2021-06-26 - The Southern Ocean Times

The

SOUTHERN OCEAN Times Vol. 9 - No. 1

MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS

JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM

School District Wants Pot Sales To Offset Budget

In This Week’s Edition

BREAKING NEWS @

jerseyshoreonline.com

Community News Page 9-13

Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 16

Inside The Law Page 19

Classifieds Page 21

June 26, 2021

−Photos by Bob Vosseller (Left) Moose Lodge President Gary Sarnecki holds up a Tommy Moose stuffed animal explaining that a number of them were donated by the Lodge to police and emergency responders as a calming device for children during emergency responses. (Right) Lacey Moose Lodge Treasurer Joe Pandorf was grilling during a recent barbeque event at the Moose Lodge 1907 in Lanoka Harbor.

By Bob Vosseller LACEY – Giving out $22,000 to service organizations showcased the mission of the Loyal Order of Moose Lacey Lodge 1907 during a recent barbecue attended by members, special guests, and families.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the 1,300-strong lodge has remained active. Recipients of the checks included the township’s three fire departments, two EMS units, Lacey Underwater Rescue and Recovery Team, Lacey

Attendees of the Lacey Moose Lodge 1907 listen to a check presentation

by Lodge officers.

Food Bank, the police department, Vetworks, Municipal Alliance and the Popcorn Park Zoo. The event started at

1 p.m. with check presentations following at 3 p.m. and then it was time to eat.

Lodge Treasurer Joe

Pandorf wasn’t counting money during the event, instead he was looking over chicken on (Lodge - See Page 4)

COVID Report More Positive Than Past

By Stephanie Faughnan TOMS RIVER – As the liaison to the Ocean County Health Department, Commissioner Gerry P. Little has delivered his share of bad news since officials began reporting COVID-19 updates last March.

For a long while, the focus was on documenting numbers – both positive cases and coronavirus-related deaths. Then, fast forward and Little’s report included acknowledging the difficulty in securing sufficient COVID-19 vaccine allocations.

During the height of the virus, health department officials gave daily reports of positive test results in excess of three digits. It also was not uncommon for individual municipalities to document more than 100 cases in one day.

Hospitals in Ocean County went on divert several times. Nursing homes became overrun with COVID-19 outbreaks. And – thousands ultimately lost their lives to the novel coronavirus.

In a county with more than a third of

residents over 65, the struggle hit close to home. The next battle was locating enough vaccines for those considering it as an option.

When Little delivered his COVID-19 report at the most recent Ocean County Commissioner’s meeting, the first thing he did was remark on the smiling faces he saw from the dais. County directors concerned about crowding meetings returned to the meeting room for the first time in (Positive - See Page 4)

By Stephanie Faughnan WARETOWN − After suffering the third annual cut in state funding, the Ocean Township School District faces critical budget deficits.

And – there are reportedly more losses to come.

State law only allows the school district to raise taxes two percent per year. So, the state cuts funding, and then says that the district can’t fill the budget hole with taxes.

Ocean Township school board members think they have a better solution, which they presented at their most recent meeting.

“We believe the recreational marijuana industry could potentially provide significant extra income for the school district,” said Shawn Denning, Jr., board president. “We believe this would help stop the need to make cuts for students and reduce the additional tax burden to taxpayers.”

Soon after voters decided in favor of recreational marijuana, Ocean Township schools formed a Marijuana Impact Committee. The committee began with just Denning, and the board’s vice president, Sue McDowell, with local residents Joey Fabozzi and Beth SelphSitler added when they asked to participate.

The committee’s original charge contained no mention regarding the delegation of tax revenue; concentration focused more on education and the location of cannabis businesses.

Committee members reviewed concerns about on-site consumption as well as the availability of edible products.

“We recommend that the policies within the municipal government and the school district are updated regarding the use of marijuana for recreation,” Denning suggested. “We’d like to see employees educated about marijuana usage expectations and set up educational programs to comply with the evolutionary use of marijuana in the community.”

Fabozzi began advocating for marijuana sales in the township even before recreational pot became legal. He took it upon himself to email school staff members to solicit their support for a local shop to save the school and their jobs.

Fabozzi also contacted dispensaries to schedule virtual meetings.

For yet another year, cannabis sales remain a part of Fabozzi’s write-in candidacy campaign (School - See Page 5)

Page 2, The Southern Ocean Times, June 26, 2021

jerseyshoreonline.com

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Southern Ocean Times, June 26, 2021, Page 3

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 4, The Southern Ocean Times, June 26, 2021

Lodge:

Continued From Page 1 the grill and making sure they were cooked just right. He was one of several Moose members who took a grill shift during the afternoon.

Pandorf said it was a way for the public to learn more about what the Moose, and in particular, the Lacey Lodge, does.

“We have a very active Women of the Moose membership as part of the lodge,” Pandorf added. Louisa Kasper is the current Senor Regent for the Women of the Moose.

She presented the Popcorn Park Zoo an additional check from their auxiliary for $500.

“The Popcorn Park Zoo is a very special cause for us and we wanted to give them something extra this year,” Kasper said.

“Popcorn Park Zoo Animal Control Officer Marie Cymanski appreciated the additional donation and presented Kasper with a gift of

Positive:

Continued From Page 1 ages. Most assembled felt comfortable with removing their masks.

“We have to thank our health department for this massive response,” said Little.

“Overnight, we only had 19 new confirmed cases, which brings the total to 65,804.”

Only eight municipalities throughout the county reported at least one case on the day of Little’s report. Lakewood led the list, followed by Toms River and Jackson,

a cardboard purple peacock standup which is symbolic to the Forked River based zoo’s popular wandering birds.

The weather cooperated with the rain arriving just around the time when everyone finished up their meal which included chicken, hot dogs, hamburgers, various pasta dishes, sausage, peppers and onions, chili, salad, watermelon and various other items.

“It is our annual give back to the township day. We only skipped last year because of COVID,” said Bobby Brown, the group’s administrator. Food donations were collected during the afternoon for the Lacey Food Bank. There was a truck present at the barbecue. “We felt it would be a real nice thing to be able to fill the truck with donations for them,” Brown said.

Brown added, “we have a lot of benefits that people come out to support. If some unforeseen thing happens to a family, we hold big events to help them. We have a

good town here.

“Normally, it is a check for $1,000. It is usually a $14,000 day but this year we did about double,” Brown said. “Even though COVID hit we are still solid here in supporting our town. It is a big day for us.”

“When I first came here, we had only 200 members but we have grown because it is a great place. We put a lot of heart into it,” Brown said.

Chaplain Dan Cortese was busy taking photos during the afternoon. He noted that the Lodge 1907’s board also includes Vice President Jim Linnell and Trustees Dan Balance, Vick Trasky Jr and Warren Smith Sr. Long time Moose member Frank Sarnecki was recognized during the event. He has served in numerous positions over the years including as a past Supreme Governor, the seventh Director General of the Loyal Order of Moose and Chief Executive Officer of Moose International, from March 1, 1994

to April 15, 1999.

Prior to that he served as Chairman of the Mooseheart Board of Governors and as a member of the Executive Committee. He served as Supreme Governor during the 1988-89 Moose year. He was joined at the event with his wife Joyce who sat on the supreme council for Moose International and his son Gary who serves as Lodge president.

“We are proud to have him as a member of our lodge,” Brown said during the presentation.

“This is a special day in all of our hearts.

I’ve been waiting for this for a year now.

Lacey Moose Lodge takes on this challenge to help those who need a helping hand and over the years it has been doing that,” Frank Sarnecki said.

The lodge is located at 305 South Main Street, Route 9, Lanoka Harbor. For information about Moose International, visit mooseintl.org.

which each documented three confirmed cases each.

“Long-term care facilities had six of the cases,” Little added. “For comparison purposes, there was a time that fifty nursing homes in the county that had an outbreak.”

Testing sites are seeing less traffic in comparison to the number previously swabbed at the direction of Ocean County health officials. Only four people showed up for COVID-19 tests last Tuesday.

According to Little, over 247,926 Ocean County residents are fully vaccinated. This

accounts for 49 percent of county residents over the age of 18.

Ocean County authorities arranged for additional vaccination sites throughout the county, including sessions at the Ocean County Fire Training Academy on June 28.

In addition, many libraries have taken on vaccine schedules.

The numbers have already increased in the week since Little’s report. Of the 510,000 Ocean County residents considered eligible for the vaccine, nearly 284,000 received at least one dose of the vaccine. Over 252,000

are now fully vaccinated.

Mortality statistics offer a dark picture of COVID-19 devastating impact in Ocean County. Lost lives currently total 2001, with Lakewood, Manchester, and Toms River all reporting more than 300 who succumbed to the virus.

Little said that vaccines are available in several locations throughout the county, including the RWJ Barnabas Healthcare Arena, Southern Regional High School, and a drive-thru clinic at Ocean County College.

jerseyshoreonline.com

School:

Continued From Page 1 for township government. He’d also like to see revenue come in from legal prostitution – and affordable housing requirements abandoned.

Fabozzi announced his displeasure when the Ocean Township Committee joined other local communities in banning non-medical use cannabis sales.

Ocean Township officials passed an ordinance last year to allow a medical marijuana dispensary to set up shop in a commercially zoned area. At their May meeting, the township committee outlawed recreational shops – at least for now.

“The Township is waiting for the Cannabis Commission to send down the actual requirements involving recreational marijuana,” explained Deputy Mayor Ben LoParo. “The Township of Ocean is not against having recreational cannabis businesses, which would need to be established according to the laws, licensing, and zoning requirements set by the state.”

Any action regarding the reversal of the ban on recreational shops needs to come

WA R ETOW N − The Tow nship of Ocean is seeking color, scenic photos of the Township for the 2022 Annual Township Calendar, to be published and distributed to all Township of Ocean residents.

The Southern Ocean Times, June 26, 2021, Page 5 from the committee of three that makes up Ocean Township’s government. They also ultimately determine the tax revenue distribution, with no requirements to share with the school board.

Nonetheless, the Ocean Township School Board plans to provide its recommendations to the township committee. As far as the money aspect, school board members hope to take in all of the tax dollars – but will settle for a lesser portion.

“A couple of cannabis businesses we talked to felt that they could generate between $8 million and $10 million in sales,” Denning shared. “That could give us between $160,000 to $200,000 annually.”

Legislation passed by the state government includes a breakdown of tax revenue available to municipalities that agree to recreational cannabis businesses in their communities.

The school board’s estimated revenue applies to the two percent tax revenue available for retail sales. Municipalities can also adopt ordinances imposing transfer tax on the sale of cannabis or cannabis items.

Towns that permit other recreational

−Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Ocean Township Bd of Ed members, L to R - Brian Tart, Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Chris Lommerin, Kelly Zuzic, VP Sue McDowell, Pres. Shawn Denning Jr. and Daniel Eberenz. marijuana businesses can take in additional revenue, including up to two percent each for on-site cannabis cultivation and man-

Waretown Seeks Local Photos For Calendar Submissions should be sent in landscape mode and should include the name of the photographer and the location of the photo. Submissions can be sent by e-mail to clerk@twpoceannj.gov or mailed to Township of Ocean, 50 Railroad Avenue,

Waretown, NJ 08758. All submissions are due by September 25, 2021.

Photos submitted to the Township will not be returned. By submitting photos you are granting the Township of Ocean the right of possession of the images or

ufacturer. In addition, up to one percent extra tax could be assessed to cannabis wholesalers.

photos and give the Township of Ocean the permission to make unlimited printed or developed photographs, for Township use.

If you have any questions, call 609-6933302 ext. 221.

Page 6, The Southern Ocean Times, June 26, 2021

jerseyshoreonline.com

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Southern Ocean Times, June 26, 2021, Page 7

Spotlight On Government Correspondence & Commentary From Your Local, County, State & Federal Officials

Congressman Andy Kim: Healthcare For Our Troops Act Endorsed By Military Support Organizations

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In the wake of a bipartisan bill introduced by Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) and Congressman Trent Kelly (MS-01) that would address what the head of the National Guard Bureau, Army General Daniel Hokanson, called “one of my most pressing concerns”, several military and service member support organizations have endorsed the Healthcare for our Troops Act. The bill, H.R. 3512, which would make nofee healthcare available to the over 800,000 Americans serving our nation in the Reserve and National Guard, is co-sponsored by the two co-chairs of the National Guard and Reserve Caucus, Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) and Congressman Steven Palazzo (MS-04), as well as Congressman Scott DesJarlais (TN-04), Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33), Congressman Jim Cooper (TN-05), Congresswoman Marie Newman (IL-03), Congressman Kaialiʻi Kahele (HI-02), and Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10).

This bill has the support of: National Guard Association of the U.S. (NGAUS), Military

Officers Association of America (MOAA), Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the U.S. (EANGUS), Association of the United States Army (AUSA), Chief Warrant Officers Association of the U.S. Coast Guard, Naval Enlisted Reserve Association, Reserve Organization of America (formerly Reserve Officers Association), Air Force Sergeants Association, the Wounded Warrior Project, VoteVets, and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation.

“You would think members of the force America counts on to be always ready, always there would all have health insurance, but that’s not the case. In fact, we’ve had to send National Guard soldiers and airmen to the frontlines of the worst public health crisis in a century without medical coverage. This legislation would ensure that never happens again. We applaud it,” said retired Brig. Gen. J. Roy Robinson, the NGAUS president. “It would also provide the Guard with a game-changing recruiting and retention tool, which would go a long way toward paying for this coverage,” he added. “It’s the right thing to do for the Guard and the nation.”

“The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States (EANGUS) would like to express our gratitude to Rep. Andy Kim for his hard work and dedication to the National Guard and his efforts to ensure medical readiness for our servicemembers,” said Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Karen Craig, President of the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States. “Ensuring that National Guard servicemembers are ready to answer our nation’s call is always of the utmost concern. Medical readiness is one of the most critical aspects of ensuring our members are prepared at a moment’s notice and providing healthcare is the key to ensuring this happens.”

Specifically, if enacted, the Healthcare for our Troops Act would: • Ensure every service member has healthcare • Provide premium-free/zero cost sharing medical and dental coverage for Selected Reserve members eligible for TRICARE Reserve Select (TRS) • Address financial barriers to seeking mental health care

• Improve readiness • Prepare service members for no-notice deployments • Provide comprehensive treatment for illnesses and injuries which affect medical readiness, regardless of duty status • Require a study on eliminating annual physicals during drill and replacing them with forms to be completed by civilian providers to assess medical readiness - giving commanders back valuable training days and saving over $162 million annually in contracted medical assessments • Provide incentives for service and hiring service members • Provide an employer incentive to hiring Guard and Reserve members by lessening demand for employer-sponsored healthcare plans.

• Eliminate the statutory language that excludes those eligible for Federal Employees Health Benefits Program from TRICARE Reserve Select eligibility • Fix the parity gap for Reserve Component retirees receiving early retirement pay due to deployment credits making them eligible for TRICARE upon receipt of retirement pay

Senator Menendez Slams New Flood Insurance Hikes

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, chair of the Sandy Task Force and the leading voice in Congress for sweeping reform to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), pressed the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) during a hearing before the Senate Banking Committee to be honest about the real impact of Risk Rating 2.0 on flood insurance policyholders, the vast majority of which will face annual premium hikes.

Despite their spin that Risk Rating 2.0 will deliver significant savings for policyholders, FEMA confirmed during questioning from Sen. Menendez that eight-in-ten NFIP policyholders will actually see their premiums rise.

“The Senator’s right,” said David Maurstad, FEMA’s Deputy Associate Administrator for Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration. “Eighty percent of policyholders will see their policies go up.”

“I think what I find even more frustrating is that we call Risk Rating 2.0 ‘Equity in Action’ when I think this new rating system is anything but equitable,” said Sen. Menendez. “The more and more expensive this insurance becomes, the less the pool that will exist and the premiums will continue to go up as there are less people in the pool, not to mention the ratable losses for communities across the nation, when you can’t sell the property at the end of the day because you can’t afford flood insurance… There’s a real impact for a very large number of

people and it’s not only the impact, it’s the size of the impact.”

The senator cited Keansburg, a largely blue collar, working-class community on Raritan Bay in Monmouth County with a median income of $52,000 that was devastated by Superstorm Sandy, in which 90% of its nearly 2,000 NFIP policyholders will see rate hikes under Risk Rating 2.0.

“Under Risk Rating 2.0, 90 percent of policyholders in Keansburg would be seeing premium increases in the first year and the increases continue to compound in years to come,” Sen. Menendez pointed out, making the case that hardworking families will bear the cost of steep premium hikes.

During his testimony, Maurstad misstated that all 217,000 NFIP policyholders in New Jersey will see premiums cut by an average $85 a month. In reality, FEMA’s own data shows 80 percent of New Jersey policyholders will see premium increases, with hundreds facing annual hikes over $1,000 and with no end in sight.

Sen. Menendez also pressed Maurstad on other areas to find cost-savings with the NFIP instead of putting an outsized burden on policyholders, namely the slashing the high compensation for WYO (Write-YourOwn) private insurance companies and freezing interest payments on the program’s debt to be reinvested in mitigation efforts.

Maurstad confirmed that every $1 spent in mitigation saves the NFIP $6 in claim payouts after a flood.

“I like anything the federal government can do 6-to-1 at the end of the day,” Sen. Menendez responded.

Sen. Menendez renewed his call for sweeping reforms to the NFIP as the program is due to expire in September without reauthorization from Congress. He is currently working towards introducing new, bipartisan NFIP reform legislation built upon legislation he led in the last Congress with Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.).

The National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorization and Reform (NFIP Re) Act of 2019 tackles systemic problems with flood insurance, lowers the cap on annual premium increases to ensure policies are affordable for homeowners, puts the NFIP back on solid fiscal ground, and reframes the nation’s entire disaster paradigm to one that focuses more on prevention and mitigation to spare the high cost of rebuilding after flood disasters.

Last month, Sen. Menendez questioned expert witnesses during a Banking Committee hearing on the need to make the NFIP more affordable, to revamp its

broken claims process that left many Superstorm Sandy survivors holding the bag, and to invest more in mitigation efforts to reduce risk and the ultimate cost to rebuild after a flood.

Sen. Menendez first exposed the problem of widespread lowballing of flood insurance claims during Congressional hearings he chaired in 2014, and then successfully pushed FEMA to reopen every Sandy flood insurance claim for review, which compensated Sandy victims with more than $260 million in additional payments they were initially denied.

Sen. Menendez authored the Superstorm Sandy Relief and Disaster Loan Program Improvement Act, which extended and expanded access to federal disaster loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). His Homeowner’s Flood Insurance Affordability Act was signed into law in 2014 to address skyrocketing rates many Sandy survivors were encountering.

In 2013, he shepherded the original $60 billion federal Sandy aid package through Congress.

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 8, The Southern Ocean Times, June 26, 2021

Safety Tips Given After Rabid Fox Attacks

By Bob Vosseller OCEAN COUNTY – Following multiple attacks in Jackson Township by a rabid fox, the Ocean County Health Department has issued a warning about what to do if you are approached or bitten by a wild animal.

Talia Nielsen said her children were playing in the front yard when the fox came out of nowhere and targeted the kids. Her 4-year-old, Lilith Cimino, was the last one to make it into the house and got bit on the back of the leg. Her older brother came out of the house, pulled the fox off, and slammed it to the ground. They covered it with a basket until authorities came.

Animal control took it away and it died shortly after. It later tested positive for rabies. Lilith is undergoing rabies post exposure prophylaxis.

The family lives in the neighborhood between Aldrich Road and West Connecticut Concourse. The OCHD received two additional reports of fox bites in that neighborhood occurring over the same two-day period.

OCHD Public Health Coordinator Daniel Regenye said the department “is always reminding people of the potential for an animal to become infected with rabies and the potential for human exposures. It does happen and that’s why it’s so important to remain vigilant especially in the warmer months when the potential for wildlife interactions with humans increase.”

If one animal is rabid, then it is possible

that there are others in the area that are rabid as well, health officials said. So, just because the one fox died doesn’t mean that the danger is past. Residents must stay on their guard – especially if they have children or pets.

“It can be very tempting to try and assist or approach a wild animal that may appear in distress, injured – or even uncommonly friendly. However, a person should call animal control or the police and never approach or make contact with a wild animal demonstrating those signs,” Regenye added.

Regenye noted that during spring and summer mammals may prefer to build their dens or shelters close to our homes, playgrounds, schools and neighborhoods. While there is still no cure for rabies, the good news is that human infection is extremely rare. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that there are typically only about one to three cases of rabies documented in humans each year.

The NJ Department of Health (NJDOH) estimates that approximately 2,500 people in New Jersey receive rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), due to exposure to known or suspect rabid animals. While any mammal can contract rabies, two of the most common carriers in Ocean County in the past have been bats and raccoons.

In 2020, there were two cases of animals that tested positive for rabies in Ocean County. Both animals were raccoons.

Ocean County Commissioner Gerry P. Little who serves as liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health said, “not only do we have to protect ourselves from rabies, we need to protect our pets and to insure they are up-to-date with their rabies inoculations.”

The Ocean County Animal Facilities holds free rabies clinics every other Wednesday by appointment only. Due to the pandemic many people may have skipped getting their pet vaccinated but if they did now is definitely the time to make an appointment.

Protection Tips Animal-proof your house and yard. Make sure all garbage is stored in animal-resistant containers.

Screen off vents to attics and other areas that could provide shelter for bats and squirrels.

Vaccinate your cat or dog against rabies.

Unvaccinated pets can contract rabies from wildlife and can transfer the disease to humans. These are safe and effective vaccines to protect our personal pets such as dogs and cats, and farm animals like cattle and sheep.

Never try to pet or approach a wild animal – even if it appears curious or friendly.

If You’re Bitten Wash your wound immediately with plenty of soap and water.

Contact your healthcare provider or hospital emergency department for care and

consultation regarding the need for rabies preventative treatment.

Report the incident to the OCHD at 732341-9700 ext. 7515.

If you are bitten, try and learn as much as you can about the animal. If it’s a known pet with a tag, contact the owner. If it’s a stray or wild animal, try to remember the last location you saw the animal and any distinguishing features or behavior that may be able to assist animal control officers in identifying and capturing the animal.

“Interactions with wildlife do happen suddenly, and sometimes, in the most unusual circumstances. Just be aware of your surroundings and environment and the type of wildlife that may call that area home. We all know how serious rabies can be, but unfortunately, it’s not always easy to determine if an animal is sick so it’s best to avoid any interactions and call animal control immediately especially if the animal is acting aggressive,” Regenye said.

The Northern Ocean County Animal Facility is located at 615 Freemont Avenue in Jackson. To make a rabies vaccine appointment please call 732-657-8086. The Southern Ocean County Animal Facility is located at 360 Haywood Road in Manahawkin. The number is 609-978-0127.

The animal facilities are open 7 days a week for adoptions, reclaims and surrenders by appointment only.

For further information regarding rabies visit ochd.org or state.nj.us.

B.E.A.T. Center: Five Years Of Turning Lives Around

By Chris Lundy and Bob Vosseller TOMS RIVER – It’s been five years, and it’s been a good start.

Partners of The B.E.A.T. Center recently celebrated their fifth anniversary as a hub

for community services.

B.E.A.T. stands for Bringing Everyone All Together, and it’s a fitting title. It’s a collaboration between Fulfill, the People’s Pantry (which is now run by Fulfill), and JBJ Soul

(B.E.A.T. - See Page 38)

Kitchen.

Singer and JBJ Foundation Chairman Jon Bon Jovi said, “when we conceptualized The B.E.A.T. Center at our kitchen table, we could never have imagined the impact it would have on the community.”

“We look forward to continuing our mission to serve those in need with dignity and respect,” Bon Jovi added. The B.E.A.T. Center was founded in 2016 on Hooper Avenue in Toms River.

During its first year, the partners projected the center would serve families in need with $5 million in food, job training, and other support services, with $5 million more each additional year. The B.E.A.T. Center exceeded all projections.

Within five years, the partners provided food and services valued at more than $30 million by serving nearly 10 million meals to their community and $7.7 million in benefits and other social services.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the JBJ Soul Kitchen provided more than 4,600 grab-and-go meals serving only those in need and 1,000 more meals delivered and served to community partners.

Between Fulfill’s food distribution center, JBJ Soul Kitchen and Fulfill’s People’s Pantry, more than half a million meals were distributed from The B.E.A.T. Center to the community during the height of the pandemic.

More Than Food The B.E.A.T. is a one-stop shop, said Linda Kellner, interim co-CEO and Director of Development for Fulfill.

The food at the People’s Pantry or the Soul Kitchen satisfies an immediate need. But while they are there, they can avail themselves of long-term help. They can sign up for food stamps, for example. There are staff who show them how to get affordable health insurance or do their taxes for no cost so they get the refunds they’re entitled to.

They work to stop the causes of hunger so that people can be self-sufficient.

For example, the culinary training center has graduated 103 people who have found steady employment and a living wage.

“B.E.A.T. gave us a physical footprint in Ocean County,” she said. It was important to have a location for all the various groups to operate out of. The synergy of them working together can help the whole person instead of just one aspect of someone’s life.

The building was also a distribution point for the crisis boxes. Each one can provide a family of four with enough food to last four days. These went to individuals and also to area nonprofits, senior centers, schools, veteran organizations, municipalities, and pantries throughout Ocean County.

“The impacts of the pandemic will last beyond the virus itself,” she said.

(B.E.A.T. - See Page 22)

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Southern Ocean Times, June 26, 2021, Page 9

CommUnitY neWS C LUB N EWS , A CTIVITIES , E VENTS & A NNOUNCEMENTS

Barnegat Police Chief Chosen For State Association

By Alyssa Riccardi BARNEGAT – Police Chief Keith A. Germain has been appointed as the 4th Vice President of the N.J. State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP).

The new role will allow Germain to work on improving and enhancing the highest professional and ethical standards among the state’s law enforcement agencies.

“It’s an honor to accept this significant leadership role in our Chiefs of Police Association. I am eager to continue working with NJSACOP’s executive board and professional team as we position our Association as a national leader on innovative and progressive law enforcement practices,” Germain said.

About 27 years ago, Germain was hired as a dispatcher and has worked his way up the ranks, becoming Chief of Police in 2018. Germain is credited with making the Barnegat Police Department one of the state’s most progressive, well-respected law enforcement agencies.

On July 1, Germain will start his oneyear term as 4th Vice President alongside NJSACOP’s new president Sayreville Police Chief John Zebrowski. In turn, Stafford Police Chief Thomas Dellane will become Vice President; Spring Lake Chief Edward M. Kerr, Jr., takes over as 2nd Vice President and Rutherford Chief John R. Russo moves up as 3rd Vice President.

“My initial focus is to do my best work; to contribute my effort and energy to support our incoming president and the experienced members of our executive board,” Germain said.

Previously, Germain chaired NJSACOP’s public relations committee. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Thomas Edison State University and is a

The Latest in Vision Correction Technology B. Athwal, MD • H. Athwal, MD • L. Athwal, MD N. Athwal, OD • D. McDonald, MD

Eye Physicians & Surgeons

COMPLETE EYE CARE SERVICES Routine Eye Exams • Laser Cataract Surgery • Glaucoma Premium Lens Implants • Diabetes • Dry Eye Clinic Corneal Transplants • Optical Boutique • Contact Lenses

Botox • Facial Esthetics • Lid Lifts

LASIK, PRK, Vision Correction Call for a FREE consult to discover your options

−Photo courtesy of NJSACOP graduate of the 278th Session of the FBI National Academy.

In addition, Germain is the co-founder and executive vice president of the Critical Response Group. This private firm works with an elite team of US Military Special Operations and law enforcement professionals to improve public safety responses to critical incidents and mass-casualty events.

Germain has been an invited public speaker and instructor on the topics such as emergency management, firefighting services and law enforcement at local, state, and national conferences and symposiums including events at Princeton University, the N.J. Excellence in Policing Conference, the International Association of Fire Chiefs Wildland Urban Interface Conference, and the Congressional Fire Services Caucus in Washington, D.C. For more information about the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, visit NJSACOP.org.

VFW Post Announces Outdoor Flea Market/Crafts Market Dates

FORKED RIVER – The VFW Post #10118 has announced the dates for their 2021 outdoor Flea Market/Crafts Market.

The market will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the following dates: July 10, August 14, September 11, October 9, November 13, December 11.

Sell your stuff and help support local Veterans. Tables are $20, spots are $15. The VFW Post #10118 is located at 2652 Lacey Road in Forked River.

For more information or questions, call 609-693-7089 between the hours of 2 to 8 p.m.

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.

We Accept Medicare & Most Health Plans 14 Mule Road • Toms River, NJ

732-286-0900

550 Rt. 530, Ste #19 • Whiting, NJ athwaleye.com

732-350-9191

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 10, The Southern Ocean Times, June 26, 2021 WE DO CUSTOM CAKES & PIES!

READY FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT? Soft Serve Ice Cream is a wonderful addition to any event, including but not limited to:

Carnivals · Fireworks · Fairs & Festivals · Weddings Birthday Parties (Any Age) · Bar/Bat Mitzvahs · Quinceanera Employee Appreciation · School Functions · Graduations Food Truck Round-Ups · Beef & Beer Gatherings Block Parties · TV/Film Shoots · Retail Sales Promotions ETC...

CommUnitY neWS C LUB N EWS , A CTIVITIES , E VENTS & A NNOUNCEMENTS

Students Compete In 1st Annual Challenger League

VISIT US AT OUR NEW LOCATION AT:

918 Lacey Road • Forked River, NJ 08731 Hours: Mon-Thurs 12-10pm · Fri-Sun 12-11pm Looking for fundraising ideas? Have us at your event, and we will donate a portion of our sales.

Call to Rent or Book Today 856-701-8937 “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.” −Photos courtesy Southern Regional 609-857-4141 TerracesLiving.com

609-296-9292 SeacrestVillageNJ.com

Assisted Living Residences • Adult Daytime Care • Long-Term Care • Respite Care Short-Term Rehabilitation • Dementia & Alzheimer’s Care • Outpatient Rehabilitation

MANAHAWKIN – Congratulations to the Southern Regional Challenger Team on competing in the 1st Annual Challenger League Punt, Pass and Kick Competition held on June 6.

Great job by the athletes, buddies, Coach Frischman and Mr. Joe DiPietro. Special congratulations to Southern’s Nick Doherty on his overall 2nd place finish. Thank you, Southern Football players, for your assistance at the event.

Il Giardinello Ristorante

Serving Ocean County for 32 years

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

Stella Towne Center • 1232 Route 166 • Toms River

732-286-9111

Outdoor Dining Tues.-Sun. • OPEN 11:30AM-7:30PM • CLOSED Mondays Mondays NOW TAKING RESERVATIONS FOR INDOOR OR OUTDOOR DINING!

15% off takeout OR

10% off in-house dining Not Valid On Saturdays, holidays, or on deliveries.

Serving Lunch & Dinner Come Experience our Award-Winning Italian Cuisine!

Catering For All Occasions!

TAKE-OUT OR PICK-UP! Front Door or Curbside

DELIVERY SERVICE UPON REQUEST

for orders of $35 or more.

CATERING $185 for 10-12 people FAMILY PACKAGE for 10

Includes: Chicken Francese Penne Vodka • Stuffed Eggplant Rollatini Salad • Bread & Butter

www.ilgiardinello.com – GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE!

MANCHESTER TIMES • BERKELEY TIMES • BRICK TIMES JACKSON TIMES • HOWELL TIMES • TOMS RIVER TIMES SOUTHERN OCEAN TIMES President & Publisher Stewart Swann

Vice President/COO

Distribution Manager

Jason Allentoff

Laura Hoban

News Editor

Assistant News Editor

Sales Manager

Chris Lundy

Bob Vosseller

Lorrie Toscano

Production Manager

Graphic Artist

Layout Designer

Allison Gradzki

Adriana Starcic

Murphy Miranda

Send your news tips, copy & letters to news@jerseyshoreonline.com

Published Weekly Copyright by Micromedia Publications, Inc. All material printed in The Times’ is copyrighted by Micromedia Publications, Inc. unless otherwise noted. The reproduction of the contents, in full or in part, is prohibited, unless permission is granted by Micromedia Publications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Southern Ocean Times, June 26, 2021, Page 11

CommUnitY neWS C LUB N EWS , A CTIVITIES , E VENTS & A NNOUNCEMENTS

Football Player Signs Commitment

−Photo courtesy Southern Regional MANAHAWKIN – Congratulations to Southern Regional Football player Steve Langton on his commitment to continue his education and football careers at Hudson Valley Community College in New York. Pictured with Steve are his parents and the Southern Football coaches.

FREE ESTIMATES

Replacements & New Install of Heating & Air Conditioning Units

BBB Rating: A+

HEATING • AIR CONDITIONING 891 Rt. 37 West • Toms River, NJ 08755

We Service & Install All Makes & Models

732-349-1448 • www.caretemp.com Central Air Conditioning • Boilers • Furnaces • Heat Pumps • Hot Water Heaters • Tankless Water Heaters Oil/Gas/Propane Conversions • Air Cleaners • Attic Fans • Dryer Vents • Humidifiers • Tune-Ups • Service Plans

FREE 2ND OPINION! √ SAME DAY SERVICE/REPLACEMENTS √ CERTIFIED & TECHNICALLY TRAINED PROFESSIONALS √ CERTIFIED, LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED √ SERVING ALL OF OCEAN & MONMOUTH COUNTIES

FREE

AIR CONDITIONING

CONTRACT

(FOR NEW CUSTOMERS) Call for details.

$500 OFF

Gas Conversion

FREE

SERVICE CALL

(with repair made while there) Not valid after 4pm on weekdays or weekend services. Coupon must be presented at time of sale. Expires July 31, 2021.

$100 OFF

Tankless Gas Hot Water System

OR

$50 OFF

Gas Hot Water Heater

Central A/C &/OR

AWARD-WINNING COMPANY

Replacement

NJ HIC #: 13VH02253000

$250 OFF

Fred Paprocky, Master HVACR Contractor Lic#: 19HC00878000

$150 OFF

Gas Boiler/Furnace

New Install of Air Conditioning or Heating System

COUPONS MUST BE PRESENT WHEN SIGNING CONTRACT and may not be used for prior services/installations.

Coupons do not expire, except service call coupon.

RT Brown, NJ Electrical LIC #: 10584

*FINANCING AVAILABLE*

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 12, The Southern Ocean Times, June 26, 2021

What is a “Mom & Pop” Business?

A small, independent, family owned, controlled and operated business.

It has a small amount of business volume. It is not franchised.

“Open for business in a single location.”

So if your “Mom or Pop” need the services of rehabilitation and nursing services, it just makes sense to go to a “Mom & Pop.”

Here is a picture of a true “Mom & Pop” business:

nursing and

rehabilitation center

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

CommUnitY neWS C LUB N EWS , A CTIVITIES , E VENTS & A NNOUNCEMENTS

SRMS Literary Food Truck Festival

MANAHAWKIN – The students in Ali Brown and Elizabeth Giovine’s Language Arts classes participated in a literary food truck festival on June 7 at Southern Regional Middle School.

This year the students read four novels and many short stories.

The food truck festival seemed like a great summative for the whole class novels. Through several brainstorming sessions, students had to consider things like menu, staff, food truck location, music, design and social media while demonstrating a clear connection to a character or book from something they

−Photo courtesy Southern Regional have read.

The project could be completed digitally or on paper, individually or collaboratively.

The presentations were live streamed so virtual students could participate as well.

The students were brought outside and surprised with lunch from the food truck, The Lunch Wagon. The Lunch Wagon was amazing to work with, offered an excellent selection of food, and demonstrated organization and efficiency through serving 60 people in less than 50 minutes!

Churches Offer Outdoor Services By The Bay

BEACH HAVEN – The United Methodist Churches of Long Beach Island will once again be offering outdoor worship services on Sunday mornings at 8:30 a.m. at the pavilion on the bay side of Taylor Avenue in Beach Haven (behind Schooner’s Wharf) beginning June 20.

“Last summer we could not meet indoors in-person due to COVID, so we took that church out to the people and the community and visitors loved it. This year, as we approached summer, we had an overwhelming number of requests to do it again, and so we are ‘back to the bay,’” Rev. Scott Bostwick said, who will celebrate one year as pastor of the two churches on July 1. “It’s such a blessing to gather outdoors, enjoying the natural beauty of the island, and in a place that is shaded and accessible to everyone. I am grateful to the Borough of Beach Haven for allowing us to use this space.”

The services, which will run 40 to 50 minutes in length, are open to the general public and will include music, prayers and an inspirational message by Rev. Bostwick.

Attendees will need to bring a lawn or beach chair. For those who cannot be there in person, the services are broadcast live on the church’s Facebook page: LBIChurches.

For more information, contact Rev. Bostwick at pastorscott@lbichurches.org or visit lbichurches.org.

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Southern Ocean Times, June 26, 2021, Page 13

CommUnitY neWS C LUB N EWS , A CTIVITIES , E VENTS & A NNOUNCEMENTS

SRMS Trial Of Spongebob

−Photo courtesy Southern Regional MANAHAWKIN – The Trial of Spongebob Squarepants was a three-day project seventh grade English Lab students participated in during Mrs. Mannarino’s class.

The purpose of the project was to utilize evidence to support a claim, construct a well-written argumentative paragraph and practice presentation skills. After reading a story about the murder of Mr. Krabs, groups sided with either the prosecution or defense.

The prosecution argued that Spongebob was guilty, while the defense argued that Spongebob was innocent. Students were presented with evidence statements from the crime scene, witness testimonies, and

suspect evidence, and had to choose at least five statements to support their case.

Students then composed closing statements, summarizing their evidence, including a counterclaim and leaving the audience with lasting remarks.

On the final day, students presented their evidence and closing statements with their groups. Some groups chose to add accessories to their presentation, including goggles and swim gear. The side with the strongest evidence and lasting impression won the trial for each class period. Of the four classes, two found Spongebob to be guilty and two found Spongebob to be innocent!

Boys Lacrosse Team Win NJSIAA Championship

RC R.C.SHEA S

&ASSOCIATES COUNSELLORS AT LAW

BUYING, SELLING, OR REFINANCING YOUR HOME? SERIOUS LEGAL MATTERS REQUIRE SERIOUS AND EXPERIENCED ATTORNEYS

KNOW YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS!

−Photo courtesy Southern Regional MANAHAWKIN – Congratulations to the Southern Regional Boys Lacrosse Team on defeating Monroe 14 to 4 on June 7 and winning the 2021 NJSIAA South Jersey Group IV Championship. It is the 3rd in program history: 2013, 2014 and now 2021.

Congratulation’s players, coaches, parents, alumni and fans.

Beach Haven Government Meetings

BEACH HAVEN – The Borough of Beach Haven’s commission meets the second Monday of the month at 420 Pelham Avenue at

7 p.m. For additional information call 609492-0111, visit beachhaven-nj.gov, or email beachhavenborough@beachhaven-nj.gov.

(House Calls Available By Appointment) TOMS RIVER OFFICE 244 Main St., Toms River, NJ 08753 • (732) 505-1212 BERKELEY AREA (800) 556-7432 MANCHESTER AREA (732) 408-9455 BRICK AREA (732) 451-0800 VISIT US ON OUR WEBSITE AT: WWW. RCSHEA.COM

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 14, The Southern Ocean Times, June 26, 2021

Graduation During A Pandemic

By Stephanie Faughnan BARNEGAT – Barnegat High School celebrated the Class of 2021 with an outdoor ceremony, demonstrating an amazing sense of camaraderie after a challenging year.

Shouts and applause rang through the football stadium as each of the 250 graduates accepted their diplomas. It appeared as if they were “all in it together” – because they were.

Every rung of the education ladder came with its share of challenges, with none comparing to the series of changes brought on

by COVID-19. The vision of a traditional graduation even seemed out of reach.

One group of this year’s BHS graduating class first donned caps and gowns collectively in 2008 when they finished Barnegat Community Preschool. The fifteen students

subsequently transitioned through the Barnegat public school system, with most now going their separate ways.

Many of the moms who met when their graduating seniors began the local preschool remain in touch. They’ve found themselves mirroring the support their children seemingly mastered.

Kim Wheeler, who steps in next year as the president of the Brackman Middle School PTA, has four children in the Barnegat Township School District. She choked up as she described the impact of the pandemic-related shutdowns on her son Gavin, one of the graduates. He starts Rowan University in the fall.

“Gavin became withdrawn, especially in the beginning,” shared Wheeler. “I think by the time he got back in September to start his senior year, he was honestly grateful for everything.”

By that time, Gavin and his classmates had already lost out on March, April, May, and June of their junior year.

The switch to virtual learning and leaving friends behind contributed to a feeling of isolation. Gavin’s driving test to get his license was cancelled five times, as were his SATs. “Gavin is a swimmer,” Wheeler said. “This was the most important sports season One BHS grad summed up her high school experience for juniors looking at colleges, and they lost it. The Class of on her cap.

View of the graduates from their seats.

2020 lost a lot, but at least 90 percent of them already knew where they were going to school.”

Wheeler complimented the Barnegat Township Schools for the way they approached the return to school. The initial start with a hybrid schedule seemed to keep everyone healthy and the COVID-19 numbers down.

Twins Ava and Jaxon Baker joined Gavin as part of both the Barnegat Community Preschool Class of 2008 and Barnegat High School Class of 2021.

Their mother, Nichole Baker, shared a memory of the days when the district went completely remote. She recalled a message

−Photos by Stephanie Faughnan she received at work.

“A teacher texted me to tell me Jaxon didn’t sign on,” Nichole said. “I liked that they were on top of things and checking on the kids with such a personal touch.”

“I hated the virtual learning,” admitted Jaxon. “It was really hard for me to get out of bed and not see any of my friends and just open up a Chromebook and look at a screen for a couple of hours.”

According to Jaxon, when school was back in session, everyone was still worried about COVID-19 and followed mandates regarding masks and social distancing.

Many of his classmates chose to continue (Graduation - See Page 15)

jerseyshoreonline.com

Graduation:

Continued From Page 14 with virtual learning, and in-person classes had as few as twelve students.

“There was no lunch at school, and we were spaced six feet apart,” shared Jaxon.

“We had dividers up between us.”

Jaxon, who loves the outside and plays basketball, recalled how the pandemic impacted his game. Not only were there no summer workouts, but the start of the season got pushed back three times. Jaxon’s off to Mount Saint Mary’s College in New York next fall, on a basketball scholarship.

“Everyone’s so eager to get back to a normal life that we’re kind of rushing the no masks and all,” Jaxon opined. “I’m really hoping it’s all over.”

College represents the first time Jaxon and Ava will be apart as Ava heads to Lehigh University in the fall. Ava plans to major in public health and epidemiology, a decision only partially influenced by the pandemic.

“I was doing a lot of research on my college, and they actually just came out with a new subsection called the College of

Driver Hospitalized After Convertible Strikes Tree

By Chris Lundy STAFFORD – A woman suffered head injuries after losing control of her convertible and crashing into a tree, police said.

Fiona Kaufman, 19, of Mays Landing, was driving on Route 539 at around 3:30 p.m. on June 17, police said. She lost control of her 1998 Volkswagen convertible as she was passing Cervetto Road. The car struck a parked pick-up truck in a driveway before coming to rest crashing into a large tree.

Kaufman was not wearing a seat belt. She was flown to Atlantic City Medical Center with head trauma.

Her two passengers, juveniles, sustained minor injuries. They were treated at Southern Ocean Medical Center and released.

The crash is currently under investigation

by Officer Pascale and Officer DeMarco of the Traffic Safety Bureau. Any witnesses are asked to call 609-597-1189, extension 8436.

NEED AN EMERGENCY HOME REPAIR? WE’RE HERE TO HELP AT NO CHARGE

HANDS FOR ALL A Division of HOMES FOR ALL, INC. A Not-For-Profit Affordable Housing Developer 309 Hooper Ave. • Toms River, NJ 08753 Tel: 732.286.7929 • Fax: 732.286.9698

The Southern Ocean Times, June 26, 2021, Page 15 Health last year,” explained Ava. “My goal is to be a better person and ultimately help people with a doctorate in epidemiology.

I want to make sure others don’t have to suffer through something as my whole age group did.”

Like her brother and other classmates, Ava muddled through the obstacles put up by the pandemic. She found the class as a whole became closer as they faced what she hopes will turn out to be the most challenging part

of their lives.

“I learned that if you keep your head down and work hard, it will lead you to great places where you can do anything,” Ava said. “I saw a lot of my friends working much harder than they ever had, and they were very inspirational to me.”

Ava admitted that the beginning of the shutdowns brought its share of uncertainty.

No one knew what the future would bring.

“We were literally cut off from everyone

we’ve known our whole lives,” shared Ava. “It was really hard to stay positive and focused. We pushed through it, and everything’s mostly better now.”

Some of the graduates decorated their caps, including one young lady who donned hers with sunflowers and a poignant message. It read – “The end of a new beginning.”

The next new beginning starts now for the Class of 2021 – and their attitudes should make it better than their last.

7 9

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 16, The Southern Ocean Times, June 26, 2021

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.

Potential Brain-Changing Benefits Of Hearing Aids

A fairly recent report published in Frontiers in Neuroscience (Feb. 2020) adds to a growing body of research connecting the use of hearing technology to benefits that go beyond the ability to hear. It further bolsters the importance of early hearing loss treatment for overall patient health.

Studies have long linked hearing loss and other conditions such as cognitive decline in older adults, with data showing evidence of…

• Accelerated brain shrinkage • Five-fold risk of dementia • Earlier onset of decline A University of Maryland study published in 2018 found that hearing aids not only improve auditory ability in seniors but also may restore cognitive and neural function. In the present study, researchers sought to better un-

derstand the source of neurocognitive deficits in presbycusis and the potential modifying effects of hearing technology. Twenty-eight adults with untreated mild to moderate hearing loss were fit with hearing aids and monitored for six months. The results from the experiment group after wearing hearing aids for six months confi rmed gains in speech perception and cognitive performance. The outcomes of this study provide evidence that clinical intervention with well-fit digital hearing aids may promote more typical cortical organization and functioning and provide cognitive benefit.

Dr. Izzy has been providing hearing care services for over 30 years and has offices in Toms River, Manahawkin, and Whiting. He can be reached at 732-8183610 or ikirsh@gardenstatehearing.com.

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!

Awaken Memories With Music Looking To Aid Dementia Patients

STAFFORD - We all have favorite songs that instantly transport us back to special times in our lives. Music is one of the most effective tools to enhance the lives of patients with dementia.

Even patients with advanced dementia benefit from listening to the old familiar songs they loved. They come to life and many speak for the first time in months or years.

The Stafford Township Recreation Department’s Awaken Memories With Music project is looking for donations of Ipods, MP3 players, over-the-ear headphones, device chargers and ITunes cards to kick off a community effort to get music into the lives of our neighbors with dementia.

With the help of caregivers, volunteers will personalize each device with a patient’s

favorite songs. The players are then given to the patients to keep and enjoy the benefits every day.

Players can be dropped off at the following locations: • The Recreation Office at Town Hall, 260 East Bay Ave. • The Bay Ave.Community Center, 775 East Bay Avenue • The Pine Street Recreation Building, 25 Pine St. For more information, call Deb Budesa at 609-597-1000 Ext. 8583 The mission of the Stafford Township Recreation Department is to fulfill the recreational needs of the community and to develop a variety of quality programs that fit and address these needs.

Ocean’s Harbor House Introduces Girls Empowerment Group

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean’s Harbor House introduced a new group meeting “EmboldenHer” which is an eight-week girls empowerment group that focuses on healthy relationships.

In EmboldenHer, girls will learn about teen dating abuse, what healthy relationships look like, how to build self esteem, internet

safety, media influences on gender roles, and standing up against sexual exploitation/ violence with “My Life My Choice.”

All girls ages 12 through 18 can join in.

The group will start sometime in November. For more information, contact the Family Crisis Intervention Unit at 732240-3638.

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Southern Ocean Times, June 26, 2021, Page 17

H ERE ’ S T O Y OUR H EALTH Dear Pharmacist Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Why A Dill Pickle’s Good For You

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Lately, I’ve been working on my herbal garden and just planted some rosemary and lavender. I saw dill plants available for purchase, but those won’t grow as a perennial in my Colorado area which is zone 6 because the herb won’t survive temperatures below 25 degrees. Our winters always include temperatures in single digits, or below! So, a dill plant is not an option in my herb garden, however it might be for you, and today’s article is to tell you why a dill pickle’s good or you!

I’m going to share the medicinal benefits of this delicious and ancient weed!

The dill plant is related to the “carrot” family of plants which sounds bizarre.

Dill is an “umbellifer” which means it is related to asafoetida, caraway seeds, celery powder, parsley, coriander seeds and fennel. An allergy to one of the spices may mean you have a cross sensitivity to the others listed here.

Anethum graveolens, commonly called dill or dill weed, has been used for eons because it has incredible health benefits for your intestinal tract. It can help with diarrhea, f latulence, indigestion and stomach pain. It stimulates appetite too.

Active constituents in dill stimulate and activate digestive juices and bile so it aids digestion.

Dill has a lot of iron, magnesium and vitamin B6. Since it contains many antioxidants like vitamin C, and natural beta carotene, it reduces damage from free radicals. It’s great for kidney and urinary tract health, as well as the brain, heart and eye tissue. As an added perk, dill may help

to lower LDL cholesterol very slightly.

Just a note of caution, dill supplements have mild diuretic properties so if you take a supplement, that might mean you lose water more rapidly. This is helpful for people with hypertension, however, the it could be a problem for some people who take lithium for example. Talk to your doctor about using a dill supplement which is concentrated. This warning does not apply if you are sprinkling a dash of dried dill spice, or adding a sprig of fresh dill on your meal.

Here are 8 ways you can incorporate fresh dill into your day: 1. Put on top of vegetables during the last two minutes of roasting 2. Add it to potato salad 3. Use it in soup 4. Make a tzatziki sauce and add dill 5. Make dill pickles!

6. Put it on top of fish before you cook 7. Make a “tea” by steeping sprigs of dill for 5 minutes in water, add honey/lemon 8. Scissor a small sprig of dill into your garden salad Some people wonder if drying dill is better than freezing it. I recommend freezing it and it’s very easy. Rinse fresh dill of impurities in water and shake off the excess, then pat the sprigs dry. Lay them out on a cookie sheet and put in freezer to flash freeze them. Later on, you can transfer the frozen dill sprigs to a storage bag and keep in the freezer for up to 6 months. If you are supplementing with dill tablets, please make sure you ask your doctor if it’s right for you, especially if you already take blood pressure pills or diuretics.

NURSES, IT'S TIME

TO CA$H IN! WORK

200 HOURS GET

500*

$

WORK

(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) ©2021 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.

400

HOURS BONUS PERIOD:

April 1 - June 30, 2021 *Managed Care Organizations (MCO - NJ Medicaid) Insurance Clients Only.

Overtime and non-MCO hours not included.

GET

1000*

$

800-603-CARE (2273) PreferredCares.com

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 18, The Southern Ocean Times, June 26, 2021

AroUnD the JerSeY Shore OCC Expands Cybersecurity Program

TOMS RIVER − The Ocean County College (OCC) Cybersecurity curriculum has adopted two partner courses for the fall 2021 semester. Each is designed to prepare OCC students for valuable industry certifications.

The fi rst is CompTIA’s Security+ (SY0601) course, which is delivered via their CertMaster Learn™ System and includes lab exercises. It will be complemented by two lectures a week, using CompTIA presentation materials. This will be delivered as OCC’s redesigned “CSIT 200 Information Security Fundamentals” course.

The second is EC Council’s Certified Ethical Hacker version 11 (CEHv11) course, which has been fully integrated into OCC’s

Canvas Learning Management System. It consists of two modules per week, including lectures, labs, reading assignments, student summary essays, discussion topic, a short quiz, and additional links and resources. This will be delivered as OCC’s new “CSIT 240 Certified Ethical Hacking: Tools and Techniques” course.

Upon completion of each of these courses, successful students will have the option of obtaining practice test packages and exam vouchers through academic partner discounts, or for qualified students, via subsidies through OCC. “With the rash of cybersecurity breaches in the news today, credentialed cybersecurity professionals are a valuable commodity,” says Jon Weiss, college lecturer II, Computer Science. “Our curriculum here at OCC is designed to prepare our students to fill these roles by leveraging the best training from our recognized certification provider partners.”

Specifically in New Jersey, from April 2020 through March 2021, employers advertised more than 11,100 job openings for cybersecurity workers, according to data from CyberSeek, the leading source of information on the U.S. cybersecurity job market.

Nationally there were more than 464,000 openings during the same 12-month period. These openings covered a range of occupations, including cybersecurity analyst, network engineer, network architect, vulnerability analyst, penetration tester and cybersecurity manager. Per the CompTIA Workforce and Learning Trends 2021 study, 93% of HR professionals indicate certifications are relevant in validating a candidate’s knowledge and job expertise to fill such openings, with 44% identifying certifications as highly relevant and 49% responding that they are moderately relevant.

Learn more by visiting ocean.edu.

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Southern Ocean Times, June 26, 2021, Page 19

R.C. Shea & Assoc.

Inside The Law Consumer Rights And Data Breach

Michael J. Deem, Esq.

Protecting Yourself From Identify Theft

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

Monitor your Account Check your 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 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.

Feed the Soul Gardening is Therapy

Our Country Farm Market is Now Open!

We will be practicing safety for ALL! The Nursery is receiving: Quality Shrubs, Trees & Perennials Weekly.

Our greenhouses are full of beautiful, flowering plants!

Come enjoy the open air space!

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK • IG FARMS

Buy Direct From Your Local Grower & Save!

150 Whitesville Rd (Rt 527) • Jackson, NJ 08527 Family Run For Over 33 Years!732-364-0308 • www.iandgfarmsjackson.com

Our clients’ success is our greatest reward.

732-505-1212 • RCSHEA.COM

“Light Up the Shore” At FirstEnergy Park

By Alyssa Riccardi JERSEY SHORE – BlueClaws will be hosting three nights of Light Up the Shore – laser light shows at FirstEnergy Park from July 16 through 18.

Stadium gates will open at 7:30 p.m. and the show will begin at 8:30 p.m., lasting about 35 to 40 minutes. Food and drink will be available as well as Mini Golf and the Boardwalk will be open during the event.

The laser light show will feature a wide range of music from current pop to classic rock. With the lights being intricately choreographed to the music, it displays a one-of-a-kind show across the Jersey Shore sky.

“The BlueClaws have always been about more than baseball and we’re excited to host exciting events like this one,” BlueClaws Team President Joe Ricciutti said. “This is a great change of pace from our traditional fireworks shows and we look forward to three great laser light shows at the ballpark!”

The event is rain or shine. Tickets are available now for just $18 for adults and $12 for juniors (12 and under). Visit milb.com/jersey-shore/ news/light-up-the-shore to purchase tickets.

The shows will be produced by Laser Encore, a nationally-recognized company that has produced laser light shows all over the country for sports teams and other brands.

Vendors Needed For Barnegat Farmers Market BARNEGAT – The Barnegat Farmers Market through October 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Specialty vendors, food trucks, greenhouse plants, pet items, crafters, popcorn vendors and such are needed. Weekly fee is $25. Ven-

dors will be able to work out of their vehicles.

Seasonal discount available.

To obtain a registration form visit barnegat. net/departments/office-of-recreation or email jbroadbent@barnegat.net.

Our Services • General Dentistry - Digital x-rays - Oral cancer screening

• Cosmetic Dentistry - Bonding - Implant Restorations - Invisalign - Porcelain Crowns - Veneers - Zoom In-Office Whitening

• Surgical Procedures • Cosmetic Injections/Fillers Follow us on social media!

Team Family Dental 853 Mill Creek Road Manahawkin, NJ 08050

609-978-7440 www.teamfamilydentalnj.com

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 20, The Southern Ocean Times, June 26, 2021

P&K FIREARMS & AMMO INC.

photo oF the WeeK

(609) 597-4646

PAUL ORLANDO

ffl dealer/owner

USED FIRE ARMS WANTED! ALL TYPES: COLLECTIBLES, MILITARY, ETC. Call 609-597-4646 OR 917-681-6809 63 east bay ave, manahawkin, nj 08050 new/used/military » buy/sell/trade pkfirearmsnammo.com

SPRING CLEANING TREE SERVICES IRRIGATION CUT GRASS FENCES

15% OFF

ANY SERVICE

With this ad. Must be presented at time of service.

PAVERS

732-858-3434

−Photo by Love Imagery It’s officially summer at the Jersey Shore. Bruce Springsteen certainly does have a point!

Survivors Of Suicide Loss Support Group

BEACHWOOD – Forever In Our Hearts, an organization to support those who have lost ones to suicide, is holding monthly meetings the 2nd Saturday of each month at St. Paul

Lutheran Church, 130 Cable Ave. Meeting time is 1 p.m.

For complete information, visit facebook. com/ForeverNRHearts or call 732-269-3236.

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Southern Ocean Times, June 26, 2021, Page 21

CLASSIFIEDS For Rent

Help Wanted

Services

Services

Services

Senior Christian Gentleman - N/S Looking to rent private room and bath. July, August. Manchester/ Lakewood area. Will return calls 732-730-3426.

(27)

Part Time Helper - 8hrs. per week in Jackson Wire Forming Shop.

Leave message with good time to return call, 732-928-4605.

(27)

GENERAC Standby Generators provide backup power during utility power outages, so your home and family stay safe and comfortable. Prepare now. Free 7-year extended warranty ($695 value!). Request a free quote today! Call for additional terms and conditions. 1-833-901-0309. (t/n)

LANDSCAPING - Restorations, Repairs, Stones, Mulch, Sod Installs, Hedges, Shrubs, Bushes, Downed Branches Trimmed & Removed, Demolition, Cleanouts, ect., Dumpster service provided by A901 Licensed Hauler ect. MAN WITH VAN LLC. Jim 609-335-0330 HIC# 13vh10806000.

NO JOB TOO SMALL! (11)

Wallpaper and Bordering - Hanging and removal of old. No job too big or small. Great references. Call Angela 609-891-8544.

(47)

Moving Sale HUGE MOVING SALE - Furniture, Dishes, Tools, Pictures, More. June 26 -27. 9am-5pm, 221 Sprucewood Drive, Brick.

(28)

Items For Sale Lighted China Cabinet - $700. Dining table, six chairs, $400. Two brown leather loveseats, $300 each or $500 pair. Call 732-364-3078.

(26) Motorcycle Gear For Sale - Leathers, mesh jackets, heated gear boots, etc. 732-267-4389.

(27)

Items Wanted COSTUME/ESTATE JEWELRY Looking to buy costume/ estate jewelry, old rosaries and religious medals, all watches and any type of sterling silver, bowls, flatware candlesticks or jewelry. Same day house calls and cash on the spot. 5 percent more with this AD. Call Peggy at 732-581-5225. (t/n) $$$ WANTED TO BUY $$$ 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 - Top dollar, paid for junk, cars running and nonrunning, late model salvage, cars and trucks, etc. 732-928-3713.

(17) 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 LP albums. Rock, Jazz, Blues, Reggae, Metal. Very Good Condition only, Call Rick 908-616-7104.

(30) 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) 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) CASH PAID!! LP records - stereos, turntables, musical instru-ments, guitar, saxophone, CD’s, reel tapes, music related items. Come to you.

732-804-8115.

(29) Advertise in the main sections of Micromedia’s weekly newspapers. Your ad will be seen by thousands. Our skilled team of account executives can work with any budget. Call 732-657-7344 ext. 206 for more information.

Counter Staff Needed - Lessee seeks to hire 2 individuals to work Saturday hours at SixFlags location.

Immediate employment, great pay, additional days and positions available. 908-240-9694.

(27) 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) Senior Living Community Cook/Dishwashers/Maintenance Technician/Restaurant Servers/Bus Drivers/Lifeguard (Indoor Pool). 1700 Rt. 37 West ∙ Toms River, NJ 08755.

Call or email for details 732-341-4825 info@Silverwoodsliving.com. (t/n) Full/Part Time Residential Cleaner Wanted - Experience Preferred.

Competitive hourly pay. Must have their own vehicle - Ocean County vicinity. Mike 908-216-2400.

(26) 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) IMMEDIATE JOB OPENINGS We are hiring Certified Home Health Aides − CHHA. Licensed Practical Nurse − LPN. Registered Nurses − RN. Direct Support Professional − DSP Fill application on-line at Sabahomehealthcare.com or call us at 732-797-0700. Please send resume to ssalu@sabahhc.com. (t/n) Needed Female Live-In-Aid/Companion - (24/7) No experience needed.

For a 57 year old disabled veteran, very light duty in exchange for private bedroom and bath, all utilities, cable, phone and food are included, plus a small weekly salary. Some perks for long term, must have drivers license. At my covid safe home in Holiday City, Toms River.

Please call 201-306-6839.

(26) HIRING NOW!! Looking for outgoing, positive, and engaging teachers to join our Toms River – Route 70 Goddard Family. We are primarily hiring teachers for our elementary school aged children to foster a learning environment in which these children can continue to do their elementary school work. This would include helping them with worksheets, zooms, google classrooms etc. Some of the great perks of being a part of the Goddard Family include a benefits package, paid time off, holiday events and free food and Goddard swag. Call today to inquire about this job posting and start as early as next week!

We can be reached through phone at 732-363-5530 or email at TomsRiver2NJ@GoddardSchools.com.

Services Car Service - 24/7. Doctors, shopping, airports, hospitals, cruise, shops, Atlantic City, family functions, NYC accomodations for large groups. Call for reasonable rates. Kerry 732-606-2725.

(19) Pet Sketches - Professional artist will create beautiful pencil drawing of your pet(s) suitable for framing. Reasonable rates. Senior discount. 551-265-3062.

(24)

Handyman Service - Carpentry, masonry, painting repairs large and small. 40 years experience.

Call Jim 732-674-3346.

(39) 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) 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. (16) Two great new offers from AT&T Wireless! Ask how to get the new iPhone 11 or Next Generation Samsung Galaxy S10e ON US with AT&T's Buy one, Give One offer. While supplies last! CALL 1-877-373-0131. (t/n) Life Alert. One press of a button sends help FAST, 24/7! At home and on the go. Mobile Pendant with GPS. FREE First Aid Kit (with subscription.) CALL 877707-2722 FREE Brochure. (t/n) Nor’easter Painting and Staining, LLC - Interior and exterior. Decks, powerwashing. Affordable. Senior discounts. References. No job too small. Fully insured. 732-6910123. Lic #13VH09460600. (19) ALLAmerican 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) APlus Home Improvements - Over 30 years experience. No job too small. Give us a call. Fully licensed and insured. 908-278-1322. Senior Discounts. Now offering 10% off of any job over $1,000.

(23) SUMMER GARDENING SERVICES - Plant Health Care, Vacation Watering, Containers, Repotting, Beds & Borders, Trimming, DIY Help. Experienced, Reasonable.

Joseph 732-232-8144.

(30) Cheap Painting Done Rite Free estimates. Fully insured. 38 years experience. 732-506-7787 cell 646-643-7678.

(37) Anyone Interested in Having Their Home Cleaned? - Contact Diane 845-762-9952. Free estimates. Honest and reliable.

(26)

Services

Let Me Help With Your Day to Day Tasks - Contact Mary at 732-7037939 or see listed services online at www.hhconcierge.com (29)

PQ Painting & Home Improvement Services - Over 5 decades of service in NJ. Visit us online at pqpaintingservice.com. Winner of Angie’s List Super Service Award. Free estimates, reasonable rates, fully licensed and insured NJ Lic #13VH06752800. Call 732-500-3063 or 609-356-2444. (t/n)

CLASSIFIEDS CANNOT BE PLACED OVER THE PHONE.

1. Below, circle the heading you would like your ad to appear under:

2.

• Estate/Garage/Yard Sales

• Items Wanted

• For Rent

• Auto For Sale

• Help Wanted

• Real Estate

• Items For Sale

• Services

• Other

Print clearly your ad as you want it to read. Include Phone # within ad below (counts as 1 word). Use separate sheet if necessary.

1

5

9

13

17

2

3

4

6

7

8

10

11

12

14

15

16

18

19

20

You are responsible for checking your ad the first time it runs and notifying us of any errors. If we make an error, we will correct it and rerun the ad. We will not be responsible for multiple insertions if you do not call us after the first ad run. No refunds for classified ads. Newspapers are available at our office.

Please feel free to stop in and check your ad.

Calculate Price As Follows: 3. 1 week* at $29.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $ 2 weeks* at $44.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $ 3 weeks* at $60.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $ 4 weeks* at $74.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $ *In order to qualify for discounts, the same ad

Total = $ must run over the requested weeks.

4. Make check payable in advance to Micromedia Publications, or fill in MASTERCARD/VISA/AMERICAN EXPRESS info. below:

Credit Card#

Exp.

Cardholder Signature: Print Name:

MAIL TO: PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733.

5. Credit Card Orders Only can be faxed to: 732-657-7388.

Or go to jerseyshoreonline.com to place your classified.

PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR BILLING ADDRESS (THIS IS REQUIRED)

6. ADDRESS TOWN

ZIP

PHONE NUMBER

Deadline For Classified Ads: 12pm Monday (Ads will be running the Saturday of that week)

If you have any questions, email Ali at agradzki@jerseyshoreonline.com.

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 22, The Southern Ocean Times, June 26, 2021

B.E.A.T.:

Continued From Page 8 A lot of families lost one or more sources of income, she said. Restaurants, school districts and more have been laying off staff. People have had to leave their health care jobs because they or someone in their household has medical issues that would be serious if they got COVID. Before the pandemic, they were servicing 200 households a week. Now, it is more than 900.

“Hunger has no face. It could be me. It could be you,” she said.

We need to get rid of the stigma against people in need, she said. This stigma has done such harm. People don’t want to give help because of this. The poor are looked down upon or forgotten.

People are also too embarrassed to ask for help because of the stigma. Something like

food stamps help because the only person who sees them is the cashier. Families can shop for what they want or need, and it gives them a feeling of choice.

“Fulfill works very, very hard to help people get things they need in a dignified way,” she said.

Currently, the organization is feeding 215,000 people, including 70,000 children.

Fulfill has served 3.5 million more meals since the coronavirus crisis affected the Jersey Shore.

These 215,000 people are split evenly between Ocean and Monmouth counties.

These counties have a total population of about 1,200,000 (600,000 each). So that means roughly one in six people are in need in Ocean and Monmouth.

The Fulfill FoodBank, formerly known as The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties was feeding 136,000 people prior to the pandemic including 50,000 children.

Fulfill Board Chair Lauren Holman said Fulfill has been in operation for more than 30 years.

“We were there to provide food and comfort during economic storms, Superstorm Sandy, and now the pandemic,” Holman said.

“During the current coronavirus crisis, the demand for food has grown 40%. We expect the demand to grow as more businesses close and families exhaust their savings. Fulfill feeds children, seniors, veterans, and the working poor,” she added.

Fulfill serves pantries, shelters, and soup kitchens, provides hot meals for children after school, and sends food home for those same children over the weekend.

The organization has earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for more than ten consecutive years. This distinction means Fulfill, a 501 (c)3 charitable organization, outperformed most charities in America in areas of efficiency, fiscal integrity, and

effectiveness. Holman added, “95 cents of every dollar donated to Fulfill goes directly to feeding the hungry in our community.”

How To Help If you are interested in helping, these groups are always looking for volunteers and donations.

Visit their websites like FulfillNJ.org or jbjsoulkitchen.org to learn how to help. Some volunteers hand out food, answer phones, work the Monmouth County garden, or provide free professional services or coaching.

Need Help?

If you are in need of assistance, you can visit the B.E.A.T. center during their normal operating hours, found online at the above websites.

Fulfill operates a list of known food pantries and soup kitchens in the area. You can just text Find Food to 888-918-2729.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY GREAT RATES FOR BUSINESS DIRECTORY ADS!

FREE

ESTIMATES

Replacements & New Install of Heating & Air Conditioning Units

891 Rt. 37 West • Toms River, NJ 08755 HEATING • AIR CONDITIONING Serving All of Ocean & Monmouth Counties

1-800-688-TEMP • www.caretemp.com

Numerous Discount Packages Available!

EFFECTIVE AFFORDABLE WE ACCEPT • Visa • MasterCard • American Express

CALL TODAY! 732.657.7344

175 Bartley Road • Jackson, NJ 08527 732-370-4700 • www.bartleyhealthcare.com

SEASONAL CLEAN-UPS Yard Clean-Ups Tree Removal & Trimming Gutter Cleaning Mulching • Odd Jobs

800.603.CARE (2273) 24 HOURS A DAY • 7 DAYS A WEEK LICENSED, BONDED, INSURED

609-971-0242

Care for Seniors, Adults & Pediatrics • Skilled Nursing (RNs, LPNs) Adult & Pediatric Ventilator Care • Home Health Aides 24-Hour Live-In Aides • Private Pay & Most Insurances Accepted PREFERREDCARES.COM

EFFECTIVE AFFORDABLE WE ACCEPT: › Visa › MasterCard › American Express

CALL TODAY 732.657.7344 & find out how!

THIS SPACE

COULD BE

YOURS!

LEONARDO LGD PAINTING • Exterior Painting • Interior Painting • Power Washing • Wallpaper Removal

.com

• Decorative Moldings • Faux Painting FREE • Deck Staining ESTIMATES • Floor Epoxy

We Also Do Sheetrock & Spackle Repairs!

With This Ad. Lic. No 13VH04848400

732-300-6251

License# 13VH02103100 Since 1928

$25 OFF

PLUMBING • HEATING • COOLING

With This Ad

CALL TODAY FOR FAST FRIENDLY SERVICE

•Service Contracts • Water Heaters • Boilers • Furnaces • Air Conditioning • Gas Conversions • Tubs/Grab Bars • Sinks/Faucets • Bath & Kitchen Remodeling • FREE ESTIMATES

Instant Financing Available

732-349-3322 • 732-892-3322 • 732-367-3322 Ronald Schultz NJ Master Plumber Lic #12170

NJ HIC Lic# 13VH01340700

www.lezgusplumbing.com

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Southern Ocean Times, June 26, 2021, Page 23

FUN & GAMES

SUDOKU

C ROSSWORD P UZZLE

Across 1 Poets 6 Ocean breaker 10 Former Iranian ruler 14 From another planet 15 Golfer’s club selection 16 Golfer’s target 17 What the star gets on a marquee 19 Express checkout lane unit 20 “__ Haw” 21 Contemptuous manner, in slang 22 “Pet” annoyance 23 Dejected 26 Wrap tightly, as in bandages 30 Poker holding 31 Charged atoms 32 Madame of physics 34 Guy’s partner 37 Level of optimal accomplishment

41 Bygone jet, briefly 42 Act with passion 43 Caution 44 Song at the Met 45 Like most peanuts 47 Meeting of world leaders 52 Name on rented trailers 53 Lane with a nose for news 54 Pasta suffix 57 Dirt road grooves 58 Honorable ... and like the starts of 17-, 23-, 37- and 47-Across 61 Emancipated 62 Pigmented eye layer 63 Watchdog warning 64 Part of NIMBY 65 Swiss capital 66 Foul, weather-wise Down 1 It’s drawn in a tub 2 Natural skin soother 3 Unlike green to-

matoes 4 Star of the ball 5 Tattletale 6 Witty Oscar 7 Astrological Ram 8 Maria __ Trapp 9 Subj. with grammar 10 Handheld riot gear 11 Marriott facility 12 Advil competitor 13 Macho guys 18 Tempt 22 “The Hunger Games” nation 24 Severe pang 25 Carnival 26 Drinks that make a drink last 27 Troubles 28 Vet sch. course 29 Disdainful click 32 Zagreb native 33 N.Y.-based educators’ union 34 Insect in a dusk swarm 35 Realtor’s lot unit 36 Allow to borrow

38 Danger 39 Give out 40 Tapered tool 44 Tickled 45 Less than 1%?

46 Give, as homework 47 Like the beach during a storm 48 “Star Trek” lieutenant 49 Alma __ 50 Rags-to-riches author Horatio 51 Lindsay who played Liz in “Liz & Dick” 54 Wedding promises 55 Mature eft 56 Relaxed way to sit by 58 O’Hare, for United Airlines 59 “__ been thinking ... “ 60 Org. promoting hunter safety

(c)2021 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.

SOLUTIONS

SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Jumble:

ABOVE HEFTY ADRIFT WICKER - EITHER “ORE”

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 24, The Southern Ocean Times, June 26, 2021

AroUnD the JerSeY Shore Eagle Scout Builds New Goose Enclosure At Popcorn Park Zoo

−Photo courtesy Tony and Brandy DiMenza MANCHESTER − Antonio DiMenza III of Manchester Township Boy Scout Troop 441 worked on the final stages of his Eagle Scout Project one recent weekend at the Popcorn Park Zoo. With the help of his troop, he demolished a goose enclosure and began building a new 15’ long wooden enclosure.

New Jersey Wind Symphony Returns To The Great Auditorium

NEW JERSEY – The New Jersey Wind Symphony (NJWS) will open the Summer Stars Classical 2021 Concert Series at the Great Auditorium at Ocean Grove on July 1 at 7:30 p.m.

The series, led by Gordon Turk, Artistic Director, features nationally known ensembles and soloists.

The NJWS is one of the premier wind ensembles in the United States with musi-

cians from the NYC Metropolitan area who volunteer their time and talents. The NJWS is happy to return to the Great Auditorium to share their concert program featuring a variety of music from light classics and famous marches.

For more information about the NJWS, visit njwindsymphony.org. For venue information and tickets, visit oceangrove. org/stars.

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Southern Ocean Times, June 26, 2021, Page 25

AroUnD the JerSeY Shore Boys Track Team Win NJSIAA Championship

−Photo courtesy Southern Regional MANAHAWKIN – Congratulations to the Southern Regional Boys Track and Field teams on winning the 2021 NJSIAA South Jersey Group IV Sectional Championship. It is the 2nd sectional title in school history. Congratulation’s athletes, coaches, parents, alumni and fans.

Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Welcomes Summer Interns

A FULL SERVICE LAW FIRM 189 Route 37 • Toms River, NJ (1/4 Mile W. of GSP) 74 Brick Blvd. • Brick, NJ (The Pavillion) 623 Lacey Rd. • Forked River, NJ

732-349-4949

Silvio M. Silvi Neil D. Honschke Ralph F. Fedele

• Personal Injury • Workers’ Compensation • Municipal Court • Wills / Living Wills / POA • Estate Probate • Estate Administration • Real Estate Closings

PROMPT & PROFESSIONAL REPRESENTATION

www.sfhlaw.com −Photo courtesy Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office OCEAN COUNTY – Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, First Assistant Prosecutor Michael T. Nolan, Jr. and Chief Joseph F. Mitchell welcomed the summer student interns to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.

They are proud to welcome students from Bates College, Caldwell University, Kean University, Montclair University, Rutgers

University, Seton Hall University, Stevenson University, Stockton University, Temple University, the University of Delaware and the University of Maryland.

These Interns will gain valuable experience working side by side with Detectives and Assistant Prosecutors. Welcome to OCPO!

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 26, The Southern Ocean Times, June 26, 2021

Do You Have a Pet? Professional Care Including Daily Dog Walking & Pet Sitting

Going Back to Work or Planning a Vacation?

Call for a FREE Consultation! 732-200-2369 jerseyshore@inhomepetservices.com

Dear Joel

By Joel Markel

I’ll Keep My Mask On, Mind Your Business

Dear Joel, The mask mandates are being lifted and I couldn’t be happier. In the places where wearing a mask is my choice, I have been approached by several mask wearing people who have been pretty aggressive. They keep asking me why I’m not wearing one and trying to make me feel bad about my decision to go maskfree. Is it right for them to ask me such personal questions?

Answer: People are returning to normal at their own pace. I agree it’s pretty nervy for a complete stranger to lecture you, so tell them politely but fi rmly that you

are obeying the current restrictions while still exercising your own decision. It’s ok for them to be concerned, but it’s not ok for them to tell you what you should be doing. Thank them and remind them that they have made their choice, now you should be allowed to make yours.

Thanks for writing.

Joel Write to joel@preferredcares.com.

His radio show, “Preferred Company” airs Monday through Friday from 8 to 10 a.m. on preferredradio. com and 1160 & 1310 WOBM-AM.

If you or anyone else is in need of home health care, call Preferred at 732-840-5566 (800603-CARE (2273). “Home health care with feeling. (“Home Health Care with Feeling”)

Coast Guard Auxiliary Offering Boating Safely Class

BRICK – The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 16-05 located in Brick will be offering a 1 day About Boating Safely class on June 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, Unit 129 located at 2025 Church Road 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.

For registration and information, call 732701-7849 or email 0531605@5nrdivision16. net.

Marine Science Camp Announced

WARETOWN – Waretown presents Marine Science Camp for grades K through 8, the week of July 12, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Corliss Park Lake and Recreation.

Active hand on learning with seining and water quality testing, and lessons about narwhals,

whale sharks, seagrass ecology, nitrogen cycle and much more. Data collection will be submitted to the new citizen science project, campers will be helping ongoing research.

Taught by marine biologists/environments.

For registration and information, visit marinesciencecamp.com.

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

OCEAN COUNTY NJ ONLINE

Your Web Connection to Southern Ocean County NJ

Community Information Events • Local News www.SouthernOceanCountyOnline.com

Your Gateway Resource to Ocean County NJ Information

♦ Ocean County Events ♦ Community Information ♦ Business Listings

www.OceanCountyNJOnline.com

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Southern Ocean Times, June 26, 2021, Page 27

Omarr’s Astrological Forecast For the week of jun 26 - jul 2

By Jeraldine Saunders

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Using charm and easygoing ways can make the going easier.

Your career ambitions could take second place behind your hopes and dreams for your family.

Focus on making your loved ones feel special this week.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): With positive thinking you can be an inspiration to others. Your network of contacts should be there to support you whenever the going gets tough.

Well-researched information can help you reach your goals this week.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You’ll likely prove to be a wily adversary when challenged to a battle of wits. Don’t offer someone assurances that encourage their wishful thinking. Focus on building a nest egg.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Call in favors in the week ahead. Friends and well-wishers will probably be happy to lend a hand so you can work toward making dreams come true. A chance to greatly improve your circumstances might arrive early in the upcoming week.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Make your mark without ruffling anybody’s feathers. Avoid personality conflicts by waiting for someone to approach you rather than making the first move.

Be philosophical and tolerant of other viewpoints in the week ahead.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Get by with a little help from your friends. If you stick to the facts, you should fit in with any group that gathers to discuss mutual interests. Use sound business tactics for the greatest financial success in the

week ahead.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In the upcoming week you might make your working conditions more comfortable and earn a few gold stars from the boss. You probably have a sense of how things ought to be and can effectively improve your surroundings.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): As the week unfolds, you may be blessed with unexpected support that helps you achieve your career goals.

If you demonstrate your affection and give loved ones the benefit of the doubt, you can grow closer.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In the week to come, your vision of how things should be may be altered. You could be bombarded by unexpected changes that you should accept with good grace. By accepting something new, you may improve the outcome.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The results will likely be in direct proportion to the effort you put forth. Co-workers and clients should respect you when you offer practical solutions. Your partner or a loved one can offer the best advice.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Persistence and a strong work ethic will bring abundance faster than betting on lucky numbers. When it comes to handling your money, you may experience more than your usual share of good luck through intelligent planning.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): It’s never too late to be your best. Embrace an opportunity that arrives in the week ahead, as it can lead to a higher level of contentment. Romantic meetings can sustain your highest expectations.

(c) 2021 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

BERRIES GIVE THIS SNACK CAKE A BRIGHT POP OF COLOR AND FRESH FLAVOR

By America’s Test Kitchen

BERRY SNACK CAKE ­

­

­

­

­

­

­

­

­

(For 25 years, confident cooks in the know have relied on America’s Test Kitchen for rigorously tested recipes developed by professional test cooks and vetted by 60,000 at-home recipe testers. See more online at www.americastestkitchen. com/TCA.) (c) 2021 AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN. DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

Page 28, The Southern Ocean Times, June 26, 2021

jerseyshoreonline.com