2025-10-11 - The Brick Times

Farmer’s Market Wraps Up 11th Season

By Bob Vosseller

BRICK – The final Farmer’s Market of the season concluded recently, wrapping up 11 years for the beloved event that featured nearly 50 vendors at Windward Beach Park.

Launched a decade ago in 2015, the Brick Farmers Market was an immediate hit and has grown each year into one of the premier markets in the state. On a weekly basis, the market drew thousands of visitors who enjoy strolling the area, visiting their favorite vendors and finding a variety of fresh foods and goods.

Recreation Department staff member Christine Hessenkemper was manning the welcome table as visitors came in seeking out fruits, vegetables, homemade candles, soaps, wine, cookies, baked goods and a variety of other items. “We have full time vendors and part time vendors that we call drop ins. Our number of vendors was anywhere from 57 to 62. This was our eleventh season. We run from

The Brick 502 Baking Company has been a regular for years at the Farmers Market.

the beginning of May until now (October 4).”

“We usually end in September but we moved our schedules around to give them an extra week because the vendors wanted to do more,” she added. “The weather was with us and we have some other events we run here. We have the Farmers Market then the craft fair then Fall Fest and Trunk or Treat. It has been very good. Very receptive.”

work.

New Safety Law Will Cost Seniors

By Stephanie Faughnan

TOMS RIVER - Ocean County’s senior communities are facing a financial storm that one local advocate says could force retirees from their homes. At a recent Ocean County Commissioners meeting, Judy Noonan, a senior representative, who also works for the Manchester mayor, delivered an emotional plea on behalf of residents. She said many have been blindsided by surging maintenance fees coinciding with New Jersey’s new Structural Integrity and Reserve Funding Law, also known as Senate Bill 3992.

“I have people crying to me at my back door,” Noonan said. “They’re asking how they’re going to pay these fees and where they’re supposed to go. These are people who worked their whole lives, paid their taxes, and now they’re being pushed out.”

There are also vendors of jams and jellies “and Jeff’s Organics Produce; he’s a new farmer with us this year. People were asking for more produce so we went out and he was available. Every year we get a couple of new vendors. I think we got seven new vendors this year that came through so we’re doing pretty good,” she said. She noted that people are

Stafford Teen Remembered After Crash

By Stephanie Faughnan

STAFFORD - The living room was thick with grief as Gabriel Saldana’s family gathered several days after his sudden death.

His best friend Nate and Nate’s mom sat with them, just as shaken. Even the family’s German shepherd seemed unsettled, pacing as though searching for the boy who was always there.

“He’d be infuriated with us being so upset,” someone murmured, somewhat hoping

Gabriel would walk through the door and insist they stop their sadness.

Gabriel was “Gabe” to all who loved his infectious smile, his quick wit, and his caring nature. Speaking of him in the past tense seemed more than a little surreal.

The 17-year-old Southern Regional High School senior died on September 30 when his pickup overturned on Route 72 in Stafford Township. Preliminary investigation

Governor Phil Murphy signed Senate Bill 3992 into law on August 21, 2025, after months of negotiation and lobbying. The measure was sponsored by Senator Troy Singleton, Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez, Assemblyman Sterley Stanley, and Assemblywoman Tennille McCoy.

The New Jersey Chapter of the Community Associations Institute (CAI-NJ), a national trade organization representing property managers, association attorneys, and engineering firms, played a major role in advancing the legislation. Through its Legislative Action Committee (NJ-LAC), CAI-NJ drafted technical language, hosted webinars, and worked directly with lawmakers to refine and promote the bill.

(Farmer’s MarketSee Page 4) (Stafford Teen - See Page 12) (Safety Law - See Page 5)

During a recent NJ-LAC presentation, committee members described the law as “compromise legislation” designed to address concerns about the prior version, known as S2760, passed in 2024. That earlier bill drew backlash from homeowners’ associations struggling to meet their aggressive financial standards.

“There was some pushback that our legislators got,” said CAI Legislative Action Chair Matt Earle. “Working with them, we were asked to find a way to potentially reduce the short-term burden on people.”

For CAI-NJ, the law represents progress

A table displays Jeff’s Organic Produce at the Brick Farmers Market which wrapped up its 11th successful season at Windward Beach Park last weekend.

Photos by Bob Vosseller

Gabriel Saldana in the truck he proudly earned through hard

Photo courtesy Saldana family

Farmer’s Market:

Continued From Page 1

coming out and that was certainly the case for the final regular market day of the season. There were many families and the event was very pet friendly with dogs on the leash. One vendor featured pet treats.

Hessenkemper said, “we’ve had great weather this year. It was a good year every Saturday and we ran 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Other community markets tend to be on week days. When we first established this we did some research to see what communities had markets and no one had them on Saturdays so it was a perfect day. We are at a thousand people today. We average about 1,100 a week attendance.”

There were also several food trucks to purchase lunch from and some dessert items. “We have police for security and mayor and council support and we have the numbers for it. Red House Studios comes out and donates their time once a month and joins us and share their talent.”

That day’s talent was 14-year-old singer Anya Chaiken who was under the canopy singing a variety of songs for those on the field. The Brick Memorial High School student from

Point Pleasant provided a variety of familiar and popular songs. She’s on Instagram at anya. sophie.music.

Anya said, “I’ve been playing for a while. I’ve played the first week and the last one. I play every now and then. I also play at other places.” She’s been part of Red House for five years and started singing six months ago. She’s had regular gigs around the area for the last seven months on Friday and Saturday nights.

She’ll be at the Headliner in Neptune this weekend. She is part of a band through Red House Studios and “all the students are playing at The Headliner,” Anya added.

“I play some popular pop and country, some oldies and goodies. I take some 90s rock songs and make them acoustic,” she added.

The Brick 502 Baking Company has been a regular for years at the Farmers Market and it returned this year but is under new ownership.

The previous owner’s daughter Lauren Spague took over in July.

“It is in the same location in Brick at 502 Boulevard, her formula and recipes are all here and the same from the previous owner. She had an award-winning key lime pie. She’s keeping everything the woman had prior, she’s just adding more stuff to it,” her dad, Steve Fiorica said.

“I’m helping her out today. We were here this whole season and the previous owner has been here five or six years. We’re big on the scones and cheese crumb and the key lime pie all sold out this morning,” he added.

A few tables away was something unique from Asbury Park, 24 Karrot Spread which was being operated by Betsy Lowther with some help from her two four-legged helpers. “We came once a month. This is our first year doing it. We came regularly but not every week. I’m not the owner my friend Ed is. I work at the markets. We do a lot of these regional farmers markets. The summer is our busy season. We can be at three or four markets on a weekend. It is a great way for people to find us.”

“We did the Allenhurst market this year. We also do Asbury Fresh where we started in Asbury Park and where we are known best. We also go to West Windsor and some farther markets,” she added.

“Our carrots and onions are local to central jersey and the vendor at West Windsor where we are going today show up with these giant boxes of carrots for us. Our manufacturing is done in Asbury Park so it is very much a local operation,” she added. Their spreads are used on chips, pretzels, fresh bread, charcuterie,

sandwiches, wraps and even tuna fish. Other items featured at the market included waffle cone chips, the Shore Shake food truck, Caldino’s, the Spoon & Bowl and you could also shop for homemade soy candles and homemade Polish pierogies, hard cider and mead and Mike’s Crumb Cake Factory. Farmer Al’s Market & Greenhouses is a long time regular that comes out in their truck from Monroe Township in Monmouth County. Larry Jacobsen explained “anyone who works here is called Al. “The West family started it in 1924. They farmed it with dairy cows at that time and then it was orchards and now it’s vegetables. My son Thomas Jacobsen is doing it and he’s the fourth generation. I’m just a helper. We’ve been doing this market and we also do Metuchen’s market (in Middlesex County). We’ve been going there for 20 years.”

He mentioned the big seller at the markets they take part in are “sweet corn and tomatoes. Everything you see at our stand except for the apples is grown by us.”

While the regular season has ended, the market will return for a special Thanksgiving event on November 22. Shoppers will have the perfect chance to stock up on fresh ingredients for their holiday meals or find unique gifts for family and friends.

Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship Applications

BRICK – The Elks National Foundation’s (ENF) Most Valuable Student (MVS) Scholarship program are now accepting applications, the Brick Elks Lodge #2151 announced. The program awards 500 four-year scholar-

ships to high school seniors nationwide based on academics, leadership and financial need. Scholarships range from $1,000 to $7,500 per year, with recipients announced in April 2026. Applications can be submitted online

through November 12.

To be eligible, applicants must be U.S. citizens and high school seniors (or equivalent) planning to attend a four-year U.S. college or university full-time next school year. Students do

not need to be related to an Elks member, and male and female students compete separately. For more information, contact Brick Elks Lodge #2151 or visit enf.elks.org/MVS to access the application.

Safety Law:

Continued From Page 1

toward ensuring communities don’t defer maintenance until it becomes dangerous. But for retirees living on fixed incomes, Noonan said, it feels like overreach.

“It’s the fox watching the hen house,” she said pointedly. “These management companies and their associations are the ones who pushed this bill. Now they’re profiting from it, and the seniors are the ones paying the price.”

What The Law Requires

Under the Structural Integrity and Reserve Funding Law, all condominium, cooperative, and planned real estate developments in New Jersey must now conduct 30-year capital reserve studies every five years. The studies must determine how much money an association is required to set aside to cover future replacements and repairs for things like roofs, roads, foundations, siding, and more. The goal is to ensure reserve balances never fall below zero and avoid exorbitant assessments.

The law establishes two key options for compliance. They include a 30-year funding schedule, as well as an 85 percent funding option. The latter is considered a temporary allowance enabling associations to contribute 85 percent of their required reserve amounts with special disclosures presented

to homeowners. Associations that select the 85 percent alternative are essentially pushing higher costs down the road.

Lawmakers crafted the legislation after the 2021 Surfside condominium collapse in Florida, which killed 98 people when a building with long-deferred repairs crumbled overnight. New Jersey’s law aims to prevent such tragedies by mandating proactive financial planning for structural upkeep.

However, the sweeping scope of S3992 means it applies not just to large high-rises, but also to low-rise and garden-style developments, which dominate Ocean County’s senior landscape.

“This doesn’t appeal to Ocean County,” Noonan told the commissioners. “They based this on Florida’s high-rises, but we don’t have that here. What we have are seniors living on fixed incomes who now can’t pay their maintenance fees.”

Noonan said that in some communities, monthly maintenance costs have climbed $300 to $400, a heavy burden for residents living on Social Security. “That’s on top of electric, food, and taxes,” she said. “They’re not looking for a handout. They just want a hand up, and to stay in their homes.”

She added that many seniors don’t fully understand the complex formulas that go into reserve funding.

“They just know the bills keep going up,

and nobody seems to be looking out for them,” Noonan said.

Frustration Over Radburn Act

Noonan’s frustration with state housing laws extends beyond the new Reserve Act. She also expressed anger over the Radburn Act and related regulations that dictate how homeowner and condominium association boards are elected and managed. Originally designed to make association elections more democratic, the Radburn Regulations were adopted by the Department of Community Affairs in 2020 to ensure fair representation and transparency in community governance. But many associations, particularly those with senior residents, have said the rules only made operations more complicated and costly. Earlier this year, the New Jersey Appellate Division struck down portions of the Radburn Regulations, finding that several provisions conflicted with state statutes. Noonan said that even with those reversals, seniors still feel disenfranchised. “The Radburn law lets people buy into a senior community even if they’re not seniors, but then they can’t live there,” she said. “What happens next? They rent the units out. The rents go up, and our seniors get squeezed. It’s like one bad law piles on top of another.” She also argued that some provisions have made it harder for long-time residents to have a say in how their communities are

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run. “Trenton keeps giving us rules that don’t fit the people they affect,” she said. “It’s the same people pushing the same agenda, and it’s always the seniors who get hurt.”

Seniors Hit Hard

Ocean County officials say they share concerns about rising costs but have no authority to intervene in a state mandate. Maria LaFace, Director of Ocean County Senior Services, said her department understands how the law is affecting older residents.

“We have no control over the new state law,” LaFace said, “But we know that keeping seniors in their homes is important, and so is addressing food insecurity, utility costs, and transportation. We’re doing our best to provide services that can help them through these challenges.”

LaFace said her department is seeing more calls from seniors struggling to balance everyday needs.

“They’re being hit from all directions,” she said. “We’re doing everything we can to stretch resources, but the pressure is real.” Ocean County, home to one of the nation’s largest concentrations of retirees, already allocates significant funding toward senior nutrition, wellness checks, and transportation programs. Still, LaFace said, “When housing costs jump this dramatically, there’s only so much we can do on the county level.”

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

$1M Grant Will Support Ocean’s Harbor House Fight Against Teen Homelessness

From The Desk Of Congressman Chris Smith

TOMS RIVER - Rep. Chris Smith (R-4th) announced a federal grant of more than $1 million over the course of the next three years to help teenagers and young adults facing housing insecurity. The grant, the “Transitional Living Program (TLP) for Runaway and Homeless Youth,” is offered through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

“The mission of Ocean’s Harbor House (OHH) is one of changing lives, as the organization enables teens and young adults have a safe place to live while they finish

school and prepare for the workforce,” said Smith.

“OHH provides critical services for at-risk youth, and the work completed by OHH’s dedicated staff is nothing less than amazing. Every penny of this grant will go towards making tangible differences in the lives of young people who have been dealt difficult hands in life.”

“This most welcome news now has us focused on the work ahead and the futures of the young lives in our care,” said Donna Carlson, the Chief Operating Officer of OHH, which provides transitional housing, supportive living programs, and advocacy services throughout Smith’s congressional district.

“Ocean’s Harbor House provides housing, supportive living programs and advocacy for youth who are homeless or in crisis,

empowering them to build successful pathways, relationships, and futures. This has been the cornerstone of our work for 40 years. We believe every young person deserves more than survival - they deserve the chance to thrive,” she continued.

OHH’s Supervised Transitional Living Program, named the “Supportive Housing Opportunities through Rehabilitation and Encouragement (SHORE) House,” was built 22 years ago to provide safety, shelter, stability and a way forward for young people in crisis in Ocean and Monmouth counties.

“Today, our SHORE House continues this vital mission,” Carlson said. “In this House, we celebrate young people who now not only have a safe place to live, but also have the tools to heal, learn, grow, and become self-sufficient through education and job readiness. Their sense of hope, identity, and future sustains us, and restores the fabric of our shared communities.”

The grant will support the OHH’s mission to provide a supervised, transitional, and supportive living environment for young adults between the ages of 16 and 21, who are unhoused and/or experiencing homelessness.

OHH prepares unhoused youths for independence in adulthood through the teachings of economic strategies, financial literacy, budgeting, planned spending and saving. The program also fosters meal planning, consistent banking habits, bill paying, and other critical life skills.

“Ocean’s Harbor House is on the front lines of preventing and combating youth homelessness in our communities,” Smith said. “The committed staff ensures that these young people have hot meals and a safe place to stay, equipping them with the necessary resources to complete their schooling, prepare for employment, and reach for a brighter future.”

Bill Would Help Law Enforcement Prosecute Child Abusers

Capitol Comments

Senator Cory Booker

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Strengthening Child Exploitation Enforcement Act, which would close loopholes in existing criminal child sexual abuse statutes to help law enforcement better prosecute offenders and protect victims, passed the Senate unanimously.

In 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) published the National Strategy for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction, which made a series of recommendations for Congress to strength-

en federal enforcement of child exploitation laws. The Strengthening Child Exploitation Enforcement Act aims to incorporate those recommendations and define the DOJ’s authority to prosecute perpetrators by:

• Closing the kidnapping loophole by clarifying that kidnapping of a child can occur by deceiving a third party and the circumstances where consent can be used as a defense;

• Closing the international travel loopholes by clarifying that traveling to sexually abuse a child includes crossing international lines and that committing a sexual abuse felony against a child while abroad is a crime;

• Closing the sexual contact loophole by clarifying that causing a child to commit a sexual act themselves is also a crime;

And closing the attempt loophole by clarifying that attempting to commit the sexual contact offenses is also a crime.

The Strengthening Child Exploitation Enforcement Act is endorsed by the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, Major County Sherriff’s of America, Rights4Girls, Hope for Justice, Street Grace, 3Strands Global Foundation, Fraternal Order of Police, the National Children’s Alliance (NCA), Protect All Children from Trafficking (PACT), and the National District Attorney’s Association (NDAA).

U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statements:

“Last Congress, Senator Cornyn and I introduced and passed this bipartisan legislation in the Senate to ensure that those who exploit and abuse children are held

Pilot Program Helps Seniors Access Nutrition Assistance

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Office of Senior Services has launched a pilot program aimed at helping older residents and people with disabilities determine if they qualify for supplemental nutrition benefits.

The initiative, called Operation Homeplate, provides in-person assistance at several community locations. Trained aides are available to guide residents through the

application process for nutrition assistance programs.

Application days are scheduled weekly at Somebody Cares in Manchester and at the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Lakewood Center. Additional sessions are held monthly at the Toms River Senior Center.

Officials said the program is open to Ocean County residents over the age of 60,

as well as adults 18 and older living with disabilities.

“This is about reducing food insecurity and connecting people to the resources they need,” the Ocean County Office of Senior Services said in its announcement.

For more information, residents can call the Office of Senior Services at 732-9292091 and press 1 for Operation Homeplate.

accountable,” said Senator Booker. “This bill would close loopholes in current law to better allow us to protect our nation’s most vulnerable from predators. I urge my colleagues in the House to pass this critical legislation so we can better protect children from exploitation and sexual abuse and provide justice for victims.”

“Perpetrators who attack our children must face consequences for their heinous actions,” said Senator Cornyn. “By closing loopholes in current law, our legislation would ensure these dangerous offenders aren’t able to escape accountability on a technicality and are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

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

A Plan To Preserve Open Space

Hard to believe, but it was a quarter of a century ago this November that the voters of our town approved a local open space program! It wasn’t even close. I remember it all very well: I was Mayor when the question was proposed and overwhelmingly approved by we the people.

The idea for a municipally run program to preserve land came out of two open space “summits” that we held 25 years ago in 2000. Many in our town - including me - thought that the township was growing too quickly and that the brakes needed to be applied to slow development.

The numbers told the

story as our population in the late twentieth century had grown by leaps and bounds. In 1950, the population was 7,707. After the Garden State Parkway opened in 1954, the population exploded. In 1960, it had more than doubled to 17,414. In 1970: 43,751; 1980: 64,455; 1990: 76,371; and by the late 1990s it was nearing 90,000. The summits were well advertised forums open to the public, moderated by me, and were attended by hundreds of people, both in and out of government. Numerous ideas on how to control growth were discussed and debated. The idea to create a LOCAL open space tax with the revenue generated from it to be

exclusively used to acquire and bank land came directly out of these citizens forums. It was democracy at its very best.

But not everyone supported this idea. I vividly remember the then-president of the local Chamber of Commerce scolding me on the steps of Town Hall: “We’re very disappointed in you, Mark.”

But, I, and others, pressed on, and the voters spoke loud and clear: 71 percent approval. Every election district voted yes - including places like Normandy and Ortley Beaches which had little or no open space left to preserve. 25 years later, hundreds of acres of land in our town have been preserved from

development.

But the work is far from over. The time is now to double down on the good work done so far and to do so with a new, up-to-date perspective. Let’s face it: there are few large tracts of land left available to save as there were when I was a kid growing up here back in the 60s and 70s.

But there still is land all over - and it’s right before our very eyes. Think about it as you drive around your neighborhood: are there not vacant lots all over - just down the block or on a street corner? Some might have a For Sale sign posted; others sitting vacant. I urge today’s town leaders to create a “pocket park” pro-

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

gram in which these smaller, isolated spots of land that are all over town be evaluated for potential acquisition and preservation. The local government has recently done this a couple of times already. The vacant lot at the busy intersection of Clifton Avenue and Batchelor Street as you near downtown comes to mind. So does the acquisition of the old Boat Works property next to Huddy Park - also a small spot of land - a narrow strip along the river.

In a pocket park program, some property could simply be kept virgin land, banked for future generations. Other land could become “mini parks” perhaps with a picnic table or two, a bench for re-

laxation, or a place just for quiet reflection - but always with a strictly passive use to preserve our neighborhoods, not change them. Area homeowners’ associations could be encouraged to help maintain them or such neighborhood associations could be created so as to help maintain them, in a true public-private partnership. Whatever we do, we should move forward and re-think how, over the next quarter century, we can better preserve Toms River. We owe this to future generations who shall one day call our beloved town “home.”

J. Mark Mutter Toms River

Newspaper

Shouldn’t

Publish Hateful Letters

This is in response to the letter “Kamala Harris Loses Secret Service” in the September 13 edition.

I am very disappointed in your lack of oversight relative to your “Letters To The Editor” submissions.

Nicholas S. Molinari of Brick submitted a vile and very hateful letter that basically labeled any MAGA supporters as propping up a messiah and being anti-Christian. He goes on to refer to our president as a dictator and a modern day Hitler.

This type of broad-brush hatred is contributing to the violence we are seeing today.

Name calling, with either party calling the other Marxists, fascists, Nazis, communists or Hitler is terrible. The Toms River Times needs to be above this and do a thorough job of screening submittals and help eliminate submittals that simply spew hatred.

Roger Kliemisch Manchester

I met Jack at a local gathering where Jack fielded ques-

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.

tions on important NJ issues such as “school choice,” highest property taxes in the US, high crime, lowest test scores ever and political corruption. Jack stated with his education, Masters degree in Accounting from Seton Hall University, he plans to end the illegal Sanctuary State that Sherill’s anti-NJ Taxpayers Governor Murphy burdened NJ citizens with - billion of wasted dollars by supporting over 300,000 illegal migrants who receive free housing, free Medicaid/ Medicare, free education, free hospital care and pushing to grant citizenship/ voting rights to increase the Left-Wing Democrat majority in NJ!

Sherill’s voting in two congressional terms shows she is another Democratic “sheep” who votes with her Democratic cohorts 100% of the time yet “NOW” Sherill claims she is independent and will help NJ voters after eight years of being a member of the worst administration in history that caused “soft on crime” policies, no cash bail and homeless veterans living on the streets! If this NEW approach were true than why did she not help NJ voters for over eight years she had to take action

as a Congressional Representative?

Jack supports the MAGA Trump policies that in 8 months resulted in illegal immigration at an all time low, stock market is hitting all-time highs, violent crime is falling, Iran’s nuclear program is history, largest tax cut in history, thousands of Biden bureaucrats were fired, health agencies getting overhauled and historic Supreme Court wins in spite of Democrats obstructing MAGA pro-American policies!

Why would any intelligent NJ voter continue 4 more years of Democratic incompetence when Jack Ciattarelli is going to “change NJ for the better?” Vote for Jack Ciattarelli to reduce property taxes and improve education in NJ !!

Tom Randazzo Barnegat

Crystal For Stafford Board of Education

I graduated with a BS in Education from the University of Virginia in 1986, and an M Ed in Special Education Technology from George Mason University in 1988.

I was a special education self-contained 5th-8th grade teacher in Arlington, Virginia from 1988-1993. I then served as a 9th-12th grade special education resource, and in-class support teacher at Southern Regional High School from 1993-2021. I have two adult daughters who attended Stafford Township Schools, and graduated from Southern Regional High School. Both of my daughters received an excellent educational foundation in Stafford. I firmly believe that all of our township’s children should also experience the same high quality of instruction. Over the last year, I attended two school board meetings to express my thoughts regarding serious issues. I was also distressed to learn about another situation that would directly affect our children. I, like many community members, felt that the official communication about, and the professional accountability measures involved in our superintendent’s incident needed to be enhanced. In addition, it saddened me to read that high quality teachers were opting to leave the district. In the past, the majority of Stafford teachers, like Southern Regional teachers, would spend most

of their careers working in their districts. Our students lose out when good teachers move on to other districts. As a former teacher, mother and long-term community member, the following are my priorities:

• To promote educational excellence

• To support our exceptional staff

• To listen to all - students, parents, families, staff, and community

• To provide oversight and transparency regarding district projects and concerns If elected to serve on the school board, I intend to initiate periodic listening sessions with community members. It truly takes all of us working together to provide our children with the best possible start on their educational journeys. I will also monitor district projects to ensure that they are conducted in an efficient, and fiscally responsible manner. I loved serving Stafford’s children and families as an educator, and hope to be able to give back to our community as a member of the Stafford Township School District Board of Education.

Jack Ciattarelli For Governor

Barbara Crystal Manahawkin

MANCHESTER TIMES • BERKELEY TIMES • BRICK TIMES

JACKSON TIMES • HOWELL TIMES • TOMS RIVER TIMES SOUTHERN OCEAN TIMES

OceanFirst Bank To Cut 114 Jobs In Mortgage Shift

TOMS RIVER – OceanFirst Bank will eliminate 114 positions in December as the longtime Ocean County institution phases out its in-house residential mortgage operations.

The bank disclosed the move in a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice filed with the New Jersey Department of Labor in September. The layoffs are expected to take effect December 18. The reductions are tied to a “strategic decision regarding its residential loan origination business.” About 1,035 people currently work for OceanFirst.

Founded in 1902 as the Point Pleasant

Building and Loan Association, OceanFirst built its reputation on home lending. But Hewitt said the residential mortgage industry has increasingly been dominated by large-scale wholesale lenders and financial technology firms, forcing traditional banks to reconsider their approach.

As part of the shift, OceanFirst will partner with Rhode Island–based Embrace Home Loans to provide mortgage options to its customers.

The positions being cut are primarily in the residential mortgage division. The bank said affected employees will receive severance and career transition assistance.

Fire Company Auxiliary Hosting Fall Craft & Vendor Show

BRICK – The Ladies Auxiliary of Pioneer Hose Fire Company is inviting the community to kick off the holiday season at its annual Fall Craft and Vendor Show.

The event will be held November 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the firehouse, located at 312 Drum Point Road in Brick. Shoppers will find a wide selection of handmade crafts, seasonal décor, and gifts from

local vendors.

Organizers said the fundraiser supports the fire company and offers a chance for residents to get a head start on holiday shopping while supporting community members.

Those interested in becoming a vendor or seeking more information can email PHfirehouse22Aux@gmail.com.

Ocean County Urges Shoppers To Review Store Return Policies

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs is reminding residents that return policies can differ widely between stores, particularly on discounted or clearance items.

Officials recommend asking about the return policy before making a purchase, since some sales may be final. Shoppers should also keep receipts or digital proof of purchase, know whether a store offers refunds, store credit, or exchanges only,

and check for time limits, such as 14 or 30 days.

“Not all stores have the same rules for refunds or exchanges,” the department noted, adding that being informed before buying can help prevent frustration later.

Residents with questions can contact the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs at 732-929-2105.

The initiative is supported by the Ocean County Board of Commissioners.

C ommunity n ew S

Police Earn Fourth Accreditation From State Commission

BRICK – The Brick Township Police Department has once again achieved accreditation from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, marking the fourth time the agency has received the distinction.

Chief David Forrester accepted the certificate of re-accreditation during this week’s Township Council meeting, where Mayor Lisa Crate, council members, and residents were on hand for the presentation. The designation was issued by the New Jersey Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission.

The accreditation process reviews police agencies in five key areas: administration, personnel, operations, investigations, and the handling of arrestees and detainees. Officials said it strengthens accountability, reduces liability risk, bolsters defenses

against lawsuits, and builds public confidence in the department’s ability to meet community needs.

Lt. Vincent Coburn led the department’s accreditation team, which worked to ensure compliance with the required standards.

Only about six percent of eligible law enforcement agencies in the state hold the designation, which is valid for three years.

Accreditation assessors visited Brick in March to review policies, interview officers, and tour facilities before the commission’s vote.

“I’d like to thank Mayor Crate and the Township Council for their continued support of our department, which enables us to participate in NJSACOP accreditation and serve our residents to the highest possible standards,” Forrester said.

Program Offers Enrichment For People With Dementia

BRICK – A local initiative is inviting families to learn about a program that combines music, movement and memory-based activities designed to enrich the lives of people with dementia.

Movement, Music & Memories will host two open house information sessions to introduce its multisensory fitness and enrichment program.

The events are set for October 15 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. and October 18 from 11 a.m.

to 1 p.m. at 74 Brick Boulevard, Building 1, Suite 202, in Brick.

The program provides physical activity, music engagement, and social connection aimed at supporting both individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.

Organizers encourage attendees to RSVP by calling or texting 732-801-8191 or emailing movementmusicmemories@gmail.com. More details are available at DementiaLivingSolutions.com.

Church of Epiphany Plans Gift Auction

BRICK – The Church of Epiphany will host its 17th annual gift auction on October 18 at the VFW hall, 373 Adamston Road.

Doors open at 4:30 p.m., and the first drawing begins at 7 p.m. The event is open to adults 18 and older, with seating set for

up to eight guests per table. Attendees are welcome to bring their own food and nonalcoholic beverages, while a cash bar will be available through the VFW.

Tickets can be purchased by contacting Kelly at the parish office at 732-458-0220.

HOURS: Mon,Tues,Fri: 9-5 • Thurs: 9-7 • Sat: 8:30-2

Senior Men’s Cuts $15

Reg. Men’s Cuts $18

Senior Women’s Cuts $20

Reg. Women’s Cuts $22

Color Touch up $55

Perms $60

TRIMS • FADES

Annual Trunk Or Treat Returns

BRICK – The Township’s Annual Trunk or Treat event will take place on October 23 (rain date October 24) at the Drum Point Sports Complex. The event is for township residents only.

As in previous years, families can sign up for one of three time slots. This system helps keep the event organized and ensures the safety and enjoyment of all participants.

Kids are invited to put on their best costumes and enjoy the fun of going from car to car to collect treats in a safe, family-friendly setting. Along with plenty of candy and excitement, the evening will also feature a costume contest, so be sure to come dressed to impress!

Brick Recreation is looking for families, businesses, and organizations to be the centerpiece of this year’s Trunk or Treat by decorating a vehicle and handing out candy. The decorated cars are what make Trunk or Treat such a unique and exciting

event – instead of going door to door, kids go car to car, collecting treats from festively decorated trunks that bring the Halloween spirit to life.

Whether spooky, silly, or creative, the decorated vehicles are at the core of the celebration and help make the night unforgettable for all the children who attend. To make things even more fun, prizes will be awarded for the best-decorated vehicles, so let your imagination run wild!

If you’d like to be part of the fun and help create the magical Halloween atmosphere, call 732-262-1075 for more information.

To register visit register.capturepoint. com/reg/cat_program_class_detail. cfm?s=&t=&season_id=25057&program_ id=1510280&family_mbr_str=

To register your vehicle visit register.capturepoint.com/reg/cat_program_class_detail.cfm?s=&t=&season_id=25057&program_id=1382152&family_mbr_str=

OceanFirst Grant Boosts Food Pantry At OCC

TOMS RIVER – Ocean County College has received a $2,500 grant from the OceanFirst Foundation to support food-insecure students through the school’s Helping Hands Food Pantry and to strengthen volunteer engagement across campus.

The support was highlighted during OceanFirst Bank’s annual CommUNITYFirst Day, when about 100 OceanFirst Bank WaveMakers and OCC staff volunteers purchased groceries from a local market and stocked the pantry for the start of the fall semester.

“We are so grateful for the support from the OceanFirst Foundation,” said Michelle Youngs, assistant director of Student Life at OCC. “With the cost of food continuing to rise, our students are looking for our

help now more than ever.”

Food insecurity affects roughly one in four college students, and the demand at OCC has grown significantly. The Helping Hands Food Pantry recorded 2,054 visits in fiscal year 2023, 5,029 in 2024 and 7,582 in 2025.

“Thanks to partners like OceanFirst, we’re able to continue meeting this growing demand,” Youngs said. “This grant will enable Helping Hands to carry out its mission of a hunger-free campus — because everyone needs support at times.”

Founded in 2018, the pantry assists OCC and Kean Ocean students with food, drinks and other essentials, while also connecting them with resources for housing, financial assistance and additional support.

Dental Program To Support Children With Special Needs

TOMS RIVER – Ocean Pediatric Dental Associates will host a special orientation program designed to help children with special needs become more comfortable with dental visits.

The free event will be held October 21 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the practice’s office, 368 Lakehurst Road, Suite 305. Families, healthcare professionals, educators, and community advocates are invited to attend.

Organizers said the evening will provide guidance on easing dental care challenges faced by children with special needs, while encouraging families and caregivers to connect and share resources.

“Dental health is an important part of overall health, and we want every child to feel safe and supported in the dentist’s chair,” the practice said in a statement.

RSVPs are requested by calling Lori at 732-489-1841.

Food Addicts Anonymous Meetings

BAYVILLE – In person meetings are every Monday night at 7 p.m. at the Methodist Church just south of the Dinosaur in Bayville. (526 Atlantic City Boulevard,

Bayville.)

Come check it out if you’re wondering whether Food Addicts Anonymous could help you or someone you know!

Dr. Izzy’s

Sound News

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

Dr. Isidore Kirsh Ph.D., F.A.A.A.

5 Signs It’s Time For A Hearing Test

Hearing loss often happens gradually, so many people don’t notice the small changes until they begin to affect daily life. The truth is, the sooner you identify hearing challenges, the easier it is to treat them — and the better your overall quality of life can be. If you’ve been wondering whether it’s time to schedule a hearing test, here are five common signs you shouldn’t ignore.

1. You Struggle to Follow Conversations in Noisy Places — Restaurants, family gatherings, or busy stores can feel overwhelming if you’re straining to hear. Many people dismiss this as ‘background noise,’ but it can actually be an early sign of hearing loss.

2. The TV or Radio Volume Keeps Creeping Up — If your family is constantly asking you to turn down the volume, your ears may be compensating for missed sounds. What feels comfortable to you may be too loud for others.

3. You Frequently Ask People to Repeat Themselves — A casual ‘What?’ every now and then is normal, but if you’re asking family, friends or coworkers to repeat themselves regularly, your hearing may need attention.

4. You Avoid Social Situations Be -

cause It’s Too Hard to Hear — Hearing loss doesn’t just affect your ears — it affects your confidence and relationships. If you’re skipping events because conversations feel exhausting, it’s time to check your hearing.

5. Ringing in the Ears (Tinnitus) — A constant ringing, buzzing, or humming in the ears may indicate tinnitus, often linked to hearing loss. While not always serious, it’s worth discussing with a hearing professional.

Why Early Testing Matters — Untreated hearing loss is associated with increased risk of social isolation, depression, and even cognitive decline. The good news? Today’s hearing technology is smaller, smarter, and more effective than ever before.

Take the First Step — If any of these signs sound familiar, schedule a professional hearing test. At Garden State Hearing & Balance Center, we’ve helped thousands of hearing-impaired individuals reconnect with the sounds that matter most.

Dr. Izzy and his Staff will continue to educate you about hearing care choices. Please feel free to contact our office at 732-451-3962 or visit our website at gardenstatehearing.com.

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!

American Legion Post To Hold Blood Drive

OCEAN COUNTY – Toms River American Legion Post 129 is joining forces with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 4. The blood drive which is open to the pub -

lic will be held at the Post located at 2025 Church Road, Toms River. Sign up through the American Red Cross link: redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive to schedule a blood, platelet or plasma donation.

Dear Pharmacist

Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

7 Alternatives To Tylenol During Pregnancy

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

For decades, acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol, sold under the brand name Tylenol® in the U.S.) has been considered safe for pain and fever during pregnancy. Unlike ibuprofen or aspirin, it doesn’t thin the blood or irritate the stomach.

But recent observational studies have raised concerns about frequent use in pregnancy and possible effects on children later in life, such as ADHD or autism. These are associations, not proof, but they’ve left many moms-to-be wondering: If not Tylenol, then what?

First, know that fever itself can be harmful during pregnancy. A high fever in the first trimester has been linked to neural tube defects, heart problems, and even miscarriage, while later in pregnancy it may increase the risk of preterm labor. That’s why high fevers need attention.

That said, it’s wise to be cautious with medications - they can carry side effects, and pregnancy adds another layer of concern. Whenever possible, start with safe, natural measures. For example, if you twist your ankle, you might try the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, elevation) before reaching for medications with side effects.

7 Simple Remedies to Try Before Acetaminophen

1. Stay hydrated. Sip water, coconut water, broth, or an electrolyte drink to replace fluids lost through fever and sweating.

2. Cool down gently. Try a lukewarm compress on the forehead or neck, or a short lukewarm bath. Avoid ice-cold water, which can trigger shivering and actually raise your core temperature.

3. Light clothing and rest. Wear breathable fabrics and keep bedding light so your body

can release heat through sweating. Pair this with plenty of rest to give your immune system the energy it needs to heal.

4. Ginger tea. Warm ginger tea provides gingerols and activates “zingerone” which helps with nausea, and mildly reduces fever.

5. Chamomile tea. Studies in mice have shown that chamomile can reduce fever, improve sleep, and ease inflammation.

6. Peppermint tea. It is used to relieve morning sickness sometimes, so one cup a day might be soothing and cooling if you have a fever.

7. Elderberry tea (Sambucus nigra). Traditionally used for immune support, elderberry tea may help the body fight viral infections and gently ease fever. It’s sold in most grocery stores.

Acetaminophen should be used only when truly needed, since it depletes your liver’s main antioxidant, glutathione. In the brain, glutathione protects neurons from oxidative stress, and low levels have been linked to brain fog, poor focus, and even conditions such as ADHD, Parkinson’s, and depression. If you must take it regularly (for arthritis, for example), consider NAC (N-acetylcysteine) to offset its “drug mugger” effect. To look up your medicine, visit drugmuggers.com. Avoid willow bark (natural aspirin), blue or black cohosh, pennyroyal, and concentrated essential oils such as oregano or clove (cooking with them is safe). NSAIDs like ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin are also discouraged in pregnancy, especially in the third trimester.

Want more trusted pharmacist tips? Sign up for my newsletter at suzycohen.com. I share real science in plain English so you can make the best choices for your health and your family.

(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) ©2025 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR ADMINISTRATOR:

Rose Garden is one of the few “mom and pop” skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers left ... in the state of New Jersey. The world has turned “corporate;” we have not.

It has been our core belief that the delivery of healthcare is quite personal. That “intimacy” is in danger when 5 to 100 facilities are operated in multiple states by large corporations. We have always strived for a close “family” atmosphere and believe we have succeeded. The environment is warm and inviting and exceedingly clean and spotless. Our homemade food and soups are outstanding, and the care is thoughtful, kind and productive.

We have been called the “Hotel of Healthcare.”

Please ask your friends, neighbors and, most importantly, other healthcare professionals. We are here, in your neighborhood, to serve you!

Stafford Teen:

Continued From Page 1

suggests Gabe may have fallen asleep at the wheel. The crash was a second devastating blow for a family that had already endured the unimaginable – it came less than nine months after Gabriel’s mother, Lauren, was killed.

Gabe Didn’t Want Tragedy To Define Him

In January, 38-year-old Lauren Saldana of Freehold was found dead inside a South Brunswick home. Authorities later charged a man she had known, Roman Romanovskiy, with first-degree murder and child endangerment, saying the killing happened in front of her two younger children. Lauren had a restraining order against Romanovskiy at the time of her death.

By then, Gabriel was living with his grandparents, Laura and Dean Gulden, in Stafford. He began his freshman year at Southern Regional in 2021, seeking stability and peace after difficult years. His move ultimately spared him from witnessing his mother’s death, but not from the pain that followed.

this way of making everything fun,” Nate said. “His smile brought everything to life. And he gave the best advice. He’d tell me, ‘Keep your head up and keep pushing.’”

A Hard Worker With Future Plans

Gabe’s work ethic stood out as much as his humor. He spent the past two summers living with Kayla’s family, working at Davis HVAC LLC. He discovered a passion for HVAC and dreamed of attending trade school after graduation. “He wanted to get certified, work under a mentor, and eventually open his own business,” Kayla said. He also worked part-time at Chick-fil-A and delivered pizzas, saving enough to buy his truck on his own. As family members told his story to a reporter, his grandmother left the house for a brief moment and returned holding the black license plate frame salvaged from the wreck. She clutched it as if it were treasure, her voice breaking as she read the words across it: “Proof hard work pays off! I did it myself!”

“That was Gabe,” she said. “Everything he had, he earned.”

Laura also remembered how he carried the courtesy of his Chick-fil-A job into everyday life. “He’d open doors for me at home and say, ‘My pleasure,’” she said. “It became part of who he was.”

His aunt, Kayla Dudley, said the tragedy left scars that Gabe carried quietly. “He was always the strongest human being,” she said. “He tried to be stronger for everyone else. There were times he broke down, but what stood out was how determined he was to break the cycle and build a better life.”

nursing and rehabilitation center

1579 Old Freehold Rd. • Toms River, NJ 08753

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Pinned to his phone’s home screen was a message that read: “I’m allowed to want a better life.”

To those who loved him, it summed up his spirit.

One of the ways Gabriel expressed his feelings was through music. His playlists were eclectic, spanning country, classical, Broadway musicals, Three Days Grace, and NBA YoungBoy, the rapper whose Newark concert he attended the night of the accident. Music, his family said, became his language.

“Sometimes my music will tell you more than what I’m saying,” he once confided. Kayla agreed: “He could describe any feeling with a song. He’d scroll through his phone and say, ‘This is what I mean.’”

Music was also something that connected Gabe to his 20-year-old sister, Maddie. The siblings knew every word of the Hamilton soundtrack from beginning to end. Even through their shared hurts, they always found a way to laugh together.

Maddie called Gabe her best friend. “He’s the only person who understood me,” she said. “We went through everything together - our stupid jokes, our struggles, our dreams. He understood it all.”

She remembered the day he dressed as the Grinch at her preschool job, growling and stomping in full costume until the children doubled over with laughter. “That was Gabe,” she said. “He loved making people laugh, no matter what.”

Maddie faced the unbearable task of telling their six-year-old brother that Gabe has joined their mother in heaven. The pain was something that Stafford Police Chief James Haldenwang couldn’t even imagine. “From everything I’ve heard, Gabriel was the closest thing that little boy had to a hero,” he said. “Now that hero is gone. It breaks your heart.”

Nate Curry, Gabe’s best friend, said their connection was instant. “I’d come here just to be bored with him,” Nate said. “So, I wasn’t bored by myself.”

But boredom never lasted with Gabe. “He had

Even when he struggled with his own pain, Gabe gave freely of himself. Once, before he had his license, he offered $20 of his own money to pay someone for gas just so he could get a ride to a friend who was hurting. “That was Gabe,” Kayla said. “He always put others first.”

A Life Taken Too Soon

The night of the accident began with excitement. Gabe and Nate went to Newark for the NBA YoungBoy concert. His family worried about the long drive but eventually relented, watching his progress on an app and relieved when they saw him close to home.

After dropping Nate off safely in Ocean Acres, Gabe was spotted by a passerby asleep in his truck at a stoplight. He assured the stranger he was fine. Moments later, his pickup struck a utility pole and flipped.

The family saw his phone signal freeze near Nautilus Drive. Minutes later, police knocked on their door.

The news traveled quickly. Teachers at Southern Regional felt the grief along with their students. Gabe’s boss from Chick-fil-A called to offer support, as did a pastor from Bayside Chapel in Barnegat. Along Route 72, the roadside where his truck overturned became a memorial. Flowers, balloons, pumpkins, photographs, and handwritten notes now mark the place where his life ended.

Family and friends will have an opportunity to honor Gabriel’s memory during a memorial visitation on Sunday, October 12, 2025, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Maxwell-Tobie Funeral Home, 573 Mill Creek Road in Manahawkin.

The following day, a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 a.m. on Monday, October 13, at St. Mary of the Pines Church, 100 Bishop Lane, Manahawkin. A GoFundMe has been set up to support the family: In Remembrance of Our Beautiful Gabriel. Gabriel Saldana’s story ended far too soon, but in just seventeen years he left behind a legacy of resilience, kindness, humor, and love. His absence leaves an ache no words can heal, but his laughter, his music, and his unshakable spirit will live on in the memories of all who knew him.

R.C. Shea & Assoc. Inside The Law

Protecting Our Community From Nursing Home Abuse

By: Michael J. Deem, Esq. R.C. Shea & Associates

People put their elderly parent or grandparent in a nursing home so that they can be safely taken care of, so that someone can properly look after them in their old age. No one expects that these nursing home residents should get anything less than the proper care and respect that they deserve, but with the horrifying rise in nursing care abuse, this is not always the case. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse in the United States, more than 30 percent of all nursing homes in America indulge in some form of resident abuse.

Statistics show that nearly 50 percent of all nursing homes are short staffed. The staff people who do work in these facilities are underpaid, overworked, and all too often overburdened, which in turn leads to elder neglect and abuse.

Even more alarming is the prediction that the problem will only worsen in the near future. More than 91% of nursing homes lack adequate staff to properly care for patients. A Health and Human Services Department report found patients in understaffed nursing homes were more likely to suffer from a variety of problems, such as bed sores, malnutrition, weight loss, dehydration, pneumonia, and serious blood born infections. It’s a serious concern that will only increase with time, given that the population of people aged 85 or older is expected to

Michael J. Deem, Esq.

double to 8.9 million by the year 2030.

Signs of abuse and neglect may be (but are not limited to) evidence such as patterns of bruising, unexplained injuries, frequent infections, bedsores, questionable hygiene, appearance of malnutrition, emotional distress, and unsanitary living conditions. Document any such evidence you observe, and bring it to the attention of your attorney. Neglect can be just as harmful in the long run as abuse, leading to additional health problems and possibly death.

Nursing home abuse isn’t limited to physical abuse; there can also be emotional, verbal, and psychological abuse, where an elder is demeaned or humiliated in other ways.

Many elders needlessly suffer from nursing home abuse in which they are manipulated, humiliated, or physically harmed by the very people entrusted with providing them with loving and tender care. Instances of physical, sexual and verbal abuse have taken place at the very nursing homes where elders are actually supposed to be well taken care of; unfortunately, cases of nursing home abuse in America and also in New Jersey are rising rather than falling.

If you think a loved one is the victim of Nursing Home Abuse call the trial attorney’s at R.C. Shea & Associates for a free consultation to discuss their rights. (732) 505-1212.

Around the JerSey Shore

Officials Urge Public Not To Feed Foxes In Local Parks

OCEAN COUNTY –

Parks officials are reminding visitors that feeding foxes or any wildlife is strictly prohibited on all park properties. The warning comes as staff work with a state-licensed rehabilitator to address ongoing issues within the fox population.

While some residents may be tempted to offer food to a sick or curious animal, officials stressed that doing so causes more

harm than good.

Fed foxes can lose their natural fear of humans, leading to aggressive encounters or increased risk of being struck by vehicles in roadways and parking lots. Human food can also make foxes ill, spreading disease among wildlife and, in some cases, to people.

“Foxes are naturally skilled hunters and foragers,” officials said. “Feeding them disrupts these behaviors and creates unhealthy dependence on humans.”

Park staff ask visitors to help protect the animals by keeping a safe distance and never leaving food behind.

Call For Entries: NJ Photography Forum

NEW JERSEY – The New Jersey Photography Forum is now accepting entries for its 31st International Juried Photography Exhibit, set to run November 1 through November 29, at the Watchung Arts Center.

Photographers worldwide are invited to submit their work by August 4 at njpfsubmissions. com. Entry fees are $30 for the first two photos and $10 for each additional submission. All entries will be considered for cash awards. A free, public reception will take place on November 2 from 1 to 4 p.m. A virtual version of the exhibit will be available from November 3 through January 15 at njphotoforum. com, followed by an online artist talk and curator discussion on November 15 from 3 to 5 p.m. ET.

All images will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the Watchung Arts Center.

Now in its 31st year, the show is curated by Nancy Ori and juried by photographers Arik Gorban, Charles T. Miller, and Ori. For more information, contact Nancy Ori at nancyori@ comcast.net.

Erykah Badu To Perform At Hard Rock

ATLANTIC CITY – Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Erykah Badu will perform at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City on November 16 at 8 p.m.

Tickets go on sale August 1 at 10 a.m. and can be purchased at HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com or Ticketmaster.com. All shows are subject to change.

Badu, widely regarded as the godmother of neo-soul, has earned four Grammy Awards and multiple platinum albums since her 1997 debut Baduizm. Known for blending hip-hop, R&B and jazz influences, she continues to perform to sold-out crowds worldwide.

Photo courtesy Ocean County Parks & Recreation

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Toms River - 732.349.1922 | Whiting -

Lawrence G. Bolen, Founder Michael J. Defonzo Jr., Manager • NJ

Around the JerSey Shore

Ocean County Homebuyer Program Marks 600th Family Milestone

TOMS RIVER — Six hundred families have achieved the dream of homeownership through Ocean County’s First-Time Homebuyer Program, officials announced. The program, administered by O.C.E.A.N., Inc. since 1997, offers down payment and closing cost assistance to low- and moderate-income residents. Funded annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the program awards qualified applicants a $15,000 deferred loan that is forgiven after six years. Buyers must contribute at least 3 percent toward their purchase.

“Helping 600 families achieve the dream of owning a home is truly something to celebrate,” said Ocean County Board of Commissioners Deputy Director Frank Sadeghi, liaison to the county Planning Department. “Each family represents a new story, a fresh start, and a stronger community for us all.”

Since its inception, the initiative has distributed $5.6 million in HUD funds to help purchase $86 million in property across the county. The average home price since 2020 has been about $204,000, though HUD currently allows a maximum purchase price of $475,000 for single-family homes in Ocean County.

Beyond financial support, program requirements include HUD-certified homeownership education workshops, proof of steady employment, and sufficient income and credit history.

“Ocean County is built on strong families and strong communities,” Sadeghi said. “This milestone shows what can happen when we invest in our residents and give them the tools to succeed.”

For more information, visit the Ocean County Planning Department website or contact O.C.E.A.N., Inc. at 732-244-5333.

Around the JerSey Shore

Greg T. Launches New Morning Show On 107.1 The Boss

Greg T.

NEPTUNE – Longtime radio personality

Greg T. is returning to New Jersey airwaves with his own morning show on 107.1 The Boss (WWZY-FM 107.1/99.7).

The East Brunswick native, who spent 25 years with Elvis Duran and The Morning Show on Z100 and later co-hosted mornings on 103.5 KTU, will debut Greg T. in the Morning with Rochelle on October 6. The program will air weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m.

“You never know what you have till it’s gone,” Greg T. said. “Born and raised in East Brunswick, I never left New Jersey, and to be on-air in the area I grew up in

makes me super excited.”

The show will pair Greg’s humor and energetic style with Rochelle Gagnon, who said she is eager to bring a fresh, local feel to listeners. “His energy and creativity are contagious, and I know our listeners are going to love what’s in store,” she said.

Mike Ryan, vice president of programming for 107.1 The Boss, called Greg T. “a true Jersey original” and praised his ability to connect with audiences. “His authenticity and larger-than-life personality have made him one of the most recognizable voices in morning radio,” Ryan said.

Brick Student Named To Nazareth University Dean’s List

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Madilyn Satter of Brick has been named to the dean’s list at Nazareth University for the spring 2025 semester.

To qualify, students must earn a grade point average of at least 3.5 while completing 12 or more credit hours of graded coursework.

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Hair Stylist and Nail TechnicianVery busy salon in Manchester looking to add 2 or more stylist and nail techs to our salon. Looking for reliable individuals who love what they do. Part time to start. Salary discussed at interview. Please call Arleen 732657-2100 between 10-4. (44)

Part Time Caregiver - For mildly disabled 74 year old female. Brick, Light housekeeping, transportation, shopping. $20-$25/hr. Call Maryann 732-678-3161. (43)

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)

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 )

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)

Anthony’s WINDOW CLEANING - CLEAN WINDOWS INSIDE OUTSIDE SCREENS & LEDGES CLEANED INSURED QUALITY, NEAT PROFESSIONAL. FREE EST. REFERENCES 732-278-5914. (45)

Bilingual Therapist - Online sessions only. Accepts most commercial health insurances. Specialty: anger, grief, anxiety, adjustment challenges, and relationship issues. (732)7241841. Ages 21 plus. Find me at https://www.psychologytoday. com/us/therapists?search=carla+Marmelstein (45)

Affordable Landscaping - Spring Cleanups, Complete lawn maintenance, Sod & seed lawns, Shrubs & tree pruning, Topsoil & mulch and much more. 732-808-7477. (t/n)

Interior And Exterior PaintingSmall home repairs. 30 years of experience. Free estimates. Fully insured. LIC: 13VHO4548900 Call Tommy: 609-661-1657. (36)

Handyman Service - Carpentry, masonry, repairs, painting. 732-6743346. License #13VH03469200. (41)

DO YOU WANT YOU CAR TO LOOK NICE AND SHINECALL LENNY < Lenny's Mobile Auto Detailing 908-868-4609. (46)

Private Care Management - Companions, Aides. Hourly 24/7. Appointments, Food prep, Shopping, Laundry. Well Experienced for all needs. Call JoAnn 732-600-6812. (43)

Garden State Property Maintenance - All yard work. Tree-trimming and removal, stump grinding, pavers, decks, flower beds, weeding. 609-661-5470. (t/n)

SENIOR HOME CAREHave the best care with years of experience and medical background. Available hourly, daily or nights with Irma. 732-604-9291-Irma. (39)

PQ Painting & Home Improvement Services - Over 5 decades of service in NJ. Visit us online at pqpaintingservice.com. Winner of Angie’s List Super Service Award. Free estimates, reasonable rates, fully licensed and insured NJ Lic #13VH06752800. Call 732500-3063 or 609-356-2444. (t/n)

Since 1979, Kitchen Magic, a family-owned business offering cabinet refacing, new cabinetry, and luxury countertop throughout the Northeast. We transform kitchens in less time, with less stress, at an amazing value. Call today for a free estimate 1-844-367-2477. (t/n)

APlus Home Improvements - Over 30 years experience. Everything from small handyman tasks to large renovations. Fully insured and licensed. Seniors 10% off any job $500 or more. Lic #13VH11453600. No job too small give us a call. 908-278-1322. (7)

DIRECTV - All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Directv and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/ mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-877-557-1213 (t/n)

Nor’easter Painting and Staining, LLC - Interior and exterior. Decks, powerwashing. Affordable. Senior discounts. References. No job too small. Fully insured. 732-6910123. Lic #13VH09460600. (t/n)

Learn To Play The - Flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, or drums, from a NJ State Certified Teacher of Instrumental Music, in your home! Call 732-3504427 for more information. (43)

A1 HANDYMAN SERVICES -

Over 30 years experience in all phases of home improvements. Free estimates and referrals. Call John 267475-7962 or 732-477-0379. (43)

THE RIDE GUY - Takes you anywhere! No limits. Comfy mini-van. References. Call Charlie 732-216-3176 or Email: cr@exit109.com. Let's Go! (t/n)

Handyman Available - 15 years experience. Light plumbing and electrical repair. Install fixtures, etc. No job too small. 646-734-9141. (33)

Highly Experienced - Reliable, Reasonable, Responsible, Compassionate At Home Caregiver is Available for your Elderly loved ones. Live in/Hourly. 732-912 5876. (29)

Car Service - LBI, Bayville, late night, long distance and airports. Year round. Text or call Keith 609-351-2462. (43)

"Stick With the Man That Covers Your Can! - Residential and Commercia Pump-outs FREE 1 year supply of enzyme treatment with each septic pump-out. Septic Inspections. Septic System Installations and All Repairs. Grease Traps installation and pump outs. Tank Abandonment and Demolition. 24 Hours Emergency Service! 732-244-0189. (5)

Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-833-901-0309 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move. (t/n)

Handyman - Painting, powerwashing, electrical, plumbing, light hauling. Call Joe 732-859-9266. (19)

Life Coach - Facing a challenge? Talk it out in person. Sense your way. $25 for 1 hour. Melissa Lekas, 732-754-4891. (44)

Retired R.N. - Available for help in your home. Appointments, meal prep, laundry, etc. Call Chris 845-430-1853. (43)

Anyone Interested In Having Their - Office, home or apartment cleaned, contact Diane. Honest and reliable. Free estimates. 845-762-9952. (49)

Handyman Solutions - Affordable prices that are budget friendly. All phases of Home Improvement and Repairs. Carpentry • Laminate

Flooring • Painting • Drywall • Doors • Windows • Siding • Hand and Vinyl Railings • Decks • Minor

Plumbing/Electrical and more. Licensed Insured. 609-384-9030 (50)

Excellence Hypnosis - Lose weight, stop smoking, release stress, overcome fears, manage pain & improve sport performance. Call 732-2094125 free consultation (46)

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)

Fall Gardening Services - Expert indoor/outdoor plant care, repotting, container arrangements, winterizing, spring bulb planting. Keep your garden thriving all season! Call today for reliable, professional care & advice. Joe 732-232-8144. (44)

TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED:

• M ail this form to: PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733. OR

• Go to jerseyshoreonline.com, click classifieds, fill out the form and pay by credit card. OR

• Fax this form to 732-657-7388 ATTN: ALI.

1. Below, circle the heading you would like your ad to appear under:

Estate/Garage/Yard Sales

Auto For Sale

Items For Sale

Items Wanted

2. Print clearly your ad as you want it to read. Include Phone # within ad below (counts as 1 word). Use separate sheet if necessary.

order to qualify for discounts, the same ad must run over the requested weeks.

4. Make check payable in advance to Micromedia Publications, or fill in Mastercard/Visa/American Express SORRY NO DISCOVER info below:

The

County Launches Student Poster Contest For 175th Anniversary

all fifth- and sixth-graders who live in or attend school in the county. Students are asked to design a poster reflecting the theme: “As we celebrate the 175th anniversary of our county, take a moment to think about what makes Ocean County a great place to live.”

Entries should highlight favorite locations, landmarks, activities or foods that make the county special for children, officials said. Submissions must be sent by schools via email no later than November 1, 2025. Each school may submit one poster image for judging.

Prizes include Blick Art Materials gift cards valued at $175 for first place, $100 for second place and $75 for third place. For rules, submission details and other requirements, participants can visit bit. ly/4k62Jo.

Busy Bee

Call it the “Shelter Cove Splash!” Callie couldn’t resist diving right in — and as photographer Deb Gentile captures so perfectly, the look says it all: “Come on in, the water’s fine!” The shoulder season is in full swing at the Jersey Shore. Have a pic you would like to share with our readers? Email photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you may win a prize.

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

5K Run For Fulfill

BRICK – The 4th Annual River Rock ‘N Run 5K is back! Join on November 15 at 9 a.m. at the River Rock Bar and Restaurant in Brick for a great race for a great cause!

Run the 5K or partner up for the relay. Beautiful riverfront course, super soft, comfy T-shirts and

the best post-race food ever inside the River Rock! All proceeds go to Fulfill (Monmouth/Ocean County Food Bank). Over $15,000 raised so far...join us!

For more information, visit runsignup.com/ Race/NJ/Brick/riverrock.

FUN & GAMES SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

over backward,

Hiking gear

Stops and stares

Race car or kayak

Banded gemstone

Home state of Beyoncé and Megan Thee Stallion 36 Suspicious

Think of fondly

Captain cook? 44 Rented a yurt, maybe 45 “The Bells” poet 46 Hollywood hrs. 48 Strive (for) 51 Slight depression, with “the”

Tiny issue

Cracked just a bit

Mackerel relative

Potent prefix

Life times? 60 Wish __ a star

Tuts

Squeeze play stat

Menorah liquid

Guffaw 29 “I take it back”

“Aloha ‘Oe” instrument, briefly

Granola grain

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Stars are sliding again through next Wednesday, so odds are lowered, and risks are increased. October is the worst opportunity month of 2025. IYKYK—be the savvy one who waits for stars with best odds for best outcomes.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Communications are likely to go well for you despite dark stars, there’s more likelihood of understanding than of misunderstanding overall. That said, a housemate or partner could come across as defensive.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Avoid asking for favors when the stars are under water, people are less receptive, less likely to return the ‘yes.’ Pushing any agenda isn’t likely to serve you now, the Universe is serving plenty of pushback for the next few days.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Don’t go out on any limbs, the Universe doesn’t have anyone’s back well today. There’s still always plenty to do when the stars don’t support big outer moves — use the time to invest in yourself, stage offerings, smell the roses.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): A worry or concern could get magnified for the next few days, don’t let intrusive thoughts take over, dark general stars affect everyone negatively. Make no big decisions and take no action until after you reassess late this week or after.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): A friend might need support, you could offer some real ‘been there, done that’ empathy and understanding. Or a friend could ride to your assistance in a similar way. Support systems help us navigate challenges,

FOR THE WEEK OF OCT. 11 - 17

BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS

OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

keep yours strong.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): If you can’t fix it today [you probably can’t] then don’t worry about it. The specific anxiety may have blown over by tomorrow anyway, and today’s poor stars won’t help much of anything get fixed. A friend could be over the top.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): So much comes down to the approach, both the vibe and the timing — today isn’t offering you either advantage. When tides are flowing in one direction, don’t try to paddle in the other. You’ll have better support next Thursday or after.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):

‘Trustworthy’ is a better moniker than ‘Slick.’ Be the person others know they can count on, and curate a friend circle which supports reciprocity. Networks of care can be there if other systems fail.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): A partner or a pet could be anxious and need extra attention and understanding, you should be well-suited to provide it. Some career planning or prep could set you up for next week. Communicate with caution.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Someone could talk out of school, outing your plans or goals before you’re ready to tell all, better to build in silence for now. Resistance to authority could be a big factor, think through actions and consequences in real time.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Your path ahead could seem more obscured than usual but this should clarify in just hours. A lighter and more aligned way of being is calling you, asking you to go all-in on authenticity. Decide after stars move back into sunshine in a few more days.

Environmental Nutrition

Here’s To Jicama

Lori Zanteson

Rough-skinned and oddly shaped, jicama is rather humble looking. A peek inside reveals a creamy white flesh with the crisp and juicy texture of a pear and the mild sweetness of a water chestnut.

The folklore

Also known as yam bean or Chinese potato, jicama remains a popular ingredient in global cuisine, known for its uniqueness and versatility, and as a good source of fiber and vitamin C.

The facts

Part of the bean family of plants, jicama (Pachyrhizus erosus) is related to chickpeas, green beans, and peas. Jicama refers to the slow growing root, but above ground, it grows similar to other pole beans, vining and flowering. About 90 percent water, jicama is refreshing, hydrating, and low in calories. A one-cup serving has just 49 calories, but is an excellent source of fiber to satisfy hunger. It’s an excellent source of vitamin C, with nearly 30 percent of the recommended daily value, as well as smaller amounts of iron, potassium, folate, and magnesium.

The findings

Jicama is high in fiber, including inulin, a type of soluble dietary fiber that may support digestion. A prebiotic, inulin helps stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiome (Food & Function, 2023). Emerging research has shown that adding jicama to probiotic yogurt may help lower blood sugar levels in subjects with

Curious about jicama? Why not give it a try? (Dreamstime/TCA)

diabetes, which may be due to the inulin in jicama (KnE Life Sciences, 2019). Research also associates jicama with heart health. One study found that jicama root juice intake may help reduce risk of developing blood clots and it lowered diastolic blood pressure, two risk factors for heart disease and stroke (BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 2016).

The finer points

Available all year, jicama is in season from early winter through spring. Smaller jicamas tend to be tender and sweet, while larger jicamas may be tough and fibrous. Refrigerate unpeeled up to two weeks, or peeled and sliced in a sealed container with water up to three days.

Peel away skin with a vegetable peeler, cut into sticks or rounds for snacking, julienne to make slaws and salads, and dice into salsa. Jicama may also be stir-fried, boiled and mashed, added to soups, or enjoyed as a fun twist on French fried potatoes.

(Environmental Nutrition is the award-winning independent newsletter written by nutrition experts dedicated to providing readers up-to-date, accurate information about health and nutrition in clear, concise English. For more information, visit www.environmentalnutrition.com.)

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