2025-06-28 - The Manchester Times

Final STEM Event Of The Year Takes Flight

By Bob Vosseller MANCHESTER –

Another school year is over but among the many memories that students will cherish was an event that took flight at the Manchester Middle School.

The Engineering Team and engineering students from Ocean County came together to assemble and fly paper airplanes, bottle rockets, kites, boomerangs, and other objects. The event featured many fun and educational activities that took place that evening inside and outside the school. Food and activities were also part of the evening event thanks to the Manchester Township Education Association.

Professor Pam Bogdan from the Ocean County College Engineering Department builds rockets with her students and is also part of a community outreach program that

Students Bring Purpose And Passion To Vo-Tech Medical Career Fair

By Stephanie Faughnan

TOMS RIVER – The front lawn of Ocean County Vocational Technical School’s (OCVTS) Toms River campus recently buzzed with energy as more than 250 students mingled with representatives from over 40 healthcare employers during a highly anticipated career fair. While the event focused on opportunity, for some, it was about more than

- See Page 4)

Police Promoted At Special Ceremony

Manchester Police Manchester Township Council Vice President James Vaccaro at far left, joins members of the township police department including officers who were recently promoted, hired and transferred to other divisions. At the ceremony was Police Chief Antonio Ellis, and at far right Councilwoman Sandy Drake and Mayor Joseph Hankins.

By Bob Vosseller MANCHESTER –

Members of the township police department came out to be introduced, promoted, and recognized during a recent ceremony held at the Municipal Complex Civic Center.

Chief Antonio Ellis greeted members of the public, relatives and friends of the officers as he announced the promotion of Detective Patrick Cervenak and Patrolman Jason Wiener to sergeant, the designation of Corporal to Patrolman Robert Maccaquano, and the lateral transfer of Patrolman Thomas Chant to Detective during the ceremony.

Also in attendance were Mayor Joseph Hankins, Vice Council President James Vaccaro and Councilwoman Sandy Drake.

“Today, we elevate two accomplished veteran officers as they

assume leadership roles as sergeants, recognize a seasoned veteran patrolman as corporal for his years of honorable service, and welcome a new detective to our Investigations Bureau,” Chief Ellis said. “These individuals have earned their roles and recognitions, as they have continually demonstrated their commitment to serving the Manchester Township community.” Taking his oath first was Sgt. Cervenak who started his law enforcement career in 2007 with the Manchester Township Police Department. He served in the Patrol Division until May 2023.

Cervenak was chosen to join the Investigations Bureau, where he served as a detective and in 2020, he earned his master’s degree in criminal justice from California Coast University. Over the course of his (Police - See Page 5)

Photo courtesy

Photo by Bob Vosseller

Robin Ford was excited to launch a bottle rocket as part of the school’s STEM program at Manchester Middle School.

(STEM - See Page 5)

Gabriella Ardilesles and Zafer Kose, shared-time students in OCVTS’s Medical Assisting program. (Career Fair

OCVTS students engage with recruiters at the school’s annual healthcare career fair to explore real-world opportunities in the medical field.

Photos by Stephanie Faughnan

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Career Fair:

Continued From Page 1 job prospects - it was about purpose.

The annual healthcare career fair has grown into a signature event for OCVTS, drawing employers from across Ocean and Monmouth counties looking to meet future healthcare professionals. The fair’s intention is to bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional opportunity.

Representatives from hospitals, rehabilitation centers, dental practices, fitness organizations, and home health care agencies stood behind display tables, fielding questions and collecting resumes from young aspiring professionals. The school’s health programs, ranging from pre-nursing and medical assisting to dental assisting and practical nursing, have drawn a diverse group of students committed to entering the workforce - or taking their education to the next level.

One of them is Mary Kate Opel of Barnegat.

At 34, Opel has proudly completed the school’s intensive 10-month Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program, a fastpaced course designed for post-secondary students. She’s no stranger to the healthcare field - she previously held a job as a pharmacy technician and continues to work per diem at Ocean University Medical Center in Brick. But she wanted more.

“I knew I wanted to get into actual handson medicine,” said Opel. “I wasn’t exactly sure what direction I’d go, but I knew I wanted to help people. This is just the start.”

Opel said she enjoyed the clinical rotations and the work necessary for preparing for the NCLEX licensure exam. Despite the daily tests, accelerated pace, and heavy workload, she describes the program as “awesome.”

“The teachers are great,” she said. “They hold us accountable, but they also support us in every way - during the program and even after graduation. They send out job opportunities, and they celebrate every time someone passes their boards. There’s a wall in the office where they write our names.”

Opel acknowledged that going back to school in her 30s came with doubts - but she found camaraderie in her classmates, who span every age and background.

“We have people just out of high school, single parents, career changers,” she said.

“There’s a woman in my class who’s 43. We’re all in different places, but we’re there for the same reason.”

While her classmates might ultimately branch into a variety of specialties, Opel already knows her destination.

“My goal is to be a registered nurse and work in hospice care,” she said. “It’s personal for me. I lost my dad to cancer when I was young, and the hospice nurses were phenomenal. They didn’t just take care of my dad - they took care of us, too. It wasn’t just about someone passing. It was about making sure everyone involved was supported. I want to pay that forward.”

The LPN program at OCVTS is open only to students who have already graduated from high school. However, high school students in Ocean County can enroll in shared-time programs on campus. Gabriella

Ardilesles and Zafer Kose, both currently enrolled in the Medical Assisting program, split their days between Toms River North High School and OCVTS. Set to graduate next year, the two arrived at the career fair with polished resumes and visited the Community Medical Center table to explore volunteer opportunities.

“I’m interested in medical assisting because I want to help people,” Gabriella said, acknowledging she’d like to get some hands-on experience before she finishes school.

Resume-building is part of the curriculum for these students. OCVTS instructors run three separate classes focused on professional presentation, ensuring every student was ready to impress potential employers during the fair.

OCVTS offers a diverse lineup of health-related programs tailored to meet the growing demand in the field:

Pre-Nursing: Equips students with foundational knowledge to pursue further nursing education.

Medical Assisting: Prepares students to handle both administrative and clinical duties in medical offices.

Practical Nursing (LPN): A full-time, accelerated post-secondary program leading to licensure.

Dental Assisting: Teaches patient prep, sterilization, and dental procedures.

Health and Fitness Technology: Merges wellness coaching with personal training skills.

A Broad Range Of Opportunities With 43 healthcare organizations in

attendance, students had plenty to explore - from dental offices and urgent care facilities to senior living centers and home health care agencies.

Lori Losacco, who is a registered dental assistant herself, appeared at the career fair on behalf of Ocean Pediatric Dental Associates. She said she has participated in the event multiple times and is always impressed by the caliber of the dental assisting students.

“We currently have two students from the program working in our office,” Losacco shared. “We hire from here every year. It’s a great opportunity for the students to speak with professionals in the field, and it also helps us connect with people who are passionate about what they do.”

Losacco emphasized the value of giving students exposure to various areas within dentistry - from pediatric to general, oral surgery to periodontics.

“It helps them explore their niche,” she said. “This might be their first step, but it sets the tone for where they’ll go.”

Representatives not only collected resumes but also discussed internships, job openings, and volunteer positions. Some offered interviews on the spot.

In a time when the healthcare industry faces staffing shortages and increased demand, OCVTS’s approach appears to be more than just timely - it’s transformational. The fair wasn’t just about handing out resumes. It was about planting roots in a career - and in many cases, a calling.

:

Continued From Page 1

involves the school district.

“I am the program chair for engineering and technical studies at Ocean County College. We do this in partnership with the Civil Air Patrol. We’ve done about 10 rockets. Basically, all these rockets were manufactured by OCC engineering students,” she added.

She explained that two-liter bottles are filled with water. They pressurize it with a pump and once they release it, the bottle goes straight up in the air. “It is fun and I really like the fact that we use manual

Police:

Continued From Page 1

career he received more than 20 awards and commendations, including the Chief’s Award, Valor Award, Meritorious Service Awards, Exceptional Duty Awards, citizen commendations, and positive performance notices.

Next to take the oath was Sgt. Wiener who began his law enforcement career in 2011 with the department and was assigned to the Patrol Division until his promotion.

Throughout his career, he received two Honorable Service Awards, the Admin -

pumping so the students get a sense of how much power and energy they are putting into it, whereas if they just pushed a button they really wouldn’t get a sense to that. They really have to put some work into it.”

One MTMS student was eager to see his rocket launch as he pumped away with great vigor.

Teacher Maura Simister, who runs the STEM program at MTMS, was there to watch the students’ efforts.

“We usually do three or four events per year. I got a grant from the teachers association for a community event that brings members of the community in to see what the students are doing and learning so they

istrative Commendation Award, Chief’s Recognition Award, Lifesaving Awards, the Kimberly Smith Ames DWI Award and MADD Award, and various Unit Citations. Wiener earned his master’s degree in criminal justice from California Coast University in 2020.

Receiving the distinguished corporal designation was Patrolman Maccaquano, who in 2005 was hired by the Manchester Township Police Department where he was assigned to the Patrol Division. In addition to his positions as a detective and patrol officer, he held several specialized assignments including: Firearms Instructor, In-Service Departmental In -

can share their projects,” Simister said. She noted one of the projects they did during this past school year “was a clean energy fair and then in the fall we had a computer science fair. We try to pick from recent topics that are going around.”

Robin Ford, a preschool student in the district, had to touch his nose as part of the safety test.

“You passed,” Professor Bogdan said, which made Robin very excited as he prepared to shoot off his bottle rocket. His grandmother brought him to the event and was urging him on as he pumped away and eventually launched his vessel into the sky.

structor in the areas of Use of Force, Active Killer Response, Critical Incidents, and Range Safety. Over the course of his career, Cpl. Maccaquano received a Life Saving Award, two Meritorious Service Awards, two Honorable Service Awards, Unit Citations, Education Award, and Pistol Distinguished Expert Award.

Superintendent Diane Pedroza noted how the weather was perfect for learning with water rockets.

(STEM) is an umbrella term used to group together the distinct but related disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The term is typically used in the context of education policy or curriculum choices in schools. The acronym has implications for workforce development, national security concerns (as a shortage of STEM-educated citizens can reduce effectiveness in this area), and immigration policy, with regard to admitting foreign students and tech workers.

Transferred laterally from the Patrol Division to Investigations Bureau was Detective Chant, who was hired by the Manchester Township Police Department in 2013. Chant was previously assigned to a part-time position in the Investigations Bureau and given a caseload in addition to his patrol responsibilities in 2021.

Chant has served as a Firearms Background Investigator, Field Training Officer, and as a member of the department’s Accreditation team.

Chief Ellis remarked, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mayor Hankins, members of the Township Council, and Township Administration for their continued support of our police department and our mission to serve our residents to the highest possible level.”

“We wish each officer success as they continue their law enforcement careers in service of Manchester Township and its residents,” Ellis added.

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY

FEATURED LETTER

A Local Teacher’s Story – Why Pension Fairness Matters To All Of Us

My name is Irene Wojcik, and I am a proud teacher at Brick Township High School. I’ve dedicated nearly 30 years of my life to educating young people, most of whom are from right here in New Jersey. I’m writing to share a very personal story that affects not just me, but many of your neighbors, friends, and family members who work in public service.

I began teaching fulltime in 1997, after sub -

stituting immediately following college graduation in 1996. By 2006, I had over 10 years in the state’s public pension system and was fully vested, meaning I had earned the right to receive a pension. Then life happened. My young twins needed care, and my aging parents moved to North Carolina. As a close-knit family, we all relocated so we could stay together.

I continued teaching in North Carolina for over 10 years, thinking that my

Baseball: A Withering Pastime

Where has our beloved game gone, and when will the joy of it ever return?

The pitcher at bat, once a strategic art, now feels like a distant memory.

Game 163, a rare and exciting phenomenon that once occurred every few years, was a distant memory. The long-lost summer of ‘98 was another memorable year, but it was tainted by numerous controversies surrounding the game.

Yes, it was entertaining, and in my youth, I would mimic McGwire, Sosa, and Bonds’ batting stances and toss our bats as if we had hit 70-something home runs that summer. I can still recall the old men saying,

“What the hell happened to the fundamentals?”

Now that I’m approaching 40, I’m beginning to understand the reasons behind these changes. Everyone seems to be trying to ‘reinvent the wheel.’

Until 2020, there were over 100 minor league teams across America, but Commissioner Robert Manfred significantly reduced this number. My partner, who grew up in the Great Kills section of Staten Island, was deeply saddened by the elimination of his favorite team, the Staten Island Yankees. I would feel the same way if the Jersey Shore Blueclaws (formerly Lakewood Blueclaws) and the Trenton Thunder (now a collegiate summer ballclub) were to disappear.

The Manchester 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.

New Jersey pension was safe. But when we moved back home to Brick in 2017- this time to help care for my husband’s ailing parents - I learned that I had been placed into a completely different pension plan, despite my years of dedicated service and my vested status.

I’ve been teaching for nearly three decades, and I’ll have to work 14 more years to retire - and when I do, I’ll receive far less than I should. If I choose to

retire earlier, the penalties are severe.

This isn’t just about me. It’s about the many public employees - especially women - who step away from their jobs for personal reasons: to raise children, care for loved ones, or manage their health. Under the current system, we’re punished for these decisions.

That’s why I’m urging lawmakers in Trenton to support and pass A1675 / S2078. This bill would allow vested public em -

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Who remembers the Newark Bears, the Camden Riversharks, and the Atlantic City Surf? These teams went bankrupt, and their stadiums were left to decay and be demolished. Yet, one of them still stands.

As a new season comes near soon, I remember watching an old HBO documentary, “When It Was a Game.” It documented different eras with old, never-before-seen amateur footage from the 1930s up until the 1960s. What I like about the ‘Golden Age of Baseball’ is when the game was a game and it was before all of these rule changes, collective bargaining agreements, sponsorships, endorsement deals, and here we are today. It was greed that killed it all. Rules were changed to generate new revenue from younger fans.

My generation appreciated the retro uniforms, but today’s fan loves the new ‘City Connect’ era uniforms. Some are good, and some are just plain dull and rubbish. But here’s to yesterday! It’s okay to remember the good of 20 years ago minus the greed because there are great up-and-comers from various ball clubs’ farm systems, and yes, it is okay to watch the game still. Last year’s postseason brought an edge back with the Yan-

ployees to return to their original pension tier if they had a break in service. It’s a matter of fairness, respect, and dignity for those who have devoted their lives to serving others.

This bill already has broad bipartisan support and passed with strong margins in both the Senate and the Assembly. It just needs to be scheduled for a final vote so it can go to the Governor’s desk. We’re so close.

Please contact Assembly

Speaker Craig Coughlin and urge him to bring Bill A1675 to the Assembly floor. With your voice, we can take the final step toward justice for teachers and public employees who’ve given so much to our communities.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story - and for supporting the people who serve yours.

Irene M. Wojcik Teacher, Brick Township High School

kees-Dodgers rivalry rekindled, and let’s see what happens this upcoming season.

Erik J. Kjem Plainsboro (Formerly from Toms River)

Menendez

Deserves Jail More Than 2A Patriots

Soon to be imprisoned disgraced former Senator Robert Menendez was throughout his political career an ardent enemy of the words: “...the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed” as is contained in the last paragraph of Article II of the Bill Of Rights. In recent years he frivolously threw about the advocacy of sentencing any out of state law-abiding citizen who possessed a firearm carry permit issued by one of our sister states and who accidentally crossed over into New Jersey with that permit and firearm to a five year prison term.

If he, as a new resident of one of those same horrible brown bar hotels should happen to read this letter, I’d like to ask him, now that he’s looking at his twilight years, (eleven to be exact), in such accommodations, if he still thinks five years

out of, [unlike himself], a totally innocent citizens life for making the mistake of incorrectly reading a road map is something to be dealt out and scoffed at with such abandonment?

Lawrence J. Braico Manchester

was overwhelming, with honks, cheers, fist pumps, claps, peace signs, and thank you gestures. I write this to set the record straight. In truth,

Don’t Lie About Rally Your Electricity Can Be Shut Off

I am writing to bring to the readers’ attention a significant event which occurred last week in Toms River which has seemingly been underreported by the media, and misrepresented by biased news sources.

On Saturday, June 14, in front of the Ocean County Mall on Hooper Avenue, there was a peaceful No Kings protest attended by a great number of people. I was there. There was a continuous line of people, several rows deep, which ran from Bay Ave to past BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse. Someone taking a head count said there were over 2,000 in attendance. It certainly seemed to be the case. Despite what I read in another online paper, Trump supporters in the crowd were de minimus.

Other than a few offensive comments, the support from passing cars

Caroline Rossi Brick Summer is almost here, and with it will come deadly heat waves supercharged by the climate crisis. Yet in 27 states, it’s perfectly legal for utility companies to shut off electricity on the hottest days of summer, leaving individuals and families without air conditioning in extreme temperatures and threatening their health and safety.

Shutting off power and preventing access to lifesaving air conditioning in the summer can have life-or-death consequences. We need to shine a spotlight on this critical issue and raise our voices to demand change. Utility companies and local leaders everywhere must act to end utility shutoffs on the hottest days of summer. Save lives - stop the summer shutoffs.

William Dowd Brick

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

Congressman Applauds SCOTUS Decision To Hear Case About Pro-Life Centers

From The Desk Of

Congressman Chris Smith

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), a leading prolife lawmaker in the House of Representatives welcomed the Supreme Court (SCOTUS) announcement that it will hear the case of First Choice Women’s Resource Centers v. Platkin in its upcoming 2025-2026 term.

The First Choice Pregnancy Resource Center, located in New Jersey, is challenging an unwarranted subpoena issued by the New Jersey Attorney General on the grounds that the subpoena violates the organization’s constitutional rights and that they have been targeted because of their life-affirming mission and religious speech.

“Pregnancy care centers exist to compassionately help women in their time of need through free support and resources, and the fundamental conscience rights, religious rights, and freedom of speech of First Choice Women’s Resource Center must be respected,” said Smith who co-chairs

the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus,

“At the Supreme Court, First Choice Women’s Resource Center will have the opportunity to present its case and help expose the discrimination that they and others have faced simply because of who they are and how they help women and their unborn children in a time of crisis.”

Smith is the author of the Let Pregnancy Centers Serve Act of 2025 (HR 2226), federal legislation to prohibit federal, state and local governments from discriminating against the nearly 2,700 pregnancy care centers across the United States. Smith’s bill, which was introduced at a widely attended Capitol Hill press conference in March, will protect the centers by strengthening federal conscience laws, prohibiting states from requiring pregnancy care centers to be complicit in abortion promotion and identifying mechanisms for relief including compensatory damages.

“While pro-abortion legislators and administrations attempt to smear, punish, and distort the work of pregnancy care centers, the reality is that pregnancy centers are oases of love, compassion, empathy, respect,

and quality care for both mothers and their precious children,” said Rep. Smith.

“The American people understand the importance of the services that pregnancy centers provide,” said Smith. A January 2025 poll found that 83 percent of Americans support pregnancy care centers, including 80 percent of the individuals who identify as ‘pro-choice.’

Over the course of one year alone (2022):

• Pregnancy centers provided more than 3.2 million client sessions and received a 97.4 percent client satisfaction rate.

• 808,737 clients received free goods and services worth at least $367 million, including packs of diapers, baby formula, baby clothes, new cribs, and strollers.

• More than 44,900 Americans have volunteered at pregnancy care centers, and over 10,000 medical staff and volunteers provided care to clients, including performing 546,683 free ultrasounds, estimated to be worth $136 million.

• Over five years, the lives of more than 828,130 unborn babies were saved through the work of pregnancy care centers.

Investigating Potential Fraud

“First Choice - a crisis pregnancy center operating in New Jersey - has for years refused to answer questions about their

operations in New Jersey and the potential misrepresentations they have been making, including about reproductive healthcare,” New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said. “We issued a lawful subpoena in November 2023 to ensure that First Choice was complying with all relevant state laws. Non-profits, including crisis pregnancy centers, may not deceive or defraud residents in our State, and we may exercise our traditional investigative authority to ensure that they are not doing so - as we do to protect New Jerseyans from a range of harms.

“The question before the U.S. Supreme Court focuses on whether First Choice sued prematurely, not whether our subpoena was valid. I am optimistic that we will prevail when the Supreme Court considers that question this fall. First Choice is looking for a special exception from the usual procedural rules as it tries to avoid complying with an entirely lawful state subpoena, something the U.S. Constitution does not permit it to do. No industry is entitled to that type of special treatment - period. I remain committed to enforcing our fraud laws without fear or favor against anyone who would harm or violate the rights of our residents, no matter how powerful the entity on the other side.”

Senators Oppose Trump’s Offshore Drilling Plan

Capitol Comments

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A group of lawmakers are opposing any new or expanded offshore oil and gas leasing in the Trump administration’s proposed updates to the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) oil and gas leasing program.

Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) led 40 Democratic Colleagues in the Senate and House to submit formal comments to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM).

In their letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, the lawmakers warned that more offshore drilling would threaten our national security, coastal communities, marine life, and local economies – all while handing more giveaways to an industry already sitting on millions of acres of

unused leases. They urged the agency to exclude any new leasing in the final program.

“New or expanded oil and gas leasing poses risks to the health and livelihoods of our constituents, jeopardizes our tourism, fishing, and recreational economies, and threatens the marine life that inhabits our coastlines” the members wrote. “New, unnecessary lease sales will lock in decades more of pollution and climate impacts from an industry that already holds more than 2,000 offshore leases covering more than 12 million acres of federal water, of which only 469 leases are currently producing oil and gas. The United States is already the number one producer of oil and gas in the world. There is no need for increased leasing, especially when oil and gas companies continue to impose environmental and climate consequences, public health risks, and billions of dollars in cleanup costs on the American people.”

Members also reminded the Secretary of the long-standing legal restrictions that prevent the administration from offering lease sales in protected areas.

“We remind the agency that it cannot offer sales in areas permanently protected under Section 12(a) of OCSLA, including areas off the Atlantic coast, the Pacific off the coast of California, Oregon, and Washington, the Eastern Gulf of Mexico, and portions of the Arctic Ocean, including the Beaufort Sea and Chukchi Sea planning areas. In 2017, during his first term, President Trump attempted to reverse President Obama’s Arctic and Atlantic withdrawals, but Judge Sharon Gleason for the District Court of Alaska determined that Section 12(a) does not give the president authority to revoke prior withdrawals. President Trump does not have the authority to reverse the Obama and Biden withdrawals, and his Executive Order of January 2025, which attempts to do so, is unlawful,” the members continued.

During his first term, the Trump administration proposed 47 lease sales over

five years, covering nearly every U.S. coastline. Fortunately, this program was never finalized due to litigation and strong bipartisan opposition. But now, with the Biden administration’s leasing plan under review and Secretary Burgum signaling that protections may be on the chopping block, lawmakers are raising the alarm once again.

At a budget hearing last week, Secretary Burgum refused to commit to protecting Florida’s Gulf Coast from new oil and gas leasing, saying only that “the administration may be considering opportunities.” This region has long been protected by both bipartisan legislation and administrative withdrawals – protections that are now under threat.

Lawmakers leading the charge against offshore drilling include Alex Padilla (DCA), and Jack Reed (D-RI) along with U.S. House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (DCA), U.S. House Energy and Commerce Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-NJ), and Representative Kathy Castor (D-FL).

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.

Senator Cory Booker

Terrapin Nesting Site Is In House’s Front Yard

By Stephanie Faughnan

BARNEGAT LIGHT - To most passersby, one front yard on Bayview Avenue in Barnegat Light looks like a child’s dream playground - a giant sandbox. But those in the know understand that the sandy plot serves a far more vital purpose.

This isn’t a playground - it’s a maternity ward.

Thanks to the generosity of homeowners Lisa and Michael Dolan, the front of their bayside property has become a haven for one of Long Beach Island’s most vulnerable residents: the northern diamondback terrapin. Here, dozens of female terrapins emerge from the water each season to lay eggs in the warm sand - under the careful watch of a dedicated group of volunteers known as the Terrapin Nesting Project.

Kathy Lacey, an environmental scientist and herpetologist, launched the project in 2011 after a personal battle with cancer. Long before that, she considered Long Beach Island her “stomping grounds,” even as life took her to Pennsylvania. Lacey’s roots here run deep - her brother owns a local diner, her sister sells real estate, and she herself remains fiercely connected to the area’s ecology.

Lacey recalled the first time she became concerned for the diamondback terrapins dated back to 1984, when a building moratorium in the area was lifted. “I was very aware of the problems the turtles were having,” she said. “They took over all that property in High Bar Harbor, and in the process, replaced the natural sandy beaches with hardscaping.”

The change had an immediate and devastating effect. “The terrapins were having a terrible time,” Lacey continued. “After that, there were basically no hatchlings left in the bay.”

Years later, Lacey came down to the island with her husband. The two noticed

assorted eggshells on top of the sand, which meant the eggs did not incubate and hatch. “Predators like raccoons or crows had dug them up and eaten them,” Lacey explained. “My husband said, ‘Kathy, you should do something about this.’”

“He could kick himself ever since,” smiled Lacey. “Because that meant me saying ‘bye dear’ as I went off to the shore.”

Initially backed by the Sierra Club and armed with a determination as strong as a turtle’s shell, Lacey began knocking on doors, educating residents about the disappearing terrapin population. Most hadn’t realized the turtles were even in trouble. That first year, she collected 228 eggs, and 225 hatchlings made it into the bay.

A Community Of Volunteers

The Terrapin Nesting Project now boasts dozens of active volunteers, each playing a vital role. From May through July, they patrol neighborhoods for nesting females, rescue eggs from high-risk spots like roadsides, and tend to the protected hatcheries. The group monitors the eggs through their 60-to-90-day incubation period - timed with the hottest days of summer - and releases the hatchlings into the bay once they emerge.

“The volunteers are extremely devoted to the terrapins, the project and the ecology,” said Lacey. “Some have been there from the very beginning. Many show up four days a week and even come in from the mainland.”

Lacey is meticulous in her approach. Each turtle gets a name, location record, and - a tiny PIT (Passive Integrated Transponder) tag implanted under the skin. These chips help prevent poaching and track the turtles’ growth and migration.

One recent entry: a terrapin named Lilabeth, discovered on 25th Street and

noted as “gravid” - a scientific term for carrying eggs. Her shell showed remnants of barnacles, an indicator of her time spent in the water.

Lacey said that she’s probably worked with almost every one of the 350 different species of turtles and tortoises. “If you picked up any other turtles while they were trying to nest and put them on sand, they certainly wouldn’t nest for you,” she shared. “They’d run in the opposite direction. For some reason, these girls need to know we’re trying to help them.”

Kyle Kuren serves as Lacey’s latest intern and shows up regularly to work on the project. A recent Caldwell University biology graduate and third-generation reptile enthusiast, Kuren brings some serious experience to the project. He’s had 500 hours of veterinary work, mostly with reptiles, including time at the Bronx Zoo.

The Terrapin Nesting Project operates under strict permits from NJ Fish and Wildlife - an agency Kuren hopes to work for in the future.

Diamondback Terrapins:

Vital And Vulnerable

Diamondback terrapins are native to the brackish waters of the bay, where saltwater and freshwater meet. Unlike sea turtles, they don’t travel great distances and instead stay close to shore, often within a few miles of their hatching spot.

Adult terrapins are natural scavengers, eating crustaceans, fish remains, and even excess periwinkle snails. As hatchlings, they feast on mosquito larvae and algae in the marshes.

The females - larger than their male counterparts - crawl out of the bay between late May and July to dig nests and lay around a dozen eggs per clutch. Their survival depends on warm sand, protection from predators, and, increasingly, human in -

tervention.

“Predators like raccoons, crows, and foxes can wipe out an entire nest,” said Lacey. “Then you have habitat destruction from roads and development. And on top of that, people still poach these animals for food or the exotic pet trade.”

Nature’s Own GPS

The nesting site in Barnegat Light is not just convenient - it’s scientifically significant. A second site is maintained on High Harbor Bay. Many of the females born on either site return to lay their own eggs in the same place a few years later.

“They remember the general area where their mother nested,” Lacey said. “And since we’ve had this site since 2016, some of the earliest hatchlings are now coming back to nest.”

To avoid overpopulation, Lacey discourages volunteers from relocating turtles from far-off spots. The goal is to sustain, not overwhelm, the habitat.

Photo by Stephanie Faughnan

A terrapin lays eggs in the sandy front yard of a local home.

Special Resource Fair Set

JACKSON – Local seniors are invited to celebrate Independence Day with resources, raffles, and refreshments at a free community event.

The Independence Day Resource Fair will take place on July 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Wisteria Ballroom, located at the Oliverie Funeral Home, 125 S. Cooks Bridge Road in Jackson. The festive event is designed specifically for seniors and will feature valuable

health-related information from local professionals, along with giveaways, raffles, prizes, music, and light refreshments. Organizers hope the event will offer older adults an opportunity to connect with others in their community and learn more about available care options. While admission is free, registration is encouraged. For more information or to register, attendees can contact Melissa Meegan at mmeegan@affinitynewjersey.com.

Comedy Night With Spaghetti Dinner

MANCHESTER – Manchester Volunteer Fire Company is hosting a Comedy Night with Spaghetti Dinner on July 26 at 545 Commonwealth Boulevard, Manchester. Doors open at 5 p.m. Performances by Jeffrey Paul and Buda the Comedian. Host-

Major Insurances Accepted. We

ed by Rich Carucci. Cash bar for beer and wine; 50/50 tickets available. Cost is $40 per person in advance and $45 at the door. Must be 21 years or older to attend. To purchase tickets, call 609-6185752. No outside food or beverage allowed.

Whiting United Methodist Church Antique Appraisal Fair

WHITING – Whiting United Methodist Church, 55 Lacey Road, will hold an Antique Appraisal Fair on July 12 from 1 to 4 p.m. The fee of $10 includes one appraisal;

additional appraisals available at a cost of $5 each. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, call 732-350-6878.

Tribute To Elvis Starring Tommy Walker

WHITING – Common Goal of Cedar Glen Lakes presents Tribute to Elvis starring Tommy Walker on July 26 at 100 Michigan Avenue.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 and includes pulled pork sandwich, coleslaw, and dessert. BYOB; 50/50 & small basket raffle. For tickets call 732-580-2945.

Whiting Volunteer Fire Company Flea Market

WHITING – The Whiting Volunteer Fire Company will be having their monthly Flea Market on July 12. Doors open at 7 a.m. for vendors and 8 a.m. for shopping. Food and

drinks will be available for purchase. For more information, contact Diane Serrano at732-948-6025. The firehouse is located at 120 Lacey Road.

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

MANCHESTER – Congratulations to the Manchester Township High School Student Leaders, nominated by their teachers during National Student Leadership Week! These MTHS student leaders are cele -

brated for their achievements and dedication to their school, communities, and the world. Way to live out our school district’s motto, Excellence by Example, in this way!

Photo courtesy Manchester Schools

Junior Fire Members Receive Apparatus Training

WHITING – Junior members of the Whiting Fire Company continued their progression with a classroom-based training led by Captain/Fire Instructor Brown and Lt. Petito — this time taking a deeper dive into Engine 3301, our first-due apparatus. While these juniors have already gained familiarity through truck checks and observation, this formal training marked

a key step forward — focusing on the engine’s specifications, capabilities, compartments, and strategic tool layout. This is all in preparation for upcoming integrated hands-on evolutions with our firefighters.

We take pride in preparing our future firefighters with the same standards of excellence expected on the front lines.

Photo courtesy Whiting Fire Company

MTHS Interns Reflect On Structured Experience Program

MANCHESTER – Students in Manchester Township High School’s Structured Learning Experience (SLE) program had the chance this spring to gain hands-on insight into careers they may pursue after graduation, sharing their experiences during a special luncheon with mentors and school leaders.

Under the guidance of educators Ms. McKiernan and Ms. Adams, the SLE students invited their internship supervisors to the high school to thank them and reflect on the skills and knowledge they gained. The event included lunch with peers, staff, and district administrators, along with student presentations about their internships.

Participants interned at a variety of sites, including the Ocean County Sher-

iff’s Department, Community Medical Center, Morgan Engineering, Trinity Rehab, Cattus Island Park/Ocean County Parks System, Jenkinson’s Aquarium, J.P. Custom Leatherworks, medical and rehabilitation facilities, law firms, and an auto-body shop, among others.

Students expressed gratitude for the chance to learn in real-world settings, many noting they received offers to continue interning or work summer jobs. Several said the experience helped shape their career goals.

School officials said feedback from participating organizations highlighted the professionalism and preparedness of Manchester students, crediting the strong community partnerships that help make the SLE program a success.

St. Stephen’s Church To Host Bluegrass And Blueberry Social

WHITING – St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church will host its Bluegrass and Blueberry Social on July 8, from 1 to 3 p.m. at 180 Route 539 in Whiting.

The afternoon event will feature live bluegrass music, homemade blueberry shortcake, and a variety of other refreshments. Guests can also enjoy a bake sale, door prizes, a treasure auction, and a 50/50 raffle.

Admission is $10 per person. Tickets can

Cedar Glen Lakes Bingo

WHITING – Cedar Glen Lakes will be hosting Bingo on July 26 at Lakeside Hall, 100 Michigan Avenue. Come out for some fun!

Doors open at 12 p.m. Calling starts 1 p.m. sharp. Kitchen open. Admission is $2. No one under 18 admitted.

Whether you’ve suffered an injury or had an operation that requires post-op rehabilitation, you need a compassionate, hands-on physical therapist to help you on your journey to wellness and recovery. Hands On Physical Therapy provides the qualified care you need in a safe, caring atmosphere.

injuries and more MCKENZIE SPINE SPECIALISTS

conditions

rehabilitation

injuries

be purchased in advance at the church office, open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call 732-350-2121.

Photo courtesy Manchester Schools

& Monday

Facebook: The Golden Acorn Thrift Store, LLC

108 Lacey Rd Building A, Suite 27, Whiting, NJ 08759

MTHS Brings First Ever Pass The Torch Event To Lakehurst Elementary School

LAKEHURST – The Manchester Township School District (MTSD) welcomed kindergarten parents of the Class of 2037 and the Manchester Township High School (MTHS) Class of 2025 to the first-ever “Pass the Torch” ceremony. The MTHS seniors brought “Pass the Torch” to kindergarteners at Lakehurst Elementary School, who will also be joining the MTHS Class of 2037! Manchester’s Pass the Torch was made possible thanks to the leadership and vision of MTHS student Jamie Popek. Jamie is a MTHS senior who was one of the 300 out of 4,000 applicants chosen to start her journey after graduation with the United States Coast Guard. Before she flew the Hawks nest, she worked diligently to bring this meaningful Pass the Torch event to life here in Manchester, focusing on uniting our high school graduates and kindergarteners in a memorable way for all to enjoy. Kindergarten students met the MTHS students in the Lakehurst Elementary School gym, where they had a special Pass the Torch ceremony! Before graduation, MTHS seniors passed the “torch” on to the kindergarten students. The torch was represented

Photo courtesy Manchester Schools by a beautifully donated shirt, thanks to the Manchester P.B.A. and MTHS. The MTHS seniors who led by example throughout their time here, now literally and figuratively passed the torch of excellence to all of the kindergarteners who will attend MTHS, encouraging them to carry it forward with pride and determination.

The event marked the beginning of what will become a tradition between Lakehurst Elementary School and the Manchester Township School District that brings us all together in celebration, reflection, and unity. Congratulations to the Class of 2025 and the Class of 2037 on making history!

St. Stephen’s Bofsta Bus Trip To The Shrine Of St. Joseph

WHITING – St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Whiting Brotherhood of St. Andrew Chapter will run a bus trip to the Shrine of St. Joseph in Sterling, NJ on September 11 with the bus departing St. Stephen’s at 9 a.m. Making a stop at a local diner, then proceeding to the Shrine for the day. The bus will depart from the Shrine at 5:30 p.m. returning home to St. Stephen’s Whiting.

Cost is $50 per person which includes: round trip coach trip, driver gratuity, and

donation to the Shrine. The Shrine features a gift shop, chapel, and all the landscape for you to enjoy!

Send your fee for the bus directly to: St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 180 Route 539 Whiting, NJ 08759 ATTN: Bill BodineBofStA Chapter Director.

You may also call Greg Matthews, Parish Administrator at 732-350-2121. Email to: wbodine3@gmail.com or ssechurch@ gmail.com.

Whiting Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary $3,000 Bingo

WHITING – The Ladies Auxiliary of the Whiting Volunteer Fire Company will be having their $3,000 Bingo on August 2.

Doors open at 1 p.m. Calling starts at 3 p.m. Food, drinks, and snacks will available to

purchase. Tickets are $40. You can purchase tickets at the Wednesday night Bingo at the Fire Company starting June 4 after 3 p.m.

For more information, contact Diane Serrano at 732-948-6025.

2nd Graders Fundraise For Children Battling Cancer

MANCHESTER – The tradition continues at Ridgeway Elementary School (RES) as the second grade classes set up refreshment and snack stands in the school courtyard to raise money to support the fight against childhood cancer.

Students read the infamous story of Alex’s Lemonade Stand in classes and then got right to work on their fundraising mission. They developed business and marketing plans, learned about entrepreneurship, put

Photo courtesy Manchester Schools their math and science skills to the test as they created the perfect lemonade to sell. Today the arrived to school and got right to work, setting up their stands for the big sale!

Second grade classes will be selling lemonade to their fellow students and staff members throughout the day. Thank you to everyone who is stopping by. We can’t wait to hear how much they raised. Way to go Ridgeway! Excellence by Example!

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The Golden Acorn Opens In Whiting Town Center

The Golden Acorn’s owner Deborah Sorce and her husband Carmen and several staff volunteers gather on the official opening day of the new thrift store based in Whiting at 108 Lacey Road. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held that afternoon for the new business.

By Bob Vosseller

MANCHESTER – It was time to not only cut the ribbon – but also cut the cake - during The Golden Acorn’s ceremonial opening in the Whiting section of the township.

Mayor Joseph Hankins, Council members James Vaccaro and Sandy Drake along with the mayor’s confidential aides Judy Noonan and Frank Nicalato came out to celebrate the new thrift store located at the Whiting Town Center, 108 Lacey Road, Building A. Suite 27.

Owner Deborah Sorce joined her husband, a volunteer at the store and several volunteer staff members for the event that featured a large cake with the store’s logo.

Sorce said, “We have everything from clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry, to home décor and kitchen items, books DVDs.” The owner of The Book Mark store also located in the plaza came out to support her friend’s opening and Sorce’s son Carmen Jr. and his wife.

“It is always nice to see a new business come into town and we wish them all the best,” Councilwoman Drake said.

Mayor Hankins presented a certificate to the owner and cut the cake after he and members of the council and store personnel cut the ribbon in front of the building. “We want to congratulate Deborah and Carmen and wish them and this new store all the best in the future.”

Photo by Bob Vosseller

Tallwoods Care Center is a Premier Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility.

Compassionate Nursing Care. Let us help you with your health care needs! WE PROVIDE THE

Sound News

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

What Is The Impact Of Untreated Hearing Loss On Brain Function?

Untreated hearing loss is more than an inconvenience –it can significantly affect mental health, quality of life and brain function. Depicted below are the major consequences of untreated hearing loss and the benefits of early intervention.

CONSEQUENCIES OF UNTREATED HEARING LOSS

Consequence

Cognitive Decline

Cognitive Overload

Auditory Deprivation

Social Isolation & Depression

Impaired Balance

Cognitive Treatment

Occupational Therapy Speech Therapy

Tracheotomy Care • Wound Care IV Therapy

Gastro-Feeding Tube/ Gastrostomy Care

Total Parental Nutrition (TPN) Pulmonary Care

Impact on Brain Function & Health

Increases risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s; Accelerates brain aging and atrophy

Brain strains to process sound, reducing focus, Memory, and thinking capacity

Brain “forgets’ how to interpret certain sounds, worsens Speech understanding over time

Leads to withdrawal from conversations; contributes to Loneliness, anxiety, and cognitive decline

Increases risk of falls due to reduced spatial awareness Less effective when hearing loss is untreated

BENEFITS OF TREATING HEARING LOSS

Treatment Benefit

Slowed Cognitive Decline Improved Quality of Life Reduced Risk of Depression Better Speech Understanding Greater Safety Enhanced Cognitive Therapies

Positive Effects on the Brain and Life Helps preserve memory, focus, and overall cognition Enhances communication, confidence, social engagement Improves emotional health & reduces long term risks Restores the brain’s ability to process speech effectively Enhances balance and reduces fall risk

Supports better outcomes from mental health treatment

Dr. Izzy recommends that you have an initial hearing evaluation when you turn 50 years of age. The consequences of untreated hearing loss are far too great to procrastinate. Dr. Izzy and his Staff will continue to educate you about hearing care choices. Please feel free to contact our office at 732-451-3962 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!

Veterans Claims Clinic Coming To Toms River

TOMS RIVER — Local veterans seeking assistance with benefits claims or rating increases can get help at an upcoming Claims Clinic hosted by American Legion Post #129.

The clinic will be held August 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the post, located at 2025 Church Road in Toms River. Volunteer claims specialists will be on hand to help veterans apply for benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their DD-214 forms, if available. Those who have misplaced the document can receive help applying for a replacement. Veterans with existing claim ratings may also receive guidance on seeking a rating increase that could result in higher monthly benefits.

Family members or friends may accompany veterans to assist them during the clinic. All veterans are welcome.

Ocean County Bereavement Groups

OCEAN COUNTY – Therapist/Clergy, Rev. Dr. Anthony Lipari, FCM, has been offering Grief Support Group sessions for over 21 years during the last week of every month. The sessions are offered at 1 p.m. throughout Ocean County. The locations are as follows:

• Mondays: Ocean County Memorial Park in Waretown

• Tuesdays: Timothy Ryan Funeral Home on Fischer Boulevard, Toms River

• Wednesdays: Quinn Hopping Funeral Home on Mule Road, Toms River

• Thursdays: Anderson Campbell Funeral Home on Ridgeway Road, Manchester

• Fridays: Manchester Memorial Home on Schoolhouse Road, Whiting

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

ere ’ s t o Y our H e A lt H

Dear Pharmacist

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

5 Tips For Lupus: The Autoimmune Disease That Hides In Plain Sight

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Lupus, also known as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), is an autoimmune disorder that can masquerade as dozens of other conditions. Fatigue, joint pain, rashes, and brain fog are just the start. Lupus is often underdiagnosed and hits harder in women of color, who face higher rates, more severe symptoms, and worse outcomes.

I call it “the great imitator” because lupus doesn’t always follow a textbook path. The “butterfly rash” is a telltale sign of lupus oftentimes, showing up across the cheeks and bridge of the nose. It gets its name from the wing-like shape. This rash pops up when the immune system mistakenly attacks your skin, often triggered by sunlight. It might feel warm, sting, or itch, and in people with deeper skin tones, it can look more purple or brown than red, so it’s easy to miss or misdiagnose. Some people don’t even get the rash.

Symptoms of lupus can come and go. One day you’re fine, the next you feel like you’ve been hit by a truck, and it’s not “just stress.”

Diagnosing lupus is a puzzle. There’s no single test that can confirm it. Instead, it’s about recognizing patterns in symptoms and lab work. The most common screening test is ANA (Antinuclear Antibody). A positive ANA doesn’t guarantee lupus, but it tells us something’s wrong in the immune system. More specific antibodies, like Anti-dsDNA and Anti-Smith, raise red flags, especially when kidney issues are involved. Here’s what most people don’t realize: You can have “normal” lab values and still be dealing with autoimmune activity. Just because a result falls within the lab’s so-called

normal reference range doesn’t mean it’s ideal. Low-normal levels of complement proteins (C3 and C4) during a flare might still mean your immune system is misfiring.

Conventional treatment includes prescription medications like hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), immunosuppressants, and corticosteroids like prednisone. But newer biologics like Benlysta and Saphnelo are now available for those with moderate or severe disease. I also believe that integrative strategies like targeted nutrition and peptides can complement traditional care.

For those managing lupus or still searching for answers, here are five simple things you can do right now:

• Track your symptoms by writing them down each day, even if they seem small.

• Request labs that include ANA, Anti-dsDNA, C3, C4, and a urinalysis.

• Don’t settle for “everything looks okay let’s wait and see” if you know something’s off.

• Work with a provider who listens and has extensive knowledge about autoimmunity.

• Consider holistic remedies like vitamin D, omega-3s, curcumin, and NAC that may support immune balance.

Lupus isn’t entirely about managing flareups, it’s about preventing long-term damage to kidneys and other organs. The earlier you identify it, the better your chances of managing it effectively.

Want the full article with more in-depth explanations, natural options, and lab reference ranges? It’s available at my website suzycohen.com. If you sign up for my free newsletter, I’ll send it to your inbox along with other special offers and exclusive ebooks that I write.

(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.

Did anyone catch that Strawberry Moon recently? Lucky for us, local photographer Joe Morgan did, and he shared this great pic with us. Did you know the strawberry moon’s name doesn’t come from its color, but rather its appearance originally occurring around the time of the summer strawberry harvest? Great piece of trivia. Here’s another – if you submit your pix to photos@jerseyshoreonline.com, you may win tickets to see the Jersey Shore BlueClaws in action!

Assoc. Inside The Law

Land Use Concerns When Purchasing Property In New Jersey Part I:

Zoning Approvals And Improvements

By: Vincent DelRiccio, Esq. of R.C. Shea & Associates

Purchasing property in New Jersey is a significant investment, whether for residential, commercial, or mixed-use purposes. One critical aspect often overlooked in the excitement of a real estate transaction is the land use issues that they can often raise. While easily overlooked, examination of these aspects are essential to avoid problems in the future.

New Jersey municipalities have local zoning ordinances that regulate how land can be used within various zoning districts. These regulations govern whether a property can be used for residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, or other purposes. As such, it is paramount to discern whether or not the use you intend to put the property to is permitted in the zone, or else has properly obtained a variance to exist there. Research should be done as it relates to what zone the property is in, the permitted uses in the zone, the resolutions of approval and plans on file for the property, and any conditions that said approvals may have placed on the property.

Another crucial concern is ensuring that all structures and improvements on the property—such as pools, decks, additions, garages, or sheds—were properly approved by the relevant authorities. It is advantageous to know what zoning permits, building permits, and certificates of occupancy are on file for the property, just to name a few.

While these issues may seem small, making sure everything is in order prior to making a purchase is one way to help ensure that you will not have issues arise later as to uses or improvements which exist on your property. The path toward legitimizing previously unapproved structures or gaining approval for uses that are not permitted can be both financially burdensome, and mentally exhausting.

If you are looking to purchase property or are trying to work towards gaining approvals for conditions that may have pre-dated your ownership, give the attorneys at R.C. Shea and Associates a call. 732-505-1212.

Painting Programs For Kids Coming To Ocean County Libraries

TOMS RIVER – See how much fun painting on canvas can be when you dip your brush into paints that glow when the lights are low! If you’re a youngster between age 5 and 12, you’re invited to our Glow Paint Party Classes with Lil Monsters Art in six branches of the Ocean County Library.

June 30:

• Toms River Branch – 10:30 a.m. 101 Washington Street, 732-349-6200

• Point Pleasant Borough Branch – 2:30 p.m., 834 Beaver Dam Road, 732-295-1555

• Tuckerton Branch – 6 p.m., 380 Bay Avenue, 609-296-1470

July 16:

• Lacey Branch – 10:30 a.m., 10 East Lacey Road, Forked River, 609-693-8566

• Jackson Branch – 2:30 p.m., 2 Jackson Drive, 732-928-4400

• Brick Branch – 6 p.m., 301 Chambers Bridge Road, 732-477-4513

“Dress for a mess” and “glow with the flow” at this blacklight party with Lil Monsters Art. Artist and teacher Jamie Jarka will lead the fun as you fill your canvas with vivid color and create a design from your imagination. All the materials will be provided. Register at tinyurl.com/OCLMonstersPaint to attend this free program at the participating branch of your choice. For more information, visit or call any participating branch or call 732-349-6200. See the full schedule of Library programs in the online Calendar of Events.

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

Around the JerSey Shore

Ocean County College Celebrates Graduates At 58th Annual Commencement

TOMS RIVER – A total of 1,495 associate degrees were conferred at Ocean County College’s 58th Annual Commencement Ceremonies, which took place on May 22, 2025, on the College’s main campus in Toms River.

After inclement weather forced the College to cancel the ceremony on the Gateway Building lawn, graduation festivities were moved indoors to the gymnasium, with three smaller ceremonies arranged to accommodate the graduates and their guests. A live stream was provided for additional family and friends to watch the ceremonies from locations on campus or to view them remotely.

Dr. Pamela Monaco, president of OCC, congratulated the students on the culmination of their academic achievements and encouraged them to create new communities as they move ahead into their future.

“Continue to explore what interests and excites you, and find others who share that same passion,” she said. President Monaco also encouraged the graduates to do their best to avoid pressure from influencers who may try to tell them who to be.

“Most important, be your authentic self,” she advised. “True authenticity gives you enormous peace and power. Follow your moral compass. Remember the friends you have who like you for your true self. Follow your path, and take as your three words of strength: ‘This is me.’”

OCC’s student commencement speaker, Elizabeth Macchioni, reminded graduates that Commencement Day provides proof they are stronger than they ever imagined.

“College may have felt like a strange land at first, but it turned out to be our training ground,” Macchioni said. “We did not just survive it; we conquered it—with humor,

with heart, and maybe, once or twice, with a burrito during a Zoom lecture. We entered as strangers to this world of higher education, many of us first-generation, returning students, parents, dreamers, doers, and everything in between. And now we leave not just with degrees but with stories of perseverance, growth, and quiet bravery. Community college did not just educate us—it transformed us.”

Among the 2025 graduates were 45 Ocean County high school students participating in OCC’s Early College/Academy programs and 48 OCVTS Performing Arts Academy students who earned an associate degree in Performing Arts. Each of these remarkable students earned an associate degree from OCC before receiving their high school diplomas. Also present were seven graduates receiving their degrees through OCC’s partnership with Ben Hudnall Memorial Trust of Kaiser Permanente, an agreement that enables eligible employees to take classes at OCC with no out-of-pocket costs.

The College also recognized two faculty members for excellence in teaching during the ceremonies: Christine Perricone, Associate Professor of Science (2025 Full-Time Faculty of the Year), and Steve Baglivio, Adjunct Professor of Business (2025 PartTime Faculty of the Year), were selected from more than 240 nominations received from students this year.

The 58th Annual Commencement Ceremonies were broadcast on www.ocean.edu and on Ocean TV-20 via Comcast of Toms River and Long Beach Island (Channel 20) and Verizon FiOS of Northern Ocean County (Channel 24). The video remains available for viewing online. For more information, visit ocean.edu.

Photo courtesy Ocean County College

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Seeking Summer Room For Rent

Respectful And Trustworthy Gentleman - early 60’s, looking for room to rent from July 9 - October 15 in Toms River and surrounding areas. Non-party person. Text/call 848-367-2182 or jerzeyshorepisces317@gmail.com. (28)

For Rent

Cottage For Rent - Call 733939-4540 for details. (28)

Items For Sale

Pet supplies for sale: dog crates, exercise pens, gates, leashes, harnesses, life "jacket". Beginner guitar with learner books, luggage set, massage cushion. Very reasonable prices. 732-477-2254. (30)

4 Stained Glass Window Panels - Pair 26 1/4" W x 21 1/2" L.

Two 21"W x 37 3/4"L. Also single hand painted elf 18"W x 38"L. Call Jay 201-247-1689. (29)

Glass round table 4 chairsVery good condition. $500 b/o. Cushion brown design chairs.

732-864-5051. Cash only. Must pick up, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (29)

Large suede dark brown recliner$300 b/o, cash only. Must pick up. Goes in stand up position leaf vibrats. Remote control. Very good condition. Call 732-864-5051. (29)

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, brica-brac, select china and crystal patterns. Cash paid. Over 35 years experience. Call Gary Struncius. 732-849-6068 (new number). (t/n)

COSTUME/ESTATE JEWELRY

Looking to buy costume/estate jewelry, old rosaries and religious medals, all watches and any type of sterling silver, bowls, flatware candlesticks or jewelry. Same day house calls and cash on the spot. 5 percent more with this AD. Call Peggy at 732-581-5225. (t/n)

I Buy Records - Cash paid, we answer the phone. Call Eddie at 732-829-5908. Records 33/45. Walt buys comics, toys & collectibles. Call 908-278-3782. (29)

Buying World War I & II Swords, Bayonets, Daggers, Helmets, Hats, Medals, Marine uniforms, Flags, etc. Cash Paid! 609-581-8290. Email: lenny1944x@gmail.com. (28)

CASH, CASH, CASH! - Instant cash paid for junk cars, trucks, vans. Free removal of any metal items. Discount towing. Call Dano 732-239-3949. (t/n)

Entire Estates Bought - Bedroom/dining sets, dressers, cedar chests, wardrobes, secretaries, pre-1950 wooden furniture, older glassware, oriental rugs, paintings, bronzes, silver, bric-a-brac. Call Jason at 609-970-4806. (t/n)

Used Guns Wanted - All types: collectibles, military, etc. Call 917-681-6809. (t/n)

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

CLASSIFIEDS

Help Wanted

Magnolia Gardens Assisted Living is hiring a full time cook. If interested, please email resume to HR@magnoliatr.com or call us at 732-557-6500. You can also visit us in person at 1935 Route 9 Toms River 08755. (30)

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)

Cedar Glen West is seeking good dependable workers for full time positions. These jobs involve physical labor including digging. A valid drivers license with a clean driving history is a plus. Apply at the office located at 11 Westlake Dr., Manchester, NJ 08759. 732-657-5525 if you need directions or more information. (29)

Certified Home Health Aides - Needed for Ocean County area. Hourly and live-in positions avail. P/T and F/T. Call CCC at 732-206-1047. (t/n)

Magnolia Gardens Assisted Living is hiring a full time Maintenance worker. Skills include painting, electrical work, and plumbing. If interested, please email resume to HR@magnoliaal. com or call us at 732-557-6500. You can also visit us in person at 1935 Route 9 Toms River 08755. (30)

Magnolia Gardens Assisted Living is hiring a full and part time Dietary Aides If interested, please email resume to HR@magnoliaal.com or call us at 732-557-6500. You can also visit us in person at 1935 Route 9 Toms River 08755. (30)

Services

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)

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)

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)

Nor’easter Painting and Staining, LLC - Interior and exterior. Decks, powerwashing. Affordable. Senior discounts. References. No job too small. Fully insured. 732-6910123. Lic #13VH09460600. (t/n)

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

Highly Experienced - Reliable, Reasonable, Responsible, Compassionate At Home Caregiver is Available for your Elderly loved ones. Live in/Hourly. 732-912 5876. (29)

House cleaning, office cleaning - Painting, laundry, window cleaning and carpet cleaning. Very good price. Call 732-330-4189 and 848-287-3944. (26)

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

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:

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)

Home Care Companion - Daily Chores, Food Prep, Memory Guidance, Appointments, Shopping. Decades of experience. Contact JoAnn 732-600-6812. Thank You. (31)

Affordable Landscaping - Spring Cleanups, Complete lawn maintenance, Sod & seed lawns, Shrubs & tree pruning, Topsoil & mulch and much more. 732-808-7477. (25)

DO YOU WANT YOUR CAR TO LOOK NICE, AND SHINE?

Call Lenny. Lenny's Mobile Auto Detailing 908-868-4609. (30)

Life Coach - Something bothering you? Discuss in person. Answer may be within you. $25 for 1 hour. Melissa Lekas, 732-754-4891. (29)

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

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)

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)

"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)

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)

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. (35)

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

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

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

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

Billing Address:

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)

FUN & GAMES SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Capitol

Tablet program 5 Word in a Tom Swifty about Bruce Springsteen

6 Chamillionaire song with the lyrics “They see me rollin’ / They hatin’”

was

& Order”

7 “The Killing” actress Mireille

8 Chem class fig.

9 Taped message from the police? 10 Isr. neighbor 11 Sch. type 12 Some NFL breaks

Succeed

Director Welles

Jason who was the

Road warning sign

NYC rep since 2019

Rough treatment

Self-critical evaluation

31 Starting hour, perhaps

32 Sci-fi FX 34 Calculated 36 Stock sector

39 Org. founded by Billie Jean King 40 Artificial 43 “... a grin without a cat” observer

45 Italy’s Villa __

47 Philosopher known for “reductio ad absurdum” arguments

49 Years in old Rome

50 Undertaking 51 Focus of much analysis

52 Santa __ Valley: California setting of “Sideways”

53 Current subject

55 Single situp, say 57 Prescription to fight stress, briefly

29 Singer who was one of the original judges on “American Idol” 30 Post-doc combo?

C ommunity n ew S

Tunes Of Yesteryear: The Best Of Country & Bluegrass

WHITING – Whiting United Methodist Church, 55 Lacey Road, in association with Jim Hankins, d.b.a. House of Blue & Oldies LLC, will be hosting Tunes of Yesteryear, The Best of Country and Bluegrass.

Refreshments available for purchase.

Doors open at 12 p.m. Music from 1 to 5 p.m. on July 27. Cost is $5 per person. The scheduled bands are: Acoustic Rosewood, Homemade Jam, Elaine & Cimarron Sky, Custom Blend.

Come and enjoy the music and have some fun! Bring a friend or two.

St. Stephen’s Dance Party

WHITING – Come and join on August 2 from 12 to 4 p.m. for a dance party for all ages. “Come and Dance Your Soul Away” – Music from DJ Michelle. Refreshments, 50/50, treasure auction, and door prizes are also available. Tick-

ets are $10. They may be purchased at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 180 Route 539, Whiting, from Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Call the office at 732-350-2121 for details.

Crestwood Village 5 Yard Sale

WHITING – Crestwood Village 5 residents are welcome to participate in the two-day Village-wide yard sale on August 2 and 3. Rain or shine.

The Association asks that residents do not leave unsold or unwanted items at the curb as disposal of these items are the homeowner’s responsibility.

Manchester Gives Back Blood Drive

MANCHESTER – The Manchester Gives Back Blood Drive returns on July 30 from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Municipal Complex Civic

Center, 1 Colonial Drive. Please consider donating if you’re able by signing up at redcrossblood.org/give.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR ADMINISTRATOR:

Rose Garden is one of the few “mom and pop” skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers left ... in the state of New Jersey. The world has turned “corporate;” we have not.

It has been our core belief that the delivery of healthcare is quite personal. That “intimacy” is in danger when 5 to 100 facilities are operated in multiple states by large corporations.

We have always strived for a close “family” atmosphere and believe we have succeeded. The environment is warm and inviting and exceedingly clean and spotless. Our homemade food and soups are outstanding, and the care is thoughtful, kind and productive.

We have been called the “Hotel of Healthcare.” Please ask your friends, neighbors and, most importantly, other healthcare professionals. We are here, in your neighborhood, to serve you!

Dr.Bartisshasoftenbeenreferredtoas“adoctor’sdoctor”,andisfrequentlycalled upon for his diagnostic skills. He is founder and Medical Director of ICAM and a member of the American College for the Advancement of Medicine, the American AcademyofAnti-AgingMedicine,theAmericanAcademyofOzoneTherapists,and adiplomateoftheAmericanAcademyofFamilyPhysicians.Dr.Bartissisamedical writer, lecturer and author who is recognized as one of the top ten specialists in thefieldofBio-IdenticalHormoneReplacementTherapy(BHRT).

THERAPIES/SERVICES

• Hormone Replacement

• IV Therapies

• Thermascan

• Cryoskin • HOCATT

• Colonics • PEMF

• Salt Room/Halotherapy

• Theta Chamber

• Ozone • Botox

• Thyroid/Adrenal Fatigue Management

• Peptides

732-505-4477 • www.rosegardennj.com nursing and rehabilitation center

1579 Old Freehold Rd. • Toms River, NJ 08753

JCP&L Launches Summer Relief Measures To Offset Electricity Supply Price Hike Around the JerSey Shore

HOLMDEL – Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) has received state approval to launch new measures aimed at helping customers manage rising electricity supply costs during the summer months.

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities approved the utility’s plan, which includes bill credits, payment flexibility, and a temporary pause on service shut-offs. Electricity supply prices, which make up nearly 60% of a residential bill in JCP&L’s service area, have jumped significantly, prompting concerns about affordability as demand climbs with summer heat.

“While we don’t control supply prices, we are committed to helping customers manage these increases through new and expanded assistance programs,” said Doug Mokoid, FirstEnergy’s president of New Jersey operations.

To ease the financial strain, all residential customers will automatically receive a $30 bill credit in July and August. The credit will be recouped through a $10 monthly charge from September through February, when energy use typically declines.

Other approved relief measures include:

• A temporary suspension of service shutoffs from July through September for eligible customers, mirroring the protections of the Winter Termination Program.

• Waived reconnection fees between July 1 and Sept. 30.

• Extended payment plans that allow past-due balances to be spread over 24 months instead of the usual 12.

These efforts build upon JCP&L’s year-round customer support options, including bill assistance programs for low-income households and those with medical needs, as well as rebates and tools to improve energy efficiency.

Rising supply costs are driven by higher demand and reduced power plant availability, resulting in a 19.6% increase in the Basic Generation Service (BGS) rate. JCP&L, which serves 1.1 million customers in 13 counties, passes these supplier costs to customers without markup.

More information on assistance and energy-saving tools can be found at firstenergycorp.com/billassist and energysavenj.com.

9th District Lawmakers Honor Micromedia Publisher For 30 Years Of Service

LAKEHURST – The New Jersey Senate and General Assembly have honored Stewart Swann, co-founder of Micromedia Publications Inc., with a joint legislative resolution recognizing the company’s 30th anniversary and his decades-long commitment to local journalism.

Swann, who launched the company on April 18, 1995 with his niece Robyn Friedrich, was praised for his leadership and dedication to keeping communities informed and engaged. A graduate of Valparaiso University, Swann brings more than 55 years of sales experience to his role as president and publisher of the Ocean County-based company.

Micromedia publishes seven weekly newspapers covering towns including Toms River, Manchester, Berkeley, Brick,

Jackson, Southern Ocean and Howell. The company has three hyperlocal news websites – Jersey Shore Online, Toms River Online and Bricktown Online.

The resolution commends Swann for setting “a standard of excellence” and serving as “a model to emulate.”

9th District State Senator Carmen Amato and Assemblymen Brian Rumpf and Gregory Myhre sponsored the resolution, which was signed by the Senate President and Assembly Speaker.

Micromedia Vice President Jason Allentoff and News Editor Chris Lundy accepted the proclamation on Swann’s behalf outside the company’s Lakehurst office.

Senator Amato commended Allentoff on developing Jersey Shore Online and taking the company to new heights.

BlueClaws Independence Day Celebration

JERSEY SHORE – Red, White & BlueClaws! Join the fun at ShoreTown Ballpark on Thursday, July 3rd for family, friends, fireworks, and baseball!

The BlueClaws host the Wilmington Blue Rocks (Nationals) at 7:05 pm and after the game, the team lights up the sky to celebrate America with their biggest fireworks show of the season.

Tickets are on sale now by calling 732-9017000 option 3, and there are more than just standard reserve seat tickets available:

• A ticket & cap package includes a game ticket and special BlueClaws cap for just $35.

• The BlueClaws July 3rd Picnic includes a game ticket and a two hour all-you-can-eat buffet for just $35.

• It’s Thirsty Thursday, which means $2 Coors & Coors Light Cans.

This game marks the biggest fireworks show of the season with the BlueClaws and tickets are going fast. Fans can book their spot at 732-901-7000 option 3 or online at BlueClaws.com.

Photo by Ali Gradzki

Senator Carmen Amato, Assemblyman Brian Rumpf, Micromedia Vice President Jason Allentoff and News Editor Chris Lundy.

BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS

OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Balance energy with restraint to make the most of the current atmosphere. Get moving with some exercise, but ease off the drama. Stay close to loved ones, nurture calm vibes, and make peace where it’s needed.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Keep the lighthearted vibe alive, even if surprises pop up. You won’t always get your way, but don’t let it dim your mood. Your playful charm might catch someone’s eye and spark meaningful moments with a loved one.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Listen more, lead less. Ask thoughtful questions instead of steering the conversation. Take in others’ insights and tighten your budget to avoid indulgent spending. Pursuing desires or creative dreams may carry hidden costs.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Shine through constructive action. Channel your competitive or athletic side this week and burn off extra energy while showing true sportsmanship. New friendships and passions bring color to your life and clarify what truly matters.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Your calm presence can ground partners focused on business trends or material success—even if you share their interests. Use your drive and initiative this week but avoid arguments to keep momentum strong.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Break the mold: challenge outdated norms and dive into thrilling experiences. You’re ready to take charge, trading routine for adventure. Just be cautious—don’t let excitement push you into risky spending on a hobby.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Prove your worth without stepping on toes this week. Let your sincerity shine through action, favoring teamwork over rivalry. Hard work and collaboration will help you stand out; diplomacy can help keep the peace.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Embrace change with care this week if your job or work is involved. Shaking things up could bring exciting results, but irreversible shifts might upset the original balance. Move forward when you have clarity.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):

Temper your expectations early in the week. Offering small favors to friends is fine, but large requests or major expenses could raise concerns. Avoid big financial commitments or signing contracts for now.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Avoid sparking debate. Focus on being open-minded, not argumentative. Strong opinions—especially political ones—might attract unwanted attention at family gatherings. Stay positive and inclusive with friends.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Stay practical, even when passions pull at you. Focus on essentials and set aside fleeting desires. Consider whether to ask for help or small favors but today is not the time to launch major financial plans or ventures.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Clarify your financial position as the week begins. A money matter may surface, tempting you to take risks or act on impulse. Don’t face an impasse alone—reach out to a trusted friend for valuable advice.

ICE CREAM PIE, A NO-FAIL SUMMER DESSERT

1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

SERIOUSLY SIMPLE ICE CREAM PIE WITH BLUEBERRY SAUCE

Serves 6 to 8

Note: Make sure the ice cream is soft enough to work with but is not already melting; remove the ice cream from the freezer for 20 minutes before working with it.

For the pie:

1-pint strawberry ice cream, slightly softened

1-pint vanilla ice cream, slightly softened

1 (9-inch) purchased graham cracker piecrust or chocolate-cookie piecrust

2 tablespoons toasted almonds, sliced or chopped

1 (6-ounce) container blueberries

1 (6-ounce) container raspberries

2 tablespoons water

2 tablespoons brown sugar

For the berry sauce:

3 cups blueberries

2 tablespoons brown sugar or to taste

1. Spoon ice cream into the crust (first spread strawberry, then spread vanilla and then smooth top.

2. Sprinkle with almonds; freeze until firm. Remove from freezer 20 minutes before serving so you can cut it.

3. Place blueberries and raspberries in a circularpattern on the outside edge ofthe pie. Place FourthofJulyorothercakedecorationsontop.

4. While the pie is freezing, make the sauce: Combine the berries in a medium saucepan and add the sugar and zest. Over medium-high heat, cook the fruit, stirring occasionally, until the fruit falls apart, about 8 minutes. Taste for desired sweetness and cool to room temperature.

5. Cut pie into wedges; place on plates. Spoon sauce over or on the side and serve immediately.

Advance preparation: The pie may be prepared one month ahead, covered well and frozen.

(Diane Rossen Worthington is an authority on new American cooking. She is the author of 18 cookbooks, including “Seriously Simple Parties,” and a James Beard Award-winning radio show host. You can contact her at www.seriouslysimple.com.) ©2025 Diane Rossen Worthington. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Diane Rossen Worthington