2024-02-24 - The Southern Ocean Times

The

SOUTHERN OCEAN Times Vol. 11 - No. 34

In This Week’s Edition

MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS

JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM

February 24, 2024

Stafford’s Police Chief Retiring

Meeting Packed With People Afraid Of Losing Homes

BREAKING NEWS @

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Government Page 8

Community News Pages 9-14

Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 16

Inside The Law Page 19

Photo by Stephanie Faughnan A room filled with residents from Pinewood Estates and Brighton at Barnegat showed up to protest dissolution of the Rent Leveling Board.

By Stephanie Faughnan BARNEGAT – A packed room at the local governing body’s February meeting sharply contrasted with the typically low turnout at township committee meetings – particularly those conducted early in the day. The gathering was dominated by concerned residents outraged by a recent ordinance dissolving the township’s Rent Leveling Board.

On December 5, 2023, the Township Committee voted to approve an ordinance repealing the township’s Rent Leveling Board ordinance.

While proper notice was provided with the initial

reading of the proposed ordinance on November 9, 2023, numerous residents at the recent township meeting appeared to have been caught off guard by the decision.

As a consequence, tenants who disagree with the landlord’s rent increases risk incurring expenses for legal fees and court proceedings.

With Barnegat’s decision to dissolve the Rent Leveling Board, this avenue remains the sole recourse for tenants who contest landlords’ rent hikes and additional surcharges.

During the public session of the meeting, (Meeting - See Page 4)

Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Stafford Police Chief Tom Dellane’s last day is February 29.

By Stephanie Faughnan STAFFORD – Stafford Police Chief Tom Dellane is retiring after nearly four decades in law enforcement and almost 37 years of service to the local community. His last day is February 29.

Dellane, 57, who grew up in Toms River and comes from a law enforcement family, said he chose now because it was the right time to go.

“Everyone always said you knew when it was time (to retire),” Dellane said. “So, I woke up one morning, and it was time.”

The outgoing chief started his career in 1985 as a special police officer in Seaside Park and was hired by Stafford as a Class I officer on August 31, 1987. He rose through the ranks and became the chief seven and a half years ago.

(Chief - See Page 5)

Screening Committee Picks Newcomers Over County Leaders

By Bob Vosseller and Chris Lundy OCEAN COUNTY – A political upset happened when the Ocean County Republican screening committee endorsed Manchester Mayor Robert Arace and Berkeley Township Board of Education president Jennifer Bacchione rather than the incumbent commissioners.

This means that current Commissioners Gary Quinn and Director Bobbi Jo Crea

will be facing a challenge during at the upcoming Ocean County GOP convention.

Arace and Bacchione are both closely allied with County GOP Chairman George Gilmore, who reclaimed his position as Ocean County GOP chairman in 2023.

Arace is 30 years old and is currently serving the second month of his second year as mayor. He is the youngest candidate for such a county position.

Arace told The Manchester Times, “I was surprised. It all came about very quickly. It was only about a week or two ago when I was first asked if I had interest. I had some reservations about it because I actually love Manchester (serving as mayor) and there is a lot of work to be done here.”

Arace added, “what I have learned and learned rather quickly is that when you have a population of retirees that need critical

services like EMS, fire and police, that is something I am extremely passionate about.” He said he wants to see those services continue to be delivered “at extremely high quality for our residents however, on the flip side of that is to ensure the township is affordable for our retirees.”

“It has always been this balance of how (Leaders - See Page 8)

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Meeting:

Continued From Page 1 numerous residents took the floor, recounting emotional stories. One such individual was David Kruczek, a Pinewood Estates homeowner and the Executive Board President of the Manufactured Home Owners Association of New Jersey.

“We’re not an Active 55 community,” said Kruczek. “Most of us are 75 and 80 and in our last years. All we want to do is for them to leave us alone.”

“We manage to cut our medicine in half; we cut out a doctor appointment to pay our rent now, and we are one of the lowest ones in the state,” Kruczek continued. “People won’t be able to survive on next year’s (rent increase) – let alone two years from now. I hope I die before then.”

Diane Schlagel, who lives in Brighton, recalled how pleased she was when Barnegat officials first decided to institute the Rent Leveling Board.

“We live on a low income, my Social Security and a little bit of money I saved,” Schlagel added. “If our rents go up 15 percent, I can’t live there…I bought that house but it’s on land I don’t own and I can’t go anywhere else. So, I’ve decided I’m going to get a box and go into the Pinelands and live in there – and then the Pinelands Commission will throw me out.”

The dissolution of the Rent Leveling Board left Schlagel and many of the others under the impression that the township committee was not up front about their decision and seemed to favor a corporation that had more

money than them.

“It’s the first stop that residents have where the township can hear them out and make a decision,” said Ron Naples, a Brighton resident. “If an owner chooses to appeal it or if the residents chose to appeal it, that’s their decision. It’s a first step at the town and it’s not an expensive one. It’s a service.

It’s a protection.”

Meanwhile, Pinewood Estates does not have the same arrangements as Brighton.

Contacted after the meeting, Naples shared his involvement in negotiating a contract with Hometown, Brighton’s corporate owner. He emphasized that the agreement included keeping rent increases to 3% and preventing the passing on of capital expenditures under $100,000.

Despite the favorable terms, Naples highlighted that if disagreements arise, the contract stipulates resolution through the rent leveling process, emphasizing the continued importance of rent leveling in such instances.

Township officials vehemently deny that the intent was to hurt residents. They pointed out that residents still have the right to go to court regarding their appeal of increases.

According to Township Attorney Chris Dasti, the Rent Leveling Board further delayed the process of being able to achieve resolutions.

Joseph Sullivan, Executive Director of the Manufactured Home Owners Association of New Jersey said that dissolving the Rent Leveling Board removed what little protection homeowners had in their respective parks.

“The courts don’t understand manufactured housing any better than you do,” accused Sullivan to local government officials.

“They compare it to renting an apartment or renting a home… people who are getting Social Security increases of a little over 3% might see their rents go up 10%, 15%.”

Deputy Mayor Alfonso “Al” Cirulli acknowledged the problem with rent increases and said that Township Committee members have been exerting as much pressure as they could to keep costs down. He reiterated that tenants still had the right to bring a claim in Superior Court.

However, Sullivan proclaimed that Rent Leveling Boards play an important role in the process and also suggested that no decisions made by them have been overturned in court.

Barnegat’s Rent Leveling Board faced scrutiny as Pinewood Estates initiated legal action against it on December 21, 2023. The lawsuit claims that the corporate landowner sought a rent increase on July 13, 2023, citing rising utility costs and capital improvement expenses.

Despite the Rent Board’s approval of a utility increase based on rent percentage rather than specific expenses and allowing a capital improvement increase while rejecting tree removal costs, the lawsuit alleges that the Board failed to adequately assess the reasonableness of the denied utility expenses. Pinewood Estates seeks a $21.59 per month surcharge through the lawsuit.

Moving Forward Township Committee members listened

to resident concerns and are considering how to move forward. This may or may not include reinstatement of the Rent Leveling Board.

“We’ve already met with the people from Pinewood Estates,” confirmed Martin Lisella, Township Administrator and a former committeeman. “However, we were told that Brighton worked out their own deals and that’s how all of this came about. One of their leaders told us basically the Rent Leveling Board wasn’t necessary anymore, because it didn’t hold any weight.”

Naples emphasized that Brighton considers the Rent Leveling Board critical. He added that if it is reinstated, it should extend to other residents.

“It’s not just the 500 or so in Brighton and Pinewood,” said Naples. “You’re bringing 700 manufactured homes into the Cottages.

Those people are going to need representation and the law should be written so that renters in all the apartments you’re building in town also have representation.”

Rent Leveling Board’s Role The Rent Leveling Board in Barnegat was established in 2016 and comprised of four regular members and a chairman. Each of the town’s mobile home parks, Pinewood Estates and Brighton at Barnegat, had representation on the Board through both a landlord and a tenant representative.

Although a significant number of Pinewood and Brighton residents own their homes, they are technically classified as tenants since they lease the land beneath (Meeting - See Page 20)

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Chief:

Continued From Page 1 During his tenure, Dellane has seen many changes and challenges, including the growth of the town and the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. He’s also witnessed a dramatic increase in a lack of civility and numbers of people in some sort of mental health crisis.

In an exclusive interview, Dellane termed one of his proudest achievements as more of an agency accomplishment. The implementation of the On P.O.I.N.T. (Proactive Outreach In Needs and Treatment) program has expanded and is now used in 12 other towns.

When Dellane served as a captain, he collaborated with licensed clinical social worker Meghan Corrigan, who Dellane credited with originating the concept of the On P.O.I.N.T program. Through a partnership with Bright Harbor, this initiative has effectively decreased the recurrence of calls related to mental health, substance abuse, and social service matters. Social workers offer follow-up assistance to individuals in need, aiming to prevent their involvement in the criminal justice system or reliance on acute and emergency services.

“It was Meghan’s baby, and I was just able to help move it along a bit,” shared Dellane.

“It’s helped immensely.”

“When Matt Platkin became the Attorney General for New Jersey, I had pitched the idea to him to fund On P.O.I.N.T. as a county wide pilot program,” Dellane continued.

“That didn’t come to fruition, but that’s where the ARRIVE Together program

The Southern Ocean Times, February 24, 2024, Page 5 comes from for the State of New Jersey.”

The ARRIVE acronym stands for Alternative Responses to Reduce Instances of Violence and Escalation, which Dellane said has a few iterations throughout the state. It’s essentially a co-response program, which partners social workers with police officers.

“The iterations in Ocean County are not the co-response model,” explained Dellane.

“Here it’s been more of a follow-up model.”

While the On P.O.I.N.T. program aims to provide assistance to individuals before they reach their crisis points, it has also led to an increased focus among local police officers on de-escalating situations. Dellane highlighted that the Stafford Police Department is certified by ABLE (Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement), indicating that officers are trained to intervene effectively to prevent harm and foster a supportive law enforcement culture.

Stafford was among the first 75 agencies nationwide to receive this certification. All local officers receive extensive training, with ongoing instruction to maintain certification, including communication and de-escalation training conducted by certified instructors.

“When I present the annual report that the police department prepares to the governing body every year,” Dellane said, “I always thank them because they spend a lot of money on training.”

“I believe there’s a direct correlation between the amount and quality of the training that you do, and the liability exposure the township has,” continued Dellane. “Since I’ve been chief of police, there’s not been one

lawsuit for excessive force or false arrest.”

In his role as chief, Dellane said he has hired over half of the current police department, which is authorized for 60 officers and will be three short upon his retirement.

A local ordinance requires the governing body to select his successor as an officer who has served in a supervisory position within the department for at least five years. Two captains, Jim Haldenwang and Ken Schiattarella, and Sergeant Jay Costello meet the requisite criteria.

Worldwide Reach In addition to his role within the law enforcement community, Dellane holds a law degree from Rutgers University and is a licensed attorney. He appears to have an exceptional ability to digest and convey the intricacies of policy changes, including their formation.

As one of 20 chiefs assigned to a committee within the International Association of Chiefs of Police, Dellane has contributed to the development of model policies globally.

Having recently completed his term as the president of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Dellane views his involvement as a platform to advocate for issues impacting law enforcement at a statewide level.

New Jersey is the only state to consider the state’s attorney general as its chief law enforcement officer. In the last few years, several new directives have come down from the attorney general’s office that have changed the tenor of police work throughout the state. While some, such as bail reform,

What Comes Next “Every day I’ve come to work here in Stafford, I’ve told my team here that we do a (Chief - See Page 15)

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have been controversial, Dellane was able to bring a balanced perspective to how it works.

“The purpose of bail reform is to ensure if you’re arrested for something minor and you don’t have the financial means to bail yourself out, you don’t sit in jail for a year until your case comes to trial,” explained Dellane. “If you don’t commit any other crime, bail reform works.”

“Bail reform has always worked for the very serious crimes and the very minor crimes,” Dellane continued. “Bail reform ran into issues with multiple repeat offenders in that area between very minor and very serious crimes.”

Dellane’s participation in the state chief’s association or his capacity to consider issues from various perspectives garnered attention from state leaders. Governor Phil Murphy appointed Dellane, one of the few law enforcement representatives, to the body camera working group. Additionally, Chief Justice Roberts of the New Jersey Supreme Court appointed Dellane to a criminal justice reform working group.

A proponent of transparency, Dellane has also pushed for reform of the Open Public Records Act (OPRA), noting its misuse by certain individuals to the extent of harassment. For example, he highlighted instances where commercial entities obtain motor vehicle action reports through OPRA to pass on to attorneys for solicitation requests.

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OPINIONS & COMMENTARY E DITORIAL There’s Enough For Everyone There’s a really sad reaction I’ve seen whenever a group receives aid of some sort. It begins with “What about…”

It doesn’t really matter what the groups are. If addicts are being given medical help, someone will say “What about seniors?” If the poor are given free education, someone will say “What about the middle class?”

If undocumented immigrants are given anything, someone will say “What about me?”

This is a good argument, but it makes me sad, but not just because of the ‘whataboutism’ of it all.

In fact, I agree with them most of the time. If one group is given something for free, why not spread the love? Is one group really more deserving than another?

We produce so much food that we throw it away.

Dumpsters outside of grocery stores and restaurants are full of perfectly good food. There’s so much money that we throw millions of dollars at stupid stuff every year. We’re one of the richest countries on the planet.

There’s enough money to spread around.

So, why doesn’t it?

Choice.

We don’t want to spread

the money around.

If veterans are going hungry, it’s because rich people and politicians don’t want to feed them.

If people are dying because they’re not getting health care, it’s because rich people and politicians don’t want them to have it.

There’s enough to go around. We just have to tell the people in charge what to do with our money. We have to vote for politicians who actually want to help people other than themselves and their families.

There’s also a nefarious issue with this line of questioning. This is politics at its worst. A Republican will

see refugees seeking asylum and say “What about veterans?” A Democrat will see a billion dollars spent on a bomber and say “What about inner city schools?”

The fact is, there’s plenty of money for the veterans, the inner city schools, the poor, the middle class, the immigrants - everybody.

But the politicians would rather see us fighting among ourselves.

They want the conservative voters to righteously protect the veterans. They want the liberal voters to be heartbroken over minority children. That’s what gets people riled up and makes them vote. It’s all spin.

Instead of using the resources we have, and helping everyone, the left and right make us fight each other over who gets funding. It’s a death match arena, and the ending is fixed. No one wins.

Besides, look at it this way, if the Green New Deal ever gets passed, liberals would have one less reason to vote.

Democrats have a motive to let the environment suffer in order to get votes and donations.

Same is true on the other side. If veterans got 100% of everything they needed, then Republicans wouldn’t be able to solicit you for their votes and financial

contributions. Republicans have a motive to let veterans suffer in order to get your votes and donations.

The truth is, we can save the environment and make sure veterans have everything they need and cure the root cause of homelessness and make sure everyone has enough to eat.

But the powers that be would rather we fight among ourselves instead.

Think about that the next time someone says “What about…”

the state?

The Murphy administration has set a target of 11 GW of offshore wind power by 2035, establishing New Jersey as a major U.S. offshore wind industry hub. Now is the time to go big on the next round of New Jersey offshore wind awards. Clean renewable energy promoting innovation and economic development while also supporting family-sustaining union jobs is a win-win for everyone and benefits the entire state.

As Governor Murphy stated in his recent State of the State Address, a key piece of advancing clean energy goals is strengthening organized labor by meaningfully growing New Jersey’s unionized workforce and increasing the number of apprenticeship programs in emerging fields such as clean energy. This goal, highlighted in the Governor’s address, is one that our membership shares with the Governor. IBEW Local 400 has been providing a skilled electrical workforce to both Monmouth and Ocean counties for over a century. Our partnership with Attentive Energy, through the Attentive Energy Two project, will generate opportunities in offshore wind across New

Jersey.

Since being selected by the BPU, the Attentive Energy Two project will help Local 400 expand the reach of its apprenticeship programs, ensuring a diverse and ready workforce, prepared to undertake the complexities of off shore wind projects.

Moreover, Attentive Energy’s partnership fosters Local 400’s collaboration with sister locals throughout the state and will offer critical pre-apprenticeship training to traditionally underrepresented groups in the electrical trades, including members of overburdened communities, women, veterans, differently-abled New Jersey residents, and others.

Real momentum to grow offshore wind capacity is building at different levels of government. Let’s advance this momentum with the next round of offshore wind awards in New Jersey.

Labor unions and offshore wind companies are ready for the demands of complex infrastructure projects to meet clean energy goals while providing well-paid work to New Jerseyans along the way.

Chris Lundy News Editor

Letters To The Editor Our Ocean Deserves Better Climate change impacts require immediate actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, chief among them reducing energy use and waste.

The government, however, is focusing on massive ocean industrialization beginning with offshore wind, transforming the ocean into giant power plants.

This, despite the industry being in economic and technological turmoil as seen in recent media coverage.

Consider the magnitude: millions of acres of ocean habitat filled with thousands of turbines as tall as the Chrysler

building, over 10,000 miles of high voltage cables emitting electromagnetic fields. It is a never-before-seen scale of human industrial invasion and abuse of an ecosystem, which would never be allowed on land.

The ocean deserves protection, after all, it is the planet’s best buffer against climate change.

Alarmingly, New Jersey recently announced it will double its already unreasonable offshore wind commitment, and the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announced a plan to move even faster, expediting more offshore wind offshore wind development by releasing their Draft Programmatic Environmental

W� W������ L������ T� T�� E�����!

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

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

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edit or reject letters.

The weekly deadline is 5 p.m.

Thursday. Mail typed letters to: PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733, fax 732-657-7388 or e-mail news@jerseyshoreonline.com. Letters may be limited to one per month per writer at the editor’s discretion.

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Impact Statement on six lease areas impacting over 488,000 acres.

To be clear, Clean Ocean Action (“COA”) is not opposed to the idea of offshore wind (OSW), COA opposes the reckless scope, scale, and speed currently underway due to the lack of robust independent science, transparency, good governance, and due diligence. Our ocean deserves better - a fair pilot project, a cost/benefit analysis, and real public engagement.

Make your voice heard. This is a unique time as the government has opened opportunities for public comments on these projects. To find out more about BOEM’s public and in-person meetings, visit cleanoceanaction.org.

Some say that climate change is the greatest threat to marine life. That may be true, but this massive industrialization of offshore wind will only increase grave stress and harm to an already overburdened ecosystem. In fact, by BOEM’s own admission, “there would be no collective impact on global warming as a result of offshore wind projects.”

In sum, when has industrialization ever benefitted the environment?

Cindy Zipf Executive Director Clean Ocean Action

Union Labor Calls For Offshore Wind Clean, renewable energy not only propels innovation and economic development but also secures family-sustaining union jobs. That is why IBEW Local 400, with nearly a century of experience helping to build New Jersey infrastructure, embraces the transition toward green jobs in offshore wind.

Renewable energy partnerships can ensure opportunities for union labor, provide necessary skills training, set high safety standards, and promote a more diverse workforce. The offshore wind industry is paving the way for significant economic growth, technology innovation, supply chain investments, and good-paying jobs that benefit all New Jersey residents.

Marshaling and manufacturing ports such as the Paulsboro Marine Terminal and the New Jersey Wind Port are poised to become hubs of activity, providing employment for thousands of workers, and creating supply chain opportunities for businesses across the state. How do we advance these opportunities for residents and businesses across

Robert Shimko Business Manager & Financial Secretary, IBEW Local 400

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Page 8, The Southern Ocean Times, February 24, 2024

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

Legislators: BPU Must Reject 24% Natural Gas Rate Hike CAPITOL COMMENTS 9th Legislative District

Senator Carmen F. Amato, Jr. Assemblyman Brian E. Rumpf Assemblyman Gregory Myhre

TRENTON – Senator Carmen Amato and Assemblymen Brian Rumpf and Greg Myhre are calling on

the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to reject a recent petition filed by New Jersey Natural Gas that would in-

Leaders:

Continued From Page 1 to continue to provide critical services that are necessary, keep the township quality insomuch as open space but also keep the township affordable. What I have found in the last two years is that the town hasn’t had representation regionally in a really long time whether it be on any county boards or for the Board of Commissioners for that matter,” the mayor said.

He noted, “I feel like some of the big issues of Manchester Township go unmet and I don’t always necessarily feel the county is distributing its resources fairly. So, in being presented the opportunity and trying to decide, with the team I have here and speaking with all of them I have decided it is the best for the town to fight for those resources for us.”

Bacchione has been on the Board of Health since 2018, and chairs the Housing Authority in Berkeley. She is also the coordinator

crease heating bills by 24% for utility customers.

The Delegation sent the following letter to BPU President Christine Guhl-Sadovy: “Dear President Guhl-Sadovy: “Without hesitation, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities should reject the recent petition filed by New Jersey Natural Gas in view of the excessive nearly 24

of the Municipal Alliance.

She has been the executive director of the county GOP since January of 2023. In that role, she said she has been meeting with officials in towns throughout the county and each one has different needs. Small towns have different issues than large ones. The mostly-rural Plumsted and Jackson have different concerns than the shore towns like Bay Head. However, they all have voices that need to be heard. She hopes to be the one who listens to them.

One issue she hears a lot about is traffic and development. People are moving down from northern Jersey for a number of reasons; for example covid has caused people to work from home so they don’t have to live near their jobs any more.

A comprehensive plan is needed to make sure the infrastructure is there to handle this influx of residents. One challenge is that Route 9 hasn’t been sufficiently updated in decades – a topic she’s well versed in, living in Berkeley.

TRUE OR FALSE “Polycoria” is a condition that affects the pupils in one or both eyes and presents in two forms. A person who has true polycoria has at least two separate pupils in one eye, each with its own ability to dilate and constrict. False, or pseudopolycoria, occurs when a person has the appearance of two or more pupils in one eye but these don’t have separate sphincter muscles and all but one of them (the real pupil) are simply holes in the iris usually caused by a birth defect. The cause of true polycoria is not yet known, but it is often accompanied by other eye diseases including glaucoma, polar cataracts, detached retinas, or some form of abnormal development.

If you have polycoria, it’s important to have regular check-ups with an eye doctor to monitor your vision and any changes your eyes may have. Having your eyes checked regularly is also beneficial for your eyesight as a whole. To schedule an appointment, call SIGHTMD NEW JERSEY SUSSKIND & ALMALLAH EYE ASSOCIATES at 732-349-5622. We offer evening hours most nights of the week.

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percent rate increase which would be imposed on ratepayers.

“This is an urgent outreach by our Delegation representing the interests of our constituents who are at risk of being harshly impacted from a financial standpoint should such a rate increase be approved by the Board.

Certainly, the rate increase would represent a direct cost

of living increase and would threaten the viability of many already struggling ratepayers to afford their current housing.

“When considering the ramifications for thousands of ratepayers who stand to have their natural gas bills spike sharply, it is clear that the Board has the responsibility to reject the unconscionable rate increase petition filed

Bacchione has been on the Berkeley Township Board of Education since 2017, serving as its president since 2019. She ran for re-election last year and won, during the same election that her husband, John, won election as mayor.

She said there were 11 people who came before the screening committee, including the two incumbents.

“We’re ready to move ahead and move forward,” she said.

The two incumbents have years of experience within Ocean County politics. Quinn, a former mayor of Lacey, is in his second term as a commissioner. He was elected in 2018 to succeed the late John Bartlett. Crea, previously the mayor of Little Egg Harbor, secured her commissioner position in 2021, overcoming John Bacchione among others in a screening committee decision.

Crea, who convinced her Republican colleagues to support a homelessness trust fund last year and was appointed director of the board this year serves as principal liaison to the county Department of Human Services and Board of Social Services.

During the 2021 GOP primary race, Quinn who served that year as director of the board, received more than 32,549 votes on Election Night while Crea, who had the official endorsement of the county Republican club had 30,805 votes. Michael Thulen Sr., a former Brick Township councilman, had 4,758 and Kenneth Seda of Manchester, who

by New Jersey Natural Gas. Approving the rate increase would blatantly deviate from the Board’s Mission Statement to ensure affordable rates to all members of the public who seek such services.

“Thank you, in advance, for your attention to this urgent communication sent in representing the people of the 9th Legislative District.”

served on the 30th District staff, had 4,594.

That marked the first time in decades for a contested Republican primary for the seats on the board, which was called the Board of Freeholders until the beginning of 2021, when the name changed statewide. Both Quinn and Crea were picked by voters that year during the November general election.

The Ocean County Republican convention will be held on February 29 and that is where the stage will be set for party members to decide whether to follow the screening committee’s recommendations to bounce the incumbents or to maintain support of Quinn and Crea.

Arace explained the process saying, “the surrounding municipalities can come to that convention with various delegates and will cast their votes for who they would want their nominee to be. I really love it here and if I don’t get it, I will happily stay here.”

He and his wife Deanna sat down and discussed the idea and what would be best for the town “and because of the team we built here and having the ability to have the representation at a county level that the town hasn’t had in a long time, after a long deliberation that it was at least worth a shot.”

The mayor added, “if it doesn’t happen, I will fight on the local level and if it does, I will fight and represent the town on a county level. It is one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make.”

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The Southern Ocean Times, February 24, 2024, Page 9

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

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• Surgical Procedures • Cosmetic Injections/Fillers Photo courtesy Barnegat School District BARNEGAT – Congratulations to Melissa Hayes, Horbelt teacher, for being the first staff member selected to receive the Barnegat Schools Safety Award! Her quick

thinking and attentiveness to addressing a safety concern on a challenging day exemplifies her commitment to the well-being of our staff and students!

A Fresh Perspective Of History And Civics

STAFFORD – It’s considered the shortest governing charter of any nation. Its nickname is “Bundle of Compromises.” And it is a living document, rigid yet flexible. The audience for “A Citizen’s Look at the U.S. Constitution” at the Ocean County Library Stafford Branch on February 1, learned the facts and drama of its creation.

Forty-five people crowded into the Meeting Room for Beach Haven Mayor John Imperiale’s engaging, vivid presentation. He explained the divisive nature of the 1787 Constitutional Convention, ideological clashes among delegates, and the handful of compromises that allowed the Constitution to survive.

The Mayor went on to examine each article and amendment, contrasting plainly-stated passages against those open to interpretation – what they “say” and what they “don’t say.” He

highlighted the 14th Amendment’s distinction as the Supreme Court’s basis for its Roe v.

Wade ruling in 1973, and also for the panel’s reversal of the same ruling in 2022.

He peppered his program with “fun facts”: Only six people signed the Constitution as well as the Declaration of Independence. The actual document was written by John Shallus, a clerk of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, who was given two days to complete it and paid a princely $30.

Mr. Imperiale fielded numerous questions, comments and conjectures about the Constitution’s past, present, and future. The event was sponsored by Friends of the Stafford Library, who presented attendees with pocket-sized versions of the document.

Keep up with Library programs and events at theoceancountylibrary.org.

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Page 10, The Southern Ocean Times, February 24, 2024

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

PEDIATRIC DENTISTS & ORTHODONTISTS FOR YOUR CHILD!

Student Athlete Commits To Ramapo

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Photo courtesy Barnegat School District BARNEGAT – Congratulations to Kassandra Doty on her commitment to continue her academic and athletic career at Ramapo College of New Jersey!

Lacey Police Employment Information Session

LACEY – The Lacey Township Police Department is hosting an Employment Information Session on February 27 at 6 p.m.

If you, or anyone you know, may be interested in a career as a police officer with the Lacey Township Police Department, you are encouraged to attend. The event will be held at the Charles A. Smith Community Center at 15 East Lacey Road, Forked River.

During this informational session, you can expect: • An overview of the Lacey Township Police Department and its offerings

• Information on how and when to sign up for the NJ Civil Service Law Enforcement Entry (LEE) Exam • Information on the hiring process, and the physical training standards you are expected to meet • Salary and benefit Information • Question and Answer Session Lacey Township is a Civil Service Agency and residency restrictions do apply. If you are attending, send an email with your name, address, and telephone number to Info@laceypd.org.

St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Party

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MANAHAWKIN – The Manahawkin Elks Lodge #2340 is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Party on March 9 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Lodge, 520 Hillard Boulevard, Manahawkin.

Donation is $30 per person and includes

corned beef dinner, domestic draft beer, wine and soda. Three bands: Roise O’Reilly Band, Sha Mac from Dublin, The Ocean County Bagpipers. Tickets are available at the Lodge. Open to the public. For more information, call 609-597-1107.

Barnegat Pirate’s Day

BARNEGAT – Barnegat Pirate’s Day will be on May 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Russell O. Brackman Middle School, 600 Barnegat Boulevard, Barnegat.

Food trucks; Over 70 vendors. Jim Kelley from 9 to 10 a.m.; Jersey Sure Cats from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Dragonfly from 1 to 4 p.m.

Forked River Resident Earns Academic Honors From Florida Tech

FORKED RIVER – Steven Holmberg of Forked River has been named to the fall 2023 Dean’s List at Florida Institute of Technology.

To be included on the Dean’s List, a student must complete 12 or more graded credits in a semester with a semester grade point average of at least 3.4.

Check out Dr. Izzy’s Sound News on Page 16

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Southern Ocean Times, February 24, 2024, Page 11

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

Garden Club Kids Say It With Flowers

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The Garden Club of LBI held a children’s Valentine flower arranging class and here Trey Balog, 8, of Manahawkin, presents his arrangement to his grandmother, Deborah Love of Waretown.

LONG BEACH – Did you know flowers have special meanings? They do. Floriography, or the language of flowers, was the Valentine project at The Garden Club’s youth group on February 7.

Students in grades 3 to 6 met at the LBI Branch of the Ocean County Library in Surf City to create an arrangement where each flower had a Valentine’s Day message. This stems from a Victorian pastime of sending sweetheart notes without saying a word.

The children started their creations with a silvery heart-decorated container. They added white carnations which symbolize sweetness, pink carnations which say “you are unforgettable,” sea lavender which signifies loyalty and baby’s breath for innocence. The red rose, the ultimate flower of Valentine’s Day, topped the design with its universal message of “love.”

For fun, the children, added strawberry

and cream lollipops. A Valentine’s Day card rounded out the project. The young designers were ready to take home their floral-message Valentine’s arrangements to give to that special person.

The Garden Club’s Youth Committee is chaired by Jeannette Michelson of Barnegat Light and co-chaired by Ginny Scarlatelli of Loveladies. There is no charge for the event. Funds for the committee are made available through The Garden Club’s two annual fundraisers, the Outdoor Living and Garden Tour scheduled for June 20 and the Holiday House Tour, December 12.

Check the website, thegardencluboflbi.com for information.

The next meeting of the Youth Committee is on March 20 at 3:30 p.m. at the LBI branch of the Ocean County Library. The theme is “Sparkling Spring.” Reservations can be made through the library at 609-494-2480.

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Page 12, The Southern Ocean Times, February 24, 2024

COMMUNITY NEWS

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

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Photo courtesy Stafford Police STAFFORD – The Stafford Township Police Department would like to congratulate Lead Telecommunicator, Tim Cunningham, on his graduation from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) Command and Leadership Academy.

This intensive 14-week program was developed by the NJSACOP, in partnership with the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and focuses on leadership as a sci-

ence, logical and critical thinking, decision making, communications, and conf lict management.

While several of our officers are graduates of the NJSACOP Command and Leadership Academy, Tim is proudly the first civilian at the Stafford Township Police Department to attend this prestigious program. They are proud of the dedication and hard work that our personnel continue to put in to develop their skills and leadership. Way to go Tim!

Toddler Time With Lacey Recreation

LACEY – Bond with your child in a fun filled group environment through songs, movement, and play! Class includes developmentally appropriate activities designed to strengthen your child’s social, emotional, and language skills including circle time, egg shakers, parachute, bubbles, climbing through tunnels and more! Children will participate in baby

sign language songs as well as traditional children’s songs!

Toddler Time is held every Monday at 10:30 a.m. at Lacey Recreation Classroom.

Open to ages 1 to 4 years old. Instructor: Jessica Riccio. Fee is $100 for 10 class card or $15 drop in.

Contact Jessica at jessicakathryn13@ hotmail.com to sign up for Toddler Time!

2024 Philadelphia Flower Show

STAFFORD – There may be snow on the ground outside but it’s never too early to be thinking of spring!

Stafford Recreation will once again be taking a trip to the Philadelphia Flower Show. Join on March 6 and beat those winter blues.

Departs Bay Avenue Community Center

at 10 a.m.; Returns Bay Avenue Community Center at 8 p.m. Cost is $85 per person and includes entry to the show and deluxe motor coach transportation.

Limited seats available so secure your spot today! To register, stop by the Bay Avenue Community Center or call 609597-1000 ext. 8573.

Barnegat Farmers Market

BARNEGAT – Barnegat Township Recreation Department is seeking vendors for their Farmers Market.

The Farmers Market is held on every

Thursday from June 27 to September 19 at 14 Birdsall Street, Barnegat. Vendors interested should email jbroadbent@barnegat.net.

Easter Egg Hunt

LONG BEACH – Join Long Beach Township for their annual Easter Egg Hunt at Bayview Park on March 23 from 12 to 2

p.m. (Rain date March 24) Enjoy face painting, bounce houses, crafts and alpacas. More details to follow!

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The Southern Ocean Times, February 24, 2024, Page 13

COMMUNITY NEWS

Winter Hours: Weds.-Sun. See Google Maps

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First Responders Attend Cybersecurity Training

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Surf City, NJ 08008 FOLLOW US!

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

Photo courtesy Ocean Township Police Department WARETOWN – Ocean Township CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) and Waretown Fire Company attended Cybersecurity Training at the Ocean County Fire and EMS Academy on February 7.

The New Jersey Cybersecurity Unit is working with volunteers to make the town-

ship more resilient to cyberattacks by promoting statewide awareness of cyber threats and widespread adoption of best practices for the township and their personal lives.

Ocean Township Police Department would like to thank New Jersey State Police Cybersecurity Unit for this training.

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

Spring 2024 Craft Fair

STAFFORD – The Stafford Township EMS Auxiliary is now accepting vendors for their 2024 Spring Craft Fair! The event will be held indoors on March 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Southern Regional Middle School.

Pre-registrion is $50; regular is $60. To purchase tickets, visit ticketor.com/staffordems. If you have any questions, contact the Auxiliary President via email at stemsaux@ squad38.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.

Seed Swap At Barnegat High School

BARNEGAT – Bring your old seeds to the Seed Swap hosted by the Barnegat High School Environmental Club on March 9

from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Barnegat High School Auditorium Lobby. Donations are encouraged.

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Page 14, The Southern Ocean Times, February 24, 2024

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

Local Car Club Celebrates 30th Year Anniversary

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LACEY – The Sentimental Cruisers Car Club of Ocean County will be hosting its 30th anniversary year with a car show “A Car Culture Show Case” on July 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lacey Township High School 73 Haines Street, Lanoka Harbor.

The club started back in 1994 at Joey’s Sweet Shop in the Waretown Plaza (which is currently the Waretown Post Office). Three guys (Bob Zimmerman, Tommy Davis and Dave Bourgeous) were cruising around Manahawkin in their old cars and later met up with Rich Karwecki. One day the group stopped in at Joey’s Sweet Shop for ice cream.

The owner enjoyed the cars and encouraged the group to return and hang out. That was the place to be on a Sunday evening!

Soon others joined in (John McHale, Ken Flatt, Bob Micki, Tom Engles, Dave Blintliff and Pat McMahon). Plans were started to create a club for the area. So it began in August 1994 and grew to about 20 members.

The club grew at one point to 85 members and is currently at 68 members. Most of the original members are still on the roster, although several have passed. Joey’s Sweet Shop closed and the club moved on to the Burger King in Lacey Plaza and moved the cruise night to Fridays. When Burger King closed for renovations the club moved to other area locations, then back to Burger King when they reopened and remained their till Burger King closed in 2019.

Sentimental Cruisers came to find a new cruise night (Fridays April thru Oct, 5pm to whenever) location at the McDonald’s in Berkeley Shopping Plaza (417 Atlantic City Blvd, Bayville) on Route 9 N. In addition to cruise nights the club hosts

several car shows and cruises throughout the year with a focus on working within the community to support local charities, while looking to promote enthusiasm for the collector car/truck hobby.

For additional information on the club or events go to the club’s website: sentimentalcruiserscc@gmail.com or on Facebook: Sentimental Cruisers Car Club I Forked River, NJ. The club’s 2024 event calendar includes the following events/activities: April Spring Kick Off April 13 at the Lacey Township High School - Charity is Ocean of Love Friday night cruises at Bayville McDonald’s - continuing through 6 October City May Plumsted Grill May 5 - Spring Cruise 4th Annual Lacey Rotary Club Show May 18 at Lacey Township High School- Charity is” Rotary Club Of Lacey” July “A Car Culture Showcase” – July 6 at Lacey Township High School- Charity is “Deborah Hospital” August Island Heights Vol. Fire Co. – August 10 at Wanamaker Field Island Heights- Charity is “The Island Heights Fire Co.” September Cruise to Plumsted Grill – September 15 – Fall Cruise November Veterans Show – November 9 at Veterans Park in Bayville 2nd Annual Cruise to Plumsted Grill and Toy Drive – November 24 – Charity is “Natalia’s Purpose”

Long Beach Police Hiring For Summer

LONG BEACH – The Long Beach Township Police Department is now accepting applications for the 2024 summer season.

Those interested in obtaining an application for employment must first write a letter of interest to Lt. James Hartmann. It

is helpful to include a current resume with your letter.

If you have further questions regarding the application and hiring process you may contact Lt. Hartmann at 609-494-6900 ext.

2410 or jhartmann@lbtpd.org.

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The Southern Ocean Times, February 24, 2024, Page 15

Cannabis Firm Gets “High Profile” Opening

By Bob Vosseller LAKEHURST – For months now High Profile, the latest cannabis business in Ocean County, has featured a coming soon sign but it recently had its soft opening.

The site which had been repurposed from a Burger King that went out of business a few years ago, opened its doors last week on Valentine’s Day, February 14.

The shop, the third retail cannabis store in Ocean County, is owned by Michigan-based C3 Industries and will serve adults 21 or older in the store at 145 Route 70 in Lakehurst and through online ordering. There will be drive-through and curbside pick-up services available.

A grand opening celebration is scheduled for 10 a.m. on March 15, and will run through St. Patrick’s Day weekend with product specials, vendor tables and food trucks, according to the firm.

Chief Executive Officer Ankur Rungta

said, “we are elated to begin serving the people of Lakehurst as well as communities across Ocean County and Central Jersey.”

He is also the cofounder of C3 Industries.

“We look forward to bringing more consumers across the country High Profile’s exceptional customer service, unique retail experiences and high-quality cannabis products at an accessible price point,” Rungta said.

C3 Industries is a multi-state cannabis firm that provides “premium cannabis experiences for consumers.” High Profile is their 24th dispensary nationwide. New Jersey is the fifth state where the company is operating. High Profile will offer discounts for seniors, veterans, medical card holders and cannabis industry workers, the company added.

High Profile offers a bulk-bundle purchasing options for flower, pre-rolls, edibles, concentrates, vape cartridges, tinctures,

topicals and gummies. The company also offers its High Roller Loyalty member rewards program, with special discounts and perks.

The dispensary staff members are passionate and knowledgeable about cannabis and ready to serve seasoned enthusiasts and first-time consumers, “delivering personalized recommendations, educational insights and a positive shopping experience,” according to company officials.

Additionally, High Profile Lakehurst is offering all High Roller Loyalty members the ability to earn points on every dollar they spend, then cash out whenever they are ready. High Roller members also have the ability to earn 50 free points upon signing up, along with early access to special events and offers, referral perks, double points on Tuesdays and members-only bonus discounts.

Located off Route 70, High Profile Lake-

Chief:

Immediate Past President of the state chiefs association.

Dellane said that he’s always had at least three jobs and plans to continue in two of them. These include his work at MetLife Stadium as a division security supervisor and his part time law practice doing transactional work like real estate and wills.

“I’ve been doing some law enforcement consulting,” Dellane said. “I’d also like to get into acting as an expert in defense of police officers when they’re sued.”

2nd Annual Bunny Hop 5K Fun Run & Walk

Continued From Page 5 great job here,” shared Dellane. “I still look to improve things, to make things better – because the day you stop improving, you start going backward.”

The retiring chief said he adapted the same philosophy at the statewide level, focusing on trying to make law enforcement in New Jersey a better place. His dedication to that cause will persist in his capacity as the

STAFFORD – Mayor Henken and Township Council would like to invite you to run, walk, or hop the 2nd Annual Bunny Hop 5K Fun Run & Walk on March 24 at the Township’s Municipal Complex!

This year, the Bunny Hop 5K, as part of the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign, will benefit the Frank A. Petillo Jr. Foundation, a local non-profit foundation created in honor of Stafford Resident and Southern Regional

hurst is 20 minutes southwest of Lakewood and Brick townships, 15 minutes west of Toms River and Manchester Townships, and only minutes from the Lakehurst Maxfield Field and Lakehurst Historical Museum.

The new dispensary is also conveniently located along the route from Philadelphia to popular New Jersey shore destinations such as Seaside Heights and Island Beach State Park, which are 25 minutes away.

The borough-based shop now joins The Social Leaf Dispensary and Bloc Dispensary as the only retail recreational cannabis shops in Ocean County. The Social Leaf opened last July in South Toms River while Bloc Dispensary based in Waretown, first opened as a medical cannabis dispensary, and was later approved in November to add adult-use recreational cannabis to its product line.

More information about High Profile can be found at their website at highprofilecannabis.com/nj/lakehurst-dispensary.

High School Graduate, Frank Petillo Jr. The Foundation’s mission is to empower and inspire young performers and enrich the lives of young people through the performing arts.

Race day packet pick up begins at 7 a.m. and the race promptly starts at 8 a.m. Register before March 15 for a discounted registration fee and a guaranteed 2024 Bunny Hop t-shirt.

To register, visit raceforum.com/BunnyHop.

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 16, The Southern Ocean Times, February 24, 2024

HERE’S TO YOUR HEALTH 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.

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!

INDIVIDUAL & GROUP COUNSELING Caregivers & Bereavement Groups Available Helping people of all backgrounds to find hope.

For more information on this and other services please contact JFCS at 732-363-0810 or www.jewishoceancounty.org/jfcs

JFCS is a program of the Jewish Federation of Ocean County and made possible thanks to our friends and supporters.

www.jewishoceancounty.org

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Southern Ocean Times, February 24, 2024, Page 17

HERE’S TO YOUR HEALTH Dear Pharmacist Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Unlocking Mental Clarity: A Comprehensive Guide To Bacopa’s Benefits

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph. Bacopa monnieri, known as Brahmi, is a revered herb in Ayurvedic medicine for its cognitive-enhancing and stress-reducing properties.

Its adaptogenic and nootropic benefits, supported by scientific research, include improving memory, reducing anxiety and stress, and enhancing brain health.

Studies highlight Bacopa’s impact on neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and GABA, which are crucial for mood regulation, cognitive function, and relaxation.

As you will soon learn, Bacopa can reduce stress.

It is an adaptogen. We don’t think about stress too much, other than figuring out ways to deal with it, but stress raises cortisol in the body. When that happens, you can lose your hair, or it thins out.

This is one common reason people have sudden thinning hair, or hair loss… they went through a tough time several weeks or months prior.

Anyway, Bacopa is adaptogenic, and reduces cortisol and as such, it may indirectly help with hair growth. It is known to thin the blood, and slow the heart rate down so I should caution you about those side effects.

There are 10 main ways that Bacopa can help a person. It mainly improves mood, sleep and brain power. The key benefits include: • Memory Enhancement: Research shows Bacopa significantly improves memory in older adults, aiding against age-related cognitive decline.

• Stress Reduction: Bacopa reduces cortisol levels, mitigating stress’s impact on mental clarity and hair health.

• Neuronal Communication: It boosts synaptic communication, enhancing the brain’s information processing capabilities.

• Antioxidant Protection: Rich in antioxidants, Bacopa protects against neurodegenerative diseases and supports cellular longevity.

• Improved Focus: Studies found Bacopa

improves attention, learning rate, and memory, beneficial for both students and professionals.

• Mental Health Support: It offers calming effects on the nervous system, reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. One way it does this is by improving thyroid hormone levels.

• Sleep Quality: By reducing anxiety, Bacopa aids in improving sleep patterns and quality.

• Neuroprotection: Its compounds protect the brain against cognitive decline and support brain health across ages.

Aging Brain Health: Enhances cognitive functions and memory, supporting healthy aging.

• Stress Adaptability: Improves resilience to stress for better mental balance in today’s fastpaced environment.

Usage typically involves capsules or tablets due to their bitter taste, with liquid extracts also available for those preferring a different form.

Integrating Bacopa monnieri into your regimen is great for mental performance and relaxation.

Synapsa® is a brand of this herb, and its proprietary form has been featured in seven different clinical trials over the past 30 years. It’s the best in my opinion because it’s standardized and patented. This is why I sourced it for my Memory Script capsules which you can find online at my shop, or on Amazon. You can buy other types of Bacopa monnieri at any health food store nationwide.

For those people seeking the ultimate in brain focus, recall, and relaxation, I’d also consider taking Magnesium L Threonate which is also widely available. The magnesium and Bacopa would be amazing together.

To summarize this, we all seem to rely on caffeine for brain power these days, but there’s a more natural botanical herb called Bacopa monnieri and I think it has powerful adaptogenic effects on the body. I have a longer version of this article, and a free ebook available at my website 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) ©2024 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.

Need help with enrolling in Medicare or GetCoveredNJ? Contact a licensed, independent broker to help with your enrollment needs.

Call, text or email for an appointment! *We may not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area.

Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

John A. Sullivan • 609.218.0340 • John@Sullivansgroup.us • NPN: 16708365

Dr. Bartiss has often been referred to as “a doctor’s doctor”, and is frequently called upon for his diagnostic skills. He is founder and Medical Director of ICAM and a member of the American College for the Advancement of Medicine, the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, the American Academy of Ozone Therapists, and a diplomate of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Dr. Bartiss is a medical writer, lecturer and author who is recognized as one of the top ten specialists in the field of Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT).

THERAPIES/SERVICES • Hormone Replacement • IV Therapies • Thermascan • Cryoskin • HOCATT • Colonics • PEMF • Salt Room/Halotherapy • Theta Chamber • Ozone • Botox • Thyroid/Adrenal Fatigue Management • Peptides 63 Lacey Rd. Unit C • Whiting, NJ 08759 609-978-9002 • www.ICAMNJ.com

Page 18, The Southern Ocean Times, February 24, 2024

jerseyshoreonline.com

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Southern Ocean Times, February 24, 2024, Page 19

R.C. Shea & Assoc.

Inside The Law Drone Rules

Michael J. Deem, Esq.

What Are The Rules When Flying Drones For Fun? By: Michael J. Deem Esq., of R.C. Shea & Associates

Fly for Fun under the Special Rule for Model Aircraft!

You don’t need permission from the FAA to fly your UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) under the Special Rule for Model Aircraft, but you must always fly safely. You may elect to register your UAS to help in the recovery of lost equipment, but this is not required.

The FAA has adopted the following UAS Safety Guidelines: • Fly at or below 400 feet • Be aware of airspace requirements and restrictions • Stay away from surrounding obstacles • Keep your UAS within sight • Never fly near other aircraft, especially near airports • Never fly over groups of people • Never fly over stadiums or sports events • Never fly near emergency response efforts such as fires • Never fly under the influence of drugs or alcohol Flying under the Special Rule for Model Aircraft.

The Special Rule for Model Aircraft (P.L. 112-95, Section 336) provides the definition and operating rules for flying a model aircraft. Model aircraft operators that comply with all of these operational requirements during flight do not have to register their UAS with the FAA. Model aircraft operators must follow these rules to fly under this Rule: • the aircraft is flown strictly for hobby or recreational use (once you start earning money from the use of the drone you have removed yourself from this exception); • the aircraft is operated in accordance with a community-based set of safety guidelines and within the programming of a nationwide community-based organization; • the aircraft is limited to not more than 55 pounds unless otherwise certified through a

design, construction, inspection, flight test, and operational safety program administered by a community-based organization; • the aircraft is operated in a manner that does not interfere with and gives way to any manned aircraft; and • when flown within 5 miles of an airport, the operator of the aircraft provides the airport operator and the airport air traffic control tower (when an air traffic facility is located at the airport) with prior notice of the operation (model aircraft operators flying from a permanent location within 5 miles of an airport should establish a mutually-agreed upon operating procedure with the airport operator and the airport air traffic control tower [when an air traffic facility is located at the airport]) A model aircraft is defined as an unmanned aircraft that is capable of sustained flight in the atmosphere, flown within visual line of sight of the person operating the aircraft and flown for hobby or recreational purposes.

UAS Registration If you do not operate exclusively under the Special Rule for Model Aircraft, you must: • Register your UAS if it weighs more than 0.55 pounds and less than 55 pounds • Label your UAS (PDF) with your registration number and • Read and understand all safety guidelines Registration costs $5 and is valid for 3 years. If you are flying under the Special Rule for Model Aircraft and you wish to register voluntarily, you should register as a “modeler.” If you are flying under part 107, Section 333, part 91, a public COA, or for non-recreational purposes in general, you should register as a “non-modeler.”

In order to register, you must be: • 13 years of age or older (if the owner is less than 13 years of age, a person 13 years of age or older must register the small unmanned aircraft) • A U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.

Our clients’ success is our greatest reward.

732-505-1212 • RCSHEA.COM

www.TallwoodsCareCenter.com

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 20, The Southern Ocean Times, February 24, 2024

Meeting:

Continued From Page 4 their homes from two distinct corporate entities acting as landlords. Rent for the leased land typically falls between $380 and $700 per month.

When the Rent Leveling Board was in existence, landlords could implement a yearly rent increase equal to 3.5% of the previous twelve-month rental income for the mobile home space or the percentage increase in the consumer price index, whichever was less, without the need for application or a hearing.

The local ordinance also authorized landlords to impose a rent surcharge in response to municipal property tax increases. They also had the option to apply to the Rent Leveling Board for additional rent hikes in cases of financial hardship.

In situations where a landlord found that the current rental income and additional charges were insufficient to cover costs such

as mortgage payments, maintenance, and operating expenses while ensuring a fair return, they could seek an increase through the Rent Leveling Board.

For major improvements, landlords could request an additional charge. A major improvement, defined as enhancing the lifespan of streets, paving, curbing, water systems, sewer or septic systems, clubhouses, tenant transportation vehicles, or swimming pools with direct benefits to park tenants, required approval from the Rent Leveling Board. The landlord had to demonstrate that the improvement directly benefited the tenants and that renovating or replacing an existing object was more feasible than repairing it.

Both tenants and the landlords had the right to appeal any decisions made by the Rent Leveling Board by application to the Superior Court of New Jersey. This would result in expenses for court costs and the retention of an attorney.

Resident Club Flea Market Village 5

WHITING – Come out to the Flea Market on March 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. to see what you have been missing out on.

They have over 50 friendly vendors, come on in and check it out our great bargains. If you just want to catch up with your friends, stop by the kitchen for breakfast or lunch

8:30 a.m. till 12:30 p.m. Hope to see you here at 325 Schoolhouse Road, Whiting.

The Flea Market is every third Saturday of every month. The next one is April 20.

If you are interested in renting a table the cost is $10 per table. Call Ronnie at 908303-7377.

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

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Southern Ocean Times, February 24, 2024, Page 21

CLASSIFIEDS For Rent

Help Wanted

Ortley Beach/Seaside - Waterfront 3 bedroom 2 bath with superb sunsets from your patio/deck and bayfront private home. Freshly painted interior with new flooring...very clean and quiet. $2,500 w/ Possible Boat Slip 908-278-5491.

(11)

Housekeeping - Serious inquiries only! Must have own transportation.

Hardworking, honest and pet friendly.

Saturday's a must in season. Pay upon experience. Call Donna 732-3305916 leave message, date and time you called if no answer.

(10)

Spacious 2 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom Apartment for Rent - In Covered Bridge 55+ community, Manalapan. Fully renovated, new appliances, private patio, walking to clubhouse, pool. $1,950 per month. 732-829-5399.

(14)

Experienced Receptionist Needed - for a busy veterinary hospital, bilingual spanish speaker, Team worker, has phone and good communication skills. 732-577-0066. (10)

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.

732-849-6068 (new number). (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) Buying - World War I & II Swords, Bayonets, Daggers, Helmets, Hats, Medals, Marine, Uniforms, Flags, etc. Cash Paid! 609-581-8290. Email: lenny1944x@gmail.com.

(13)

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) 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) Lifeguards/Badge Checkers/PT Laborer - Borough of Ocean Gate.

Apply: Municipal Building or download application. 801 Ocean Gate Ave. Ocean Gate, NJ 08740. c/o Clerk. (9) 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)

Services

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) 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)

Services 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) 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) MY HANDY CREW - Home repairs, carpentry, painting roofing and siding, decks, powerwashing, yardwor,k all your home maintenance needs. $ave.

Call Clark 732-850-5060. Insured and NJ License #13VH11804800.

(10) 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 732-3504427 for more information.

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

Call Jim 732-674-3346.

(39) Try The Marsh S&P500 Daily Prediction System (MSPDPS) Since 2014, 65% APR returned.

Email for details. Bob Marsh, r.marsh@prodigy.net.

(12) ATCO Painting & Home Improvements - Interior exterior painting. Interior woodwork.

Fully insured. Free estimates Lic#13VHO4548900. 27 years experience. Tommy 609-661-1657. (10) Lisa's Cleaning - Excellent references. I work alone. I have my own supplies. Please call Lisa at 732-581-0409.

(7) 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)

Ca$h Paid For Old 45 RPM Records. - R&B, doo wop, soul, early rock & roll, and rockabilly preferred. Call between 8AM and 8PM 909-938-4623.

(10)

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

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. 848-224-0516. email woolnoughkris@gmail.com. (t/n)

Coins Coins Coins - Local collector buying coins, silver and currency. Highest prices paid on the spot. I come to you. Call Chris 848-210-7372.

(14)

Painting - Special Fall Pricing.

Interior/Exterior. Meticulous work.

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

(47)

A1 HANDYMAN SERVICES Over 30 years experience in all phases of home improvements. Free estimates and referrals. Call John 267475-7962 or 732-477-0379.

(17)

Comic Books Wanted - 1970's and earlier. Cash Paid on the spot. Please call Steve at 732-277-7327.

(9)

Services

Services

Services

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)

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)

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)

CHEAP PAINTING Done RITE Free est. Senior discounts interior exterior. Call 732-506-7787, cell 646-643-7678. (t/n)

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

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8

9

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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) If you have any questions, please call Ali at 732-657-7344, ext. 203.

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 22, The Southern Ocean Times, February 24, 2024

Hackensack Meridian Health Mourns Loss Of Former Co-CEO

By Alyssa Riccardi EDISON – Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) has announced the passing of their former co-CEO of the network John K. Lloyd.

From 2016 to 2018, Lloyd served as coCEO and played an important part instrumental in the 2016 merger of Meridian Health and Hackensack University Health Network, forming Hackensack Meridian Health.

“John’s legacy lives on in New Jersey and at Hackensack Meridian Health. Beyond being a visionary leader, John was a wonderful man, well-known throughout HMH as being someone who truly cared for each and every team member,” said Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer of Hackensack Meridian Health. “He brought his authentic self to work every day, and dedicated his life to serving his team, and

our patients. It was a privilege to work beside him as co-CEO. He was a great colleague, mentor and a true friend. Our network extends our deepest condolences to the entire Lloyd family.”

Before serving as co-CEO, Lloyd was president and CEO of Meridian Health.

Under his leadership, Meridian was rated among the top performing health systems in New Jersey for clinical quality.

In addition, Meridian was recognized by Fortune Magazine as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in the United States six times. Meridian received numerous state and national recognitions for patient care and nursing excellence. They were the first health system in the country to receive Magnet designation for nursing excellence by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

When Lloyd was named president of

Jersey Shore Medical Center in1982 ,the hospital was at a crossroads, according to a press release.

“In collaboration with physicians, trustees, employees, and community leaders, Lloyd quickly set the hospital on a track to success. Today, Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center is one of the leading independent academic medical centers in the nation,” the press release states. “Lloyd was instrumental in developing Meridian’s continuum of care, providing greater access to care for the communities we serve. HMH’s ambulatory network is, in large part, what it is today, because of John’s vision and leadership.”

Lloyd graduated from Princeton University and served in the United States Marine Corps, before attaining a Masters of Business Administration in Health Administration at Temple University. In

1972, he entered the healthcare industry as an administrative resident at Episcopal Hospital in Philadelphia.

Lloyd is a past recipient of the Medical Executive Award from the Academy of Medicine of NJ and the Distinguished Business Leader Award from Monmouth University. Lloyd was recognized by the NJHA as its Healthcare Professional of the Year. Additionally, he has been ranked among the most powerful health care leaders by NJBIZ and has been listed as a “Nonprofit Hospital and Health System CEOs to Know” by Becker’s.

Lloyd was a recipient of the Icon Award

by NJBIZ and the Maurice Pollack Award for Community Service from Monmouth University. Lloyd was also honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the American College of Healthcare Executives of New Jersey.

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jerseyshoreonline.com

The Southern Ocean Times, February 24, 2024, Page 23

FUN & GAMES SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Across 1 “You Shook Me All Night Long” band 5 Apiphobe’s phobia 9 “I __ confused” 13 Wintry mess 14 Sole 15 Mountain cat 16 *Frying pans anyone can use?

18 “Oh, please!”

19 Revealing session on Reddit, for short 20 Christmas song 21 Shrimp and __ 22 *Group that attends Mass together every week?

25 Treeless plain 28 Districts 29 Like some dental floss 30 Shortcomings 32 “The Last O.G.” network 35 Bother 36 *Discussion about what fruit to

bake for dessert?

38 In the style of 39 Spoil 40 Man of many words?

41 Wild beasts also called wildebeests 42 Water filter brand 44 Some surprise hits 46 *Fitting motto for Pisa’s tower keeper?

49 Big name in applesauce 50 Tirade 51 Bath mother 54 Way off 55 *Devil on one’s shoulder?

58 “What __ say?”

59 Catholic leader 60 Old Dodges 61 URL starter 62 Spy-fi country 63 Decisive defeat, and a two-word hint to the answers to the starred clues 1 Grad

Down

2 Gloria Estefan’s birthplace 3 ISP option 4 “Things’ll turn around, you’ll see” 5 Showed respect, in a way 6 Sherlock’s sister, per a 2020 Netflix film 7 Caribou kin 8 Pt. of GPS 9 “Just Putting It Out There” comedian Nancherla 10 Score keeper?

11 Patti known as the “Godmother of Punk” 12 Clods 13 Place for pampering 17 Ice cream holder 21 Word in many WiFi network names 22 Intel collector 23 Luxury vessel 24 La __ Tar Pits 25 Did the breaststroke, e.g.

26 “Voil !”

27 Outrageous, as a

price 30 Like the Beyond Burger 31 Curling surface 33 Sad 34 Back talk 36 Noses around 37 Wee bit 41 Negroni need 43 Family vacay, perhaps 44 “Molto __!”

45 Had done, as a portrait 46 Diet-friendly 47 Comes out, as an album 48 __ tag 49 Namesake of a speed ratio 51 List that may be accessed by scanning a QR code 52 One of a kind 53 Rx writers 55 PC core 56 Grammy winners __ Lonely Boys 57 “As I see it” shorthand

(c)2024 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.

SOLUTIONS

SU DOK U

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Jumble: FABLE BLURT PEANUT PALACE - UNFLAPPABLE

Page 24, The Southern Ocean Times, February 24, 2024

jerseyshoreonline.com

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Southern Ocean Times, February 24, 2024, Page 25

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK

Micromedia Publications will mark 29 years this April. We have seven weekly newspapers and they are read by thousands of residents and visitors to the area each week. This includes all ages as you can see from these photos submitted by their proud papa. Want to see your pix in this space? Email photos@jersey shoreonline.com and you may be hearing from us!

OCC Receives Federal Grant For Students’ Basic Needs

TOMS RIVER – Ocean County College has been awarded grant funding in the amount of $949,275 to be distributed over the course of three years as part of the U.S. Education Department’s Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE).

The FIPSE grant helps eligible institutions of higher education improve educational opportunities for students from underrepresented communities, by providing funding to support programs that address basic needs such as food, housing, transportation, health care, and dependent care, and report on best practices that improve student outcomes.

Funds will assist OCC’s FIPSE Grant Student Financial Resource Center in its mission to help students meet financial needs in the areas of food security, transportation, technology, health, housing, and dependent care. These are areas of the student’s life outside of academic support that can make reaching their academic goals, staying in classes, and ultimately graduating, challenging.

“It is incredibly exciting to have the ability to provide holistic financial support to the students of Ocean County College,” said James Campbell, OCC’s FIPSE Grant project manager. “There are many resources available to students, but few that can have as significant an impact on the life of a student as the ability to provide a financial safety net.”

Services provided by OCC’s FIPSE Grant Student Financial Resource Center include direct financial assistance for students as well as connection with campus and community programs for long term support, and are focused in the following areas: Basic Needs Security: obtaining food security, hygiene and cleaning products, and support in utilizing campus and community-based resources, including the Helping Hands Food Pantry.

Transportation Support: including funding for public transit, ride sharing, gasoline, and one-time emergency auto repairs.

Dependent Care Support: vouchers for temporary childcare and dependent care items such as diapers, Depends, formula, nutritional shakes, etc.

Emergency relief: Funding is available to help contribute to auto repair costs, healthcare costs, emergency housing costs, and utilities payments, along with connection to resources both on and off campus that may provide longterm assistance in these areas.

The Basic Needs grant funds $949,275 over the three-year period, and 100% of the college’s program costs are funded by the grant. More information about the grant program is available on the FIPSE web site.

For more information about OCC’s Student Financial Resource Center program, visit the center online at ocean.edu/fipse-grantstudent-financial-resource-center.

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 26, The Southern Ocean Times, February 24, 2024

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE Krill – A Tiny Shrimp-Like Crustacean – Feeds Many

By Renee A. Thomaier Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator These tiny little creatures are very important part of the world’s food chain. They support the diets of hundreds of other species.

Generally, they resemble small crayfish, shrimp, and lobster, but only reach a maximum length of about two inches and weigh less than one ounce.

Krill consists of many species and are found throughout the world’s oceans. Most species will migrate during the day from deeper waters where they hide from predation to more shallow waters at night, feeding while still under the cover of darkness.

Traveling in schools together, they provide food to predators in abundance, meaning, many are consumed at one time. Animals such as seals, penguins, and baleen whales prey on them. Baleen refers to the filter-feeding system inside the mouths of baleen whales. The whale will open its mouth underwater. The whale will force the water out from its mouth, where it filters krill, and then consume the krill. There are approximately 16 species of baleen whales, which include the humpback, sperm, and bowhead. The blue whale, which is the largest animal that has ever lived, consumes approximately

40 million krill each day (8,000 pounds of food daily).

Aside from marine life consuming krill, krill is also commercially harvested by humans. In countries like Japan, Russia, Spain, and the Philippines, people enjoy eating krill.

However, most commercial catch is used to feed fish in home aquariums. The krill are dried and packaged.

The change in climate plays a significant part in the survival of our planet. Not just the oceans, but everywhere. Pollution can cause algal blooms (toxin-producing algae) that can impact the entire food chain. Species feeding upon other food sources become affected, and therefore the breakdown of life support for many can become catastrophic.

Any loss of habitat or food sources in nature will cause an imbalance beyond our ability to measure. In the last 100 years, humans have driven 18 animals to extinction. Once they’re gone – they’re gone.

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

It’s illegal to possess, relocate, or cause harm to wildlife for any reason. Managing wildlife without the proper state/federal permits is illegal. Violating laws protecting wildlife is punishable by law.

Creative Kids: Art

LACEY – Students engage in drawing, painting and sculpture through creative projects that stimulate imagination and helps develop important techniques and observational skills. Diverse Projects draw examples from important artists, style, and works from around the world.

Program held on Mondays from 4 to 5 p.m.

at Lacey Recreation Classroom. Session 1: February 26; March 4, 11, 18; April 8, 15.

Session 2: April 22, 29; May 6, 13, 20; June 3.

No class: March 25, April 1 and May 27. Open to ages 8 to 11 years old. Fee is $90. Instructor: Diane Salkeld.

To register for your favorite Recreation Programs visit: parksrec.egov.basgov.com/laceynj.

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 888-944-5678.

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The Southern Ocean Times, February 24, 2024, Page 27

OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FOR THE WEEK OF FEB 24 - MAR 1

BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS FORECAST ARIES (March 21-April 19): Established patterns may change in unexpected ways. Make yourself ready to take advantage of this vibe to improve your position and influence. Be a resource to help those around you deal with transition.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Staying in contact with your network may be more important than usual. Knowing who to call for a favor can help get things done. Be ready to adapt to unforeseen changes. Prove that you’re the one.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You can invest your time or pass your time. Every day you have the opportunity to choose between working toward attainment of your goals or succumbing to all the fun distractions out there. Choose wisely.

CANCER (June 21-July 22):Try to let subtle annoyances go rather than becoming reactive. You may find that some people honor their promises even when you do not agree completely. People pretty much want the same things; look for commonality.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Power struggles may only cause confusion. Consider if the struggle is really within yourself.

Attaining material success might be more about perseverance than by learning complex tech or inventing something unique.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You may think everything is aligned for romance, but your partner might not understand your enthusiasm. It could be awkward, but find a time to discuss your feelings. Work together to determine where the relationship leads.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Distractions for dating singles could seem endless, yet the right person can be out there if you meet under Cinderella stars. You can miss your soulmate if your timing is off. Talk to your friends about your wants and needs.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): There are often degrees of compromise everyone must negotiate. If people push you to abandon your vision, decide where you can change and what can’t be touched.

See where their goals align with yours.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): New beginnings under poor stars are difficult even if you do everything right. If things pile up it might seem that ignoring logic is the only way to get anything done. Take things one step at a time.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Confidence is a form of bravery. It’s not a lack of fear but being afraid and doing the right thing anyway.

Know that your resolve can be very effective when you face people who say it can’t be done.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): There may be agitation if you discuss your plans. Even if you’re intending to commit, the initial circumstances may raise questions. Understand the hurdles you face if you decide to pursue this path.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Ignite your ambitions with imaginative ideas, insights, and inspirations. Use your sixth sense to connect with people you can trust in business as well as in love. Take the time to form new social connections.

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Page 28, The Southern Ocean Times, February 24, 2024

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