2024-01-13 - The Brick Times

The BRICK Times Vol. 23 - No. 36

In This Week’s Edition

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Local Musician Reaching Crescendo Of Success

of Brick.

“I made one where I was wearing funny sunglasses and there was a lot of screaming involved and me playing the piano, and I just thought it was something funny,” he recalled.

Within 40 minutes, his TikTok had over 100,000 views, and by 8 a.m. the next morning, it had gotten over 4 million views. Within a few days he went from 60,000 TikTok followers to nearly a million.

NGXB also has some 200,000 followers on Instagram.

Blum, who was born and raised in Brick, still lives there with his parents George and Linda. George, who has a degree in classical piano, was his son’s piano teacher from four years old until he was 15.

“My Dad never pursued a career in classical piano, but he will never stop being my piano teacher,” Blum said.

Linda quit her job to become her son’s operations manager.

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Photo by Judy Smestad-Nunn Nicholas George Xavier Blum, stage name NGXB, practices his performances.

By Judy Smestad-Nunn BRICK - Piano virtuoso and township resident Nicholas George Xavier Blum, 25, has 1.2 million followers on TikTok, his videos have 31.3 million “likes,” and he recently penned a deal with brand manage me nt t o h a nd le

sponsorships for social media influencers and content creators.

Blum, who goes by NGXB, plays in a virtuosic, bravura style, with a contemporary twist.

Or, in layman’s terms, in the style of Liberace, who, like Blum, studied classical piano but also played popular

music.

“How this whole thing started was during the pandemic. I didn’t have any gigs going on, so I started making content, and one thing led into another, and some of my videos started to get a few million views each,” he said from his home on the north side

(Piano- See Page 4)

Sportscaster Kevin Williams Signs Off

Photo by Chris Lundy Kevin Williams has had his last broadcast but he’s still going to be very active in the community.

By Chris Lundy TOMS RIVER – You m ig ht not he a r h is voice on the radio, but you’ll still see him helping out the community.

Kevin Williams has stepped away from the microphone. He’s covered high school football for 45 years, for

WOBM and the Shore Sports Network. But whe n r e p or t i ng on sports, the scores are just part of the story.

The most important part is the people – the athletes, the coaches, the fans.

It was this personal touch that led him to have loyal listeners.

It was his desire to enrich those around him that led him to be one of the county’s biggest cheerleaders and one of the most vocal volunteers.

Hometown View, a personal, weekly piece, where he talked about anything of interest (Kevin - See Page 4)

January 13, 2024

School Board Swears In New Members

By Alyssa Riccardi BRICK – Now that election season has officially come to a close, two new members have been sworn into the Brick Township Board of Education.

The Board started off the new year with their reorganization meeting which had a portion of the meeting dedicated to the oncoming members.

In November, four candidates were competing for two seats on the board. Current members Alison Kennedy and Michael A. Blandina were seeking re-election, while Mike Mesmer and Gregory J. Cohen were also fighting for the two seats.

A few weeks after the election, the county certifies the votes, making it official. During the reorganization meeting in the beginning of the year, when new members are sworn in, the Township Business Administrator James Edwards announced the official 2023 election tallies: Alison Kennedy – 8,577 votes, 30.93% Mike Mesmer – 7,025 votes, 25.33% Greg Cohen – 5,503 votes, 19.85% Michael Blandina– 6,498 votes, 23.40% Write-Ins – 126, 0.45% Kennedy and Mesmer were sworn in on January 4 surrounded by their loved ones, colleges, and

members of the community.

“I want to thank my family, friends, the voters of Brick Township, for giving me this opportunity to serve on this board that I will not take lightly. I’m here to advocate for our children, for every child in the district.

I’ll do my absolute best to represent this community and make all decisions by listening and really understanding the data and the facts that are provided. I look forward to working with all of the board members, as well as Dr. Farrell,” Mesmer said.

“I just want to take the opportunity and thank every 8,577 of you that voted for me and put your faith in me. I truly appreciate you. I have enjoyed being a part of this board and I look forward to having the next three years to continue to work with this excellent team that we have together.

I’m excited to welcome Mike to the team and look forward to working together,” Kennedy said.

In addition, members of the board nominated those who they thought were eligible to fill the roles of Board President and Board Vice President. This year, Stephanie Wohlrab was yet again chosen to be the Board President.

Accompanying will be Victoria Pakala as Board Vice President.

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Piano:

Continued From Page 1 Blum attended Lanes Mill Elementary School, Brick Memorial High School and University of the Arts in Philadelphia, where he graduated in 2020. Blum still keeps in touch with his high school vocal music teacher, Kevin Bettys.

Asked about how often he practices, Blum said, “You have to work to get the work, and there’s more of an emphasis when it comes to being an artist,” he said. “That’s the one thing I had instilled in me from my dad, who taught me from the ground up, you have to practice a few hours a day, build up your repertoire, and make sure your technique is great.”

Blum, who has perfect pitch, averages 30 paid piano gigs a month. He plays both by ear and by reading music.

One of his piano teachers told him that if he really wants to make a living playing piano, he needed to know at least 100 songs so he could take requests.

“Fortunately, what I do has made me stick out tremendously in the New Jersey music industry and has made me as busy as I am,” he said.

His biggest gig to date was in October when he played for the 10th anniversary of the Nobu Tower at Caesars in Las Vegas.

Blum has had gigs at nearly every Atlantic City casino, has performed at celebrity chef David Burke’s restaurants, multiple Hard Rock locations and at various philanthropic events.

Kevin:

Continued From Page 1

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to him, will be a thing of the past. His segment that he did for almost 27 years has a fitting title since he worked, lived, and breathed “hometown.” It was where he announced his semi-retirement.

WOBM has had four different owners during its tenure. “Each time it changed, I felt like I had to prove myself,” he said.

Each time, he was able to create value for the company while still doing what he liked, and he’s been happy to have an opportunity to do it. “I never cashed a paycheck I didn’t feel I earned.”

He started in 1979. He was WOBM’s first full time sports director. He remembers starting with the outcome of west coast games, because they likely ended after local listeners went to bed.

He developed a rapport with Steve Paul who would start his show immediately after. This grew into “Coffee With Kevin,” and then the two co-hosting the morning show from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. until 1996.

He looks back on the time working with Paul as a lot of fun, because they would be extemporaneous. They didn’t need much of a plan, just trust and mutual understanding.

In a previous interview with this newspaper, marking his 40 th anniversary in

One of his goals is to become a high-profile performer and he said he would love to accompany or perform with Adele or other high-profile celebrities.

Meanwhile, Blum said he is open to any career opportunities, but has declined gigs where he would be performing as background music.

“There are also gigs I can’t take because of my availability; my calendar is full,” he said. “But this is the kind of industry where you have to be ready at all times, you have to be prepared for any kind of situation at any given moment because that’s what makes a professional.”

“America’s Got Talent” wanted Blum on their show, but they wanted him to wear the funny sunglasses and scream like he did in his viral TikTok. “They wanted me to make a fool out of myself just for content - it was also shown that I could actually play, but they didn’t want that,” he said. “They wanted me to just, unfortunately, get buzzed off.

It wasn’t going to help my career in the long-term.”

Blum gets his greatest inspiration from not only Liberace but also from Franz Liszt (a Hungarian composer, virtuoso pianist, conductor and teacher, born in 1811).

“Liszt was a showman, and was technically one of the first rock stars - people would go crazy just listening to his music,” Blum said.

Contact NGXB by email at thengxb.com, find him on Instagram @TheNGXB, on TikTok @NGXB or call 732 330-9491.

this business, he talked about how difficult it was to decline favors for good causes. “It took me so long to learn how to say ‘no,’” he said. If there was a cause he felt strongly about, he’d lend his voice to it He’s now had three spine surgeries, a hip replacement, and another on the way.

This is the time when he’s supposed to be slowing down. It’s just been difficult to do. Now, there will be fewer speaking engagements. If he’s on a board of directors, he’ll step down when his term is up.

“I was blown away by the social media” wave of support that came out when he announced he was leaving. “I was completely caught off guard.”

Part of this he attributes to longevity in the area. Nobody works for 44 years doing the same thing anymore. He knows 35-year-olds who have had 15 different jobs. Corporations buy each other out and staff are let go, jobs disappear, and personnel get shuff led around. It’s not like it used to be in any career, let alone communications.

When he was first starting out, the goal was to move up to one of the bigger markets – New York or Philly. But how many people can say that their commute has been less than 10 minutes their entire career? Living in Beachwood, it was a quick drive to WOBM when it was in (Kevin - See Page 5)

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The Brick Times, January 13, 2024, Page 5

Kevin:

Continued From Page 4 Bayville. Now, the station operates out of downtown Toms River.

Because of this, he’s been able to go to his kids games and other special events.

He was able to be an active part of his children’s lives in a way he wouldn’t have been able to if he drove over an hour every day.

Shore Sports Network was sold last year. He went to one football game all

season, Donovan Catholic versus Toms River North, and he worked it as the public address.

When he saw that he didn’t miss it as much as he thought he would, he said to himself “You’re now moving on with a different stage of your life.”

He’ll miss the people, though – coaches, athletes, and others who have become a family to him. “It’s closing a door on a long chapter of my life,” he said.

“I have no regrets. None whatsoever,” he said. In a challenging media landscape where staff are let go unceremoniously by

corporate owners, he was able to script his own exit.

One thing that hasn’t changed is his desire to help the community.

Perhaps part of the reason that he hasn’t been emotional about it is that the door isn’t completely closed – not yet.

Christmas Classic There are a few radio station duties that he’s still going to work on, and it shows his priorities. For example, he said he’ll still do Student of the Week until the end of this school year. He’s worked out an ar-

rangement with the media company to still carry on in certain capacities.

He’s the director of the WOBM Christmas Classic basketball tournament. This past event was the 39th annual, and, well, he couldn’t end on an uneven number like that.

So, he’ll definitely be in charge of the 40th match, but after that, someone else might need to step up.

At last year’s, he met a father who had taken his boy to every tournament, and next year, he’ll be playing in it. The father wanted to make sure that Williams would be there, and he assured him he would.

CEO From Ocean County Charged With Fraud

By Alyssa Riccardi TOMS RIVER – The chief executive officer of a Lyndhurst company was charged for selling security cameras and equipment to law enforcement customers that were not compliant with the National Defense Authorization Act, officials said.

Tamer Zakhary, 49, of Toms River, was charged with three counts of wire fraud and one count of making false statements.

“In August 2018, in order to address increased concerns that foreign intelligence actors were looking to infiltrate United States systems and exploit technologies, Congress signed into law Section 889 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year

2019. Section 889 prohibits the federal government from procuring or obtaining video surveillance and telecommunications equipment from specifically identified Chinese companies and from entering into contracts with any entity that uses such video surveillance equipment from those specifically identified Chinese companies,” officials said.

Zakhary is the owner and chief executive officer of a company that sells surveillance and security cameras and equipment.

Between August 2019 through December 2022, he sold millions of dollars’ worth of surveillance cameras and equipment to public safety and law enforce-

ment agencies in New Jersey, including prosecutors’ offices, sheriffs’ offices, police departments, and townships.

According to officials, Zakhary fraudulently misrepresented to these customers that his company’s products were compliant with Section 889. He obtained the cameras and equipment he sold from a Chinese company specifically identified in Section 889.

Customers purchased at least $35 million in surveillance cameras and equipment from Zakhary’s company, over $15 million of which consisted of federal funds and grants, officials said.

The wire fraud charges each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison;

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OPINIONS & COMMENTARY E ditorial Hobbies Can Be Life Saving I’ve noticed, now that I’ve reached my late 40s, that people my age and older don’t have many hobbies.

When we’re kids, we have loads of hobbies. Our families (hopefully) encourage us to do anything that interests us – time and money permitting. In the teenage years, our interests usually change. There’s more homework. A part time job. After graduation, it’s work and/or college. Career.

Marriage.

You might have your own kids, and your hobbies take a back seat to your children’s. It’s no wonder that some sports parents become

obsessed with their kids’ performance and become horrible to the other team.

They don’t have anything going on in their own lives so they have to live vicariously through their kids.

And once the nest is empty, what is there? If you’re lucky enough to retire, what is there? You turn on the TV and flip through the channels all day. You’ve lost touch with friends and can’t figure out how to make new ones.

When we write articles about legendary coaches or award-winning seasons, the athletes – now adults – say those were the best years of their lives. It’s because

they really haven’t had that camaraderie since. Sports, especially contact sports, are for the young.

This is a little late to be a New Year’s resolution, but any time is a good time to pick up a new hobby, or to restart an old one. What was it you used to do with your free time? What made you happy?

What can you do to pass the time in a fun way? It doesn’t have to be constructive. It doesn’t have to be a side hustle. You don’t need to monetize it. Just do something with your hands, or your mind, that’s more than scrolling on your phone.

You’ll find that there are other people who enjoy these hobbies just as much. They will welcome you into the club, happy to have another person to geek out over whatever little niche you’re into.

How great would it be to come home after a hard day’s work and unwind by spending an hour in the garage on some project? At the end of it, you’ll have something you can be proud of. It would be cool to bake a cake, draw a picture, or write a poem and when it’s done, look at it and say “I made that!”

Keep an eye in the local paper about groups having meetings. Search social media for

your interests. Make sure to include your location, such as “Ocean County” and “model trains,” for example. Look into the local college’s continuing education programs, or an art group’s upcoming classes.

Mom and pop hobby stores will often have free classes or clubs, and there are always people excited to show you how to start. If you liked to sing, maybe the church needs another choir member.

Your hobby doesn’t even need to be shown to anyone.

If you want to pick up that guitar again, grab some new strings and just bang around on it. No one ever has to hear it. You can make all the mis-

takes you want. It doesn’t matter.

The headline I used might be a bit over the top, but I don’t think I’m wrong. Hobbies can make you happy, and happiness is a lifesaver. Getting out and doing things, talking to people, is exercise for your body and your mind. It’ll save your life in a symbolic way; your life will be so much richer with a hobby. Don’t feel guilty about something that brings a smile to your face.

You’re worth investing the time in it.

ber has a problem or issue with another, it should be discussed in public.

After 4 years, I recently won a disciplinary review board ethics case against for mer Lacey School Board attorney Supsie for working behind my back.

These people truly never had the best interests of the students in mind when they did this to me - their goal was to keep thei r clique intact! Why was I targeted? Because I suppor ted non-incumbents in the 2019 school board election. If the non-incumbents had won, a New Yorker would have had control of a south Jersey school board.

And maybe academics would have been a priority instead of sports!

less often. After a campaig n assailing incumbents for lack of transparency and questionable spending practices, this move is extremely confounding.

Mayor Rodrick and his team took office and immediately have seemed t o shu n a ny ca mpa ig n commitments to opening up local gover nment to average residents. Toms River is a growing town with almost 100,000 and to assert that fewer meetings, later in the night, will be able to address ou r l it a ny of p r e s si ng issues is laughable.

Almost every resident wou ld ag ree t hat t he town is not doing enough to improve services and promote spending eff iciently and also would agree that the best way to address these is through m o r e e n g a ge m e nt a n d pa r t ner sh ip w it h community members. Unfortunately, the cutbacks on public meetings does not bode well for the future work of Mayor Rodrick and his Council.

Chris Lundy News Editor

Letters To The Editor Beware Trump’s Revenge Three years ago, a violent mob, incited by then-President Trump and his allies in Congress, attacked the U.S. Capitol to tr y and stop the peaceful transfer of power for the first time in American history.

Now, three years and four indictments later, Trump is running for president again in a desperate attempt to avoid accountability. If he is re-elected, his plans for a second term include weaponizing the Department of Justice to persecute and retaliate

against his political opponents; giving license to political violence by pardoning his own crimes and the crimes of his supporters, including those com m it t ed on Ja nu a r y 6th, and even using the military against Americans exercising their 1st Amendment rights. And t o m a ke s u r e h is pla n succeeds, he’ll purge the fe de r al gove r n me nt of and punish anyone who doesn’t agree with him until there’s no one left to say no.

This is not the America I know. Too much is at stake for voters to allow Trump

We Welcome Letters To The Editor!

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

All letters are printed as space allows unless deemed offensive by the editorial staff, and provided they are signed and include address & phone number for verification. Letters may not be printed if we cannot verify them.

Names will not be withheld from publication. While most letters are printed as submitted, we reserve the right to

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The weekly deadline is 5 p.m.

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to take back power. Trump and those who enabled him must answer for their attempts to overturn the 2020 election and for the violence that followed - in the court of law and at the ballot box.

Alice Ciuffo Manchester

Legal Chaos On School Board What happens when a s cho ol b o a r d at t or ne y fails to protect all h is clients?

I can tell you - legal chaos!

Many people wonder why so few new candid ates come for ward to run for the various school boards in New Jersey. I think I have an answer.

It’s not because it’s an unpaid job. I’ve talked to many people who would like to serve but are afraid of t h e i n c r e d i ble we b of politics that exist on school boards!

I’ve said it a million times - there’s no room for politics in education.

In 2014 I ran and won a seat on the 2015 Lacey

School Board. I served my 3 year term and stepped back in 2018. That term was like a tightrope walk.

Then I decided to run a second time and I won another 3 year term. This t i me, I felt l i ke I wa s wal k i ng on eggshells each and every moment.

I never felt protected by the Board attor ney. He was the lifelong f riend of a few board members a nd t he husba nd of a n employee! One day while reading the legal bills, I noticed they were about me! The Board President, i n s t e a d of d i s c u s s i n g issues with me directly in public like he was supposed to, asked the Board at tor ney to i nvestigate me behind my back! I felt b et r aye d a nd ap pa l le d that these people would do this to me.

And then to add insult to injury it was later discovered that he investigated t wo ca ndid ates/pr ivate citizens running against the board president.

I am not a native of South Jersey - I’m a New Yorker and it’s held against me.

Board members are not protected by confidentiality rules - if one mem-

Regina Discenza, Former Board Member, Lacey Township Board of Education

Rodrick Attacks Transparency Tom s R ive r C ou nci l meetings are now going to happen signif icantly

Noah Hilsdorf Toms River

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The Brick Times, January 13, 2024, Page 7

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

Environmental Education App Wins Federal Award From The Desk Of

Congressman

Chris Smith WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Chris Smith (R-4th) announced the winners of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge for the Fourth District of New Jersey.

The annual competition is aimed at promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) skills among high school students and emphasizes the importance of these skills for the future, especially in areas of the US economy like cybersecurity and intellectual property.

“Congratulations to Charlie Brekke, Jordan Denzler, and Garrett Stemetzki from Communications High School in Wall Township for winning this year’s competition with their app ‘Wilderly,’” said Smith.

“Their app is not only innovative and creative but also educational, as it is designed to teach young children about the invasive as well as endangered species in our area through interaction with environmental organizations and nature,” Smith said.

Communications High School is one of five career academies operated by the Monmouth County Vocational School District, and students come from all municipalities in Monmouth County.

“We were inspired to create this app from our

own experiences learning about these topics in school,” the winning team said. “We felt that this education would have been further improved had we been able to go out and find these species in nature. Additionally, we believe that providing an outlet where kids could learn while simultaneously having fun would provide the best environment for developing a love for, a knowledge of, and an appreciation for nature.”

“In their description of the project, the students used information they learned in the classroom about invasive threats to the Garden State and how invasive species impact all of us,” said Smith.

The winning team of Brekke, Denzler, and Stemetzki was selected by a panel of judges that evaluated the app submissions from high schools across the Fourth Congressional District.

The Congressional App Challenge - simultaneously held in multiple congressional districts across the United States - is intended for students to showcase their software app-developing skills as part of a nationwide competition administered by Members of Congress.

Established in 2014, the Congressional App Challenge has become the largest student computer science competition in the world. The challenge was created to foster STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) skills among students and emphasize the importance of these skills for the future, especially in areas of the US economy like cybersecurity and intellectual property.

Middle and high school students from our Fourth Congressional District who are interested in participating in next year’s contest should contact Rep. Smith’s Toms River Office at 732-504-0567 or his Middletown Office at 732-780-3035.

Environmental Excellence Awards Presented From The Desk Of

DEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette

TRENTON – Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette announced the winners of the 24th Annual Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards as well as the recipient of the prestigious Richard J. Sullivan Award during an awards ceremony at the Historic Masonic Temple in Trenton.

“The achievements of this year’s award winners capture the essence of environmentalism in New Jersey and set a shining example for us all to follow,” said Commissioner LaTourette. “It’s an honor to celebrate their determined efforts to protect the state’s natural resources and help others connect to nature.”

The Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards are awarded annually to individuals and organizations that demonstrate commitment and leadership on a variety of environmental issues, including environmental justice, climate change, sustainability and education.

Sustainability (Community): Ocean County Department of Solid Waste Management The Ocean County Department of Solid Waste Management, in conjunction with the county’s Board of Commissioners, established a pilot program to safely collect and dispose of expired marine flares after determining there was a lack of disposal outlets nationwide. Through a partnership with the Ocean County Fire and First Aid Training Center, more than 1,200 flares collected during a one-day event were incinerated onsite

via a custom burn box. Due to the program’s success, the county plans to hold annual spring and fall flare collection events.

James J. Florio Emerging Environmental Leader: Julia Totora Julia, a student from Pitman, participated in projects such as making leaf packs for school groups to investigate macroinvertebrates and creating a petition and letter-writing campaign seeking to eliminate plastic foam trays from her school district’s lunchrooms.

On Earth Day 2023, she provided hands-on water quality education to residents of her town by leading a water testing project at a local creek and taught residents how water quality is related to their health and the health of the lake, stream and local wildlife.

Clean Air: Anna Grossman Grossman, a resident of Montclair, supported the township’s local advocates and organizations to eliminate the local use of gas-powered leaf blowers. Grossman organized workshops and electric lawncare demonstration days, spoke at town council meetings and arranged expert testimony at public comment sessions, and coordinated a webinar with health and electric lawn care experts. In May, Grossman set up a social media and web presence, Sustainable Montclair, to support advocacy efforts on this and other local environmental causes. As of Sept. 4, gas-powered blowers and sprayers are banned year-round in Montclair.

Climate: Pari Patel Pari, a student from South Plainfield, designed a series of upcycling events in her community to reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

Pari’s classmates traded apparel and learned how to use a sewing machine, fabric glue and paint

to repurpose old clothing. Pari also organized clothing drives and assemblies, and distributed flyers at her high school, other township schools and public arenas such as the local library. Pari addressed the issue with her town council and used social media to teach about mass-produced apparel and other, sustainable clothing choices.

Watershed Management and Water Resources: Veolia New Jersey Watershed Team Veolia created a Watershed Team to ensure clean, safe drinking water for more than 1.3

million residents across New Jersey. The team of Veolia employees, headed by Matt Cerami and including Tyler Arnold and Ron Farr, created a dashboard that combines satellite imagery, continuous monitoring equipment, lab samples and meteorological data to form predictions about when and where Harmful Algal Blooms could form in reservoirs. This allows the team to accurately target areas that need treatment and reduce the amount of HAB treatment chemicals (Government- See Page 15)

SLOW IT DOWN Cases of myopia (nearsightedness) are rapidly growing throughout the global population, and the condition is expected to affect the vision of nearly half the planet’s population in the next 30 or so years. Since myopia generally begins to develop during early childhood, and becomes worse as we age, it is helpful to know what practices may reduce your child’s risk. To begin with, limiting screen time is important for a multitude of reasons including healthy eye development.

The same goes for increasing outdoor activities. These provide not only vitamin D, which is essential for healthy growth, but also increase children’s exposure to light and to a greater variety of visual stimuli and distance-vision activities.

Controlling myopia has come to be viewed as more of a medical necessity rather than an elective luxury by eye care professionals, educators, and parents.

To schedule an eye exam, please call SIGHTMD NEW JERSEY SUSSKIND & ALMALLAH EYE ASSOCIATES at 732-349-5622. We offer evening hours most nights of the week.

P.S. While glasses can help with myopic vision, they cannot slow the progression, whereas certain types of contact lenses can do both.

MARLBORO (732) 972-1015

BRICK TOMS RIVER (732) 349-5622 (732) 477-6981 www.oceancountyeye.com

BARNEGAT (609) 698-2020

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 8, The Brick Times, January 13, 2024

Community News C lub N ews , A ctivities , E vents & A nnouncements

Athletics Updates At Brick Township High School BRUNCH • DINNER (Next to Ken’s Hardware) 1001 FISCHER BLVD. • TOMS RIVER • 732-232-0558

TAKE OUT • DINE IN • DOORDASH • GRUBHUB We have something for everyone, including our vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free friends!

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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

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• Wills / Living Wills / POA • Estate Probate • Estate Administration • Real Estate Closings • Trusts • Power of Attorney • Municipal Court Website: www.silvilaw.com • Email: lawfirm@silvilaw.com

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

MANCHESTER TIMES • BERKELEY TIMES • BRICK TIMES JACKSON TIMES • HOWELL TIMES • TOMS RIVER TIMES SOUTHERN OCEAN TIMES President & Publisher Stew 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 Miranda

Julia Wilkens

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.

Photo courtesy Brick Township High School BRICK – The winter season has officially begun and teams are primed for big years!

The ice hockey team is off to a solid start.

The team is 1-1-1 with a huge opening night victory of TRN. The ice hockey team won 9-2 with an outstanding total team effort.

Boys and girls basketball seasons are underway. The boys are 0-2 and still searching for their first win. The team is very young, but hungry. The girls team is 1-1. They have a victory over Pt. Beach and they lost to Howell.

The wrestling team suffered an opening night defeat at the hands of Southern Regional. The team had many solid per-

formances at the Ron Mazzola Memorial Tournament.

Boys and girls winter track season started in December. The teams competed at the Toms River bubble. Caitlyn Chandler set the school record in the high jump, twice in one meet! She has now eclipsed 5’2”! The boys and girls had some awesome performances and the future of the track program looks bright!

The boys and girls bowling season is rolling right along. The boys team is 2-4 so far this season with wins over TR North and Central. The girls team is 5-1 on the season.

The team won the annual Rolling with the Indians Invitational!

Annual Brick Birthday Bash BRICK – Join as we celebrate Brick Township turning 174 with their annual Brick Birthday Bash on February 10 from 3 to 5 p.m. The event celebrates the founding of the town with games, music, hand painting and of course - CAKE! While the party is open to all, the activities are designed to be enjoyed by younger people. The party

is free to attend.

The Brick Birthday Party is hosted by the Mayor’s Student Advisory Committee, which is comprised of students from Brick Township and Brick Memorial High Schools. The party was started in 2016 after an elementary school student made the suggestion.

Daddy & Daughter Dance BRICK – Get ready for a magical evening with your special girl(s). The Daddy Daughter Dance is a very special day of music, dancing and activities. Dance the night away as you create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

The Dane will be on February 9 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Civic Plaza/Gym. Cost is $25. This event is designed for - but not limited to daughters ages 4 to 9.

For more information, call the Recreation Department at 732-262-1044.

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

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Brick Times, January 13, 2024, Page 9

Community News C lub N ews , A ctivities , E vents & A nnouncements

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Photo courtesy Brick Township EMS/Rescue BRICK – Each month Brick Township EMS/Rescue will randomly select by drawing numbers, an EMT from their staff to share a little bit of their background and shed some positive light on their contribution to the Brick Township community. For the month of January 2024 EMT Katelyn Pearce #53141 number was drawn.

Katelyn joined the department as a part-

time EMT in August of 2020, eventually being promoted to full-time in September, 2021. She has been an EMT since 2015. Katelyn came to us with previous EMS experience in Monmouth County.

She is a Special Operations team member and has participated as a part of TRT. Job well done EMT Pearce. Keep up the excellent work!

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Annual Hero Awards BRICK – Honoring those who make a difference every day, in ways small and large. The Annual Hero Awards will be held on March 8 at 7 p.m. at Brick Township High School.

This event honors Brick residents and businesses that exhibit a remarkable effort to make the community a better place. The event is hosted by the Mayor’s Student Advisory Committee and will include performances by local school choirs, theatre groups, dance

teams, and more. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

Do you know someone in the community who exemplifies being a hero in everyday life? Complete the form below and nominate them to receive a Brick Hero Award: townshipof brick.seamlessdocs. com/f/2024BrickHeroNomination.

The deadline to submit nominations is February 16.

Curbside Christmas Tree Collection BRICK – Brick Township’s curbside collection of Christmas Trees has begun.

The collection will be in accordance with the recycling schedule. The schedule is as follows: • Tuesday Recycling Day - Collection is January 11 to January 16 • Wednesday Recycling Day - Collection is January 17 to January 19 • Thursday Recycling Day - Collec-

tion is January 22 to January 24 • Friday Recycling Day - Collection is January 25 to January 29 Trees must be placed at your curb before 6 a.m. of the first day of your collection period.

Trees may also be dropped off at the Public Works Recycling Center, 836 Ridge Road, Brick, Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Chipotle Dine To Donate BRICK – Support the PTA and order Chipotle for dinner! Chipotle Fundraiser For Veterans Memorial Elementary School PTA will be on January 22 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Chipotle

located at 74 Brick Plaza, Brick.

Order online for pickup using code QQKF94E or show flyer in restaurant. Thirty-three percent of event sales get donated to the cause.

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jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 10, The Brick Times, January 13, 2024

Community News C lub N ews , A ctivities , E vents & A nnouncements

Governor’s Educator Of The Year Awards FINANCING AVAILABLE! NJNG Preferred Quality Contractor

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Photos courtesy Brick Township High School BRICK – Congratulations to Courtney Gough-Robinson who was named Teacher of the Year, and Lauren Ianniello who was named Educational Service Professional of the Year at Brick Township High School.

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BRICK – The Brick Senior Shuttle Service provides residents ages 60 and over with free transportation to Brick Township’s shopping areas as well as to special events in the township and surrounding communities.

Senior Shuttles are wheelchair accessible.

Senior Shuttle rides are free; seating is limited and filled on a first-come, first served basis. Call 732-920-8686 to reserve a trip January Senior Shuttle Trip: Ocean County Mall – January 17

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jerseyshoreonline.com

The Brick Times, January 13, 2024, Page 11

Community News

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Photo courtesy Jersey Shore Animal Center BRICK – Let’s make 2024 the year we find a forever home for our precious Amberlynn!

Amberlynn, a lovely 2-year-old tabby/calico queen, has been patiently waiting for over a year at the shelter. She was an incredible mom to her adorable kittens, who all found their forever homes, but our sweet girl is still searching for her purr-fect match! Amberlynn is a bit shy but oh-

so-sweet! She thrives in the company of other friendly cats, and her heart is just waiting to be filled with love in a warm, cozy home. Let’s make her dream come true in 2024!

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

Brotherhood Night At New Beginnings Church BRICK – Come out for the first Brotherhood Night of 2024 on January 19 at 6 p.m. at New Beginnings Church, 236 Brick Boulevard, Brick.

This is going to be an awesome time with food, fellowship, and a powerful teaching from their surprise guest speaker.

Enjoy a fun and relaxing night with all

the guys of NBC as they come together for fellowship, encouragement, and spiritual growth.

Brotherhood is a guys-only event! They are encouraging fathers to bring their middle-school and high-school-aged sons! Invite your friends, family, and co-workers.

Senior Services January Activities BRICK – Brick Senior Services provides residents ages 60 and over with a variety of services and access to activities and programs that are designed to improve their quality of life.

The Com munit y Café Mondays and Fridays, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Lunch reservation by 11 a.m. the day before is required. Transportation provided to site.

Suggested donation of $2. Call 732-920-

8686 for reservations.

Acrylic Art Class – January 16 & January 30 at 1:15 p.m. Students are required to bring their own canvas of any size. They will provide paints and brushes for your use.

Senior Services is located in the Brick Senior Center, 500 Aurora Drive, Brick.

For more information on Senior Services, call 732-920-8686.

Mom & Son Dance BRICK – Brick Recreation invites Moms & Son(s) to attend a memory-making date night on February 16 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Civic Plaza/Gym. Cost is $25. Only children ages 4 to 9 may be

registered this event. Have fun dancing the music of an upbeat DJ and creating crafts. Also, a souvenir photo and light refreshments will be available.

For more information, call the Recreation Department at 732-262-1044.

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Page 12, The Brick Times, January 13, 2024

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Consistently Wearing Hearing Aids May Reduce Your Risk Of Dying

Hearing loss is highly prevalent, affecting well over a billion people worldwide.

In about 25 years, this statistic will double. Many studies have clearly identified hearing loss as a major risk factor for adverse health outcomes including reduced quality of life, depression, dementia, and possibly mortality. Hearing aids are a first line intervention for most individuals with hearing loss. However, the delay in getting “hearing help” can be up to 10 years!

A recent Lancet Study utilized a cross sectional analysis of 9885 adults who participated in the National Health & Nutrition Examination Survey between 1999 and 2012. The association between hearing aid use and risk of mortality was examined among adults with various degrees of hearing loss. Among individuals with hearing loss, the risk of mortality was lower among regular hearing aid users than “never” users of hearing aids.

There are many theories proposed to explain the association between hearing loss and mortality. The first possible explanation involves common pathology

that affects both hearing and comorbidities leading to death, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dementia.

A second mechanism is the relationship between hearing loss and frailty. Thus, auditory deprivation resulting from hearing loss might negatively affect brain structure.

The bottom line is consistent hearing aid use contributes to improved brain function. Several studies suggest up to a 50% reduction in cognitive decline with consistent hearing aid use. In my opinion, there needs to be additional efforts to improve accessibility and affordability of hearing aids in individuals with lower socioeconomic status.

If you suspect the possibility of HEARING LOSS, don’t be a fool and wait years to get a complete hearing evaluation. Dr. Izzy and his Staff are always available to provide you with honest answers about your hearing health care. Please feel free to contact our office at 732-451-3962 or visit our website at gardenstatehearing.com.

WE Hear YOU & WE are Here for YOU!

His offices are in Toms River, Whiting, and Manahawkin. He can be reached at 732-451-3962 or via Web site at gardenstatehearing.com. Dr. Izzy & Staff gives Retirement Community Talks!

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Brick Times, January 13, 2024, Page 13

Here’s To Your Health Dear Pharmacist Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

When Your Mouth Hurts: 4 Natural Remedies For Oral Lichen Planus

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

When your mouth hurts, it’s so uncomfortable, it’s hard to enjoy a meal, and sometimes even sleep. You can try something like oral numbing gels or salt water rinses, but if it doesn’t go away you should see your dentist for a proper workup.

Today we’ll talk about a condition called Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) which can be a challenge for many people because it doesn’t respond easily to things like mouthwashes or oral gels that numb the area.

The problem is characterized by painful lesions and discomfort, and risk factors include genetic predisposition and immune system problems especially those that are autoimmune.

Doctors often prescribe a steroid medication called dexamethasone. This prescription elixir is one that you swish around in your mouth for a minute or so, and then spit out. It helps reduce swelling, pain, and redness. It speeds healing time for most. If you don’t respond to that, another stronger steroid called Clobetasol can be prescribed as an oral rinse.

Prednisone dose packs can be ordered, and others as well. But right now, I’d rather talk about natural remedies that can improve healing time and help with immune dysfunction, which after all is the triggering factor for oral lichen planus.

4 Natural Remedies for Oral Lichen Planus Aloe Vera Gel: This is renowned for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties.

For oral lichen planus, using pure aloe vera gel directly on the affected areas two or

three times daily can provide relief. Avoid eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes to allow the gel to work effectively. Buy a commercially prepared product, or cut into a leaf of the actual plant.

2. Vitamin D: Since immune dysfunction is a key part of the etiology of oral lichen planus, it’s pretty safe to say that having adequate amounts of vitamin D in your body matter! A study has confirmed the association as well. Deficiencies of this nutrient make healing harder, if not impossible!

3. Tea Tree Oil: Known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, tea tree oil can be used as a natural mouthwash.

Mix a few drops of tea tree oil in a cup of warm water. Use this as a mouth rinse, swishing around the mouth for a minute before spitting it out. Do not swallow this.

Be sure to use a high-quality essential oil brand.

4. Chamomile Tea: Chamomile has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, steep a chamomile tea bag in hot water for a few minutes, then allow it to cool and swish and spit two or three times daily. On second thought, feel free to drink your chamomile tea if you want to. Why not?! It’s delicious and relaxing.

Certain ingredients can irritate the sensitive mucosa and gums so it’s best to look for alcohol-free mouthwashes and toothpaste that is free of SLS (sodium laurel sulfate).

Avoid acidic and spicy foods. If you’d like to learn more, I have a longer version of this article posted at my website. Just sign up for my free newsletter at suzycohen.com.

(This information is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Suzy Cohen is the author of “The 24-Hour Pharmacist” and “Real Solutions.” For more information, visit www.SuzyCohen.com) ©2023 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.

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Page 14, The Brick Times, January 13, 2024

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The Brick Times, January 13, 2024, Page 15

Government: Continued From Page 7

applied to the water.

Healthy Ecosystems and Habitats: Neptune Township/American Littoral Society Neptune Township, the American Littoral Society and several partners worked together to restore 2,050 linear feet of shoreline at the Shark River Inlet. The project created beach, reef sill, marsh and berm habitat that improved resilience for natural and built communities, spawning habitat for horseshoe crabs, marsh habitat for juvenile fish and crabs, dune habitat for avian species and reef habitat for shellfish. Additionally, stormwater outfalls were replaced and affixed with tide valves to reduce periodicity of flooding and to better treat stormwater runoff.

Healthy Communities: Team Wilderness The Jersey City-based organization offers excursions to foster teamwork and leadership and build character in youth. In 2022, Team Wilderness served 450 youth who engaged in 6,000 hours outdoors. In addition to physical activity, each excursion is integrated with social and emotional reflection on self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making. In 2023, the organization added Compass Project, an academic coaching program that guides students from grade 10 through their first two years of college. North Star Project, also added in 2023, offers a free short-term youth counseling program that emphasizes wilderness and adventure therapy.

Environmental Justice: Dr. Nicky Sheats Dr. Sheats is director of the Center for the Urban Environment at the John S. Watson Institute for Urban Policy and Research at Kean University and played an instrumental role in the development and passage of New Jersey’s landmark environmental justice law. His recent efforts seek to integrate environmental justice in climate mitigation policies called Mandatory Emissions Reductions (MER) that target reductions

of associated co-pollutants, along with greenhouse gas emissions, and which impact overburdened communities. Dr. Sheats convened the state’s first MER policy workgroup with the New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance. Dr. Sheats is also the lead author of a recently published paper exploring the implementation of MER policies in New Jersey, Minnesota and Delaware.

Environmental Education (Student-Led): Anika and Divya Arora, Founders of Simply Green Parsippany Hills students Anika and Divya began working on a grassroots “Meatless Mondays” campaign in 2020 to raise awareness of the adverse effects of meat consumption on the climate. They did presentations at the town library, to the local Environmental Advisory Committee, school principals, the superintendent of schools and the Town Council, as well as other locations. In addition, Anika and Divya conducted a Climate Sciences Workshop in town. They have attended the Columbia Climate School Eco-Ambassador programs, CCS K-12 Live Classes and are certified in climate change leadership.

Anika and Divya started simply-green.org, dedicated to rallying youth to reverse climate change.

Environmental Education (Educator-Led): Ron Smith Smith, of Merchantville, is a science educator who leads community science adventures for children and adults. For more than two decades, Smith has led the environmental education program of the Haddonfield School District. With the Pinelands Preservation Alliance, he established the Life Science Field Training Institute, a weeklong program that trains teachers on field study techniques.

Smith also is director of the Drexel University Environmental Science Leadership Academy for high school students, a program where students study field-based environmental science in preparation for careers in science.

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3 DAY FINGER LAKES, N.Y.

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NARRATED TOUR OF THE SCENIC, WINE MAKING REGION INCLUDING WINE TASTING, PLUS, ROSE HILL MANSION AND SENECA LAKE BOAT CRUISE. INCLUDES 2 NTS. LAKE SIDE HOTEL, 2 BREAKFASTS, 2 DINNERS. NICE SUMMER GETAWAY.

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HAVE QUESTIONS? CALL BILL, NOW.

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www.OceanPediatricDental.com

Page 16, The Brick Times, January 13, 2024

jerseyshoreonline.com

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Brick Times, January 13, 2024, Page 17

R.C. Shea & Assoc.

Inside The Law If You Are A Victim Of An Accident Or Other Incident Then Remember That Social Media Is Not Your Friend By: Michael J. Deem Esq., of R.C. Shea & Associates Once an injury claim is reported to an insurance company their number one priority is to stop the bleeding. Not your bleeding; their bleeding! The primary concern of any insurance company is to find a way to not pay your claim, so you will be immediately investigated.

What Do Insurance Adjusters Look For After A Claim Is Filed?

A personal injury claim is built on evidence.

While your lawyer is compiling evidence to support your claim, the insurance adjuster on the other side is looking for ways to undermine it.

Beware of prying eyes. Your social media accounts are full of tidbits — even your most innocent posts, photos, or those you are tagged in — can be woven together and used against you. Even posts made by your family and friends are fair game for an aggressive adjuster. Even if all your social media accounts are protected with the strictest privacy controls, sometimes harmful information finds its way into the hands of the adjuster.

It’s used as evidence to reduce their financial exposure or, worse yet, to prevent you from receiving any compensation at all.

Adjusters look for the weakest link. If they sense you lack self-control, they may try to friend you on Facebook or follow you on Instagram. They also may try to buddy up to your friends to get insider information about you and the accident. Even your posts on dating sites can be mined and used against you.

What to Do on Social Media After a Car Accident Avoid doing anything on social media that could hurt your claim. You only have one opportunity to get this right, so you should leave nothing to chance. Tell your friends to refrain from posting anything about you or tagging you in photos on social media — past, present, or future.

If you see the need to delete anything from your accounts, ask your attorney first.

It could be seen as an attempt to destroy

Michael J. Deem, Esq.

evidence.

What Not to Do on Social Media After a Car Accident Sharing information about your case on social media makes it public. You instantly give up any confidentiality protections. The defense can subpoena it and use it against you. It’s best to post nothing.

For this reason, keep in mind the following: • Don’t reply to questions from your friends or family asking about how you’re feeling.

• Don’t post photos of yourself exercising or doing anything physical.

• Don’t post any medical information or anything from your attorney.

• Don’t post “check-ins.”

• Don’t accept “friend” or “follow” requests from people you don’t know.

• Don’t bad-mouth the insurance company.

• Don’t defend your actions during the accident.

• Don’t send texts or private messages.

• Don’t lie, especially about when events occurred. Everything online is time-stamped and can be used against you.

Contact R.C. Shea & Associates If You Have Been Injured If you’re the victim of an accident then choosing the right personal injury lawyer is the most important decision you will make.

At R.C. Shea & Associates, a firm with over 35 years of experience, a Certified Civil Trial Layer will handle your case. There’s nothing to lose and everything to gain by scheduling a free consultation. Contact us now to get started. (732) 505-1212.

Our clients’ success is our greatest reward.

732-505-1212 • RCSHEA.COM

Men’s Bible Study – New Beginnings Church BRICK – Meet the Brotherhood Ministry on Tuesday mornings for an in-depth Bible study with Pastor Joe and the guys from New Beginnings Church.

Invite friends or coworkers to come out with you! They start promptly at 7 a.m. and end at 8 a.m. New Beginnings Church is located at 236 Brick Boulevard.

Meet The Mayor At Rotary Club Meeting BRICK – On February 14, the Rotary Club of Brick, NJ speaker will Be Mayor Lisa Crate of Brick.

The Rotary Club of Brick, NJ - Morning

meets each Wednesday morning at the Brick Diner at 7:30 a.m. and they welcome guests and prospective members for fellowship and breakfast.

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 18, The Brick Times, January 13, 2024

Sea Stars, Commonly Called Starfish

By Renee A. Thomaier Retired New Jersey Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator Beautiful marine animals commonly called starfish can be found in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. They are not ‘true’ fish. They are part of an animal group known as echinoderms – they travel using their tube-like feet. Due to their difference from fish, in the way they move, scientists prefer to call them ‘sea stars.’ They are related to sea urchins, sand dollars, sea cucumbers and sea lilies. Overall, this category consists of approximately 7,000 species.

Their body parts are arranged around a central axis. With no left or right half, only a top side and bottom side make up their body. Most common sea stars have five arms; however, some species have many more. The sun star can have up to 40 arms. There are approximately 2,000 species of sea stars. Many reside in tropical waters but can also be found in polar regions.

Most of their vital organs are in their arms.

Should they be injured by a predator and lose their arm, for instance, a new arm will grow back within about a year. To help protect themselves from predators, depending on species,

they have a tough spiney upper side covering made up of calcium carbonate. Fish, birds, and sea otters are common predators of the sea star.

Seawater is primarily the circulatory system in the sea star. There exists a type of trap door often resembling a light-colored spot on top of the starfish. Using hundreds of tube feet on their underside, sea stars are fast movers.

Their tube feet help to hold its prey which includes mussels, clams, snails, small fish, and barnacles. Their mouth is located on the underside of their body.

Whether the sea star has five arms or forty, each arm has an eye which looks like a red

spot, located at the end of each arm. Unable to see detail, they can sense light and dark.

Male and female stars are hard to tell apart – they look identical.

The information for this article was gathered from multiple sources so statistics may vary slightly. To reach me please call 732-244-2768.

It is illegal to possess or relocate wildlife for any reason without the proper state and/or federal permits. Violating New Jersey laws protecting wildlife, which includes harm inflicted upon any animal, wild or domestic, is punishable by law.

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Bring this ad for a FREE SCONE with $10.00 purchase.

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Please Check Your Ad The First Week It’s Scheduled To Run For Insertion & Accuracy.

Micromedia will not be responsible for errors occurring in an ad beyond the f irst week if we are not notif ied of the error.

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Brick Times, January 13, 2024, Page 19

CLASSIFIEDS For Rent Apartment For Rent - Brick NJ - 83 Brandywine Court. $2,450/per month.

2 BD's, 1.5 Bath, washer/dryer, access to pool, patio for BBQing. Contact Management company Ana Almonte 732-470-5796. email aalmonte njleasingagent@gmail.com.

(5) Seaside Park - 1 Bedroom apartment, $1300. Waterfront Marina 4 Bedroom Private Home with new floors, carpet and paint. Super Clean with beautiful sunsets from your deck, $2800. 908-278-5491.

(5)

Garage Sale Garage Sale Moving - Everything must go! Date: Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th. Time: 12-5. Address: Original Leisure Village, 167D Huntington Drive, Lakewood. Furniture, wheelchair, etc. See you there!

Questions: 732-475-7770. (t/n)

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, bric-a-brac, select china and crystal patterns. Cash paid.

Over 35 years experience. Call Gary Struncius. 732-364-7580. (t/n) Vinyl Records Wanted - Paying cash for LP albums. Rock, Reggae, Blues, Jazz. Also buying Comic Books . Call Rick 908-616-7104. (t/n) CASH PAID!! LP records - stereos, musical instruments, guitar, saxophone, CD’s, reel tapes, music related items. Come to you. 732-804-8115. (44) 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 - Top dollar, paid for junk, cars running and nonrunning, late model salvage, cars and trucks, etc. 732-928-3713. (t/n) 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) 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) I Buy Records - 33/45. Cash paid.

Call Eddie first! 732-829-5908 anytime. Travel to you fast deals!

(41)

Help Wanted R.C. Shea and Associates is seeking to hire a paralegal with civil/commercial litigation experience as well as an administrative assistant. Pay and benefits commensurate with experience. Please call Pam Williams, office manager at (732) 505-1212 or email at pwilliams@rcshea.com (t/n)

Help Wanted

Services

Micromedia Publications is looking for a high-energy account rep to sell print and online advertising in Ocean County. Competitive base, bonuses & company benefits.

Successful applicant should possess good communication skills & a desire to grow with the company.

E-Mail resumes to jallentoff@jersey shoreonline.com. EOE. (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. (t/n)

PART-TIME BUS DRIVERS Wanted for the Ocean County Vocational Technical School District: Pay Rate $20/hour.

CDL License required, must have (B), (P) & (S) Endorsements. Daily transport of students on field trips in and/or out of State and job shadowing trips. NO PEDDLE RUNS. EOE. Please email resume to ecrawford@ocvts.org or call Ed Crawford at 732-473-3100 ext. 3110. (4) Seeking Responsible Individual With Good Phone Skills - Experience In Hvac & Permits A Plus. Filing/Answering Phones/ Scheduling/Permits/Ordering Parts/ Customer Service. Great Work Environment. $15/Hour 7:30 a.m.

- 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Paid Holidays. Call Care Temp Heating & AC at 732-349-1448 Or Fax Resume To 732-349-6448. (t/n) Bus Driver NEEDED! - Flexible Scheduling. Perfect for Retiree in Retirement Community. CDL w/ Passenger endorsement required. Call SilverWoods Clubhouse for more information at 732-341-4825. (t/n) Certified Home Health Aides - Needed for Ocean County area. Hourly and live-in positions avail. P/T and F/T. Call CCC at 732-206-1047. (t/n) Laundromat Attendant - For FT/ PT Good communication skills, math and min computer knowledge. Transportation needed. Long term commitment only. 732-286-1863. (t/n)

Services 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) THE RIDE GUY - Takes you anywhere! No limits. Comfy mini-van. Call Charlie 732-216-3176 or Email: cr@ exit109.com. References. Let's Go! (t/n) CHEAP PAINTING Done RITE Free est. Senior discounts interior exterior. Call 732-506-7787, cell 646-643-7678. (t/n) Since 1979, Kitchen Magic, a family-owned business offering cabinet refacing, new cabinetry, and luxury countertop throughout the Northeast. We transform kitchens in less time, with less stress, at an amazing value. Call today for a free estimate 1-844-367-2477. (t/n) DIRECTV Sports Pack - 3 Months on Us! Watch pro and college sports LIVE. Plus over 40 regional and specialty networks included. NFL, College Football, MLB, NBA, NHL, Golf and more. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-877-557-1213 (t/n) Painting - Special Fall Pricing.

Interior/Exterior. Meticulous work.

All materials and jobs guaranteed. Fully licensed and insured. $ave. Call 732-850-5060.

(47)

Garden State Property Maintenance - All yard work. Tree-trimming and removal, stump grinding, pavers, decks, flower beds, weeding. 609-661-5470. (t/n) Car Service - 24/7. Doctors, shopping, airports, hospitals, cruise, shops, Atlantic City, family functions, NYC accomodations for large groups. Call for reasonable rates. Kerry 732-606-2725. (42) APlus Home Improvements - Over 30 years experience. Everything from small handyman tasks to large renovations, decks, finished basements and much more. Lic #13VH11453600. No job too small give us a call. 908-278-1322. (52) Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator. $0 Money Down + Low Monthly Payment Options. Request a FREE Quote. Call now before the next power outage: 1-833-901-0309. (t/n) PQ Painting & Home Improvement Services - Over 5 decades of service in NJ. Visit us online at pqpaintingservice.com. Winner of Angie’s List Super Service Award. Free estimates, reasonable rates, fully licensed and insured NJ Lic #13VH06752800. Call 732500-3063 or 609-356-2444. (t/n) Learn To Play The - Flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, or drums, from a NJ State Certified Teacher of Instrumental Music, in your home! Call 732-350-4427 for more information. (8) Handyman Service - Carpentry, masonry, painting repairs large and small. 40 years experience.

Call Jim 732-674-3346.

(39) Housecleaning - Painting, shopping, laundry window cleaning, carpet cleaning. Very good prices. 732773-5078, 848-287-3944.

(5) ALL American Home Health Aides Experienced experts in the field of trauma and recovery. Holistic approach to healing-nutrition, physical therapy, and quality of life improvements. Hourly or live in. Honest, hardworking, etc. Includes housekeeping, rides to doctors/pleasure. Skip the rest, come to the best. 732-664-3605. (t/n) Become a Published Author. We want to Read Your Book! Dorrance Publishing-Trusted by Authors Since 1920.

Book manuscript submissions currently being reviewed. Comprehensive Services: Consultation, Production, Promotion and Distribution. Call for Your Free Author`s Guide 1-877-791-2033 or visit dorranceinfo.com/micro. (t/n) Avon Sale - Eyeliner, make up, eye shadow, perfume, etc. For the Christmas shopping. Call for brochure at 732-773-5078.

(4) Handyman Solutions. All Home Improvement and Repairs. Carpentry •Doors •Windows •Bathrooms •Kitchen •Tile •Flooring •Decks •Vinyl Railings •Masonry •Drywall •Painting •Electric •Plumbing •More. Licensed. Insured. Emergency Service Available. 609-384-9030. (3) 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! (20)

CLASSIFIEDS CANNOT BE PLACED OVER THE PHONE.

1. Below, circle the heading you would like your ad to appear under: • Estate/Garage/Yard Sales

• Items Wanted

• For Rent

• Auto For Sale

• Help Wanted

• Real Estate

• Items For Sale

• Services

• Other

clearly your ad as you want it to read. Include Phone # within 2. Print ad below (counts as 1 word). Use separate sheet if necessary.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21*

22*

23*

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25*

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27*

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30*

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32*

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 SORRY NO DISCOVER 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.

6. PHONE NUMBER

(THIS IS REQUIRED)

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

Page 20, The Brick Times, January 13, 2024

RC R.C.SHEA S

jerseyshoreonline.com

Photo Of The Week

&ASSOCIATES COUNSELLORS AT LAW

WILLS, ESTATES, POWERS OF ATTORNEY, TRUSTS, LIVING WILLS, ESTATE LITIGATION AND GUARDIANSHIPS SERIOUS LEGAL MATTERS REQUIRE SERIOUS AND EXPERIENCED ATTORNEYS

KNOW YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS!

(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

Tices Shoal, located in Bayville, is a popular place to anchor a boat and swim in the summer. It’s also a very tranquil spot in the off-season. Local resident Margaret Marciniak recently snapped this great pic of the sunset through the trees at the fisherman’s walkway on the bayside. Nice! Want your photo to be in our print editions?

Email photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you may hear from us.

Send your community events to news@jerseyshoreonline.com

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Brick Times, January 13, 2024, Page 21

Page 22, The Brick Times, January 13, 2024

jerseyshoreonline.com

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Brick Times, January 13, 2024, Page 23

OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FOR THE WEEK OF JAN 13 - JAN 19

BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS FORECAST ARIES (March 21-April 19): It may be time to look at your finances or budgeting in a new way. Improved things could be on their way; start planning soon. Do your best to avoid letting current worries eat away at your future.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): The new year could be an excellent excuse to take a step outside of your comfort zone. do your best to prepare for any outcome and learn from whatever comes your way.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Avoid being gullible when seeking an adventure or a change of pace; your intuition could be off kilter right now. You may end up temporarily bewildered if you get embroiled in a misunderstanding.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Avoid letting some envy over someone else’s lifestyle or possessions distract you away from gratitude. Improving what you have instead of starting over can offer more benefits in the long run.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Stick with someone who has stood by you instead of seeking new companions who may offer only surface appeal Consider the consequences even if only thinking of a brief detour.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): A new year can bring the chance to correct old mistakes. Fear could trap you in the past, do your best to let it go. Avoid obsessing over old problems and look at the world with a fresh perspective.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): The holiday swirl is ending, perhaps at long last. Forgive any attitudes; try to resolve any misunderstandings. Do what you can to plant seeds of peace which can sprout in the new year.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Frustration with finances could lead to poor decisions. You cannot correct past mistakes overnight, but you can take steps towards rectification, give yourself time.

Chasing fads might drain your resources.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Your efforts to be proactive and productive about projects could be met with some resistance right now. stop to think things through and wait until better timing to put things in motion.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Don’t stand in the way of your dreams.

Avoid bringing last year’s subpar spending habits into the new year. Focus on long-term goals and ambitions and assemble a plan to bring them into being.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): keep your money in your pocket right now; this is not the best time to make major financial decisions. honor ongoing obligations or promises, especially if someone is depending on you.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Despite making resolutions and having the best of intentions, you might feel tempted to relax into old habits. If you genuinely want to change,stay focused on gelling in new and better patterns.

(c) 2024 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

NACHOS FOR DINNER? YES, PLEASE!

By America’s Test Kitchen

GROUND BEEF NACHOS WITH SWEET PICKLED JALAPEÑOS Serves 4

4 jalapeño chiles, stemmed and sliced thin 1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon sugar, divided 1/4 cup cider vinegar 1 1/2 teaspoons table salt, divided 1/2 cup ice plus 3/4 cup water 1 pound 85% lean ground beef 2 tablespoons taco seasoning 1/4 cup tomato paste 12 ounces American cheese, chopped coarse 3/4 cup whole milk 1 tablespoon minced canned chipotle chile in adobo sauce 12 ounces tortilla chips 1. Bring jalapeños, 1/4 cup sugar, vinegar,

and 1 teaspoon salt to boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook until jalapeños are just softened, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a heatproof bowl and stir in ice. Refrigerate until needed.

2. Combine beef, taco seasoning, remaining 1 teaspoon sugar, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt in a 12-inch nonstick skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up meat with a wooden spoon, until beef is no longer pink, 6 to 8 minutes.

Stir in tomato paste and cook until paste begins to darken, about 1 minute. Stir in water and cook until sauce thickens and coats beef, about 4 minutes.

3. Microwave American cheese, milk, and chipotle in a large bowl until cheese is fully melted, about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Arrange half of the chips on a serving platter. Drizzle half of the cheese sauce over chips. Repeat with remaining chips and cheese, then dollop beef mixture over top. Drain jalapeños and scatter over nachos. Serve.

(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) 2024 AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN. DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

Page 24, The Brick Times, January 13, 2024

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