that issue. She spent some time in one of the barns dedicated to giraffes while she got strong and has since rejoined her father, Conan and her mother, Mariah. She was introduced to the herd just before opening weekend at the end of March.
“At just over three months old, she is
growing rapidly and adapting well to her herd’s dynamic,” park officials said. For more information, visit sixfl ags.com/ wildsafari.
The Jackson Times welcomes your special announcements! Engagements, Weddings, Births, Birthday Wishes, etc. Please call 732-657-7344 for more details!
Photo courtesy Six Flags Great Adventure Coral is three months old in this recent photo.
R.C. Shea & Assoc. Inside The Law
Protecting Our Community From Nursing Home Abuse
By: Michael J. Deem, Esq. of R.C. Shea & Associates
People put their elderly parent or grandparent in a nursing home so that they can be safely taken care of, so that someone can properly look after them in their old age. No one expects that these nursing home residents should get anything less than the proper care and respect that they deserve, but with the horrifying rise in nursing care abuse, this is not always the case. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse in the United States, more than 30 percent of all nursing homes in America indulge in some form of resident abuse.
Statistics show that nearly 50 percent of all nursing homes are short staffed. The staff people who do work in these facilities are underpaid, overworked, and all too often overburdened, which in turn leads to elder neglect and abuse.
Michael J. Deem, Esq.
double to 8.9 million by the year 2030.
Signs of abuse and neglect may be (but are not limited to) evidence such as patterns of bruising, unexplained injuries, frequent infections, bedsores, questionable hygiene, appearance of malnutrition, emotional distress, and unsanitary living conditions. Document any such evidence you observe, and bring it to the attention of your attorney. Neglect can be just as harmful in the long run as abuse, leading to additional health problems and possibly death. Nursing home abuse isn’t limited to physical abuse; there can also be emotional, verbal, and psychological abuse, where an elder is demeaned or humiliated in other ways.
Even more alarming is the prediction that the problem will only worsen in the near future. More than 91% of nursing homes lack adequate staff to properly care for patients. A Health and Human Services Department report found patients in understaffed nursing homes were more likely to suffer from a variety of problems, such as bed sores, malnutrition, weight loss, dehydration, pneumonia, and serious blood born infections. It’s a serious concern that will only increase with time, given that the population of people aged 85 or older is expected to
Many elderly people needlessly suffer from nursing home abuse in which they are manipulated, humiliated, or physically harmed by the very people entrusted with providing them with loving and tender care. Instances of physical, sexual and verbal abuse have taken place at the very nursing homes where elders are actually supposed to be well taken care of; unfortunately, cases of nursing home abuse in America and also in New Jersey are rising rather than falling.
If you think a loved one is the victim of Nursing Home Abuse, call the trial attorney’s at R.C. Shea & Associates for a free consultation to discuss their rights 732-505-1212.
AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE
OCC Repertory Theatre Presents “Deathtrap”
TOMS RIVER – Prepare for an evening of suspense, wit, and shocking twists when the Ocean County College Repertory Theatre Company presents Ira Levin’s “Deathtrap” in the Black Box Theater (Building 11B) at the Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts from April 25 through May 4.
Comfortably ensconced in his charming Connecticut home, Sidney Bruhl, a
successful writer of Broadway thrillers, struggles to overcome a dry spell, resulting in a string of failures and a shortage of funds. A possible break in his fortunes occurs when he receives a script from a student in the seminar he has been conducting at a nearby college - a thriller that Sidney recognizes immediately as a potential Broadway smash. Sidney’s plan, devised with his wife’s help, is to offer
collaboration to the student for co-credit. Or is it?
Deathtrap provides twists and turns of devilish cleverness and offers hilariously sudden shocks so abundant that audiences will be spellbound until the very last moment.
Performance Dates: April 25 – 7:30 p.m. April 26 – 7:30 p.m.
April 27, 2 p.m.
May 2, – 7:30 p.m.
May 3, – 2 and 7:30 p.m.
May 4, – 2 p.m.
Tickets are $21 for adults and $19 for seniors. Purchase online at grunincenter. org or call the Grunin Center Box Office at 732-255-0500. The Grunin Center for the Arts is located on the main campus of Ocean County College in Toms River.
For Rent
Waretown - Waterfront, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, eat in kitchen, living room. Three season porch. No pets. $2,600 plus 1 1/2 months security. Ready May 1. 609-489-2164. (20)
Adult Community - Whiting Crestwood Village 5 (55+). 2 BD, 1 BA, washer/dryer, garage, porch. No pets. No smoking. $1,600/ month, plus utilities. 732-864-1419. Cell 732-604-0323. (18)
Big Storage Containers For Rent - Clean, Dry, Secure. Toms River, Lacey, Bayville, Manahawkin, Tuckerton, New Gretna locations. 609-693-1631. (18)
Auto For Sale
Honda Prelude 2001 ClassicV-TECH, DOHC. Automatic 2nd owner. Orig. Fla. car. Needs little. Good inspection sticker. $6,500 FIRM. 732-691-0452. (18)
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)
Help Wanted
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
Help Wanted
Youtube and Social Media Editor - To film and edit Pay Attention Films, Lobster Lab Media. $25/hr. 973-223-8840, Jersey only. (20)
Certified Home Health AidesNeeded for Ocean County area. Hourly and live-in positions avail. P/T and F/T. Call CCC at 732-206-1047. (t/n )
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)
Handyman - Painting, powerwashing, electrical, plumbing, light hauling. Call Joe 732-859-9266. (19)
PAINTING By Neat And Meticulous European Craftsman - who will beat any written estimate. Senior discounts. Interior, exterior. Call 732-506-7787, cell 646-643-7678. (t/n)
Affordable Landscaping - Spring Cleanups, Complete lawn maintenance, Sod & seed lawns, Shrubs & tree pruning, Topsoil & mulch and much more. 640-999-0072. (19)
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)
Services
Mercuro & Sons - Handyman Service General Contracting. License #13VH03469200. 732-674-3346. (18)
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)
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)
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
Items Wanted
Help Wanted
Services
For Rent
Other
2. Print clearly your ad as you want it to read. Include Phone # within ad below (counts as 1 word). Use separate sheet if necessary.
You are responsible for checking your ad the first time 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:
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 = $
Garden State Property Maintenance - All yard work. Tree-trimming and removal, stump grinding, pavers, decks, flower beds, weeding. 609-661-5470. (t/n)
Have Pickup Truck? - You need something picked up at Lowes, Home Depot, etc. Call Lou at 732-582-9647 or 813-7569301. Thank you. (20) PROFESSIONAL PAINTING AND WALLPAPERING - Local And Reliable 732-688-6532. (20)
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)
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)
Classifieds are placed in all 7 of our weekly newspapers covering all of Ocean County, and also Howell in Monmouth County.
Cleaning Service - Too tired or can't be bothered. Call Donna 732-3305916. Rentals, overturns, construction and residential. Insured and bonded. (9)
Caroline's Cleaning - Specializing in change-overs, offices, construction cleanup, shopping, doctor appointments and more. Call now for estimate 848-210-6213. (16)
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. (19)
"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)
Computer Service At Doorstep! - Over a decade in industry. Printer's, troubleshooting, MAC and Windows. Commercial or personal. Call Giovanni 732-908-9919. (22)
*In order to qualify for discounts, the same ad must run over the requested weeks.
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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)
C OMMUNITY N EWS
C LUB N EWS , A CTIVITIES , E VENTS & A NNOUNCEMENTS
Comic Book Legend Coming To Town
By Bob Vosseller
JACKSON – Comic book royalty is coming to the township for a one-day appearance of the Super Jersey Comic Expo on the weekend of April 26-27 at the Dome at Adventure Crossing.
Event coordinator Paul Brown said everyone involved with the show is “thrilled that Larry Lieber (brother of late Marvel Comic Book legend Stan Lee) is coming out of comic convention retirement for a special appearance on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at Super Jersey Comic Expo ‘25!”
Lieber’s signing will take place for two hours, from 1 to 3 p.m. and an exclusive panel will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. that day.
The legendary Atlas/Marvel writer and co-creator of Iron Man, Thor, Ant-Man, Groot and many more will be signing and promoting his brand-new prose novel, “Chirps” - his fi rst-ever book outside the comics world after 75 years in the field.
“This is a rare chance to meet a true icon, one of the last living links to the Silver Age, younger brother of Stan Lee and celebrate a bold new chapter in his creative journey,” Brown noted. Autographed books can be pre-purchased at SuperJerseyExpo.com/ larry-lieber in limited quantities, and comic/book autographs can be purchased onsite (cash only) the day of his appearance. Brown added, “Larry is so excited to tell everyone ‘Thank you’ in person for an incredible career and celebrate the release of his very first prose novel, which is available now.”
“Deepest thanks and appreciation to our friends Danny Fingeroth, Frank Lovece, Chris Ryall and Anika Phillips for turning this dream into a reality and giving this little comic convention a chance to host comic book royalty,” Brown added.
Super Jersey Comic Expo was conceived after the success of The Middletown Comic Show, a bi-annual comic show in New Jersey until November 2019. “We wanted to set out and build a true comic centric convention the likes of those we look up to such as Baltimore Comic-Con and Heroes Con in Charlotte,” Brown added.
This marks the fi rst time for Super Jersey Comic Expo to utilize the Adventure Crossing facility which is located at 515 Monmouth Road Building 200, in Jackson Township. “With our move to Adventure Crossing, we are able to host programming for the fi rst time in our show’s history,” Brown remarked.
The Adventure Crossing USA mega dome opened in 2023 and features an indoor driving range, VR experiences and much more. There are 42 bays and numerous rooms for groups, parties and other activities.
Admission starts at $15 and kids under 12 are free. The show will feature 70,000 square feet of golden age to modern comic book dealers, collectible toy and figure vendors, independent artists and publishers,
Photo courtesy Super Jersey Comic Expo
Comic book legend Larry Lieber will be at Super Jersey Comic Expo on April 27 to sign his first book, “Chirps” and to greet fans.
legendary comic creator guests, on-site CGC submission and signature verification. The show will also feature various multimedia guests, voice artists, comic book writers, artists and editors. The show’s program schedule for April 26 begins at 9 a.m. with VIP entry into the show floor. All VIP ticketholders must be checked-in and queue up at the registration desk.
At 10 a.m. general admission begins and doors will open for Saturday and weekend pass holders. There will be a free cosplay photo shoot on the main stage at 1 p.m. and the show closes at 5 p.m.
On April 27, VIP entry will reopen on the show floor for VIP ticketholders who must be checked-in and queued up at the registration desk with general admission doors opening at 10 a.m. for weekend pass holders. There will be another free cosplay photo shoot on the Main Stage at 1 p.m. and the show floor will close at 4 p.m.
Among the numerous guests are actor Dean Cain who played Superman on the TV series “Lois & Clark” and has appeared in “Smallville” and “Supergirl.” Actor Stefan Kapičić played the X-Men mutant superhero Colossus in the Deadpool film franchise. Actor Ross Marquand provided his voice in the animated X-Men ‘97, and appeared in the series The Walking Dead and portrayed the villainous Red Skull in the film “Avengers: Infi nity War.”
Laura Martin is one of several comic creator guests who will be there. She worked on WildStorm, JLA, and Astonishing X-Men.
Several voice actors will be present including Holly Chou who was the voice of Jubilee in “X-Men ’97.” Also appearing will be Larry Houston who is the producer/director of several animated series including, “X-Men the animated series,” “G.I. Joe” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.”
For further information visit superjerseyexpo.com/
The Blue Glaucus – The Secrets Of Th is Extraordinary Sea Creature
By Renee A. Thomaier
Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator
With a short lifespan, this sea slug steals and stores the cells from jellyfish and uses those cells to defend themselves. With a weight of .03 ounces, this sea creature has a diet of blue button jellies, jellyfish, violet snail, Portuguese man o’ war, and by-the-wind-sailors.
This creature, also referred to as the blue dragon or blue angel, is a type of soft-bellied mollusk. With their unique blue hues and wing-like appendages, the blue dragon glides effortlessly through the ocean. They possess the unique ability to
float to the water’s surface upside down. This is due to their stomach containing a sac that fi lls with gas.
They are protected from predators surrounding them. Should a predator try to hunt them, the blue dragon releases a highly concentrated toxic venom. The unique color of their skin blends with the ocean’s color which acts as a camouflage from predators overhead.
Some interesting facts about the blue dragon (also known as blue ocean slug) is that they are often seen in groups, which helps in hunting prey as well as mating. Due to their dietary requirements, not to mention their venomous stings, they have
proven not to be good pets. Their lives are short, usually a few months to a year. Recently there have been increases in their appearance on beaches, which is attributed to increased oceanic currents.
Handling a blue dragon will result in a painful sting, which has been described as excruciating. This pain is typically followed by several other symptoms which may include acute allergic contact dermatitis, nausea/vomiting, papules and fluid-filled blisters, and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. While rare, in cases that are severe, a victim may experience systemic symptoms like fever, muscle cramps, and an overall general feeling of
being unwell. These reactions are because their diet is that of consuming jellyfish and Portuguese man o’ war, who are themselves venomous. They store the stinging cells within sacs called ‘cnidosacs.’ The venom is then much more potent than the toxic jellyfish they consume.
I gathered the information for this article from multiple sources so statistics may vary slightly. To reach me please call 732244-2768.
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.
FUN & GAMES SUDOKU
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Doughy 5 Ramsey of “The Last of Us”
Actor Epps
On a bye week
Squad suiting up for opening day, presumably
Analogous
Fad toy with unruly hair
Impertinence
Old-Fashioned choice 25 Hill, in Hebrew
Hem and __
Org. with flag bearers? 29 Third No. 1 hit for Bruno Mars
“The Gilded Age” airer
3 Torchiere, for one
4 Sesame Street worrywart
5 Humanities degs.
6 “You get the idea”
7 Unlike bread on Passover, and like four of the five sets of circled letters in this puzzle
8 Film mistakenly announced as Best Picture at the 2016 Oscars
9 Psych (up) 10 Nebraska city 11 Pay restitution 12 Paris pal 13 Relative standing 21 Journey segment 23 “Weekend Update” comic Michael
27 Part shaded by a backward cap
28 State of change
“Sorry, but ... “ Down 1 Aerate, as flour 2 Impetus to clean the fridge
30 Rodeo cry
31 Burial city of the Wright brothers
33 Squander
34 Poems to things
36 One with a supporting role in the kitchen?
38 Eartha Kitt song with the lyric “Been an angel all year”
43 Fruit in the liqueur Bargnolino
45 Cast or oil, sometimes
47 Use a hula hoop
48 Tony winner Idina
49 Best Play and Best Game, for two
50 Leek kin
51 Like cognac barrels
53 Triangular part of a house
54 Recommended spot to catch a sneeze
55 Marble hunks
58 “__ girl!”
61 Kate Middleton, to Prince George
62 Suturing ctrs.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Never wave a red flag at a bull unless you want to be attacked. You may avoid conflict with others by gauging when it’s best to stay quiet and focus your attention elsewhere. You might reach an important milestone if you play your cards right.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): A lover might choose green when you prefer blue or surprise you with a change of plans. A small difference of opinion or temporary shift of attention won’t harm a solid relationship. Consider learning something new or starting a passion project.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Those little things left undone could catch up with you today, so knuckle down and take care of lingering priorities. Any agitation or frustration over shared items or a breakdown in your communication could be settled quickly and amicably.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Outside influences may put you in a defensive position, but standing up to others could cause division. Take a moment to breathe and think things through. Don’t sacrifice your boundaries, but if you can let go of resentments you might feel freer within a group.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Be cautious of allowing minor disagreements early in the day to take a toll on your tranquility. Rushing around may only set you back. Thoroughness and tactfulness could make relationships flow more smoothly. A sincere apology may resolve dilemmas.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The urge to get physical work done may take hold, allowing you to finish your checklist early in the day. You might encounter others who have different principles and values. Be considerate and kind to everyone while finding common ground.
FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 19-25 BY
OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST
JERALDINE SAUNDERS
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Wisdom grows with time. Consider listening to those more experienced, they may have lessons worth learning. Do your best to steer clear of confrontations and be careful of people’s feelings to avoid mix-ups with friends or loved ones.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Capitalize on friendships and network vigorously to ensure your social and business success. Avoid making a spur-of-the-moment expenditure that you may regret later. Seek sound advice before investing or making important decisions.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):
There are never any losers in love when both parties live up to their duties and take turns in a respectful way. Instead of competing with others and clashing over trivial things, try cooperation and teamwork to work towards a goal.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You may briefly collide with someone over a difference of opinion regarding money or values. Take accountability, admit to any errors, and back down from harsh arguments. Unexpected offers could prompt you to read between the lines.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Look for ways to make every penny count. A shopping trip might not be a win unless you uncover once-ina-lifetime deals. Participating in sports or other competitive activities could scratch that itch for excitement lurking beneath the surface.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Small annoyances like lopsided pictures on the wall or dust under the bed might disturb your sense of harmony. Explore new ways to get neat and organized while putting personal possessions in order. When it comes to love, practice makes perfect.
THIS EASTER HAM IS MOIST AND JUICY
By America’s Test Kitchen
SPIRAL - SLICED HAM GLAZED WITH CIDER - VINEGAR CARAMEL
