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Student Chosen As Governor’s School In Sciences Scholar

By Bob Vosseller MANCHESTER –

y Mother’s Day

Township High

School

student Katherine Estevanell will be having an exciting summer. She was recently chosen as this year’s Governor’s School of New Jersey Program in the Sciences.

As such, she will be heading to a threeweek residential program where students are immersed in intense college-level research on the campus of Drew University.

High school students who live in New Jersey are nominated by their schools and applications are submitted in the fall of the junior year for participation in the following summer. New Jersey’s Governor’s School in the Sciences is a very prestigious program for rising high school seniors.

Katherine spoke to The Manchester Times about her award and

(Student - See Page 5)

was recently chosen as this year’s

in the Sciences.

Tax Increases Approved In Lakehurst

By Bob Vosseller

LAKEHURST – Members of the borough’s governing body as well as the School Board recently voted to approve their respective budgets, both of which included increases for taxpayers, during their latest meetings.

Concerning the municipal budget, approved recently, an average residential assessment for the 2025 municipal purpose tax will be $3,142.51. “That’s an increase of $80.58 per year,” Borough

Chief Financial Officer Wayne Sibilia told The Manchester Times

During its introduction last month, Councilwoman Bernadette Dugan, who heads the council’s fi nance committee reported that “we kept it as tight as possible. For an average residential assessment of $250,000, the three cent increase amounts to $75 per year.”

That was not the fi nal figure however. The municipal tax levy this year is $2,907,477.82, an increase of $80,812.13

from 2024’s $2,826,665.69. It represents an increase of 2.86%.

Lakehurst’s 2025 municipal tax rate is 1.238 per $100 of assessed valuation. This is up from last year’s 1.208, which is a 0.030 increase at 2.48%.

The average residential assessment is $253,838 and so the average residential municipal tax bill this year is $3,142.51. This is $80.58 more than last year’s $3,061.93, which Sibilia noted as 2.63%.

(Tax Increase - See Page 5)

Township Thanks School Ofﬁcials, Wildﬁre Responders

By Bob Vosseller MANCHESTER –

During the latest township Board of Education meeting, Mayor Joseph Hankins presented a proclamation to school officials for their swift actions in providing the Manchester High School as a shelter during the recent Jones Road wildfire.

The high school gymnasium was quickly set up as a shelter supplementing other facilities that responded to the evacuation of residents in Lacey, Barnegat and Waretown.

During spring recess,

Dramatic

the fire in southern Ocean County displaced over 5,000 residents. Within minutes of the mayor’s request for assistance from the district in helping the Township open up Manchester Township High School for evacuees, the school district jumped into action by mobilizing the Buildings & Grounds Department, which opened the building for support.

The proclamation states that “in times of emergency and great uncertainty, the Board (Oﬃcials - See Page 8)

Rescue Highlights Power Of Teamwork

Fireﬁghters battle the Jones Road Wildﬁre.

By Stephanie Faughnan

SOUTHERN OCEAN COUNTY – As the Jones Road wildfi re raged through the heart of the Pine Barrens on April 22, a Waretown man found

(Rescue - See Page 4)

Photo courtesy DEP

Photo courtesy Manchester Schools Manchester Township High School student Katherine Estevanell

Governor’s School of New Jersey Program

Rescue:

Continued From Page 1 himself trapped in the woods. But thanks to a team of fi rst responders, he made it out alive. The responders didn’t just know the land - they used quick thinking and precise teamwork to save a life amidst the chaos. The man had ventured deep into the woods on a solo spiritual retreat. But as smoke began to rise and fi re engulfed the forest around him, his solitude quickly turned into a life-threatening emergency.

Officials say the blaze was deliberately set near the intersection of Jones Road and Bryant Road in Waretown (Ocean Township) by two local teens. Nineteen-year-old Joseph Kling and an unnamed 17-year-old face arson charges for allegedly setting wooden pallets ablaze and leaving before the fi re was out. The flames would ultimately consume hundreds of acres and send plumes of smoke visible for miles.

Lt. Sean McManus, a Conservation Officer with NJ Fish and Wildlife said when he arrived at the command post on Wells Mill Park at 12:30 pm, the fi re was already out of control. Authorities initially believed the wildfi re began in Greenwood Forest Wild-

life Management Area and the Forked River Mountain Wildlife Management Area. Both fall under the jurisdiction of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection with New Jersey Conservation Officers responsible for law enforcement there.

Within a half hour, Conservation Officer Nicole Carman arrived at the Command Center following directives from McManus.

“I was asked by the incident commander (NJ Forest Fire Service Warden Will Jubert) to have the roads blocked off on either end,” shared McManus. “I had another officer on the other side blocking the road so that people couldn’t come in to see what was going on.”

The assignment took a dramatic turn seemingly within minutes. “After we were deployed out there, somebody came up to the incident command center,” McManus said. “He said he had received a text that there was someone potentially out in the area.”

Carman, who was originally stationed on Longridge Road and Bryant Road had already done a check by the Ironside Gun Club to make sure no one was there when McManus contacted her. However, she was

called back to the command post when it appeared the fi re was headed closer - making Bryant Road inaccessible.

A pair of friends of the missing man - Charlie and Meredith, both trained as wilderness trackers from Tom Brown Jr.’s Tracker School - stepped forward. They pointed to a spot on the map known as the Old Tuckerton Railroad near power lines. McManus and Carman came up with an alternative route on the eastern most road.

“There was no other option,” said Carman. “You know, there’s a human out there, so somebody had to go. And I was familiar with the area, so Sean asked me if I was okay with it, if I was good with it. Again, there was no other choice.”

With the fi re closing in, Carman took Charlie with her and drove into the forest along Switch Road - a path Carman remembered as barely passable even in good conditions. “Charlie and I came up to one puddle that was very questionable,” she said. “We made it through - got out to the power lines with no problem.”

Reaching the power lines and then Long Ridge Road, Charlie jumped out and ran ahead along a fi rebreak, certain of where the missing man would be. Meanwhile, Carman coordinated with McManus and got some unfortunate news - they would be unable to return the way they came in to the area.

In addition to hearing from McManus, members of the NJ Forest Fire Service stayed in touch - including one from the skies above.

“I happened to be flying in our Forest Fire

Service aircraft at the time, directing our resources on the ground and making sure the individual that was out in the woods was located,” said David Achey, New Jersey Supervising Forest Fire Warden. “I was there to make sure that everybody got what they needed.”

Achey credited Carman and the Fish and Game staff as the real heroes - as they were out there navigating rough, unimproved roads while the fi re was actively impacting access. From the air, he provided updates on the fire’s direction and helped coordinate aircraft operations around the perimeter.

“Charlie’s gone and I’m hoping he’s fi nding (the missing man),” recalled Carman. “Cause now I have two people out there.”

Soon thereafter, Carman saw something very unusual that caused an immense relief: a shirtless man with long brown curly hair came running at her with a wheelbarrow. It was the man they were looking for. “He’d climbed up to the top of a tree – and was sure seeing Charlie was the sign he had been waiting for as part of his spiritual journey.”

Charlie caught up and the three quickly loaded Carman’s pick-up truck. They went through some obstacles making it out of the woods. And surely, Carman’s knowledge of the area proved to make the road to safety an easier one.

By the time this article went to press, the man had not been fully identified, but his miraculous rescue is worth telling. The coordinated effort of the fi rst responders and their unyielding determination left the Jones Road fi re with no casualties.

Continued From Page 1

School taxes also rose. District Business Administrator Joseph Firetto explained the school district budget that saw a 6.0 tax rate increase “which includes the operational costs as well as the debt levy that we already have.”

in terms of the increase which on paper was very positive in terms of funding for the district.”

He explained that New Jersey announced that school districts would not receive more than a 6 percent increase in state aid, which some districts have found difficult when costs like insurance and fuel increase more than 6 percent a year.

Student:

Continued From Page 1

Firetto noted that “the debt was already approved as part of the referendum from last year (that was approved to raise funds for a new roof and new kitchen and cafeteria area for the Lakehurst Elementary School). We are in a unique situation. State aid – we were kept at 6% what she would be doing during the threeweek residential program.

She said upon learning of her winning the award, “I was incredibly excited and I’m very thankful for the opportunity.”

She has been interested in science for a long time now. “I’ve loved science from a young age, I was always interested in learning how things worked, and science not only provided the answers to those questions, but also allowed me to apply my love of math as well.”

“My parents also played a large role in

Firetto added, “the positive news is that a lot of the funding went to our special education. We saw a 50% increase in special ed funding but due to the nature of the costs with private placements as well as support services for these students, it is not nearly enough to support

fostering my love of science, since my mother majored in chemistry in college and my father fostered in me the diligence necessary to pursue such a fi eld,” the student added.

She spoke about the areas of science she enjoys most saying, “my current area of interest is physics, with a focus on nuclear and particle physics. At fi rst glance, physics seems counterintuitive, but it is the basis for most of the incredible technology we could not have dreamed of just a few decades ago. From satellites to atomic clocks to the GPS in everyone’s phones, it is an incredibly versatile field.”

When asked if there were any particular

our special ed population.”

“Just like every other student in the district, we always want to provide everything, to the best of our ability, to these kids,” the business administrator said. He noted in terms of grants “they have been drastically reduced as well as Medicaid for our special ed population. Medicaid dropped 83% from last year to this year.”

Firetto said “state and federal level grants have dropped 25%.” He described proposed plans to dismantle the federal Department of Education as looking “pretty dour. We are monitoring all of this and monitoring what the state and federal

teachers she had that helped or inspired her with her interest in science, Katherine replied, “while all of my teachers have helped me develop skills that (overlap with the necessary skills for) pursuing science, my physics teacher Mrs. White has consistently challenged my abilities and problem-solving skills while also providing valuable guidance for my future plans.”

The award winner is defi nitely looking to have a career in the science field. “I hope to one day contribute to research initiatives and contribute to the development of new technologies.”

She said, “during the summer, I will be

departments are doing. The executive order came out for the dismantling of it.”

“We don’t see that as being an effect in terms of funding because I understand (grants/federal funding) would be dispersed by other agencies however it is a concern for the future,” Firetto added. The student population in Lakehurst is rising. Firetto noted “we were at 381 kids two years ago and now we are at 411. We need to make sure that the funding reflects that.”

The school business administrator said the school district has been able to maintain operations and keeping class sizes “at a comfortable rate within state guidelines. That is our goal.”

spending three weeks at Drew University, where I will be taking advanced science courses across scientific disciplines, engaging in a research project, and speaking with professionals in the field about potential future career paths in my field of interest.”

Katherine will have plenty of family support during her time away from home. “My loved ones are very excited for me. While they will miss me while I am at Drew, the program allows for family visits on Sundays, which they have informed me they will take full advantage of. They know that this decision will ultimately benefit me in my future endeavors.”

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

Officials

Continued From Page 1

of Education has consistently and generously opened the doors of Manchester Township High School as a shelter and evacuation center - not only for the residents of Manchester Township, but for our neighbors in surrounding towns, as well.”

Superintendent Diane Pedroza, Mayor Hankins, and the Board spoke about the seamless collaboration and the ongoing partnership between the local government and educational leadership in Manchester, especially in times of community crisis.

A similar situation occurred in December when a power outage displaced residents in the Whiting section of the township requiring residents to come into the high school to stay warm.

Mayor Hankins noted the cooperation between the township and school during a recent Township Council meeting as well.

“It is important to note that the Manchester school system not only supports Manchester but (Manchester Township Emergency Management Coordinator) Sgt. Robert Sharry received a phone call from the Emergency Management operator in Lacey and he said ‘We are filling up our shelter can you guys help us out?’ In a moment’s notice he made a phone call to the Superintendent of Schools and the school was open and the Red Cross, CERT team and Emergency Response Team was there to start building cots and put things together.”

The mayor added, “a group called the CART team took care of the animals that came in. They set up cages and if you wanted to sleep by your dog, they would put a cot near the cage. It was well put together and we had about 40 to 50 evacuees there that night. Some people went straight to bed, others meandered around. Some came and left a short time later; some stayed later.”

“It was a good practice run. The Red Cross and CERT team said they had just run a drill

similar to this at their facility so it worked out well,” Hankins said.

Council President Roxy Conniff echoed the remarks made by her fellow council members and thanked “our first responders, our volunteers, our paid and volunteer fi refighters who protect our town and surrounding towns. It was only two years ago that we had our own wildfi re in Manchester and Lakehurst that impacted a ton of acres and they were on the red line and stepped up.”

Councilwoman Sandra Drake noted the efforts of the community. “I had the opportunity during the fi res in Barnegat and Lacey to join the police department and those at the high school along with Council Vice President (James) Vaccaro and Mayor Hankins to help throughout the night. We were there until about two o’clock in the morning.”

Vaccaro said, “a special thank you to those volunteers who helped the evacuation center in Manchester and Lacey Township high schools. I want to thank the Manchester Board of Education for permission to use the high school as a fi re evacuation center.”

He also noted that he, Councilwoman Drake, the mayor and Police Chief Antonio Ellis were present at the high school along with EMS personnel at the high school helping the Red Cross with the evacuation center.

Councilwoman Michele Zolezi noted she was receiving an award pertaining to her environmental work on the day the wildfi re sparked during a meeting that included New Jersey Department of Environmental Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette. She said that the subject of forest fi re preparedness had come up and “unfortunately that afternoon we learned what had happened so that shows we always need to be diligent and vigilant. We’ve talked about this in the past - about making sure we aren’t having fi res (in wooded areas) . I also want to thank all those agencies that were there helping out in Ocean County.”

Wound Care Institute of Ocean County

C OMMUNITY N EWS

Lakehurst 21st Annual Town-Wide Yard Sale

LAKEHURST – The adage “one man’s junk is another man’s treasure” certainly will ring true on May 17 in the Borough of Lakehurst. Mayor Robbins has announced that the Borough of Lakehurst has scheduled its 21st annual town-wide yard sale to be held May 17 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The rain date for this event will be May 18.

The fee for registration will be $5. All proceeds will benefit the Youth and Recre-

ation Committee’s programs. All registered participants will be placed on a map, which will be available on the Borough’s website lakehurst-nj.gov. Maps will also be available at the Borough Hall. For more information, call the Business Office 732-657-4141 ext. 0. Reservations should be made by May 15 to ensure location placement on the map. Take this opportunity to do some spring cleaning and earn a little money in the process.

Manchester Recreation 2025 Events

MANCHESTER – Manchester Recreation is excited to announce their upcoming events for 2025! For more information, visit manchestertwp.com.

May 26 at 10 a.m. – Memorial Day at WWII Memorial Park Whiting June 28 at 2 p.m. – Manchester Day at Harry Wright Lake featuring “Kickin’ Wing”

August 8 at 6 p.m. – “A Night in Paradise” Hawaiian Show at Harry Wright Lake

October (date tba) at 2 p.m. – Fall Fest at Harry Wright Lake Summer Concert Series at 6 p.m.

July 9 – “Stiletto & the Saxman” & “The Cameos”

July 23 – Joe Scarangello & “AM Gold”

August 6 – “Jukebox Legends” & “Mission dance”

August 20 – “Julian & Dominique” & “Sensational Soul Cruisers”

Learn How To Compost

LAKEHURST – Learn how to compost at an upcoming program on May 14 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Lakehurst Community Center,

207 Center Street, Lakehurst. Limited spots (20 max). free composter to attendees. Registration required. Email compost@co.ocean.nj.us.

Come visit

Email: Heather@epaﬁnancial.com 732.286.1000 www.epaﬁnancial.com Like us on Facebook! 2040 US Highway 9 • Toms River,

C OMMUNITY N EWS

Bowling Ministry Summer Sizzler Charity Tournament

WHITING – St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church Whiting Bowling Ministry will host a Summer Sizzler Charity Tournament on June 8 at 1 p.m. at Playdrome Lanes, Toms River.

The tournament is non-sanctioned and is open to all men, women and youth as well as mixed teams. The teams are made of five men, women, or mixed teams. Team Entry Fee is $145 and is broken down as follows:

$80 – Playdrome Lanes

$20 – St. Stephen’s Ministry

$20 – Vetwork Veterans Organization

$25 – Prize Fund

We at St. Stephen’s Whiting Bowling Ministry are very proud and pleased to have Vetwork - a charity organization for veterans and the community that helps in a variety of ways. We are truly grateful of their help and support! They are located in Forked River. Format for the tournament is as follows:

Three Regular Team Games with no cut. We will total all three games and will award trophies and cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams. In addition, individual awards will be given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place for high game and high series. A 50/50 will be available and free will offering baskets for donations will also be available.

This is being billed as a community event for everyone to enjoy! Come out to Playdrome Lanes on June 8 and have an enjoyable time with everyone!

For further information call Bill BodineTournament Director at 848-210-4206, St. Stephen’s Parish Office at 732-350-2121, or Playdrome Lanes at 732-349-5345. You can also email me at wbodine3@gmail.com or the church at ssechurch@gmail.com. You’re welcome to enter early by sending us a check for $145 along with your team lineup directly to: 180 Route 539, Whiting NJ 08759.

St. Stephens Episcopal Church Summer Chicken Dinner

WHITING – St. Stephens Episcopal Church Whiting BofStA Chapter will host a summer chicken dinner on June 28 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the parish hall.

A full dinner including the meal, desserts, and soft drinks will be provided. Additionally, we’re offering a 50/50, treasure auction, and door prizes as well. Donation for the dinner is $20 per person and is non-refundable. A musical dinner

background will be provided! Tickets may be purchase from the church office, Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., or on Sundays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

For further details and information call Bill Bodine - BofStA chapter director at 848-210-4206 or call St. Stephens Whiting parish office at 732-350-2121. You can also email: wbodine3@gmail.com.

National Active & Retired Federal Employees Association Spring Meetings

MANCHESTER – NARFE Chapter 637, Ocean County, would like to invite all Federal Employees, active and retired, or spouses of deceased Federal Employees, to join us at our monthly meetings. We discuss our benefits, pensions and annuities. Each month there is a guest speaker on rel-

evant topics, fellowship and refreshments. Meetings are the 3rd Monday of the month, March to June and September to December. We meet at 1 p.m. at the Manchester Municipal Building, Route 37 West and Colonial Drive, Manchester, in the downstairs meeting room (elevator available). We look forward to welcoming interested Active or Retired Federal Employees and NARFE Members.

2025 spring meeting schedule and speakers is as follows:

May 19 – Speaker: Paul Wnek, Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs. He will discuss ways to prevent phone scams, dealing with gas prices, etc. Their motto is “We are watching over you!” June 2 – Spring Luncheon, Place to be determined. Discounted Luncheon for Chapter 637 Members who attend two of three Spring Meetings.

July & August – No meetings, see you in September

Any questions or further information, call Janet Adams, 732-279-3857 or Shirley Veiga, 732-408-7482.

C OMMUNITY N EWS

Military Celebration At Local Church

WHITING – St. Stephens Episcopal Church Whiting NJ Brotherhood of St Andrew Chapter will host a military veterans celebration on May 25 at the church during both the 8 & 10 a.m. Services.

Join to help our parish family celebrate all veterans of the armed forces and those currently serving in the military!

We will offer musical military hymns and our supply priest Father Charles

Lochner will incorporate the celebration in his sermons of the day!

For further details and information call Bill Bodine - BofStA Chapter Director at 848-210-4206 or email to wbodine3@ gmail.com. You can also call St. Stephens Whiting Parish Office at 732-3502121 and ask for Greg Matthews - Parish Administrator or email to ssechurch@ gmail.com.

Outdoor Movie Night Fundraiser

MANCHESTER – The Manchester Township High School Class of 2027 is hosting an outdoor movie night fundraiser on May 16 at 6 p.m.

Join on the football field to help raise funds

and enjoy watching “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” together! Bring blankets and chairs for a movie under the stars.

Tickets are $10. Food and drinks will be sold.

Hanging Flower Basket Sale

WHITING – Whiting United Methodist Church, located at 55 Lacey Road, will have a Hanging Flower Basket sale on May 10. Sale begins at 9 a.m.

Hanging Flower Baskets are 15” and in a variety of colors to choose from, just in time for Mother’s Day.

For more information call 732-350-6878.

Check out Micromedia Publications’ website, jerseyshoreonline.com

37 Manchester, NJ 08759

Direct: 732.657.3089

Fax: 732.663.2756

Travel Bocce Presents Upcoming Trips

WHITING – Travel Bocce presents the following trips in 2025: Mackinac Island, Northern Michigan: seven days and six nights, October 5 through 11, 2025. Cost is $925 per person double; $1,164 for single. Includes 10 meals: six breakfasts & four dinners; motor coach transportation. Guided Tour of Mackinaw City, visit to Mackinac Island, including a Guided Carriage ride. Boat ride through the Soo Locks and free time and sightseeing in Sault Saint Marie. Visit to Mackinac crossings. Admission to Colonial Muchillmackinac.

Sign up at 325 Schoolhouse Road, Whiting on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Call Debbie at 201-618-8514. A $75 nonrefundable deposit unless trip is canceled. fi nal payment is due by July by 22.

Branson Show Extravaganza, Missouri: nine days and eight nights, December 6 through 14, 2025. Cost is $1,275 per person double; $1,580 for single. Incudes: 14 meals: eight breakfasts & six dinners; motor coach transportation.

Admission to six fabulous shows: including: Three morning shows: Christmas Wonderland, Doug Gabriel Morning Show & Beach Boys: California Dreamin’; Three Evening Shows: The Haygoods Christmas Show, Edge Of Illusion featuring Reza & David at Sight And Sound Theatre.

Sign up at Village 5 Clubhouse 325 Schoolhouse Road, Whiting, Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Call Debbie at 201618-8514. A $75 nonrefundable deposit unless trip is canceled. Final payment due by September 22.

Bluegrass & Blueberry Social

WHITING – Bluegrass and Blueberry

james.mulcahy@wellsfargo.com

Social will be held on July 12 from 1 to 3 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 180 Route 539, Whiting. Tickets are $10 for blueberry shortcake and a beverage. A bake sale, 50/50, door prizes,

and treasure auction will also be held. Tickets may be purchased at the church office Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., call 732-350-2121 for information, or on Sundays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Bluegrass music will be enjoyed as well.

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

Veteran Lunch & Learn

JACKSON – Veteran Lunch & Learn will be held on June 17 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Oliverie Funeral Home, 125 S. Cooks Bridge Road, Jackson.

Guest speaker is Shira Tiner of Veteran Care Services. Topics include: What are my benefits as a veteran? Does the Department of Veterans Affairs

pay for a veteran’s funeral? What is my spouse eligible for?

Pre-registration to NJ Veteran Cemetery available at event. RSVP to Veteran Lunch & Learn by calling 732-719-7250.

This article was brought to you by our advertisers.

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.

Crestwood Village 1 Dance

WHITING – Crestwood Village 1 presents Let’s Dance featuring the R&C Band Rock and Country music on June 13 from 6 to 10 p.m.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. BYOB & snacks.

Set-ups included. Tickets are $12. Purchase them on Tuesdays from 9 to 11 a.m. at Friendship Hall, 92 Fairway Lane. No refunds unless dance is cancelled. Any questions call Les at 908-606-7076.

AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE

CenExel Toms River NJ Sheds Light On Gender Disparities In Alzheimer’s Disease

TOMS RIVER – CenExel Toms River NJ, a leader in advancing clinical research, is committed to addressing the significant gender disparities in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). New fi ndings highlight that women are more likely to develop AD compared to men, underscoring the urgent need for targeted research and treatment.

Alzheimer’s disease affects nearly 7 million Americans aged 65 and older, with women comprising almost twothirds of this population. Women in their 60s are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s over the course of their lives as they are to develop breast cancer.

The reasons behind gender disparity are multifaceted, encompassing biological, genetic, and social factors. While women’s longer life expectancy has traditionally been citing as a key factor, emerging research suggests that other variables, such as hormonal changes and difference in brain architecture, may also contribute. In addition to being disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s, women are also more likely to serve as caregivers for those living with AD. More than 60% of Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers are women, with over one-third being daughters. Women caregivers often take

on more demanding tasks and care for individuals with greater cognitive and behavioral challenges.

“Women are at the forefront of the Alzheimer’s crisis.” Said Anna Brocco, PharmD, MBA, site Chief Operating Officer. “At CenExel Toms River, we acknowledge this reality and offer comprehensive support to women battling this disease, whether as patients or caregivers. We provide access to advanced research opportunities and a dedicated caregiver support group for those seeking a compassionate ear.”

CenExel Toms River invites the community to join its efforts in raising awareness and supporting Alzheimer’s research. For more information about their ongoing trials and how to get involved, please visit CenExel.com/AMRI or call 732-908-1510.

About CenExel Toms River NJ CenExel Toms River is dedicated to advancing medical research through clinical trials focusing on memory loss and related conditions. Leveraging a state-ofthe-art facility and a team of experienced clinicians, CenExel Toms River ensures high standards in clinical trial execution and patient-focused care.

Library To Boost Digital Literacy

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Library is among over 100 public libraries nationwide awarded funding by the Public Library Association (PLA) to increase digital literacy using DigitalLearn.org resources, powered by a generous $2.7 million contribution from AT&T.

The PLA Digital Literacy Workshop Incentive and the new PLA Digital Navigator Workshop Incentive support public libraries in their work of improving basic digital skills among families and communities. The workshops will utilize DigitalLearn training materials, created in collaboration with AT&T, that are freely available to anyone through DigitalLearn.org and AT&T ScreenReady. The Ocean County Library plans to use the funds to provide tech education programs at several of its branches:

• “Email 101” at 10:30 a.m. May 13 at the Toms River Branch

• “Internet Basics” at 2:30 p.m. May 13 at the Lacey Branch

• “Email 101” at 2:30 p.m. May 15 at the Toms River Branch

• “Email Basics” at 10 a.m. May 19 at the Little Egg Harbor Branch

• “Email 101” at 2:30 p.m. May 20 at the Toms River Branch

• “Email 101” at 10:30 a.m. May 23 at the Toms River Branch

• “Cybersecurity Basics” at 2 p.m. May 27

at the Manchester Branch

• “Internet Basics” at 2 p.m. May 29 at the Manchester Branch

• “Email Basics” at 3 p.m. May 29 at the Manchester Branch

Registration is required for these free programs. To register, visit tinyurl.com/ PLAGrantOCL or call or visit your local Ocean County Library branch.

PLA President Michael Lambert said, “PLA is proud to support public libraries in being at the forefront of boosting digital literacy skills and bridging the digital divide in their communities. With another year of PLA’s sustained collaboration with AT&T, more learners from across the nation than ever before will get connected to vital literacy skills and technology resources at the library.”

PLA’s free training site, DigitalLearn.org, helps community members build skills and confidence using technology.

The Ocean County Library connects people, builds community, and transforms lives through the power of information and the power of stories. We are essential today more than ever. Public libraries support lifelong learning, sustainable communities, and economic development. The library services as a portal of knowledge and strengthens civic involvement. It increasingly provides content that is digital in nature, as well as supporting our residents’ desire for personal growth.