Downtown Brightened With Red , White And Blue For Veterans Day
TOMS
Photos by Chris Lundy
Marching bands, like the combined High School and Intermediate South (left), played patriotic tunes. Schools like High School North (right) had their JROTC march.
The air was frigid and the wind was cutting, but that didn’t stop dozens of people from celebrating Veterans Day with the annual parade.
Even before it started, people lining up to watch were saying “thank you” to anyone who wore hats or jackets denoting their service.
Police and elected officials led the way. Various local veteran groups marched, bringing attention to POW-MIA, American Legion, VFW, Disabled American Veterans, Tin Can Sailors, Destroyer Escort Sailors, US Submarine Veterans, and Purple Heart Wounded Veterans, among others.
A number of fire departments provided the “red” in the red, white, and blue. Classic cars - and even
This Month In History: Toms River’s
Salty Defiance Of British Rule
By J. Mark Mutter
TOMS RIVER - We’ve been hearing a lot about tariffs in the news lately. It’s all about economic measures used by one country to affect the policies of another. But did you know that similar economic measures were at work right here in Toms River during the Revolutionary War? It was all about an everyday consumer item found on our kitchen table: salt. Here’s the story.
The History Of Salt In The Colonies We might think of salt as a product used for taste, but before refrigeration, it was also a critical product used for “salting” for the preservation of food.
classic tractors – were driven in the parade. The Frontier Girls ran out to the sidelines, giving out small American flags.
The Ocean County Sheriff’s Department displayed the names of their members that are veterans. The Ocean County Historical Society brought to mind that there were local residents who fought in the Revolutionary War.
Local marching bands played patriotic songs. Some of them had JROTC members in uniform.
Joseph Placente, who is renowned for leading parades with his patriotic clothes and waving a large American flag, was riding in a military jeep.
The parade traveled the same route as the Halloween Parade just a few weeks before, ending at a county building where speeches were given. Some of those speeches were by local students who won essay contests about “What Veterans Day Means To Me.”
St. Joseph’s student Francis Lorenzo wrote about his brother James who joined the Navy.
“Before James left, he told me one thing that had stuck with me. He said, ‘I’m going to make this world better and safer for you.’ Knowing that he is willing to serve in the military, to be a part of keeping America safe, makes me sleep so much
(Parade - See Page 9)
In colonial America, the first patent that was issued was for salt preservation. The source for salt were salt mines and bay salt - and this latter source would play a critical role in our local history.
In the early seventeenth century, fish was supposed to be a colonial export. Salt operations in North America, at first, were not successful - and salt was needed for the preservation of fish. As time marched forward, colonial salt operations improved and many east coast saltworks were in existence. On the eve of the American Revolution, the British recognized the significance of this local production. As the war for independence unfolded, the British sought to destroy and blockade salt making facilities.
The British policy was simple: destroy the colonists’ salt making capacity and the Americans would have to rely upon salt imports.
(History - See Page 5)
GOP Celebrates Victories Despite Ciattarelli Loss
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By Stephanie Faughnan
TOMS RIVER - Republicans in Ocean County turned out in overwhelming numbers for Jack Ciattarelli, giving the GOP gubernatorial candidate his largest margin of victory anywhere in New Jersey. Yet despite the county’s strong support, Democrat Mikie Sherrill claimed a double-digit win statewide.
According to unofficial results as of November 7, Sherrill secured 56.4 percent of the statewide vote, compared to Ciattarelli’s 43 percent. In Ocean County, however, Ciattarelli earned nearly 67 percent of ballots cast, trouncing Sherrill’s 32.5 percent.
The decisive local victory came as no surprise to Ocean County GOP Chairman George Gilmore, who predicted the outcome before polls closed.
“Ocean County has done everything we’ve been asked to do,” Gilmore said in a personal interview at the GOP Ocean County watch party. “I think the results of tonight’s election in Ocean County will prove that we did support him, and there are some people that just didn’t like the fact that I supported Bill Spadea in the primary and fought for him like I fight for every candidate that I endorse and support.”
Out of 476,000 overall registered voters in Ocean County, roughly 275,000 cast ballots, a 57.8 percent turnout rate, among the highest in New Jersey. In the governor’s race, Ciattarelli’s commanding performance reaffirmed Ocean
(GOP - See Page 4)
By Chris Lundy
RIVER –
Ocean County GOP Chairman George Gilmore, left, introduces
year’s Ocean County Board of Commissioners, (from left) Rob Arace, Jennifier Bacchione, Ray Gormley, Frank Sadeghi, Sam Ellenbogen.
Photo by Stephanie Faughnan
:
Continued From Page 1
County’s role as the Republican backbone of the state, though not without signs of internal strain.
Divided Party, Unified Outcome
While Ocean County’s results reflected unity at the ballot box, the months leading up to the general election told a different story. During the primary, the Ocean County Republican Organization officially endorsed conservative radio host Bill Spadea, a move that deepened existing rifts within local GOP ranks. Gilmore, a veteran party leader and political powerbroker, openly campaigned for Spadea. Even after Ciattarelli clinched the nomination, tensions lingered. Some accused Gilmore’s faction of failing to rally behind the nominee, while others said Spadea loyalists were slow to join the effort.
A longtime GOP insider who asked not to be identified said the organization “remains divided” despite the strong showing at the polls. The source declined to give Gilmore credit for the Republican sweep down the ballot and accused him of never fully backing Ciattarelli even after the primary.
Gilmore has said his focus has been on electing Republicans within Ocean County, a goal largely accomplished in this cycle. Even so, the same party insider noted that despite significant GOP resources directed toward Brick Township, Democratic Mayor Lisa Crate retained her seat. Still, Republicans captured three council positions in Brick, narrowing Democrat control and demon-
strating the strength of the party’s base even in competitive municipalities.
GOP Statewide
The county’s Republican strength is hard to miss in the numbers. Using county-reported totals compiled as of Nov. 6, Ocean gave Ciattarelli 183,219 votes, more than any other county in New Jersey. Monmouth placed second with 151,175; Bergen was third with 150,183. Put differently, Ocean alone supplied about 13.2 percent of all Ciattarelli votes cast statewide (183,219 out of roughly 1,386,480). Monmouth contributed about 10.9 percent, and Bergen was 10.8 percent. Yet those advantages were offset elsewhere. Ciattarelli lost Bergen by 34,937 despite his large raw vote there. He also faced steep deficits in Essex (120,464), Hudson (83,025), Middlesex (64,532), Camden (65,070), and Union (60,758). The lesson is familiar. Ocean’s commanding performance delivered critical raw votes and margins for the GOP, but blue strongholds in North and Central Jersey still shape the statewide outcome.
Lakewood’s Impact
Lakewood’s turnout and voting pattern were central to Ciattarelli’s Ocean County blowout.
Tallying the votes from the county’s district breakdowns shows Ciattarelli received about 35,482 votes in Lakewood, roughly 90 percent of all ballots cast there for governor. That single municipality produced about one in five of Ciattarelli’s Ocean County votes (approximately 19.4 percent) and roughly 2.6 percent of his statewide total.
The Orthodox community’s unified voting bloc has become one of the most influential forces in Ocean County politics. This election
cycle marked a historic milestone, with the first member of the Orthodox community, Sam Ellenbogen, elected to a county-level office. A familiar presence at county commissioner meetings and civic events, Ellenbogen ran alongside longtime Little Egg Harbor politician Ray Gormley. Together, the pair secured seats on the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, further underscoring the growing political influence of the Orthodox community within the county’s Republican base.
Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy also drew strong backing from the Lakewood community and voters countywide in his successful bid for reelection. Jack Kelly, meanwhile, earned broad support as he transitions from decades as a county freeholder/commissioner to become the county’s next clerk.
Other Towns
The story was not just Lakewood. Results across the county suggest Democrats made modest inroads in several towns even as they fell short of flipping any. Sam Pinkava, the Democratic challenger to Jack Kelly for County Clerk, a veteran math educator and statistician, reviewed the data and offered context.
According to Pinkava, Democrat Mikie Sherrill earned roughly the same percentage of votes in Ocean County as Kamala Harris did in 2024 and Phil Murphy did in 2021. “However, Sherrill made significant gains in most townships across the county,” Pinkava explained. “She outperformed Harris in twothirds of the municipalities and did better than Murphy in all but Lakewood and Jackson.”
Pinkava noted that in Toms River, Sherrill captured about 35 percent of the vote, com-
parable to Harris’s showing but substantially higher than Murphy’s 30 percent.
Despite these improvements, Pinkava said, any areas where Democrats narrowed the gap were eclipsed by Lakewood’s overwhelming support for Ciattarelli. Incremental gains did not threaten GOP control locally but do suggest changing dynamics in some communities.
Looking Ahead
For Gilmore and Ocean County Republicans, the 2025 results offer validation. Turnout was high. Margins were massive. The ticket won up and down the ballot. And history was made with the first Orthodox commissioner.
But the politics beyond the celebration can’t be ignored. Gilmore’s term as county chairman is next up for consideration, and with it come renewed questions about unity and the direction of the county’s most powerful political organization.
Some within the party view this year’s election results as proof that Gilmore’s influence remains unmatched. Others quietly suggest that the chairman’s leadership style, and the divisions that surfaced well before the primary, could shape what comes next for the Ocean County GOP.
Even those who question Gilmore’s leadership admit that Ocean County’s Republican organization continues to outperform every other in the state. Yet as talk of future challenges quietly circulates, the party’s objective remains the same. The organization plans to hold its place as New Jersey’s Republican stronghold, a county that continues to deliver the kind of margins other organizations can only hope to match.
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Continued From Page 1
Salt became a precious commodity; some said that it was more valuable than gold. The British plan was that you cannot send out an army to fight without salt and if they destroyed or blocked colonial salt production, the Americans would be forced to give up the fight.
It was a brilliant strategy - an economic strategy - using an everyday commodity to put down the American fight for independence. But would it work?
In the early days of the war, the price of salt skyrocketed. There were salt shortages and there was the real risk of widespread starvation. But the crisis lasted only a couple of years. American ingenuity would ultimately win the day. Enter the story of Toms River and other places up and down the coast.
250 Years Ago
In New Jersey: 1775
After the battles of Lexington and Concord in April 1775 - which began the war for independence - New Jersey, still a colony, hoped for peace. The “Provincial Congress” - the Patriot government opposing the King’s - issued the following declaration on June 3rd: “Resolved, That this Congress do earnestly recommend to the inhabitants of every religious denomination throughout this province that Thursday, the twenty-ninth day of June, inst., be observed by them as a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer … for supporting our invaluable rights and privileges, and restoring concord and harmony between Great-Britain and her American Colonies.”
But New Jersey wasn’t taking any chances either. On that same day, the Provincial Congress also
determined “that the cruel and arbitrary measures of the British Parliament and Ministry, to enslave the American Colonies, have made it necessary to arm and discipline the inhabitants, in defense of their rights and freedom … it is recommended and advised that one or more companies of 80 men, (aged from 16 to 50) each, be formed in each Township or Corporation. That each of these companies meet and choose from among themselves, 1 Captain, 2 Lieutenants, and 1 Ensign; which officers of each company shall choose their Sergeants, Corporals and drummers.” It was further ordered that “the proper officers shall direct, meet, for improvement in military discipline, the whole companies at least once a month. Each person enlisted, to be equipped as soon as possible, with arms, ammunition, &c.”
The Congress determined that due to “the present dangerous state of public affairs” that a “fund extraordinary” be established. Each of the then thirteen counties were assessed an amount to be raised for this purpose. Monmouth County (our town was part of Monmouth then) was assessed the third highest amount in the province.
The British weren’t having any of these mixed messages. In July, Parliament enacted an embargo on the colony: “Whereas, during the continuance of the combinations and disorders which at this time prevail within the colonies of New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and South Carolina, to the obstruction of the commerce of these kingdoms, and others, his Majesty’s dominions, and in breach and violation of the laws of this realm, it is highly unfit that the inhabitants of said colonies should enjoy the same privileges of trade, and the same benefits and advantages to his Majesty’s faithful and obedient subjects.”
Effective July 1, 1775, Parliament ordered that
“no goods, wares or merchandise … being the growth, product or manufacture of the colonies of New-Jersey [and the others] … are to be brought to some other British Colony, or to Great-Britain.”
It was trade war in New Jersey in 1775 - before the shooting war that would come later.
The War, New Jersey And Salt
As we all know, tensions continued, independence would be declared in 1776 and New Jersey was in the middle of it all. And salt, of all things, played a vital role.
In 1777, A British war account recorded that “two small Vessels loaded with Salt, are got into Tom’s River, about 50 Miles to the south of Sandy-Hook in the Province of New Jersey.”
In 1778, a legal notice in a colonial newspaper stated “TO BE SOLD AT PUBLIC VENDUE, On Monday, the 31st day of August, The Ship LOVE and UNITY, Lying at Toms River, New-Jersey, together with her tackle, apparel, furniture and cargo, consisting of Bristol beer in bottles, Porter, Red and White Port wine, Bristol cyder, flour, cheese and salt” was to be sold at auction. With salt such an important commodity - embargoed, captured and sold - what was the American solution? Build bigger and better saltworks. Toms River’s role was exemplary.
The largest and most productive of the saltworks along the shore was located at the present day municipal park at Shelter Cove at the end of Bay Avenue along the Barnegat Bay. Today it’s home to a beach, tennis courts and ballfields; in history, it’s famous. Once located there was a 169 foot long, 29 foot-wide boiling house. Sea water was captured from the bay (Cranberry Inlet existed in the 1700s directly across the bay) and after mud and sand were allowed to settle, the water was pumped into 1,400-gallon salt pans. It was than
boiled for up to five hours; the water evaporated and salt crystals would form. The salt would be raked from the pans and put into woven baskets to be dried.
The finished product was taken by wagon for the seven-mile trek to the salt warehouses in the village of Toms River situated along the river. The Patriot blockhouse, situated on the crest of the hill overlooking the river (present day location: Robbins Street by Toms River Fire Company No. 1’s building) was built to protect the warehouses and the dozen or so homes that comprised the village. Toms River’s Role
It is often said that an army travels on its stomach, so who better to know of the role of salt in the war for independence, but George Washington. He famously once observed that the saltworks along the Jersey coast were the most important of all the states. And Toms River’s saltworks was right in the middle of it all.
SOURCES: “Documents Relating to the Revolutionary History of the State of New Jersey” published in 1903; “The War on Salt - 1776”; “Ocean County: Four Centuries in the Making” by Pauline S. Miller published in 2000
SPECIAL THANKS: To Monmouth County Archives for its research assistance.
NEXT: The British attack the salt works in Toms River
J. Mark Mutter is the retired Clerk of Dover and Toms River Township. He was elected to the Dover Township Committee for three terms and served as Mayor in 1993 and 2000. He chaired the township’s 225-year anniversary committee in 1992, its 250-year anniversary committee in 2017, and its U.S. Constitution bi-centennial committee in 1987. He is the Township Historian and is writing a book on the history of Toms River.
for details.
OPINIONS & COMMENTARY
EDITORIAL
Celebrating County Government’s Election Night Updates
Election night is a hectic night for the media. We’re huddled around our screens waiting for the numbers to come up.
As each district’s results are reported, they go online.
We couldn’t report on the numbers without the websites maintained by Ocean and Monmouth counties. Within our company, Micromedia Publications, we speak very highly of the easy-
Don’t Look Away From Immigration Display
Editor’s note: This is a letter in response to an editorial written about a resident who incorporated ICE and immigration issues into a Halloween display. This is in response to the editorial “Politics and Halloween: Which One Is Scarier?” which appeared in the October 25 Manchester Times. While I understand that the Assistant News Editor, Bob Vosseller, feels that a Halloween display should not be taken seriously, and we should “just look the other way,” I think he missed the point of some of the outrage. Making light of ICE raids
to-use websites. It’s time for us to publicly thank them for all their hard work. Each county has an amazing website. It’s updated throughout the evening. It clearly lays out the candidates, party affiliation, number of votes, and even the percentage of the total votes they got.
You can even dive deeper into the numbers, looking at district maps and how each neighborhood voted. If there are certain elec -
tions you care more about, you can make them your ‘favorite.’ Then you can open up a page to show all of your favorites. They even tabulate how many votes were done at the polling place on election day, as opposed to mail-in or overseas ballots. These websites take a lot of the stress out of my job. The most stressful election night I ever worked was about 20 years ago at The Ocean County Observer,
but that was because I made the mistake of mentioning to a fellow reporter that I thought management was going to pay for our dinner that night. News spread –as it does in newsrooms – and that night, the office was full of hungry reporters who didn’t appreciate my mistake.
Even back then, we relied on the county clerks’ offices to provide us with the information that we would then give to the readers.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Their websites have become more and more impressive over the years and we really appreciate that. Sometimes, reporters go to the election night parties. They play the fly on the wall, getting a feel for the general vibe, and having off-the-record conversations. They take photos and record speeches. At these parties, the candidates are also watching the county results roll in. Our Bob Vosseller and Stephanie
Faughnan went to different election night parties and I appreciate their hard work and dedication. Myself, well…I’m not one for political events. I’d rather stay at my desk and watch the results pour in. And for that, I’m thankful to the Ocean and Monmouth counties and their dedication to keeping us informed.
Chris Lundy News Editor
and “Alligator Alley” and displaying immigrants as actual aliens dehumanizes the suffering of fellow human beings who are being ripped from their families and sent to prisons or other countries without their Constitutional right of due process. Many of these people are just hard working immigrants who have been contributing to the American economy for years and even decades.
If Joe and Tracy, the property owners, and Mr. Vosseller would bother to read about their stories and learn about what happens when Constitutional civil rights are trampled and others “just look the other way,” they might not treat this subject so lightly. Making light of what is happening to fellow human beings in this country leads
WE WELCOME LETTERS TO THE EDITOR!
The Toms River 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.
to its normalization. What is happening is not normal. If the display portrayed Nazis rounding up Jews to be loaded onto cattle cars, would it be okay to “just look the other way?” You may argue that what is happening to immigrants is not the same, but the Holocaust started when a group of people were being persecuted, and the majority of the population “just looked the other away.” To be silent is to condone.
Conservative Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia said in a 2014 joint interview with fellow Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg that “anybody who’s present in the United States has protections under the United States Constitution.” Ginsburg agreed saying, “When we get to the 14th Amendment, it …says ‘person, … And the ‘person’ is every person who is here.”
An infringement on any person’s Constitutional rights is an infringement on us all. We can’t normalize it and “look the other way.”
Elaine White Manchester Amazing turnout in Lacey Township this year!
Great Voter Turnout
Congratulations to the 26,597 people that cast their votes either early, by
mail or in person!
The school referendum tally was also amazing13,086 people cast votes for the bond - it passed 7,407 to 5,679. I accept the outcome because that shows at least half the town’s population came out to have their say on the matter.
I would also like to sincerely thank the voters of Ocean County that cast 79,298 votes for me for County Sheriff in the Nov 4th election. It is a humbling and gratifying experience to be a candidate for any office.
It’s time for a younger generation to step forward and become candidates! No position has prerequisites (not even sheriff). I also found out there was no specific job description for sheriff. All you need to be is over 18, a registered voter, a resident in the locality you seek the position in and get one more vote than the opponent. That’s it.
Generally, the petitions for a ballot position are ready for distribution by the County Clerk’s office sometime in February if you are applying for the Primary for a party seat. School Board positions are non-partisan and are annually on the November ballot only. Those petitions are not due back to the Clerk’s office until the 4th Monday in July. Just 25 signatures are required for a school
board ballot position.
If you apply to run for a party position, only people in that party can sign your petition. The Ocean County Board of Elections can provide registered voter lists if you need one. Note to all: Voter registration is a matter of public record. If you do not wish to be party identified, then you need to get a new party declaration card and check off the box “undeclared.”
If you are undeclared, you can not vote in a Primary. So keep this in mind if you decide to do so. Primaries are for Democrats and Republicans only to determine their November candidates if more than one person applies for a ballot slot. Any questions, consult your County Clerk’s office or the Board of Elections. They are there to serve you. Again, thanks for the votes! And I hope more people will come forward to be on next year’s ballot!
Regina Discenza Forked River
Governor Race Not About Sherrill Or Ciattarelli
Welp, there is hope. I consider myself a fierce independent and can criticize both sides.
In my opinion, the GOP should have won the gov-
ernor race easily. In New Jersey, history has shown that we have tendency to rotate governors every couple terms, and if it had truly been Sherrill vs. Ciattarelli on NJ issues I think it would have gone that way. But this election was 8 years of Murphy vs Trump 45 & 47, and the blue wave shows people are rejecting the hate, corruption, cruelty and lawlessness in what remains of the White House.
Hopefully Sherrill will do well, I had a good impression of her from what I knew of her in Congress. This is another chance for the Democrats to build a coalition - listen to the other side - compromise and get things done. I would say the same if the republicans had won. Yeah, I know, I’m not naive.
Let’s hope the new boss is not the same as the old boss – at least we may still be able to kick her out in 4 years.
For the GOP, it’s time grow a backbone and speak upyou know much of these polices from the White House are just plain wrong. I’ve been disappointed to say the least that keeping your jobs have proven to be more important than doing your jobs. Well, the writing is on the wall …
Robert J Everett Jr Bayville
From The Desk Of
S
Correspondence & Commentary From Your Local, County, State & Federal Officials
Congressman Chris Smith Trafficking Victims Protection Act Reaches 25th Anniversary
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Chris Smith (R-2nd) commemorated the 25th anniversary of the enactment of his Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA) - landmark legislation to confront the global scourge of human trafficking - and called upon the U.S. House of Representatives to immediately take up HR 1144, his newly-authored Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2025.
Since the enactment of Smith’s TVPA in 2000, more than 2,225 traffickers have been convicted and are serving serious jail time. These numbers represent thousands of survivors freed from bondage and traffickers brought to justice through coordinated global action.
“When I first introduced the TVPA in the late 1990s, the legislation was met with a wall of skepticism - even ridicule,” said Smith.
“Many saw it as a solution in search of a problem. At the time, the word ‘trafficking’ was widely associated with drugs or weapons - not human beings. Back then, stories of women and children being bought and sold - treated as commodities - were often met with disbelief or indifference - but we persisted. And with bipartisan support, the TVPA became law in 2000.
“My TVPA created a new, whole-of-government domestic and international strategy and established numerous programs to protect victims, prosecute traffickers, and to the greatest extent possible, prevent it from happening in the first place - the three Ps,”
Smith noted.
The TVPA’s subsequent reauthorizations expanded victim assistance programs, strengthened law enforcement tools, addressed exploitation in supply chains, and enhanced international cooperation.
Recently, Smith has authored and introduced three pieces of legislation to reauthorize and strengthen the TVPA’s provisions - the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Acts of 2022, 2023, 2025 (FD TVPRA) - the last of which has yet to reach the House floor for a vote.
“My Frederick Douglass TVPRA of 2025 will reauthorize and strengthen anti-human trafficking programs across numerous federal agencies, including the State Department, Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and Department of Health and Human Services; continue funding the Angel Watch Center, a program mandated by my International Megan’s Law that prevents convicted child predators and sex offenders from exploiting and assaulting children abroad; and promote anti-trafficking strategies and situational awareness training for instructors and students within elementary and secondary schools,” Smith remarked.
Kenneth B. Morris Jr., the great-great-great
grandson of famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass and Co-Founder of Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives, offered the following statement in support of Smith’s Frederick Douglass TVPRA of 2025:
“My great-great-great-grandfather Frederick Douglass once said, ‘It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.’ The Frederick Douglass TVPRA embodies that principle. It ensures that our nation continues to prevent exploitation, support survivors, and uphold justice. Passing this bill is a profound act of unity - a reminder that freedom is still our shared work.”
When enacted, Smith’s Frederick Douglass TVPRA of 2025 will also require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to implement a Frederick Douglass Human Trafficking Survivors Employment and Education Program to “prevent the re-exploitation of eligible individuals who have been victims of trafficking, by assisting such individuals to integrate or reintegrate into society through social services support for the attainment of life skills, employment, and education necessary to achieve self-sufficiency.”
Smith also highlighted the bill’s provisions to extend his International Megan’s Law (PL 114-119), which requires notification to foreign governments when convicted U.S. child sex offenders attempt to travel abroad - closing dangerous loopholes that predators had exploited. Smith’s legislation, first enacted in 2016, was named in honor of Megan Kanka, a seven-yearold girl from Smith’s then-congressional district, who was kidnapped, raped, and murdered by her neighbor, an undisclosed sex offender.
In the same way that U.S. federal and state
Megan’s Laws compel notifications when a convicted pedophile moves into a neighborhood, International Megan’s Law requires that notifications be sent to destination countries when a convicted pedophile seeks to travel abroad.
“More than 27,000 travel notifications have been sent to foreign countries, as of 2024,” Smith said. The law also orders all convicted child sex offenders in the United States to display a special insignia on their passports, denoting them as criminals and predators.
In addition to these legislative victories on the federal level, Smith lauded local and state governments’ efforts to prevent and punish human trafficking crimes in their communities. Namely, he praised New Jersey Senate Bill 1990, introduced in January, which would require all current and future drivers employed by transportation network companies (TNC) and rideshare services, such as Uber and Lyft, to complete an anti-trafficking training course approved by the Attorney General.
The anti-trafficking training courses mandated by this legislation would need to provide “an overview of human trafficking, including how human trafficking is defined; guidance on the role transportation network company drivers play in reporting and responding to human trafficking; and information on how to report suspected human trafficking.”
“This legislation is critical to preventing, identifying, and combatting human trafficking on the state-level. This ever-evolving and elusive crime can entail the use of rideshare services, with drivers unknowingly transporting victims between traffickers,” Smith stated.
Governor Has Now Granted Clemency To 217 Convicted People
TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy announced his fourth round of clemency actions under his Administration’s historic initiative granting life-changing opportunities to individuals involved in the justice system. In this latest round, Governor Murphy exercised his executive authority, granting 19 commutations and 29 pardons, bringing the cumulative total to 217 grants of clemency over the past 16 months. This milestone advances New Jersey’s reputation as The State for Second Chances, built under Governor Murphy’s leadership.
“As Governor, one of the greatest responsibilities I hold is the ability to extend second chances to individuals who have made a commitment to rehabilitating their lives,” said Governor Murphy. “With this fourth round of clemency actions, we uphold one
of our nation’s oldest and most fundamental principles: justice for all. I owe deep gratitude to the members of our Clemency Advisory Board who have been working around-theclock to thoroughly screen and review each applicants case, ensuring they meet the criteria of Executive Order No. 362. Together, we are creating opportunities for those who have made mistakes in the past to heal, and ultimately, contribute to our shared future.”
“Our state continues to lead with courage and compassion – ensuring that justice includes not just accountability, but also the chance to rebuild and contribute to society,” said Lt. Governor Tahesha Way. “I am proud of this historic effort that our administration has advanced, changing the lives of over 200 families.”
In June 2024, Governor Murphy signed Executive Order No. 362, establishing the state’s first-ever Clemency Advisory Board.
The Board reviews applications for pardons and commutations and provides recommendations to the Governor on executive clemency actions. Under the Order, certain categories of applications receive expedited consideration, including non-violent offenses with long post-conviction periods of good conduct, victims of domestic violence who committed crimes in their victimization, or sentences reflecting excessive trial penalties.
The process also incorporates robust victim outreach, ensuring that the perspectives of individuals harmed by crime are heard and addressed as part of a fair, transparent system.
“With this fourth round of clemency, Gov-
ernor Murphy once again demonstrates that mercy is not weakness - it is moral strength in action,” said Bishop Joshua Rodriguez, Chair of the New Jersey Clemency Advisory Board. “By extending close to fifty pardons and commutations, the Governor reaffirms that redemption is a cornerstone of true justice. Each restored life represents renewed hope for families, neighborhoods, and the future of our state. New Jersey continues to lead the nation in showing that second chances can heal communities and restore faith in our justice system. I commend Governor Murphy for his unwavering commitment to fairness, compassion, and the transformative power of grace.” Jamal Muhammad, one of the six individuals who received a commutation in April 2025, (Murphy - See Page 9)
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.
shared the strides he’s taken since being released.
“I want to sincerely thank Governor Murphy and everyone who showed the compassion and courage to bring my freedom to fruition,” said Jamal Muhammad. “Life in freedom has been full of blessings - I’ve gotten married, started teaching, and launched my own business. To me, freedom means having the ability and opportunity to fulfill your goals and give back to your community. I thank God for this mercy and thank all of you for being part of this moment.”
Jamal Muhammad was incarcerated for over 28 years following an incident where his co-defendant shot and killed a victim during a robbery. During his time incarcerated, Muhammad became passionate about ethics and religious studies. He recently finished writing a book about anti-bullying, “Character Education: The Solution to Bullying.” He credits religion with transforming his decision-making and mindset. Muhammad is also a proud and loving father and is newly married. Despite being incarcerated for nearly all of their lives, he maintains a close relationship with his two children. He has even co-authored an online book with his son, enabling them to collaboratively write chapters together and remain connected.
Brenda Thompson, one of the 29 individu-
als who received a pardon, spoke about her experiences post-incarceration, including the work she has done since leaving prison to help those in recovery.
Brenda Thompson was convicted of drug and minor property crimes from 2000-2006. These offenses were connected to her substance use. Thompson, a certified peer recovery specialist, currently works for the Center for Family Services. She is passionate about recovery and access to treatment, recognizing that she wouldn’t have her current life without recovery. Thompson maintains participation in 12-step programming and weekly meetings.
“I am thankful to Governor Phil Murphy and the State of New Jersey for granting me the opportunity and providing the resources that made my journey toward clemency possible. Your belief in rehabilitation and second chances has opened a new chapter in my life - one filled with hope, responsibility, and purpose,” said Brenda Thompson. “This clemency represents more than a pardon - it represents restoration, redemption, and renewed purpose. I am committed to using this second chance to serve others. I will continue to work diligently in the field of recovery, in all its aspects - especially substance abuse - helping those who are still fighting their battles to find hope, healing, and freedom.”
For more information on Governor Murphy’s Clemency Initiative or to apply for Executive Clemency, please visit nj.gov/clemency
Local Dentist Shares Tips to Help Parents Prevent Cavities In Kids
TOMS RIVER – Cavities remain one of the most common yet preventable health problems among children, but local pediatric dentist Dr. Matt Sones says parents can make a big difference by building strong oral hygiene routines early.
Dr. Sones of Ocean Pediatric Dental Associates in Toms River outlines science-based steps families can take to prevent tooth decay. He explains that cavities form when bacteria feed on sugars and produce acids that wear away enamel — a process that can be slowed or stopped with proper care.
“Daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and close parental supervision are the foundation of good oral health,” Dr. Sones said. “Children need guidance to
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better at night. Some families are never going to be able to see their sons, daughters, husbands, wives, brothers or sisters again because they gave the ultimate sacrifice to the greatest country in the world, the United States of America.”
St. Joseph’s student Victoria Errion wrote “In a world that can feel divided, Veterans Day brings people together. It’s a moment where politics, background or beliefs fade into the background, and we unite in a shared respect for those who served. Whether it’s through a moment of silence, attending a parade, or simply saying ‘thank you’ to a veteran, the ways we honor them matter.”
www.DeGRAFFFuNeRAlhOMe.COM
NOTICE OF MEETING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE VOCATIONAL SCHOOL IN THE COUNTY OF OCEAN, in accordance with the provisions of the “Open Public Meetings Law”, P.L. 1975, c. 231, herby establishes the following schedule of meetings to be held during 2025-2026. All meetings shall commence at 4:00 p.m. unless otherwise inducated.
Regular November 20, 2025 Thursday
Regular December 18, 2025 Thursday
Regular January 15, 2026 Thursday
ensure they’re brushing correctly and for the right amount of time.”
He also emphasizes that diet plays a major role. Limiting sugary snacks and drinks, and instead offering fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, can help reduce acid exposure while promoting overall wellness.
Regular dental checkups further support at-home care. Dr. Sones notes that cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants can prevent decay in hard-to-reach areas, while routine visits allow dentists to catch early signs of trouble before they become serious.
“Early, consistent dental visits help build a preventive mindset that lasts into adulthood,” he said.
Regular February 19, 2026
Regular March 19, 2026
Regular April 16, 2026
Regular May 21, 2026
Thursday
Thursday
Thursday
Thursday
Regular June 18, 2026 Thursday, 12 Noon
Regular July 16, 2026 Thursday, 12 Noon
Regular August 20, 2026 Thursday, 12 Noon
Regular September 17, 2026 Thursday
Regular October 27, 2026 Tuesday
Reorganization November 2, 2026 Monday, 12 Noon
Meetings will be held in the Conference Room in the Administration Building, at 137 Bey Lea Road, Toms River, New Jersey, unless otherwise indicated.
PLEASE NOTE FURTHER, that the public shall not be permitted to actively participate in the Executive Sessions and that the Board of Education of the Vocational School in the County of Ocean in it’s discretion may prohibit or regulate participation at any meeting.
Stephen J. Brennan, CPA, MBA School Business Administrator/ Board Secretary
Sergeant Retires After Nearly 30 Years With Sheriff’s Office
TOMS RIVER – After nearly three decades of distinguished service, Sergeant Steve Healey has retired from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, closing a career marked by dedication, leadership, and community commitment.
Healey began his service in 1996 with the Office of Emergency Management before moving on to the Judicial and Crime Scene Investigation units, where he later earned the rank of sergeant. Throughout his tenure, he was a valued member of the PBA 379 and 379A Executive Boards.
His career included responses to some of the region’s most challenging moments, including the September 11 attacks, Hurricane Sandy, and the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Colleagues described Sgt. Healey as a respected leader whose professionalism and compassion made a lasting impact across the department. The Sheriff’s Office and the residents of Ocean County thanked him for his years of service and wished him the very best in retirement.
Community Food Drive Collecting Donations For Local Pantries
MANCHESTER – A neighborhood food drive is underway to support two local food pantries serving families in need.
Running now through November 17, the “Sharing Is Caring” drive is collecting items for the United Methodist Church of Island Heights and Grandmother’s Cupboard.
Organizers said the Island Heights church is seeking goods that aren’t typically supplied by Fulfill, such as juice, canned tuna, crackers, and cookies. Grandmother’s Cupboard is
asking for sustainable, shelf-stable foods that can be used for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Donations may be dropped off in the tote located on the porch at 1709 Madison Avenue in the Pine Lake Park section of Manchester. All items will be delivered to the food banks on November 18.
Residents are encouraged to contribute and spread the word to friends and family. “Thank you for your kindness and generosity,” organizers said.
Pleasant Plains Firefighters Hosting 83rd Flapjack Breakfast
TOMS RIVER – The Pleasant Plains
Volunteer Fire Department will hold its 83rd annual all-you-can-eat Flapjack Breakfast on November 23 from 7 a.m. to noon at the firehouse, located at 40 Clayton Avenue.
Guests can enjoy fresh pancakes, non-
stop coffee, and a choice of dining in or taking out. Free delivery will also be available for those unable to attend in person.
In addition to breakfast, the event will feature raffles and a food drive to benefit the local food pantry.
For more information, call 732-349-0808.
Winter Solstice Celebration Set For Cattus Island County Park
TOMS RIVER — Commissioner Robert S. Arace announced that the Ocean County Department of Parks & Recreation will host its annual Winter Solstice Celebration on December 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cattus Island County Park.
The family-friendly event will feature games, crafts, live animal talks, horse and carriage rides from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., campfire story time, food, a candy cane nature walk and a special visit from Santa. No registration is required to attend.
Sergeant Steve Healey
Photo courtesy Ocean County Sheriff’s Office
C ommunity n ew S
Take Back Day Collects 23 Pounds Of Unused Medications
Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Corporal Dan Molyneux, OCPO Detective Steven Shadiak, Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, and OCPO Clerk Kayla Froberg.
TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and Sheriff’s Office reported a strong community turnout for the annual National Drug Enforcement Administration Prescription Drug Take Back Day, held October 25 outside the Ocean County Justice Complex.
The event resulted in the safe disposal of 23 pounds of expired or unwanted prescription medications. Officials said the effort helps prevent potential misuse and abuse by keeping
old medications out of homes and away from the wrong hands.
“Properly disposing of outdated prescriptions is a simple but important way to reduce the risk of substance abuse,” the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office said in a statement.
Residents who missed the collection event can still drop off medications year-round at designated disposal sites throughout the county.
A full list of permanent drop-off locations is available at bit.ly/dropofflocations2022.
Festive Hometown Christmas Celebration
LAVALLETTE – The holiday season will shine bright in Lavallette as the borough prepares for its annual Hometown Christmas celebration on December 6 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The family-friendly event will feature crafts, activities, and holiday happenings throughout
the downtown area. Visitors can also enjoy horse and carriage rides with Santa Claus from noon to 3 p.m., adding a classic touch of Christmas charm to the seaside town.
Organizers say more details about the day’s activities and participating locations will be announced soon.
• Have pictures taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 11:00 to 2:00 pm at no charge
• Tour our museum and holiday decorated Victorian style home
• Join us for holiday refreshments
• Holiday gifts for children ALL ABOVE IS FREE OF CHARGE
Large 50 - 50 drawing that day For additional info call Jeff at 609-339-9134 or email at jeffschenker@myyahoo.com
Ocean County Historical Society is located in Downtown Toms River at 26 Hadley Ave.
Photo courtesy Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office
Food Drive To Support Local Families
TOMS RIVER – Ocean Partnership for Children (OPC) is calling on the community to help stock its food donation shelves to support local families struggling to make ends meet. The organization is collecting non-perishable food items to assist those impacted by the increased cost of living and the shortage of SNAP and WIC benefits. Donations will help ensure that Ocean County families have access to nutritious meals.
Items most in need include canned proteins such as tuna, chicken, and salmon, peanut
butter, beans, pasta, rice, fruits and vegetables, and breakfast foods. Shelf-stable milk and kid-friendly snacks are also welcome.
Donations can be dropped off at the OPC office lobby, located at 36 Washington Street in Toms River.
“Every contribution, no matter how small, helps families in our community put food on the table,” said Katie Colhoun, Director of Community Resources and Advocacy at OPC. For more information, contact Colhoun at kcolhoun@oceanpartnership.org.
Firefighters Announce 2025 Santa Visits
TOMS RIVER – The East Dover Fire Company’s Santa Team is gearing up to spread holiday cheer once again with its annual neighborhood visits this December.
Online registration for the 2025 Santa Visits will open November 21 at 7 p.m., with the link posted on the company’s Facebook page. Scheduling will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Santa will make his rounds on December 19, from 5 to 9 p.m., and December 20, from noon to 9 p.m. The annual East Dover Santa Run will
follow on December 21, beginning at 9 a.m.
Residents are encouraged to coordinate with neighbors to create larger group stops. The suggested donation remains $40 for up to three children, with an additional $10 per child beyond that.
A waiting list will again be available for families who miss the initial sign-up, though spots are not guaranteed. Participation is limited to residents of the East Dover area.
For more info and to see the map, visit facebook.com/Eastdoverfire.
Elks Seek Donations For Brunch With Santa
TOMS RIVER –Elks Lodge #1875 Plunge Team is gearing up for its annual Brunch with Santa and is asking the community for help to make the event a success.
Organizers are seeking donations of food items including ham, breakfast sausage, eggs, tater tots, waffles, Hawaiian sweet rolls, apple and orange juice, fruit, green salad, and baked goods. Contributions will help provide a festive holiday meal for families attending the event.
Volunteers are also needed on December 13 to help with setup, food preparation, and cleanup. Morning assistance is requested from 7 to 9 a.m. for setup, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to serve food, and from 1 p.m. onward for cleanup. Those interested in donating or volunteering can contact Valerie at 732-684-0083.
The annual brunch is one of the Elks’ favorite holiday traditions, bringing joy to local families while supporting community programs throughout the season.
Donovan Catholic PTA Hosting Christmas
Market And Gift Auction
TOMS RIVER – The Donovan Catholic PTA will host its annual Christmas Market on December 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the school, located at 711 Hooper Avenue.
The festive marketplace will feature local vendors, food, refreshments, a gift auction, and a 50/50 raffle drawing. Vendor
spaces are available for $45 each, with an additional $25 donation item requested for the auction.
Setup begins at 7:30 a.m., and spaces will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. To apply or learn more, email Jenn Kerr at ChristmasMarket2025@gmail.com.
Leisure Knoll Hosts Public Art Exhibit
MANCHESTER – Leisure Knoll will open its doors to the public for a community art exhibit on November 16 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the community’s PAC Center, located at 1 Buckingham Drive North.
Visitors can browse and purchase one-of-akind artwork, including original paintings,
handcrafted cards and other creative pieces – just in time to find the perfect holiday gift for someone special.
Guests are asked to check in with the guard at the gate, who will direct them to the clubhouse.
The event is free and open to all.
Officials Remind Hunters To Follow Rules On Natural Lands
TOMS RIVER – With hunting season underway, Ocean County officials are reminding sportsmen to stay safe and follow all regulations when hunting on county-owned natural lands.
The Ocean County Department of Planning and the Natural Lands Trust urge hunters to review property boundaries before heading out. Hunters are asked to respect safety zones, avoid shooting across trails or dirt roads,
and comply with all state and federal hunting laws. Temporary tree stands may be installed up to two weeks before the start of the season and must be removed within two weeks after it ends.
Officials also emphasize that no hunting is permitted on Sundays.
For more information, contact the Ocean County Department of Planning at 732-9292054 or email nlt@co.ocean.nj.us.
KidMin Tuesdays Offers Faith, Fun & Friendship For Local Kids
TOMS RIVER – Children in kindergarten through fifth grade are invited to take part in KidMin Tuesdays, an after-school program at the Presbyterian Church of Toms River that blends games, learning and faith. The weekly gathering begins at 4:45 p.m. and runs until 6:05 p.m., giving kids time to play, enjoy snacks and join small-group
discussions about Jesus with peers and leaders. Parents and guardians are welcome to return early to join a closing prayer at the end of the session.
KidMin Tuesdays is held during the school year, with breaks for holidays. For the current schedule, call the church office at 732-349-1331 or email office@pctr.org.
Holiday Craft & Vendor Fair To Benefit Veterans
TOMS RIVER – The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 129 will host its annual Holiday Craft and Vendor Fair on November 29 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the American Legion, 2025 Church Road in Toms River. The event will feature a variety of local
vendors, handmade crafts, and a 50/50 raffle, along with prizes donated by participating vendors. Proceeds will support programs benefiting veterans, military families, and children in need.
For more information, call 732-272-7552.
Check out Dr. Izzy’s Sound News on Page 16
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Dr. Izzy’s
Sound News
Presented By: Isidore Kirsh, Ph.D., F.A.A.A. (N.J. Lic. #678)
5 Signs It’s Time For A Hearing Test
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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 Because 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!
Al-Anon Meetings Available Locally
OCEAN COUNTY – Are you troubled by someone else’s drinking? Al-Anon Family Groups may be able to help you. Call their 24-hour hotline for local meeting locations at 888-944-5678.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS! Expand your patient base by advertising in Micromedia Publications’ 7 weekly newspapers. Call 732-657-7344 to find out how!
Dr. Isidore Kirsh Ph.D., F.A.A.A.
Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.
15 Surprising Ways To Use Alcohol Pads Around Your Home, Body, And Garden
If you have a box of pre-packaged alcohol pads in your bathroom cabinet, congratulations—you own one of the most under-appreciated multitaskers in your home. I keep them everywhere… and I mean everywhere! They’re like hairs - I find them on top of my desk, in the kitchen drawer, in the bathroom makeup drawer, my glove box, even tucked in my purse. I first bought them for practical reasons like prepping the skin before peptide injections like thymosin alpha, but soon realized these little squares are tiny wonders for everyday life.
Sure, they disinfect little nicks and scrapes, but they also clean gardening tools, sanitize tech gadgets and even refresh armpits, lol, all for pennies. I keep a few in my purse and in my kitchen drawer; they’re like the Swiss-army squares of sanitation.
Here are some unexpected ways to put those humble pads to work.
Use them around your home to wipe down germy surfaces like TV remotes, light switches, appliance knobs, and bathroom door handles. If you’ve ever looked at your phone screen in the sunlight and gasped, a quick wipe removes fingerprints and makeup smudges, evaporating without streaks. Alcohol even dissolves sticky goo from price stickers or bandage residue, so keep one handy when you bring home new glass decor items or candles.
Eyeglasses looking cloudy? A swab will make lenses sparkle, just don’t use it on polarized glasses or any glasses with anti-reflective coatings. Don’t use on camera lenses. Earbuds, calculators, and keyboards also benefit from a wipe-down,
especially after travel or gym visits. Jewelry can get a refresh too; you can swipe earring hooks or silicone/rubber watch bands to remove oils after you wear them.
Personal care uses go beyond wounds. Swipe your thermometer, glucometer, reusable razor, and blood pressure cuff after use to keep them sanitary. If you’re out and suddenly realize you need deodorant, an alcohol pad kills odor-causing bacteria in a pinch. They can even cool the itch of a bug bite while you hunt for your aloe gel or witch hazel.
Need to prep your skin before applying acne medication? An alcohol pad removes surface oils, allowing spot treatments (whether benzoyl peroxide or botanicals like neem) to work more efficiently.
Gardeners, take note: I use these all the time. Alcohol pads can stop plant diseases from spreading by disinfecting your pruning shears between cuts. I do this for roses and tomatoes. They also help remove your plant stakes, hygrometer stake, pots, and sticky sap from your hands or tools.
In short, these mighty little squares punch above their weight. They evaporate quickly, kill harmful microbes, and take up almost no space, making them a quiet household hero many overlook.
So don’t save them just for scrapes or needle sticks. Stash a few in your wallet, purse, garden apron, car, and travel bag. You just found one of the cheapest, simplest, pharmacist-approved life hacks you’ll ever use. Want more details and weekly wellness tips? Read the full article and sign up for my free newsletters at suzycohen.com.
(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.
By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.
Around the JerSey Shore
Northern Ocean Habitat Launches Fall Food Drive To Support Local Families
By Jason Allentoff
TOMS RIVER – Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore is inviting residents to help fight hunger this season through its Fall Food Drive, which runs now through November 22.
The ReStore, located at 1214 Route 37 East in Toms River, is collecting unexpired, nonperishable food items to benefit local food banks serving Ocean County families in need.
According to organizers, more than 11 percent of Ocean County households have
struggled with food insecurity over the past year. Donations collected during the drive will help provide meals and nourishment to families who might otherwise go without.
“Together, we can build stronger, healthier communities — one can at a time,” Habitat staff said on a social media post.
Donations can be dropped off at the ReStore Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For more information, call 732-818-9500 ext. 122 or email aadams@northernoceanhabitat.org.
Winding River Ice Rink Brings Back DJ Skate Nights
TOMS RIVER – Lace up your skates and get ready to groove — DJ Skate Nights are back at the Winding River Ice Rink.
The popular seasonal series runs from now through March 28, offering lively evenings filled with music and fun on the ice. Sessions take place Fridays from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. and
Saturdays from 8 to 10 p.m.
Skaters can enjoy tunes spun by a live DJ under the rink lights at 1211 Whitesville Road. Admission is $15, with skate rentals available for $5.
For more information, contact the Winding River Skating Center at 732-244-0720, ext. 1 or 5.
A couple enjoys a peaceful sunset at Bayside Park in Brick as golden
reflects across the bay.Photo by Mary Patterson. Have a beautiful Jersey Shore moment to share? Send your photos to photos@jerseyshoreonline.com for a
Historical Society Hosts Victorian Holiday Open House
TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Historical Society will present its annual Victorian Holiday Open House on November 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 26 Hadley Avenue, featuring free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Guests can tour the historic Elizabeth Sculthorp House—decorated for the season—and explore museum exhibits including a one-room schoolhouse, a Hindenburg display, and a timeline of Ocean County
history. Refreshments will be served, and children will receive small gifts. Admission and activities are free.
“I truly enjoy seeing people of all ages having their pictures taken. It doesn’t matter how old or young you are,” said OCHS trustee Frank Parks, adding that he and his wife take a photo each year for their scrapbook.
For more information, contact Jeff at 609339-9134 or jeffschenker@myyahoo.com.
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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!
Around the JerSey Shore Patients Scramble As Optum Shuts Down Dozens Of Medical Offices
By Jason Allentoff
NEW
JERSEY – Patients
and doctors across Ocean County and the state are scrambling for answers as Optum, a health provider owned by UnitedHealth, prepares to shut down dozens of medical offices statewide by December 1 — including primary care, pediatrics, and several specialty practices.
“our commitment to making health care more affordable,” adding that it regularly reviews its “services, footprint and staffing levels” to adapt to market changes.
The company declined to specify the total number of affected sites or patients but said it is “supporting affected team members with job placement resources” and “providing clear information and support to our patients to ensure uninterrupted care.”
The company has also reported more than 180 layoffs tied to its New Jersey operations.
The closures affect eight major specialties — gastroenterology, podiatry, chiropractic, dermatology, endocrinology, orthopedics, pulmonology, and behavioral health — as well as nearly 40 primary and pediatric care offices. Some buildings house multiple specialties, meaning several services will disappear at once.
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Locations in Toms River, Brick and Manahawkin are among those losing local providers.
An Optum spokesperson said the company is consolidating operations as part of
Patients concerned about accessing medical records can visit Optum’s online Medical Records page for instructions on how to request files before offices close.
The widespread shutdowns come as both patients and providers express frustration over the short notice and uncertainty about where ongoing care will continue after December 1.
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Entire Estates Bought - Bedroom/dining sets, dressers, cedar chests, wardrobes, secretaries, pre-1950 wooden furniture, older glassware, oriental rugs, paintings, bronzes, silver, bric-a-brac. Call Jason at 609-970-4806. (t/n)
Cash - Top dollar, paid for junk, cars running and nonrunning, late model salvage, cars and trucks, etc. 732-928-3713. (t/n)
Used Guns Wanted - All types: collectibles, military, etc. Call 917-681-6809. (t/n)
I Buy Records - Cash paid, we answer the phone. Call Eddie at 732-829-5908. Records 33/45. Walt buys comics, toys & collectibles. Call 908-278-3782. (49)
Help Wanted
Laundromat Attendant - For FT/ PT Good communication skills, math and min computer knowledge. Transportation needed. Long term commitment only. 732-286-1863. (t/n)
Magnolia Gardens Assisted Living is hiring a full time Maintenance worker. If interested, please email resume to HR@magnoliaal.com or call us at 732-557-6500. You can also visit us in person at 1935 Route 9 Toms river 08755. (49)
Magnolia Gardens Assisted Living is hiring a part time evening/weekend Receptionist. If interested, please email resume to HR@magnoliaal. com or call us at 732-557-6500. You can also visit us in person at 1935 Route 9 Toms river 08755. (49)
CLASSIFIEDS
Help Wanted
Magnolia Gardens Assisted Living is hiring a full and part time Dietary Aides If interested, please email resume to HR@magnoliaal. com or call us at 732-557-6500. You can also visit us in person at 1935 Route 9 Toms river 08755. (49)
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)
Housecleaning - Laundry, window, carpet, office cleaning, food shopping. Call 732-3304189 or 848-287-3944. (52)
Life Coach - Facing a challenge? Talk it out with me in person. Be more likely to sense your way. $25 for 1 hour. Melissa Lekas, 732-754-4891. (50)
Affordable Landscaping - Spring Cleanups, Complete lawn maintenance, Sod & seed lawns, Shrubs & tree pruning, Topsoil & mulch and much more. 732-808-7477. (t/n)
Dana's Cleaning Service - Let us make your home or office Sparkle and Shine for the holidays. Book now and get 20% off for all new clients. Call 609-703-3922. (50)
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)
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)
Excellence Hypnosis - Lose weight, stop smoking, release stress, overcome fears, manage pain & improve sport performance. Call 732-2094125 free consultation (46)
Services Services Services Services
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. (3)
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)
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)
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)
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)
"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)
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County Pushes For Local Control Over PFAS Settlement Funds
TOMS RIVER – Ocean County officials are urging the State of New Jersey to reject a proposed $450 million settlement agreement with 3M unless counties are granted direct control over how the funds are used to address PFAS contamination.
The state’s current plan, announced in May, would give the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) full authority over the settlement, including how the money is distributed across the state. Ocean County leaders say that model shuts out the local governments most directly dealing with the effects of PFAS — commonly known as “forever chemicals.”
“We are seeing a growing PFAS plume moving through our groundwater,” said Commissioner Robert S. Arace, who is
leading the effort on behalf of the Board of Commissioners. “Our towns are being forced to install costly treatment systems just to protect drinking water. If the settlement funds are held solely by the DEP, our local officials are in the dark and our residents are left waiting.”
Arace said Ocean County’s municipalities know their infrastructure and water systems best, and that local oversight would ensure funds go directly to communities facing contamination. “Local leaders must be at the table, not on the sidelines, when these decisions are being made,” he said.
County officials argue that a centralized approach could delay action and dilute resources through state bureaucracy. They say local governments are better positioned to prioritize projects and make
visible progress toward cleaner water and stronger public health protections.
“When the State holds all the money and all the authority, the result is delay, bureaucracy, and a one-size-fits-all approach that doesn’t work,” Arace said.
Deputy Director Frank Sadeghi said the funds should be distributed where contamination has occurred. “Each county faces unique environmental and infrastructure challenges,” he said. “Local governments are on the front lines of addressing them every day.”
Commissioner Jennifier Bacchione pointed to the opioid settlement model, which allowed counties and municipalities to manage funds directly. “Counties have demonstrated their ability to manage settlement funds with integrity,” she said.
“We have the oversight and community partnerships to ensure these dollars make a real difference.”
Commissioner Virginia E. Haines said residents deserve to see tangible results from the settlement in their own communities. “Local control is the only way to guarantee that happens,” she said.
Ocean County is calling on the state to revise the PFAS settlement framework so each of New Jersey’s 21 counties can directly access funds for remediation, water treatment upgrades, and public health programs.
“This is about public trust,” Arace added. “Every dollar from this settlement should be visible, traceable, and tied to real environmental improvements right here in Ocean County.”
R.C. Shea & Assoc. Inside The Law
Why Proper Notice Of Development Applications Matters And How It Can Affect You
Esq.
By: Vincent DelRiccio, Esq., R.C. Shea & Associates
When it comes to land development in New Jersey, the Municipal Land Use Law (“MLUL”) requires that applications for development include proper public notice. This isn’t just a bureaucratic formality, compliance with notice requirements is jurisdictional, meaning that if the notice isn’t done correctly, a municipal board may have no authority to hear the application at all.
So, what exactly should a development notice include? At a minimum, it must provide:
• The date, time, and location of the hearing.
• The nature of the matters to be considered.
• Identification of the property proposed for development
• Where and when the plans and documents supporting the application can be viewed.
While most of these requirements are straightforward, the second item, the “nature of the matters,” often causes confusion. Courts have emphasized that notices must provide enough detail for
an ordinary person to understand the project and determine whether to object or seek more information. This includes the proposed primary use of the property, any variances being requested that could affect the community, and even additional or accessory uses, that sometimes seem secondary to the main project.
For instance, courts have overturned approvals where notices failed to mention a restaurant with a liquor license included in a retail center application, or a banquet facility was included in a hotel project. These are minor omissions, but they can delay a project for years
While you don’t need to include every single detail in a notice, ensuring it conforms fully to MLUL requirements is critical Proper notice protects your project and your investment and prevents costly legal challenges down the road.
If you or your business is starting a land use application, the attorneys at R.C. Shea & Associates can guide you through the notice process and help ensure your project moves forward smoothly. Call us today to discuss how we can assist. (732) 505-1212.
Vincent J. DelRiccio,
Around the JerSey Shore
New County Commissioner Pledges United Leadership
OCEAN COUNTY – Newly elected Ocean County Commissioner Sam Ellenbogen ex-
pressed gratitude and a commitment to unity following his election victory.
In a statement on social media in the hours after election day, Ellenbogen said he was “truly honored and deeply humbled” by the trust and support of voters across all 33 Ocean County municipalities. He thanked friends, neighbors, volunteers, and supporters who knocked on doors, made phone calls, and helped spread his campaign’s message.
Over the past several months, Ellenbogen said he connected with residents in every community, listening to their concerns and ideas for building “a stronger, safer, and more united Ocean County.”
“As your Commissioner, I will serve with honesty, integrity, and tireless energy,” Ellenbogen said. “Our strength is in our unity, and together we can keep Ocean County the beautiful, thriving community we all love and are proud to call home.” Ellenbogen called the win “a victory for all of us” and pledged to ensure every resident’s voice is heard and valued as he begins his term on the Board of Commissioners.
Wildlife Rescue 911: Ducks Crossing Kenilworth Boulevard
By Renee A. Thomaier Retired NJ State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator
During my time as an active wildlife rehabilitator, as was usual, telephone calls would come in to me from concerned people looking for assistance with wildlife. It was not unusual to receive calls in the middle of the night. One evening I answered a call from a fellow animal rescue person, Jim, whom I knew. As I answered the call, he told me of a pair of ducks who were trying to cross Kenilworth Boulevard in Kenilworth. The conversation started with Jim telling me there was a pair of ducks trying to cross the Boulevard. To further inquire about the kind of ducks he now had in his possession, I immediately assumed that the ducks were mallard but asked what color they were. To my surprise he returned with an answer that the ducks were white. It appeared to me that these ducks were not wild, but in fact, domestic which are common in New Jersey. Animals in the wild are typically designed to blend into the environment. White ducks are usually raised for personal purposes, like pets, but mostly raised for their meat and/or eggs.
Wanting to help, I accepted the ducks from Jim. During that time, New Jersey was experiencing a lengthy drought. Upon examination, I could see they were very dirty, probably due to the lack of water to properly bathe and preen their feathers. Preening is a necessity for a healthy duck, a grooming that entails realigning their feathers using their beak, helping to distribute protective oils, giving them buoyancy for floating on water. Using the basin in my basement, as I moved one bird at a time, I learned quickly they were bonded. They needed to be together. It was so rewarding to see them splashing around and happy being in water. Something they probably hadn’t had access to for many weeks. Not ‘wildlife,’ I began making phone calls to locate a place for them to live. I located a residential community in Princeton where the residents were happy to care for them. Domestic ducks do not fly; therefore, they should never be released into a wild situation.
For inquiries, call 732-244-2768. It is illegal to possess, relocate, or cause harm to wildlife for any reason. Managing wildlife without state and/or federal permits is illegal. Violations are subject to legal penalties.
Sam Ellenbogen
Photo courtesy Ocean County
Around the JerSey Shore
New Playground Opens At Ocean County Park
By Jason Allentoff
LAKEWOOD – Families visiting Ocean County Park can now enjoy an all-new “Slide City” playground, a $1.59 million upgrade that doubles the fun with more slides, a dual zipline, and outdoor fitness stations.
Ocean County Commissioners joined local officials for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the park’s 659 Ocean Avenue entrance to celebrate the grand reopening.
“Ocean County Park is one of our most loved and historic parks, and a place that families have been coming to for generations,” said Ocean County Commissioner Robert S. Arace, who chairs the Department of Parks and Recreation. “The enhancements we’re celebrating today build on that legacy, ensuring that this park continues to meet the needs of the families who use it every day.”
The new design by Kompan Inc., installed by Buzz Burger Construction, includes ADA-accessible paths, rubber safety surfacing, and inclusive play areas for children of all abilities. The dual zipline spans nearly 1,000 feet, while the fitness zone encourages adults and teens to stay active alongside younger visitors.
Funding for the project came through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), part of a federal effort to strengthen communities and public spaces following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing, expanding, and modernizing our parks,” Arace said. “Our Parks Department has done an outstanding job putting these opportunities to good use for the benefit of our residents.”
The project is one of several recent park improvements throughout Ocean County, including new playgrounds in Jackson, Little Egg Harbor, Point Pleasant, Tuckerton, Lakewood, Berkeley Township, and Lacey Township. Upgrades are also underway at Cattus Island County Park in Toms River, and a new playground is planned for the future Matthews McKinley Park in Lakewood.
“The staff in the Ocean County Parks and Recreation Department does a tremendous job maintaining the 4,000-acre park system operated by the County,” Arace added.
“We’re proud to continue investing in spaces that bring our community together.”
Artists’ Guild Seeking Donated Cameras For Youth Program
ISLAND HEIGHTS – The Ocean County Artists’ Guild is asking the community to donate gently used digital cameras to support its pre-teen and teen photography group. The cameras will be used by young photographers learning the basics of composition, lighting, and creative expression. Donations can be dropped off at the Guild,
LOOK FOR A VARIETY OF PHOTOS SNAPPED ALL AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE!
Have a photo you’d like to share with the community? TAG US! Visit online @ jerseyshoreonline.com
located at 22 Chestnut Avenue in Island Heights.
Those wishing to contribute or learn more can email info@ocartistsguild.org or call 732-270-3111.
The program is part of the Guild’s mission to make the arts more accessible to local youth and nurture the next generation of visual storytellers.
Photo courtesy Ocean County
FUN & GAMES SUDOKU
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Across
Birthstones for some Scorpios 6 Consumes, in a way
Revenue sources for freemium apps
Jubilant cry
“Dominicana”
Cruz
Matcha, e.g.
Ingest lather while getting one’s mouth washed out with soap?
Clever one
Show the way
Cry at the end of a performance
Tourney game
French beans?
TikTok upload
Loudly promote trips to Istanbul?
Sterling silver, e.g.
Crossed (out)
Brainpower nos.
Say “Holy nightmare, Batman!”?
Omar of Congress
Accustom (to)
Apple TV+ role for
“Jurassic Park” dinosaur, e.g.
Print maker
“I’ve got it!”
Only
Theater boxes Down 1 Pained cries
Double birdie, which can also be found at 17-, 31-, 48-, and 62-Across?
Sticky treat, in more ways than one
Unfair treatment
Word with tight or
Sold off
Observed
On the job
Sweetie pie
With wisdom
Solemn recitation
Sonata, for one
Create a PDF, perhaps
“Legally Blonde” blonde
Actor Ventimiglia
Number of hearts for
ER graph
Touchpad toucher
Reply with an apos-
“We’re done here”
Argentine soccer legend dubbed “El Pibe de Oro”
Not much
“Good going!”
Used colorful language
Crispy Colonel
Coming right up
Density symbol, in
Oversaw
Flu or fly
Not online, for short
with
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Feelings and higher wisdom can align in a partner, potentially offering a real sense of security. A money matter might be so frustrating that you just don’t want to deal with it now. A path to the future might be found at home.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Bring logistical reasoning and deep caring to anything you do for others. You might have more help to get jobs done than you expected. A housemate or partner could seem prickly and somewhat uncooperative now.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Today could take art, music, or other personal expressions over the top, you could find the sweet spot between sparkling cosmic flow and your sweet inner child — a space where real magic can be made.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Progress could be made on the domestic front, logical solutions and a warm heart can combine to deliver just the right answers, and new resources could continue to appear. Creation could be your catalyst to release anger.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Finding just the right words for an emotional message can allow you to reach people and potentially make a difference today. Some frustrations around the house could continue for a few more days, do what you can to defuse the situation.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Seek out the most fact-based solution to any money concerns. Notice if past worries, even childhood fears, are influencing your feelings. Telegraphing your frustrations might or might not shift a
FOR THE WEEK OF NOV. 15 - 21 BY
situation now.
JERALDINE SAUNDERS
OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Heart and brain are a powerful combo, you bring both to the conversation today. Support for your goals, or even just for you yourself, could arise unexpectedly. Wait to work out a financial matter.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Today could be a perfect time to shed light on an old emotional tangle. Unravel it with higher knowledge that can allow you to see the old patterns, and you can release a lifetime of self-sabotage.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): A friend could offer both a caring hug and the wise solution you’ve been seeking. An unresolved frustration could slip out in conversation — when you get old business worked out internally, you’re less likely to say the wrong thing.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): An intuition or instinct could shed helpful light on a situation in your workplace, your career can uplevel and provide more benefits. Conflict resolution could be a needed skill in friendships this week.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Ancestral wisdom can feel like the right medicine for the day, share knowledge and blessings in a circle of reciprocity. If something has been upsetting at work, the situation could begin to clear later this week.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): A deeper understanding within someone else could shift a stuck financial situation. If you need to make changes in mindset, learning more about constructive processing and release of anger could be a game-changer.
Diane Rossen Worthington
Serves 6
For the salad:
1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
10 Belgian Endive, sliced vertically into strips
2 Fuji, Envy or Pink Lady apples, peeled, cored and sliced into strips
For the dressing:
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar Salt and pepper
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup dried figs, finely chopped
1. Heat a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add walnuts and toss gently over the heat until they begin to brown lightly and become fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and reserve.
2. In a salad bowl combine the endive and apple strips and sprinkle over the walnuts.
3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl whisk together the mustard, vinegars and salt and
pepper. Add the oil slowly until emulsified. Add the dried figs and mix to combine. Taste for seasoning.
4. To serve: pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat well. Serve on salad plates. Advance preparation: This salad may be made through Step 3, covered and refrigerated up to two hours ahead. Make sure to cover the salad tightly with plastic wrap so the apples won’t turn brown.
(Diane Rossen Worthington is an authority on new American cooking. She is the author of 18 cookbooks, including “Seriously Simple Parties,” and a James Beard Award-winning radio show host. You can contact her at www.seriouslysimple.com.) ©2025 Diane Rossen Worthington. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
