2026-02-14 - The Toms River Times

Woman Fostered Over 100 Puppies While Battling Rare Disease

By Stephanie Faughnan

TOMS RIVER - Danielle E. Cicora never wanted her illness to define her. For more than half her life, the Toms River resident lived with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, a rare and debilitating nervous system disorder that left her on crutches at times, in a wheelchair at others, and occasionally unable to tolerate even the touch of fabric on her skin.

But if you asked Danielle who she was, she wouldn’t have started with the diagnosis. She would have started with the puppies.

Born November 10, 1989, Danielle passed away January 20, 2026, at age 36. She is survived by her mother, Sandy Cicora, her father, Mike, her brother, Michael, her significant other, Sean Tomesco and five devoted “furbabies” - Serenity, Minty, Stewie, Emmett and Akela.

Seniors Taught To Recognize AI And Disinformation

By Sara Rafferty

BRICK – Seniors learned how to spot artificial intelligence and disinformation at a talk hosted by the local library.

Sarah Spellman, a volunteer for AARP, said she introduces elderly communities to the world of technology and how to protect themselves from scams. The most important part of Spellman’s presentation was her advice on detecting AI and avoiding scams. For deepfakes (fake images), look out for things that look too airbrushed. For example, a person’s undereye

often looks much brighter, their hair appears blurred, etc. Pay close attention to a person’s body - AI often struggles to create the correct number of fingers and toes. Their muscle lines may not look entirely connected. If it’s an image of nature, pay attention to the lines on trees, the flower petals, or if the grass appears airbrushed.

For voice cloning, fake voices are often much smoother than normal. A person’s natural accent may be distorted, there will be limited to no sounds of breathing,

(Disinformation - See Page 5)

To the volunteers at All Fur One Pet Rescue in Toms River, Danielle was more than a foster mom. She was a force.

“If you ever saw a foster mom carrying a literal sea of puppies with her bright red hair flowing, you likely knew Danielle,” the rescue wrote in a tribute following her death. “She was a firecracker… funny, smart, and radiating a beautiful energy that could fill any room.”

But behind the vibrant hair colors and easy smile was a woman who quietly fought battles most never saw.

A Purpose Found

Danielle had once been a gymnast. A fall and subsequent knee injury at 19 marked the beginning of a very different journey, one filled with specialists and years of chronic pain.

“She always said, ‘I never want this disease to define who I am,’” her mother recalled. “I’m not a person with RSD. I’m me. I just happen to have that.”

There were stretches when she couldn’t walk without assistance. Months when even a blanket brushing her legs was unbearable. Her family rigged bars across her bed so the blankets wouldn’t touch her skin.

Still, when transport night came and a litter of puppies needed a safe place to land, Danielle’s response was always the same: “I’ll take them.”

She began volunteering at All Fur One about five years ago. At first, she helped around the rescue. Then came her first foster, a small fluffy dog named Furby. Three days later, he was adopted.

Soon, one puppy turned into litters. Litters of three. Litters of six. One unforgettable litter of ten.

(Rare Disease - See Page 4)

This Month In History: Legal Piracy And Saltworks

By J. Mark Mutter

250 years ago this month - February 1776 - New Jersey was helping lay the groundwork for independence and decisions that were being made would change the course of history in what would one day become Ocean County.

Here’s the story.

The Historic Background

As one of Great Britain’s colonies in North America, New Jersey was run by a governor appointed by the king and an assembly elected by qualified property owners on a countywide basis. Ocean County did not yet exist; the area that we call home today was then the southern part of Monmouth County. There were 13 counties in New Jersey then (today there are 21).

At the time of the American Revolution, there were only two municipalities here. Stafford Township was established in 1749 by a decree from the British empire’s king; Dover Township (now Toms River)

(History - See Page 6)

Rare Disease:

Continued From Page 1

Over the years, Danielle fostered well over 100 puppies. “She never looked at it as work,” Sandy said. “She said, ‘These are living things that can’t fight for themselves, so I have to fight for them.’”

Mint’s Story - And Hers

One litter in particular changed everything.

The “Candy Land” litter, named for board game characters, included six puppies. All six contracted parvovirus. Five responded to treatment.

Mint did not. “He’s not going to make it,” the rescue founder warned.

Danielle refused to accept that. She learned how to administer subcutaneous fluids. She slept on the floor in the foster room for nights, listening for the faintest cry.

One morning, Mint lifted his head and wagged his tail. That was the moment Danielle knew she had found her calling.

Mint became her “foster fail,” the puppy she couldn’t let go. He grew into her emotional support dog, rarely leaving her side, especially during lengthy IVIG treatments at home. If

the treatment lasted six hours, Mint stayed six hours. If nine, he stayed nine.

“He gave back to her a millionfold,” Sandy said.

After Mint, Danielle began volunteering for the hardest cases - parvo puppies, sick litters, those other fosters felt unequipped to manage. She would switch assignments if another litter fell ill. She went to fellow volunteers’ homes to help treat puppies.

She understood suffering. “As sick as she was,” her mother said, “she’d say, ‘Mom, I know what they’re going through. I live it every day.”

The Letting Go

Fostering means goodbye. Sometimes after three days. Sometimes after nine months.

Was it hard?

“Of course I’m going to miss them,” Danielle would say. “But there’s more that need me.”

At her funeral and viewing, families arrived with dogs she had once cradled in her arms.

“She reached out to see how my pups were doing,” one adopter shared. Another wrote, “They were so loved and well cared for.”

According to the rescue’s founder, it’s rare for adopters to remember the name of the

foster. With Danielle, they did.

The Ones She Couldn’t Let Go

Among the hundreds she fostered from All Fur One, four remained. Mint, Stewie from the “Dinosaur” litter, Emmett from the “Airline” litter, and Akela, the two-pound runt she refused to let be bullied. And then there was Serenity, the 11-year-old rescue who predated All Fur One but anchored Danielle’s world.

Mint and Serenity still search for her. Mint walks through the house crying, sniffing her bed. Serenity has become quiet, watchful. “When you hug one of the dogs,” Sandy said, “it feels like you’re hugging her.”

The Pit Crew

Danielle didn’t do it alone.

Her mother described herself and Sean as Danielle’s “pit crew.” On bad health days, they cleaned pens, administered medicine, loaded cars for adoption events. If Danielle couldn’t attend, Sandy brought the puppies, often unaware that her daughter had texted other volunteers ahead of time: Please make sure my mom’s okay.

Sean, 44, met Danielle a year ago. She told her mother he was the love of her life, the first man

Polar Bear Plunge Set To Return

SEASIDE HEIGHTS – The iconic Polar Bear Plunge will make its chilly return to the Seaside Heights shoreline on February 28, drawing thousands of participants willing to dive into the frigid Atlantic Ocean for a good cause.

The event, held at 315 Boardwalk, benefits Special Olympics New Jersey and supports year-round training and competition for thousands of athletes across the state. Registration will take place from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., with

the plunge scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. Whether taking the plunge solo or as part of a team, participants are encouraged to raise funds and awareness for the Special Olympics mission. The annual event has become one

who truly understood her limitations without seeing them as burdens.

“She said, ‘No one’s ever taken care of me the way he does,’” Sandy recalled.

Sean embraced the puppies as readily as Danielle. Recently, while working, he recognized a dog that looked like Emmett, only to discover it was Emmett’s sibling. The owner remembered Danielle instantly.

A Legacy In Motion

Danielle once feared she had no purpose because she couldn’t work. Fostering changed that. “It turned her world around,” Sandy said.

Today, her mother has become an adoption coordinator with All Fur One. Sean stands beside her. They are considering fostering again in time. Because that is what Danielle would have wanted.

In its tribute, the rescue imagined her at the Rainbow Bridge, greeted by her beloved Makota and a joyful, wagging crowd of every puppy she ever saved.

They called her “a hero to the voiceless.”

Somewhere, in homes across New Jersey and beyond, more than 100 dogs are safe, loved and alive because Danielle E. Cicora decided her disease would not be her story.

The puppies were.

of the organization’s largest fundraisers and draws spectators and supporters from across the region.

For more information or to sign up, visit plungeseaside.org.

11-4pm

Continued From Page 1

and they may sound more confident - they won’t hesitate or stumble on their words.

She focused on the disinformation spread by AI and the ever-increasing risks. She also highlighted the important difference between

misinformation - the accidental spread of untruths, and disinformation - the purposeful spread of untruths.

AI is everywhere now, especially online. It’s become easily accessible by scammers, who are quick to use a person’s voice as a way to mask their own identity and convince you to send them money, she explained.

AARP offers scam alerts, which helps people stay up to date on the current scams in your area. More information can be found on AARP’s official website, AARP.org, and there’s no membership required.

Spellman urged people not to think AI is entirely evil, though. While scammers may be using AI, so can the police. Departments could use this advanced technology for things like facial recognition in crowded areas or

Winding River Ice Rink Brings Back DJ Skate Nights

TOMS RIVER – Lace up your skates and get ready to groove — DJ Skate Nights are back at the Winding River Ice Rink.

The popular seasonal series runs from now through March 28, offering lively evenings

filled with music and fun on the ice. Sessions take place Fridays from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 to 10 p.m.

Skaters can enjoy tunes spun by a live DJ under the rink lights at 1211 Whitesville

searching the internet for information on a suspect.

It can help with small tasks like quick questions - just stay mindful of the answers, as AI “learns” information by recognizing patterns online, and the internet is full of its own misinformation and human errors.

She explained that you should be mindful of content that is designed to elicit an emotional reaction. Always remember to fact check your sources; if you see something online and believe it’s worth sharing, it’s worth fact checking. If you can find a fact on multiple platforms, it’s more likely to be true.

Spellman recommends using verified, non-partisan websites when fact checking information. Her two favorite examples are Snopes.com or FactCheck.org

Road. Admission is $15, with skate rentals available for $5.

For more information, contact the Winding River Skating Center at 732-244-0720, ext. 1 or 5.

Continued From Page 1

was established in 1767 by an act by the colonial province’s assembly. The dividing line was the Forked River and as time went forward, 31 more municipalities would be created in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries whose genesis would be those first two and they all now comprise the Ocean County of today. So, as you’re reading this, if your town isn’t one of the original two towns, it’s still your history too - depending on whether you’re north or south of the Forked River.

In the 1700s, two little hamlets would emerge: Manahawkin in Stafford and the village of Toms River in Dover. Both towns would play important roles in the fight for independence.

A Provincial Congress

In 1775, as an alternative to imperial rule in New Jersey, a “provincial congress” was created. In essence, it was a shadow government in opposing the royal government. It debated the escalating conflict and would make decisions that would ultimately lead to adoption of New Jersey’s first state Constitution - just days before independence would be declared.

olution that the “late repulse at Quebec requires every exertion of the friends of American freedom” and the counties were to “use the utmost diligence and activity in collecting all the public arms belonging to your County” - so as to keep them out of “the hands of the associators (i.e.: the Tories - those loyal to the king).” The arms were ordered to be turned over to the congress’ state militia. The congress was responding to the alarming news of the American defeat at Quebec on New Year’s Eve where it was hoped that the northern frontier might be secured to remove British influence from the region.

The next day, the congress determined “that the money in the Eastern Treasury of this Province…are at the present, from their local situation, very insecure and exposed to danger” and should be removed to New Brunswick.

On February 5th, it was resolved as to the “loading of vessels in several ports of this Province with lumber for the West Indies,” that all town committees were to “exert themselves to prevent them” from leaving any port in the province unless the “master of such vessel produce a special license” from the congress.

ties voted yes; four voted no. Monmouth voted no.

These decisions would have directly impacted our area - an eastern part of the province, inhabited with Tory sympathizers and with lumbering and shipping as significant economic activities.

Salt And Pirates

Two other decisions would have a broad impact on the colonists who lived here in what would one day become Ocean County. The first involved an everyday household item found in our kitchen cabinets. Salt!

Salt was a vital commodity in the preserving of food and the making of gunpowder.

At high tide, salt water was collected in gated earth works, then pumped into pans where sand and seaweed were removed. The remaining brine was scooped into kettles and boiled down to salt crystals, dried, barreled and warehoused. It was used to preserve fish and meat and to make gunpowder. Salt was a necessary ingredient when combined with charcoal and sulfur to make the explosion to force projectiles into the air - large and small - for cannons and hand held arms.

The other decision involved what was known as “privateering.” Known as “legalized pirating,” this was the sanctioning of the practice of private citizens using armed, privately owned vessels to attack British shipping. In early 1776, a British ship sailing from Egg Harbour, then up along the coast of today’s Ocean County and on to New York City was captured off of Sandy Hook. It was loaded with coal, beer, potatoes, livestock and cannons - all intended for British troops. It never made it and as a result of this tremendous haul, the Continental Congress sitting in Philadelphia formerly authorized privateering in April 1776. This decision would have a profound impact along the coast as acts of privateering often led to all out naval combat. There were some 77 military engagements during the Revolutionary War off of the Jersey coast. It was war at the shore - on both land and on the sea - 250 years ago.

SOURCES: Minutes of the Provincial Congress & Council of Safety of New Jersey; “Long in the Hand & Altogether Fruitless: The Pennsylvania Salt Works” by Michael S. Adelberg, Penn State University, 2013

This provincial congress met throughout February 1776 at a tavern in New Brunswick. During this period of history, taverns, known as “public houses” were the places to conduct public business. On February 2nd, it adopted a formal res -

NEXT: It was one thing to support the idea of making salt, but a wholly different thing to build and operate a successful saltworks. Coming up: the stories of the Revolutionary War-era salt works up and down the coast of modern day Ocean County. J. Mark Mutter is the Toms River Township Historian History:

On February 16th, based on a request from Monmouth and Somerset counties, the congress decided upon the “qualifications of electors for representation in congress”: If you are of “full age, reside one year in any county, and are worth at least 50 pounds in real or personal estate, shall you be admitted to vote?” Nine coun-

The lands along the Barnegat Bay provided ideal locations for the making of salt and by war’s end, there would be many saltworks up and down our coast. Places like Little Egg Harbor, Tuckerton, Waretown, Forked River, Toms River and up to the Manasquan River saw one, sometimes two, saltworks in operation.

C ommunity n ews

District Honors Student Support Staff

Photo courtesy Toms River School District

TOMS RIVER – The Toms River Regional School District recognized National School Counseling Week by spotlighting the work of its student support

professionals, offering public thanks for their daily commitment to students’ academic and emotional well-being.

District officials acknowledged school counselors, social workers, psychologists, learning consultants and Student Assistance Coordinators for their role in supporting students inside and outside the classroom. Administrators said the group’s efforts are essential to helping students navigate academic challenges, personal issues and social development.

National School Counseling Week, observed annually in early February, is intended to highlight the impact of school counseling and student support services on student success.

The district said its support staff continue to play a vital role in creating safe, inclusive and supportive learning environments across its schools.

Breakfast With the Easter Bunny

TOMS RIVER – Families are invited to celebrate the Easter season with a community breakfast event planned for March 22 at the Holiday City South Club House in Toms River.

The Breakfast With the Easter Bunny will run from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the clubhouse, located at 139 Santiago Drive. Admission is $12 per person, with children ages 5 and younger admitted at no charge. The event includes a full breakfast featuring pancakes, sausage, coffee, tea and

juice. Children and families will also have an opportunity to have photos taken with the Easter Bunny.

Additional activities include a mini gift auction and a 50/50 raffle. A special drawing will be held at 11 a.m., and participants must be present to win.

The breakfast is being hosted by the South Toms River Area Optimist Club as part of its 100th anniversary celebration, in partnership with the South Toms River Recreation Commission.

Habitat for Humanity Plans Bingo Fundraiser

TOMS RIVER – Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity will host a bingo night fundraiser on March 12 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Toms River.

The event will be held at 113 Tennyson Ave., with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and bingo beginning at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $20 and includes six bingo games. Seating will be available on a first-come, firstserved basis.

of Toms River

Ortley Beach location 1955 Route 35 N. (6 mi. away) Same Owner-Same Services-Same Quality

We look forward to seeing you at the beach!

In addition to bingo, the evening will feature a basket auction and a 50/50 raffle. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own food. Proceeds from the event will support Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity’s mission to provide affordable housing opportunities in the community.

For more information, contact the organization at lmorgan@northernoceanhabitat. org or 732-818-9500, extension 105.

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY

EDITORIAL

Super Bowl Halftime Shows Through The Years

This is unfamiliar territory for me, since I’m not a sports fan. As I recently told my father, the only way I know if there’s a big game coming up is if I’m at the grocery store and chips are on sale.

The Super Bowl Halftime Show headliner transcends fans, though. It’s meant to get other people to tune in. It’s more for the millions watching at home than the thousands in the stadium.

Still, when they announced Bad Bunny, I was only a little surprised. I only know of this guy through his appearances on Saturday Night Live. I hate most rap, so I’m not the target demographic for his music (or for the Super Bowl for that matter).

I’ve gone beyond questioning the decisions made in the entertainment industry. I automatically assume that most of them are bad. But this one made me think (for a change). I mean, besides him having a stupid name, I really don’t know if he’s that big of a star. Again, not my rodeo. Maybe he is.

It made me look up the entertainers

brought out during halftime shows throughout Super Bowl history. This year isn’t the only weird choice.

The first shows were marching bands, like any football game at your local high school or college. This gave way to big band leaders and slowly pop stars started showing up. In 1972, there was a salute to Louis Armstrong which featured the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Carol Channing (Channing returned in 1970, the first of many to do so).

I might be going out on a limb here, but I’d say the first big commercial halftime was in 1977 when the Walt Disney Company produced it and had some of their songs in it. Imagine seeing “It’s A Small World” live. It sounds like a nightmare, honestly. Pretty big jump from three years earlier when the performers were the University of Texas Longhorn Band featuring Miss Texas ‘73 on the fiddle.

Two years later, Carnival Cruise Lines produced the “Salute To The Caribbean” which I’m sure was a big ad for traveling on their boats.

1987 saw another Disney-produced show with the theme being Hollywood’s 100th anniversary. This show featured George Burns and Mickey Rooney, which is pretty awesome, actually. The next year saw Chubby Checker and The Rockettes. 1990’s theme was a salute to Peanuts, which also sounds great.

Then in 1991, Disney produced again and we got the New Kids On The Block. What a time capsule. A salute to the 1992 Winter Olympics featured Brian Boitano and Dorothy Hamill. Gloria Estefan was also performing.

And then in 1993, arguably the biggest star in any of our lifetimes: Michael Jackson. I feel like this was a turning point. Sure, New Kids and Estefan were big in the early 90s, but they were no Michael Jackson. The halftime show has probably been chasing this high ever since.

The next year was Clint Black, Tanya Tucker, Travis Tritt and The Judds. I guess they were the big names. I know only a little more about country music than I do about rap.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

VA Women’s Clinic Understaffed

I am writing to bring attention to an issue that has deeply affected many female veterans in our community.

The Women’s Clinic at the Toms River VA facility - an important resource that was promised to us - remains inaccessible due to ongoing staffing shortages. Despite the clinic being established with the support of a grant from the town and presented as a dedicated space for women veterans, it has yet to fulfill

its intended purpose. For many of us, this clinic represented progress: a commitment to providing gender-specific care, privacy, and a supportive environment tailored to the unique needs of women who have served. Instead, we find ourselves unable to utilize the very services that were meant to address longstanding gaps in care. We are still able to be seen by our provider but not in the dedicated area for the female veterans. The community invested in this clinic. Female veterans were told it would be

WE WELCOME LETTERS TO THE EDITOR!

The Toms River 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.

available. Yet without proper staffing, the facility sits underused, and the promises made to us remain unfulfilled. This is not simply an administrative oversight - it is a failure to honor the commitments made to those who have served.

I urge local leadership, VA administration, and the broader community to address this issue with the urgency it deserves. Women veterans deserve access to the care that was pledged to them, and the resources already invested should not go to waste.

Thank you for helping bring visibility to this matter.

Carolyn Franzen US Air Force Female Veteran

Kudos To AristaCare

AristaCare in Whiting is an outstanding facility on so many levels.

I recently spent 2 months there for IV antibiotics and physical therapy. The care I received was wonderful: professional and compassionate. Virtually every staff

member: administrators, doctors, nurses, CNAs, aides all contributed greatly to my rapid healing.

One CNA in particular, Wanda, is a phenomenal caretaker and her encouraging spirit greatly aids healing. The physical therapy staff is beyond compare. They are respectful, thorough and challenging. The spirit of the staff is also reflected in authentic collaboration on all levels. I have immense gratitude to the whole team, and recommend them highly!

Frank Couglin Whiting

Young Candidate For Monmouth Commissioner

I’m Eduardo Castillo, a Marlboro resident and a working-class retail worker running in the Democratic primary for Monmouth County Commissioner. I am not a career politician; I am someone who has worked over six retail jobs and understands the daily grind of trying to make ends meet.

I’m just reading off a big list so I have no idea what the 1995 Indiana Jones performance brought to you by Doritos is. But Patti LaBelle and Tony Bennett were there. Anywho, another big name in lights for 1996: none other than Diana Ross. That’s an impressive pull.

1997 was a Blues Brothers Bash with Dan Aykroyd, John Goodman and Jim Belushi. James Brown and ZZ Top also performed. OK…

Then we go to Motown’s 40th anniversary with Smokey Robinson, Martha Reeves, The Temptations for pedigree and Boyz II Men and Queen Latifah for new fans. The fact that I get to type out “Big Bad Voodoo Daddy” in my job is a wonder. Anyway, they were in 1999 with a celebration of soul, salsa and swing with Stevie Wonder (another great pull), Savion Glover, and oh, hey, Gloria Estefan’s back!

The big 2000 show was Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera, Enrique Iglesias and Toni Braxton. The 2001 show I remember

(Editorial - See Page 13)

I know the stress of living paycheck to paycheck, the weight of mounting medical debt, and the frustration of watching grocery and gas prices climb while personal time with family disappears.

At 22, I offer a unique balance of youthful energy and seasoned lived experience. This campaign isn’t a battle of young versus old, I deeply respect our older generations and connect with them through shared struggles. I believe that ideas, not age, define a candidate. My goal is to bring fresh, reasonable solutions to our local government, rooted in my identity as a son, a partner, and a proud American who believes in our collective potential.

As your County Commissioner, I will focus on the powers of the office, managing the budget, passing ordinances, and overseeing essential services like education, public safety, and health, to directly combat the rising cost of living. While the office has its limits, there is so much we can do to improve our infrastructure and social services. Together, we can make Monmouth County the number one place to live

in New Jersey. Let’s work together to make our county bigger, better, and greater for everyone.

Eduardo Castillo Marlboro

The Unborn Lost On Election Day

As we look at the last governor race in New Jersey, Christians who voted did not reflect what the Word of God says. America had a covenant with God, and we should not sacrifice our children through the sin of abortion which is MURDER! Exodus 20:6 How could we elect those who continue to slaughter the unborn who were made in the image of God. And we will be accountable before the Lord. Looks like a heart issue and hopefully there will be a spirit of Repentance. May God forgive us!

Proverbs 8:35-36 “For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord; But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; all those who hate me love death.”

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

Nurse Home Visitation Program Helps New Parents

From The Desk Of The

Governor

Mikie Sherrill

TRENTON – The Family Connects NJ program (FCNJ) – the state’s Universal Nurse Home Visiting program – has been expanded to support more families welcoming home a newborn. The service is now available in all of South Jersey, and most of Central and North Jersey, with program rollout on track to reach statewide implementation next year.

FCNJ is a voluntary program that offers a free nurse home visit by a specially trained registered nurse or advanced practice nurse to all families within two weeks of the arrival of a newborn. The service is open to all families with newborns, whether through birth, adoption, resource placement, or kinship placement. The program also assists families recovering from the tragedy of stillbirth or neonatal loss.

Families in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Monmouth and Salem counties can

now schedule a free home visit from a specially trained registered nurse to perform health screenings, answer questions, refer community resources, and ensure the family has a healthy and safe start. Family Connects NJ nurses have already performed nearly 9,000 visits since the program’s launch in January 2024, and it is already available in Bergen, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Mercer, Middlesex, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, and Sussex Counties.

“Ensuring that our families, particularly our mothers, receive the medical care they need is a top priority for my administration. We know that the early days are critical for both moms and newborns, and having access to timely medical care can have a significant positive impact on their long-term health and well-being. The Department of Children and Families has done an excellent job expanding access to these essential services, both building upon the progress made in reducing Black infant mortality and keeping New Jersey the top place to raise a family,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill.

“It’s exciting to see how this successful program

continues to grow and support even more parents and families with newborns during such a critical time in the post-pregnancy and parenting journey,” said NJ DCF Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer. “The most recent evaluation data gathered in partnership with Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health showed that, time and time again, participants reported high satisfaction with the nurse providers, that the participants felt seen and heard, and that their nurse provider made the family’s health and concerns a priority.”

According to the recently updated Maternal Health Hospital Report Card which is produced by the Department of Health’s New Jersey Maternal Data Center, data showed that while substantive progress has been made around maternal and infant health, there is still much to do.

One of the key data points showed that 86.7% of pregnancy-related deaths were determined to be preventable. It also showed that the pregnancy-related mortality rate for Black, non-Hispanic women was 7.6 times higher than for white, non-Hispanic women, while the pregnancy-related mortality rate for Hispanic women was 2.7 times higher than for white, non-Hispanic women.

Family Connects NJ visits are typically scheduled within two weeks of delivery or welcoming a newborn home. During the nurse home visits, customized care and assessment is provided to the birthing parent and newborn. Nurses conduct health checkups for mom and baby and provide professional advice on breastfeeding, sleep training, and caring for a newborn, as well as referrals to community supports, if needed.

“The first-year evaluation data showcases just how incredible and lifesaving the FCNJ program has been since the very beginning,” said Brandie Wooding, Program Director for FCNJ. “In 14% of the families that were visited during the first year, a nurse identified a serious postpartum health concern that could not wait for the next scheduled medical appointment. This percentage has significantly increased since year one, with our 2025 data showing the percentage of families referred for medical attention at 18%. This includes issues like caregiver elevated blood pressure, signs of caregiver or infant infection, challenges with infant weight gain, and postpartum mental health.”

To learn more about Family Connects NJ, visit familyconnectsnj.org/

$23.8M In Federal Funds For Ocean And Monmouth Counties

From The Desk Of

Congressman Chris Smith

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Critical and comprehensive infrastructure projects and humanitarian initiatives serving Ocean and Monmouth counties were included in the recently approved consolidated budget and will receive more than $23.8 million in federal funding, thanks to earmarks submitted by Rep. Chris Smith (R-4th).

“The nearly $24 million in federal funding, which I secured, will go towards vital projects and initiatives that will greatly improve the safety, health, and quality of life of Ocean and Monmouth County residents,” said Smith.

“These funds will go towards critical law enforcement equipment and technology upgrades; significant improvements to water quality and wastewater treatment; enhanced stormwater management and flood mitigation efforts; expanded services for victims of domestic violence; and the implementation of informative human trafficking prevention programs in New Jersey schools,” continued Smith.

“These critical projects will bring innumerable benefits and improvements to the people

of Ocean and Monmouth counties, and I am honored to have played a role in securing the funding they need to bring these important initiatives to life.”

The federal funds, which Smith personally secured through congressional earmarks, include:

• $1,750,000 for Manchester to construct a stateof-the-art permanent water treatment facility to improve drinking water quality and mitigate PFOS contamination;

• $2M for the Ocean County Utilities Authority to help replace aging isolation valves, check valves, slide gates, and channel covers at several pump stations throughout Ocean County to improve wastewater treatment;

• $480,000 for the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office to augment its vehicle fleet to meet the growing law enforcement demands of Ocean County and the greater region;

• $540,000 for the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office to acquire upgraded communications equipment that provides for interoperability between the Sherriff’s Office and the County’s Emergency Management Agency and the multiple law enforcement and emergency services providers throughout the county;

• $2M to address safety and congestion issues along a section of the heavily traveled Route 537

corridor from Routes 526/571 to Gravel Hill Rd.;

• $5,640,000 for Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst to facilitate the construction of a critically needed Secure Test Aviation Research Hangar, which would include enhanced physical and cyber security features necessary for integration of advanced technology systems needed to enact the Navy’s Air Wing of the Future Program;

• $1,490,000 to restore, renovate, and revitalize the historic Manitou Park School House, which served only African American students and is the only remaining building in Berkeley with ties to the civil rights movement;

• $275,000 to upgrade the radio communication infrastructure for the Lakewood Shomrim, a vital volunteer organization that works handin-hand with the Lakewood Police, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office and Ocean County Prosecutors Office, in a commitment to law and public safety;

• $271,498 for Dottie’s House, a domestic violence shelter in Brick, to address a short-term gap for professional clinical casework and support staff and to restore and replace major aged systems in order provide better housing for transitioning families, as well as conserve energy and water and reduce costs;

• $3.2M for the construction of a new Air Traffic Control Tower at Lakehurst NAS, replacing the current tower constructed in the 1970s, which is now in a state of disrepair;

• $1M for Belmar to address critical water quality issues at Silver Lake, a coastal lake located approximately 750 feet west of the Atlantic Ocean, by installing a sustainable and resilient living shoreline to improve water quality; restoring native pollinators, plants, and wildlife, as well as the estuary; and efficiently filtering and managing stormwater;

• $247,000 for the Covenant House New Jersey (CHNJ) to launch a comprehensive, statewide human trafficking prevention initiative for schools aimed at reducing exploitation through education, early intervention, and expanded access to services;

• $2M to restore and improve the health, structure, and stormwater management abilities of Shadow Lake, an 80-acre, man-made flood mitigation and stormwater collection pond within the Navesink River system, located between Middletown and Red Bank;

• $2M for Lakewood to provide roadway, drainage, and sewer infrastructure improvements to Maplehurst Avenue, Newport Avenue, Franklin Boulevard, and Faraday Avenue along the Cross Street Corridor; and

• $1M for Eatontown to conduct infrastructure repairs and improvements around Wampum Lake to lower its water level in advance of a storm event and bring the road infrastructure up to modern compliance standards to prevent cyclical damage to housing, businesses, roads, transportation and recreational greenspace.

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.

Prosecutor’s Office Earns State Re-Accreditation

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office has again been re-accredited by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police through the New Jersey Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, officials announced.

Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said the office met and complied with more than 100 professional standards as part of the rigorous review process, which evaluates policies, procedures and overall operations.

The accreditation is designed to ensure law enforcement agencies function efficiently while emphasizing community engagement, risk reduction and accountability.

Photo courtesy Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office the office’s ongoing commitment to effective service delivery and responsiveness to the needs of Ocean County residents. Representatives present for the recognition included Captain Brianne Pluta, Executive Assistant Prosecutor Bridget Coughlin, First Assistant Prosecutor Michael T. Nolan Jr., Lieutenant John Carroll and Deputy First Assistant Prosecutor Michael Weatherstone, along with Harry Delgado, the accreditation program manager for the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police.

Officials said the re-accreditation reflects

The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office has participated in the accreditation program as part of its efforts to maintain best practices and public confidence in its operations.

Garden State Tribe Seeks Players For Spring Youth Football Season

TOMS RIVER – A nonprofit youth football organization serving underprivileged children in several Ocean County communities is recruiting players for its upcoming spring season.

The Garden State Tribe, a spring football program entering its fourth year in 2026, recently held tryouts for its 12U, 14U and 15U teams and is still looking to fill several roster spots, according to program founder Frank Roder.

The organization focuses on providing opportunities for children from Toms River, Beachwood, Ocean Gate and Bayville. While the program is open to all athletes, Roder said its mission centers on removing barriers that often prevent underprivileged youth from participating in organized sports.

To that end, the Garden State Tribe provides transportation to and from practices and games and offers academic support, including tutoring, to help players maintain their grades. Several members of the coaching staff are school teachers, Roder said, reinforcing the program’s emphasis on education alongside athletics.

The team is coming off a strong 2025 season in which it finished undefeated before falling in the final moments of the championship game.

Practices and home games are held at West Dover Elementary School in Toms River. Families interested in learning more about the program or registering a player can contact Roder by email at gstribefootball@ gmail.com or by phone at 609-342-3707.

Fixture Of Ocean County St. Patrick’s Day Parade Dies

TOMS RIVER – Kevin Nulle, a longtime supporter and committee member of the Ocean County St. Patrick’s Day Parade, has died. He was 57.

Nulle passed away peacefully Jan. 31 in Toms River, surrounded by family, according to information provided by loved ones. A resident of Pine Beach, Nulle dedicated more than three decades to the Ocean County St. Patrick’s Day Parade, serving as a committee member for over 30 years and as parade marshal for more than half that time. Friends and colleagues described him as a fixture of the parade and a passionate advocate for the annual event.

Born Sept. 26, 1968, in Hollis, New York,

Nulle spent part of his childhood on Long Island before moving with his family to Toms River in 1979. He graduated from Toms River High School North in 1987 and later earned an associate degree from Ocean County College.

Nulle built a career in logistics, working for more than 32 years as a logistics manager for L’Oréal, where he made lasting friendships. Outside of work, he was active in the community, volunteering for many years with the Beachwood/Pine Beach Little League and coaching several seasons. He was known for his love of music, concerts, beach days, skiing trips to the Poconos, and watching New York Mets and New York Rangers games with family and friends. Those close to him said he had an easygoing personality, a quick sense of humor, and a natural ability to connect with others.

Nulle is survived by his parents, Pat and Larry Nulle; his wife, Kerry Ryan; his son, Kyle Nulle; his stepson, Sean Baker; two sisters and their families; and an extended family that includes nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his grandparents and several aunts and uncles.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Ocean County St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Contributions can be sent via Venmo to @OCStPatricksDay or arranged by contacting parade committee member Michael Yeager.

C ommunity n ews

$12M Project Planned To Improve Safety On Busy Ocean County Road

By Jason Allentoff

LAKEWOOD – A $12 million county-led transportation project is planned to improve safety and mobility along a busy stretch of Cedar Bridge Avenue, officials announced.

The project will focus on Cedar Bridge Avenue (County Route 528) between South Clifton Avenue and Airport Road, one of Ocean County’s most heavily traveled corridors. Funding is being provided through the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority, with Ocean County overseeing the work.

County officials said the roadway serves major commercial destinations, community facilities and regional travel routes, while also presenting long-standing safety concerns. According to the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s 2023 network screening list, the corridor ranked first in Ocean County for pedestrian and bicycle safety concerns and second overall for corridor safety issues.

“This project addresses longstanding safety issues along a vital corridor for our residents and visitors,” said Ocean County Commissioner Frank Sadeghi, co-liaison to the county engineering department. He said the planned upgrades are expected to reduce crashes and provide safer options for pedes-

trians and cyclists in Lakewood Township. Improvements include upgraded traffic signals at six intersections and construction of a shared-use path designed to better accommodate people walking and biking. Additional work will include widened shoulders, high-visibility crosswalks, Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant curb ramps and enhanced roadway lighting.

Commissioner Ray Gormley, also a co-liaison to the engineering department, said the project builds on earlier safety improvements completed along other sections of Cedar Bridge Avenue in 2015 and 2017. He said the work will allow the county to fully implement recommendations from a road safety audit completed in 2014.

Preliminary design work is expected to begin in the summer of 2026. The project will be coordinated with the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority, the New Jersey Department of Transportation and Lakewood Township officials.

The Ocean County Board of Commissioners said the investment reflects an ongoing commitment to improving roadway safety while planning for future growth, adding that modern infrastructure upgrades are critical to protecting residents and supporting local communities.

Crisis Hotline Seeks New Volunteers For Spring Training

TOMS RIVER – CONTACT of Ocean & Monmouth Counties is seeking volunteers to join its 24-hour crisis intervention hotline, with a new training session scheduled to begin March 10.

The free, six-week training program will be held in person twice a week, every Tuesday and Thursday, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sessions will take place at Christ Episcopal Church, 415 Washington St., in Toms River. CONTACT of Ocean & Monmouth Counties operates a round-the-clock hotline offering crisis intervention, as well as information and referrals to community

resources. All calls are free, confidential and anonymous.

Volunteers are trained to support individuals experiencing emotional distress and to connect callers with appropriate local services. No prior experience is required. Those interested in volunteering can call 732-240-6104 or email contact@contactoceanmonmouth.org for additional information and registration.

Organizers say the program offers residents an opportunity to make a meaningful difference by serving as a supportive voice for people in need.

Bingo Night Supports Veterans At Legion Post

TOMS RIVER – The American Legion Post 129 in Toms River hosts weekly bingo games aimed at raising support for local veterans.

Bingo is held every Thursday at the post, located at 2025 Church Road. Doors open at 5 p.m., with games beginning at 6:30 p.m. Food and snacks are available for purchase, and the evening features progressive

bingo games.

Organizers say proceeds from the event help support veterans and the Legion’s ongoing programs.

For additional information, contact American Legion Post 129 at 732-255-9250. Questions may also be directed to Bill Schmidt, trustee, at 732-575-6904 or by email at BillSchmidt1000@aol.com.

:

Continued From Page 8

watching: Aerosmith and NSYNC, with Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige, and Nelly. In 2002, it was after the attacks on September 11, 2001 so we needed something a little more thoughtful and U2 was the answer. 2003 had Shania Twain, No Doubt and Sting which don’t seem to fit but maybe that was the point.

Then we come to the infamous 2004 Janet Jackson/Jusin Timberlake show. You know what happened here, because it was talked about forever, and was very controversial. But also P. Diddy and Kid Rock were there? P. Diddy was later sentenced for sex trafficking, and Kid Rock later wrote a song about liking underage girls, and the controversy was the wardrobe malfunction? Jeez…oh, and Jessica Simpson was there, too.

Then we got spoiled. 2005: Paul McCartney. 2006: Rolling Stones. 2007: Prince. 2008: Tom Petty. 2009: Bruce Springsteen. 2010: The Who. What a run.

2011 was Black Eyed Peas featuring Usher which is another time capsule, honestly. I hate Madonna with the heat of a thousand suns but it makes sense for her to be a headliner, and she was in 2012. However, there were also LMFAO (lol), Nicki Minaj, MIA, and Cee Lo Green, who were all a little less timeless.

Beyonce and Destiny’s Child hit 2013. Valid. Bruno Mars the next year with Red Hot Chili Peppers. OK sure. Katy Perry in 2015 - again, big name, big stage presence, makes perfect sense. She was joined by Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliott. Coldplay was 2016. They were joined by Beyonce, Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson. Kind of a strange mix but fine. 2017 was Madonna again (Oh, I’m sorry, I meant Lady Gaga). 2018 Justin Timberlake returned. 2019: Maroon 5 with Travis Scott and Big Boi. Whatever.

Then in 2020 we saw Shakira and Jennifer Lopez featuring J. Balvin and Bad Bunny. Wait, what? This is his second time at the Super Bowl? How is that even possible? Ladies and gentlemen, The Weeknd was in 2021. 2022 was Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar. Again, no fan of rap, but these are some of the most commercial rappers so it’s not a huge surprise to see them here. Rihanna headlined 2023.

Usher headlined 2024, his second appearance, despite being a despicable person. He was joined by Alicia Keys, Jermaine Dupri, H.E.R., will.i.am (second appearance for this Black Eyed Peas member), Lil Jon, and Ludacris. Last year was Kendrick Lamar again, with SZA.

A lot of these shows also had marching bands. The best named one was “the Sonic Boom of the South.”

The nonprofit music group Up With People performed five times in the 70s and 80s, with a message of multiculturalism and racial equality, so programming like that isn’t new.

Looking at this list puts things in perspective. Someone like Bad Bunny isn’t even the worst choice based on this history. Once they started getting superstars, the producers were always chasing the biggest names (even if they would be forgotten just a few short years later).

How many of this list are for football fans? Way less than half, I’d say. That’s why the performers face the cameras and not the stands. The point is to get non-football fans to tune in. To be eyes on the screen during the commercials and the ads in the stadium itself. It’s to get people like me, who don’t care about football or pop music, to talk about it, to hype it up, and to tune in or be left out of the conversation. So I guess I’ll stop talking about it now.

Chris Lundy News Editor

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

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!

Al-Anon Meetings Available Locally

OCEAN COUNTY – Are you troubled by someone else’s drinking? Al-Anon Family Groups may be able to help you. Call their 24-hour hotline for local meeting locations at 888-944-5678.

MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS! Expand your patient base by advertising in Micromedia Publications’ 7 weekly newspapers. Call 732-657-7344 to find out how!

Dear Pharmacist

Why You Can’t

Sleep Without A Blanket Even In Summer

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Have you ever kicked the blanket off because you’re too hot… only to pull it right back up five minutes later? Or is that just me?

I love being covered at night. Even in August. Even with the air conditioning on. Even when logic says, “You’re overheating, woman.”

And here’s the strange part, it’s not really about warmth. I looked this up and wanted to share my research with you in case you like to be covered too when you sleep. It has everything to do with your nervous system, not the temperature in your bedroom.

As a pharmacist who’s spent decades helping people sleep better without jumping straight to prescription sedatives, I find this endlessly fascinating because it’s so common, so instinctive, and yet so misunderstood.

We assume blankets are used only to stay warm. What your body is actually responding to is the light pressure and containment. Think swaddling! Even a thin sheet provides gentle sensory input that helps shift your nervous system out of “alert mode” and into “rest mode.”

That shift is governed by your parasympathetic nervous system, the part responsible for slowing your heart rate, lowering stress hormones, and allowing sleep to unfold naturally. For context, the sympathetic nervous system is your “fight or flight” mode. Parasympathetic is better described as “rest and digest” and it’s what’s activated when you cover up.

In other words, your blanket isn’t just a comfort habit. It’s a regulatory cue to put you into parasympathetic mode.

Light pressure on the skin sends calming signals to the brain and supports vagus nerve signaling, a pathway deeply involved in relaxation, digestion, and sleep. This is the same reason weighted blankets help some people sleep more soundly.

There’s also an ancient, evolutionary layer to this. Long before memory or logic kicks in, the nervous system asks one quiet question at bedtime: “Am I safe enough to let go?”

Covering yourself creates a subtle sense of enclosure that reduces nighttime vigilance. Your modern brain knows you’re safe in bed. Your primitive brain is skeptical.

Then there’s temperature regulation. Stable skin temperature matter more than being cold. A light cover helps your body regulate heat evenly, which supports the natural drop in core temperature required for sleep. Melatonin plays a role too. This blanket instinct also overlaps gently with anxiety. Not panic attacks. Not diagnoses. I’m talking about the far more common experience of being wired but tired, mentally exhausted yet unable to settle, restless at night, or easily startled awake.

In those moments, your body often reaches for self-soothing tools like being covered up. It’s your nervous system telling you it wants to downshift gears.

But this whole blanket thing also explains why sleep feels worse sometimes in hotels, or when your husband ‘steals’ the covers in his sleep. It’s not just annoying. It’s the loss of a calming signal your body expects.

For more natural sleep insights, including melatonin timing and gentle nervous-system support, visit me 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) ©2026 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.

CLINICAL DERMATOLOGY

Acne Treatment • Eczema Treatment

Mole Removal • Wart Removal

Seborrhea/Seborrheic Dermatitis Treatment

Skin Cancer Treatment • Skin Infections

COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY

CoolSculpting • Botox

Chemical Peel - VI Peel

Microdermabrasion • Scar Revision

Treatment of Acne Scarring

YAG Laser

SKIN CANCER SURGERY CENTER

Mohs Micrographic Surgery

Superficial Radiotherapy

•

•

•

•

•

•

Legal Advertisement

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

Have you obtained a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) loan from Citizens Bank within the last 6 years and have elected to have your payments automatically deducted from your Citizen’s bank? If so, you may be entitled to a cash award with absolutely no financial risk to you. We believe Citizens Bank committed FRAUD by promising its consumers a discount for using their automatic payment features, but never actually giving their consumers the discount associated with their HELOC loan. So, if you have a HELOC loan with Citizens Bank and you have been making automatic payments from your Citizens’ account then please

contact R.C. Shea & Associates to discuss your potential claim. We will need to review some of your monthly loan statements and your loan documents to determine whether you qualify for this potential claim. Please call our consumer protection attorneys at R.C. Shea & Associates by dialing our toll-free number (800) 556SHEA or (732) 505-1212. Our consumer protection attorneys are interested in speaking with you about your potential case. This is a legal advertisement. We do not guarantee results. Your consultation is free.

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

Around the Jersey shore

Senior Slow Pitch Summer League Registration

By Chris Lundy

BERKELEY - Registration is now available for the Berkeley NJ Over 60 Senior Slow Pitch Summer League. Tryouts will soon be held. Players are welcome from anywhere in New Jersey.

The registration link is leaguelineup.com/ welcome.asp?Url=berkeleyssl

Note: Once you click the link, you may see a message stating “This site does not support secure connection with HTTPS.” Not to worry, if you are using wifi at home, you’re OK, as your wifi router has security protection. Click continue to access the website. Concerns? Call Mike Singer, Web Administration Group at 732-580-0633. Registration available on the welcome page under the heading register online. After you submit the register form, you get a new window with another link “please click this link to complete the registration.” Click that link to finish the registration process. Registration is for new, previous, and existing players who want to change teams. The summer league is a franchise league, meaning the majority of the teams are sponsored by various businesses. Players who tryout and are drafted will be joining an existing team. And possibly a new team.

Games are played on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 10 a.m. at Veterans Park, Bayville, and Whispering Pines Park in Berkeley (although many believe that this is in Toms River).

New players must be at least 60 in the 2026 calendar year. New Players: Legal bats: If you are 60 to 69, your bat must be ASA or USA-certified. Players 70 and over can use an ASA, USA, or a Senior Bat. Note: Must turn 70 in the 2026 calendar year to use a Senior Bat.

All new players must attend the tryout to be eligible for the draft. The tryout is scheduled for April. Date “to be determined.” The venue for the tryouts is Whispering Pines Park fields, located at the corner of Orlando Boulevard and Selkirk Avenue, Berkeley.

Questions regarding the league, contact Tom Olson at 609-743-1226 or email: tomolson451@gmail.com

If you have issues registering for the draft contact Mike Singer at 732-580-0633 or Email at singemi43@gmail.com.

The league plays Tuesday/Thursday mornings at Veterans Park and Whispering Pine Park.

For more information visit leaguelineup. com/berkeleyssl

Ocean County Warns of Growing Health Risks Tied to Kratom Products

By Jason Allentoff

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Health Department is urging residents to use caution as officials report a rise in overdoses and medical emergencies linked to kratom products sold in convenience stores and other retail outlets across New Jersey.

Health officials say the plant-based substance, sometimes labeled as 7-OH, is often marketed as a natural supplement despite mounting evidence that it can cause serious health complications. Kratom products are unregulated in New Jersey and can be purchased in convenience stores, smoke shops and online, frequently without age restrictions.

Ocean County Commissioner Deputy Director Jennifier Bacchione, the county’s liaison to the Board of Health, said the accessibility of the products is fueling concern among public health leaders.

“What is often promoted as natural or safe can carry very real dangers,” Bacchione said. “Young people in particular may not understand the risks associated with these substances.”

According to the health department, kratom contains active compounds that affect opioid receptors in the brain, increasing the potential for dependence, abuse and

withdrawal symptoms. Daniel Regenye, the county’s public health coordinator, said kratom is not approved for any medical use and has been linked to seizures, liver damage, nausea, vomiting and hallucinations.

Officials also warned that, because the products are not regulated, some may be contaminated with heavy metals or bacteria.

While kratom remains legal at both the state and federal levels, lawmakers have introduced legislation aimed at restricting or banning its manufacture and sale in an effort to curb unregulated access.

Kimberly Reilly, the county’s alcoholism coordinator, said misuse patterns are beginning to resemble those seen with other addictive substances, including self-medication and withdrawal symptoms.

The health department advises residents to avoid kratom use without medical guidance, exercise caution with unverified herbal products and report adverse reactions to local health officials or poison control.

Officials also note that naloxone may help reverse respiratory depression in suspected kratom overdoses.

More information is available through the Ocean County Health Department at oceancountyhealth.gov.

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!

Around the Jersey shore

County Backs Meals Program Serving Seniors

OCEAN COUNTY – The Board of Commissioners continues to provide funding support for Community Services Inc. of Ocean County, helping sustain Meals on Wheels and other nutrition programs for older residents across the county.

In 2025, the organization delivered more than 286,000 meals through a combination of home-delivered service and Community Cafes, ensuring seniors had reliable access to nutritious food and daily human contact.

Each morning in Manahawkin, kitchen staff begin work before dawn, preparing meals that are later distributed throughout Ocean County. Program leaders say the

service goes beyond nutrition, offering routine check-ins and a sense of connection for residents who may otherwise be isolated.

County officials credited the partnership with Community Services Inc. of Ocean County for strengthening the safety net for aging residents, while advocates emphasized the role Meals on Wheels plays in helping seniors remain healthy and independent in their own homes.

The program serves thousands of older adults countywide each year, with funding from the county helping cover food preparation, delivery and community-based dining options.

Arc Of Ocean County To Host Lunch Break Networking Event

BRICK – The Arc, Ocean County Chapter will host a Lunch Break networking event on March 5 to mark Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and highlight the contributions people with disabilities make to the local workforce and community. The event is scheduled from noon to 2 p.m. at the organization’s Pop-Up Café in Brick and is free to attend. It is being organized by The Arc’s Vocational Services department.

Local businesses, school districts and nonprofit organizations are invited to attend, enjoy lunch and connect with The Arc’s vocational staff and program participants. The event is designed to promote inclusive partnerships and expand awareness of vo -

cational and transition services available in Ocean County.

Representatives will share information on a range of services, including commercial cleaning, shredding and production work for businesses, as well as volunteer opportunities for Arc participants with nonprofit organizations. The Arc will also discuss job-coaching employment sites that support integrated work environments and transition services for school districts, including a new paid internship program.

Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP by visiting arcocean.org or by emailing development@arcocean.org for additional information.

Free Program Offers Parents Tools For Family Challenges

OCEAN COUNTY – Residents can take part in a free, self-paced online program designed to help parents strengthen communication and problem-solving skills with their children, county health officials announced.

The program, Parenting Wisely, is an interactive course that can be completed in three to five hours or spread out over time. It is aimed at parents who want guidance on handling common but difficult family situations and improving outcomes at home and school.

According to the Ocean County Health Department, the program focuses on evidence-based strategies shown to reduce youth substance abuse, improve school performance, decrease delinquent behavior and ease family conflict. Participants

work through realistic scenarios that emphasize constructive responses and positive parenting techniques.

Topics covered include helping children with homework, supporting academic success, managing shared computer use, resolving sibling disputes, navigating step-parenting issues, improving morning routines, addressing curfews and responding to concerns about drugs or alcohol.

The program is available at no cost to Ocean County residents and can be completed entirely online.

Parents interested in registering or learning more can contact Kelly Downes at the Ocean County Health Department at kdownes@oceancountyhealth.gov or by calling 732-341-9700, ext. 7232.

Around the Jersey shore

Jones Named BlueClaws Manager For 25th Season

JERSEY SHORE – Mycal Jones has been named manager of the Jersey Shore BlueClaws for the club’s 25th anniversary season in 2026, the team announced in conjunction with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Jones becomes the 18th manager in franchise history, replacing Greg Brodzinski, who won 209 games over the last three seasons and led the team to the postseason in 2023.

Jones is entering his seventh season in the Phillies organization. He previously served on coaching staffs with the Florida Complex League Phillies, Clearwater, and Double-A Reading, most recently spending the 2025 season in Reading. A former fourth-round draft pick of the Atlanta Braves in 2009,

Jones played seven seasons in the Braves’ minor league system before beginning his coaching career.

Joining Jones on the coaching staff will be pitching coach Ryan Buchter, hitting coach Darnell Sweeney, position coach and assistant hitting coach Ryan Wrobleski, and position coach Orlando Muñoz. Buchter returns for a second season after helping oversee one of the league’s top pitching staffs last year, while Sweeney joins the BlueClaws following two seasons as a hitting coach in the Florida Complex League.

The BlueClaws will open their 2026 season, which marks the franchise’s 25th anniversary, on April 3, with the home opener scheduled for April 7 against Brooklyn.

Around the Jersey shore

County Plans Events For American Revolution’s 250th Anniversary

OCEAN COUNTY – Officials are planning a slate of public events in 2026 to mark the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, joining communities nationwide in commemorating the nation’s founding era.

The county’s schedule includes historical programs, commemorative ceremonies, concerts and community gatherings spread throughout the year, many centered in Toms River and at the Cedar Bridge Tavern Historic Site in Barnegat.

The observance begins with a 5K run at Cedar Bridge Tavern on March 29, followed by a regional meeting of the League of Historical Societies of New Jersey on April 18 at the same location. Arbor Day will be marked April 22 with the planting of a Liberty Tree at the Ocean County Courthouse.

Summer events include a concert and drone

show on July 2 at the county’s Parks Administration complex, participation in the Wawa Welcome America Salute to Independence Parade in Philadelphia on July 3, and multiple July 4 programs in Toms River, including a bell-ringing ceremony at the courthouse and an evening concert at the Ocean County Library.

Additional events later in the year include a patriotic music performance by Bobby Horton on October 4 at Ocean County College, a Countdown to Independence presentation on November 12 at the courthouse, and the 244th anniversary observance of the Affair at Cedar Bridge Tavern on December 6. County officials said more details, including program highlights and updates, will be released as the anniversary year approaches. All events are subject to change.

American Legion Welcomes New Members

Manager • NJ Lic #4075

TOMS RIVER – American Legion Post 129, the largest post in Ocean County, is inviting new members to join its ranks. The post, located at 2025 Church Road, holds an open membership meeting on the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m.

Organizers say the post offers one of the strongest support systems in the county and is among the most active in New Jersey. For more information, contact trustee Bill Schmidt at BillSchmidt1000@aol.com or 732-575-6904, or call the post directly at 732-255-9250.

Crowd At Reptile Show Tips The Scales

Photo by Andrew Rice

By Andrew Rice

HOWELL - The New Jersey Reptile Show had its second ever event recently at the VFW Post 2179 meeting hall on Port Monmouth. According to the event’s website, this family-friendly reptile and exotic pet expo was meant to be a showcase where hobbyists, breeders, families, and the reptile-curious

can come together to explore the amazing world of exotic animals. The event included appearances from some of the top exotic pet shops, licensed breeders, and animal care professionals.

Due to New Jersey’s strict laws on the sale and possession of exotic pets, there aren’t many reptile shows in the state, meaning that

local sellers, breeders, and enthusiasts usually have to go out of state for an event like this. However, that also means that when an event like this is hosted in the Garden State, it gets packed wall to wall.

The event had over 60 tables to browse and shop from, with many of the tables selling live animals right from their booth, while other tables sold reptile care accessories.

Most of the vendors had a similar story with how they fell in love with their craft. They liked to find different types of reptiles in the woods as a kid and they could never let go of that child-like love for exotic animals.

For Richard DeBevoise, the owner of HJS Serpents, his love for reptiles grew when he bought his first ball python and the subsequent rabbit-hole he went down learning as much as he could about them. That love of pythons and other reptiles grew into a collection and eventually into a business.

Two Howell based organizations made an appearance at the show. Major League Exotic Pets, a popular exotic pet store located on Route 9 had a significant display of different animals.

The other Howell based organization at the show was Small and Furry Rescue, a local animal rescue organization dedicated to helping exotic pets. They work with local animal shelters because many of them don’t take reptiles.

One of the animals they had with them was a snake named Newark. Newark got his name because he was rescued after he fell

through the ceiling into someone’s bedroom in an apartment complex in Newark. Their work doesn’t just end with reptiles, as they provide services for every type of pet aside from the usual dog and cat. As cool as it is to buy one of these exotic animals, they have to be taken care of properly. That is one of the reasons why representatives from Nautilus Avian and Exotic Veterinary Specialists attended the event. Nautilus is an exotic pet veterinary hospital based out of Brick who attended the event with the purpose of educating new pet owners. Nautilus provides several different types of services, helping to ensure that these animals remain healthy in their new homes.

The event also included many booths dedicated to isopods, and animal enclosure accessories. Another booth called Parties by Parrots had an activity where eventgoers could have their picture taken with exotic birds resting on their shoulders

This event was put together by William Thomas, who runs shows all over the tri-state area. Thomas is a reptile enthusiast who has been a vendor at various shows from a young age, and it was the connections that he made through being a vendor that allowed him to start putting shows together himself. Although no future event dates have been announced, Thomas said that they are looking to set up another show, possibly in a bigger venue because of the amount of guests this one had.

Local Author Writes Book With Grandson

Photo courtesy Paul Mil

Paul Mila greets a turtle which served as inspiration and research for his Sea Turtle Adventure series of books.

By Bob Vosseller

JACKSON – A township author is passing the torch to his grandson to create a literary legacy.

Paul Mila coauthored a book with his grandson Luke recently proving that sometimes, lightning strikes from unexpected places.

Mila told The Jackson Times that “for the past year I had been struggling to come up with an idea for the fourth children’s book in my ‘Harry Hawksbill’ Sea Turtle Adven-

ture series, published by Best Publishing Company.”

“On a sunny July Saturday afternoon this past summer, my 10-year-old grandson Luke Chiappetta opted for some alone time with grandma and grandpa, instead of hanging out at the nearby sports complex between games of his sister’s softball tournament,” Mila added.

“While Luke and I were snacking at the kitchen table, he asked, ‘Grandpa, where do you get the ideas for your books?’

Luke asked the question casually, like an experienced reporter doing an interview,” Mila said.

“I explained that the ideas for my six adventure novels and three children’s books came unexpectedly, from meeting interesting people and encountering fascinating sea creatures on my scuba diving adventures. I never know where the inspiration for the next story will spring from. I told Luke that I couldn’t come up with an idea for the next book in the Harry Hawksbill series, which involves mostly sea turtles,” he said.

Mila said his grandson’s next question jarred him a bit. Luke said, “So Grandpa, why don’t we use a different sea creature in the next one?”

“‘We?’ I thought. The idea of writing a book together had never occurred to me. I asked Luke if he really wanted to write the next book with me. He smiled and nodded enthusiastically. I was pleasantly amazed by his response. Also, I had been so laser-focused on sea turtles I just never thought ‘outside the box’ to use a different animal. Luke’s fresh perspective breathed life into the project,” the author added.

“I use my underwater photography instead of using an illustrator, to provide a sense of realism for children reading a fictional story. I went through my photo archives, and found many interesting stingray photos, in addition to sea turtles. So, I suggested to Luke that the story could involve Harry the hawksbill turtle helping a lost stingray find its way home after being swept away by a giant hurricane,” the writer remarked.

“Luke helped me select photos, explaining why he thought some worked better than

others. He also wrote some of the text and dialogue. For the ‘teaching points’ that I provide in every story, I had Luke Google the information for research experience, such as what stingrays eat, how they find their food, and how sea turtles navigate, even though I knew the answers,” Mila added.

The author explained, “one day, when I was stuck trying to insert a thought bubble showing what a character is thinking, Luke surprised me with his technical savvy, probably typical of our young internet generation. His impatience with me made me laugh.”

“Grandpa! Move the cursor here! Click, then drag it over here and click again,” his grandson suggested.

“Finally, our project was completed and Best Publishing Company accepted our proposal. When the graphic designer sent us the cover for our review, I blinked and skipped a breath seeing our author names together: Paul Mila and Luke Chiappetta,” Mila said.

“Luke loves writing, so I wondered what this experience could mean for his future. Was I passing the torch, to inspire a writing career?” the author asked. “For myself, I thought about the legacy. I felt a moment of peace and happiness knowing that after I’ve left this planet for parts unknown, I’ll always be on a bookshelf in Luke’s room, not just a name carved on a cold tombstone.”

The book, “Sally Stingray Finds Her Way Home” is perfect for any young person interested in the ocean and its creatures. For information, email pjmila@hotmail.com, or visit milabooks.com

^^Thinking of Selling^^ Get morePay Less ~ Experienced Preparation/ Negotiation. LOWEST Commissions TOO!! No Double Talk ~ www. LISTFORLESSNJ.COM BROKER Joe S. 609-713-1727cell (9)

Adult Community WhitingCrestwood Village 5. 55+. Larger 2 BD, 1 BA, powder room, porch, washer/dryer, garage. No pets. No smoking. $1,700 plus utilities. 848-326-0105. (10)

House For Rent - Silverton. Fully Furnished, 3 BDRM, 2 BTH, LRG KIT, DIN RM, FAM RM. LRG DECK, BOAT LIFT, JACUZZI, TIKI BAR & GRILL. Available for rent 2/1/26-6/30/26 $3200/MNTH, Utilities Incld, No Pets. Would consider full year rent at $4800/ MNTH. Call 201-527-0205 or email jmartinez4165@gmail.com. (7)

Room For Rent - Private full bath.

Use of kitchen. Pet friendly. Short term available. No smoking. Washler, dryer. Holiday City South, Toms River. $1,450. 732-710-8915. (11)

2011 Chevy Express Van - 1500 series, 6 cyl engine. Needs transmission. Body very good condition. Asking $1,600. Have clean title. Call or text, located in Toms River, 732-986-3873 ask for Chevy Express [Joe]. (10)

Living Room Furniture For Sale - Bay window couch, like new. Antique marble coffee table. Two side coffee tables. Asking $1,000 for the set. Can be sold as individual pieces. 732-773-9415. (9)

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)

Vinyl Records Wanted - Paying cash for LP albums. Rock, Jazz, Blues, Reggae. Also buying comic books. Call Rick 908-616-7104. (10)

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)

CA$h PAID For OLD 45 RPM RECORDS - R and B, doo wop, soul, rock and roll, and rockabilly. 909-938-4623, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., bobo78rpm@verizon.net. (13)

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

Used Guns Wanted - All types: collectibles, military, etc. Call 917-681-6809. (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. (9)

CLASSIFIEDS

Items Wanted

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)

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)

Now Training School Bus Drivers! - NO CDL NO PROBLEM we are willing to train. $23-$26 per hour. Full benefits package & paid sick leave. Start CDL Training today! 732-905-5100. (13)

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

Laundromat Attendant - For FT/ PT Good communication skills, math and min computer knowledge. Transportation needed. Long term commitment only. 732-286-1863. (t/n)

Services

PAINTING By Neat And Meticulous European Craftsman - who will beat any written estimate. Senior discounts. Interior, exterior. Call 732-506-7787, cell 646-643-7678. (t/n)

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)

INCOME TAXES - Toms River Firm. 30 Years experience. Personal and Small Business Returns. $100 Off with this AD. Call for appointment. 732-270-6505. (11)

YMT Vacations. Over 50 guided tours available. Affordable, social and stress-free travel designed for mature travelers. Our tours include accommodations, transportation, baggage handling, sightseeing, entrance fees, a professional Tour Director and select meals. For a limited time SAVE $250 on all tours. Call YMT today. 1-866-296-9071 (t/n)

Life Coach - Not sure how to handle something? Talk. Hear. Listen. Get unstuck. $25 for 1 hour. Melissa Lekas, 732-754-4891. (10)

DO YOU WANT YOU CAR TO LOOK NICE AND SHINECALL LENNY < Lenny's Mobile Auto Detailing 908-868-4609. (46)

"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)

A PLUS CLEANING - Homes Offices AirBnB Thorough Reliable

Honest Specializing in Senior Villages Call Barbara 732 948-4730. (3)

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)

Housecleaning - Laundry, window, carpet, office cleaning, food shopping, painting. Call 732-3304189 or 848-287-3944. (1)

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)

Handyman Service - Carpentry, masonry, repairs, painting. 732-6743346. License #13VH03469200. (41)

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)

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)

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. (7)

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)

Fix And Build It - All while being fair and honest. Call and I'll show up and will beat anyone's price. Discount for Vets, Police, Fire and EMS. Home builder for over 25 years. Tony 201-303-7923. (10)

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)

In-Home Chores & Organizing for Older Adults - Available for home & closet organizing, meal preparation, errands, house cleaning, and more. Call Mary 732-703-6502. (8)

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

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)

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

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:

Auto For Sale

Items For Sale

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:

*In order to qualify for discounts, the same ad must run over the requested weeks. • Estate/Garage/Yard Sales

= $

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

Credit Card# Exp.

Cardholder Signature: Print Name:

Billing Address:

5. PHONE NUMBER (THIS IS REQUIRED)

If you have any questions, leave a message for Ali 732-657-7344, ext. 203. Deadline For Classified Ads:

A white-tailed deer hunkers down in deep snow during a powerful winter storm that blanketed the area in ice and heavy snowfall. The image was captured by Thomas Smith of Berkeley Township. Have a pic to share with our readers? Email it to photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you may see it here.

Clothing, Shoe Drive Fundraiser

TOMS RIVER – The Toms River South Lady Indians softball program will host a clothing and shoe drive fundraiser later this month to raise money for the team while promoting reuse of gently worn items.

The drive is scheduled for March 22 at 10:30 a.m. at the Toms River South High School softball field on the first-base side. Community members are invited to drop off donations during the collection window.

Organizers are accepting a wide range of gently used items, including adult and children’s clothing, shoes, accessories, handbags,

backpacks, linens, towels and uniforms. Small household items, electronics, toys and new diapers will also be accepted. All donations must be placed in tightly tied plastic or paper bags. Items that will not be accepted include furniture, books, pillows, curtains or merchandise that is damaged, stained, moldy or has an odor. Donated goods may not be re-bagged after leaving the donor’s home. Proceeds from the fundraiser are based on the total weight of the collected items, with heavier collections generating greater returns for the team.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Toms River Dermatology Provides Various Services With Compassion And Professionalism

By Bob Vosseller

TOMS RIVER – Toms River

Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center offers a wide range of today’s most advanced dermatology procedures in the community of Toms River, New Jersey.

Committed to providing outstanding healthcare, Toms River Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center gives patients immediate access to the newest, most advanced techniques and treatments in medical dermatology, Mohs surgery, cosmetic dermatology, and laser procedures.

Patients today are justifiably demanding, wanting everything from classic solutions to dramatic new noninvasive cosmetic treatments that can make a huge difference.

Whether it’s treating skin conditions like acne, rashes, or skin infections; pigment issues like vitiligo; Botox® to get rid of facial lines and wrinkles; mole or wart removal; or countless other concerns, you can count on the trusted professionals at Toms River Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center to provide expert care.

Dr. Santiago A. Centurion heads the four Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center offices. He is a board-certified dermatologist, dermatopathologist, and Mohs surgeon whose facilities provide healthcare, immediate access to the newest, most advanced techniques and treatments in medical dermatology, Mohs surgery,

cosmetic dermatology, and skin cancer radiation.

The Toms River office opened last year at 780 Route 37 West, Suite 100, Toms River and offers a wide range of the most advanced dermatology procedures. “We are here to serve the community,” Dr. Centurion said. He is also an affiliate physician with Robert Wood Johnson Hospital.

His wife, Cristina Centurion is a nurse practitioner who along with her husband has watched the growth of the organization over 20 years.

“We started in Old Bridge which is the main office and worked with a friend of ours and when he retired my husband took over the practice. We aren’t part of a big conglomerate. Our office has different names but is all the same,” Cristina Centurion noted.

“We specialize in skin cancer and Mohs surgery,” she added. Regarding Mohs surgery, “he has done over 2,000 cases annually from the Freehold office alone so probably 3,000 a year.”

She said her husband “finished his residency in 2003” at one of the largest schools of health sciences of its kind, the University of Medicine and Dentistry which is considered the leading research university in the state.

Before joining Dermatology Associates of Central NJ, Dr. Centurion was chief of dermatologic surgery at the East

Orange Veterans Hospital. He specializes in the treatment and evaluation of skin cancer.

“In addition to that we do cosmetic dermatology and we offer PRP which is plasma for anti-aging and hair growth. We do the gamut of things in dermatology and cosmetology,” his wife added.

She noted that patients today are justifiably demanding, wanting everything from classic solutions to dramatic new noninvasive cosmetic treatments that can make a huge difference.

Whether it’s treating skin conditions like acne, rashes, or skin infections; pigment issues like vitiligo; Botox to get rid of facial lines and wrinkles; mole or

Toms River Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center is located at 780 Route 37 W • Suite 100 • Toms River, NJ 08755.

wart removal; or countless other concerns, the organization’s professionals can be trusted on to provide expert care.

Dr. Centurion said the members of his team are highly educated and, just as importantly, extremely compassionate people. He noted that his career is firmly rooted in New Jersey, starting with his residency in dermatology, fellowship in dermatopathology, and training in Mohs surgery at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.

Over the course of his distinguished career, he has instructed countless medical fellows, residents, and students on skin cancer surgery. He has per -

formed several thousand laser surgeries and his expertise is documented in numerous published scientific papers, as well as in his contributions to numerous dermatology textbooks.

“Collectively, we have around 30 staff working at various offices depending on where they are most needed except PA Cynthia Gelnaw, who predominantly practices at the Toms River facility. A graduate of Drexel University and Board-certified as a physician assistant, Cynthia brings 15 years of experience providing high-quality dermatologic care delivered with great compassion,” Cristina Centurion said.

“We have state of the art equipment but although you would find that in a lot of dermatology offices I feel what makes us stand out is not only the skill level of Dr. Centurion and our providers and as a whole we generally like each other and that is part of our strength and with a staff of 30 plus it makes for a very harmonious working environment,” she added.

You’ll find each of the members of the team to be not only highly educated and, just as importantly, extremely compassionate people. For a personal appointment, visit https://www. dermatologyassociatesnj.com/ or call 732-679-6300.

Students Invited To Enter Women’s History Month Art Contest

OCEAN COUNTY – The Ocean County Advisory Commission on the Status of Women is inviting middle school students across Ocean County to take part in a Women’s History Month art contest highlighting leadership, equity and sustainability.

The contest is open to students in sixth, seventh and eighth grades enrolled in public, private and parochial schools throughout the county. Participants are asked to

create an original poster inspired by the 2026 Women’s History Month theme, Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.

According to organizers, the theme encourages students to explore how women contribute to long-term solutions that support both communities and the environment. Submissions may reflect environmental stewardship, economic opportunity, social justice, community

resilience, leadership development and intergenerational equity.

Artwork must be submitted on 8½-by-11inch paper. One winner will be selected in each category for every grade level. Categories include best digital art, best fine art and best overall representation of the theme using any medium. Each winning student will receive a $25 gift card, and all participants will earn a certificate of merit. Entries must include a completed entry

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!

form and must be received by March 6. Late or incomplete submissions will not be judged. Winners will be notified by email, with awards expected to be mailed by the end of April.

Selected artwork may be displayed at commission-sponsored events around Ocean County and may also be reproduced in commission publications.

For more info, call 732-506-5374, extension 2610 or visit oceandhs.org.

FUN & GAMES SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 14 - 20

BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS

OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

ARIES (March 21-April 19): If it’s important, plan your week so that it happens Thursday or Friday — those are the days with the most momentum for achievement in the coming week. Release desired projections so you can see facts.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): People often want to believe in something or someone but can then be mis-served by investing in the insubstantial. Assess with open eyes before you leap; wait until the above-zero stars later this week.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Do your own research before you share something, it’s easy to be blinded to reality for the next few days. Give others space too if they’re grappling with faulty assumptions or misinformation.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Believe in yourself with all you’ve got, express with full-throated joy. But know that below-zero Universal stars don’t necessarily bring the response you’d like. Do it just for you, not for critics.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Build a home life that supports your efforts — a better ‘charging station’ can allow you to feel solidly rooted in yourself, giving you a platform from which to grow tall and to thrive with all that you are.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Even the best efforts can get tanked if what is actually needed is misunderstood. Start by clarifying the need, then apply the effort. This could be more difficult until you get to Thursday or after.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): What you believe could be because it’s what you want to believe. Sidestep assumptions and lazy thinking and dig until you have all the facts if the matter is important. Be patient as you look for answers.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Something about the domestic scene may not add up, some foundational piece of intel could be missing or skewed to create different optics. Stand up for truth, it’s the only place worth living.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):

Drill down to facts before you open your mouth. While everyone could be more easily fooled now, don’t be the one remembered for delivering bad intel. Extra caution is advised on this below-zero day.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19):

Freeze yourself from making any major purchases for the next few days, you are especially prone to a financial error due to some kind of inadequate understanding, whether deliberate or accidental.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You don’t need to add any glow up to your already glowy self now, it could be seen as some kind of false front for a few more days. Stay solidly in your authenticity, no frosting needed on this cupcake.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): An old untruth could cycle around for another level of understanding and processing. Upholding things that are no longer real for you doesn’t serve your evolution. Discern what’s ready to release forever.

THIS DISH IS A FAVORITE FRENCH BISTRO CLASSIC

BRAISED LEEKS WITH DILL MUSTARD VINAIGRETTE

Serves 4

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

8 leeks, white and light green parts only, cleaned (see above)

1 3/4 cups chicken broth

3 tablespoons finely chopped dill weed, divided, plus more for garnish

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

2 teaspoons lemon zest

1 garlic clove, minced

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For garnish: Cooked, chopped egg

Baby red and yellow tomatoes

1. In a skillet large enough to fit the leeks in a single layer, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.

2. Add leeks and cook, turning with tongs, for about 5 minutes until lightly browned. Pour in the broth, add 2 tablespoons dill weed and cover. Cook for 10 minutes or until the leeks are tender when pierced with a knife. Transfer the leeks to a rimmed serving platter.

3. Remove the skillet from heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, remaining 1 tablespoon dill weed, the lemon juice, mustard, lemon zest and garlic.

This dish is truly Seriously Simple and will garner raves from friends or family. CREDIT:(Noel Barnhurst/TCA).

Whisk to combine, then season with salt and pepper.

4. Taste for seasoning. Spoon the vinaigrette over the leeks and garnish with chopped egg, fresh dill weed sprigs and baby tomatoes. Serve immediately or chill. Recipe notes Leeks are very dirty, so clean them thoroughly. When cleaning, split the leeks down the middle, ensuring the root remains intact, and rinse under cold water to remove any dirt.

Advance preparation: This dish can be made up to one day ahead, covered, and refrigerated. Garnish just before serving.

(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.) ©2026 Diane Rossen Worthington. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.