2025-04-19 - The Toms River Times

Pollinator Garden Grows In Town

By Bob Vosseller

LAVALLETTE – Earth Day is a highlight of spring but a project involving college students, Girl Scouts and a borough business will celebrate nature all season.

As part of the Native Bloom Initiative, Lavallette now has a new garden spot. Girl Scouts, residents and volunteers recently gathered at the Happy Belly for a special planting event headed by New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) student Dayna Alemy.

Alemy serves as a volunteer with the NBI, a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring native plant species and supporting local ecosystems.

“We’re hosting this in collaboration with the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore,” Alemy said.

The event featured the planting of a pollinator garden at Happy Belly. She explained that “this garden is made up of New Jersey native plants and aims to provide vital support to pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds, helping to foster a healthier local environment.”

The hands-on event served as an educational experience for the local Girl Scouts. “We are thrilled to be working together on this initiative. Some of the plants we’ll be adding to the garden include: butterfly milkweed, black-eyed Susan, seaside goldenrod, Virginia saltmarsh mallow, arrowwood, and foxglove beardtongue.”

“Anything invasive we are trying to remove. That is what we are looking for,” Boy Scout Hunter McIntosh said. “It is beautiful out today.

(Pollinator Garden - See Page 4)

Debate Drags On Over 17-Bed Homeless Shelter

By Stephanie Faughnan

TOMS RIVER - After months of emotional testimony, cross-examinations, and the start of public comment, the Toms River Board of Adjustment still has not decided on whether Christ Church of Toms River can add a 17-bed homeless shelter to its property on Washington Street.

At its April 10 meeting - the seventh held on this application - the Board once again heard hours of testimony as residents, experts, and advocates argued over the merits and risks of bringing a shelter into the R-150 residential zone. The church is seeking a D1 Use Variance to expand

its outreach program at 415 Washington Street by adding a shelter at the adjacent 405 Washington Street property.

Toms River Housing and Homeless Coalition currently operates the upper level of the church’s structure as the Ocean County Housing Resource Center, which serves as a gathering place for service providers working with unhoused individuals in Ocean County.

Concerns Over Bias

Attorneys retained on behalf of some objectors

(Homeless Shelter - See Page 6)

School Board Drops Transgender Policy

By Chris Lundy TOMS RIVER – The Toms River Board of Education

dropped their transgender students policy. While the board president said that the policy was redundant, advocates say that it opens the district to lawsuits and potential harm for students.

The policy, 5756, is 2,800 words long. It opens with mentioning that the “New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) generally makes it unlawful for schools to subject individuals to differential treatment based on gender identity or expression.” It goes on to talk about Title IX which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in federally-funded education programs and activities.

Essentially, the school shall accept a student’s gender identity, and “school districts should be mindful of disputes between minor students and parents concerning the student’s gender identity or expression.” In some cases, the district might have to seek legal assistance regarding the students’ civil rights and protections under LAD.

One point that a lot of political pundits make is that the policy prevents schools from outing children. “School staff members may not disclose information that may reveal a student’s transgender status except as allowed by law. The principal or designee is advised to work with the student to create an appropriate confidentiality plan regarding the student’s transgender or transitioning status.”

The student’s status might be disclosed if the child’s health and safety are at risk, because of something like a bias-related crime. The policy explains the right way to disclose the child’s

(Transgender Policy - See Page 5)

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 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

(Beach Clean Up - See Page 7)

Girl Scouts join Boy Scout Hunter McIntosh, Happy Belly restaurant owner Jennie Weeks and New Jersey Institute of Technology student Dayna Alemy in planning a pollinator garden.

Photo by Bob Vosseller

Pollinator Garden:

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A perfect day for this.”

He worked with Alemy and William Kelly on the project. Kelly was a member of the Boy Scouts as a child and throughout high school and used those values to become the founder and president of the non-profit Native Bloom Initiative.

Alemy said he had “a big hand in helping seeing this project to completion by helping me contact local businesses and continuing conversations with Happy Belly.”

“I helped Dayna to organize the planting, but I couldn’t make it down to Lavallette that day. We’re speaking with the Happy Belly owner to hopefully plant at more locations around town, and that’s in addition to more gardening we have coming up around North Jersey,” Kelly said.

“This is my little shop,” Jennie Weeks, the owner of the Happy Belly said. “I was asked by William if I’d be interested in

this and I said sure.”

“We are a group of Boy Scouts from northern New Jersey and we want to help bring back more native plant species in New Jersey. That is our goal. We are essentially trying to give more back to New Jersey and create that kind of mission we have with nature,” McIntosh said.

McIntosh added, “we are also members of a sub-group of the Boy Scouts called the Order of the Arrow and essentially their mission is all about trying to give back to the community through selfless service.”

He noted that using indigenous plans can be far less expensive for landscaping needs. “As the seasons change the garden flourishes in its own way as it adapts over time. Trying to keep green grass over the year is a hassle and a half. When you have rocks and gravel style or even a sandy environment you can’t really grow grass there.”

“With sea plants or more species catered towards New Jersey it can flourish here,” McIntosh added. “We once did a project

in Newark at a small business complex.”

The NBI mission also includes educating communities on the importance of restoring native plant species. “The Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore are a local troop dedicated to empowering young girls, and this project serves as a wonderful opportunity to teach them about environmental stewardship,” Alemy added.

The local scouts from Lavallette were told not to remove the prickly cactus as they were actually New Jersey cactus and therefore a native species.

“I was more involved with the choosing of the plants. I really didn’t get involved with where they go (on the property),” Alemy said. McIntosh scoped out Week’s property and directed the seven Lavallette Third and Fourth grade Girl Scout Troop (that consisted of Brownies and Junior Troop members) and other volunteers on what and where to plant.

Picking the plants “had a lot of factors, salinity being the main one. It also gets

very windy down here in the summer so it either needs to be protected from the wind or just survive in the wind.” Alemy said. She added, “other spots may have less sunlight so we want to make sure that whichever plant can handle that.”

“The aesthetic of it is a factor too,” McIntosh added.

“The priority was they had to be native to New Jersey and they have to support the eco system by being a pollinator,” Alemy said.

The Girl Scouts of Lavallette put on gloves and worked for at least an hour with the other volunteers.

Alemy said, “the pollinator garden should be in full bloom by the summer and will have a great impact for the local ecosystem.”

More information about Native Bloom Initiative can be found at nativebloominitiative.org/ The Girl Scouts of Jersey Shore can be reached by visiting jerseyshoregirlscouts.org/.

Island Heights Volunteer Fire Co. Open House Membership Drive

ISLAND HEIGHTS – Have you ever considered volunteering to help your community? The Island Heights Volunteer Fire Company #1 is the perfect place to start your volunteer journey.

We are currently seeking members to join our firefighting ranks! Unsure of what we do as a fire company, or what a fire fighter

is required to learn and participate in? Well that’s ok, because we are hosting an open house at our firehouse on May 31 at 11 a.m. where you can come down and learn about everything we do as a fire company!

There will be information on how to join, equipment demonstrations, and information regarding training, equipment, and

all of our community involvement. If you have been looking for a way to serve your community, stop down at the open house and see if firefighting is something you’re interested in!

We also offer a Junior Firefighter program where kids aged 14-17 can learn how to become firefighters and kickstart a firefighting

career with us. So even if you personally may not be interested in becoming a firefighter, if you have teenage kids who may be interested, bring them down for more information on the program!

Light refreshments will also be served at the open house. For more information visit IHVFC.com.

MAY IS FOR MOM!

Celebrate Mom with a Victorian Afternoon Tea 11 AM and 3 PM Wednesday to Sunday:

Includes five course meal of a seasonal salad, a choice of soup, a warm scone with clotted cream, a variety of tea sandwiches, and a plate of desserts with a full pot of tea per person. $50 Adults, $40 Seniors Midweek and $20 for Children.

• May 2nd 2 PM to 6 PM Home School Co-op Entrepreneur Fair Complimentary Event

• May 3rd 7:00 PM Cinco De Mayo with Mexican Dinner Buffet with Mariachi Band $35 Adults Children $20

• May 7th 6:30 PM Mommy and Me Tea Party Adults $20 $10 Children

• May 9th 7:00 PM MOM’s Night out with buffet and live music $42 Adults

• May 10th 7:00 PM Mother’s Day Steak or Salmon Dinner with live music $75 per person $55 Seniors

• May 10th 9:00 AM Mother’s Day Breakfast with live music $20

• May 10th 11: 00 AM and 3:00 PM Mother’s Day Victorian Afternoon Tea $50 Adults $20 Children

• May 11th 7:00 PM Mother’s Day Steak or Salmon Dinner with live music $75 Adults

• May 14th 6:30 PM Princess Tea with Little Mermaid Adults $20, $10 Children

600 Main Street Downtown Toms River 732-818-7580 ◆ mathishouse600main.com

• May 15th 6:30 PM Mommy and Me Tea Adults $20, $10 Children

• May 16th 7:00 PM Ladies Night Dinner Buffet with Live Music $42 Adults

• May 21st 2:00 PM International Tea Day- Outdoor Tea Buffet Guest Speaker Alyssa Duprey $25

• May 21st 6:30 PM Blue Tea Bingo $20 per person

• May 23th 7:00 PM German Night Dinner with Live Music $45 Adults

• May 25th 10:00 AM Breakfast at Tiffany’s with live music $50 Adults $20 Children

• May 28th 6:00 PM Complimentary Tea Club Meeting Women’s Empowerment Guest Speaker MJ Torress, Executive Director of the Downtown Business Improvement District

• May 30th 7:00 PM 80’s Night Murder Mystery Dinner Show $75 Adults $55 Seniors

Transgender Policy:

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transgender status in order to minimize harassment and to help the family accept it.

“With respect to gender-segregated classes or athletic activities, including intramural and interscholastic athletics, all students must be allowed to participate in a manner consistent with their gender identity.” This includes restrooms and locker rooms. The policy also recommends the nurse’s restroom for changing and bathroom use.

Board President Ashley Lamb told The Toms River Times that this was part of a “wellness check on all adopted policies by way of the New Jersey School Boards Association. This request was decided on and supported by the full board. The request was made as a result of Strauss Esmay labeling policies as “M” (Mandatory) when in fact they were not mandated by NJ State statute.”

Strauss Esmay Associates of Toms River provides policy and regulation consultation to school districts throughout the state.

“As we patiently await the results of that request and move forward with adopting, updating, or rescinding policies, as a board we will review any and all policies objectively and determine to the best of our ability, and with guidance from our board attorney, whether or not they are relevant

and add value to our district,” she said.

“The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (“NJLAD”), N.J.S.A. 10:5-12(11)(f), generally makes it unlawful for schools to subject individuals to differential treatment based on race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability or nationality,” she explained.

“New Jersey State Law trumps any policy a district may or may not adopt. Since the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination covers all of the same protections listed in policy 5756, and is arguably held as a higher standard being state law, the policy was deemed unnecessary and cumbersome,” she said. “Toms River Regional School District adheres to all NJ State Laws, and we feel that all of our students are equally and adequately protected by the NJ Law Against Discrimination.”

Lauren Albrecht, Director of Advocacy and Organizing for Garden State Equality, a LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, said that technically it is correct that they are still not allowed to out any student against their will, per New Jersey’s Law Against Discrimination (LAD). However, there are further ramifications.

“Removing policy 5756 only ensures that school staff does not have guidelines to

follow in dealing with extremely nuanced situations,” Albrecht said. “Removal of 5756 still does not mandate that a parent is notified, but it does leave the individual school personnel in a position of operating in a way that will, either intentionally or unintentionally, violate LAD if they interpret the removal to mean that they are free to discuss a students’ gender identity against their will.”

“This policy, borne of a bill signed by Governor (Chris) Christie in 2017, exists to safeguard students from being outed into unsafe home situations,” she explained. There is a growing movement of “parents’ rights” advocates who say that it’s a parent’s right to know what is going on with their children and that the school district shouldn’t interfere.

“To paint the policy as an opposition to parents’ rights is a disingenuous and intentional misinterpretation,” Albrecht said. “Why drop it if you still can’t out students, and the policy helps teachers and in turn, the student? It’s playing politics with a very small, very vulnerable population of kids who run the risk of becoming homeless if their parents don’t accept them coming out.”

The policy isn’t there to keep things from the parents. It’s there to keep parents and kids together, she said. There are many kids who might get kicked out or run away if they are outed to parents who don’t approve of

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

their gender identity.

Teachers spend a lot of time with students, she said. If a student comes out to a teacher, they might say something like “I could never tell my mom this because she’ll throw me out,” she said.

A teacher is never going to out a kid, at least not on purpose, she said. However, this might happen unintentionally. If a staff member outs a kid, and something bad happens because of it, the district should expect a lawsuit.

“If it’s a redundant policy, why not leave it? If it could help one kid, why remove it?” she said. “The people who are fighting this policy will never be affected by it.”

The Trevor Project is a nonprofit with the goal of ending suicide among LGBTQ+ youth. Its website has a feature that allows kids to hide that they are looking at it in case a parent comes into the room.

The Trevor Project’s 2024 survey of LGBTQ+ youth showed that those who lived in communities that don’t accept them are more than twice as likely to attempt suicide compared to if they live in a community where they feel welcome.

If the youth taking a survey did not get the mental health care that they needed, they were asked why. There were 37% who did not seek mental health care because they would have to tell their parents. There were 24% that were afraid of being outed.

Homeless Shelter:

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requested that Zoning Board Member Dana Tormollan be recused from voting on the application. They claimed she could not be impartial because she was viewed as an advocate working for the unhoused. Attorney Christopher Dasti asked whether she believed she could remain unbiased, which Tormollan answered that she could.

Ultimately, it was established that a board member can only be disqualified from voting if they self-identify a bias or conflict - something Tormollan has not done. She has also voiced her own concerns about the proposal during previous hearings.

Another Objector Enters

An unexpected turn of events occurred when Edward Bezdecki, an attorney, entered the case on behalf of one of the objectors. His wife, Elaine, is the sole owner of the property next to the proposed shelter and was not called as a witness. Using a tape measure for dramatic effect to measure out nine feet, Bezdecki called on Paula Leotta to testify in opposition to the application. He represented that Leotta’s property on Magnolia Lane stands nine feet from the rear of the church property.

From a legal standpoint, Bezdecki argued that the proposed shelter’s attorney, Harvey York, failed to prove his case

because he didn’t meet the statutory requirements of “inherently beneficial use to the community.”

“The community happens to be the homeowners of the 150 homes where they’re raising their children and their family,” said Bezdecki.

The objector’s attorney also raised concerns about potential spillover effects, referencing issues at the Toms River Library, where Mayor Dan Rodrick’s accusations against Bon Jovi and the Ocean County Board of Commissioners regarding the library’s homeless population have garnered national attention. The Ocean County Sheriff’s Office has assigned staff to the library branches in Toms River and Lakewood and provided reassurances to the public that it is safe.

Leotta has been one of the most vocal opponents of the shelter application and has cross-examined several of the witnesses who testified in previous hearings. A psychiatric nurse by training, Leotta recounted watching two individuals argue from her bedroom window and expressed concern about a possible “magnet effect” if the shelter attracts more people to the area.

“I could tell one was agitated,” she said. “What happens when we have 17 beds, and there’s an overflow, and then there’s a magnet effect? How are people who are non-professionals going to take care of those issues?”

Leotta also cited an incident where a

county mobile outreach van drew a large group of people to the site. “I don’t know where these people came from. They are obviously not the local homeless people,” she added. She showed photos of a man lying on a tarp outside the church and other pictures suggesting the church was not maintaining the property adequately. Despite her concerns, Leotta lightened the mood slightly, pushing back when Bezdecki asked if she felt threatened by people who are walking throughout the area dressed in black carrying backpacks. “I wear black all the time,” she quipped, drawing laughter from the crowd. Her fears, however, ran deeper. “I don’t care if you’re going to call me a NIMBY or a racist,” Leotta said. “I’m not. I’m a psych nurse. I’m empathetic to the cause. But I’m a taxpayer. I love my house, and I don’t think it’s fair. It’s scary,” she said, her voice fraught with emotion.

Laurie Singer, outreach coordinator for the Toms River Housing and Homeless Coalition, pressed Leotta on cross-examination on whether she had ever entered the resource center. Leotta admitted she had not.

Broader Concerns

The meeting moved into public comment late in the evening, and only a few community members could offer testimony.

Paul Williams, who does not live in the immediate area but is active in Toms River and has spoken about his own ex-

Check out Dr. Izzy’s Sound News on Page 16

periences with homelessness and incarceration, took a broader view.

“I am adamantly opposed to this application, because I see it bigger than just this one issue. I see bigger than just this application,” said Williams. “I see a potential impact on this entire town’s zoning ordinances. If this application is granted, when the applicant’s attorney has presented to you that this is what Christians do and that is why it should be granted.”

“Because if this application gets granted for 17 beds, I am concerned about what happens when the next applicant with deep pockets comes here and asks you for a similar variance, for something that may or may not be very similar,” Williams continued. “And they may not be Christians. I am concerned that this is going to open a floodgate that cannot be closed.”

A Toms River Country Club representative expressed concern that the shelter would negatively impact the club’s reputation as a “safe place for families.”

Gemma Maccarick Brennan, president of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at St. Luke Church, offered a contrasting perspective, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding. “There comes a time when we have to decide where our humanity actually is,” she said. She also shared her personal experiences of housing homeless women.

The Board of Adjustment will reconvene on May 22 to continue hearing public comments and deliberate on the application.

Beach Clean Up:

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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 definitely seen nearly no plastic bags. Of course, still some, but they’ve gone down a lot,” LeChien said. “It’s mostly microplastics, 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.

Barnegat Bay Spring Nature Walk Event

TOMS RIVER – Barnegat Bay Spring Nature Walks takes place every Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m., April through May, at SBB EcoCenter 117 Haines Road Toms River. Weather permitting. All ages are welcome!

There is an incredible natural world just waiting for you to explore right in your backyard and we want to be your guides! Join us for a special guided nature walk of Browns Woods that the whole family can

enjoy, and get the chance to learn about the amazing interconnected world of our watershed! Learn about plants and their historic use as medicine, food, and tools, check out the habitats of the winged and furry inhabitants of Barnegat Bay’s watershed, and learn practical advice that’s sure to make your next outing in the woods more interesting and fun than ever! Please dress for the weather and wear bug spray and meet us at our EcoCenter as we get ready to hit the trails of our woods!

Annual Bike Blessing

TOMS RIVER – The annual Bike Blessing will be on April 26 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the American Legion Riders – Post 129, 2025 Church Road, Toms River. Blessing starts at 11 a.m. Free coffee, rolls and/or donuts provided.

Protest Draws Large Crowd.” We regret the error.

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

Assemblyman Slams Costs As Offshore Wind Project Delayed Again

Capitol Comments

TRENTON – Yet another offshore wind promise has been broken. The foreign-based Attentive Energy, citing supply chain issues among other challenges, requested a one-year delay in its $37.3 million payment, required to move forward with its wind farm project 42 miles off Seaside Heights.

The due date, Jan. 24, came and went. The delay, opposed by the state Division of Rate Counsel, may be considered at

the NJ Board of Public Utilities meeting on April 23. The Rate Counsel, at a minimum, wants those funds put in escrow.

“Time after time the energy policies of New Jersey Democrats have proven a failure,” Assemblyman Greg McGuckin (R-Ocean) said. “Even before Trump’s executive orders, these projects were collapsing, a fact Democrats refuse to acknowledge. Even with taxpayer-funded subsidies, offshore wind cannot be sustained, a fact that Democrats refuse to accept. And who pays for it? New Jersey taxpayers and ratepayers.”

Gov. Phil Murphy’s vision of a zero emissions future by 2050 comes with a

hefty price tag, conservatively estimated at $1.375 trillion, or nearly $150,000 for every resident. The governor’s energy master plan, concocted on the untried promises of solar and wind, moved the state away from affordable, reliable sources like nuclear and natural gas, which together provide more than 90% of New Jersey’s electricity. It’s Democrat-driven mandates, not markets, that have forced investors to focus on green energy options.

Those mandates have more immediate consequences as well. Ratepayers will feel the repercussions of these policies much sooner as electricity rates will spike up to 20% starting in June. Demand continues to outpace supply while Democrats continue to focus on so-called

clean energy sources to the detriment of affordability, according to testimony by BPU president Christine Guhl-Sadovy March 28.

“All the way back in 2014, Warren Buffet said the only reason to build wind farms was to receive a tax break. Take away the incentives and wind fails,” McGuckin said. “Democrats have wasted the last seven years on failed green policies, and today ratepayers are footing the bill while demand is rising and reliability is falling. Phil Murphy and the Democrats own this boondoggle, don’t let them forget it.”

Attentive Energy, chosen in the BPU’s third-round solicitation in January 2024, has preliminary approval to supply 1,342 megawatts that would reportedly power up to 650,000 homes.

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 Republicans 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’ hardearned benefits; and preventing cuts to food assistance for kids and families through programs like SNAP.

The Blue Glaucus – The Secrets Of This 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-the-wind-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.

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.

Assemblyman Gregory McGuckin

Senator Andy Kim

The 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 first 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

Local Resident Turns 100

TOMS RIVER – Olga Boyle celebrated her 100th birthday recently. A resident of Ortley Beach for almost 60 years, her family has been visiting the area since 1950!

She enjoyed a special gathering of friends and family on her big day. She also received numerous phone calls from family and friends that live far away.

Congratulations on your special day!

Improve Your Quality Of Life With Mindfulness

TOMS RIVER – Toms River Recreation presents Improve Your Quality Of Life With Mindfulness.

Explore mindfulness with breathwork, body awareness, and gentle movement. Increase focus, reduce stress, and enhance presence and inner peace through guided exercises and take-home tools. Perfect for beginners or deepening your practice. Please wear comfortable, non-restrictive

clothing & bring a yoga mat/padded blanket & one pillow.

Program held on the following days: April 28, May 5, 12, & 19; from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Located at Youth Services, 1505 North Bay Avenue.

Cost is $65 per person for four-week series. Open to ages 16 older. To register, visit:

register.communitypass.net/tomsriver.

Cattus Island Nature Festival

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

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

Spring Bling Sale

TOMS RIVER – The Friends of the Ocean County Library will be hosting a Spring Bling Sale on April 25 and 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Toms River Ocean

County Library.

Sale will include a selection of preloved jewelry, handbags and accessories that has been generously donated! Cash only.

Photo courtesy Boyle family

Step Up For The Arc Walk & 5K Race Will Benefit 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 kickoff 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.

Register For Camp Discovery

TOMS RIVER – Toms River Recreation’s Camp Discovery is a summer day camp program for children with developmental disabilities.

Program will run from June 30 to August 8, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Fridays. Camp Discovery ventures out on many

trips through the summer and enriches the campers with many social interactions.

Registration is now open via the online portal, Community Pass, which is accessible from the Recreation webpage: tomsrivertownship.com/211/Recreation.

For more information, visit tomsrivertownship.com/556/Summer-Day-Camp.

American Legion Auxiliary Outdoor Flea Market

TOMS RIVER – The American Legion Post 129, located at 2025 Church Road in Toms River, will be hosting an Outdoor Flea Market on June 21.

Rain date is June 28. Open to the public.

Cost is $20 per vendor space in advance. All proceeds benefit the Auxiliary’s programs and projects.

Contact information for vendor set-up time and event start time is 732-773-1962.

HOMESTEAD RUN’S

INDOOR EVENT

• Featuring local vendors w/unique crafts, pickles & jellies, home

Bill Fischer Sr. Field Now A Mainstay At Int. South

TOMS RIVER – Intermediate South Principal Paul Gluck welcomed current and former students and staff, parents, central administration including Superintendent Michael Citta, Toms River Board of Education members and - of course - the Fischer family for a very special occasion: the official dedication of Bill Fischer Sr. Field. A pillar of Seminole athletics since the school opened 20 years ago, Coach Fischer has dedicated multiple decades and countless hours to coaching baseball - even after retirement - and still volunteers his time to the school’s volleyball team. As evident by the number of people in attendance, his commitment to helping others has had a profound impact on so many Seminole students past and present.

“Coach Fischer’s passion and commitment to his players and to Intermediate South makes us all proud to be Seminoles,” said Principal Gluck, as the new backstop sign signifying Bill Fischer Sr. Field was revealed.

The ceremony included the school’s pep band playing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” and the National Anthem. There was also a special flyover from the NJ State Trooper rescue helicopter.

Fischer spoke about his long career as a coach in Toms River, which began in 1980, and the affection he had and continues to have for his players and their families.

It was a beautiful day for baseball, and the perfect time to officially honor a true baseball man.

Ocean’s Harbor House Presents A Walk In Their Shoes Seaside Edition

SEASIDE HEIGHTS – Ocean’s Harbor House presents A Walk In Their Shoes Seaside Edition on April 27.

The two-mile walk starts at 10 a.m. at The Sawmill. Cost is $25 per person and includes t-shirt and chance to win prizes. Building awareness around the impact of homelessness. Creating hope for the future on step at a time. Sign up as an individual

or form a team. For an additional $10, enjoy pizza and pasta after the walk at The Sawmill with open cash bar.

To register as a walker, a team, or to sponsor this event, go to bit.ly/4gHgnvK. For more information, visit oceansharborhouse.org. Questions? Contact admin@ oceansharborhouse.org or call 732-9290096 ext. 200.

Recreation & Parks Now Hiring Summer Seasonal Positions

TOMS RIVER – Toms River Recreation & Parks is hiring for summer seasonal positions. We have a wide range of jobs available at Day Camp, Bey Lea Golf Course, Snug Harbor Pool, Ortley & Shelter Cove Beach-

es, and in the Parks system. Some positions are open to 15 years old and others have a minimum age of 18.

Register online: tomsrivertownship. com/135/Employment-Opportunities.

Photo courtesy Riki Ston

C ommunity n ew S

Clothing Drive Conducted To Aid Church Rummage Sale

TOMS RIVER – The Jersey Shore Amateur Radio Society, also known as JSARS, located in Toms River, conducted a clothing drive and donated various articles of clothing to the First United Methodist Church of Toms River for the Spring Rummage Sale.

A member of the Jersey Shore Amateur Radio Society (JSARS) donated time and the use of his truck to facilitate transporting all the containers of clothing. Members of JSARS and volunteers of The First United Methodist Church unloaded the truck and carried bundles of clothing into the Family Life Center building. Volunteers will separate the clothing into appropriate categories for the rummage sale.

Laura, one of the volunteers assisting with the rummage sale queried if JSARS has members who are veterans. Indeed, JSARS has veterans as well as non-veterans in our

courtesy

membership. Laura thanked JSARS for the donation to the rummage sale and thanked the veterans for their service. Quite a nice gesture.

The First United Methodist Church serves the community of Toms River with many functions such as the rummage sale, pancake breakfasts, soup kitchen and holly berry bazaar and many others.

JSARS was incorporated in 1971 with the purposes of contributing our assistance to the best advantage in the event of an emergency, to assist any local government when the necessity arises or when requested by duly authorized and responsible persons and to further interest in amateur radio in the general community.

As our banner indicates, the Jersey Shore Amateur Radion Society is “More Than Just a Radio Club.”

All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast

TOMS RIVER – Manitou Park Volunteer Fire Company will be hosting an all you can eat pancake breakfast on June 8 from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Holiday City South Club House, 139 Santiago Drive, Toms River.

Cost is $12 per person at the door (children under 10 years old are free). Pre-sale tickets for $10 per person will be available

from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Firehouse on Fort DeFrance Avenue on May 12, 19, 26 and June 2. Also seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 12 through June 2 at the Carmona-Bolen Funeral Home, 412 Main Street, Toms River.

Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, juice, and refills on coffee. For more information call Pat Piccoli at 732-597-8379.

Photo

JSARS

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!

East Baseball Off To Strong Start

On April 2, senior Dan Nafziger starred on the mound and at the plate, earning the win with six strong innings and eight Ks, and driving in three runs himself.

Carson Frazier plated two and Matthew

Student Places Third In Public Health Awareness Competition

Lucy is

This year, the theme was “It Starts Here: Your Health is Our Mission.” Lucy took third place

here with Mrs.

Cedar Grove’s health and PE

We are so proud of Lucy’s creativity and hard work in this contest and her dedication to furthering the future of public health.

TOMS RIVER – Home and away wins over Donovan Catholic have High School East baseball sitting at 2-0 on the young season.

Photo courtesy Allison Goodwin Ferrera scored twice, helping the Raiders to a season-opening 7-3 win. The turnaround was quick, though, as HSE visited Donovan the following day. If there was fatigue, it certainly didn’t show. Frazier continued his hot start with three hits and three runs. Senior Michael Vaccarino homered as Mason Pentz and James Whalen combined to toss a shutout.

TOMS RIVER – Congratulations, Lucy Stewart, for representing Cedar Grove Elementary in the Ocean County Health Department’s Annual Public Health Awareness Competition.

Photo courtesy Toms River Schools in the grade 1-2 category!

pictured

Gudaitis,

teacher.

C ommunity n ew S

Seminoles Hear Moving Testimony By Holocaust Survivor

Photo courtesy Toms River Schools

TOMS RIVER – As the third marking period comes to a close, the eighth graders are wrapping up the Holocaust Unit in Language Arts classes. Students have been reading articles, observing videos, and writing cross-curriculum research papers about the Holocaust, providing background knowledge to help them understand what a person has gone through. Nothing is more effective, though, than having a Holocaust survivor tell his story in person.

Intermediate South was honored to welcome Manfred Lindenbaum for a very special presentation. As eighth graders concluded their studies of the Holocaust, they had an opportunity to meet and interview this inspirational survivor, who has spent his life teaching about the importance of hope and tolerance. This living history lesson was one our Seminoles will never forget.

The presentation commenced with a two-minute video from 2015, when Mr. Lindenbaum was asked to join President Obama at the White House to assist in lighting the candles during Hanukkah. Soon after, Mr. Lindenbaum spoke about how his life completely changed at the age of six. Manfred “Manny” Lindenbaum was born in Unna, Germany in 1932. His parents, brother and sister experienced Nazism take over when they had to wear “J” on their clothing, their father’s store quickly plunged, and the Jewish were losing their rights.

In 1938, the Jewish were all pushed out of Germany and chased to Poland. The Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) assisted refugees with food and supplies. As the Germans invaded Poland, Lindenbaum and his brother, Siegfried, were sent off on the Kindertransport headed toward England and eventually arriving in 1939. This was a pivotal moment in Lindenbaum’s

life because it was the last time he was going to see his parents and sister. Soon after, he was separated from his brother and alone. Lindenbaum emphasized how angry he was growing up and didn’t know how to deal with that emotion. While sharing his deep emotions, he reached out to many in the audience. Moving forward, after losing loved ones in Auschwitz, then going to a different country and learning a new language, it was easy to feel rage. However, Lindenbaum expressed to the young audience how a couple of people who showed they cared had changed his way of thinking. There were many moments during the speech where he was able to connect with students.

When the war ended in 1945, he was reunited with his brother and about to turn 14. His aunt and uncle reached out to them and together they ventured to America – New Jersey actually. This is where Lindenbaum’s new life began. He met Annabel, his wife, who has been by his side for over 65 years. It wasn’t until his first grandchild that he was able to tell his incredible life story to his family for the first time. After that moment, Lindenbaum felt it was his mission in life to share his life experiences, volunteer, and help others. Currently, Lindenbaum and his wife spread their profound lessons all over the world.

Throughout his speech, Lindenbaum asked the audience if anyone had any questions to ask him. Lindenbaum expressed powerful statements to the students: “Don’t be a bystander.” “Listen to others.”

One student asked, “How did you get through that time in your life?” Lindenbaum’s somber answer was, “My sister, Ruth, is smiling down at me, and I know she would want me to keep moving forward. She is always around.”

The presentation concluded with an emotional round of applause, a certificate was presented to Manny Lindenbaum, thanking him for his precious time. Additionally, the Intermediate South PTO donated to HIAS, a foundation to help support refugees.

Overall, the students at Toms River Intermediate South had an unforgettable experience that day. It goes without saying that Manny Lindenbaum spoke from the heart and moved everyone in that room.

Dr. Izzy’s

Sound News

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

368 Lakehurst Road | Suite 305 Toms River, NJ 08755 732-473-1123 1301 Rte 72 | Ste 305 | Manahawkin, NJ 08050 609-597-9195 211 W Millstream Road Cream Ridge, NJ 08514 609-758-9595

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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Should I Buy An Over-The 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!

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 the Dinosaur in Bayville. (526 Atlantic City Boulevard,

Bayville.)

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

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

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 find 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.

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Around the JerSey Shore

OCC Repertory Theatre 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 collaboration 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.

Toms River Recreation Skateboarding Adventure Camp 2.0

TOMS RIVER – Toms River Recreation presents Skateboarding Adventure Camp 2.0 with Coastline Adventures.

April 21 through 25 (rain date April 26).

Sessions for ages 6 to 15 years old:

First Timers & Beginners at 9 to 10:30 a.m. Intermediates at 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Location: Toms River Skate Park, 1545 North Bay Avenue, Toms River. Max Participants: eight skaters per time slot. Cost is $250.

Requirements: Skateboard (no penny boards), helmet, flat-soled athletic shoes, and elbow and knee pads are required. Wrist

guards are optional. Feel free to bring a drink, snack, and sunscreen, if needed.

First timers, beginners & intermediates welcome! Led by experienced, First Aid, and CPR Certified instructors in a safe and supportive environment. First timers and beginners will learn basic skateboarding skills, safety, and park etiquette. Intermediates will refine and progress their technique and learn additional tricks. We’ll celebrate our last day of camp by showcasing everyone’s skills with a jam session. Register at register.communitypass.net/ tomsriver. We’d love to help you thrive during your

Come visit us and explore whether your plan supports the way you want to live.

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.

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

Michael J. Deem, Esq.

million by the year 2030.

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.

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.

Library Kicks Off Mental Health Awareness Month With Provider

TOMS RIVER –The Ocean County Library, in partnership with the Mental Health Awareness Committee of Ocean County and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), will host the 2025 Mental Health Provider Fair and Awards Ceremony in the OCL Toms River Branch, 4:30 to 7 p.m. on May 7.

Representatives from Ocean County agencies that support children and adults affected by mental illnesses and/or substance abuse will be available during the fair to discuss resources and services. The event also features the “Celebrating Wellness” awards ceremony at 5:30 p.m. The awards ceremony will include a proclamation presentation from the Ocean County

Board of Commissioners.

Fair

The Ocean County Mental Health Awareness Committee will honor community members whose actions demonstrate their resolve to end the stigma often associated with mental health conditions.

In addition, fifth grade students will be honored for their artwork from the “What a Difference a Friend Makes” contest. Light refreshments will be provided. The Mental Health Provider Fair is free and open to the public. No registration is required. For more details, visit tinyurl.com/OclNAMI or stop by or call the OCL Toms River Branch, 101 Washington Street, 732-349-6200.

EDUCATORS! Have a special event planned for your class? Let everyone know by placing a news release in this paper! Call 732-657-7344 to find out how!

Comic Book Legend Coming To Town

Comic book legend Larry Lieber will be at Super Jersey Comic Expo on April 27 to sign his first book, “Chirps” and to greet fans.

By Bob Vosseller

JACKSON – Comic book royalty is coming to the township for a one-day appearance of the Super Jersey Comic Expo on the weekend of April 26-27 at the Dome at Adventure Crossing.

Event coordinator Paul Brown said everyone involved with the show is “thrilled that Larry Lieber (brother of late Marvel Comic Book legend Stan Lee) is coming out of comic convention retirement for a

special appearance on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at Super Jersey Comic Expo ‘25!”

Lieber’s signing will take place for two hours, from 1 to 3 p.m. and an exclusive panel will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. that day.

The legendary Atlas/Marvel writer and co-creator of Iron Man, Thor, Ant-Man, Groot and many more will be signing and promoting his brand-new prose novel, “Chirps” - his first-ever book outside the comics world after 75 years in the field.

“This is a rare chance to meet a true icon, one of the last living links to the Silver Age, younger brother of Stan Lee and celebrate a bold new chapter in his creative journey,” Brown noted. Autographed books can be pre-purchased at SuperJerseyExpo.com/larry-lieber in limited quantities, and comic/book autographs can be purchased on-site (cash only) the day of his appearance.

Brown added, “Larry is so excited to tell everyone ‘Thank you’ in person for an incredible career and celebrate the release of his very first prose novel, which is available now.”

“Deepest thanks and appreciation to our friends Danny Fingeroth, Frank Lovece, Chris Ryall and Anika Phillips for turning this dream into a reality and giving this little comic convention a chance to host comic book royalty,” Brown added.

Super Jersey Comic Expo was conceived after the success of The Middletown Comic Show, a bi-annual comic show in New

Jersey until November 2019. “We wanted to set out and build a true comic centric convention the likes of those we look up to such as Baltimore Comic-Con and Heroes Con in Charlotte,” Brown added.

This marks the first time for Super Jersey Comic Expo to utilize the Adventure Crossing facility which is located at 515 Monmouth Road Building 200, in Jackson Township. “With our move to Adventure Crossing, we are able to host programming for the first time in our show’s history,” Brown remarked.

The Adventure Crossing USA mega dome opened in 2023 and features an indoor driving range, VR experiences and much more. There are 42 bays and numerous rooms for groups, parties and other activities.

Admission starts at $15 and kids under 12 are free. The show will feature 70,000 square feet of golden age to modern comic book dealers, collectible toy and figure vendors, independent artists and publishers, legendary comic creator guests, on-site CGC submission and signature verification.

The show will also feature various multimedia guests, voice artists, comic book writers, artists and editors. The show’s program schedule for April 26 begins at 9 a.m. with VIP entry into the show floor. All VIP ticketholders must be checked-in and queue up at the registration desk.

At 10 a.m. general admission begins and doors will open for Saturday and weekend pass holders. There will be a free cosplay

photo shoot on the main stage at 1 p.m. and the show closes at 5 p.m.

On April 27, VIP entry will reopen on the show floor for VIP ticketholders who must be checked-in and queued up at the registration desk with general admission doors opening at 10 a.m. for weekend pass holders.

There will be another free cosplay photo shoot on the Main Stage at 1 p.m. and the show floor will close at 4 p.m.

Among the numerous guests are actor Dean Cain who played Superman on the TV series “Lois & Clark” and has appeared in “Smallville” and “Supergirl.” Actor Stefan Kapičić played the X-Men mutant superhero Colossus in the Deadpool film franchise. Actor Ross Marquand provided his voice in the animated X-Men ‘97, and appeared in the series The Walking Dead and portrayed the villainous Red Skull in the film “Avengers: Infinity War.”

Laura Martin is one of several comic creator guests who will be there. She worked on WildStorm, JLA, and Astonishing X-Men.

Several voice actors will be present including Holly Chou who was the voice of Jubilee in “X-Men ’97.” Also appearing will be Larry Houston who is the producer/ director of several animated series including, “X-Men the animated series,” “G.I. Joe” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.”

For further information visit superjerseyexpo.com/

Photo courtesy Super Jersey Comic Expo

CLASSIFIEDS

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 Help Wanted

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)

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)

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)

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

• Estate/Garage/Yard Sales • Auto For Sale • Items For Sale

Items Wanted

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.

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) PROFESSIONAL PAINTING AND WALLPAPERING - Local And Reliable 732-688-6532. (20)

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

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

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.

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)

Calculate Price As Follows:

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

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

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

Credit Card# Exp.

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• Fax this form to 732-657-7388 ATTN: ALI. 5. PHONE NUMBER (THIS IS REQUIRED)

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. Deadline For Classified Ads: 12pm Monday (For that Saturday’s publication)

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.

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 this picturesque view. Have a photo you would like to share? Email photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you may win tickets to an upcoming Jersey Shore BlueClaws game!

Cats Available For Adoption

By Chris Lundy

TOMS

– An adoption center with a free roaming cat playroom is open in downtown Toms River on Fridays from

6-8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4 p.m. and also by appointment.

Little Cobbler is still here at the center. Well, he’s not exactly little, he just acts like it. He’s actually a pretty big cat but he scares easily, like a little kitten. Once he builds up trust, he’s friendly with a caretaker, and he’s looking for someone patient enough to let him come around on his own.

The center is located at 34 Main Street (Route 9), Suite 1B. The adoption center is run by the group called Lawyers In Defense of Animals. They can be reached at 908-910-2522, or on Facebook at /lidarescue and on Instagram @lida_rescue.

Toms River Founders’ Day Food Festival

TOMS RIVER – Save the date for Toms River Founders’ Day Food Festival set for May 17. This year marks the return of the Annual Founders’ Day Food & Music Festival!

This year will start with a parade down Main Street at 10 a.m. with the food, vendor, and music on Washington Street at 11 a.m. Bring the entire family as we will have food and art and craft vendors, beer tent with Fire

Company #1, inflatable rides, petting zoo, face painting, bands, informational booths, and more!

Early registration for vendors has been extended to April 15 - information to participate as a vendor or to sponsor the event may be found at tomsrivertownship.com/551/ Founders-Day or email lvaleri@tomsrivertownship.com.

RIVER

Photo by Chris Lundy

FUN & GAMES SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Doughy 5 Ramsey of “The Last of Us”

Actor Epps

On a bye week

Squad suiting up for opening day, presumably

Hoodwink 18 Shampoo target

Analogous

Fad toy with unruly hair 22 Actress Mendes

Impertinence

Old-Fashioned choice 25 Hill, in Hebrew

Hem and __ 27 Org. with flag bearers?

29 Third No. 1 hit for Bruno Mars

“The Gilded Age” airer

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 21 Journey segment 23 “Weekend Update” comic Michael

27 Part shaded by a backward cap

28 State of change

“Sorry, but ... “ Down 1 Aerate, as flour 2 Impetus to clean the fridge

30 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.

Notice is hereby given that Ocean Health Initiatives, Inc. (OHI), having an office located at 101 2nd Street, Lakewood, NJ, will accept bids for General Contracting Services for the renovation of approximately 2,500 SF on the third floor of the Lakewood Healthcare center located at 101 2nd Street, Township of Lakewood, Ocean County, NJ. Bidders will be required to submit (i) AIA Document 305, current edition, as part of the proposal; (ii) be financially sound; (iii) have required jurisdictional licensing; (iv) be bondable; and (v) have documented experience working as a General Contractor on $1 Million plus clinical construction/ renovation projects. Bidder may NOT be listed on httpss://www.epls.gov/ as having been excluded by Federal Government Agencies from receiving federal contracts or federally approved subcontracts. The estimated project cost is $350,000.00 with 100% of the contract costs being federally funded. Each bid must adhere to the Federal guidelines for prevailing wage in Ocean County, NJ. MWBE contractors are encouraged to apply. A mandatory pre-bid walkthrough conference will be held on site Friday, April 25, 3 pm. Drawings prepared by Saphire + Albarran, Architecture, and approved by OHI will be available (for cost) at 101 2nd Street, Lakewood, NJ. Specifications are on the drawings. RFIs can be submitted to Saphire + Albarran, Architecture by Monday, May 5, 2025, 5 pm. Responses to RFIs will be made by Monday, May 12. OHI will only accept sealed bids by mail or courier, received by OHI, by Monday, May 19, 2025, 5 pm. Bids will be opened privately, and no bidder or representative thereof will be permitted to be present at the time of the opening. OHI has the right to waive informalities and irregularities in a bid and to accept the bid which, in OHI’s judgment, is in its own best interest based on the bidder’s experience, fitness, and other criteria determined by OHI to be relevant.

THIS EASTER HAM IS MOIST AND JUICY

By America’s Test Kitchen

Serves 12 to 14

1 (7- to 10-pound) spiral-sliced, bone-in half ham, preferably shank end

1 large oven bag

1 1/4 cups sugar

1/2 cup water

3 tablespoons light corn syrup

1 1/4 cups cider vinegar

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon five-spice powder

1. Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 250 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and set a wire rack in the sheet. Unwrap ham and, if necessary, discard plastic disk covering bone. Place ham cut side down in an oven bag. Insert temperature probe (if using) through top of ham into center. Tie bag shut and place ham cut side down on the prepared wire rack. Bake until the center registers 110 F, 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours.

2. Bring sugar, water, and corn syrup to boil in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook, without stirring, until mix-

ture is straw-colored, 6 to 8 minutes. While sugar mixture cooks, microwave vinegar in bowl until steaming, about 90 seconds; set aside.

3. Once sugar mixture is straw-colored, reduce heat to low and continue to cook, swirling saucepan occasionally, until mixture is a dark amber, just smoking and registers 360 to 370 F, 2 to 5 minutes longer. Off heat, add warm vinegar a little at a time, whisking after each addition (some caramel may harden but will melt as sauce continues to cook). When bubbling subsides, add pepper and five-spice powder. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until reduced to 1 1/3 cups, 5 to 7 minutes.

4. Remove sheet from oven and increase oven temperature to 450 F. Once the oven reaches 450, remove ham from bag and transfer to a carving board. Reserve 1/4 cup juices from bag; discard bag and remaining juices. Remove wire rack, leaving foil in place, and return ham to sheet, cut side down. Brush ham evenly with 1/3 cup caramel. Transfer sheet to oven and cook until glaze is bubbling and starting to brown in places, 5 to 7 minutes. Add reserved juices to remaining 1 cup caramel and whisk to combine.

5. Slice ham and serve, passing caramel sauce separately.

For 25 years, home cooks have relied on America’s Test Kitchen for rigorously tested recipes developed by professional test cooks and vetted by 60,000 at-home recipe testers. The family of brands — which includes Cook’s Illustrated and Cook’s Country — offers reliable recipes for cooks of all skill levels. See more online at www.americastestkitchen.com/TCA

SPIRAL - SLICED HAM GLAZED WITH CIDER - VINEGAR CARAMEL