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Publisher's Letter

Feb 28, 2026 10:02AM ● By Jerome Bilaos

I have a tattoo on my right arm that reads “See the Good”.  It is a reminder of where my thoughts should start in every situation. It is a reminder that seeing what is wrong first is cemented in judgement and blame, criticism and ego.

It’s a struggle for me to see what is good first no matter what, especially when I listen to talk radio, sports talk or various podcasts, along with cable channels. They all seem to serve the same primary purpose: deliver a constant stream of negative, critical outbursts about what is wrong and who to blame. 

So, I try to imagine a world where we start the conversation with what people did right. With a better understanding of what they were doing and how hard the job must be. Seems to me a bit more empathy would go a long way, not only for others but for yourself.

We know that positive thinking possesses powerful connections to core elements such as hope and gratitude. And, like everything else, it is a practice, a dedication, a journey of transformation. It lowers stress and anxiety through managing perception and interpretation. See the good, not the disaster; see the possibilities instead of the obstacles; make progress, not perfection. Small changes lead to large outcomes. 

Creating a new habit starts with intention. So, when I wake up every morning and I start by deciding to have a positive day. I strive to be around people who are good for the type of person I want to be. I make it a habit of not hanging around with negative people. Whether in person or on media, negativity is no good for me. 

As we go through this month, I wish positive thoughts for all of us. The great thing about this is there is no downside to helping make the world a better place from the inside out.

With peace, love and laughter,

Joe Dunne, Publisher


 

 

Tick Tackler

Spring officially sprung on March 21. We have turned our clocks ahead. We are looking forward to warm winds, sunny skies and the smell of fresh cut grass. The daffodils and tulips have recently bloomed and we are just starting with the yard work that comes with the warmer weather.  Sadly, another season has started ramping up.  Tick season.

•             The best form of protection is prevention. Educating oneself about tick activity and how our behaviors overlap with tick habitats is the first step.

•             According to the NJ DOH, in 2022 Hunterdon County led the state with a Lyme disease incidence rate of 426 cases per 100,000 people. The fact is ticks spend approximately 90% of their lives not on a host but aggressively searching for one, molting to their next stage or over-wintering. This is why a tick remediation program should be implemented on school grounds where NJ DOH deems high risk for tick exposure and subsequent attachment to human hosts.

•             Governor Murphy has signed a bill that mandates tick education in NJ public schools. See this for the details.  Tick education must now be incorporated into K-12 school curriculum. See link:

https://www.nj.gov/education/broadcasts/2023/sept/27/TicksandTick-BorneIllnessEducation.pdf

•             May is a great month to remind the public that tick activity is in full swing. In New Jersey, there are many tickborne diseases that affect residents, including Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, Powassan, and Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiosis.

•             For years, the focus has mainly been about protecting ourselves from Lyme disease. But other tick-borne diseases are on the rise in Central Jersey. An increase of incidence of Babesia and Anaplasma are sidelining people too. These two pathogens are scary because they effect our blood cells. Babesia affects the red blood cells and Anaplasma effects the white blood cells.

•             Ticks can be infected with more than one pathogen. When you contract Lyme it is possible to contract more than just that one disease. This is called a co-infection. It is super important to pay attention to your symptoms. See link.

https://twp.freehold.nj.us/480/Disease-Co-Infection

A good resource from the State:

https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/tickborne.shtml

 

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