2026-03-28 - The Toms River Times

From D-Day To Toms River: Bud Lomell’s Legacy Honored

Renee Lomell holds the proclamation honoring her father, WWII hero Leonard “Bud” Lomell, surrounded by the mayor and members of the Township Council following a presentation at Town Hall.

By Stephanie Faughnan

TOMS RIVER – A proclamation honoring one of Toms River’s most decorated war heroes brought the Township Council meeting to a pause, as officials recognized the family of Leonard G. “Bud” Lomell and the legacy now tied to the VA clinic bearing his name.

The council presentation connected Lomell’s wartime heroism with a modern-day impact felt just a couple of miles away.

Lomell’s name is attached to a

facility local veterans now rely on, a clinic on Hooper Avenue that opened in recent years to replace the smaller Brick location and meet growing demand in Ocean and Monmouth counties. The naming came later, when federal legislation introduced by Congressman Chris Smith and signed in 2025 formally designated the site as the “Bud Lomell” VA clinic.

A Hero Remembered At Home Council members spoke of

Lomell not just as a decorated soldier, but as a young man thrust into extraordinary circumstances.

“So we’re talking about a young man, 24 years old, that had to do this,” Council President Dave Ciccozzi said, recalling Lomell’s role in the D-Day invasion. “I couldn’t picture myself doing this, and he was a true hero in our town.”

Lomell, an Army Ranger, was among those who scaled the cliffs at Pointe du Hoc on June (Legacy - See Page 4)

This Month In History: Salt And The Revolution

By J. Mark Mutter

TOMS RIVER - Salt.

It’s hard to believe, but it was salt, of all things, that helped put what is today Ocean County on the map of history during the American Revolution.

Here’s the story.

A Vital Commodity Salt was a vital com-

modity during the war for independence. It was used for the preservation of fish and meat, and in the making of gunpowder.

The British recognized the strategic value of salt early on during the Revolutionary War period. They established an economic blockade off

the north Atlantic coast - aimed primarily at the importation of salt - hoping that the Americans would quickly give up the fight. Since it is famously said that an “army travels on its stomach,” the British strategy was to simply stop the flow of salt into the colonies so as to disrupt the preservation

of food and create food shortages, thus forcing an early collapse of the American war effort.

But the Americans knew of salt’s vital importance, too, and it goes far back in history: the first patent ever issued in the American colonies was in the 1600s - and it was for the making of salt. In 1775,

at the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, which would declare independence the next year, formed a committee to study “the cheapest and easiest methods of making salt.”

So the race was onwhich side would win the battle over salt? The area that would

(History - See Page 6)

Local Rent Control Gives Way To State Authority

By Stephanie Faughnan

TOMS RIVER - A contentious debate marked by interruptions, accusations, and visible frustration ended with the Township Council voting to dissolve Toms River’s Rent Leveling Board, eliminating a local system that had governed rent increases in mobile home communities for decades.

The vote comes as New Jersey has shifted oversight of manufactured home rent increases to the state under a 2025 law establishing a uniform 3.5 percent cap.

The ordinance repeals provisions of Chapter 363 of township code and formally eliminates the board that had served as a forum for disputes between landlords and tenants in manufactured home communities.

While the ordinance itself was procedural, the discussion leading up to it revealed confusion over whether the board remained necessary.

How The Local Board Worked For years, Toms River’s Rent Leveling Board applied specifically to mobile home parks, where residents typically own their homes but lease the land beneath them.

The board allowed landlords to seek rent increases and tenants to challenge them, request reductions, or raise concerns related to conditions in the park. Hearings were conducted locally, with both sides presenting financial information and testimony. The board typically met four times annually and included both a certified public accountant and an attorney as part of its structure to review financial submissions and legal issues tied to rent adjustments. Township code also limited how much rents could increase, capping them at “3 1/2% of the previous twelve-month rental income… or the percentage increase in the consumer price index… whichever shall be less.”

Even so, the board did not have final authority. Either side could take disputes to Superior Court, meaning the local process often served as an initial step rather than a binding resolution.

State Law Replaces Local Oversight

The structure changed in 2025, when New Jersey adopted legislation imposing a statewide

(Rent - See Page 5)

Includes: arrangement conference, removal from place of death, alternative container Starmark Transporter, transfer to crematory, crematory fee

Legacy:

Continued From Page 1

6, 1944, disabling German artillery aimed at Allied forces. His actions helped secure the success of the invasion and earned him some of the nation’s highest military honors, including the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart.

His courage did not end there. He later fought in the Battle of Hürtgen Forest and the Battle of the Bulge, suffering multiple wounds before returning home.

A Legacy Beyond The Battlefield

The proclamation made clear that Lomell’s story did not end with the war.

After returning to Ocean County, he became the first director of the Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau, helping fellow veterans navigate life after combat. That connection to veterans services was front and center as his daughter, Renee Lomell, accepted the proclamation.

“Ocean County is a very different place today than it was then, and when you needed help, you had to go all the way up to East Orange,” Renee said. “Dad would be so pleased that now here in Toms River, due to the hard work of the town council and mayors of several administrations, people can get the help for PTSD and women’s veterans,” she said, referring to the clinic that now carries his name.

“Dad knew the cost of war and knew the importance of the VA services, and now it’s here, centrally located,” she continued.

“On behalf of my mother, Charlotte, and the Lomell family, I would like to thank the town council and the mayor for the honor of this proclamation.”

A Story That Still Resonates Lomell’s legacy has continued to draw attention in recent years, from historical presentations to national recognition. Historians have described him as one of the most pivotal figures in the success of D-Day, second only to General Dwight Eisenhower.

Closer to home, his story has been shared through local events, exhibits, and discussions that bring together residents, veterans, and historians. Those who knew him often described him not just as a hero, but as a man of humility.

There was no self-promotion and no grand storytelling, just a quiet commitment to doing what needed to be done.

Inside Town Hall, where a portrait of Lomell hangs, that legacy feels personal. The proclamation presented to his family was more than ceremonial. It reflected a recognition that the freedoms discussed in council chambers today were shaped by people like him.

For Renee Lomell, the moment underscored something lasting. Her father’s bravery on the cliffs of Normandy now lives on in a place where veterans seek care every day, in a community that continues to honor him, and in a family that carries his story forward.

And in Toms River, that story is no longer just remembered. It is part of daily life.

Rent:

Continued From Page 1

3.5 percent cap on rent increases in manufactured home communities and placed oversight with the Department of Community Affairs.

Landlords seeking to exceed that cap must apply to the state and provide documentation supporting the request. This includes operating costs, capital improvements, or financial hardship. The department may review submissions, hold hearings, and determine whether higher increases are justified. Tenants must be notified and have the opportunity to challenge those increases.

The law also creates statewide enforcement, allowing penalties for violations and giving tenants the right to seek damages and attorney fees, while directing the Department of Community Affairs to adopt rules and oversee implementation.

Toms River is not the first municipality in Ocean County to move away from a local rent leveling board. Barnegat previously dissolved its board after the same law took effect, concluding that rent oversight for manufactured home parks had shifted

to the state.

Officials Clash Over “Layer Of Protection”

The move from local to state oversight was at the center of a quarrelsome exchange during the council meeting. When a resident asked what removing the board would mean for someone living in a mobile home, the clearest explanation ultimately came from another resident during public comment.

Council President David Ciccozzi said the administration had requested the ordinance to dissolve the board. “We were told that this [the local rent leveling board] wasn’t necessary, that it was redundant, it wasn’t needed,” Ciccozzi said. “That the state is running it.”

His remarks highlighted a central divide in the discussion. Supporters of removing the board viewed the local board as duplicative of a system now handled by the state. Others argued that redundancy did not mean the board had no value.

Mayor Daniel Rodrick rejected the claim that the administration sought to dissolve the board and argued it continued to serve an important role. “I’m opposed to repeal-

ing it because it’s a layer of protection for all those people who live in the mobile home park,” Rodrick said. “Once the board is gone, it will be a lot easier to jack up rents.”

Rodrick also suggested that eliminating the board could open the door to redevelopment, suggesting that if residents are pushed out of mobile homes near Lake Ridge, developers would follow.

The discussion then grew more personal. Rodrick accused Council Vice President Tom Nivison of having a conflict of interest and told him he should abstain. “You work for the guy,” Rodrick said, referring to one of the mobile home park owners. “You can’t talk.”

Nivison pushed back, saying he had consulted with two attorneys who advised he was not conflicted and could participate in the vote. He then directed his comments toward Acting Business Administrator Drew Cabot, a member of the Rent Leveling Board according to the township website.

“Your little boy there smiling was all in favor,” Nivison said, adding that Chabot indicated the move could save the township about $15,000. “Smiley was all in favor of it.”

Councilwoman Lynn O’Toole also opposed dissolving the board, citing concerns about shifting authority entirely to the state and its potential impact on vulnerable residents. She pointed to what she described as a broad divide between a Democrat-controlled state government and Republican-led Ocean County.

During public comment, Renee McNally, a senior property manager at Homestead Run who also lives in the community, said the protections residents rely on are already in place under state law.

“We’ve had rent leveling in place for years, and we’ve never been allowed to raise lot rent more than 3.5 percent,” McNally said. “The state has now taken that over for all mobile home parks in New Jersey. We’re reporting the same information to them, so having a local board is really redundant. The protections are still there, and we’re still capped at 3.5 percent.”

The ordinance to remove the board ultimately passed by a 4-3 vote, with Ciccozzi, Nivison, Councilmen Robert Bianchini and Clinton Bradley voting in favor. Council members Harry Aber and Craig Coleman voted against it, along with O’Toole.

CASA Launches 20 For 20 Fundraising Challenge

TOMS RIVER – CASA of Ocean County is marking its 20th anniversary with a new fundraising and awareness campaign that asks supporters to donate $20, record a short video and challenge others to do the same. The nonprofit’s “20 for 20 Challenge” en-

courages participants to give $20 or more, then film a five- to eight-second video while holding a $20 bill and saying, “I accept CASA of Ocean County’s 20 for 20 Challenge — and I’m passing it to you.” Participants are then asked to post the video online

and nominate two or three friends to join in.

CASA of Ocean County said the campaign is designed to celebrate two decades of service while helping raise money for its work with children in foster care. The organization trains volunteers to advocate

for those children, giving them a voice in court proceedings and helping support their long-term well-being.

Officials said each $20 donation helps continue that mission, which has affected countless children over the past 20 years.

History

:

Continued From Page 1

one day become Ocean County would play a central role.

The Making Of Salt In 1776, a delegate to the Continental Congress published a treatise entitled “The Art of Making Salt.” It laid out a step-by-step process. At high tide, salt water was to be collected in gated earth works, then pumped into pans where sand and seaweed were removed. The remaining brine was to be scooped into kettles and boiled down into salt crystals, dried, placed in bushels, and warehoused.

Finding the right piece of land was critical. To build a successful salt works, there needed to be a low piece of land, adjoining the sea, distant from the mouths of large rivers, and ground free from freshwater springs. The land along the Barnegat Bay provided ideal locations.

The Building Of Salt Works

By the war’s end, there would be many salt works up and down our coast. But it was easier said than done.

250 years ago, in March and April 1776, four colonies passed acts to encourage domestic salt making: Connecticut, Maryland, North Carolina - and New Jersey. In Philadelphia, there was great interest at the Continental Congress about salt as there were salt shortages and price gouging. The Congress, in May, when it was then debating the very idea of

independence, also decried “ill designing men” that charge a “most exorbitant price for salt.” Salt that sold for 8 pounds near the coast sold for 35 pounds in the City of Brotherly Love. The Pennsylvania Committee of Safety, the de facto patriot government opposing the king’s, established salt prices and promised to punish both gougers and hoarders.

When the Declaration of Independence was announced to the public on July 4, 1776, there were just three salt works in operation in all of North America - and none near Philadelphia. But that would soon change.

On June 10, 1776, the Pennsylvania Committee of Safety endorsed a plan by a Philadelphia merchant for the making of 60,000 bushels of salt annually - an extravagant amount. It would soon be located not far from where the Mathis Bridge is today in Toms River.

500 acres of salt meadows were purchased just days before independence was declared. Later that year, more land was purchased and leased. It would become a huge operation. It was located along the bay and just across from an inlet leading to the ocean (long since closed to a nor’easter storm in the 1800s). Today, the site is home to one of Toms River’s popular recreational facilities - Shelter Cove Park.

The saltworks in Toms River would soon be in operation, but there were others, too: in Manasquan, the “Union Salt Works”; in Waretown, the “Congress Works”; in Little Egg Harbor, “Bartlett’s

Works” and “Falkinburg Island Works”; in Forked River and Tuckerton, one site each; and in Toms River, a second site, “Randolph’s” at “Mosquito Cove” (present day Silverton).

Gone Down To The Shore

When France entered the war on the American side in 1778, the British were forced to divert their resources to other parts of the empire and their blockade along our coast gave way to increased commercial activity. Salt prices began to fall but would remain erratic throughout the war.

John Adams, a delegate at the Continental Congress, would one day write to his wife, Abigail, complaining of the high price of salt in Philadelphia “despite all of the salt water boiling around” along the coast. Never really known for his sense

of humor, the man who would one day become our second President, famously joked to his wife that Philadelphia was nearly empty. “All the women and young children are gone down to the Jersey shore to make salt,” wrote John Adams.

NEXT: As the British blockade failed, what next? Coming up: the destruction of saltworks up and down the coast. It was war at the shore, both on land and on the sea - in large measure - no pun intended - because of salt.

SOURCES: “John Adams” by David McCullough, 2001; “Long in the Hand and Altogether Fruitless: The Pennsylvania Salt Works and Salt,” Michael S. Adelberg, Pennsylvania State University, 2013

J. Mark Mutter is the Toms River Historian

Americana Program Coming To Library

LAVALLETTE – Folk singer Jessica Carroll will present “Jessica Carroll Sings Americana” at 7 p.m. April 8 at the Upper Shores Branch of the Ocean County Library. Carroll’s program will feature patriotic hymns and Americana folk music, along with background on how the songs originated.

The free event is sponsored by the Friends of the Upper Shores Branch. Registration is required. People can sign up at tinyurl.com/CarrollUpperShores, call 732-793-3996 or register in person at the branch, 112 Jersey City Ave., Lavallette.

Correction

In the March 7 article “Retired Seaside Heights Police Lieutenant John Tate Dies,” it was incorrectly stated that he was a retired Air Force member. We regret the error.

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY

FEATURED LETTER

Seniors Left Behind By The “Married Filing Separately” Penalty

In the halls of Washington’s esteemed Congressional buildings, the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) Act (Public Law 119-21) is being touted as a landmark victory for the American taxpayer. Here in New Jersey’s 4th District, Congressman Chris Smith has joined the chorus, celebrating the new $6,000 Senior Enhanced Deduction as a vital lifeline for those over 65.

But as the saying goes, the Devil is in the details - and for seniors in our district, our state, and our nation, those details are devastating.

The OBBB Act introduces a significant $6,000 deduction for seniors earning under $75,000. On the surface, it’s a noble policy. However,

buried in Section 139L of the updated tax code is a strict requirement: to claim this deduction, married couples must file jointly. This “filing status trap” explicitly excludes those who use the “Married Filing Separately” (MFS) status. For many, this isn’t a choice made for tax “gaming” - like it is for the wealthy, many whom in congress would identify as, but rather it is a financial necessity born of hardship for those that this very provision was supposed to be designed for.

In NJ-4, home to roughly 135,000 seniors (one of the highest concentrations in the state), the cost of living is a crushing weight. In 2021 across the nation, almost 4 million people over the age of 65 filed separately. In this

Trump Gets An F-

This letter is in response to a letter in The Berkeley Times on February 28, 2026: “A+ for Trump.”

I strongly object to giving Trump an A+ rating. He deserves an F-. Just a reminder that FDR, who was a Democrat, is about as far removed from Trump as you can get. Trump has no explanation for why the prices in the supermarkets are going higher and higher because he doesn’t want to state that his tariffs

caused these high prices. Inflation was lower when Biden left office than it was when Trump left office the first time. It’s wrong of you to say that Democrats hate America. We are the ones fighting to uphold the Constitution that Trump so horribly disregards. I hope that the hard-working people in the United States vote Democrat in this mid-term election so that a democratic congress will impeach President Trump.

This letter is in response to a letter in The Berkeley Times on February 28, 2026:

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.

high-stakes environment, filing separately is often a survival strategy, especially for those making under $75,000 a year. The OBBB Act ignores the four primary reasons our elderly neighbors file separately:

• The Medicaid “SpendDown”: With nursing home costs in New Jersey often exceeding $12,000 a month, couples frequently file separately to qualify one spouse for Medicaid while protecting the “community spouse” from total poverty.

• The 7.5% Medical Threshold: To deduct medical expenses, they must exceed 7.5% of your income. For a senior with high out-of-pocket costs, filing separately lowers the income threshold, making those life-saving deductions possible. By requiring joint

filing for the new $6,000 credit, the OBBB effectively taxes the sick.

• The Parent PLUS Loan Crisis: An increasing number of Jersey Shore seniors are still paying off student loans for their children. Filing separately is the only way to keep their monthly payments manageable under federal income-driven repayment plans.

• Late-Life Financial Protection: For seniors in “gray divorces” or those protecting their Social Security from a spouse’s business debt, filing separately is a shield. By excluding these individuals, the law effectively levies a $700 to $1,000 tax penalty on the very people who are struggling the most.

Congressman Chris Smith has represented this district

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

“Senator Should Look At Own Party’s Corruption,” in relation to multiple lucrative Department of Defense (DoD) contracts and loans to companies associated with Donald Trump, Jr.

The contract that you refer to in your letter was in fact reported in The New York Times on October 24, 2025 and in the Financial Review on December 3, 2025. So, it was not an open-ended accusation on the part of Democratic Senator Andy Kim.

You should not make general statements about the Democrats when we can obviously see that most of the propaganda comes from Trump and the Republican party. Tim Walz did not steal taxpayer money but Republican Kristi Noem did. That’s why she was fired by Trump.

Emily

Daly Berkeley

Info To Know Before Primary Election

Primary, the first Tuesday, is right around the corner.

since 1981. He knows that his constituents in retirement communities aren’t looking for loopholes; they are looking for a way to afford both their property taxes and their prescriptions.

During the frantic congressional deliberations led by House Republicans, the nuances of the MFS status were pushed aside in favor of a “one-size-fits-all” approach.

The final version of this bill reflects a lack of concern for the complex reality of modern senior households. Did our Congressman and staff read the finer details of the bill?

During the 1 a.m. “marathon” sessions in June 2025, various members of the Democratic caucus criticized the “speed and secrecy” of the bill’s drafting, arguing that “cliff-edge” exclusions, ones

like this very MFS ban were buried in the text without proper floor debate. Maybe they are right!

A tax code isn’t “beautiful” if it requires a senior to choose between their financial survival and a federal deduction. If Congressman Smith truly wants to champion the seniors of the Jersey Shore, he must lead the charge for a technical correction to the OBBB Act.

We must allow seniors who file separately to claim their $6,000 deduction if their individual income falls below the $75,000 threshold. Anything less is a betrayal of the promise to “protect our seniors.”

John Ventolo, Point Pleasant

Here are some very important dates for Ocean County voters.

Now is the time to register if you’ve moved - even if you’ve relocated within your same voting District - the County Board of Elections needs your current address on file.

You must be a county resident at least 30 days prior to the Primary.

The deadline for voters to register for the June 2026 Primary is May 12.

17-year-olds may vote in the Primary if they will be 18 prior to the November General Election.

To vote in the Primary June 2nd, you must be in a declared Party- Democrat or Republican. If you wish to switch and change your party affiliation, now is the time to do that - the deadline to declare is April 8th.

If you are currently undeclared - you may declare a party at the Polls June 2.

If you will not be in town on June 2 and wish to vote in the Primary, there will be early voting from May 26 to May 31.

Voters may also apply for a mail in ballot. May 26 is the deadline to apply for a mail

in ballot.

Note: You can only vote one way or the other - on a machine or by mail.

If you wish to apply for a District County Committee seat, pick up a petition from your Municipal Clerk and get the required signatures. ALL such petitions must be notarized.

For other questions, call or visit the website Ocean County Clerk.

Regina Discenza Forked River

Zoning Board Pressured By Politics

I didn’t know we had two mayors. An elected one by we the people, and a socalled shadow mayor. I can not remember this one on the ballot.

I have sent my resignation from the board which I was appointed. My temper finally got to me. Allegedly dealing with township employee that would either have our packets with missing papers or not having the minutes to back up for what variances were

needed for the resolutions as stated.

This started as early as 3/2023, which at the time, cost the township over $500 for a transcript, because the employee wouldn’t do the minutes as they were assigned to us in March. But, had no problem doing the 2/2023 minutes. This was brought up in executive session 1/8/2026 with an envelope that was given, listing many of the issues which at the time pushed under the table. This was not just my issues, the chairman whose term expired 12/31/2025 had just as many if not more. How can a person fail a clerk’s test in Beachwood then come to Berkeley and fail the same test here? Do we have a conflict of interest or of a future mother-in-law with connections? I don’t know.

Allegedly we have a township engineer that feels the planning board does not apply as many restrictions to an application as the zoning board. Case in point in South Seaside a motel should have come to us for a change of use to residential. Never

From The Desk Of

Congressman Chris Smith

S potlight o n g overnment

Information For Students Seeking U.S. Service Academy Nomination

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Chris Smith (R-4th) announced the date of his United States Service Academy Information Night, which will take place on Wednesday, April 22 from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Ocean County Resource Center at 1005 Hooper Avenue, Toms River.

“Over the years, I’ve had the honor and privilege of nominating many outstanding young men and women for acceptance into our Nation’s Service Academies,” said Smith.

“Many, if not all, of the students I nominated attended one of the Service Academy information sessions hosted by my office. The upcoming Service Academy Information Night offers a comprehensive venue for prospective students to learn more about the nom -

ination process, as well as all the great resources and possibilities that these institutions offer.”

The event will provide important information and resources for high school and college students, who reside in New Jersey’s Fourth Congressional District and are interested in competing for one of Rep. Smith’s congressional nominations to the U.S. Service Academies. Parents and educators are also welcome to attend this valuable information session.

Residents of New Jersey’s Fourth Congressional District between the ages of 17 and 22 (17-25 for the Merchant Marine Academy), who are U.S. citizens and single with no dependents, can seek a nomination to one or more of the Service Academies through Rep. Smith’s office. Interested candidates can start the application process as early as the spring of their junior year of high school. Nominations are available to those who

reside in the Fourth Congressional District, regardless of where they attend[ed] high school or college. The Fourth Congressional District encompasses 21 municipalities in Ocean County and 19 municipalities in Monmouth County, including:

Ocean County: Bay Head, Beachwood, Berkeley (part), Brick, Island Heights, Jackson, Lacey (most), Lakehurst, Lakewood, Lavallette, Mantoloking, Manchester, Ocean Gate, Pine Beach, Plumsted, Point Pleasant Beach, Point Pleasant, Seaside Heights, Seaside Park, South Toms River, Toms River.

Monmouth County: Avon-By-The-Sea, Belmar, Brielle, Colts Neck, Eatontown, Farmingdale, Freehold Township (part), Howell, Lake Como, Manasquan, Middletown (part), Ocean Township, Sea Girt, Shrewsbury Borough, Shrewsbury Township, Spring Lake, Spring Lake Heights, Tinton Falls, Wall. Advance registration is required for this event. Please visit Rep. Smith’s website at ChrisSmith.house.gov and click “Con -

stituent Services” > “Service Academy Nominations,” or call his Constituent Service Center at (732) 504-0567 for the registration form.

The U.S. Service Academies prepare, train, and educate our young men and women to become the best officers and commanders in our Nation’s armed forces. These institutions offer students an incredibly prestigious and high-quality collegiate education experience, completely free-of-charge - provided, of course, that the student graduates and fulfills his or her service obligation.

The U.S. Service Academies are: the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York; the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland; the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado; the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York; and the U.S. Coast Guard Academy at New London, Connecticut. (The U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a congressional nomination. Students may apply directly to the Academy.)

Bills Would Make Affordable Housing Easier For Towns

Capitol Comments

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) voted to pass the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, including a number of provisions he championed to address the critical shortage of housing and create more affordable paths to owning a home. As a member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, Senator Kim worked to advance what is the largest housing package to move forward

in Congress in decades and deliver common-sense solutions for New Jersey.

“In my home state, one in four people are spending upwards of 50% of their income or more on housing. This is our reality, and the reality we’re passing on to our kids and grandkids. That’s why I’ve been fighting to solve this problem with a series of housing bills that just passed the Senate. The legislation I’ve introduced will right size red tape, speed up the permitting process so housing projects can get to construction much faster, and unlock opportunities for housing that’s actually affordable for working families,” outlined Senator Kim.

Senator Kim continued: “For people back home in New Jersey, my legislation will make it so that towns across our state can use their CDBG funding for constructing new affordable housing units. This is something mayors across New Jersey have been fighting for decades, and I’m proud to have finally delivered this…It’s time we come together to get this bipartisan legislation over the finish line and build a better future with more affordable housing for the next generation.”

Senator Kim delivered remarks on the Senate floor in support of the legislative package

and outlined key provisions he championed in the 21stCentury ROAD to Housing Act, including:

The BUILD Housing Act will modernize the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review process by cutting red tape around environmental reviews, empowering state, local, and tribal governments to streamline reviews, and increasing housing development via capacity sharing between the Department of Housing & Urban Development and states and localities.

The Unlocking Housing Supply Through Streamlined and Modernized Reviews Act will right-size National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) reviews for small scale housing projects, which will simplify the review process and get projects to construction faster.

The Community Investment and Prosperity Act will increase private investment in affordable housing and other community development projects across the country by increasing a statutory cap limiting banks’ investments in housing investments.

The Unleashing Needed Local Options to Construct and Keep Housing Act (UNLOCK Housing Act) will allow municipalities, for the first time, to use CDBG funding for the construction of new housing.

An Innovation Fund will offer highly flexible funding for communities that are building more housing supply, which can be used to improve community infrastructure and build housing.

The Reforming Disaster Recovery Act (CDBG-DR) will permanently authorize the Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program and establish the Office of Disaster Management and Resiliency within HUD to administer the program.

The HOME Investment Partnerships Reauthorization and Reform Act will reform and reauthorize the HOME Investment Partnerships Program and make critical updates to improve program administration and facilitate the construction of more affordable housing.

The Appraisal Modernization Act will require the United States Department of Agriculture, Federal Housing Administration, and Federal Housing Finance Agency to implement and maintain requirements that federally backed mortgage lenders have a review and resolution procedure for consumer-initiated second appraisals, or reconsiderations of value, when they believe there may be an issue with their appraised home value.

C ommunity n ew S

Young Ocean County Photographer Gains National Attention

By Jason Allentoff

TOMS RIVER – A 12-year-old Ocean County photographer is drawing attention beyond the Jersey Shore as he competes in the national America’s Favorite Student contest.

Dominic Delice, a young student with interests in photography, history and storytelling, recently captured images from the Ocean County “No Kings” protest, adding to a growing body of work that has helped raise his profile in the community.

Supporters say Dominic hopes to build on opportunities like the contest to sharpen his creative skills and take part in enrichment programs that can help him reach his long-term goal of becoming an attorney.

Residents looking to support Dominic can visit his contest profile and cast a vote at shorturl.at/BzGao.

Listening Lawn Concert Series Returns

TOMS RIVER – A free outdoor concert series is set to return to Toms River as The Ivory Circuit launches the second season of its “Listening Lawn” event.

Opening day is scheduled for April 25 from noon to 8 p.m. at 802 Main Street, located at the corner of the visitors lot.

Organizers describe the event as a family-friendly gathering featuring live music in an outdoor setting.

The concert lineup includes performances by Renee Maskin, Tom Barrett, Hayworth,

Tiny Cities, Matt Trice, Nikki Ivory, Izzy Miz, and the Ivory + Trice Duo. Attendees are encouraged to bring family and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere while supporting local musicians. While admission is free, a $10 donation is suggested to help sustain both the performers and the concert series.

The Listening Lawn aims to provide a welcoming space for the community to connect through live music while highlighting regional talent.

Reptile Program Returns To Cattus Island

TOMS RIVER – Ocean County Parks is inviting families to Cattus Island County Park for “Scales and Tales,” a free weekend program focused on native reptiles. Led by a park naturalist, the presentation gives visitors a closer look at live snakes and turtles while addressing common misconceptions about the animals. Organizers say the program is designed to

help guests understand the role reptiles play in the local ecosystem and encourage interest in nature.

The program is scheduled from 1:30 to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays at the Cooper Environmental Center at Cattus Island County Park in Toms River. It is open to all ages and does not require registration.

Fire Company Sets Annual Golf Outing

TOMS RIVER – East Dover Fire Company announced it will host its 29th annual golf outing on May 21 at Bey Lea Golf Course in Toms River.

The event is scheduled to begin with a 1 p.m. shotgun start and will include multiple chances for participants to win prizes, including awards for top teams and hole-in-one contests.

Organizers said a banquet at the firehouse will follow the outing. The post-golf gathering is set to feature a complimentary cocktail hour, buffet dinner, refreshments

and an awards presentation.

Fire company officials said the outing serves as a major fundraiser that helps cover the daily operating costs of the firehouse.

The cost is $125 per golfer. That fee includes lunch, a registration gift, golf cart use, entry into hole-in-one prize opportunities and refreshments during the event. Officials said sponsorship opportunities are also available. Registration and sponsorship forms can be found at shorturl. at/g4tvc.

New Members Join Local Orchestra

Photo courtesy Toms River Multigenerational Orchestra semble’s tradition of bringing together musicians from a wide range of ages and experience levels.

TOMS RIVER – The Toms River Multigenerational Orchestra is welcoming a new group of performers as it heads into its spring concert season.

The orchestra said its newest members include a blend of elementary, middle school, high school and college students, along with adults, continuing the en -

Annual

Organizers said the additions will make their concert debut this spring, giving audiences a chance to hear the expanded group perform together for the first time. For more information, visit trmo.org.

Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser For Fire Company

TOMS RIVER – Manitou Park Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 will hold an all-youcan-eat pancake breakfast on April 26 at the Holiday City South Club House in Toms River.

The breakfast is scheduled from 7 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at 139 Santiago Drive. The menu will include pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, juice and unlimited coffee refills. Organizers also said pancakes will be available with all-you-can-eat service. Admission will be $12 per person at the

door. Children younger than 10 will be admitted free.

Pre-sale tickets will be offered for $10 per person. They will be available from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the firehouse on Fort Defrance Avenue on April 6, April 13 and April 20. Tickets also will be sold daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from April 6 through April 24 at Carmona-Bolen Funeral Home, 412 Main St., Toms River.

For more information, call Pat Piccoli at 732-597-8379.

Grunin Foundation Revives Virtual Nonprofit Series

TOMS RIVER – The Grunin Foundation is bringing back its New Way Forward virtual series, opening the program March 31 with a session focused on building stronger and more inclusive nonprofit boards.

The first workshop, “Board Changes That Count,” is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Michele Russo and Keri Ann Munoz of Young Audiences Arts for

Learning New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania will lead the discussion.

Organizers said the session will highlight strategies and systems designed to help nonprofits strengthen board diversity and effectiveness. Participants are also expected to leave with practical ideas they can try within their own organizations. Registration and additional information are available at shorturl.at/VTIVi.

Bunco Night Fundraiser

TOMS RIVER – The Silverton Ladies Auxiliary said its Bunco Night fundraiser drew strong community support, with 48 people taking part in the event in March. Organizers called the evening a success

and also marked the birthdays of Bunco players Kathleen, Alice, Deb and Marsha with a celebratory cake.

The auxiliary said it plans to hold its next Bunco Night on April 17.

C ommunity n ew S

Cats Available For Adoption

TOMS RIVER – An adoption center with a free roaming cat playroom is open in downtown Toms River on Fridays from 6-8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4 p.m. and also by appointment. The center is located at 34 Main Street

(Route 9), Suite 1B. The adoption center is run by the group called Lawyers In Defense of Animals. They can be reached at 908-910-2522, or on Facebook at /lidarescue and on Instagram @ lida_rescue.

Prosecutor’s Office Honors Lieutenant

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office is recognizing Lt. Lindsay Woodfield during Women’s History Month, highlighting her years of service and leadership within the agency.

Woodfield, a second-generation detective with the prosecutor’s office, started her law enforcement career there in 2008. Over the years, she has worked in several units, including the Grand Jury Unit and Special Victims Unit.

She now serves in the Major Crime Unit, where she oversees both the Homicide Squad and Arson Squad.

The prosecutor’s office praised Woodfield for her dedication to thorough investigations and her commitment to handling cases with care and professionalism. Officials said her work has earned the respect of fellow officers and strengthened the office.

Restaurant To Host Police Unity Tour Fundraiser

TOMS RIVER – Royal Grill 37 will donate 25% of sales on April 1 to the Manchester Township Police Foundation during a fundraiser supporting Team Manchester’s participation in the 2026 Police Unity Tour.

The event will benefit local officers riding in the annual tour, which honors law enforcement members who died in the line of duty. Supporters are encouraged to visit the restaurant at 10 Route 37 in Toms River, where proceeds from purchases will

go toward the effort.

Organizers said customers must present the event flyer at the time of purchase for their order to count toward the fundraiser.

Manchester Police are urging residents to attend with family and friends, saying the community meal offers a simple way to back a cause that carries deep meaning for the department and its officers.

The Police Unity Tour is widely known for its mission of remembering fallen officers and supporting those left behind.

Agency Day Connects Residents With Housing, Social Services

TOMS RIVER – Staff members and volunteers from several social service agencies gathered in Toms River recently for Agency Day at the Ocean County Housing Resource Center, an outreach effort aimed at linking residents with housing help and other support services.

The event was hosted by the Toms River Housing and Homeless Coalition and the

Affordable Housing Alliance. Family Promise of the Jersey Shore said the program offers neighbors in need an opportunity to meet with organizations that can provide assistance and information in one place. Agency Day is held on the second Wednesday and third Thursday of each month at the Ocean County Housing Resource Center, 405 Washington St., Toms River.

Grunin Foundation Highlights ArtPride New Jersey

TOMS RIVER – The Grunin Foundation is spotlighting ArtPride New Jersey as part of its ongoing effort to recognize grantee partners making a difference across the Central Jersey Shore.

ArtPride New Jersey works to support and champion the arts statewide, with a mission centered on promoting the arts as a key part of residents’ quality of life and New Jersey’s

economic strength.

The foundation said the weekly spotlight series is intended to share the stories, progress and achievements of organizations it funded during the previous quarter. Officials said the featured groups are helping build a more equitable, just and vibrant region through their work in local communities.

For more info, visit hubs.li/Q046JWt10.

C ommunity n ew S

Consumer Affairs Highlights Public Outreach Officer

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs is spotlighting Paul Wnek of its Consumer Protection division for his work in public outreach and resident assistance across the county.

Wnek serves as the department’s Public Outreach Officer, representing Consumer Affairs at a wide range of speaking engagements and community events throughout Ocean County. His role also includes regular availability at the Ocean County Connection, where he meets with residents each Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Department staff describe Wnek as a dependable resource both in the office and in the community, known for helping residents and co-workers navigate consumer issues. His reputation has inspired a familiar phrase within Consumer Affairs: “Just call Paul.”

Fire Department Marks Installation Dinner

TOMS RIVER – The Pleasant Plains Volunteer Fire Department held its annual Installation Dinner at Captain’s Inn, bringing members together to celebrate another year of service, dedication and commitment to the community.

The event serves as the department’s formal swearing-in ceremony for executive and line officers who will help lead the company through 2026. In addition to installing officers, the

evening also recognized award recipients and honored members for milestone years of service.

Department leaders said the dinner highlighted the organization’s appreciation for the volunteers who continue to support its mission and respond when the community needs them most.

The department also thanked everyone who attended and helped make the annual gathering a success.

Irish Festival Draws Big Crowd

TOMS RIVER – Downtown Toms River was packed as the community turned out in force for the Irish Festival, giving the event a strong and festive start.

Toms River Fire Department Company No. 1 thanked residents and visitors for

their support, saying the large crowd helped make the celebration a success. The department highlighted the enthusiasm surrounding the festival and expressed appreciation for those who continue to back the volunteer fire company.

Building Empathy for Misunderstood Animals

Beyond the Bug seeks to inspire empathy and appreciation for often misunderstood and “unloved”animals by highlighting their critical roles in ecosystems across the globe. Featuring live animal ambassadors, we deliver Next Generation Science Standards-aligned educational programs that promote conservation awareness and foster a deeper connection to the natural world. Through a variety of engaging presentations, including birthday parties, school assemblies, and visits to libraries, community centers, senior centers, and more, Beyond the Bug aims to change perceptions, spark curiosity, and encourage greater respect for the diversity and importance of all living creatures.

Estates Roadshow will be at 156 Route 37 East, Toms

Buying ALL gold in any condition, even broken!

For more than three decades, thousands have turned to Estates Roadshow to help them sell their gold, silver, diamonds, watches, antiques, and cherished collectibles - with confidence and ease. Now, it’s your turn. Join us for our 5 DAY EVENT, where our friendly experts will carefully evaluate your items and make you a fair offer. If you choose to sell, you’ll receive immediate payment - right on the spot. There’s no cost, no obligation, and no appointment needed. Just stop by and let us take care of the rest. We look forward to welcoming you.

• Gold Necklaces

• Gold Earrings

• Gold Rings

• Gold Pendants

• Gold Charms

• Gold Coins

• Gold Watches

Stop by for a free evaluation and offer. No admission fee. No obligation. No appointment needed.

We have an estate buying specialist on site for 5 days only Friday - Tuesday APRIL 3RD TO APRIL 7TH 10AM TO 5PM

Highest Prices In History! Millions Of Cash To Spend!

Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home

Civil War Scholar To Speak At OCC

TOMS RIVER – The Jersey Shore Civil War Round Table will welcome retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. Rob Abbott as its featured April speaker for a public program on the Army of the Potomac’s reorganization in 1864. The presentation is scheduled for April 8 at 7 p.m. at Ocean County College’s Bartlett Hall, Room 203. Admission is free. Abbott, a licensed battlefield guide, specializes in battlefield studies and leadership and has led seminars for the U.S. military, the U.S. Forest Service, first responders, and university groups. He previously taught military history, strategy and leadership at the Marine Corps Command and Staff Col-

lege and also instructed at the Marine Corps Small Wars Center in Quantico, Virginia. A combat veteran, he served in Desert Storm, Somalia and Iraq.

His talk will examine the March 1864 consolidation of the Army of the Potomac under Ulysses S. Grant and George G. Meade, when weakened Union forces were reorganized into three infantry corps. Abbott is expected to address the timing of the move, the leadership changes that followed, the reaction within the ranks and the long-term effect on future Union operations.

More information is available at jerseyshorecwrt.org.

Santander Grant Expands ESL Aid At OCC

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County College Foundation has received a $50,000 grant from Santander Bank to widen scholarship access for English Language Learners in Ocean County.

College officials said the funding will support tuition assistance for credit ESL classes, increase availability of non-credit ESL programs for underserved residents and help create stronger pathways to community

involvement and economic advancement. The grant is aimed at reducing financial barriers for students seeking language instruction while also helping expand educational opportunities tied to workforce growth and long-term stability, according to the college.

Students who want to apply for the scholarship can find details and submit an application at occfoundation.org.

Ocean County Parks Wins State Honors

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Parks & Recreation Department has received two statewide awards recognizing its work in expanding accessibility and protecting historic landmarks.

The honors were presented during the 2026 awards program hosted by the New Jersey Recreation and Park Association, which recognizes achievement in parks and recreation across the state. Ocean County parks officials accepted the awards alongside Commissioner Robert Arace, the department’s liaison, and Commissioner Deputy Director Jennifier Bacchione. Ocean County earned the Excellence in Playground Design Award for the Inclusive Playground at Eno’s Pond County Park

in Lacey Township. The department also received the Gregory A. Marshall Parks and Historic Resources Award for its care and preservation of Cedar Bridge Tavern Historic Site in Barnegat Township.

The statewide program highlights agencies, employees and volunteers for accomplishments in public service, programming, design and innovation.

Arace said the recognition reflects the department’s ongoing commitment to residents and to preserving places with local significance. He said the county’s parks system continues to improve quality of life by creating spaces that welcome all visitors while also safeguarding important pieces of Ocean County history.

Advocates Plan Meeting On DeafBlind Services Funding

TOMS RIVER – Save DeafBlind Organization will hold a public meeting April 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ocean County Library, 101 Washington St., as advocates press for help for DeafBlind residents affected by funding cuts.

The group says the reductions have strained services for a population that already faces limited support, increasing the risk of isolation, injuries and problems managing everyday responsibilities. Advocates say those services can be crucial for helping DeafBlind people live independently, including assistance with tasks such as handling mail, paying bills, running errands and getting to medical appointments.

Without that support, organizers warn some people could face emergencies more often or be forced into nursing homes or other long-term care settings sooner than necessary.

The organization is calling on Gov. Mikie Sherrill to consider state funding options to make up for the loss of federal dollars. It also is asking residents to contact state senators and write to the governor in support of added assistance.

Organizers say public pressure will be key to winning more resources for the DeafBlind community. They added that several local municipalities already have backed the push for increased funding.

Dr. Izzy’s

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

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

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!

Autism Walks Across NJ Aim To Boost Awareness and Support

NEW JERSEY – A series of community walks across New Jersey this spring will raise awareness and support for individuals with autism and their families through the annual Autism Walk for a Difference organized by POAC Autism Services.

The 2026 events invite residents to walk in honor of someone they know or love who is on the autism spectrum while helping connect families with resources and support networks.

The organization plans five walks in communities throughout the state. The events are scheduled for April 25 in Ewing, May 16 in Woodbridge, May 23 in Lakewood, May 30 in North Jersey and May 31 in Sayreville. Each walk will feature a family-friendly

atmosphere with free food, entertainment and activities for children. Resource fairs will also be held at each location to provide information about services and programs available to people with autism.

Organizers say the events are designed not only to raise awareness but also to build a sense of community among families affected by autism.

Participants are encouraged to form teams and register in advance through the organization’s website at poacwalk.org.

POAC Autism Services provides support, training and outreach programs to families across New Jersey. For more information about the walks or the organization’s services, call 732-785-1099.

When Your Headache Doesn’t Hurt

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Most people think they understand migraines. A pounding headache, sensitivity to light, maybe nausea. The person retreats to a dark room and waits for the storm to pass. But migraines don’t always look like that. Some people experience migraines without severe head pain at all. Instead, they develop symptoms like dizziness, brain fog, visual disturbances, or a strange floating or “boaty” sensation. Because these symptoms don’t match the classic migraine description, they will go unrecognized and undiagnosed for years. That’s my worry so today, I’m tackling a very hard topic.

It’s called vestibular migraine, and it’s believed to be one of the most common neurological causes of unexplained dizziness and lightheadedness. People with this say they feel like they’re intoxicated even though they don’t drink alcohol.

Before we go further, I want to acknowledge something important. Vestibular migraine can be a difficult diagnosis to make because there isn’t a single test that confirms it. Doctors usually arrive at the diagnosis by ruling out other causes first… termed a “diagnosis of exclusion.”

Depending on your symptoms, they may evaluate inner ear conditions such as benign positional vertigo, autonomic disorders like postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), persistent dizziness syndromes such as PPPD, or structural problems in the brain.

Migraine is actually more than a headache. It’s a neurological condition that affects nerve signaling and blood vessel behavior in the brain. In vestibular migraine, those changes affect your brain’s balance centers.

Symptoms may include some or all of these: dizziness, lightheadedness, episodes of vertigo, pressure in the ears, motion sensitivity, or difficulty concentrating. It doesn’t necessarily get better when you lie down either. You’ll wake up to it too. Some people also experience visual aura, which can involve shimmering lights or temporary vision changes lasting 20 to 60 minutes. This problem is sometimes called an “ocular migraine.”

One reason migraines can be confusing is that they’re often triggered by several factors at once. I sometimes call this your personal “migrenade.” For some people it might be a glass of wine or even a whiff of perfume or cologne. For others, the ingredients might include magnesium depletion, dehydration, poor sleep, stress, hormonal shifts, or blood sugar swings. The good news is that addressing those triggers can often make a meaningful difference.

If migraines have been part of your life for a while, my book Headache Free provides practical strategies for identifying triggers and supporting healthy brain function naturally. You can also read many articles about headaches at my website.

But the main point today is if you struggle with unexplained dizziness, brain fog, or balance problems, it may be worth discussing vestibular migraine with your doctor. Sometimes the biggest relief comes from finally understanding what your symptoms mean, and realizing you’re not alone and there’s help for you. If you’d like to learn more about this topic and other natural ways to support your brain and nervous system, sign up for my newsletter at suzycohen.com.

(This information is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Suzy Cohen is the author of “The 24-Hour Pharmacist” and “Real Solutions.” For more information, visit www.SuzyCohen.com) ©2026 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.

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!

The sailing season is underway on the Toms River and throughout the shore area, as young sailors take to the water under gray skies. Photo by Mark Steven Capone. Have a pic for this space? Email photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you may see it here!

Library Announces Holiday Closures

OCEAN COUNTY – All branches of the Ocean County Library will be closed April 3 and April 5 for the observance of Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Library officials said branches will operate as usual on April 4 before returning to their

normal schedules on April 6. While buildings are closed, patrons can still access the library’s digital offerings, including research databases, eMagazines, eBooks, streaming video and audio, and online classes through theoceancountylibrary.org.

Real Estate

Thinking of Selling? - Don't be misled! ~ Hire an agent whose 1st priority is to get you more money ~ Call me.

~YOU'LL SAVE THOUSANDS~ www.listforlessnj.com or just call me - Joe S. 609-713-1727. (16)

Adult Community Whiting - Crestwood 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. (17)

For Rent

Seaside Heights Studio Apartment - $1,350 monthly. 1 1/2 month security, utilities included. Non smoker, no pets. One person occupancy. 732-657-7850. (19)

For Sale

2019 Jayco Jayflight Camper - 34 feet. Excellent condition. 3 slides. 2 theater chairs, recliners, 50"TV, fire place, king size bed, 2 AC's, 50 AM service, king size sofa-bed. 732-644-3067 or 732-644-3260. (17)

Items For Sale

Brand New Mobility ScooterRed, 4 wheels. Lists for $2,900. Complete with charger and extra basket. Never used. Asking $1,800. 732-485-1390. (19)

Items Wanted

$$$ WANTED TO BUY $$$

Jewelry and watches, costume jewelry, sterling silver, silverplate, medals, military items, antiques, musical instruments, pottery, fine art, photographs, paintings, statues, old coins, vintage toys and dolls, rugs, old pens and postcards, clocks, furniture, bric-a-brac, select china and crystal patterns. Cash paid. Over 35 years experience. Call Gary Struncius. 732849-6068 (new number). (t/n)

COSTUME/ESTATE JEWELRY

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

CASH PAID!! LP records - stereos, musical instruments, guitar, saxophone, CD’s, reel tapes, music related items. Come to you. Brian cell 732-804-8115. (19)

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

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

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

CLASSIFIEDS

Help Wanted

Laundromat Attendant - For FT/

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

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

HELP WANTED - Sheet metal installers wanted for commercial HVAC company located in Jackson. Mechanics should have a minimum of 5 years field experience. We will train apprentices as needed for those looking to learn a trade. No experience required. $18.00 to start. Send resume to bsellinger@mammothmechanical. com or call 732-833-7223. (16)

Magnolia Gardens Assisted Living is hiring a part time Housekeeper. If interested, please email resume to HR@magnoliaal.com or call us at 732-557-6500. You can also visit us in person at 1935 Route 9 Toms river 08755. (19)

Magnolia Gardens Assisted Living is hiring a part time receptionist. If interested, please email resume to HR@magnoliaal.com or call us at 732-557-6500. You can also visit us in person at 1935 Route 9 Toms river 08755. (19)

Magnolia Gardens Assisted Living is hiring a full time Certified Nursing Assistant morning shift. If interested, please email resume to HR@magnoliaal.com or call us at 732-557-6500. You can also visit us in person at 1935 Route 9 Toms river 08755. (19)

Magnolia Gardens Assisted Living is hiring a part time Certified Medical Assistant or LPN for the afternoon shift. If interested, please email resume to HR@magnoliaal. com or call us at 732-557-6500. You can also visit us in person at 1935 Route 9 Toms river 08755. (19)

Magnolia Gardens Assisted LivingIs hiring a full and part time Dietary Aides If interested, please email resume to HR@magnoliatr. com or call us at 732-557-6500. You can also visit us in person at 1935 Route 9 Toms river 08755. (16)

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)

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. (17)

PERSONAL GARDEN ADVICE FOR SENIORS - Home visits to assess winter plant damage and provide clear, practical advice on plant care, pruning, garden planning, houseplants and creating beautiful seasonal interest. Experienced Nurseryman/Trained Master Gardener. Joseph Pezzano – Call for appointment 732-232-8144. (15)

Life Coach - Wondering how to handle a situation? Talk it out with me. $25 for 1 hour. Arm’s length support unique to you. Melissa Lekas, 732-754-4891. (14)

Joe's Handyman ServicePainting, powerwashing, electrical, plumbing, light hauling, cleanouts. 732-859-9266. (17)

Recovering from narcissistic abuse?

- Kind, Christian compassion from one who understands. Ladies only. Call/ text Adriana 732-231-4818. (18)

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)

MASON CONTRACTOR - All types of mason work, steps & porches, walkways, patios, pavers, brick & block work.Quality work since 1975. CALL KEN 908-964-7526. (16)

Lightning Strike Electric - You can rely on us to get the work done! Service/panel upgrades switches, outlets, dimmers, spot lights, fans & more! Call Dmitriy 856-631-7519. lightningstrikeelectric. com. Lic #34EI00941600. (t/n)

DO YOU WANT YOUR CAR TO LOOK GOOD AND SHINE? CALL LENNY. LENNY's MOBILE AUTO DETAILING 908-868-4609. (16)

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)

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

"Stick With the Man That Covers Your Can! - Residential and Commercia Pump-outs FREE 1 year supply of enzyme treatment with each septic pump-out. Septic Inspections. Septic System Installations and All Repairs. Grease Traps installation and pump outs. Tank Abandonment and Demolition. 24 Hours Emergency Service! 732-244-0189. (5)

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

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)

INCOME TAXES - Toms River Firm. 30 Years Experience. Personal and Small Business Returns. $100 Off With This AD. Call for an appointment 732-270-6505. (16)

Handyman Solutions - Affordable prices that are budget friendly. All phases of Home Improvement and Repairs. Carpentry • Laminate Flooring • Painting • Drywall • Doors • Windows • Siding • Hand and Vinyl Railings • Decks • Minor Plumbing/Electrical and more. Licensed Insured. 609-384-9030 (50) Garden State Property Maintenance - All yard work. Tree-trimming and removal, stump grinding, pavers, decks, flower beds, weeding. 609-661-5470. (t/n)

Money - Learn penny stock trading, create E-trade account, charting and buy/ sell positions. $75. Free intro. Call with questions 973-223-8840, Herb. (14)

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)

YMT Vacations. Over 50 guided tours available. Affordable, social and stressfree 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)

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)

:

Continued From Page 7 seen them!

Allegedly major design issues with retention basins on Hickory Lane as well with Elizabeth and Nolan.

Allegedly I would point out just a minimum of four housing developments within the town that never came to us for variances in certain areas. Why is that? Conflict of interest or donations?

January 2026 would have been my 15th year on the board. These are just a few. We have had some meetings when the applicant’s professionals figured they would bully their way to get what they wanted, especially when it came to drainage. We tried to take care of as

many as possible. We started with Tallwood Way for these people, but the rehab unit was pushed back to after the November election and the chairman not getting reappointed. I would allege that the 24-unit project cost more money than they were looking to spend on an ongoing flooding issue. The chairman and I tried but was not in the cards.

Did you also know allegedly with the past two administrations that the town has a budget shortfall of over $74 million? I have lived in this town for over 20 years and never seen a capital improvement to our sewage infrastructure. Is this the slush fund to cover shortages?

Again, allegedly we are majorly understaffed with our police patrolmen and ranking officers. I would ask my administration why. If

Pocketbook Bingo In Toms River

TOMS RIVER – A purse-themed bingo fundraiser is planned this spring at the Silverton Volunteer Fire Company 29 in Toms River, offering participants a chance to win designer handbags while supporting the fire company’s ladies auxiliary.

The event, called “Pocketbook Bingo,” is scheduled for April 24 at the firehouse located at 15 Kettle Creek Road. Doors will open at 6 p.m., with the first game starting at 7 p.m.

Players will compete in multiple bingo rounds for handbags from well-known brands such as Michael Kors, Coach, Vera Bradley, Kate

Spade and Tory Burch.

Organizers say a $30 nonrefundable donation includes one packet containing three bingo boards for each of the nine games scheduled that evening.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase, and a 50/50 raffle will also be held during the event.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit the Silverton Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary.

For more information or to reserve a spot, call 732-288-4866.

you would even get an honest answer. I have never talked to a politician that didn’t try to double-talk me. If you find one, let me know!

I told the administration in a closed door meeting on 1/6/2026 I would shut down the 1/14/2026 meeting if the zoning board prosecuting attorney sat as he did on 12/17/2025. Why, you ask yourself? Google “maybe a conflict of interest to have the zoning board attorney also prosecute a case in court resulting in that conflict.” Why take chances? Well, the council didn’t like my remarks on this issue or the fact that a council member wanted a case denied because his parents live on a dead end street and that would result in increased traffic flow. Or a council member approached the chairman to conduct some

illegal issues at the 9/2025 picnic. I was less than 10 feet away, thought a fight would break out. The chairman was never reappointed to the board at the end of his term.

Don’t forget the councilmember that stirred up the residents for the Tallwood Way project. The issue was explained after the project was first defeated but still wanted to stir things up. A township resident even named the councilman involved. Councilman claimed he didn’t want to talk on the phone. They would meet at the house. READ your zoning board minutes 9/2025.

Ex-Zoning Board Appointed Secretary for 15 years Berkeley

Star Trek Club To Host Intergalactic Food Festival

JERSEY SHORE – Star Trek fans will be serving up some galactic goodies that are out of this world when the members of the USS Challenger, a chapter of Starfleet: The International Star Trek Fan Association, once again host their annual Intergalactic Food Festival.

The USS Challenger usually meets at 1 p.m. on the first Sunday of the month at the Seaside Heights Community Center at 1000 Bay Boulevard in Seaside Heights.

Due to the Easter holiday, the group’s next meeting will be April 12 and it will feature the Intergalactic Food Festival.

Food named after dishes seen in various Star Trek TV series such as Vulcan Plo Meek soup and Klingon Ghak will be served up. Creative culinary dishes extend beyond Star Trek for the fun event.

For more information, visit usschallenger.org or e-mail usschallengerco@gmail. com.

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Planning Boards Must Approve Conforming Applications Under New Jersey Law

By: Robert C. Shea, Esq. III R.C. Shea & Associates

In New Jersey, if a development application—whether for a site plan or subdivision—fully complies with all local zoning and land use ordinances and requires no variances, the planning board is legally required to approve it. A planning board cannot deny the project based on personal opinions, neighbor objections, concerns about the “general welfare,” or subjective judgments about what is appropriate for the area.

This requirement is firmly rooted in the Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL).

N.J.S.A. 40:55D-46 and N.J.S.A. 40:55D50 state that the planning board “shall grant” approval when the application meets the ordinance standards and the law. The word “shall” makes approval mandatory, not discretionary.

The New Jersey Supreme Court firmly established this principle in Pizzo Mantin Group v. Township of Randolph. In that case, a planning board rejected a subdivision plan that met every bulk, lot size, and other requirement because members viewed it as “environmentally unsound” and unsuitable for the neighborhood. The Court ruled that planning boards lack authority to impose extra conditions or deny approval based on broad concepts like general welfare, MLUL purposes, or principles of sound planning—unless those concepts are explicitly written into the local ordinances. If the application conforms, approval must be granted.

The Appellate Division echoed this in Saratoga v. Borough of West Paterson,

Esq.

holding that a board cannot block a use already permitted by zoning simply because members believe it conflicts with “sound zoning.” That policy-making role belongs to the elected governing body that adopted the zoning ordinance, not to the planning board.

Planning boards are composed of local volunteers and appointees who often face community pressure, political influences, and their own preferences. These factors can create inherent bias, leading to decisions driven more by subjective feelings than by law. The MLUL and court rulings serve as an essential checks-and-balances mechanism: they protect property owners’ right to develop land “as of right” when every code requirement is satisfied, preventing arbitrary or neighborhood-driven denials. For homeowners, small developers, and business owners statewide, the rule is clear and empowering. If plans are variance-free and fully conform to the written regulations, the planning board has no lawful basis to refuse approval. Attempts to do so are routinely overturned on appeal or in court. This framework ensures fairness, limits overreach, and guarantees that the same rules apply equally to everyone.

The attorneys at R.C. Shea & Associates are experienced handling Land Use Planning, Personal Injury, Worker’s Compensation, Commercial Litigation, Employment Discrimination, Real Estate transactions, and Estate Planning. Call us today. (732) 505-1212.

FUN & GAMES SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

29 App downloader 31 Hosp. caretakers 33 Knight’s title 37 Head honcho, and a hint to the first word of 3-, 8-, 21-, or 24-Down 38 “I’m __ your tricks!”

Harvest

Agcy. that X-rays bags

October birthstone

Jazz genre

Detectives like Veronica Mars, for short

Light brown shade

Land formation on “The Road Runner Show”

Bit of monkey business

“__ girl!”

Column to the left of a decimal point

Outerwear that may have anchors on its but-

Country band named for its home state

Group artistically, as

Fight to the finish

Blink of an eye

Falsehood

Hoodwink

Took a chair 43 Short sleep 46 Efron of “The Greatest Showman” 48 Husk-steamed Mexican dish 53 Bear with a too-big chair 54 Not active

Look steadily (at)

Gave stars to, say

Quite serious

Volunteer’s words

Driveway goo

Life-saving pros

Merit badge holder 68 Grow older 70 PC space bar neighbor

FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 28 - APRIL 4

BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS

OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

ARIES (March 21-April 19): It could feel something like re-entry or a debut — don’t let anyone drag you down or tank your confidence, don’t let other’s energy infect your own. A financial solution would be welcome but may or may not arrive.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Long friendships have to include tolerance; how much tolerance is a question. Rely on the overall pattern balance, not just one moment, to influence your choices. Express yourself but accept that sometimes you’ll be misunderstood.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): A friend might not need practical advice, they just might want you to stand with them and feel it all for a minute or two. A block in your money mindset could be seen at last and released now.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): A long-term rise may need to deal with shorter-term challenges. Take the long view and cultivate patience while others react and burn out. A friend might need help seeing a self-inflicted tangle.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Don’t ignore yellow or red flags, even when the situation started with grace. Let the natural, organic trajectory be clear and decide accordingly. Don’t invest emotionally into workplace drama.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Recognize deliberately induced cognitive dissonance and ask yourself why they are trying to manipulate you — step away from language designed to trigger an emotional reaction and decide based on facts alone.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Check the balance. Weigh up good versus bad in a relationship over time — if you need more clarity, keep running lists of both. A new idea can be a ‘get out of jail free card’ if it liberates you from outworn beliefs.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You could have both grace and grit for getting it done; a new innovation could make it easier and more fulfilling too. You might need to split an idea off from a partner and pursue it solo.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Finding a creative sweet spot could be tough but can be done. Sidestep distractions, limitations, and inner doubt to chase the new, the magical, the beautiful, and the truly artful.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Invest in what endures and trust the process. Every action, every decision has both short- and longerterm spirals of consequences. Double-down on your goals, spend less energy on temporary amusements.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Your ideas are valuable. Not everyone will get it. That’s OK. Your life only has to make sense to you, and to remain aligned with sacred commitments like children. If you can’t control something, don’t let it run you emotionally.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): It could seem like a financial house of mirrors — some cash flow, some lack, some potential, some despair. New innovations can turn the whole thing around, and they are coming soon.

POTATO VEGETABLE KUGEL IS A PASSOVER FAVORITE

While this is a classic Passover savory side dish, it is delicious served anytime of the year. CREDIT:(Dreamstime/TCA).

Diane Rossen Worthington

When I think of kugel, I imagine a casserole of noodles, eggs and fruit. But for Passover I’m not a fan of Passover noodles, so I make this savory potato vegetable pudding instead. While it looks like a simple potato vegetable casserole, it tastes like a crispy pancake on the exterior and slightly custardy on the interior.

I use the food processor method, where I pulse the ingredients until the mixture resembles shredded potatoes and vegetables. It is much easier than shredding everything. First an egg and onion batter is processed and then the rest of the ingredients are added. The other technique used for the crispy exterior is to heat the baking dish with your preferred fat in the oven so that when the batter hits the dish the mixture begins to brown. As the kugel bakes the bottom and sides of the dish become browned and crispy. If the top of the kugel isn’t as brown, you can always run the casserole under the broiler for a minute or two. Watch carefully so it does not burn.

While this is a classic Passover savory side dish, it is delicious served anytime of the year. It is a nice accompaniment to grilled or roasted meat, chicken or fish. I like the combination of potatoes, vegetables and onions here. My preferred fat is chicken fat in this recipe. I think it brings more flavor to the simple potato vegetable combination.

If you want just potatoes, add another potato and remove the zucchini and carrots.

POTATO

VEGETABLE KUGEL

Serves 8 to 12

5 large eggs

2 large onions, cut into 2-inch chunks

14 scallions, light green and white part only, sliced

5 medium baking potatoes, cut into 2-inch cubes

on

and a

contact her at www.seriouslysimple.com.)

1 medium zucchini, cut into 2-inch chunks

2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks

2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup matzo meal

1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, margarine, vegetable oil, or rendered chicken fat

2 tablespoons thinly sliced chives or green part of scallions, for garnish

1. Preheat oven to 400 F and place rack in upper third of oven.

2. Puree three eggs together with half of the onion and scallions in a food processor fitted with the metal blade, until the mixture issmooth and fluffy. Add half of the potatoes, zucchini and carrots and pulse until the mixture is finely chopped but still retains some texture. Place in a large mixing bowl. Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients.

3. Add the salt, pepper, matzo meal and 1/4 cup melted butter, margarine, oil or chicken fat and quicklyprocessto combine. Do notoverprocess.

4. Transfer to the mixing bowl and mix well so the mixture is nicely incorporated and not separated. Reserve. (You can test the batter for flavor at this point; heat a nonstick skillet on medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil to it. Spoon in a tablespoon of batter and cook on both sides until brown, about 4 minutes. Taste for seasoning; if desired add more salt or pepper to the batter.)

5. Placetheremaining 1/4 cup butter, margarine, oil orchicken fat into a 9-by-13- inch baking dish. Place in the oven forabout 5 to 7 minutes oruntil the fat is very hot. Remove from the oven with potholders and pour in the potato-vegetable batter. Spread evenly with a rubber spatula. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for about 50 to 60 minutes or until the top is nicely browned and crisp. Garnish with chives or scallions. Cut into squares and serve.