2025-05-17 - The Berkeley Times

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Village For Veterans Breaks Ground In Bayville

BERKELEY – Usually, gatherings for veterans are somber occasions. Memorial Day. Veterans Day. September 11. The groundbreaking of a veterans village in Bayville was a celebration.

Hundreds of people came from miles around, with police directing traffic on busy Route 9. The future home of 124 units for veterans will have the official address of 359 Atlantic City Boulevard.

Visitors were greeted with loud country music as Faith Community Church across the street played patriotic songs on bells. Veteran organizations and politicians made the rounds before the presentation made by Tunnel To Towers who also gave a tour of

Association.

some of the homes.

The property will have 99 apartments and 25 small houses. The houses have stairs and ramps leading to a front door which opens to a living room. A kitchen joins this, while a large bathroom juts off from the kitchen. At the opposite end of the living room is a bedroom. The doors are wide and the fixtures have space around them to cater to people with wheelchairs and other mobility issues.

In addition to the apartments, there will be a common area for the veterans to get care they need, such as behavioral health, legal services, and peer support. Anything not directly provided by Tunnel To Towers

(Veterans Village - See Page 4)

Sheriff Discusses Law Enforcement With Trump

TOMS RIVER - Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy visited the White House recently as part of a trip with the National Sheriffs Association.

The sheriffs were in Washington, D.C. to discuss security and other matters related to police work with President Donald Trump.

The National Sheriffs’ Association is a professional association that provides information and education about such topics as police training, court security, and acquiring grants. Mastronardy is on the board of the Association,

(Trump - See Page 4)

$62.8 Million

BERKELEY – This year’s municipal budget will see a slight increase, as the costs of running a town goes up.

The total budget for 2025 will be $62,814,771.24. This is an increase of 729,419.49 from last year’s $62,085,354.75.

The amount of this that will be raised by taxes will be $42,707,196.65. This is an increase of $2,803,096.93 from last year’s $39,904,099.72

The tax rate will be .785 cents (less than a penny) per $100 of assessed valuation. This is an increase from last year’s rate of .740. The assessed valuation is how much your house and land is assessed at, not what it cost.

The average home assessment in 2025 is $210,117. For someone with a home valued at this amount, their municipal tax bill would be $1,649.42. This is an increase of $103.77 from last year’s average tax bill of $1,545.65.

(Budget - See Page 4)

Officials: Key To Tourism Success Is Unlocking The Sea

M. Imperiale, Ocean County College

Monaco, Ocean County Commissioner Jennifer

and Jersey Shore BlueClaws mascot Buster were among those who gathered to unlock the ocean, kicking off the tourist season.

OCEAN COUNTY – When you have something as big as the Atlantic Ocean to open, a super large ribbon just won’t cut it, but a big wooden key will do the trick.

This marked the second year that the Ocean County Tourism and Business Advisory Council coordinated the event symbolizing the kickoff of the summer tourist season with the opening of the ocean and beaches across the county.

With the first name of the county being “Ocean,” a special celebration

(Unlock The Sea - See Page 5)

Left) The house has accessibility built in. (Right) Officials turned over a ceremonial shovel of dirt marking the groundbreaking of the veterans village.
Photos by Chris Lundy
President Donald Trump signed Executive Orders to crack down on sanctuary cities and strengthen America’s law enforcement, backed by members of the National Sheriffs
Photo courtesy The White House
Surf City Councilman Peter M. Harney, Harvey Cedars Mayor John
President Dr. Pamela
Bacchione,
Photo by Bob Vosseller

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Veterans Village:

Continued From Page 1

will be available through partnerships with local caregivers.

Central Regional JROTC presented the colors and Ocean County Shamrock & Thistle played, kicking off the ceremony.

Deacon Robert Gay of St. Barnabas gave an invocation, hoping that this place will be “a sanctuary of peace where healing and hope abound.”

Tunnel To Towers officials said that this is the largest groundbreaking they’ve ever had, and the first (“of many”) in New Jersey. They listed places where they have finished or are in the process of building housing. They were all big cities. The only standouts were Berkeley and Jackson.

A representative of Tunnel To Towers told this newspaper that the negotiation in Jackson is still early and there are no specifics to report.

Veterans and first responders were asked to stand and be recognized, receiving applause. Elected officials and their staff were thanked for their advocacy.

Mayor John Bacchione said everyone in Berkeley felt honored that Tunnel To Towers chose to be here. “This isn’t about me or any elected officials,” he said, it’s about the veterans.

Developer Vito Cardinale of Cardinale Enterprises owned the property and reached out to Bacchione about having the land used in this way. Bacchione said the only requirement he wanted was that the land be deed restricted so that only U.S. military veterans could live here.

“That was not a hard sell,” he said. The dis-

Budget:

Continued From Page 1

This article only covers the municipal tax rate. Even though the town collects all taxes, the town will then dole out the correct amount to the county, the two school districts, and other entities.

According to the township budget, the valuation of all property in town has gone up by about $48 million in the last year.

Mayor John Bacchione said that this is

cussion went well and now a few years later, ground is cleared for an ambitious project that will help veterans for decades to come.

Senator Carmen Amato said he was proud that the first veterans village in the state is in his home town.

“This is more than a housing project. It’s a community of support and hope,” he said. “This village is for you and today we take a huge step toward giving back what for what you so selflessly gave to us.”

New Jersey State Police Col. Patrick Callahan said that when tragedy befalls any trooper, Tunnel To Towers is one of the first who call and let them know that they will take on the mortgage of the family left behind.

He shared that his first memory was as an 18-month-old watching his uncle return from Vietnam and the soldier embracing his mother. That struck a chord with how veterans leave their families behind to face danger and the unknown for the love of the country and those on the home front.

Somber Remembrances

There was much to celebrate this day, as officials symbolically turned over dirt with shovels to break ground as a New Jersey State Police helicopter flew overhead. But there were moments of reflection, as well.

There was a moment of silence for those lost. “Amazing Grace” was played by the bagpipe band. And touching stories were shared.

Frank Siller, CEO of Tunnel To Towers, told the crowd about his brother Stephen, who was the baby of a big family. Everyone looked out for him, especially when the patriarch of the family died when Stephen was 8 and the matriarch when he was 10. The oldest siblings

a responsible budget that is impacted by costs that are going up for everyone. This is why one of his goals is to reduce the debt that the town is incurring every year.

“Everything we need to run the town goes up but we try to keep it as tight as possible,” he said.

Last year, for example, changing from using premium gas to middle grade saved $130,000. Fuel is one of the costs that increase annually.

Another big increase is health insurance.

were in their 20s, so they raised him.

Siller recalls taking 11-year-old Stephen to play basketball one day. Stephen broke down out of nowhere and finally said “Why did mommy and daddy have to die?”

Siller tried to make some sense of it, too. All he could instill in the child is confidence that there’s a plan at work, even if we can’t see it. He told his baby brother “I don’t know why God put you on this Earth but I know you’ll do something special.”

Fast forward, as years go by quickly, and Stephen is a father of a big family himself. He’s married with five kids. He even has a house with a white picket fence.

He’s working the night shift as a firefighter in New York City. His shift ends and he’s going to go play golf with his three brothers. But he gets a call that there’s an emergency. He drops his plans and heads back into the city the morning of September 11, 2001.

The Brooklyn Battery is closed for security purposes, so he gets out of his truck and lugs 60 pounds of gear on foot toward the smoke.

Frank Siller assumes his brother met up with the rest of his company at the south tower. His family never sees him again.

“That little boy who went through so much makes the unbelievable journey…this unbelievable run…this unbelievable sacrifice… we need to honor him,” he said. That’s how Tunnel To Towers got its start.

In their fight for veterans, they’ve provided housing or support for more than 10,000 vets. There are 600 homeless veterans in New Jersey alone, but that number is probably low, as many go uncounted.

The huge numbers of homeless vets show a deep problem with how we treat those who

The township switched away from the state plan to a private plan years ago. The private plan has seen a lower increase than the state, but an increase nonetheless.

One key aspect that the town can control is switching over to robocans, which has been a plan in the works. Senior neighborhoods will start to see these soon.

The benefit of these, Bacchione explained, is that it reduces injuries on the job from sanitation workers lifting heavy cans all day.

sacrifice for us. “In the greatest country in the world, that should never happen,” said Brad Blakeman, board member of Tunnel To Towers.

He told the story of working in the White House the morning of 9/11. He was a gatekeeper for President George W. Bush. He organized where the president was going, and had him scheduled for the next 21 days.

That morning, the president was in a Florida school as part of the No Child Left Behind program. Blakeman was at the White House in his office, with the TV on in the background in case world events happened that would need to change the president’s priorities.

The news of the first plane hitting the tower came across the airwaves. It was a terrible tragedy and the president needed to be told right away. Then the second tower hit and everyone knew the truth. Blakeman went to the Situation Room, and they were just learning about it as well. He helped people evacuate from the White House.

His sister called. Her son had driven to Ground Zero to help. He would not come back. Blakeman recalled the president coming to his desk and saying “We’re going to find the people who did this and bring them to justice.”

How To Help

Tunnel To Towers has a number of special programs designed to help veterans and first responders. Besides veterans villages, they build smart homes for veterans with disabilities. The Gold Star Family Home program pays the mortgage of surviving spouses with young children.

For more information, including other ways they help, and ways to donate, visit T2T.org

The deductible for each claim is $50,000, he said. This adds up quickly. Ten claims could cost the town half a million dollars.

The sanitation department also saw the most number of claims. These workers will be offered openings in other departments, officials have said at a previous Township Council meeting.

The mayor credited Business Administrator Jay Delaney and Chief Financial Officer Paul Bodine for crafting an efficient budget that passed early in the budget season.

Trump:

Continued From Page 1

which represents more than 3,000 sheriffs.

The discussion with the president involved challenges that sheriffs around the country share. Recruitment and retention are difficult right now with the way people are hostile toward law enforcement, particularly with calls to defund the police, Mastronardy said.

Many of the sheriffs are dealing with the same issues. For example, police everywhere are fighting the opioid crisis, particularly with the increase in fentanyl, he said.

“There’s been a 93% reduction on the border,” he said, so that was good news.

Mastronardy said the president was very warm and open when listening to the sheriffs. There’s already been some follow-up

between the federal government and the Sheriffs after this meeting.

The social media pages of the White House linked a photo of the Sheriffs Association with executive orders “to crack down on sanctuary cities and strengthen America’s law enforcement.”

The executive order reads, in part “When local leaders demonize law enforcement and impose legal and political handcuffs that make aggressively enforcing the law impossible, crime thrives and innocent citizens and small business owners suffer.

My Administration will therefore: establish best practices at the State and local level for cities to unleash high-impact local police forces; protect and defend law enforcement officers wrongly accused and abused by State or local officials; and surge resources

to officers in need. My Administration will work to ensure that law enforcement officers across America focus on ending crime, not pursuing harmful, illegal race- and sexbased ‘equity’ policies. The result will be a law-abiding society in which tenacious law enforcement officers protect the innocent, violations of law are not tolerated, and American communities are safely enjoyed by all their citizens again.”

The order directs the Attorney General to create a way to provide legal resources and indemnification to law enforcement who “unjustly incur expenses and liabilities for actions taken during the performance of their official duties to enforce the law.”

It also would order the Attorney General or other department heads to create best practices for law enforcement to follow, expand

training, increase pay and benefits, seek enhanced sentences for crimes against law enforcement, invest in security and capacity of prisons, and invest in the collection, distribution, and uniformity of crime data across jurisdictions.

The Secretary of Defense and Attorney General would determine how military and national security assets, training, non-lethal capabilities and personnel could be used to prevent crime.

The Attorney General will pursue all legal remedies and enforcement measures against state and local officials who obstruct law enforcement or who “unlawfully engage in discrimination or civil-rights violations under the guise of ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion’ initiatives that restrict law enforcement activity or endanger citizens.”

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

Bill Would Expand Beach Access For Families, Veterans

Capitol Comments

Carmen F. Amato, Jr. 9th Legislative District

TRENTON - Bipartisan legislation by Senator Carmen Amato (R-9) and Senator Raj Mukherji (D-32) to expand beach

access for New Jersey families and veterans passed the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee.

“New Jersey’s beaches are a treasured part of our state, and they should be accessible to everyone, especially our veterans and our youth,” said Senator Amato. “This legislation is a commonsense update that helps ease the

financial burden on families and ensures all veterans, not only those who meet narrow eligibility standards, are recognized for their service.”

The bill, S-1895, would expand existing law to authorize municipalities to offer free or reduced-cost beach access to two additional groups: all honorably discharged veterans, regardless of length of service or disability status, and children aged 12 to 17.

Under current law, towns may waive or reduce beach fees for seniors, individuals with disabilities, active-duty military members and their families, and veterans who served at least 90 days of active duty or were discharged due to service-related injuries.

“This is a small but meaningful way to honor the service of every veteran and to help more New Jersey families enjoy our beautiful Jersey Shore,” concluded Amato.

“All Necessary Steps” Should Be Taken

To Fix Newark Airport’s Problems

Capitol Comments

Senator Cory Booker

NEWARK - Senator Cory Booker sent a letter to United States Department of Transportation Secretary (USDOT) Sean Duffy regarding the ongoing operational challenges at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), including widespread flight delays and cancellations, reportedly outdated air traffic control systems, and chronic staffing shortages.

A full copy of the May 6 letter can be found below:

“Dear Secretary Duffy: “I write to express our serious concerns

over the ongoing flight delays and cancellations at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) that have stranded travelers, disrupted Americans’ lives, and negatively impacted our national economy over the past week. As you know, EWR is one of the busiest airports in the country and operates within the third busiest airspace - a major shutdown of service at EWR has an immediate ripple effect throughout the nation’s entire aviation system.

“Given the serious consequences for our nation’s aviation system, it is critical that the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) take all necessary steps to identify and address the underlying causes of the ongoing flight disruptions. I appreci-

ate that the USDOT has already responded to this ongoing situation by identifying the importance of technology upgrades across the entire air traffic control system, and I am committed to supporting these efforts in Congress.

“However, I ask that you also immediately direct additional staff and resources in order to restore regular operations at EWR in the days ahead. This is of particular importance as the busy summer travel season approaches, which will put further pressure on EWR and the region’s airspace. Specifically, I request that you take additional steps to address the staffing shortages at the Philadelphia Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) facility, which have contributed significantly to the repeated suspension and interruption of flight operations at EWR.

“These issues, along with the termination of thousands of employees that directly

support the FAA’s day-to-day operations, are putting an additional strain on the FAA and our aviation system at a time when public safety has come under well-deserved scrutiny after recent accidents. Given the gravity of the problems impacting operations at EWR and the major inconveniences this has caused for people traveling through New Jersey, I am are requesting a briefing to discuss the problems you’ve identified within the USDOT and the steps you are taking to alleviate these burdens.

“I thank you in advance for your attention to Newark Liberty International Airport’s urgent needs to improve air traffic control staffing levels and invest in updated technologies that will keep our passengers and aviation workers safe. I look forward to working with you to make these improvements and ensure safety and reliability for the traveling public.”

Transportation Available For Veterans, Adults With Developmental Disabilities

TOMS RIVER – Two sectors of Ocean County’s most vulnerable residents will benefit from renewed agreements with the Ocean County Department of Transportation, Commissioner Robert S. Arace said.

Arace announced that the State Department of Military Affairs awarded the county $30,000 for the transportation of veterans to various VA hospitals and clinics in 2025.

“I am very pleased to announce that our free veterans’ transportation program will continue,” Arace said. “Our veterans have made great sacrifices to keep our families and our nation free. It is my privilege to assist these

brave men and women in any way that I can.”

The state grant will help provide free Monday thru Friday transportation to the new VA clinic in Toms River.

To reserve a ride to the Toms River Clinic, contact Ocean Ride at 732-736-8989, ext. 1. Reservations may be made up to four weeks in advance.

Free Transportation to other VA clinics is available on the following schedule:

• Veterans Medical Center, East Orange. Monday morning and Thursday afternoon service.

• Lyons Veterans Medical Center. Tuesdays only.

• Veterans Administration Hospital, Philadelphia. Wednesdays only, alternating morning and afternoon service.

• Burlington County Veterans Clinic, Marlton. Fridays only.

To arrange free transportation to any of the above out-of-county facilities, contact the Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau at 732-929-2096.

Arace, who is liaison to the Ocean County Department of Transportation and the Veterans Service Bureau, also announced a renewed agreement with 21 Plus, Inc., a

non-profit that assists adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The partnership will provide transportation for clients attending the 21 Plus Main Street Adult Training Center in Manchester Township.

“This contract will help ease the transportation burden for caregivers and clients alike,” Arace said. “This had been a very successful program and I am pleased to announce that it will continue in 2025.

Last year 10,952 clients were transported by the county for a total of 56,570 miles, he said.

Government 0fficials... Have news that you would like the community to be involved with? Let everyone know by placing a news release in this paper! Send it to news@jerseyshoreonline.com.

Disclaimer: Micromedia Publications has always provided a space in its newspapers to provide a place for readers to learn what their elected officials are doing. These items are lightly edited for such things as punctuation and grammar but are mostly unchanged from the source. These press releases are the politicians’ own views, not that of Micromedia Publications. We cannot vouch for the accuracy of information that these politicians are providing, and readers are encouraged to keep an open mind and consider multiple sources.

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY

FEATURED LETTER

Route 72 Project Must Be Done Soon

Editor’s note: This was a letter from the Ocean County Mayors Association to Sandra Opoku, Regional Coordinator of the NJ Department of Transportation, Office of Government and Community Relations.

The Ocean County Mayors Association strongly supports the Long Beach Island mayors; Mayor Imperiale, Mayor Hodgson, Mayor Larson, Mayor Huelsenbeck, Mayor Lambert and Mayor Mancini in their request that the Route 72 New Jersey Department of Transportation construction project be completed on schedule, June 30 or earlier, with no further delays.

As the summer season is quickly approaching, there are many concerns about how this construction is going to impact Long Beach Island for both residents and visitors. The projected completion date for the LBI side of the project is June 30, 2025, which does not allow much time for errors. Some of the concerns of the LBI mayors are the traffic pattern changes, the Manahawkin-Marsha Drive

work, and the numerous road closures.

LBI employees are unable to get to work timely. Our businesses and restaurants have a small window for a successful season and a large part of their workforce comes from off the island. The construction is impacting them greatly in the off season and we can only imagine how much worse it will get once the weather gets nicer.

More importantly, it is impacting LBI first responders. There are limited volunteers on Long Beach Island and the traffic is negatively affecting response times. It is very difficult to ask to be patient when there are miles of cones blocking lanes and no one is working.

We respectfully request that you ensure that this project be completed timely and as efficiently as possible. On behalf of the Ocean County Mayors’ Association, thank you for your anticipated cooperation.

Government 0fficials: Have news that you would like the community to be involved with? Let everyone know by placing it in this paper! Send to news@jerseyshoreonline.com.

WE WELCOME LETTERS TO THE EDITOR!

The Berkeley Times welcomes all points of view for publication and provides this page as an open forum for residents to express themselves regarding politics, government, current events and local concerns.

All letters are printed as space allows unless deemed offensive by the editorial staff, and provided they are signed and include address & phone number for verification. 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 reflect 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.

Tariffs Are A Tax On The Poor

When a tariff is put on, it charges a company more to bring a product into America. The company isn’t going to swallow those extra costs. The customers will. The company will raise the prices on its goods. We will pay the tariffs, not the company. We will pay the tariffs, not China or whatever other country. Tariffs only hurt us. A company would have to be stupid to take on the extra cost. When a company adds a dollar or whatever to their products, we pay for it. A dollar means a lot more to me or you than it does to a millionaire. They are not even going to feel it. That’s why a tariff is a tax on the poor. It’s a way to make us pay for more things while the rich get off scot-free. Call up your representative and tell them – no tariffs! No more taxes!

The Cost Of Silence

Editor’s note: This letter is in response to the Town Council majority voting to move toward buying Christ Episcopal Church.

There are moments in public service when the right thing is not popular, and the popular thing is not right.

The Toms River Township Council had a chance to do something simple but profound. They could have paused. They could have taken a breath. They could have said, “Let us not rush into removing sacred ground from our community.” Some chose that path. Others did not.

Christ Episcopal Church is not just property. It is not just a building. It is the resting place of loved ones. It is a place where ashes were laid, prayers were whispered, and generations sought peace. My own mother, who served this town as a paramedic until cancer took her, rests there. I visit her in that garden. I sit with her memory. That space cannot be replaced. The vote to proceed with the ordinance was not just a political act. It was a moral moment. And in that moment, some

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

remained silent.

I do not write these words with bitterness. I write them with sadness. Because I know what silence can cost. I have seen it in warzones. I have seen it in boardrooms. And now, I see it in my hometown.

But the next meeting is not here yet. There is still time. Still space to lead. Still a chance for those who held their voice to find it again.

To the council members who stayed quiet or voted to press forward - I ask you to search your heart. Ask yourself how you would feel if it were your family’s ashes in that soil. Ask yourself if this is the vote you want your name remembered for.

Because when this season passes, and the next issue rises, what will remain is how we treated the sacred. What will be written is not the policy, but the principle we did or did not stand for.

Silence has a cost. But so does courage. I pray this town chooses the better one.

Semper Fidelis, Tim Williamson Toms River

Combat Veteran, United States Marine Corps Son of this Community

the administration has even submitted plans.

Mayor Ducey asked me for input a few years ago. I gave a comprehensive list of what the neighborhood children suggested. He thanked me for having faithfully served on the Brick Township Environmental Commission for some fourteen years. I have a vested interest in my Mallard Pt. neighborhood having lived here since 1988. To blame the Army Corps of Engineers is getting old. They should NOT be the scapegoat in this delay. I blame Engineering and the administration for treating this park as an afterthought.

Richard Beer Brick

County GOP Needs Better Leader

At the Ocean County Republican Convention on February 25, George Gilmore, the chair of the Ocean County Republican Organization (OCGOP) violated the OCGOP By-Laws by prohibiting the Ocean County Federated Republican Women (OCFRW) from voting at the county convention. In the OCGOP By-Laws section 5 lists the OCFRW having a vote and in fact, the OCFRW has voted for the past 30 years at the county convention.

I am proud to say our present mayor Crate and previous mayor Ducey put Brick first. Our dozen neighborhood parks are quite an accomplishment. The taxpayers and children who frequent these wonderful parks are certainly getting their money’s worth. All except for one; Mallard Point.

Our sixty or so school age children have been wanting over two years for the promised ground breaking. They need a go-to destination after being in school all day. It’s a quality of life issue. Having to play in the street should not be an option. My nine grandchildren would certainly enjoy seeing some playground equipment appear before the summer is over. We have been waiting patiently for some sign of progress. It doesn’t look like

candidates to challenge outstanding female candidates in their reelection bids; most notably DiAnne Gove (R-9) who was only the sixth woman to represent Ocean County in the New Jersey Legislature in the 90 years since women have won the right to vote, and Ocean County Commissioner, Barbara “Bobbi” Jo Crea who was the third woman in its history to be elected to the Commissioner Board.

Chairman George Gilmore was convicted of three felony federal tax charges in 2019. It appears that Gilmore now continues his corrupt nature. Gilmore allegedly accepted $85,000 from gubernatorial candidate Bill Spadea for work on Spadea’s 2025 campaign. So Spadea pays Gilmore, and Spadea wins Gilmore’s handpicked screening committee recommendation and the county convention’s gubernatorial nomination. It should also be known that Gilmore endorsed Spadea months before his GOP county convention and any vote was taken.

Ocean County deserves better than George Gilmore. If you agree, let him know.

Mary Chyb Brick

Fire Preparation Is Key

Gilmore contends that the OCFRW vote at the convention would constitute an endorsement of a candidate (which is against the By-Laws of the national organization, NFRW, of which OCFRW is part). If Gilmore’s contention were correct, every person voting at the convention would be making an endorsement before the primary election, which is considered a violation of Republican Party principles. A registered parliamentarian wrote an opinion to Chairman Gilmore stating the endorsement policy did not pertain to the Federation in an intraparty election and he dismissed it.

Gilmore is displaying yet another example of his discrimination against women with his actions prohibiting the OCFRW to vote at the county convention. Gilmore has backed male

Luck is somewhat with us on the Ocean County forest fire; it could be worse. I was on the Parkway recently in that area, and I commented that I could see that a fire in the Pinelands could easily jump the Parkway from west to east, which happened a week later.

New Jersey State government should have prepared for the fires and asked how the indigenous people protected their villages. California should have been prepared; the White House had told them about 8 years ago.

A committee of the US House of Representatives endowed with executive power is needed, also, similar legislative-executive committees in NJ and elsewhere are greatly needed.

Walter McInerney Toms River

C ommunity n ew S

Director Of Public Information Celebrates Retirement

courtesy Ocean County Board of Commissioners Commissioner Virginia Haines, left, gives a proclamation to Donna Flynn.

OCEAN COUNTY – The Ocean County Board of Commissioners congratulates Director of the Ocean County Division of Public Information Donna Flynn on her retirement.

For 30 years, Flynn has made sure that Ocean County’s growing population remained informed about the essential services and benefits provided by the Ocean County Board of Commissioners. Thanks

to her invaluable support, Ocean County’s accomplishments have received the attention they deserved through countless press releases, proclamations, photos, and remarks for numerous events.

Throughout her career Flynn has written the stories of so many, and now she will have time to write her own. We wish her good health and happiness in the days ahead.

Central Regional Alumni Association Golf Tournament

BERKELEY – Central Regional Alumni Association 18th annual alumni Golf Tournament will be on June 5 at 8:30 a.m. Cost is $130 per golfer. If interested, email bibble269@gmail.com.

On the same day at 2 p.m. drawing. The Big 50/50…100 tickets are sold. Cost is $100 a ticket. Half of the proceeds to the winner. If all tickets are sold, $5,000 to the winner. Contact bibble269@gmail.com with any questions.

Americana Choral Concert

TOMS RIVER – Ocean Classic Concerts presents Americana Choral Concert on May 18 at 4 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church of Toms River, 1070 Hooper Avenue. Patriotic music for choir and orchestra. No

tickets required. There will be an opportunity to give a donation in support of the concert series during the concert. For more information, call 732-349-1331 or visit pctr.org.

Notice is hereby given that bid proposals will be received from Bidders classified under N.J.S.A. 27:7-35.2 via the Internet until 10:00:59 A.M. on 5/29/2025, downloaded, and publicly opened and read, in the CONFERENCE ROOM-A, 1st Floor F & A Building, New Jersey Department of Transportation, 1035 Parkway Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08625; for:

Maintenance Dredging and Channel Improvements for the Berkeley Channels Complex, Channel Nos. 096107, Contract No. 096202501, Township of Lacey and Township of Berkeley, County of Ocean, New Jersey

100% State Funded

DP No: 25701

Bidders are required to comply with the requirements of N.J.S.A. 10:5-31 (P.L 1975, c. 127); N.J.A.C. 17:27.

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.19, contractors must provide a Certification and Disclosure of Political Contribution Form prior to contract award.

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:32-44, contractor must submit the Department of Treasury, Division of Revenue Business Registration of the contractor and any named subcontractors prior to contract award or authorization.

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 34:11-56.51, contractors must be registered with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Division of Wage and Hour Compliance at the time of bid.

Plans, specifications, any addenda to the specification and bidding information for the proposed work are available at Bid Express website www.bidx.com. You must subscribe to use this service. To subscribe, follow the instructions on the web site. Fees apply to downloading documents and plans and bidding access. The fee schedule is available on the web site. All fees are directly payable to Bid Express. Plans, specifications, and bidding information may be inspected (BUT NOT OBTAINED) by contracting organizations at our Design Field Offices at the following locations:

200 Stierli Court One Executive Campus Rt. 70 West Mt. Arlington, NJ 07856 Cherry Hill, NJ 08002

Phone: 973-601-6690

Phone: 856-486-6623

New Jersey Department of Transportation Division of Procurement Bureau of Construction Services 1035 Parkway Avenue PO Box 600 Trenton, NJ 08625

Photo

BILL MORANO TOURS LLC. (732) 278-2059

P.O. BOX 1991 • TOMS RIVER, N.J. 08754 | moranotours.net PROVIDING AFFORDABLE TOURS SINCE 1982 DAY TRIPS

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JULY 7-9 3 DAY SMOKE HOLE CABIN RESORT $575. COME TO WEST VIRGINIA “THE MOUNTAIN STATE”. ENJOY 2 NTS. IN YOUR OWN LOG CABIN SURROUNDED BY AWESOME MOUNTAIN SCENERY. INCLUDES 5 MEALS (3 COOK OUT MEALS), SENECA CAVERNS PLUS A FABULOUS DINNER AND LIVE MUSIC SHOW.

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Free Comic Book Day Held

Free Comic Book Day took place earlier this month and a long line was spotted at Conquest Comics Store on Route 9 Berkeley Township with comic book collectors and readers lining up for some free comic books inside the store. The event was launched in 2002 and takes place at comic book shops

across the country every first Saturday in May. The promotional effort by the North American comic book industry was designed to attract new readers to independent comic book stores and has historically been cross-promoted with the release of a superhero film.

Berkeley Township Music & Food Truck FEASTival

BERKELEY – The Berkeley Township Music & Food Truck FEASTival will be on June 7 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Veterans Park in Bayville, 489 Bill Zimmerman Jr. Way.

The Food Trucks are rolling into Loffredo Fields! Spend the day with us, have a beer, sangria, hard seltzers. Live music with some incredible bands, kid activities, pony rides, petting zoo, face painting, inflatables, sand art, & so much more.

Bring your family, friends, appetite, lawn chairs, pop ups and blankets. Dogs permitted!

We are also asking all attendees to bring non-perishable canned or boxed items to help support the local food pantry. Please help those less fortunate.

Admission is $5; Kids under 10 free. For more information, visit MunicipalEvents. com. Any questions email info@Municipalevents.com.

“Raising Resilient Youth In Challenging Times” Presentation

BERKELEY – An informational evening with Lifelines on “Raising Resilient Youth in Challenging Times” will be held on May 19 at 6 p.m. at Central Regional High School.

This parent presentation focuses on building strength and resilience in our children and teens with emphasis on the following: Introducing the Lifelines suicide prevention curriculum

How to talk to your teens about difficult topics

Empowering parents and guardians through education and awareness

Understanding warning signs and risk factors

Cultivating an independent and resilient mindset in your child

Data and statistics

Local resources

Bayville School Night At BlueClaws

BERKELEY – Bayville School Night at Shoretown Ball Park. Enjoy a game while raising money for Bayville School students.

Bayville School Night is June 10 at 6:35 p.m. For each ticket purchased, a portion of the proceeds will go back to your group, so

you can have a great time at the game and help a worthy cause! Any questions, email rmcgillick@blueclaws.com. Visit Bayville School PTA’s Facebook page facebook.com/ Bayvilleschoolpta to find the QR code to purchase tickets.

Photo By Bob Vosseller

uRaliciouspetspa@gMail coM RaliciousluxuRiouspetspa oRg

Come

Residents Ask Questions In Township Open Forum

BERKELEY – Mayor John Bacchione, Councilwoman Sophia Gingrich, Police Chief Kevin Santucci, Bayville Fire Chief John McKay, DPW Director Shawn Thomas, and Code Enforcement officer Ken Anderson spoke to residents at the Berkeley Township library which is located at 30 Station Road. The meeting was called as an opportunity for residents to discuss matters or concerns regarding the township in an open forum.

Double Trouble State Park

Spring Programs

BAYVILLE – Double Trouble State Park has announced their new program, Sunday Fundays with Naturalist Lisa! These all-ages programs are family friendly and designed to be interactive for our younger visitors.

The village open house returns in May, when the sawmill and packing house will be open for self-guided tours most weeks Wednesday through Saturday, staff and weather permitting. They’ll also have a new exhibit in the display room, highlighting 260 years of Double Trouble Village’s history. Staff will be presenting outreach programs for local historical societies and libraries, in case you can’t make it to the park.

May 18 – Sunday Fundays, Shell-ebrate Turtles: Take time to learn about turtles on a Turtle Trek and Story Time on the Packing

House Porch. Join Naturalist Lisa for this Sunday Funday activity at Double Trouble State Park! Program meets at 10 a.m. May 25 – Sunday Fundays, Veterans Rock: Enjoy a sunset hike and make a gift to honor our veterans. This event starts at 7 p.m. Join Naturalist Lisa for this Sunday Funday activity at Double Trouble State Park!

Held sun or slight drizzle. Steady rain or thunder cancels. All ages welcome. Starts at the white information & restroom building closest to the parking area. Please plan on arriving at least 5 minutes before program start. No registration required! For additional information call Naturalist Lisa at the Brendan T. Byrne State Forest office at 609-726-1191.

Pine Beach Hiring Seasonal Life Guards

PINE BEACH – The Borough of Pine Beach is now hiring for seasonal lifeguards. The season starts June 21. Applicants must be 16 or older. Open wa-

ter certificate and CPR certified required. Applications can be found at pinebeachborough.us. Call for additional details: 732-349-6425.

P.O. Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733 • Phone: 732-657-7344 • Fax: 732-657-7388 email: news@jerseyshoreonline.com • jerseyshoreonline.com

MANCHESTER TIMES • BERKELEY TIMES • BRICK TIMES JACKSON TIMES • HOWELL TIMES • TOMS RIVER TIMES SOUTHERN OCEAN TIMES

President & Publisher Stew Swann Vice President/COO Jason Allentoff

News Editor Chris Lundy Assistant

Dr. Izzy’s

Sound News

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

Taking On Brain Drain: Hearing Care That Supports More Than Hearing

Your ears and brain work together to help you hear. So, it’s no wonder that hearing loss might impact brain health. With a growing number of studies connecting hearing problems to other serious conditions such as cognitive decline and dementia, let’s discuss how hearing loss might affect the brain and how we can help.

Most people don’t realize that healthy hearing involves teamwork. The outer ear collects sound waves, which ultimately reach the inner ear as sound signals. The cochlea, a small organ within the inner ear, has tiny hair cells that transmit those signals to the brain, which interprets them and helps orient body positioning for optimal hearing.

How might hearing loss affect the brain?

Scientists continue to explore this critical question, but some of the possibilities may be that hearing loss:

• Makes the brain work harder to process sound

• May reduce the brain’s capacity for thinking, remembering, and more

• Might lead to brain atrophy or shrinkage from sound deprivation

Put more simply, the brain, while remarkably complex, has limited resources. Hearing loss, and associated problems like tinnitus (ringing in the ears or head) and balance disorders, may drain those resources — diverting them from import-

ant everyday functions — and might even cause physical changes to the brain which can result in brain atrophy.

It’s one of the reasons we take a medical approach to hearing care. This includes our science-backed focus on brain and body connections. After all, we’re HEAR to help the whole you. With comprehensive hearing evaluations, patient education, prevention strategies, personalized treatment plans, and regular follow-ups, we work to support your total health.

As increasing research links professional hearing care — including properly fitted hearing aids — to better cognitive functioning or slowed cognitive decline among some populations, it’s more important than ever to stay atop your hearing wellness. Think of it as an investment in the present and your future. A future with clear, crisp sounds and an empowered mind.

Dr. Izzy and his Staff are always here to listen to your hearing care needs. Hearing health is brain health — don’t wait. Regular hearing evaluations are recommended, so call to book for yourself or a loved one today!

Please feel free to contact our office at 732-451-3962 or visit our website at gardenstatehearing.com

WE HEAR YOU & WE ARE HERE For YOU!

His offices are in Toms River, Whiting, and Manahawkin. He can be reached at 732-451-3962 or via Web site at gardenstatehearing.com. Dr. Izzy & Staff gives Retirement Community Talks!

Crestwood Village 6 Summer Sock Hop Dance

WHITING – Crestwood Village 6 Resident’s Club presents Summer Sock Hop! June Dance Event on June 20 from 7 to 11 p.m. at Deerfield Hall, 6 Congasia Road, Whiting.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Featuring Music by DJ “Mare.” Raffle, 50/50 and door prizes. Refreshments provided; finger foods wel-

come. Themed attire is optional; but highly encouraged.

Tickets are $10 for members and $12 for non-members. Tickets are sold every Monday at the CV 6 Clubhouse from 10 to 11 a.m. Sold on a first come first serve basis. If availability allows tickets may be purchased at the door.

Food Addicts Anonymous Meetings

BAYVILLE – In person meetings are every Monday night at 7 p.m. at the Methodist Church just south of the dinosaur in Bayville. (526 Atlantic City Boulevard,

Bayville.)

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

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

Dear Pharmacist

4 Things You Need To Know About Bronchitis And Pneumonia

It’s one of the most common questions I’m asked this time of year, during spring allergies and cold-and-flu season: “Is bronchitis or pneumonia contagious?” Like most things in medicine, the answer isn’t simple. The National Institutes of Health reports that respiratory infections cause a staggering 4 million deaths worldwide every year! This includes a wide range of illnesses, but bronchitis and pneumonia are the two diseases that people worry about the most. And rightly so. They’re uncomfortable, and potentially dangerous if left untreated for too long.

Let’s start with bronchitis. This condition involves inflammation of the bronchial tubes that carry air to and from your lungs. It typically follows a cold or other upper respiratory infection. If you’ve ever had that nagging, mucus-producing cough that just won’t quit, you’ve probably had acute bronchitis. It’s usually viral and contagious, especially in the early stages. It spreads like any cold: through coughing, sneezing, and touching contaminated surfaces. Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, is a long-term condition often caused by smoking or untreated allergies. That type isn’t contagious, but chronic inflammation can seriously damage your lungs.

Now onto pneumonia. This illness is a bit more intense. It causes the air sacs to fill with fluid or pus, making it hard to breathe and zapping a person’s energy. Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Viral types - like those from flu, COVID-19, or RSV - are definitely contagious. The bacterial form, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, is less likely

to spread unless you’re in close quarters like a hospital or nursing home.

Listen to your body. If your cough lingers for more than a couple of weeks, if you develop a fever, feel like you can’t catch your breath, or have chest pain when breathing or coughing, those are major red flags. Don’t wait it out, go to the doctor!

Asthma adds another layer of complexity. While not contagious itself, asthma makes your lungs more vulnerable. A simple cold can spiral into a full-blown asthma attack or morph into bronchitis or pneumonia. If you or a loved one has asthma, take infections seriously—it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Modern medicine can be life-saving. Antibiotics work for bacterial infections, while antivirals may help with some viral pneumonias. Over-the-counter meds, inhalers, rest, and fluids go a long way in treating viral bronchitis. But nature has her own remedies.

Here are 4 natural options I often recommend to support lung health and recovery:

• N-acetylcysteine (NAC) – Helps thin mucus and supports detoxification.

• Eucalyptus steam – Opens airways and soothes cough.

• Thyme tea – Offers antimicrobial benefits and relieves cough naturally.

• Manuka honey – Soothes the throat and has antibacterial properties.

So, is bronchitis or pneumonia contagious? Sometimes. But either way, your best defense is early detection, smart treatment, and good lung-loving habits. If you’re interested in a deeper dive into this topic, I’ve written a longer, more comprehensive blog on my website at suzycohen.com.

(This information is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Suzy Cohen is the author of “The 24-Hour Pharmacist” and “Real Solutions.” For more information, visit www.SuzyCohen.com) ©2025 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.

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Around the JerSey Shore

This Species Remains The Most Endangered Bear In The World

This animal is one of the most treasured and powerful symbols in the world when talking about species conservation. The giant panda populations are dangerously low. China has the largest population, 1,864. Other countries like the U.S., Belgium, Germany, Japan, France, South Korea, Span, Netherlands, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Russia, United Kingdom, Australia, Austria, Denmark, Taiwan, Finland, and Qatar, all have single digit numbers. These calculations are 2025 statistics.

The giant panda inhabits regions in high elevations, between approximately 4,000 and 11,500 feet. These regions are damp and misty areas of forests containing bamboo which is their main source of food. They require at least two species of bamboo. Forests offer perfect tree stumps and hollow logs to be used as dens for pandas. The giant panda had been listed on the endangered species list from 1990 to 2016. Today they are considered vulnerable primarily due to poor breeding, poaching, and loss of habitat.

The giant panda may look heavy, but they don’t weigh much. Converting kilograms to pounds

equate to approximately 165 – 286 pounds. They spend 12 hours consuming bamboo as it is not very nutritious. An herbivore, they have the teeth of a carnivore and opposable thumbs allowing them to hold bamboo stalks. Researchers have discovered their digestive systems have not adapted well to eating bamboo and would be better suited to a carnivorous diet.

All giant pandas in the world are citizens of China. A national treasure, they are protected by law. To assist in expanding the gene pool of the giant panda, China loans some of their pandas to zoos or reserves somewhere else in the world. The arrangement states that any

cubs born must be sent back to China. This explains why the above-mentioned countries have giant pandas. I must admit, the agreement to loan pandas to other countries seems like a smart way of helping this species diversify their gene pool.

I gathered the information for this article from multiple sources so statistics may vary slightly. To reach me please call 732-244-2768. It’s illegal to possess, relocate, or cause harm to wildlife for any reason. Managing wildlife without the proper state/federal permits is illegal. Violating laws protecting wildlife is punishable by law.

OCC To Support Those Involved In Child Welfare System

TOMS RIVER – Ocean County College has partnered with the nonprofit organization Embrella to make higher education more accessible to individuals who are in or coming out of the child welfare system.

Leaders at OCC and Embrella signed a memorandum of understanding outlining an agreement which indicates their shared commitment to providing educational opportunities to diverse students throughout New Jersey, and empowering community members in the development of skills to promote self-sustainability. Embrella, founded in 1972, provides services,

training and support for foster, adoptive and kinship families. Their mission is to embrace, support and advocate for children, youth and families within the child welfare community.

The New Jersey Foster Care Scholars Program (NJFC) and Pathways to Academic and Career Exploration to Success (PACES) are two programs that Embrella promotes. These initiatives provide funding for students to pursue post-secondary education as they transition out of high school.

The partnership will introduce Embrella’s clients to opportunities at Ocean County College

and provide individualized assistance with their educational experience, including onboarding, success coaching, academic advising, help with financial aid, and connection to on-campus resources and support services.

“Most individuals with experience in the foster care system face barriers that can make pursuing higher education difficult,” explained Calleigh Kearns, OCC’s Enrollment Services Advisor for Partnerships and Outreach. “We are seeking to combat that by putting all the support measures in place to ensure these students are successful—from application to graduation and beyond.”

The partnership will enable Embrella’s clients to enroll at OCC at the in-county tuition rate and take advantage of a direct point of contact and coordination of services that will help them achieve their short-term and long-term goals.

“The goal is to provide new opportunities to a population of students that can benefit from extra assistance – to make college accessible, which is part of our mission statement at OCC, and to support them from all angles and throughout the process, from beginning to end,” said Kearns.

Around the JerSey Shore

A Conversation With Tiki Barber At OCC

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County College Foundation will host a conversation with former NFL football player and national media personality Tiki Barber on the main campus of Ocean County College on June 5. The event is the latest installment in the Foundation’s popular Blauvelt Speaker Series.

A three-time Pro Bowler and First-Team All-Pro during his 10-year career with the New York Giants, Barber is the team’s all-time leading rusher and a member of their Ring of Honor. His 2005 season with 2,390 yards from scrimmage ranks fourth all-time in NFL history, as does his five career 200-yard rushing games. Barber ranks 6th all-time in receptions by a running back with 586 and is one of three players in NFL history to accumulate 10,000 rushing yards and 5,000 receiving yards.

After retiring from the NFL in 2007, Barber began a new career in broadcasting, serving as a correspondent for NBC’s The Today Show and commentator for Football Night in America. Since then, Barber has contributed to a variety of national news, sports and entertain-

Photo courtesy Ocean County College

ment programs and helped broadcast numerous special events, including the 2008 Summer Olympics and the 2010 Winter Olympics. He is currently an NFL analyst for CBS and the co-host of Evan and Tiki on WFAN.

Join the OCC Foundation in the Health and Human Performance Center (Building #29) at 6 p.m. on June 5 for this very special in-person event. Tickets are $19 and available now at grunincenter.org. A free livestream is also available; advance registration is required. For more information on all of the Foundation’s upcoming events, visit occfoundation. org.

The Blauvelt Speaker Series is funded in part by the generosity of the late Bradford Thomas & Eleanor G. Blauvelt and the Wintrode Family Foundation. This year’s 2024-2025 additional sponsors include Carluccio, Leone, Dimon, Gutman & Petro, LLC, Arlene and Frank Dupignac, Jr., Georgian Court University, Kean Ocean, Stella and Marshall Kern, Kiwanis of Greater Toms River, Leone & Daughters, New Jersey Natural Gas, and OCVTS.

4th Annual Senior Art Exhibit

TOMS RIVER – The 4th Annual Senior Art Exhibit will be held from June 14 through July 5 at Toms River Artist Community, 40 Main Street. Open to the public. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Open to all Ocean County Artists, 60 and older, members and non-members.

Receiving Day: June 6 from 12 to 4 p.m.

Artwork will be received at 40 Main Street, TRAC Gallery, Toms River. All artworks must be wired and ready to hang. All artists must complete the three tags included in this package.

Opening Reception: June 14 from 4 to 7

p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Awards Ceremony: June 21 from 4 to 7 p.m.

A reception will be held at TRAC Gallery 40 Main Street. Light refreshments will be served. Awards to be handed out at approximately 6 p.m. All participating artists are encouraged to attend.

Removal Day: July 9 from 11 to 4 p.m. All accepted artwork must remain for the duration of the exhibit and must be removed on the removal day. A signature will be required to remove artwork. No exceptions. For entry form and more information, visit trac732.org/classes-and-events.

Food Bank

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Around the JerSey Shore

Earth, Wind & Fire Coming To Hard Rock Live At Etess Arena

ATLANTIC CITY – The musical entertainment force Earth, Wind & Fire is coming to Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City for two shows in December. Earth, Wind & Fire takes the stage on December 5 and 6, at 8 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased at HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com or Ticketmaster.com. All shows are subject to change.

In 1969, music legend Maurice White birthed the music force named after the elements from his very own astrological charts, and Earth, Wind & Fire charted a history that will live on forever. They’ve scored eight number one hits and have sold more than 100 million albums worldwide. They’ve released 23 albums; eight of those albums went Double Platinum and hit the Top 10, making them one of the best-selling

Photo courtesy Earth, Wind & Fire artists of all time. They’ve won an impressive nine Grammy Awards including one for Lifetime Achievement (2012). In 2000, Earth, Wind & Fire was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, cementing their lasting impact on popular music and, in 2019, their contributions to arts and culture were acknowledged in Washington, D.C., with the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors. The music of Earth, Wind & Fire is more alive than ever, as they continue to inspire new audiences and thrill those who have been with them from the beginning. From the funky and infectious “Let’s Groove,” to the timeless dance classic “September,” to the heartfelt “Reasons,” Earth, Wind & Fire’s catalog of hits has become the soundtrack to many lives - now, then and forever.

Around the JerSey Shore

Parks & Recreation Fishing Contest Winners

OCEAN COUNTY – The annual Ocean County Parks and Recreation Fishing Contest was held on May 3 at Lake Shenandoah, Forge Pond and Lake Carasaljo.

The Winners of the 2025 Fishing Contest are:

Adults

Catfish – 14” Keith Genovese

Pickerel – 26.25” Milton Rivera

Trout – 12.5” Patrick Murphy

Crappie – 14” Mike DeVito

Yellow Perch – 11.5” Edher Cabrera

Youth

Pickerel 1st Place – 19” David Pilania

Pickerel 2nd Place – 17.5” Gino Padilla

Sunfish 1st Place – 7” Gino Padilla

Farmer’s Market Vouchers Available For Low-Income Seniors

OCEAN COUNTY – Spring means fresh fruits and vegetables. Now thanks to the Ocean County Office of Senior Services and the State of New Jersey, eligible older adults can enjoy garden-fresh produce at no cost.

The Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides low-income seniors with $40 in vouchers to spend on locally grown fruits, vegetables, herbs and even honey.

“This is an outstanding program that allows our seniors to sample some of the nutritious and mouth-watering Jersey-fresh fruits and vegetables that soon will be harvested in Ocean County,” Commissioner Robert S. Arace said.

Eligible seniors can spend their vouchers from May 1 to September 30 at any of the vendors who participate in the program.

“This initiative is part of Ocean County’s ongoing commitment to senior health and nutrition,” Arace said. “We want to ensure that no senior goes hungry, while also pro-

moting healthier diets and supporting local agriculture.”

In 2025, participating vendors can be found at farmer’s markets in Lakehurst, Forked River, Barnegat, Beach Haven, Surf City, Brick, Seaside Park, Toms River, New Egypt, Bay Head and Tuckerton.

To be eligible for a voucher, seniors must meet the following state qualifications:

• Must be 60 years of age or older.

• A household of one must have an annual income of $28,953 or less.

• For each additional household member add $9,953 annual income.

Last year, Ocean County seniors purchased $83,850 worth of fresh produce using the free vouchers.

For more information or to apply for a voucher, contact the Ocean County Office of Senior Services at 732-929-2091.

Each voucher will also include a list of all participating vendors and farmer’s market locations.

Pine Beach Preservation Society Townwide Celebration

Photo courtesy Ocean County Parks & Recreation
BEACH
the River”
trucks, vendors and more!

OPEN HOUSE SAT MAY 24TH

2-4 PM. 9D Hawaii Ct, Matawan.

$268,900. Cheesequake Adult Village. 2bed 1bath. Call/text 732232-2524 Dawn Stagliano. MLS/ Realtor, Equal Housing Opportunity. Private showings available. (23)

CLASSIFIEDS

Items Wanted

Cash - Top dollar, paid for junk, cars running and nonrunning, late model salvage, cars and trucks, etc. 732-928-3713. (t/n)

Help Wanted Open House

For Rent

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

Sporty Red Tiburon - 2008. Low mileage. Clean, garaged, original owner. Mint. New Michelin tires. Runs great! $5500 or B/O, 732-995-5409. (23)

For Sale

Monmouth Memorial Cemetary, Neptune - Double crypt in raised mausoleum with white marble cover. Quiet inside viewing area. $15,000 firm. 973-303-8501. (26)

Other

Try The Marsh S&P 500 Daily Prediction System (MSPDPS). - Request free details via email to r.marsh@prodigy.net or phone 848-232-9471. (25)

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)

I Buy Records - Cash paid, we answer the phone. Call Eddie at 732-829-5908. Records 33/45. Walt buys comics, toys & collectibles. Call 908-278-3782. (23)

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)

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)

HVAC Installer/Technician Hiring Now - Experience needed. Great Work Environment. Company vehicle. Full time, year round, paid holidays. Call 732-349-1448 Or Fax Resume To 732-349-6448. (t/n)

PT Mechanic - Entry level tires, oil changes. $17 per hour, immediate start. Save On Auto, 3460 Hwy 9, Howell. 732-367-8900. (22)

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)

MANAHAWKIN SENIOR CARE GIVER - 15 yrs. exp., available for full or part time work. All aspects of non-medical senior care in the home. Please call Kathy 908-246-7896. (24)

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 732506-7787, cell 646-643-7678. (t/n)

Affordable Landscaping - Spring Cleanups, Complete lawn maintenance, Sod & seed lawns, Shrubs & tree pruning, Topsoil & mulch and much more. 732-808-7477. (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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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

TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED:

• M ail this form to: PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733. OR

• Go to jerseyshoreonline.com, click classifieds, fill out the form and pay by credit card. OR

• Fax this form to 732-657-7388 ATTN: ALI.

1. Below, circle the heading you would like your ad to appear under:

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

Items Wanted

Help Wanted

Services

For Rent

Real Estate

Other

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.

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

Cardholder Signature:

Print Name:

Billing Address:

5. PHONE NUMBER (THIS IS REQUIRED)

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)

R.C. Shea & Assoc. Inside The Law

Injured At Work?! Know Your Rights To Critical Benefits!

You have a right to a safe and healthful workplace. If you have suffered an injury on the job, make sure you know what kind of benefits you might receive under workers’ compensation coverage.

In some instances, an aggressive compensation carrier may deny an injured worker’s legitimate workers’ compensation claims. An insurer can claim you have not been injured, or that the injury you have suffered is not serious enough to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. If this is the case, you may stand to lose critical benefits.

Most important among these critical benefits is the right to medical treatment. Medical benefits are mandated by the New Jersey Worker’s Compensation Act, and require the employer to furnish the injured worker with medical, surgical, and other treatment as are necessary “to cure and relieve the worker of the effects of the injury and to restore the functions of the injured member or organ” if possible. Moreover, in those instances where the employer has refused or neglected to provide medical treatment in accordance with the provisions of the Workers’ Compensation Act, the employer will be held responsible for the cost of treatment; even if the employee receives treatment prior

to the carrier’s authorization.

Further, it is important to note another critical benefit of the Workers Compensation Act. This benefit protects employees from collections law suits when the employee obtains medical treatment that has been wrongfully or negligently withheld by an employer. This benefit, was upheld by the New Jersey Appellate Court in Kinley Physical Therapy Services, Inc. v. Kramer, and unequivocally states that a medical service provider is prohibited from filing an action against the employee until a determination has been made by the Division of Workers’ Compensation. The Court reasoned that a medical provider is normally not permitted to pursue collection actions in court until it resolves all administrative remedies, thus, the employee must be shielded from all actions by the medical provider until the Court determines whether or not the employer is responsible for the cost of medical care. If you feel your legitimate benefits have been denied and you live in the New Jersey, our workers compensation lawyers would like to talk to you to see if we can assist you with your case. Please call for a free consultation. R.C. Shea & Associates, 244 Main Street, Toms River, N.J. (732) 505-1212.

Relay For Life Set For May 31

BERKELEY – Mark your calendar! May 31 to June 1 will be the annual Relay For Life of Berkeley/Lacey.

Come together to honor the lives, touched by cancer at our Relay for Life event. This is a day to celebrate cancer survivors, remember

love ones lost and pray for those still fighting. Together, we can bring strength and hope to our community.

If you haven’t already done so sign up your team at relayforlife.org/berkeleynj. This year’s theme is sports and the rain date will be July 12.

FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 17-23

OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Take pride in your skills while you weave your magic into upcoming tasks. Your intuition may guide you to delight others, causing them to be captivated by your every word. Brainstorming could spark improvements and solutions.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Your personal mojo’s right there for the taking. You might feel like you’ve got the Midas touch to shift the game. You could be in peak form this week, perhaps taking advantage of a chance to break things down or geek out on tech.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Keep rocking it and crushing your goals. You may have the ability to pull off whatever you set your sights on. Folks might eat up your bold ideas and shrug off antics that’d normally raise eyebrows. Zero in on growing your safety net.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Do whatever you can to ensure fairness for all. When you’re the one settling disputes, don’t play favorites; find a fix that works for everyone. Keep focusing on the stuff that has been tried and true in the upcoming week for the best results.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Show some enthusiasm, and you may come out on top. Consider hitting the pool for a refreshing dip or tackling a tough hike to shake off restless energy. Flexing your strength and drive could help you attract someone to keep you company.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Quality beats quantity every time. One solid gem can trump a pile of knockoffs. If you’re single, flirty flings might burn time when what you really want is a love that sticks. Stay true to yourself while remaining open, and it can all fall into place.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Let attraction play in your favor. People drawn to you might put you on a pedestal. You may want to rise to the occasion and grow into a glowing view of yourself. Your clever approach to tasks might just turn a competitor into a key ally.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Savor sweet moments in peaceful, summery spots. A romance or friendship might soak up your time or sprinkle extra joy into your days. A forgotten pastime could get its sparkle back causing you to feel like when you were younger.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Your knack for reading people and situations might be spot-on. Trustworthiness and the ability to look on the bright side may be your secret weapon. Keep calm and be the rock others can lean on when the chips are down.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You may be holding the keys to ambition and hustle this week. Consider ways to use them to climb higher up the success ladder. Your knack for networking or connections could lock in loyal allies who have got your back no matter what.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You can be the engine driving your dreams forward. Highlight what makes you one-of-a-kind to grab the spotlight and rise above the pack. Your determination and go-getter attitude could put you in prime position to win any contest.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Grit and guts can carry you far, but some extra education may open you up to new horizons. Those closest to you might prove they’re solid or ready to go all in. One of your starry-eyed romantic hopes could finally begin to take shape.

KIMCHI COMES TOGETHER QUICKLY AND ONLY GETS BETTER AS IT SITS

OI KIMCHI (CUCUMBER KIMCHI)

Makes about 8 cups

3 pounds pickling cucumbers or oi (Korean cucumbers)

2 1/2 tablespoons sugar, divided

1 tablespoon fine salt

1/2 yellow onion

3 ounces garlic chives

1 Fresno chile

3 1/2 tablespoons maesil cheong (plum extract syrup)

3 tablespoons fish sauce

3 tablespoons minced garlic

2 tablespoons gochugaru

1 1/2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger

1. Trim 3 pounds pickling cucumbers. Half lengthwise, remove seeds, and slice cross-wise into one-inch thick pieces. Toss with 1 tablespoon sugar and 1 tablespoon salt in a large bowl. Let sit for 20 minutes, tossing once halfway through salting.

2. Meanwhile, cut 1/2 yellow onion into 1 1/2-inch pieces and separate layers. Cut 3 ounces garlic chives into 1 1/2-inch lengths. Stem and cut 1 Fresno chile in half lengthwise, then slice thin crosswise. Set aside.

3. Drain cucumbers in a colander, shaking colander to release any additional liquid. Rinse now-empty bowl.

4. Using gloved hands, toss cucumbers with onion, chives, Fresno chile, 3 1/2 tablespoons maesil cheong, 3 tablespoons fish sauce, 3 tablespoons minced garlic, 2 tablespoons gochugaru, 1 1/2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger, and remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar in bowl until evenly combined.

5. Transfer cucumber mixture to a 3-quart storage container, cover, and place in a 50- to 70-degree location away from direct sunlight for 2 hours. Serve. (Refrigerate for up to 1 1/2 months; the flavor will continue to develop over time.)

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

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