2026-06-06 - The Brick Times

Safety Measures Demanded After Fatal Hit-And-Run

Open Space Tax Increase Heads To November Ballot

By Stephanie Faughnan

OCEAN COUNTY – For nearly 30 years, Ocean County has quietly spent pennies on the dollar preserving some of the last large stretches of forest, wetlands and open land in one of New Jersey’s fastest-growing regions. Now, county officials plan to ask voters whether they are willing to pay a little more on the open space tax that officials say protects water resources, habitats, and maintain large areas of preserved open space.

The Director of the Ocean County Commissioners Frank Sadeghi first raised the issue publicly when the county’s budget was adopted two months ago. At the county’s most recent commissioners meeting, Sadeghi shared additional details concerning a referendum planned for the November ballot. The open space tax currently stands at 1.2 cents per $100 of assessed property value and has remained unchanged since voters first approved it in 1997. Sadeghi said commissioners believe the preservation program has become one of the county’s most important long-term investments as property values and land acquisition costs have steadily increased.

By Andrew Rice

BRICK - Residents came to the most recent Township Council meeting to voice their concerns about the safety of Lanes Mill Road after a tragic incident in which a Brick Memorial High School student was fatally struck by a car during his morning bike ride to school.

A memorial now stands where 15-year-old Jackson Mueller was hit, filled with candles, flowers and photos. Brick Memorial High School now has an electronic sign outside warning people

to watch out for bikers, but residents want more action taken to address their concerns.

A few of the residents pointed out that this is not the first time that they have brought attention to the issues that are plaguing Lanes Mill Road and wanted to know why nothing has been done about it.

One of the main issues raised by residents who live near Lanes Mill Road is that people constantly run red lights on that road without any repercussions. It was brought up at the meeting

(Safety Measures - See Page 4)

Medal Of Honor Recipient Remembered 77 Years Later

By Colleen Sheehan

OCEAN COUNTY - The Toms River

Rotary Club hosted the Monument Dedication Ceremony for Medal of Honor recipient Seaman Hans Hansen at the Riverside Cemetery in Toms River. The ceremony included military honors, patriotic music from the Toms River Multigenerational Orchestra, remarks from military personnel, veteran organizations, and community tributes. Learning about Hansen goes back sev-

eral years ago, when wreathes were being placed on veterans’ graves for

(Medal Of Honor - See Page 6)

“We have preserved 30,000 acres of open space,” Sadeghi said while discussing the history of the program and the amount of land already protected through county preservation efforts.

Sadeghi said all commissioners support presenting the referendum question directly to voters this fall. “We’ll get a good sense as to whether the public is on board and they feel the same way that we do,” he said.

The discussion came during a meeting heavily focused on county infrastructure spending and capital projects. Commissioners approved

(Open Space - See Page 5)

In 2016, the county acquired a former sand mine known as the NJ Pulverizing site in Berkeley. This 812-acre site had the potential to develop approximately 1,600 single family homes.

Safety Measures:

Continued From Page 1

as well that some of the flashing lights that are supposed to signify that students are present and to go 25 mph do not work and do not flash when they need to.

Several pleas throughout the meeting were made to have a study conducted so that the speed limit on the road could be permanently reduced to 25 mph because of the number of schools on that road and the fact that the sidewalks don’t extend all the way along both sides. The issue of the sidewalks puts more students in danger because they have to cross over the road without anything like a crossing guard.

It was pointed out by another resident that this is not the first time an incident like this has occurred on Lanes Mill Road in recent memory. A few months back, a crossing guard working during school dismissal was hit by a car, and it was made known at that time that the blinking light was not working.

Each speaker at the meeting that was a parent of a high schooler or a soon to be high school made it clear that they don’t trust the safety of the roads and that they will not let their kids walk to school because of it.

After the meeting was over, Mayor Lisa

Crate took to social media and posted a video addressing the safety concerns on Lanes Mill Road.

She started off by notifying the public that the police traffic safety division has already been in contact with the county and that they are working together to create a plan and collect data to find out the best way to make the road safer. In addition to that, she said the 25 mph school zone signs that were not lighting up properly will be replaced and that more police officers will be concentrated in that area and near Brick Township High School as well.

In an effort to address the sidewalk concerns, Mayor Crate said that she personally will head to the site with the township planner to see the what can be done about extending the sidewalks so that students don’t have to cross the street without the safety of a crossing guard.

Before the end of the video, Crate mentioned how the issue of changing the speed limit is not up to the township, as Lanes Mill Road is a county road. She then went on to encourage the same group of people who showed up to the town council meeting to go to the Ocean County Commissioners Meeting on Wednesday, June 10, and Wednesday, June 17 at 4 p.m. to bring to light their concerns over the speed limit to those who can change it.

Food Deliveries Continue To Serve Communities

JERSEY SHORE – FULFILL, the food bank serving Monmouth and Ocean counties, continues to operate mobile food pantries across the region to help residents struggling with food insecurity.

The program provides regularly scheduled monthly distributions at various sites, including senior centers, health facilities, and community housing locations. Each stop offers groceries and fresh produce to individuals and families in need.

Among the Ocean County sites are Manchester Pines on Hilltop Road in Manchester (first

Tuesday of the month, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.), Windsor Crescent in Jackson (second Monday, 10–11 a.m.), Harbor View Apartments in Tuckerton (third Monday, 10–11 a.m.), and Toms River Oaks on Oak Avenue (fourth Wednesday, 12:30–1:30 p.m.).

Other distribution points include Georgian Court University in Lakewood, the Lakehurst United Methodist Church parking lot, Brick Housing Mobile at the Conway Building, and the Berkeley Housing Mobile site in Bayville. For the full list of mobile pantry sites and distribution times, visit fulfillnj.org.

Farmers Market Open Every Week

BRICK – The township’s seasonal farmers market is now open at Windward Beach Park, 235 Princeton Ave.

The market operates Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. through October 3, with vendors offering fresh produce, baked goods, plants and handmade products.

Open Space:

ordinances involving road improvements, bridge replacements,stormwater management projects, intersection upgrades and sidewalk improvements totaling roughly $70 million. Sadeghi used the discussion to emphasize the scope of county operations and the amount of work associated with maintaining and improving infrastructure throughout Ocean County.

“We’re fortunate that we have the resources where we can spend the money and improve the lives of the residents of Ocean County,” Sadeghi said. “Whether it’s widening roads; whether it’s improving the park system.”

At the same meeting, commissioners approved the acquisition of approximately 128.3 acres on Long Swamp Road in Plumsted through the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust program. The purchase represented another example of how the county continues using preservation funds to acquire wooded tracts, wetlands and other environmentally important properties throughout the region.

New Open Space Website

The website includes an interactive calculator allowing residents to enter their property assessment and estimate what the additional penny would cost annually.

“If you know the value of your property in your house, you can actually put that on there and determine what that additional penny is going to cost you on the taxes,” Sadeghi said. According to Sadeghi, the additional penny would generate approximately another $20 million annually for preservation projects and related improvements.

What The Tax Increase Would Cost

If voters approve the referendum, the open space tax would increase from 1.2 cents to 2.2 cents per $100 of assessed property value. County estimates show the increase would raise the annual cost from approximately $48 to $88 for a home assessed at $400,000. A property assessed at $600,000 would increase from approximately $72 to $132 annually, while a home assessed at $800,000 would rise from roughly $96 to $176 per year.

term value of preserving forests, marshes, waterways and open land throughout Ocean County.

Why Officials Say Preservation Matters

Continued From Page 1 (Open Space - See Page 6)

As part of the campaign leading up to the referendum, Ocean County launched a new website explaining the history of the Natural Lands Trust Fund and the proposed tax increase. County materials state that more than 30,000 acres have already been acquired as open space since voters approved the tax in 1997 and note that while the tax rate has remained unchanged for decades, the cost of purchasing land has increased dramatically.

County officials say the additional funding would help continue acquiring wetlands, forests and other environmentally sensitive land while also potentially assisting with park and recreation improvements.

Sadeghi acknowledged during the meeting that officials understand many residents, especially seniors living on fixed incomes, are already struggling financially. He said commissioners spent months discussing the proposal before deciding to move forward. Whether voters ultimately approve the proposal will likely depend on how they balance the added financial cost against the long-

County officials insist the open space program is about far more than simply preventing development. Planning materials tied to the Natural Lands Trust repeatedly emphasize protecting drinking water supplies, wetlands, wildlife habitats and environmentally important lands.

“Of particular importance to the residents of Ocean County is protecting water resources,” county materials state. One major focus has been the Toms River Corridor, where

preserved lands help protect tributaries feeding Barnegat Bay. County records note the watershed contributes roughly one-quarter of the freshwater entering the estuary and supports numerous threatened and endangered species.

In Stafford Township, acquisitions through the Natural Lands Trust helped create the Manahawkin Marsh Preserve, which now spans roughly 350 acres along the Route 72 corridor leading to Long Beach Island. The preserve serves as a natural marsh buffer while protecting wetlands and wildlife habitat.

The county’s largest acquisition came in 2019 when Ocean County preserved 7,923

Open Space:

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acres in the Forked River Mountains region spanning Barnegat, Lacey and Ocean townships. The heavily forested tract contains some of the highest elevations in southern New Jersey and connects large sections of preserved Pine Barrens habitat.

Other preserved lands include portions of the Cedar Creek corridor in Berkeley, where county officials continue pursuing acquisition opportunities adjacent to the Barnegat Branch Trail and Cedar Creek Campground because of the environmentally sensitive

Medal Of Honor:

Continued From Page 1

Wreathes Across America. The volunteers placing the wreathes get a list of veterans with some information about their service.

Something stood out about Hansen: He was a Medal of Honor recipient. They are usually buried in Arlington, although they have the option to be buried elsewhere.

Capt. Stan Mahan, who led the ceremony dedicating the new monument, explained that Bob Pastine, a Rotarian, did all the research to bring it to present day.

nature of the area. Preservation efforts have additionally extended around Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, where more than 4,200 acres have been protected within two miles of the base while also preserving forests and wildlife habitat.

Rules Governing Open Space Lands

Ocean County’s preserved lands are governed by rules designed to balance public access with environmental protection. County regulations permit activities such as hiking, fishing, kayaking and hunting in

Hans Anton Hansen was born on August 9, 1877 in Corso, Denmark and immigrated to San Francisco on August 29, 1899.

Hansen joined the United States Navy Pacific Fleet, where he was a seaman aboard the USS Newark, which was on patrol in the East China Sea in June of 1900.

He earned the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary heroism while serving during the siege of Peking, China, during what is commonly known as the Boxer Rebellion. He passed away in Toms River in 1949.

“May God bless our veterans, our service members in harm’s way, and the United

designated areas while prohibiting dumping, destruction of vegetation, unauthorized structures, off-road vehicles and camping without permission.

The county also reserves the right to temporarily close Natural Lands Trust properties during drought conditions or environmental emergencies, including wildfire threats.

The Surf & Stream Controversy

Not every preservation acquisition has been welcomed.

One of the most controversial involved Surf and Stream Campground in Manchester,

States of America,” Mahan said. “Well done my brother. In the face of danger, you ran toward it to save others from the same fate.”

They learned that Hansen didn’t have any heirs. His older grave is nicely made, with his last name etched across it. Smaller stones stand at its foot for family members. These monuments didn’t show that he was a Medal of Honor recipient. So the veterans wanted to honor him with a stone that told his entire story.

The new one has his full name, rank, deployment and the dates that he earned the Medal of Honor – June 20 through 22, 1900.

where former residents are currently involved in litigation after the county acquired the property for preservation purposes.

County officials were led to believe they were purchasing a seasonal campground but later discovered many people had been living there year-round for years. Former residents said families received mail there, children were picked up by school buses there and some residents had lived there for decades.

More than 70 former residents are parties to ongoing litigation alleging they were displaced without proper relocation assistance after the sale. County officials have denied wrongdoing.

“When you walk past this monument, remember that heroes are not mythical figures from history books,” said Capt. Jim Howell, USN Deputy Commander at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. “They are everyday citizens of towns like this one, who, when their country called, answered with unimaginable courage”

The monument was paid for with help from the Rotary Club of Toms River, VFW 6063, American Legion Post 129, Toms River Elks Lodge 1875, Red Knight Kings Motorcycle Club of Toms River.

Chris Lundy contributed to this story.

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

S potlight o n g overnment

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

Lawmakers Warn: Abortion Allowed Through Legal Loophole

From The Desk Of

Congressman Chris Smith

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Rep. Erin Houchin (R-IN), Sen. Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Sen. James Lankford (R-OK), and 46 other members of Congress submitted an amicus brief to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals on behalf of U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) v. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), arguing that the Biden Administration illegally hijacked the Pregnant Workers Fairness

Act (PWFA) to force all employers nationwideincluding faith-based or religious organizations - to accommodate employee abortions.

In the amicus brief, the 50 Republican lawmakers explain that the intent of the bipartisan PWFA was to provide robust protections and accommodations for women expecting a child and postpartum women in the workplace; however, despite the fact that the law does not include any references to abortion, the Biden-era EEOC issued a Final Rule that expanded the PWFA’s definition of “medical conditions” and mandated all employers throughout the United States to accommodate employee abortions.

“Flouting the law Congress passed, the EEOC transformed the PWFA into a draconian national abortion-accommodations mandate that tramples the conscience rights of those who object to abortion, including some of the very faith-based organizations that supported the PWFA,” the co-signatories write.

The authors continue, “Congress included a religious exemption in the PWFA, guaranteeing that no religious employer would have to violate its faith. But by interpreting the religious exemption narrowly and medical justifications for abortion broadly, the Final Rule fundamentally repurposes the PWFA into an unprecedented instrument of radical abortion policy.”

Throughout the brief, the 37 Representatives and 13 Senators argue that the EEOC required, yet bypassed, congressional

authorization to enforce its Final Rule, describing how “the EEOC contorted the PWFA into a radical revision of national policy on one of the most contentious issues in America today.” Moreover, they explain how Congress specifically chose “not to link the PWFA’s definition of ‘medical condition’ to the definition in other statutes” that could potentially create loopholes for abortion.

“The intent and text of the PWFA are clear: to ensure healthy pregnancies by supporting women with pregnancy-related medical conditions both during and after their pregnancy. The EEOC ignored the statute and substituted its views on abortion for those of Congress, injecting abortion politics into a law designed to help mothers healthily carry their child to term,” the lawmakers conclude.

New Senate Initiative To Improve Long-Term Health Care

Capitol

Comments

Senator Andy Kim

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) joined Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and 15 Senate Democratic colleagues in announcing a new initiative to improve access and affordability for long-term care for seniors, Americans with disabilities, and their families. The initiative is the latest step in Senator Kim’s effort to build a care movement that delivers tangible solutions to the care crisis.

The initiative was announced with a letter sent to Senate colleagues, outlining plans to expand home care, align incentives for improved care in nursing homes,

and address workforce shortages to create quality, sustainable jobs for both types of care.

“America is failing people who are aging and those with disabilities, who should have every opportunity to live at home and thrive in their communities,” the senators wrote. “Democrats want to ensure American families have affordable, high-quality care in the setting they choose and quality jobs and living wages for direct care workers. Families that rely on nursing homes should have the peace of mind that their loved ones will receive quality care, and incentives should reward safe staffing. We want to ensure the Senate is prepared to act on these issues when Democrats have another opportunity to enact the bold, meaningful change the American people demand and deserve.”

The letter describes three goals that will be the focus for policy development among the group in the coming weeks and months:

• Make home care affordable and accessible

• Improve the quality of care in nursing homes

• Use incentives to strengthen the longterm care workforce

In contrast to these efforts, Republicans have spent their time in power making long-term care harder to get, including cutting the largest payer of long-term care services, Medicaid, by nearly $1 trillion. In addition, Republicans repealed staffing standards for nursing homes that guaranteed access to a registered nurse 24/7. After Trump promised not to hurt anybody with Medicare and Medicaid, he’s breaking yet another promise.

Senator Kim’s most recent work in build-

Benefit Dinner To Support Tunnel To Towers Foundation

BRICK – A local business is partnering with a national nonprofit to host a benefit dinner later this summer, with proceeds aimed at supporting families of fallen first responders and military members.

Cordi’s Italian Gourmet will hold the fundraiser July 27, offering three seating times from 3 to 5 p.m., 5 to 7 p.m., and 7 to 9 p.m. The event will benefit the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, an organization

known for providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families, as well as injured veterans.

Organizers said 100% of the proceeds will go directly to the foundation. Guests will be served a buffet-style dinner, and tickets must be purchased in advance between April 1 and July 17 to guarantee seating.

The evening will also feature live en

tertainment by special guest Lou Abbato. Tickets are priced at $100 per person, and checks should be made payable to Tunnel to Towers. No tickets will be sold at the door.

The event will take place at Cordi’s Italian Gourmet, 101 Prosper Way. For reservations or more information, call 732-691-0004 or visit cordisitaliangourmet.com.

ing a universal care movement includes helping organize a Senate Aging Committee hearing to uplift fellow sandwich generation caregivers’ needs and voices and introducing bicameral legislation to add a dedicated question on multigenerational caregiving to national surveys.

The letter was signed by Senators Kim and Wyden as well as Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Angus King (I-ME), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jeanne Shaheen (DNH), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR).

Disclaimer: Micromedia Publications has always provided a space in its newspapers to provide a place for readers to learn what their elected officials are doing. These items are lightly edited for such things as punctuation and grammar but are mostly unchanged from the source. These press releases are the politicians’ own views, not that of Micromedia Publications. We cannot vouch for the accuracy of information that these politicians are providing, and readers are encouraged to keep an open mind and consider multiple sources.

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY

FEATURED

LETTER

Volunteer Fire Companies, First Aid Squads Closing

Around State

After over 100 years of volunteer, community service the Lakehurst Fire Department has had to close its doors permanently. Responding to structural fires, forest fires, smoke alarms, car accidents, and many other calls to duty, they have served the Borough of Lakehurst with pride and dedication. All hours of the night, all kinds of weather, whenever the need arose.

Unfortunately, they are no longer able to staff a fire truck in times of emergency. Volunteerism is way down, for a multitude of reasons. Education requirements and mandated staffing requirements make it untenable to continue. Manchester Fire is covering our town on a temporary basis while final details are being worked out. Sadly, unless things turn around soon the Lakehurst First Aid Squad may suffer the same fate. A handful of members are doing their best to answer as many calls as possible, but it is a losing battle. Burnout is inevitable. And this is not unique to Lakehurst. Fire and EMS squads across the state are suffering the same problems. There is a strong push by the State to create paid EMS and Fire companies. And while that may help provide 24 hour coverage every day, there are enormous costs associated with paid services. A typical ambulance runs $250,000 and up, and that doesn’t include the equipment. A new fire truck can easily top $500,000; again, equipment is not included in that price. Salaries, benefits, pensions - these are huge additional expenses. How will anyone be able to pay? Many towns cannot afford these expenses, if they ever could. Taxes? Higher insurance premiums? User fees? Someone will have to pay. So, what is the solution?

Defending Freedom

This letter is a response to the letter “No Kings Article Is One-Sided” that was published April 25, 2026.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Should Toms River Have A Full Time Mayor?

It is not too late to help the First Aid Squad, and perhaps, in time, we may be able to operate our own fire department again. To borrow a line from “The Princess Bride,” maybe the Fire Dept is not completely dead, only mostly dead. Maybe it can be resurrected in time. But it takes people-dedicated people. So many residents already have too many obligations - job (sometimes more than one), children, other commitments. Lakehurst has one condition that is both a blessing and a curse. Fire and First Aid calls are, for the most part, infrequent. The Fire Dept averaged about 100 calls last yearnot a huge drain on one’s time. The First Aid typically has 20 – 25 dispatches per month, with the average call lasting approximately one hour. Again, not a big time commitment, especially when shared by many. The curse is that many join with great enthusiasm only to be disappointed that they aren’t busy enough. They soon tire of few calls and join another agency outside of town where they can be far busier. There was a time, not so long ago, that 96% of the EMS squads in New Jersey were volunteer. The numbers for fire departments were probably similar. Please, in whatever town you live, consider donating your time. The answer to many of these difficulties is people. Training, uniforms and equipment are all provided. Volunteer today, before it’s too late. And an overdue THANK YOU, to all the members of the Lakehurst Fire Department for all the many years of service to our town.

Councilman Steven Oglesby Lakehurst

Thanks to our Constitution we have FREEDOM OF THE PRESS! Sadly, some think that this freedom should be muzzled onto those responsible newspaper writers.

They want only their biased views be published, not the truth of the newspaper writer.

What a time we live in when some citizens slander a newspaper for printing an article they didn’t like by calling the newspaper garbage.

What happened to toleration for all views. If you don’t agree, OK! But to go on a witch hunt to viciously insult, slander and condemn is intolerable dictatorship! Some would have only printed what they approve of. Objective newspaper writing is the foundation of the writers in The Berkeley Times. One only has to look at previous written articles to see there is no bias views printed.

Maybe the accusing citizen should look in the mirror to see their limited views.

Fortunately, most citizens aren’t narrow minded. May Divine Providence continue to bless our great nation with tolerant citizens and FREEDOM OF THE PRESS.

U. Sam Saporite Berkeley Township

As Toms River approaches a population of nearly 100,000 residents, it is time for an honest and respectful public discussion about whether serving as Mayor of Toms River should effectively be considered a full-time responsibility.

This is not about personalities or partisan politics. It is about the structure of government, public expectations, and whether the current system matches the size and complexity of modern Toms River.

Toms River operates under the Faulkner Act Mayor–Council form of government, commonly referred to as a “strong mayor” system. Under this structure, the mayor is not merely ceremonial. The mayor serves as the chief executive officer of the municipality and is responsible for supervising administration, department operations, budgets, personnel, redevelopment, contracts, emergency response, and the implementation of municipal policy.

The Faulkner Act was specifically designed to create a strong executive branch at the local level, similar in many ways to the role of a corporate chief executive officer or county executive.

Toms River is now one of the largest municipalities in New Jersey. With a popu-

WE WELCOME LETTERS TO THE EDITOR!

The Brick 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.

lation approaching 100,000 residents, the township faces increasingly complex issues involving redevelopment, affordable housing obligations, infrastructure, public safety, environmental matters, budgeting, litigation, and transparency in government.

Several large New Jersey municipalities of similar size - including Woodbridge, Edison, and Hamilton - also operate under Faulkner Act Mayor–Council systems with executive-style mayors who oversee large municipal governments and substantial administrative operations.

The public question for Toms River is straightforward:

Does a municipality of this size and complexity require a mayor whose primary professional responsibility is serving the township and being physically present and engaged in municipal operations on a daily basis?

There is no question that technology allows elected officials to remain reachable from almost anywhere. Cell phones, email, and virtual communication are valuable tools. However, many residents would reasonably argue that they are not complete substitutes for executive presence, in-person oversight, daily interaction with department heads and staff, attendance at internal meetings, and immediate hands-on leadership during rapidly developing situations.

This is particularly relevant under the Faulkner Act structure, where executive authority is intentionally centralized in the office of the mayor.

One recent local example often cited in this discussion is neighboring Brick Township Mayor Lisa Crate. After becoming mayor, Crate publicly announced her retirement from her educational

career, explaining that the responsibilities of serving as mayor required her full attention and availability to residents. Whether one agrees or disagrees with political positions, her decision reflected recognition of the significant time demands associated with leading a large municipality.

This discussion is not meant to criticize public service by individuals who hold outside employment. In fact, many smaller municipalities throughout New Jersey successfully operate with parttime mayors. The question is whether Toms River has grown beyond that model.

If the practical reality is that much of the day-to-day executive oversight must be delegated because the elected mayor cannot consistently be present during normal business hours, then residents should fairly examine whether the township is operating as envisioned under the Faulkner Act’s strong-mayor system.

And if residents ultimately conclude that a full-time executive presence is not necessary, then perhaps the community should eventually consider whether a different form of government - such as a Council-Manager system where a professional administrator formally oversees daily operations - would better align with the township’s expectations.

No matter where one stands on the issue politically, this is a legitimate governance discussion worth having openly, respectfully, and factually.

As Toms River continues to grow, residents deserve thoughtful discussion about what level of executive leadership and daily oversight best serves the community now and into the future.

Philip Brilliant Toms River

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

C ommunity n ew S

Willow Springs Earns National Honors

BRICK – Willow Springs Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Best Nursing Homes for 2026.

The Brick facility was also recently awarded the Bronze Commitment to Quality Award from the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living.

Willow Springs, located at 1049 Burnt Tavern Road, provides post-hospital care, short-term rehabilitation and long-term residential care.

Heather Sanchez, regional director of market development at Marquis Health Consulting Services, said the recognition

reflects the work of the center’s staff and its focus on residents.

Newsweek and Statista selected 1,200 nursing homes nationwide for the 2026 list, using factors including performance data, peer recommendations, accreditations and resident satisfaction.

The Bronze award is the first level in AHCA/NCAL’s National Quality Award Program. Willow Springs is now eligible to pursue the Silver Achievement in Quality Award.

The facility also holds two Gold Seals of Approval from The Joint Commission. More information is available at willowspringsrehab.com.

Town Seeks Seasonal Workers for Spring, Summer Jobs

BRICK – The Township of Brick is preparing for its spring and summer operations and is hiring seasonal workers for a range of positions.

Open roles include camp director for the township’s summer camp program, camp counselors, lifeguards, badge checkers, Windward Beach maintenance staff, basketball referees for summer and winter leagues, site supervisors and summer crossing guards.

Age requirements vary by position. Camp

directors, referees, site supervisors and crossing guards must be at least 18. Lifeguards and Windward Beach maintenance workers must be at least 16, while camp counselors and badge checkers must be at least 15.

Township officials said applicants can review full job details, qualifications and pay information on the Human Resources page of the township website. Online employment applications are also available there. More information is available at bricknj.gov.

Ocean County’s Arc Walk Raises $92,000

LAKEWOOD – The Arc, Ocean County Chapter raised $92,000 during its 24th annual Step Up for The Arc Walk, an event that supports programs and services for individuals with disabilities.

Photo courtesy The Arc, Ocean County Chapter purchases include a mock grocery store to teach job skills, supplies for the Wave Riders Special Olympics soccer season and a summer trip to Atlantic City for residents of the Anchor group home.

The fundraiser was held at the Jersey Shore BlueClaws and drew about 600 attendees. Organizers said all proceeds will benefit The Arc of Ocean County’s residential, vocational and family support services.

The event featured 40 walk teams raising money for program wish list items. Planned

The Arc, Ocean County Chapter serves 1,100 individuals with disabilities and their families through housing, job training, employment supports, transition services, transportation, clinical services, recreation and other programs.

Donations to the 2026 Step Up for The Arc Walk can be made at arcocean.org

Local Students Earn Monmouth Dean’s List Honors

WEST LONG BRANCH – Monmouth

University has announced the students who earned placement on the Spring 2026 Dean’s List, including several residents from Brick.

To qualify, students must place within the top 20 percent of their academic program based on semester grade point average, maintain a cumulative GPA above 3.30 and complete all semester coursework, except certain honors thesis requirements. Part-time students are eligible after com

pleting at least 12 credits across successive semesters.

Students recognized from Brick include Isabella Aguanno, Daniella Borges, Ashley Burroughs, Leslie Bustamante, Emily De Almeida, Kaiyan Graham, Lance Gunther, Christopher Kenny, Riley Kindler, Victoria Nicol, Maya O’Prey, Justin O’Shea, Lily Restiano, Kimberly Richard, Tess Ryder and Thuat Ky Tran.

The complete Dean’s List can be viewed online at monmouth.edu/provost/deans-list/.

Medium To Appear At Laurelton Fire Co. Event

BRICK – The Laurelton Fire Co. No. 1

Ladies Auxiliary will host an evening with Linda Shields, known as the Jersey Shore Medium, on September 25 at the firehouse, 1730 W. Princeton Ave.

Doors will open at 6 p.m., and the show is scheduled to begin promptly at 7 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person, and guests may bring their

own food and drinks.

Tickets are available by calling 732-202-6731 or emailing LFC23LadiesAux@gmail.com.

Organizers said attendees may have the opportunity to connect with loved ones who have died. Tickets do not guarantee a personal reading, and all sales are final. The event is for entertainment purposes only.

Local Pets Available For Adoption

BRICK – Tina is looking for a quiet, adult home with a cat-savvy, gentle person who will give her the time and patience she needs to feel safe and learn to trust. She may be a little sassy and independent at first, but she’s also sweet, playful, loving, and even a little goofy once she’s comfortable. Her dream life is full of nonstop fun with toys and a tall scratching post. She loves perching by a sunny window in the morn-

Animal Center ing, and is wishing for a home where she can be your one and only furry friend. We know her perfect match is out there… could it be you? If you think you’re the one Tina has been waiting for, please apply online today.

For more information, visit jerseyshoreanimalcenter.org. They are located at 185 Brick Boulevard and can be reached at 732-920-1600.

Casino Trip Planned

BRICK – The St. Dominic’s Adult Social Club will sponsor a bus trip to Resorts Casino in Atlantic City on June 24. The bus will depart from St. Dominic’s Church at 9:15 a.m. The trip costs $43 per person, which includes the driver’s tip. Participants will receive a $20 slot voucher from the casino. For more information or to reserve a spot, contact Terri or Adam Drapczuk at 732-255-7242. Checks should be made payable to the St. Dominic’s Adult Social Club and mailed to Terri Drapczuk, 19 Lawndale Drive, Brick, NJ 08723-7331.

Nick Jonas Coming To Hard Rock Live LORRAINE’S BARBER

ATLANTIC CITY – Nick Jonas will perform at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City on June 13 at 8 p.m.

Tickets will be available at HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com. All shows are subject to change.

Jonas, a singer, songwriter and actor, has spent more than 25 years in entertainment through solo projects and as a member of the Grammy-nominated Jonas Brothers. The group marked its 20th anniversary in 2025 with the release of “Greetings From Your Hometown” and a North American tour.

As a solo artist, Jonas is known for songs including “Jealous,” “Chains,” “Levels” and “Close.” He released his fifth studio album, “Sunday Best,” on February 6.

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Animal Shelter Seeks Workers

BRICK – The Jersey Shore Animal Center is looking to expand its team and is seeking animal lovers to fill several open positions at its shelter and spay/neuter clinic.

Available jobs include kennel attendants, front desk receptionists and veterinary technician or assistant positions. Shelter officials said they are searching for dependable and compassionate employees who are passionate about caring for homeless animals.

Workers would assist with duties includ-

ing animal care, customer service, medical support, cleaning, handling dogs and cats, helping adopters and supporting day-to-day shelter operations.

The organization said some positions prefer candidates with prior shelter or veterinary experience. Both part-time and full-time opportunities are available, and some roles require weekend availability.

Applicants can view full job descriptions and apply online at jerseyshoreanimalcenter. org/employment/.

Six Flags Begins Daily Summer Operations

JACKSON – Six Flags Great Adventure has begun daily operations for the summer season, offering guests a full schedule of rides, attractions, entertainment and dining through September 7.

Guests can visit throughout the season for roller coasters such as Nitro, Jersey Devil Coaster, El Toro and THE FLASH: Vertical Velocity, along with family rides and other longtime park favorites.

Six Flags is also rolling out several upgrades, including the new Shoreline Pier at The Boardwalk. The themed area will

feature five new attractions, additional dining options and new entertainment experiences. The Safari Off-Road Adventure has also returned with in-park boarding and is included with admission. Hurricane Harbor New Jersey is now open, giving visitors another way to cool off during the summer. Guests will also see construction progress on the park’s 2027 coaster project, known publicly as “Project Purple.” For hours, tickets and more information, visit sixflags.com/ greatadventure.

Women’s Club Plants Tree At Windward Beach

BRICK – The Women’s Club recently added a new Eastern redbud tree to Windward Beach as part of its ongoing environmental efforts.

The tree was planted by the club’s Environmental Committee, continuing an annual tradition of adding greenery to the park. The latest planting follows the addition of two weeping cherry trees, which were previously placed to help enhance the landscape.

Beyond tree planting, the committee remains involved in several community-based

environmental projects. Members continue to collect sneakers for recycling and take part in local beach cleanups and Pick Up Brick initiatives.

The club also plans to host a presentation in September by a Master Gardener, who will discuss edible plants and flowers. The program will be held at the start of the group’s general membership meeting, and members of the public are invited to attend. More information about the Women’s Club of Brick Township is available at womensclubofbrick.org.

Island Singers To Present Flag Day Concert

BRICK – The Island Singers will present “United Through Song,” a free choral concert, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. June 14 at St. Thomas Lutheran Church, 135 Salmon St.

The special Flag Day performance will honor the 250th anniversary of the United States with music celebrating unity, peace and American tradition. The program will feature a chamber

orchestra, an arrangement of “America the Beautiful” and an invitation for the audience to join in singing “Let There Be Peace on Earth.”

The event is organized by the Island Singers and Ocean County Parks & Recreation. Admission is free.

For more information, visit islandsingersnj.com.

Garden Club Plans Plant Exchange

BRICK – The Garden Club will hold its next meeting at 7 p.m. June 8 at the Cultural Center, 515 Herbertsville Road.

The meeting will feature a plant exchange. Those who want to take part should bring two plants and will receive two new plants in return.

C ommunity n ew S

Team Brick Launches Local GOP Movement

BRICK – A new Republican group in Brick Township is seeking to reshape local politics around a “town-first” message, saying municipal decisions should be driven by residents rather than party leaders or outside political interests.

Team Brick is being introduced as a long-term local movement, not a single campaign, candidate slate or election-year effort. Its organizing theme is “Built for Brick, Not the Bosses,” with a focus on accountability, transparency, taxes, public safety, responsible development and quality-of-life concerns.

The press release submitted to The Brick Times said Team Brick is intended to give residents a larger voice in local Republican politics and future endorsements.

“Brick deserves local leadership that starts with one question: Is this good for the people of Brick?” the person said. “That should be the standard for every candidate, every vote, every endorsement and every decision.”

The group describes itself as Republican in principle but local in focus. It says it will prioritize Brick Township issues first, followed by Ocean County and New Jersey matters that directly affect the township.

National issues would be addressed only when they have a clear impact on Brick residents.

Team Brick plans to engage residents, Republican voters, county committee members, candidates and community leaders who support what it calls a “Brick First” approach. The movement said it may endorse and support candidates who are independent-minded, transparent and willing to put township concerns ahead of political organizations.

The group said its core beliefs include fiscal responsibility, support for first responders, open communication with residents, responsible growth and opposition to corruption, patronage, political retaliation and backroom deals.

“This is not about building a personality-driven political brand,” the person behind Team Brick said. “It is about building a movement around one principle: Brick comes first.”

Team Brick could eventually become a formal local club or organization if interest continues to grow.

Residents and local Republicans interested in learning more can email teambrickrepublicans@gmail.com.

Thunder 106 Raises Over $2 Million For St. Jude

NEPTUNE – Thunder 106 listeners helped push the station’s 14-year fundraising total for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital past $2 million during the annual “Country Cares for St. Jude Kids Radiothon.” The Press Communications, LLC station raised $231,311 during this year’s radiothon, bringing its overall total to $2,008,830 for St. Jude. The event, presented by Irwin Lincoln and Irwin Mazda of Freehold, was held April 23 and 24 from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Listeners were encouraged to become “Partners in Hope” by making monthly donations through the St. Jude website, by phone or by text. New partners received a “Music Gives to St. Jude Kids” shirt and hoodie. St. Jude provides treatment, travel, housing and food at no cost to families, allowing them to focus on their child’s care.

Mike Ryan, vice president of programming for Thunder 106, added to the effort with a 106-mile walk through Monmouth County beginning the evening of April 24.

The walk, sponsored by Monmouth Park Racetrack, included a stop at Jenkinson’s Boardwalk in Point Pleasant and ended April 26 at Boots on the Boards at Jenk’s Club, presented by Door Boy. The event featured country singer-songwriter Jackson Dean and a check presentation.

“ Supporting St. Jude in their mission to end childhood cancer is incredibly meaningful to me,” Ryan said. “Thank you to our Thunder 106 listeners for your continued generosity and for once again making such a powerful impact through your donations.”

More information is available by emailing info@PressCommRadio.com.

Garden Tour And Tea Planned

BRICK – The Garden Club will host its 23rd annual Secret Gardens of Brick Tour and Tea on June 23, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine.

The event invites visitors to tour private gardens throughout Brick and then stop at the Anstett Cultural Arts Center, 515 Herbertsville Road, for light refreshments, a plant sale, gift raffle, music, crafters and vendors.

The Laurelton Arts Society will also have

an art display at the Cultural Arts Center as part of the day’s activities.

Tickets are $20 and may be purchased the day of the tour at the Cultural Arts Center. They are also available in advance at Added Touch, Dwulets and Tiny Greenhouse in Brick; Berry Fresh Too in Toms River; Purple Iris in Point Pleasant; and Shore River Gardens in Manasquan.

Local Child Actor Returns From International Broadway Tour

By Stephanie Faughnan

BARNEGAT - Most children leave the theater with a memory. Parker Spagnuolo left with something more. At just three years old, the Barnegat boy sat watching “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” captivated by the story unfolding in front of him. It was not just another show. Something about it stayed with him, long after the lights came up and the audience filed out.

“My favorite Broadway show is ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,’” Parker said. “It was the first Broadway show I ever saw.”

Years later, that same story would become his own. Now 11, Parker has taken the stage as Charlie Bucket, performing before thousands of people across China and Taiwan. What once felt like a distant dream became a reality that carried him halfway around the world.

Parker’s journey into the performing arts did not begin with a single plan, but through opportunities that gradually built upon one another. His mother, Summer Spagnuolo, said it started when she signed him up for modeling, opening the door to something more.

“Mom signed me up for modeling,” Parker said. “And over the years, my agent asked if maybe I could sing.”

That question shifted everything. Parker began auditioning for musical roles, developing his skills in singing, acting and dancing as he gained confidence with

each opportunity.

“So, I sent in more musical and singing auditions, and eventually I was able to book a job,” he said.

Now 11, Parker has already built a growing list of professional credits.

According to his IMDB profile, he has appeared on Netflix’s “Black Rabbit,” where he portrayed a younger version of a central character, and has also been featured on Sesame Street. Those early experiences helped prepare him for the demands of both on-camera work and live performance.

Parker is the son of Summer and Joshua Spagnuolo, and the family, longtime Barnegat residents, has supported his journey every step of the way.

Breakthrough Moment

The turning point came when Parker’s agent submitted him for “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” It was his first major Broadway-level audition and required a level of preparation that pushed him well beyond his years.

At nine years old, Parker walked into a room filled with casting directors and production executives, a setting that could easily overwhelm a young performer.

“It’s very intimidating,” Summer said. “You go into a room and they don’t smile.” The audition process was intense. Parker was given multiple scenes and songs to learn in just a few days, with no guarantee of a callback.

“Our biggest hope was that he went in there and gave 100 percent, and he did,” Summer said. A couple of months later, the call came. Parker had been selected as a replacement for Charlie Bucket.

Leaving Home

For The Stage Accepting the role meant more than memorizing lines. It meant leaving home.

Parker and his mother packed up and traveled overseas to join the production. The tour took them across China and Taiwan for months at a time, requiring a major adjustment.

“How do you just pack up your whole entire life to a foreign country?” Summer said.

The transition included nearly 24 hours of travel, language barriers, and navigating daily life in unfamiliar cities.

Parker performed in Dongguan, Shenzhen and Shanghai in China, where modern theaters seated well over a thousand people. The tour continued in Taiwan with performances in Taipei and Kaohsiung, where even larger venues drew crowds of thousands.

(Broadway Tour - See Page 19)

H ere ’ s t o Y our H e A lt H

Dr. Izzy’s

Sound News

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

Psychophysiological Dizziness (PPPD): Overview And Treatment

Psychophysiological dizziness, commonly known today as Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD), is a chronic form of dizziness influenced by how the brain processes balance signals under stress. It is a real physical condition, often triggered by illness, stress, or vestibular events. PPPD is a chronic dizziness disorder, where a person feels ongoing unsteadiness or motion sensitivity, even though standard tests are all normal. Unlike classic vertigo, there is no spinning sensation most of the time, symptoms of persistent, not episodic and all imaging studies are normal.

Common Symptoms

• Constant or frequent unsteadiness or rocking sensation

• Worsens when standing or walking

• Increased discomfort in busy environments (stores, crowds, screens)

• Feeling ‘off balance’ or disconnected Common Triggers

• Inner ear or vestibular illness

• Panic attacks or prolonged stress

• Concussion or other physical illness What’s Happening in the Body

• The brain becomes overly sensitive to balance signals and relies too heavily on visual input. This creates a cycle where normal movement feels exaggerated, and

anxiety reinforces dizziness. Treatment Approaches

1. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): A specialized physical therapy that retrains the brain to process motion and balance correctly through controlled exposure exercises.

2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - Helps break the cycle between anxiety and dizziness and reduces sensitivity to symptoms.

3. Medication (if needed) - Certain medications such as SSRIs (Sertraline, Escitalopram) may help regulate the brain’s sensory processing and reduce symptoms.

4. Lifestyle Adjustments

• Maintain regular sleep patterns

• Avoid excessive focus on symptoms

• Gradually expose yourself to triggering environments

• Important Notes

PPPD is not dangerous but can be persistent. It responds best to a combination of therapy, gradual exposure, and sometimes medication.

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!

Grief Counseling Groups

OCEAN COUNTY – Grief Counseling Groups

throughout Ocean County provided Rev. Dr. Anthony Lipari, FCM.

Last week of every month at:

Monday 1 p.m. – Ocean County Memorial Park -Waretown

Tuesday 1 p.m. – Tim Ryan Funeral Home Fischer Boulevard - Toms River

Wednesday 1 p.m. – Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home-Mule Road -Toms River

Thursday 1 p.m. – Anderson Campbell Funeral Home Ridgeway Boulevard - Manchester Friday 1 p.m. – Manchester Memorial HomeWhiting

Rev Dr Lipari, FCM, A Franciscan Friar, has served the Ocean County are for over 21 years in ministry to the terminally ill and the grieving. All groups are free and donations are welcomed. Call Fr. Anthony at 732-349-6797 for more information.

Vascular Screenings Offered

BRICK – Ocean University Medical Center will offer AngioScreen vascular screenings from 1 to 7:30 p.m. April 28 at the Community Outreach Conference Center, 1686 Route 88.

Participants will receive information about their risk for heart attack and stroke, along

with an instant color report and a private consultation with a registered nurse. The screening fee is $49.95, and registration is required.

To register or learn more, visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Events or call 1-800-560-9990.

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.

(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.

Chess Club Brings Together Players Ages 6 to 97

Photo by Stephanie Faughnan

Six-year-old Ayvin of Barnegat studies the chess board during a game at the Toms River Chess Club while his older brother Tommy watches closely nearby.

By Stephanie Faughnan

OCEAN COUNTY - Six-year-old Ayvin walked into the Toms River Chess Club alongside his 11-year-old brother Tommy with obvious excitement written across his face. The Barnegat kindergarten student had already attended the club’s Stafford Township gathering the week before, but this time he

had heard there would be even more players waiting downstairs inside the lower level of the Toms River municipal building. Before long, the blue-eyed boy, described as naturally shy by family, was confidently approaching strangers with a question that suddenly seemed easy to ask. “Want to play?” he asked a middle school-aged player already

seated at a chess board.

Within minutes, Ayvin was doing what players of all ages routinely do inside the Toms River Chess Club, sitting across from someone he never met before, shaking hands and diving into a game that somehow manages to erase age differences once the pieces begin moving.

On a recent Thursday night, more than three dozen players filled one room inside the Toms River meeting room for tournament competition while others gathered in an adjoining space for more casual play, postgame analysis and conversation. Teenagers studied boards across from retirees. More experienced players coached newbies on strategy.

What stood out most was not simply the competition itself, but the interaction between generations and professions. Inside the club, backgrounds vary widely. One member is a criminal defense attorney. Another is a registered nurse. Vinnie Pizzimenti, whose 13-year-old son Preston regularly attends, works as a social worker. Organizers said the club also includes business executives, teachers, retirees, students and longtime tournament competitors, all sitting side by side over chess boards.

For many members, the club has become less about winning games and more about finding community.

A Club With History

Founded in 1964, the club has quietly become one of New Jersey’s longest-running and most respected chess organizations. The main club

meets every Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. at Toms River Town Hall, located at 33 Washington Street, hosting both casual games and United States Chess Federation-rated tournaments.

In 2024, organizers expanded south into Stafford Township, where a newer and smaller branch now meets twice monthly on Tuesdays from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Stafford Recreation Building on East Bay Avenue. Organizers said the Stafford location was created to provide opportunities for players living farther south along the Jersey Shore, where organized chess clubs are limited. Club schedules, tournament details and membership information are available through the organization’s website.

“We’ve had as many as 60 or 70 members a night,” Nick Carlson, the club’s president explained while greeting players between rounds. “Once you pass Toms River and go south, there are no chess clubs.”

Carlson described the Stafford site as a “bridge” connecting players throughout southern Ocean County and helping encourage future growth of chess clubs farther down the shore. The club now attracts players from Ocean, Monmouth, Burlington and Atlantic counties, along with occasional visitors who stop in after hearing about the organization’s reputation within chess circles. Its history stretches far beyond Ocean County.

Mounted prominently on one wall is the club’s Hall of Fame plaque honoring grandmasters and major contributors tied to the organization over the decades. Organizers proudly point (Chess Club - See Page 22)

Broadway Tour:

Continued From Page 14

Performing overseas also meant learning how audiences respond differently depending on culture.

In China, audiences remained quiet throughout the performance, watching intently and saving their applause for the end.

“They’re very, very proper,” Summer said. “They sit, they watch, and then they clap very enthusiastically.”

For the cast, that silence could be unsettling. Without hearing laughter or applause during the show, performers were often left wondering how they were being received.

“They’re sitting there wondering if they did okay,” Summer said.

In Taiwan, the atmosphere shifted. Audiences were more expressive, reacting with laughter, applause and standing ovations more familiar to American performers.

The differences extended to humor as well. Some jokes that landed easily in the United States did not translate the same way overseas.

“A bunch of jokes that made sense in the United States did not really get as much laughs,” Parker said.

Life Behind The Curtain

Behind the scenes, the experience required discipline and balance.

Parker spent hours in rehearsal and was required to be at the theater even on nights he was not performing, ready to step in if needed. “It was very intense,” Summer said.

Schoolwork continued alongside the production. Instead of attending a traditional classroom, Parker worked with a private tutor while on tour.

“It’s not like a classroom with a bunch of kids,” Parker said. “We’re actually in a room just working on our stuff.”

Now back home, Parker has returned to sixth grade at the Horbelt School, balancing academics with continued training in acting, voice and dance. He is also continuing to perform locally, including a role in “Pippin” at the Algonquin Arts

Theatre, showing that his time on the international stage has only strengthened his commitment to performing.

Like many child actors, Parker’s time in “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” came to an end because of something he could not control. A sudden growth spurt meant he could no longer physically fit the role.

“It was a little bittersweet,” Summer admitted. Still, the experience left something lasting.

When asked about his future, Parker does not hesitate. “Yes,” he said, when asked if he wants to pursue acting as a career.

For a boy who once sat in a theater seat dreaming, that future is no longer something far away. It is already taking shape.

Can You Build On An Undersized Lot In New Jersey?

By: Ryan Belby, Esq. R.C. Shea & Associates

Fortunately, an undersized lot is not necessarily an unbuildable lot.

What

Municipal zoning ordinances establish minimum lot size requirements for each zoning district. Over time, those requirements often change. As a result, a lot that was perfectly legal when created may later become “undersized” or “isolated” because it no longer meets current zoning standards.

For example, a lot created decades ago may contain 5,000 square feet, while current zoning now requires 10,000 square feet. Although the lot remains legally existing, it no longer conforms to present-day requirements.

Can You Build on It?

In many cases, yes.

The New Jersey Municipal Land Use Law (MLUL) allows property owners to seek variance relief from the local zoning board to develop an undersized lot. While approval is not automatic, many applications are successful when supported by proper planning testimony and a well-prepared legal presentation.

The Dallmeyer “Buy or Sell” Requirement

Anyone pursuing development of an undersized lot should understand Dallmeyer v. Lacey Township Board of Adjustment, a leading New Jersey case addressing isolated lots.

Under Dallmeyer, applicants are generally expected to demonstrate efforts to eliminate the nonconformity by either:

• Offering to sell the lot to an adjoining property owner; or

• Attempting to purchase adjoining land to bring the lot into greater compliance.

Another important aspect of Dallmeyer is valuation. An undersized lot should generally be valued as a potentially buildable lot, not as a worthless parcel simply because it requires variance relief.

The Bottom Line

Many owners mistakenly assume their undersized lot cannot be developed. Before reaching that conclusion, consult with experienced land use counsel. With the right strategy and supporting evidence, an undersized lot can often be developed, preserving both the property’s usefulness and its value. Contact the experiences Land Use attorneys at R.C. Shea & Associates with your Land Use questions.

CLASSIFIEDS

Yard Sale

Huge Sale - Furniture, housewares, tools, collectibles, clothes, men's clothes. Up the street from Municipal building in Lavallette. 11 Brooklyn Ave. Sat June 6 and Sun June 7. (19)

Auto For Sale

1957 Chevy Belair - New tires, shocks, V8, 283, 3 speed, 4 door, $6,250. 732-740-9906. (26)

Real Estate

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)

$$$ WANTED TO BUY $$$ 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)

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)

JScott Firearms FFL dealer appraising and purchasing firearms from estates or individuals. No obligation. Discreet, fair offers. Call 215-595-5480 (38)

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

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

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

CASH, 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)

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)

Items Wanted Items Wanted

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)

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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)

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Chess Club:

Continued From Page 18

to the names while discussing the club’s role in American chess history. The club website notes that world-renowned players including Boris Spassky and Mikhail Botvinnik visited over the years, while former members later helped shape national and international chess organizations.

Carlson said the club has also hosted grandmasters for simultaneous exhibitions, known as “simuls,” where one elite player competes against multiple opponents at once.

Still, the atmosphere inside the room feels notably unpretentious. Children wander comfortably between tables. Adults pause serious tournament analysis to joke with younger players. Some members arrive in hooded sweatshirts while others come directly from work in professional attire. One older player quietly reviewed a game with a child young enough to be his great-grandson.

The age range itself remains striking. The club’s youngest regular member first began attending at just four years old and is now six, the same

age as Ayvin. The oldest member is 97 years old.

More Than A Game

Pizzimenti, the club’s secretary, said her son Preston first became interested in chess after excelling at the game in school, prompting the family to search online for organized chess opportunities nearby.

“He was the best player in his school, and I was thinking about getting him lessons somewhere,” she said. “I just looked up Ocean County chess, and this is what came up.”

What began as a simple extracurricular activity quickly evolved into something much larger for the family. “We made lifelong friendships,” Pizzimenti said. “What I thought was going to be just a way for him to learn some chess became a second family.”

Carlson added that the welcoming atmosphere is intentional and one of the organization’s defining traits. “If a kid comes in and doesn’t really know how to play, I’ll look at one of our most empathetic members and ask them to teach the basics,” he explained.

That spirit remained visible throughout the evening as experienced adult players such as

Chris Discenza, a registered nurse, agreed to challenges and encouraged younger competitors after difficult losses. Several members said the social interaction itself has become just as important as the chess.

Parents and organizers also pointed to the broader benefits of the game itself, especially for children growing up in a world increasingly dominated by screens and social media.

“There’s a large subset of parents purposely trying to provide non-digital entertainment,”

Pizzimenti explained while watching players circulate between boards. “Critical thinking, attention span, focus, strategy and socialization - chess helps with all of it.”

Carlson believes the game teaches lessons that extend far beyond the board. “For kids especially, it teaches planning,” he said. “Every choice you make has a consequence.”

One thing becomes immediately noticeable while scanning the crowded room: chess remains overwhelmingly male dominated. Boys and men occupied most of the tournament tables during the evening, with only one or two women participating in a casual game. The imbalance mirrors national trends. The

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

United States Chess Federation has reported a significant gender gap in competitive chess participation.

Joining The Club

The Toms River Chess Club welcomes players ranging from complete beginners to experienced tournament competitors. Organizers said there is no formal lesson structure, but newcomers quickly find experienced players willing to teach the basics and help them improve.

The organization also maintains an extensive chess library filled with strategy guides, tournament collections and instructional books that members can borrow. Organizers recently began digitizing the collection as part of a new app designed to track attendance, organize tournaments and catalog the growing library system.

And, despite the tournaments, rankings and technology, the heart of the club remains rooted in something much simpler. It’s an opportunity for people of vastly different ages gathering together each week for several uninterrupted hours of focus, conversation and connection.

Around the JerSey Shore

Madagascar: Home To 100 Species Of Lemur

By Renee A. Thomaier Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

Considered a primate, these small, incredible, distant relatives of the monkey and ape, have occupied practically every niche of Madagascar. They spend most of their time in trees and are nocturnal. Depending on the species, their size varies from 2.5 inches to 2.5 feet. Living in social groups of up to 15, they are solo searchers for food at night. The dominant female is usually the leader. The larger species consume many sources of food, like trees, shrubs, leaves and herbs.

Smaller lemurs enjoy fruits and insects. Lemurs are the only primates who have blue eyes.

it is killed on sight, hung, and displayed to ward off spirits. Some believe that being pointed at by its middle finger signals death, and an aye-aye’s appearance in a village means someone will die unless the animal is killed.

Humans have frequently caused the extinction of large animals. Madagascar escaped this pattern for over 200,000 years but was affected after humans arrived about 2,000 years ago. Today, animals on the island occupy roughly 10% of their original habitat, with only species from 5 out of 8 families remaining.

Lemurs are an example of primates who smile as a gesture of submissiveness. Like people, their smile is a clear message that they mean no harm, and that they aren’t going to make a scene. It’s probably reasonable to note that this is a very generalized summary, and there are a lot of contexts where smiling can mean different things to different animals, so as a rule, it’s best to remain stoic in their presence. According to legend, the aye-aye lemur is considered a bad omen. If seen as evil,

Due to climate change, habitat destruction and hunting for food, not to mention the illegal wildlife trade, in 2005 the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) concluded that 40% of all lemur species are endangered. Since 2005 there have been discoveries of many new species, however, it is thought that many of them are also threatened.

It is illegal to possess, relocate, or cause harm to wildlife for any reason. Managing wildlife without state and/or federal permits is illegal. Violations are subject to legal penalties. Information for this article comes from various sources, so statistics may differ. For inquiries, call 732-244-2768.

Tin Can Sailors In Search Of New Members

JERSEY SHORE - The Tin Can Sailors (TCS) Destroyer Veterans (DESVETS) of New Jersey are seeking new members.

Registered as the “Tin Can Sailors Association of New Jersey” the organization is a chartered squadron of The National Association of Destroyer Veterans - Tin Can Sailors, Inc. Membership is open to the following: Those who served aboard any type of ship or shore command – Not just Destroyers! Those who served in any of the Sea Services (United States or foreign) – US Navy, US Coast Guard, US Merchant Marines, US Military Sealift Command, etc.

Those who are members of historical organizations, museums, etc. and/or have an interest in and support any of the above.

Those who had or have family members who served or are now serving on or in any of the above.

The group meets on the third Wednesday of each month at noon at the George P. Vanderveer, American Legion Post # 1292025 Church Road, Toms River and lunch can be purchased from Post 129’s kitchen. For additional information call 732-630-1855 e-mail commander@tcs-desvets-nj.org or visit www.tcs-desvets-nj.org

Coral Reefer Band To Return To Hard Rock

ATLANTIC CITY – Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band is set to return to Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City for a concert on July 10 at 8 p.m.

The Coral Reefer Band spent decades performing alongside Buffett, helping shape the beach-inspired sound that made him a fixture in American popular music. Since Buffett’s death in 2023, the group has continued touring, carrying forward his wish that the music and celebration continue.

The band is led by Mac McAnally, a Gram-

my-nominated musician and 10-time Country Music Association Musician of the Year who played a major role in Buffett’s recordings and live shows.

Members of the Coral Reefer Band have performed together for decades, appearing on more than 40 tours and contributing to over 30 albums. Their concerts remain closely tied to Buffett’s laid-back style, drawing longtime fans as well as newer audiences.

More information is available at HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com.

Seaside Park shines in soft coastal light as the sun dances across the waves, leaving footprints, sea spray, and a little Jersey Shore magic behind. Photo taken by Robin Nichols. Want to see your picture featured in this space? Email your best Jersey Shore pix to photos@jerseyshoreonline.com for a chance to win a prize.

FUN & GAMES SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

36 Member of the third-largest religious group

37 Marathon need

41 Advanced degs.

42 Use a fork, say

47 Taken aback

Post-workout afflictions

“Allahu __”

Basic structure, or what a 19-, 24-, 40-, and

do?

Cut covered with a Bluey bandage, e.g.

Tool for cutting spear-

holes

Nocturnal hunters

study

33 Orange puff

34 Common allergen

50 “Cathy” cry 51 W.E.B. who wrote “The Souls of Black Folk”

52 Group chat fodder

Employ

Has as a salary

Prefix with pessimist or Panamanian 56 Bird that can make tools

College building

“Impressive!”

“You __ me!”

Tease

Powerhouse of women’s soccer 65 Bit of ink 66 One who might have a ram beau

FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE 6 - 12

BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS

OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Communications about money matters should go fairly smoothly for the next few days. Don’t be afraid to learn from someone but vet them, investigate facts, and check in with your intuition before you run with advice.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Money and resources could be top of mind now. While you’re likely to be sticking to practicalities, someone else could be biased or reactive. Putting a pin in it for about two days could bring greater objectivity.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): A partner, pet, or someone close could need emotional support for a few days, but all should get worked out. Culture tells the lie that your financial resources determine your worth. Not so. Not at all.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Old issues of scarcity can impact you long after you get more on your feet, dive into this and you could discover more blocks to abundance to remove.

Be that follow-through person today.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Discipline could be harder than usual today, your inclinations are toward friends, freedom, creativity, and play. Create if you can, hang with pals if you can. One friend could have a financial tip to check out.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The financial solution is probably the easiest one, if you can utilize it, it should work out. If you can’t pay for something right now, you may need to build it. Fortunately, your heart is likely in a

‘building foundation’ place.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Learn more about finances, there’s useful knowledge out there you could benefit from. While you may want to share what’s in your heart, if there’s no one nearby and appropriate, hold yourself.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Today is about money for almost everyone, you included. The nuance for you is how resources are allocated and shared. You could be more reactive about this topic today, make decisions when centered and calm.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):

The next few days could see a joint financial situation get worked out and laid to rest or at least show some significant progress. Balance is important in relationships, do what you can to keep things equitable.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): A matter could begin to resolve, or an earlier resolution could continue. A little money could grease things. Self-healing is a powerful tool, the more you strengthen yourself, the less self-sabotage.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You could be a whiz at creative problem solving now, let your mind roam free. Today a friend may need understanding, empathy, or solidarity instead of advice. Give what’s most healing.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Put yourself out there with authenticity, don’t be afraid to show your heart. Then use strong boundaries to manage trolls if any crop up. A home project may be getting close to completion.

ROASTED SHRIMP AND CORN SALAD, A COLORFUL PRELUDE TO SUMMER

Diane Rossen Worthington Roasted shrimp and corn make this seafood salad especially fresh and flavorful. Start with raw, peeled, deveined shrimp and roast them with corn kernels until just cooked through; the shrimp stay juicy and the corn turns sweet and tender. These are a far cry from the overcooked rubbery shrimp you will find at the market. Use any lettuce you like, cut into small pieces. Marinated artichoke hearts pair well with the shrimp. You could substitute hearts of palm for the artichoke hearts if you prefer. Finish with avocado, pistachios and tomato halves, toss with vinaigrette, and serve immediately. Try a chilled sauvignon blanc to accompany and some crisp, warm sourdough bread for a satisfying meal.

Makes about 3/4 cup

1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Salt, to taste

1/2 cup good-quality mild extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as desired

1. Whisk mustard, vinegar, lemon juice, pepper and salt together until blended and smooth. Whisk in 1/2 cup of oil in a slow, steady stream until emulsified; add up to 1/4 cup more oil as desired. Taste for seasoning. Reserve.

ROASTED SHRIMP AND CORN SALAD

Serves 4 as main course or 6 as a first course

1 pound shrimp (12 to 15 count), peeled and deveined

Kernels from 1 ear corn (about 1/2 cup)

1 shallot, finely chopped

Zest of 1 lemon

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasoning salt, to taste

To finish the salad:

8 cups chopped lettuce (romaine, baby gem, or spring greens)

1 (12-ounce) jar marinated artichoke hearts

1 medium ripe avocado, peeled and diced

3 small tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup roasted pistachios

Lemon mustard vinaigrette

1. Heat the oven to 400 F. Arrange shrimp and corn on a parchment-lined sheet pan. In a small bowl, mix the remaining ingredients, pour over the shrimp and corn, and toss to coat. Spread in a single layer.

2. Roast for 8 to 9 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and opaque and corn is light brown. Do not overcook. Halve the shrimp, transfer shrimp and corn to a dish, cool, and refrigerate until serving.

3. Place the lettuce in a large salad bowl. Spoon the chilled shrimp and corn mixture over the greens in four sections.

4. Spoon the artichokes between the shrimp sections, creating eight sections total.

5. Arrange the tomato halves around the rim, scatter the avocado on top, and sprinkle the pistachios in the center.

6. Toss with vinaigrette and serve.

You can contact her at www.seriouslysimple.com.) ©2026 Diane Rossen Worthington. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.