2024-03-02 - The Brick Times

Students Raise Funds In Silent Dress Auction

aquarium welcomes new seal to the family

By Alyssa Riccardi POINT PLEASANT

Page

By Alyssa Riccardi BRICK

– The glitz and glamour of prom is just a couple months away. Students at Brick Memorial High School have taken the initiative to raise funds with their first ever silent dress auction.

Over 200 colorful dresses, for any occasion but mostly prom dresses, where suc-

cessfully sold by high school students. The event, held on February 8 in the school library, was organized by the BMHS Class of 2025 and advised by Mrs. Rebecca Decker and Mrs. Bridget Petrulla.

Junior Keira Miley came up with the idea for the silent auction to showcase the creativity

and initiative of the students. The dresses featured in the auction were generously donated by the staff and Brick community. They raised over $600, selling about 50 to 75 dresses to attendees.

Supporting the event and making an appearance were Principal Ed Sarluca, Mrs. Rivera,

(Silent- See Page 4)

– After the heartbreak of losing a beloved seal only a short time ago, Jenkinson’s Aquarium has welcomed in a new resident seal with a special quirk.

Turbo, a 10-monthold Pacific harbor seal, was rescued by the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, California. The seal was only two-weeks-

old when she was rescued from a rocky beach in California after being separated from her mom.

Turbo suffered some injuries including one to her front flipper, Jenkinson’s staff said in a statement. As a result, her flipper was amputated.

“She was deemed non-releasable by NOAA due to her removed flipper and

general lack of chasing and eating fish, both which would severely lessen her chances of survival in the wild,” staff said.

Back in September, Jenkinson’s Aquarium had to say goodbye to one of their beloved seals, Luseal, who passed away at the age of 34.

Luseal was rescued from the Point Pleasant

(Seal - See Page 4)

Polar Bear Plunge Raises $2.5M For Special Olympics

By Bob Vosseller SEASIDE HEIGHTS

– Around 8,000 people made up of about 570 teams plunged into the icy surf on a cold Seaside morning, raising more than a combined $2.5 million to benefit Special Olympics New Jersey.

Including spectators, approximately 65,000 people came out to boardwalk for the 31 st anniversary of the Polar Bear Plunge. For over 55 years, Special Olympics New Jersey has provided year-round sports training and

athletic competition in 24 Olympic-type sports for thousands of children and adults with intellectual disabilities, completely free of charge. The morning began cloudy with some rain dropping but the sky turned blue around

the 1 p.m. plunge time that featured an air temperature in the mid-30s and water temperatures in the low 40s.

“This is my seventh year,” Cheryl Klouda of Columbia New Jersey told Jersey Shore Online.com . She was

dressed in a shark costume and holding the duffle bag she got this year to hold her change of clothes.

“I have friends who come down here to plunge with me. Our team is We Plunge

(Polar Plunge- See Page 4)

Dresses featured in the auction were donated by the staff and Brick community.

Photos courtesy Brick Schools

A new seal was rescued and brought to Jenkinson’s Aquarium.

Photo courtesy Jenkinson’s Aquarium

Cheryl Klouda of Columbia, New Jersey was among the 8,000 plungers who took part in this year’s Polar Bear Plunge held in Seaside Heights.

Photo by Bob Vosseller

Silent:

Continued From Page 1

Mr. Stefanelli, Mrs. Stanley, Mrs. Harzer, Mr. Decker, and Mrs. Hobbs.

The money raised from the event will go towards food and entertainment for the junior prom, which takes place on May 3 in the Brick Memorial Gymnasium.

The Class of 2025 will continue their

Seal:

Continued From Page 1

Canal in the early 1990s and after being deemed non-releasable she became an official family member of Jenkinson’s Aquarium.

Luseal was a part of the community for

Polar Plunge:

Continued From Page 1

Forward dot, dot, dot.” She added, “one of my friends has a daughter who has cerebral palsy and I started plunging for her.”

Klouda added that her trick to staying warm after the plunge “was to bring plenty of blankets. This year I have five members for the team. Last year I had more. Two are from Pennsylvania, a couple are from New Jersey”

Some plunged in bathing suits, others in street clothes, and many donned colorful costumes. Law enforcement personnel monitored the crowded area.

Some even plunged as a duo such as the brother and sister “Plunger Party” team of Vinny and Emily Kearns from the northern end of the state.

“I’ve been wanting to do this forever and never did it and figured why not,”

fundraising efforts by selling the remaining dresses after school. If all the dresses are not sold, they plan to donate the surplus to local libraries to ensure the community continues to benefit from this charitable event. Many library branches in the area host Prom Dress Giveaways to students, free of charge.

Advisors Rebecca Decker and Bridget Petrulla expressed their pride in the students who worked hard to put together this event.

“We are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication shown by the Class of 2025,” said Mrs. Decker. They plan on making the silent auction an annual event.

“Their efforts have not only raised funds for a memorable junior prom but also showcased their leadership and organizational skills,” Mrs. Petrulla said.

“Brick Memorial High School is proud of the event and the students’ commitment

to making a positive impact in their community. Hopefully, this continues as a new tradition at BMHS and grows each and every year,” the school district said. In addition to the silent auction, many local businesses and organizations contributed to the event’s success by donating gift cards for raffle baskets. This included: MeeMoms, Sunshine Daydream, Stella Luna, the Class of 2024, and the Miley Family.

more than three decades, and she surpassed the average life expectancy of her wild cousins by over a decade.

Despite the heartbreak, seal lovers are excited to see Turbo and learn about the heartwarming story of her and her “big sister” Noelani.

“We are absolutely in love with the new-

est addition to the Jenkinson’s Aquarium family!” The announcement said. “Turbo arrived at Jenkinson’s Aquarium about a month ago and was introduced to her big sister, Noelani, on February 12.”

Although not being genetically related, Turbo and Noelani will live in the same space together. Noelani was also stranded

in California and recovered at the same rescue center in Sausalito in 2018. Just like Turbo, she was deemed non-releasable. This is due to her clinical blindness caused by a form of brain atrophy.

“The girls are going great together and Turbo can’t wait to meet all the visitors!” Jenkinson’s Aquarium said.

Vinny Kearns said.

“I signed my sister up for this. She didn’t have much say,” he added laughing. The duo sported plunger hats. “We tried to make a team and then nobody said they wanted to do it.”

Wawa, the official coffee partner of the Polar Bear Plunge in Seaside, was onsite again this year with their mobile truck to provide free coffee and hot chocolate.

When asked how many cups of hot beverages they would be handing out during the day, Wawa worker David Homer said “probably around 10,000.”

His fellow Wawa volunteer from the Howell store simply replied, “lots.”

Wawa spokesperson Portia Welch said the convenience store chain has had a presence at the plunge for about 10 to 15 years and along with area store volunteers they bring along their mascot, a costumed goose each year. She put the cup count of java and hot chocolate at 12,000.

On the subject of costumed mascots, the

Polar Bear Plunge wouldn’t be the same without Joe Sarnoski, a retired police captain from Lyndhurst, who once again served as the event’s mascot and cheered people on as the official polar bear. This year he took photos beside another costumed polar bear and sported a red T-Shirt in contrast to his usual blue shirt. Dressed as the Frozen Hoses were members of the Mixed Bag of Nuts from Fort Dix. “My brother in-law is a fireman so we decided to go as firemen this year,” Scott Cabe of Toms River said.

“We have been here doing this for 10 years,” Pam Evans of Stanhope said. She and Cabe were joined by two West Orange residents who were part of the team. Caitlyn Shelly, who was plunging for her second year and her dad Dan Shelly who was plunging for the first time.

“I come up with the ideas for costumes every year. Last year we were Minions and the year before we were leprechauns and the year before that we were ice princesses,

even him,” Evans said, pointing to Cabe. “And the year before that we were squirrels because we’re a mixed bag of nuts.”

The event which is presented by Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) will benefit thousands of Special Olympics New Jersey athletes. It originally began on the beaches of Point Pleasant. It moved its home to Seaside Heights years ago with the only interruptions being Superstorm Sandy in 2012 and the pandemic in 2021, when it was held virtually.

LETR is part of a state-wide campaign coordinated and managed by all divisions of Law Enforcement officers and officials to raise dollars and awareness for Special Olympics New Jersey.

Senior Director of Marketing and Communications Jeremy Davis said, “This year’s plunge is one of the largest in our history and will provide necessary funds to support programming and countless opportunities for thousands of Special Olympics New Jersey athletes.”

Rescuers Find Alleged Dog Fighting Ring

By Alyssa Riccardi

NEPTUNE – An alleged dog fighting ring in Monmouth County led to the discovery of several dogs who were living in terrible conditions, Monmouth County SPCA said.

An anonymous tip on February 3 led Neptune Township Police to a home on Embury Avenue. In the backyard, a garage housed eight dogs who may have been used in an illegal dog fighting ring, according to a press release.

Police had followed a concrete path with fresh blood and found barking dogs locked inside the structure. Once removing the locks, they found six dogs inside - all in in separate crates lined with woodchips and soiled with their excrement.

“The dogs had scabs and scarring, body injuries, and punctures to their ears and mouths - we can only assume that some of Dogs are currently being rehabilitated.

the dogs were being used as ‘bait dogs’ in the alleged dog fighting ring,” Monmouth County SPCA said.

When searching the property, members of the Monmouth County Forensic Unit collected syringes, IV bags, and unknown medications including suspected animal steroids. They also found two dog treadmills as well as other paraphernalia.

A total of eight dogs were seized; six inside the garage, and two found outside with heavy chains connected to dog houses. The dogs were rescued and taken by the Monmouth County SPCA Humane Law Enforcement where they are receiving medical care, comfort, and rehabilitation.

The occupants of the home were not cooperative, officials said. One person was arrested on the scene by the Neptune Township Police Department for disor-

derly behavior.

“Our Humane Law Enforcement Division, along with Neptune Police Department, and the Monmouth County Forensics unit worked late into the night to investigate this horrific scene and get the eight dogs to safety,” MCSPCA Executive Director Ross Licitra said. “All of the dogs are being cared for by our compassionate staff and can finally be free of fear and pain.”

“With the power governed by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, we will be sure that the cruel offenders of this case will be charged to the highest extent of the law to reinforce that we do not tolerate animal cruelty in our community. We thank everyone who can contribute to the care of these dogs to get them healthy and rehabilitated for adoption,” Licitra added.

Photo courtesy Monmouth County SPCA

An

Rendering courtesy Ocean County

River Township.

Courtroom Annex Project Awarded

by Ocean County for the project with the highest bidder totaling $97,857,000.

Ocean County Commissioner John P. Kelly said, “our overall goal is to create a building that will function properly. We are building what we need. We are not building too much.”

The annex will be four stories and 125,000 square feet. It includes a single secure entrance and screening location and separated circulation for the public, judges and prisoners.

“This gives us the opportunity to solve one of our biggest problems and that is the movement of people in this facility,” Kelly added. “The new design gives us one single controlled location to move the public in and out of the building. This enhances security and safety for everyone using the facility.”

The public will access the building by using the overhead walkway across Hooper Avenue that is attached to the Ocean County Parking Garage. The walkway will be undergoing extensive renovations as part of the work. The new building is designed to consolidate criminal courtrooms and probation while providing space for more

efficient administration and court services. The project includes eight new courtrooms - two of them larger than the others - and is expected to serve the needs of the county through 2035.

Kelly noted the county’s growth in population stating, “Ocean County government provides services and programs to meet that growth. This justice complex annex will help us meet the growth in our judicial system.” The new building also allows for consolidation of court facilities into fewer buildings ultimately providing a reduction in building leases.

“We have had family courts, probation services, and even a criminal court scattered among buildings in downtown Toms River. This is all resulting in extra cost to the county for rent and security,” Kelly added. “The consolidation is another example of how we will improve security and reduce expenses.”

Deputy Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners Gary Quinn extended his appreciation to Commissioner Kelly for shepherding the project to fruition. “This is a very complex project to put

Point Beach Art Summer Farmer’s Market

together because it addresses many areas of the judicial system which is overseen by the state. Commissioner Kelly worked diligently to get us to this point.”

New Ocean County Commissioner Frank Sadeghi abstained from voting on the contract noting he had only joined the board on January 3 and continues to review the project while the other Commissioners have been working on it for a number of years.

The Board of Commissioners approved a $92 million funding ordinance in August 2023 for the project. The project architect is Clarke, Caton, Hintz of Trenton. The plans needed to be approved by the Office of the State Comptroller prior to the project being able to move forward with seeking bids.

“This project has been discussed and planned for quite some time. It will be a welcome upgrade to our court system. I commend Commissioner Kelly and the professional staff for taking their time in planning the annex and paying close attention to the details that will help us provide a much needed and improved facility,” Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners Barbara Jo Crea said.

POINT PLEASANT – Point Beach Art is now accepting Farmer’s Market vendor applications for their 2024 Summer Farmer’s Market! Submit

an application at: arts.pointpleasantbeach.org/ events/farmers-market-vendor-sign-up.

They have limited availability; all applications

will be reviewed but not all applications will be selected.

Summer Farmer’s Market is on Sundays from

May 19 through September 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. set up time starts at 6:30 a.m., at Train Station Parking lot, Arnold Avenue Point Pleasant Beach.

Victims Of Transnational Repression Testify At Hearing

From The Desk Of Congressman Chris Smith

WASHINGTON, D.C. - At a congressional hearing co-chaired by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), victims of “transnational repression” shared personal accounts of harassment, threats and intimidation by foreign governments attempting to silence criticism by members of their exile or diaspora communities living here in the United States.

“I’d like to be able to say that these stories of transnational repression are rare - that it is unusual or uncommon for foreign governments to harm, intimidate, silence, abduct, or spy on members of diaspora and exile communities in the US and other countries,” said Smith, who chaired two additional hearings highlighting the issue over the past year.

“But it’s not rare,” said Smith, who authored the Transnational Repression Policy Act (HR 3654) since “the Biden Administration’s response to this transnational repression has been very weak.”

As Chairman of the House Global Human Rights panel, Co-Chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission and Chairman of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC),

Smith meets regularly with people who are targeted and persecuted by foreign governments that go after them inside the United States.

Among its provisions, Smith’s legislation would require the President to impose property- and visa-blocking sanctions on foreign individuals and entities that directly engage in transnational repression. It would also mandate the State Department to develop a strategy to fight transnational repression;

The law would direct the US intelligence community to identify the perpetrators of transnational repression; and direct the Justice Department to train law enforcement and other employees in detecting and fighting it.

According to the human rights watchdog Freedom House, 854 direct, physical incidents of transnational repression by 38 governments in 91 countries were actually recorded from 2014 through 2022.

Entitled “Transnational Repression and the US Response,” the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission hearing included firsthand testimony from three victims of transnational repression living in the United States.

Frances Hui, who shared some of her personal experiences as a target of Beijing’s transnational repression, said the Chinese Communist Party “is carrying out the world’s most sophisticated and

comprehensive campaign of transnational repression.”

“Last year, the Hong Kong authorities issued arrest warrants and HK$ 1 million bounties ($128,000) for the arrest of 13 overseas Hong Kongersincluding myself, five of the people are living in the US,” Hui said. “Ever since that, the death threats I have received online have been unstoppable. Some of our immediate family members and even in-laws in Hong Kong have been detained for questioning and were used as a means to pass on threatening messages from the authorities to those of us living abroad.”

“China’s extraterritorial harassment, including on American soil, has increased in recent years,” said Elfidar Iltebir, a Uyghur American who serves as President of the Uyghur American Association. “China persistently violates United States laws to target Uyghurs within the United States, subjecting them to psychological torture by threatening the safety of their relatives to silence criticism of its genocide. Uyghurs in the United States are under surveillance.”

Abdulhamit Bilici, a journalist who was exiled from Turkey in 2016, described the Turkish government’s “extraordinary campaign of transnational repression against its critics overseas without any check.”

“President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s long arm has reached tens of thousands of

Turkish citizens abroad while Turkey has been experiencing a deepening human rights crisis especially since the coup attempt in 2016,” Bilici said.

Smith, who noted some victims are also persecuted when they leave the US and return home, recalled a recent meeting he had with Emin Bayramli - a young man living in New Jersey who advocated on behalf of his father Gubad Ibadoglu. A prominent Azerbaijani economist, Ibadoglu had lived abroad for many years - including in the United States.

“Last summer Ibadoglu returned to Azerbaijan to visit his mother - and was arrested and imprisoned on patently ridiculous charges of possessing a bag of counterfeit currency,” said Smith. “The real reason? He was researching corruption on the part of the dictator of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and firms linked to President Erdogan of Turkey - and was a leading authority on economic responses to regime corruption.”

In November, Smith led a letter with CECC Co-Chair Sen. Jeff Merkley (DRI) asking President Biden to demand an immediate end to transnational repression efforts targeting American citizens and legal residents ahead of his meeting with Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in San Franscisco.

“We must work to protect the freedoms of speech, assembly, and opinion - both here in the US and elsewhere abroad,” Smith said.

Senators Want Vote.gov To Be Modernized

Capitol

Comments

Senator Cory Booker

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) joined a group of 13 Senators requesting updates on how Vote. gov will be modernized.

The senators wrote to U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Administrator Robin Carnahan regarding GSA’s implementation of President Biden’s 2021 Executive Order. The letter requests updates as the agency implements the Executive Order

by modernizing Vote.gov to promote and increase voting access.

“The Voting Executive Order specifically instructed GSA to take steps to modernize and improve Vote.gov, an official website of GSA, in partnership with the Election Assistance Commission, agencies, and key stakeholders. The Executive Order’s section on vote.gov modernization requires the website (as well as the forms on it) to become accessible to people with disabilities, accessible to people who speak non-English languages, and – to the extent possible –fully usable as an online experience,” the lawmakers wrote.

With many federal agencies directing their users to Vote.gov, the letter highlights how the success of the administration’s efforts to promote voting hinge on the modernization and accessibility of the website.

“Vote.gov serves as the primary federal resource for voters to register to vote, check their voter registration status, and fi nd voting information. These services are essential to the one in four eligible voters who are not registered to vote,” the lawmakers continued.

The Senators applaud the actions GSA has taken so far to implement the voting executive order - actions like translating voter information into 16 additional languages. The Senators emphasized the urgency and significance of swiftly continuing this prog-

ress and promptly implementing further changes needed to improve Vote.gov

Specifically, the Senators asked GSA respond to the following requests:

(1) A complete outline of GSA’s implementation plan of the voting executive order;

(2) An accompanying status update and timeline on their execution and/or implementation; and

(3) The date the Administration expects the implementation and Vote.gov modernization to be substantially complete.

The letter is cosigned by U.S. Senators Laphonza Butler (D-CA), Jon Ossoff (DGA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (DMA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI).

Students Shine At NJ All Shore Chorus Performance

BRICK – The stage was set on fi re by four exceptionally talented vocalists from Brick Memorial High School, who mesmerized the audience with their breathtaking performance at the New Jersey All Shore Chorus event on February 3. Emily Farrell, Kelly Fitzgerald, Marley Lego, and Caia Cano graced the stage at Monmouth Regional High School, leaving a lasting impression with their exceptional musical talent.

The New Jersey All Shore Chorus is renowned for showcasing the fi nest high school choral singers from Monmouth and Ocean counties. The inclusion of these students in this elite ensemble is a testament to their hard work and dedication, having impressed a panel of esteemed choral directors during rigorous auditions held in November.

Under the guidance of Professor Vinroy Brown, a distinguished member of the Performance Studies faculty at Westminster Choir College, the chorus delivered a captivating performance. Professor Brown’s

Photo courtesy Brick Schools mentorship has been invaluable, pushing these motivated singers to exceed their limits and master complex repertoire at an astonishing pace during their rehearsals.

“This is a monumental achievement for our students,” remarked Kevin Bettys, Choral Director at BMHS. “Not only did they have the opportunity to learn from Professor Brown and a talented team of choral directors, but they also became part of a community of passionate young musicians. This experience will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on their musical journey.”

To celebrate the success of Emily, Kelly, Marley, and Caia, Brick Memorial High School is excited to share a link to the audio recording of one of the songs from their performance, “The Dreamers of Dreams,” with the Mustang community.

The Brick Memorial High School community congratulates these exceptional students on their outstanding performance and looks forward to witnessing their continued success in the world of music.

56

th

Spring Concert At St. Thomas Lutheran Church

BRICK – The 56th Spring Concert At St. Thomas Lutheran Church will be on May 5 at 2 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon of concert band music lead by director James R. Bast,

assistant conductor Kathryn Sarlo and featuring tenor David Smolokoff. No tickets required. Free will offering will be collected at intermission.

Easter Egg Hunt

BRICK – There will be an Easter Egg Hunt rain or shine on March 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church of

Laurelton, 1824 Route 88, Brick. Ages for the hunt are 2 to 12 but all are welcome! Free event. RSVP to 732-840-1505 by March 11.

National School Resource Officer

Appreciation Day

BRICK – February 15 was National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day! School Resource Officers (SRO) Detective Benny Alvarado and Detective Brendan Barnes are currently assigned as Brick Township

SROs. Both serve as outstanding role models and go above and beyond to support our students.

Thank you for all that you do for our students, staff and community.

Annual Hero Awards

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

This event honors Brick residents and businesses that exhibit a remarkable

effort to make the community a better place. The event is hosted by the Mayor’s Student Advisory Committee and will include performances by local school choirs, theatre groups, dance teams, and more. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

Boating Safety Course

BRICK – United States Coast Guard

Auxiliary Flotilla 16-05 Jersey Shore

Boating Safety Course will be held on the following dates at the Brick Township Municipal Building:

March 9, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

April 13, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

May 11, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

June 8, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost is $60. New Jersey State Requirement - All boaters must have a certificate. Students earn a certificate by attending the 8-hour class and passing the test.

The course is eight hours as mandated by the State of New Jersey. It stresses safe boating practice, boating rules and seamanship. It is taught by Certified USCG Auxiliary Instructors. For information call 732-701-7849.

Groovin’ On A Sunday Afternoon

BRICK – Join March 10 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Church of the Visitation Parish Hall, 755 Mantoloking Road, Brick.

Escape the winter with our “Tropicale” theme and dance - or just listen to - the music through the decades by Sound Matters. Light refreshments, dessert and hot and cold beverages will be served. You are welcome to bring your own

food and beverages as well. Tickets will be $25 in advance or $27 at the door. Tables can be reserved for parties of six or more. For more information call 732-475-0048. To purchase tickets, visit visitationRCchurch.org/social-events, email EventTeam@visitationRCchurch.org or call 732-475-0048.

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

Photos courtesy Brick Township Police Department’s

Angelic Health’s Patient-Centered Comprehensive Care is a Phone Call Away

Call us for a free, no-obligation evaluation 732-664-4909

It’s all about you.

Angelic Health provides healthcare in your home, managing the complexity and challenges of medical, mental healthcare and psychosocial needs. Our professional and experienced clinical sta supports both patient and family.

www.Angelic.health

Local Pets Available For Adoption

Photo courtesy Jersey Shore Animal Center

BRICK – Chamille is a lovely dilute calico and is here to sprinkle some joy into your day! With her gentle spirit, she’s ready to steal your heart. Give her a little sweet talk and gentle pets, and she’ll be your new best friend! Chamille loves hanging out with her kitty pals and enjoys a

cozy brushing session twice a week to keep her luscious coat looking fabulous. Let’s make today as bright as Chamille’s purr-sonality!

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

Police Warn Of Recent Scam

By Chris Lundy

BRICK

–

The Police Department is warning residents that strangers might call them, pretending to be a cop and telling them there’s a warrant out for their arrest for a major crime.

The scammer will scare their victim into providing money and banking information, police said.

“We would like to remind residents, police officers will NEVER call you and

ask for money or your personal banking information over the phone. Hang up immediately, and notify the Brick Township Police Department at 732-262-1100,” they said.

They also warned that there is technology that tricks caller ID so it looks like you are getting a call from the police when in reality, it is not the police department. “If you are suspicious of any phone call, hang up and verify a legitimate call back number.”

4th Annual Craft And Vendor Show

BRICK – The Women of St. Paul’s will be hosting their 4th annual Craft and Vendor Show on March 2 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This is an indoor event hosted in Norcross

Hall (GYM). The show will include vendors, a raffle, and lunch will be available. If you are interested in being a vendor, call the church office at 732-458-2080 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Titanic: A Special Anniversary Presentation

TOMS RIVER – One of the most tragic civilian seagoing catastrophes of the 20th Century will be discussed in detail during historian Greg Caggiano’s exciting program “The Titanic: A Special Anniversary Presentation,” at two Ocean County Library branches.

• Brick Branch – 301 Chambers Bridge Road, 732-477-4513, 2 p.m. April 3. Register at bit.ly/OclBrickTitanic.

• Toms River Branch – 101 Washington Street, 732-349-6200, 6 p.m. April 15. Register at bit.ly/OclTitanicTR.

Join Greg as he explores the reasons why the luxury liner, one of the largest and most opulent of its time, and all its human drama remain relevant 112 years after vanishing below the surface of the Atlantic near Newfoundland.

The Titanic sank on April 15, 1912, before completing its maiden voyage. An estimated 1,500 lives were lost after

Greg will examine the ship’s construction, daily life for its passengers, and the factors that contributed to its demise.

As an avid food blogger, Greg will also discuss the cuisine that was prepared for each passenger class, which for many was their last meal.

The award-winning historian is familiar to OCL Toms River Branch visitors for his dissertations on the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln and New Jersey’s “Haunted History.”

The Monmouth County historian has served on the boards of the Proprietary House, Perth Amboy, and also the Atlantic Highlands Historical Society, housed in the Strauss Mansion.

Register to attend either of these free programs. Keep up with Library programs and events at theoceancountylibrary.org.

Historical Meeting About Local Shipwreck

BRICK – The Brick Township Historical Society will hold its next meeting March 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Herbertsville Firehouse, 601 Herbertsville Road, Brick.

The program will feature Daniel J. Lieb of the NJ Historical Divers Association. He will present a program about the mystery of a local shipwreck and how it was identified. A careful review of the artifacts recovered over the years by area divers and an exhaustive

search of public records was needed before positive identification of the wreck could be ascertained. Join as the mystery unravels.

Meetings are open to the public and admission is free. Park in the rear of the firehouse and enter by the door on the right on ground level.

For more information on the activities of the society see: bricktownshiphistoricalsociety.com or call 732-785-2500.

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

Photo courtesy of Greg Caggiano a collision with an iceberg tore through its hull.

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.

How Are Hearing And Cognition Related To Each Other?

We HEAR with our ears and LISTEN with our brain. Our brain plays a significant role in our ability to hear.

With untreated hearing loss, you have to work harder to make sense of what people are saying. This is called having a higher “cognitive load”.

Having a higher “cognitive load” can affect your memory and how you process information.

Be empowered to make changes!

Lifestyle factors can impact cognitive impairment. Address these risk factors:

• Hearing Loss

• Vision Loss

• Medication Side Effects

• Vitamin B12 Deficiency

• Diabetes

• Cardiovascular Issues

• Sleep Disorders

• Poor Lifestyle Choices

• Brain Fog

• Sports that Impact the Head Stress

Your Hearing Healthcare Professional’s assessment includes a cognitive screening that will help you understand how you are processing information, organizing your thoughts, and remembering things. Cognivue Thrive is a personalized, consistent and reliable way to receive an overall screening of your brain health.

• Self-administered 5-10 minute assessment

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Please feel free to contact our office at 732-451-3962 or visit our website at gardenstatehearing.com.

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

Crisis Hotline Volunteers Needed

NEW JERSEY – Crisis Hotline Volunteers needed for CONTACT of Ocean & Monmouth Counties’ training beginning February 28, once a week every Wednesday for 12 weeks from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Training will be held in person at St. Luke’s Roman Catholic Church, 1674 Old Freehold Road, Toms River. CONTACT is a 24-hour crisis intervention hotline

that also provides information and referral to community resources. All calls are free, confidential and anonymous. Training is free. Become a voice to those in distress. Make a difference in your community!

Call 732-240-6104 or email contact@ contactoceanmonmouth.org for additional information and registration.

Project Medicine Drop Box

BRICK – Did you know…There is a Project Medicine Drop box in the Brick Township Municipal Building? This box gives residents a place to discard unused and unwanted medications safely, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The medications dropped in the box are maintained

under the custody of the Brick Township Police Department who then destroys them in accordance with rules and procedures governing controlled substances. The Project Medicine Drop box is located in the municipal building adjacent to the Police Department front desk.

Alumni In Recovery Now Looking For Brick Chapter Speakers

BRICK – Alumni in Recovery is now looking for Brick Chapter speakers. In recovery? Six months plus sober? Age

18 to 40? Alumni from a Brick or nearby school? Contact alumniinrecovery.brick@ gmail.com for more information.

Wipe Wisely: A Comparative Look At Your Toilet Paper Picks

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Let’s

Imagine being in the store trying to decide which toilet paper is best for you. It’s about comfort versus environmental concern.

Should you buy virgin white soft toilet paper or should you buy recycled paper because it’s thought to be more eco-friendly?

That decision is entirely up to you. Right now, I’ll share some information about each type of toilet paper so you can have more information. Let’s start with recycled paper.

To make new toilet paper, companies have to cook virgin wood pulp. Virgin means that the wood pulp hasn’t been used before. It’s not being recycled, it’s new. The process requires some boiling, some bleaching (usually with non-chlorine agents), and then the addition of softeners to make it feel nice on your skin. Imagine squeezing the Charmin, lol!

Creating recycled toilet paper may be more labor intensive because it takes more time and chemicals. The reason is that recycling companies begin the process with things that we’ve recycled - that’s how they get their ‘wood pulp.’ It’s not from a tree.

So, for example, they use magazines, paper plates, newspapers, cardboard, and other paper items you dump into your recycle bin. These paper products have all kinds of writing and pictures on them, so de-inking chemicals are required to get the colors off there. It’s a tedious process to de-ink recycled pulp but they need to

because everyone likes white toilet paper. For this reason, toilet paper requires (and has residue of) more chemicals than virgin paper! They may also have extra softeners and/or perfumes to improve their feel. And it’s not just toilet paper, it’s in certain baby wipes, flushable adult wipes, facial tissue, and some paper towels.

Even Time Magazine wrote an article entitled, “Now We Need to Worry About Harmful ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Our Toilet Paper Too.”

BPAs have been detected in some recycled toilet papers and these chemicals are hormone disruptors.

So, in summary the pros of recycled toilet paper brands are sustainability, and it puts to good use all that junk mail you throw out! On the downside, it probably requires and contains a few more chemicals. Does this make it more eco-friendly or not? I’m uncertain at this point. Some people worry that it isn’t completely sanitized, but that fear is not warranted.

The pros of virgin toilet paper are softness and wet strength. Most people think it feels better on their skin, but the downside is it requires new wood pulp. Most people today are mindful of our planet’s resources.

When going to the bathroom, likely, you’ve only thought about which direction the toilet paper rolls out from! I’ve shared some insights to help you ponder over this crucial choice. Should you wish for a deeper dive into the topic, a more detailed and extensive version of this article awaits on my website, suzycohen.com.

Th is Marsupial Is Born Without Ears

By Renee A. Thomaier Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

Like cats, this animal loves to snooze. They sleep anywhere from 18 to 22 hours daily to conserve energy. While they look more like a bear, they are marsupials (young are carried in the mother’s pouch) and are more closely related to kangaroos and wombats. This marsupial is well-known and loved by many in Australia. The koala consumes a diet of eucalyptus leaves, eating over two pounds a day. They prefer the nutritious leaves of the eucalyptus witch are found at the top of the tallest trees. Not only do they eat eucalyptus, but they spend most of their time sitting in them. As a result, they take on the aroma of eucalyptus which serves as a natural insect repellent.

A koala infant is called a joey, the same as a baby kangaroo. At birth they are the size of a peanut. They have no sight or hearing ability but still manage to use their natural instincts to immediately climb up to their mother’s pouch. Once in the pouch they will continue to develop over the next six months. At 12 months of age, they will begin to migrate away from the mother, and by two or three years of age,

they will begin to reproduce.

Solitary animals, koalas stay within overlapping home ranges where each koala will have a different sized range. This is determined by gender, age, and their social position. On average, they can live up to 10 to 12 years. The female koala appears to live longer in the wild than the male - 18 years.

Like humans, koalas have unique fingerprints like ours. That makes them difficult to distinguish between the two species, even when looking at them through a microscope. They have thumbs as well. Two of them on each hand. Their average height is 2 to 3 feet. Northern koalas weigh 9 to 19 pounds, where southern koalas weigh 15 to 29 pounds.

While habitat loss and climate change are the largest threats to koalas, human activity also poses threats.

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.

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

Free Household Hazardous Waste Collection

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Household Hazardous Waste Collection program is scheduled to kick off its collection dates for 2024 on March 10 in Lakewood.

Sponsored by the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program is available to Ocean County residents through the Ocean County Department of Solid Waste Management.

“This free program continues to successfully provide an avenue for our residents to safely get rid of items such as pool chemicals, herbicides, stains and thinners, and a host of other products that we often find collecting in our homes and garages,” said the Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners Barbara Jo Crea, who is liaison to the Ocean County Department of Solid Waste Management. “I am happy to announce we are once again sponsoring the Household Hazardous Waste program for 2024.”

The program is open to all residents of Ocean County, but businesses and institutions are not eligible. Pre-registration is required, and can be done online at co.ocean.nj.us/recycle, or by calling 732-506-5047, if preferred. Proof of residency is also required.

“Residents can attend whichever date or location is more convenient for them thanks to events scheduled throughout the County,” Crea said.

The following are the collection dates and locations for the program. The collection events are scheduled to run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.:

• March 10 – Lakewood Department of Public Works, 1 America Avenue, Lakewood

• May 18 – Stafford Township Department of Public Works, 320 Haywood Road, Manahawkin

• June 8 – Manchester Township Department of Public Works, 1360 Route 70, Manchester Township

• September 21 – Toms River Fraternal Order of Police, 1791 North Bay Avenue, Toms River

• October 12 – Long Beach Township Department of Public Works, 7910 Long Beach

Boulevard, Long Beach Township

• November 2 – Lacey Township Department of Public Works, 820 Municipal Lane, Forked River

Ocean County has contracted with Radiac Environmental Services to oversee the collections at a disposal cost of $1.269 per pound. In 2023, the program collected 266,526 pounds of household hazardous waste, at a disposal cost of $250,268.

The items that can be dropped off include aerosols, auto products, cleaning products, pool chemicals, compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs), fire extinguishers, gasoline, pesticides/herbicides, mercury switches/devices (thermostats), stains/thinners, polyurethanes, and polishes.

Items that are not accepted include electronics, cylinders (oxygen tanks), asbestos, radioactive materials (smoke detectors), infectious wastes, explosives (fireworks, gunpowder, boat flares), scrap metal and unknown materials.

All materials, with the exception of oil and gasoline, should be in the original containers. A limit of 200 pounds of dry materials and 20 gallons of liquid material is allowed per household. No containers larger than five gallons are accepted.

“We always take great pride in our environment in Ocean County and strive to make sure that we keep it pristine,” said Crea. “I encourage our residents to take advantage of the opportunities to dispose of waste safely.”

Residents are also reminded that they can bring many items to their municipal recycling centers and the county’s regional recycling centers that allow year-round drop off of some materials. Those items include used paint, batteries, antifreeze, and waste oil. Residents can use the drop offs located at the Ocean County Northern Recycling Center in Lakewood, or the Southern Recycling Center located in Manahawkin from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday. For more information, visit co.ocean.nj.us/ OC/SolidWaste.

Business Entities For Real Estate Investors

By: Marc S. Galella, Esq. of R.C. Shea & Associates

Real estate investors may seek to invest with other persons. This can be done informally, without any written documentation or formally. If done informally, it may lead to problems later if the parties have disagreements about the investment or if outside factors intervene. It is best to establish the rights and obligation of the parties at the outset so that all of the parties know what is expected of them and what they can expect from the investment. There are three basic forms of business entities to be considered in real estate investing. They are:

• PARTNERSHIPS

• CORPORATIONS

• LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES (L.L.C.s)

We will consider the relative advantages and disadvantages of each PARTNERSHIPS.

A partnership is two or more individuals. A partnership may be informal (no written agreement) called a de facto partnership or it may be by way of a written partnership agreement.

ADVANTAGES

1. Easy to set up.

2. Favorable tax treatment. - Income to the partnership is passed on to the individual partners and taxed as income to them.

DISADVANTAGES

1. No liability protection. Creditors can go after the assets of the partners jointly and severably.

Marc S. Galella Esq.

the shareholders to commence the corporation. Corporation is taxed on its own.

ADVANTAGES

1. Liability protection. Creditors can sue the corporation but cannot go after the assets of the individual shareholders.

2. Good marketability of shares.

DISADVANTAGES

1. Harder to set up than a partnership. Documents must be filed with the State.

2. Acts of one partner affects other partners.

3. Marketability of interest may be an issue.

CORPORATIONS

A corporation is a legal entity created by filing a certificate of incorporation with the State. The individual owners are the shareholders. Their interest is reflected by the number of shares they each own. Generally, there is no other written agreement between

2. Double tax treatment. Income to the corporation is taxed to the corporation and then taxed to the shareholder when it is distributed. (Subchapter S corporation may prevent this)

3. There are many filings on an annual basis, which increases annual costs.

4. May need additional documents to establish relationships between shareholders.

(Example: Buy-Sell Agreements)

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANIES

Created by filing a certificate of formation with State. May be one or more members. Member’s interest established in the Operating Agreement. Operating Agreement sets forth the relationships between the members. Income is passed through to members like a partnership.

ADVANTAGES

1. Liability protection like a corporation. Creditors cannot go after assets of members.

2. Favorable tax treatment. Like partnerships, income is passed on to partners. No double taxation.

3. Easier marketability of membership interest if that is what the parties want.

4. Less annual filings than a corporation.

5. Operating agreement sets forth the relationship between the parties. No need for additional documents.

DISADVANTAGES

1. More complicated to set up than a partnership.

• RCSHEA.COM

Brick Farmers

Market Accepting Applications

BRICK – Brick Recreation is now accepting applications for the 2024 Brick Farmers Market. The market will take place every Saturday from May 4 through September 28 at Windward Beach Park.

For an application, visit bricktownship.net/ brick-farmers-market. We will see you in May 2024 as we celebrate the 10th Summer of the Brick Farmers Market!

Easter Bunny

Photo Event

BRICK – Save the date for an eggstra-special time with the Easter Bunny! Hop on over to Jersey Shore Animal Center and join for a fun-filled Hippity-Hoppity event with the Easter Bunny on March 10 from 1 to 4 p.m. (Rain or Shine)

What to Expect:

Doggy Easter Egg Hunt

Meet and greet with the Easter Bunny

Capture your Easter moment in a photo (bring your own phone/camera) (donations appreciated)

Available for purchase: NEW Merch; Baked Goods; Raffle Tickets. All pets must be leashed! Friendly animals welcome.

Th ird Annual Production Of Wish Upon A Song

BRICK – Artist Collective Troupe is a notfor-profit theater company founded by Brick residents Eric Pertgen and Chelsea Carlson. Their third annual production of “Wish Upon A Song” will be held on March 8 at 7 p.m. and March 9 at 1 p.m. at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 708

Route 88.

This is an animated movie musical revue starring many favorite animated Heroes and Villains too!

This performance is to benefit Make A Wish NJ. In the past two years ACT has helped to fund an Ocean County

5-year-old’s wish to visit Disney World and an Ocean County 3-year-old’s wish to have a pool.

Tickets are available online at artistcollectivetroupe.org/events and at the door for $25. There will be a meet and greet after the performance.

Send your community events to news@jerseyshoreonline.com

Free Document Shredding Coming To Ocean County

By Alyssa Riccardi

OCEAN COUNTY – Safely shred and recycle your documents throughout the area; the Ocean County Residential Document Shredding Program will kick off on April 6 in Berkeley Township.

The program is sponsored by the Ocean County Board of Commissioners and is free to Ocean County residents only. This is for paper only. It’s a good time to shred documents with Social Security or bank account information. Residents are allowed to bring a maximum of four file boxes. Reusable containers are welcome. No black

plastic bags.

The dates and locations for the spring schedule include:

April 6 – Berkeley, 630 Pinewald-Keswick Road

April 12 – Lakewood, 1 America Avenue

April 27 – Stafford, 379 Haywood Road

May 4 – Seaside Park, S. Bayview Avenue & 14th Avenue

May 11 – Waretown, 117 Wells Mills Road

May 24 – Toms River, 250 Riverwood Drive

June 1 – Jackson, 95 West Veterans Highway

June 15 – Little Egg Harbor, 1 Sports Com-

plex Drive

June 22 – Pt. Pleasant Boro, 2300 Panther Path

The dates and locations for the fall schedule include:

September 7 – Manchester, 101 S. Colonial Drive

September 14 – Lacey, 820 Municipal Lane

September 21 – Barnegat, 5 Lippincott Avenue

October 5 – Brick, 836 Ridge Road

October 19 – Ship Bottom, W 10th Street

& Shore Avenue

October 26 – Beachwood, 1600 Pinewald Road

All events run 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or until truck fi lls. No: batteries and electronics (both are a fi re hazard), books, junk mail, greeting cards, photos, x-rays, or CDs. Please stay in your vehicle at all times. Place materials in the vehicle’s trunk and workers will remove all items directly. All documents destroyed confidentially on-site. Loads containing unacceptable items may be rejected.

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)

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)

Items Wanted

COSTUME/ESTATE JEWEL-

RY 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)

Used Guns Wanted - All 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)

CLASSIFIEDS

Services Services Services Services Help Wanted

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)

Gardeners Wanted - To maintain & plant small gardens. I work with entrepreneurs to build specialty gardening businesses. Call Sue 732-691-7250. (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)

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)

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 •Mason -

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

Comic Books Wanted - 1970's and earlier. Cash Paid on the spot. Please call Steve at 732-277-7327. (9)

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)

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)

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)

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

Painting - Special Fall Pricing. Interior/Exterior. Meticulous work. All materials and jobs guaranteed. Fully licensed and insured. $ave. Call 732-850-5060. (47)

ATCO Painting & Home Improvements - Interior exterior painting. Interior woodwork. Fully insured. Free estimates Lic#13VHO4548900. 27 years experience. Tommy 609-661-1657. (10)

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

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)

ALL American Home Health AidesExperienced 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)

A1 HANDYMAN SERVICESOver 30 years experience in all phases of home improvements. Free estimates and referrals. Call John 267475-7962 or 732-477-0379. (17)

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.

3. 1 week* at $29.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $

2 weeks* at $44.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $

3 weeks* at $60.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $

4 weeks* at $74.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $

Total = $

The Jersey Shore is home to many beaches from Keyport all the way down to Cape May. Here we are along Long Beach Island. This photo, taken by Louis Amendola, features the peaceful section of the North End of the island. Are you counting the weeks till Memorial Day? Just 13 to go. Have a photo of the Jersey Shore you would like to see in this space? Email it to photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you may win a prize!

Poker Run Fundraiser

POINT PLEASANT – Come out and join Blood by Fire Motorcycle Club and Point Pleasant Fire Department on April 27 for Blood by Fire’s Poseidon Chapter’s Poker Run Fundraiser.

Proceeds from the poker run will be supporting your favorite volunteer fire department

Station 75! There will be 50/50’s, Raffles, and great local businesses involved. Cost is $25 per rider; $15 per passenger.

Registration will be at Station 75 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and the fi nal stop will be 3:30 p.m. at the infamous Woody’s Roadside Tavern in Farmingdale.

The Business Brew, A Networking Breakfast

BRICK – Join for the Brick Chamber of Commerce monthly Networking Breakfast! Make new contacts and grow your business while enjoying a delicious hot breakfast. This is an in-person event. Space is limited and

pre-registration is required. Sorry, no walkins. Cost is $15 for members, $25 for not-yet members. Register at BrickChamber.com.

Special thanks to the host: David’s Culinary Delights.

BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS

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.

(c)

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.

(For 25 years, confident cooks in the know have relied on America’s Test Kitchen for rigorously tested recipes developed by professional test cooks and vetted by 60,000 at-home recipe testers. See more online at www.americastestkitchen. com/TCA.) (c) 2024 AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN. DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.