2025-03-15 - The Jackson Times

St.HappyPatricks Day

Giraffe Calf Joins The Herd At Safari

Coral the giraffe explores one of the barns at the Adventure Resort.

By Chris Lundy

JACKSON – A new face will be seen at the Six Flags Great Adventure Resort this year: a three-month-old giraffe named Coral.

Coral was born on December 15, Six Flags staff said. They recently announced her birth and noted that they are working on reintroducing her to the herd before opening day, March 29.

Although she’s healthy now, she had a bit of a rough start. She had difficulty standing, but has overcome that issue and is now going strong.

The calf is currently housed in one of the barns dedicated to giraffes. Her father is Conan and her mother is Mariah, and they both live at Wild Safari.

According to National Geographic, giraffes give birth standing up. This means the young enter the world by falling more than 5 feet to the ground at birth. This comes from them being the world’s tallest animal, standing at a height of up to 19 feet.

Infants can usually stand in half an hour and can run just ten hours after birth. The average newborn is about 6 feet tall at birth and weighs about 150 pounds. They grow approximately 4 feet during their first year of life.

According to the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, only about 40% of infant giraffes in the wild make it past their first year because they are targeted by lions, leopards, hyenas, crocodiles, and wild dogs. In the absence of

Business Administrator Parts Ways With Jackson

By Bob Vosseller

JACKSON – The Township Council recently voted in support of a resolution authorizing a separation agreement that will end Terence Wall’s years of service as business administrator of the municipality.

During the Council’s most recent meeting that was postponed by two days, Resolution R114-2025 was read as part of the consent agenda. No specifics about that resolution were

noted or who it applied to but some members of the public were aware of who the resolution concerned and addressed his departure during the public comment period.

Wall told The Jackson Times that it was his decision to leave the position. He said the administration and financial departments were left in good order. He will be joining the recent exodus of high level staff that has included the (Administrator - See Page 5)

Council President Criticizes Police Chief

By Bob Vosseller

JACKSON – As the Township Council moves forward on its own DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) effort which one resident referred to as DOJE (Department of Jackson Efficiency) Council

President Jennifer Kuhn discussed upcoming performance reviews concerning key township departments.

Last month she called for an internal review of the Police Department, Department of Public Works, Code Enforcement office and Building Department.

The council president read a prepared statement during a recent meeting, “Department heads have been asked to provide details and a breakdown of staff, salaries and daily operations allowing us to identify areas for cost saving and better resource allocations. We are investigating why some departments are overstaffed while others are under resourced.”

“Our priority is to ensure that every tax dollar is spent wisely,” Kuhn said noting that some of the township’s ordinances need to be reviewed and that some haven’t been updated since the 1960s. “It is time to modernize today’s Jackson Township. Government moves slowly and change isn’t always popular but progress requires action.”

“One issue we are addressing is ordinance enforcement. Passing laws without enforcing

(Council - See Page 4)

Sherrill Wins County Democrats’ Mini-Convention

By Stephanie Faughnan

OCEAN COUNTY – Mikie Sherrill secured the most votes at the Ocean County Democrats’ mini-convention at Central Regional High School. However, she did not meet the majority threshold required to receive the organization’s endorsement in the June 10 primary for New Jersey governor.

Sherrill received 63 votes (38.4%), followed by Stephen Sweeney with 31 votes (18.9%), Ras Baraka with 26 votes (15.8%), Steven Fulop with 23 votes (14.0%), and Sean Spiller with 21 votes (12.8%).

(Sherrill - See Page 15)

Photo courtesy Six Flags

(Giraffes - See Page 4)

Mikie Sherrill won the Ocean County Democratic Mini-convention with 38.4% of the vote.

Photo by Stephanie Faughnan

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Giraffes:

Continued From Page 1

predators, such as in captivity, the mortality rate is near zero.

Adult giraffes can still fall prey to lions, the Foundation stated. But by then they’ve learned to defend themselves with powerful kicks.

them is unacceptable. Recently a department admitted that they were not enforcing the landlord registration ordinance adopted on February 27, 2024,” Kuhn noted.

She added, “no requests for an extension, no explanation, just inaction. That is not acceptable. If ordinances are on the books they must be upheld and we will strongly request that the administration hold those departments accountable.”

“We are working with the administration to ensure that employees fulfill their daily responsibilities,” Kuhn said that she has been busy reading the township’s employee handbook.

The township is currently without a business administrator. Terence Wall who served in that role for six years left recently. He had been serving as interim chief financial officer in the absence of the CFO who retired and deputy CFO who also left recently. The township also replaced its clerk of two years when she left to become township clerk of Red Bank Township in January.

A new clerk was hired a few weeks later

With their height and strong vision, they become lookout towers, being alert to predators. It’s hypothesized that other herbivores gather near giraffes knowing that the giraffes will see danger before they do, National Geographic said. They are also impacted by human encroachment into wilderness areas. They are listed as a Vulnerable species, which is one step above Endangered.

and last week the Council voted to enter into an agreement with Barnegat Township for financial services.

Criticizing The Chief

Kuhn took aim at one department in particular, the police department of which she serves as liaison to. “After a year ago, this council approved the creation of the position of public safety director - a decision that has strong support for the men and women of the Jackson police department. This position was allegedly necessary due to concerns raised by nearly two decades of leadership under Chief Matthew Kunz who some believe may have hinged the department’s efficiency and internal coordination.”

“We were informed by officers of all ranks about ongoing disarray within the department. Allegedly there has been no staff meetings since August of 2015 and Chief Kunz reportedly failed to attend or engage any efforts to improve communications within the department,” the council president added.

Kuhn also said mentioned allegations that the chief “did not adequately address a critical staffing shortage including unfilled

The age range of giraffes is disputed.

The Foundation noted that it’s generally accepted that they live up to 25 years in the wild and longer in captivity. However, there isn’t a great deal of recorded history on studying this, so the numbers aren’t as specific as researchers would like. For more information, visit sixflags.com/ wildsafari.

patrol and supervisory positions. Some have questioned his decision-making regarding staffing changes such as reassignment of personnel from specialized roles such as a traffic safety sergeant without justifying it with leadership.”

“The chief shows little interest in hiring additional officers - a process that has largely been driven by Director (Joseph) Candido, the administration and council,” Kuhn said. She also claimed the chief of failing to take steps to secure funding for “bulletproof vests for the officers leaving them vulnerable. Many officers continue to wear expired vests.”

She said under Candido’s leadership, the vests are being secured and she praised the director’s efforts concerning budgeting, addressing efficiencies “that were left by the previous leadership.”

Chief Kunz is suing the township for hiring a public safety director. At the time of Candido’s hiring the position was stated to have a maximum yearly salary of $200,000 but he is currently being paid $235,887.76 while Kunz, whose last raise was in 2019, is making $216,178. The lawsuit accuses Candido of taking authority that belongs to

the police chief.

RICE Notice?

The council president was asked during the meeting’s public comment session if a RICE notice was issued to Chief Kunz given his job performance was discussed publicly. A RICE notice is a notification from a public body that it is going to discuss an individual’s employment in an upcoming meeting.

Under New Jersey’s Open Public Meetings Act, known as the Sunshine Law, generally speaking meetings of public bodies should be open to the public. The purpose of the Sunshine Law is to avoid secrecy in governance, and to give citizens advance notice of, and the right to attend, meetings of public bodies at which topics of interest to them are going to be addressed.

There are some exceptions to this requirement, one of which is that discussion of personnel matters affecting specific individuals should be held in closed session. This exception allows the individuals being discussed to avoid having their employment and, often, their flaws, discussed in public.

(Council - See Page 5)

The Jackson Times, March 15, 2025, Page

Council

:

Continued From Page 4

Some workers prefer to have their “dirty laundry” aired in public, so that they can know what was said, rather than learning only the final outcome of the discussion. Chief Kunz was not present in the audience at that meeting and The Jackson Times contacted him to ask if he had received a RICE notice. He responded that he could not comment on this matter.

Administrator:

township clerk, the chief financial officer and the assistant chief financial officer.

Wall had recently been called upon to conduct a full review of the township’s police department, building department, code enforcement office and Department of Public Works by Council President Jennifer Kuhn.

This followed an argument during a January 30 council meeting that had also been rescheduled to later date where the council voted against the hiring of an interim CFO in the wake of the CFO and Deputy CFO exits.

Wall argued that the township was left “naked” and legally vulnerable without a serving CFO as budget preparation season had started but Kuhn responded during that session that Wall was not telling the facts about the issue.

She also chastised Wall for not properly vetting the candidate whose contract to work for Jackson was ultimately turned down. Kuhn said seeing the candidate’s

Council President Kuhn was also asked if a RICE notice was issued. She sent The Jack-

names on banking paperwork before the vote to hire him was even taken, represented a red flag warning. Wall responded that this was draft documents in the event he was hired and he tore them up during the verbal sparring with Kuhn.

Council members rejected Wall’s recommendation for the interim CFO in a 4-0 vote. Disciplinary actions taken by that candidate’s former superiors were noted by Councilman Giuseppe Palmeri, Councilman Nino Borrelli and the council president as the primary reason to oppose his hiring.

Council Vice President Mordechai Burnstein confirmed with The Jackson Times that an outside firm will be contracted to conduct an independent audit of the critical township departments.

Wall has served as Jackson’s business administrator for six years and his role included presenting and explaining each year’s proposed budget, hosting public events such as Jackson Day and interacting with each department head and fielding questions by township residents on matters involving those departments

son Times a message from the township’s legal counsel stating the, “agenda simply listed council member comments, it is not required that the subject or content of those comments be posted in advance.”

The statement added, “all comments were made in public, there was no discussion of the terms or conditions of Chief’s employment, no discussion of discipline and there was nothing hidden from the public. Council President simply reported to the public concerns she has about the department and its leadership currently. RICE Notice not required.”

and their work and procedures.

Wall served on the Holmdel Township Committee for nine years, and had been the chief administrator in three other municipalities. He told The Jackson Times, “After over six years of dedicated service to Jackson as the Business Administrator under the thoughtful leadership of Mayor Michael Reina and the outstanding work of dedicated departments, I have decided to retire from my position and transition into the private sector.”

“It has been an honor to serve the residents of Jackson, and I am incredibly proud of the progress we made during my tenure. From improving infrastructure and public safety to strengthening fiscal management and enhancing transparency, I believe we’ve made a lasting impact that benefits the community,” Wall added.

Wall added that some of the key accomplishments he was most proud of included: fiscal responsibility; upgrades to roads, parks and other facilities; increasing public safety staff and achieving first time NJ Police Chiefs Accreditation; and expanding digital services and streamlin-

ing municipal operations.

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Wall said, “while I’m proud of my time in municipal administration, I’m excited about this next chapter. At Marsh McLennan (a global professional services firm), I will be leveraging my experience in Monmouth, Union, Bergen and Ocean Counties to help schools, universities, municipalities, counties, and all public sector and private entities secure the best possible insurance and risk management solutions.”

“I look forward to helping them navigate complex insurance decisions to protect their employees, assets, and communities,” he added.

No discussion was made of the separation pay Wall would receive and it is up to Mayor Reina to hire Wall’s replacement. The mayor was not present during that council meeting.

Wall told The Jackson Times that this year’s budget “is on track and we are endeavoring to find a CFO. There is a shortage of candidates throughout the state.” He was serving as interim CFO in the absence of a CFO and Deputy CFO.

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Correspondence & Commentary From Your Local, County, State & Federal Officials

A Failing Grade For The Latest School Funding Plan

Capitol Comments

Assemblyman Alex Sauickie

TRENTON - A few weeks ago, I wrote that I was keeping an eye on two things that would indicate what school funding would be like now that the school funding law known as S-2 has been fully implemented. One of those things was the governor’s budget address. The other is a bipartisan school aid reform bill that I’m sponsoring. Since then, I attended the budget address as I wrote here last week. At that time, all I had was the speech and some additional information provided by legislative staff. I didn’t have the school aid numbers, which typically follow shortly after the speech. Now I have the aid amounts. Unfortunately, “the song remains the same” for Jackson, as Led Zeppelin might say. Jackson was cut another $700,000, which is the maximum 3% reduction allowed according to Gov. Murphy’s new rule. Without that limit, believe it or not, Jackson would have been cut an absurd $4.6 million more.

Plumsted received an increase of about $340,000, which is about 7% more aid than it received last year. Gov. Murphy had also placed a 6% cap on formula aid increases, but Plumsted received a little more because of aid outside of the main formula. However, without the cap on increased aid, Plumsted would have received

$1.4 million more, which it sorely needs.

Meanwhile, Newark, for example, did pretty well once again. The school district with the $1 million travel budget that sends school board members and staff to The Bellagio in Las Vegas among other locales, the one with a spanking-new AI-powered $12 million security system, the one that was rebuked by the state Department of Education for spending $43,000 on a staff party, got a $75 million increase.

That, of course, comes a year after its previous increase of $100 million. This is not to suggest that there are no other districts getting more aid while repeatedly demonstrating waste and abuse of state aid funds. It’s just that Newark is the most obvious example.

When I went to Trenton to testify against the acting Commissioner of Education getting full confirmation from the state Senate, one of the committee members had some comments for me. As a Senator from Newark, she brought up my public remarks about the excessive amounts of aid pouring into Newark schools. She stated that Newark schools had been underfunded for years, so it’s only right that the state is providing a lot of additional aid now – I’m paraphrasing here, but that’s the gist of it. Of course, there’s plenty I could have said in response, but I stuck with something on which we both agree: all of Newark’s students deserve the

opportunity to succeed, as do all students in the state. That’s why I was there.

Yet it seems odd to me that so many legislators believe past underfunding was wrong, but don’t seem particularly concerned about current underfunding that’s taking place on their watch under legislation they supported. We should all be able to agree that it’s wrong to crush educational and extracurricular opportunities for students, no matter where they live or what happened in the past.

Regrettably, it appears to be explainable only as I contended in my column printed here last July, “Your Children’s Schools Are Being Ruined, and It’s By Design.” I recommend re-reading it, but the headline sums it up well. Most of the people who supported the funding law at issue are rewarding people who vote the way they like, by taking crucial school aid away from people who vote the way they don’t like.

Recently I received a disturbing but not surprising letter from David Ytreboe, Superintendent of the Plumsted Twp. School District. As noted above, his district was unilaterally short-funded by $1.4 million in the governor’s proposal while years of aid cuts have the district in a financial hole.

Like Jackson, he was already forced to close a school and rearrange grades, and now is faced with dire choices for his next budget. His district is planning to eliminate all sports and clubs at its high school, which now includes 7th and 8th grades due to the school closure, and cut the school resource officer and three school safety officers.

He’s also concerned that the need to cut more positions will risk class sizes rising from 27 to 41 students. So what option does Gov. Murphy have in mind for districts like Plumsted, where his withholding of money owed would lead to such disastrous harm to kids’ education?

To nobody’s surprise, it’s raising property taxes.

The Murphy plan would let districts that are spending below their local “fair share” - the amount the state says school districts should raise in property taxes - hike them above the state’s 2% cap, according to the New Jersey Monitor. The state would provide additional funding to districts that do so, reportedly the funding owed but choked off by Murphy’s limit.

The plan does borrow some good ideas from pending legislation: the limit on aid cuts, basing special education aid on enrollment instead of an average, and using an average of property values over several years to determine the local share, instead of a single year.

But he just can’t help trying to raise property taxes, even if it means withholding aid increases that are owed to small, rural districts with a small tax base due largely to preserved farmland. Encouraging property tax hikes while penalizing farmland preservation gets a failing grade from me. Alex Sauickie is a life-long Jackson resident who represents his home town and 12 other towns in the State Assembly. Follow him on Facebook (/AssemblymanAlex) and on Instagram (@AssemblymanAlex), or visit his website at AssemblymanAlex.com.

Bill Would Strengthen Protections, Restore Intent Of Federal Religious Freedom Law

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cory Booker reintroduced the Do No Harm Act, which will restore the original intent of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), and prohibit individuals and businesses from using religion to deny others’ civil rights. Companion legislation was reintroduced in the House by Committee on Education

and Workforce Ranking

Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA-03), Committee on the Judiciary Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (DMD-08), Subcommittee on the Constitution and Limited Government Ranking Member Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-05), and Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN-09).

The legislation comes amid a sharp rise in the misapplication of RFRA to justify discrimination in a wide range of scenarios.

The Trump Administration is poised to supercharge the misapplication of RFRA through executive actions. For example, on

February 7, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14205 titled “Establishment of the White House Faith Office” directing the White House Faith Office to support federal agencies in providing training and education on the availability of religious exemptions.

The Do No Harm Act limits the use of RFRA in cases involving discrimination, child labor and abuse, wages and collective bargaining, access to health care, public accommodations, and social services provided through government contracts.

“Freedom of religion is one of our country’s founding principles, but freely exercising one’s faith does not create the right to deny another person of their civil liberties,” said

Senator Booker. “The Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 (RFRA) was never meant to create a loophole for discrimination. The Do No Harm Act is critical legislation that will restore the careful balance of the First Amendment and RFRA’s original intent by ensuring that religious beliefs cannot be used to deny people of their right to live free from discrimination.

“When Congress passed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act in 1993, it was intended to protect religious exercise - not to erode civil rights under the guise of religious freedom. Regrettably, we have seen RFRA repeatedly used to attack civil rights (Government - See Page 8)

Disclaimer: Micromedia Publications has always provided a space in its newspapers to provide a place for readers to learn what their elected officials are doing. These items are lightly edited for such things as punctuation and grammar but are mostly unchanged from the source. These press releases are the politicians’ own views, not that of Micromedia Publications. We cannot vouch for the accuracy of information that these politicians are providing, and readers are encouraged to keep an open mind and consider multiple sources.

Senator Cory Booker

MANCHESTER TIMES • BERKELEY TIMES • BRICK TIMES

JACKSON TIMES • HOWELL TIMES

Government:

Continued From Page 7

protections, deny access to health care, and allow discrimination in federal contracts and programs,” said Ranking Member Scott. “The Do No Harm Act simply provides that RFRA cannot be used to limit access to health care, deny services supported by taxpayer dollars, or undermine the Civil Rights Act or other anti-discrimination protections. Congress must take this critical step to ensure no one can weaponize religious freedom to erode our fundamental civil and legal rights.”

“Our constitutional right to worship freely is not a right to violate the civil rights of other people,” said Ranking Member Raskin. “That’s why I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Do No Harm Act, a bill which will make sure that we respect the universal free exercise of religion but that no one can turn it into a weapon against other people’s equality and freedom.”

“The free exercise of religious beliefs is one

of our country’s founding principles,” said Congresswoman Scanlon. “But religious freedom laws are increasingly being weaponized to justify discrimination and undermine civil rights protections. I’m proud to introduce the Do No Harm Act to restore the chronically misused Religious Freedom Restoration Act to its original intent – which is to provide protections for religious exercise while ensuring that RFRA is not used to erode civil rights under the guise of religious freedom.”

“Civil rights grow. We can enforce and protect one person’s rights without sacrificing another’s. And in so doing, we can apply our laws to expand the rights of all. We don’t need to pit one group against another,” said Congressman Cohen. “The Do No Harm Act advances the original intent of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and corrects the courts’ misguided interpretations that have allowed the religious rights of some to be used to undermine the civil rights of others. I’m pleased to join Congressman Scott in this effort.”

Registration Open For Summer Camp 2025

JACKSON – Program dates: June 30 to August 15, Monday through Friday (no camp July 3 & 4). Camp location: Jackson Memorial High School.

Registration will not be accepted after camp begins. Children must be registered to be engaged in any activity. There is not a nurse on site during camp. Registration fee is for the entire 7-weeks.

Children will be grouped as follows (grade currently enrolled in):

K & 1st graders

2nd & 3rd graders

4th & 5th graders

6th, 7th & 8th graders

Camp Only: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

1st child $500

2nd child $475

3rd child $450

With Morning Care: 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

1st child $575

2nd child $550

3rd child $525

With After Care: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

1st child $600

2nd child $575

3rd child $550

Full Day: 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

1st child $675

2nd child $650

3rd child $625

Trip information: trips are optional; trips are subject to availability; trip fees are not included in registration fee; no trip refundsif child does not attend, disciplinary action, suspension or withdrawn from camp; trips are non-transferable; once camp begins trip sign ups can only be done at camp, if they are open. Payment must be made at the time of registration

Refund information: $10 fee per refund/ deducted from refund; no refunds after program begins; if the township cancels a trip a full refund will be issued; refunds are done by voucher and take approximately 4 to 6 weeks; $5 credit card fee is non -refundable; refunds cannot go back onto your credit card; if you are notified that your child has to quarantine due to COVID, and was scheduled for a trip, you will be offered a credit or a refund for the trip(s) only Register beginning March 10 at: register. communitypass.net/Jackson. There is a $5 fee per transaction when paying online with a credit card - $25 additional fee for non-residents. After June 20, a $50 late registration fee per family.

Spring Basketball Clinic

JACKSON – Jackson Recreation has announced a Spring Basketball Clinic which will be held at Switlik Elementary School from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the following dates: Grades K to 4: April 28, 29, 30, May 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

Grades 5 to 8: May 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23.

Registration fee is $100 for residents and $125 for non-residents. Register at register. communitypass.net/jackson.

Trade And Jobs Fair

JACKSON – The Jackson School District is excited to provide students with information on multiple pathways to a bright future. Consider coming out to their Trade and Jobs Fair on March 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. at

Jackson Liberty High School. Students and parents can talk directly with representatives from trade schools, unions, apprenticeships, the military and certificate training programs and employers.

Volunteers Have Cats Available For Adoption

JACKSON – Calling All Cats is a cat rescue group made up of volunteers, some of whom work at a spay and neuter clinic. People would drop off unwanted cats. As a group, they save the babies that are left alone, the countless mothers that have had numerous litters and those that are losing or have lost their home.

Leilani came into the rescue on a terribly hot day this past July. She and her five kittens were living in the edge of a parking lot very close to Route 9. She and her babies were so ridiculously friendly that it was a no-brainer. They had to be brought into the rescue and adopted out. The kittens got adopted pretty quickly. But then Leilani surprised her foster mom by giving birth again. She did an amazing job with that sweet baby and he got adopted right after

Photo courtesy Calling All Cats her turned three months. Now it’s Momma Bear’s turn to find her furever home. (Yes. That’s her nickname.)

Little Miss has a little bit of an attitude towards other cats. Let’s just say, if they get too close for her liking, they get a smack. BUT, she’s super friendly with people. To help humanely lower the feline population, they spay and neuter feral cats and then find homes for the friendly adults and the offspring that have been born. The rescue works extremely hard to find the best homes for cats of all shapes, sizes, colors and ages. While these cats wait, they are cared for in safe, loving, and nurturing foster homes

To start the application process, visit Calling All Cats on Facebook and Petfinder.com.

Plumsted Library To Present Acoustic Musicians Guild In Concert

PLUMSTED – Enjoy the natural sound of unplugged music? Join us for an evening of songs by the Acoustic Musicians Guild at the Ocean County Library Plumsted Branch, 7 p.m. on April 7.

Founded in 1996, the Brick Township-based guild is a 501(c) nonprofit organization that promotes the advancement of acoustic music and musicians in New Jersey. The group is open to all genres, welcomes musicians of all skill levels and offers non-judgmental support. The Acoustic Musicians Guild is com-

posed of instrumentalists and vocalists who perform collectively and individually. Many members appear on the Guild’s self-released album Paper Town Blues. Jam sessions and meetings take place on the third Wednesday of each month except December. Register at tinyurl.com/OclAMG to attend this free program. For more information, stop by the OCL Plumsted Branch, 119 Evergreen Road, or call 609-758-7888. See the full schedule of Library programs in the online Calendar of Events.

Local Animal Rescue Group Asking Public For Help With Donations

JACKSON – Rescue Ridge a non-profit, no-kill, all-volunteer animal rescue group works tirelessly to find homes for all its animals in need. Founded in 2001 out of Spring Lake, the non-profit group had rapidly expanded with the love and support from the local communities. With seven adoption centers for cats, foster homes for both cats and dogs, and two local kenneling sites for dogs (one kennel located in Howell, NJ), not to mention its aggressive adoption events, this group is always in need of basic supplies. We pull from local high kill shelters, receive calls for help and take in strays etc. We are now asking the local communities for help in allowing us to continue our mission of saving lives. Rescue Ridge currently has approximately 200 volunteers and counting. This alone shows you how aggressive and dedicated this group is to giving animals a second chance in life. We incur very high vet bills, along with all the medication, sheltering expenses and so much more. It is with this we ask for basic supplies. “The mission of Rescue Ridge is to Rescue. Our dream is to one day won’t have to.”

Our one cat adoption location is in Pet Supply Plus in Jackson located at 2275 W County Line Road, Jackson, which is excepting the donations for the group. Rescue Ridge is asking for basic supplies: Monetary donations, gift cards to Pet Supply Plus stores.

For our cats, the group is in great need of: laundry detergent (he is best), large garbage bags (industrial size), Friskies wet food and diamond dry for cats, clumping litter, cat treats – must say made in USA, cat toys, “Simply Green” or “Rescue” cleaner to clean cages.

Our dogs are in great need of: From wet or dry dog food – chicken is best, dog treatsmust say made in the USA, Wee-wee pads and hard rubber toys such as Kong. Please no stuffed toys as they eat the material and the squeakers!

To keep the facilities running, the group is in great need of: paper towels, laundry detergent – liquid (h/e) is best, bleach – must say kill 99%, copy paper, large garbage bags (industrial size) and stamps.

In addition, we are in great need of volunteers for cat/kitten fostering and to help with fundraising/events.

Please no more blankets or sheets. We thank the public for donating them and now we have more than enough.

If you or anyone you know can help with any of these items, please donate and volunteer. Rescue Ridge is always in need.

If you are interested in adoption or have a question, please call us at 732-546-8805 or text, our email is rescueridgeshelter@ gmail.com. You can also visit us on our website and view our amazing animals at rescueridge.com. Together we are “Saving Pets By The Jersey Shore.”

Representatives To Help Seniors With Property Tax Relief Program

JACKSON – Representatives from The Division of Taxation will be at the Jackson Township Senior Center, 45 Don Connor Boulevard, on April 7 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. to explain and answer all your questions on the New Tax Relief programs. Must call 732-928-2313 to register ahead

of time. Limited seating. This is a very important meeting. All who receive property tax relief should attend this meeting. If unable to attend this meeting date, other speaker events can be found on the Divisions website: nj.gov/treasury/taxation/ propertytaxreliefevents.shtml.

Jackson Township Summer Concert Series

JACKSON – Jackson Township has announced their Summer Concert Series which will be held at the Jackson Justice Complex, 1 Jackson Drive, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Please bring your own lawn chairs. Food trucks on-site. For more information, visit

jacksontwpnj.net/218/recreation.

June 5 - The Remedy band

June 19 - Jakes Country Band

July 17 - Briar Connection

August 7 - DNA

August 21-Living Proof band

Summer Tennis Clinic

JACKSON – Jackson Recreation has announced their 2025 Summer Tennis Clinic which will be held on Tuesdays from June 3 through July 22 at Johnson Memorial Park, 192

Kierych Memorial Drive, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Open to kids in grades 1 to 5. Cost is $100 for residents and $125 for non-residents. Register now at capturepoint.com.

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!

Around the JerSey Shore

Plastics – The Start –Its Growth – The Problem

By Renee A. Thomaier

Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

In the 1970s, plastic became the go-to material. During that time the plastic grocery bag was introduced, serving as an alternative to a paper bag. This is something we are trying to go back to more than 40 years later. A dip in production occurs as laws are introduced.

In 2008, China put a ban on supermarkets providing plastic bags being given out. This resulted in global production dropping. The alternative to plastic grocery bags was telling people carry cloth or paper bags for their shopping needs. Of course, now retailers could face prosecution if they were found violating the law.

More and more laws were introduced with at least 23 levies; laws or pieces of legislation being introduced globally in 21 different countries. While more and more laws are created, still plastic production increased, which surpassed growth in population. Online commerce was booming and while eliminating plastic bags, for instance, packing online items often resulted in the use of plastic.

Fast forward, we know all too well problems have arisen in using plastics, in particular the disposal of them. Marine wildlife often confuses plastic items with

food. As plastics accumulate in their bodies, animals will die from starvation/ poisoning.

Reuse, recycle, cut back on single-use plastics - these can help in addressing the 150 million metric tons of plastic in our oceans (statistic from 2019). Businesses have begun to find solutions such as their use, disposal and sources of plastics. It takes one hundred companies to prevent 50 million tons of plastic waste.

Correcting damage going back decades is and will continue to be something to carefully assess and monitor as we move forward. Demanding urgent action from our government to deliver a successful, effective global treaty addressing the pollution by plastic by 2024. Sadly, a report by The Associated Press, dated December 2, 2024, the headline read ‘Negotiators fail to reach an agreement on a plastic pollution treaty. Talks to resume next year.’ Yet another delay.

I gathered the information for this article from multiple sources from 2019 and 2021 so statistics today will be different. 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.

New Jersey American Water To Start Annual Spring Cleaning

CAMDEN – Beginning next week and into the fall months, New Jersey American Water will perform the annual flushing of its water distribution system to continue to provide customers with high-quality, reliable water service.

“Flushing our system is an important, routine process that helps us clean out any mineral deposits or sediment that may have built up over time inside the pipes,” said New Jersey American Water Vice President of Operations, Ben Morris. “While we’re flushing, we also take the opportunity to check our water pressure and fire flows in the system and confirm our hydrants are operational.”

Flushing involves simultaneously opening fire hydrants in a specific area to create increased water flows. This routine flushing program also includes flushing blowoff valves on dead-end water mains throughout the system. While water mains are being cleaned, customers may notice short periods of low water pressure or discolored water. If customers experience temporary water discoloration, New Jersey American Water recommends running the cold water until it is clear. The following steps are also encouraged:

• Sign up and opt-in for general alerts to be notified when flushing takes place.

• Draw water for cooking prior to the flushing period.

• Store a large pitcher of water in the refrigerator

for drinking.

• Check for discolored water before using the washing machine or dishwasher.

• If water pressure or water volume seems low after flushing has been completed, check faucet screens for trapped particles.

“In addition to continuously investing in our infrastructure, essential maintenance activities such as our hydrant flushing program are key to providing our customers with high-quality drinking water, and it is an annual requirement of the Water Quality Accountability Act,” Morris added.

New Jersey American Water will notify customers when flushing takes place in their area through its mass notification system and asks customers to take a few moments to update their contact information and preferences in their MyWater account. Customers must opt-in for general alerts to receive local flushing and other non-emergency notifications via phone call, text or email. Individuals who are not New Jersey American Water account holders but would like to receive alerts and notifications from the company can also sign up by visiting awcodered.com or by texting WATER to 99411.

To learn more about New Jersey American Water’s 2025 hydrant flushing program, visit the flushing page at newjerseyamwater.com.

NOTICE OF MEETING FOR THE BOARD OF SCHOOL ESTIMATE OF THE OCEAN COUNTY VOCATIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that the meeting of the Board of School Estimate of the Ocean County Vocational Technical School District is scheduled for Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at 3:00 p.m., in the Ocean County Administration Building, 101 Hooper Avenue, Room 304, Toms River, New Jersey, for the purpose of reviewing and approving the proposed budget for the Ocean County Vocational Technical School District for the 2025-2026 school year.

Formal action will be taken at this meeting.

Stephen J. Brennan, CPA, MBA Secretary, Board of School Estimate

ere ’ s t o Y our H e A lt H

Dr. Izzy’s

Sound News

Presented By: Isidore Kirsh, Ph.D., F.A.A.A. (N.J. Lic. #678)

My Hearing Aid Is Dead Again It’s The Stupid Wax Guard!

Hearing aids can stop working for a variety of reasons. The most common cause is build-up in the wax guard. 99% of all hearing instruments have a white wax guard that is typically replaced by you or the hearing care professional. The wax guard protects the receiver of the hearing aid from getting clogged. If you fail to clean your hearing aids on a daily basis, the wax guard could potentially get clogged within a week. You should either clean the wax guard with a soft dry toothbrush or use Audio wipes. With custom hearing aids that are molded to your ears, the wax guard can easily be cleaned and replaced. For those of you that wear receiver in the canal hearing aids, you would typically have to remove the rubber dome to clean the wax guard and replace it. Make sure when you put the dome back on the receiver, that it’s properly secure or the dome may get lodged into your ear and you may not be able to remove it. If you are religiously replacing the wax

guard every week, it is more than likely that you have a significant amount of ear wax which should be removed by either your PCP or ENT. If you replace the wax guard and/or dome and the hearing aid is still not working, you should make an appointment with your hearing care professional.

In summary, make sure you clean your hearing aid on daily basis with a soft dry toothbrush. Consider purchasing Audio wipes from your hearing care professional which is a “non-alcohol” based wipe. These are extremely valuable for removing wax from the filter or dome. You should also be put on a 4-6 month schedule with your hearing health care professional to properly clean and adjust your hearing instruments. These visits should be at no charge.

Dr. Izzy and his Staff are always here to listen to your hearing care needs. Please feel free to contact our office at 732-451-3962 or visit our website at gardenstatehearing.com.

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

Change In Date For Veteran’s Claims Clinic

TOMS RIVER – If you are a veteran and need to apply for veteran’s benefits or for an increase in your existing claim rating, then please read the following (note that this is a different date than originally printed).

Our specialists at your local American Legion Post #129 wants to help. All veterans are welcome! On May 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the American Legion Post #129 at 2025 Church Road, Toms River, will be hosting a Claims Clinic and there will be volunteer claims specialists on site to help you apply for your benefits from the

Veterans Administration. Bring your DD-214 with you if you have it available. If you have lost your DD-214, we can help you apply for a new copy. Do you already have an approved Claim Rating? The specialist may be able to help you obtain a higher percentage rating with a higher monthly benefit. Bring your paperwork with you.

If you are not able to drive, your family member or friend is welcome to come into the clinic to assist you. So please come and join and let us help you attain your deserved benefits… you earned them!

Volunteers Needed At New Jersey Blood Services

NEW JERSEY – New Jersey Blood Services (NJBS), a

of

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 our 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 and

be able to perform tasks as needed. Must have transportation. All training is provided including additional precautions for the safety of our team and blood donors. For additional information call or email Allison Bouton, Volunteer Relations Coordinator, Volunteer Services, Tuesday to Friday 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

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

Dr. Isidore Kirsh Ph.D., F.A.A.A.

ere ’ s t o Y our H e A lt H

Dear Pharmacist

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Shingles Pain: How To Heal, Recover & Get Your Life Back

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

If you’ve had shingles, or know someone who has, you know it’s brutal. The burning pain, the angry rash, the exhaustion... it can knock even the strongest person off their feet. According to the CDC, 1 in 3 Americans will develop shingles in their lifetime.

Shingles (herpes zoster) is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same one that gave you chickenpox. It stays dormant in your nerve cells until stress, a weakened immune system, or just bad luck wakes it up. Then, it travels along the nerves, causing painful blisters and inflammation. Some people develop post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), where the pain lingers long after the rash disappears. But don’t worry, I’ll help you with a solid recovery plan today.

Timing is everything! Starting antiviral medications within 72 hours can significantly reduce pain and complications. A doctor will typically prescribe either acyclovir, valacyclovir or famciclovir. Those are antivirals, but there are drugs that actually target the nerve pain and those would be gabapentin or pregabalin. To numb the area you can buy lidocaine patches. Finally, acetaminophen and ibuprofen are commonly used to help with generalized body aches and pain, but they don’t stop the nerve pain.

A 2016 Journal of Infectious Diseases study found that starting antivirals

within 72 hours cuts PHN risk by nearly 50 percent, so don’t wait! Let’s add some natural power: Top 6 Supplements for Shingles Recovery

1. Vitamin C: Boosts immunity and helps skin repair (1,000–2,000 mg daily)

2. Zinc: Speeds up wound healing and fights infections (25–50 mg daily)

3. L-Lysine: Helps stop viral replication (1,000 mg three times daily)

4. Vitamin B12: Supports nerve repair (1,000 mcg daily, methyl cobalamin preferred)

5. Magnesium: Calms nerve pain and relaxes muscles (400–600 mg daily)

6. Vitamin D: Helps improve the level of inflammation, therefore reduces pain. This was shown in a 2018 Pain Medicine study that evaluated 60 patients over a few weeks. As far as lifestyle hacks, try a cool compress or some calamine lotion to the rash areas. You can also soak in an oatmeal bath. Try to sleep because your body will heal faster. Act fast with antivirals, support your body with the right nutrients, and give yourself grace to rest. For sure, we know that suboptimal levels of either vitamin C or D will lead to increased pain and problems. So will unmanaged diabetes. If you’re interested in a deeper dive into this topic, I’ve written a longer, more comprehensive blog on my website at suzycohen.com.

(This information is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Suzy Cohen is the author of “The 24-Hour Pharmacist” and “Real Solutions.” For more information, visit www.SuzyCohen.com) ©2024 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.

Ocean County Bereavement Groups

OCEAN COUNTY – Therapist/Clergy, Rev. Dr. Anthony Lipari, FCM, has been offering Grief Support Group sessions for over 21 years during the last week of every month. The sessions are offered at 1 p.m. throughout Ocean County. The locations are as follows:

• Mondays: Ocean County Memorial Park in Waretown

• Tuesdays: Timothy Ryan Funeral Home on Fischer Boulevard, Toms River

• Wednesdays: Quinn Hopping Funeral Home on Mule Road, Toms River

• Thursdays: Anderson Campbell Funeral Home on Ridgeway Road, Manchester

• Fridays: Manchester Memorial Home on Schoolhouse Road, Whiting

Food Addicts Anonymous Meetings

BAYVILLE – In person meetings are every Monday night at 7 p.m. at the Methodist Church just south of the Dinosaur in Bayville. (526 Atlantic City Boulevard,

Bayville.)

Come check it out if you’re wondering whether Food Addicts Anonymous could help you or someone you know!

Around the JerSey Shore

Share Your Military Story –Free Interviews

OCEAN COUNTY – The United States Navy Memorial will be sending film crews to conduct free interviews of the members of the Tin Can Sailors Association of New Jersey, all interested veterans from all branches from the area, and their family members on March 29 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The interviews will take place at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 130 Cable Avenue, Beachwood. The goal of our program is to video, archive, and preserve the stories of our Nation’s Service Veterans for future generations of Americans.

All veterans are welcome to participate, as well as wives, children, and family members who wish to share stories of their loved ones. There are no fees associated for this program and each veteran who participates will receive a Lone Sailor Pin, instructions on where to view their video interviews online, that will be added to the

Navy Memorial Archive, and more. These interviews will be placed in the Navy Log and archived by the United States Navy Memorial. Sample interview questions: When did you join the service? Where were you sent for boot camp? What was your role in the military? What was your most memorable experience?

Our mission is to interview, record, and archive the accounts of our Nation’s Veterans. These accounts are vital to our nation’s history, and it is our mission to archive the stories of our veterans so that we can preserve our Nation’s past.

To sign-up for interviews or for more information, contact Commander, Jerry Correll, Tin Can Sailors Association of NJ; Email: commander@tcs-desvets-nj.com; 732-630-1855; tcs-desvets-nj.org.

Jackson Farmers’ Market Begins May 8

JACKSON – The Jackson Township Jackson Farmers’ presented by Hear Here will be held on Thursdays, May 8 through September 4, from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Justice Complex, 1 Jackson Drive.

Sponsored by the Jackson Township Department of Recreation.

Page 1

Ocean County Democratic Chairman Wyatt Earp said he received a message from Josh Gottheimer that he was unable to make the event. His name was removed from the ballot per convention rules. Fulop’s name was also eliminated from the ballot at his request, although his supporters decided to write him in as their choice for governor.

Fulop has put together a team throughout the state with state assembly candidates that plan to run together under the slogan “Democrats for Change.” He and the five chosen to represent districts that include Ocean County appeared at the convention. However, Fulop left before the start of speeches and voting.

During preliminary remarks, Earp said that he had received communication from Fulop and his attorney requesting the removal of his name and four assembly candidates from the ballot.

“We’re dismayed to learn that the state assembly, senate and governor signed legislation diminishing the ability for good candidates from participating in primary elections by setting up artificial barriers for a number of petition signatures, and another attempt to design a ballot in ways that favor the democratic machine,” read Earp.

“The legislation creates artificial barriers for good candidates by increasing petition signature requirements and allowing ballot designs that favor the political establishment,” Fulop’s letter stated.

In a separate letter distributed to Ocean County committee members, Fulop described his campaign as “unapologetically about reforming government but also changing and improving the political process in New Jersey.” Without naming specific counties, Fulop criticized party leadership’s influence over election outcomes, arguing that it fosters a system where elected officials are more accountable to party bosses than voters.

The names removed included Fulop, along with LD-9 candidates Donald Campbell and Rosalie Keech, and LD-10 candidates Phil Nufrio and Debra Di Donato. However, Freshta Taeb, a candidate in LD-12 who is also part of Fulop’s team, was not named in the letter. She was allowed to join the other candidates listed on the mini-convention ballot to speak before the official vote took place. Taeb confirmed that she intends to continue as part of the “Democrats for Change” team.

Candidates Recommended

While the mini-convention’s results do not determine ballot placement, they serve as a recommendation for candidates to run under the regular Democratic slogan. The following candidates were unopposed and endorsed by the convention:

LD-9: Lisa Bennett

LD-10: Janine Bauer, Pam Daniels

LD-12: Freshta Taeb

LD-30: Avi Schnall

Ocean County Sheriff: Jeff Horn

Ocean County Commissioners: Art Halloran, Brandon Rose

Ocean County Clerk: Sam Pinkava

“This is the first time we’re casting a vote since the county line was eliminated last year,” Earp noted during the convention.

Michael Jenkins, president of the Lacey Democratic Club, sought clarification on the vote’s significance.

“You’re voting that it will be on record if the Ocean County Democrats pick a candidate - that’s who we support on record,” Earp explained. “It will be the recommendation to use our slogan, which is the regular Democratic slogan.”

Election Changes

Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation recently requiring an office-block format for primary ballots. The county line system, which previously allowed party leaders in most counties to group endorsed candidates together, will no longer be used. Instead, candidates running for the same office will now be listed together, making the ballot more neutral.

The reform follows a lawsuit filed by then-Congressman and now Senator Andy Kim, who successfully challenged the county line system while running for U.S. Senate. In 2024, a federal judge ruled in Kim’s favor, leading to an appeals court upholding the decision. The new law cements this change statewide.

Party Unity

Mikie Sherrill, Sean Spiller, and Stephen Sweeney delivered speeches ahead of the vote, while Orange Mayor Dwayne D. Warren spoke on behalf of Ras Baraka. All cited their experience as elected officials and their motivation for seeking the governor’s seat.

Earp emphasized party unity in his closing remarks. “Just to be very, very clear, there is no way that in this state we can afford to have a Republican governor,” he said. “I know each and every one of these candidates personally, and I’d be happy if any of them were the nominee in November.”

Sherrill (D-11th), a Navy veteran and former federal prosecutor, focused her speech on national political challenges. “I do not recognize what’s going on in Washington, D.C., right now,” she said. “People are afraid of Trump, afraid to stand up, and it’s harming our country.”

She pointed to her experience flipping a Republican-held congressional district in 2018 as proof that she can build a winning coalition in November. “I was told I couldn’t do it, that a 20-year incumbent was too powerful, but I refused to give up,” Sherrill said. “We need to bring together grassroots progressives, unions, and voters who’ve lost faith in government. That’s how we win.”

Free On-Site Paper Shredding

JACKSON – For any individuals looking to shred old or confidential papers and documents safely and securely, free onsite paper shredding will be available on April 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Oliverie

Funeral Homes, 25 S. Cooks Bridge Road Jackson. For more information, call 732-719-7250. This article was brought to you by our advertisers.

R.C. Shea & Assoc. Inside The Law

Delay, Deny And Defend

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

Mike Deem

Insurance companies are operated by accountants with little or no regard for the human consequences of injuries caused by their insureds or businesses. Their motive is to “delay, deny and defend” and they are the real perpetrators of insurance fraud. “The bottom line is that insurance companies make money when they don’t pay claims. They’ll do anything to avoid paying, because if they wait long enough, they know the policyholders will die.”

ing upon the experienced attorneys at R.C. Shea & Associates, our job is to present the truth to the jury, and effectively counter defense tactics which distort the truth.

– Mary Beth Senkewicz, former senior executive at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). When the insurance company calls you following an accident, their representative will seem sympathetic and tell you how sorry they are that you were injured. Then they will send you a pre-written, form letter expressing their concerns. At this time, you are now formerly known to the insurance company as Claim # 1234567890. The insurance company’s only real concern is to figure a way to profit from the premiums that you have paid over the years by either not paying your claim or paying well below the true value of your claim. This is called “low balling”. This is why you need to immediately call an experienced attorney to understand your legal rights. The insurance company will not voluntarily tell you all of your legal rights, since doing so will cost them money.

As experienced attorneys, we at R.C. Shea & Associates have become obsessed with exposing insurance companies’ deceptive practices and the junk science they espouse through their hired guns to defeat their insured’s legitimate claims. By call-

If you find yourself injured as a result of an automobile collision, ask your insurance company about your right to medical expense benefits, income continuation benefits (in the event you cannot work) and essential service benefits (in the event you cannot perform household chores). If you have been injured in a trip and fall accident, you may have a right to extended medical expense benefits (Med-Pay) from the owner/occupier of the property where you were injured.

Have you limited your right to seek compensation for the pain and suffering that was inflicted upon you by an irresponsible party? If you cannot answer this question then the answer is probably “yes.” Ask your insurance company why you have the Limitation on Lawsuit Option (Verbal Threshold) in your automobile insurance policy and ask them why you don’t know that such a limitation is in your policy. You will be surprised to learn that you could have avoided this (verbal threshold) trap had your insurance company told you, up front, that for a small increase in your premium you could have elected an unlimited right to pursue compensation for pain, suffering and future medical expenses. Don’t be a victim by getting caught-up in the insurance company’s trap. Don’t let them delay, deny and defend your legitimate claim. If you have been involved in an accident, then call us for a free consultation. (732) 505-1212.

TOMS RIVER – Join us for a free, virtual conversation with award-winning journalist and author Clara Bingham about her new book, “The Movement: How Women’s Liberation Transformed America, 1963-1973” at 2 p.m. on March 20.

The Movement is an oral history of the decade that built the modern feminist movement, told through the individual voices of the people who lived it. Artists and politicians, athletes and lawyers, black and white, The Movement brings readers into the rooms where these women insist-

ed on being treated as first-class citizens and, in the process, changed the fabric of American life.

Clara Bingham is the author of The Movement, Witness to the Revolution, Women on the Hill, and the co-author of Class Action. A former Washington, D.C. correspondent for Newsweek , her writing has appeared in Vanity Fair, The Guardian, and The Daily Beast

Registration is required for this free virtual program. To register, or for more information, visit tinyurl.com/BinghamAuthorTalk.

Michael J. Deem, Esq.

Commissioners Speak Out Against BPU For Utility Rate Hikes

OCEAN COUNTY – Ocean County Commissioners Robert Arace and Jennifer Bacchione are demanding immediate action against the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) for its reckless approval of skyrocketing electric rates, calling the increases a direct threat to the financial well-being of local residents.

“These utility rate hikes are unsustainable, unjustified, and downright predatory,” said Commissioner Arace. “I hear from residents every day who are being forced to choose between paying their electric bill and buying groceries or medication. This is unacceptable, and the BPU must be held accountable.”

Commissioner Bacchione echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need for immediate relief. “Our residents should not have to bear the burden of rising utility costs caused by poor decisions made at the state level,” said Commissioner Bacchione. “We are committed to fighting for policies that put the interests of our residents first and ensure transparency and fairness from utility companies.”

With thousands of Ocean County residents, including seniors and veterans, struggling under the weight of these increases, Commissioners Arace and Bacchione are throwing their full support behind new legislation (S-4096 and A-5299) introduced by Senator Carmen Amato, Jr., Assemblyman Brian Rumpf, and Assemblyman Gregory Myhre. This bill would:

• Prohibit electric public utilities from increasing rates to recover the cost of installing smart meters.

• Mandate full disclosure of all rate increases, including the amount, effective date, and the real impact on residents’ bills.

• Prevent electric companies from disconnecting service or charging late fees for ratepayers affected by increases of 5% or more within six months.

These protections are essential as residents across Ocean County have reported seeing massive spikes in their bills immediately after smart meters were installed. The bill mirrors federal efforts led by Congressman Jeff Van Drew, reinforcing a growing bipartisan movement to rein in corporate overreach by utility companies.

“New Jersey is in the middle of an affordability crisis, and yet the BPU continues to

rubber-stamp excessive rate hikes with little transparency,” Arace continued. “The smart meter issue is just the latest example of how residents are being nickel-and-dimed without regard for their financial well-being.”

Commissioner Bacchione added, “It’s time for the BPU to put people over profits and ensure that residents are not left to

struggle under the weight of unfair rate hikes. We stand united with our legislative partners in demanding accountability and action.”

Commissioners Arace and Bacchione are calling for the immediate passage of this legislation and an urgent freeze on all future rate increases until a more transparent

and accountable system is in place. They are also urging Ocean County residents to make their voices heard by contacting the BPU and demanding action.

“We stand with our state and federal legislators in this fight to protect New Jersey families, and we will not stop until we bring real relief to Ocean County,” Arace concluded.

Lakehurst Historical Society To Host Meeting Of Ocean County Historical Societies

LAKEHURST – The Borough of Lakehurst

Historical Society is hosting a meeting of Ocean County historical societies at the Lakehurst Community Center, 207 Center Street, on March 19 at 7 p.m.

Join the public meeting to learn about the upcoming 2026 commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and New Jersey’s pivotal role in the

American Revolution.

New Jersey was crucial to winning the American Revolution as it saw more battles, skirmishes, and naval engagements than any other state and was truly “the Crossroads of the American Revolution. Historical societies throughout Ocean County are dedicated to preserving, understanding, and enjoying our rich local history.

Also featured at the March 19th countywide meeting of historical societies is an invitation by the Navy Lakehurst Historical Society for visitors to tours of the Joint Base Museum, Hindenburg crash site, and the Cathedral of the Air.

Historical societies representing the following communities are expected to attend the roundtable meeting on March 19th: Barnegat,

Berkeley Township, Brick, Island Heights, Lacey Township, Lakehurst, Long Beach Island, Navy Lakehurst, Ocean County Historical Society, Ocean Gate, Pinelands Cultural and Historical Preservation Society, Point Pleasant, Seaside Heights, Tuckerton, and Waretown. All are invited to attend. Light refreshments will be served. If you have any questions, contact Bernadette Dugan at 732-232-9710.

CLASSIFIEDS

Items Wanted

Lakewood 55+ Covington Village – For Rent IMMACULATE

2BR/2BA CONDO $2,100/MO, hdwd floors; CAC; Washer/Dryer; balcony, gorgeous clubhouse amenities, pool, gym; parking; pet friendly, close to shopping, beaches, all major highways; 201-390-7377. Available immediately. (15)

For Rent Real Estate

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CAVAPOO male pups available - Great disposition,vet chk,shots reds, buff parents on site. Contact 321-377-4000. (15)

Help Save Libby – Urgent Vet Bills Libby needs life-saving treatment. Donate to https://gofund. me/e3c2c90b or call 808-7218189. Every dollar helps! (14)

Greenbriar Woodlands PresentsMidatlantic Men Broadway Talent, Global Hits Two Americans & One witty Brit face off in a vocal sensation to see which country does pop better. Saturday, April 5, 7 p.m. Greenbriar Woodlands Clubhouse, 1 Kensington Circle Toms River. Tickets $30Thursday, March 13, 9:30 - 11 a.m., Saturday, March 22, 9:30 - 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 26, 6-7 p.m. Greenbriar Woodlands Clubhouse 1 Kensington Circle Toms River. Questions call Janet 848-224-4761. (15)

Items Wanted

$$$ WANTED TO BUY $$$

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. 732849-6068 (new number). (t/n)

COSTUME/ESTATE JEWELRY

Looking to buy costume/estate jewelry, old rosaries and religious medals, all watches and any type of sterling silver, bowls, flatware candlesticks or jewelry. Same day house calls and cash on the spot. 5 percent more with this AD. Call Peggy at 732-581-5225. (t/n)

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)

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)

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

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

Services Help Wanted

Magnolia Gardens Assisted Living is hiring a full and part time Dietary Aides If interested, please email resume to HR@magnoliaal.com or call us at 732-557-6500. You can also visit us in person at 1935 Route 9 Toms River 08755. (17)

Magnolia Gardens Assisted Living is hiring a fullcook. If interested, please email resume to HR@magnoliaal.com or call us at 732-557-6500. You can also visit us in person at 1935 Route 9 Toms River 08755. (14)

Laundromat Attendant - For FT/ PT Good communication skills, math and min computer knowledge. Transportation needed. Long term commitment only. 732-286-1863. (t/n)

Certified Home Health Aides - Needed for Ocean County area. Hourly and live-in positions avail. P/T and F/T. Call CCC at 732-206-1047. (t/n)

Services

Handyman Solutions - Affordable prices that are budget friendly. All phases of Home Improvement and Repairs. Carpentry • Laminate Flooring • Painting • Drywall • Doors • Windows • Siding • Hand and Vinyl Railings • Decks • Minor Plumbing/Electrical and more. Licensed Insured. 609-384-9030. (50)

Experienced, Reliable - Private duty (no agency fees) Caregiver/Home Health aide available for live-in, or hourly position South Jersey, Jersey Shore area. Call Nina at 732-8676686. (15)

INCOME TAX ACCOUNTANTSPersonal and small business tax returns.Over 30 years experience. Reasonable fees. Mention this ad and get $20 off. Call for appointment. 732-270-6505. (16)

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)

Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-833-901-0309 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move. (t/n)

"Stick With the Man That Covers Your Can! - Residential and Commercia Pump-outs FREE 1 year supply of enzyme treatment with each septic pump-out. Septic Inspections. Septic System Installations and All Repairs. Grease Traps installation and pump outs. Tank Abandonment and Demolition. 24 Hours Emergency Service! 732-244-0189. (5)

CAR SERVICE - Specializing in Newark and Atlantic City Airports, Point Pleasant and Bay Head Train Station. Call Kevin 727-396-7820. (8)

Garden State Property Maintenance - All yard work. Tree-trimming and removal, stump grinding, pavers, decks, flower beds, weeding. 609-661-5470. (t/n)

Gardeners Wanted – Work independently - garden maintenance, plant care, seasonal planting. Small gardens. Experi-enced or will train. Great business opportunity! Learn and grow. Call Joseph 732-232-8144. (12)

Monmouth & Ocean MOBILE NOTARY - I come to you. Text or email for rates and availabilty 732-887-6408, Rhansen0114@gmail.com. (13)

PQ Painting & Home Improvement Services - Over 5 decades of service in NJ. Visit us online at pqpaintingservice.com. Winner of Angie’s List Super Service Award. Free estimates, reasonable rates, fully licensed and insured NJ Lic #13VH06752800. Call 732500-3063 or 609-356-2444. (t/n)

Since 1979, Kitchen Magic, a family-owned business offering cabinet refacing, new cabinetry, and luxury countertop throughout the Northeast. We transform kitchens in less time, with less stress, at an amazing value. Call today for a free estimate 1-844-367-2477. (t/n)

DIRECTV - All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Directv and get your first three 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)

APlus Home Improvements - Over 30 years experience. Everything from small handyman tasks to large renovations. Fully insured and licensed. Seniors 10% off any job $500 or more. Lic #13VH11453600. No job too small give us a call. 908-278-1322. (7)

THE RIDE GUY - Takes you anywhere! No limits. Comfy mini-van. References. Call Charlie 732-216-3176 or Email: cr@exit109.com. Let's Go! (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)

Nor’easter Painting and Staining, LLC - Interior and exterior. Decks, powerwashing. Affordable. Senior discounts. References. No job too small. Fully insured. 732-691-0123. Lic #13VH09460600. (t/n)

Cleaning Service - Too tired or can't be bothered. Call Donna 732-3305916. Rentals, overturns, construction and residential. Insured and bonded. (9)

International Folk Dance Teacher Available - Beginners classes for adults/youngsters. Also chair-dance for seniors or developmentally disabled. Text 929-465-9773 for info. (7)

CHEAP PAINTING Done RITEFree est. Senior discounts interior exterior. Call 732-506-7787, cell 646-643-7678. (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. (43)

DO YOU WANT YOUR CAR TO LOOK GOOD AND SHINE ? Call Lenny - Lenny's Mobile Auto Detailing 908-868-4609. (15)

• M ail this form to: PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733. OR

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• Fax this form to 732-657-7388 ATTN: ALI.

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

Estate/Garage/Yard Sales

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You are responsible for checking your ad the first time it runs and notifying us of any errors. If we make an error, we will correct it and rerun the ad. We will not be responsible for multiple insertions if you do not call us after the first ad run. No refunds for classified ads. Newspapers are available at our office. Please feel free to stop in and check your ad.

Price As Follows:

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

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If you have any questions, leave a message for Ali 732-657-7344, ext. 203. Deadline For Classified Ads: 12pm Monday (For that Saturday’s publication) 3. 1 week* at $29.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $

photo of the week

Last May, Micromedia Vice President Jason Allentoff was driving home from work, when he noticed a utility pole wearing a bra. It became a Photo of the Week and garnered a lot of hilarious responses from readers. The bra has remained on the pole ever since. This week, there was a new addition: the pole now has a face and is wearing underwear! You can see it on Route 539 at the Lacey-Barnegat border. We still do not know who put it there, but it is hilarious just the same. Submit your Jersey Shore pix to photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you may see your pic in this space!

OCC Repertory Theatre Co. Presents ‘Amadeus’ At Grunin Center

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County College Repertory Theatre Company will present Peter Shaffer’s Tony Award-winning play, “Amadeus,” on March 14 to 16 and March 21 to 23. Performances will take place in the Black Box Theater (Building 11B) at the Grunin Center for the Arts, located on the main campus of Ocean County College.

In the court of the Austrian Emperor Joseph II, Antonio Salieri is the established composer. Enter the greatest musical genius of all time: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Salieri has given himself to God so that he might realize his sole ambition, to be a great composer. Mozart is a foul-mouthed, graceless oaf who has that which

Photo courtesy Ocean County College is beyond Salieri’s envious grasp: Genius.

Performances:

March 14 – 7:30 p.m.

March 15 – 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

March 16 – 2 p.m.

March 21 – 7:30 p.m.

March 22 – 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

March 23 – 2 p.m.

Directed by Paul Chalakani, this production is made possible through the generous support of the Ocean County College Foundation. Tickets are $21 adults, $19 seniors. To purchase, visit grunincenter.org or call the Grunin Center Box Office at 732-255-0500.

FUN & GAMES SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Ongoing drama 5 Sounds of reve

lation

__ bean 13 Cereal coveted by a silly rabbit

Garlic piece

Baaing mamas

*Playful semiaquatic mammal

Merit 19 “__ the Force, Luke” 20 Looked over 21 Green shade named for a fruit 22 Electric car maker

*Seafood served on the half shell

Flower starter 28 Thompson of “Thor: Love and Thunder”

Parcel of land

Chiding sounds

Black as night

Sail the seven __

Spiteful, as gossip

Baseball Hall of Famer Stengel

Campfire residue

*Request with a tight timeline

Broadcast again

the Lone-

in a heist

of “Homeland”

Reason to get all gussied up 7 “__ Maria”

8 Spanish verb similar to “estar” 9 Is completely comfortable

Anticipate 11 Vivacity 12 Ed who played Lou Grant

Playfully shy

Share a bedtime story with 21 Kvetching cries 23 “Magically delicious” cereal 25 Has on 26 Norwegian city with a Viking Ship Museum

Mammal with elephant and leopard varieties Down 1 Walk like a peacock 2 Pop up 3 Volunteers in the community one grew up in, say 4 Cord cutter? 5 Take in or let out

29 Prefix with athlete

30 “Apollo 13” director Howard 31 Fine equine

33 “Really? There’s no more?” 34 Tool set 35 Wily 37 Cold War initials 39 Egyptian beetle 42 Long-fingered lemurs of Madagascar

45 “You’ve got mail” ISP

47 Politely declines, maybe 48 Development sites 49 Greet and seat 50 Very funny folks 52 Terse refusal

53 Total stranger, or a three-word hint to the answers to the starred clues

56 Rx writers, often 59 Animal logo on a Dodge truck 60 __-Wan Kenobi 61 Caveat in a text

FOR THE WEEK OF MAR 15 - MAR 21

BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS

OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

ARIES (March 21-April 19): If you commit to providing a service, make sure to deliver on your promise. In the coming week, you might face challenges from others in your environment if you fail to honor your commitments. Stay passionate about striving for excellence.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You may find something unexpected on your bingo card. Consider embracing others’ ideas as this could lead you down thrilling new avenues you wouldn’t discover alone. Think outside the box; traditional methods might seem dull.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Trust your vision and have confidence in your foresight to see what lies ahead. You may discern the truth and expect others to honor their commitments. Consider embracing and implementing changes that depend on collaboration.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Actions may speak louder than words. There might be a limit to how much talk people will trust before you need to take action. Spending quality time with a loved one could significantly boost the mood and health of your relationship.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Someone near to you might need someone to lean on. You may be able to provide significant support just by listening to their concerns; by showing some understanding, you could bring about positive outcomes for everyone involved.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You may feel confident in yourself without needing others’ approval. It might be sufficient to show a job well done, a promise fulfilled, or a goal accomplished. When you’re happy, it could positively affect those around you.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): You might encounter an opportunity to advance that’s taken care of by someone else. Although there’s nothing inherently wrong with progressing, thoroughly check the ethics of a situation. Do right upon others and it could be returned.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You might transform even the most routine tasks into something exciting by exploring unconventional approaches or integrating novel concepts. Your words hold weight so if you make a promise, be sure you follow through.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You might be too involved in an issue to view it impartially; it could benefit you to step back for a clearer, different viewpoint. Your enthusiasm could attract attention, drawing people eager to include you in their plans.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Doing a small favor could open doors to greater opportunities. You might find chances to enhance both your relationships and your prospects. Consider implementing some small yet crucial habits that may change things for the better.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Little things may hold a lot of meaning. Small gestures of kindness could significantly ease tensions in difficult situations. A touch of playful rivalry might help break down barriers and foster a nice atmosphere with someone special.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You may have a chance to make up for past mistakes. Acknowledging that perfection is unattainable and taking responsibility for your errors could earn respect. Be mindful not to become your own worst critic if emotions run high.

GATHER ’ROUND A BOWL OF BUTTERY, KALESTUDDED COLCANNON THIS

ST. PATRICK’S DAY

By America’s Test Kitchen

Colcannon is a simple, beloved Irish preparation of mashed potatoes studded with greens and alliums and topped generously with butter.

In our take, we opted to punctuate the mash with earthy leaves of kale and mild, sweet scallions. We used Yukon Gold potatoes to yield a creamy mash. We chopped the inclusions small and then sautéed them in butter to ensure that they’d fold effortlessly into the potatoes.

Pouring the milk into the pan of sautéed vegetables and bringing the mixture to a simmer encouraged the dairy to take on the vegetables’ flavor. We strained the solids out of the milk for mashing and then gently folded them in at the end to ensure that they weren’t crushed.

For the most traditional presentation, serve the colcannon in a large serving bowl. Shape a divot in the center and allow a knob of butter to melt and fill the pool.

COLCANNON

Serves 4 to 6

2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/2-inch thick

1 1/4 teaspoons table salt, plus salt for cooking potatoes

8 ounces curly kale

8 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

1/4 teaspoon pepper

8 scallions, sliced thin (3/4 cup)

1 1/2 cups whole milk

1. Place potatoes and 1 tablespoon salt in a large saucepan, add water to cover by 1 inch, and bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until potatoes are tender and paring knife can be easily slipped in and out of potatoes, 18 to 22 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, stem kale, then slice stems thin crosswise and set aside. Cut leaves into 1-inch pieces.

3. Melt 6 tablespoons butter in a 12inch skillet over medium heat. Add kale stems, 1 tablespoon water, 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until kale stems have softened, 6 to 8 minutes.

4. Stir in kale leaves and scallions, and cook until kale leaves have wilted and scallions are softened, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in milk, increase heat to high, and bring to simmer. Remove pan from heat and cover to keep warm.

5. Drain potatoes and return to saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring, until potatoes are thoroughly dried, about 30 seconds. Remove from heat. Pour milk mixture through fine-mesh strainer over potatoes; reserve solids.

6. Using potato masher, mash potatoes to desired smoothness. Gently fold in solids from strainer. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Transfer potatoes to a serving bowl. Using a spoon, create depression in the center of the potatoes. Place remaining 2 tablespoons butter in depression. Serve.

For the most traditional presentation, serve the colcannon in a large serving bowl.