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Publisher’s Letter

Apr 02, 2025 05:34AM ● By Jerome Bilaos

I’m sitting here engaged in a feelings check. I’m not sure why.  I know it is a good practice, especially when self-evaluating, but that was not my intention. So, how am I feeling?  

A few hours ago, I was nervous, stressed, and frustrated with business problems. But now, for some reason, a complete reversal has taken place. What I am feeling now is carefree. And a bit slow or is that mellow? Somewhat tired. No stress. And, for some strange reason, I’m feeling empowered. 

The thought “life is good when you see the good” enters my mind. Right now, I feel so peaceful and relaxed. No thoughts (except to write). No real noise going on and that helps. Also, I’m alone in the office I love, and that comforts me.  

It is funny how a small snapshot of time, a quiet moment can become so enormous. Not much can match peace, calm, relaxation and contentment as a sure sign of being in the moment. 

My thoughts are not wandering, no worries are flying by and little matters except this—dare I say—spiritual experience. It’s great when you don’t plan, and nice things happen.  I did not sit down to meditate. I sat down to write, and this peace overwhelmed me.  

It seems to me that I needed this separation, this space to disengage. No conversation, small talk or meaningful talk. No phones, emails or alerts sounding off to distract me from the moment.  

How important the little things are. How important self-care is. How a time out pays off.

May you feel peace, love and laughter,

Joe and Asta Dunne, Publishers
In-Print, Inspiration, Wise Words publisher's letter April 2025
Tick Talk

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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