Teen Center Reopens With Fresh New Look
last several years, sitting empty.”
As you walk into the new Teen Center, you’re transported into a warm and welcoming atmosphere decorated with vibrant, fun murals. Crate said they took inspiration from teens and published a survey asking what they wanted to space to look like.
Town’s Budget Is Political Discussion Topic
By Judy Smestad-Nunn
BRICK - The public had the opportunity to ask questions about the 2025 municipal budget before its adoption during a recent Township Council Meeting. The spending plan was introduced in March.
The proposed 2025 budget totals $122,711,490, with an increase of 1.9 cents on $100 of assessed value, or a $47 increase for the average Brick household. Last year’s budget totaled about $117 million.
By Alyssa Riccardi
After being closed for five years, the Township welcomed local youth to the reopening of the Brick Township Teen Center.
The Teen Center, located at the Civic Plaza, fi rst opened its doors in 2017 when it was formerly known as the “Lounge 270 Teen Center.”
Operations were forced to cease in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the space was left untouched – until Mayor Lisa Crate’s plan to transform the center.
“When I was elected mayor in November 2023, because I was a teacher, one of the things that I wanted to do was reopen this place,” Crate said.
“When I came in, every single wall was white and there was a cruddy old carpet. It was not really in great shape and it was kind of neglected for the
“We took everything down and we asked the kids what they were looking for. Last summer, I spent from the end of June until the end of August in here just working on the murals, working on the walls, getting the colors in, making it welcoming and figuring out what furniture we needed in here,” Crate said.
The revitalized space features Apple computers, board and video games, puzzles, arts and crafts, foosball, pop-a-shot basketball and dedicated homework spaces. Open to all Brick residents in grades 6 through 12, the center is completely free to attend and offers something for everyone.
While the Teen Center is only open during the school year, September through June, the Township plans to use the space in the summer for special events like movie nights, open mic nights, craft sessions and more.
“The mayor and I are really proud of how we
(Teen Center - See Page 4)
This is for the municipal portion of the tax bill only, and does not include the county, school or fi re district taxes.
Most of the questions from the public focused on the utilization of some $14.6 million in surplus in the spending plan.
In New Jersey, municipal budget surplus usage is guided by the NJ Local Budget Law which says surplus - which is essentially a township’s savings account - can be used, within guidelines, to smooth out budget fluctuations, provide a cushion against unexpected expenses, and potentially reduce the need for tax increases.
Township resident Madeline Iannarone, who has been named as the Republican mayoral candidate this year and will be running against Democratic incumbent Lisa Crate, said that with a 1.9 cent increase in this year’s budget and the aforementioned use of surplus funds, “the mayor’s budget projects a 16.7 cent increase in 2026, [which] concerns me greatly.”
(Town’s Budget - See Page 4)
Officials Urge Preparedness In Wake Of Jones Road Wildfi re
By Stephanie Faughnan
OCEAN COUNTY - The massive wildfire burning deep in southern Ocean County offered some reminders for local residents.
Life at the Jersey Shore isn’t just about sun and sand - it’s also about preparing for the real danger of forest fires.
The Jones Road Wildfire, first spotted at 9:45 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22, from the Cedar Bridge Fire Tower, scorched 15,300 acres in the Forked River Mountains Wilderness Area. By evening, the fire had crossed both
the Garden State Parkway and Route 9, forcing about 5,000 residents in Ocean and Lacey townships to evacuate. Several outbuildings, one commercial building, and multiple vehicles were destroyed.
Fire officials confirmed the cause as an improperly extinguished bonfire, and a Waretown man now faces aggravated arson charges. Joseph Kling, 19, is accused of setting pallets on fire and leaving the scene before the flames were extinguished. Despite the charge, he is considered (Wildfire - See Page 5)
BRICK –
A group of teens play basketball while others mingle and enjoy the Teen Center.
Photo by Alyssa Riccardi
battle the Jones Road Wildfire.
Photo courtesy DEP
Teen Center:
Continued From Page 1
transformed the space,” said Brandi White, Coordinator of the Mayor’s Student Advisory Committee. “There’re so many ideas that we have in mind for the Teen Center. The Flower Bar had a great idea to host a bouquet making class and are willing to donate their time and the materials. The library has a youth group that they’ve asked about using [the center] instead of them meeting up a library for their book club, they can meet here.”
Local librarians expressed their excitement for the Teen Center and are looking forward
Town’s Budget
:
From Page 1
She asked how the township plans to replace the surplus revenue in the next budget cycle to prevent a major tax hike or a major spike next year.
“Or is this just squeezing more revenue and seeing where we can develop?” Iannarone asked. “Overdevelopment in this town is concerning me greatly. Are we chasing our ratables to bail out our budget? It’s something I need to know. It’s very scary the rate that we’re going to have to hike up.”
Resident and Republican Council Candidate for the upcoming election, Lisa
to the opportunities of collaborating with the Township.
“This is very exciting for the community,”
Sade Puik from the Brick Library said. “We hope to start a book club and a mobile craft class. Lots of different options, and even in the future we will be able to do a pop-up library and we could give out library cards to the kids.”
“It’s nice that everyone wants to collaborate. There was a lot of worry that the spaces will be at war, but instead it’s just an opportunity to grow more outside the library, so that’s fun,” Kaitlyn Inderwies from the Brick Library said.
The Township held a grand ribbon cutting
Reina, also asked about the surplus.
“With the increased usage of that, year over year, which brings us to a dangerous low level of under 50 percent of the surplus…is there a plan? What happens next year when the taxpayers are faced with a significant hike because the surplus has been exhausted?”
Township Chief Financial Officer Maureen Laffey-Berg, who was at the council meeting to answer any budget questions, said next year’s surplus would be replenished by some $4.9 million in FEMA reserve money, which the township could not utilize until FEMA signed off on Superstorm Sandy expenses.
“We also have admin fees for police road
to mark the official reopening of the Teen Center. The occasion welcomed many organizations from the Brick community as well as a number of teens testing out the games and socializing in the new space.
Ocean County Commissioner Robert Arace presented a certificate to Brick Township recognizing its efforts to provide teenagers a safe and support of environment.
“It’s an honor to be here, to see the township doing such great work and all the volunteers and members of the community contributing to one another,” Arace said.
The Township also welcomed Emily Napolitano who will be the Teen Center Director.
“It took about six months to find the right
jobs of $839,000 that’s just been accumulating,” she said, which the township auditor said could be put into surplus.
“As of right now, we have $2.3 million in the 2024 appropriation reserves, which at the end of this year will funnel into surplus…and as of today the MRNA (Miscellaneous Revenues Not Anticipated), that we’ve collected - because I figured this question was going to come - we have $1.6 million, so those four things I do know we will have (which will) increase surplus at the end of the year.”
This is in addition to some $7 million remaining in surplus, she said, bringing the surplus total after the 2025 budget completion to some $17,371,000. “There’s
person for the position,” Crate said. “We needed somebody who wants to plan activities, wants to work with kids, is good with kids. Once we found Emily, we knew we had a good fit.”
In addition to fun and activities, the Teen Center will also offer volunteer opportunities, leadership workshops and youth-focused programs that help teens grow into confident, community-minded individuals. Local youth groups are welcome to use the space for meetings and events. Any group interested in booking space should contact Brandi White at 732-262-1053.
The Teen Center is open Mondays through Fridays from 2 to 7 p.m.
other floating parts - I don’t know how much more we will have,” Laffey-Berg said.
During council comments, Councilwoman Marianna Pontoriero said she has been reviewing the township budgets for over 10 years.
“I will tell you, it’s very similar to your home budget…every year expenses go up,” she said. “Every year we have to figure out how to do the same thing we did last year, but with less.”
She said the township is paying down “systematically extraordinary debt, along with carefully using the surplus.”
The next council meeting will be on Tuesday May 13 at 7 p.m.
MAY IS FOR MOM!
Celebrate Mom with a Victorian A ernoon 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 clo ed 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
• 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
600 Main Street Downtown Toms River 732-818-7580 ◆ mathishouse600main.com
Wildfire:
Continued From Page 1
innocent until proven guilty.
State officials have warned that with rising temperatures and drought conditions, the threat of major wildfires in New Jersey has increased over the past decade.
Even towns beyond the fire’s direct path felt the effects. In Barnegat, police urged residents in some neighborhoods to voluntarily evacuate, even though the fire hadn’t reached town limits. According to Barnegat Police Lt. Nicholas Venuto, voluntary evacuations are often announced out of an abundance of caution when fast-moving fires could change direction at any moment.
“The wind could be blowing east, and everybody could think they’re safe,” said Venuto. “However, because of the environment the fire lives in, it might create its own wind and go in a different direction.”
Barnegat officials decided to send out alerts regarding voluntary evacuations on the first day of the fire based on information they received from the command post that the situation could change – but was not yet emergent. Venuto explained that encouraging voluntary evacuations gives residents a better chance to leave safely before roads become jammed or conditions worsen, a lesson learned from past emergencies.
“We learned important lessons from the 2007 Warren Grove fire and even Superstorm Sandy,” said Venuto. “The key is being proactive and prepared.”
Planning Ahead Saves Lives Barnegat and many other communities are
enrolled in New Jersey’s Firewise program, which offers residents valuable information about protecting themselves and their homes in the event of a wildfire emergency. The program’s mantra focuses on the “Ready, Set, Go!” concept.
For starters, residents should put together a “to-go bag.” It should include a few days’ worth of clothes, important papers like birth certificates, bank records and estate planning documents, medications, valuables, chargers, and food and water supplies, such as energy bars, nuts, and instant noodles. Toiletries like toothbrushes and toothpaste should also be packed. For families with pets, travel kits for animals are just as important.
Waretown resident Patricia Kennedy said that the mandatory evacuation of her community brought her to the realization that she should always have a bag packed with essentials. “Or at least one partially packed with a checklist by the door to the garage. I would have forgotten my pills but my friend spotted them and handed them to me to put in my bag.”
“I feel like I should have been carrying my passport around,” shared Jamie Harrison of Waretown.
Lisa Shwidock, who lives in the same area, said that she had all her documents in one bag and ready to leave when asked to evacuate. “Nevertheless, I always believed my go bag was complete...until the fire. Then I realized how unprepared I really was.”
Venuto also shared a tip for two-car households: park one car at a safe location - such as a Parkway rest stop. Families can then manage evacuation together and ensure fewer vehicles are on the road.
Residents with special needs should register with their local police department in advance. Forms are available on municipal websites and allow first responders to assist residents with mobility impairments, medical needs, or other challenges during emergencies.
“It’s all confidential,” said Venuto. “It helps us plan ahead and deliver help quickly when needed.”
The form asks for basic information like mobility or medical challenges; the use of oxygen, a wheelchair, or whether the resident has cognitive impairments. It also requests emergency contact information.
Another important step is signing up for emergency alerts through Nixle. Residents can receive urgent text messages or emails about
evacuations, road closures, and other hazards. Signing up is simple: just text your ZIP code to 888777 or visit nixle.com
Although police cannot physically force residents to leave, staying behind can put enormous strain on emergency services. “When we advise you to evacuate, it’s because the risk is real - not just for you, but for the first responders who would have to come back and save you,” Venuto emphasized.
“We learned the hard way during Sandy,” he said. “We had people who lived on the water and refused to evacuate. Hours later, four officers were swimming out to rescue them.”
Although the Jones Road Wildfire spared lives, it left many residents shaken - a stark reminder of the risks of living so close to nature.
Photo courtesy DEP Firefighters battle the Jones Road Wildfire.
S POTLIGHT O N G OVERNMENT
Correspondence & Commentary From Your Local, County, State & Federal Officials
President Trump, Secretary Burgum Applauded For Stopping Empire Wind Project
From The Desk Of Congressman
Chris Smith
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Chris Smith (R-4th) applauded the decision by the Trump Administration Interior Secretary, Doug Burgum, who ordered the cessation of construction on the Empire Wind project off the coast of New Jersey and New York.
“This is a great victory for all of us who have been fighting to protect the Jersey Shore from offshore wind industrialization. We are grateful to President Trump and Secretary Burgum for their analysis and confi rmation of the serious issues we have raised throughout the offshore wind approval process.”
According to the letter from Secretary Bur-
gum to the Acting Director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, the Department of the Interior obtained information which, “raises serious issues with respect to project approvals for the Empire Wind Project.” Burgum said: “matters identified thus far suggest that approval for the project was rushed through by the prior administration without sufficient analysis or consultation among the relevant agencies as relates to the potential effects from the Project.”
The halting of construction follows a letter Smith penned three weeks ago to Secretary Burgum, asking him to “do everything in your power to halt Equinor’s underhanded rush to begin piledriving” until the critical assessment ordered by President Trump’s January 20th executive order and can be completed.”
Smith stated that the Trump assessment is needed to review the many shortcomings of
the federal wind leasing process including, “potential inadequacies in various environmental reviews required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).”
“The NEPA review process under the Biden Administration, when Empire Wind was approved, was completely inadequate and failed to answer critical questions related to national security, environmental health, and the economic wellbeing of nearby communities. The results could be catastrophic, disrupting some of the nation’s busiest waters and negatively affecting important radar systems,” Smith said.
This news also comes only two days after the release of a report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) - the independent congressional watchdog agency - that confirmed concerns first raised in Congress by Rep. Smith that offshore wind turbines pose significant threats to national security and aviation and maritime safety by interfering with radar systems. Smith helped secure this report with a letter to the GAO with Bruce Westerman, Chair of the House
Natural Resources Committee, and Congressmen Jeff Van Drew and Andy Harris.
Smith said the GAO report provided additional scientific justification for President Trump’s pause on offshore wind and the immediate stoppage of offshore wind projects, including Empire Wind.
Smith said, “This is a huge relief for the many New Jersey residents, fishermen, and communities whose concerns were for years habitually dismissed and trivialized by the Biden and Murphy administrations.
The Trump Administration has recognized - defi nitively - that the offshore wind industrialization approval process left unaddressed and unanswered numerous serious questions concerning the potentially harmful impacts of offshore wind.
“Ocean wind energy development is an egregiously flawed and dangerous initiative but with this cancellation we in New Jersey who have long been pointing out the obvious whitewash of these projects have finally been vindicated and heard at the highest levels of government.”
Bill Would Permanently Protect Oceans From O shore Drilling
Capitol Comments
Senator
Cory Booker
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Jack Reed (D-RI) announced a pair of bills to permanently protect the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean from the dangers of fossil fuel drilling. The package includes Booker and Reed’s Clean Ocean and Safe Tourism (COAST) Anti-Drilling Act, which would permanently prohibit the U.S. Department of the Interior from issuing leases for the exploration, development, or production of oil and gas in the North Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, and Straits of Florida Planning Areas of the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf, as well as Padilla’s West Coast Ocean Protection Act, which would permanently prohibit new oil and gas leases for offshore drilling off the coast of California, Oregon, and Washington.
This legislation comes just after the 15th anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, which resulted in the deaths of 11 workers, 134 million gallons spilled
into the Gulf of Mexico over 87 days, the demise of thousands of marine mammals and sea turtles, and billions of dollars in economic losses from the fishing, outdoor recreation, and tourism industries.
U.S. Representatives Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-6th), Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and Jared Huffman (D-CA-02), Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee, are leading companion legislation in the House for the Clean Ocean and Safe Tourism (COAST) Anti-Drilling Act and West Coast Ocean Protection Act respectively.
“Offshore drilling endangers our coastal communities – both their lives and their livelihoods – and threatens marine species and ecosystems. The COAST Act, along with this critical package of legislation, will ensure that marine seascapes along the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts, and the wildlife, industries, and communities that rely on them, are protected from the dangers of fossil fuel drilling,” Booker said.
“Offshore drilling risks devastating spills, accelerates climate change, and threatens the livelihoods of coastal communities like those in New Jersey. On Earth Day and
every day, we must stand up to Big Oil and prioritize renewable energy that actually protects our planet,” said Representative Pallone.
“It’s clear that in the 15 years since the most catastrophic oil spill disaster in history, Republicans in the pocket of Big Oil have learned nothing. Offshore drilling poses significant threats to our public health, coastal economies, and marine life. The science is clear, and so is the public sentiment: we need to speed up our transition to a clean energy future, not lock ourselves into another generation of fossil fuel fealty,” said Representative Huff man. “We cannot let history repeat itself. My Democratic colleagues aren’t standing idly by as the Trump administration tries to reverse all of our progress so they can give handouts to Big Oil. Our legislation will cut pollution and ramp up clean energy, ensuring our coasts remain safe, clean, and open to all Americans - not turned into open season for fossil fuel billionaires looking to drill, spill, and cash in.”
These bills reaffi rm vital protections for America’s coastal communities and ecosystems. The Biden Administration protected more than 625 million acres of U.S. ocean waters - including the Pacific coasts of Washington, Oregon, and Cali-
fornia, the entire East Coast, the eastern Gulf of Mexico, and parts of the Northern Bering Sea - from offshore oil and gas drilling. President Trump immediately tried to roll back those protections, attempting to illegally reopen those areas to drilling on day one of his second term. Trump’s record speaks for itself: during his fi rst Administration, the Interior Department proposed a sweeping plan to open 47 offshore oil and gas lease areas across nearly every U.S. coastline, from California to New England.
The two bills would protect critical coastal communities, economies, and ecosystems against offshore drilling, which is especially important in the face of the climate crisis. U.S. coastal counties support 54.6 million jobs, produce $10 trillion in goods and services, and pay $4 trillion in wages. Offshore drilling poses significant threats to public health, coastal economies, and diverse marine life that play an important economical, ecological, and cultural role in our ecosystem.
“These important bills will protect our environment, communities, and economy from the harmful effects of offshore oil and gas development. Offshore drilling is a dirty and damaging practice that threatens our nation’s ocean recreation, tourism, and (Government - See Page 15)
Disclaimer: Micromedia Publications has always provided a space in its newspapers to provide a place for readers to learn what their elected officials are doing. These items are lightly edited for such things as punctuation and grammar but are mostly unchanged from the source. These press releases are the politicians’ own views, not that of Micromedia Publications. We cannot vouch for the accuracy of information that these politicians are providing, and readers are encouraged to keep an open mind and consider multiple sources.
OPINIONS & COMMENTARY
For years, you drive past a patch of forest. Then, one day, trees are cut down. Construction vehicles are clearing the land. What happened to the woods? What are they putting there?
We tend to think that if something is there, it will be there forever. That’s really not the case – especially when it comes to nature. Unless it is specifically preserved as open space, it will one day be a development.
Every square inch of your town is accounted for. A town labels every lot with a certain zone. They might be residential, commercial, industrial, or some combination. It gets further broken down – one area might be zoned for single family homes while another might be multi-family
EDITORIAL
Those Woods You Love May Not Be Woods Forever
(apartments, condos).
Just because it’s zoned a certain way, that doesn’t mean there’s a plan. It just says what the town officials want it to be some day. They might think “This area near the highway is a good place for businesses, but not for houses.” So that’s how they zone it. Then, one day, a developer comes along and says “I want to build a strip mall here.”
Every so often, the zoning changes. Sometimes it’s done piecemeal. Sometimes it’s a huge undertaking. Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL/N.J.S.A. 40:55D28) requires every town in New Jersey to adopt a master plan, and to revisit it every ten years. This would be a plan for all property in an entire town.
It’s why I have to laugh when politicians are sur-
prised at overdevelopment. At some point, within the last ten years, someone decided that hundreds of homes should go over here, and businesses should go over there. Years later, a developer does just that and people are surprised?
If the politician thinks that there’s too much development, they can make changes in the zoning to fix that before a plan gets proposed. If they try to change the zoning after a plan gets proposed, it’s called spot zoning, and it can open them up to a lawsuit.
Sure, a politician can’t know everything that’s happening in their town, especially larger towns. And they can’t control what was done by officials before them. But they suffer from the same object permanence issue that the rest of us have – we think
that if something is there, it will always be there. Every election year, politicians promise they’ll fight overdevelopment. They really can’t do that once a plan is proposed. Further, they can’t meddle in the affairs of the land use boards that approve or deny developments. But they can change zoning. And they should.
Property owners have the right to use their property as they see fit, providing it’s legal. Town officials can tell you what’s allowed.
Some towns have an open space tax. It’s separate from your property taxes, but it all gets paid at the same time. It might be a penny on every $100,000 of valuation for your property. Ocean and Monmouth counties both have open space trust funds that make purchases that towns can’t afford.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Politicians can negotiate as long as they have a willing property owner. They can buy the land and preserve it as open space. And they should.
I’ve been to a lot of town meetings where people are upset that they will suddenly be living near an apartment complex, strip mall, or something like that. I don’t blame them. All of the woods I played in as a kid are gone now. All of it.
There is a way to be proactive, though.
If you love an area of woods, find out who owns it and what it is zoned. Some towns have this information available online. You might also have to look at county records for deeds. Sometimes, the solution is to reach out to someone at the town.
Ask your town leaders to preserve it. Many of the pol-
iticians I’ve talked to love having more open space in their towns. It saves them money on things like road maintenance and garbage collection. It also lowers the number of kids in the school district so school taxes don’t go up. It’s actually cheaper to buy land and keep it open space than to let it fill with 2.5 kids per household.
I oversimplified this extremely complicated process throughout this editorial, but the point is that every strip of land in town is going to be built upon unless it’s specifically saved. So, if there’s a section of pristine land that you love, and you want it to stay that way, start working now to keep it open space forever.
Chris Lundy News Editor
BRICK – Stop the overdevelopment of Brick! Proposed project at 100 Drum Point Road. Show support in-person by attending and asking questions at the next Brick Board of Adjustment Meeting: May 7, 7 p.m. at 401 Chambers Bridge Road.
5.34 acres of woods on Drum Point Road are in danger of being completely
cleared and replaced by a 60-unit, 3-story, multi-family housing complex. The Ramani Group, located out of Roselle Park, NJ, is seeking approval of a use/d variance and density variance from the township of Brick to demolish the woods and proceed with their project. The developer wants to double the occupancy which the property is zoned for and has made various controversial claims, such as the complex would not sig-
The Brick Times welcomes all points of view for publication and provides this page as an open forum for residents to express themselves regarding politics, government, current events and local concerns.
All letters are printed as space allows unless deemed offensive by the editorial staff, and provided they are signed and include address & phone number for veri�ication. Letters may not be printed if we cannot verify them. Names will not be withheld from publication. While most letters are printed as submitted, we reserve the right to edit or reject letters. The weekly deadline is 5 p.m. Thursday. Mail typed letters to: PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733, fax 732-657-7388 or e-mail news@jerseyshoreonline.com. Letters may be limited to one per month per writer at the editor’s discretion. The opinions expressed in the Letters To The Editor section do not necessarily re�lect those of the staff, management or sponsors of Micromedia Publications/Jersey Shore Online. Letters to the Editor are the OPINION of the writer and the content is not checked for accuracy.
nificantly contribute to our already congested roadways and has refused to perform an air quality test. As Brick residents, the possibility of this development is deeply concerning. The woods act as a natural buffer to mitigate flooding, reduce air pollution, and provide a natural habitat for many animals.
If this proposal gets approved, what is to stop future developments such as this from coming to Brick taking more of our natural woodlands and further contributing to traffic issues?
This development must be stopped! Please spread the word, sign and share our petition, and help us raise funds for legal counsel.
Donate at: gofund. me/37e06276. Sign the Petition at: change.org/100DrumPointWoods.
Concerned Residents Of Brick
Editor’s note: This letter is in response to the Feb-
ruary 1 Berkeley Times article “Council Wants More VA Workers.” Council members were concerned about how the federal hiring freeze would affect the Toms River Veterans Administration clinic. The reporter wrote quotes from a meeting; the councilman didn’t send a letter to the paper.
I don’t understand why Mr. James Byrnes wrote to the newspaper about his concerns because all other veterans at the new VA clinic don’t share his concerns or thoughts.
The VA clinic is new, data records all have to be updated including RX medications. Additionally, the VA is looking for competent qualified staffing people including medical staff for the veterans. This takes time so more staffers will be added to the clinic as time goes by.
I have not heard anybody complain or whine about waiting times to see a medical specialist. If Mr. James Byrnes doesn’t like
to wait for a few more minutes longer than he always has the option of driving up to East Orange VA. Nobody likes a complainer or a whiner.
I would suggest that Mr. James Byrnes go back to this township and go write some resolutions to fi x his township!
Major Miguel Rodriguez Berkeley area
You Can’t
Do Business In This Environment
Could you imagine trying to run a business if you have no idea what raw materials and finished products are going to cost?
That’s what’s happening now with tariffs. Trump –who people say has a plan – keeps changing his mind about the tariffs. One day it’s 25%, the next day it changes. One day they are all paused. The next day they’re all back on.
How can any business owner make long range plans when people at the top aren’t making long range plans? How do you know whether to hire staff or lay them off? How do you know what to charge next month? Six months from now? A year from now?
And as a customer, it’s frustrating as well. I went to buy something online that won’t be available until October, and it wouldn’t give me a firm price. It just said “plus additional costs from tariffs.” The time to have tariffs was 70 years ago, when America made things. Tariffs encourage you to buy American, but if there are no American options, then the tariff just makes things more expensive for you. If the thing you want is made in China – like most things - then the only thing the tariff does is increase the cost to you.
Toms
Del Contena Toms River
Local Pets Available For Adoption
BRICK – Looking for a sweet, gentle soul to add to your kitty crew? Look no further than David! This 6-year-old handsome boy came to us from an overcrowded local shelter and quickly became a staff favorite - and it’s easy to see why. David is calm, quiet, and affectionate. He’s a laid-back gentleman who gets along beautifully with other cats and would be a wonderful addition to a multi-cat household. While he may hang back during the hustle and bustle of the free roam room,
Photo courtesy Jersey Shore Animal Center once things quiet down, David happily comes forward for pets and attention.
Shy but incredibly loving, David has a heart of gold and is just waiting for the right home to shine in. If you’re looking for a sweet companion with a gentle spirit, David might just be your perfect match.
You can view this pet and more at jerseyshoreanimalcenter.org. They are located at 185 Brick Boulevard and can be reached at 732-920-1600.
Don’t Miss Jason Alexander At Lighthouse International Film Festival
BEACH HAVEN – Join for a 25th anniversary screening of Jason Alexander’s fi lm Just Looking on June 6 at The Surflight Theatre in Beach Haven, followed by a live Q&A with Jason himself. This event is included with All Access Passes and Film Only Passes. Then on June 7, don’t miss our Special Event: A Conversation with Jason Alexan-
der - an intimate discussion at the Surflight Theatre. This event is included with All Access Passes or available separately for $20.
Individual tickets and showtimes will be available in mid-May. Advance tickets are strongly recommended.
For more information, visit lighthouseff.com.
Annual Kathi Mead Memorial Golf Outing
BRICK – Join the Brick Chamber of Commerce and enjoy a day of golf, including prizes and giveaways.
The Annual Kathi Mead Memorial Golf Outing will be on June 2 at Lakewood
Country Club. 11 a.m. check in; 1 p.m. shotgun start; 6 p.m. dinner. Cost is $199 for individual golfer, $750 for golf foursome. For more information, to sign up, or to become a sponsor, visit brickchamber.com.
C OMMUNITY N EWS
Rock Out, Unplugged: Fish And Whistle Band
BRICK – They’re acoustic and yet they’re electrifying. The Ocean County Library Brick Branch is pleased to present the Fish and Whistle Band in concert, 2:30 p.m. on May 17.
The Freehold-based Fish and Whistle Band stages live shows throughout the Garden State with high-energy unplugged bluegrass, country and rock on guitar, mandolin, banjo and bass. The musicians, ranging in age from 20 to 70, specialize in songs that bring generations together.
In addition, it’s one of the most versatile groups of players at the Jersey Shore, with multiple lead singers and amazing guitar flat-pickers that double on mandolin and banjo. The band has a steady following on Facebook and is a familiar sight at various OCL branch-
courtesy Ocean County Library es, Waretown’s Wells Mills County Park and Albert Music Hall, the Princeton Porchfest and the Bluegrass and Oldtime Music Association in Little Silver.
The concert is sponsored by the Friends of the Brick Library, volunteers who support the library through programs, fundraisers and advocacy. New members are always welcome. Application forms are available at all OCL branches and reading centers and on the OCL website.
Register at tinyurl.com/OclBFW for this free program. For more details, stop by the OCL Brick Branch, 301 Chambers Bridge Road, or call 732-477-4513. See the full schedule of library programs in the online Calendar of Events.
Bike Rodeo
BRICK – Calling all K to 5th graders! Join the Brick Township Police Department for the 1st Annual Brick Township Police Bike Rodeo on June 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Brick Memorial High School, 2001 Lanes Mill Road. This fun-filled event is for students in grades K to 5 and includes: helmet and bike safety
checks; raffles for helmets and bikes; road safety course, ice cream truck, and tons of family fun!
Sign up now to reserve your spot: docs. google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScIMiRDxvpJcIrfDkWkAzaEoqo9886ftiZnGtwdMAp0IkVLRw/viewform.
Herbertsville Fire Company No. 1 Golf Outing
BRICK – Join the Herbertsville Fire Company for the 26th Annual Art Mount Memorial Golf Outing on May 20 at Pebble Creek Golf Course in Colts Neck.
Enjoy a great day of golf while supporting our fi refighters - all proceeds help fund
essential equipment and training. Email Chris Matseur at cmatseur@brickfi re.org for the registration form, which includes a QR code for easy payment. For more details, visit the Herbertsville Fire Company No. 1 Facebook page.
Multiple Sclerosis Support Group
BRICK – Join at Johnson Rehabilitation Institute at Ocean University Medical Center in the OUMC Community Room (through the Jack Martin Boulevard Outpatient Pavilion
Entrance) on the first Monday of each month from 1 to 2 p.m.
Contact 732-836-4523 or email Joyce.Franceschini@hmhn.org for further information.
Photo
Showcase Honors 175th Anniversary Of Brick
BRICK – In commemoration of the 175th Anniversary of the founding of Brick Township February 15, 1850, the Brick Township Historical Society is featuring memorabilia from different entities in the town. Recently a display was put in with items from the police department, the fi re companies and the fi rst aid squadrons.
The public can see the showcase in the main hall of the Brick Township municipal building at 401 Chambers Bridge Road on weekdays during normal business hours. For more information about the Brick Township Historical Society see its website at: bricktownshiphistoricalsociety.com or call 732-785-2500.
Volunteers Clean Up Riverwalk Refuge
Photo courtesy Brick Township Historical Society
BRICK – It was another successful Pick Up Brick Cleanup recently. Mayor Crate and Councilwoman Heather deJong joined volunteers from the community who donated their time and helped clean the Riverwalk Refuge on Mantoloking Road. Thank you to everyone who spent part of their Saturday with us.
Photo courtesy Brick Township
C OMMUNITY N EWS
Students Present To NASA In National Symposium
BRICK – On April 12, four students from Brick Memorial High School proudly presented their scientific research to a panel of NASA scientists as part of the Growing Beyond Earth Student Research Symposium, a prestigious program run by the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in partnership with NASA.
Cassie Post, Isabel Bartolucci, Natalie Johnson, and Zach Widmer conducted original research on the effects of magnetic fields on the growth of a plant known as Extra Dwarf Bac Choi. After completing two rigorous trials, they submitted their data and fi ndings to both NASA and the Fairchild Institute in Florida.
This marks the fifth consecutive year that Brick Memorial has ranked in the top ten
Photo courtesy Brick Schools nationally, with previous teams placing as high as second in the country. The symposium brings together student researchers from across the United States and even beyond its borders.
Science teacher Mr. Ben Schaible, who guided the students through the research process, expressed his pride in their achievement.
“This program gives our students the opportunity to apply real-world science to meaningful problems and to present directly to NASA scientists is an incredible honor,” Schaible said.
Congratulations to these outstanding Mustangs for representing our school and community with excellence on a national stage.
Car Seat Check-Up
BRICK – Attention parents, grandparents, caregivers, and expecting parents: Is your child’s or grandchild’s car seat installed correctly? Don’t take chances when it comes to their safety.
The Brick Township EMS/Rescue is hosting a Car Seat Check-Up on May 6 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Brick Township EMS/Rescue Building, 500 Aurora Place.
Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will be available to provide free car seat inspections, ensure proper installation and answer any questions you may have.
Stop by and get the peace of mind that comes with knowing your loved one is safe. For more information, call 732-4512038 ext. 6.
Community Garden Applications
BRICK – Do you have a green thumb and a love for community? Brick Township is now accepting applications for the 2025 season of the Brick Community Garden, and we’d love for you to join us!
Garden beds measure 4’ x 8’ and are 1’ high. The cost is $20 per bed for the season, with a limit of one bed per household. Beds will be assigned on a first-come, first-served
basis. ADA-accessible beds are available.
If you’re interested in growing your own fruits, vegetables, or flowers while connecting with fellow residents, download the application below and review the garden rules and guidelines carefully. Space is limited - don’t wait!
For more information, contact Cheryce Moore at 732-262-1041 ext. 5302.
P OLICE B LOTTER
Pet Hoarder Sentenced To Ocean County Jail
By Alyssa Riccardi
BRICK – A Brick Township man has received jail time for hoarding over 100 animals in his home, authorities said.
Jeffrey Finlay, 56, was sentenced to 180 days in the Ocean County Jail as a condition of probation relative to his previously entered guilty pleas to two counts of Animal Cruelty. Additionally, the judge ordered that Finlay be permanently banned from animal ownership, and that he must perform 25 days of community service - not involving animals.
The charges stem from the discovery of 157 cats and three dogs living at Finlay’s home on Mantoloking Road on May 4, 2023.
It took police over 24 hours to remove the animals and transfer them for treatment and evaluation to the Northern and Southern Ocean County Animal Facilities, which are under the direction of the Ocean County Health Department.
Initially, Finlay was charged with Failure
to Provide Care for a Living Animal or Creature.
On June 5, 2023, authorities received the fi nal veterinary reports which determined that 68 cats had suffered serious bodily injury or had to be euthanized, all as a result of Finlay’s failure to provide necessary care for the animals, officials said.
Based on the reports, Finlay was charged with Animal Cruelty and a warrant was issued for his arrest. On June 14, 2023, Finlay surrendered himself to Brick Township Police Headquarters.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Alexander Becker who handled the case on behalf of the State, and commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Brick Township Police Department, Ocean County Health Department, and Northern and Southern Ocean County Animal Facilities, for their combined and collective efforts in connection with this investigation.
Dr. Izzy’s
Sound News
Presented By: Isidore Kirsh, Ph.D., F.A.A.A. (N.J. Lic. #678)
Dr. Isidore Kirsh Ph.D., F.A.A.A.
Why Should I Have My Hearing Checked Every 12-18 Months?
Regular hearing checkups are as important as regular dental and vision checkups. Your fi rst hearing test as an adult is a great start — but there are many reasons to make hearing tests a habit.
Hearing Loss Is Sneaky Your hearing changes gradually. It’s almost impossible to notice because you unconsciously develop coping skills. But regular, comprehensive hearing evaluations help you catch hearing loss early. The sooner it’s found, the easier it is to manage.
Hearing Loss Affects Others If hearing loss goes untreated for too long, it can affect your relationships. You might not mind asking people to repeat themselves, turning up the TV volume, or missing parts of conversations — but friends and family might. Feelings of isolation could result.
Overall Health Suffers Hearing loss has been linked to other health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease. It’s also linked to an increased risk of dementia and balance problems. Regular hearing tests can help you avoid those risks by catching any issues early. Studies have also shown that treating your hearing loss curbs your risk of developing dementia.
And if cognitive decline has already started, appropriate audiologic care may slow down the rate at which it happens.
Hearing Aid Wearers Need Checkups
Hearing aids don’t cure your hearing loss or restore your hearing. What they do is amplify the sounds you don’t hear very well and make your hearing as good as it can be. Your natural, age-related hearing loss will continue. You’ll still encounter loud noises that impact your hearing. Eventually, your hearing will change — and your devices may not meet your needs anymore. Regular checkups keep you ahead of the game so you can upgrade your hearing aids when the need strikes. Keep Them on the Books As you know from your fi rst hearing test, they’re simple and painless. Include them in your yearly checkup routine to ensure your hearing needs are still being met. Regular hearing tests are a great way to stay healthy and enjoy life to the fullest —
CALL Dr. Izzy’s office today schedule your next one at 732-451-3962 or visit our website at gardenstatehearing.com. Dr. Izzy and his Staff are always available to provide you with honest answers about your hearing health care.
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!
Life Line Screening
BRICK – Life Line Screening, the nation’s leading provider of preventive health screenings, will offer affordable, non-invasive, and painless health screenings on June 9 at the First Baptist Church of Laurelton beginning at 9 a.m. A package of four screenings to identify cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions will be offered:
• Carotid artery ultrasound that scans the carotid arteries for the buildup of fatty plaque-one of the leading causes of strokes.
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm ultrasound screening for an abdominal aneurysm that could lead to a ruptured aorta.
• Heart Rhythm Screening (AFIB) A quick
BRICK – Veterans Memorial Elementary School PTA is hosting a clothing drive on May 6 from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at 81 Red Maple Drive. Rid your closet of unwanted items and help the PTA raise much needed funds for the school. Simply place your unwanted clothes and shoes
and easy test using a 6-lead EKG placed on the arms and legs to identify the presence or absence of an irregular heartbeat.
• Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening-Evaluates for PAD in the lower extremities, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Plus, a free Hypertension Screening.
The package above is offered at our special members and friends discount! You must pre-register and appointments are limited. Call 888-814-0466 code HSCA001 or visit llsa.social/hsca to register. Email your name and contact number to sandra.mowery@ llsa.com.
VMES PTA Clothing Drive
(bagged separately), purses, blankets, beddings, and stuffed animals into garbage bags and drop them off in the driveway. Please remember to tie your bags closed.
Questions? Contact Ashley Gonzalez at 862596-9128.
H ERE ’ S T O Y OUR H EALTH Dear Pharmacist
Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.
Unraveling Small Fiber Neuropathy
By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.
If you’re dealing with strange nerve symptoms like burning, tingling, or electric shock sensations, Small Fiber Neuropathy (SFN) might be the culprit. This condition is one I’ve written about several times because it affects the tiny unmyelinated nerves responsible for pain, temperature, and autonomic functions. It’s different than regular peripheral neuropathy which is what many people have. SFN has different symptoms.
One overlooked cause? Mutations or dysfunction in Sodium Channels which are abbreviated in the literature as SCN9A, SCN10A, and SCN11A in case you look them up online. When these sodium channels go haywire, your nerves can fire uncontrollably like a smoke alarm that won’t stop beeping. But that’s just one cause, there are many others including infections.
SFN targets the small, unmyelinated nerve fibers responsible for transmitting pain and temperature sensations, as well as regulating autonomic functions. Think of having gastrointestinal disturbances, heart palpitations, and abnormal sweating - all of which may occur with SFN.
Unlike large fiber neuropathies, SFN often evades detection through standard nerve conduction studies, making diagnosis and treatment particularly challenging. So you could have a normal EMG and still have SFN, which is something a lot of people don’t realize.
To find out if you have SFN, the best way is to do a skin punch biopsy (one in each leg, usually around the ankle). This test provides a direct way to visualize and measure the density of nerve fibers in the outer layer of your skin. It’s typically performed by specialists, and some trained podiatrists offer it. Call ahead to find trained providers in your area
who are equipped to do it.
Additionally, tests like QSART are also sometimes done to see how much you sweat in response to a small electrical stimulus. Treatment strategies for SFN are multifaceted, often requiring a combination of approaches:
Natural Compounds: Certain plant-based substances, such as turmeric and capsaicin, have shown potential in modulating sodium channel activity, offering mild symptom relief.
Pharmaceuticals: Medications like gabapentin, carbamazepine, and lacosamide act as sodium channel blockers, helping to dampen overactive nerve signals. They’re not prescribed to cure SFN, rather they’re prescribed off-label to just manage nerve pain. Next week I will write a column for you on natural sodium channel blockers if you can’t tolerate the medications or want to enhance their effect.
Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG): For cases with an autoimmune component like sarcoidosis, IVIG therapy has demonstrated efficacy in reducing symptoms by modulating immune responses. It’s expensive and has risks so it’s not for everyone.
Emerging Therapies: Techniques like Scrambler Therapy to disrupt pain signals and holistic rehab programs are being explored right now.
Sleep disturbances are both a symptom and an exacerbating factor in SFN. Poor sleep quality can heighten pain perception, creating a vicious cycle. Addressing sleep issues may help a little bit.
Advancements in understanding the pathophysiology, genetics, and causes of SFN is important for healing. 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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fisheries industries valued at $250 billion annually. The Surfrider Foundation urges members of Congress to support this important legislation to prohibit new offshore drilling in U.S. waters,” said Pete Stauffer, Ocean Protection Manager, Surfrider Foundation.
“These bills are critical, especially now. Protecting our environment and frontline communities from the dangers of offshore oil and gas development must be a top priority in the face of the escalating climate and biodiversity crises,” said Elizabeth Purcell, Environmental Policy Coordinator with Turtle Island Restoration Network. “Congress must act swiftly and support these bills to protect our oceans from further exploitation by the oil and gas industry, ensuring a healthy and safe planet for all.”
“Our coasts are a source of life, livelihood, and recreation for coastal commu-
nities and the millions of visitors they see every year,” said Athan Manuel, Director of the Sierra Club’s Lands Protection Program. “They also support untold diverse wildlife and ecosystems that are put at risk by exploitation from the oil and gas industry. These bills provide much-needed critical protections for the health of our coastal communities and to ensure that future generations will get to enjoy the wonders of our oceans and beaches.”
“President Biden’s recent permanent ban on offshore drilling in most ocean realms of the US is strong and cause for celebration! That said, codifying this long-overdue protection with acts of Congress is needed to add bulwark against attempts to override the ban as well as provide proof of bipartisan support for the ocean. The reason is simple: a healthy ocean sustains all life on earth and is essential to a vibrant clean ocean economy,” said Cindy Zipf, Executive Director of Clean Ocean Action.
Laurelton Art Society 45th Year Celebration
BRICK – The Laurelton Art Society is pleased to announce their 45th year celebration! We are currently exhibiting at the Brick library, 301 Chambers Bridge Road, during our month long “Festival of Art.”
Our exhibit culminates with an award ceremony on May 3, 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the library’s first floor meeting room. The gen-
eral public is welcome to view our exhibit and join us for light refreshments celebrating our 45th year.
For further information contact Trisha at auntp13@yahoo.com. This program is made possible in part by a grant from the New Jersey Council of the Arts and the Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Commission.
R.C. Shea & Assoc.
Inside The Law
Why A Survey Is Essential For Successful Closing?
By: Michael J. Deem, Esq. of R.C. Shea & Associates
During the process of purchasing a home, many buyers are concerned with the bottom line and look for ways to cut costs. One of the fi rst items they may choose to forego to save money is to opt out of ordering a survey.
Many purchasers are not aware of all the various important components that a survey can disclose. A survey is not just a simple drawing showing boundary lines and location of the dwelling, but it also delineates right of ways, easements, encroachments, and/ or gaps between property lines. The survey can also confi rm the location of a water way, an existing improvement and determine whether all the structures on the property you are looking to purchase are within the property boundary lines such as sheds, pools, retaining walls and fences. Perhaps the most important pieces of information a survey will provide are the property’s zoning classifi cation, dimension and size, which will allow you to determine if the property conforms to the local lot size requirements.
Once the survey is obtained your attorney will forward it to the title company, who will also research the information contained therein. If the survey accurately shows that there are no property line encroachments then the title company will not require any exceptions in its policy, which will allow the title company to provide coverage and defend against anyone who, in the future, challenges the accuracy of the
property lines. If you do not have an accurate and current survey prior to closing then any disputes, whether it is with the seller, a neighbor or a governmental agency, as to the location of a fence, shed, or any larger structure such as a pool, deck or an addition will become yours to resolve. These disputes can be costly and you possibly may be precluded from seeking recourse from the previous owner.
The basic survey cost is around $650900 and of course the cost may be more if the property is very large or has irregular shape. If you chose to have metal stakes installed at the corners then that may increase the cost of the survey. These markers are important for those homeowners who, after making the purchase, want to install a fence, pool, shed, or an addition to the dwelling.
The purchase of a home or lot may be overwhelming but the attorneys at R.C. Shea and Associates can assist you through that process. The law fi rm of R.C. Shea & Associates, Counsellors at Law, is a full-service law fi rm representing and advising clients in the areas of Estate Planning, Estate Litigation, Personal Injury, General Litigation, Real Estate Law, Medical Malpractice, Workers’ Compensation, Land Use and Planning Law, Wills, Trusts, and Powers of Attorney and much more. Call or visit our office Toms River office at 732-505-1212, 244 Main Street, Toms River, email us at Rshea@rcshea.com or visit our website at www.rcshea.com.
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)
Big Storage Shipping Containers For Rent - New Gretna, Tuckerton, Manahawkin, Bayville, Lacey, Toms River. Clean, Dry, Secure. For info call 609-693-1631. (23)
Auto For Sale
2007 Hyundai Santa Fe - White, tan interior, auto trans, new tires. Runs great, high miles. $1,950 or B/O. 973-223-8840. (22)
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)
CA$h PAID For OLD 45 RPM RECORDS - R and B, doo wop, soul, rock and roll, and rockabilly. (909)938-4623 8am-8pm, bobo78rpm@verizon.net. (20)
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)
Cash Paid LP Records - 33/45's, reel to reel's. Fast response, we answer the phone 732-829-5908, 24/7, Eddie. (21)
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)
Comic Books From 1970'S And Older Wanted - Cash paid. Please call Steve any time at 732-277-7327. (21)
Classifieds are placed in all 7 of our weekly newspapers covering all of Ocean County, and also Howell in Monmouth County.
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 )
Laundromat Attendant - For FT/PT Good communication skills, math and min computer knowledge. Transportation needed. Long term commitment only. 732-286-1863. (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. (25)
PROFESSIONAL, RELIABLE, PAINTING AND PAPER HANGING - Call 732-688-3532. (28)
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)
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. (24)
"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.
• 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.
You are responsible for checking your ad the first time it runs and notifying us of any errors. If we make an error, we will correct it and rerun the ad. We will not be responsible for multiple insertions if you do not call us after the first ad run. No refunds for classified ads. Newspapers are available at our office. Please feel free to stop in and check your ad.
Calculate Price As Follows:
3. 1 week* at $29.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $ 2 weeks* at $44.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $ 3 weeks* at $60.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $ 4 weeks* at $74.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $ Total = $
*In order to qualify for discounts, the same ad must run over the requested weeks.
Cardholder Signature: Print Name: 4. Make check payable in advance to Micromedia Publications, or fill in Mastercard/Visa/American Express SORRY NO DISCOVER info below:
Billing Address:
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)
HOW ALBINISM AFFECTS THE EYES
Albinism refers to a group of disorders in which a person lacks melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin and eyes. Melanin also affects the development of the optic nerves, causing people with all types of albinism to experience vision problems. These problems include extreme nearsightedness or farsightedness, blurred vision caused by astigmatism, sensitivity to light, rapid uncontrolled eye movements, misaligned eyes, poor depth perception, and legal blindness. There is no cure for albinism, but corrective lenses can solve many of the vision issues. Some patients may need to use a monocular for distance vision or a magnifier for reading. Sunglasses and sun hats are critical for keeping direct sunlight out of the eyes.
Although surgery is rarely part of treatment for eye problems related to albinism, your ophthalmologist may recommend surgery on optical muscles to minimize nystagmus. Surgery to correct strabismus may make the condition less noticeable. To schedule an appointment, please call SIGHTMD NEW JERSEY SUSSKIND & ALMALLAH EYE ASSOCIATES at 732-349-5622. We offer evening hours most nights of the week.
P.S. People with albinism may have oculocutaneous albinism, which affects both the skin and eyes, or ocular albinism, which affects only the eyes.
(732) 972-1015
RIVER (732) 349-5622
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(609) 698-2020
Have you ever visited the Popcorn Park Zoo in Forked River? The wildlife refuge has been around since 1977 and is home to many animals. Several peacocks live on the site. Local resident Caroline Ciccone took this great picture during an Easter egg hunt. Have a pic you would like to share? Email photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you may win tickets to an upcoming Jersey Shore BlueClaws game!
FUN & GAMES SUDOKU
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Down
1 Four-minute mile, for one
2 CCR’s “Have You __ Seen the Rain”
3 Acai tree, e.g.
4 Info on a profile page
perity,” for New Jersey, e.g.
29 Bailey’s circus partner
30 Curriculum parts
31 Shred, as cheese
Final push?
per-
Digs for a member of a string quartet?
Spherical body
Flakes on plans
the
Language in which to order larb
Puts one’s feelings on display
Woebegone
Hand-held coolers
Checkout lane purchase
Digs for a dancer?
bites,
5 Post-triathlon lament
6 Barrel racer’s accessory
7 Chi-Town paper
8 Turn brown, maybe 9 Clothes with bibs and braces 10 Film similar to cling wrap 11 Garment that may be nine yards long 12 Grace ender 15 Cook-off entry
17 Small surgical knife
22 Congressional staffer
24 “Rah,” in fútbol
25 Signature Golden Arches offering
26 Sports bib material
27 “We totally agree”
28 “Liberty and Pros-
35 Big big-screen format
37 Eatery with small plates
38 WNBA game start
40 59-Across, perhaps
41 UFC sport
43 eHarmony matches
44 Like Yellowstone, among National Parks
47 “At Last” singer James
48 Atmosphere
49 Shut with a bang
50 Additionally
52 Woebegone word
53 Nothing at all
54 “Hang around a bit longer!”
57 Just a number, for some
58 Cause for overtime
(c)2025
BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS
OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Keep your word and others should recognize your integrity. The typical barriers may not be a concern so aim high and pursue a noble ambition. An unexpected windfall might come your way bringing several chances of success.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): There’s no business-like show business. Look for opportunities to let your talents take center stage. You may need to prove your skills or back up your ideas with solid evidence rather than offering mere hopes and dreams in the week ahead.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You may act generously towards important causes. Spend on stuff that’s close to your heart or makes your loved ones feel special. Let your mind run wild dreaming up possibilities, but don’t be careless or extravagant with resources.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Friendship starts with being a friend. Helping out even a casual acquaintance may feel like a privilege worth embracing. You might thrive in groups, outshining in crowds more than in solo chats. Hold off on launching anything new.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You might kick off the week brimming with energy and the curiosity to dive into uncharted territory. You may stumble when forming new connections, but relationships built on unshakable trust can weather any external storm.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Persistence may soon pay off – triumph often follows a string of setbacks. Take inventory of the things that are worth fixing before deciding to move on. Clear the early missteps this week, and the rewards you deserve may follow.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Consider opening your life to bold ideas and gifted individuals in the days ahead. A random encounter might introduce you to someone strikingly appealing or widely admired. Bright ideas could lose some luster when put into practice.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Your career decisions in the coming week may hinge on your impeccable reputation. A good friend might ask you to go above and beyond. Stay focused on earning extra cash and keeping eyes open while you chase your dreams.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Ask, and it could be yours. No one’s judging if you lean on a hand for support. What feels like a mountain to you might be a molehill to someone else. Do yourself and your friends a favor: Skip the financial tips for now.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): A simple yet unexpected chat might underscore the importance of trust and loyalty. Someone who seems aloof on the surface could hide a warm, caring core. Cash may not fall from the sky, but there’s plenty available close by if you look.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): There’s a purpose behind every twist and turn, even if the reason is not clear at that moment. You might wrestle between acting fast and sticking to the rules. Trust your instincts with money and tune out the opinions of naysayers.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): When you excel at your projects, you usually expect both recognition and fair reward. This week, your hard work might earn you extra duties and new challenges. This could inspire you to develop more efficiency and organization.
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!
1579 Old Freehold Rd. • Toms River, NJ 08753 732-505-4477 • www.rosegardennj.com nursing and rehabilitation center
TRY MAKING FAJITAS IN THE OVEN; YOU MAY NEVER GO BACK TO THE STOVETOP
By America’s Test Kitchen
