BERKELEY – Runaway Farm grew out of a family’s love for animals and it all started quite organically.
For years, the Leighton family – Jen, Chris and their daughter Keira – have cared for farm animals in need, starting up a nonprofit to further those goals.
Currently, the Hickory Lane property is home to eight pigs, seven goats, two horses and a miniature cow. Where did they come from? A surprising number of them were strays. You wouldn’t think that there
is
and approach the
could be a stray cow, but that’s how they got Luna.
A miniature cow had been rescued by a local resident from a situation in Pennsylvania. But Luna spooks
(Runaway Farm - See Page 4)
Time Capsule Buried, To Be Opened in 2075
By Stephanie Faughnan
TOMS RIVER - A silent chronicle of the present now rests beneath the grand county seal at the entrance of the Ocean County Administration Building. Hidden from view, a time capsule filled with 2025 artifacts lies within a specially designed enclosed cylinder.
Ocean County Deputy Director Frank Sadeghi joined Commissioner Robert Arace in physically lowering the time capsule into its designated enclosure on February 27. The date marked the commencement of the coun-
ty’s 175th-anniversary celebration, a milestone known as the demisemiseptcentennial.
At first, the county’s choice of a large metal milk can as a time capsule might appear unconventional, but it isn’t without historical precedent. Notably, in the 1990s, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., used a similar vessel to safeguard scrolls of remembrance signed by Holocaust survivors.
During his remarks, Arace highlighted the
Tentative Central School Budget Introduced
By Chris Lundy BERKELEY –
The Central Regional Board of Education introduced a $53,363,700 budget at their most recent meeting.
Of this total, $42,500,000 would be raised in taxes.
The budget hearing, which is open to the public, is going to be at the April 30 Board of Education meeting. The board would vote to approve the budget after that. More details about the budget will be presented then.
Recording Meetings?
Also at the most recent meeting, Board member Heather Koenig revisited the idea of recording meetings for the public.
Board attorney Mark Toscano said that he would check with the board’s bylaws and see what the policy is.
Superintendent Michelle CarneyRay-Yoder said that she had worked in several districts in her career and boards have different policies. The best one, in her opinion, is when the meeting is filmed but doesn’t air the next day. That way, they can handle any issues of confidentiality before it goes online. If, for example, a parent doesn’t want their child filmed when they are presented with an award, that is difficult to handle live, but can be addressed in post-production.
Board member John Serpica suggested getting the students involved with the recording process, which other officials agreed with.
Central Regional High School students used to film the board meetings as well as Township Council
(Budget - See Page 9)
Hundreds Hear Senator Kim Discuss Health Care, Other Issues
By Stephanie Faughnan
BRICK – Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) spoke to hundreds at the Brick Police Athletic League hall about his opinion on the executive branch’s overreach, the economic impact of tariffs, the threat to Medicaid, and the issue of corruption. He delivered sharp critiques of the current administration’s policies on healthcare, immigration, and foreign affairs, calling for a nationwide mobilization to protect Medicaid and oppose tariffs.
Kim fielded questions from those in the audience as well, mingling with them both inside and outside the hall. “This isn’t about Democrats or Republicans or independents,” he said. “This is about those who stand for the Constitution and those who don’t.”
“We are seeing this administration take efforts to be able to consolidate and seize power within the executive branch, sidelining the other two branches of government, (TIme Capsule - See Page 5) (Senator Kim - See Page 6)
Jen Leighton reaches out to her goats, Tommy and Jelly.
Photos by Chris Lundy
Killian
the oldest goat on the farm, and took a while to stand up
fence for some attention.
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Runaway Farm:
Continued From Page 1
easily and bolted. She wound up wandering around the woods until she was corralled here. She’s more trusting of her adoptive family than strangers, but the Leightons still give her space. Her barn has drawings made by a visiting class from Ocean Gate Elementary.
Luna does get to socialize with the two horses on the farm. Even though Luna’s pen is in the back and the horses have the front yard, there’s a gated path that links them. During the day, they are allowed to intermingle, but at night they go back to their usual spots.
While The Berkeley Times was visiting, the door separating the two spots was opened. Duke, a former race horse, trotted back to Luna’s enclosure with the perfect gait he had been trained with. His racing name was “Point of Attack.” They found videos of him racing but it’s hard to watch him getting whipped. He retired at 12 years of age.
A little while later, Tally made her way there slowly. She has arthritis and some scars. They don’t know what her story is. That’s the difficulty with learning about rescue animals’ medical history and temperaments. The humans telling the story might not be so forthcoming with the details – especially if those details might incriminate them.
For example, they recently picked up a goat that was supposedly a friendly fe-
male. It turned out to be the largest male goat they’d ever seen who was scared of them.
“We can’t touch him,” she said. “We don’t know what was done to him,” she said.
Tommy and Jelly were two goats that have some issues. Tommy is missing his ears. They were told that Tommy’s mother chewed them off, which is something that apparently happens. However, they have a small suspicion that abuse was the cause. Jelly was born with problems with two of her legs. One of them can’t extend all the way so she wears a prosthetic during the day (she can’t sleep with it).
The Leightons were happy to tell the stories they do know. Their goat, Delta, was owned by someone. The goat got spooked and was running around Route 9. They opened their front gate and the goat found her way in. As it turns out, she was pregnant. So that’s how two of the goats found homes here.
Two pigs had a completely different story. A couple of teenagers bought them at Harker’s auction in Tabernacle. They took them home as pets without their parents’ consent. Pigs are smart, and they eventually figured out a way to escape. So, they were wandering around Bayville.
“I spent the night of my 21st birthday running around Bayville chasing pigs,” Keira said.
Killian and her sister were the first goats they adopted, although only Killian
remains.
Casey is a deaf, white pig that had to be surrendered. She has her own enclosure. She gets scared when the other pigs are near her because she can’t hear them coming. It’s not that she’s aggressive, but she doesn’t realize what is happening around her so she lashes out.
One pig actually came from Popcorn Park Zoo. He is so friendly and loves people so much that the zookeeper brought him over because he could get more attention living with a family than he could at a zoo.
Two pigs came from a hoarding situation in New Egypt where someone had 50 pigs.
The farm isn’t open to the public, but they do have visitors from time to time, such as the ARC and some local schools.
“We had no intention of starting a sanctuary,” Jen said. “There are just animals in our community that needed help.”
When a new animal comes in, it goes through a quarantine period until it has a full bill of health and then it’s introduced to the herd. They watch as the animals’ personalities mingle and see where they will be a good fit.
The family has 4.5 acres on Hickory Lane. Jen’s husband, Chris, is extremely handy and has built all the enclosures and shelters. Jen always wanted a horse, and the family has always fostered puppies. They are at their limit for large animals, Chris said. The suggested rule is one acre per large, hoofed animal, so they don’t want to crowd them in.
A lot of these farm animals wind up in sanctuaries because people don’t realize how much work they are to keep.
“Animals deserve to live like this,” Jen said.
How To Help
Runaway Farm has merchandise for sale through Facebook and Instagram, and people can sponsor an animal.
They are also holding their third anniversary on May 18 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at 39 Hickory Lane. There will be vendors, live music, food, a bake sale and giveaways.
The Wranglebrook Community Garden, a nonprofit group of volunteers that runs a stretch of land between Lakehurst Road in Toms River and Silver Ridge, donates food.
Costco provides a palette of food per week. It’s all produce that they can’t sell. For example, the bag might be ripped or the skin is bruised. It keeps the food out of the dumpster and saves the farm a ton of money.
“We wouldn’t feed the animals anything we wouldn’t eat,” Chris said.
They’ve joined the loose network of other sanctuaries that help each other out, Jen said. They also will reach out to other sanctuaries if someone asks for help that they can’t provide.
The support from the residents has been wonderful, they said.
“The community has just been so supportive of this,” she said.
Time Capsule:
Continued From Page 1
rapid growth and transformation of Ocean County. “Today, we’re a county of more than 650,000 people, a number that more than doubles in the summer months. We maintain more than 1,600 county lane miles, 35,000 traffic signs, 400 traffic lights, 259 bridges, and government operations spanning 135 county buildings. We are proudly home to more than 30,000 veterans and 200,000 seniors.”
Arace emphasized the importance of the county’s educational institutions, open spaces, and community-driven initiatives. “Ocean County College was the first two-year college in New Jersey, and our vocational school programs are award-winning,” Arace continued. “We have 27 county parks, two county-run golf courses, and nearly 30,000 acres of preserved open space. Our innovative recycling programs and environmental initiatives ensure that we protect our most precious resources.”
Portraits of Joel and Mary Ann Hayward, key figures in Ocean County’s history, were prominently displayed during the opening remarks of the recent time capsule burial ceremony. Tim Hart, Division Director of the Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Commission, provided historical context for the assembled attendees.
“Joel Hayward, the gentleman depicted in this portrait, is rightly considered the founding father of Ocean County,” Hart explained. “And this is his second wife, Mary Ann. His
first wife was Lydia.”
Hart also drew attention to a desk on display within the meeting room, suggesting its potential significance. “The desk over there,” he noted, “May well be the very desk at which he penned the 1849 letter advocating for the creation of Ocean County. He was a forceful and eloquent speaker.”
County Committeewoman Virginia Haines, whose family has deep roots in Ocean County dating back to 1670, read a proclamation recognizing the county’s 175th anniversary.
The proclamation highlighted Ocean County’s origins, noting that in 1850, residents south of Monmouth County united to secure funding for roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. Joel Haywood of West Creek led the charge at the State House. On February 15, 1850, Governor Daniel Haines officially established Ocean County, setting its borders from the Manasquan River in the north to Little Egg Harbor in the south.
Initially, the county comprised six townships - Jackson, Dover, Stafford, Union (now Barnegat), Brick, and Lacey - each represented by two members on the Board of Chosen Freeholders.
The county’s growth surged after the opening of the Garden State Parkway in 1954, with the population expanding from approximately 53,000 in 1950 to more than 650,000 residents today. It is now home to one of the largest senior populations in New Jersey.
Contents Of The Time Capsule
The time capsule contents aren’t due to be unsealed for another fifty years – in February
2075. Commissioner Jennifer Bacchione playfully suggested that at 31, Arace might be the only commissioner to witness its grand unveiling. Surely, the step back in time will raise some eyebrows.
“I am happy to say we have collected more than 60 items from nearly 30 Ocean County departments and agencies that have been strategically placed in the time capsule along with personal notes from the Commissioners,” said Arace. “When this capsule is opened, all of this will paint a picture of what is truly one of the most incredible places anywhere – Ocean County.”
Imagine, 50 years from now, a bewildered historian gingerly pulling out a “2024 Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs Book” from that hefty milk can. Will they marvel at the archaic art of “consumer affairs?” Or perhaps they’ll chuckle at a “Sheriff Mastronardy Fly Swatter,” wondering if it was a weapon of mass mosquito destruction or a symbol of bureaucratic swatting? And the “Oceangro Visor Cap?” Will it be a vintage fashion statement or a relic of a forgotten fertilizer initiative?
One can picture future archaeologists carefully examining a “Junior Deputy Badge,” speculating on the rituals of youth law enforcement. Or, a future resident, flipping through the “101 Things to Do in Ocean County Brochure,” bewildered by the sheer quaintness of the sug-
gested activities. “They... walked on beaches? Without hover-shoes?”
Perhaps the most intriguing items will be the personal notes placed in the time capsule by each of the commissioners. Will they offer sage advice, express concerns about the future, or simply share a funny anecdote about their time in office? One can only speculate on the contents of those messages, sealed away for half a century, waiting to bridge the gap between two very different eras.
“I just hope that 50 years from now, when they uncover this capsule and take out whatever we’re putting in there, that they’re going to see and realize and recognize that the commissioners who are here today acted as best as they could on behalf of the community and the residents of this community” Commissioner Frank Sadeghi said.
Ocean County Commissioners Frank Sadeghi (left) and Robert Arace lowered the time capsule into its designated enclosur
Photo by Stephanie Faughnan
Senator Kim:
Continued From Page 1
which is something that is unconstitutional,” Kim asserted. He expressed deep concerns about the growing influence of wealthy individuals and special interests, citing Elon Musk’s involvement in politics and business. “We cannot have a situation in this country... where we have somebody who is simultaneously trying to dismantle our government while also running businesses that have billions of dollars in (government) contracts.”
Kim, who is a veteran, warned about efforts to cut Veterans Administration staffing. “Now we’re seeing attempts to eliminate tens of thousands of VA jobs. One out of every three government employees is a veteran. That’s not just bad policy - it’s wrong.”
The potential consequences of funding cuts, particularly for Medicaid, were a major focus of Kim’s address. Kim said he couldn’t support the budget bill and discussed the fight that will ensue when the next appropriations process starts in September. “This is a project that is about protecting health care, about protecting Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security,” he explained, highlighting the significant number of New Jersey residents who rely on these programs.
On foreign policy, Kim criticized the president’s stance on global affairs. “We are literally going to celebrate our 250th anniversary as a nation next year. We should be standing with countries trying
to defend themselves from invasion, authoritarianism, and dictatorship,” he said. He pointed to North Korea’s involvement in Ukraine as a sign of growing global instability. “North Korea literally has troops in Ukraine right now, fighting alongside the Russians. What happens there shapes how Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea act toward us.”
Kim also raised concerns about judicial independence. He recalled the tragic case of Judge Esther Salas, a New Jersey federal judge whose son, Daniel Anderl, was murdered by a gunman targeting her family.
“When we see the richest person in the world calling out judges by name, when we see the President of the United States doing the same, we know how dangerous this moment is - not just for judges, but for our country,” he said.
Expanding on his views on President Donald Trump, Kim said the president is not a disrupter. Instead, he called him a hoarder. “He’s trying to hoard the power to himself,” said Kim. “To hold the wealth for him and the people that are loyal to him, and that is the breeding ground for corruption.”
This was Kim’s third town hall in three days and his 86th since taking office as a U.S. representative in 2019. His decision to visit New Jersey’s 2nd and 4th congressional districts was deliberate - he had previously represented versions of those districts before redistricting.
Interest in the event was high, with 281 people packing into the Brick PAL Center, creating a standing-room-only crowd.
According to Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy, another 203 attendees gathered outside to listen to Kim. Some of those unable to make it inside the event left the venue to join others watching it live on C-SPAN.
Confronting Tough Questions
As he was wrapping up his speech and opening the forum for questions, he noticed something alarming at the back of the room. Someone was having a medical emergency. Without hesitation, Kim rushed to assess the situation.
Ocean County Sheriff’s officers, who were providing security for the event, quickly stepped in to assist a woman experiencing a medical emergency. Kim called for a break while EMS professionals did their work.
The town hall was paused for approximately twenty minutes. Upon resuming, Kim fielded questions and offered more intimate discussions at the end of the event.
One emotional moment arose when a second-grade teacher recounted a student’s fear of deportation. Another attendee challenged Kim’s vote against protecting women and girls in sports. Kim defended his position, stating, “They’re using this legislation to try to push forward on their fundamental belief, which is that they think that people in the trans community have mental health issues and that they don’t believe that that is something that actually exists.”
A woman said she works for an agency discussing a 65 percent cut in spending and wanted to know what Congress would
be doing about the misuse of appropriated funds. She also spoke out against the current administration’s stance against organized labor as a union leader.
Little Egg Harbor residents Joanne Drozd and Daniel Feras came to interact with Kim, driven by their deep dissatisfaction with the current state of government. Recently, the pair participated in a protest against Congressman Jeff Van Drew, where they were troubled by reports labeling them “paid protesters.” Both vehemently denied the accusations.
“Nothing could be further from the truth,” stated Drozd, a retired teacher whose father and son are veterans. “The Democrats need to speak out and get much more vocal. We’re doing what we can, attending protests.”
Feras, who retired after 43 years in technology, raised concerns about security and access. “These people hired by Musk don’t have security clearances. They’re not even U.S. government employees, yet they’re getting access,” he said. “From my technology background, I worry about what they could be doing. They could be installing back doors to information, setting themselves up for future access. Why is this even necessary? They should be working through established agencies.”
Some attendees expressed frustration with the perceived lack of effective leadership within the Democratic Party. Kim acknowledged their concerns, stating, “I’m not here trying to speak on behalf of the entirety of the party... I do think we need to make sure that we have new voices in the mix.”
OPINIONS & COMMENTARY
EDITORIAL
No, The Police Should Not Have Chased The Driver
That Caused Fatal Crash
If you haven’t heard the tragic story yet, a juvenile, unlicensed driver had been traveling nearly 118 miles per hour in a 35 mile per hour zone. The driver ran a red light at Routes 37 and 166 and collided with another vehicle. Two people in the front seats of that vehicle, Kiley Armstrong and Evan Fiore, were killed. Two people in the back seat were seriously injured.
I’ve been seeing a lot of comments from people – some of them are even elected officials – saying that those two young people wouldn’t have died if the cops had chased the driver in the fatal crash.
They are also going as far as saying that it’s the fault of the governor and the attorney general for going easy on criminals and preventing police from doing their jobs.
They are all wrong, and it’s extremely offensive to politicize the deaths of these victims.
If you do just a little bit of research, or talk to patrol officers, you’ll know that these rules are in place for a reason. To suggest that chasing a car going 118 mph would somehow lead to less tragedy is absurd. Then you’d have two cars going 118 mph instead.
This rule preventing patrol officers from engaging in dangerous chases has saved countless lives – and it was instated decades ago. You can’t blame the big, bad governor for this one.
It became law because a 19-year-old local girl was killed in 1988. Seaside Heights cops tried to pull over a driver with a broken headlight. The driver led them on a high speed chase for 12 miles before running a stop
sign at Main and Water streets in downtown Toms River. His car slammed into hers and she died. Because of a headlight.
I don’t want to name the Ocean County resident who dedicated years to change the law about police chases; he’s been through enough. And I’m sure the family doesn’t want to get dragged into this debate. My point is that this is an important, life-saving law. Coming back to the recent tragedy, if police had continued that chase, there’s every probability that things would have turned out the same – and probably worse. Perhaps the police car would have also crashed. We could be looking at police fatalities here, too. Additionally, imagine if the police car also hit the car in the intersection. The two passengers in the car, who were merely injured, might not have survived either. If you read our papers enough, you’ll see we have a lot of pro-police stories, so I’ll admit we’re a little biased in favor of the cops in that regard. However, telling the police that they didn’t do the right thing in this situation is wrong, in bad taste, and counterproductive. To try to change the law to allow high-speed chases is dangerous. Everyone is angry, and I understand the desire to fix the problem, but remember this: the only person who caused this is the juvenile driver. The fault lies entirely with them. A fundraiser to help support the families in their loss can be found at gofundme.com/f/ tragic-loss-kylie-and-evans-memorial.
Chris Lundy News Editor
The Berkeley 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 veri�ication. Letters may not be printed if we cannot verify them. Names will not be withheld from publication. While most letters are printed as submitted, we reserve the right to edit or reject letters. The weekly deadline is 5 p.m. Thursday. Mail typed letters to: PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733, fax 732-657-7388 or e-mail news@jerseyshoreonline.com. Letters may be limited to one per month per writer at the editor’s discretion. The opinions expressed in the Letters To The Editor section do not necessarily re�lect those of the staff, management or sponsors of Micromedia Publications/Jersey Shore Online. Letters to the Editor are the OPINION of the writer and the content is not checked for accuracy.
Women Against Trump
Please come and join WAT … our newly formed group of over-55 women who meet monthly to take a stand against our current government.
WAT stands for Women Against Trump and our goal is to do what we can to stop the dismantling of our democracy.
If this sounds like something you might want to be a part of, we meet the fi rst Monday of every month at 7 p.m. at 11 Lowell Court. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 7, 2025. Please call Helen Jancosko at 603-498-9275 with any questions.
Helen Jancosko Brick
They Are At It Again
It has been said that the government can get away with almost anything if it is for the whales, the children or the environment. Now mind you I certainly have nothing against whales, children or the environment but there comes a point where Trenton’s ever grubbing hands are in our pockets too much and for too little.
Nobody likes taxes but we do, rightfully, enjoy being able to pick up the phone and have police, fire, first aid and EMS available for us. Potholes and streetlights need repair and maintenance; trash needs to be picked up and hauled away. We may – and do, grumble and complain about the costs of these services or how they are being administered, but thank God that in this country we do have all these services. Very few could afford to buy a fire truck just to protect their home, but chipping in with our fellow citizens allows for economy of scale and better protection than would otherwise be available.
On the other hand, there is waste in government coupled with a seemingly unsatiable appetite for more and
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
more of taxpayers’ money – oftentimes more than necessary. We here in South Jersey have far too long seen far too much of our money go too far north. Trenton harkens to North Jersey while turning a deaf ear to the southern half of the state – using us as merely a piggy bank for funding all sorts of frivolities and trivialities.
Evidence Senate Bill No. 3545 which the Senate Environment and Energy Committee seems to adore. This bill, to be known as the “Climate Superfund Act” would raise the cost of fuel in the name of the environment. Just the name of this act itself causes me to grasp my wallet in concern. Climate: a nebulous codeword of the government granting itself a license to do things otherwise unpalatable – all in the name of something that those who are “unsophisticated” or “unenlightened” do not understand or appreciate. Superfund: just the mere sound of it from the government should give us pause. This is a tax and a tax by any other name is, well, a tax!
A summary of the bill states, “Climate Superfund Act; imposes liability on certain fossil fuel companies for certain damages caused by climate change and establishes program in DEP to collect and distribute compensatory payments.” Now that all sounds well and good using touch/feel words like “liability” and “fossil fuel” (of late a dirty word) and “companies.”
Throw in “damages caused by” and “climate change” to create something that sounds as warm and tasty as fresh baked apple pie or grandma’s stuffing on Thanksgiving. Call me a cynic, but I’m not buying it. We in South Jersey use more fuel than New Jerseyans up north because we drive more miles. We drive more miles compared to North Jersey folks because, for us, work is further, schools are further, church is further, shopping is further; we are geographically more spread out than
compressed and compacted North Jersey. We also lack the public transportation that exists up north. Not all of this is a bad thing as most of us, or our ancestors, came here (many from up north) to enjoy the space, serenity and seashore of our beloved Ocean County.
If we have learned nothing over the past few years, we certainly know this: that raising the cost of fuel is an insidious tax. Everything in the store, from hot dogs and Hot Wheels to shoes and salami are delivered to that store by truck. As the suppliers’ cost of getting products to shelves increases – so does the price for the end line user, us. In short, this bill, and so much of what Trenton has done to us for so long, takes money from our family budgets and puts it into their playful hands – this time in a super (fund) way. Trenton already has enough slush funds for their pet (mostly up north) projects and cash for their cronies.
There comes a time when it is apropos to say ENOUGH ALREADY!
John Novak Barnegat
Rehire Officer Garris
On Friday evening, December 13, 2024, I exited the Ocean County Mall, only to discover I came out a different door than the one I entered and could not locate my car. After walking around the parking lot for nearly a half hour in the freezing cold, I noticed a Toms River patrol car. I approached the car and asked the officer, Todd Garris, if he could possibly drive me around to try to locate my vehicle. He told me he was in the process of writing a summons to someone who was parked illegally in a handicap space with expired tags, but if I wait inside the mall to warm up, he will call mall security for me, and they can assist me. Officer Garris returned in a few minutes to tell me unfortunately there
was an altercation situation inside and they would not be available for a while, but as soon as he’s finished writing the ticket, he would be able to help me.
He moved all his equipment from the front seat of his patrol car to the back, and told me to get in the car and using my car’s fob to hit the alarm button as he drove by each row. I told him I am hearing impaired and have a cochlear implant, so I don’t know if I will be able to hear the alarm! He said, “It’s not a problem, you will see the lights flashing, and I guarantee we will find your car,” which we did.
I was totally embarrassed that I did such a stupid thing and was virtually in tears, thinking I must be in the early stages of Alzheimer’s.
I told Officer Garris I lost my husband two years ago, and I’m sure he’s having a good laugh up there because I have no sense of direction. He said this happens several times a day and I’m doing great and said, “Do me a favor…don’t be so hard on yourself.”
I will never forget the kindness, compassion, and empathy he showed me. I was beyond grateful, and so impressed with the service he provided that I wrote a letter to Police Chief Peter Sundack, who e-mailed me back on December 20, 2024 saying, and I quote “Thank you for writing to commend the actions of Officer Garris. I am happy to hear that he was helpful in your time of need. Have a wonderful holiday season.”
I will always remember how Officer Garris calmed me down and reassured me I will be alright. He was an asset in so many ways to the Toms River Police force, and I truly hope and pray that Mayor Rodrick and Town Council will reconsider their decision, and Officer Todd Garris will be reinstated to his position so that he may continue to proudly serve the community which he loves!
Phyllis Schlisserman Manchester
s PoTLIGhT o n G oVernMenT
Correspondence & Commentary From Your Local, County, State & Federal Officials
Amato, Rumpf & Myhre 9th District Legislative Office
Capitol Comments
Carmen
F. Amato, Jr. 9th Legislative District
MANAHAWKIN - Senator Carmen Amato, Jr., Assemblyman Brian Rumpf and Assemblyman Gregory Myhre (all R-9 th) will be opening a new joint legislative district office in Manahawkin, located at 400 Main Street, Suites 1 & 2 – Route 9. The new Manahawkin district office will open on March 28, 2025.
Moving to New Locations
Correspondingly, the legislative delegation will be closing the current district office located in Forked River which it has been operating out of since January of 2024.
During the transition that will take place from March 25 through March 28, the legislators will only be able to receive emails until the phone lines for the new district office become active on March 28. The phone number for the new Manahawkin district office will remain the same (609) 693-6700.
The legislative delegation intends to open
a second joint legislative district office in Bayville in the coming months. Once operational, the Bayville district office will have a different, separate phone number for constituents to contact.
Amato, Rumpf and Myhre issued the following statement:
“The opening of our new joint legislative district office is certainly exciting and is consistent with our pledge to enhance constituent services for those we have the privilege of representing.
“Over the past year, our district office has received a significant number of inquiries about the ANCHOR program, Senior Freeze applications, and E-ZPass issues as
well as utility billing complaints. Overall, our office has received a sizable increase in the number of emails from constituents. By having districts offices in both the southern and northern ends of the Legislative District, we are working to have the services provided by our district office more readily available to our constituents.
“The delay in opening our new district offices is largely due to the large number of new legislators elected to the State Legislature for the 2024-2025 Legislative Session who needed newly established district offices. Despite this, we haven’t missed a step in being responsive to constituents’ needs or inquiries they have on State issues.”
Maternal Health Data System Shut Down, Questions Remain
Capitol Comments
Senator Cory Booker
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL-02) led colleagues in writing a letter to Center for Disease Control Acting Director Susan Monarez regarding reports that suggest the Pregnan-
cy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) has stopped operations, leaving states, researchers, and health care providers without access to this vital data. The CDC has not clarified why this shutdown occurred.
“We are reaching out to inquire about the current status of the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS).
As a vital initiative jointly operated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
PROTECT YOUR PRECIOUS EYES
Many people are already aware of certain steps to take to prevent vision loss, including periodically taking a break from screens and wearing sunglasses outdoors. There are also things that can be done to prevent eye diseases, many of which can lead to vision loss. Start with regular, dilated eye exams, which can catch diseases early when they are easier to treat. Taking care of overall health can also do a lot to preserve eye health. Eating fresh, whole foods such as salmon and dark, leafy greens is good for eye health. Staying active helps prevent diseases that can affect the eyes, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Avoid smoking, which has been linked to several eye diseases. When it’s time to have your eyes checked make sure you are seeing the right eye care professional for your needs. An ophthalmologist specializes in eye and vision care and is licensed to practice medicine and surgery. This advanced training allows ophthalmologists to diagnose and treat a wider range of conditions than optometrists and opticians. If it’s been a while since you’ve had an eye exam, make an appointment with SIGHTMD NEW JERSEY SUSSKIND & ALMALLAH EYE ASSOCIATES (732-349-5622). We offer evening hours most nights of the week. P.S. Wearing protective glasses while playing sports and doing construction work, home improvement projects, and yard work can go a long way to protect eye health.
(732) 972-1015
RIVER (732) 349-5622
(732) 477-6981
(609) 698-2020 www.oceancountyeye.com
(CDC), and several state, territorial, and local health departments, PRAMS plays a crucial role in collecting data to improve maternal and infant health outcomes, representing over 80 percent of all U.S. live births. This information is of increasing importance as the U.S. is experiencing a maternal health crisis: it has one of the highest maternal mortality rates among high-income nations, increasing rates of complications from pregnancy or childbirth, and persistent disparities in such outcomes,” the lawmakers wrote. In response to the alleged shutdown, the lawmakers requested answers to the following questions:
Why is PRAMS, this critical maternal and infant health data program, no longer collecting and reporting data? When did the program stop collecting and reporting data?
Is there a timeline when PRAMS will be operational again? If so, when?
Will PRAMS return to full operability? If yes, on what date is PRAMS expected to return to full operations?
Was there any communication to states and institutions prior to PRAMS shutting down? If so, what was communicated and when?
Is there a plan in place to collect PRAMS data so there is not a significant gap in
maternal and infant health data collection? If PRAMS will be operational again, were there any changes made? If so, what were they?
Have any CDC personnel working on PRAMS been laid off ?
“PRAMS plays a crucial role in reducing maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. Preserving this program will strengthen public health efforts, reduce inequities in care, and ultimately save lives. Thank you for your attention to this important matter,” the lawmakers concluded.
The letter is cosigned by U.S. Senators Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jon Ossoff (DGA), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and U.S. Representatives Jake Auchincloss (D-MA-04), Diana DeGette (D-CO-01), Jesús García (D-IL-04), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ-10), Nydia Velázquez (D-NY-07), Henry Johnson (D-GA-04), Danny Davis (D-IL-07), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DCAL), Terri Sewell (D-AL-07), Gwen Moore (D-WI-04), Marc Veasey (D-TX-33), Yvette Clarke (D-NY-09), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12), Marilyn Strickland (D-WA10), and Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04).
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.
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.
Annual Irish Flag Raising
BERKELEY – On March 15, Berkeley Township held its annual Irish Flag Raising. Berkeley Township is proud to recognize and honor our Irish Community for their many contributions to the township’s and the nation’s cultural identity. We were honored to host Steve Heaney, a former Fire Chief from Manitou Park Volunteer Fire Company as our bagpiper. We would like to thank Council President Angelo Guadagno, Council Vice President Michael Signorile, Councilman Jim Byrnes,
Councilwoman Sophia Gingrich, Councilman Douglas Bowens, Councilman L. Thomas Grosse, Jr., and Councilman Keith Buscio for their support. We also thank Senator Carmen Amato, our Recreation department, our Buildings and Grounds department, and all our staff who made this event special. We were lucky enough to spend time with residents, Kevin and Maureen Hall. Mr. Hall is originally from Dublin, Ireland. Thank you to all the residents who attended this wonderful event.
South Toms River Easter Egg Hunt
SOUTH TOMS RIVER – South Toms River Recreation has announced their Easter Egg Hunt scheduled for April 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. at 1 Drake Lane, South Toms River. Bring the whole family out for an exciting eve-
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meetings years ago. They were overseen by the broadcasting teacher. The meetings would run on Channel 21. However, in the beginning of the pandemic, meetings were closed to the public. This put an end to students attending them.
Most months, Central’s board meets twice. The fi rst meeting is a workshop/committee meeting held at the High School Presenta-
ning filled with fun and festivities! They’ll have over 5,000 Easter eggs, a dozen specialty eggs, and a special appearance by the Easter Bunny himself. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable Easter celebration! Egg Hunt to begin at 6 p.m.
tion Room at the back of the library. That meeting opens at 5 p.m. but there is a closed session built into the schedule for officials to discuss matters in private that are not for public consumption such as contracts. The regular meeting is held in the high school auditorium. The closed session is scheduled at 6 p.m. while the public session begins at 7 p.m. More information on the board and their meeting schedule can be found here: centralreg.k12.nj.us/page/ about-board-of-education
LUNCH. VISIT BIRD-IN-HAND BAKE SHOPPE, KITCHEN KETTLE VILLAGE AND MILES OF BEAUTIFUL AMISH FARMLAND SUN. JUNE 29 N.Y. YANKEES VS. A’s MAIN
INCLUDES SHOW AND LUNCH AT SHADY MAPLE SMORGASBORD. JULY 7-9 3 DAY SMOKE HOLE CABIN RESORT $575 COME TO WEST VIRGINIA “THE MOUNTAIN STATE”. ENJOY 2 NTS. IN YOUR OWN LOG CABIN SURROUNDED BY AWESOME MOUNTAIN SCENERY. INCLUDES 3 COOK OUT MEALS , ADMISSION TO SENECA CAVERNS PLUS A FABULOUS DINNER AND LIVE MUSIC SHOW. SEPT. 7-10 4 DAY CAPE COD & NANTUCKET ISLAND $949. GUIDED TOURS OF HYANNIS, PROVINCETOWN, NANTUCKET ISLAND . PLUS VISIT THE HISTORIC WHALING VILLAGE OF NEW BEDFORD. INCLUDES 3 NTS. HOTEL, 6 MEALS , ATTRACTION ADMISSIONS. OUTSTANDING END OF SUMMER GETAWAY.
SEPT. 28-OCT. 1 4 DAY NIAGARA FALLS, CANADA $799. GUIDED NIAGARA AREA TOURS FEATURING THE FALLS, NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, WINERY TOUR AND TASTINGS, AND MUCH MORE. INCLUDES 3 NTS. HOTEL, 5 MEALS.
Photo courtesy Berkeley Township
Artist Of The Month
–
Celebrate 150 Years Of Berkeley At Winterfest
BERKELEY – Mayor John Bacchione, Town Council, and Berkeley Township Recreation are excited to announce Winterfest!
The township is celebrating our 150th Anniversary and this event will include
iceless ice skating, food trucks, inflatables, a DJ, and more!
The event will be held on March 29 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Veteran’s Park. The $10 wristbands will include unlimited skating and inflatables.
May Day Spring Festival
BERKELEY – The May Day Spring Festival will feature craft vendors, a plant sale, and more. The festival takes place Mother’s Day weekend, May 10 at 10 a.m. at Island Beach State Park. Come find a unique gift for mom! Dogs on a
leash welcome.
Interested in being a vendor? Contact stevie.thorsen@friendsofislandbeach.org. Funded in part by a grant from the Ocean County Board of Commissioners. Explore more at OceanCountyTourism.com.
Pine Beach Egg Hunt
BEACH – The Pine Beach Egg Hunt will be on April 12 at 1 p.m. (Rain date April 13 at 1 p.m.) Family fun activities will take place at Vista Park.
BERKELEY
Congratulations to Clara B. Worth School’s newest Artist of the Month. Your guitar collage looks awesome! Keep up the amazing work in Mrs. Krajewski’s art class.
Photo courtesy Berkeley Schools
Central Regional Wrestler Becomes District Champion
BERKELEY – Joseph Dunne, a Junior at Central Regional High School, wrestled at districts and placed 1st for his weight class of 165lb. He is now the District 26 Champion. Central Regional has not had a district champion since 2022.
Cpl. William H Smith Detachment Annual Veterans Dance
BAYVILLE – The Cpl. William H Smith
Detachment Annual Veterans Dance will be on May 3 at 6 p.m. at the VFW Post 9503 Bayville.
Cost is $30 per person. Enjoy a hot buffet, salad, bread and butter, coffee, tea, and
desserts. Cash bar. DJ Jeff will be on hand for your dancing and listening pleasure. Dress code is casual.
If interested contact Bob Meola at 732674-7504, Bill Pivarnick at 848-240-3515, or Larry Migliorisi at 908-216-1834.
Photo courtesy Megan Dunne
Rock & Reminisce With Dale & Amy
BERKELEY – Hear your rock favorites, acoustic style, when the Jersey Shore’s own Dale & Amy return to the Ocean County Library Berkeley Branch for an evening of duets, 6:30 p.m. on April 10. Their soulful, imaginative harmonies, arrangements and instrumental mastery bring a fresh slant to tunes made famous by the Beatles, Jimmy Buffett, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Elvis Presley, Frankie Valli and many more.
Photo courtesy Ocean County Library
Dale and Amy Paradise are in their 30th year of serving up fun, crowd-pleasing rock, pop and country music from the 1950s to today. More than a thousand fans follow them on Facebook and YouTube. Register at tinyurl.com/OclBkyDA to attend this free program. For more information, stop by the OCL Berkeley Branch, 30 Station Road, Bayville, or call 732269-2144. See the full schedule of library programs in the online calendar of events.
Spaghett i 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.
Mayor, County Commissioner Take Part In Read Across America Day
BERKELEY – Mayor John Bacchione and Ocean County Commissioner Jennifer Bacchione attended the Berkeley Township Elementary School on March 3 for Read Across
America Day.
The purpose of Read Across America Day is to inspire a love of reading in children and teens and to promote literacy in our communities.
High School Thespians Attended Special Showing
BERKELEY – Central Regional High School thespians attended a special showing of “Dial M For Murder” at Two River Theater in Red Bank.
Afterward, the students joined in a Q&A session with the actors to learn about their craft. Special thanks to CRHS teacher Megan Rafferty for making it happen!
Silver Ridge Park West Dinner And Comedy Night
TOMS RIVER – Silver Ridge Park West Community Events is presenting another fabulous dinner and comedy night to bring the community together and support the neighborhood.
Headlining this show is South Jersey native Jimmy Graham (Comedy Central, Oxygen Network), featuring more of NJ’s
THE BERKELEY TOWNSHIP MUA
will be flushing hydrants March 31 – May 9, 2025
There may be low water pressure and some discoloration of water. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
The BTMUA is a drop off location for used cell phones for the “Cell Phones for Soldiers” program.
Like us on Facebook! 2040 US Highway 9 • Toms River, NJ 08755
best professional entertainment.
This event is being held May 17 at the Silver Ridge Park West Clubhouse, located at 145 Westbrook Drive in Toms River.
The event starts at 5 p.m. for dinner, with the comedy show to follow. Tickets are only $40; call Virginia at 862-208-9061 or Vicky at 201-280-7190 for more information.
Photo courtesy Berkeley Township
Photo courtesy Central Regional
Exciting News From The Pine Beach Police Department
PINE BEACH – We’re proud to introduce the Excellency Program at Pine Beach Elementary School! This initiative is all about teaching our 5th grade students the importance of a positive attitude, responsibility, respectfulness, and integrity - qualities that
will help them succeed as they grow.
Each marking period, teachers will select two students who best demonstrate these values, and those students will be invited to a pizza party with our officers, followed by a funfilled game of dodgeball!
Selected students will also receive:
A Certificate of Excellence
A Pine Beach Police patch
Their picture posted on our Facebook page (with permission, of course!)
Lt. Ryan Morris had the honor of visiting the school to present the Excellency Program to all the 5th grade classes. It was a great opportunity to kick off this amazing initiative and connect with our future leaders.
We can’t wait to see the incredible students who will shine through this program and continue to make our community proud!
Officers Participate In Read Across America
PINE BEACH – Pine Beach Police Officers had the pleasure of participating in Read Across America at Pine Beach Elementary School!
Officers took some time to read with the
Photo courtesy Pine Beach Police students, sharing the joy of books and fostering a love for reading. It’s always a great experience connecting with the community and supporting the next generation of readers.
Sentimental Cruisers Cruise Night
BAYVILLE – Sentimental Cruisers Cruise Night is held every Friday night at 4 p.m. (weather permitting) starting April 11 at the McDonald’s located at 417 Atlantic City Boulevard, Bayville.
All makes/models/years welcome, as are spectators! For more information, visit sentimentalcruisers.net.
Photo courtesy Pine Beach Police
PhoTo oF The WeeK
resident Donna Sierchio
this
Good Luck Point in Berkeley Township. This was the site of the Ocean Gate Radio Transmitting Station. Look at that sky! Have a photo you would like to see in this space? Email photos@ jerseyshoreonline.com and you may win a prize!
Pine Beach Volunteer Fire Co. 100th Anniversary Golf Outing
PINE BEACH – Come celebrate Pine Beach Volunteer Fire Company No.1 100th year with a round of golf.
The golf outing will be on June 4 at Cedar Creek Golf Course. Registration at 1 p.m. Shotgun start at 2 p.m. Dinner/awards at 6 p.m. at Birdies.
Join for a day filled with fun, golf, and celebration as we mark this special milestone. Get ready to hit the greens with fellow supporters and enjoy a round of golf in the
beautiful Pine Beach area. Don’t miss out on this exciting event as we come together to honor our fi re company’s century of service to the community. Grab your clubs and get ready for a day of friendly competition and camaraderie.
For more information, email ffdjensen@ gmail.com. Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.com/e/pine-beach-vol-fireco-100th-anniversary-golf-outing-tickets-1289657573519.
South Toms River Recreation 2025 Farmers’ Market
SOUTH TOMS RIVER – The Borough of South Toms River Recreation 2025 Farmers’ Market Vendor Application is available now! Cost is $25 or less per week per space. All vendors must fill out a form: forms.gle/MXEBXhfQN9qpj88MA. And call 732-278-1134 to verify approval with Anna.
The 2025 Farmers’ Market will run on Thursdays, May 15 through September 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Located at on the
waterfront, 134 NJ-166 Mathis Plaza South Toms River.
Payments are accepted via cash or checks made out to South Toms River Recreation only.
Remember to print a copy of the form for your records. Mailing address: 19 Double Trouble Road South Toms River NJ 08757.
Any questions, contact 732-278-1134 or strrecreationfarmersmarket@gmail.com.
Night At The Ballpark
PINE BEACH – Come join the Pine Beach Preservation Society as they continue to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Borough of Pine Beach. It’s sure to be a fun filled night, with activities for all ages at the ballpark! Night at the Ballpark will be held on May 9 at Shore Town Ballpark. Hurry and get your
tickets before we are all sold out! Contact Ray Newman to reserve your tickets: 732267-8752 or newmanraymond33@yahoo. com.
Party Deck Tickets: Adult $45; Children $35. Tickets include: full buffet, cash bar, door prizes and much more!
Boys Of Summer Car & Truck Show
BAYVILLE – A benefit Car & Truck show to benefit the boys and girls of Cub Scout Pack 78 on June 22 from 12 to 4 p.m. at Veterans Park, Bayville. Day of show $20 vehicle registration open to
all styles of vehicles antique, classic, muscle, lifted, lowered and big rig. Top 30 trophy ceremony with multiple best of awards. Live entertainment by DJ AJ. Food & drinks by Troop 78
Local
snapped
amazing photo near
Around The Jersey shore
The Arc, Ocean County Chapter Catalyst Awards Honors Community
TOMS RIVER – The Arc, Ocean County Chapter recognized fifteen award recipients from the community at this year’s Catalyst Awards at the Toms River Clarion celebrating their commitment and dedication to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Ocean County.
Congratulations to the following The Arc Catalyst Award Winners:
• Lifetime Achievement Award ~ Tom Baffuto, The Arc of New Jersey
• Bill Sackter Award ~ Tiffany Buccino
• Competitive Employment Achievement Award ~ Ilene Willis
• Distinguished Community Partner Award ~ John and Nancy Hughes, Jersey Mike’s Subs
• Volunteer Engagement Award ~ Susan Priolo, Rutgers Master Gardener
• Youth Community Volunteer Partner Award
~ Heather Staples, Manchester High School
• Health Educator of the Year Award ~ Natalia Wlodkowski, Ocean County Health Dept.
• Healthcare Professional of the Year Award
~ Dr. Samantha Boyd
• Employer of the Year Award ~ Jen and Dale
Stuban, Vogelsang
• Support Coordinator of the Year Award ~ Heather Chick, Disability Services & Advocacy
• Newcomer of the Year Award ~ Gabe Offerman
• Part-Timer of the Year Award ~ Lauren Gandulla
• Employee of the Year Award ~ Tammy Boud
• Employee of the Year Award ~ Jacob Appignani
• Enduring Commitment Award ~ Steve Lazar
The Catalyst Awards was an opportunity to honor our employees, business partners, and the individuals we support who go above and beyond to serve the mission of The Arc and make a real impact on the lives of people with disabilities.
The evening included a cocktail reception, super raffle, and silent auction which raised $30,000 with proceeds benefiting The Arc, Ocean County Chapter’s programs and support services. To support the event, visit arcocean.org. Check out Micromedia Publications’ website, jerseyshoreonline.com
Do you feel like you always hear an unwanted, stress-inducing background noise, such as ringing, buzzing, or hissing? It could be tinnitus — and spring cleaning is a great time to put your tinnitus stress out on the curb.
Tinnitus isn’t a disease, but it may signal a health concern, such as earwax buildup or too much exposure to loud noise. Often, it goes hand in hand with hearing loss, so the best starting place is us! The Tinnitus Consultation First, we’ll provide a hearing evaluation to determine whether hearing loss is a factor in your tinnitus. If there’s an obvious physical cause, such as earwax buildup, addressing it should clear up your tinnitus. Often, though, the cause remains a mystery. Fortunately, there are ways to minimize your stress response. To determine how best to help you, we’ll evaluate your tinnitus. You’ll answer questions about your perception of the sound, and we’ll run tests to learn about its pitch and volume.
Treatment Options
Once we understand your needs, we can recommend a personalized treatment plan. It could include one of the following:
• Hearing aids: Wearing these has
been shown to provide some relief, and they often include tinnitus-management functionality.
• Masking: You listen to sounds that give your brain something to focus on other than your tinnitus.
• Habituation: You listen to a customized sound that leaves some tinnitus audible, which desensitizes you to your tinnitus and alleviates the associated stress.
• Coaching: We teach you skills that minimize your body’s involuntary reaction to your tinnitus.
• Lifestyle changes: For example, the sound gets worse for some people when they drink caffeine or alcohol. Removing these can provide some relief.
Often, the sweet spot is a combination of things from the above list. Everyone’s relationship with their tinnitus is unique, so each treatment plan is, too.
Dr. Izzy and his Staff are always here to listen to your hearing care needs. Take charge of your hearing health — call us and give tinnitus stress the boot! Please feel free to contact our office at 732-451-3962 or visit our website at gardenstatehearing.com.
WE HEAR YOU & WE ARE HERE For YOU!
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!
Bereavement Group
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
CPR Classes Open To The Public
SOUTH TOMS RIVER – South Toms River EMS is pleased to offer Initial and Renewal CPR Classes for both first responders and the general public.
Classes will be held the 4th Thursday of the month at the Squad building on Dover Road
at 6 p.m. Each class will take approximately 2 to 3 hours.
Learn life-saving skills to protect your loved ones and community. Classes are affordable, include certification, and are open to all! Register at: strfas.org/cpr.
Food Addicts Anonymous Meetings
BAYVILLE – In person meetings are every Monday night at 7 p.m. at the Methodist Church just south of
Bayville.)
Come check it out if you’re wondering whether Food Addicts Anonymous could help you or someone you know!
Dr. Isidore Kirsh Ph.D.,
H ERE ’ S T O Y OUR H EALTH
Dear Pharmacist
Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.
Shingles Pain: How To Heal, Recover & Get Your Life Back
By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.
If you’ve ever noticed a distinct scent following a meal containing asparagus, you’re not alone. Asparagus contains a unique sulfur-containing compound known as asparagusic acid. When we consume asparagus, our bodies metabolize asparagusic acid into various volatile sulfur compounds, including methanethiol, dimethyl sulfide, and dimethyl sulfone. These compounds are notorious for their strong odors, often compared to rotten eggs or skunks. Remarkably, these substances can appear in our urine as quickly as 15 to 30 minutes after eating asparagus, leading to the characteristic smell that many people have observed.
Interestingly, not everyone experiences this post-asparagus odor in the same way. There’s a genetic twist. Research indicates that while a majority of people produce these sulfur compounds after consuming asparagus, only about 50-60 percent of people can actually smell it, even though the odor is clearly there.
This discrepancy boils down to genetics, specifically variations in olfactory receptor genes located on chromosome one. These genetic differences influence our ability to perceive certain sulfur-based odors, a phenomenon sometimes referred to as “asparagus anosmia.” Essentially, some people make the odor but cannot smell it, while others can both produce and detect it.
This genetic variation explains why, after a shared meal of asparagus, some people might notice a strong urine odor, while others remain oblivious.
Are there non-producers of odorous urine? While the majority of research suggests that most people metabolize asparagusic acid into
odorous compounds, there is a small subset (perhaps 5 percent of the population) that don’t produce these metabolites at all. The reasons for this are not entirely clear but may involve differences in digestive absorption or metabolic pathways that minimize the release of volatile sulfur-containing products.
Asparagus isn’t the only food known to affect urine odor. Certain foods and medications can impart distinct scents to urine. For example, consuming beets can lead to beeturia, where urine turns pink or red (but there’s no odor). Similarly, foods like coffee and fish, as well as medications such as certain antibiotics and vitamins, can alter the smell of urine. These changes are typically harmless and temporary.
Beyond its effect on urine odor, asparagus is a nutrient-rich vegetable offering numerous health benefits. It’s a good source of vitamins and fiber. Its diuretic properties can aid in flushing out excess fluids and salts, supporting kidney health. Therefore, the transient change in urine odor should not deter individuals from including this healthy vegetable in their diet.
Some supplements contain sulfur or act as sulfur donors, and you may be wondering about those. Things like NAC (N-Acetylcysteine), Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) or L-Cysteine are widely sold for various issues including joint pain. They will not cause you to make asparagus pee.
Experiencing a change in urine odor after consuming asparagus is generally harmless and does not indicate any underlying health issue. 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.
• Morning, Afternoon, Evening and Saturday appointments www.dunndental.com
More Frequently Asked Living Will Questions
By: Michael J. Deem, Esq. of R.C. Shea & Associates
Question: Can I appoint more than one person to be my Health Care Representative under my Living Will?
Answer: No. New Jersey law only allows the appointment of one Health Care Representative at a time. You cannot appoint co-health care representatives. However, you can name someone as your alternate Health Care Representative if the first person named cannot act. For example, you could name your spouse to be your Health Care Representative and then one of your children to act as an alternate Health Care Representative if your spouse is unable to carry-out his/her duties as your Health Care Representative.
Question: Where should I keep my Living Will?
Answer: You should keep your Living Will someplace in your house where it is readily accessible to your family. I do not recommend keeping a Living Will in a safe deposit box at a bank or in a locked safe in your house. Generally, banks are closed on nights and weekends, and it will not be easily accessible in the event that your family needs to use it at one of those times. If it is locked in a safe in your house, does your family have the combination to the safe? I usually recommend you keep your Living Will someplace in your house that is readily accessible by your family. You should let your family know that you have a Living Will and where it can be found in case of an emergency.
Question: Does preparing and signing a Living Will take away my right to make my own health care decisions?
Answer: No. A Living Will only goes into effect when two doctors, one of which is your primary care physician, state in writing that you are incapable of making competent decisions regarding your health care. During the time that you are competent to make health care decisions, you, and only you, can make those decisions regardless of what is stated in your living will.
Question: If I move to New Jersey from another state, should I have a new Living Will created in New Jersey?
I recommend that you prepare a new Living Will whenever you move from one state to another. The laws of each State may differ because there is no nationwide living will statute. The cost of preparing a living will is generally between $300-400. The cost of having a Living Will that is not accepted by the state in which you are now residing could result in the need for a medical guardianship proceeding which could run into the thousands of dollars. To me, it is always better to prepare a new set of estate planning documents when relocating from another state rather than to run the risk that your existing documents may not be accepted in the state in which you now reside.
Runaway Farm Animal Sanctuary Meet & Greet
BAYVILLE – Runaway Farm Animal Sanctuary is celebrating their three-year anniversary on May 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 39 Hickory Lane, Bayville. They are not open to the public on a daily basis so this is your chance to come see the work they do and to meet the residents of Runaway Farm!
This is always their biggest event of the year! They will have live music and vendors. All vendors are local/small businesses! Music by PM Ryder. Bake sale and fun giveaways. Always free admission.
Any questions, email runawayfarmnj@ gmail.com.
Join The Berkeley Ladies Senior Citizens Club
BERKELEY – The Berkeley Ladies Senior Citizens Club meets 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at 12 p.m. at the Berkeley Township Recreation Building, 630 Atlantic City Boulevard (Route 9), Bayville.
Come join as we plan trips to local events (car pool available), share desserts, snacks
and beverages, play games, and make new friends! We celebrate each holiday! Various Diamond Tour five-day trips are available. Bring some new ideas and share with us. Dues are $10 yearly and 50 cents each meeting for tea and coffee. Any questions call or text Vicki R. at 732-779-2055.
CLASSIFIEDS
Help Wanted
Services
Big Storage Containers For Rent - Clean, Dry, Secure. Toms River, Lacey, Bayville, Manahawkin, Tuckerton, New Gretna locations. 609-693-1631. (18)
For Rent Misc.
Wanted: Women who got tattooed after 55. Sorry? Still like it? I'm writing about older women's tattoos and want to hear from you. Call or text Jane, 732-503-8854. (17)
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)
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)
Certified Home Health Aides - Needed for Ocean County area. Hourly and live-in positions avail. P/T and F/T. Call CCC at 732-206-1047. (t/n)
Laundromat Attendant - For FT/ PT Good communication skills, math and min computer knowledge. Transportation needed. Long term commitment only. 732-286-1863. (t/n)
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)
PAINTING By Neat And Meticulous European Craftsman - who will beat any written estimate. Senior discounts. Interior, exterior. Call 732506-7787, cell 646-643-7678. (t/n)
Affordable Landscaping - Spring Cleanups, Complete lawn maintenance, Sod & seed lawns, Shrubs & tree pruning, Topsoil & mulch and much more. 640-999-0072. (19)
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)
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)
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)
Mercuro & Sons - Handyman Service General Contracting. License #13VH03469200. 732-674-3346. (18)
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)
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)
Caroline's Cleaning - Specializing in change-overs, offices, construction cleanup, shopping, doctor appointments and more. Call now for estimate 848-210-6213. (16)
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. (19)
"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)
Classifieds are placed in all 7 of our weekly newspapers covering all of Ocean County, and also Howell in Monmouth County.
• 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.
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:
1 week* at $29.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word =
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 =
*In order to qualify for discounts, the same ad must run over the requested weeks.
Print Name: 4. Make check payable in advance to Micromedia Publications, or fill in Mastercard/Visa/American Express SORRY NO DISCOVER info below: Billing Address:
Cardholder Signature:
1. Below, circle the heading you would like your ad to appear under: If you have any questions, leave a message for Ali 732-657-7344, ext. 203.
For Classified Ads: 12pm Monday (For that Saturday’s
Around The Jersey shore
New Jersey American Water
Offers Tips To Find And Fix Leaks
CAMDEN – New Jersey American Water highlights the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Fix a Leak Week by providing tips to help customers find and fix leaks in their homes.
gallons of water per year. If you notice one dripping, try closing it tightly. If it continues to drip, the washer may need to be replaced. Washing machine
If you see water on the floor under your washing machine, that could indicate a leak. You may want to call a repair service.
Bathtubs and showers
“Providing clean, safe, and reliable drinking water to our customers requires significant resources, and we all have a role to play in keeping that water from being wasted,” said Ben Morris, vice president of Operations for New Jersey American Water. “With the ongoing drought we’re experiencing in New Jersey and the arrival of spring this week – a season when water use typically increases –it’s more important than ever to find simple ways to conserve. Identifying and fi xing household leaks is one of the easiest and most effective steps customers can take to reduce unnecessary water waste.”
According to the EPA, leaks are present in about ten percent of households, which can waste 90 gallons of water or more per day. Below are a few common places to check for leaks inside your home:
Toilets
Check the spout and shower head for dripping water. New washers may be needed on the faucet handles.
Boiler system
If the sound of running water is continuous and does not stop and start periodically, there may be a leak. Contact a professional to check it and perform repairs.
A defective plunger ball or flapper valve can waste water by causing the tank to continually drain and refill. To test, drop a dye-tracing tablet or a small amount of food coloring in the tank and wait 5 minutes. If the dye-colored water seeped into the bowl, you may have a leak and need to replace the defective part.
Faucets
A leaky faucet can waste more than 3,000
“We’re committed to finding and fixing our own leaks here at New Jersey American Water as well,” said Don Shields, vice president of Engineering, New Jersey American Water. “We’ve invested $14.5 million into our award-winning acoustic leak detection technology over the past five years, which allows us to ‘hear’ leaks underground, enhancing our ability to respond to them before they become larger issues.”
Customers can learn more about leaks and download a leak detection kit. Customers are also encouraged to check for usage spikes on their accounts through MyWater, the company’s online customer portal. Additional ways to conserve water and drought information can be found on New Jersey American Water’s website at newjerseyamwater.com/ conservation.
Support Ocean County Boy Batt ling Cancer
By Alyssa Riccardi
OCEAN COUNTY – A local family is facing an unimaginable challenge after their 3-year-old son was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.
The Misiura’s family life was turned upside down in 48 hours, when they learned that their son Leo was diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma leukemia.
“Leo the lion is a brave, bright, and incredible 3-year-old who deserves a future filled with joy and opportunities,” wrote Stacy and Scott Klemas, who are family friends.
Leo now needs critical medical treatment, and the fi nancial burden is overwhelming.
The community has rallied to support the family, raising over $20,000 on GoFundMe. Donations will be used to help ease medical expenses as well as give Leo the treatments he needs for a chance at a future.
“This is a journey no family should have to walk alone, and that’s where we come in,” the GoFundMe states.
To support the Misiura family, you can make a donation at: gofundme.com/f/support-leo-misiuras-fight-against-cancer.
Clothing Swap
BAYVILLE – Hillcrest Academy is hosting a clothing swap on April 26 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 23 Grove Street, Bayville. How it works:
1. Bring the clothes you are looking to get rid of (must be washed and in good condition) and a staff member will bring them to the designated location.
2. Visit the area of the gender/size you are
in need of and bring home items you are in need of!
This is a completely free event and open to the public, not just Hillcrest students. Bring your own bags.
Any clothing left at the end of the event will be donated to St. Vincent DePaul, The Open Door and/or Providence House.
Around The Jersey shore
How Jersey Are You? The Devil And Daisy Dirt
TOMS RIVER – Bruce and Bon Jovi.
Lucy the Elephant and Hurricane Harbor. The Parkway and the Turnpike. You are Jersey all the way. However, have you seen the tallest Jersey Devil tale ever? The Ocean County Library Toms River Branch is pleased to present The Devil and Daisy Dirt: A Garden State Gothic, Alt-Folk Event, 7 p.m. on April 14.
Alex Dawson, Dan Diana, Arlan Fieles and Jackie Fogel appear in this twisted tale with live bluegrass music and the eight-foot-tall, winged, antlered creature that’s been rumored to live in the Pinelands for centuries.
Think of an edgy, goth, Pine Barrens cross of “Our Town” and “E.T.” Daisy fi nds the wounded beast in a dumpster behind the diner where she keeps the locals fed. It needs saving, especially with a poacher
named Tasty Murder hot on its trail. With help from a Piney palm reader and a piece of “magic muscle meat,” Daisy risks everything. Will she preserve a legend?
Weird NJ calls The Devil and Daisy Dirt “the most original, Jersey-Centric and downright weird presentation in the state’s theatrical history.” It won raves from a raft of celebrities including Joyce Carol Oates (The Gravedigger’s Daughter), Lev Grossman (The Magicians), Clay McLeod Chapman (Ghost Eaters) and Tom Holland (Fright Night).
Register at tinyurl.com/OclTRDDD to attend this free program. For more information, stop by the OCL Toms River Branch, 101 Washington Street, or call 732349-6200. See the full schedule of Library programs in the online Calendar of Events.
Hoe-Down Homicide Mystery Event
TOMS RIVER – The Toms River Elks #1875 Veterans Committee invites you to join for a Hoe-Down Homicide Mystery Event on May 10. Doors open 7 p.m. Show starts 8 p.m. Bring your own snacks. Cost: $25 ticket OR $220 For table of 10. Questions? Call Ed Hofacker 201-364-0178. Open to members and their guests.
Two-step into Mama Jack’s honky-tonk for some red-hot music, a slice of Roadkill Pie, and a countrified murder mystery! It’s the annual Possumbloat County Jamboree, and there could be trouble! Join Sheriff Traylor and his sidekick, Deputy Cletus, as they try to rope in a low-down scheming killer and restore order to this bucolic rural town.
Manitou Park Volunteer Fire Company Golf Outing Fundraiser
BERKELEY – Join Manitou Park Volunteer Fire Company for their First Annual Golf Outing Fundraiser on April 23 at Cedar Creek Golf Course, 5025 Bill Zimmermann Jr. Way, Bayville.
Registration starts at 12. Shotgun start at 1 p.m. Cost is $100 per golfer. Includes golf, refreshments during round, and dinner.
Prizes: 1st, 2nd , 3rd , place prizes, closest to the pin prizes, longest drive prize. Support a great cause and enjoy a day of golf, raffles, and prizes! Sign up here: cognitoforms.com/ManitouParkFireCo/ MPFCGolfOutingPlayerSignup.
Any questions contact cvandenberg@ mpfc18.com.
Photos by Nina Westervelt
FUN & GAMES SUDOKU
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
32 TV show about a high school choir
33 Cutlass automaker
34 Myths, legends, etc.
35 Informed of
Flap for a mic
Penn or Brown, e.g.
*Bank form
Oz’s __ Woodman
“Smell Ready” deodorant brand
Prepare to exit one’s car
Actress/inventor Lamarr 23 Like Hammett’s falcon
Jamaican music
In the thick of
“Let me run that errand”
Spoke like Daffy
*Surprise inheritance
At some prior time
Org. in Clancy novels
Support pieces above doors
“Star __ III: The Search for Spock”
China’s __ Kai-shek
__ v. Wade
“Justice League”
Gadot
With “on,” not strong, as an argument ... and what might cause the ends of answers to starred clues?
ER fluid hookups
Allow to fluctuate,
Moody music genre
Insincere “My bad”
Breeding environment
groups
Get-up-and-go
Name, as sources 12 “Metamorphoses” poet 13 Part of a Wall St. address 18 One with confidential info 22 Thirty after the hour
24 Dated stereo component
26 Josh
28 Credit card motion
29 __ for tat
31 Milk, in Marseille
36 Ella’s improv style
38 Like stored Russian dolls 41 Blistex target 44 Bi- plus one 46 Extended period of time 49 Vampire vanquisher 51 Partner of pains 53 Spew lava and ash 54 Introvert
55 Everglades plant
56 “The workweek’s almost over!” 57 Glowing review
58 Above all __: more than anything 60 Slugger Aaron 61 Swedish furniture chain 64 Sign of a sellout
Musician Yoko
ARIES (March 21-April 19): It’s not about winning or losing but how you play the game. If your current goal seems unattainable, there might be an opportunity to regroup and redefine more realistic objectives. Face the fact that being more organized may be a necessity.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Keep relevant communication open and honest with others in your orbit. Express your desires clearly, as no one can fulfill them unless they know what they are. Today might be ideal for finalizing contracts or setting sound goals for the future.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): It may seem like a day to take it easy, but if you do so you could miss out on an opportunity worth investigating. Do your best to stay engaged in both personal and professional spheres. You might discover something valuable that could improve your life.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Your initiative and willpower could give you a distinct advantage. Although it might be wise to wait before starting something new, you may possess the energy needed to promote efficiency and handle challenging tasks as they arise.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Even if someone makes an error, consider showing leniency and compassion as such kindness may be reciprocated. Tapping into creative energy could promote relaxation and power moves.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The long and winding road to your door may also be your path to success. A close friend or advisor or someone who visits your home might share a key component to realizing your dreams. Listen closely and you may learn something of value.
BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): You never know when today’s kindness might come back to you. People who succeed know there’s always an element of serendipity or pure luck in what they’ve achieved. Someone may owe you a huge favor when it matters most.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Compassionate discourse could steer any changes you hope to make in a gentler direction, perhaps making it feel like you’re finally making progress. Focus your energy on achieving long-term visions rather than immediate gains.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Be grateful for being uniquely you. Waiting a few days to collaborate with others in a group could result in mutual gain. There might be power struggles that you need to address early in the week. You may exude confidence in your interactions.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You may consider trying something new such as a hairstyle, routine, or meeting fascinating people to break free from mental constraints. While you forge forward, be aware that others might be inspired by you. Maintain politeness and consideration.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Being nice is a choice that everyone can decide to make. Don’t save up your gratitude for the big-ticket items, consider new ways to show how much you appreciate the little things too. Be sincere and express what they mean to you in the moment.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Personal affairs and getting your environment organized may be at the forefront today. Attend to your loved ones’ needs, and you might find your efforts appreciated. Share your attention, love, wisdom, and guidance where it’s most needed.
