2024-03-30 - The Berkeley Times

Solar Project, Park Among Projects Underway In Berkeley

Bill Would Reimburse Towns For Disabled Vets

By Chris Lundy

BERKELEY – A professional sign marking Holly Park Beach stands in the middle of the reconstruction, as a handmade sign stating “Save Holly Park Beach” leans against it. This shows one of several projects under construction in town right now.

Holly Park, at the end of Main Street, overlooks the Barnegat Bay in a small coastal neighborhood.

Despite

Seaside Park can be seen in the distance.

This was a community recreation site where families could go.

Nature had other ideas. Superstorm Sandy demolished the small Holly Park Beach Club building. The roof was deposited in a swamp a mile

away. The cement footprint of the building remained for more than a decade. The beach itself suffered erosion, and the bulkheading was shredded and overrun with water. The town fought with the State Department of Environmental Pro-

tection. The point of contention was that the town wanted to rebuild the park up to the old bulkheading. The DEP wanted the land to be as natural as possible – which meant making the eroded shoreline be the new border.

The town had been successful in getting a Green Acres grant for $130,000 to develop the park years ago, which frustrated

(Projects - See Page 4)

Fishermen Get Equipped For Emergencies At Sea

By Stephanie Faughnan BARNEGAT LIGHT

– Some local commercial fishermen recently found themselves faceto-face with members of the United States Coast Guard. However, the reason behind their meeting wasn’t because they were in any kind of trouble or

in need of rescue. Instead, the 42 fishermen were all students participating in day-long classes conducted in conjunction with Fishing Partnership Services, a non-profit organization. The emphasis of the program was on Safety and Survival Training to stay safe at sea.

Lecturers for the program came down from the Boston area, where Fishing Partnership Services is headquartered. Most were fishermen themselves with additional credentials as Coast Guard members, firefighters/EMTs, and

(Coast GuardSee Page 5)

By Chris Lundy BERKELEY

– If a veteran is 100% disabled, they are not required to pay property taxes, per New Jersey law. For most towns, this is a drop in the bucket. But for towns with a lot of senior developments, the cost is much more.

Berkeley’s leaders have long supported this law, even though it impacts them more than other municipalities. It’s because other property owners in town have to make up the difference. Furthermore, the town is the collecting entity for both school districts, the county, and other taxes. In other words, the town has to collect more from all other property owners to make up for the exempt veteran-owned properties.

During the most recent meeting, there were five homes that had property taxes cancelled due to either being owned by a 100% disabled veteran or the widow of one. Every meeting usually has one or more added to the list.

“I agree with this 100% but that money has to come from somewhere,” Mayor John Bacchione said. He and members of the Township Council have no problem with

providing veterans this service, but they want the town to be made whole.

This is why Berkeley officials have supported bills that would require the state to reimburse the towns for this state law.

The newest version of the bill, S-2559 and A-3705 was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee in February. Senator Carmen Amato and Assemblymen Brian Rumpf and Gregory Myhre were the authors of the bill.

When Amato was mayor, he and the governing body supported the bill when it was introduced by his predecessor, then-Senator Christopher Connors, and Assembly members Rumpf and DiAnne Gove.

In 2020, Berkeley quantified the amount of property taxes that they forgive. They had 279 properties that were exempt from taxation due to them being owned by a 100 percent disabled veteran. If you add the property values of all of these homes together, it amounts to $54,825,500.

Multiplying this by the tax rate at the

(Veteran BillSee Page 4)

Locals fought hard to restore the beach to its former glory.

The nice sign was a beacon to local residents, informing them that the park will be reborn.

The solar project is expected to bring a cost savings to Berkeley residents.

Photos by Chris Lundy

the bitter cold, commercial fishermen put on survival suits to ensure they knew what to do if it was necessary to abandon ship.

Photo by Stephanie Faughnan

Projects:

Continued From Page 1

329 Commons Way

Building C

Toms River, NJ 08755

officials when the DEP – which oversees the Green Acres funding – denied their plan for the park.

Township officials took the DEP to court and also added the property to the town’s open space inventory.

Business Administrator John Camera said that bulkheading will stabilize the land.

“There are plans going forward to develop it as a passive recreation park but no bids have been put out for that work yet,” he said.

Solar Field

Another project underway is the solar farm across from the municipal building on Pinewald-Keswick Road in Bayville. Officials expect it to be online some time in April.

The township’s municipal landfill hadn’t been used in half a century but it was never properly capped. Now, a company capped the landfill, and is building a solar field over it.

It costs millions of dollars to cap a landfill. Today, a public-private part-

nership will take on that responsibility. A business will spend the money to do all the work and then reap the benefit of installing solar energy collectors.

The residents are expected to benefit as well. By providing 10 megawatts of less expensive electricity, residents are predicted to save about $6.4 million over the 20-year life of the project, according to township figures.

CS Energy and Luminace closed the landfill without costing taxpayers.

Bike Path

A walkway/bike path around Veterans Park is also in the works, but the town wants more funding first.

In 2023, the township applied for a grant from the State Department of Community Affairs for $125,000. The state awarded $81,000.

Business Administrator Camera said that the town received a grant for the path in Veterans Park, but it was insufficient to do the job. “We applied again this year and are hopeful that we will get additional money.”

Veterans Park hosts numerous special events throughout the year, and officials have wanted to have a designated trail for patrons to use so that they are not on the road.

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Veteran Bill: Continued From Page 1

time, 2.167, it totaled $1,188,068.59. This means that there is $1,188,068.59 that has to be raised by other residents. This is the amount that the town would want back from the state if the bill is made into a law.

Public Records Access

Another bill that the Township Council supported is S-2930/A-4045 that would amend the Open Public Records Act. This is the law that allows people to request government documents. The following changes would be made, if it were to pass: modifies the conditions under which a records custodian has to respond to a request for records, allowing the custodian discretion to deny duplicative or anonymous requests; encourages and allocates funds to assist public agencies in moving documents online, making these records searchable via an online database, to the extent feasible; creates a uniform and comprehensive definition of “personal identifying information” which, in many cases, is redacted by the records custodian; establishes specific timelines for responses to records requests occurring under various circumstances, such as when a record may be unavailable or in storage, and adds additional specificity and clarity to the items and information which are exempt from public access;

prohibits records requests made by or for data brokers, who take the information they gather and use it for a commercial purpose; transfers the responsibility for violations from the custodian to the public agency, and allows, in limited circumstances, for the courts to issue a protective order to shield the agency from harassment; alters the composition of the Government Records Council, adding more public members, establishing staggered five year terms and annual salaries, and ensuring partisan balance; and

establishes a Police Record Access Improvement Task Force to investigate the existing statutes governing public access to police records and develop recommendations for necessary changes to the law.

An amendment to this bill will require records custodians to assist requestors who are unable to find the record on the public website after the custodian has provided the initially required directions. The requestor has seven days after the custodian provides the initial directions to request further assistance. After the request is received by the custodian, the custodian has seven days to provide the requested assistance;

Another change requires notification to the Superior Court or the Government Records Council of the timely production of records in order for the matter to be dismissed without prejudice and to entitle a requestor to a reasonable attorney’s fee; and ensure partisan balance amongst the public members appointed to the Government Records Council.

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

Coast Guard:

Continued From Page 1

marine surveyors.

Each of the classroom lessons held at the local Coast Guard station was skillfully crafted to blend with the next. And despite temperatures nearly below freezing, the group of fishermen ventured outside for further instruction – and even into the cold water in brightly-colored suits.

“These are survival suits,” shared the instructor. “This is what you put on before you abandon ship. They are the most important piece of survival gear on the boat, bar none.”

The day’s schedule included sessions on various types of professional floating devices (PFDs), proper Mayday procedures, immersion suit usage, damage control, firefighting techniques, life rafts, and flares.

One of the impactful presentations focused on opioid abuse awareness and the importance of carrying Narcan in first-aid kits. The nature of the profession puts fishermen at a 25 percent increased risk for opioid abuse because they get hurt and still show up to work.

“With safety and health and doing this training around opioid awareness and how to respond to an overdose with Narcan is really just giving you guys another tool,” explained Shannon Eldridge, a certified community health worker for Fishing Partnerships. “Another method, another way of increasing the chances of survival of people in your community.”

Man Overboard

One of the instructors shared a personal story of nearly becoming a part of the tragic statistic – 30 percent of all fishing deaths are

related to falls overboard. He emphasized the importance of wearing PFDs equipped with whistles and knives and the need for regular crew drills to prevent such incidents.

It was the middle of a December night when the instructor tripped while working on an offshore lobster boat. He landed in the water and was not prepared.

“How are they going to find you at night,” asked the storyteller. “Did I have a strobe light on? No; I didn’t have a PFD on either.”

As he described the science leading to severe hypothermia, the instructor also pointed to the danger of cardiac arrest. He detailed the excruciating process the body goes through as it slows down and all the energy becomes sucked out of every organ. Cold water has a nasty habit of not only contributing to discomfort – but also making someone lose control of their arms and legs.

“You lose your ability to help yourself,” the instructor explained further. “You may even black out.”

The firsthand account came with a recommendation that all fishermen wear PFDs. They come in various colors and styles, all designed to facilitate floatation should a man go overboard.

While all crew members should be equipped with PFDs, they should also be trained in safety practices that include preventing a man overboard and a man overboard retrieval system. The importance of monthly drills to avoid disasters was stressed as a priority.

Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!

The training also covered other critical

emergency procedures, including the proper way to issue a Mayday call. The fi rst protocol includes dismissing the notion of putting off the Mayday call until the owner of the vessel authorizes it. Many of the issues evolve into big problems because someone has tried to handle things themselves first.

While some believe that calling in a mayday will result on a fee being charged, there’s no truth to that assertion. The Coast Guard is a taxpayer service unless someone is sitting at the radio at home calling in fake Maydays and could be subject to penalties.

One of the important things to remember about Mayday is that fishermen aren’t just asking the Coast Guard for assistance. The call also goes out to area fishermen who may be in the area. Mayday should be called three times followed by the name of the fishing vessel name three times and the boat’s position in latitude/longitude, also relayed three times.

“Use Lat/Long rather than a geographical local name,” instructed Matt Pawlishen of Fishing Partnership. “The people from the Coast Guard are probably not from around here.”

The Coast Guard will also want to know how many people are onboard and what the problem is, whether it’s a fire, flood, or injuries, for example.

“The most important things are the three “Ps,” Pawlishen reminded. “Position, people, and problem.”

Fire Safety

Attendees were given lessons in fire science, fi re prevention, and fi refighting as

part of the training exercises. This included classifying different types of fi res, using appropriate fire extinguishers, and addressing common problem areas on boats. The presenters emphasized the importance of regularly inspecting fire extinguishers and having multiples available for use.

The speakers also highlighted the benefits of aerosol generators that can quickly extinguish a lot of fire. Backup plans are critical in case of a fire emergency, while caution is also stressed when fighting fires.

Mitch Hatzipetro is a safety trainer and on the First Aid/CPR team as a wilderness first responder. Pawlishen is currently a marine surveyor who has also worked as a professional firefighter. Hatzipetro emphasized the diversity of all of the instructors’ backgrounds added to the overall learning experience.

John O’Leary of Fishing Partnership was also part of the presentation on firefighting. Fishermen were encouraged not to fight a fire singlehandedly but to attack it with a partner.

“To take your eyes off a fire is an enemy,” reminded O’Leary.

O’Leary also suggested that fire prevention remains the best way to fight a fire - before it starts. Lack of maintenance and electrical fi res are often leading causes of fi res on shipping vessels.

Fishermen from various fisheries and boats, including sport fishing, scallop dredging, and clam digging, participated in the program. Ultimately, what mattered most was that they all learned something valuable – that could potentially save lives at sea.

Legislators Call for School Funding Formula to Be Reformed

Capitol Comments

Carmen F. Amato, Jr.

9th Legislative District

TRENTON - Senator Carmen Amato Jr., Assemblyman Brian Rumpf and Assemblyman Greg Myhre submitted testimony to the Senate Education Committee to call for the Legislature to reform New Jersey’s school funding formula:

“Our Legislative Delegation extends its appreciation and compliments to Chairman Gopal and the members of the Senate Education Committee for holding this hearing today solely to discuss one of the most pressing issues confronting our state which is New Jersey’s systemically opaque and inequitable school funding formula.

“As evidenced by the crippling funding cuts imposed on school districts, the state’s school funding formula, referred to as S-2 by many

in the education community, must be reformed in the interest of ensuring that a thorough and efficient education is provided to every student in New Jersey’s public education system. Since the enactment of S-2, negatively impacted school districts have been forced to endure chronic school funding cuts which, to say the least, have had a profoundly debilitating impact on the delivery of education services despite the incredible efforts of dedicated education professionals, school administrators, parents and students. Preserving the status quo will only serve to further erode the confidence of impacted school districts in the state’s ability to carry out the core function of funding our public education system in an effective and equitable manner.

“The enactment of legislation last year authored by Chairman Gopal, S-3732/P.L.2023, which restored 66 percent of the funding to 168 school districts that otherwise would have their aid cut under the state school funding formula

for the 2023-2024 school year is a testament to the fact that the school funding formula is failing too many students and is in need of corrective action. Understandably, school districts in our legislative district were elated by the enactment of Chairman Gopal’s legislation but remained distressed by the severe fiscal challenges which loomed large for the following school year in the absence of funding restorations. In short, funding cuts will be exponentially more harmful for the upcoming school year than they would have been if fully implemented for the present year.

“School districts which stand to lose significant funding have no other choice than to prioritize the reduction of staff and programs as opposed to dedicating resources to more effectively educating our children. It must be emphasized that the elimination of professional educator positions within impacted school districts serves as a potent disincentive that strains the state’s efforts to recruit and retain educational professionals who must consider that they could be on the chopping block in the next year depending on school funding levels.

“Recently, our delegation wrote to Governor Murphy urging the immediate intervention of his Administration to assist the Lacey Township Public School District which stands to lose an astonishing $3.2 million under the most recent round of proposed school funding cuts. The school district has lost a total of $13.7 million in school funding since the enactment of the current school funding formula. Our efforts were at the request of the Lacey Township Public School Superintendent in effort to avert the impending crisis in the school district. Our delegation would be remiss that a significant number of other school districts in our legislative district also face the enactment of draconian cuts due to the loss of funding this year.

“In closing, our delegation stands ready and willing to work in a bipartisan fashion to end the disparate treatment in how our schools are funded and bringing about the reform that students, educational professionals, parents and taxpayers rightfully deserve. Thank you for considering our testimony submitted in the continuing effort to represent the interests of our constituents.”

Bills Codify Affordable Housing Rules For Towns

From The Desk Of The Governor

Phil Murphy

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy signed landmark affordable housing legislation to support towns in meeting their affordable housing obligations, building on his administration’s promise to create a stronger, fairer, and more affordable state for all New Jerseyans. The legislation develops a new system for municipalities to meet their Mount Laurel affordable housing obligations, replacing the current process that exists entirely in the courts.

“One of our Administration’s top priorities has been to establish New Jersey as a national leader in expanding affordable housing,” said Governor Murphy. “We will be able to create more certainty and lower costs in New Jersey’s affordable housing landscape. By establishing new processes and practices for towns to meet their Mount Laurel affordable housing obligations, we are able to more quickly and efficiently allocate funding to municipalities and support those building affordable housing in our state. I am proud that my Administration and the Legislature have enacted a coherent and workable framework that no longer leaves this issue exclusively to the courts.”

The primary bill, A-4/S-50, establishes a new, streamlined framework for determining and enforcing municipalities’ affordable housing ob-

ligations under the New Jersey Supreme Court’s Mount Laurel doctrine and the State’s Fair Housing Act. Starting with the compliance period that begins in 2025, the Department of Community Affairs will publish non-binding calculations of municipalities’ current and prospective need for affordable housing using a formula based on prior court decisions. Disputes about municipalities’ affordable housing obligations and plans to meet those obligations will be resolved on an expedited basis by the Judiciary with assistance from a new dispute resolution program.

This process will replace the role previously played by the Council on Affordable Housing (COAH), which has been defunct for over a decade and is formally abolished under this bill.

The new process will streamline compliance and reduce litigation-related delays to the construction of new affordable housing and will give municipalities and developers more certainty, which will enable smarter planning around where housing should be built.

As part of this process, the bill contains provisions outlining how municipalities may receive “bonus credits” that allows units of affordable housing to be credited as 1.5 or 2 units in certain circumstances. This bonus credit system incentivizes age-restricted housing, housing set aside for individuals with special needs, and other location or purpose-specific housing projects, such as housing near mass transit stations. The bill caps the use of bonus credit units at 25% of a municipality’s prospective need obligations

and establishes related parameters for how much of a municipality’s obligations must be satisfied through housing available to families with children and through rental housing.

Additional bills include:

ACS for A-2267/SCS for S-1415, which requires the New Jersey Housing Mortgage and Finance Agency to establish a pilot program to support insurance premiums for eligible affordable housing projects constructed by for-profit affordable housing developers.

S-1422/A-3365, which allows taxpayers to accelerate depreciation of eligible property expenditures in connection with construction of new affordable housing developments in order to realize cost savings.

A-2296/S-2309, which allows a municipal governing body to delegate to the municipal clerk the authority to issue certain approvals to facilitate development of affordable housing projects.

A-3337/S-2312, which permits “payment in lieu of taxation” (PILOT) agreements between municipalities and affordable housing projects that receive funding through the State Affordable Housing Trust Fund or municipal affordable housing trust funds.

A-1495/S-1484, which exempts receipts from sales made to contractors or repairmen of materials, supplies, or services related to the construction of 100%-affordable housing projects in order to help reduce costs for the construction of such projects.

“This new law will help tear down the walls that have denied too many access to opportunity and create new affordable homes near

jobs, schools, and transportation,” said Adam Gordon, Executive Director of Fair Share Housing Center. “By making compliance with New Jersey’s landmark Mount Laurel Doctrine simpler and clearer, we will build affordable homes faster with less cost to everyone involved. It’s good news for families across the state who are struggling to keep up with the soaring cost of housing. We commend Governor Murphy and the legislative sponsorsChairs Singleton and Lopez, Speaker Coughlin, and Senate President Scutari - for making this best-in-the-nation legislation the law of our state.”

“Domestic violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness for women and their children,” said Cierra Hart, Director of Housing and Economic Justice at the NJ Coalition to End Domestic Violence. “Affordable housing serves as a catalyst for breaking the cycle of violence and abuse. It offers survivors the stability necessary to access crucial support services — therapeutic interventions, legal aid, counseling — that are indispensable in their journey to recovery.”

“This legislation positions New Jersey to create opportunities for every household in the state to thrive by creating a clear process to ensure all municipalities create their fair share of affordable housing,” said Taiisa Kelly, CEO of Monarch Housing Associates. “We at Monarch believe Housing is a Human Right and this legislation sets the stage to ensure every New Jersey resident has access to the housing they so critically need, in every community across the state, regardless of race or socioeconomic status.”

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY

Bad Legislation And The Price Of Democracy

At a time when it is hard enough for the public and members of the press to obtain public documents, the idea behind current legislation in New Jersey that would block taxpayer access to transparency and open government is quite disheartening.

Two twin bills in the Senate and Assembly would revise the New Jersey Open Public Records Act, known as OPRA, which guarantees the public’s right to certain government records.

Under the 29-page bill, “draft” documents would become private; agencies would be able to exempt records and seek court orders against requestors who are

Caring For Earth Starts At Your Yard

Earth Day is April 22 and there will be lots of information on ways to save the Earth. Meanwhile, every year in the manicured yards of surburbia, pesticides and herbicides are wreaking havoc with the health of humans, especially children

Although professional landscapers must take classes and obtain a Pesticide Applicator’s License, homeowners can purchase bug and weed killing chemicals at any garden center and use them indiscriminately and in any amounts. According

deemed to be nuisances; data brokers would be barred from acquiring public documents; and governments could redact more information from records.

Legislators noted the law hasn’t been updated since 2002 when it was enacted. They blamed commercial requesters for abusing the law in ways that couldn’t be imagined when the bill was conceived and passed.

After more than seven hours of testimony, state lawmakers in two committees agreed to advance the controversial legislation that would gut the public’s access to government records in New Jersey.

A number of loud “boos” and some expletives were heard

in the packed room after the Assembly’s local government committee passed the bill by a 5-2 vote. By the time the Senate budget committee approved it after 6 p.m. in a 9-4 vote the room had cleared out of officials.

The Garden State already has one of the weakest open public records laws in the country. It ranked 48th in a recent study. Should the bills get pushed through by the full Senate and Assembly open records and public accountability will be seriously restricted.

This would change how people seeking state and local government documents can appeal requests that had been denied and the route for businesses to request pub-

lic records, limit how often individuals can file requests for access to public records and end access to records that are now public. That includes contracts, permits and registrations used by public agencies.

Some very legitimate concerns were brought up by various civic, good -government and news media agencies that testified before the vote and those concerns were quickly dismissed by lawmakers.

Denying citizens and watchdog groups access to information that they are entitled to is not good government. Fourteen of the 20 lawmakers on the two committees were Democrats and six were Republicans that were part of the

Letters To The Editor

two simultaneous hearings.

Only one Democrat voted against the bill, Senator Andrew Zwicker of South Brunswick. And one Republican 9th District Senator Carmen Amato of Berkeley, voted for it.

Governor Phil Murphy hasn’t taken a position on the bills publicly but if the legislation comes before his desk, he shouldn’t sign it into law but what are the odds of that happening?

Then again, his wife, Tammy, who was seeking the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate, had come out against the OPRA changes.

Will that influence her husband’s decision?

Those in opposition to it

include social and environmental activists, voting watchdogs, lawyers, the state comptroller, and state public defender’s office and yes, journalists, civil liberties advocates and regular residents plus a few politicians hate it as well.

Don’t make things less transparent! Yes, there is work involved in getting these records to the public and the press but that is the price of a democracy. Lawmakers should realize this and shouldn’t be cheap when it comes to paying that price.

Bob Vosseller Assistant News Editor

to an Organic Land Care pamphlet published by the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Conn. and Mass.:

“In a review of case-controlled studies and case reports, childhood cancers linked to pesticides include: leukemia, brain cancer, Wilm’s tumor, soft-tissue sarcoma, Ewings sarcoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and cancers of the colorectum and testes.” (Environ Health Perspective 106 [Suppl. 3] 893-908)

In his book, “The Organic Suburbanite,” Warren Schultz states, “2,4-D...(is) the weed-killing ingredient found in most weed-and-

W� W������ L������ T� T�� E�����!

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

All letters are printed as space allows unless deemed offensive by the editorial staff, and provided they are signed and include address & phone number for veri�ication. Letters may not be printed if we cannot verify them. Names will not be withheld from publication. While most letters are printed as submitted, we reserve the right to

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.

The opinions expressed in the Letters To The Editor section do not necessarily re�lect those of the staff, management or sponsors of Micromedia Publications/ Jersey Shore Online. Letters to the Editor are the OPINION of the writer and the content is not checked for accuracy.

feed lawn products and it’s also a carcinogen. Two studies by the National Cancer Institute showed an increased incidence of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma among farmers who use 2,4-D. A later NCI study showed that dogs whose owner’s lawns were treated with 2,4-D four or more times a year were twice as likely to contract canine malignant lymphoma.

If we stopped spraying pesticides and herbicides today, would insects and weeds take over? The true answer is NO! The Creator has built into all of nature, a system of checks and balances. Spraying chemical pesticides and herbicides actually disrupts the natural balance of nature.

Listen to Paul Sachs in an excerpt from his book, “Edaphos, Dynamics of a Natural Soil System:” “Pests, in general are organisms that interfere with human enterprise activities. If we ranked pests simply by how much they disrupt an environment, humans would be at the top of the list.”

Man, in his foolishness, seeks to control all of nature. Now, like the twisted plot of a horror movie, the

pests are becoming resistant to chemicals while our CHILDREN are the ones who are getting sick! What can one person do?

Go to your library and learn about organic methods of gardening. Use an organic lawn care company. Teach a child about the exquisite balance and beauty of nature. Learn to identify the ladybugs and other beneficial insects in your yard. Call your local Cooperative Extension office (or go online) and get free information on gardening without chemicals. Let’s begin to garden in harmony with nature and make every day Earth Day!

Karen Breuel Howell

Senator Thanked For Making Street Safer

I wish to inform our residents that the extremely large oak tree that was standing dead near our property, hanging over Route 9, has been cut down. We at Mastapeter Memorial Home here in town have been trying to impose on the (State) Department of

Transportation the danger of this tree to motorists and pedestrians for the past six years. During that time, we kept hitting a stone wall trying to do the right thing about this tree.

That’s when I contacted our mayor, Carmen Amato – now Senator Amato, to see if he could help with the safety of our residents to have this tree cut down.

To my surprise, in one week that huge oak tree, estimated to be over 250 years old, was cut down with the stump grinded level and rendered safe now for all (who pass this way.)

I personally wish to thank Senator Amato for his diligence and concern for his community and for “getting the job done.” Many thanks again from all of us to Senator Carmen Amato.

Anthony P. Mastapeter

Mastapeter Memorial Home, Bayville

Voting For The Primary

This June 4th, Primary Day in the State of New Jersey, the voters will have many choices and decisions to make. Polls are open all

day from 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.

First, please make sure you are registered to vote at the correct address. If you’ve moved, or changed your name, get a registration form from your Town Clerk, the Ocean County Clerk or check their website online and download and print what you need. Make sure it’s back by Tuesday May 14th to be eligible to vote on June 4th.

If you are scheduled to be out of town June 4th, please obtain a form for a vote by mail ballot. That needs to be back to the County Clerk by May 28th. Early voting will begin on Wed May 29th.

On June 4th, you will have the opportunity to vote for Joseph Lamb and Regina Discenza for Ocean County Commissioner. We are not career politicians and are committed to the taxpayers of Ocean County. Joseph is a retired CPA and Brick resident over 40 years. Regina is a former 2 term Lacey School Board Member and resident for 25 years. A vote for us is a vote for you - we believe in “We the People…”

Regina Discenza

Forked River

WHITING – The Toms River Lions Club

BERKELEY – Congratulations to the Central Regional High School dual-credit students who were honored by Stockton University!

Photo courtesy Central Regional

Photo courtesy Berkeley Schools of our Drama Club. A huge shout-out to Ms. Roth, Mrs. Speidel, Mrs. Solanik, and Mrs. Vannella for their dedication and hard work as well.

Photo courtesy Berkeley Schools

Annual Irish Flag Raising Ceremony

BERKELEY – Mayor Bacchione and members of the Township Council held the annual Irish flag raising ceremony on March 16 at Town Hall to celebrate and honor Irish

Berkeley Township American Heritage month.

They thank the bagpiper Steve Heaney and staff from Recreation & Parks Department for helping with the event.

Post 10185 V.F.W. News

By Past Post Commander James Egan

BERKELEY - The next meeting of Silver/ Holiday V.F.W. Post 10185 will be held on Thursday, April 4, at 1 p.m. at the Silver Ridge Park West Clubhouse, 145 Westbrook Drive. We meet in the daytime, so you do not have to drive at night.

To join our post, just bring a copy of your Discharge (DD-214) to our meeting and you’ll receive a hardy welcome and refreshments before the meeting. If you need a ride to the meeting or want more information without any obligation call Past Post Commander James Egan at 732-644-2219. Remember if you hear of any Post member passing away or being in the hospital, call any Officer and let him know.

Tuesday, April 9, is National Former POW Recognition Day.

Monday, April 15, is the deadline for income tax. Make sure you file on time.

Monday, April 22, Passover begins at sunset.

Tuesday, April 30, Passover ends at sunset.

There will be no District 12 meeting in April.

The VFW would like you to drop your old and faded flags off either at H. C. S. Clubhouse (Main Building), S. R. P. W., S. R. P. N., S. R. P. E., and Holiday City Berkeley Clubhouses.

God bless America and god bless our troops.

fly the flag every day, weather permitting.

BAYVILLE – Join the Berkeley Township Historical Society on April 27 for their 2nd annual craft fair at the Bayville Sta. 17 Fire House, 645 Atlantic City Boulevard Bayville, from 10 a.m.

Historical Society 2nd Annual Craft Fair to

4 p.m.

Sign up to be a vendor: Bthsannualcraftfair.eventbrite.com. All proceeds benefit the Berkeley Township Historical Society. Free admission! Unique crafts, raffles and prizes.

Photo courtesy

The Central regional School District thanks the Harlem Wizards for making their community event a huge success on March

Photo courtesy Central Regional

Local Fire Company Celebrates 65th Anniversary

BERKELEY – Mayor John Bacchione was proud to attend and present a Proclamation to Chief Steve Heaney of Manitou Park Fire Company in honor of the department’s 65th Anniversary.

Manitou Park Fire Company has been an integral part of the township’s fi refighting community for 65 years. The Mayor and Township Council wish to take this opportunity to thank every member of the Manitou Park Fire Company, past and present, for their unwavering commitment to keeping the residents of Berkeley Township safe.

The fi re company’s primary response area is Manitou Park, Holiday City, Holiday Heights, Silver Ridge sections of Berkeley Township, Robert J. Miller Airpark and the borough of South Toms River. Major roads covered include Route 9 from the Beachwood border to the entrance of the Garden State Parkway, Route 166 from the Beachwood border to the Toms River border, Route 530 starting from the Toms River border to the Manchester border. Cheers to 65 years and thank you all for your dedication and service to our town.

Cpl. William H Smith Detachment Annual Veterans Dance

BAYVILLE – The Cpl. William H Smith

Detachment Annual Veterans Dance will be on April 20 at 6 p.m. at the VFW Post 9503 Bayville.

Cost is $25 per person. Enjoy a hot buffet, salad, bread and butter, coffee, tea, and desserts. Cash Bar. Music supplied by DJ Don Pesce.

Dress code is casual. Open to the public!

If interested contact Bob Meola at 732-6747504, Bill Pivarnick at 848-240-3515, Larry Migliorisi at 908-216-1834, or Chuck Swiers at 973-864-0964.

Come out and support the Marine Corps League.

Fresca Friday Nights Cruise-In

BAYVILLE – Fresca Friday Nights CruiseIn is the fourth Friday from April to October, 5 to 8 p.m. at Cucina Fresca Italian American Specialty Market, 791 Route 9 Bayville. Hosted by the Jersey Shore Car Shows.

Free event. Open to all years/makes/models. Participants for a 10% food discount. Enjoy music, prizes and great food. For more information, visit jerseyshorecarshows.com.

Check out Micromedia Publications’ website, jerseyshoreonline.com

Photo courtesy Berkeley Township

Student Awarded By American Legion

National Library Week Recognized

– Elected officials welcomed Dan Fitzgerald from the Berkeley branch of the Ocean County Library system to speak about services the library

8), mobile hotspots, and digital and physical media borrowing.

South Toms River Neighborhood Watch

SOUTH TOMS RIVER – Join this crucial and important organization. Come say hello, meet your neighbors, all are welcome!

Meetings are 6 p.m. at South Toms River

Borough Hall before the regular South Toms River council meetings.

Any questions, contact Lt. Michael Schneidt at 732-349-0313 ext.117 or email m.schneidt@ boroughofsouthtomsriver.com.

PINE BEACH - Congratulations to Mason, who was presented by the American Legion for winning second place in their coloring contest. There were more than 400 students entered across the county!

Photo courtesy Pine Beach Elementary

BERKELEY

Photo by Chris Lundy performs such as special events (a solar eclipse viewing party is coming up on April

Officers Participate In Read Across America

SOTUH TOMS RIVER – As part of Read Across America, School Resource Officer Burritt, Lieutenant Schneidt, and Patrolwoman Kirchgessner participated by reading to students at South Toms River Elementary School.

Village Historian Presents At Career Mentoring Workshop

BERKELEY – Double Trouble State Park village historian was a presenter at the AmeriCorps NJ Watershed Ambassadors Program’s Career Mentoring Workshop. He met with this year’s cohort of environmentalists and discussed careers in New Jersey State Parks, Forests, and Historic Sites.

The AmeriCorps NJ Watershed Ambassadors Program is administered by the New Jersey Department of Environmental

Protection, Division of Water Monitoring, Standards and Pesticide Control. The goals of the program are to promote watershed stewardship through education and direct community involvement, and to monitor stream health through performing visual and biological assessments. Individual AmeriCorps members are assigned to each of New Jersey’s 20 watershed management areas (WMAs) to serve as “Watershed Ambassadors” to their watershed communities.

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!

DEGRAFF CREMATION SERVICES

Sherry T. DeGraff NJ Lic No 3921

Arrangements Available In Your Home, Removal From Place Of Death, Alternative Container, Wood #ODZ, Transfer To Crematory

Located at:

DeGraff Lakehurst Funeral Home 119 Union

Additional Costs: Crematory Fee, Urns, Disposition Of Cremains & Certi ed Copies Of Death Certi cates, Permit, Removal Assist. & Mileage, Viewings Or Memorial Services

FEELING SAD

For many people, the onset of the winter months, with their fewer daylight hours causes debilitating feelings of unhappiness and/or tiredness. The eyes may play a part in this seasonal affective disorder known as SAD. Diminished exposure to natural daylight signals the brain to decrease secretion of serotonin and melatonin, powerful neurotransmitters that influence mood and sleep patterns. Treatment for SAD may include light therapy. Special light boxes are available that give off soft light at standard wave lengths. Light boxes are about 20 times brighter than ordinary indoor lights and filter out damaging UV rays. Although a prescription is not necessary to purchase a light box, it is a good idea to talk to an optometrist before buying one.

Typical light boxes filter out ultraviolet rays and require 20-60 minutes of exposure. It’s best to be under the care of a health professional while using light box therapy. When it comes to scheduling preventive health appointments, eye exams are often overlooked. To schedule an exam, call SIGHTMD NEW JERSEY SUSSKIND & ALMALLAH

EYE ASSOCIATES at 732-349-5622. We offer evening hours most nights of the week.

P.S. If you have the opportunity of signing up for a SAD clinical trial, be sure you understand both the benefits and the risks.

MARLBORO (732) 972-1015

TOMS RIVER (732) 349-5622

BRICK (732) 477-6981

www.oceancountyeye.com

BARNEGAT (609) 698-2020

Photo courtesy South Toms River Police Departmen

Photo courtesy Double Trouble State Park

Murat Karatepe, M.D. FACC

Board Certified in Cardiology, Nuclear Cardiology

Asu Rustemli, M.D.

Board

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.

Tinnitus Relief Is Possible?

You don’t have to “just live with it.”

Do you feel like you often hear an unwanted background noise, like ringing, buzzing, or whooshing? It’s called tinnitus, and you’re not alone — so do more than 50 million adults in Canada and the U.S. What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus isn’t a disease. It’s a symptom, a sign that something is impacting your auditory system. It shows up as a sound that your brain generates — so only you can hear it. Tinnitus isn’t always ringing, buzzing, or whooshing. Each person’s tinnitus is unique: Some hear ringing, others screeching, hissing, ocean waves, and even music!

What Causes Tinnitus?

It’s linked to many health issues, from hearing loss to high blood pressure to head injuries, so the cause of your specific case of tinnitus might be tough to pinpoint. The sound can be temporary or permanent. Fortunately, for many, the sound is easy to ignore. But for others, it can be stressful or even debilitating.

Is It TIN-uh-tis or Tin-EYE-tis?

The internet offers plenty of answers to that question. Dictionaries, language experts, and medical experts disagree. There are many well-reasoned arguments bandied

about. But we think you should pronounce “tinnitus” however you’d like — our concern is helping you find relief!

Is There a Tinnitus Cure?

There’s no true cure for tinnitus. But relief is possible. Some methods that can help you get free of the stress it causes include:

• Sound therapy Using specific sounds to give your brain something else to focus on. A relatively new device on the market is Lenire which incorporates sound therapy & tongue stimulation.

• Hearing aids Tinnitus tends to accompany hearing loss, so hearing aids often provide relief. Most hearing aids incorporate tinnitus maskers which can assist in alleviating the bothersome tinnitus

• Habituation Putting your tinnitus in the background so your brain can learn to ignore it

• Counseling Teaching you skills to minimize your body’s involuntary reaction to your tinnitus

Dr. Izzy & his Staff are always available to answer your questions about important hearing care issues. Please feel free to contact Dr. Izzy at 732-818-3610 or ikirsh@ 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!

Holiday Heights First Aid Auxiliary Gift Auction

TOMS RIVER – Holiday Heights First Aid Auxiliary Gift Auction will be on May 4 at the Holiday Heights Auditorium, 96 Prince Charles Drive, Toms River.

Doors open at 3 p.m. Auction begins at 5 p.m. Admission donation is $35. Admission Tickets Include: 40 white (approximate retail value $30 each) 20 pink (approximate retail value $40 each)

5 green (approximate retail value $60 each) 1 red (approximate retail value $100 each)

Extra tickets available for purchase on auction day. Up to 200 baskets plus Flat Screen TV, Gift Cards, 50/50 and much more! Coffee, tea, cake provided – BYOB. Hot dogs, pizza, soda, and water will be available for purchase.

Grief Share Support Group

BAYVILLE – Help and encouragement after the death of a spouse, child, family member, or friend.

Grief Share is a special weekly seminar and support group designed to help you rebuild your life after losing a loved one. The group is led by caring people who have experienced grief and want to help you through the difficult days ahead. We

know it hurts, and we want to help. Cost is $25, including a workbook for the entire 13-week cycle. (scholarships available). Beginning April 6 to July 6, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Living Water Community Church 333 Route 9, Unit B15 Bayville.

For more information, call 732-797-0575 or email cminichino@livingwatercma.com.

MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS! Expand your patient base by advertising in Micromedia Publications’ 7 weekly newspapers. Call 732-657-7344 to find out how!

The 5 Benefits Of Fig Fruit Extract As It Pertains To Diabetes

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

The

sugar, cholesterol and gastrointestinal comfort. Eating figs is good for you!

Known for its delightful sweetness, and something I serve along with brie cheese, the fig has unveiled its potent health secret: It helps with glucose control thanks to one compound in it called abscisic acid or “ABA.” I put this in my blood sugar support formula, and you can find it at health food stores nationwide.

ABA is found in plants and it helps them cope with stressful situations like a drought or a temperature drop for example. ABA is also found naturally in foods that people eat like tofu, carob, and anise as well as others. People eat it every day but unfortunately not enough is present in our diet.

According to a study published in Frontiers in Nutrition, “According to the latest U.S. dietary survey, about 92% of the population might have a deficient intake of ABA due to their deficient intake of fruits and vegetables.”

So if almost everyone is deficient in ABA, and it helps with blood glucose and cholesterol, is that a contributing factor in the diabetes epidemic?

The implications of ABA-rich fig fruits extend beyond glycemic control. As a multifaceted plant extract, one I’d happily dub a superfood, I think it offers several auxiliary benefits, particularly for individuals grappling with hypertension, high cholesterol, and pre-diabetes. Here are the 5 most noteworthy benefits:

• Inflammation Reduction

• Antioxidant Protection

• Blood Pressure Control

• Lipid Profile Improvement

• Soothing Intestinal Spasms

Let me feature some conditions where a little fig jam couldn’t hurt! In my longer version of this article (posted at my website suzycohen.com), you will find links to scientific papers and studies that showcase the healing benefits of figs in so many conditions other than diabetes. Apparently, it can help with indigestion, poor appetite, inflammatory bowel conditions, diarrhea, sore throats, cough and more.

In summary, the ingredient called fig fruit extract (and figs themselves!) marks a significant advancement in natural health offerings because one chemical constituent of figs called ABA can support healthy blood sugar levels, cholesterol and glycemic control.

Whether you’re navigating the challenges of prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, or simply striving for better metabolic health, incorporating fig fruit extract into your regimen could be a step toward achieving a healthier, more balanced life. This ingredient is found in high-quality supplements including one I have at my vitamin shop.

Always check with your doctor about changing your supplement routine, and make sure you that your regimen includes a balanced diet, regular exercise and adjunctive healthcare professionals to help you reduce complications. As we continue to uncover the synergies between natural compounds in the botanical world and human health, we must embrace these gifts of nature with open arms and hopeful hearts rather than a skeptical eye. A quick search on pubmed will reveal the remarkable benefits of ABA and fig fruit extract as it pertains to diabetes.

Living Recovery Group

BAYVILLE – WALK Inc. believes everyone can benefit from a Life Recovery experience because we all have struggles in life, struggles with addictions, food, depression, anxiety, and relationships to name a few.

You’ll be encouraged to see how others have found a new way of life with hope for the future

Litt

through Life Recovery.

Living Recovery Group will be held every Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Living Water Community Church, 333 Route 9 Unit B15, Bayville.

For information, call 732-797-0575 or email admin@walkinc.org. To register, visit livingwatercma.breezechms.com/form/11be24.

le Carly Foundation 4th Annual 5K Run/Walk

BAYVILLE – The Little Carly Foundation presents their 4 th Annual 5K Run/ Walk on April 27 at Veterans Park, Bayville (rain or shine).

Registration begins at 10 a.m.; Start time

is 11 a.m. Admission is $30 per person; $100 for sponsors. Register before April 1 for a free t-shirt. 1st , 2 nd , and 3rd place prizes. Register on ticketbud.com.

R.C. Shea & Assoc. Inside The Law

By: Michael J. Deem, Esq. of R.C. Shea & Associates

their business policy.

B.Y.O.B. laws apply to people who do not have a liquor license and who own or operate a restaurant, dining room, or other public place where food or liquid refreshments are sold or served to the general public. BYOB laws pertain to malt beverages (beer) and wine only. Other spirits, such as vodka, rum, scotch, and whiskey, are prohibited. Restaurants shall not charge the consumer any admission fee or cover, corkage, or service charge to consume their own wine or malt alcoholic beverages. You must be 21 to consume alcohol.

There is nothing that restricts the right of a municipality or an owner or operator of a restaurant, dining room, or other public place where food or liquid refreshments are sold or served to the general public from prohibiting the consumption of alcoholic beverages on those premises. In fact, some municipalities prohibit the sale and consumption of alcohol all together. There are also more than 30 dry towns in the state which means they do not sell liquor of any kind in stores, bars, restaurants, or other venues. However, some dry towns allow restaurants to offer B.Y.O.B. Restaurant and other establishment owners should check local ordinances to determine if B.Y.O.B. is allowed in specific towns or municipalities.

B.Y.O.B. laws are enforced by municipalities and not the State of New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). Therefore, B.Y.O.B. is not universally allowed. Restaurants may not permit B.Y.O.B. in their establishments if the local government of the municipality in which the restaurant is located has forbidden the practice. New Jersey B.Y.O.B. laws do not prohibit customers from bringing alcoholic beverages into restaurants or other establishments with a liquor license, however the licensee (business owner) can either permit or disallow B.Y.O.B. in accordance with

Finally, alcohol consumption is limited to specific hours and like licensed restaurants, BYOB restaurants should not allow their patrons to overindulge on their premises, even though the restaurant is not actually providing nor serving alcoholic beverages.

Please drink responsibly. Call the attorneys at R.C. Shea & Associates for your legal needs at 732-505-1212.

Crucial Conversations In Problem Gambling

disrupting their daily life and career.

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy has issued a Proclamation declaring March 2024 as Problem Gambling Awareness Month in New Jersey.

The New Jersey Lottery (NJL) and the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, Inc. (CCGNJ) are working together to support efforts to increase awareness of problem gambling throughout the month. This campaign promotes prevention, treatment and recovery services. This year’s theme is “Betting on Change: Confronting the Surge in Problem Gambling.” Problem gambling is behavior that is damaging to a person or their family, often

The Lottery and the Council have developed a series of four videos, which can help a person prepare for a conversation on problem gambling and then provide guidance on how the conversation could be handled based on the relationship. Each conversation is different and the series illuminates the vital assistance available from the CCGNJ. New videos will be available each Monday in March for viewing on the Lottery’s website, NJLottery.com, and YouTube Channel youtube.com/NewJerseyLottery, as well as on the Council’s website, 800gambler.org.

For

Michael

Learn Special Education Protections At Autism Resources Fair

TOMS RIVER – Learn how federal and state laws protect your disabled student’s right to a free and appropriate public education. Join attorney Andrew I. Meltzer for “Special Education Law in New Jersey: An Overview” at the Ocean County Library’s 2024 Autism Resources Fair in the OCL Toms River Branch, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 13.

Mr. Meltzer, of the Sussan Greenwald & Wesler law fi rm of Cranbury, NJ will offer his presentation at 1 PM, providing an overview of longstanding pertinent legal provisions. They include:

• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

• Individualized Education Plan

• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1974 and 504 Plans

• New Jersey’s state-imposed rules, regulations and policies

He will also cover steps to take if you feel that your public school system is not meeting your child’s needs, and how to proceed in disputes with a school district.

As a special education attorney and a former classified student who conquered his learning differences, Andrew Meltzer

knows the challenges faced by families of children with special needs and advocates to help special needs students to maximize their capabilities and to succeed in school and life.

Mr. Meltzer gained expertise in special education law and the practices of the Office of Administrative Law while clerking in the New Jersey Attorney General’s office. He prosecuted nearly 20 trials as a Certified Legal Intern in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office.

The attorney holds degrees from Drexel University’s Thomas R. Kline School of Law and the University of Delaware, and is a member of the bars of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the District of New Jersey. Register at theoceancountylibrary.org/ autism to reserve a seat at this free program. Workshop registrants are eligible to receive professional development certificates.

The Autism Resources Fair is sponsored by the Ocean County Library Foundation. Registration is not required to attend this free, five-hour event.

For more information, visit the Toms River Branch, 101 Washington Street, call 732349-6200, or keep up with new details online through the OCL Autism Resources Center.

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.

AroUnD the JerSeY Shore

$50,000 Grant To Expand Pediatric Cancer Clinical Trials

NEPTUNE – Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation is pleased to announce that Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health Children’s Cancer Institute at Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, which will enable the expansion of pediatric clinical trials - critical tools in fighting pediatric cancer.

“We are so pleased that the Children’s Cancer Institute at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital was awarded this grant, a first, from the St. Baldrick’s Foundation that will allow increased access to critical clinical trials for our smallest patients,” said Vito Buccellato, MPA, LNHA, president and chief hospital executive, Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center. “We congratulate Dr. Jessica Scerbo and her team, and know this grant will go far in having a tremendous impact on our patients within our community.”

“Our pediatric experts make considerable efforts to advance care for our patients,” said Kenneth N. Sable, M.D., MBA, FACEP, regional president, Southern Market, Hackensack Meridian Health. “St. Baldrick’s Foundation’s generous support will help our team continue to provide the best and latest life-enhancing care for our youngest patients.”

The infrastructure grant from the St. Baldrick’s Foundation will be used to hire a clinical research assistant which will allow the offering of pediatric cancer trials to more than double at the Children’s Hospital, located at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune.

“What a wonderful show of support for our pediatric oncology program at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital from the St. Baldrick’s Foundation,” said Harpreet Pall, M.D., MBA, CPE, academic chair and professor, Department of Pediatrics, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine chair, Department of Pediatrics, K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital and regional chair, Pediatrics Southern Market at Hackensack Meridian Health. “Clinical trials are imperative to all oncology patients, and to be able to expand our clinical trials to more pediatric patients in our community is an accomplishment. This will allow us to provide convenience and added comfort and healing to our patients and their families, as they do not need to travel far.”

“This grant will provide a significant boost to expand our pediatric cancer research and help patients for years to come,” said Jessica Scerbo, M.D., principal investigator and chief, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital. “This position is vital in allowing us to increase the number of

clinical trials offered which will allow these vulnerable patients and their families to remain closer to home while receiving the care they need and deserve.”

With this generous funding from the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, five new pediatric cancer clinical trials have the potential to open in 2024.

“While we are excited and eager to take action, we must assure the necessary checks and balances are in place to deliver the highest quality and, most importantly, safest care to our smallest warriors,” said Dr. Scerbo. “With a dedicated clinical research assistant, we can streamline the meticulous process of monitoring, specimen collection and data processing needed for these important clinical trials. St. Baldrick’s Foundation shares our urgency in supporting high-impact clinical research to combat pediatric cancer.”

The grant is part of $1.1 million in infrastructure awards made by the St. Baldrick’s Foundation in 15 states to advance pediatric enrollment in cancer clinical trials. The funding is designed to support these necessary roles to ensure more patients get treated through a clinical trial – often their best hope for a cure. The health care professionals who make those clinical trials happen are “unsung heros,”

according to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the largest charity funder of childhood cancer research grants.

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation for its generous support,” said Ellen Hahn, Director of Development, Children’s Health, K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation. “This grant will further empower our pediatric oncology team to provide much-needed access to vital care our pediatric patients need and deserve, and we are so grateful!”

The pediatric cancer program at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital has expanded under the leadership of Dr. Scerbo. The program became the first affiliate of The Children’s Oncology Group, a clinical trials cooperative supported by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the world’s largest organization devoted exclusively to childhood and adolescent cancer research.

Dr. Scerbo and her team at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital, in conjunction with the team at Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health at Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital, located at Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center, are ranked in the top 50 for Pediatric Cancer Care according to U.S. News and World Report.

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)

Boat Slip For Rent - In private residence in Brick. Asking $950 for the season. Call 732-477-3053 or 732-492-3428. (15)

- Instant cash paid for junk cars, trucks, vans. Free removal of any metal items. Discount towing. Call Dano 732-239-3949. (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)

Items For Sale

Two

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

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)

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MY HANDY CREW - Home repairs, carpentry, painting roofing and siding, decks, powerwashing, yardwork all your home maintenance needs. $ave. Call Clark 732-850-5060. Insured and NJ License #13VH11804800. (10)

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

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)

select china and crystal patterns. Cash paid. Over 35 years experience. Call Gary Struncius. 732-849-6068 (new number). (t/n)

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Cash - Top dollar, paid for junk, cars running and nonrunning, late model salvage, cars and trucks, etc. 732-928-3713. (t/n)

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Highest prices

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(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 (training provided) and PT Laborer - Borough of Ocean Gate. Apply: Municipal Building or download application.801

Ocean Gate Ave. Ocean Gate, NJ 08740. c/o Clerk. (16)

Attention Hairstylists - Looking for a change? Preferably with a following. Good commission in Toms River. Shampoo, assistant, license, and experience. Call Tina 732-904-0014. (t/n)

Services

HANDYMAN SOLUTIONS - All Types Home Improvement and Repairs. Carpentry • Doors • Windows •

Bathroom And Kitchen Upgrades

• Finished Basements • Ceramic Tile • Laminate Flooring • Decks • Vinyl Railings • Masonry • Painting

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Do You Want Your Car To Look Nice And Shine - Call Lenny. Lenny's Mobile Auto Detailing 908-868-4609. (16)

Brazilian House Cleaner! - Good References and Free estimate! Call me to a appointment! Lucy 732-966-5142. (14)

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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)

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)

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.

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 = $

Total = $

5.

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

Credit Card Orders

6.

27th Annual Barnegat Bay Environmental Educators Roundtable

FORKED RIVER – The Ocean County Soil Conservation District (OCSCD) invites you to attend the 27th Annual Barnegat Bay Environmental Educators Roundtable at the Lighthouse Center for Natural Resources Education, Waretown.

This much anticipated and regionally significant professional development event is scheduled for April 17 from 3 to 8 p.m. Cost for registration is $35 per person. Registration includes Open House, dinner and dessert, choice of workshops or a field trip, educational resources and materials, keynote address and door prizes.

This year’s theme is Sustainable Connections. This theme aims to spotlight the symbiotic relationship between the cultural, historical and natural resources that define the unique ecological significance of the Barnegat Bay watershed. By focusing on soils, compost, food waste, and trash in the environment, we aspire to underscore the role of educators in fostering a deeper understanding of sustainability and environmental stewardship. Through collaborative learning and exploration, we hope to empower educators to impart invaluable knowledge on future generations, fostering a legacy of conservation and environmental responsibility.

Registration is open to teachers, educators, homeschool parents and adult nature enthusiasts interested in learning about Ocean County’s unique habitats, wildlife, history and culture through a lens of sustainable actions to ensure the health of the Barnegat Bay watershed and its inhabitants. Attendees will have access to over a dozen environmental organizations during our Open House, and engage in interactive workshops or take a field trip, designed to inspire a new appreciation of our soil, water, wetlands, woodlands, and natural resources, providing opportunities to learn, network, and to bring resources, materials and lesson plans back to their classrooms. This event strives to help our local educators and community members to “think globally, act locally”. We believe that an appreciation and understanding of the local environment helps lead to a sense of place and connection for area educators, students and residents.

One of the BBEE Roundtable highlights includes a keynote address. This year, we are excited to announce our keynote speaker, Ms. Shaina Brenner, 2022 Milken Educator Award recipient, and 2nd grade teacher at Elms Elementary School in Jackson, NJ. Ms. Brenner’s inspiring keynote address will explore the vital intersection of sustainability and education, while delving into strategies to infuse environmental stewardship into every aspect of learning, inspiring students to become agents of change in building a more sustainable world.

The Ocean County Soil Conservation District has worked in collaboration with our many talented partners on the Barnegat Bay Environmental Educators Steering Com-

mittee, to develop and facilitate this much anticipated annual event, including: Ocean County Department of Solid Waste Management, Barnegat Bay Partnership, Ocean County Parks & Recreation, NJ Pinelands Commission, Brick Township Municipal Utilities Authority, Natural Resources Education Foundation of New Jersey, Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research

Reserve, Double Trouble State Park, Project Terrapin, and Pinelands Regional High School. The 2024 BBEE Roundtable is funded by Ocean County Soil Conservation District, and a grant from the Ocean County Clean Communities program through the Ocean County Department of Solid Waste Management.

Visit Ocean County Soil Conservation

District’s Environmental Educators Roundtable webpage to review the agenda, access a complete description of workshops, and to register. Seating is limited, educators are encouraged to register early to secure a spot in their favorite workshop! Contact Becky Laboy, Education Outreach Coordinator, for more information: 609-991-1534 or education@soildistrict.org

A crab was recently spotted at the Jersey

enjoying the

by local

Lucky for us, Laird had her camera with

Elizabeth

Cool stuff! The countdown till Memorial Day 2024 continues with just 9 weeks to go!! Have a pic of the Jersey Shore you would like to share with us and our readers? Email it to photos@ jerseyshoreonline.com and you may win a prize!

Bayville Fest VIII

BAYVILLE – The Bayville Music Festival has been around since 2016, and has grown to become New Jersey’s only Reggae Rock festival. Hosted by NJ’s own native band - Green Knuckle Material, this year’s festival will be one to remember. What started as a DIY backyard show has now evolved into an event you won’t want to miss with the biggest lineup in the Reggae Rock scene yet.

Bayville VIII will be once again held

at the beautiful B2 Bistro & Bar on June 22 at 12 p.m. Along with some great music, you’ll also enjoy majestic views of Barnegat Bay, amazing food and drinks, a full-service Tiki Bar, and for those that opt for the VIP package - access to a beautiful in-ground pool.

Be sure to grab your tickets soon to kick off Summer ‘24: eventbrite.com/e/ bayville-fest-viii-tickets-816611094767. This event will be rain or shine!

Dine On Us Pickleball Tournament

TOMS RIVER – Dine On Us presents a weekend long fundraiser Pickleball Tournament, April 26 to 28 at the Bay Lea Pickleball Courts, Toms River. Cost is $40 per player per bracket. All proceeds will go to NJ active military through the organization, Dine on Us, NJ

whose mission is to provide dining and entertainment opportunities for our NJ active military and their families who are not able to do so for themselves due to economic hardships while stationed here in NJ! Register online at dineonus.org. For more information, email info@dineonus.org.

Shore

resident

Laird

sunrise.

her.

FUN & GAMES SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Across

1 Symbol in the center of Cameroon’s flag

5 Sentence server

11 Retro-hip beers, for short

15 Quaint sigh

16 “Mad About You” co-star

17 Baseball analyst Hershiser

18 Nana who deciphers coded messages?

20 Finger food, in Zaragoza

21 Colleague of Amy and Elena

22 Novelist Jaffe

23 Showbiz grand slam

24 Skirmish between rival hives?

28 Used a rocker

29 Black Sea resort

30 Functions

34 ESPNU topic

37 Boot camp barker

40 Serious business, and a hint to four answers in this puzzle

44 “The Masked Dancer” panelist Paula

45 Serious locks

46 Name in a Salinger title

47 The planets, e.g.

50 Masked caller

52 Horses now tame enough to ride?

58 Smack

59 Evian et Perrier

60 Like some Windows errors

62 Best Picture Oscar winner directed by Si‰n Heder

63 Speck of dust atop the Matterhorn?

66 Big name in skin care

67 Coffee cup insulator

68 Consequently

69 Snafu

70 Shadow canvas

71 Org. scheme

Down

1 Gives a little

2 Pulsate strongly

3 Maker of the first refrigerator with a dryerase door

4 Mail payment

5 Like some vbs.

6 PBS benefactor

7 Smaller than small

8 Request from

9 Smaller than small

10 Collected goofs

11 Sovereign

12 Self-promoters

13 Bank actions, briefly

14 Crate piece

19 Pets who may squeeze into shoeboxes

25 Lana of Smallville

26 Mark for good

27 “Casablanca” role

30 Telemundo article

31 Blubber

32 Cadillacs manufac-

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tured for 50 years

33 They often hang around kitchens

35 Point

36 Santa __ winds

38 Bit of finery

39 Palindrome in stanzas

41 Sephora rival

42 Veld grazers

43 __ pad

48 Relaxed

49 Pickup truck with

four rear wheels

51 “Hah, right!”

52 Mulled wine spice

53 Karachi currency

54 Run out

55 Heckles

56 Like wool, for many

57 Lore

58 Grifter’s game

61 Temporarily provided

64 Prefix for the birds?

65 Rare color?

CROSSWORD PUZZLE SUDOKU SOLUTIONS

ARIES (March 21-April 19): There’s always another tomorrow and it’s important that you prepare for it. Being a bit more careful now can offer you so many more options in the long run. Let existing resources help you do the heavy lifting.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) : You shouldn’t need to defend yourself or your money-making efforts. You might have a vision and the foresight to know what needs to be done. Let other people blow their timing – you know how to leverage that.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) : Don’t underestimate your contributions. You may think that making friends and helping at community events means you are only filling in time. Your efforts touch hearts, have the courage to reach high and go far.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): A call for help can give you a chance to apply practical skills. A loved one or partner could give you some sound business or career advice, take notes and use this new knowledge where it can do some good.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Find or create a peaceful space where you can reflect and process in silence. This could be a good time to take an interest in a healthier lifestyle. Consider what could use improvement and implement better self-care.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Get involved with an activity or hobby that can be truly satisfying on a personal level. You may feel a time crunch because of outside pressures but try to make time for things that make your soul happy.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Things don’t always improve in a straight line. There can be hiccups, plot twists, and cliffhangers before you see real, sustained upward movement. You have to be persistent with your creation to reap the benefits.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) : Enjoy relaxing with creative ideas, but being inspired can build something, too. You may believe you are spinning your wheels, but once you gain traction those wheels can help you travel somewhere worthwhile.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Love at first sight is usually projection at first sight. And it doesn’t have to be love, projection happens in all parts of life. It can get awkward as fantasy projections dissolve. Keep your eyes open for the real-real.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The time may be ripe to reevaluate your financial situation and focus more on, or tweak, money-making activities. You might be wiser than usual about the ways of the world so remain alert for opportunities to expand.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) : Your passions could be stirred. Prepare to set the wheels in motion so that you can accomplish something near and dear to your heart. Once you resolve to conquer the heights the universe can kick in to help you.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Be your unique, authentic self and you’ll attract your tribe. Instead of conformity, think about the things that you need, you value, and you are comfortable with. Partners and friends should be able to meet you there.

(c) 2024 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.