2020-02-22 - The Southern Ocean Times

The

SOUTHERN OCEAN Times Vol. 7 - No. 35

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Barnegat Becomes More Business Friendly In 2020

Community News!

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Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Pages 18

Dear Pharmacist Pages 19

Inside The Law Page 22

By Amy MacNeill BARNEGAT – The year 2020 will be a positive year for developing businesses in Barnegat, according to Mayor John Novak.

“The business outlook for Barnegat is great,” Novak said. Because of the new developments in the area, such as the 4-story adult rental complex Barnegat

67, more attention and more people are being drawn to the township.

T his means more residents, which could mean an increase in businesses and ultimately more jobs, according to the mayor.

“We’ve seen Barnegat 67 bringing consumers from a wider demographic into the cit y,” a n nou nced a

─Photo by Amy MacNeill spoke spe r son f rom potential there is for Extell Development, economic growth.”

Currently, businesses real estate developer including Planet Fitof Barnegat 67.

According to Extell, ness, Dollar Tree, BSR “The shops, restau- Physical Therapy, Pan rants, and homes are Asia, EMD Tax and drawing people from Financials, CVS and larger areas, which Wawa are established will have a lasting, underneath and near p o s it i ve e c o n o m i c the rental units. i mpa ct.....t he more Jean Gurkas, presibusinesses there are dent of senior citizen in the area, the more (Barnegat - See Page 4)

Enter Sandman: Local Boxer Rising Up

By Chris Lundy BEACHWOOD – If you’re getting in the ring with Chris “Sandman” Thomas, make sure you’ve got your head on straight.

The local up-and-coming boxer’s current record is 15-1-1. If you want to know why they call him “Sandman,” it’s because 10 of those victories were knockouts. The last two knockouts were in the first round. He won the NJ Middleweight and USBF Light

Heavy titles.

When asked how much of the fight is mental versus physical, he said its 60 percent mental.

“You can win or lose a fight before you even get in the ring,” Thomas said. Sometimes, he’ll know all he needs to know about an opponent before the first punch is thrown. When the two boxers face off, and stare each other down before the match, he can (Boxer - See Page 6)

─Photo by Kenny Ludwig Chris “Sandman” Thomas wins in the ring.

February 22, 2020

Town: Recycling Saves Money, If Done Right

By Patricia A. Miller STAFFORD − When in doubt, throw it out.

That’s the message township recycling officials have for Stafford residents when it comes to what they can put out for recycling.

Recycling employees spend at least an hour on pickup days pulling items that can’t be taken to the Ocean County Landfi ll out of recycling trucks, Public Works Supervisor George Yockachonis said at the sparsely-attended Feb. 11 Township Council meeting.

Tipping fees at the landfill now run $81 a ton, a $5 increase since Jan. 1. Being careful with what is put on recycling trucks saves the township and ultimately the taxpayers money, Recycling Coordinator Robert W. Zeitler said.

“We just want to make sure everybody does it correctly,” Zeitler said.

So that means no hypodermic needles, no microwaves and no toilet seats, which believe it or not, have shown up in recycling cans.

“All these things are recyclable, just not here,” he added.

Don’t even think about putting out those items or kitchen cabinets, carpeting and padding, dirt, rock, stone, tile, soil, grass clippings, boats (cut up or otherwise) construction debris and propane tanks are also forbidden, according to the township website.

(Town - See Page 7)

Commemorating 100 Years Of Women’s Right To Vote

By Alyssa Riccardi OCEAN COUNTY – Can you remember a time when voting was not allowed equally by everyone? Most people were born after the time where people fought for equal rights to vote.

Over 100 years ago, the suffrage moment was in full swing. Activists and reformers were fighting to give women the right to vote.

Women such as Alice Paul, Antoinette Brown Blackwell and Susan B. Anthony all played a (Women - See Page 4)

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Barnegat:

Continued From Page 1 group The Silver Liners and resident of Barnegat for over 40 years, agrees that the new rental complex will improve establishments in the area.

“They’ve been developing all along there with the stores underneath,” she said, “it should help out the businesses because we don’t have that many.”

Gurkas said she is hopeful to see more

Women:

Continued From Page 1 crucial part in making history and granting women the right to vote.

Ocean County celebrated the 100th anniversary of New Jersey’s ratification of the 19th Amendment in the historic courtroom of the Ocean County Courthouse.

Ocean County Clerk Scott M. Colabella was the chief coordinator of the event, and presented the speakers and the four Ocean County women who were being honored during the evening.

“As an elected Constitutional Officer in Ocean County, I am honored to coordinate this important program recognizing the centennial anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment to the U. S. Constitution granting women the right to vote,” Colabella said.

Ocean County Freeholder Deputy Director and liaison to the Ocean County Clerk’s Of-

storefronts develop and would like to see more options for grocery shopping.

“We have pizza parlors and things like that … but Acme, that’s our only store to shop (for groceries),” she said.

What is now convenient for businesses is the improved land use application process for Barnegat. Previously, the process had been intimidating and “time consuming,” Mayor Novak said, especially for small businesses.

He said his goal for the last several years

has been to make Barnegat’s process more efficient, all while making the town increasingly business-friendly.

“The administration of Bar negat the government of Barnegat - particularly with my involvement, has become very pro-business,” Novak said.

While the land use application is still thorough, he said some obstacles have been eradicated. For example, the “change in use procedure” for businesses has been upgraded over the last year. Formerly,

this process included making a presentation before the planning board, filling out lengthy paperwork and paying fees.

According to Novak, the township has “eliminated some of those hurdles” and is now “open for business.”

As an attorney practicing in land use, he explained that he sees fi rst-hand how frustrating it could be for new businesses to get up and running, which is why township officials worked hard to make Barnegat business friendly.

fice Gary Quinn was the first speaker of the night. Quinn dove into the significance of the anniversary and thanked the women of Ocean County for what they do. “Your strengths, your character and your hard work are all qualities that make you tremendous goals for all women in the county,” Quinn said.

The New Jersey Secretary of State Tahesha Way delivered a speech on how this movement paved the way for women today. She discussed how our democracy is stronger when everyone participates, and encouraged everyone to vote for every election. “Voting is the floor, not the ceiling,” Way expressed.

She also stated that “we are still an unfinished book, and women are still fighting for rights today.”

Timothy Hart, an Ocean County Historian, gave a short historical presentation about the important turning point in history. He said that prior to the Amendment, New Jersey held a referendum in 1915 to see if the state

should allow women to vote. Ocean County was the only county that was for women’s right to vote.

The main portion of the program was recognizing and honoring four women in Ocean County who perform essential roles in public service.

State Superior Court Assignment Judge Marlene Lynch Ford was the first woman to serve as Assignment Judge in Ocean County – the chief judicial officer - and was the first woman to serve as Prosecutor in Ocean County and also one of six women elected from Ocean County to serve in the State Legislature. She encouraged all women to run for office. “Don’t be afraid to run, even if you lose,” Ford said.

Ocean County Freeholder Virginia E. Haines is the second woman only to be elected to the Board of Freeholders in the county’s history and was the director of the Board in 2019.

She voiced how women are the backbone for

today’s voting rights.

“Everyone gets to enjoy the right to vote because of women,” Haines said. She also stated how in this past election, 56 percent of the votes were women.

Ocean County Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove is the sixth woman to represent Ocean County in the State Legislature. As a retired history teacher, she said it’s important that women hold political posts and thanked the women of the suffrage movement for paving the way for women today.

Lastly, Barbara Lanuto was honored as she is the first woman to serve as Ocean County’s deputy county clerk. She concluded the night by reviewing that out of 203 municipal seats in Ocean County, 44 of them are women and only three are serving as mayor.

“We have made great strides as women in Ocean County throughout the years serving as municipal elective officials, but we still have a long way to go,” Lanuto said.

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Boxer:

Continued From Page 1

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tell just by his opponent’s eyes what kind of fight it’s going to be. If his opponent’s head isn’t in the game, he can’t win.

He’s been doing this a while – since before he was even a teenager. His parents were trying to fi nd a sport to get him involved in.

“I had never played a sport in my life,” he said. “I saw boxing and got bit by the bug.”

Ever since he was 12, he was an amateur boxer. He went pro in his senior year of high school.

People’s perception of boxing is much different than reality, he said. People get a lot of their ideas from movies. And of course, there’s one movie that everyone knows.

“Rocky’s a cartoon,” he said, laughing.

Boxing movies like that are fun to watch, but not a very accurate representation of the sport.

He is joining the elite group of hometown athletes doing well, like baseball player Todd Frazier, mixed martial artist Frankie “The Answer” Edgar or football player Tymere Berry, all of whom came up through the Toms River schools.

“We were all the guys walking around high school saying ‘We’re going to be someone’ and everyone else was like ‘yeah, right,’” he said. Well, look at them now.

His roots in the community are still pretty deep. He’s lived in Beachwood

since he was 8, and went to Beachwood Elementary School and Intermediate South and High School South. He’s managed and trained by Shawn Darling out of Gladiator Gym in Forked River. When he’s not there, he drives a beer truck for Shore Point Distributors out of Freehold.

Since his matches have been on ESPN and Comcast Sports, he’s starting to get noticed.

“I’ll be out and someone will ask to take a picture with me and I’m like ‘People know who I am?’”

If his career keeps up this trajectory, then yes, people will defi nitely know who he is.

His next fight is tentatively scheduled for April 4 at the Showboat in Atlantic City.

−Photo by Kenny Ludwig Pictures is Chris “Sandman” Thomas.

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Town:

Continued From Page 1 No leaves will be accepted unless it’s spring or fall.

“We do leaves in the spring or fall,” Zeitler said. “After that, you’re on your own.”

Residents who aren’t sure what can go in their recycling cans can go to the township website at staffordnj.gov/211/ Sanitation-Recycling-Division.

The Township Council approved Zeitler’s resignation in a resolution during the caucus section of the meeting.

The Southern Ocean Times, February 22, 2020, Page 7 In other business, council members unanimously adopted an ordinance that focuses on the moving of buildings within the township. No residents spoke on the ordinance during the public comment portion of the meeting.

The cost of the fee application permit to move a building is $1,000. A “standby” fee of $2,500 must also be paid to the Stafford Township Volunteer Fire Company and another $2,500 standby fee must be paid to the Stafford Township EMS Department, according to the newly-adopted ordinance.

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Teen Programs Offered At Stafford Library

STAFFORD − The Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library is offering a number of teen programs during the month of March.

The branch, located at 129 N. Main Street can be reached for information or for registering for programs by calling 609-597-3381 or by visiting theoceancountylibrary.org.

String of Pearls - Knit/Crochet will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Thursdays in March. All are welcome.

NJ Makers Day: Under the Sea will be held 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on March 21. Join us for arts and crafts, sensory play, science, snacks, and more. Check our online events calendar for details. All ages. Drop in.

Her Name In Stars: Celebrate Women’s History Month will be held at 7 p.m. on March 26. Create your own beautiful

constellation piece while learning about different women in space. For ages 12 – 18.

Registration is required.

Earn volunteer hours by planting kitchen garden starter kits for community use during the program Kitchen Garden Seedlings at 2 p.m. on March 7. For ages 12 – 18.

Make a stuffed octopus out of a sock during the program “Socktopi” TW at 6:30 p.m. on March 9. For ages 10 – 13.

Registration required.

Complete a craft or project and explore some of the library’s resources during Tween Homeschool Hang out at 10:30 a.m. on March 10. For ages 9-13. Registration is required.

Gain valuable leadership skills and earn community service hours during the Teen Advisory Board Meeting (TAB) meeting at 6 p.m. on March 16. For ages 12 – 18.

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Page 8, The Southern Ocean Times, February 22, 2020

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY E DITORIAL Missing The Personal Touch In Stores You see them wherever you go these days!

At first, they started showing up at grocery stores, then convenience stores. They popped up without notice at many of our leading fast food chains and even made it to the local branches of our library systems.

They are said to make life easier, faster and we’re assured that they will not cause a decline in staff at these respective establishments.

Some question the validity of that claim.

So, who… or rather what is seemingly everywhere and to a small degree changing our lives?

Kiosks! You can use them

to order your sandwich, pay for your gallon of milk, check out your book and order your crunch wrap breakfast meal.

You don’t have to interact as much (or at all) with staff if you want to make a deposit at your bank because newer ATMs are programed with that function. That is an extension of the kiosk concept.

I am not sure yet how I feel about this new technological development. While I’m clearly not opposed to new tech making my life simple, there is something about how it is being presented that just seems a bit unnerving.

I guess it’s seeing the lack of cashiers in a favorite convenience store when I want

to check out my drink and see five self-checkout areas and one manned station.

Our library system is rolling out more self-check out machines and it was amusing to watch young people go up to the brightly lit machines thinking they were video games or a young mom who wanted to make a copy of something believing it a copy machine.

I thought it odd, months ago, when I stood a tad too long looking at a newly installed mechanical order system at a local McDonald’s and as I turned around to walk to the manned counter, have the woman behind it walk over to me and walk me through the new device and show me how

easy it was. Granted this was at a time when I was the only customer in the lobby.

Another observation was at my local grocery store and watching the cashiers observe the installation of a batch of new self-check machines as if they were witnessing their replacements. Perhaps they were?

It isn’t just the kiosk devices but manned staff with hand held devices that can check your small order as you stand in line. That is convenient and that still has a personal touch.

Have you ever gone to a bank and approached the teller area holding your deposit slip and other paperwork only to be told, “Sir, are you aware you

can now do this at the ATM?” While it was said in pleasant manner my brain translated that into, “Sir, this is much a minor task we’d rather you not bother us with it anymore and do it yourself.”

We live in a time when a few fleeting words between the shopper and cashier may become a thing of the past before long. Some of us feel an unnatural intimidation of going up to those self-check machines despite having a decent knowledge of navigating around our computers and phone devices. There is just something about those kiosks with their buttons, scanners, lights and various slots that just seem out of place, as if

they are armed with lasers and could activate them if we do the wrong thing.

Perhaps if, or rather, when they start to talk (and you know that eventually they will) it won’t seem so bad.

When we start to get illuminated digital facial features, we’ll forget that it’s just a machine and we’ll fool ourselves into thinking it’s the friendly cashier who we used to joke with while were standing in line.

Whether you use them or not, they are now part of our life and I guess it’s all in the name of progress.

Bob Vosseller Assistant Editor

Letters To The Editor

The Editor Trenton Doesn’t Realize How Letters Aid Cuts AreTo Hurting Schools Dear Governor Murphy, At this time of year, school districts throughout New Jersey are beginning to prepare budgets for the upcoming school year - which is always a formidable task as we have to balance the education of the children in our communities with the real financial concerns of our district’s taxpayers. This year, the constituents in the Freehold Regional High School District’s footprint must grapple with the serious negative impacts of Senate Bill 2 (S-2) and the long-term effects it will have on the education and opportunities available to our 10,600 current students and the thousands more who will enter the schools of the Freehold Regional High School District in coming years. S-2 has had and will continue to have a direct negative impact on the

high school students in Colts Neck, Englishtown, Farmingdale, Freehold Borough, Freehold Township, Howell, Manalapan, and Marlboro and will adversely affect all the taxpayers in these communities.

On the surface, the conceptual framework underlying S-2 sounded ideal - specifically a chance to redistribute school funding to help those districts that had sharp increases in enrollment while their funding remained flat. In reality, S-2 is and continues to have devastating impacts on 500,000 children across the state in order to help those districts. This bill has established a false perception of have and have nots, creating an atmosphere that pits students, parents, and communities against each other; rather than celebrating, sustaining and working to

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The Southern Ocean 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 veri�ication. 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

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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.

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improve New Jersey’s recent #1 ranking for providing a stellar education to every child.

We completely support our neighbor Freehold Borough and other districts receiving their fair share but submit that it must be done in a manner that does not destroy other school districts, including our own. Keep in mind, the Freehold Borough K-8 School District, which is one of the districts that had sharp increases in enrollment while their funding remained flat, sends their students to us for high school. So while those students will benefit greatly during their time in the lower district, S-2 will be dismantling the education they will receive in the Freehold Regional High School District when they enter ninth grade.

We’re certain it was not the intent of those in the Legislature, to create divisive legislation that will have damaging, long-term consequences for the children of New Jersey. We doubt any elected official would support such outcomes, but unfortunately, that is exactly what is occurring.

We ask that the phasing out of state aid under S-2 is extended until the magnitude of its impact is fully understood and that the phasing in of state aid to the districts who saw sharp enrollment increases continues on the current schedule established

by S-2 with new revenue for state aid earmarked to those districts. Otherwise, thousands of children – many of them your youngest constituents - will be

negatively impacted in the short and long term. It is time for the funding formula to be completely redesigned through a transparent process that benefits every student in this state.

The Freehold Regional High School District is an exemplary district. Our students have outstanding opportunities to explore their passions whether through participation in one of our specialized Magnet Programs, career and technical education pathways or through various clubs and sports teams. The reductions in state aid under S-2 will severely diminish educational programming for students across our region, which in turn will have negative implications for college and career success.

This District has prided itself on its fiscal responsibility. As a regionalized system, our economy of scale allows us to provide a superior education for our students while spending approximately $3,500 per pupil less than similar districts. In fact, our per-pupil costs are below most of the K-8 systems in our area despite running hundreds of clubs and athletic teams. The belief that this district has somehow lived “high on the hog” for years - a sound bite and talking point often stated by supporters of S-2 - is a dangerous misrepresentation of Freehold Regional.

The repeated refrain we hear is that our enrollment is declining, that we should have been downsizing accordingly all along. The answer is we did and continue

to downsize. On average our enrollment declines approximately 1.4% each year. With our enrollment being close to 10,600 students you can see how minimal that decrease is each year. With that slight decrease in students each year, we worked to eliminate positions to keep our ratio of staff to students efficient.

In 2010 alone, eighty-one staff positions were cut from across the district. In addition, since 2014, we have eliminated an additional thirty-six positions of faculty, staff, and administrators to match the decline of student enrollment. That’s one hundred and seventeen positions eliminated over a decade – an average of almost twelve positions a year.

We cannot absorb a loss of $30 million and continue to provide the quality education our students deserve. The most frustrating part is that we now have to announce cuts to programs and services for our students, yet we cannot provide our community with an explanation of why or how the funding formula has determined that the Freehold Regional’s taxpayers are not contributing their “fair share.” It is inexcusable that the formula has not been made public, especially in light of its questionable math.

According to the state’s formula, if you owned a house valued at $400,000 and earned $100,000 in 2009 you had the ability to pay $4,127 in Freehold Regional taxes. Keeping that property value and income flat, in 2020 the state’s formula says you’re able to

pay $5,396 in Freehold Regional taxes. Taxpayers deserve a clear explanation of how their “fair share” is determined. Without seeing the formula ourselves, we cannot provide them with an answer.

We recognize the challenge of generating revenue to adequately fund education in New Jersey, but we implore you to work towards a solution that ensures every student in the state receives the education he or she deserves.

S-2 in its current form is not that answer. Helping some students at the expense of others is the opposite of providing a fair education for all. (Visit our online petition at change.org/p/phil-murphyfunding-formula-fairness-for-allstudents) where you can read the names and opinions of more than 10,000 residents who deserve an answer as how this funding is determined.

Before we begin to dismantle the educational programming with negative consequences for every child in the Freehold Regional, we respectfully ask that you reconsider your stance on S-2 in light of the severe negative consequences that it will have for thousands of children and families in New Jersey.

Charles B. Sampson, Ed.D. Superintendent Carl Accettola Board President Sean Boyce Assistant Superintendent

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The Southern Ocean Times, February 22, 2020, Page 9

SPOTLIGHT ON GOVERNMENT Correspondence & Commentary From Your Local, County, State & Federal Officials

Bill Would Give Guard And Reserve Members Equal Hazard Pay From The Desk Of

Congressman Andy Kim WASHINGTON, D.C. − Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03), Congressman Trent Kelly (MS-01), Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13), Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-04), Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) and Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin (MI-08) introduced H.R. 5887, the Guard and Reserve Hazard Duty Pay Equity Act, which would create pay equity on hazard duty incentive pay for all Guard and Reserve service members. Representing tens of thousands of service members at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, Congressman Kim has been a f ierce advocate for members of the Reserves, Guard and their families.

“Our service members who put themselves in harm’s way in defense of our nation deserve our full support, regardless if they’re active duty, or a member of the Reserves or National Guard,” said Congressman Kim. “For these members of the Reserves and Guard, including those serving at our Joint Base, this pay is important; it puts food on the table and pays bills. I’m proud to work this great bipartisan group to introduce this bill and look forward to getting this done for our men and women in uniform.”

Currently, Guard and Reserve Service Members are awarded 1/30th hazard-duty incentive pay of their active duty counterparts. In context, a Private First Class, E-3, with two years of service who is jump qualified, makes $272 a drill period. The service member is required to maintain the same parachuting jumping requirements as his active duty counterpart, however, is only entitled to $12 versus $150 additional monthly compensation for the same level of risk.

Members of our National Guard and Reserve play a vital role in protecting the nation and their communities. Since 2001, utilization rates for members of our Reserve Forces have skyrocketed twenty-two fold; from less than half a percent (0.41%) from 1994-2000 to

over 9% of the total reserve forces (9.3%) 2001present. As part of their service, qualified soldiers are entitled to hazard-duty incentive pay for activities including but not limited to parachute jumping and the demolition of explo-

sives.

The Guard and Reserve Hazard Duty Pay Equity Act has been endorsed by a number of organizations representing service members including the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS), Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS), Reser ve Off icers Association (ROA) and Military Off icers Association of America (MOAA).

“I totally support the Guard and Reserve Hazard Duty Pay Equity Act,” said LTC McKinley Williams, USA (Retired), 1st Vice President, ROA Department of New Jersey, ROA dba Reserve Organization of America. “Having retired from the Army Reserve with 31 years of service, I have seen the transition of the Guard and Reserve from a strategic to an operational force. The transition has placed the expectation and necessity for the Guard and Reserve to be trained and ready to deploy on short notice.

Given hazardous duty in of itself does not distinguish between an Active Duty, Guard or Reserve Component members, I believe there should not be a distinction in hazard pay among Component members. Additionally, equal HDIP for all three components would truly be an incentive to fill vacant airborne positions in the Guard and Reserve, where airborne assignments are more voluntary that the Active Duty Component.”

Last year, Congressman Kim worked to pass the bipartisan Patriotic Employer Protection Act, which would strengthen programs intended to protect small business owners whose employees are military Reservists deployed on active duty. The Congressman also served as a conferee to the bicameral conference com mit tee on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020, where he fought for a 3.1 percent increase in military pay for all military service members and increased access to job training and licensing for military spouses.

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.

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Page 10, The Southern Ocean Times, February 22, 2020

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By Chris Lundy LACEY – A van stolen from outside Medicine To Go pharmacy was later recovered, and all of the owners’ belongings were still inside.

Police said the van was stolen on Monday, Feb. 3 from the rear of Medicine To Go, 524 Lacey Rd. Surveillance videos were able to record the suspect and the direction

he travelled.

They said they were able to find the van in a commercial parking lot on Route 72 three days later. The van was undamaged and all of the owner’s belongings were inside.

This led to the arrest of Brian Kelly, 41, of Forked River on Feb. 12. He was charged with Theft of a Motor Vehicle and Theft of Prescription Medication.

Theatre Company Presents Fiddler On The Roof

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STAFFORD – the Southern Regional Theatre Company will present Fiddler on the Roof from February 26 through February 29.

The show begins at 7 p.m. in the auditorium and tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students. Tickets may be purchased in advance until February 19 or at the door on the night of the performance, subject to availability. The box office will open at 6 p.m. Ticket forms are in both main offices or on the website.

Winner of nine Tony Awards when it debuted in 1964, Fiddler on the Roof is the brainchild of Broadway legends, Jerome Robbins and Harold Prince; songwriters, Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick; and

bookwriter, Joseph Stein. Touching audiences worldwide with its humor, warmth and honesty, this universal show is a staple of the musical theatre canon.

In the little village of Anatevka, the story centers on Tevye, a poor milkman, and his five daughters. With the help of a colorful and tight-knit Jewish community, Tevye tries to protect his daughters and instill them with traditional values in the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia. Rich in historical and ethnic detail, Fiddler on the Roof’s universal theme of tradition cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality and religion, leaving audiences crying tears of laughter, joy, and sadness.

Wellness Screening

WARETOWN – The Township of Ocean Recreation is hosting a Wellness Screening with the Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ on April 20, 10:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. The event

will be held at the Community Center, 239 11th Street, Waretown, NJ. For information, contact Jeanne Broadbent at 609-548-6319 or recreation@twpoceannj.gov.

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Southern Ocean Times, February 22, 2020, Page 11

COMMUNITY NEWS C LUB N EWS , A CTIVITIES , E VENTS & A NNOUNCEMENTS

Local Police Officers Celebrate Retirement

“The word ‘impressed’ is completely inadequate to describe how I feel about the care both facilities provide; I’m not sure there are actually is a word that applies.

Perhaps ‘grateful’ is more appropriate, but still inadequate. In any case, please know that a day didn’t pass where both my loved one and myself weren’t thankful she was able to live in such a compassionate and kindhearted environment.”

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−Photo courtesy Stafford Township Police Pictured are Lieutenant Jeffrey Ross, Police Chief Thomas Dellane and Detective Sergeant David Johnson.

STAFFORD – The Stafford Township Police Department gathered with family and friends to celebrate the careers of two of their officers, sending them off into the next chapter of their lives.

They congratulated the retirement of Lieutenant Jeffrey Ross, with 25 years of

honorable service, and Detective Sergeant David Johnson, with 28 years of honorable service.

At a luncheon, they were each given a proclamation by Mayor Greg Myhre and Council members, followed by a retirement plaque by Chief Thomas Dellane.

Chamber Presents Non-Profit Forum

MANAHAWKIN – Non-Profits can benefit from latest tips, regulation rule changes and resources needed to keep their organization in compliance. The Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce brings their next Non-Profit forum on February 26 to Stockton Manahawkin Campus located at 712 East Bay Avenue.

Beginning at 10 a.m., this free presentation includes networking, program and refreshments. These forums were created over a decade ago to provide local nonprofit groups with collaborative connections and current information.

In time for tax season, this presentation will help local organizations learn how to educate donors and understand the latest challenges for charities as Frank F. Monetti, CPA, MAcct of MonettiStandard PC brings his expertise on non-profit sustainability. The session will walk you through new tools available as well as traps that non-profits must avoid.

All groups who receive grants from Ocean County Culture and Heritage will receive credits for attending.

The session is free. RSVP to Chamber Office by calling 609-494-7211 or by email at info@sochamber.com

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Page 12, The Southern Ocean Times, February 22, 2020 WE DO CUSTOM CAKES & PIES!

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−Photo courtesy Stafford Police Department Stafford Police Officer John Morrin recently received the NJ Crisis Intervention Team Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award.

STAFFORD – The Police Department congratulates Officer John Morrin for receiving the NJ Crisis Intervention Team Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award.

Officer John Morrin was proudly recognized by the NJ CIT, Center of Excellence, for his actions during a critical incident in

2019 involving a distraught juvenile with disabilities.

Officer Morrin was honored for his outstanding ability to respond quickly during a critical incident, and for his demonstration of de-escalation techniques while keeping public safety at the forefront.

Become a Confidential Sexual Violence Advocate Are you a compassionate and caring individual looking to make a difference in the lives of others?

Join our team of trained Forensic Nurses, Advocates and Law Enforcement!

Our no cost 40-hour training will certify you to advocate for people who have experienced sexual violence. The training infuses principles of anti-oppression and multiculturalism in every step. Advocates will gain a strong understanding of how racism, oppression, and inequality intersect with sexual violence, which will help them best serve every survivor they interact with in their role.

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Advocacy is based on the principle that the individual is the best person to make decisions in their life. Once trained you will be on call to provide crisis intervention, educational information and resources to survivors of sexual violence. All potential advocates encouraged to apply. Bilingual advocates needed.

To apply and set up an interview, contact Meghan McAleer at 609-494-1554 or mmcaleer@stfrancislbi .org

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Southern Ocean Times, February 22, 2020, Page 13

COMMUNITY NEWS C LUB N EWS , A CTIVITIES , E VENTS & A NNOUNCEMENTS

BCTC Hosts Annual Resource Fair

BARNEGAT – The Barnegat Communities That Care (BCTC) is hosting their fi rst annual resource fair on March 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. They will be educating the community on BCTC’s mission and the progress their coalition has made to date. All local and county wide resources that serve Barnegat families are invited to host a table to publicize their services.

The BCTC is a coalition of individuals and organizations from all sectors of the community who work together to promote positive youth development and prevent youth problem behaviors. Their vision is to empower youth through constant innovation in order to promote and maintain social interactions and positive community relationships, as well as fortify family values. BCTC is funded by a grant from the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health & Addiction Services made to

RWJBH-IFPR. They are asking that you help sponsor this event by contributing a gift basket or a gift certificate to be raffled off during the evening ($25 minimum). Some ideas are iPad, earbuds, two High School Senior prom tickets ($200), High School yearbook ($95), Great Adventure Family 4-pack, movie gift cards, ACME gift card, restaurant gift certificates, etc.

They will accept smaller monetary donations in the form of a gift card to be combined to purchase a larger ticket item.

Your logo will be displayed at the event as a sponsor and you will be tagged on social media as we market this event.

All donations are due by March 14.

If you are interested in hosting a table at this event to market your business/organization or have any questions, reach out to Roberta Rapisardi at 973-809-0318 or email roberta.rapisardi@rwjbh.org

Local Church Hosts Blood Drive

LONG BRANCH – The American Red Cross will be at St. Francis of Assisi Church Hall located at 4700 Long Beach Blvd., on March 11 for a blood drive from 1 to 6 p.m.

Every day, blood donors help patients of all ages: accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients and

those battling cancer. Blood donors are heroes. Will you be a hero?

Appointments are preferred and can be made at the Red Cross website: redcrossblood.org (keyword LBI St Francis) or by calling the Community Center at 609-4948861.

Lacey Rec Offers Leader In Training Program

LACEY – The Lacey Township Recreation Department will be bring back Leader in Training program for Summer 2020. It is a volunteer program designed for students who are 14 and 15 years old to assist with “Summer in the Parks” program.

A Leader in Training will work with veteran counselors 2 days a week at one of the

three program sites (Hebrew, Huffy Wallis and Clune Park). During their time, they will work with participants ages 5-10 and develop valuable leadership and activity planning skills.

Applications are available at the Lacey Township Recreation Office, located at 818 West Lacey Rd., Lacey and are also available at laceytownship.org.

Local Charity Hosts Designer Bag Bingo

MANAHAWKIN – Family Promise of Ocean County will hold Designer Bag Bingo on March 21 at 6 p.m. at St. Mary’s Parish

Center 100 Bishop Way. Tickets are $35. For more information about the event, contact 609-994-3317 or fpstaff@gmail.com.

Library Hosts Family Fun Night

WARETOWN – The Waretown Library will be hosting a Lego Challenge Family Fun Night on February 24 at 6 p.m. in Partnership with the Township of Ocean Municipal Alliance.

Come put your family building skills to the test with fun Lego challenges.

Register online at oceancountylibrary.org or call the Library at 609-693-5133.

Women’s Club Hosts Bunco Day

LACEY – Join the Woman’s Club of Lacey for Bunco Day on May 1 from 12 to 4 p.m. (doors open at 11:30 a.m.) at Lacey Community Hall.

Tickets are $15 per person and include lunch,

prizes, 50/50 raffle and basket raffle.

Make check payable to Woman’s Club of Lacey. Cash only at the door.

For tickets and/or questions, contact Janet at 609-242-7031.

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 14, The Southern Ocean Times, February 22, 2020

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STAFFORD − The Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library is offering a variety of children’s programs in March.

The library, located at 129 N. Main Street can be reached for information or for registering for programs by calling 609-597-3381 or by visiting theoceancountylibrary.org Under the Sea Storytime starts at 10:30 a.m. on March 20. Come celebrate New Jersey Makers Day with a storytime and S.T.E.A.M. activities. For those ages 3 – 5.

Registration is required.

Book Bash will be held at 6:30 p.m. on March 2, 6:30 p.m. Celebrate Read Across America with a story, snacks, craft and games. Leave with a book to keep. Ages 3 – 12. Registration is required.

Little Hands Make and Create will be held at 10:30 a.m. on March 4.

Celebrate Youth Art Month with Storytime and an art project. For ages 18 months – 4 years. Registration required.

Wigglers and Walkers will be held at 10:30 a.m. on March 11, 25 and includes stories, songs, and play for children under 2 years

of age. Registration is required.

Movers and Shakers will be held at 10:30 a.m. on March 13 and includes stories, music, and movement for children 18 months – 4 years. Check online for additional sessions. Registration is required.

Paws for Reading will be held at 1 p.m. on March 14. Practice your reading skills in the company of gentle therapy dogs.

Ready, Set, Read will be held on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. Registration is required for the three week series. The program is for those ages 3-5.

The Homeschool Book Club will be held at 10:30 a.m. on March 18 and will focus on Dr. Seuss books. Read your favorite Seuss titles, bring one or two to share and discuss.

We’ll also have a craft and snacks. For ages 6 – 9, but interested children and siblings are welcome. Registration is required.

A Toddler Dance party will be held at 10:30 a.m. on March 26. For children and caregivers: we’ve got props and tunes, you bring the moves. Ages 18 months – 4 years, siblings welcome. Registration required.

Lacey Girls Softball Hosts Gift Auction

LACEY – The Lacey Girls Softball League is having a gift auction with over $32,000 worth of prizes on March 7 from 3 to 8 p.m. at the Forked River Columbia Club. There be over 100 prizes divided among three tiers and a 50/50 raffle as well.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Only 250 admission tickets will be sold for the event. Raffle ticket sheets are $10 per tier or $25 a bundle (one sheet to each of the three tiers).

Each admission includes: one door prize entry for a DKNY tote worth $278, one

entry for a “lucky table” tote bag giveaway (one of the 25 tables will win a table-wide prize of tote bag filled with beauty samples awarded to each of the 10 guests seated at that table), $10 UberEats Credit, and light refreshments. Outside food and drinks are welcomed (BYOB).

Some of the grand prizes include Disney passes, Elite Island Resort Certificates, Atlantic City hotel stays, NASCAR, Phillies tickets, and much more.

You can purchase tickets online at laceysoftballauction.eventbrite.com

School Hosts Annual Foul Shooting Contest

BRANT BEACH – The 9th Annual March Madness Foul Shooting Contest will be held on March 7 at 10 a.m. in the Community Center Gym. The Foul Shooting Contest is open to grades kindergarten through high school and adults.

Registration is required. You can pick up registration forms at the community center front desk or online at stfranciscenterlbi.org.

All registration forms need to be returned to St. Francis Community Center. Registration is open the morning of the event. A fee of $3 is required. All participants must be regis-

tered in order to participate.

All participants will be placed into groups: kindergarten (modified distance and basket), 1st and 2nd grades (modified distance and basket), 3rd and 4th grades (modified distance), 5th and 6th grades, 7th and 8th grades, high school, adult women ages 18 to 49, 50 or older and men ages 18 to 49, 50 and older. Category winners receive a new outdoor basketball.

For more information, call St. Francis Recreation at 609-494-8861 ext. 105 or visit their website at stfranciscenterlbi.org.

LBI Garden Club 2020 Flower Show

LONG BEACH ISLAND – The Garden Club of LBI recently met to launch the 2020 Flower Show, set for May 8 at the Long Beach Island Foundation for the Arts. With

the theme “It’s a Musical World,” garden club members will display 24 creative arrangements at the show. The show is free to the public from 2 to 5 p.m.

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Southern Ocean Times, February 22, 2020, Page 15

COMMUNITY NEWS C LUB N EWS , A CTIVITIES , E VENTS & A NNOUNCEMENTS

Man Sentenced To Jail For Manslaughter And Drugs

By Alyssa Riccardi LACEY – A 58-year-old man has been sent to prison for 13 years after pleading guilty to manslaughter and drug distribution.

Charles Rice was sentenced by Honorable Rochelle Gizinski, J.S.C to seven years in New Jersey State Prison after pleading guilty to Manslaughter, and also sentenced to six years with a three-year period of parole disqualification after pleading guilty to Distribution of Heroin and Fentanyl. Rice had pleaded guilty for these charges on December 9, 2019.

Back in April of 2019, the Berkeley

Township Police responded to a call of an unresponsive man of who declared dead at the scene. After investigation, it uncovered that Rice hand sold the victim a mixture of heroin and fentanyl. The drugs resulted to be the cause of the victim’s death.

“This particular defendant sold heroin that contained fentanyl, which ultimately caused the victim’s death. We have been very clear that we will continue to arrest and prosecute individuals that pedal illegal and sometimes deadly narcotics in Ocean County,” Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer stated.

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Local Sandy Fraud Contractor Sentenced To Jail

By Alyssa Riccardi OCEAN COUNTY – A Barnegat resident has pled guilty to stealing almost half a million dollars from locals with his fake construction company.

50-year-old George LaRosa has been sentenced to three years in New Jersey State Prison after pleading guilty to Theft

by Failure to Make Required Disposition in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-9. LaRosa pled guilty to this charge on September 16, 2019. Honorable Michael T. Collins also arranged for LaRosa to reimburse

his victims the total of $456,650.

LaRosa owned and operated GL Construction. After Superstorm Sandy, he contracted with 19 residents throughout multiple towns including Stafford Township, Lacey Township, Toms River Township, Long Beach Township, Ship Bottom, and Little Egg Harbor. The construction company was to repair the homes, but instead LaRosa used the money the homeowners paid him for personal use.

He then closed his business and deserted the homeowners.

Stafford Library To Hold Book Discussions

STAFFORD − The Stafford branch of the Ocean County Library is offering two book discussion programs in March.

The library, located at 129 N. Main Street can be reached for information or for registering for programs by calling 609-597-3381 or by visiting theoceancountylibrary.org The first book discussion will be held at 11 a.m. on March 2 and involves the book “The Last Days of Night” by Graham Moore.

The American Association of University Women is a leading voice promoting equity and education for women and girls.

This book club incorporates educational, social, economic, and political issues into their discussions. Find out about the local AAUW chapter.

The second discussion will be held at 1 p.m. on March 10. The book “The Stranger”

by Harlan Coben will be discussed.

Recreation Department To Hold Bus Trip To Atlantic City

WARETOWN − The Township of Ocean Recretion Department is sponsoring a trip to Atlantic City Tropicana Rat Pack: Back in Town Show on April 19.

The cost of the trip is $66 per person and the show time is 4 p.m. The bus will board at 10:45 a.m. from the Community Center

at 239 11th St. Waretown.

The price includes the show ticket for the matinee, lunch express voucher at Carmine’s and $15 free slot play.

It is recommended that travelers arrive 15 minutes prior to boarding. The bus departs from Atlantic City at 6 p.m.

The SOUTHERN OCEAN Times MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS

In This Week’s Edition Community News!

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Love & Rock-N-Roll Exhibit

LACEY – Drop by the Ocean County Library Lacey Branch and view the artwork of Artist Marty Martinez as he presents his exhibit “Love & Rock-n-Roll”. This exhibit focuses on how love and Rock-n-Roll come

together in a vibrant vision of color.

The exhibit runs now until February 29 at 10 East Lacey Road, Forked River. For more information, visit theoceancounty library.org

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Lacey Recreation Summer Employment Opportunities

LACEY – The Lacey Township Recreation Department is now accepting applications for summer employment positions.

The Recreation Department offers paid positions for Park Counselors, Lifeguards, and General Recreation Staff. All applicants must be residents of Lacey Township.

Park Counselors work as part of “Summer in the Parks” summer day camp program which runs for seven weeks, from late-June through mid-August.

Lifeguards guard lake beaches used for swimming at Lake Barnegat, Bamber Lake, and Cedar Creek, as well as the Wibit at Lake Barnegat, starting on Father’s Day weekend and working through Labor Day.

General Recreation Staff positions will be responsible for beach badge sales, Wibit on-site sales and maintenance, general office duties, as well as staffi ng various special events and recreational programs throughout the summer.

Applicants must be between the ages of 16 and 22. The application deadline for these positions is March 13.

Applications are available at the Lacey Township Recreation Office, located at 818 West Lacey Rd., Lacey. and are also available at laceytownship.org.

For more information regarding employment opportunities contact the Lacey Township Recreation Department at 609693-1100 ext 2203.

Science Saturdays

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR EXTRAORDINARY STAFF nursing and

rehabilitation center

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

LOVELADIES – Join the LBI Foundation of the Arts & Sciences every Saturday for Science Saturdays!

Science Saturdays tackle today’s most pressing scientific and environmental issues

that directly affect our shore community and the Barnegat Bay. They are interactive and informative hands-on presentations in an informal atmosphere.

For more information, call 609-494-1241.

Send your community events to news@jerseyshoreonline.com

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Southern Ocean Times, February 22, 2020, Page 17

COMMUNITY NEWS C LUB N EWS , A CTIVITIES , E VENTS & A NNOUNCEMENTS

Learn About How Cyber Threats Affect Your Business

SHIP BOTTOM – The Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce invites those doing business in the Long Beach Island Region to take part in understanding current threats and solutions to mobile and office operations.

Theresa Misuraca, Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst with the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC) for the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (NJOHSP) will be the keynote for the organization’s March 11 Innovate & Caffeinate Breakfast meeting held at the Mainland Manahawkin conference room.

Theresa is noted for security and IT infrastructure operations and management, and will present an overview of top challenges, best practices and a clear understanding of the risk that personal and professional data face in cyberspace. In addition to the program, the keynote will make time for Q&A. Misuraca has merged the fields of technology and criminal justice with attaining a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice (Forensic Computer Investigation) from the

Coast Guard Aux. Offering Boat Safety Class

OCEAN COUNTY – The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 16-05 located in Brick will be offering a one day About Boating Safely class on February 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Weichert Realtors office at 1322 Hooper Ave in Toms River.

This is a comprehensive course in the essentials of safe boating with instruction by certified Coast Guard Auxiliary instructors.

Students upon successful completion will receive their NJ State Boating Safety Certificate. The cost for materials is $55.

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University of New Haven. She also holds CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control) certification, GCFE (GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner) certification, and multiple IT certifications.

Theresa serves on the ISACA New Jersey Chapter Board of Directors.

The meeting will also include upcoming chamber campaigns and programs, buffet breakfast and networking. The cost is $25 with RSVP or $30 at the door.

If you are interested in attending, contact the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce at 609-494-7211, email info@sochamber.com, sign up online at visitlbiregion.com or stop into their visitor center at 265 West Ninth St in Ship Bottom.

Workshops to Succeed in the Real Estate World Build practical skills and business confidence at 5 workshops with instructor Anita Fedororchko ABR, RSPS, GREEN, MRP, SFR, SRES, PSA

Every Monday March 2 - March 30 5-7pm Toms River location 271 Lakehurst Rd. Toms River, NJ 08755 Register online at ims.nexusaor.com

or call (732) 244-8111 Course $99.00

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 18, The Southern Ocean Times, February 22, 2020

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)

Dr. Isidore Kirsh Ph.D., F.A.A.A.

Treatment Of Dizzy Patients

BREAST SURGERY & BREAST ONCOLOGY Theodore Lygas, MD, FACS, Board Certified Breast Surgeon

EXPERIENCE MATTERS!

#2 Busiest Breast Surgery Practice In America (According To The National CMS Rankings.)

What Will Happen To My Lymph Nodes, My Armpit And My Arm? Mary had some time to digest the breast cancer diagnosis she certainly did not want to hear, but also wasn’t one hundred percent surprised when it was confirmed. Her family had a history of breast cancer and a favorite aunt, of course, had a terrible time recovering from surgery and treatment many years ago. What is Lymphedema? What Mary’s aunt experienced years ago is called lymphedema. Immediately after surgery, it’s common to experience some swelling or tingling that can affect the arm, however the symptoms should resolve very quickly. That is in a matter of a few days. If lymphedema does occur, by radical axillary surgery, it can vary from mild swelling and a bit of heaviness to an arm that is significantly swollen. In addition to extensive lymph node surgery, obesity is a major factor for lymphedema with morbidly obese women at greater risk.

While lymphedema is not common, it is a common concern for all women, particularly when lymph nodes are removed. When lymph nodes are removed, the lymph vessels that carry the lymph fluid away from the arm can be disrupted and lymph fluid then collects in the arm to cause swelling.

Fortunately, advancements in the treatment of most types of breast cancers have lowered the occurrence of lymphedema dramatically by lowering the number of lymph nodes that need to be removed. In the past, it used to common practice to perform an “axillary lymph node dissection” during breast cancer surgery to remove all the lymph nodes, but up to forty percent of women would develop Lymphedema with this procedure.

What can be done to reduce the risk of lymphedema? So how can we reduce lymphedema while not sacrificing the probability of eradicating the cancer? In steps the Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy. Over the past fifteen years, this has become the recommended procedure for evaluating cancer in the lymph nodes rather than the complete axillary lymph node removal. The sentinel lymph node, which is the key lymph node or the first lymph node that will receive the cancer cells should they spread out of the breast to the lymph nodes. And if only this lymph node is removed, it lowers the risk of lymphedema from forty percent to virtually zero, while still providing, in today’s day and age, a more intense analysis of it, accurate information of the degree of breast cancer in the axilla or under the arm. If the sentinel lymph node detects cancer cells, they are treated with radiation rather than more surgery. The beauty of this is that the effectiveness to which radiation controls the cancer and the risk of recurrence is the same as with radical surgical removal but with almost no risk.

Now knowing that there were factors here within her control to avoid lymphedema and the surgical procedures for breast cancer had advanced beyond complete lymph node removal, our patient Mary is much more optimistic about her surgery with no arm swelling.

Public Service Information taken from written studies and published data.

Offices in Toms River, Manahawkin (SOCH, Cancer Center) & Brick

CALL 732-458-4600

www.breastsurgeryandoncology.com

Dizziness is the third most common complaint to doctors, exceeded only by headaches and lower back pain. The National Institute of Health and Johns Hopkins’s statistics indicate that dizziness is the number one complaint of patients over age 70. More importantly, dizziness and vertigo can affect people throughout a lifetime and this is clearly represented by the fact that dizziness is the third most commonly reported complaint to physicians.

Dizzy patients often report that they have made several visits to physicians and were told that nothing could be done or that they would simply have to learn to live with their dizziness complaint.

If you are experiencing a sensation of vertigo or spinning or unsteadiness when you are walking, I suggest you do the following: Schedule an appointment with an

audiologist to have your hearing thoroughly evaluated since your hearing and balance mechanisms are closely related.

Specialized testing should be performed to evaluate your inner ear mechanism.

Tests may include ENG, electrocochleography and/or computerized dynamic posturography evaluation.

Specialized diagnostic testing can often pinpoint abnormalities in your vestibular system (inner ear), visual system and/ or proprioceptive system (muscular skeletal). Quite often, vestibular rehabilitation or balance retraining therapy can either eliminate and/or significantly improve the complaint of dizziness and/ or balance dysfunction.

If you or if you know of someone who is suffering from dizziness and/or balance dysfunction, I suggest that you make an appointment for a thorough diagnostic evaluation.

His offices are in Toms River, Whiting, and Manahawkin. He can be reached at 732-276-1011 or via Web site at gardenstatehearing.com. Dr. Izzy & Staff gives Retirement Community Talks!

Al-Anon Meetings Available Locally

OCEAN COUNTY – Are you troubled by someone else’s drinking? Al-Anon Family Groups may be able to help you. Call their 24-hour hotline for local meeting locations at 856-547-0855.

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Southern Ocean Times, February 22, 2020, Page 19

H ERE ’ S T O Y OUR H EALTH Dear Pharmacist

Little Egg Harbor Location

NOW OPEN!

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Treating All Ages for Minor Illness & Injury

5 Natural Strategies For Uterine Fibroids

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Uterine fibroids are benign cysts that can grow inside or outside of a woman’s womb, termed the uterus. There are many articles that address a pre-menopausal woman’s risk of fibroids, but not as many for post-menopausal women. Hysterectomy does not have to be your future! Living with the bloat doesn’t have to be your future either!

Most women can live their whole life with little fibroids and not experience any problems, and maybe not even realize they even have them! But fibroids can grow rapidly and cause a lot of lower pelvic pain, even radiating into the groin or leg. When large enough, the abdomen will swell or bloat causing you to want to wear stretchy pants, and possibly have to empty your bladder more frequently. Constipation is pretty common with fibroids.

In some cases, if the fibroid is large enough, it may actually cause tremendous discomfort and difficulty walking, sleeping or bending. In an older woman, I think it’s the pain that drives a woman into the OB/ GYN office, to find out what’s going on.

Contrarily, a woman who is younger and still cycling may have symptoms such as heavy bleeding, subsequent anemia, fatigue, infertility and of course pain, including dysorgasmia.

I’d like to offer you some natural strategies to help you try to shrink these, because so often the first thing offered is surgery!

While that may be necessary in some cases, I’m a holistic thinking pharmacist and I believe there are life-changing natural strategies that are worth a try! Talk to your physician about the following ideas. In the

order of importance: 1. Discontinue ALL hormones that you’re taking. Many post-menopausal women are supported on hormones which may be fueling the fibroid growth in an older woman.

It’s the estrogen (estradiol) that could be the specific problem.

2. Sulforaphane. Sulforaphane is a dietary supplement that is basically a broccoli extract. It is used to support Phase II liver detoxification enzymes which break down estrogen properly. Sulforaphane supplements help to restore proper estrogen receptor gene expression, and interfere with tumor growth. DIM is another supplement that may help control estrogen.

3. Iodine. We assume iodine deficiency as one reason for hypothyroidism, but iodine deficiency is also strongly associated with lumpy breasts (ie fibrocystic breasts) as well as uterine fibroids. Iodine may be useful in preventing further growth of a fibroid.

4. Turmeric. Turmeric spice has been studied for its ability to shrink uterine fibroids, by binding to and activating PPAR-gamma and that in turn, shrinks a fibroid tumor/ growth. Curcumin is a stronger, standardized extract of turmeric spice.

5. Matcha Tea or EGCG Supplements.

In test tube and animal studies, cells treated with EGCG grew far more slowly and were noticeably smaller within days!

I have a longer version of this article with more natural strategies. I will email it to you once you’ve signed up for free my online newsletter at suzycohen.com. That article includes a recipe for an essential oil blend that you can apply externally for additional comfort.

(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) ©2019 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.

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jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 20, The Southern Ocean Times, February 22, 2020

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AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE Prosecutor Implements Ride-Share Safety

By Alyssa Riccardi OCEAN COUNTY – Do ever feel unsafe or in danger while taking an Uber?

A county-wide ride-share safety announcement has been made by Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer.

This initiative is to help broadcast the issue and make residents more aware of the dangers behind it.

21-year-old Samantha “Sami” Josephson, a resident of Robbinsville, stepped into a stranger’s car mistaking it as her ride. Sami could not escape the car due to certain locks. Sami was kidnapped and murdered by someone pretending to be her Uber driver.

As a result to this incident, Sami’s parents Seymour and Marci Josephson decided

they wanted to share her story to alert others and inform them of these issues.

The family established the #WHATSMYNAME Foundation, which will remind people to ask the driver to repeat back their name before entering the car.

After Sami’s death, South Carolina legislators devised the “Samantha L. Josephson Ridesharing Safety Act” which requires all ride-sharing vehicles to have lit up sign of the company’s logo that the company has provided for them. The Governor of South Carolina later signed the bill.

Back in June of 2019, Governor Phil Murphy signed “Sami’s Law” that will be going into effect as of March 20. Rideshare companies are now obligated to issue additional identification materials to drivers to help passengers identify their vehicle. The driver must have two identifying markers presented in the front windshield and rear window. Companies also must provide every driver with two copies of a barcode that passengers can scan to validate the identity of the vehicle.

Finally, placards must be presented on the driver side and passenger side window that show the driver’s name, photo and license plate number.

There is a $250 fi ne for drivers who fail to comply with these rules. Companies’ permit to operate in New Jersey will be either suspended or removed.

Annual Lancaster Quilt Store Shopping Bus Trip MANAHAWKIN – Pieceful Shores Quilters Guild (PSQG) yearly fabric shopping trip to Lancaster, PA will be held on April 30.

Pickup is at 775 E. Bay Avenue, Manahawkin, and leaves promptly at 7 a.m. Cost is $38 for members of PSQG and $42 for non-members.

There will be three stops: Weavers Dry Goods, Kitchen Kettle Village and Log Cabin Quilts.

For more information contact Charlene at 609-296-7652.

Hospice Volunteers Needed

Compassionate Care Hospice is looking for Volunteers who are willing to give companionship to a patient and or their family.

This is a gift one gives to his or her self as the rewards are abounding - to help one at this time in their lives. For more information please contact Kathleen O’Connell, Volunteer Coordinator 914-275-5766 or Kathleen.oconnell@cchnet.net.

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Southern Ocean Times, February 22, 2020, Page 21

BUSINESS PROFILE DeGRAFF FUNERAL HOME Compassionate • Respectful • Flexible

DeGraff Lakehurst Funeral Home, Inc. 119 Union Avenue, Lakehurst, N.J. 08733 732-657-7868 Sherry T. DeGraff, Mgr. N.J. No. 3921 degrafffuneralhome@msn.com

DeGraff Lakehurst Funeral Home is family owned and operated. Founded

by Donald & Wanda DeGraff in 1979 in historic downtown Lakehurst. The building itself has a funeral history dating back to the early 1900’s. “Our father was the type of person who was so very compassionate and caring,” said Sherry DeGraff, Manager. “He was an entrepreneur, involved in a number of businesses, but his love was always for the funeral industry.”

DeGraff’s mother Wanda is still alive and “still our boss, even if she won’t admit it,” said DeGraff, and her father, Donald passed away in 2004.

Growing up with the funeral business surrounding her, DeGraff said she learned from an early age how to treat customers in their time of need. “You handle people in the same way you would want your own family handled, “said DeGraff. “You have to be a good listener, have a lot of compassion and be very flexible.

While the core values – compassion, respect and flexibility – have not changed for the DeGraff family, the trends in the funeral business have.

Years back, cremations were rare and some religious affiliations did not hold them in high favor. In 1990 the DeGraff family saw the future trends were leaning toward cremation, as a result, their daughter Sherry opened DeGraff Cremation Service offering a wide variety of cremation service options. The move towards more cremation represents the largest shift in the funeral industry. In fact, many consumers believe the cremation

itself is performed at the individual funeral home or cremation service they hired. This is not correct.

Crematories are owned by cemeteries. Most people are surprised when they hear that. Many people are unaware that cremation must be authorized by a spouse or blood kin under New Jersey State Law. This can cause undue stress for people who do not have a spouse or family.

In 2004, New Jersey law provides for the des- DeGraff Lakehurst Funeral Home has been family-owned and operated at 119 Union Avenue, ignation of an individual Lakehurst since 1979. Visit www.degrafffuneralhome.com or call 732-657-7868. to control the funeral or cremation of another person regard- services themselves have evolved decisions have been made, sparing less of whether the named person is over the years. While the typical uncertainty and confusion at a time related by marriage or blood. People viewing, church service and burial when emotional stress may make in relationships involving unmarried schedule is still largely followed by decisions difficult. Although pre-arco-habitants, or just close personal many, other families choose what is ranging might sound morbid, it isn’t. friends may find this provision benefi- known as “celebration of life” to re- It is part of sensible estate planning. cial. This designated person is called focus mourning one’s death towards Upon your passing, the truth is that a “Funeral Representative” and must celebrating one’s full life and its im- most people don’t have any idea how be named as such in a will. With this pact on others. Especially in troubled to get started, what they should know designation, they can bypass any economic times, the cost factor of a or who they can turn to. Pre-planning blood kin and can authorize crema- funeral is a concern for many families. your funeral can significantly minimize tion and control the funeral. Choosing Cremation and traditional funeral ser- the many stresses and pressures that cremation for final disposition in lieu vices are often comparable in price, accompany the grieving process of of traditional burial does not change through numerous options such as losing a loved one. A properly strucservice options for a family. In addition viewings, final disposition and other tured preplan can not only ensure that to cremation, the services can still in- factors that can increase or reduce your loved ones know what to do, but clude a traditional viewing, memorial the overall cost of a funeral. DeGraff can also make sure your bequests are service at the funeral home or church said, “Our prices are very affordable efficiently implemented. By reducing or graveside services when or if the because we’re still an old-fashioned many of the obvious family pressures, cremains are placed in a cemetery. funeral home.” DeGraff Lakehurst this provides some extra time for them Additionally, said DeGraff, the funeral Funeral Home offer pre-arrangement to work through some of the other services. Although nobody likes to struggles such as dealing with grief think or talk about dying, it is one of the and loss, notifying your loved ones, facts of life we all must eventually face. designing your obituary, writing a The sad truth is, thousands of people eulogy and creating the best possible die (whether expected or unexpect- way to celebrate and memorialize edly) each year without the proper your life. “I think the personalization end- of-life plan in place. Making of a funeral is important,” said Defuneral arrangements at the time of Graff. “We’re willing to work with just loss is extremely difficult for those about anything that a family wants left behind. Pre-arranging ensures to do, even if they think it might be that your family and funeral director away from tradition. We can make it know exactly what kind of funeral you happen.” want. Families tend to take comfort at DeGraff Lakehurst Funeral Home is the time of death, simply from know- located at 119 Union Avenue, Lakeing their loved one’s funeral reflects hurst. If you would like more informatheir wishes. When the funeral and tion, please call our dedicated staff sometimes even payment, have been at 732-657-7868 or you may visit our arranged in advance, most of the website at degrafffuneralhome.com

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 22, The Southern Ocean Times, February 22, 2020

R.C. Shea & Assoc.

Inside The Law Consumer Rights And Data Breach

Robert C. Shea Esq.

Protecting Yourself From Identify Theft

COMING SOON! Now Hiring Agents

For Barnegat 67 Location

CALL FOR DETAILS 732.797.9001 Office EACH OFFICE INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

By: Dina M. Vicari, Esq. and Michael J. Deem, Esq. of R.C. Shea & Associates

The recent data breach by Equifax meant that sensitive personal information for 145 million Americans was potentially exposed, including Social Security numbers, birthdates, addresses and, in some instances, driver’s license numbers. This incident has left many consumers wondering how they can protect themselves from identify theft.

Monitor your Account Check your fi nancial account transactions regularly. Opt-in for alerts that screen for questionable transactions and opt-in for multifactor authentication.

Look for charges that you don’t recognize, even if they were for small amounts.

Sometimes scoundrels test the waters with small charges. Be aware of communications claiming to be from credit reporting agency or financial institution.

Review Credit Reports By law, all consumers are entitled to a free credit report every 12 months from each of the three major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion). You can request a free credit report from annualcreditreport. com, by phone or mail. Any site other than annualcreditreport.com is not part of the legally mandated free annual credit report program. Make sure you spell the

Michael J. Deem Esq.

annualcreditreport.com domain name correctly and avoid look-alike scam sites.

Place a Freeze A credit freeze prevents new creditors from accessing your credit file and others from opening accounts in your name. A freeze could stop identity thieves because most (but not all) businesses will not open credit accounts without checking your credit report. A credit freeze does not prevent identity thieves from taking-over your existing account.

Set a fraud alert!

A fraud alert requires creditors who check your credit report to take steps to verify your identity before opening a new account, issuing additional card or increasing your credit limit on an existing account. A fraud alert is free. You can place an initial alert on your account for 90 days if you have not been a victim of identity theft.

The litigation attorneys at the Law Offices of R.C. Shea & Associates handle most consumer fraud claims on a contingency basis. A contingency means if there is no recovery, there is no fee. Call us for a free consultation: 732-505-1212.

Our clients’ success is our greatest reward.

732-505-1212 • RCSHEA.COM

Seniors Alerted Of Social Security Scam

By Alyssa Riccardi TOMS RIVER – A new Social Security Scam has been traveling around the area and has been targeting senior citizens.

Ocean County Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari, who serves as Chairman to Senior Services, announced that all senior citizens should be aware of this potential scam where someone is imposing as a Social Security Administration (SSA) Employee.

“With Ocean County being home to more than 173,000 seniors, it is important to make sure residents are aware of scams so that they can protect themselves,” said Vicari.

“I encourage citizens to be cautious when providing information such as your Social Security number or bank information to unknown persons over the phone or the internet.”

There have been multiple reports of phone calls from someone portraying as an SSA

employee. The caller will say that the victim’s cost of living has increased and will entice the victim to give personal information over the phone such as their name, date of birth, Social Security Number and parent’s names.

With this information, the caller will contact the SSA and can request changes.

If you attain any type of skeptical call about someone claiming to be from the SSA, you should report it to the SSA, officials said.

“When handing out personal information, residents should make sure they are certain as to who is receiving the information,” Vicari said. “You must be very confident that the source is the correct business person and that your information is secure.”

For more information, residents can contact the Ocean County Office of Senior Services at 732-929-2091 or the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs at 732-929-2105.

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Southern Ocean Times, February 22, 2020, Page 23

FUN & GAMES

SUDOKU

C ROSSWORD P UZZLE

Across 1 Kind of basin 6 State secrets?

9 Intense dislike 14 Act poorly?

15 Run a tab, say 16 Words between two “thanks” 17 Chef protector 18 See 8-Down 19 Floorboard support 20 Many a Sundance film 22 Rent payer 23 Registered names: Abbr.

25 Action at the front 28 H.S. hurdle 29 Adorn 32 Comical punctuation marks from the drummer 34 Marshy lowland 35 Chihuahua, por ejemplo 36 “__ Eyes”: Ea-

gles hit 37 ‘60s campus gp.

38 Hieroglyphics reptiles 41 “Do __, not ... “ 43 Work on, as a stubborn squeak 45 Tablets’ kin 48 Swingline insert 49 2,170-mi. trail terminus 50 Walk with style 52 Luau music provider 53 Wanting too much 55 Pry 58 Cookie named for its flavor 59 Aromatic necklace 61 Stage performances 64 Words after miss or skip 65 Resting place 66 Down source 67 Singer Bruni married to Nicolas Sarkozy 68 Morning cuppa 69 Amounts to

Down 1 Leaves in a bag 2 Prankster 3 “Pillow Talk” actress 4 Lots 5 Provide with for a time 6 Montague lad 7 Blow away 8 With 18-Across, Southwestern cuisine 9 Museum pieces 10 Lucy and Ethel and Thelma and Louise 11 “Indeed!”

12 Oust, in a way 13 Church choral works 21 “Eww!” 22 Tibetan title 23 “Angie Tribeca” channel 24 Weak cry 26 Brand of blended seasonings 27 Itsy-__ 30 Inventor Howe 31 Population information

33 Book after Daniel 35 Ulysses threesome?

39 Web irritants ... and what appears in each set of puzzle circles?

40 __-screen printing 42 Faulkner’s “As __ Dying” 44 Actor Marvin of “Cat Ballou” 45 Courvoisier, e.g.

46 Speedy Gonzales cry 47 Kitchen gadget 48 OED entry 51 Words for the audience 54 Hebrew for “skyward” 56 Oil bloc 57 Hodgepodge 59 Pres. sworn in on Air Force One 60 Job listing ltrs.

62 “Is it soup __?”

63 Fourth-yr. students

(c)2020 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.

SOLUTIONS

SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Jumble:

VAGUE MOTTO WINNER COHORT - WATER-TIGHT

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 24, The Southern Ocean Times, February 22, 2020

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jerseyshoreonline.com

The Southern Ocean Times, February 22, 2020, Page 25

CLASSIFIEDS For Rent For Rent - Adult Community. Whiting Crestwood Vill. 5 (55+) Larger 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath and Powder Room. Porch, W/D, Garage. Not Pets. $975.00 plus utilities, Available 3/1/20. 732-604-0323.

(12) For Rent Or For Sale - New 1 BR, 1 bath homes. Adult 55+ Community, Homestead Run, Toms River. www.homesteadrun.com. 732-3702300 call today.

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Personals Single Senior Males - 65+ Wanted for single females. Soulmate, friendship or partner. Have good standards, qualities. Leave name and number for return call. 732-678-6786. (13) Italian - American Gentleman seeks woman 65-75 yrs with same interest.

I am loving, caring, and easy going.

Loves music and dancing. Give me a call 732-207-5338.

(12)

Items Wanted Cash - Top dollar, paid for junk, cars running and nonrunning, late model salvage, cars and trucks, etc. 732-928-3713.

(17) $$$ WANTED TO BUY $$$ 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, brica-brac, select china and crystal patterns. Cash paid. Over 35 years experience. Call Gary Struncius. 732-364-7580. (t/n) 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) Vinyl Records Wanted - Paying cash for Rock, Reggae, Blues, Elvis, Jazz, Metal, Psychedelic. Very Good Condition only. Call Rick 908-616-7104. (12) 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) Buying World War I and II Helmets, hats, swords, daggers, medals, flags, Marine uniforms, women's uniforms, etc. All Countries.

Call 609-581-8290.

(10) CASH FOR RECORDS!! - Buying LPs, reel tapes, CD's, stereos, guitars, saxophones, tube amplifiers + other music related. Come to (6) you. Brian 732-804-8115.

U s e d G u n s Wa n t e d - A l l types: collectibles, military, etc.

Call 917-681-6809. (t/n)

For Sale - Oak dining room set, seats 6.

215-290-7092. Whiting, NJ 08759. (9)

Wanted - To Rent. widow needs room or small apartment starting March 1st.

Leave Message 732-678-3880. (10)

Help Wanted Personal Executive Assistant - 2 days per week. Must be proficient with Excel, Salesforce CRM, Netscape CRM, Quick Books, Sales, Powerpoint and run errands. Remote position.

Experience in Pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Call 973-934-1171. (11) Laundromat Attendant - For FT/PT Good communication skills, math and min computer knowledge. Transportation needed. Long term commitment only. 732-286-1863.

(13) Skilled Labor/Fulltime - Construction Site in Toms River. Contact Nick Nikitin. 732-261 4267.

(10) Now Hiring – The Goddard School on Route 70 is seeking full time Teacher’s Assistant and leads for the upcoming school year. We provide a warm, loving environment for children up to six years. Must have a flexible schedule, available Mon-Fri. Benefits include paid time off, 401k and paid lunch on Fridays. To learn more about these positions, email your resume to toms river2nj@goddardschools.com Home Health Care Company Now Hiring RN’s, LPN’s and CHHA in Ocean & Monmouth Counties! Flexible scheduling. Work in your community.

Weekly pay. Career advancement. Comprehensive benefits.

Call 732-505-8000 today. (t/n) Crown Bank FT Teller Brick Cash handling preferred. Email resume martin.gorka@crownbank. net. Call 732-262-3900. $11 per hour.

We are an E.O.E. employer. M/F. Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. 273 Brick Blvd., Brick NJ 08723.

(10) 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) Marina - Join our expanding team at our new marina in Toms River.

We are seeking experienced marine mechanics, assembly techs & yard help. Great pay & benefits to qualified candidates. If you're under appreciated or under compensated contact Jared today at Jared@trkawyam.com or call 732-929-8168.

(12)

Bobs Waterproofing - Basement and crawlspace waterproofing. Mold testing, removal and prevention.

Family owned. Fully licensed and insured. Call Bob 732-616-5007. (t/n) Roofing Repairs Etc. - Roofing, siding, windows. Repairs on small jobs.

Utility shed roofs replaced. Prompt service. Insured. Gutters cleaned.

Call Joe Wingate 551-804-7391. (10) 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) Computer Tutoring for Seniors – Retired, “Microsoft Certified” instructor.

Very Reasonable rates. Very patient with slow learners. I’ll teach you in the comfort of your home on your computer. I can trouble shoot your slow computer! I also teach iPhone and iPad. I set up new computers at less than half the price the retailers charge.

Windows 10 specialist. I can also build a beautiful small business website at a fraction of the going rates. Special Projects always welcome! Tony 732-997-8192. (t/n) Cheap Painting Done Rite Free estimates. Fully insured. 38 years experience. 732-506-7787 cell 646-643-7678.

(37) Man With Van LLC Home Improvements - All Phases of Carpentry Masonry Landscaping Repairs Restorations Demolition Debris Removal Cleanouts Dumpster Service Spring Cleanups Small Tree Trimming Pruning Removal NO JOB TOO SMALL Jim 609335-0330 HIC#13VH1080600. (13) Paint Your Rooms - Fast Clean Neat, Starting At $50. Per Room. Wallpaper Removal, Exteriors, Power Washing Call 732-864-6396 Leave Voicemail.

(4)

ALL American Home Health Aides Experienced experts in the field of trauma and recovery. Holistic approach to healing-nutrition, physical therapy, and quality of life improvements. Hourly or live in. Honest, hardworking, etc. Includes housekeeping, rides to doctors/pleasure. Skip the rest, come to the best. 732-664-3605 (t/n) Need A Ride - Senior discounts.

Airports: NEW, PHIL, AC, Trenton.

Tom. Save ad. 551-427-0227.

(4)

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Deadline For Classified Ads: 12pm Monday (For that Saturday’s publication) CLASSIFIEDS CANNOT BE PLACED OVER THE PHONE. If you have any questions, please call Ali at 732-657-7344, ext. 203.

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 26, The Southern Ocean Times, February 22, 2020

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE Nominations Are Open For The CHLP Awards

The Optical Shop of Lacey with Kirk Optometry

442 Lacey Road • Forked River • “Cranberry Commons” Comprehensive Eye Exams • Pediatric/Infant Eye Exams Emergency Care • Red Eyes • Glaucoma • Diabetes Contact Lenses & Vision Therapy Exams: 242-4205 • Tara Kirk, OD, Optometrist • Lic. #270A00638600 Optical: 693-3944 • Roger W. Naylor, Optician • Lic. #TD 1092 Living, working and serving Lacey Twp. since 1978. Providing quality and service with old-fashioned craftsmanship.

www.kirkoptometry.com

SOUTH ORANGE – The Community Health Law Project (CHLP) is currently accepting nominations for the 2020 Ann Klein Advocate Awards and Mike Lione Accessibility Award being held on October 22 at The Wilshire Grand Hotel in West Orange.

In its 33rd year, the prestigious Ann Klein Advocate Award is given to a group of select individuals and organizations, nominated by the public, who have performed exemplary work as advocates for people living with disabilities and/or vulnerable populations.

The award is named in memory of Ann Klein, former Commissioner of the NJ Department of Human Services, whose career as a public servant, legislator and social worker paved the way for significant

advances in the human services systems throughout the State of New Jersey.

2019’s recipients included Phillip Lubitz, MSW, Associate Director, NAMI New Jersey, The National Alliance on Mental Illness; The Miracle Project, Mayo Performing Arts Center; Gina M. Plotino, Vice President, Programs and Operations, Bergen County’s United Way, President, GMP Consulting, Inc.; Rabbi Dr. Francine Reibman, Co-founder and Co-chair Children’s Emergency Medical Fund of New Jersey; Peter Scerbo, Executive Director, (Retired) CBHCare, Inc. The Mike Lione Accessibility Award was established in 2013 in memory of long time Community Health Law Project board member and former chair Mike Lione.

This award is presented to an individual or entity that has performed exemplary work as an advocate for accessibility on behalf of persons living with disabilities.

The 2019 recipient is Michael R. Dribbon, PhD, Vice President of Business Development and Chief Innovation and Research Officer, Children’s Specialized Hospital and Center for Discovery, Innovation and Development.

In its 43rd year as a statewide nonprofit advocacy and legal services organization, the CHLP has provided services to tens of thousands of individuals throughout the state. Each year, the CHLP helps nearly 5,000 NJ residents with disabilities through brief service and representation.

The Community Health Law Project is proud to honor those who strive to truly make a difference.

Award nomination deadline is April 17.

For more information, visit chlp.org or call 973-275-1175.

The Community Health Law Project is a non-profit, legal aid society founded in 1976.

With a dedication to serving the legal needs of persons with disabilities throughout New Jersey, CHLP provides legal and advocacy services, training, education, and related activities to persons with disabilities and, in certain issues, to organizations representing their interests, with an emphasis on those most vulnerable and needy.

State Parks Accepting Applications

NEW JERSEY – New Jersey State Parks, Forest and Historic sites are accepting applications for 2020 seasonal jobs.

Positions include lifeguards, office workers, Visitor Service Assistants, Trail Stewards, General Maintenance and Naturalists and Historic Educators.

For more information about employment, visit nj.gov.dep/workinparks

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Southern Ocean Times, February 22, 2020, Page 27

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE Girl Scouts Of The Jersey Shore Announces Annual Gala

FARMINGDALE – Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore will host its annual Women of Distinction & Community Partners Gala on Friday, March 20, at Eagle Oaks Golf and Country Club in Farmingdale.

A distinguished group of Jersey Shore leaders and a community-minded business will be honored at the event, which will take place from 6-11 p.m. The annual gala raises vital funds that enable girls in Monmouth and Ocean counties to access Girl Scout programs and experiences, which empower them to become women of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.

The 2020 gala honorees are: Women of Distinction: • Anne M. Davis, an attorney with offices in Brick • Christine Hanlon, Monmouth County clerk • Frances Keane, vice president of human resources, CentraState Healthcare Systems and chairwoman of the Girl Scouts Board of Directors • Dana Lancellotti, director of business development and tourism, Ocean County • Dr. Janice Warner, interim provost, Georgian Court University

Community Partner: • Lakewood BlueClaws, an affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, and long-time supporter of Girl Scouts Man Enough to be a Girl Scout Member of the Year: • Wayne Boatwright, vice president of diversity and inclusion, Hackensack Meridian Health Girls Scouts is honored to have Tom Hayes and Teri O’Connor return as gala co-chairs.

Hayes serves as director of consumer and community relations at New Jersey Natural Gas and O’Connor is county administrator for Monmouth County and fi rst vice chairperson of the Girl Scouts Board of Directors.

Individual gala tickets are $225 and include a cocktail reception, dinner, music, gift auctions and raffle, plus introductions of gala honorees from Girl Scouts who have earned the Gold Award and those on their way to achieving this top Girl Scout honor.

Tickets, sponsorships and ads for the event journal may be purchased online at gsfun. org/gala. For more information about opportunities to support the event, including auction donations, call 800-785-2090 or e-mail gala@jerseyshoregirlscouts.org.

US Census Bureau Events Coming To Library

TOMS RIVER – In support of the 2020 United States Census on April 1, the Ocean County Library will offer practical workshops and informative lectures, presented by the US Census Bureau, at various branches through March.

Discussions include methods to achieve accurate population counts, how Census information is used, and the value of participation. Workshops will offer instruction to everyone interested in working within the US Census Bureau during Census 2020.

Scheduled events include: •“An Accurate Count for the 2020 Census in Ocean County,” 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24, Toms River Branch. Attendees will discuss the impact of county and municipal response rates on Ocean County’s federal funding and Congressional representation for the next 10 years. Application information for temporary part-time census jobs will be provided.

•“Census Jobs Workshop,” 2 p.m. Friday Feb. 28, Toms River Branch. Participants can learn how to apply for opportunities offering excellent pay, flexible hours, and paid training. A recruiter will be available.

•“Census Jobs Workshop,” 2 p.m.

Thursday Mar. 12, Toms River Branch.

Participants can learn how to apply for opportunities offering excellent pay, flex-

ible hours, and paid training. A recruiter will be available.

•“The 2020 Census and Why We Should Participate,” 2 p.m. Monday, Mar. 23, Toms River Branch. Attendees can learn the Census’s role in maximizing federal dollars and Congressional representation, plus Ocean County population counts and traits dating back to 1850. Application information for temporary part-time census jobs will be provided.

•“You Count: Census 2020,” 2 p.m. Tuesday Mar. 24, Long Beach Island Branch.

Attendees can learn why the Census is important, how to answer Census questions, and steps being taken to protect information.

The Toms River Branch is located at 101 Washington Street, Toms River. The Lacey Branch is located at 10 E. Lacey Road, Forked River. The Long Beach Island Branch is located at 217 S. Central Avenue, Surf City.

Additional discussions and workshops may be scheduled. Registration is required for the free discussions and workshops, except where otherwise indicated. To register, call the Toms River Branch, 732-364-5900; Lacey Branch, 609-693-8566; Long Beach Island Branch, 609-494-2480; or visit theoceancounty library.org/events

Send your community events to news@jerseyshoreonline.com

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jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 28, The Southern Ocean Times, February 22, 2020

OFFERING: Lottery • Fresh Coffee Hot Breakfast Sandwiches Subs • Soda • Candy & MUCH MORE!

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AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE New Program Created To Help Substance Abuse Disorder

By Alyssa Riccardi OCEAN COUNTY – Do you need a helping hand? Well a new program has been announced that can help you or a loved one.

The Prosecutor’s Office has formed Ocean County Helping Hand (OCHH), a program that was created to identify and assist any person who is struggling with substance use disorder.

“Ocean County Helping Hand is made possible by a grant from the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General and the Office of the New Jersey Coordinator for Addiction Responses and Enforcement Strategies (NJ CARES). The grant allows for some latitude in how we utilize our resources. My team and I identified a segment of the community as being at risk and under serviced regarding access to substance use disorder treatment. In researching viable options, my team and I determined there is a significant segment of the community frequently returns to our municipal courts. These are individuals that commit minor possessory and paraphernalia type offenses. They get into a little bit of trouble but they never graduate to indictable level crimes. As such,

they are never exposed to or offered any type of substance use disorder treatment.

With that in mind, we designed Ocean County Helping Hand to meet them where they are: in our municipal courts,” Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer stated.

OCHH has currently taken in 19 individuals who were screened for services and/ or treatments and will be monitored by the OCPO team for up to twelve months. The program will help assist people in multiple ways including occupational training, housing and transportation assistance, family support services, and Naloxone training.

“OCHH is another weapon in the arsenal in our war against the opioid epidemic and substance use disorder. We will continue to explore natural intersections between law enforcement and those individuals struggling from substance use disorder.

With support of our community partners, we will make progress in our ongoing effort to effectively combat the opioid epidemic in Ocean County,” Prosecutor Billhimer concluded.

For more information, call 732-929-2027 or visit ocponj.gov

Friday Night Recovery Meetings

COMING SOON BERKELEY TOWNSHIP LAW OFFICE OPENING 2020 To better serve your legal needs 600 Mule Road Suite 16, Toms River Robert C. Shea Marc S. Galella Dina M. Vicari Michael J. Deem Christopher R. Shea Robert C. Shea II Estate Planning Personal Injury Real Estate Medicaid Law Medical Malpractice Condominium Law Municipal Court

Manchester Area (732) 408-9455

Email: rshea@rcshea.com

244-0940 for more information.

WINGS Meetings: This peer-run meeting, Wellness In Nurtured Grief Support, or WINGS, is offered to those in recovery.

Topics include death of a loved one, job loss, divorce, and other loss that is related to substance use. Participants are offered support, understanding and coping strategies.

WINGS meets at 5:45 p.m. on Mondays at Journey to Wellness, 25 S. Shore Drive, Toms River. Call 848-480-0905.

Students Learn About DART Prevention

Land Use & Planning Estate Litigation General Litigation Commercial Litigation Construction Litigation Workers’ Compensation Tax Appeals

Toms River Area 244 Main Street Toms River, NJ 08753 (732) 505-1212

OCEAN COUNTY –The Mental Health Association - Ocean County offers multiple meeting options for individuals in recovery every Friday. Times are as follows: • 6:15 p.m. Mental Health • 6:15 p.m. Men’s Group • 7:30 p.m. Double Trouble for those with both mental health and substance use disorders.

Groups are held at Journey to Wellness, 25 S. Shore Drive, Toms River. Call 732-

Brick Area (732) 451-0800

OCEAN COUNTY – Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer was honored to speak to the 8th and 9th grade students in Point Pleasant Borough prior to “Anytown.”

“Anytown” is a musical performance that focuses on the effects of opioid abuse and its’ origins as it relates to student athletes

and their families. The DART Coalition, George Street Playhouse and Point Pleasant Borough Schools Superintendent Vincent Smith educated the students about the dangers of opioid abuse and the importance of making smart decisions and avoiding peer pressure.

Belmar/Lake Como Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Fundraiser Program

BELMAR – Join in for the 2020 Belmar/ Lake Como Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Fundraiser Program. The following is a schedule of events: • Feb. 23: Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh, 815 16th Avenue, Belmar, 2 to 6 p.m. Entertainment – Hot & Cold Buffet. Donation $15.

Call 732-681-7576.

• Feb. 29: Investiture Mass at St. Rose

Church, 601 7th Avenue, Belmar, 10 a.m.

Investiture Luncheon immediately following at Mike Doolan’s, Rt. 71, Spring Lake Heights, NJ. Luncheon Donation $35. Call 732-681-6171.

• March 1: Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, 12:30 p.m., Main Street, Lake Como & Belmar.

For information, call 732-280-2648 or email info@belmarparade.com.

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Southern Ocean Times, February 22, 2020, Page 29

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE Man Involved In Ocean County Shooting & All Day Manhunt Indicted

By Bob Vosseller TOMS RIVER – A New Haven, Connecticut man who led police on a chase to New York City has been indicted on charges of attempted murder, kidnapping, unlawful possession of a fi rearm for an unlawful purpose and multiple other charges.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Miguel Angel-Villegas, 29, was indicted on multiple charges including that of being a certain person not to possess a weapon; burglary; eluding; aggravated assault; aggravated assault; hindering apprehension or prosecution; and resisting arrest.

Angel-Villegas is currently lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending arraignment.

Tuckerton Borough Police performed a motor vehicle stop in which Angel-Villegas was a passenger on Nov. 21.

During that stop, the vehicle pulled away at a very high speed and collided with an-

other vehicle, injuring that vehicle’s driver at which point Angel-Villegas exited the vehicle, pulled out a fi rearm and began firing at the responding police officer.

Angel-Villegas later fled on foot and was apprehended later the same night by the United States Marshals Service and members of the New York City Police Department just outside of Penn Station, New York City.

An investigation by Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit detectives revealed that Angel-Villegas had previously threatened to kill his then-girlfriend – the driver of the vehicle -- if she did not drive him from Connecticut to New Jersey.

According to police findings, he ordered her to provide the Tuckerton Borough Police Officer with a fictitious name and threatened her with a handgun, forcing her to speed away from the officer during the motor vehicle stop.

OCC Alumna Honored At Luncheon

By Alyssa Riccardi OCEAN COUNTY – Hailey Dries, an Ocean County College alumna, was declared a “Woman of the Year” at the 28th Annual National Girls & Women in Sports Award Luncheon.

As the two-year starting pitcher for the OCC Vikings Softball team from 2017

to 2019, Dries has earned both NJCAA All-Region XIX and All-Garden State Athletic Conference Team honors in both of her seasons played.

She ended her OCC athletic career ranked first in team history with 249 total strikeouts, and tied for first with 26 wins.

Library To Collect Prom Dresses & Tuxedos

MANCHESTER – The Ocean County Library is holding their 12th Annual Prom Dress Giveaway. The event will bring joy to young women and men, who prior to this charitable event, were unable to attend their Spring Formal or Prom.

Short and long styles are accepted within

the last 5 years, dry cleaned items are preferred, no rips, tears or stains. Accessories, shoes and purses will not be accepted.

Dresses and tuxedos will be accepted at all locations of The Ocean County Library now through March 12.

Volunteers Needed For Hospice Care

OCEAN COUNTY - Compassionate Care Hospice is looking for volunteers who are willing to give companionship to a patient and their family.

This is a gift one gives to themselves as

the rewards are abounding – to help another at this time in their lives. For more information contact Volunteer Coordinator Kathleen O’Connell at 914-275-5766 or e-mail her at kathleen.oconnell@cchnet.net

New Discussion Group To Form

OCEAN COUNTY – A Zionist/Israel discussion group now being formed in the Ocean County area. Be a part of something important.

The group will discuss books, authors, websites, events and much more.

For more information, text or call 732551-4869.

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

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jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 30, The Southern Ocean Times, February 22, 2020

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE New BlueClaws Uniforms Are A Home Run Independent & Assisted Living Personalized Assistance for the Independent Resident

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−Photo courtesy Lakewood BlueClaws

By Alyssa Riccardi LA K EWOOD – This summer, the BlueClaws will be sporting brand new and unique beach-themed uniforms. This shirt and hat outfit were customized just for the team, the hat having a playing color scheme of reds, blues and yellows like a beach ball, with a sand-colored brim.

Showcasing the BlueClaws logo at the front of the cap, the adorable little blue crab is embroidered and is wearing a beach pail as its shell. The shirt is a light blue color with royal blue sleeves and red pipping to accent. The BlueClaws logo is also shown on the left side of the jersey.

“We’re very excited to debut this alternate uniform in 2020,” said Team President Joe Ricciutti. “Over the last several years, we have brought elements of the Jersey Shore to the ballpark, and this is another logical step. Our team is going to look fantastic and we can’t wait to debut them on April 16th!”

The BlueClaws are set to dress in the new uniforms for every Thursday home game for the 2020 summer season.

There is also new merchandise that fans can purchase in the Claws Cove gift shop and online at BlueClaws.com/shop Throughout the past couple of years, the BlueClaws have seen numerous amounts of additions to the ball park that have significantly made the place have a more fun and friendly atmosphere. Some of these upgrades include a family mini golf course

by right field which was added in 2018.

The Toyota World of Lakewood Home Run Pavilion was also added in 2018 and incorporates five classic boardwalk games that kids and adults can play. For adults, BlueClaws opened up a Biergarten where they host Thirsty Thursdays presented by 95.9 WRAT and the Coors Light Summer Concert Series.

“These ballpark enhancements have further driven home the BlueClaws’ commitment to affordable, family entertainment here at the Jersey Shore,” said Ricciutti. “In particular this year, we’re going to reach 8-million fans and celebrate 20 years at the Shore. It’s a great time to be a BlueClaws fan.”

Right now, 2020 BlueClaws Membership Plans are available for purchase. As a member, you will receive premium items, plus a hot dog, soda and ice cream at each game.

You can also purchase boardwalk bundle tickets which are $15 and consist of a reserved seat ticket, a hot dog, soda, novelty ice cream, and game ticket for the Toyota World of Lakewood Home Run Pavilion.

For more information, visit BlueClaws.com.

YOUR AD COULD BE HERE!

CALL 732.657.7344 TO FIND OUT HOW!!

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Southern Ocean Times, February 22, 2020, Page 31

Omarr’s Astrological Forecast For the week of feb 22 - feb 28

By Jeraldine Saunders

ARIES (March 21-April 19): As this week unfolds, your desire for excitement could begin to wear thin on others. You like to stir things up but should remember to keep your promises. Someone might be immune to your obvious charms.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You may receive more attention than expected. You can be a dynamic leader whenever there is something new to try since you are willing to experiment. In the week to come your love life could be intriguing.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Talk your way to the top. In the week ahead, your words can have an impact whether you are talking about business or discussing your goals. One of your loved ones could be unpredictable in the week ahead.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Keep your ear to the ground. Although conversations can be distracting, you will hear some useful bits of information, especially during the first half of the week. Use your financial savvy to enrich your bottom line.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): A partner may be enthusiastic about helping you with one of your projects. Work together in the first half of the week for the best results. You are especially astute about financial matters and can make practical decisions.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Tell it like it is. During the upcoming week you could have a change of heart, but if you are honest about your feelings, a loved one will be understanding. You may be asked to donate to a group’s good cause.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): You might not

have much of a chance for romance as the week unfolds. Although your heart is filled to the brim with affection, practical matters could take precedence. Enjoy some happy changes to your plans.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Your good sense when handling financial affairs might brighten your reputation. Your workplace might be a center for social exchanges, or your friends might need some help with a fun project in the upcoming week.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Don’t just hope that the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow will land in your lap. In the week to come, you can use your expertise to make money. Tackle problems with resourcefulness and ingenuity.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): All you need to do is faithfully keep your promises in the week ahead. You might see the advantage in altering plans, but this might upset someone in your family unit. Find a compromise to prevent disputes.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): When you hear about a new idea or application, you readily see the possibilities and eagerly incorporate it into your daily routines. A partner may be adept at making savvy business decisions in the week ahead.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): People are willing to accept your decisions, although you may change your mind frequently. During the week ahead, you may purchase things that don’t suit your lifestyle because you want to be more logical.

(c) 2020 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

wolfgang puck’s kitchen Pie Games: Global Ingredients Combine To Make A Perfect Wintertime Pizza

By Wolfgang Puck Nowadays, pizza is more than just an Italian specialty. You’ll find people enjoying it wherever you travel around the world, from America to England to Japan to Qatar and beyond.

I’m happy to have played some part in spreading that popularity, since I first began giving pizzas a new contemporary California spin at the first location of Spago I opened in Hollywood back in early 1982. Before then, not many people could have imagined pizzas topped with such gourmet and internationally influenced ingredients as duck sausage, smoked salmon with caviar, chicken with Mexican jalapeno peppers, or even something as far removed from most pizza lovers’ thinking as Peking duck! But we decided from the beginning to be inventive and have as much fun making pizza as people have eating it. The results definitely caught on.

To me, pizza is a food to enjoy year round, whatever the occasion. And the wide range of topping ingredients available now makes it possible to adapt pizzas to any time of year and any occasion. The following recipe is a fine example of that approach.

It traces back to the early days of Spago, combining ingredients from Italy, Asia, France and Germany to make a hearty yet refined tasting dish I find perfect for wintertime.

Black Forest ham is a high-quality deli meat produced in the mountainous Black Forest region of southwestern Germany. I’ve always enjoyed its hearty yet refined, sweet and slightly spicy flavor, which results from curing, aging, cold-smoking and air-curing the meat over several weeks. Being prepared at cool temperatures, true Black Forest ham looks like a raw food rather than a cooked product, and it’s generally eaten like the similarly appearing Italian prosciutto, cut into thin, almost translucent slices. Those are the sort of slices you should start with for the pizza, either cut for you to order at a deli counter or purchased pre-sliced in a vacuum-sealed package at most well-stocked supermarkets.

To complement this featured ingredient, my pizza also includes silky, earthy slices of pan-grilled or sauteed slender Japanese or Asian-style eggplants, which have a milder flavor and fewer seeds than the larger globe varieties. Along with the mixture of Italian fontina and mozzarella cheeses I enjoy on just about all my pizzas, I also add some fresh, creamy goat cheese like French chevre or one of the excellent varieties now produced in America.

This eclectic combination of toppings adds up to a worldly pizza that feels at once both sophisticated and down-to-earth, refined and heartily comforting - a perfect casual main dish for you to warm up with when the weather outside feels cold and blustery.

BLACK FOREST HAM AND GOAT CHEESE PIZZA Makes 4 individual pizzas 1 batch Wolfgang’s Pizza Dough (recipe follows), divided into 4 balls All-purpose flour or semolina, for dusting 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1 cup (250 mL) shredded fontina cheese 2 cups (500 mL) shredded mozzarella cheese,

about 1/2 pound (250 g), or an equivalent weight in thinly sliced fresh mozzarella 2 small slender Japanese eggplants, trimmed and cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch (6-mm) slices, brushed with oil and grilled until tender, or sauteed in olive oil; or 1/2 pound large cultivated mushrooms or cremini mushrooms, cut into 1/4-inch (6-mm) slices and sauteed in olive oil until golden 1 cup (250 mL) crumbled fresh goat cheese 4 ounces (125 g) thinly sliced Black Forest ham, cut into thin julienne strips 1 bunch fresh basil leaves, 4 small sprigs reserved for garnish, remaining leaves chopped Set an oven rack at the highest level, place a pizza stone or baker’s tiles on the rack, and preheat to 500 F (260 C).

Roll or stretch each piece of pizza dough into a circle 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter.

One at a time, place a circle of dough on a wood peel (paddle) or rimless baking sheet lightly dusted with flour or semolina. Brush with oil and sprinkle with some pepper flakes to taste. Arrange a quarter each of the fontina and mozzarella on the dough, leaving a narrow rim. Arrange a quarter each of the eggplant, goat cheese and ham on top. Sprinkle with chopped basil.

Slide the pizza from the peel onto the baking stone.

Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the rim is deep golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes.

Using the peel, remove the pizza from the oven.

With a pizza wheel, mezzaluna, or large sharp knife, cut into slices, then transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with a basil sprig. Serve immediately, letting guests take individual slices.

Assemble, bake and serve the three remaining pizzas the same way.

WOLFGANG’S PIZZA DOUGH Makes 4 balls, each about 6 ounces (185 g) 1 package active dry or fresh yeast 1 teaspoon honey 1 cup (250 mL) warm water, 105 F to 115 F (40 C to 46 C) 3 cups (750 mL) all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and honey in 1/4 cup (60 mL) of the warm water.

In a food processor, combine the flour and salt. Add the oil, the yeast mixture, and the remaining water, and process until the mixture forms a ball.

Turn the dough out onto a clean work surface and knead by hand 2 or 3 minutes longer. The dough should be smooth and firm. Cover with a clean, damp towel and let rise in a cool spot for about 2 hours. (When ready, the dough will stretch as it is lightly pulled).

Divide the dough into 4 equal balls. Work each by pulling down the sides and tucking under the bottom. Repeat four or five times. Then on a smooth, unfloured surface, roll each under the palm of your hand until the top is smooth and firm, about 1 minute. Cover with a damp towel and let rest 1 hour. At this point, the balls can be wrapped in plastic and refrigerated for up to two days.

(Chef Wolfgang Puck’s TV series,“Wolfgang Puck’s Cooking Class,” airs Sundays on the Food Network. Also, his latest cookbook, “Wolfgang Puck Makes It Easy,” is now available in bookstores. Write Wolfgang Puck in care of Tribune Media Services Inc., 2225 Kenmore Ave., Suite 114, Buffalo, NY 14207) © 2020 TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.

Page 32, The Southern Ocean Times, February 22, 2020

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