2025-05-24 - The Berkeley Times

Police Unity Tour Rides In Memory Of Fallen Officers

in this year’s

By Chris Lundy

BERKELEY – Hundreds of police officers rode their bicycles on a four-day journey to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. to remember their brothers and sisters who are no longer with them. Lt. Nicholas Szymanski of the Marlboro Township Police Department is the national delegate for the Police Unity Tour for Section 10, which includes areas of central New Jersey. He estimated that they had about 400 bicyclists from his section alone, joined by

another hundred support crew members. They rode in remembrance of officers who were lost on duty. One of them was from 50 years ago. Manchester Patrolman Robert Tobias was struck and killed by a vehicle while performing a traffic stop on Route 70 on May 17, 1975. The 23-year-old had only been an officer for one year. According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, the driver who struck him received several charges, including being in possession of a controlled substance.

(Police Unity - See Page 4)

EMS, Fire Companies Recognized

By Chris Lundy

BERKELEY – With the

Road wildfire in the rear view mirror, officials recognized the town’s first aid squads and fire companies for their dedication.

The Township Council meeting was during National EMS Week, so the governing body issued a proclamation in honor of the groups that respond to medical emergencies here and in neighboring towns. Representatives from the volunteer groups of Holiday Heights, Bayville, and Holiday City At Berkeley were honored as well as the township’s EMS squad that is under the authority of the police department.

Mayor John Bacchione commended the first aiders who go above and beyond for residents.

The final count of the Jones Road wildfire was 15,300 acres claimed, no injuries.

It wasn’t as long ago as you might think. The fire

(EMS & Fire - See Page 4)

Teacher Reaches New Heights With US Air Force Thunderbirds

By Bob Vosseller

MANCHESTER – A Regional Day School teacher who was recently named teacher of the year climbed to new heights thanks to the U.S. Air Force.

The school’s Teacher of the Year, Ellie Hyland, 23, was selected by the Air Force to fly with the Thunderbird air demonstration squadron as their honored guest during the Power of the Pines Open House and Air Show held at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

Her adventure first took flight when the Thunderbirds reached out to JBMDL and inquired if there were any

Teachers of the Year who might be interested in being considered for a flight opportunity. A few of Manchester’s top teachers wanted to fly high, joining the hundreds of applicants from the tri-state area in hopes of being chosen. While a forecast of rain and hail threatened to postpone her flight on the morning of May 16, Hyland went up on schedule and had an incredible time with the USAF Thunderbirds. She flew 9G, making her the fastest woman in the world that morning.

School District Public Information Officer Dina Silvestri

(Teacher - See Page 5)

Lt. Tim Pizzella, Sgt. Robert Flanegan, Sgt. Shawn Bowens, Ptl. Miki Baranyay and Ptl. Joe Chester represented Berkeley police

Police Unity Tour.

Jones

Firefighters were thanked by the mayor and council for their response to the Jones Road wildfire.

Photo by Chris Lundy

Regional Day School Teacher of the Year Ellie Hyland flew with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.

Photo courtesy Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst

Photo courtesy Berkeley Police

Police Unity:

Continued From Page 1

Tobias’ brother, sister and great-nephews took part in the tour, Szymanski said.

Another fallen hero that the officers rode for was Detective Scott Stephens of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. While on an undercover assignment, he lost control of his vehicle and died in a crash on January 21, 2015.

Waretown Patrolman John Scott Stevens rode in memory of his father, Waretown

EMS & Fire:

Continued From Page 1

started on April 22. However, it was officially reported as 100% contained by the New Jersey Forest Fire Service on May 12. Bacchione recalled vising the staging area of the firefighters, and seeing all hands on deck. He was impressed by the professionalism and the sacrifice they exhibited.

He thanked the first aid squads and fire

Police reported.

These are just a few of the officers that were on the minds and in the hearts of the riders during the four-day journey.

Although these are all sad stories, “these are all good reasons why we do what we do,” Szymanski said.

The ride itself had great weather. Between this and the camaraderie, the miles went by smoothly.

“When you ride next to a survivor, and you talk to them, it puts things in perspective,” he said. “They wish (their

companies for their unwavering commitment and dedication.

Veteran Support

Members of the governing body spoke highly of the groundbreaking recently held for the veterans village being built by the Tunnel To Towers foundation. There will be 99 apartments and 25 small houses deed restricted for veterans at 359 Atlantic City Boulevard (Route 9).

Hundreds of people came out to celebrate

loved one) was here with us.”

Szymanski was asked what he wanted the public to know about the ride. He said “I really wish they knew who we were riding for. These families have faces and names but they are no longer here.”

There’s always a chance that police officers won’t come home, because it’s a dangerous job. That knowledge is always in the back of the mind, but to actually see the pictures of the officers, and read their names and hear their

this major milestone in fighting veteran homelessness. The property will also have 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 will be available through partnerships with local caregivers.

“It’s going to be the first (veterans village) in the state, and they chose Berkeley Township,” Bacchione said. He added that he hoped the ribbon cutting could be as soon

stories, you understand what sacrifice is all about.

How To Help

The best way to support the tour is financially.

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. is a huge undertaking and is growing all the time.

There are 340 names there now, and there are always more to be added. “We’re the only memorial that has no end in sight,” Szymanski said. Visit policeunitytour.com to donate and learn more.

as 12-14 months.

Councilman James Byrnes said he recently met with George R.P. Zimmerman, Jr., Veterans Service Officer for the county. They talked about how there are scammers out there trying to get you to pay them to advocate for you in order to get veterans benefits. These benefits are free and you shouldn’t have to pay for them. There are case managers who can help you. The county veterans office can be reached at (732) 929-2096 and online at co.ocean.nj.us/oc/veterans

Don’t Miss Jason Alexander At Lighthouse International Film Festival

BEACH HAVEN – Join for a 25th anniversary screening of Jason Alexander’s film 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 Alexander - 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.

Teacher: Continued From Page 1

said Hyland’s class joined some 100 other students from local schools to watch her take off.

“She flew over us a few times and was up for well over an hour. They said she was the first to not get sick in a while, making it a longer experience and fun for the pilot and Ellie, alike. 9Gs is a lot on the body,” Silvestri said.

Hyland said, “the actual flight was amazing. I felt excited, exhilarated, and full of adrenaline during the whole flight! Everyone on the Thunderbird Team made me and my family feel so welcome and comfortable. I cannot thank everyone from the Thunderbird Team, the JBMDL, and the Manchester Township School District for granting me this once-in-alifetime experience.”

Hyland is a special education teacher to students between the ages of 14-19 at the Regional Day School and she said her philosophy of teaching aligns with the school’s values of treating each student as an individual with limitless possibilities. “I look forward to taking this experience back to my classroom and sharing the excitement with my students who know that we should always shoot for the stars,

and Miss Ellie did just that... in a fighter jet,” she added.

Hyland also said the experience showcased “to my students by direct example that opportunities and experiences are not limited to anyone. This same lesson is woven into my classroom philosophy for all of my students every single day.”

Superintendent Diane Pedroza expressed how proud she and the rest of the school district was that Hyland was chosen and had taken the flight.

“Ellie’s selection speaks to her courage, dedication, and the inspiring presence that she brings to our school community. This is not only a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity but also a shining example of how Manchester’s educators continue to reach new heights, literally and figuratively,” Pedroza said.

“Her Thunderbird flight reminds all of us to dream big, take bold steps, and embrace the incredible experiences life has to offer,” she said. “She demonstrates this each day in her classroom, where she strives to make sure her students’ school experience is meaningful and joyful. She works hard to instill life lessons into her students that they can take into the real world.”

The Manchester Township School District is unique as it directly neighbors JB -

MDL. “Our continued partnership with the JBMDL has provided such wonderful opportunities for soldiers, students, and staff alike and students who aspire to pursue their goals within the military.

Teachers like Miss Ellie, and all of the soldiers and families, the school district, and our community as a whole,” Pedroza added.

Pedroza noted that Hyland’s flight reinforces and further reflects the pos -

itive impact of the collective, ongoing efforts built over the last few years that have resulted in a wonderful partnership between the military and the township school district.

The Regional Day School is operated by the Manchester Township School District but is located in Jackson Township at 890 Toms River Road and provides appropriate programs and services to children with special needs.

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

Photo courtesy Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst

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

New Paperwork Available For Tax Relief

Carmen F. Amato, Jr. 9th Legislative District Capitol Comments

TRENTON - Senator Carmen Amato, Jr., Assemblyman Brian Rumpf and Assemblyman Gregory Myhre are working to raise

awareness of the State of New Jersey’s new PAS-1 form, a single combined application for the Senior Freeze (Property Tax Reimbursement), ANCHOR, and Stay NJ programs for residents 65 and over, or those collecting Social Security Disability Benefits.

The legislative delegation has been actively

distributing the new application form at various senior communities throughout the district by invitation and is committed to ensuring every eligible property taxpayer is informed and able to apply.

“If you live in our legislative district and have not received a copy of the PAS-1 form in the mail, you can access it online, here, or contact our district office directly,” the delegation said in a joint statement. “We will gladly mail a copy to any resident who

needs one.”

The lawmakers encourage residents, particularly seniors and others who may qualify for relief, to review and complete the updated application as soon as possible to take full advantage of the state’s tax relief programs.

For more information or to request a copy of the PAS-1 form, please contact the 9th District Legislative Office at (609) 6936700.

Senator Questions Why Firefighter Cancer Website Shut Down

Capitol Comments

Senator Cory Booker

WASHINGTON, D.C. – During a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing, Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) confronted Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy about why his agency shut down the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer, citing that the registry’s website stated that firefighters were no longer allowed to enroll. Hours later, the website removed this notice, and the Centers for Disease Control confirmed that the registry is open again.

“I was alarmed that the registry to support firefighters was shut down; it’s why I pressed the Secretary to take action. Even in the most divided times, we have to stand with our first responders and make sure they have the support they need - some issues should rise above politics. I’m grateful this error was corrected, and hope Secretary Kennedy prioritizes the health of our first responders,” said Senator Kim.

During the hearing, Senator Kim echoed the anger of a local fire captain who shared his concerns at a recent town hall in Chatham, New Jersey, and asked Secretary Kennedy why it was shut down.

Secretary Kennedy responded: “I don’t know about that,” but committed to working with Senator Kim on the issue. Senator Kim called for bipartisan agreement to look after firefighters’ needs and honor their service, saying, “if that is not seen as a high enough priority then I am worried about everything else.”

The registry is a federal initiative to study and reduce cancer among firefighters that was shut down when the Trump administration gutted the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Now reopened, the registry can continue its critical work to support U.S. firefighters, answer questions about the varying cancer risks across the diverse fire service, and help look out for firefighters’ health as they bravely serve to protect communities across the nation.

Workers Fired Who Took Care Of People With Blood Disorders

In related news, a senator questioned Ken-

nedy about why workers were fired who took care of people with blood disorders.

U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) wrote a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., inquiring about reports indicating that nearly all of the Division of Blood Disorders and Public Health Genomics staff were put on administrative leave. The letter is cosigned by U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD).

“This division oversees essential programs relied on by individuals living with blood disorders, like sickle cell disease, and could have severe consequences if eliminated. The Division of Blood Disorders and Public Health Genomics oversees the Sickle Cell Data Collection Program (SCDC), the only national public health surveillance initiative solely focused on individuals living with SCD,” the Senators wrote.

In light of these significant changes, the Senators requested answers to the following questions:

On Tuesday, April 1, as part of the HHS-wide staffing reductions all but two members of the CDC’s Division of Blood Disorders and Public Health Genomics were put on administrative leave. Will HHS maintain the grants for the SCD Data

Collection program?

What was the rationale behind the decision to terminate CDC personnel working at the Division of Blood Disorders and Public Health Genomics?

Is there a staffing or funding plan in development to ensure that the work of the Sickle Cell Data Collection Program (SCDC) continues?

How will the consolidation of several agencies into the new Administration for a Healthy America impact the Health Resources and Services Administration and programs like the Sickle Cell Disease Treatment and Demonstration Program and the Sickle Cell Disease Newborn Screening Follow-up Program? Can you confirm that these two programs will be maintained?

“The loss of these programs would undermine more than a decade of progress in building a national infrastructure for SCD surveillance, best practices and trained personnel. We ask that the administration take a careful and considerate approach to sickle cell disease programs at HHS and ensure the continuity of the government’s investment in SCD. Thank you again for your attention to this critical issue,” the Senators concluded.

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.

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

EDITORIAL

Misery Loves Company

I was talking with a few parents that I didn’t know very well, and the conversation turned to a bunch of problems that we share. They weren’t big, life-threatening issues. Just venting. We had these issues in common.

It made me think of how quickly we’ll share minor frustrations rather than things we’re happy about. Why is that? Is it because minor inconveniences are so universal? Who isn’t annoyed by telemarketers or traffic? It’s like a basic comedian saying “What is the deal with airplane food?” It’s relatable and so we fall into our places with ease.

I can’t help but think it’s affecting our collective mood. When everyone follows the same script - complain about trivial stuff - it artificially makes things seem a lot worse. If problems are everywhere, then they feel insurmountable.

Smalltalk could be positive: “Do you have any pets? What are your hobbies? What do you do for a living?” These are simple questions. They might have loaded answers though. Maybe they just lost their job or their pet. Is that why we avoid these questions? Or is it because we don’t want to get personal. If we ask a question of someone,

they might ask a question back. And we’re guarded. Maybe we’re afraid of sharing. Of reaching out and making a real connection.

I wonder what would happen if we started sharing the things that make us happy. Would we come off as bragging or insincere? What if we celebrated each other’s wins instead of commiserating over losses?

If someone asks you how you are doing, only two answers seem socially acceptable. One answer is to mutter something sarcastic or otherwise negative. It’s a way of seeming human without really saying anything. The other is just saying “Good,” and saying it in a way that it doesn’t really mean “good.” It’s just a placeholder. It’s a way to acknowledge that someone asked you how you are without really caring how you are. And then you add “...and how are you?” And then they lie and say “good” and you both go on with your day.

I don’t know if there’s a moral to this meandering musing, or if it’s just an observation to make. I do know that we should celebrate the good things we have.

Chris Lundy News Editor

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.

The Real Meaning Of Memorial Day

Memorial Day is intended to honor and mourn military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. For many citizens this can be personal. Not just for those who lost loved ones. But for all Americans who have relatives who served.

My father, and the father of my wife, who I’ve been married to for 52 years, volunteered during World War II. The former served in the Navy in the Philippines. The latter, in the Army in Europe.

That was a time when America was truly great. When it didn’t turn away from nations invaded by tyrants. Before the lessons learned from Hitler, and Mussolini, and Tojo were forgotten, and the party of Ronald Reagan became the party of appeasement. Some of you who wave flags now and think you’re making America great again, cheer on King Rump as he dismantles our Constitution and places himself above the rule of law. You who excuse his corruption. You who are silent as he grovels before a murderous Russian dictator. You disgrace the flag and all those who died for freedom. Gullibles in the 1930s who believed that if they gave their beloved leader a little more power, he would make their lives better, were wrong. And so are you. You betray what Americans have died for from our beginning.

But you will be remembered. Not as Conservatives. But as weak. As cowards. As the worst generation of Americans. You do make me glad of one thing: that I am old. I won’t have to witness the long-term consequences of what my children and grandchildren will witness.

I hope the Americans, and patriots, and warriors from our times past who made real sacrifices can still see you. I hope you will come to feel their shame for you. And I pray they never forgive you.

Jim Tweed Ocean City

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Overbuilding In Brick

Once again the residents of Brick are faced with a dilemma to their quality of life. Thanks to the state and the courts we are required to provide affordable housing. This has opened the door to undesirable attacks on our local zoning laws. This new law signed by Gov. Murphy is another example of his overreach and desire to destroy the middle class. A stab in the heart to the Jersey Shore, its mandates are unsustainable and disruptive. Never mind that the people have spoken and do not wish to have multi-family housing projects in town as our former Mayor was instrumental in zoning out high density from the town’s Master Plan, instead obtaining large vacant parcels to be reserved and preserved for everyone’s future. Now another square peg in a round hole proposal is currently before the Board of Adjustment (BOA). A plan to build 60 units on 5 acres is underway on a single lane road under the guise of providing affordable housing further burdening our local infrastructure including under-funded school system thanks again to the Governor. Studies show that growth raises taxes, increases crime and destroys the environment. We are not alright in Brick, the environment and traffic concerns are always low priority. Since this proposal requires a variance, hearings have been held. Unfortunately the lack of a nearby neighborhood has precluded raising enough funds to hire an expert attorney. So the BOA, which is theoretically neutral, now appears to be the “opposition” but in reality is providing a tailwind to pass this as soon as possible. At the last meeting the applicant’s attorney incorrectly stated the population of Brick was decreasing in regards to residents’ traffic concerns. When a local resident questioned their attorney’s absurd remark the BOA Chairman jumped to defend the attorney and dismiss the resident’s factual concerns. Upon protest the resident was illegally escorted out by Brick PD least finest, clearly violating his 1st amendment rights and rendering the meeting null and void while subjecting the final decision to legal

challenges. Why couldn’t the attorney answer the question?

Coincidently not long after the next meeting was set for July suddenly it’s been moved up 2 full months? The BOA chairman needs to be replaced or resign.

Just so we are all clear the town has a vested interest in approving anything that provides ratables and fees.

The township Building Department is self-funded by permit and inspection fees. This comes at a crucial time, it’s an election year, the town is spending like a drunken sailor, the current administration has raised taxes, drained reserves and borrowed millions! Laughably claiming they will pay it back later, no doubt through higher future taxes. The only options are a Township garage sale to sell off assets or the Mayor can buy lottery tickets with the remaining tax revenue.

Please come to the next meeting May 29 at Brick Town Hall, your presence is the only hope to stop overbuilding and send a message to local politicians that November is coming soon.

Bruce Bayer Brick

God’s Will Is To Care For The Homeless

Did anyone give thought to what people in this world are really on this Earth for? Did they dig deep into the reason why God put us to all live together on this planet? It’s to share. To share the land, the seas, the mountains, the plains and everything God made when He made the perfect Garden of Eden. Why then must some people on this Earth think they are greater than God Himself and divvy up the land as they see fit? No! We are meant to share and share alike. We should be equal. We should give a “common purse” and not think we are superior to another, because we are not –even if we happen to be blessed with greater assets than others who are desperately in need, as in the case of the homeless shelter, and would rather let these poor people live in the woods or streets overnight. You have been blessed, only from God, with monetary gain. No one else.

I feel and I know that this heavenly shelter from God’s grace is sent as a precious gift from God and not to be regarded as a callous to the community! If the shoe was on the other foot (names of critics of the shelter redacted because they are private citizens) wouldn’t you want to have a place to stay overnight in a bed and not be subjected to the outdoor climate of cold, or wind, or snow, or rain or perhaps incredible heat waves. What would you think then? You would be miserable. You would be upset that a few greedy people worried about the value of their property more than the value of human life. Now, isn’t that more detrimental to society? You are so blessed, yet inconsiderate and selfish if you keep these precious human beings, in the sight of God, out of a little comfort from this shelter facility on Washington Street, which the church – the church – owns anyway. Does money really mean that much to you? If so, that just shows how you and society has turned into a group of worshippers of themselves, money, and have a lack of the basic fundamentals of decency, love, compassion and brotherhood of man, and you are putting yourselves above God!

I beg you please to reconsider your closed views you have denying these 17 people a right to sleep away from the outdoors and change your attitudes toward them.

Judgement day will come some day and when the Lord says to you “When I was naked, you gave me no clothes, when I was thirsty, you gave me no drink, and when I was homeless, you gave me no place to live.” And will you say to the Lord “When did I see you naked or thirsty, or in need of shelter?” And He will say “When you denied it of me. And when you denied it of the homeless people and gave them no shelter at Washington Street in Toms River, New Jersey, you also denied me – the Lord!” Food for thought, isn’t it? People, it’s time to love one another! Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Best regards for your eternity.

Stanis Gachina Toms River

C ommunity n ew S

Central Regional Annual Student Choice Awards

BERKELEY – The 2nd Annual Student Choice Awards was a night to remember! Students honored their favorite teachers with heartfelt awards, unforgettable moments, and lots of well-deserved appreciation, recogniz-

courtesy Central Regional ing the impact our educators make every day. It was a powerful reminder of the connections we build in the classroom and how much those relationships mean. Thank you to everyone who made the night so special!

Golden Eagle Baseball Camp

BERKELEY –This four-day baseball summer camp is from July 7 to July 10 at Berkeley Little League. Available for 5- to 14-year-olds. Age groups will be 5 to 6, 7 to 8, 9 to 10, 11 to 12, 13 to 14. Camp will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Campers can expect to receive instruction in all aspects of the game. They can also expect to have a ton of fun!

The camp is instructed by Central Regional High School coaching staff, led by

head coach Mike Puglisi. The instructors will also include an array of varsity and college-level players. There will be surprises for the kids, such as fun games, guest speakers, and awards! Each camper will also receive a free t-shirt!

Admission is $150 per camper. Additional questions can be emailed to Coach Puglisi at mpuglisi@centralreg.k12.nj.us. Register at bit.ly/GoldenEagleCamp.

All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast

TOMS RIVER – Manitou Park Volunteer Fire Co. # 1 all you can eat pancake breakfast will be on June 8 from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Holiday City South Club House 139 Santiago Drive, Toms River. Breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, juice, and nonstop refills on coffee. Tickets are $12 per person at the door (children under 10 years old free).

Pre-sale tickets for $10 per person will be available from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Firehouse on Fort Defrance Avenue on the following Mondays: May 26, and June 2. Also, seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. until June 2 at the “Carmona-Bolen Funeral Home,” 412 Main Street, Toms River. Call Pat Piccoli at 732-597-8379 for any information.

National Trails Day Cleanup At Double Trouble State Park

BAYVILLE – On June 7 at 10 a.m., join a 2 to 3-mile guided overview of the park’s history while we look for litter on the trails. Expect relatively flat terrain, but a possibility of some mud depending on weather. You may wish to carry a water bottle, small snack, bug spray (ticks are out), and

sunscreen. Limited to 25 participants. Registration required at DoubleTrouble. eventbrite.com. Held sun or slight drizzle. Steady rain or thunder cancels. Ages 8 and up. No pets. Please plan on arriving at least 5 minutes before program start.

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Before VS After on Tobby Jan 28, 2025

Photo

Central Regional Baseball Team Finding Success On The Field

BERKELEY – The Central Regional Baseball Team has gotten off to a hot start in 2025. The boys started the season 7-0, which is the longest winning streak to start a season in 15 years (2009 team started 140). Currently, the boys are now 11-6, with five regular-season games left to play. The team also won a thriller over crosstown rival, Lacey Township, on opening day to take home the first-ever “Cedar Creek Cup.” This trophy marks the long-standing rivalry between the two schools and will be presented to the winning team each year in

Photo courtesy Central Regional the future.

The team has been led by several players. Vinny Berardi has led the way on the mound with 30 IP, a 2-1 record, and a 2.08 ERA. Jr, Tyler Woermer has also made a huge impact on the mound this year with 29 IP, a 4-0 record, and a 2.19 ERA.

The hitters have been led by Shortstop, Tommy Truzzolino. Truzzolino carries a .398 batting average with 23 hits and 17 stolen bases. Jack Tietjen has also dominated at the dish thus far with a .382 average, 21 hits, and 23 RBI.

Pine Beach Vol. Fire Co

100th Anniversary Golf Outing

PINE BEACH – Pine Beach Vol. Fire Co is celebrating 100 years of service with a golf outing on June 4 at Cedar Creek Golf Course. Registration at 1 p.m. Shotgun start at 2 p.m.

Join for a day filled with fun, golf, and celebration as we mark this special milestone. Get ready to hit the greens with fellow supporters and enjoy a round of golf in the

beautiful Pine Beach area. Don’t miss out on this exciting event as we come together to honor our fire company’s century of service to the community. Grab your clubs and get ready for a day of friendly competition and camaraderie.

For tickets, visit eventbrite.com/e/pinebeach-vol-fire-co-100th-anniversary-golfouting-tickets-1289657573519.

Ocean Gate School BlueClaws

Family Game Night

OCEAN GATE – Join Ocean Gate Elementary School for a BlueClaws Baseball family game night on June 12 for opening pitch at 7:05 p.m. Invite all your friends and

family to join in on this event!

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at: gofevo.com/event/Oceangate25?r=99. To support Ocean Gate School.

Food Bank In Holiday City

BERKELEY – There will be a food bank available for those in need at the Holiday City at Berkeley clubhouse, located at 631 Jamaica Boulevard. The food bank is held once a month. This month it will be from 9:30-11:30 a.m. on May 30.

C ommunity n ew S

Girls’ Lacrosse Plays One For Kylie’s Crew

BERKELEY – The Central Regional girls’ lacrosse team earned a hard-fought 10-9 win against Barnegat High School in the pouring rain on April 11, but this wasn’t just another game on the schedule - this one was for Kylie.

Kylie Williams, the three-year-old daughter of Joelle and Kyle Williams, was killed in a January 2024 car accident in Howell, involving another vehicle driven by an individual under the influence. In Kylie’s memory, Joelle and Kyle launched Kylie’s Crew, a non-profit organization with a mission to raise awareness of the dangers of impaired driving.

Joelle, the head field hockey coach at Metuchen High School, is friends and

Photo courtesy Central Regional

former college lacrosse teammates with Central Regional girls’ lacrosse coach Ciara Kvalheim and Barnegat coach Lyndsey Torre. For the second year, the two coaches made their annual matchup a fundraiser for Kylie’s Crew.

“It was a fundraiser but also an opportunity to help spread awareness about driving under the influence and the life-altering effects it can have,” Kvalheim said. “We don’t ever want to see any family go through this again.”

After the game, the two teams came together for a pizza party and representatives of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office spoke to the two teams about the implications of impaired driving.

Girls Flag Football Reaching New Heights

BERKELEY – The Central Regional flag football team has had an exciting and competitive season, currently holding a 2-2-1 record. With a strong blend of grit, teamwork, and resilience, the team has fought hard through every matchup and has shown noticeable growth each week. The two victories came in dominant fashion, 24-6 over Brick Township and 27-6 over Manchester, showcasing the team’s offensive firepower and tight

courtesy Central Regional defensive execution. The tie game was a hard-fought battle that came down to the final seconds, reflecting the team’s never-quit attitude. While the two losses were tough, they served as learning experiences that have only fueled the squad’s determination. As the regular season winds down, the team remains in the playoff hunt. With a potential postseason berth on the line, the team is focused and ready to finish strong.

Ocean Gate Kindergarten Registration

upcoming year. Must be 5 by October 1, 2025.

To schedule your registration appointment or ask any questions, call 732-269-3023 ext. 201. We look forward to seeing you!

NOTICE TO FORMER CLIENTS OF THE LATE ATTORNEY RUSSELL H. HULSIZER

Russell H. Hulsizer, who practiced law at 99 Summit Avenue, Summit, New Jersey and ceased practicing in 2014, passed away on November 22, 2023.

Former clients who wish to collect their legal files or records must do so within 30 days of the publication date of this notice. After that time, the remaining files will be securely destroyed in accordance with the legal and ethical obligations of the State of New Jersey.

To arrange collection or for further information, please contact: James K. Estabrook, Esq.

Executor and Attorney Trustee for Russell H. Hulsizer 908-301-5610 jestabrook@lindabury.com 53 Cardinal Drive Westfield, NJ 07091

Please be prepared to provide valid identification and any relevant case information to confirm ownership of the files.

Photo

Basic Services of Funeral Director & Staff, Transfer from Hospital or Care Center in Ocean or Monmouth Counties (Residence/Further Hospitals Additional), Transfer to Liberty Grove Memorial Gardens, Cremation fee @ Liberty Grove Memorial Gardens, Basic alternative container from Connecticut Casket Co., Cremation Permit Includes:

Additional or Not Included:

Viewing, Embalming, Additional Merchandise, Death Certifacates, Urns, Newspaper Notices, Cemetery Fees and anything not specifically stated as being included.

R Whiteley III NJ Lic No. 4116, Manager

School Celebrates Arbor Day

BERKELEY – Bayville School celebrated Arbor Day with our Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Ofsanko, dedicating our new Hero Tree to the firefighters. Chief John McKay and Will Jubert from NJ Forest Fire Service were in attendance and participated in this dedication ceremony.

Pine Beach Celebrates Arbor Day

BERKELEY – Pine Beach Borough Environmental Commission celebrated Arbor Day and our 100th Anniversary with a tree dedication at Vista Park.

Students from Pine Beach Elementary School’s 4th grade classes joined the mayor to help us dedicate the tree. Students also

courtesy Pine Beach Borough learned the importance of trees to our town and local ecosystem, as well as having a tree of “their own” to visit for years and years to come.

Thank you to all who participated in making this a great event for the students and Pine Beach Borough. EDUCATORS! Have a special event planned for your class? Let everyone know by placing a

in this paper! Call 732-657-7344 to find out how!

Photo courtesy Berkeley Schools

Photo

C ommunity n ew S

Teacher & Student Teacher Honored At Ceremony

BERKELEY – Congratulations to Ms. Morgan Madigan who completed her student teaching in December with Mrs. Nicole Langer. Both were recognized at Kean University’s Distinguished Clinical

Intern and Cooperating Teacher Awards Ceremony on May 7.

Out of 269 student teachers, only 15 received this award. Congratulations Ms. Madigan and Mrs. Langer!

Central Regional Boys & Girls Track Team Off To Successful Start

BERKELEY – The boys and girls track teams competed in the A-South championships on their home track on April 9. The boys finished 6-1 in the division and the girls finished 4-3, one of the best combined performances in recent memory. For the boys, crucial points were scored by Royalty Riley, Nnaemeka Amaechina, Dominic Prasad, and Danny Troncoso in the sprint and field events, putting up impressive numbers in the 100m, long jump, and javelin. Javier Sanchez, TJ Snyder, and Jordan Benzon led the way for the distance

runners, with each of them running under five minutes in the mile.

The girls were led by Breyanna Sullivan, Samantha Boyle, Alana Napolitano, Katie Ytreboe and Laina Hoffman. Bre and Sam recorded impressive times in multiple sprint events and also scored points in the jumps. Alana dominated the throws, scoring top 10 finishes in both shot put and discus. Katie and Laina both put in gutsy performances in the mile and twomile races to secure important points for the team.

Kickball With Cops Returns

OCEAN GATE – Kickball with Cops is back! The tentative start date is May 28 at 5 p.m. at the Softball Field, East Arverne Avenue and Stone Harbor Avenue. Open to ages 5 to 14. Sign up at oceangatepd.com/kickball-with-cops. Those interested in participating should contact Patrolman Joseph Cicardo at jcicardo@oceangatepd.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 courtesy Berkeley Schools

Times BERKELEY The

H ere ’ s t o Y our H e A lt H

Dr. Izzy’s

Sound News

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

Child & Senior Proof Batteries

For those of you still using disposable zinc air batteries, the packaging has dramatically changed. For at least the past 25-30 years, you would be able to peel a TAB off a battery which activates the battery cell and insert the battery into your hearing instrument. These TABS were available in all battery sizes including 10, 312, 13, and 675. The TABS were color coded to make it easy know what size to pick up at most pharmacy stores, food stores, Walmart, Costco, etc. The color designation has not changed; however, each battery package is wrapped so tight, it requires the use of a scissors to open the pack to remove each battery. For seniors with poor dexterity or general weakness, it’s practically impossible to complete this task.

This new battery packaging rule was approved mainly because of the number of children and animals ingesting batteries. In my opinion, once the batteries are removed from the packaging, both children and animals can still ingest these batteries. This new law will FORCE the majority of seniors to switch to rechargeable hearing

aid models. This is not a bad thing since there’s no need to open or close battery doors or deal with packaging at all! You just put the hearing aids in a charger and in 3 hrs. you have a full charge for the rest of the day. The amount of money you would spend buying batteries offsets the cost of the charger which is normally included in the cost of the hearing aids.

If you’re lucky enough to still purchase the older packaging, make sure that these batteries have not expired. If you’re up to the challenge of using a strong scissors to remove each battery independently from the packaging, my advice would be to remove all of the batteries and put them in a separate jar with the battery tabs still on them.

The next time you decide to purchase new hearing aids, just go the rechargeable route and you will be significantly less frustrated.

Dr. Izzy and his Staff are always here to listen to your hearing care needs. Please feel free to contact our office at 732-4513962 or visit our website at gardenstatehearing.com.

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

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

Dear Pharmacist

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

High Blood Pressure: 7 Causes You Might Be Missing

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects more than 70% of adults over the age of 60. It’s often called the “silent killer” because it creeps up quietly, damaging your heart, kidneys, brain, and arteries—often without a single symptom.

Most people focus on the usual triggers, like salt or aging, but there’s more to the story. Understanding the full range of causes, especially the ones your doctor may overlook, can make all the difference.

Let’s start with the 6 most obvious:

1. Aging naturally stiffens blood vessels, making it harder for blood to flow freely. That resistance raises pressure over time.

2. Excess body weight, especially around the midsection, strains the heart and disrupts hormonal balance. It also contributes to insulin resistance, a major cardiovascular risk factor.

3. A sedentary lifestyle lowers circulation and oxygen delivery, contributing to vascular stiffness. Even light, consistent movement improves endothelial function and helps regulate pressure.

4. High sodium intake causes fluid retention, which increases blood volume—and therefore, pressure. Unfortunately, sodium lurks in everything from soups to salad dressings, not just your salt shaker.

5. Chronic stress drives up cortisol and adrenaline levels. These stress hormones constrict blood vessels and keep your nervous system in a constant state of “high alert.”

6. Sleep apnea, especially obstructive sleep apnea, disrupts your oxygen supply throughout the night. This condition leads to surges in blood pressure and raises the risk of arrhythmias and stroke.

Now here’s something your physician may not have mentioned—what I call the “drug mugger” effect. Let’s make it number seven on the list. This happens when medications you take for unrelated issues quietly deplete the nutrients that help regulate blood pressure. For example, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole (Prilosec) or esomeprazole (Nexium) can lower your magnesium, potassium, and calcium levels over time. These minerals are critical for vascular tone and proper nerve signaling. Without them, your blood vessels may tighten up and resist blood flow. So taking a PPI long-term can inadvertently lead to hypertension via the “drug mugger” effect. These drug-nutrient interactions are often missed in routine checkups, yet they can quietly undermine your progress. As a pharmacist, I’ve seen hundreds of cases where restoring nutrient balance made a significant differenceeven when medications alone weren’t enough.

Magnesium deficiency, in particular, has been linked to increased vascular resistance and endothelial dysfunction. I wrote an entire book on Amazon called Drug Muggers to help people identify which medications might be robbing them of essential nutrients. If you’re on a PPI, talk to your practitioner about checking your magnesium levels and supplementing wisely.

Understanding the real root of your high blood pressure, whether it’s a lifestyle issue, a sleep problem, or a hidden nutrient depletion, puts the power back in your hands.

Want the full list of lesser-known causes? I’ve created a longer, more comprehensive version of this article, and I’ll email it to you when you sign up for my Tuesday newsletter 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.

Volunteer With Hackensack Meridian Hospice

NEW JERSEY – If you’re a compassionate person who is looking for a meaningful volunteer experience, then Hackensack Meridian Hospice is the right fit for you. Learn how you can help someone through the simple acts of conversation, playing music, providing a break for family caregivers, or by simply holding someone’s hand!

Hackensack Meridian Hospice is a member of the Hackensack Meridian Health network, a leading not-for-profit health care organi-

zation in NJ. Hospice care includes many things, but what it means to us is dignity, respect, comfort, quality of life and time together at life’s most precious moments. You are invited to attend this free, introductory training session to receive information about the role of the hospice volunteer and the process of becoming a member of our team. To sign up, contact Hospice.Volunteer@HMH.org or call 732751-3750 today!

www.dunndental.com

DeGRAFF CReMATION SeRVICeS

Sherry T. DeGraff NJ Lic No 3921

DIRECT CREMATION $1875

Arrangements Available In Your Home, Removal From Local Hospital, Alternative Container, Wood #ODZ, Transfer To Crematory Located at: DeGraff Lakehurst Funeral Home 119 Union Avenue, Lakehurst 732-657-7868

www.DeGRAFFFuNeRAlhOMe.COM

Additional Costs: Crematory Fee, Urns, Disposition Of Cremains & Certified Copies Of Death Certificates, Permit, Removal Assist. & Mileage, Viewings Or Memorial Services

Title Insurance: Why Every Purchaser Needs It

By: Michael J. Deem, Esq. of R.C. Shea & Associates

JUVENILE RETINOSCHISIS

Juvenile retinoschisis is an inherited condition that begins in childhood and almost exclusively appears in males. The condition affects the retina and causes blurry vision, having the most impact on central vision rather than peripheral vision. Its main symptom is rapidly declining vision. The patient’s vision will deteriorate early in life and then stabilize in early adulthood until the late fifties or sixties, when a second decline in vision usually occurs. Infrequent but severe complications may cause the retinal layers to separate or the retinal blood vessels to leak, requiring surgery to correct. There is no treatment or cure for juvenile retinoschisis, but the vision problems can often be helped by vision aids, including corrective lenses.

Juvenile Retinoschisis

Retinoschisis may be confused with other eye diseases. This includes amblyopia or lazy eye. Speak with an ophthalmologist if retinoschisis runs in your family. If you’ve been diagnosed with amblyopia, an experienced ophthalmologist can rule it out. To learn schedule an appointment, please call SIGHTMD NEW JERSEY SUSSKIND & ALMALLAH EYE ASSOCIATES at 732-349-5622. We offer evening hours most nights of the week.

P.S. Juvenile retinoschisis has been diagnosed in children as early as three months of age.

MARLBORO (732) 972-1015

TOMS RIVER (732) 349-5622

BRICK (732) 477-6981

BARNEGAT (609) 698-2020 www.oceancountyeye.com

Many people ask their attorneys, “what is a title search and why do I need title insurance?” Next to having the appropriate funding to purchase your new home, ensuring that the home you intend to purchase has clean or clear title is essential. All mortgage companies require clear title. It is important to ensure that you have title insurance in the event a title issue arises after you have purchased the home.

Title searchers review old deeds, mortgages and wills at the County Clerk’s office to trace the ownership history of the property. They look for any current or past mortgages, liens or judgments on the property that have not been discharged as well as whether there are any tax liens or unpaid municipal utility bills. The title searchers will also examine the chain of title to confirm that the seller’s ownership rights have not been affected and that the sellers are, in fact, selling you a home without any adverse possessory or equitable interests such as pending litigation or easements. These examples are endless, but the title company performing the search has the expertise to find all relevant concerns prior to the purchase.

Once the title company completes its search it will issue an insurance policy after closing which will insure you and your lender should anyone at any time in the future come knocking on your door claiming an ownership or possessory interest in your property. Should this occur, the title company will step- in and provide you with a legal defense and assume the costs of any litigation. This coverage is similar to automobile insurance after you have become involved in an automobile collision. After an automobile collision, your automobile insurer will provide you with

legal assistance and take corrective measures in the event you are sued. Fortunately, unlike automobile insurance where you pay your premium annually, monthly or quarterly, your title insurance premium is paid only once at the time of closing and this one time premium will provide insurance coverage for as long as you own the home.

It is also important to note that if you have a mortgage you need to obtain both a Lender’s and Owner’s policy. The Lender’s policy covers the mount of the mortgage that is due at the time any claim is made.

An Owner’s policy covers your ownership interest, which is a relatively inexpensive addition to the policy premium. In New Jersey, title insurance is usually paid by the buyer. After closing the buyer’s attorney may need to perform additional legal tasks to complete the conditions of the title policy such as filing additional deeds and discharge of mortgages. The purchaser will receive the final title policy in the mail approximately 6-8 weeks after closing.

While all of this may be overwhelming, we at R.C. Shea and Associates can help you through the process. The law firm of R.C. Shea & Associates, Counsellors at Law, is a full service law firm representing and advising clients in the areas of Wills and Trusts, Estate Litigation, Personal Injury, General Litigation, Real Estate, Medicaid, Medical Malpractice, Workers’ Compensation, Land Use and Planning, Powers of Attorney and much more. Call or visit our office Toms River office at 732-505-1212, 244 Main Street, Toms River, email us at Rshea@rcshea.com or visit our website at www.rcshea.com.

Michael J. Deem, Esq.

Around the JerSey Shore

The Basement Yard Boys To Bring Their Hilarious Hit Podcast To Hard Rock Live

ATLANTIC CITY – The Basement Yard

Boys – Joe Santagato and Frank Alvarez – are bringing their hilarious hit podcast to Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. The Basement Yard Experience is set for July 18 at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com or Ticketmaster.com. All

Photo courtesy The Basement Yard Boys shows are subject to change.

The Basement Yard Boys – Joe Santagato and Frank Alvarez – predict “an impossible-to-forget live experience that will have the audience participating as much as the hosts.” They promise, “It’s unscripted, unpredictable, and if you’re shy, you may want to sit in the back. No, seriously, you might end up on stage.”

Silver Ridge Park North Titanic Exhibition Trip

BERKELEY – The Silver Ridge Park North Travel Club invites you to join them on a day trip to visit the Titanic Exhibition at Liberty Science Center.

The trip will be on June 23. The bus leaves the Silver Ridge Park North clubhouse at 9 a.m. and returns about 4 p.m. Ticket price is $80 and includes transportation, admission to Liberty Science Center, the Titanic Exhibition, and the Planetarium (which is the largest planetarium in the United

Same-Day Denture Repairs • Interest-Free Payment Plans

• Fully participating with Delta Dental PPO & will submit any other PPO insurance plans

• Evening Appointments Available

• All major credit cards and CareCredit accepted

States). A group lunch is available for an additional $10.

Don’t miss out on this exhibit featuring many artifacts from the wreckage, along with replicas of several areas of the ship. You will receive a replica boarding pass and follow their journey on this ill-fated voyage. You can even touch an iceberg to see how cold the water was when the ship sank. For more information, contact Kathy Soltys at 908-380-7176.

Bayville Elks Lodge Seeking Donations

BAYVILLE – Bayville Elks Lodge #2394 are seeking donations to help create tricky tray baskets for the Special Children’s Charity Ball.

Filler for baskets (nothing shredded), ribbon, tape, clear cellophane gift wrap, large baskets. Please bring all donations to the Bayville Elks Lodge.

We’d love to help you thrive during your golden years—let’s talk about how.

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

Around the JerSey Shore

Explore Unexpected Twists And Turns With Bestselling Author Lisa Jewell

TOMS RIVER – You are invited to an exclusive virtual author talk with New York Times bestselling author Lisa Jewell at 2 p.m. on June 10. Jewell will introduce her forthcoming title “Don’t Let Him In” and chat about her life as a writer and her critically acclaimed body of work.

“Don’t Let Him In’s” Nick Radcliffe is just what Nina Swann needed most in her life after her husband’s unexpected death. But, to Nina’s adult daughter, Ash, Nick seems too good to be true. Without telling her mother, Ash digs into Nick’s past and what she finds is more than unsettling.

Martha is a florist living in a neighboring town with her infant daughter and her de -

Photo courtesy Ocean County Library voted husband Alistair. Alistair has been traveling more frequently for work, and Martha can’t shake the feeling that something isn’t right. Nina, Martha, and Ash are on a collision course with a shocking truth that is far darker than anyone could have imagined.

“Don’t Let Him In” will be released June 24.

Registration is required for this free, virtual event. To register, visit tinyurl. com/JewellOCL or call your local Ocean County Library branch.

Ocean County Library cardholders can place a request to borrow “Don’t Let Him In” through our catalog.

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

NEED AN EMERGENCY HOME REPAIR? WE’RE HERE TO HELP AT NO CHARGE

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.

Around the JerSey Shore

The Atlantic Ocean: A Place Where Shipwrecks Are Buried

By Renee A. Thomaier

Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

For centuries ships have been utilized for exploration, transporting cargo or passengers, fishing, and even disaster relief, to name a few. There is a place where the coastline is comprised of shifting inlets, capes, and bays. These shifts make the coastline hazardous for navigating. The Atlantic Ocean is extremely dangerous, where thousands of ships have come to rest. The Outer Banks of North Carolina and Virginia are often referred to as the ‘Graveyard of the Atlantic.’

The earliest shipwreck recorded was in 1526 when explorers found their way to the mouth of the Cape Fear River. In 1750 a fleet of Spanish ships carrying treasure encountered a hurricane, becoming stranded along the North Carolina coast. In 1838, an explosion on the Steamship Pulaski carrying approximately 187 passengers, including crewmen, had sunk when it wrecked on the Ocracoke beach. It is believed that 59 people survived, while 128 lives were lost.

As so many ships failed in their navigational missions, the government began building stations for saving lives along the coast of the Outer Banks. These stations didn’t stop the damage but might have

lessened it. There are many shipwrecks recorded in North Carolina’s Graveyard. It is estimated that through modern equipment searching the graveyard, some 2000 shipwrecks have been found.

Scientists have found there is a 250 percent greater abundance of marine life, including fish and corals, in sites where shipwrecks are found. This is due to trawling practices being either reduced or removed. Trawling is an industrial method of fishing that involves pulling a fishing net through the water behind one or more boats (Wikipedia). It is only with legal protection where these areas are inaccessible to trawlers, that any form of protection is offered at all. Rarely are shipwreck sites subject to trawling pressure. At best, protections offer only a baseline of ecological potential.

Sable Island, off Nova Scotia, with so much shipwreck litter, the section around the island of the Atlantic also shares the nickname of ‘Graveyard of the Atlantic.’ I gathered the information for this article from multiple sources so statistics may vary slightly. To reach me please call 732244-2768.

It’s illegal to possess, relocate, or cause harm to wildlife for any reason. Managing wildlife without the proper state/federal permits is illegal. Violating laws protecting wildlife is punishable by law.

Find Effective Parkinson’s Management Methods

TOMS RIVER – Advances in Parkinson’s disease research offer hope for patients and caregivers. Meanwhile, there are matters of daily life that need attention. Join for “Living Well with Parkinson’s: Practical Strategies for Everyday Challenges,” on June 11 at two Ocean County Library branches:

• Berkeley Branch – 11 a.m. at 30 Station Road, Bayville, 732-269-2144

• Manchester Branch – 2 p.m. at 21 Colonial Drive, 732-657-7600

During this informative one-hour session for patients, families and caregivers, you will become familiar with practical movement exercises, adaptive tools and techniques, and management methods that can improve daily routines.

You can gain insight into the effects of motor and non-motor symptoms on everyday activities, discover tools and manageability methods for tasks such as dressing, eating and household chores, and learn ways to manage anxiety and depression while building resilience and positivity.

Through interactive discussions and handson exercises, discover techniques to improve mobility, balance and independence, stay active, prevent falls, manage stress and enhance emotional well-being. Learn ways to build relationships into a supportive network and access helpful resources.

Family members and caregivers can acquire strategies for supporting loved ones while also managing emotional and mental stress.

Jill C. McClennen, founder of South Jersey-based End of Life Clarity, will lead the workshops. Jill is a trauma-informed yoga instructor, Reiki practitioner and, most recently, certified death doula. Her website features a library of podcasts that can also be seen on YouTube.

Patrons will be asked to sign required waiver forms prior to the start of each session. Register at tinyurl.com/OclParkinsons for this free program in the branch of your choice. For more information, visit or call either participating OCL branch or call 732349-6200. See the full schedule of Library programs in the online Calendar of Events.

photo of the week

Imagine going out to take a picture of a sunrise when a fisherman photo bombs you – boat and all! Little Egg Harbor resident Kate Sanchez admits she got an even better pic as a result. This one was taken down along Great Bay Boulevard. Want to see your snaps in this space? Email photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you could be enjoying a Jersey Shore BlueClaws game – on us!

The Island Singers Spring Concert Series

OCEAN COUNTY – The Island Singers invite you to “The Road of Life,” an evocative choral concert honoring both the challenges and joys to be found in this unpredictable journey we all know as life. Join us as we celebrate the wonder of a newborn child in “Jenny Rebecca,” as we grieve for lost loved ones in “Wanting Memories,” as we recognize the eternal hope in starting over in “You Are the New Day” and appreciate the free will to make our own way in

“The Road Not Taken.”

This program’s lyrical storytelling and harmonic melodies will leave you feeling resilient, strengthened, and ready to honor and cherish your own personal journey of life.

June 13 at 7 p.m. St. Paul Lutheran Church, 130 Cable Avenue, Beachwood June 14 at 2 p.m. Community Reformed Church, 36 Lacey Road, Whiting June 20 at 7 p.m. Forked River Presbyterian Church, 131 N Main Street, Forked River

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.

Open House

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)

For Rent

Big Storage Shipping Containers For Rent - Clean, Dry, Secure. New Gretna, Tuckerton, Manahawkin, Lacey, Bayville. For info call Bob 609-693-1631. (27)

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)

CLASSIFIEDS

Items Wanted

Vinyl Records Wanted - Paying Cash for LP albums. Jazz Rock Reggae Blues. Also buying Comic Books. Call Rick 908-616-7104. (27)

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

Help Wanted

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)

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)

Life Coach - Something bothering you? Discuss in person. Answer may be within you. $25 for 1 hour. Melissa Lekas 732-754-4891. (24)

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

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)

PROFESSIONAL, RELIABLE, PAINTING AND PAPER HANGING - Call 732-688-3532. (28)

Handyman - Painting, powerwashing, electrical, plumbing, light hauling. Call Joe 732-859-9266. (19)

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)

• 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

Auto For Sale • Items For Sale

Items Wanted

2. Print clearly your ad as you want it to read. Include Phone # within ad below (counts as 1 word). Use separate sheet if necessary.

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. • Estate/Garage/Yard Sales

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

1. Below, circle the heading you would like your ad to appear under: If you have any questions, leave a message for Ali 732-657-7344, ext. 203. Deadline For Classified Ads: 12pm Monday (For that Saturday’s publication)

You are responsible for checking your ad the first time it runs and notifying us of any errors. If we make an error, we will correct it and rerun the ad. We will not be responsible for multiple insertions if you do not call us after the first ad run. No refunds for classified ads. Newspapers are available at our office. Please feel free to stop in and check your ad.

Around the JerSey Shore

Explore Unexpected Twists And Turns With Bestselling Author Lisa Jewell

TOMS RIVER – You are invited to an exclusive virtual author talk with New York Times bestselling author Lisa Jewell at 2 p.m. on June 10. Jewell will introduce her forthcoming title “Don’t Let Him In” and chat about her life as a writer and her critically acclaimed body of work.

“Don’t Let Him In’s” Nick Radcliffe is just what Nina Swann needed most in her life after her husband’s unexpected death.

But, to Nina’s adult daughter, Ash, Nick seems too good to be true. Without telling her mother, Ash digs into Nick’s past and what she finds is more than unsettling.

Martha is a florist living in a neighboring town with her infant daughter and her de -

voted husband Alistair. Alistair has been traveling more frequently for work, and Martha can’t shake the feeling that something isn’t right. Nina, Martha, and Ash are on a collision course with a shocking truth that is far darker than anyone could have imagined.

“Don’t Let Him In” will be released June 24.

Registration is required for this free, virtual event. To register, visit tinyurl. com/JewellOCL or call your local Ocean County Library branch.

Ocean County Library cardholders can place a request to borrow “Don’t Let Him In” through our catalog.

Photo courtesy Ocean County Library

Toms River Book Show Will Raise Money For Students

TOMS RIVER - The Toms River Book Show will be an opportunity for readers to shop for books and meet authors, and it’s also a fundraiser for afterschool sports and activities.

The event will take place on June 6 from 6-9 p.m. in the Toms River Artist Community

gallery located at 40 Main Street (Route 9) in downtown Toms River (the former Wells Fargo bank).

The show takes place during one of the very well attended Downtown Night Out events.

A section of Washington Street from Main

Street to Hooper Avenue is closed to vehicles. People eat outside, enjoying live music and ambiance. Hundreds of people come from miles around.

The event is a fundraiser for the Toms River Education Foundation which helps provide

extracurricular activities to enrich local children.

Read more about it at facebook.com/TomsRiverBookShow. To contact the organizers, email TomsRiverBooks@gmail.com

Around the JerSey Shore

Jazz On A Sunday Afternoon At Grunin Center

TOMS RIVER – The Jay and Linda Grunin Center for the Arts will welcome vibraphonist Behn Gillece and guitarist Brian Betz to the Prima Studio Theatre

Photo courtesy Ocean County College for Jazz on a Sunday Afternoon, 3 p.m. on June 1. The Grunin Center is located on the main campus of Ocean County College in Toms River.

New Jersey native and virtuosic vibraphonist Behn Gillece has earned international acclaim as a bandleader, sideman, and recording artist. His performances have graced prestigious stages around the world, including Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, and Smalls Jazz Club, as well as major international music festivals such as Montreux, North Sea and Montreal. His latest album, Stick Together (2024), showcases his vibrant, collaborative spirit, performing alongside pianist Art Hirahara, bassist Boris Kozlov, and drummer Rudy Royston. Guitarist and composer Brian Betz is a twotime winner of the Betty Carter International Jazz Competition and a runner-up for the 2006 Henry Mancini Jazz Competition. Betz performs in concerts and offers clinics and masterclasses throughout the United States. His appearances include the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, The Exit Zero International Jazz Festival, the Berks Jazz Festival and the Cape May Jazz Festival.

Donate To Vets

Beyond performing, both musicians share a commitment to music education. Gillece teaches vibraphone, jazz ensemble, and music theory at Rowan University and shares his expertise through workshops at college and universities around the world. Betz also serves on the faculty at Rowan University, where he teaches jazz guitar and improvisation. He also teaches for Paulsboro Public Schools. In 2018, he was selected by the NJEA and Philadelphia’s FOX 29 as one of the five “Top Teachers” of New Jersey. Don’t miss this extraordinary afternoon of musical collaboration as Gillece and Betz join creative forces to celebrate jazz. Tickets are $28 for adults and $24 for seniors, and can be purchased online at grunincenter.org or by phone at 732-255-0500. Jazz on a Sunday Afternoon is made possible through funding from the Wintrode Family Foundation, the Ocean County College Foundation, and through support from the New Jersey Jazz Society.

Donate your car, running or not boat, truck, RV, Jet Ski or snowmobile to AMVETS POST 911 NJ and receive a tax deduction. This no cost, no hassle process begins when you contact our fundraising partner, Donation Line LLC, at 877-227-7487. Make sure to ask for our extension 3390. Free towing in the US. IRS compliant tax deduction documentation. Thank you for helping our Veterans

FUN & GAMES SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Romantic urges may stir a restless longing that demands attention. Consider inviting a loved one on a thrilling escapade. If your dreams revolve around being the top in your field, work a little harder this week.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Plan before you take the plunge, don’t start anything without a solid game plan. A romantic fling might be more trouble than it’s worth. However, a few kind words in the right ear might ignite a new friendship.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Be there for the loyal ones. If a good friend needs a hand, don’t hesitate to reach out and offer your support. You could improve your connections and gain positive attention with consistent social networking.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Pause, and deep-breathe your way through any urge to act rashly. Take a beat to mull things over before moving forward; your judgment might be a touch shaky. Focus on romantic dreams and how to make them a reality.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Genuine friends may reveal their true nature in tough times. You might discover a wealth of support by your side during a crisis. Stay detached from emotional reactivity to a potential triggering event; objectivity is your best ally.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): If you’ve got talent, let it shine. Don’t shy away from displaying your abilities, you might catch the eye of someone helpful. The tougher the competition, the sweeter the triumph, so find ways to rise to the challenge this week.

FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 24-30

BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS

OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): What’s right is right. Following the consensus won’t help if everyone is ignoring the truth. Ensure your decisions are based on logic and hard facts and avoid making it personal. Be pleasant while remaining confident in yourself.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Check the numbers regularly. Review your finances to catch any possible slip-ups before they balloon into something difficult to contain. Friends or loved ones may need your love and support as the week unfolds.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):

The quickest path to reaching your goal is a direct one. Concentrate your energies by tuning out low-level distractions and dedicating your time this week to what is most pressing and to the things that bring you the most joy.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Let bygones be bygones. Be the bigger person and reconcile past differences with a rival. Be kind and generous, and you could soon be repaid in kindness. Be available for loved ones if and when they need support.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Scrutinize the details. Review contracts or financial agreements thoroughly before committing, or you might end up with unexpected results. This could be the week to embrace a significant shift in your creativity.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Look for the light at the end of the tunnel. When dealing with routines and tasks, remember there are reasons behind it all, and a reward might be waiting for you. A positive attitude can make things more enjoyable.

SERIOUSLY SIMPLE: A TWIST ON CLASSIC OATMEAL COOKIES

By America’s Test Kitchen

I’ve never been much of a cookie maker, but when my friend Nina said, “Diane, you have to try these cookies,” I said, “OK!” I have mastered my chocolate chip cookie recipe, which results in a crispy and not too sweet cookie, so I thought why not try these oatmeal cookies, studded with finely chopped medjool dates and chopped pecans.

I was familiar with the classic raisin oat cookie, but not with dates. And Nina was right. These were perfectly easy to put together with fantastic results. I particularly loved the change up of dates for raisins. The pecans complement the sweet date flavor. Make sure to use old-fashioned whole rolled oats for the proper consistency and chew: chewy in the center and crispy at the edges. Depending upon your preference, bake them for a few minutes less for a more chewy consistency and for the full 18 minutes for a crispier texture. These cookies are very light brown, so don’t expect a dark brown cookie. I have been told before making the dough, if you toast the oats for 15 minutes in a 350-degree oven until nicely browned, they will bring an amazing nutty, rich flavor to the cookies.

If you like a little decoration, use a fork and lightly push down on each unbaked cookie to give it a little stripe. Fifty cookies may seem like a lot, but they disappear from the plate quickly.

Makes about 50 cookies

1 1/2 cups brown sugar

1/2 cup white sugar

2 sticks (8 ounces) softened butter

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 eggs

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

3 cups whole rolled oats

6 pitted medjool dates, finely chopped 1/2 cup chopped pecans

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Place the oven rack in the upper third of the oven. In a large mixing bowl combine the sugars and butter, and beat with an electric mixer until creamy, about 3 minutes. Add vanilla and eggs and beat another minute or so, until completely blended.

2. Combine flour, salt and baking soda and on low to make sure flour stays in the bowl. Turn up the speed and beat until combined. Add oats, dates and pecans, and beat on low to make sure the ingredients stay in the bowl. Increase speed to blend all ingredients together.

3. Line two sheet pans parchment and arrange them on the counter.

4. Using a small scooper or a heaping tablespoon, arrange cookie dough rounds on each sheet pan about 1 1/2 inches between each cookie. Bake one tray at a time, for about 16 to 18 minutes or until very light brown.

5. Remove from the oven, slightly cool and transfer cookies with a spatula to wire racks. Let cookies cool. These are best enjoyed on the day they are made.

NINAS OATMEAL DATE COOKIES