Menopause “We’re excited to keep the momentum going with even more wellness topics,” Bayshore Pharmacy pharmacist and owner Rich Stryker R.PH said this week, in commenting on the overwhelming reception the new Bayshore Pharmacy Wellness Center has received since it formally became effective less than a month ago.

“We’re thrilled to be bringing more health and wellness to our community! From nutrition and supplements to heart health, our new series of workshops is growing every week,” Stryker, a native of the borough, said.

The second-generation pharmacist launched a new in-house wellness center at the end of April, an expansion of service that marks a significant step in Bayshore Pharmacy’s commitment to providing comprehensive health and well-being solutions to local.

The Bayshore Pharmacy Wellness Center operates within the existing pharmacy location in Bayshore Plaza in the Super Foodtown Plaza on Route 36 and offers a range of wellness services designed to complement traditional pharmacy offerings. This integrated approach aims to provide a convenient and accessible hub for individuals seeking to optimize their overall health and well-being.

Styker pointed out Bayshore Pharmacy has been a trusted source for medication and health advice for decades. With the addition of the Wellness Center, a broader spectrum of services focused on preventative care, stress reduction, and overall wellness are all available, all under one roof. “Our goal is to empower our community to take a proactive role in their health journey,” Stryker said. “By integrating wellness services with our pharmacy expertise, we can provide a more holistic and personalized approach to healthcare.“

As part of the program, which will continue to increase its programs as customers respond to the workshops and lifestyle sessions the program is offering, workshops are being offered on a regular basis and are varied and serve the needs and interest of all those dedicated to improving their own lifestyle and health habits.

With last night’s program focusing on boosting metabolism to enhance health, tomorrow’ program May 22 will begin at 6 p.m. and be presented by Selena Tulman, D.Ph. who will focus on “Women’s Health and Menopause”, including information that is important to women of all ages.

Each of the programs is offered at a fee of $20 and no reservations are necessary.

Stryker himself will present another program on Optimal Health next week on Thursday, May 29 starting at 5 p.m…

In addition to wellness workshops with these educational sessions on topics ranging from lifestyle and health all interested persons will receive personalized guidance on healthy heating habits, dietary supplements and stress management. A workshop on lifestyle and movement is designed to help persons integrate movement and mindfulness in a daily life regimen with the goal to promote a healthier lifestyle.

Heart Health and Labs provide essential information and practical tools helping residents understand personal health better, enabling them to make informed decisions about their well-being.

Each of the programs offered will be staffed by experienced and certified professionals in order to ensure high quality care is provided so people can conveniently access not only their prescription needs but also wellness services in a familiar and trusted environment.

In June, Stryker will present a program on Unlocking Better Health: Your GLP Support Guide on Wednesday June 4 at 5 p.m. and on Monday, June 9, he will present “Beyond the Plate: Optimizing Health with Nutrition + Supplements, also at 5 p.m.

Each program is available for a $20 fee, and no reservations are necessary. All are held at the pharmacy in the Foodtown Plaza. Since seating is limited, reservations can be made in advance by calling the pharmacy at72-291-2900

A complimentary workshop , Introduction to Wellness: A Starting Point.” Will be present at 5 [p.m. June 11. Reservations are recommended.

Visit BayshorePharmacy.com or call us at 732-291-2900 for more information.

Menopause Menopause Menopause Menopause 

Menopause Menopause

Local artist and all-time volunteer Morgan Spicer was honored by the Mayor and Council at last week’s meeting of the Atlantic Highlands governing body, citing her excellence as the Artist of the Month.

The borough also had an impressive display of many of Spicer’s 50 different books she has been commissioned to do the artwork for over the past ten years.

In presenting the certificate to Spicer, Mayor Lori Hohenleitner also acknowledged the many hours the artist donates to so many different activities and events within the borough, most recently working with the volunteers at the new sensory garden on First avenue adjacent to the harbor.

In accepting the certificate, Spicer credited her parents with teaching her through example and education how important it is to pursue the right field to pursue. She noted that while she had a great affection for caring for animals and wanted to study the sciences to tend to them, she also knew she had a love and talent for artwork.

Both her college professor and her parents told her to pursue art, and taking care of animals would come to her naturally. Since then, Spicer said she has completed more than 7,000 portraits of animals, and all but one of her books features animals. Spicer and her husband have dogs as pets, and she maintains her BarkPoint Studios at home.

In addition to her books, and private commissions for artwork for individuals, Spice has created calendars for the Atlantic Highlands Environmental Commission highlighting the Lenape Nature Preserve also creates her artistic magic in calendars , posters, gift cards and other media.

Although appreciative and grateful for the honor at the council meeting, it did not hinder Spicer from speaking up during the public portion requesting the governing body to be aware of the dangers of insecticide sprays on lawns and public places near animals.

She also had on display a poster promoting PeacePoint, a non-profit organization she founded for animal advocacy. The first event of the newly formed group will be at 55 South Avenue on August 17 when the public is invited to enjoy shops, food trucks and visit with adoptable rescue animals

Peace Pointe’s aim is to make the connection between animal advocacy, animal rescue, and plant-based living. It plans are to build a cruelty-free animal rescue, while promoting earth-friendly actions such as gardening for wildlife, service in local communities to clean up or preserve remaining natural spaces, promote local vegan businesses and fellow animal rescues.

Spicer

Invited Two very effective, efficient and beloved public service groups and one Artist of the month were honored at last night’s meeting of the Atlantic Highlands Mayor and Council.

But only the Artist of the Month was invited to speak and possibly the only one invited to attend the meeting in which all three were honored.

Councilman Jose Pujols read a deeply appreciative proclamation honoring the EMT workers during this week set aside to honor all EMTS in New Jersey.

A second proclamation was read honoring all Public Works Department employees during this week and month honoring public works employees throughout the state.

While both proclamations were read, no one from the audience who may have been either an EMT or a public works employee was recognized, asked to comment, or asked to come forward to be recognized. No member of the governing body made any comment after the proclamations were read.

Public Works Director James Phillips was in the audience. First Aid Member and former Councilman Brian Boms was in the audience.

Local resident Morgan Spicer was recognized as the Artist of the Month and had a magnificent display of many of the 50 books she has created the artwork for lined up on the railing, creating it difficult in not impossible for those attending and the members of council to see each other.

Spicer came forward to accept a certificate honoring her, not only for her artistic talent and success but also for the many activities in which she is involved and volunteers for so many programs and activities that improve the borough.

During the public portion later in the meeting, Boms stood to ask the Mayor and Council why no member of the First Aid Squad was made aware any proclamation would be honoring the volunteers. He briefly outlined what the EMTs do for the borough, how dedicated they are to saving people when needed and added, “you don’t do anything for us. We raised the funds ourselves to purchase our ambulance.”

Mayor Lori Hohenleitner apologized and said it was an oversight.

Invited Invited Invited

Friendship Of course they all wanted to catch fish. But that isn’t all close to 100 veterans were looking forward to when Fins for Freedom hosted their 4^th annual day of fishing.

Nor was catching a striper even the primary thing most were looking forward to as they ate breakfast and got their assignments at the Senior Center at the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Harbor shortly after dawn Saturday morning.

“Just a day of fun,” said Richard Mills of Richfield Park, a former medical officer in the Navy. Mills noted he was a Navy Captain but most of his work was with Marines.

Maria Salazar of Somerville was a Marine and served ten years in the Corps, While she has fished, she thinks of herself as “a beginner” in the sport in the bay or ocean but she was eager to go “just to spend some time with some other vets and have some fun.”

Francis Cortes, also of Somerville and an Army veteran after seven years of service with the infantry, was looking forward to his first time fishing aboard a boat. But even more, he grinned, was the opportunity to be with other veterans and converse.

Cleveland Stanard of Asbury Park was on Fins for Freedom’s fishing trip last year and came back for this year’s event simply “because it was so much fun.” He had served in the Marine Corps four years and was looking forward to his trip with Fins for Freedom once again.

Joe Hickman and J.J. Schneider both live at of Soldier On in Tinton Falls and were both on the day’s outing for the first time. Both learned of the day, which also included breakfast and dinner at On the Deck Restaurant after a full day of fishing aboard a private boat with captain and mate, from flyers at Soldier On and both took advantage of the opportunity to spend a day on the water.

Hickman served two years in the Army working as a medic, and Schneider, served with the Air Force. Catching a fish was a priority, he said, but “still, just having fun is all I’m looking forward to.”

The captains who were donating their boat and expertise for the day were as happy as the veterans they were taking out for fishing, primarily in the Bay because “that’s where all the fish are.” Most, some of whom are veterans, some not, said they joined Fins for Freedom “just to give back,” or “to help our veterans, “ or “so they know they’re not forgotten, and we appreciate everything they did for us.”

They met their crews over breakfast Saturday morning and brought them to their boats in the harbor. Fins for Freedom volunteers had divided each of the veterans into groups of two to four to go with each of the captains and mates, making the transition from stranger to new friend in a quick and orderly fashion.

For more information on Fins for Freedom and how you can sponsor or be an active player in next year’s event, visit FinsforFreedom.org

Friendship Friendship Friendship

They do it to give back. Or simply to thank a veteran. Or for the sheer fun of seeing someone catch his first fish. Or simply because it’s a wonderful day filled with fun, laughter, and new friendships.

These were the opinions of the nearly 22 boat captains who are donating back their time and their boat to Fins for Freedom, the volunteer non-profit group organized by Mike Mavrinac, Jake Campi, Dave Thompson and Dan Brady all sports fishermen who recognize the benefits of a day on the water and the thrill of hooking a striped bass be it for the first or 50^th time.

Saturday, May 17, will mark the fourth year Fins for Freedom, their sponsors and their boat captains have offered the day’s experience and 99 veterans signed up for the no cost day which includes, both breakfast before the day on the water as well as a gala dinner at the end at On the Deck when awards will be given, addresses exchanged and new friends make arrangements to meet again.

“This year is the biggest and best,” said Mavrinac, explaining how he knows that veterans with stress or other problems can be helped greatly with a day on the water. “We call it aqua therapy,” he grinned.

William Distaso of Manalapan agrees. This is the second year he is offering himself as captain and the Avery Lynn, his 32-foot Center console. He’s doing it because of the great time not only his veterans, but he himself had last year. “There’s nothing like seeing someone catch his first fish!” he said.

Frank “Chip” Capasso came from his home in Hawthorne with his 28-foot Albin Sea Lark for the day. He saw Fins for Freedom on Facebook, knows he likes to do anything for vets and signed up along with his mate Frank Hollosi of Sayreville. “Seeing somebody catch his first fish is worth everything,” he grinned. Capasso also volunteers for the Manhattan Club program similar to Fins for Freedom, set this year for June 6.

This is the third year of volunteering for John Fahey of Keyport, who offers his 28-foot Regulator for the day simply because “it’s the right thing to do.”

Capt. Harry Browne of Middletown’s Muscle Magoo is also back to offer his boat , a 22-foot Pro Sport for the third time and also volunteers for both the Manhattan Club and the Twin Lights Cup. He promises the veterans on his boat will have a great day and is looking forward to seeing some of the veterans he’s seen before, as well as meeting new fishermen.

Nelson Roman of Old Bridge will have his Roman Round, a 36-foot craft in the Fins for Freedom day for the first time simply because he wants to give back and think this is a great way of doing it.

Dominick Cataline of Wayne is here for the first time. A freshman as the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Bourne and a graduate of Wayne Hills High School before being accepted at the academy, he aims to work as a merchant seaman all his life, with his goal of being a tugboat captain. He will serve as a mate for Fins for Freedom and looking forward to meeting and talking to veterans.

“We all recognize the relaxing and stress reducing benefits of a day on the open water and knowing that as boat owners or major corporation heads who could help active-duty military men and women, “ Brady said, in explaining how Fins for Freedom started. “We pooled our efforts, came up with a program that provides for the mental health and well-being of the service members, and made it all official before the first hook went into the ocean.:

At the Captain’s meeting Friday, night, Mavrinac, Campi, Thompson and Brady told the captains that check-in is 6:30 a.m. May 17, boats will all leave their piers by 7:45 a.m, after fishermen and captains meet at the Senior Center at the Yacht Harbor, get a light breakfast and their assignments and set out for the day.

The officers thanked all the captains for their generosity, praised all the sponsors that made it all possible along with the boaters, served pizza and offered door prizes while answering questions, offering suggestions, and promising a great day for all.

In response to questions, Mavrinac noted Fins for Freedom has also made accommodations for veterans in wheelchairs, noted that MAST students from Sandy hook will be at the Senior Center from 6:30 on to register everyone, and a photographer will be available throughout the day, assuring every boat owner of photos of their day with the veterans.

Boats captains can turn to Channel 71 on the water, and all were reminded the Oceanic Bridge will not open, preventing some of the boats north of Highlands from getting here for the day.

Fish Fish Fish Fish

Whether black and white is a good combination for a Harbor Commission building was under discussion at this week’s meeting, with Chairman Thomas Wall thanking a resident for an opinion and assuring her the Commission would take her concerns under advisement.

Mary Trank, who lives at 10 Ocean Blvd, questioned the commission’s decision to permit Evolution, the Beauty Salon on First Avenue, to paint the brick building white.

Commissioner James Krauss had noted in his report and told Trank the tenants, who were described as excellent tenants who take pride in their building, plan on painting the building white with black accents.

During the public portion, Trank opined it was “an unusual decision” and questioned why it was permitted. Krauss cited the north side of the building, the side facing the water is in bad shape and the tenant wanted to paint the entire building rather than just enhance that one side. Krauss said since they approved the tenant painting the brick, it would be included when their lease is renewed that they would continue to maintain it.

Trank pointed out all the buildings in the area of the salon are “brown or brick” and indicated she felt a white building would be out of character with the surrounding property. Trank also questioned whether brick should be painted and whether brick holds moisture.

Harbormaster Lou Fligor said he did not see a problem with moisture as long as the brick is sealed, noting it is porous now as evidenced by green mold along the bottom.

Wall said the tenant had presented a rendering of the building’s appearance when painted and commissioners found it “quite impressive.”

“I don’t think it fits,” the resident said, referring to the white paint, as she encouraged commissioners to “think about this,” because she did not feel it was the best idea going forward.

Krauss also reported a Commission committee is meeting with the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club again to continued discussion on their planned expansion on the roof of the Shore Casino.

Brick