2024-04-27 - The Berkeley Times

Local Artist Fills Property With Sculptures

of creation.

By Chris Lundy BEACHWOOD –

Tucked away on a quiet street, large statues stand out from the suburban landscape. These sculptures evoke curiosity in people driving by. They are the work of Martina Smejkalova, who surrounds herself

with beautiful things. A native of the Czech Republic, she was amazed by how much garbage Americans made. Perhaps, she thought, she could make use of these non-recyclable plastics. What better way for something to spend eternity on

Earth than as part of a work of art?

She makes the basic shape using plastics wrapped with chicken wire or tape. Then it is coated with mortar. As it takes shape, the face forms organically. There’s not a set plan. It comes about through the art

Former Assemblywoman Appointed To OCC Board

By Stephanie Faughnan

TOMS RIVER - The Ocean County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to appoint former Assemblywoman DiAnne C. Gove to the Ocean County College Board of Trustees. A retired educator

Afterwards, Smejkalova and her husband Kevin Hinninger might come up with a name for the new sculpture – whatever fits its face. They all have character. The Baba Yaga, more than six feet tall, is an old wisewoman with a glint of mischief in her eye. She represents aspects of Mother Nature. “She can be cruel but she can be nice.”

Even the fence around the property is art. Each length has a different scene painted on it. When one fence section came off, it wasn’t wasted. It was made into the floor of a small sitting

(Sculpture - See Page 4)

Intellectual Disabilities Committee Named

By Chris Lundy BERKELEY

– A new committee will help guide the town in making decisions that affect people with autism and similar conditions.

The Advisory Committee on Intellectual Disabilities will give suggestions to the governing body on how to better accommodate people with different needs. For example, programs put on by the Recreation Department could be altered or expanded to be more inclusive.

The members will be Mike Cermak, Jo-Dee

Frulio, Shane Cranstoun, Mike Moll, Don Rowley, and John Fosbre.

Over the years, the township has created committees made up of unpaid volunteers who have expertise in various topics.

In staffi ng changes this year, Michael Tier Sr. was appointed director of staff. Other recent contracts include Angela Jimenez as assistant municipal treasurer and Debra Ozut as personnel officer.

The position of township attorney was created, with a salary

(Meeting- See Page 5)

Ocean County Duo Score Deal on Shark Tank

with over 30 years of experience teaching American history and civics at Southern Regional High School, Gove replaces Carl V. Thulin, Jr. as a Trustee. She will be the second retired educator to join the current David Restiano, pictured a couple of weeks before Shark Tank released its episode where he and Dr. Dan Staats secured a deal.

(AssemblywomanSee Page 4)

By Stephanie Faughnan

BRICK - Two local entrepreneurs, David Restiano and Dr. Daniel Staats, a physical therapist, made a splash on the April 12th episode of Shark Tank with their company SORx, which features a unique product called SORSOAP. The soap not only cleanses but also serves as a muscle pain relief tool, leading them to strike

(Shark TankSee Page 9)

The Baba Yaga sculpture reflects nature as she oversees the garden.

Photo by Chris Lundy

Former Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove (R-9th) retired last year from the State Assembly.

Photo by Chris Lundy

Photo by Stephanie Faughnan

Sculpture:

Continued From Page 1

area in front of Hinninger’s music studio.

“Some people stop” when they are walking or driving by, she said. “Some people purposely drive by or walk by and it makes my day.”

The statues are functional as well. The open mouths become birdbaths after the rain. Many a time a bird has flown out of one of the mouths as someone walks by.

“The sculptures aren’t separate from the garden, it’s a piece of it,” she said.

The garden itself is a work of art. Flowers are chosen to accent the sculptures. With an artist’s eye, she wants the gar-

den to look good from every angle. The ambiance works in all seasons, through spring and summer blooms and the quiet of winter. The fruit trees and the raised beds in the back are practical as well, providing health fruits and vegetables. Inside the house is her art studio, where her paintbrush brings her ideas to life. Scores of portraits adorn the walls. Some are in series, such as close-ups of people smoking. Familiar faces can be spotted in her series of musicians, such as Jimi Hendrix or members of The Beatles.

Smejkalova also does portraits of pets and loved ones. Her work is up on the Revolution Lounge now. For more information, visit paintings-Martina.com

Assemblywoman:

Continued From Page 1

college board.

Gove earned an undergraduate degree in social science from Cabrini College and a master’s in social studies from Monmouth University. During her fourteen-year tenure representing the 9th Legislative District in the State Assembly, Gove was a member of the Higher Education, Military and Veterans’ Affairs, and Aging and Senior Services committees.

Lynn’s background would be more relevant and really beneficial to the residents of Ocean County in a position on that board.”

While acknowledging the potential for a wider applicant pool, Quinn praised Gove’s qualifications, citing her extensive experience in education and legislative involvement in the state’s Department of Education.

Neither Jennifer Bacchione (R) nor Joseph Lamb (D), both candidates for Commissioner on the primary ballot attending the meeting, commented on the appointment.

The other two candidates interested in joining the college’s board of trustees were former Toms River Mayor Maurice “Mo” Hill, a retired dentist, and Lynn Canfield, a Field Representative for Bricklayers and Allied Craftworker Local 5.

Commissioner Frank Sadeghi raised concerns about the selection process. While he voiced no opposition to Gove’s qualifications, Sadeghi questioned why only three candidates applied for the position in a county with a population exceeding 667,000. He emphasized the critical role the Board plays in shaping the future of the college and the community, advocating for a more open and competitive selection process in the future.

Commissioner Jack Kelly prefaced his vote by expressing his hope that the next time there is an opening on the College Board of Trustees, that Canfield will be considered for appointment.

“I know Lynn very well and think Lynn is the perfect fit to apply for a position on the vocational school board,” said Gary Quinn, Deputy Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners. “Lynn brings a different variable to the vocational school board if he’s put on the board at some point in the future.”

“The unions work so well hand in hand with the school itself,” Quinn continued. “Putting kids into the programs, bringing them in as apprentices. I think

Ocean County GOP Chairman George Gilmore spoke during the public comments section of the meeting and said that he had no objection to Gove’s appointment. However, he questioned what he saw as Quinn’s reluctance to appoint a blue-collar tradesperson to become a member of the college board of trustees.

“To say that DiAnne Gove brings something more than someone that’s blue collar, I disagree,” said Gilmore. “I think you need a variety of perspectives, and I think it’s important for the people that built the buildings we operate out of have representation on that board.”

Quinn reiterated his position, acknowledging Canfield as a strong candidate, but emphasized his preference for an educator at this particular juncture. “An educator would certainly be somebody that I would pick at this point at this moment in time,” he stated.

Ocean County College’s current Board of Trustees includes Jerry Dasti, Chair, Linda L. Novak, Vice Chair, Frank J. Dupignac, Jr. Treasurer, Robert A. Fall, Member, Stephan R. Leone, Secretary, Joanne Pehlivanian, Member, Joseph E. Teichman, Member, Steven A. Zabarsky, Member, Casey Conner, Student/Alumni Member.

Pehlivanian is a real estate broker/salesperson, Novak, a retired educator, Fall, a retired judge and May, a 2023 Ocean County College graduate. The remainder of the trustees are attorneys.

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

Continued From Page 1

range between $75,000 and $110,000. According to the ordinance creating the position, they will assist the administration in day-to-day operations.

The Township Council authorized that the maintenance supervisor and animal control supervisor be added to a list of employees who are entitled to a clothing allowance.

The township issued a request for proposals for a master of ceremonies at the Summer Concert Series. They also are looking for bids to put in a fi re escape at the public works building.

They renewed the contract for Seaside Heights to provide fi re protection for the Pelican Island section of town which is over the bridge on Route 37.

Road Projects

The township put out a request for bids

on several projects. They are looking for contractors to pave the dirt/gravel roads on Anchorage Boulevard from Elm Street to the entrance of the Parks and Recreation Department, and East Barnegat Boulevard from Wildwood to Asbury avenues.

They are also planning to have mill and overlay work done on Allard Road and Colton Court, from Route 9 to the end; Birch Street from Bayview to Blue Jay (with possible drainage work at 607 Birch); Jamaica Boulevard from Cohansey Drive to the

southern end; and Southampton Road from River Terrace to Edgebrook Drive South.

They are looking at drainage projects for Avalon and Narragansette avenues; Bay Boulevard near MJ’s; Bonaire Drive pipe replacement; 889 North Edgebrook Drive pipe replacement; Skimmer Lane, 364 North Barbados Drive; Sand Road; and Serpentine Drive.

They awarded a project to Swift & Son in the amount of $254,540.80 to do curb and sidewalk improvements on Richard Road.

Harini Murali Wins 2024 Regional Spelling Bee

RED BANK – Harini Murali from Woodrow Wilson Middle School in Edison, is the champion of the Monmouth, Ocean, and Middlesex regional spelling bee sponsored by Press Communications. Her winning word was “velitation” meaning a dispute or slight contest; skirmish. The competition involved the Top 25 spellers from 104 local schools and lasted eight rounds.

Spellers competed at The Vogel in Red Bank on March 25th, 2024. Michele Amabile served as pronouncer for the competition, and the judges – tasked with tracking every word and verifying spelling accuracy –

were Louise Silverman, Tom Hayes, and Lisa Porada. Spellers studied Words of the Champions; the 4,000-word list provided by the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Murali now advances to compete in the 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee this summer near Washington, D.C. Bee Week will take place May 26 to May 31.

In addition to qualifying for the national competition, Murali also wins these prizes:

• The Samuel Louis Sugarman Award is a 2024 United States Mint Proof Set provided by Jay Sugarman, chairperson, and CEO of iStar Financial, in honor of his father. Murali will receive the prize in the summer.

• The Britannica Online Premium is a one-year subscription for the premier online resource from Encyclopedia Britannica.

• The Merriam-Webster Unabridged Online is a one-year subscription for the official word

source for all levels of competition for the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

• First Place Trophy.

• $2,500 cash prize courtesy of Ashley, the largest furniture store brand in North America.

Press Communications has sponsored the regional bee event for four years. The competition encourages the exploration of words and lifelong curiosity, with a focus on helping students set goals and dedicate time to study and prepare. Participation in the bee program also provides an opportunity for students to gain experience in public speaking and poise under pressure.

The 2024 Press Communications Regional Spelling Bee was made possible by Ashley, The Jersey Shore BlueClaws, Children’s Health Network of RWJ Barnabas Health, and New Jersey Natural Gas.

Photo courtesy Press Communications

Package Of Bills To Strengthen Infrastructure

From The Desk Of Congressman Jefferson Van Drew

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Van Drew introduced two pieces of legislation - the Bridge Protection Act and the Francis Scott Key Bridge Disaster Taxpayer Reimbursement Resolution - aimed to strengthen America’s infrastructure system and ensure that taxpayers do not

bear the burden of disasters caused by private companies.

“The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge is a tragedy that will have a lasting impact on the future of America’s infrastructure system,” said Congressman Van Drew. “As we navigate the aftermath of this disaster, we must work to put safeguards in place to ensure that this can never happen again. That is why I introduced the Bridge Protection Act, which requires any large

bridge over a waterway to be constructed with protective measures around its critical support points. By taking this commonsense step, we are mitigating future risks of similar disasters and enhancing the safety of America’s infrastructure.

“While the implementation of protective measures would prevent tragedies like this from happening again in the future, it is important we also define where the line of responsibility is drawn in situations like this,” Congressman Van Drew added.

“While we need to rebuild this bridge as

quickly as possible, we must also ensure that this company, along with others, understands that this kind of neglect will not be tolerated, and they must contribute to covering the costs. The magnitude of this financial burden should not fall entirely on hardworking Americans, but rather the private entities who were directly responsible for this accident. My resolution makes it clear that private entities have to prioritize safety in their operations and the consequences of their negligence will not be shouldered by the taxpayers.”

Green Bank To Advance State’s Climate Goals

From The Desk Of The Governor

Phil Murphy

TRENTON – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board approved the creation of the New Jersey Green Bank (NJGB), which will make investments in the clean energy sector that will help advance the state’s efforts to make an equitable transition to 100 percent clean energy. The NJGB will make investments through debt, credit enhancements, and other financial vehicles to attract private capital to enable the state to reach its climate goals. The Murphy Administration has taken significant steps to meet the ongoing challenges of climate change and has set several clean energy targets, including 100 percent clean electricity by 2035,11 gigawatts of offshore wind power by 2040, and 50 percent economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions reduction by 2030. The NJGB is a component of the 2019 Energy Master Plan and Governor Murphy’s Executive Order 316 directed the NJEDA to implement programs supporting building electrification through

OCEAN COUNTY – Recently, Meals on Wheels of Ocean County conducted a survey amongst their participants receiving home delivered meals and the results decisively show that the services they deliver make a difference in seniors’ everyday lives.

Some highlights of the survey included:

• 69% of participants would not have a hot

the NJGB.

“From more violent storms to increased flooding, the effects of climate change have become all too familiar here in New Jersey,” said Governor Murphy. “My administration has established aggressive goals to combat climate change and the creation of the New Jersey Green Bank will help us meet those goals by making major investments in the clean energy sector. This approval is a significant step in our fight against climate change, which will help us reach a clean energy future that will protect our environment and bolster our economy for generations to come.”

The NJGB will be dedicated to investing in projects, technologies, and companies that align with the State’s climate goals, including in areas such as zero-emission transportation, building decarbonization and resiliency, and clean energy generation and storage. Examples of projects that the NJGB may invest in include solar power, onshore and offshore wind, all electric heat pumps and geothermal, and battery storage, among others. Investments made by the NJGB must demonstrate benefits for the state; be new rather than seeking refinancing; and lead to reduced greenhouse

gas emissions or other co-pollutants.

“Establishing the New Jersey Green Bank is a pivotal step in the State’s continued push to meet the ongoing challenges of climate change,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “The NJGB will inject capital into New Jersey’s clean energy economy and support green businesses and good-paying jobs in the field. Additionally, the investments made by the NJGB will pave the way for a cleaner and healthier environment for our residents and future generations.”

As a subsidiary of the NJEDA focused exclusively on climate investments, the NJGB will be well-positioned to attract private capital, including funds from public-private partnerships, as has been the case with other Green Banks in the region. The NJGB will also look to facilitate the development of climate and clean energy capital markets in the state through forms of financial support, such as warehousing and securitization, that address underdeveloped or nonexistent capital markets for these investments.

In addition to capital allocated to the NJGB in the state’s Fiscal Year 2023 budget, the NJGB’s initial capitalization will include permanent grant capital it receives as a named sub-awardee in the Coalition for Green Capital’s (CGC) application to

Meals On Wheels Survey Results

meal if not for Meals on Wheels

• 99% of participants feel more confident living independently

• 98% of participants are eating healthier and a more balanced diet

• 95% of participants feel less lonely receiving Meals on Wheels

Another question on the survey was what

term to call an adult over 60 years old. There have been many conversations on the national level to change the term “Senior” to “Older Adult.” Meals on Wheels took the question straight to the source and asked them what they prefer.

As an adult over 60 years old, what do you prefer to be called?

the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Clean Investment Fund competition. The EPA recently announced that CGC will be receiving an award of $5 billion through the NCIF competition.

“With the formation of the New Jersey Green Bank, our state will be able to invest in projects that will help transform our communities and bring us closer to our clean energy goals. The Green Bank will address gaps in the market and encourage traditional lenders to make investments in new areas. This is a big win for New Jersey and its environment,” said NJEDA Chief Economic Transformation Officer Kathleen Coviello.

Last year, the NJEDA issued a Request for Expressions of interest (“RFEI”) to identify entities interested in financial support from the NJGB. Additionally, the NJEDA has been engaged with sister agencies to identify investment opportunities.

To ensure all communities benefit from the NJGB, the NJEDA will engage New Jersey’s Environmental Justice Communities (EJCs) to ensure a just transition and to make recommendations and provide feedback on how the NJGB can best advance environmental justice through its investments. The NJGB will also leverage the NJEDA’s existing diversity, equity, and inclusion staff, expertise, and initiatives.

• 34% Senior

• 6% Older Adult

• 1% Elder

• 52% Senior Citizen

• 7% Modern Elder

You can view the full survey results at: csimow.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ Winter-Survey-Results.pdf.

DitoriAl OPINIONS & COMMENTARY

When It Comes To Popular Culture, “Anything Goes”

I was watching my daughter in Toms River High School South’s performance of “Anything Goes” and the title song made me think about how much people complain when their pop culture changes.

I took a little dive into the lyrics. In the 1934 version: “In olden days a glimpse of stocking Was looked on as something shocking, But now, Lord knows, Anything Goes. Good authors too who once knew better words, Now only use four letter words Writing prose, Anything Goes.”

Even back then, Cole Porter was complaining about how pop culture changes.

Isn’t that interesting? We sit around today and complain about how shocking and lewd our TV, music and songs have become. Well guess what?

Literally 90 years ago they were complaining about it, too.

What’s this mean?

That when we say “The world has gone mad today,” we are not alone. And we’re foolish, too.

If you’re complaining about the music that kids listen to today, or that movies aren’t the same today as they used to be – you’re not wrong. But it’s no big deal. This is how it has been for decades.

A movie becomes a hit, and then Hollywood makes a billion clones of it. Once interest dies out, they sell you something else. Now, that new thing might not interest

you, but that’s no big deal.

I’ve said it in this space before: pop culture is the only culture we share. If our favorite show is cancelled, we get angry. If our favorite band breaks up, we get sad. If we hear about a beloved celebrity die, it can be devastating.

But guess what? There’s always a new show. A new band. A million new celebrities.

Personally, I think it’s awesome that there are so many choices. Maybe the new ones aren’t your thing. So what? I’d say most of the new music isn’t for me, and that’s OK. I’m not going to get mad about it. I scroll through Netflix past dozens of things I don’t care about. Then I find something cool. My daughter loves Korean pop music. I don’t get it but whatever. I let her have her thing.

Instead of sitting around and complaining about it, go online and look up “best new (music genre you like) albums.” I bet you’ll be surprised. You could also probably search for “TV show like (show you like).” There’s good stuff being made today – yes, today – waiting for you to find it.

I watched a 1954 televised version of “Anything Goes” and it has the same message. The play South put on was based more off the 1989 Patti LuPone version, but the song remains the same. Generations went by but the idea of pop culture changing is evergreen.

Chris Lundy News Editor

NJ Must Close Gap With Funding For English Language Learners

The State of New Jersey is a great place to educate your children. A 2023 poll by U.S. News & World Report ranked New Jersey #1 in Pre-K - 12 education, which factored in categories such as College Readiness, High School Graduation Rate, NAEP Math Scores, NAEP Reading Scores, and Preschool Enrollment (Rankings: Pre-K-12 - Best States for Childhood Education 2023). However, in NJ the S-2 funding formula has caused many school districts to lose state aid. When districts lose anticipated funding, schools have no choice but to make difficult cuts to existing programming. At the same time, school districts, such as Jackson Township, have also seen an immense increase in English Language Learner (ELL) students which places an additional strain on already strained budgets.

ELL students enrolling into a new school district, many of whom know very limited or no English at all, are assimilated directly into a classroom. Although districts do employ ELL teachers, the majority of non-ELL teachers are not trained or equipped to handle students who don’t speak English. Furthermore, the increase in ELL population should be commensurate with an increase in properly trained ELL teachers.

Unfortunately, the strained budgets are already reducing total teaching personnel, so hiring additional faculty members in ELL positions would further impact the budget strains. With this lack of funding and growing ELL population, many students, teachers, and school districts are being set up for failure. When funds are not issued and cuts to programming take place, it can be argued that districts are now failing

to provide each student with their constitutional right to a “thorough and efficient public education” and this has the potential to set students up for additional life challenges. It can also be argued that the current model fails other students in many classrooms who are forced to wait on the teacher who is doing their best to communicate with ELL students. This snowball affects all students and many students are learning less, making them less prepared for the next chapter of their educational journey.

My proposal is simple. The State of New Jersey should develop a grant program much like the existing PreK program. This grant would be used to prepare a classroom, hire teachers and paraprofessionals, purchase materials, develop curriculums, and anything else required to properly educate a student in need of language support. Enrollment of ELL students would help to determine the grant allocation. In year one of the grant, the ELL student’s education in a given district would center on learning English with a designated certified bilingual teacher, broken down by age groups, with all the resources available to properly teach topics such as grammar, reading, speech, and writing. Year two of the grant, the ELL students would be evaluated to determine if they are prepared to enter into the appropriate grade based on age and education level. This method would set our ELL students up for success and would simultaneously allow for continuous learning in our non-ELL classrooms. These statements were made in my capacity as a private citizen and not as a Jackson Board of Education member. These statements are also not representative of the board or its individual members, and solely represent my own personal opinions.

Giuseppe Palmeri Jackson

Acts Of Kindness By Strangers Still Exist

I am writing about an act of kindness by strangers who helped me … and I am most grateful. I was completing my own act of kindness by helping a relative, using a walker, who needed groceries. I drove his car from Bayville to a grocery store in Lacey. When we returned to the car, I realized I had locked the keys inside. I needed to retrieve the extra set of keys at the residence. I don’t use rideshare apps. We were stranded. I scanned the parking lot and approached a couple who had just loaded their groceries and were preparing to leave. Without hesitation, they said “yes.” They drove me round trip as we engaged in pleasant conversation. They declined my offer of payment. My relative, who remained in the parking lot with his walker and the groceries, also experienced acts of kindness by strangers. Some approached him and offered to load the groceries.

Acts of kindness by strangers are refreshing to experience in these times of turmoil, animosity, stress, and fear of strangers. It is important to publicly express my appreciation to the special couple who helped me and to the people who attempted to help my stranded relative. We shouldn’t have to thank them publicly, but in today’s climate of incivility, I wish to do so and hope their selfless acts inspire us to assist others in ways that each of us can, with or without being asked to do so. I also hope these benevolent acts encourage everyone to strive to be selfless people … the people who typically don’t get airtime in news casts.

Thanks for the ride, A. and G.

Dr. Juneau Gary Bayville

Corporate Profits Or Inflation?

A recent study showed that more than half (53%) of inflation during the second and third quarters of 2023 was driven by corporate profits. To put this into perspective, it was just 11% prior to the pandemic.

How’s that trickle-down economics working out for you?

Everything’s getting more expensive, because everything we buy comes from a corporation. Corporate farms grow the food, corporations package the goods, corporations ship them to us. And then we buy them at corporations like Wal-Mart, Target, and even some corporate grocery stores.

Next time someone talks about how expensive something is, let them know it’s the corporations and corporate greed!

Del Contena Toms River

Letter Writer Wrong On Trump

This letter was written in response to a letter to the editor “Democracy Or Trump?” in the February 8 edition.

This newspaper had an article written about Donald Trump so filled with lies.

Everyone I talked to were disturbed by this article by (name redacted).

Everything she said was wrong. Especially the part where Trump wants to terminate the constitution!!

Everything she is saying Trump wants to do is exactly what the other side is doing. This should be retracted or she should be fired.

What Trump hater allowed this crap to be put in this paper. It’s a good thing not too many people read it.

Tell the writer if she doesn’t like Trump to move out of the country cause he is gonna be the next president.

From a lover of America

Kathy Jacob

Shark Tank:

Continued From Page 1

a deal during their appearance on the show. Their literal hands-on presentation showcased the all-natural, essential oil-infused soap’s effectiveness and impressed the Sharks. While some Sharks saw SORx (pronounced sore) better suited as a direct-to-consumer (DTC) product and opted out for that reason, they were still sold on the product’s benefits for their own personal use. That is, with one exception. Mark Cuban followed instructions to use the handle-shaped soap to scrape the sore areas of his neck. Cuban was impressed with the instantaneous relief he felt and made the two inventors an offer.

“It fixed my damn neck, right,” said Cuban. “You wanted a $100,000 for 10 (percent stake); I’ll give you a $100,000 for 20.”

While Restiano and Staats attempted to negotiate a middle ground to a 15 percent stake, Cuban remained firm, and they ultimately accepted his offer.

In a personal interview with Restiano, before the show aired, Restiano revealed that he and Staats landed on the show in an unconventional way. While Restiano said 40,000 people audition for Shark Tank each year, the show actually contacted him personally and asked if they wanted to be on the show.

“When I first received the email, it seemed a bit weird to me,” Restiano admitted. “I even questioned if it was real, and it turned out that it was.”

The two spent a couple of days last July filming the episode that appeared on television this month. Restiano remained tight-lipped about the behindthe-scenes intricacies, emphasizing the confiden-

tiality clause. He also refrained from divulging whether any of the Sharks had expressed interest prior to the episode’s broadcast.

Rising From Personal Pain

A Division I soccer player, Michael Restiano once dreamt of becoming a doctor. While on a scholarship at Marist College, the demanding course load led him to switch majors, landing him in the world of fine arts. This shift in focus proved pivotal, as it ultimately led Restiano to a successful 30-year career as a graphic designer for a Fortune 500 company.

Restiano’s athletic background remained a constant. In 2019, with men’s soccer leagues canceled because of COVID, he turned to long-distance running, experiencing overuse injuries. This is where his path crossed with physical therapist Staats, whom he refers to as Dr. Dan.

Staats, a former college football player herself, began by treating Restiano’s physical injuries. Their professional connection soon blossomed into a friendship and, eventually, a business partnership.

“After a physical therapy session where Dan used a metal tool to scrape my hip flexor, I went home and showered,” Restiano recounted. “In the shower, I noticed a bar of Irish Spring soap had a similar curved shape. On a whim, I decided to try scraping my hip flexor with the soap, and it actually felt effective. It seemed to mimic the same technique Dan had used.”

The soap’s limitations dampened Restiano’s initial enthusiasm for the Irish Spring trick. It proved slippery, difficult to hold, and lacked therapeutic properties. This is when the spark of invention struck. Restiano envisioned a tool

replicating the shape of the therapist’s tool but with key improvements: a more secure grip, extended durability, and potentially incorporating natural, pain-relieving ingredients.

Believing he was onto something, Restiano delved deeper into the world of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM). His research led him to Dr. David Graston, a pioneer in the field and developer of the Graston Technique – a set of specialized tools used for scraping soft tissue.

“As I sifted through search results, I realized there was nothing like what I had envisioned in my mind,” said Restiano. “So, I started sketching the shape; I started sketching a logo with a trademark.”

Restiano then drafted a certified letter to himself and documented what he termed a “poor man’s patent.” He waited a couple of weeks to tell Dr. Dan about his idea and found the physical therapist immediately on board with starting a business.

SORSOAP contains responsibly and sustainably sourced coconut palm and natural purple coloring. It includes water, vegetable-derived glycerin, lavender, menthol, and chamomile essential oils, known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Sodium bicarbonate was added later to enhance hardness, crucial for effective muscle scraping. The product is applied in the shower, increasing blood flow, aiding lymphatic drainage, and reducing inflammation. Users can target specific areas or use it for full-body treatment, mimicking clinical massage with the convenience of self-care. The privacy of one’s shower enhances the relaxation and therapeutic benefits after a tough day.

Meanwhile, Staats decided to study the effectiveness of the soap with the help of Gustave Gallinot, another physical therapist. Their findings were published in 2022 by a peer-reviewed journal named Occupational Diseases and Environmental Medicine.

After evaluating a group of 31 Jersey Mike deli workers for one month, the study appeared to show that SORxSOAP showed promise in improving hand and wrist strength and flexibility for deli meat slicers. This could not only help them recover from repetitive strain injuries but also prevent them entirely.

SORx has already seen success in the local wholesale market with occupational therapists, physical therapists, gyms, stretch therapy groups, and chiropractic offices. Plans are in progress to enter the retail space as a number of people have expressed interest in purchasing the product in big box store.

“I’ve always thought this was basically going to target athletes,” Restiano said. “We’ve got a huge community of people who suffer from Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. I’m glad that we’ve come across something that helps them.”

Restiano became visibly emotional as he explained the reasons that developing this product went beyond a simple business venture.

“My mother passed away from Alzheimer’s at a very young age,” he shared. “She always taught me that the golden rule is not to treat people the way they treat you. It’s to treat people the way you want to be treated.”

SORx maintains a consistent social media presence on Instagram, Tik Tok, and Facebook. More information about the company can be found on the company’s website at sorsoap.com.

LOCAL EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE

Bayville, N.J. - e Ocean County Local Emergency Planning Committee will be holding a public meeting on April 30, 2024. e meeting will begin at 5 p.m. and will be held at the Ocean County Sheri ’s O ce of Emergency Management, 101 Airport Rd, Bldg. 52, R.J. Miller Airpark, Bayville, N.J. Follow the signs for the Emergency Operations Center and look for the door marked Entrance on the outside of the building.

e purpose of this meeting is to review and vote on the proposed EPCRA (Emergency Planning Community Right to Know Act) Emergency Response Plan and to discuss sub-committee assignments. Formal action may be taken at this meeting. Pursuant to the New Jersey Open Public Meeting Act, N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 et.seq., these meetings are open to the public and no RSVP is required.

Students Participate In D.A.R.E. Course

BEACHWOOD – SRO Chad Anthony wrapped up another 10-week D.A.R.E. course of instruction with the students at Beachwood Elementary School.

D.A.R.E. education programs deliver science/evidence-based curricula that teach students good decision-making skills that will help them lead safe and healthy lives

internet safety.

Thank you to Principal Kim Muir and the entire staff at Beachwood Elementary School for allowing the opportunity to engage with the students in our community and deliver this meaningful course material.

V.F.W. Post 10185 News

By Past Post Commander James Egan

Sunday, May 12, is Mother’s Day.

BERKELEY - The next meeting of Silver/ Holiday V.F.W. Post 10185 will be held on Thursday, May 2, 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.

Wednesday, May 8, World War II ends in Europe.

Saturday, May 18, is Armed Forces Day. Notice the Holiday City Berkeley First Aid Squad Memorial service will be at 10 a.m.

Monday, May 27, is Memorial Day. Because it was fi rst proclaimed this day in 1866. It was a day to honor all who died in the Civil War. Business was closed, graves were decorated with flowers and all flags were flown at half-mast.

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

God bless America and God bless our troops.

Fly the flag on Memorial Day and every day, weather permitting.

Send your community events to news@jerseyshoreonline.com

Photo courtesy Beachwood Police and cope with high-risk circumstances including drugs, alcohol, violence, bullying, and

BERKELEY

Annual Fire Prevention Poster Contest Winners

BERKELEY – Mayor Bacchione and the Township Council celebrated the winners of the annual Fire Prevention poster contest during the recent township meeting. This year’s theme was “Cooking safety starts with you. Pay attention to fi re prevention.” The Mayor and Fred Mitchell

Photo courtesy Berkeley Township from the Township’s Fire Prevention Office presented each winner with a certificate and gift card.

Two winners also won at the county level. Those posters will now be sent to compete at the state level.

Congratulations to all and great job!

Now Hiring Summer Lifeguards

PINE BEACH – The Borough of Pine Beach is now hiring life guards for the summer season. Must be 16 years or older; Red Cross certified; open water certified. For more information call Borough Hall at 732-349-6425.

– Congratulations to Bayville School’s First Artists of the Month shown here with Mrs. Ettari.

Photo courtesy Berkeley Schools

Girls’ Soccer Team Earn Title

BERKELEY –

Berkeley Township School District’s Strategic Planning Meetings

BERKELEY – Help create Vision 2029. Be part of the strategic planning process. Berkeley’s collaborative development of Vision 2029 will include students, parents, faculty and staff, business owners, community leaders, alumni, and anyone who is interested in sharing their thoughts and ideas in an effect to influence the district’s

direction over the next five years. Upcoming meetings for Vision 2029:

April 30 at 6 p.m. in the BTES Cafeteria

May 28 at 6 p.m. in the BTES Cafeteria

June 13 at 1:30 p.m. in the HMP Cafeteria

If you would like to attend, call Anjelica Mojica at 732-269-5707 ext. 5214.

On April 16, the Central Regional High School girls’ soccer team had their ring ceremony to celebrate their SJ G4 title. Thank you again for the magical season.

Photo courtesy Central Regional

Mayor, Council Take Part In Opening Night

The mayor was joined by Senator Amato and Councilmembers Bowens, Grosse and Guadagno. Best wishes for a great season and let’s play ball!

School Officials Attend National Conference

Photo courtesy Berkeley Schools

BERKELEY – Superintendent Dr. James D. Roselli, Board President Jennifier Bacchione and Board Member Dave Ytreboe attended the National School Boards Association Annual Conference in New Orleans

where they provided a presentation on Effective and Efficient Board of Education Meetings and the Importance of Building Collaborative Partnerships Within the School Community.

Ocean Gate Elementary School PTO Color Run

OCEAN GATE – Ocean Gate Elementary School PTO will be holding their Color Run on May 17. They are currently looking for sponsorships, which goes towards t-shirts

for the event and the PTO which raises money for the school.

For more information, call Andrea 732581-1915.

Softball Player Th rows 300 Career Strikeouts

5K Ruck-9 Featuring Car Show And More

BAYVILLE – Save a life to save a life. 5K ruck with your K9 featuring a car show, vendors, food trucks, and more.

Event will be on May 5 (rain date May 18) at Veterans Park, Bayville. Registration begins at 9 a.m.; Ruck and Show starts at

10 a.m. Car Show registration is $20, with awards/trophies. Ruck-9 registration is $25 and includes t-shirt.

To purchase tickets, visit zeffy.com/enUS/ticketing/56aec3ad-5ae4-4993-aee4f1834b435151.

BERKELEY – Students in Ms. Walstrom’s class at Potter School had a great time visiting the Berkeley Township Police Department. They learned about stranger

Photo courtesy Berkeley Schools danger, what an emergency is and what the job of a police officer is. Thank you to Officer Mikki and the rest of the BTPD for a fun time!

BERKELEY – Congratulations to BethAnne Doderer of the Central Regional Softball team on her 300 Career Strikeouts.

Photo courtesy Central Regional

Murat Karatepe, M.D. FACC

Board Certified in Cardiology, Nuclear Cardiology & Echocardiography

Asu Rustemli, M.D. FACC

Board Certified in Cardiology, Nuclear Cardiology, Echocardiography, Cardiovascular CT, Vascular Medicine & Vascular Interpretation (RPVI)

Invasive & Non-Invasive Cardiology

Comprehensive Cardiac Care

Echocardiography (including Transesophageal)

Cardiac Catheterizations • Cardiac Nuclear Stress Testing

Holter Monitoring Hours

Dr. Izzy’s

Sound News

6 Tips For Longer Battery Life

Find the Right Match Make sure your batteries are the right size, type, and performance level for your devices.

Prepare Before You Pull Pulling the tab activates your batteries, so be sure you’re ready to use them — they can’t be deactivated. It’s advisable to wait at least 2-3 minutes before closing the battery door to maximize battery life.

Power Down Turning off your hearing aids and opening the battery door when they’re not in use helps your batteries last longer.

Avoid Extreme Temperatures Extremes are no good for batteries, so store them at room temperature whenever possible.

Choose Rechargeables Rechargeables eliminate waste and the need to constantly mess with tiny batteries. Long time hearing aid users still prefer to replace their batteries as opposed to having to drag the charger with you on vacation trips.

Dr. Izzy & his Staff are always available to answer your questions about important hearing care issues. Please feel free to contact Dr. Izzy at 732-451-3962 or ikirsh@gardenstatehearing.com

Keep Water Out Moisture damages batteries, so protect your devices from water and store them overnight in a dehumidifier. If moisture corrodes the battery door, the aid will eventually stop working.

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! Dr.

All-Recovery Support Meeting

TOMS RIVER – Join HOPE Sheds Light every Tuesday for the All-Recovery Meeting at the Ocean County College. This peer-led group meets from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Wellness and Recovery Center, Building 4, Room 113, offering

support and connection for those affected by substance use disorder. Your presence can make a difference – we hope to see you there.

For more information, contact victoria@ HOPEShedsLight.org.

P.S. Have low vision glasses fitted by an optician who can ensure that the glasses sit correctly on the bridge of the nose. Poorly fitted glasses may cause eyestrain or nausea. MACULAR

These glasses may also be used for other purposes such as to improve visual comfort when doing computer work or when working under harsh energysaving lighting. When you need the best eye care in the area, look to SIGHTMD NEW JERSEY SUSSKIND & ALMALLAH EYE ASSOCIATES (732-349-5622). We offer evening hours most nights of the week.

MARLBORO (732) 972-1015

TOMS RIVER

349-5622

698-2020

The Impact Of Dietary Choices On Medication Efficacy And Safety

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

When I visited the nursing home the other day, I realized that everyone in there takes so many medications! I’m pretty sure there are a lot of food, and fruit-drug interactions going on that no one is aware of.

In the United States, an alarming trend shows that nearly half of its citizens are on prescription medication, raising concerns about potential interactions with everyday dietary choices. As people age, the likelihood of being prescribed multiple medications, a condition known as polypharmacy, dramatically increases.

This is particularly prevalent among older adults in long-term care, who may consume up to 15 different medications daily. Drawing from my seven-year experience as a Consultant Pharmacist in such settings, I’ve observed firsthand the significant influence of diet on medication effectiveness and safety, with fruit interactions standing out as a noteworthy concern.

The interaction between our diet and medications can profoundly affect the latter’s safety and efficacy. Food components may alter how drugs are absorbed, metabolized, or eliminated by the body, leading to reduced effectiveness or increased side effects. Fruits, with their complex biochemical profiles, are significant contributors to these interactions.

Grapefruit: A Case for Caution Grapefruit and similar citrus fruits, like Seville oranges and pomelos, contain substances that inhibit CYP3A4 enzymes in the small intestine, crucial for metabolizing many drugs, including statins and some blood pressure medications. This inhibition can elevate drug levels in the bloodstream, enhancing the risk of adverse effects, such as muscle pain or damage from statins.

Recommendation: For those on medications affected by grapefruit, complete avoidance is advised due to the long-lasting effect of the

interaction, making it insufficient to merely adjust medication timing.

Bananas: Potassium-Rich Risks Bananas, high in potassium, can be problematic when consumed with ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), leading to hyperkalemia, a condition with potentially severe heart rhythm complications.

Recommendation: Moderation is key when consuming high-potassium foods like bananas, especially for individuals on ACE inhibitors or ARBs. Regular potassium monitoring through blood tests is essential for safe management.

Pomegranates: Sweet but Serious Pomegranates can also inhibit the CYP3A4 enzyme, affecting the metabolism of blood pressure medications and statins, increasing the risk of side effects.

Recommendation: Consult with healthcare providers on whether to moderate or avoid pomegranates based on your medication regimen.

Cranberries: A Delicate Balance Cranberries, especially when consumed in large amounts or as juice, can amplify the effects of warfarin, a blood thinner, raising the bleeding risk.

Recommendation: For warfarin users, moderation in cranberry consumption is safe, but consistency in dietary habits is crucial to avoid medication efficacy issues.

With a substantial portion of the U.S. population on prescription drugs, awareness and understanding of potential diet-drug interactions are critical for ensuring medication safety and effectiveness.

Always discuss dietary habits and potential interactions with healthcare providers when starting new medications. Monitoring for changes in health or symptoms after dietary adjustments is also vital for maintaining well-being. I have a longer version of this article with more information. To have it emailed, just sign up for my free weekly newsletter at suzycohen.com.”

Choosing The Right Automobile Insurance Will Protect Your Family And Assets

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

In 1998, the State of New Jersey adopted the Automobile Insurance Cost Reduction Act (AICRA) to reduce the cost of automobile insurance by reducing the benefits available to persons who are injured in automobile accidents. This means less coverage to pay for medical treatment and less rights to recover monetary damages from careless drivers who injure your family. Protect yourself.

Automobile insurance is mandatory in New Jersey. The failure to carry automobile insurance may be punishable by imprisonment.

When purchasing automobile insurance, you have two choices; you are required to select either a Basic Policy or a Standard Policy.

We do not recommend choosing the Basic Policy.

The Basic Policy only provides minimal coverage and leaves you unprotected in several areas. A Basic Policy only provides you with $5,000.00 of property damage liability coverage if someone makes a claim against you and only provides $15,000.00 of medical expense benefits should you require medical treatment for your injuries. The Basic Policy does not cover you if you injure someone else. The Basic Policy does not provide Uninsured Motorist coverage to protect you and your family if the careless driver who causes the collision is uninsured or is insured under a Basic Policy. Perhaps most importantly, the Basic Policy will not provide you with a free lawyer to defend any claim against your personal assets.

The Standard Policy does provide medical expense benefits (PIP) coverage which includes medical expenses up to $250,000.00 per person per accident. The Standard Policy also provides you with Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM Benefits), so if you are injured by someone who does not have automobile insurance, is insured under a Basic Policy or leaves the scene of the collision then you and your family are covered for your losses.

When you purchase the Standard Policy you must elect a “tort option” that will determine your right to make a claim. You must select either the “limitation on lawsuit option” or the “no limitation on lawsuit option.” If you purchase the Basic Policy then you are assigned the “limitation on lawsuit option.” We recommend that you choose the “no limitation on lawsuit option.” Ask your insurance representative what is the actual dollar amount that your overall premium will increase if you elect the “no limitation on lawsuit option.”

By choosing the “limitation on lawsuit option” you are limiting you legal right to make a claim for monetary damages unless you sustain one of the following injuries: Death, Dismemberment; Significant scarring or disfigurement; Displaced Fractures; Loss of Fetus or a Permanent Injury that can been diagnosed by credible, objective medical testing.

We recommend that you purchase a Standard Policy. A Standard Policy provides the best insurance coverage to protect your assets if you are sued and to provide compensation to you and your family if you/ they are injured.

Selecting the correct insurance coverage is extremely important when it comes to protecting your family and personal assets. Call the Attorneys at R.C. Shea & Associates (732-505-1212) for a free evaluation of your automobile insurance policy.

AroUnD the JerSeY Shore

BlueClaws Spring Flea Market

JERSEY SHORE – The BlueClaws will host their Spring Flea Market on May 19 in the parking lot outside ShoreTown Ballpark and registration is now open.

The event runs from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. and is free for all shoppers. Registration is just $40 and includes an 18’ x 27’ vendor area (the equivalent of three parking spaces). Additional spaces can be added for $5.

All registration is done online at: milb. com/jersey-shore/events/fl ea-market. Registration runs through May 17 at 12 p.m. Event day registration can be made for $50 (cash only).

“We’re looking forward to another great

Flea Market,” said Kevin Fenstermacher, BlueClaws Assistant General Manager.

“These have always proven to be quite popular and this will be another fantastic event.”

Vendor set-up on the day of the event begins at 5 a.m. and must be complete by 8 a.m. (no vendors will be allowed in after 8 a.m.) Space is on a fi rst-come, fi rst-serve basis on the day of the event. There is no pre-determined space for vendors. Additionally, vendors cannot hold spaces for later-arriving vendors.

With any questions, email events@blueclaws.com.

Volunteers Needed At New Jersey Blood Services

NEW JERSEY – New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS), a division of New York Blood Center, which provides blood for local patients, is looking for a few good volunteers. The blood drive volunteer is an integral member of the team whose tasks include assisting donors with registration and/or at the refreshment area. No medical background necessary. Volunteers should be outgoing to provide friendly customer service, be able to perform tasks as needed and

must provide proof of COVID Vaccination prior to volunteering. Must have transportation. All training is provided including additional precautions for the safety of our team and blood donors. For additional information call or text Sharon Zetts, Manager, NJBS Volunteer Services at 732-850-8906, Monday to Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To apply online as a blood drive volunteer, go to: volgistics.com/appform/2127944197.

AroUnD the JerSeY Shore

LADACIN Network Holds 43rd Annual Rosebud Gala

WANAMASSA – LADACIN Network held its 43rd Annual Rosebud Gala at the Sheraton Eatontown Hotel on March 23. The premier fundraising event not only honored their esteemed Legacy recipients but also commemorated the Agency’s 75th Anniversary milestone. The proceeds from the event were dedi-

cated to advancing LADACIN’s vital programs and services, providing essential support for individuals with disabilities. Guests indulged in exquisite hors d’oeuvres, an exceptional gourmet dinner, dancing, a captivating auction, and an awards ceremony honoring the 2024 Rosebud Legacy Honorees and recog-

nizing the Legacy Leaders. It was truly a memorable evening with over 200 guests attending and raising more than $284,000.

In recognition of their long-time generous support of LADACIN Network and of its mission, New Jersey Natural Gas was honored as the Corporate Legacy Honoree. Marian Hartnett and the Hartnett Family and the Schroth Family were the 2024 Legacy Honorees. Anita M. Kneeley (posthumously) and K. David Holmes were recognized as Legacy Leaders.

Co-chairing the event was LADACIN Network Board of Trustees Member, Victor Sbailo, Barnegat, and Margaret Winkelman, Howell. Carl Craft, host of 95.9 WRAT’s “Morning RAT Race,” served as Master of Ceremonies, and music was provided by Jack Goodman’s Orchestras.

Almost 100 prizes were displayed at the auction, including a diamond necklace valued at $3,000. Numerous bidding battles took place in an attempt to win the amazing prizes! When dinner and the award presentations concluded, guests fi lled the dance floor, enjoying the celebration for the remainder of the evening.

Leading the event’s underwriting efforts were LADACIN Network’s An-

nual Corporate Sponsors: Champion: CWR Wholesale Distribution, Premier Benefactor: World Insurance Associates LLC, Elite Benefactor: Turning Point Restaurants, Benefactors: Beasley Media Group – 95.9 WRAT & 100.1 WJRZ, New Jersey Natural Gas, Platinum Guardian: LENNAR, Diamond Guardian Sponsors: NJ Filmmaker, TF Produce, and Willis Towers Watson, Gold Guardian Sponsors: C-Breeze Hone Improvement, Hospital for Special Surgery, OceanFirst Bank, Packaging and Distribution Resources, Partlow Insurance Agency, Preferred Home Health Care & Nursing Services, and TD Bank.

LADACIN Network provides a continuum of care, including educational, therapeutic, social, residential and support services to infants, children and adults with complex physical and developmental disabilities or delays, including child care and pre-school, early intervention, school programs, adult day programs, vocational training, supported employment, residential options, and respite programs. Today LADACIN serves over 3,500 individuals and families in 14 locations throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

Photo courtesy LADACIN

CLASSIFIEDS

Yard Sale

Neighborhood-wide Yard SaleApril 27 and 28. 9 a.m. Toms River - Sutton Pl., Norwood Dr., River Terrace, Signal Lane, Kim Court, Marjorie Dr., and many more! (20)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Childcare in my

Brick/Point border Princeton Ave. - Many years experience with infants toddlers and school aged. 2 full time positions available 1 part time. Great prices no registration. Call Jenn to set up a meet and greet 347-458-5797. (22)

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)

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)

Housecleaning - Painting, shopping, laundry, window cleaning, carpet cleaning, office cleaning. Also offering typing services. Very good prices. 732-330-4189, 848-287-3944. (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)

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)

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. (21)

Handyman Service - Carpentry, masonry, painting repairs large and small. 40 years experience. Call Jim 732-674-3346. (39)

Roofing - Covering the Jersey Shore since 1984. Removal of old shingles,

We love nice people. Looking for honest, solid citizen who likes to talk and help people. Eaglespeed Auto has a counter/office position full or part time. Call Henry 848-333-3756. (22)

Used Guns Wanted - All types: collectibles, military, etc. Call 917-681-6809. (t/n)

Do You Want Your Car To Look Nice And Shine - Call Lenny. Lenny's Mobile Auto Detailing 908-868-4609. (22)

DIRECTV - All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Direct and get your first free months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/ mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-877-557-1213. (t/n)

THE RIDE GUY - Takes you anywhere! No limits. Comfy mini-van. Call Charlie 732-2163176 or Email: cr@exit109.com. References. Let's Go! (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)

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)

At Home Caregiver - looking for live-in or hourly position. Experience & references. Own car. Call nataly 732-527-6100. (20)

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)

(14)

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 609335-0330 HIC# 13vh10806000. NO JOB TOO SMALL! (20)

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

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)

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. 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.

6.

AroUnD the JerSeY Shore

These Efficient Carnivores Are Native To The U.S.

By Renee A. Thomaier

Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

Although this species can be found in the tropical jungles, they are only native to two U.S. states – North and South Carolina. They require seasonal temperature changes and experience a dormant period in the cold season. Carnivorous, they consume grasshoppers, slugs, spiders, crickets, beetles, worms, ants, and flies. An endangered species, North Carolina considers it a serious crime to harm them, chargeable as a misdemeanor to a felony. Poaching is their biggest threat. This plant, yes, plant – the Venus flytrap

By Chris Lundy

OCEAN COUNTY – Government officials confirmed that letters from the U.S. Department of Justice informing people of a data breach are legitimate.

At least 17 people contacted the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs to see if this was a scam, Director Ronald Heinzman said.

produces white flowers several inches above their trap, so pollinators are never harmed. There are over 50 varieties. They even make great indoor plants where they can reduce bug populations – but tap water will kill them. They attract their prey with their bright colors (that change according to their needs) and sweet nectar. Their trapping mechanism is a very advanced one. Once prey enters the trap and begins trying to escape by moving, only if it is acceptable food for the plant, the trap will shut, drowning their prey. Digesting their food can take days to weeks. Interestingly, they don’t require bugs to survive. They can create

their own food through photosynthesis. So, for that to occur, sunlight is required, along with nutritious soil. Consuming bugs provides nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium which supplements their diet. On occasion insects will be consumed, keeping the plant thriving.

Variations of the Venus flytrap have been created over decades by scientists and experienced carnivorous plant growers. These variations don’t grow in the wild but have been cultivated in a controlled environment and are available commercially for purchase. These plants can help to control small bug populations in your home, at the same time looking

Officials: Data Breach Letters Are Legitimate

“We confirmed with the Department of Justice that these letters are indeed genuine and that the federal government was reaching out to individuals who may be impacted by the data breach,” Heinzman said.

Greylock McKinnon and Associates, a Department of Justice contractor, was the victim of a ransomware attack that may have revealed the personal information of some individuals

who had business dealings with the firm. Leaked information could have included a person’s name, address, Social Security number, date of birth, driver’s license number and Medicare Beneficiary Identifiers.

Acting Director of the Executive Office for United States Attorneys, Norm Wong, sent the letter to people who might have been impacted. The breach did not reach the DOJ, and was

more attractive than those bug strips.

This plant is not harmful or poisonous to humans. They are beautiful, and as you read this article, once again we learn that nature takes care of itself – if we let it. Charles Darwin described this plant as the ‘most wonderful plant in the world.’

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.

limited to the contractor Greylock McKinnon and Associates.

After learning about the breach, Ocean County then contacted the people who were concerned that they were beings scammed.

“My office sent letters to every individual assuring them the correspondence was legitimate and did originate with the Department of Justice,” said Heinzman.

TOMS RIVER –The Ocean County Library, the Mental Health Awareness Committee of Ocean County and the Ocean County chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) will mark Mental Health Awareness Month with the 2024 Mental Health Provider Fair and Awards Ceremony at the OCL Toms River Branch, 4:30 to 7 p.m. on

2024 Mental Health Provider Fair

May 1.

Representatives from Ocean County agencies that support children and adults affected by mental illnesses and/ or substance abuse will be available to discuss resources and services at the Fair in Mancini Hall. Light refreshments will be provided.

The event will also feature the “Cele-

brating Wellness” awards ceremony at 5:30 p.m. It will feature a proclamation presentation by the Ocean County Board of Commissioners.

The Ocean County Mental Health Awareness Committee will honor community members who have worked to end the stigma often associated with mental health conditions. Fifth-grade students will be honored

for participating in the “What a Difference a Friend Makes” art contest. Teens and young adults will be recognized for their art in the “Creative Expressions” contest.

Register at tinyurl.com/OclTrNAMI for this free program. For more information, stop by the OCL Toms River Branch, 101 Washington Street, call 732-349-6200 or visit theoceancountylibrary.org/events.

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!

Local resident Ellen Bratowicz was able to make lemonade out of lemons despite the gloomy sky. She was able to capture two swans as they relaxed in Lavallette on the Barnegat Bay side. We are sure the birds of the Jersey Shore are anxious for Memorial Day weekend which will be here very soon. Want to see your pic in this space?

Email photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you may win a prize!

FUN & GAMES SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ARIES (March 21-April 19): You may have lots of opportunities to contribute to more than one good cause in the week to come. Keep track of your contributions, no matter how big or small. Your generosity could add up and lead to financial incentives.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Imaginative ideas may pop into your head with surprising frequency. You might have the ability to harness some of your innovative thoughts and turn them to practical use. Explore innovative opportunities and ways to approach tasks.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You may be fascinated by the ancient wonders of the world or prompted to research unsolved mysteries of the universe. It may be amazing that random information could end up being relevant to your everyday life when you least expect it.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): It is human nature to desire to have a sense of belonging and fit in with your peers. Pay attention to your behaviors and feelings as they might tell you if you may be lowering your standards to appear to be in agreement with everyone else.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) : Performing mundane tasks might help you remember something important. Utilize this time to relax your mind and experience clarity. Washing the dishes, mowing the lawn, or just taking a nap can help the answer rise to the surface.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You may find strategic thinking to be both exhausting and fulfilling. Asking appropriate questions and using your research skills may help you discover valuable facts and improve your projects. Avoid analyzing those closest to you.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): A craving for

FOR THE WEEK OF APR 27 - MAY 3

BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS

OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

romance may be on your mind, if so, don’t be shy about it. You can let your special someone know how you feel without saying a word. Use all the tools at your disposal to find other ways to communicate during the week to come.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) : Take some time to think about the acts of kindness in your everyday life. Everyone has times when they need extra support or a comforting hand to hold. Being of service to other people could expand and enhance the love in your soul.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Your mind or home may be cluttered with ideas and plans that you’ve been putting off. It could be time to organize the usable stuff and scrap the rest. Creating clear space in both your mind and environment could lead to more focused success.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): It might be easy to recognize clutter in someone else’s life, although you may think your sentimental treasures to be essential to your happiness. Think carefully about what’s truly important before you start sweeping the shelves clear.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Explore your curiosity with a bit of caution. It may be understandable to want to learn more about the inner workings of things but be mindful that you might create tension if you ask someone too many personal questions early on.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Ensure you have the appropriate tools for your journey as preparation tends to be the first step to solving any problem. Taking a moment to pause and think could alleviate panic. Focus on compromising for a universal win-win.

(c) 2024 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

TRY OUR TAKE ON LATKES FOR PASSOVER

By America’s Test Kitchen

THICK AND CREAMY POTATO LATKES

(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.