2025-03-22 - The Toms River Times

Chefs’ Night Out Puts OCVTS On The Menu For Success

Members of the Ocean County Vocational Technical School culinary program gather during the 28th Annual International Chefs’ Night Out and Gift Auction held at the RWJBarnabas Health Arena in Toms River.

By Bob Vosseller

OCEAN COUNTY – Chefs’ Night Out featured delicious food and drink samplings from 60 local restaurants and vendors. With a 50/50 raffle valued at $10,000 and a gift auction, it served as the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Ocean County Foundation for Vocational Technical Education.

OCVTS culinary students were out in force with several tables of dessert delicacies. Students Damien Romeo Jr. and Kimberly Cespedes even brought some dessert to attendees in the form of their Cannoli Caddy where your cannolis were made to order, with a choice of topping options.

Among the restaurants present was The Waterfront based in the Forked River section of Lacey Township

School District State Aid Increases

TOMS

By Chris Lundy

RIVER

– For the first time in years, the state aid that the Toms River Regional School District is receiving increased, but this is following seven years of cumulative decreases.

Much has already been written about the S-2 funding formula that the state used to redistribute aid to districts. Schools in Toms River, Jackson, and Lacey – among many

others – lost millions and had to cut teachers and programs.

The state aid went from this year’s $28,180,559 to next year’s $29,871,392, an increase of $1,690,833. The increase is 6% because there is a new rule that no district can get more than 6%.

School Business Administrator William Doering said that if the new state aid wasn’t capped at 6%, they (School District - See Page 15)

that provided a small plate filled with three items to sample. The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Kitchen of Toms River offered up shrimp and grits, Klee’s and Henry’s – both in Seaside - provided bread pudding and chocolate bread pudding samples.

Beverages were important too. Flying Monkeys served several variations of one of their craft beers. Icarus Brewing Company of Brick and Bacchus Winemakers in Toms River also provided sample drinks from their establishments.

Among the many attendees were Judy Cook and Peter Devine of Beachwood who came out to enjoy the food and atmosphere. “The desserts are all really amazing. This is our first time. We were at something

(Chefs’ Night Out - See Page 4)

Fight Continues About Overnight Homeless Shelter

By Stephanie Faughnan

TOMS RIVER - A quiet residential neighborhood in Toms River has continued as the unlikely battleground over a proposed 17-bed overnight homeless shelter. The plan, spearheaded by Christ Church of Toms River and managed by the Affordable Housing Alliance (AHA), has ignited passionate arguments from supporters and detractors, leading to lengthy and contentious hearings before the local zoning board.

Christ Church wants to add the shelter to its outreach program located on its property at 415 Washington Street in the R-150 zone.

The zoning board determines if a property can be used in a way that is not currently allowed, in this case a shelter in a residential zone. At the heart of the matter is whether a small-scale homeless shelter offers enough of an inherent benefit to allow it? Would the shelter be an auxiliary use of the church?

Many residents, unfamiliar with the quasi-judicial nature of the hearings, have appeared frustrated with the process. While eager to share their opinions and research, they are currently restricted to cross-examining witnesses based solely on their testimony.

The proposed shelter would be housed within a renovated and expanded two-and-a-half-story building on the church’s property. Notably, the Toms River Housing and Homeless Coalition currently uses the upper level of the structure as

(Homeless Shelter - See Page 4)

Congressman Faces Criticism At Rally

By Bob Vosseller

JERSEY SHORE – Crowds protested recent actions by the Trump administration, and they wanted to know where their congressman stands on the issues.

A head count from the first rally held a few weeks back was approximately 70 people, most of whom carried signs in front of Toms River Town Hall where Congressman Chris Smith (R-4th) has a district office. A second rally was held later at

the same location.

The protestors chanted slogans and spoke in opposition toward President Donald Trump’s policies concerning immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cuts of federal employees, removing medical insurance programs to U.S. citizens and cutting foreign aid plus the administration’s recent actions in dropping support to the Ukraine.

(Rally - See Page 5)

Photo by Bob Vosseller

Chefs’ Night Out:

Continued From Page 1

like this years ago but for a different group. This is wonderful,” Cook said.

Devine couldn’t decide what he enjoyed best. “I love the variety of food they have here.”

Helping out at the event were OCVTS cosmetology students under the direction of Barbara Stewart.

Stewart said, “I have 23 students and we have 21 of them here tonight. They are working the floor and clean-up, and they are enjoying the food too. We have a lot more vendors this year.”

Some Frank Sinatra classics were heard sung

Homeless

the Ocean County Housing Resource Center.

A group of faith-based leaders, nonprofits, and government agencies work together to assist the unhoused, who regularly meet at the location.

by Joseph Necci who performed during the evening.

The event is always held on the first Monday in March. It moved back to the RWJBarnabas Health Arena after two years at the Lacey Elks Lodge.

Numerous attendees got the chance to enjoy a night out for a cause to help fund scholarships, educational programs, and support services “that are crucial for the growth and success of our students in career and technical education,” said Annie Sayers, transition specialist with the Vo-Tech.

Sayers noted, “this is more than just a night out enjoying delicious culinary delights; it’s

ground checks will be conducted, focusing on serious criminal offenses and potential safety risks. The facility will address situations involving individuals with mental illness, substance abuse, or volatile behavior through collaboration with law enforcement and crisis intervention services.

an opportunity to provide the necessary tools and resources to support the educational journeys of future professionals in various trades.”

The school system has a number of new projects and plans coming up. Director of Curriculum and Grants Director Gary MacDonald was present at the fundraiser and he noted that one building project concerns the expansion of the OCVTS Jackson Center.

He also referenced the introduction of new programs and curricula, including the Bricklayer, Allied Craftworker & Mason, and Legal Studies and Paralegal Practice.

OCVTS Board member Maureen Stan-

Brian P. Murphy, a professional engineer, professional planner, and principal with FWH Associates, testified before the planning board on behalf of the church, arguing that the proposed shelter is an “inherently beneficial use” and aligns with the zone’s permitted uses.

kowitz referenced the Jackson Center project noting “it is going very well. They had to put tents around the building with heaters because it was so cold they couldn’t work on it but it is on schedule. They added more classroom space and when that is added they will have bigger projects.”

“Welding is going out there and one of the smaller projects is the Toms River center and we are improving on the mason program and taking down the Waretown building and building a new building.” She said one program would be moved to Ocean County College. “There is so much going on.”

Shelter: Continued From Page 1 (Homeless Shelter - See Page 20)

According to Randi Moore, Chief Executive Officer of AHA, her organization will manage the facility to provide overnight refuge for a maximum of 17 adults. Operational hours are strictly defined, from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m., with beds allocated by appointment only. Individuals visibly under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be denied entry, although legal restrictions prohibit on-site testing. Security measures are a central component of the plan. All bags will be subject to search, and exterior doors will be locked from the outside to prevent unauthorized access. Back-

The church’s proximity to downtown Toms River and bus routes has been highlighted as a benefit for the unhoused.

“Inherently Beneficial” Use

A key challenge for the applicants is that homeless shelters are not permitted in any of Toms River’s residential zones. To proceed, Christ Church has applied for a use D1 variance, which requires them to demonstrate that the shelter meets both positive and negative criteria.

Christ Church is represented by attorney Harvey York, whose presentation in the application included expert witness testimony.

Murphy outlined the permitted uses within the R-150 zone, which include single-family homes, schools, various community residences, and multi-family housing. He emphasized that the church, established in the late 1800s, predates existing zoning ordinances. Murphy also cited legal precedents in stating one of the reasons the shelter would be a proper use of the church property.

“It’s held that homeless shelters are an auxiliary use of the church,” testified Murphy. “Sheltering the homeless and caring for the poor has consistently been a church function carried out over the centuries.”

“It is amongst one of the basic mandates of the

Judeo-Christian heritage throughout history that churches have carried out the Biblical mandate to aid the poor and the helpless,” Murphy continued. “To not permit the church to have the shelter, would be a violation of the fundamental tenets of the First Amendment of the Constitution prohibiting the free exercise of religion.”

Murphy argued that homeless shelters fall within the “inherently beneficial use category,” citing legal precedent and the pressing need for such facilities in Ocean County. The case law itself, however, refers to group homes and not homeless shelters.

Nevertheless, even if the proposed facility is deemed inherently beneficial, the applicants must also meet the negative criteria, proving that the shelter will not be a “substantial detriment to the public good” or “substantially impair the intent and purpose of

Continued From Page 1

The rallies were not organized by any one group but by area residents and members of the National Organization for Women (NOW), Manchester Democrats and a local Indivisible group who were present. Indivisible is a grassroots movement with a mission to “elect progressive leaders, rebuild democracy, and defeat the Trump agenda.”

Attendees of the rallies urged Smith to stand up against the Trump administration and voice objection against the Republican policies they expressed would hurt seniors, minorities and federal employees.

They also called for Smith to host a town hall meeting where he could receive questions about what is going on in Washington D.C. and what the longtime Republican’s views on these issues were. Smith’s staff members noted that he had not held a Town Hall meeting in some time. They recalled one held in 1992. Smith has held his seat in Congress since 1981.

Smith’s face appeared on several of the signs that attendees carried. His image was featured prominently on a sign carried by Diane Hurlburt of Point Pleasant who said she tried to reach out to the representative. “I was here last week and filled out a form and asked a staff member if he was going to have a town hall meeting and they said they had no idea. I’ve called for three weeks and only got a message that they took my number and name.”

When asked what concerns she had, she replied “There are so many but my main

concern today is for Medicaid and Medicare, our immigrant population in New Jersey and (DOGE director Elon) Musk controlling things. I have family who work for the federal government and the morale of workers is so low. The whole thing is a mess and its embarrassing as an American and also how we are treating our allies,” she added.

NOW members Patty Villani of Point Pleasant and Linda Fote of Toms River came out for the Friday afternoon rally for similar reasons.

Fote said, “the cuts in Medicaid will really impact women. Medicaid covers about 20% of pregnancies in this country. It also covers a lot of nursing homes for the elderly who run out of their benefits. We are really here to speak up for women’s issues about Medicaid.”

Sporting a red, white and blue jacket adorned with a Captain America shield emblem and Avengers symbol, Frank B. Oarodowski of Jackson stood out in the crowd. “I was concerned about Congressman Smith’s recent vote on the Medicaid bill.”

“This is going to affect millions of Americans. There are 70 million plus Americans on Medicaid and many of them are his constituents so I can’t understand why he would willfully neglect many of his constituents?” he asked.

Oarodowski said, “It’s just unbelievable. I’ve reached out to his office but I haven’t had the chance to talk to Mr. Smith. He seems pretty absent. Hopefully we’ll get his attention. I’m not optimistic but hopeful that we’ll make some noise here.”

South Toms River resident Debra Di Donato, who is running for state assembly in legislative

District 10, was pleased with the turnout. “It is very heartening to see the amount of people that this has brought out.”

“I have a genetic predisposition to breast and ovarian cancer and research funding for various diseases disorders and cancers (which have recently been cut in funding) are very important. Without that I wouldn’t have been able to have the knowledge for the genetic testing to undergo for the preventive necessity of a hysterectomy that could be life saving for people,” she added.

Didonato said, “as a nurse I see the cuts of Medicaid and Medicare are very detrimental to care in our state and throughout the country. It is going to flood our emergency departments by the people who should be otherwise receiving care from their primary care doctors. I am out here today in hopes that we can bring some awareness to the issues that we are seeing right now.”

Other concerns focused on getting Musk’s “hands off our data” as one chant put it during the afternoon. Drivers on Washington Street slowed down to cheer on the protestors some of whom took to the sidewalk with their protest signs.

After the rally, Congressman Smith’s office was contacted by Jersey Shore Online.com to address the concerns that the protesters brought up. His office replied with a statement that was virtually identical to a press release posted on his website two days before the first rally:

“The House took the first critical step to tackle our huge $36 trillion debt – a crushing burden that we cannot sustain or survive as a nation. Most Americans are shocked to learn

that the daily interest payment on the national debt is $2.6 billion. Yearly interest payments on the debt alone will rise to $952 billion in 2025 and will climb to over $1 trillion in 2026 - and that interest payment will total $13.8 trillion over the next decade,” Smith said. “This means the federal government already spends more on debt servicing than it does on defense spending or Medicaid. “Our children and grandchildren should not be burdened by the ever-increasing national debt. We must begin to address it today,” he said.

“The bill we passed is a budget blueprint. After extensive conversations with colleagues and House leadership, I have received commitments that we will seek to cut waste, fraud, abuse, and misdirected spending while protecting Social Security and Medicare and critical safety net programs like Medicaid that New Jersey’s seniors and most vulnerable–including individuals with disabilities –desperately need and rely upon,” Smith added. There are no current plans for Smith to host a town hall meeting. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson has actually urged fellow Republican lawmakers to avoid public town hall meetings with voters after some events turned emotional over the president’s actions firing federal workers, defunding government programs and instituting tariffs on America’s two closest neighbors, Canada and Mexico.

The congressman, who is a long time advocate on veterans’ issues, did not respond to a question about the projected cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs that the Republican administration is making, which has been estimated between 70,000 and 80,000 employees.

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

Congressman Appeals To Trump Administration To Redesignate Nigeria As A Country Of Particular Concern

From The Desk Of Congressman Chris Smith

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-4th), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, held a congressional hearing on the ongoing religious freedom violations in Nigeria. Expert witnesses joined in Smith’s appeal to Secretary Marco Rubio to redesignate Africa’s most populous nation as a “Country of Particular Concern,” a designation President Trump used in his first term to help persecuted Christians in Nigeria.

“One of our distinguished witnesses - Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of the diocese of Makurdi, Nigeria - will testify today that ‘Militant Fulani herdsman are terrorists. They steal and vandalize, they kill and boast about it, they kidnap and rape, and they enjoy total impunity from the elected officials. None of them have been arrested and brought to justice, ‘” Smith said.

“In December 2020, President Trump des-

ignated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern only to be reversed without justification by Secretary Blinken in November of 2021,” Smith said. “Religious leaders in Nigeria were outraged by Sec. Blinken’s decision.”

Smith - who is the author

of the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act (P.L. 114-281), which expressed that governments must ultimately be held accountable for the abuses that occur in their territories - said “the Government of Nigeria has failed to make progress against religiously motivated persecution of Christians despite religious freedom being enshrined as an essential human right in its Constitution.”

“Genocide Watch has called Nigeria “a killing field of defenseless Christians,” Smith said. He noted that over 52,000 Christians in Nigeria have reportedly been targeted and killed by Islamist extremists while approximately 34,000 moderate non-Fulani Muslims have been murdered in Islamist attacks, since 2009. The targeted violence has forced about five million Nigerians - mostly Christians - into Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps within Nigeria and in refugee camps at regional and

sub-regional borders.

Last year the House Foreign Affairs Committee adopted Smith’s resolution H. Res. 82 urgently calling on the Biden Administration to redesignate Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern. It passed on Feb. 6, 2024 in committee but never came to the House floor. On March 11, 2025, Smith reintroduced his legislation which is now H.Res. 220.

“While I strongly believe that President Trump will again designate Nigeria a CPC - and do much more to assist the persecuted church including outreach to Nigerian President Bola Tinuba…I reintroduced the resolution,” Smith said. “Help can’t come fast enough.”

Testifying at the House hearing, entitled “Conflict and Persecution in Nigeria: The Case for a CPC Designation,” were witnesses: Nina Shea, Senior Fellow and Director of the Center for Religious Freedom at the Hudson Institute; Tony Perkins, Former Chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom and now President of Family Research Council; Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Makurdi, Nigeria, and; Oge Onubogu , Director of the Africa Program at The Wilson Center.

Bishop Wilfred Anagbe testified: “A long-

term, Islamic agenda to homogenize the population has been implemented, over several presidencies, through a strategy to reduce and eventually eliminate the Christian identity of half of the population. This strategy includes both violent and non-violent actions, such as the exclusion of Christians from positions of power, the abduction of Church members, the raping of women, the killing and expulsion of Christians, the destruction of churches and farmlands of Christian farmers, followed by the occupation of such lands by Fulani herders. All of this takes place without government interference or reprisals.”

Director Shea told the House panel: “Nigeria is a country of superlatives - Africa’s most populous country, its largest economy and, alarmingly, the entire world’s deadliest country for Christians. In recent years, more Christians have been killed for their faith in Nigeria than all other places combined, reports the respected research group Open Doors. Currently, militant groups of nomadic Fulani Muslim herders are reported to be the greatest threat to Nigeria’s Christians, particularly those in Middle Belt farming communities. That central area is the intersection of Nigeria’s mostly Muslim North with its mostly Christian South.”

Program’s Goal Is To House All Homeless Veterans

From The Desk Of The Governor

Phil Murphy

TRENTON – The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA) and the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (NJDMAVA) began a twoday training session at the National Guard Training Center in Sea Girt highlighting New Jersey’s Bringing Veterans Home initiative to reduce veterans’ homelessness to functional zero. The Bringing Veterans Home initiative seeks to house all homeless veterans in the state by July 1, 2026, while strengthening the State’s homelessness prevention system so that any newly homeless veteran can be placed in stable housing within one month.

The Bringing Veterans Home initiative coordinates efforts between DCA’s Office of Homelessness Prevention, NJDMAVA,

federal partners at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and multiple veterans service organizations. This combined effort will ensure the State can reach its goal to house 300 veterans within the next 180 days and reach functional zero by July 1, 2026.

More than $30 million in State and federal funds have been committed to support these services and interventions over the span of two years, to place more than 1,000 homeless New Jersey veterans into stable housing. Services and interventions include Veterans Affairs Supported Housing (VASH) vouchers and other rental assistance, the State’s Veterans Haven transitional housing facilities, and Supportive Services for Veterans and Families (SSVF) programs. Additionally, the initiative will expand homelessness diversion, rapid rehousing, street outreach, emergency sheltering, and permanent housing voucher programs to

more rapidly achieve housing stabilization for all program-eligible veterans.

“Our veterans have sacrificed so much to uphold our nation’s freedom and deserve our deepest gratitude and respect for their service,” said Governor Murphy. “Our Administration is committed to providing the many veterans who call the Garden State home the support and resources they need to thrive. I am grateful to Commissioner Suárez and Brigadier General Mays for their continued efforts to ensure every veteran in New Jersey has a safe and dignified place to call home.”

“The Bringing Veterans Home initiative formally unites federal, state, and veteran service organizations throughout the state in the fight against unsheltered veteran homelessness,” said NJDCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “Using this collaborative approach, we will be sheltering our homeless veterans this year and next, while creating a strategic framework that will carry momentum long into the future.”

“Bringing Veterans Home represents a groundbreaking step toward ensuring that

no Veteran endures the hardship of homelessness.”” said Brig. Gen. Yvonne L. Mays, Commissioner of the NJDMAVA and the Adjutant General of New Jersey. “Thanks to Governor Murphy, the Legislature, the NJDCA and NJDMAVA teams and so many passionate volunteers throughout the entire state, we are in a position to effectively end veteran homelessness.

“Success requires collaboration,” said Michael Callahan, Director of the Office of Homelessness Prevention at the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. “This training event shared key insights on veteran homelessness through data analysis and interviews with people who’ve experienced it firsthand. This knowledge sharing helps us meet our goal.”

“We appreciate the support from all community partners involved in this effort in ending veteran homelessness,” said Wilmington VA Medical Center Interim Director, Dr. Matt Morris. “One homeless Veteran is one to many, we want to make sure all veterans are receiving the VA services they’ve earned.”

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.

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY

EDITORIAL

Steve Sweeney Needs To Go Away Now

While this newspaper doesn’t do endorsements, I suppose we could consider this an anti-endorsement.

I speak only for myself and not the newspaper or other staff when I say that Steve Sweeney needs to just get out of politics. He should go get a private sector job making oodles of money and cash in on all those connections I’m sure he has.

Why do I feel so strongly about this?

Sweeney was the architect of S-2, the funding formula that took away tons of state aid from Toms River, Jackson, Lacey, Plumsted, and other schools around here.

As a direct result of this legislation, these districts have been facing a crisis of funding during a time when the economy wasn’t that great to begin with. Everything is getting more expensive and then the state decides to cut millions and millions of dollars from your budget? Schools closed. Teachers and other staff were fired. And on top of all that, local taxes still went up to make up for the loss.

He’s proud of it, too. In fact, it’s the first thing he talks about if you click on “Issues” on his website.

The fact that he showed up at the Ocean County Democrats’ mini-convention looking for support is mind-boggling. It’s returning to the scene of the crime. Imagine if the guy who robbed your house stopped by your garage sale.

Additionally, he wasn’t that strong of a politician to begin with. He was unseated by Ed Durr, a man with no political history who became famous for being a truck driver that booted an entrenched politician. Durr only lasted one, two-year term in that job. Despite Sweeney being the longest-serving NJ Senate leader, outside of a small pocket of south Jersey, no one knows who he is (65,000 people voted in the election where Durr bested Sweeney).

Mr. Sweeney, with all due respect, go home. You’ve done enough damage.

Chris Lundy News Editor

Government 0fficials... Have news that you would like the community to be involved with? Let everyone know by placing a news release in this paper! Send it to news@jerseyshoreonline.com.

WE WELCOME LETTERS TO THE EDITOR!

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

All letters are printed as space allows unless deemed offensive by the editorial staff, and provided they are signed and include address & phone number for verification. Letters may not be printed if we cannot verify them. Names will not be withheld from publication. While most letters are printed as submitted, we reserve the right to edit or reject letters. The weekly deadline is 5 p.m. Thursday. Mail typed letters to: PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733, fax 732-657-7388 or e-mail news@jerseyshoreonline.com. Letters may be limited to one per month per writer at the editor’s discretion. The opinions expressed in the Letters To The Editor section do not necessarily reflect those of the staff, management or sponsors of Micromedia Publications/Jersey Shore Online. Letters to the Editor are the OPINION of the writer and the content is not checked for accuracy.

Support For Fighting Overdevelopment

For far too long, residents have been fighting overdevelopment with little to show for it. A second win came in September 2024 when the residents of Victory Road SUCCESSFULLY opposed an over 200,000 sq. ft. warehouse application and the Planning Board denied it. Alas, another win for Howell residents! But, we knew the fight would not end there. As expected, the developer sued, trying to overturn the denial. We call on our Township officials to stay resolved, much like they did in defending the denial of the Monmouth Commerce Center just a few years ago. I believe there is strength in numbers as our voices become one. I believe in standing steadfast to defend what is just and in so doing, committing to a cause with complete dedication, determination, and utilizing all necessary resources. This is why my team reached out to the Sierra Club for help. The Sierra Club is one of the largest national environmental organizations in the country. As a result, an attorney with the Sierra Club followed the Victory Road case and has now offered to join the fight to help the Planning Board defend their denial. The Sierra Club will only join the litigation in their common defense of the case if the Planning Board welcomes them to do so. Having an environmental organization like this on our side would: 1) Be at no cost to the taxpayers, 2) Amplify the environmental reasons for denying the warehouse, and 3) Defend the Township’s goal to protect the health, safety and welfare of our community. It’s time to do more than talk about quality of life being the most important thing. It’s time to combine Vision with Action!

Betty L. Velez-Gimbel Howell

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Common Ground

Oh Kumbaya! I finally found common ground with all those who voted for Donald Trump to be President of the United States again. First, we can all agree that he won the election. Second, Kamala Harris did not spend the last two and a half months whining and lying to the American people that she really won. And third, since it was a free democratic election, the American people will get the government they deserve.

For those citizens who feel disappointed that a majority of voters chose as their leader a demagogue who believes that the rule of law does not apply to him, your duty now is to bear witness to the consequences. And remember. For history’s sake.

Stay awake as the herd nods off, and avoids evidence of an insurrection that happened before their very eyes. Listen to the idiot wind that blows constantly from the mouths of all those Trump-pets pretending that traitors are patriots. Don’t fall for the false equivalencies, like convincing you that their retribution is the same as real justice. And stop thinking about Donald. Entertainment is his game. He’s the best at keeping everyone distracted while he performs his con. He knows what he’s doing. Also, don’t waste your time trying to convince your friends and relatives who have slid down the rabbit hole of self-delusion. This election proved Mark Twain was right when he observed: “It is easier to fool a man, than to convince him he has been fooled.”

Jim Tweed Ocean City

The Real Origin Of The Species

Editor’s note: This letter is in response to the February 1 letter “Give Darwin His Due.”

Evolution, the theory (guess) introduced by the theorist Charles Darwin says we are not the product of an omnipotent Creator, but a blind random spontaneous process. Bang!nothing exploded and here we are. Evolution rests on the claim (assumption) that the random-verse, I mean uni-verse was made up from matter that previously existed then evolved over time. The Bible clearly and plainly tells us this is not true. “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear” (Hebrews 11:3). The popped popcorn didn’t always look like that.

In “Mind & Cosmos: Why the Materialist Neo Darwinian Conception of Nature is Almost Certainly False,” Thomas Nagel, (N.Y. University philosopher) states that evolution “flies in the face of common sense.” Dr. George Wald has stated in The Origin of Life: “One has only to contemplate the magnitude of this task to conceive that the spontaneous generation of a living organism is impossible.” Therefore you cannot get spontaneous generation of life from non-life. An impersonal force creating personal beings is contrary to what is referenced in scripture that no creation is greater than its creator.

Biologist Michael Denton, author of “Evolution a Theory in Crisis,” says: “Considering the way the prebiotic soup is referred to in so many discussions in the origin of life as an already established reality it comes as something of a shock to realize that there is absolutely no positive evidence for its existence. It is purely theoretical (guessoretical)…Science has so thoroughly discredited Darwinian evolution that it should be discarded.” TRASHED!

Charles Darwin himself, the dreamer of the

evolutionary fairy tale theory stated: “I am quite conscious that my speculations run beyond the bounds of true science.”

After all the years since he made this statement of his speculations about this false science, not one of his theories (guesses) of origins has been proven to be true - nor ever will be! So to paraphrase what was previously stated in Letters To The Editor:

“Hopefully, as people become better educated about evolution” they will see that “natural selection” cannot and does not “select” anything: you need a Selector - Almighty God. Instead of making February 12th “Darwin Day” it would be better named “Duped Day.”

Charles J. Henke Brick

A Poor Choice For Department Of Education

It is important for a person who has experience as an educator to lead the U.S. Department of Education. It takes specific training to become a teacher. Would you want a plumber to perform surgery or to serve as the CEO of a financial corporation without the proper credentials?

Well, then let’s provide our greatest resource, our children, with a Secretary of Education who has experience as an educator. It is NOT Linda McMahon!

She doesn’t have the qualifications. Does she know best practices in teaching? NO. Would she know how to write a special education Individual Education Program (IEP)? NO! And so on... She should be required to withdraw her nomination. Would not a person with no law degree apply to be an attorney? NO! So why is this any different?

Linda Pauline Chatalian Belmar

C ommunity n ew S

The Arc, Ocean County Chapter Celebrates Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

BRICK – March is recognized nationally as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and The Arc, Ocean County Chapter celebrated with the community at the annual Lunch Break event on March 5 at the Pop-Up Café in Brick.

Photo courtesy The Arc, Ocean County Chapter provides production work, commercial cleaning services, and shredding services while the Learn to Earn program offers paid internships to qualified students with disabilities and the Arc Training Centers are in search of volunteer job training sites.

The Arc invited companies in Ocean County to learn about the vocational services they provide to local businesses while offering job training, internships, and employment to people with disabilities for future success. The Arc Employment Center in Lakewood

The Ocean County community can learn more about The Arc’s services to support local businesses by visiting arcocean.org and becoming a partner for inclusion in 2025.

This article was brought to you by our advertisers.

Zumba Classes With Anne

TOMS RIVER – Toms River Recreation presents: Zumba classes with Anne! Classes held on Wednesdays from 6 to 7 p.m. from April 2 through May 28, as well as Fridays from 2 to 3 p.m. from April 4 through May 30 (no class April 25).

All classes in both sections will take place

: 1540 Rt 37 W, Toms River, NJ 08755

at the Youth Services building. The cost to register is $45, which includes all classes within the chosen section.

Visit register.communitypass.net/tomsriver to register today! For more information call Toms River Recreation at 732-341-1000 ext. 8414.

Easter Bunny Breakfast Fundraiser

TOMS RIVER – Join for an Easter Bunny Breakfast Fundraiser on March 29 from 9 to 11 a.m. at The Salvation Army, 1738 Route 37, Toms River. Enjoy games, crafts, food, and photos with the Easter Bunny. Cost is $15.

DIRECT CREMATION $1875

Hospital, Alternative Container, Wood #ODZ, Transfer To Crematory

Located at:

DeGraff Lakehurst Funeral Home 119 Union Avenue, Lakehurst 732-657-7868

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“Ice Spice Latte” Takes Dodgeball Title

TOMS RIVER – It was written last year about Ice Spice Latte that “No doubt there will be a target on their backs heading into 2024-2025,” and that was true, yet they prevailed nevertheless.

Daniel Nafziger’s arm and Joey DiMeo’s elusiveness helped Ice Spice Latte capture back-to-back High School East dodgeball titles. Is a dynasty brewing?

Annual Robert Abrams Memorial Golf Outing

TOMS RIVER – The East Dover Fire Company is pleased to announce that they will be holding their 28th annual golf outing on May 15. This year’s golf outing will be held at Bey Lea Golf Course in Toms River, and will have a shotgun start at 1 p.m. During 2023 the East Dover Fire Company lost a beloved member of the organization and a backbone member of this golf outing. In an effort to recognize everything Bob has done for this golf outing, and the organization as a whole, the golf outing has been permanently renamed the Robert Abrams Memorial Golf Outing

There will be numerous opportunities for golfers to win prizes. This includes three opportunities for hole-in-one prizes, a chance to win a cash prize in a longest drive contest, and additional prize drawings.

A banquet will follow the outing. The banquet will include a complimentary cocktail hour, buffet dinner, refreshments, awards, and numerous door prizes.

This event is a major fundraiser for the fire company and helps offset the everyday costs of running the firehouse.

Greens fees are $125 per person this year. This includes lunch, registration gift, golf cart for the event, hole in one prize chances and refreshments during the event.

Tee Box or Greens Sponsorships are available for only $100. Cart Sponsorships are available for only $200.

Registration will close on May 1 or once filled if sooner, so be sure to reserve your spot today. More information and registration forms are available at edfc4. com/2022/03/02/2022-golf-outing.

Growing Thru Grief Support Group

TOMS RIVER – Mental Health Association in New Jersey- Ocean County hosts

Grief Support Groups every first Saturday of the month from 10 to 11 a.m. at 25 South Shore Drive, Toms River.

Grief is a natural part of being humanan emotion we all experience in different ways. Growing Thru Grief is a welcoming, in-person peer support group where you can explore your journey with loss in a safe and understanding space.

Together, we acknowledge that grief doesn’t have a timeline, but learning to live with it and manage it in a healthy way is possible. Through shared experiences, encouragement, and support, we help each other navigate this part of life with resilience and hope.

You don’t have to go through grief alone - let’s grow through it, together. For more information, contact 732-244-0940 or mhaocean@mhanj.org.

Photo courtesy Toms River Schools

C ommunity n ew S

Grammy Winners, Grads Highlight HSN Career Day

TOMS RIVER – High School North hosted its second annual Career Day, an exciting event that provided students with valuable insights into a variety of career paths.

Throughout the day, guest speakers from a diverse range of professional fields shared their experiences, advice, and expertise, helping students explore their futures and learn how to take the first steps toward their goals.

“We had speakers from many different fields,” said business teacher Melissa Kwiecinski, “and each of them provided our students with real-world perspectives on their industries, the educational and training requirements, the daily responsibilities and also opportunities for career advancement.”

Students not only learned about potential careers; they gained practical advice on how to prepare for their futures now - whether through coursework, certifications, internships, or networking.

In the field of arts and entertainment, students heard from Ricky Riccardi, an expert on Louis Armstrong, author of two critically-acclaimed books on the legendary jazzman, and a Grammy winner himself, in 2022 for Best Album Notes, and several

more this past year.

Some presentations hit especially close to home. Dana Villari, a High School North Class of 2016 graduate, returned to speak about her experience in marketing for trade schools. She helps students graduate and connect with local contractors - certainly of interest to Mariners enrolled in NorthSTAR - and relayed her work in graphic design, social media, and event coordination.

The event underscored the importance of career exploration and planning, equipping students with the knowledge and inspiration needed to take charge of their futures.

“We’re grateful to all our guest speakers for taking time out of their busy schedules to come here and share their knowledge and experiences with our students,” said HSN Media Specialist Kodi Sohl. “Connecting students with professionals from our community gives them a firsthand look at different career options and helps them make informed decisions about their futures.”

More than 900 students and dozens of guest speakers participated in the event.

Guest speakers enjoyed refreshments provided by a TR Education Association PRIDE grant.

Easter Egg Hunt

TOMS RIVER – Toms River Recreation presents their Easter Egg Hunt on April 12 at 9 a.m. At Castle Park, 1540 N Bay Avenue.

Bring a basket to collect your eggs!

Ages 1 to 5 – Field A

Ages 6 to 10 – Field B

Low Sensory Field

Additional parking at Bey Lea Park, Youth Services, Police Department, and Bey Lea Golf Course. Rain date is April 13.

For more information, contact 732-341-1000 ext. 8414 or recreation@tomsrivertownship.com.

Cattus Island Nature Festival

TOMS RIVER – Celebrating 45 years, the Cattus Island Nature Festival will be on April 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cooper Environmental Center.

Free event for all ages. Seining, live animal talks, the great bug race, crafts, nature games, lectures, environmental groups and vendors. For more information, call 732-270-6960.

Photo courtesy Toms River Schools

Olesky Recognized As Teacher Who Rocks At HSN Event

TOMS RIVER – At its Battle of the Classes assembly March 7, High School North shared some exciting news.

Music teacher Jon Grill announced that Dana Oleksy has been named a 2025 Teacher Who Rocks. The program, sponsored by the NJEA and promoted by 95.9 WRAT, recognizes local educators for their remarkable contributions. Students and staff erupted in cheers, celebrating the wonderful news.

“Dana is a role model who empowers students with business and technology skills while fostering creativity and lifelong learning,” said Olesky’s colleague, Jamie Tesoro.

Photo courtesy Toms River Schools

“She leads, mentors, and shares her expertise as North’s Technology Student Association co-advisor and a Digital Arts Academy teacher, inspiring students and involving them within our community through handson, practical skills.”

It’s been a rocking good time for district teachers, as High School East’s Ashley Fitzgerald was named a Teacher Who Rocks a week prior.

Congratulations to Dana Oleksy on her well-deserved recognition, and for making High School North and all of Toms River Regional Schools proud!

Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser

BAYVILLE – Faith Community United Methodist Church, 526 Atlantic City Boulevard Bayville, will be hosting a spaghetti dinner on April 12 at 4:30 p.m. to benefit Destiny’s Bridge.

Menu consists of salad, spaghetti with meatballs, bread and butter, dessert and beverage. Tickets are $15. For more information, call 732-269-9850.

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

C ommunity n ew S

Trifecta Of Goals

Being

Met At North Dover

Photo courtesy Toms River Schools

TOMS RIVER – To say that the three goals which were introduced for the 20242025 school year - attendance, kindness, and academic achievement - are being met at North Dover doesn’t quite do justice to how tenaciously and equitably they’re being approached.

Principal Colleen McGrath and Supervisor Dina O’Donnell have implemented a wide range of initiatives for each goal, and we have the proof.

Attendance

Momentum for last year’s goal hasn’t ceased. If anything, it’s ramped up. Here is what the school is doing toward attendance this year:

• Classes with perfect attendance are announced at end of each day

• Each class has a Perfect Attendance poster on display outside of its room each updated daily with attendance info.

• At the end of each month, students with perfect attendance receive a certificate and/or Perfect Attendance pencil, and one student per class is selected for a free Papa John’s pizza

• An end-of-year perfect attendance breakfast will be hosted by the PTO

Academic Achievement

Academic success and improvement is an evergreen goal, but the team at North Dover keeps managing to branch out in all directions. And that strategy is rooted in something intrinsic to a strong education: acronyms.

“Our data team carefully analyzes student performance data and provides feed -

back to teachers during PLCs,” said McGrath. PLCs, btw, are professional learning communities, and they’re a crucial element to the team approach to academic achievement.

The school is also one of the flagship buildings for the TRRS H.I.T. project—a.k.a. the Hi-Impact Tutoring grant program—that was extended for the 2024-2025 school year at certain schools. The before-school H.I.T. program is focused on improving math scores for grades 3, 4, and 5.

The STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) Club Art Enrichment program impacts all levels, from the second-grade group led by Dawn Gawalis to Keith Cheek’s fourth graders, whose custom-designed ceiling panels provide a 360-degree view of a school culture that values arts-infused education (below). Speaking of arts, “Do-Re-Mi” might not technically be an acronym, but the third-grade Recorder Club led by Ms. Kaye nevertheless teaches students the foundation of learning to play a musical instrument.

Then there’s the WIN period—”What I Need” time. The three-days-a-week sessions have teachers using data to drive standards-based instruction tailored to the needs of students.

All of these acronyms merge to make a big difference in real life.

“We have seen improvements,” said O’Donnell. “The latest progress on the iReady diagnostics shows increases in both typical and stretch growth for math and reading.”

Kindness

This school year is centered around the Kindness Campaign, and if their work on those first two goals is any indication, you can bet that North Dover is going above and beyond for this one.

Monthly kindness pillars are displayed on school ramps, and staff members dole out tickets to students demonstrating these traits. Those names are put on the pillars by fifth-grade students twice a week, with one super-kind student per grade receiving a monthly gift card courtesy of the school’s PTO.

Every classroom plus the guidance office actively teaches lessons on empathy, (Trifecta - See Page 15)

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Rose Garden is one of the few “mom and pop” skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers left ... in the state of New Jersey. The world has turned “corporate;” we have not.

It has been our core belief that the delivery of healthcare is quite personal. That “intimacy” is in danger when 5 to 100 facilities are operated in multiple states by large corporations.

We have always strived for a close “family” atmosphere and believe we have succeeded. The environment is warm and inviting and exceedingly clean and spotless. Our homemade food and soups are outstanding, and the care is thoughtful, kind and productive.

We have been called the “Hotel of Healthcare.” Please ask your friends, neighbors and, most importantly, other healthcare professionals. We are here, in your neighborhood, to serve you!

TOMS RIVER – The Toms River Elks #1875 has announced their Designer Handbag Bingo for June 1. Doors open at 11 a.m. game begins at 1 p.m.

All proceeds raised benefit Elks Camp Moore. Tucked away in the hill of the Ramapo Mountains, Elks Camp Moore offers a fun filled vacation away from home for children with special needs. A week at Elks Camp Moore is a remarkable experience not soon to

C ommunity n ew S

Designer Handbag Bingo

be forgotten. The primary goal of the camp is to further develop the recreational and social skills of each child. In a relaxed and accepting atmosphere, each camper experiences new adventures, lasting friendships, and opportunities that promote independence and greater self-confidence. Campers attend Elks Camp Moore at no charge to the families. Throughout the plunge season, each Elks lodge helps raise the funds needed to cover

all camp costs.

Advance tickets only. This event will have open seating, only tables of four or more will be reserved.

To reserve a table for your group, all tickets must be purchased at once. If not reserving an entire table, you will choose your seat when you arrive at the event, at a table not designated as reserved.

Cost is $40 per person, or $200 per table of

five. Each ticket includes one book of nine games. Prizing will not include cash. There will be a special drawing in the event of a tie. Beverages and food will be available for purchase. No alcohol permitted. This event is open to the public. Must be 18 or older to enter. Purchase tickets at tomsriverelks. org/2025-summer-handbag-bingo.Questions? Email trelksplungecommittee@ gmail.com.

Toms River Pride 2025

TOMS RIVER – With inclusivity and collaboration at the core of our mission, the Toms River Pride Committee and Exit 82 Theatre Company invite the community to participate in Toms River’s 7th Annual Pride Festival taking place on Washington Street in Downtown Toms River on June 14 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in celebration of the LGBTQIA2S+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual/Ally, Two Spirit, Plus) community!

It is our hope that this ever-growing tradition will spark meaningful collaboration that not only benefits the evolving Downtown District, but advances our mission of fostering a safe and welcoming environment for members and allies

of the LGBT+ community in the Greater Ocean County area and our neighboring counties. Thank you to everyone who has made the Toms River Pride festival a success since 2019! This festival welcomes all, including families. Enjoy food, vendors, performances, shopping, and festivities. ASL interpreters will be present at all mainstage performances.

To discuss opportunities or participate as an official Pride partner, organizers can be contacted at exit82theatre@gmail.com. We are seeking volunteers, businesses, community organizations, artists, craftsmen, and performers to make this a memorable celebration! For more information, visit exit82theatre. com/tr-pride.

Tifecta:

Continued From Page 13

kindness, respect, and conflict resolution. Those lessons are then flipped for the Pirates’ Gold initiative, where students acknowledge teachers who are modeling kindness and gratitude. Now that’s kind of cool.

There’s a Kindness Chain and Coping Skills Fair (above). Kindness Clubs throughout the school are involved in a number of activities aimed at connecting with peers and establishing a genuine culture of goodwill, including weekly reading sessions, story times, and stu -

School District:

Continued From Page 1

would be entitled to a significantly higher increase in funding.

There’s also a new guardrail that prevents any district from being cut more than 3% in aid. If this had been in place before S-2, the district would not have had so many difficult decisions to make in the past, he said.

The fact that, according to the new formula, 60% of districts should be receiving more than 6% aid increases shows that the state formula is faulty, Superintendent Michael Citta said.

The district has sued the state in relation to the aid cuts, and the suit will be amended to note the 6% increase cap, he said.

Going forward, the district will look to cut costs where possible, he said.

“There are no plans on selling school buildings or closing buildings,” he said. “Those tricks to keep us afloat are gone” after the district sells the administration

dent-led presentations on the growth versus fixed mindset.

“Our partnership with and outreach to St. Luke’s Food Pantry is something our school community truly embraces,” said O’Donnell. For four to six weeks throughout the school year, students lead collection efforts to gather items needed by the pantry: paper products, canned goods, non-perishable items, and more.

And there you have it, the proof. North Dover was given three goals to meet during this school year, and they’ve attacked each from all angles, reaping the rewards. Makes sense. They are pirates, after all.

building at 1144 Hooper Avenue to the county.

Even though state aid is increasing, other costs for the district are increasing as well, such as special education and utilities, Doering noted.

The state requires public school districts to reimburse private school parents for transportation costs, and there are 500 additional nonpublic students expected in the 2025-6 school year, he said.

The district’s health insurance provider is expected to increase costs by 10%, but the state health plan is looking at a 14% increase, so the district is seeing a lower increase.

A citizens budget advisory meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. on April 2 in the Toms River High School North media center

A public hearing on the budget is expected at Toms River High School North’s auditorium at 5:30 p.m. on April 30. After the public hearing, board members have the option to adopt the budget.

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We use safe, FDA-cleared laser therapy that penetrates 6-to-9 inches in the tissue to provide the following benefits: pain relief through the release of endorphins, accelerated tissue repair and cell growth, faster healing of soft tissue injuries, reduces fibrous tissue formation, reduces inflammation, improves circulation, and most importantly it improve nerve function.

3. PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY THERAPY

Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that causes a variety of unpleasant or even debilitating symptoms, including burning pain, muscle weakness, and nerve pain, usually in the hands and feet.

4. SPECIALIZED KNEE DECOMPRESSION

We treat bone on bone knee conditions.

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A chiropractic adjustment is the art of using a specific force in a precise direction, applied to a joint that is fixated, “locked up”, or not moving properly. This adds motion to the joint, helping the bones gradually return to a more normal position and motion.

Sound News

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

Child & Senior Proof Batteries

For those of you still using disposable zinc air batteries, the packaging has dramatically changed. For at least the past 25-30 years, you would be able to peel a TAB off a battery which activates the battery cell and insert the battery into your hearing instrument. These TABS were available in all battery sizes including 10, 312, 13, and 675. The TABS were color coded to make it easy know what size to pick up at most pharmacy stores, food stores, Walmart, Costco, etc. The color designation has not changed; however, each battery package is wrapped so tight, it requires the use of a scissors to open the pack to remove each battery. For seniors with poor dexterity or general weakness, it’s practically impossible to complete this task.

This new battery packaging rule was approved mainly because of the number of children and animals ingesting batteries. In my opinion, once the batteries are removed from the packaging, both children and animals can still ingest these batteries. This new law will FORCE the majority of seniors to switch

to rechargeable hearing aid models. This is not a bad thing since there’s no need to open or close battery doors or deal with packaging at all! You just put the hearing aids in a charger and in 3 hrs. you have a full charge for the rest of the day. The amount of money you would spend buying batteries offsets the cost of the charger which is normally included in the cost of the hearing aids.

If you’re lucky enough to still purchase the older packaging, make sure that these batteries have not expired. If you’re up to the challenge of using a strong scissors to remove each battery independently from the packaging, my advice would be to remove all of the batteries and put them in a separate jar with the battery tabs still on them. The next time you decide to purchase new hearing aids, just go the rechargeable route and you will be significantly less frustrated.

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!

Qigong For Health & Vitality

TOMS RIVER – Toms River Recreation presents Qigong for Health & Vitality.

Qigong (pronounced “chee-gung”) is an accessible, holistic practice that fosters health, balance, and vitality.

Enjoy and explore gentle movement, breathwork, massage, visualization, and mindfulness techniques to harmonize your body

and mind and boost your overall wellbeing. Classes will be held on Mondays, March 24, 31, April 7, & 14, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. located at Youth Services, 1505 North Bay Avenue.

Cost is $65 per person for 4-week series. Open to ages 16 and older. Please wear comfortable clothing & flat soled, non-skid shoes.

Isidore Kirsh

Dear Pharmacist

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Spring Allergies: The Best Meds & 4 Natural Secret Weapons

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Spring is here, and so is allergy season! Beyond the obvious pollen, mold spores thrive in damp environments, especially after seasonal rains, while dust mites multiply as temperatures rise. Pet dander also becomes a bigger problem as animals shed their winter coats. Meanwhile, grass pollens like Bermuda, Timothy, and ryegrass kick into high gear in late spring, especially in May and June. These lightweight particles travel easily on the wind, making you miserable in your skin.

For fast relief, many people turn to OTC antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec) or loratadine (Claritin). Cetirizine works quickly but can cause drowsiness so it should be taken at night, while loratadine is non-drowsy but may take slightly longer to kick in. Both block histamine, the chemical responsible for sneezing and itching. These are available nationwide. Nasal sprays like fluticasone (Flonase) reduce inflammation and congestion, but they take a few days to work and may cause nosebleeds if overused. This is effective for mild-to-moderate allergies, but if symptoms persist, you may need stronger support.

If OTC meds aren’t cutting it, your doctor may prescribe montelukast (Singulair), which blocks leukotrienes, another inflammation trigger that your body makes when faced with pollen. It’s great for asthma-related allergies, but some people experience mood changes or vivid dreams. Ask your doctor about that one. Antihistamines come in two generations and a lot of people don’t know that. The first-generation (like diphenhydramine/Benadryl) work fast but cause drowsiness. That’s why it got rebranded as a sleep aid! It’s great for nighttime relief but not for daytime function.

The second-generation medications (like cetirizine, loratadine, and fexofenadine) provide longer-lasting, non-drowsy relief. They’re better for daily use but can still cause dryness or headaches.

Some people live on these medications. You should know that taking antihistamines or steroid nasal sprays year-round can deplete essential nutrients, what I call the “drug mugging” effect. Here’s what to watch for:

Antihistamines: Can lower vitamin C and zinc, both crucial for immunity.

Nasal steroids: May reduce vitamin D, leading to weakened bones and increased infections.

Montelukast: Can impact magnesium and B vitamins, affecting mood and energy.

If you rely on these meds daily, consider supplementing with what they deplete, your body will thank you.

I love weaving in natural options for allergy relief, consider the following:

Vitamin C: Acts as a natural antihistamine, reducing sneezing and itching.

Vitamin D: Keeps your immune system balanced.

B Complex: Helps regulate histamine and supports energy.

Catalase: Helps detox oxidative stress, which can worsen allergy symptoms.

If OTC meds aren’t helping or your symptoms include wheezing, facial swelling, or sinus infections (like sinus fungal balls, which I’ve written about before), it’s time to see a doctor.

You don’t have to suffer all season! 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) ©2025 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.

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Homeless Shelter:

Continued From Page 4

the municipality’s master plan or its zoning ordinances.”

According to Murphy, the detriments associated with the application are not substantial. He stated that noise levels and traffic changes would be negligible.

“The only other impact that I see beyond the noise and traffic, which is associated with the project, could be an impact on the property values of adjacent homes,” Murphy added, with an overall conclusion that the benefits of the project outweigh any of its detriments.

Community Opposition

The proposal has drawn significant opposition from residents who fear the shelter will negatively impact their neighborhood.

Additionally, Paul Williams, a Toms River resident who has experienced homelessness, has emerged as a surprisingly vocal critic of the proposal. Williams has videoed each of the meetings and hosted an informational session regarding the proposed application.

“I am opposed to our zoning being tinkered with for something that, while it might make some feel good and warm and financially benefit others,” said Williams. “It is certain to open a Pandora’s box for other similar applications and thereby undermine the point and purpose of zoning laws.”

“A mere 17 beds is not an inherently beneficial use to the community as it will not provide an adequate, effective, or meaningful solution to the very real problem of homelessness in our community,” added Williams.

Attorney Ronald Gasiorowski was retained

by some of the objectors to the application and has presented expert witness testimony in opposition to it.

Gasiorowski has argued that the shelter does not meet the current zoning requirements for a residential neighborhood. “People are not going to be residing in this facility and only are able to use it overnight,” Gasiorowski said. “They cannot reside there, either temporarily or permanently.”

Peter Steck, PP, a professional planner representing the objectors, questioned the legal standing of the applicant, suggesting that the Affordable Housing Alliance, the operator, lacks a clear connection to the property owner, Christ Church.

Steck also challenged the notion that the shelter is an accessory use to the church, arguing that the AHA operates independently. “It is not governed by the church. It has different personnel. In other words, because it doesn’t have an intimate connection, it’s not incidental to the church, in my opinion,” said Steck.

The outreach center that began operation in 2023 should also not have been approved according to Steck, saying that it did not qualify as an accessory use by the church.

While acknowledging that a homeless shelter is an inherently beneficial use, Steck testified that wasn’t enough – that the negatives outweighed the positives and didn’t warrant approval for the application. He pointed out the different levels of activity that a homeless shelter would have as opposed to a single-family or group home.

“The location of this on the edge of the religious campus and very close to single-family homes does two things,” Steck said. “It sug-

gests that this is not a great location, and it may lessen the public benefit that arises. Although it’s beneficial to have a homeless shelter, in my opinion, the Board should be cautious about addressing the negative criteria.”

Donald Moliver, Ph.D., CRE, MAI, CTA, a qualified valuation expert, sought to demonstrate potential property value losses residents might face if the shelter becomes operational. However, board members challenged his assessments. Moliver cited the former Ocean Harbor House on Windsor Avenue as an example, but when questioned about the facility’s closure, he defended his analysis by emphasizing its impact on market appeal within the neighborhood.

Homeless Crisis

Despite the vocal opposition, the proposal has garnered support from advocates who emphasize the urgent need for shelter in Ocean County. Nearly one quarter of the county’s unhoused population has been counted in Toms River. While one encampment by Winding River Park has been dismantled, many others still live in tents or in their cars. The “lucky” ones couch surf from home to home.

Reverand Susan Jones, pastor of the Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Toms River, testified on behalf of the Toms River Housing and Homeless Coalition. She explained the relationship of the group to the church and the overall goal to provide shelter space.

“The operation of the current program and Housing Center is in the parish house, which is the building we’re talking about,” shared Jones. “It’s a partnership between Christ Church, the Affordable Housing Alliance and the Toms River Housing and Homeless

Coalition.”

Jones testified that the outreach center was previously operated in another location and was quite pleased when Christ Church offered use of their building. It allowed them to be closer to the people who the collective groups served.

“The ultimate goal of the coalition, which is a partnership of a lot of nonprofits and other organizations, was ultimately to see if we could figure out how to provide shelter space,” said Jones. “There is none in Ocean County.”

Jones painted a stark picture of the current reality, emphasizing the desperate need for emergency shelter. The system, she explained, was overwhelmed. “We’ve been shipping people all over the place. We’ve been putting people in motels. They’re temporary solutions, and the motel availability is drying up.”

She went on to describe the growing urgency that led to the shelter proposal. The lack of resources had become untenable, forcing them to seek alternative solutions. They realized they needed to find a way to create space and provide support for those in need. This realization sparked a collaborative effort, bringing together the church, AHA, and the coalition.

Hearings before the board began on September 12, 2024. The initial hearing was ultimately invalidated due to improper notice requirements, forcing a restart on November 18, 2024. Subsequent hearings on December 12, 2024, January 23, 2025, and most recently, March 13, 2025, have done little to quell the controversy. The board is scheduled to reconvene on April 10th, with no end in sight.

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Big Storage Containers For Rent - Clean, Dry, Secure. Toms River, Lacey, Bayville, Manahawkin, Tuckerton, New Gretna locations. 609-693-1631. (18)

Pets For Sale

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

Misc.

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)

I Buy Records - Cash paid, we answer the phone. Call Eddie at 732-829-5908. Records 33/45. Walt buys comics, toys & collectibles. Call 908-278-3782. (11)

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)

CLASSIFIEDS

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. (17)

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)

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)

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)

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

Caroline's Cleaning - Specializing in change-overs, offices, construction cleanup, shopping, doctor appointments and more. Call now for estimate 848-210-6213. (16)

Classifieds are placed in all 7 of our weekly newspapers covering all of Ocean County, and also Howell in Monmouth County.

Mercuro & Sons - Handyman Service General Contracting. License #13VH03469. 732-674-3346. (17)

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)

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

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

• Go to jerseyshoreonline.com, click classifieds, fill out the form and pay by credit card. OR

• 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

Auto For Sale

Items For Sale

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

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

Calculate Price

As

Follows:

3. 1 week* at $29.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $ 2 weeks* at $44.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $ 3 weeks* at $60.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $ 4 weeks* at $74.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $ Total = $

order to qualify for discounts, the same ad must run over the requested weeks.

4. Make check payable in advance to Micromedia Publications, or fill in Mastercard/Visa/American Express SORRY NO DISCOVER info below:

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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)

Holiday City Kentucky Derby Party

Holiday

tucky-style drink while singing “My Old Kentucky Home.” Enjoy racing stick horses and enjoy the band, food, and comedian “Kentucky Style!”

Tickets are on sale the 1st and 3rd Tuesday in CH1 from 12 to 1 p.m. For more information, contact Susan Demaria at 732736-6591 or Patty Lang at 732-236-3914.

The Holiday City Berkeley Recreation Committee will be hosting a make-yourown Kentucky Derby hat for its April Craft Night! Stay tuned for more information.

Artists’ Guild Gift Basket Raffle & Silent Auction

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Artists’ Guild (OCAG) Gift Basket Raffle and Silent Auction “Baskets for Giving” is March 30 from 12 to 4 p.m. at the Clarion Hotel 815 Route 37 West Toms River.

Tickets are $40 per person and includes hot buffet lunch, one free ticket for house

TOMS RIVER – Friends of the Ocean County Library Toms River Country Line Dancing Fundraiser will be on April 12 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 415 Washington St. Toms River.

Maureen Hawkins will be the DJ and

gift, and chance at winning a 50-inch TV, a stay at the Mathis House, a signed Giants Football, dinner for two, Blue Claws tickets, and dozens and dozens of themed baskets, family baskets, easter baskets, and host of great gifts.

Doors open at 12 p.m., lunch at 1 p.m.,

auction at 2 p.m., silent auction at 3:30 p.m.

Three tiers of tickets will be available for purchase at the door.

You may reserve a table of 8, 9 or 10.

Purchase all the tickets together and the table will be reserved under the purchaser’s name.

Country Line Dancing Fundraiser

Line Dancing Instructor from Dancemaur Company for this event.

Nonalcoholic beverages and light fare will be provided. BYOB and outside food allowed.

Children are welcome accompanied by an adult.

There will be fun contests and prizes for best boots, best dressed, best dancing, best hat, and many more!

RSVP by April 8. Please mail check along with name, number attending,

Tickets are on sale now! Get your tickets early, seating is limited: ocartistsguild. org/event/gift-basket-raffle-and-silentauction.

If you would like to make a donation or have questions, contact Terry at TMKonnPHDRT@aol.com

phone number and email to: Friends of the Ocean County Library, 101 Washington Street, Toms River NJ 08753. For more information contact Jen at jenfriendsocltr@gmail.com or 908783-5250.

R.C. Shea & Assoc. Inside The Law

Injured At Work?! Know Your Rights To Critical Benefits!

By: Chris Shea, Esq. of R.C. Shea & Associates

You have a right to a safe and healthful workplace. If you have suffered an injury on the job, make sure you know what kind of benefits you might receive under workers’ compensation coverage.

In some instances, an aggressive compensation carrier may deny an injured worker’s legitimate workers’ compensation claims. An insurer can claim you have not been injured, or that the injury you have suffered is not serious enough to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. If this is the case, you may stand to lose critical benefits.

Most important among these critical benefits is the right to medical treatment. Medical benefits are mandated by the New Jersey Worker’s Compensation Act, and require the employer to furnish the injured worker with medical, surgical, and other treatment as are necessary “to cure and relieve the worker of the effects of the injury and to restore the functions of the injured member or organ” if possible. Moreover, in those instances where the employer has refused or neglected to provide medical treatment in accordance with the provisions of the Workers’ Compensation Act, the employer will be held responsible for the cost of treatment; even if the employee receives treatment prior

Christopher R. Shea Esq.

to the carrier’s authorization.

Further, it is important to note another critical benefit of the Workers Compensation Act. This benefit protects employees from collections law suits when the employee obtains medical treatment that has been wrongfully or negligently withheld by an employer. This benefit, was upheld by the New Jersey Appellate Court in Kinley Physical Therapy Services, Inc. v. Kramer, and unequivocally states that a medical service provider is prohibited from filing an action against the employee until a determination has been made by the Division of Workers’ Compensation. The Court reasoned that a medical provider is normally not permitted to pursue collection actions in court until it resolves all administrative remedies, thus, the employee must be shielded from all actions by the medical provider until the Court determines whether or not the employer is responsible for the cost of medical care. If you feel your legitimate benefits have been denied and you live in the New Jersey, our workers compensation lawyers would like to talk to you to see if we can assist you with your case. Please call for a free consultation. R.C. Shea & Associates, 244 Main Street, Toms River, N.J. (732) 505-1212.

FUN & GAMES SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Surfer’s link

Singer DiFranco

__ buco: veal dish

“Mermaids” co-

Mustachioed guy on “The Simpsons”

Longtime Hydrox rival

Cause __: megas

Counteract

Short-legged hound

Director Preminger

They’re hard to argue with

Former Apple messaging app

Reagan attorney general Ed

“This Is Us” net

Ol mpicos goal

Announcement be-

Feature of many seascapes

“That is ... “

Wetlands growths

Website revenue

Young newts

Outrage

Sports radio host

FOR THE WEEK OF MAR 22 - MAR 28 BY

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Your compromises could make you a contender. You may lean towards luxurious experiences or be attracted to things that show good taste. However, you might need to mediate or find common ground to keep peace and harmony between others.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You may stand out in the crowd by being overtly original. While others might maintain balance in their relationships, you may have an incentive to forge your own path. Trying something new could highlight your candid and honest demeanor.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You may be reviewing a pending purchase. It might seem like the perfect solution, but it could be overly ambitious or an impulsive choice. Your judgment could be off, ensure that you understand the reality of your situation and budget.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): It may be helpful to strengthen your weaknesses. Consider dedicating time to mastering a topic that’s been challenging for you in the past. You may make significant strides toward your goals by trusting your intuition for decisive action.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You may feel you have the most even when you have the least. An intense drive for success might lead to overconfidence, potentially causing friction with allies and supporters who could be instrumental in your happiness and achievement.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Anything worth having is worth the investment of your time and effort. Take pride in enhancing your environment and think of ways to add touches of beauty to your home. Consider holding onto what you have even when tempted by change.

JERALDINE SAUNDERS

OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Your emotional armor may need some polishing. Even close friends might seem judgmental or could poke at your vulnerabilities. It may be wise to delay making important changes, promises, or decisions if you feel pressured in any way.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): The stars in your eyes may blind you to the cold hard facts. You might confuse someone’s kindness or flattery with genuine admiration when their motives are financial. Be cautious of offers and opportunities that sound too perfect to be true.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): A difficult problem may have a simple solution. Consider ways to apply straightforward logic to find quick fixes without overcomplicating things. A peaceful evening with someone special could renew your faith in the world.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You may be working to dispel rumors of trust issues. There’s a chance to enhance your reputation by demonstrating your dedication to others’ happiness or success. Exercise patience if key information is temporarily unclear.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Your partners or loved ones might demand more than just effort; they want results. Save your earnings securely and consider looking into investments that may offer additional safety. Take pride in financial discipline and budget plans.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Truth and beauty may soon become your reality. Highlighting the positive aspects of your job, hobby, relationship, or finances might come naturally. You could thrive in a serene environment where you can unleash your creativity.

DISH OF SPICY CHICKEN AND SLAW

By America’s Test Kitchen

GOCHUJANG CHICKEN TENDERLOINS WITH KIMCHI COLESLAW Serves 4

1 (14-ounce) bag coleslaw mix

1 cup cabbage kimchi, drained and chopped

6 tablespoons mayonnaise

1/4 cup sugar, divided

1 1/4 teaspoons table salt, divided

3 tablespoons gochujang

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

1 garlic clove, minced

1 1/2 pounds chicken tenderloins, trimmed 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1. Combine coleslaw mix, kimchi, mayon-

naise, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 3/4 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Whisk gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and remaining 3 tablespoons sugar in a second bowl until smooth.

2. Pat chicken dry with paper towels and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Heat vegetable oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side; transfer to plate.

3. Add gochujang mixture to now-empty skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until glossy and bubbling, about 1 minute. Return chicken to skillet and toss to coat. Serve chicken with coleslaw.

Gochujang Chicken Tenderloins with Kimchi Coleslaw.