Still Time for Joy

Chip Bruce, who has been captain of the Island Beach State Park Beach Patrol for nearly 20 years—and guarding NJ beaches since the late 1970s—talks about the extensive training his guards undergo to be in shape to keep swimmers safe at this New Jersey Shore gem. 

The pristine park is about 10 miles long, located on a barrier peninsula with ocean beaches to the east, Barnegat Bay to the west, and the Barnegat Inlet at the southern tip. 

While only part of the ocean beach is guarded for swimming, members of the squad respond to emergencies throughout the park. Captain Bruce talks about the importance of learning how to recognize and get out of a rip current, and of listening to guards as they clear the beaches when stormy weather rolls in, that can include potentially deadly lightning.

Special thanks to Tyler Rowe for his photograph of the 2024 Island Beach State Park Beach Patrol.

Island Beach State Park: https://nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/parks/islandbeachstatepark.html

Sandra Levine Productions: https://sandralevine.com/

Still Time for Joy is also available as a video podcast on YouTube @SandraLevineProd

Seaside Heights, NJ, is working to shed its image as a party town by offering family-friendly activities--many of them free--well into the fall. Mayor Anthony Vaz, who has been a public official in Seaside Heights for more than 30 years, talks about the resilience of this small, Jersey Shore town, that was devastated by Superstorm Sandy in 2012 and effected by a boardwalk fire in 2013.

Watch this episode as a video podcast on YouTube @sandralevineprod

Feeling a bit blue, or just want a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life? Studies show spending time in, on, or near the water has big benefits in reducing stress and boosting your mood. We took to the high seas off the New Jersey shore on the Miss Barnegat Light, that sails out of Barnegat Light, NJ, every day in the summer, offering sunset cruises, marine biology tours, and more. 

Captain Lou Van Bergen - who is a marine biology teacher - talks about his love of the ocean, and efforts to teach children about the need to protect all living creatures and the environment.

Watch this episode as a video podcast on YouTube @sandralevineprod

Miss Barnegat Light https://missbarnegatlight.com
Sandra Levine Productions  https://sandralevine.com

The beloved and historic Dr. Floyd L. Moreland Dentzel/Looff carousel in Seaside Heights, NJ reopened to the public in July 2024 following a meticulous restoration. Simply hearing the music from the Wurlitzer organ transports riders back to a simpler, more joyful time. 

Carousel Historian Barbara Fahs Charles, who co-founded the National Carousel Association, explains the significance of this carousel, and the importance of saving wooden carousels across the United States. At one time there were a few thousand in the US; today there are about 200 still operating.

Special thanks to Barbara Fahs Charles and the Seaside Heights Historical Society for providing photographs for this production.

National Carousel Association: https://www.carousels.org/index.html
Sandra Levine Productions: https://www.sandralevine.com

Still Time for Joy is also available as a video podcast on YouTube @sandralevineprod

Everyone 18 years and older should have a will, power of attorney, health care directive and other legal documents in place, but most of us don't. Planning for handling finances, health care decisions, and the estate becomes even more important when a loved one has dementia. Elder law attorney Fiona Van Dyck breaks down the must-have legal documents for dementia planning. Her firm in Princeton, NJ, specializes in helping clients with dementia and their families navigate complex legal matters.

General Info: https://www.alzheimers.gov/life-with-dementia/planning-after-diagnosis
Van Dyck Law Group: https://vandyckfirm.com
Sandra Levine Productions: https://www.sandralevine.com

A wonderful trip to a sunflower farm during some tough times is part of what inspired the creation of the Still Time for Joy video podcast about intentionally seeking more joy in life. I also was inspired to grow sunflowers in my own yard. The payoff is huge, beautiful blooms, but there are many challenges along the way, as squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, and birds eat the seeds and seedlings. Learn about using a cloche (plastic dome) and chicken wire, as well as when to harvest, and other tricks so you can grow lovely sunflowers, too.

Sandra Levine Productions: http://www.sandralevine.com

Still Time for Joy is also available as a video podcast on YouTube @SandraLevineProd

Research shows gardening is good for our mental and physical health; it's a beautiful path to a more joyful life. In all 50 states in the US, and in a few other countries, Master Gardeners study horticulture and then share what they have learned with the public.  Susan Emhardt-Servidio, who is the senior horticulturist and coordinator of the Rutgers Master Gardener Program in Ocean County, NJ, shares insight into how to grow healthier plants, identify ticks, help pollinators, and create more beauty in your world.

Extension Master Gardener (Nationwide Info) https://mastergardener.extension.org/
Ocean County Rutgers Master Gardener Program: https://ocean.njaes.rutgers.edu/master-gardeners/
Rutgers Master Gardener Program: https://njaes.rutgers.edu/master-gardeners/
Sandra Levine Productions: http://www.sandralevine.com

Still Time for Joy is also available as a video podcast on YouTube @sandralevineprod

Phil Zimmerman, director of the Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau in Toms River, NJ, is a tireless advocate for veterans. Zimmerman was ousted from the Navy in 1986, at a time when the military banned gay people from serving. Listen to his emotional interview about how that affected his life, and his determination to help his fellow veterans.
US Department of Veterans Affairs  https://VA.gov
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs https://www.nj.gov/military/
Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau  https://co.ocean.nj.us/oc/veterans/
Sandra Levine Productions https://sandralevine.com

Still Time for Joy is also available as a video podcast on YouTube @sandralevineprod

While working as a TV executive in Newark, NJ - where about a quarter of the residents live below the poverty line - Jeff Friedman felt called to help, and started volunteering at a soup kitchen. This simple decision to get involved led to Friedman founding Livingston Philanthropies, Inc., which provides food, clothing, and other basic necessities to people in need. Friedman says that need has only grown since the pandemic, and his nonprofit seeks donations to expand their work. https://www.NJHomeless.org
https://www.sandralevine.com

Still Time for Joy is also available as a video podcast on YouTube @SandraLevineProd

Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States, but the warning signs a woman is having a heart attack may be very different from those of men. Author and Heart Health Advocate Susan Smith - who nearly died after ignoring the warning signs - is devoting her time to teaching women this vital information. 
https://www.susansmithheart.com. Her books are available on Amazon. 
http://www.sandralevine.com

Still Time for Joy is also available as a video podcast on YouTube @sandralevineprod