Family Remembers WWII Vet During Memorial Day Service
Photo by Bob Vosseller
Outgoing American Legion Shore Boros Post 351 Commander Jerry Skinner (left) joins Seaside Heights Public Affairs Director Michael Graichen whose father, Edmund Graichen was recognized during this year’s Memorial Day Ceremony.
By Bob Vosseller
SEASIDE HEIGHTS – It is the mission of the American Legion to support veterans and to make sure they are recognized and remembered for their role in preserving the freedoms America enjoys. The AL Shore Boros Post #351 did just that in a very special service held on Memorial Day.
The Post has an enduring history which includes a long struggle in recovering from the impact of SuperStorm Sandy. In recent years with the rebuilding of its severely damaged front room area, they can once again host
ceremonies, dinners and fundraisers to support the programs that help veterans.
This particular Memorial Day was unique as it served to bring a measure of closure to a Seaside Heights family. Michael Graichen and his family are long-time residents of the borough. He has served as a borough councilman and currently serves on the Central Regional Board of Education and as the public affairs director of the community. His father Edmund was 49 years old when he died on May 7, 1942 while serving in the
(Memorial Day Service - See Page 4)
Memorial Day Weekend Washed Out
By Bob Vosseller
OCEAN COUNTY – It serves as a summer kick off and often includes barbeques, family gatherings and boardwalk visits but this past weekend’s Memorial Day festivities were a bit of a washout.
The first big event for the summer was to be the first Seaside Heights versus Seaside Park Tug of War, with all proceeds going directly to the two borough fire departments and Tri-Boro First Aid Squad.
The new date for the event hasn’t been announced yet. For more specifics visit exit82.com/events/seaside-heights-vs-seaside-parktug-of-war.
Seaside Heights Police officers present on the boardwalk that day were confident that their borough would be the champions and were disappointed when they learned the event had been postponed.
(Washed Out - See Page 6)
Mayor Vetoes Ordinance
Targeting Township Vehicle Commute
Photo by Stephanie Faughnan
Mayor Daniel Rodrick argued that the cost of taxpayer-funded health benefits for elected officials and MUA commissioners far exceeds expenses associated with his township-issued vehicle.
By Stephanie Faughnan
TOMS RIVER - Mayor Daniel Rodrick has vetoed an ordinance designed to stop him from commuting to his separate job as an assistant principal in Irvington using a township-issued vehicle, escalating a dispute that has been simmering for months at
Township Council meetings over vehicle use, compensation and taxpayer-funded benefits.
The ordinance amended township code Section 23-10 to state that “traveling to and from work shall not be considered official business” and restricted township vehicles from leaving municipal boundaries except for official township purposes.
The Township Council approved the ordinance on a 4-3 vote, with Council President David Ciccozzi, Vice President Thomas Nivison and council members Robert Bianchini and Clinton Bradley voting in favor. Council members Craig Coleman, Harry Aber and Lynne O’Toole voted against the measure. The vote fell along
(Mayor VetoesSee Page 4)
This Month In History: Ocean County’s Important Role In The American Revolution
By J. Mark Mutter
Spring 1776 - 250 years ago. Just another quiet time in the area that would one day become Ocean County. No! Not so! Much was happening here in this area of the British colony of New Jersey and if history tells us that New Jersey was the crossroads of the American Revolution, then what is today our beloved county: it was a microcosm of those crossroads.
(History - See Page 16)
The famous Moreland Carousel was operating during Memorial Day weekend even though attendance was low.
Photo by Bob Vosseller
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United States Navy as chief machinist’s mate (CMM) assigned to the USS Sims DD-409 in World War II.
CMM Graichen was “Killed in Action-Missing in Action” while serving aboard the Sims during the Battle of the Coral Sea when the vessel was struck by Japanese dive bombers dropping three 550-pound bombs. The ship soon sank with only 15 survivors out of more than 200 crew members.
At the time of his death, CMM Graichen had served in the Navy for 32 years. His remains were non-recoverable and his name was listed on “The Tablets of the Missing” at the Manila American Cemetery in the Philippines. He lived on Blaine Avenue
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familiar lines, as the council majority are usually opposed to the mayor and the other three are usually supporting the mayor.
Under Toms River’s Faulkner Act form of government, overriding the mayor’s veto would require a five-vote supermajority. That means at least one council member who voted against the ordinance would need to switch positions for an override to succeed.
and was survived by his wife and two sons. Michael was born after his father Edmund was deployed, and they never met. Michael Graichen and his family were present for the ceremony that honored CMM Graichen and recognized the other servicemen from World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and Operation Enduring Freedom from Lavallette, Seaside Heights, Seaside Park and other coastal communities.
Outgoing Post Commander Jerry Skinner who coordinated and hosted this year’s ceremony introduced Past Commander Chuck Robbins who has held various State and National American Legion offices over the years and retired last year from his position with the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. On behalf of Governor Mikie Sherrill who could not
Attorney, Rodrick Criticize Ordinance Language
Rodrick defended the veto by arguing the ordinance was improperly drafted and would have consequences beyond his own use of a township vehicle. He sharply criticized the council majority, saying they “have no idea what they’re doing, and they never use the lawyer.”
Township attorney Jonathan Penney confirmed he has not been consulted by the council majority members on any of their legislation before it is introduced. “It is unclear who is drafting their ordinances,”
be present at the ceremony, he presented Mike Graichen and his family the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal.
“I am at a loss for words and I am never usually at a loss for words,” Graichen remarked standing beside his wife and children. He thanked the Central Regional ROTC who came out as the color guard.
“I am very proud of them they did a great job.” He also thanked the members of Boy Scout Troop 21 who came out and were part of the day’s program.
Compiling the history of each of the Shore Boros Post #351 Fallen Heroes was U.S. Army veteran and author William J. “Duff” Duffy who served in the Army from 1968 until 1971. “Since I was a child, my dad, a World War II combat veteran, would often be found reading books about World War II. Whenever he put them
he said.
Penney added that in its present form, the ordinance would have prohibited police detectives from taking their vehicles out of town.
“To make it easier, it wouldn’t have affected myself, the police chief, or the business administrator,” Rodrick said.
A vehicle policy document adopted by the governing body by resolution in August 2025 appears to contain conflicting language regarding township vehicle use.
Under the section defining “Official Use” and “Official Business,” the policy states
down, I would immediately pick them up and read them too.”
“There is no better way to satisfy your thirst for American military history than researching the true American heroes, who went off to war and did not come home. Millions of Americans, including myself, came home-they did not. Their sacrifices must be told. They must be remembered,”
Duffy remarked.
“Special thanks to Bill Duffy. He found in a matter of weeks the history of my father’s service record and items about my family that we have been looking for, for years,” Graichen added.
Duffy noted that he hoped to see the Post involved in building a memorial wall that would serve to honor all the Fallen Heroes of those he had researched from along the barrier island communities.
that the mayor, business administrator and chief of police are authorized to utilize township vehicles for personal use. However, another section of the same policy later outlines the limited circumstances under which township vehicles may be taken out of town. Under Section 10, the policy states that traveling to and from work is not considered official business.
Ciccozzi: Ordinance Only Restricted Commuting Council President Ciccozzi maintained the ordinance was intended to prevent the (Mayor Vetoes - See Page 5)
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mayor from using a township vehicle to commute to his separate employment in Irvington rather than eliminate the mayor’s access to a township vehicle altogether.
“We didn’t vote to take the car away,” Ciccozzi emphasized in an interview after the meeting. “We voted to stop him from using it for his ‘first job’ in Irvington.”
Nobody is taking this car away,” Ciccozzi said. “The only thing that we’re saying is, can’t go up the Parkway with it and come back to Toms River with it. No personal use.”
Ciccozzi said the ordinance would still allow legitimate out-of-town travel for township business if properly documented. The council president also disputed Rodrick’s argument that the mayor should be considered a full-time official because he is effectively on call at all hours.
“You can’t run a township from your cell phone,” Ciccozzi said. “That’s what he does. He’s not in town hall; he just runs the town from his cell phone.”
Rodrick: Better Ways To Save Taxpayers Money
The mayor continues to argue that the ordinance has unfairly singled him out, while ignoring what he described as far more costly taxpayer-funded benefits provided to elected officials and Toms River Municipal Utilities Authority commissioners.
“I would gladly turn over the vehicle, even though every mayor before me had access to a vehicle, and it’s compensatory,” Rodrick said during the council meeting. “However, I would gladly give up the vehicle and have said that if we would do something about this outrageous policy where people get a health policy for 30 minutes a month.”
Rodrick contends that council members receive “a $40,000 health insurance policy and $10,000 a year,” while MUA commissioners “come to one half an hour meeting a month and get a $40,000 health insurance policy.”
An Open Public Records Act request seeking documentation supporting the compensation and benefit figures cited by the mayor has not yet been fulfilled. The township extended the request beyond the seven-business-day response deadline permitted under New Jersey law.
Rodrick also emphasized that he considers the vehicle part of his compensation package, and that he pays about $1,000 in taxes for it. “I am the lowest paid mayor of all the large cities,” Rodrick wrote. “I make less than a person who cuts the grass for the township. I do, however, get an automobile as part of my compensation.”
The mayor also defended his use of the township vehicle by comparing it to prior administrations. “(Former mayor) Tom Kelleher not only had a vehicle, but he had a full-time driver,” Rodrick said. “Most mayors of large municipalities have a car
and a full police detail. I do not take a police officer everywhere that I go.”
Records confirming the staffing and security arrangements referenced by Rodrick were not immediately available, and this newspaper has not independently verified the mayor’s characterization of prior administrations.
Rodrick also maintained that the responsibilities of mayor extend well beyond traditional business hours. “My job is 24 hours a day seven days a week and the phone never stops,” Rodrick wrote in a text message. “As you can see, I’m even working at 7 o’clock in the morning on my vacation.”
Separate MUA Ordinance Was Pulled
The dispute over the mayor’s vehicle unfolded alongside a separate ordinance involving health benefits for Toms River Municipal Utilities Authority commissioners.
Council Vice President Thomas Nivison objected to the addition of a proposed ordinance that would have eliminated health benefits for MUA Commissioners. “This was just added to the agenda,” he said. “It wasn’t brought up at the agenda meeting.”
During the meeting, Bianchini also questioned whether the Township Council had the authority to directly eliminate benefits provided through the MUA’s separate budget structure. “We up here vote on the township budget,” Bianchini
said. “This is for the MUA.” Nivison moved to indefinitely table the ordinance before it could proceed further. The Toms River MUA operates under a separate budget with benefits listed as a separate line item. Requests for documentation regarding health benefits have been made and responses delayed beyond the statutory limits. Penney separately weighed in on the broader benefits issue. “I think the law is very clear on full time benefits for part time elected officials and appointed part time board members after 2010,” Penney wrote. “It’s not permitted.”
With the veto now issued and the MUA benefits ordinance indefinitely tabled, the broader fight over compensation, benefits and taxpayer-funded perks appears far from over in Toms River.
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The windy chilly day may have been a bit unseasonable but it marked the first day that beach badges were required.
“This is my second season. I am a badge checker and greeter and public relations. I love it. I get to be at the beach and talk to people all day,” said Gianna Patricco, 20, of Toms River.
While the weather didn’t bring too many people toward the beach entry point that she was manning, she did get the chance to speak to some people inquiring about the event that got postponed and alerted people that badge season had started.
Strolling the boardwalk northward were Borough employees of Seaside Heights wearing bright yellow hoodies around the public bathroom areas. They had been busy making sure everything was ready for the weekend. “It was pretty cold up here when we were working last night to get things ready,” one worker remarked.
The boardwalk didn’t have too many customers but it was, however, buzzing with workers of new businesses and old favorites opening up for the weekend. Among them was right across from the public bathroom area that featured a large variety of items from the anime genre ranging from figurines to key chains. It was their opening day.
Familiar food fixtures like Midway Steaks and pizza stands like Maruca’s and Three Brothers were looking for hungry customers that day and ice cream stands like Kohr’s and Polish Water Ice were ready for the weekend despite the chill in the air.
A small group of teens were spotted playing an impromptu round of hacky sack while their friends were exiting a boardwalk boutique and joined in on the competition.
There was also the odd sight of Zoltar the fortune teller, an arcade favorite who was facing a wall apparently staring at a closed building while locked inside his case outside. A few onlookers were wondering what the noted turban topped
figure was doing there. Perhaps waiting for a kid to wish he was big.
While Saturday and Sunday’s rain may have kept most people off the beach or spending too much time around the boardwalk, eateries kept busy and police calls were at a normal level this past weekend.
Some boardwalks like Wildwood enforced their strict year-round, all-ages closure of the boardwalk from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. with juveniles under 18 having a 10 p.m. Seaside Heights authorities kept watch as no one under 18 was permitted on the boardwalk, beaches, or bayfront between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. without a parent or guardian. Beaches were closed to the public from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Toms River has a curfew for anyone 17 years old or younger between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. in portions of Ortley Beach and North Beach.
Communities around the northern barrier island saw the return of some of the summer residents with bicycle and car traffic seeing an increase, teens and children playing baseball
and other games in the street. Seasonal businesses like Jerry’s Farm Market in Ortley Beach started their 25th season, looking forward to the summer of 2026.
Memorial Day itself wasn’t forgotten although some parades were canceled as a result of Monday’s weather. For example, the parade in Toms River was cancelled but a ceremony was held inside town hall. Memorial Day was first observed on May 30, 1868. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873 and by 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I, when the holiday changed from honoring only those who died fighting in the Civil War to recognizing Americans who died fighting in any war.
Residents and visitors crowded the American Legion Post 351 on the Seaside Heights bayfront for an inside ceremony that served to honor those who had lived in the barrier island area who perished while in military service.
Toms River Reinstates Barrier Island Juvenile Curfew For Summer
By Jason Allentoff
TOMS RIVER – Township officials have reinstated a nighttime curfew for juveniles on the township’s barrier island communities ahead of the summer season, citing concerns over public safety and disorderly behavior.
The declaration, signed by Police Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator Guy Maire on May 20, establishes a curfew for anyone 17 years old or younger between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. in portions of Ortley Beach and North Beach. The
order took effect at 12 a.m. on May 22, and remains in place through September 8.
Township officials said similar curfews used during the summers from 2020 through 2025 helped reduce vandalism, criminal mischief, and large unsanctioned “pop-up” parties promoted on social media. The declaration states the previous restrictions were “demonstrably effective” in maintaining order in the barrier island sections of town. Under the order, juveniles are prohibited from being in public streets, parks, businesses, beaches,
and other public areas during curfew hours unless they meet specific exemptions.
Those exemptions include being accompanied by a parent or guardian, traveling to or from work, responding to emergencies, participating in supervised recreational or civic events, or exercising constitutional rights such as freedom of speech or religion.
The affected areas include North Beach, stretching from the Lavallette border south to Brick Township along the barrier island, and Ortley
Beach, between Seaside Heights and Lavallette. Enforcement will focus on warnings and stationhouse adjustments rather than criminal charges. The order states juveniles will receive at least two curbside warnings and an opportunity to leave before further action is taken.
No summonses or juvenile delinquency charges will be issued solely for violating the curfew. However, parents, guardians, caretakers, or business operators who knowingly allow violations could face penalties under state law.
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House Committee Passes Bills On Medical Research
From The Desk Of Congressman Chris Smith
WASHINGTON, D.C. - During their full committee markup, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce unanimously approved two critical public health reauthorization bills authored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) - HR 4348, the Kay Hagan Tick Act, and HR 5160, the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025 - which will now head to the House floor for a vote.
“Now that these critical, life-enhancing bills have passed out of the Energy & Commerce Committee, we are one step closer to getting them across the finish line and onto President Trump’s desk for his signature,”
said Smith. “These two bills will tremendously improve the quality of life of the millions of Americans suffering from serious, chronic, and life-threatening health conditions.”
HR 4348, the Kay Hagan Tick Act reauthorization will provide $27 million in continued funding for Lyme disease research at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Specifically, the bill - which unanimously passed out of the Committee by a margin of 48-0 - will allocate funding for the CDC’s regional Centers of Excellence, which conduct comprehensive research on vector-borne illnesses, such as Lyme disease, and train public health entomologists on how to prevent, identify, treat, and track tick bites. HR 4348 will also provide funding for states in regions that have an elevated risk of Lyme or other tick-borne disease outbreaks, which
will enable them to work in tandem with the federal government to quickly identify and address such outbreaks.
“Lyme and other tick-borne disease infections are exploding in the United States – in 2025 alone, my home state of New Jersey recorded 6,098 cases of vector-borne illnesses, with 5,211 of those solely attributed to Lyme,” stated Smith, who, since 1993, has authored comprehensive amendments and legislation to improve research, federal collaboration, and the lives of those suffering from Lyme disease.
“Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses pose critical threats to our nation’s health and well-being, and we must do more to help the hundreds of thousands of Americans suffering from these debilitating conditions. I urge House leadership to bring this legislation to the floor imminently - Lyme patients cannot wait any longer.”
HR 5160, the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act of 2025 (HR
5160), passed the Committee by a margin of 46-0 and will authorize more than $280 million over five years for the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program and the National Cord Blood Inventory, ensuring that two collaborative programs can continue providing treatments and therapies derived from ethically-sourced stem cell lines. Smith is the author of the original law (the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005 – PL 109-129) that created those programs and connected patients with genetically-matched, ethically-gleaned stem cells.
“Stem cell treatments have been used to treat, and even cure, more than 75 diseases, ranging from leukemia to sickle cell anemia - uninterrupted funding and support for these programs will improve and save thousands of more lives,” said Smith. “I am grateful to the Energy & Commerce Committee, especially and including Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-KY), for recognizing the importance of this time-sensitive and much-needed reauthorization.”
Heat Wave, Then Cold Snap Cost Farmers $300M
From The Desk Of The Governor
TRENTON – Governor Mikie Sherrill declared a State of Emergency following the agricultural damages that impacted the state this spring.
In mid-April, New Jersey experienced an unusual weather sequence that devastated the agricultural sector. A prolonged warm spell pushed temperatures above 90 degrees in some areas, causing fruit trees and crops to flower earlier than normal. That warm period was immediately followed by a sharp temperature drop, with lows in the 20s recorded across parts of the state between April 19 and April 22. The timing was particularly destructive as crops were at a critical developmental stage when the freeze hit, resulting in severe injury to blossoms and newly forming fruit.
The damage was widespread, affecting peaches, cherries, pears, grapes, plums, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, apples, and other crops across the entire state. Some farmers reported losses approaching or exceeding 90 percent. In several regions, the losses may prove season-ending for key fruit crops.
The New Jersey Department of Agriculture in coordination with the Farm Service Agency County Committees, suggest at least $300 million in total crop losses for growers and farmers. With the signing of Executive Order No. 18, declaring a State of Emergency across all 21 counties, Governor Sherrill is taking action to preserve farm operations, stabilize local economies, and protect New Jersey’s agricultural capacity for future seasons.
“New Jersey’s agricultural sector is a vital engine of our economy; it is the very reason we bear the name the Garden State,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill. “This executive order mobilizes a whole-of-government recovery effort out of Trenton, cutting through bureaucracy and accelerating results for impacted farmers and families. Our farming families are hurting, and I won’t stand by and let it happen.”
“Governor Sherrill’s declaration of a State of Emergency sends a clear message that New Jersey stands behind its farming community in the wake of the April freeze,” said Ed Wengryn, New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture. “This executive order cuts through bureaucracy and opens the door to immediate assistance for our tree fruit and berry growers, while laying the groundwork for broader relief ahead. As our farmers work to recover, we encourage New Jerseyans to continue supporting them by buying local. When the
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.
state and federal government move together, our farmers are stronger for it.”
The Executive Order declares a State of Emergency across New Jersey in response to the severe agricultural losses across many different crops. Recognizing the Statewide impact of this event and its evolving downstream impacts to our communities, this declaration ensures a coordinated statewide response, empowers the State to identify barriers to an effective response and recovery, and grants temporary regulatory
flexibility to facilitate recovery efforts. The extent of the damages is preliminary and the impacts from this event are still evolving. Sherrill sent a letter to Secretary Brooke Rollins of the United States Department of Agriculture, supporting a request for a Secretarial Disaster Designation from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, seeking to unlock critical federal relief for New Jersey growers facing devastating losses following the unprecedented April freeze event.
Mikie Sherrill
Firefighters Train Under Live-Fire Conditions
Photo courtesy Toms River Fire Training Center live-fire conditions.
TOMS RIVER – Members of Fire Company 2 Station 26 practiced critical firefighting skills during a live-fire training exercise at the Toms River Fire Training Center.
The training focused on search and rescue operations, VEIS — vent, enter, isolate and search — and advancing hose lines through a simulated home under
Officials said the hands-on exercise gave firefighters a chance to work in realistic fireground conditions while strengthening their emergency response skills.
The department said the training is part of ongoing efforts to keep members prepared for real emergency incidents.
Funeral Planning Seminar Held
TOMS RIVER – Senior Success Program, in partnership with Oliverie Funeral Homes, recently hosted a Funeral Planning CHOICES seminar at The Oaks at Toms River.
The program, presented by Geraldine Oliverie, owner and operator of Oliverie Funeral Homes, offered information on funeral planning options, costs, planning ahead and making decisions that reflect personal wishes and values.
Attendees were able to ask questions in a supportive setting and also enjoyed a light lunch, giveaways and a raffle.
Organizers thanked attendees, partners and supporters for helping make the program a success and said WISE plans to continue offering educational opportunities throughout Ocean County.
Pins For Paws Bowling Event Planned
TOMS RIVER – K’s Catnip Corner Cat Lounge will host a Pins for Paws Bowling event on August 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Playdrome, 821 Conifer Street.
The cost is $25 per person or $100 for a
group of five. Light refreshments are included.
Registration is highly recommended so organizers can reserve enough lanes. More information is available at kscatnipcorner.com
Photo courtesy Mental Health Association of NJ
Confidence Closet Program Expands Support For Ocean County Students
TOMS RIVER – Ocean County’s Confidence Closet Initiative continues to grow, helping provide clothing, hygiene products and professional attire to at-risk and justice-involved youth across the county.
Launched through the Ocean County Youth Services Commission in 2023, the program has already reached one-third of Ocean County’s public school districts. Officials said the initiative is designed to help students feel more confident and prepared both inside and outside the classroom.
Commissioner Ray Gormley recently visited Frog Pond Elementary School in Little Egg Harbor to meet with staff and students and observe how the program is benefiting
courtesy Ocean County Government
local families.
During the Ocean County Board of Commissioners meeting, Shelby Voorhess of the Ocean County Youth Services Commission highlighted the program’s continued success. Teachers and school representatives also shared how the initiative is being used in their districts, including Heather DeGrandis of the Plumsted Township School District, Stephanie Boyd of Whiting Elementary School and Manchester Township High School, and Amy Ross of Toms River Intermediate South.
The Board of Commissioners also recognized Voorhess for her service and dedication to supporting children, youth and families throughout Ocean County.
Ocean Advocate Honored For Mental Health Work
TOMS RIVER – Ocean Partnership for Children joined community partners across Ocean County to recognize Mental Health Awareness Month and highlight efforts to reduce stigma surrounding behavioral health.
The organization took part in the annual “Celebrating Wellness” event held by the Ocean County Mental Health Awareness Committee. The event recognized advocates and professionals with Community Advocate Awards for their work supporting mental wellness among children, youth and families.
Maureen DeSantis, LCSW, director of care management at Ocean Partnership for Children, received the Lifetime Achievement
Award. The honor recognized her years of service helping youth and families access behavioral health services and supporting a system of care focused on compassion and collaboration.
Liz Menges, chief operating officer of Ocean Partnership for Children, said DeSantis’ leadership and advocacy have helped many children and families throughout Ocean County.
Ocean Partnership for Children is a nonprofit organization that provides care management services at no cost to eligible youth and families in Ocean County through the New Jersey Children’s System of Care. More information is available at oceanpartnership.org.
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Mention
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Agent, Therapy Dog Honored
Photo courtesy Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office health conditions.
TOMS RIVER – Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Agent Mark Stanish and Therapy K-9 Jager were recognized with the “You Make a Difference” Community Service Award during the annual Ocean County Mental Health Awareness Awards.
The event, sponsored by the Ocean County Mental Health Awareness Committee, was held at the Ocean County Library and honored community members working to reduce the stigma surrounding mental
Stanish, a mental health advocate and crisis intervention specialist, serves in the Prosecutor’s Office Special Offenders Unit and leads wellness and resiliency efforts for first responders and the community. Jager, an internationally certified therapy dog, provides emotional support and outreach to first responders, military families and community members affected by crisis.
Red, White And Blueberry Program Celebrates Holiday
TOMS RIVER – A patriotic-themed preschool program, “Red, White And Blueberry,” will be offered by Ocean County Parks & Recreation.
The class is set for June 24 from 10 to 11 a.m. and will include crafts, stories and a blueberry-themed treat as part of the celebration.
Open to children ages 3 to 5, the drop-off program will be held at the administration program room in Toms River and costs $5. Parents are asked to note any food allergies during registration.
To register, visit oceancountyparks.org or call 732-506-9090. A registration form is available at shorturl.at/LnVE5.
Library To Host Revolutionary War Talk
LAVALLETTE – The Upper Shores Branch of the Ocean County Library will present “New Jersey’s Revolutionary Rivalry: The Untold Story of Colonel Tye & Captain Huddy” at 7 p.m. June 10.
Local author and historian Rick Geffken will discuss the Revolutionary War story of Colonel Tye, a formerly enslaved man who fought for the British, and militia Capt. Joshua Huddy, his Patriot adversary.
Huddy’s hanging in Highlands sparked an international dispute after George Washington sought to execute a British prisoner of war in retaliation. The incident
threatened peace talks in Paris before France’s Queen Marie Antoinette helped ease tensions.
Geffken is the author of several books on New Jersey history, including “Stories of Slavery in New Jersey,” “Lost Amusement Parks of the North Jersey Shore,” “Hidden History on Monmouth County” and “New Jersey’s Revolutionary Rivalry.”
The free program is funded by a donation in honor of Martin C. Unfried Jr. Registration is required at tinyurl.com/ RivalryOCL, by calling 732-793-3996 or by visiting the branch at 112 Jersey City Ave.
The Toms River Times welcomes your special announcements! Engagements, Weddings, Births, Birthday Wishes, etc. Please call 732-657-7344 for more details!
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.
Family Fun Day At The Races Planned At Monmouth Park
TOMS RIVER — Knights of Columbus Council 6201 is inviting families to enjoy a day at the races during a special outing at Monmouth Park on June 27.
The “Family Fun Day at the Races” event will feature picnic area seating alongside the racetrack as guests watch the live horse racing action. The first race is scheduled to
begin at 1 p.m.
Tickets are $45 per person and include admission, food, water, soda and beer, according to event organizers.
Those interested in attending or seeking additional information can contact SK George Caso, Faithful Captain, at 908-209-7410 or visit 1613 Oak Glen Road in Toms River.
Rave On! Duo To Perform At Library
LAVALLETTE – The Ocean County Library’s Upper Shores Branch will welcome the Rave On! Duo for a free tribute concert at 7 p.m. June 17.
The duo will perform classic songs by Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, Neil Diamond, Paul McCartney, James Taylor,
Cat Stevens, Carole King and other legendary singer-songwriters.
Rave On! formed in 2009 and performs in solo, duo and trio settings.
Registration is required. To register, visit tinyurl.com/RaveOnOCL, call 732-793-3996 or stop by the branch at 112 Jersey City Ave.
Ocean County Plans Resource Fair
TOMS RIVER – Ocean County residents can learn more about local programs and services during a Human Resource Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 4 at the Ocean County Mall Center Court.
Representatives from local nonprofit organizations and Ocean County government departments
will be available to speak with residents and provide information about available resources. Staff from the Ocean County Department of Human Services also will attend and distribute materials.
For more information, contact the Ocean County Connection at 732-288-7777.
Mini Canvas Craft Night
TOMS RIVER – K’s Catnip Corner Cat Lounge will host a Mini Canvas Craft Night on May 30 at its location at 40 Main Street, Suite 101. The event costs $15 per person. Registration
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More information and registration are available at kscatnipcorner.com/event/053026-mini-canvas-craft/
Photo by Chris Lundy
Kittens Rescued From Sewer Drain
TOMS RIVER – Five 4-week-old kittens were rescued from a sewer drain after members of Toms River Fire Department No. 2 helped open the heavy drain cover, according to Rebecca’s Rescues.
The rescue group said the kittens’ mother was also nearby, and a trap has been set in hopes of catching her. Rescuers also hope to trap the father so both adult cats can be spayed or neutered through a TNR program.
Photo courtesy Rebecca’s Rescues Rebecca’s Rescues thanked the firefighters for helping get the drain open and safely removing the five kittens.
The rescue said it is now seeking donations of KMR milk replacer, Purina One dry kitten food, vaccines and microchips. Donations can be mailed to Rebecca’s Rescues, 457 Hazel Ave., Brick, NJ 08723, or made through PayPal or the Amazon wish list at rebeccasrescues.org.
Christmas In July Market Coming
TOMS RIVER – A Christmas in July Craft Vendor Market will be held July 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Toms River Intermediate South School.
The market is open to the public and free to attend. No tickets, registration or RSVP are required.
Vendor applications are still being accepted.
Around the JerSey Shore
Toms River Book Show Returns June 5
By Chris Lundy
TOMS RIVER - The Toms River Book Show will take place from 6-9 p.m. on June 5 in the Toms River Artist Community gallery located at 40 Main Street (Route 9) in the downtown area.
It’s the perfect opportunity to meet and support two dozen New Jersey authors.
The show takes place during one of the very well attended Downtown Night Out events. A section of Washington Street from Main Street to Hooper Avenue is closed to vehicles. People eat outside, enjoying live music and ambiance. Hundreds of people come from miles around. There will be three performances:
6:15 p.m.: Original songs and covers by Benjamin Lundy on bass.
6:45 p.m.: Readings and original music by Anthony Kisko (Gandalf Lebowski).
7:30 p.m.: Gregory Andrus, creator of “Portraits Of The Jersey Shore” will speak about his journey.
The book show is a fundraiser for the Toms River Education Foundation which helps provide extracurricular activities to enrich local children. A full list of authors is at TomsRiverBookShow.wordpress.com, including:
Gregory Andrus: Author, speaker, photographer, and founder of Portraits of the Jersey Shore. He’ll be speaking at 7:30 p.m. at the gallery as well as signing copies of his books, “Portraits of the Jersey Shore,” “A Walk Along The Jersey Shore,” and “Sand, Sea, and Rescue.” potjs.com/ J.R. Bale is a science fiction author whose
works include “Cognition Chronicles: The Redstone Legacy.” Can a soul be duplicated? Can one man’s madness save civilization? Can an artificial intelligence have a heart? These are the questions the author attempts to answer. jrbale.com
Michele Baumann: Haunted by the vengeful spirit of her dead mother, a young witch is forced to turn to dangerous and unexpected allies to survive in “The Witch Hunter’s Daughter.”
Jennifer Beilis: “Hear I Am” & “Making Positive Changes” are about self help, mental health, education and disability accommodations/advocacy.
Christopher Michael Blake: “I write horror, mystery, sci-fi thriller and a coming-of-age series about witches – Midnight Macabre, Trespass Against Us, The Cape May Murders, The Four Marks, Pyramid of the Parasite, Prey for Dawn, and the Witches Of Summer’s End series.” ChristopherMichaelBlake.com
Erin Bowker: “The Pleasant Pineapple” is a warm, engaging picture book that helps young children explore emotions in a gentle, relatable way. booksforlittlemind.wixsite. com/author
Karen Cino: Many books including “Seaside Beer Festival:” Vicki runs a beach shop on wheels and likes life uncomplicated: sun, sandals, and selling beach towels. When a finalist in Seaside’s beer festival turns up dead, Vicki and her retired police photographer friend Angie Knowles are the ones who find her. KarenCinoBooks.com
Many of my patients receive tinnitus relief coupled with wearing hearing aids. Tinnitus could be a “symptom” of your hearing loss, so hearing aid relief is quite common. However, some patients report that when they remove their hearing aids, their “tinnitus gets louder.” This is a subjective phenomenon called Relief contrast (also called the contrast effect)/ This refers to the common experience where tinnitus suddenly seems louder when background sound stops — even though the actual volume of the tinnitus has not increased.
It is a perception shift created by the brain, not a physical change in the ears. Why It Happens
• Masking disappears – Background sounds were partially covering the tinnitus.
• Auditory gain increases – The brain increases sensitivity in quiet environments.
• Contrast effect – The difference between sound and silence makes tinnitus stand out more clearly. Example During the day, ambient sound and hearing aid
amplification may make tinnitus feel softer. When hearing aids are removed at night and the room becomes quiet, the tinnitus may seem louder. This change in perception is relief contrast.
• Is It Dangerous? No. Relief contrast does not mean tinnitus is worsening or that new damage is occurring. It is a normal brain response to changes in surrounding sound levels.
How to Reduce Relief Contrast
• Use low-level background sound at night (fan, white noise, or sound machine).
• Keep gentle ambient sound in very quiet rooms.
U
• se hearing aids with tinnitus masking programs if recommended.
• Avoid complete silence if tinnitus is bothersome.
Dr. Izzy and his Staff are always available to provide answers to all of your hearing care needs. Feel free to visit www.gardenstatehearing.com or call 732-451-3962 We Hear You & We are Here for You!
His offices are in Toms River, Whiting, and Manahawkin. He can be reached at 732-451-3962 or via Web site at gardenstatehearing.com. Dr. Izzy & Staff gives Retirement Community Talks!
Veterans Yoga Project Brings Mindful Resilience
TOMS RIVER – Free yoga for veterans, active military, friends and supporters is part of a Veterans Yoga Project that promises to bring mindful resilience to those who take part.
The sessions are held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on Sunday mornings at American Legion, Post 129 Hall, 2025 Church Road,
Toms River. Mats, blocks and chairs are available.
The instructor for this yoga program is Margaret “Magoo” Lynn Scheiderman and you can call her to register at 732-207-0459. The complimentary yoga sessions are subject to cancellation due to hall availability.
Grief Groups In Ocean County
OCEAN COUNTY – Grief Group Counseling is provided by Rev. Dr. Anthony Lipari, FCM at various locations throughout Ocean County. This complimentary service is held on the last week of every month at 1 p.m. and as following:
Monday – Ocean County Memorial Park, Waretown
Tuesday – Tim Ryan Funeral Home, Fischer Boulevard, Toms River
Wednesday – Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home, Mule Road, Toms River
Thursday – Anderson Campbell Funeral Home, Route 571, Manchester
Friday – Manchester Memorial Home, Schoolhouse Road, Whiting/Manchester
Individual Counseling is also provided by Fr. Anthony by calling 732-349-6797.
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.
Dr. Isidore Kirsh Ph.D.,
Dear Pharmacist
Why Some People Can’t Stop Picking Or Biting
By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.
Have you ever caught yourself picking at your skin, biting your nails, or running your fingers over a rough spot until suddenly you realize… you’ve been doing it for ten minutes?
And even when you tell yourself to stop, you somehow keep going.
Most people think these behaviors are simply bad habits or nervous quirks. But as a pharmacist, I can tell you there’s often more going on beneath the surface.
In clinical medicine, these are sometimes grouped under the term body-focused repetitive behaviors, which includes nail biting, skin picking, cheek biting, and even hair pulling in more severe cases. But honestly, labels don’t help people very much.
Understanding does.
What’s important to know is that these behaviors are often tied to the nervous system’s attempt to regulate itself. They are not necessarily about lack of discipline or poor self-control.
Sometimes people do these things when they’re anxious. But just as often, they happen when someone is bored, trying to think, reading, driving, or watching TV. That tells us something important… it says it isn’t purely emotional. There’s a neurological component too.
Dopamine, the neurotransmitter involved in motivation, reward, and focus, appears to play a role. There’s also a sensory component. The act of touching, picking, or biting can create a brief shift in how the brain feels. In a strange way, the behavior becomes regulating.
The brain is getting something from it.
Over the years, I’ve also noticed patterns
involving nutrient deficiencies. Iron is one example because it’s required for dopamine production. When iron becomes slightly deficient, people may feel mentally foggy, restless, or oddly unfocused. Iron deficiency will also make you eat ice.
Magnesium matters too. It helps calm excessive signaling in the brain, and low levels can leave people feeling wired but tired. Zinc and B vitamins also support neurotransmitter balance and nervous system health.
I’m not saying supplements magically cure nail biting or face picking or other habits like this, but your brain chemistry and nutrient status plays a role.
Medications could contribute too. Some stimulants may increase repetitive behaviors in certain people, while other medications can create restlessness or sensory discomfort that indirectly worsens them. This is why I always encourage people to look at the whole picture, not just the behavior itself. When it comes to skin picking specifically, I’m not talking about the occasional pimple. I mean the cycle where the brain locks onto an imperfection, and the skin never gets a chance to heal. At that point, it’s not really about the skin anymore. It’s about the loop.
I don’t personally bite my nails, but I’ve spent decades talking with people who do, and I’ve never once thought, “Why don’t they just stop?”
Because it’s rarely as simple as a choice. These are nervous system patterns not character flaws. Sometimes what looks like a bad habit is actually your nervous system trying to solve a problem. For a more indepth version on this topic, plus my free newsletter and archived health articles, visit suzycohen.com.
Six Shore-Area HMH Hospitals Earn High CMS Ratings
NEW JERSEY – Six Hackensack Meridian Health hospitals in Central and South Jersey earned four-star ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in the agency’s Overall Hospital Quality Star Rating program. The hospitals recognized were Bayshore Medical Center, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Ocean University Medical Center, Raritan Bay/Old Bridge Medical Center and Southern Ocean Medical Center. Mountainside Medical Center also received four stars but is located in North Jersey.
The CMS ratings evaluate hospitals nationwide in areas including mortality, safety of care, readmission rates, patient experience and timely, effective care. Hospitals receiving four or five stars are considered among the top-performing facilities in the country.
Hackensack Meridian Health officials said the recognition highlights the network’s continued focus on patient-centered care and quality outcomes. The annual ratings are designed to help patients compare hospitals and make informed healthcare decisions.
History:
Here’s the story of Ocean County’s role in the Revolution, and what a story it is. A story of murder and revenge, but also a story of hope and good will - and ultimately the better angels in all of us.
What Was Ocean County Like Back Then?
First, we need to remember that there was no Ocean County when the war for independence was fought. The area that comprises our county today was the southern half of Monmouth County. New Jersey then had but thirteen counties; today, twenty-one. Ocean County would be created a generation later - years after independence - in 1850.
for independence, and if you’re thinking right now where your town fits into all of this, the dividing line is simple: to the south of the Forked River, Stafford; to the north, Dover. New municipalities were later created in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries out of the land of the two original towns. So when you hear the stories of these first two towns, you’re hearing the stories of your town too.
Salt And Pirating
What was this place that we call home, what was it like back then? There were just two municipalities when Thomas Jefferson penned the words of the Declaration of Independence: Stafford Township created in 1749; Dover Township (now Toms River) created in 1767. Stafford was established by a decree from the British empire’s king; Dover was established by an act of the colonial province’s elected assembly. But they had one important thing in common: a long history of resistance to British policies in North America.
What joined the two towns together was geography: both coastal places in the east situated along an ocean, bay and rivers, and a large expanse of pinelands to the west. Two little hamlets emerged in the 1700s: Manahawkin in Stafford and Toms River in Dover. Both would play important roles in the fight
Continued From Page 1 (History - See Page 17)
Two things occurred 250 years ago - before independence was declared - that had a profound impact on those living here. The Provincial Congress of New Jersey - an extra-legal group of patriots acting as an alternative to the king’s royal government - a shadow government, in essence - decided upon something that sits in our kitchen cabinets today. No - it’s not tea. It’s salt! The New Jersey Congress in April of that revolutionary year authorized the expenditure of public funds to build saltworks in the colony. Salt was a vital commodity in preserving food and since it is said that “an army travels on its stomach,” who better than George Washington, of all people, to know something about salt. He once famously said that the saltworks in New Jersey were the most important in all of the colonies. At high tide, salt was collected in gated earth works, pumped into pans to separate the sand and seaweed, and the remaining brine was scooped into kettles and boiled down into salt crystals. The salt was then dried, barreled and warehoused.
A second decision was the approval of “privateering”: sanctioning the practice of private
History:
Continued From Page 16
citizens using armed, privately owned vessels to attack British shipping, otherwise known as “legalized pirating.” It had been going on for a long time, but an incident not far from here finally made it official. In January 1776, a British ship sailing along our coast from Egg Harbor to New York was captured at Sandy Hook. It was loaded with coal, beer, potatoes, livestock, and cannons - all intended for British troops. As the result of this tremendous haul, the Continental Congress sitting in Philadelphia formally authorized patriot privateering in April 1776.
Putting Us On The Map Of History
The making of salt and the act of privateering would put us on the map of American history. By war’s end, there would be many saltworks along the Barnegat Bay. Finding the right piece of land was critical to a successful operation: a plot of land adjoining salt waters, distant from rivers and ground free from fresh water springs. Places like Little Egg Harbor, Tuckerton, Waretown, Forked River, Toms River and Squan Beach (northern modern day Ocean County) provided such locations.
As to privateering, our area of the Atlantic coastline - some 70 miles of today’s Ocean and Monmouth Counties - saw 77 separate naval engagements, both large and small. 77! In British eyes, the coast here was nothing more than home to a troublesome nest of pirates, or, in their more colorful eighteenth century verbiage: a “piraticall set of banditti,” according to the London Gazette
In June 1776, at the lower tip of Long Beach Island, two American privateering vessels, the “Congress” and the “Chance,” captured and took three British ships. In July, British Admiral Sir Richard Howe bombarded Squan Beach. In December 1780, the notorious Tory, John Bacon, killed Toms River’s local naval commander in Cranberry Inlet (present day Ortley Beach; the inlet was closed to a storm in 1812 and never reopened).
On land, there was the heroic 1778 defense of Egg Harbor where more Americans died in battle than those at Trenton. In that fight, the British plan to move inland and destroy the Batsto iron works was thwarted. New Year’s eve 1781 saw the Manahawkin skirmish with Bacon again attacking local militia. In October 1782 there was the Long Beach massacre where 21 privateers who had seized a large haul of British cargo were ambushed and murdered.
How It All Ends
It was war at the shore, plain and simple, on land and sea. And it all came to a historic end with the battle of Toms River in 1782 in the waning days of the war - and it was all because of salt and those damned pirates. And some good old fashioned revenge and murder, too. Toms River, the county seat today, was nothing more than a remote little outpost nestled along the river perched on top of a hill. The first reference to a “Tom’s River” was with an apostrophe on a British colonial map from 1712, presumably named after one Thomas Luker, an Englishman, who lived along the river in the late 1600s. In the early eighteenth century, like Manahawkin
to the south, the town quickly grew: fishing, lumbering, shipping and ship building. On the eve of the Revolution, it was a busy place and a “Whig town” - Americans born here who despite their English heritage opposed British imperial policies, especially those involving taxes.
The place was home to two salt works and a crudely made fort manned by a militia force of local men, all volunteers. For years, the fruits of privateering had been auctioned off in the village. With the war winding down after the British surrender at Yorktown, Virginia in October 1781, sporadic fighting continued. In New York, military headquarters for the British, none other than William Franklin - Benjamin’s son and a man loyal to the king - sat, completely bewildered by the British defeat to those upstart Americans. He concocted all kinds of wild schemes to somehow restart the war - while his father, and others, were in Paris negotiating a treaty to end the war. William, the son, was the last royally appointed governor of New Jersey, but had been arrested by patriots in June 1776 and later released in a prisoner-of-war exchange. By 1782, he was president of the “Associated Board of Loyalists” - a para-military group of Americans still loyal to the British. With Toms River and our area of the shore so strongly on the side of independence - home of many salt works and “pirates” - William Franklin authorized an armada of British ships to sail from New York to Toms River to destroy the little town. It was all about revenge, and in the irony of all ironies, it was the same William Franklin who, 15 years earlier as royal governor in 1767, signed the charter establishing the Town of Dover. He who created, now sought to destroy. What happened next, we refer to today as the “Battle of Toms River,” but in realitycompared to the fighting at Trenton, Princeton, Yorktown and other large engagements - it was a small skirmish. It was all over in about 20 minutes, on a Sunday morning, March 24, 1782. Nine Americans lie dead; two British. Not content with just a military victory, the British burned the village homes to the ground. William Franklin had exacted his revenge.
The Better Angels In All Of Us
As we look back 250 years later, what are we to make of all of this? The British may have won the battle of Toms River and wreaked havoc for years along our coast and upon our land, but we - we the Americans - we won the war for independence. It was right over might; good versus evil; David versus Goliath.
But in the end, it’s really all about the human spirit. 68 years after that fateful Sunday morning attack, a new county would be formed - our county, Ocean County, and Toms River would be named its county seat. No other town, no other county in all of America can say what we can say here in Ocean County: in just one generation from utter destruction to a new county and a new seat of government of that county. Not to be deterred, we were literally rebuilt from out of the ashes. That’s our story. That’s Ocean County’s story. It is the story of the better angels in all of us.
J. Mark Mutter is the Toms River Historian
Book Show:
Continued From Page 13
Marian Colton: “To The Glory Of His Name!”: A collection of poetry, reflections, and ruminations from her time working as a paraprofessional in the Special Education Department of Brick Schools to her life in retirement living in a 55+ community.
Lauren Covaci: “Bulletproof Heart” is 17-year-old Lena Novick’s journal entries from the fall of 1989, written while she lives with her grandmother in a small beach town in NJ. It’s the year everything changes: her friend group dissolves, her parents get divorced, she meets Ant, the Ukrainian boy across the street, and she discovers the truth about her family. Laurencovaciauthor. wordpress.com
Robert DeSando: “A Titanic Loss For New Jersey” explores, for the first time, how the tragic loss of the world’s grandest ocean liner in 1912 impacted dozens of passengers and crew with connections to New Jersey.
William Elias: “As a child, my imagination ran wild with stories that played out like vivid films in my mind. Late at night, I’d turn those visions into tales, building worlds meant to leap off the page and into the hearts of readers. Step with me into the patchwork of my life—as a husband, father, pastor, and retired policeman—and discover how these roles have shaped both the man and the writer I am today.” williameliasnovelist.com/ Luke Giordano: “The Dead Showrunners” –
Who is killing Hollywood’s top TV writers?
Chick Natale is a technical consultant for cop dramas, but he’s not quite the former cop he’s told the studios he is. But when the case falls in his lap, who else could solve a murder in the city where no one tells the truth but the biggest liar in town? LukeGiordano.com
Awgwyn Havardr: “SPOREFALL” is an award-winning, horror sci-fi novella focused on Mya, a girl losing her identity, a disease that wants to control both her body and mind, and spores falling from the sky like snow that seek to claim all of humanity. awgwynhavardr. crd.co
Patrick Johns: In “The Hoarding,” an evil sorceress hoards sorcery to gain power for world domination. Her vile devastation turns kingdoms into a Junkland. patrickjohnswrites.com
Karen Kamenetsky: “Stage Frightened To Death”: Singer-songwriter Sam Cook expects to perform with her trio at the Oak Hill Folk Festival, but discovers her friend’s body and wants to find her killer. She eventually finds the clue that solves Kat’s murder, but the killer is one step behind.
Anthony Kishko: He will be performing and reading from his book, “American Fool’s Day.”
Duke The Suit is mysteriously warped into a 1939 film noire just as a new and advanced technology grips power through propaganda. He teams up with the likes of Hedy Lamarr and Louis Armstrong.
William Lewis: Our newest release is titled “My Daily Piney: Heartfelt Stories Rooted in the Pine Barrens.” But we will have our other
4 bestselling books about local history as well. pineytribe.com
Olivia Martel: “How To Fly” is a coming-ofage story and a love letter to late bloomers. At the heart of the narrative is the question, Who are you when you are not being “good?”
Dawn McDonnell: “I Love You Like FOOD” is a book that showcases a unique and original artwork inspired by the love of the people in our lives. Love is a feast, a banquet of flavors, textures, and shared moments. It’s not just about food; it’s about nourishing your soul.
Paul Mila: He has incorporated the ocean and diving as the core of his writing, which includes six mystery/thriller novels, three children’s books, and a nonfiction book about ocean encounters. Vibrant underwater photography illustrates the stories. milabooks.com
Fish Nealman: “Born Posthumous” is a haunting view of identity, legacy, and time. The story follows the life of Manny Old, a legendary musician, and how his life continues even after his death. tales.fish
Pamela Martoranda: “Turning Pain Into Her Power” is an anthology comprised of 22 inspiring stories, life lessons and strength strategies to help you rise and roar. These stories don’t just inspire; they equip you with the tools to stand taller, stronger, and more unshakable.
LiveYourBestLifeNJ.com
Donna Parsons: “The Excel Level 1: SkillzSet Instruction Manual is a spiral bound beginner-friendly guide designed to help students, adult learners, instructors and new professionals confidently build foundational
Excel skills. DonnaMParsons.com
Susan Pitch: “Holly and Maple” is a children’s book geared toward grades 2-4. This book follows the unlikely friendship between a holly leaf with an attitude and a maple leaf who is sweet. Its emphasis is on love, friendship, jealousy, loss, and second chances infused with science.
D.T. Scarola: “Jesus Take My Wheels” is the compelling fictional story of an athlete’s journey from devastating injury to wheelchair basketball stardom. Combining raw vulnerability with spiritual grit, the book explores the power of faith and perseverance in redefining “ability” and finding a triumphant new purpose on and off the court.
Doug Snelson: “Who’s Got The Face” is for early and beginner readers. “The Fable of the Snake Named Slim” teaches persistence, perseverance, and creative problem solving. “Everybody Deserves A Hug” is about love, kindness and understanding. “Pickleball Poetry” contains fun and whimsical verses for pickleball players of all ages to think about.
DougSnelson.com
Iolanda S.: “The Wolfe and the Sparrow”: WWII shatters the world of prima ballerina Julienne Auclair. When a defiant performance lands her in a prison camp, Julienne is drawn into dangerous proximity with the camp’s Commandant. Julienne faces a moral dilemma: Is it safer to stay silent, or will she risk everything to save others? – 18+ Readers for dark themes and content. TikTok: @ IOLANDA.S
GARAGE SALE - 55 Franklin Lane, Whiting, NJ 08759. Saturday, May 30th 9am-4pm. (24)
SELLING???- The realtor you are looking for - Secrets of getting more for your property-best price/ lowest expense - www.listforless.com 609-713-1727. (27)
Items For Sale
Retired Electrician's Surplus For Sale - Wire, PVC pipe, breakers, etc. Some tools. Shelving for Chevy van also. Whiting area. 732-890-4663. (24)
Rowboat - 12', deep V, Tracker. Very good condition. Never used. Ideal for Summer fun. $900. Call 732-477-7709 leave message. (24)
Special Hospital Bed - Only used a handful of times. Great condition. Perfect for a rehabilitation facility or for a loved one who has trouble getting up. The bed turned to a 90 degree angle to transfer someone in to a chair. 718-610-9244. (23)
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)
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. (24)
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JScott Firearms FFL dealer appraising and purchasing firearms from estates or individuals. No obligation. Discreet, fair offers. Call 215-595-5480 (38)
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)
Help Wanted
Certified Home Health AidesNeeded for Ocean County area. Hourly and live-in positions avail. P/T and F/T. Call CCC at 732-206-1047. (t/n)
Laundromat Attendant - For FT/ PT Good communication skills, math and min computer knowledge. Transportation needed. Long term commitment only. 732-286-1863. (t/n)
HVAC Installer/Technician Hiring Now - Experience needed. Great Work Environment. Company vehicle. Full time, year round, paid holidays. Call 732-349-1448 Or Fax Resume To 732-349-6448. (t/n)
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)
Registered Nurse - Knee or Hip surgery pre or post orthopedic speciality Registered Nurse comes to your home for assistance. Free consult Call Barbara RN @ 516-4601729, Toms River area only. (25)
Garden State Property Maintenance - All yard work. Tree-trimming and removal, stump grinding, pavers, decks, flower beds, weeding. 609-661-5470. (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)
Clean Sweep Pressure Washing & Home Repairs - No job to small or large. (NEW SEASON SPECIAL!) Free dryer exhaust/vent cleaning with every free estimate! A $75 value! Call or text to book your appointment 201-835-9394 (26)
Cash - Top dollar, paid for junk, cars running and nonrunning, late model salvage, cars and trucks, etc. 732-928-3713. (t/n) Handyman Service - Carpentry, masonry, repairs, painting. 732-6743346. License #13VH03469200. (41)
Entire Estates Bought - Bedroom/dining sets, dressers, cedar chests, wardrobes, secretaries, pre-1950 wooden furniture, older glassware, oriental rugs, paintings, bronzes, silver, bric-a-brac. Call Jason at 609-970-4806. (t/n)
Used Guns Wanted - All types: collectibles, military, etc. Call 917-681-6809. (t/n)
CASH, 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)
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)
Life Coach - Facing a challenge? Talk with me, a safe, arms-length listener. Gain insight. Nonjudgmental support unique to you. $25 for 1 hour. Melissa Lekas, 732-754-4891. (22)
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)
Experienced Gardener specializing in container gardens and house plants. Planting, design, refresh containers. Seasonal care, problems diagnosed, DIY advise. Free 5 step care plan with visit. Keep your containers thriving in all seasons. Joseph 732-232-8144. (24)
Affordable Landscaping - Spring Cleanups, Complete lawn maintenance, Sod & seed lawns, Shrubs & tree pruning, Topsoil & mulch and much more. 732-808-7477. (t/n)
Transportation Services - Airports, Cruise Ships, Casinos, Appointments, Light Hauling with Pick-Up Truck. Call Bill 732-674-0378. (19)
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)
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)
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Know Your Rights And The Importance Of Requesting Treatment If You’re Injured At Work!
By: Christopher R. Shea, Esq. R.C. Shea & Associates
admitted himself to the hospital without asking the employer for the recommended medical care. Thereafter, the injured worker stayed for approximately one week and was then released.
Benson v. Coca Cola Co., 120 N.J. Super60, 66 (App. Div. 1972). However, this duty only comes into effect if the employee notifies the employer of the accident and request treatment.
In 1972 the Supreme Court stated Benson v. Coca Cola Co. that if there is no demand upon the Employer to provide treatment, then the employer will not be responsible to pay for treatment, unless the request by injured worker would have been futile.
In this case the injured worker, Mr. Benson, fell off of a tank tuck and injured his head, back, and neck. He went to the company clinic with significant complaints. The company doctor examined, took x-rays (negative), and prescribed heat, muscle relaxers, and pain meds.
The injured worker refused the treatment at the company clinic and failed to follow up the next day at the company clinic as prescribed. Later that same day the injured worker utilized his private health insurance schedule an appointment with his own doctor without notifying his employer or the workers compensation carrier. This orthopedic doctor diagnosed him with a concussion, possible spinal fracture doctor and recommended that he be hospitalized for a possible cervical injury.
After this appointment, the employee
After being released the employee demanded that his employer pay the medical bills associated with his hospital stay because the employer failed to provide adequate medical care. The employer contended it was not given the opportunity to provide treatment.
At trial, the Workers’ Compensation Judge ruled that the employer should not be responsible for the treatment bills finding that the Worker’s Compensation Act did not automatically give discretion to the injured employee to seek independent medical assistance. Therefore, since the employee did not provide his employer with the opportunity to provide the recommended medical care the Judge found the outside medical treatment and hospitalization was unauthorized.
The worker appealed, and the Appellate Court found that the worker would be responsible for the cost of unauthorized treatment unless said worker can establish that he requested his employer provide him with said treatment or that he did not make the request because it would have been futile. The Appellate Court then sent the case back down to the trial court for further testimony on this issue.
Moral of the story. Always ask for treatment from the employer first, preferably in writing, unless you can prove that the request would be futile.
Christopher R. Shea Esq.
FUN & GAMES SUDOKU
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Celebrity
Creative
Wine gadget
Flow swiftly 16 Like many Basquiat works
Swahili for “trouble” 19 Baby gear that allows safe snuggling 21 Booking.com option
Some farm ruminants
Takes steps?
“In order to be, never try to __”: Camus
Product with a leprechaun mascot
Puts on the spot?
Privileged ones
Posts 5 Extension that makes something smaller?
Raison d’être 7 Old film channel 8 Freedom to __: rights of public access 9 Routinely insured against a crash
Collapsed dramatically
Prizes
Domains 14 Prepares to go home 17 Sets of slides
Dessert ingredient also called ube
One of the two major Sanskrit epics in Hinduism 32 __ nerve 33 Is underhanded
All over the lino, perhaps 35 Deep fissures
FDR power project 37 Meals that tell a story of liberation
Bodysuit
39 Tacos al __
42 More likely to win the annual Gerber Photo Search, perhaps 44 Forecast no. 46 You, once 48 Like some reno projects
“Video Games” singer Lana Del __ 24 Time to enforce bedtime 27 Italian ride, casually 28 “The Little Mermaid” star Bailey
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Communications could become easier around money and financial matters, a lot could be moving from confusion to clarity. Drawing on old well-tested methods and habits can be the best way to get tasks done today.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Continue to work on financial solutions, the stars are helping you for another week or so until the current pattern falls apart in the sky. If you can break free, even for an hour, do it: Create, sing, dance, play.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): While you may not want to prioritize money, it’s a survival necessity and you’re likely to be exploring the topic for the next little bit — learn what the Universe is teaching. Spend time in your home base.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): You could be moving away from consternation and confusion and toward a greater sense of self, deep down. Self-exploration and self-discovery are pieces of self-love. Share from the heart.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): A confounding plot twist in a friendship or group might be over now, things could revert to a more normal state. It’s a poor time to make economic decisions, there’s too much impulsivity and reactivity in your financial sector now.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Career matters could be smoothing out, there could be a shot at a new job, a raise, or a profitable side gig. Today could be a fun day for a low-key glow up but don’t make big changes to appearance for another day or so.
FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 30 - JUNE 5
BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS
OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): If you find a financial guru, investigate and at least consider their advice, you could learn things that help you monetize more effectively. Self-work is like other forms of hygiene, you have to keep things clean to move forward.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): The deepest bonds can be in platonic friendships, sometimes they can be truer because romantic attraction doesn’t need to be present and isn’t a driving force. Shared resources could become more equitable.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You and someone close may need to consider joint financial interests for the next few days, there could be greater clarity and fewer power plays now. When you work with love, it’s not only work, it’s also love.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Little happens when entangled in a no-win situation, you might be able to make a lot more progress today. If you don’t feel understood by the people around you, consider participating in an online community.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): When creativity and earning capacity meet, a lot can be accomplished that is also enjoyable. You could get the idea that puts these themes together soon. Don’t negotiate now, you could be too emotional.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): A domestic tangle could be resolving, and new financial resources could emerge to help support your life. Deep sharing with a partner could happen now, what’s unclear is whether it’s warm feelings or revisiting the past.
SPLIT PEA SOUP WITH CRISPY BACON PERFECT FOR A CHILLY DAY
The smoky bacon adds an important layer of flavor to the soup. CREDIT:(Dreamstime/TCA).
Diane Rossen Worthington
Spring can have surprising weather swings from sunny, warm days to rainy, cold ones. This soup is always appreciated at those unexpected chilly times.
A wonderful weekday main course soup for lunch or dinner, this soup is full of flavor, color and very hearty; a meal in one. Split peas don’t need soaking, so you can make this in about an hour at the end of the day. If you’ve ever wondered what a split pea is, they are field peas that are grown especially for drying.
Bacon is included in the soup and as a garnish on top. The smoky flavor adds an important layer of flavor to the soup. The crumbled bacon garnish adds a savory counterpoint to the creamy, naturally sweet split pea flavor. For a variation, garnish the soup with chopped honey-baked ham or crispy prosciutto.
Serve this with a simple vegetable salad and warm, crusty French bread. A glass of a full-bodied pinot noir or zinfandel is a nice beverage accompaniment.
SPLIT PEA SOUP WITH CRISPY BACON
Serves 4
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 stalk celery, sliced
2 small carrots, peeled and sliced
1 cup split peas, green or yellow, rinsed and picked over 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
1/4-pound bacon, fried until crisp, drained on paper towels, and coarsely chopped
1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Saute onion for 3 to 5 minutes or until softened. Add celery and carrots; saute for another 3 minutes or until just slightly softened.
2. Add split peas, stock, bacon slices and herbs. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Partially cover and cook for about 50 to 60 minutes, or until the peas are tender. Remove bacon slices.
3. Coarsely puree 2 cups of soup in a food processor fitted with a metal blade or process with a hand blender in the pot just until the desired texture is reached. Return the pureed soup to the soup pot and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 more minutes. Taste for seasoning.
4. To serve: Ladle into heated soup bowls and garnish with the crispy crumbled bacon. Serve immediately. Make ahead: This soup can be made up to three days ahead, covered and refrigerated. It also can be frozen for up to three months.
(Diane Rossen Worthington is an authority on new American
including “Seriously
and a
contact her at www.seriouslysimple.com.)
LLC.
(c) 2026 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.
cooking. She is the author of 18 cookbooks,
Simple Parties,”
James Beard Award-winning radio show host. You can
