Easter Bunny Hops Over To Town Hall
Police Chief Discusses Fatal Crashes
By Bob Vosseller MANCHESTER –
Township
Police Chief
Antonio Ellis recently discussed the Goal Zero program during a recent council meeting along with several other police related issues.
sey roadways, according to township police.
“As of March 18, 2025, 101 people have lost their lives on New Jersey roadways in 2025.
By
Bob Vosseller MANCHESTER
– It was partly overcast and breezy outside but inside the community center meeting room in Town Hall, it was a perfect spring day and a perfect place for an Easter event. That event brought a whole lot of children inside the building seeking the coveted prize of a golden egg Easter basket plus a photo oppor-
Volunteers Team
Up To Clean Local Beaches
By Alyssa Riccardi
JERSEY SHORE – Despite the cold and rainy weather, hundreds of volunteers hit the beach to pick up litter or harmful debris found at the Jersey shore.
The bi-annual initiative is a part of Clean Ocean Action’s (COA) Beach Sweeps, which
(Volunteers - See Page 9)
The Old Man On The Bay’s Miraculous Rescue
By Stephanie Faughnan WARETOWN
– For 70-year-old John Mazzi of Ocean Gate, fishing has never been just a job - it’s been his whole life.
“I’ve been fishing since I was six,” he said. “The only time I ever stopped was when I served in the Air Force. Fishing is my livelihood, my recreation - my life.”
Self-proclaimed as the “Old Man on the Bay,” Mazzi knows Barnegat Bay like the lines on his weathered hands. But on Wednesday, April 9, the water turned against him.
What began as a routine clamming trip turned into a multi-hour fight for survival, as Mazzi stood stranded on a (Rescue - See Page 7)
Goal Zero involves the police department joining forces with law enforcement in surrounding communities to participate in a high visibility county wide enforcement detail confronting the staggering rise in traffic deaths New Jersey has experienced in recent years.
High visibility enforcement details took place in late March and will continue. Between Monmouth and Ocean counties, 55 miles of roadway will be simultaneously enforced.
Traffic safety culture and driving behaviors must change to keep people alive on New Jer-
Thirteen of these deaths occurred in Ocean County. This is an initiative started in Holmdel Township,” Chief Ellis said. “These numbers are staggering. We are currently number one in the state at this time for fatalities so we take this seriously.”
Law enforcement agencies in Ocean County are dedicated to lowering these numbers and keeping our roadways safe by holding Code: Zero details on the last Thursday of every month through September. The color of the logo used for the Goal: Zero program represents visibility for pedestrians and school safety, green. The black bar is a mourning band for all lives lost in traffic crashes.
“Patrolman Matt Menosky of the Holmdel Police Department put this on about a year ago and did a successful zero tolerance campaign,” Ellis said. “This will most likely be grant funded through grants secured by (the State Division of Highway Safety) so there will be no cost to public taxpayers. It is for officers to get out there and do
(Chief - See Page 4)
Photos courtesy Manchester Township (Above) The Easter Bunny sits beside two Manchester Township girls during a recent Easter event held at Manchester Township Town Hall. (Right) Local children stand in front of the fence after a photo with the Easter Bunny.
tunity with a certain white-haired hare. Numerous children ages 2-10 and their families (Bunny - See Page 4)
Photo by Stephanie Faughnan
John Mazzi stands in front of his boat while holding the clamming rake that helped save his life after 12 hours on the Barnegat Bay.
Bunny:
Continued From Page 1
entered the room adorned with colorful paper plates arranged as spring flowers. Given the gray and rainy weather of the day prior, which forced the postponement of Easter Egg hunts in surrounding communities, the Manchester Township Recreation chose a good day for the event which was always planned as an inside activity.
Recreation Director Tracey Lynch told The Manchester Times that this year’s event called for “month long preparation and we only had two hours to transform the civic center into our Recreation Easter Garden before the guests arrived.”
Chief:
Continued From Page 1 enforcement.”
Goal: Zero brought together officers from 36 municipalities during last year’s enforcement details to monitor driving behaviors and issue summonses for violations such as speeding, careless driving and distracted driving.
Chief Ellis added that he was pleased to bring the initiative to Manchester Township in partnership with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and “our fellow officers at Lakehurst, Toms River, Lakewood and Brick police departments.”
Lynch added, “we had 152 kids registered and Mayor (Joseph) Hankins and Councilwoman Sandy Drake were in attendance. We had the Manchester Township High School Honor Society students come out to volunteer to assist along with several township employees.”
Also in attendance were a number of Manchester police officers who helped by giving out candy, police badge stickers and other various items. Lynch said the “Manchester Municipal Alliance donated candy and pictures were taken with the Easter Bunny.”
“Each child received a bucket with toyand candy-filled eggs, free popcorn for everyone and each child also had a chance to win the Grand Prize Golden Egg basket
Heritage Minerals Fatality
Mayor Joseph Hankins noted a recent fatality at the Heritage Minerals property, a place where people frequently trespass and put themselves in danger of drowning or off-road vehicle crashes.
“The Township Council does set a fi ne structure (for trespassing) for the judge to follow and I’ve asked that perhaps the court administrators to consider asking the judge to raise it. We have no say on what the judge does in court - it is his game - but at the end of the day it seems to be cheaper if you get caught trespassing to pay the fi ne than to pay anywhere else so unless we can make that fi ne more salient, we’ll be
in their age group,” Lynch added.
Mayor Hankins, Councilwoman Drake, two police officers and Lynch had their photo with the Easter Bunny. The Bunny made no comment on the price of eggs this year.
Lynch added, “We had a lot of really nice feedback from the parents at Sunday’s visit with the Easter Bunny. They all commented that their children had a great time. They were very appreciative for all that we do for the children.”
“It’s also so nice that the Manchester High School students are so involved with our Recreation events. They are always such a huge help,” Lynch added.
The Recreation Department is gearing up for Manchester Day on June 28. Manchester
continuing to see people use that facility,” the mayor said.
He noted it was private property and was previously part of a mining operation by its former owners and is a dangerous area to navigate and to swim in. Its outward appearance is often misleading but numerous fatalities have occurred in the past.
“We are working with the property owners to manage outside stuff but at the end of the day it is private property. So, for police officers to go in there on routine patrol would be like me patrolling your pool. We don’t typically go in there. We make sure the outside is fortified,” he added.
Chief Ellis said, “we work with Public
Check out Dr. Izzy’s Sound News on Page 18
Day is a township tradition that features a family-friendly event at Harry Wright Lake, 1501 Lake Road in Whiting.
The event will start at 2 p.m. and runs all day, featuring the musical entertainment of “Kickin’ Wing” and concluding with fi reworks at dusk.
It will include rides and games for both children and adults to enjoy, demonstrations and prizes, as well as food and snacks from a wide variety of vendors. For additional information call 732-657-8121 ext. 5102,5101 or e-mail recreation@manchestertwp.com. Coming up at 10 a.m. on May 26 is the township’s annual Memorial Day Parade at the World War II Memorial Park in Whiting.
Works to make sure that barriers are put back up and ‘no trespassing’ signs are in place as well. We will be planning some joint trainings with the fi re departments and our emergency services and practice scenarios so if we have to go into that area for drowning or a quad accident or a fi re, we have access to and can make sure our members can operate safely inside Heritage Minerals because it is very treacherous.”
New Communications Equipment
The township recently approved bonding for the purchase of telecommunications equipment for the Manchester Police Department for the $7,125,000 expenditure.
e Importance Of Community – 30 Years of Micromedia
Let us go back in time to April 18th, 1995. A postage stamp cost 32 cents. A McDonalds Big Mac meal cost $2.99. Gas for the car averaged 90 cents a gallon. The world was glued to the O.J. Simpson trial. Bad Boys with Will Smith topped the box office. The number one song in the U.S. was “This Is How We Do It” by Montell Jordan. Cell phones weighed a ton and could only make calls. The internet was slow as molasses and Google had not been founded yet.
Some of you reading this may have been working, raising children, learning your ABC’s or having your diapers changed –others may not have been a twinkle yet.
In the basement of a home in Pine Lake Park, former copy machine salesman Stew Swann and his niece Robyn Friedrich were making Ocean County history – creating the fi rst edition of The Manchester Times They were aided by Stew’s late wife Alice, who showed her unconditional love and support through the entire inception of Micromedia Publications.
It’s 30 years later and Micromedia has seven
weekly newspapers, three hyperlocal news websites, thousands of readers, many loyal advertisers and the respect from the local government and communities we serve. Our print newspapers are everywhere, we have over 100,000 social media followers, we’re on the Newsbreak app, Google News, Apple News, on radio spots and our Jersey Shore Online continues to keep everyone updated and informed with millions of pageviews each year.
Micromedia has an incredibly talented staff who are dedicated to the mission statement the company was founded on: the importance of community.
The commitment to the management, design, the fair & balanced journalism, the sales and distribution of our products has never been interrupted – even through tragic times like 9/11/01, Superstorm Sandy and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Micromedia has also been helping small businesses flourish through affordable print and digital advertising. This keeps the money local, and every penny of ad revenue we
earn allows us to keep our papers free and our staff working.
I have been with the company since 2013 and I can say with great confidence that our readers and advertisers are getting a fantastic product each week and each day online.
While other local media outlets continue to fold, Micromedia prevails as our company President Stew Swann puts his staff and products above profits. The company’s
survival has always been his top priority and we hope to be here for another 30 years and beyond.
We appreciate you and remember, this is YOUR community newspaper. We are here for YOU!
Jason Allentoff Vice President/COO Micromedia Publications
Stew Swann and Robyn Friedrich founded Micromedia in 1995
Rescue
Continued From Page 1
sandbar, soaked, freezing, and surrounded by 10 feet of churning water.
Lost At Sea, Found By Faith Mazzi had launched around 2 p.m. from Baker’s Basin, hoping for a productive day of clamming near Oyster Creek Channel. The bay was flat – “like glass,” he recalled. “There wasn’t a ripple when I started working.”
But within hours, the wind kicked up, the tide shifted, and danger crept in. The wind started coming in at 20 miles per hour and the wind and tide were going in the same direction. Initially, it wasn’t too choppy until the wind crisscrossed the tide. By then, Mazzi knew he was in trouble.
“I was five minutes from leaving,” Mazzi said. “I turned around, and the boat was gone.”
Mazzi had anchored his boat somewhat close to the edge of the sandbar so it would be easy for him to leave. He said in the future he plans to anchor more towards the middle as a result of the incident that could have cost him his life.
The fierce winds and tide change resulted in the anchor coming loose. “When you’re in only a couple of feet of water, you don’t let that much anchor line out,” explained Mazzi. “And as soon as it got off the bar, the anchor couldn’t grab.”
Mazzi’s 17-foot Carolina skiff drifted out into deeper water, leaving him marooned with no way off the sandbar – surrounded by ten feet of water. It was five o’clock in the evening and the experienced clammer knew he had just two and a half hours of light left.
“My boat had drifted right next to the main channel – about eight hundred yards from me,” said Mazzi. “By the grace of God, the anchor had grabbed the last high spot that was available.”
“That’s the only way that the anchor grabbed where it did,” Mazzi continued.
“Otherwise, the boat would have floated all the way to the west side of the bay. That’s where they would have started looking for me and they would have never found me.”
Mazzi waved frantically and screamed in the direction of passing boats. At least six vessels went by. None of them stopped. “If you see an empty boat, you’d think you’d stop and have a look,” he said, nodding his head.
As the sun went down, Mazzi kept clamming. He stood for hours, unable to kneel - the water too deep. “The wind was knocking me around. My rake was the only thing holding me up.”
“It was around midnight when I kind of slipped,” said Mazzi. “I fell in the water and caught myself with my right hand. I didn’t go completely under, but I was soaking wet on one side.”
“My gloves were full of water, and about an hour before they found me, I had stopped shivering, and I knew when I stopped shivering that my body was shutting down.”
Making The Call
At home, Mazzi’s wife felt something was wrong by 8:30 p.m. His youngest daughter tried to reassure her - maybe he was just stuck in traffic. But Mazzi’s wife knew. She called a friend, who rushed to the dock and saw Mazzi’s truck still parked - and no boat.
That confi rmation launched a full-scale search. By 10 p.m., Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay sprang into action. A press release issued by the Coast Guard said that Watchstanders launched an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City and a boat crew from Coast Guard Station Barnegat Light. They also activated local marine rescue crews, including commercial responders from Sea Tow.
For boaters or fishermen, a float plan is simply a way to let someone on land know where you’re going and when you’ll be back.
“Mr. Mazzi’s float plan was a verbal plan where he told his daughter where he was leaving from, how long he was going to be
out and the locations he was planning to do conduct his fishing,” said Rick Anderson, an operations unit controller with Sector Delaware Bay. “Float plans can significantly increase mariners’ chances of being found swiftly by rescue crews because the crews have areas to initiate their search efforts.”
Walt Bohn, captain at Sea Tow, said the Waretown Police Department contacted them around 11:20 p.m. after the Coast Guard reported a missing boater, later identified as someone both he and his fellow captain, Dan Siegel, knew personally.
Bohn suited up and reached out to Siegel, knowing their combined experience could make a difference. Bohn has a background as both an EMT and a fi refighter, while Siegel has spent his life fishing and clamming in local waters.
Their search began near Key Harbor and circled back through Oyster Creek Channel. About 45 minutes into their search, the Coast Guard helicopter joined in, covering the area much faster. As the Sea Tow team made their way back toward Baker’s Basin, the helicopter spotted an unoccupied vessel near a newly formed dredge island.
“When we reached the boat, the keys were still in the ignition, but there was no sign of the boater,” said Bohn. “That’s when I told Dan I wanted him to get on a State Police boat - based on the water temperature and how long he’d been out there, I honestly thought we were looking at a recovery.”
Found At Last
Just minutes later, the Coast Guard called again: they’d spotted a person in the water - about 200 yards from where Bohn and Siegel were checking the boat. As they made their way to the site in extremely shallow water, Bohn turned his spotlight on the area and there was Mazzi - standing.
“It was just unreal,” Bohn said. “I couldn’t believe it. Dan saw him and I can’t even explain the feeling. This guy… he’s the toughest guy I’ve ever met to survive those conditions.”
The Coast Guard lowered a rescue swimmer and brought the man aboard Bohn’s boat using a rescue basket. From there, he was airlifted to Key Harbor for medical attention.
Shawn Denning, a trustee and second lieutenant with the Waretown First Aid Squad, was among the fi rst to treat the rescued boater after he was airlifted to shore by the U.S. Coast Guard.
“The poor guy was severely hypothermic,” Denning said. “He had been out there standing for hours. When the Coast Guard brought him in, they lowered him to us in a rescue basket. We had to physically lift him out and get him into the ambulance so we could begin active rewarming.”
Denning said his team immediately applied their training in hypothermia and water rescue. “This man was truly in peril. But all these agencies - federal, state, local - came together and did what needed to be done. We knew exactly how to manage his condition so it didn’t worsen.”
The rescue also marked a first in Denning’s two decades of service.
“In 20 years, I’ve put people into rescue baskets, but I’ve never received one,” he said. “It was surreal. We had to do it oldschool - two of us lifted him out like in the army, carried him to the stretcher, stripped off his soaking wet gear, and started the rewarming process right away. It was the craziest thing I’ve ever been part of.”
Denning added that the experience was a powerful reminder of the importance of volunteer responders.
“I hope someone hears this story and says, ‘I want to be there when my neighbor needs help,’” he said. “We need more people to answer the call - whether it’s the fi re department, fi rst aid, or search and rescue. You never know when someone close to you might need saving.”
Those who coordinated efforts together included the US Coast Guard, New Jersey State Police, Sea Tow Central New Jersey, (Rescue - See Page 9)
S POTLIGHT O N G OVERNMENT
Correspondence & Commentary From Your Local, County, State & Federal Officials
Nuclear Energy Bill Gains Support Amid Soaring Utility Costs
Capitol Comments
Assemblyman Gregory Myhre
TRENTON - In the wake of a joint hearing of the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee and the Senate Select Committee on skyrocketing utility bills, legislation introduced by Assemblyman Gregory Myhre to expand New Jersey’s energy supply with small modular nuclear reactors is gaining new momentum.
The Small Modular Nuclear Energy Incentive Act (A5103), introduced by Myhre in December, has now drawn nine
Assembly co-sponsors and is being positioned by supporters as a key piece for the state’s longterm energy affordability strategy. A companion bill (S3964) was introduced shortly after by Sen. Carmen Amato Jr.
“Residents are being crushed by electric bills, and the hearing made it clear that our current energy mix is not meeting the moment,” said Myhre (R-Ocean).
“We need real solutions, not just wishful thinking, and that means embracing reliable, zero-emission nuclear power.”
The bill would create a program within the state Board of Public Utilities to solicit bids for the construction of small modular nuclear reactors, next-gener-
ation nuclear plants that produce substantial energy on a smaller footprint. Private developers would submit bids for per-megawatt-hour incentives through a competitive process.
“These modern reactors can provide the reliable base load energy we desperately need without carbon emissions, and without taking up thousands of acres of land or ocean,” Myhre said.
Since its introduction, the bill has gained the support of Assembly members Rob Clifton, Victoria Flynn, Robert Auth, Christian Barranco, Christopher DePhillips, Claire Swift, Sean Kean, Gregory McGuckin, and Michael Inganamort.
It is also sponsored by Assemblymen Brian Rumpf (R-Ocean) and John Allen (D-Hudson), in a rare show of bipartisan agreement on nuclear energy policy.
Myhre said small modular reactors are especially suited to meet the state’s growing energy needs as industries like artificial intelligence, data centers and advanced manufacturing expand.
“The future is going to require more energy, not less. And the faster we embrace modern nuclear technology, the more secure and affordable our grid will be,” he said. “It’s time to stop pretending offshore wind can carry this burden alone. My constituents are deeply skeptical about wind’s promises and deeply concerned about the environmental risks to our coastline.”
The legislation has been referred to the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee. The Senate version is pending before the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.
Senate Republicans Reject Medicaid Protections
Capitol Comments
WASHINGTON, D.C. – During a 6.5 hour marathon voting session until 2:30 a.m., Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) introduced an amendment to the Republican budget resolution to support New Jersey’s caregivers and prevent cuts to Medicaid coverage that millions of Americans rely on for their caregivers. Senate Republicans killed the amendment and voted
for a budget that could slash Medicaid by $880 billion.
“This morning, I needed to rush up to my father as he took a bad fall...I had a long and emotional conversation with his caregiver about caring for and tending to his wounds, and about his limitations. I’ll be honest with you, it’s hard leaving his side to drive straight here to the Capitol tonight for votes that could very well determine if aging seniors like my father will get the care that they need,” said Senator Kim during his floor remarks. “I can only be here voting today because a caregiver is there
looking after my father right now. These caregivers deserve someone looking after them.”
Senator Kim introduced additional amendments to support the nearly two million New Jerseyans who rely on Medicaid for their critical care and protect essential coverage for children with disabilities or chronic conditions; long-term care coverage and community-based services for seniors and people with disabilities; and opioid treatment programs. Cuts to Medicaid would impact 300,000 people with a disability in New Jersey and 60% of nursing home residents who utilize Medicaid for their care.
In their budget resolution, Senate Repub-
licans continued to prioritize handing tax cuts to the ultra-wealthy at the expense of working families and abandon priorities that ensure Americans’ safety and security. Key provisions that Senator Kim supported that Senate Republicans refused to pass included preventing Trump’s tariffs from increasing the cost of groceries and everyday goods for families; continuing to provide security assistance to Ukraine; reversing the Trump administration’s cuts to the Social Security Administration and protecting seniors’ hard-earned benefits; and preventing cuts to food assistance for kids and families through programs like SNAP.
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.
ree Nursing Home Workers Charged In Assault, Neglect Of Patient
By Alyssa Riccardi
WHITING – Three staff members of a local rehabilitation and nursing center received criminal charges after pepper spraying a patient who they claimed was aggressive, police said.
The incident occurred at Whiting Gardens, located at 3000 Hilltop Road, on March 19 at around 8:52 p.m.
Licensed Practical Nurse Lisa Erikson told police that an 87-year-old patient, who suffers from dementia, depression, and anxiety, had become agitated and was damaging property. Erikson then told police that she perceived these actions as a threat and proceeded to “pepper spray the patient in an attempt to de-escalate the situation.” Staff then allegedly confi ned the patient
to his room while waiting for police and emergency medical personnel.
After obtaining statements from staff and reviewing surveillance footage, authorities discovered that the patient was damaging property at the nurses’ station and began walking down the hallway, which police stated did not appear aggressive or threatening.
“Erikson is then seen approaching the patient from behind and deploying pepper spray directly to his face at extremely close range, followed by a second application,” police said in a press release.
Subsequently, the patient fell to the ground and remained unattended for several minutes before being forcibly moved to his room by CNA Joshua Benner, with assis-
tance from Erikson, police said.
According to authorities, the patient remained in his room and was left without medical aid for about 46 minutes before Manchester EMS arrived and provided medical assistance. The patient was brought to Community Medical Center (CMC) for further evaluation.
On April 2, authorities charged the following people connected to the incident:
Lisa Erikson, 58, of Manchester, LPN, was charged with Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and Abandonment or Neglect of an Elderly Person or Disabled Adult.
Celia Anetz-Sanzari, 58, of Manchester, the on-duty nursing supervisor, was charged with Abandonment or Neglect of an Elderly
Person or Disabled Adult.
Joshua Benner, 34, of Brick, Certified Nursing Assistant, was charged with Abandonment or Neglect of an Elderly Person or Disabled Adult.
“We take this opportunity to remind healthcare professionals and caregivers of the importance of following proper protocols when dealing with vulnerable populations, especially in long-term care facilities. Ensuring the safety, dignity, and rights of every patient remains a top priority in our community,” Manchester police said. The charges referenced above are merely accusations, and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Senator Andy Kim
Volunteers:
Continued From Page 1
celebrated their 40th Beach Sweeps on April 12.
Clean Ocean Action is a leading national and regional voice working to protect waterways using science, law, research, education and citizen action. Their Beach Sweeps are held every April and October and are the state’s largest volunteer driven, citizen science and environmental event. The goal of the Beach Sweeps is to make beaches safer for marine life and more enjoyable for people. Volunteers strive for difference in the community while joining in on the beachy-clean fun. Unlike other cleanups, volunteers keep record of each piece of debris on COA’s data card.
Collected data is monitored for trends and analyzed so COA can work on advocating for new laws and policies for a positive change.
In Brick Township, they had a great turn out across Brick Beach 1 and Windward Beach Park even with the unwelcomed rainfall.
“I almost feel better when the weather is poor because that means people really want to come out,” said Raymond LeChien, member of the Brick Township Environmental Commission who led the cleanup at Windward Beach Park. “It’s always incredible. Even with the weather or even with the time, people will come out, no matter what - smile on their face, they’re ready to pick up trash and do a lot of good work.”
Windward Beach Park, which lies along the Metedeconk River, tends to have different garbage wash up on its shores compared to ocean beaches due to its location.
“Since it’s along the river, it’d be a lot of smaller stuff, not just park garbage, but even just stuff that’ll come in from the river. Whereas the ocean, it not only tends to be bigger stuff, but it also tends to be newer stuff, so it could be something that washed up just last night. You could clean it last weekend and have something brand new and huge this weekend,” LeChien said.
LeChien noted that the number one item that litters the beaches are microplastics, a popular item being bottle caps.
“Since the ban in May 2022, we’ve defi nitely seen nearly no plastic bags. Of course, still some, but they’ve gone down a lot,” LeChien said. “It’s mostly micro-
Rescue
Continued From Page 7
U.S. Coast Guard Mid-Atlantic, Ocean Township Police Department, and Waretown First Aid Squad.
God Was His Anchor
As much as Mazzi credits his training, his experience, and the rescuers, he says the real reason he’s alive is his faith.
“If that anchor doesn’t grab where it did, the boat drifts all the way across the bay,” he said. “They never would’ve found me. God put that anchor down where it
plastics, so everything from bottle caps to just pieces of things.”
Other key Beach Sweep locations throughout Ocean County were Island Beach State Park, located on the Barnegat Peninsula in Berkeley Township, which is home to a diverse array of wildlife. On Long Beach Island, a clean-up was held in Surf City on in partnership with Alliance for a Living Ocean.
At Seaside Heights, Junior Beach Captains from The Marine Academy of Technology & Environmental Science (MATES) took charge, successfully checking in over 80 volunteers for an efficient and impactful cleanup.
In Monmouth County, Sandy Hook welcomed about 150 volunteers to its site which runs a little different than other Beach Sweep sites.
“We have students from MAST (Marine Academy of Science & Technology) who volunteer as the beach captains for Sandy Hook,” said Meg Sulzberg, COA Plastic Free Sea Coordinator who attended the Sandy Hook Sweeps.
In 2024, 6,835 volunteers collected a total of 276, 899 items – with 83% of debris collected was made of plastic. Plastic food and shopping bags reached its lowest-ever recorded level, accounting for just 1% of the total debris collected in 2024.
Some unique items which made their made onto the “Roster of the Ridiculous” included a whole watermelon, pool noodle, baseball bat, and a rubber ducky.
“The hard work of our remarkable Beach Sweeps volunteers and captains shows, unfortunately, that people tend to be litterbugs. The more single use items that become available and are used, the more they washup on our beaches. However, when we pass laws and ordinances and implement restrictions on these items, we see less on the beaches,” said Cindy Zipf, COA Executive Director. “These trends can be seen over time.”
Currently, COA is focusing on several legislative efforts, including the Packaging Product Stewardship Act which takes action to reduce plastics and packaging.
“By informing themselves, signing petitions, and making calls to elected officials, volunteers can take their action to the next level to help reduce pollution,” said Toni Groet, South Jersey Coordinator.
To learn more about Clean Ocean Action and the Beach Sweeps, visit cleanoceanaction.org.
had to go.”
Confirmation of that belief came the following Sunday, when Mazzi returned to Cedar Creek Community Church in Bayville. The band began playing “Be Not Afraid,” a song chosen randomly, but one with lyrics that pierced straight to his heart:
“If you pass through raging waters in the sea, you shall not drown.”
“I broke into tears right there,” Mazzi said. “Half the church did. That song - I’d lived it.”
Just four days after the rescue, Mazzi was back at it - headed out to clam again. It’s what he does. It’s what he knows.
Students Join Leadership Groups
Photo courtesy Manchester Schools
MANCHESTER – Congratulations to the Manchester Township High School (MTHS) students who recently learned of their acceptance into the American Legion Boys and Girls State as well as the New Jersey Hoby (Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership) Youth Leadership Seminar! Way to live out our school district’s motto Excellence by Example!
Crestwood Village 6 Resident’s Club Presents: Come What May
WHITING – Crestwood Village 6 Resident’s Club presents: Come What May! An evening featuring Wild Rose, on May 16 from 7 to 11 p.m. at Deerfield Hall, 6 Congasia Road, Whiting. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $15 per person. Tickets are sold every Monday
at the CV 6 Clubhouse from 10 to 11 a.m. Sold on a first come first serve basis.
Raffle, 50/50 and door prizes. Refreshments provided; finger foods welcome. If availability allows tickets may be purchased at the door.
Crestwood Village 7 Mother’s Day Celebration Dinner & Dance
WHITING – Crestwood Village 7 hosts a Mother’s Day Celebration Dinner and Dance at the clubhouse at 1 Falmouth Avenue, Whiting, from 6 to 10 p.m. on May 10. We will offer a catered hot buffet dinner, open bar, champagne toast, free photo
booth, a great DJ plus live vocalist and fantastic door prizes. Celebrate MOM! Tickets are $59 and are available every Monday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4 to 5 p.m. at the clubhouse, or call 609-200-2324 or 732-715-0813.
Manchester Li le League BlueClaws Game
MANCHESTER – The Jersey Shore BlueClaws would like to welcome Manchester Little League to ShoreTown Ballpark on August 22 at 7:05 p.m.
Enjoy a BlueClaws game while raising money for your organization! For each ticket
purchased, a portion of the proceeds will go back to your group, so you can have a great time at the game and help a worthy cause! For more information or to purchase tickets, visit gofevo.com/event/Manchester LL2025.
Vendor Fair And Food Truck
LAKEHURST – Lakehurst Vol. Fire Company presents their Vendor Fair and Food Truck event on May 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Indoor and outdoor tables available. Event is rain or shine. Vendor space fee nonrefundable. For more information, contact Sue at fi redeptoffice@lakehurst-nj.gov.
Photo courtesy Manchester Schools
Lakehurst Elementary School Students Of e Month
LAKEHURST – Lakehurst Lions are roaring with pride! Each month students focus on embodying ROAR characteristics: Respect, Optimism, Achievement, and Responsibility!
Students from every grade level are selected based on their demonstration of
these qualities. Throughout the month, other students have the opportunity to earn “Caught Roaring” tickets which allow them to participate in a game during the monthly assembly. Keep on ROARING!
Pictured is Grade 3 to 5: Vicki, Sophia, Aubrey, Italia, Brianna and Gabby.
New Fire Members Sworn In
WHITING – Whiting Fire Company
Station 33 welcomed Andrejs Zakar and Dylan Lane into the brotherhood. In front of their families and fellow members, they raised their right hand and took the oath - a promise not just to serve, but to live by the code of honor, professionalism, discipline, and sacrifice.
Zakar and Lane will begin preparing for
formal recruit training which will take place at the fi re academy totaling nearly 300 hours over several months. These recruits will also undergo in-house training as appropriate throughout this journey, ultimately working through our department’s probationary task book.
Welcome to the family, brothers…never stop learning…let’s get to work.
Photo courtesy Lakehurst Elementary School
Photo courtesy Whiting Fire Company Station 33
Graduate Receives Oath Of O ce For U.S. Space Force
MANCHESTER – Manchester Township High School (MTHS) graduate Ryan Sogness, Class of 2020, chose MTHS and an MTHS staff member, Lt. Commander John Holzer, to conduct a historic military Oath of Office!
Second Lt. Ryan Sogness received the Oath of Office in the Auditorium of his alma mater. He was joined by his proud father, MTSD administration, MTHS administration and staff, and current JROTC members. It is here where he became the first MTHS graduate to be a part of the United States Space Force and also the first MTHS graduate to become a Commissioned Officer. The official transition begins for Second Lt. Sogness as he reports to his first duty station in Colorado.
“When it came planning the Oath of
Reserve Of Lake Ridge Blood Drive
MANCHESTER – Blood Drive sponsored by The Reserve of Lake Ridge held in the Clubhouse 707 Hollybrook Lane, Manchester, on May 10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Appointments are preferred, visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call Francine at 732941-4588.
Office, it was important and symbolic for me to have the ceremony at Manchester Township High School,” Second Lt. Ryan Sogness shared. “It is at MTHS where I started with the JROTC and decided to move forward with a career in the military. I am thankful for all of the opportunities that came from my experience here and am thankful to everyone for being here today!”
The Manchester Township School District remains proud of Second Lt. Ryan Sogness and thankful for his service to our country! Way to live out our school district motto, Excellence by Example.
Photo courtesy Manchester Schools
April Is e Month Of e Military Child
MANCHESTER – April is the official Month of the Military Child (MOMC), and on April 4, Manchester’s military-connected students and our school staff were invited to Joint Base McGuire-Dix Lakehurst (JB-MDL) for the celebration! It was a wonderful event featuring the
theme ‘From Sea to Shining Sea.’ Our students were honored for their sacrifices and the vital role their families play in supporting our country. The time and effort put into this event by JB-MDL and our participants made it a truly special experience!
St. Stephens Whiting Military Celebration
WHITING – St. Stephens Episcopal Church Whiting, Brotherhood of St. Andrew Chapter, will host a military veterans celebration on May 25 at the church during both the 8 a.m. & 10 a.m. services. Join us to help our parish family celebrate all veterans of the armed forces and those currently serving in the military! We will offer musical military hymns and our supply priest Father Charles
Lochner will incorporate the celebration in his sermons of the day!
For further details and information, call Bill Bodine - BofStA Chapter Director at 848-210-4206 or email to wbodine3@ gmail.com. You can also call St. Stephens Whiting Parish Office at 732-3502121 and ask for Greg Matthews - Parish Administrator or email to ssechurch@ gmail.com.
Regional Day School Flapjack Fundraiser
Ocean County Mall, 1201 Hooper Avenue, Toms River.
MANCHESTER – Join the Regional Day School for a Flapjack Fundraiser breakfast to support Manchester Township PTA. Fundraiser will be on April 19 from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Applebee’s located at the
Tickets are $12. Contact 732-644-5485 or vp_rda@manchesterpta.org for more information.
Cedar Glen Lakes Cinco De Mayo Party
WHITING – Cedar Glen Lakes Cinco De Mayo Party will be on May 4 from 2 to 5 p.m. at 100 Michigan Avenue, Whiting.
Enjoy a chili sit down dinner, live performance by Silver and Gold, and door prizes. BYOB. Tickets are $35 per person.
Photo courtesy Manchester Schools
C OMMUNITY N EWS
Manchester PBA
Places 1st At Relay Marathon
MANCHESTER – Big congratulations to the Manchester PBA 246 Running Team! The team crushed it at this year’s Jersey Shore Relay Marathon, finishing 1st in the Police/Fire/EMS Division and 5th overall out of more than 140 teams! The relay is part of the annual Asbury Park RunAPalooza, an amazing event that spans 26 miles from Seaside Heights to Asbury Park - all in support of local charities like the Jersey Shore Dream Center.
A huge shoutout to our runners for dedicating their day off to represent Manchester with incredible strength, endurance, and heart!
Photo courtesy Manchester Police
Sign Language Students Learn New Ways Of Expressing emselves AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE
By Chris Lundy BERKELEY –
When you pass through the Central Regional Middle School library, there’s a sign telling you to be quiet. But there are ways to communicate without making a sound.
Students at both the middle and high schools have been learning American Sign Language to better interact with those who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
The idea started as a club during the height of the pandemic and now it has grown to a 10-week program. For one marking period, kids can choose this from other 10-week options, Assistant Principal Kevin Buscio said.
A classroom grows out of the back of the middle school library. The desks are situated in a U shape, so that everyone can see each other’s faces and hands. Seeing the gestures is done for obvious reasons, but the facial features add to the meaning.
Jennifer Lozada taught the class. She would sometimes slip into full sentences where the students knew most of the signs and they would have to pick up the rest from context clues.
Part of taking attendance was that the class had to spell the absent student’s name with signs. They did a basic math puzzle and signed the numbers involved. One student went around to each classmate and signed “How are you?” The other students signed back such things as “happy,” “sad,” “nervous” and even “invisible.”
They broke into small groups to communicate with each other. “Sign language is more fun for me,” one student said.
“It’s interactive. We play games,” another said.
Sometimes, they’ll have visitors, such as Dr. Isidore (Dr. Izzy) Kirsh from Garden State Hearing And Balance Center. They’ve also hosted a Deaf couple who taught lessons and answered questions. Sometimes, they’ll be the visitors. They have traveled to Ocean Gate and Island Heights elementary schools and prepared a lesson for the students. This not only reinforces their own learning – because being able to teach someone a subject requires a high level of understanding –but it also gets the younger kids excited about learning this subject when they get
to the middle school.
In ASL1, the subjects involve basic vocabulary, fingerspelling, and numbers. The themes of personal life, family life, school life, and social life are explored.
More complex sentences and concepts are taught in ASL2, with the intent to broaden their development of American Sign Language and give them the tools to communicate more detailed concepts.
Photo by Chris Lundy
A Central Regional Middle School student makes the rounds, asking in American Sign Language how his fellow students are doing. The other students signed back their answer.
O BITUARIES
John Robert Payne Jr.
John Robert Payne Jr. (1956 – 2025)
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of John (Jay) Payne Jr. on March 27, 2025 at the age of 68. Surrounded by his family, he peacefully passed away at his home in Whiting, NJ from Alzheimer’s disease. John was a devoted family man and an elder in the local congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. For almost 30 years, he owned and managed his landscaping business, servicing commercial and residential properties. John often volunteered his landscaping services for houses of worship. He left behind a legacy of kindness, humor, and dedication.
Born on May 31, 1956 in Lakewood, NJ, John is survived by his spouse, Maria Payne, daughters, Natalia Payne, Tatiana Payne, Juliana Dorofy, and son-in-law Phillip Dorofy, sisters Delores Payne and Gwen White, brothers Alvin Payne, Reginald Payne, George Payne, and Eugene Payne, and beloved brother-in-laws, sisterin-laws, a mother-in-law, nephews, nieces, and extended family.
John was known for his big smile and mild and friendly spirit which made it easy for him to naturally bond with others and make them feel comfortable. He was hard-working, generous, and happy to
help anyone in need without complaining. He was an avid fan of the Jets, Mets, and Knicks (although he was happily married to an Eagles/Phillies fan for 47 years) and a gifted player of many sports. John also had a host of loving friends, as a result of his faith and connections to his international family. Despite fading memory and energy, he remained gentle, grateful, and expressed his love for Jehovah God and others.
His memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 2 pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses on 1115 W. Whitty Road in Toms River, NJ 08755.
Sandra E. Mallozzi
Sandra E. Mallozzi, 74, of Whiting New Jersey, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2025, after a long illness. Born in West Keansburg, New jersey, Sandy was the beloved daughter of the late Frank and Pauline Hayduk. She graduated from Raritan High School in Hazlet in 1968 and went on to earn her degree from Monmouth College in 1972.
Sandy’s greatest joy in life was her family and everything she did reflected that deep love. She spent over 30 years as a substitute teacher in Hamilton, New Jersey, a role that allowed her to stay close to home and be present for the moments that mattered most like the everyday joys of raising her children, creating a warm and loving home, and tending to her garden.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 51 years, Frederick (Fred) Mallozzi, who stood by her side through every season of life. Together, they built a beautiful life grounded in love, laughter and unwavering support. She will be dearly missed by her daughter, Patricia Baumgard (Jeff rey) of Pottstown, PA; her son, David Mallozzi (Rebecca) and her treasured grandson, Zachary Mallozzi, all of Center Valley, PA.
Sandy will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her generous heart and her deep and abiding love for her family. Her memory will live on in the lives she touched and the love she gave so freely.
Family and friends are invited on Thursday, April 17, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Friday, April 18, 2025 from 9:45 AM to 10:45 AM at Shore Point Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 3269 State Highway/Route 35 North, Hazlet, New Jersey. There will be a prayer service on Friday, April 18, 2025 during the morning visitation. Interment will be at Fair View Cemetery, 456 Highway 35 Middletown, New Jersey 07748. For more information, directions, or to send condolences to the family, visit www.shorepointfh.com.
Memorial contributions in loving memory of Sandra E. Mallozzi can be made to Deborah Heart and Lung Hospital at https:// www.deborahfoundation.org/ and would be greatly appreciated.
Dr.Bartisshasoftenbeenreferredtoas“adoctor’sdoctor”,andisfrequentlycalled upon for his diagnostic skills. He is founder and Medical Director of ICAM and a member of the American College for the Advancement of Medicine, the American AcademyofAnti-AgingMedicine,theAmericanAcademyofOzoneTherapists,and adiplomateoftheAmericanAcademyofFamilyPhysicians.Dr.Bartissisamedical writer, lecturer and author who is recognized as one of the top ten specialists in thefieldofBio-IdenticalHormoneReplacementTherapy(BHRT).
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H ERE ’ S T O Y OUR H EALTH
Dr. Izzy’s
Sound News
Presented By: Isidore Kirsh, Ph.D., F.A.A.A. (N.J. Lic. #678)
Should I Buy An Over- e Counter Hearing Aid (OTC)?
Believe it or not, OTCs have been around for over a decade but they’ve never been properly classified and regulated. The FDA finally decided to regulate these hearing instruments which over time will eliminate all of the “crap” that’s still out there making claims of almost perfect hearing without even having a complete hearing evaluation!
Depicted below are just my opinions of OTCs based on the 34 years of experience I have in the hearing care field. First, it’s very important to have a complete hearing evaluation in a sound booth by a board-certified professional such as an Audiologist. The so-called online hearing tests are not very accurate and how do you know it’s just NOT wax? Second, all OTCs are only appropriate for those individuals who have mild to moderate hearing losses. How do you know the degree and type of hearing loss you have unless you go to the most qualified hearing professional? If you truly are within the fitting range of the OTC and you would like to pursue this option, send them a copy of your hearing test or Audiogram and at least have them pre-program the hearing instruments for your hearing loss. Keep in mind, if you’re a “new” hearing aid user the OTC company more than likely will program the hearing aids at 100% of your prescription and more than likely this setting will be too loud. Third, the majority of the hearing aids sold that are OTC go behind the ear and there’s a thin tube that extends into your ear with some type of dome. How does the OTC company know the length of your ear canal and the diameter of your canal? There are 5 different lengths and at least
10 different dome sizes! Typically, the OTC company will send you a variety of dome sizes and wire lengths and hopefully one of them will work. The only reason folks seek out OTCs is COST! Cost is only an issue in the absence of value. I’ve seen patients who have purchased at least 3 sets of OTCs over 18 months and they’ve become totally frustrated because they still can’t clarify conversations and they can’t go directly to a professional for help. Keep in mind the hearing care professional is there to help you but they need to be compensated for their time. In many cases, their knowledge can be a game changer for that frustrated hearing-impaired individual. For example, I saw a patient who purchased hearing aids from a “big box store” and in general really didn’t have that many complaints except they still couldn’t hear the TV clearly. I said to this individual, “did you know you could stream the TV show directly into your hearing aids?” This option wasn’t even offered by the representative at the Big Box store. This individual was willing to pay significantly more money for new hearing aids because now he was able to understand 99% of all TV shows.
In summary, be careful if you decide to go the OTC route. Have a complete hearing evaluation and make sure the OTC device can be tailored for your hearing loss. Make sure you’re within the fitting range of the product and make sure you have a reasonable trial period to test it out.
Dr. Izzy and his Staff are always here to listen to your hearing care needs. Please feel free to contact our office at 732-4513962 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!
Grief Groups In Ocean County
OCEAN COUNTY – Grief Group Counseling is provided by Rev. Dr. Anthony Lipari, FCM at various locations throughout Ocean County. This complimentary service is held on the last week of every month at 1 p.m. and as following:
Monday – Ocean County Memorial Park, Waretown
Tuesday – Tim Ryan Funeral Home, Fis-
cher Boulevard, Toms River
Wednesday – Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home, Mule Road, Toms River
Thursday – Anderson Campbell Funeral Home, Route 571, Manchester
Friday – Manchester Memorial Home, Schoolhouse Road, Whiting/Manchester Individual Counseling is also provided by Fr. Anthony by calling 732-349-6797.
Dr. Isidore Kirsh Ph.D., F.A.A.A.
ERE ’ S T O Y OUR H EALTH
Dear Pharmacist
Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.
18 Essential Gadgets To Safeguard Your Independence
By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.
We don’t usually think about losing our independence until daily tasks get tough. It can sneak up in the form of balance issues, forgetfulness, or a little less strength than we’re used to. But here’s the good news: A few smart adjustments and the right tools can keep you safe, self-sufficient, and thriving in your own space.
Let’s dive into my favorite gadgets and tips to keep you independent and confident at home:
1. Review Medications - Some meds like sedatives, antihistamines, or blood pressure pills can mess with your balance or make you foggy.
2. Grab Bars - Install these in the shower or next to the toilet. They’re a game changer for preventing slips and boosting stability.
3. Non-Slip Mats - A simple fix for slippery bathrooms and kitchens. Think of them as invisible bodyguards for your feet.
4. Reacher Grabber Tool - No more climbing on chairs. This tool helps you reach high shelves or pick up dropped items with ease.
5. Button Hooks & Zipper Pulls - Getting dressed shouldn’t be a battle. These tools help if your fingers don’t cooperate like they used to.
6. Adaptive Utensils - Ergonomic silverware with easy-grip handles makes eating more comfortable - especially if you have arthritis.
7. Cane or Walker - Staying mobile is crucial. Choose a stylish cane or walker to match your pace, and your personality!
8. Bed Rail - Offers support for getting in and out of bed safely and adds peace of mind at night.
9. Adjustable Bed - Helps relieve pain and
makes getting comfy much easier. Great for circulation, too.
10. Voice-Activated Assistant - Alexa or Google Assistant can set reminders, play music, turn off lights, and more - all hands-free.
11. Magnifier with Light - Reading labels or instructions? A good magnifier saves your eyes and frustration.
12. Large-Button Remote - Because squinting to fi nd the “volume up” button should not be a daily task.
13. Key Turner - If turning a key feels like a wrist workout, this gadget gives you the leverage you need.
14. Swivel Seat Cushion - Getting in and out of the car is smoother (and safer) with this simple seat add-on.
15. Hot or Cold Packs - Soothe muscle pain or stiffness with a hot/cold pack that does both. Warm it up before stretching to loosen tight spots, or chill it for inflammation and swelling. Keep one handy in your freezer—just in case.
16. Motion Sensor Lights - Perfect for nighttime trips to the bathroom. No fumbling for switches.
17. Pill Organizer with Alarm - Keeps your medication schedule on track - no more guessing or missed doses.
18. Medical Alert System - In case of an emergency, help is just a button away. It’s like a guardian angel on your wrist. Staying independent is about making smart choices, before a crisis hits. A little planning, a few helpful gadgets, and the right support can make all the difference. You’ve got this!
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.
The Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge is a popular spot to visit in Southern Ocean County and a great place to take pictures. Local resident Debra Gowers captured
R.C. Shea & Assoc. Inside The Law
Protecting Our Community From Nursing Home Abuse
By: Michael J. Deem, Esq. of R.C. Shea & Associates
People put their elderly parent or grandparent in a nursing home so that they can be safely taken care of, so that someone can properly look after them in their old age. No one expects that these nursing home residents should get anything less than the proper care and respect that they deserve, but with the horrifying rise in nursing care abuse, this is not always the case. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse in the United States, more than 30 percent of all nursing homes in America indulge in some form of resident abuse.
Statistics show that nearly 50 percent of all nursing homes are short staffed. The staff people who do work in these facilities are underpaid, overworked, and all too often overburdened, which in turn leads to elder neglect and abuse.
million by the year 2030.
Esq.
Signs of abuse and neglect may be (but are not limited to) evidence such as patterns of bruising, unexplained injuries, frequent infections, bedsores, questionable hygiene, appearance of malnutrition, emotional distress, and unsanitary living conditions. Document any such evidence you observe, and bring it to the attention of your attorney. Neglect can be just as harmful in the long run as abuse, leading to additional health problems and possibly death. Nursing home abuse isn’t limited to physical abuse; there can also be emotional, verbal, and psychological abuse, where an elder is demeaned or humiliated in other ways.
Even more alarming is the prediction that the problem will only worsen in the near future. More than 91% of nursing homes lack adequate staff to properly care for patients. A Health and Human Services Department report found patients in understaffed nursing homes were more likely to suffer from a variety of problems, such as bed sores, malnutrition, weight loss, dehydration, pneumonia, and serious blood born infections. It’s a serious concern that will only increase with time, given that the population of people aged 85 or older is expected to double to 8.9
Many elderly people needlessly suffer from nursing home abuse in which they are manipulated, humiliated, or physically harmed by the very people entrusted with providing them with loving and tender care. Instances of physical, sexual and verbal abuse have taken place at the very nursing homes where elders are actually supposed to be well taken care of; unfortunately, cases of nursing home abuse in America and also in New Jersey are rising rather than falling.
If you think a loved one is the victim of Nursing Home Abuse, call the trial attorney’s at R.C. Shea & Associates for a free consultation to discuss their rights 732-505-1212.
e Day Jersey Stopped: War Of e Worlds
that
later convinced radio listeners for a heart-stopping hour in 1939 that New Jersey was under siege from outer space. Relive the magic and join us for “Raconteur Radio Presents: War of the Worlds” at two Ocean County Library branches on April 24.
• Plumsted Branch – 2:30 p.m., 119 Evergreen Road, New Egypt, 609-658-7888
• Stafford Branch – 6:30 p.m., 129 North Main Street, Manahawkin, 609-597-3381
Experience the New Jersey troupe’s live version of the 1938 broadcast that sent Jerseyans scurrying. Howard Koch’s riveting script and the immense talents of Orson Welles and his Mercury Theater on the Air convinced millions that rural, sleepy Grovers Mill, NJ was overrun by
seemingly-indomitable aliens that carved a trail of destruction as they advanced toward New York.
Raconteur Radio re-enacts plays from radio’s “Golden Age,” timeless literature, and pop culture satires for audiences throughout New Jersey and elsewhere. Their eye-catching presentations with period costumes, rare props and theatrical lighting have won praise from The New York Times, Star-Ledger, Huffi ngton Post, Time , NPR, the Museum of Radio and Television and more.
Register at tinyurl.com/OclRRWW to attend this free program in the participating branch of your choice. For more information, visit or call the OCL Plumsted or Stafford branch or call 732-349-6200. See the full schedule of Library programs in the online Calendar of Events.
Michael J. Deem,
TOMS RIVER – The “alien attack”
H.G. Wells invented
AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE
e Blue Glaucus – e Secrets Of is Extraordinary Sea Creature
By Renee A. Thomaier Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator
With a short lifespan, this sea slug steals and stores the cells from jellyfish and uses those cells to defend themselves. With a weight of .03 ounces, this sea creature has a diet of blue button jellies, jellyfish, violet snail, Portuguese man o’ war, and by-thewind-sailors.
This creature, also referred to as the blue dragon or blue angel, is a type of soft-bellied mollusk. With their unique blue hues and wing-like appendages, the blue dragon glides effortlessly through the ocean. They possess the unique ability to float to the water’s surface upside down. This is due to their stomach containing a sac that fills with gas. They are protected from predators surrounding them. Should a predator try to hunt them, the blue dragon releases a highly concentrated toxic venom. The unique color of their skin blends with the ocean’s color which acts as a camouflage from predators overhead.
Some interesting facts about the blue dragon (also known as blue ocean slug) is that they are often seen in groups, which helps in hunting prey as well as mating. Due to their dietary requirements, not to mention their venomous stings, they have proven not
to be good pets. Their lives are short, usually a few months to a year. Recently there have been increases in their appearance on beaches, which is attributed to increased oceanic currents.
Handling a blue dragon will result in a painful sting, which has been described as excruciating. This pain is typically followed by several other symptoms which may include acute allergic contact dermatitis, nausea/vomiting, papules and fluid-filled blisters, and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. While rare, in cases that are severe, a victim may experience systemic symptoms like fever, muscle cramps, and an overall general feeling of being unwell. These reactions are because their diet is that of consuming jellyfish and Portuguese man o’ war, who are themselves venomous. They store the stinging cells within sacs called ‘cnidosacs.’ The venom is then much more potent than the toxic jellyfish they consume. I gathered the information for this article from multiple sources so statistics may vary slightly. To reach me please call 732244-2768.
It’s illegal to possess, relocate, or cause harm to wildlife for any reason. Managing wildlife without the proper state/federal permits is illegal. Violating laws protecting wildlife is punishable by law.
Crestwood Village 5 Resident’s Club Dance
WHITING – Crestwood Village 5 Resident’s Club Dance will be on May 2 from 7 to 11 p.m. Music by Kickin Wing Band, 60s to 80s music.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance. Must purchase by April 22.
Non-refundable unless canceled. No tickets sold at door. Includes snacks, soda, bottle water, coffee, tea, and dessert. BYOB.
Purchase tickets every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Village 5 clubhouse. Call Debbie at 201-618-8514.
Lakeside Garden Club Of Cedar Glen Lakes Annual Flea Market
WHITING – The Lakeside Garden Club of Cedar Glen Lakes will be holding their annual Flea Market on May 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lakeside Hall, 100 Michigan Avenue in Whiting.
Tables are $15. For information and table reservations call 609-618-4036. Breakfast and lunch will be available for purchase. This event is always a sell out so call early!
Crestwood Village 1 Dance
WHITING – Crestwood Village 1 presents Let’s Dance featuring the R&C Band Rock and Country music on June 13 from 6 to 10 p.m.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. BYOB & snacks.
Set-ups included. Tickets are $12. Purchase them on Tuesdays from 9 to 11 a.m. at Friendship Hall, 92 Fairway Lane. No refunds unless dance is cancelled. Any questions call Les at 908-606-7076.
Lakehurst UMC Movie Club
LAKEHURST – Lakehurst UMC presents Movie Club every Friday, from May 2 through June 20, beginning at 4:30 p.m.
The featured movie is: “The Chosen” –second season. This is a free event with snacks includes. The Lakehurst UMC is located at 204 Elm Street, Lakehurst.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
For Rent
Waretown - Waterfront, 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, eat in kitchen, living room. Three season porch. No pets. $2,600 plus 1 1/2 months security. Ready May 1. 609-489-2164. (20)
Adult Community - Whiting Crestwood Village 5 (55+). 2 BD, 1 BA, washer/dryer, garage, porch. No pets. No smoking. $1,600/ month, plus utilities. 732-864-1419. Cell 732-604-0323. (18)
Big Storage Containers For Rent - Clean, Dry, Secure. Toms River, Lacey, Bayville, Manahawkin, Tuckerton, New Gretna locations. 609-693-1631. (18)
Auto For Sale
Honda Prelude 2001 ClassicV-TECH, DOHC. Automatic 2nd owner. Orig. Fla. car. Needs little. Good inspection sticker. $6,500 FIRM. 732-691-0452. (18)
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
Laundromat Attendant - For FT/ PT Good communication skills, math and min computer knowledge. Transportation needed. Long term commitment only. 732-286-1863. (t/n)
CLASSIFIEDS
Help Wanted
Youtube and Social Media Editor - To film and edit Pay Attention Films, Lobster Lab Media. $25/hr. 973-223-8840, Jersey only. (20)
Certified Home Health AidesNeeded for Ocean County area. Hourly and live-in positions avail. P/T and F/T. Call CCC at 732-206-1047. (t/n )
Services
Handyman Solutions - Affordable prices that are budget friendly. All phases of Home Improvement and Repairs. Carpentry • Laminate Flooring • Painting • Drywall • Doors • Windows • Siding • Hand and Vinyl Railings • Decks • Minor Plumbing/ Electrical and more. Licensed Insured. 609-384-9030 (50)
Experienced, Reliable - Private duty (no agency fees) Caregiver/Home Health aide available for live-in, or hourly position South Jersey, Jersey Shore area. Call Nina at 732-8676686. (15)
Handyman - Painting, powerwashing, electrical, plumbing, light hauling. Call Joe 732-859-9266. (19)
PAINTING By Neat And Meticulous European Craftsman - who will beat any written estimate. Senior discounts. Interior, exterior. Call 732-506-7787, 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)
Have Pickup Truck? - You need something picked up at Lowes, Home Depot, etc. Call Lou at 732-582-9647 or 813-7569301. Thank you. (20)
Garden State Property Maintenance - All yard work. Tree-trimming and removal, stump grinding, pavers, decks, flower beds, weeding. 609-661-5470. (t/n)
PROFESSIONAL PAINTING AND WALLPAPERING - Local And Reliable 732-688-6532. (20)
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)
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)
Classifieds are placed in all 7 of our weekly newspapers covering all of Ocean County, and also Howell in Monmouth County.
Services
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)
Computer Service At Doorstep! - Over a decade in industry. Printer's, troubleshooting, MAC and Windows. Commercial or personal. Call Giovanni 732-908-9919. (22)
TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED:
• 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
Items Wanted
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Calculate Price As Follows:
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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)
FUN & GAMES SUDOKU
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Olympic sprinter Sze-
Doughy
Ramsey of “The Last of Us”
Actor Epps
On a bye week
Squad suiting up for opening day, presumably
Bahama __
Hoodwink
Shampoo target
Analogous
Fad toy with unruly hair
Actress Mendes
Old-Fashioned choice 25 Hill, in Hebrew
Hem and __
Org. with flag bearers? 29 Third No. 1 hit for Bruno Mars
“The Gilded Age” airer
“Sorry, but ... “
Dom Pérignon maker, informally
Lack of waste
Not just irks
Amplify, as on social
Court for King James, briefly
1 Aerate, as flour
2 Impetus to clean the fridge
3 Torchiere, for one
4 Sesame Street worrywart
5 Humanities degs.
6 “You get the idea”
7 Unlike bread on Passover, and like four of the five sets of circled letters in this puzzle
8 Film mistakenly announced as Best Picture at the 2016 Oscars
9 Psych (up) 10 Nebraska city 11 Pay restitution 12 Paris pal 13 Relative standing
Journey segment 23 “Weekend Update” comic Michael
27 Part shaded by a backward cap
28 State of change
Rodeo cry
31 Burial city of the Wright brothers
33 Squander
34 Poems to things
36 One with a supporting role in the kitchen?
38 Eartha Kitt song with the lyric “Been an angel all year”
43 Fruit in the liqueur Bargnolino
45 Cast or oil, sometimes
47 Use a hula hoop
48 Tony winner Idina
49 Best Play and Best Game, for two
50 Leek kin
51 Like cognac barrels
53 Triangular part of a house
54 Recommended spot to catch a sneeze
55 Marble hunks
58 “__ girl!”
61 Kate Middleton, to Prince George
62 Suturing ctrs.
AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE
OCC Repertory eatre Presents “Deathtrap”
TOMS RIVER – Prepare for an evening of suspense, wit, and shocking twists when the Ocean County College Repertory Theatre Company presents Ira Levin’s “Deathtrap” in the Black Box Theater (Building 11B) at the Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts from April 25 through May 4.
Comfortably ensconced in his charming Connecticut home, Sidney Bruhl, a successful writer of Broadway thrillers, struggles to overcome a dry spell, resulting in a string of failures and a shortage of funds. A possible break in his fortunes occurs when he receives a script from a student in the seminar he has been conducting at a nearby college - a thriller that Sidney recognizes immediately as a potential Broadway smash. Sidney’s plan, devised with his wife’s help, is to offer collab-
oration to the student for co-credit. Or is it?
Deathtrap provides twists and turns of devilish cleverness and offers hilariously sudden shocks so abundant that audiences will be spellbound until the very last moment.
Performance Dates:
April 25 – 7:30 p.m.
April 26 – 7:30 p.m.
April 27, 2 p.m.
May 2, – 7:30 p.m.
May 3, – 2 and 7:30 p.m.
May 4, – 2 p.m.
Tickets are $21 for adults and $19 for seniors.
Purchase online at grunincenter.org or call the Grunin Center Box Office at 732-255-0500. The Grunin Center for the Arts is located on the main campus of Ocean County College in Toms River.
Crestwood Village 6 Resident’s Club June Dance
WHITING – Crestwood Village 6 Resident’s Club Presents Summer Sock Hop! June Dance Event – June 20 from 7 to 11 p.m. at Deerfield Hall, 6 Congasia Road, Whiting. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Featuring music by DJ “Mare.” Tickets are $10 for members and $12 for non-members. Tickets are sold every
Monday at the CV 6 Clubhouse from 10 to 11 a.m. Sold on a first come first serve basis.
Raffle, 50/50 and door prizes. Refreshments provided; fi nger foods welcome. Themed attire is optional; but highly encouraged. If availability allows tickets may be purchased at the door.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR ADMINISTRATOR:
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!
nursing and rehabilitation center
1579 Old Freehold Rd. • Toms River, NJ 08753 732-505-4477 • www.rosegardennj.com
AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE
Step Up For e Arc Walk & 5K Race Will Bene t Individuals With Disabilities In Ocean County
LAKEWOOD – The Arc, Ocean County Chapter will host the 23rd Annual Step Up for The Arc Walk and 5K Race on May 17 at ShoreTown Ballpark, home of the Jersey Shore BlueClaws, to benefit programs and support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Step Up for The Arc is an inclusive community event to raise awareness and acceptance for people with disabilities. The 5K Race will start at 8 a.m., with check-in opening at 7 a.m. timed by Split Second Racing. There is a $30 registration fee to participate in the 5K.
The Walk and Family Fun Day will kick-off at 10 a.m. and include carnival
games, arts and crafts, live performances, refreshments, a 1-mile walk, and an after-party lunch catered by Jersey Mike’s Subs. This event is free to attend and online registration is encouraged.
To register for the Step Up for The Arc Walk and 5K Race please visit arcocean.org.
This year’s event hopes to raise $85,000 for The Arc, Ocean County Chapter’s programs and support services providing housing, employment, job training, transportation, recreation, family support, and clinical support services to 1,000 individuals with disabilities. All participants who donate or fundraise $50 or more will receive this year’s commemorative Step Up for The Arc t-shirt. Donations can be made online directly to event participants or mailed to The Arc, Ocean County Chapter, 393 Mantoloking Road, Brick, NJ 08723.
To learn about our corporate sponsorship levels and benefits visit arcocean.org.
For more event details, email development@ arcocean.org or call us at 732-978-1414.
Another Gira e Born At Safari
By Chris Lundy JACKSON
– Another giraffe has been born at Six Flags Great Adventure while a young foal has joined the herd.
The baby boy was born in March, and was safely delivered and is doing well, park representatives said.
Meanwhile, Coral, a giraffe born December 15, was successfully reunited with her family after some time dealing with health issues. Although babies can usually stand a half hour after they are born and can run just 10 hours later, Coral had some difficulty standing. She has since overcome that issue.
She spent some time in one of the barns dedicated to giraffes while she got strong and has since rejoined her father, Conan and her mother, Mariah. She was introduced to the herd just before opening weekend at the end of March.
“At just over three months old, she is
growing rapidly and adapting well to her herd’s dynamic,” park officials said. For more information, visit sixfl ags.com/ wildsafari
Photo courtesy Six Flags Great Adventure Coral is three months old in this recent photo.
Photo courtesy The Arc of Ocean County
AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE
Veterans Village Groundbreaking Announced
Screenshot by Chris Lundy
By Chris Lundy
BERKELEY – A veterans village of 124 new homes as well as veteran services will break ground in a ceremony at the corner of Route 9 and Sloop Creek Road.
This screenshot is from a digital rendering of what the veterans village will look like. has built similar neighborhoods in other states. According to T2T.org, they have helped with mortgage-free homes for veterans. They also have a program where they provide a mortgage-free smart home for catastrophically injured vets. They also respond to disasters to help people on the ground. In keeping with their name and inspiration, they also educate about 9/11.
The village is being built by Tunnel To Towers, a nonprofit with the goal to make sure no veterans go homeless. The development will be 99 apartments and 25 single-family homes. There will also be services provided on site for the veterans, such as case management, behavioral health and financial literacy. Anything the residents might need that Tunnel To Towers doesn’t provide would be brought in by other nonprofits in the area.
Locally, officials have said they chose this spot because of its proximity to the Veterans Administration clinic in Toms River and the high number of veterans in Ocean County.
The nonprofit is inspired by Stephen Siller, a firefighter stationed in Brooklyn who had just finished his shift and was on his way to meet family when he learned the first plane strike the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001. The Brooklyn Battery Tunnel was closed for security reasons following the attack, so he took his 60 lbs of gear and ran through the tunnel to help others. He was one of the many first responders claimed by the attacks. He left behind a wife and five children.
This will be the first such veterans village in New Jersey, although the group
A deed restriction has been recorded so that the homes will only go to veterans, Mayor John Bacchione said. In 2022, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation launched a new national campaign to eradicate homelessness in the veteran community. To date, Tunnel to Towers has provided assistance and access to supportive services to over 10,000 veterans and their families through the Veterans Villages across the country and the National Case Management Network.
The groundbreaking ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. on May 7 at 539 Atlantic City Boulevard in Bayville. To reserve a spot, email groundbreaking@T2T.org.
Manchester Library’s 35th Anniversary
MANCHESTER –The Ocean County Library Manchester Branch is celebrating its 35th anniversary during April. The branch opened at 21 Colonial Drive in April, 1990. The community is invited to share in several free events that have been planned to mark the occasion.
April 21:
• 2p.m. Manchester History: An overview. Registration required.
• 4 p.m. Music with Pete Custode. Registration required.
• 6 to 8 p.m. Happy Birthday Manchester
Library! Family drop-in craft.
April 23:
• 1 p.m. Commemorative Manchester Branch 35th Anniversary Refrigerator Magnet Craft for Adults. Registration required.
Where indicated, advance registration is required. To register or for more information: 732 657-7600 or online at theoceancountylibrary.org/events. The Manchester Branch of the Ocean County Library is located at 21 Colonial Drive, in Manchester Township.
JERALDINE SAUNDERS
OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Never wave a red flag at a bull unless you want to be attacked. You may avoid conflict with others by gauging when it’s best to stay quiet and focus your attention elsewhere. You might reach an important milestone if you play your cards right.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): A lover might choose green when you prefer blue or surprise you with a change of plans. A small difference of opinion or temporary shift of attention won’t harm a solid relationship. Consider learning something new or starting a passion project.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Those little things left undone could catch up with you today, so knuckle down and take care of lingering priorities. Any agitation or frustration over shared items or a breakdown in your communication could be settled quickly and amicably.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Outside influences may put you in a defensive position, but standing up to others could cause division. Take a moment to breathe and think things through. Don’t sacrifice your boundaries, but if you can let go of resentments you might feel freer within a group.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Be cautious of allowing minor disagreements early in the day to take a toll on your tranquility. Rushing around may only set you back. Thoroughness and tactfulness could make relationships flow more smoothly. A sincere apology may resolve dilemmas.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The urge to get physical work done may take hold, allowing you to finish your checklist early in the day. You might encounter others who have different principles and values. Be considerate and kind to everyone while finding common ground.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Wisdom grows with time. Consider listening to those more experienced, they may have lessons worth learning. Do your best to steer clear of confrontations and be careful of people’s feelings to avoid mix-ups with friends or loved ones.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Capitalize on friendships and network vigorously to ensure your social and business success. Avoid making a spur-of-the-moment expenditure that you may regret later. Seek sound advice before investing or making important decisions.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):
There are never any losers in love when both parties live up to their duties and take turns in a respectful way. Instead of competing with others and clashing over trivial things, try cooperation and teamwork to work towards a goal.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You may briefly collide with someone over a difference of opinion regarding money or values. Take accountability, admit to any errors, and back down from harsh arguments. Unexpected offers could prompt you to read between the lines.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Look for ways to make every penny count. A shopping trip might not be a win unless you uncover once-ina-lifetime deals. Participating in sports or other competitive activities could scratch that itch for excitement lurking beneath the surface.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Small annoyances like lopsided pictures on the wall or dust under the bed might disturb your sense of harmony. Explore new ways to get neat and organized while putting personal possessions in order. When it comes to love, practice makes perfect.
THIS EASTER HAM IS MOIST AND JUICY
By America’s
Test
SPIRAL - SLICED HAM GLAZED WITH CIDERVINEGAR CARAMEL
Kitchen
