Tree Lighting Kicks Off Christmas Season
By Andrew Rice
HOWELL - The Township hosted its tree lighting ceremony to kick off the Christmas season. Citizens and families of Howell gathered together singing Christmas songs, playing winter/Christmas-themed holiday games, drinking hot cocoa, and eating cookies, all before Santa Claus visited them by arriving on a fire truck.
The event featured several performances by various musical groups from Howell High School and the Memorial Elementary School fifth-grade
chorus, who sang Christmas songs to get event attendees into the holiday spirit.
One of these musical groups that performed was the Howell High School Band. They played well-known Christmas songs such as “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and “Joy To The World.”
The Howell High School Band is directed by Dr. Anthony Limaldi, who spoke about what it means for him, his program, and the students to be able to perform at an event like this.
(Tree Lighting - See Page 3)
Teacher’s Illness Delays Sex Crime Case
By Stephanie Faughnan
FREEHOLD - The criminal prosecution of former Freehold Intermediate School teacher Allison Havemann-Niedrach was delayed on December 8 after the 44-year-old Jackson resident failed to appear in court for a hearing intended to determine whether the case would resolve through a plea agreement or proceed toward trial.
Before Judge Jill O’Malley, attorney Matthew Mordas appeared on
Havemann-Niedrach’s behalf. After meeting in chambers with Mordas and Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Danielle Zanzuccki, O’Malley confirmed that medical documentation had been submitted verifying the defendant was ill and formally excused her absence.
“The court is satisfied, based on documents received, that she is not available for today,” O’Malley said from the bench.
The December 8 hearing had been
scheduled as a formal plea cutoff date. Until now, court proceedings revealed that a medical report was pending, without clarification as to whether it addressed physical health issues, psychological claims, or both. At earlier appearances, counsel indicated the findings could be tied to a potential diminished capacity argument.
O’Malley confirmed that the final report is expected from the psychologist (Teacher - See Page 2)
“The
Last Secretary Of Education” Visits Local School
Secretary
By Andrew Rice COLTS NECK - Secretary of Education
Linda McMahon made an appearance at Cedar Drive Middle School in Colts Neck as part of the nationwide “History Rocks!” tour, which aims to promote civics and American history education.
The visit is tied to the America 250 Civics Education Coalition, a partnership involving the U.S. Department of Education and dozens of national organizations, including the America First Policy Institute, Turning Point USA, Hillsdale College, Moms for Liberty, and others.
The Colts Neck Board of Education, and in particular, President Angelique Volpe, is credited with reaching out early, which helped bring national recognition to the district. The
tour will visit schools in all 50 states by the time it is finished. During her visit to the school, McMahon and her team participated in a school-wide assembly, visited individual classrooms and toured several student showcases, and met with select district officials, teachers, and students. The assembly itself included a presentation of the colors by Colts Neck High School’s ROTC program, the playing of several patriotic songs like “America the Beautiful” by the Cedar Drive Middle School band, a speech by McMahon, and games for the students, where they asked basic questions about American history to the whole school. A reporter voiced concern to McMahon that (Secretary - See Page 3)
Photo by Andrew Rice
of Education Linda McMahon gives her History Rocks presentation to the students at Cedar Drive Middle School.
Photo by Andrew Rice
The Rebelation Choir performs at the tree lighting ceremony.
Teacher:
Continued From Page 1
who evaluated Havemann-Niedrach and rescheduled the matter for January 21, setting that date as a firm cutoff.
Although an exact trial date has not yet been set, the judge advised attorneys on both sides to clear their calendars for a potential trial in late March or April 2026, noting that the court has some flexibility
depending on witness availability and scheduling conflicts.
“I am looking at March and April. Keep your special calendars clear around that time,” she said.
Charges And Allegations
Havemann-Niedrach is charged with multiple serious sex offenses involving a minor student during her employment in the Freehold Regional School Dis -
trict. The charges include sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child, and official misconduct, according to prior court filings and statements placed on the record during earlier proceedings.
Prosecutors allege that she exploited her position of authority as a teacher to initiate and maintain an inappropriate sexual relationship with a student. The accusations involve repeated acts of illegal sexual contact and communication, some
of which investigators say took place during the school year while the student was under her supervision.
According to prosecutors, the state’s case is built on a combination of digital evidence, forensic analysis, student disclosures, and corroborating records. Investigators seized electronic devices and recovered text messages and electronic communications that prosecutors say document the progression of the relationship. Earlier court testimony described some of those communications as explicit and indicative of planning and concealment.
In addition, interviews conducted with the juvenile victim form a central piece of the prosecution’s case. Those interviews were performed by trained specialists and are expected to be presented at trial if the matter does not resolve beforehand.
Earlier this year, prosecutors placed a plea offer on the record that would have required Havemann-Niedrach to plead guilty to a reduced charge in exchange for a recommended sentence of 12 years in state prison, well below her maximum sentencing exposure. The offer included mandatory parole supervision and sex offender registration requirements. If convicted at trial, Havemann-Niedrach faces the possibility of substantial state prison time, parole supervision for life, and mandatory registration under New Jersey’s sex offender laws.
Broader Pattern Under Review
The prosecution of Havemann-Niedrach is unfolding amid a growing number of criminal cases in New Jersey and across the country involving teachers accused of sexual misconduct with students. That troubling pattern and the systems in place to detect, report, and prevent abuse will be examined in a future in-depth report.
PTOs Launch Coat & Toy Drive For Local Children
HOWELL – The parent-teacher organizations at Adelphia School and Newbury School are joining forces on a holiday coat and toy drive to support local families in need.
Organizers are asking for donations of new or gently used children’s coats in sizes 2T through 8, along with new, unwrapped toys for children ages 3 to 6. Items will be collected through December 15.
Donations can be dropped off at either Adelphia School or Newbury School during regular school hours. Volunteers also can arrange to pick up items from donors who are unable to get to the schools.
For more information or to coordinate a pickup, email emilytorrisipto@gmail.com.
Secretary:
Continued From Page 1
this would be a political visit rather than an educational one.
“Well, I don’t think there’s politics today,” she said. “I think that history and civics and love of country, patriotism, crosses every political boundary, and that is not something that should divide.”
“Every citizen of this country needs to understand that this is the greatest country in the world and there is no politics involved in that,” she said.
When a reporter asked McMahon about an accusation by Democrats that Department of Education responsibilities are being transferred to other departments, she replied: “My job, the president hired me to be the last Secretary of Education.”
Protestors gathered outside of Cedar Drive Middle School to protest the assembly itself and to speak against the core values of the people and the organizations that are running it. They disagreed with the political beliefs that they thought were being forced on the kids and were skeptical of the intentions of the groups that are behind McMahon’s tour. Many of them stated that they do not agree that something political of this nature has any place in a school system.
Another one of the major complaints of the protestors is that they were denied access to what they claim was being called a public meeting.
“If you have a public board meeting at 7:45 in the morning that is advertised as being open to the public, and then the public is denied entry, that is just not acceptable. I don’t even know if that is legal,” said Kyler Dineen, one of the protestors who leads an organization called NJ voters for church and state separation. It was that same organization that started a petition to have the Colts Neck Board of Education cancel McMahon’s visit, because they said they wanted to keep propaganda out of schools. He unsuccessfully ran for New Jersey Assembly as a Democrat
Tree Lighting:
Continued From Page 1
“It is just a great community outreach for us, it’s great for the kids who perform, and it’s great for the kids in the audience,” he said. “It gives them a sense of self-worth, it contributes to them being a part of a community, to be able to perform for people like this. It helps give them a sense of community.”
Other musical groups from Howell High School who performed included their a a cappella choir, the “Rebelation.”
The event featured several games for kids as well. These included a Christmas-themed ring toss, a snowball toss (which is similar to an axe throw), and a yule-themed version of whack-a-mole.
Cookies, coffee, and hot chocolate were free for eventgoers. The cookies were bought by some of the organizers of the event, while the coffee and hot chocolate were supplied by The Caffeine Haven, which is a local business whose storefront can be found right off of Route 9, near Georgia Tavern Road.
in the 12th District this year.
On top of that, major news sources and publications, like The New York Times and MS NOW, were denied access to the event. All protestors who were interviewed said that they believe that New Jersey schools are non-partisan neutral grounds or are at least they are meant to be.
“They have brought politics into the district. New Jersey schools are nonpartisan. When you enter a school board, as a former school board member, you check your politics at the door, and you are here to educate the kids,” said one protestor in reference to the current Colts Neck Board of Education.
“This is not a protest of Linda McMahon’s visit in it of itself, I don’t think, I mean, I personally wouldn’t have a problem with the sitting US Secretary of Education visiting a school. To me, it’s very specifically the organizations that are involved in the coalition that are the reason why she is here is to promote the work of that coalition. She is here to promote civics-based education of a group that was formed with our US tax dollars. With groups that have very clear political, religious motivations behind them. Schools overall should be neutral grounds.”
The superintendent of the Colts Neck Board of Education, Dr. MaryJane Garibay, said that the event itself was a part of a non-partisan initiative.
Since they were prevented from accessing the event, the protestors organized their efforts at the front entrance to the school’s parking lot.
Much of the discontent that the protestors had during the event seemed to stem from how the current presidential administration has been handling education, distrust of the groups that are behind McMahon’s appearance in Colts Neck and her tour overall, and how the current board of education seems willing to inject what the protestors deem to be propaganda into the schools.
The next meeting of the Colts Neck Board of Education will be on December 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the board room at 70 Conover Road.
More people gathered throughout the evening. After about an hour of getting into the Christmas spirit, Howell Township Council member Evelyn O’Donnell got on the loudspeaker to start the countdown. After 10 seconds, the trees in front of the hall lit up as patrons cheered.
However, the night was not done after that, as Santa Claus still needed to make his arrival. Fake snow started to fall, as families began to sing in anticipation of his arrival. Then, through the trees, several fire trucks were seen moving out of the fire station, which is right next to the town hall. As the fire trucks seemed to get closer, the singing got louder and louder, until they turned the corner to reveal Santa Claus sitting on top, waving to the crowd.
The first truck would park right in front of the town hall, allowing Santa to step down and walk through the crowd of people. Santa slowly made his way through the crowd, talking to families before wrapping up and heading inside the building.
Just like that, the holiday season was kicked off in Howell.
New Play About Baseball, The Perfect Gift By Local Writer
BRICK
–
By Chris Lundy
The Christmas season is often filled with comedy and drama, and a debut play being performed locally is no different.
“The Christmas Cardinal” explores relationships between friends and family, set against the backdrop of an epic baseball-themed pilgrimage.
Corey Crawford, a Toms River native, has been acting, directing, and writing
for Brick’s Guild Theatreworks for many years. He explained to The Brick Times where he got the idea for his new work.
“It’s inspired by trips I take every year with friends to Cooperstown,” New York for the Baseball Hall of Fame. The three characters taking this trek are versions of Crawford and his two friends.
with a loss in his family while also searching for the perfect gift for someone.
Crawford hints that “He gets a little help from some Christmas spirit.”
As you could imagine with a road trip with friends, there’s some good-natured ribbing among the buddies. This friendly banter makes up some of the humor of the piece. The two kids also provide some
levity, in the form of a teenaged girl’s sass and the innocence of a young boy.
troupe. After they put on “A Christmas Carol,” he started imagining what Ebenezer Scrooge’s life was like after the story ended. Did he really change for good? So, he wrote “A New Scrooge” in 2023. Then, in 2024, he wrote “The Spirit Of Scrooge” which completes a trilogy.
“The Christmas Cardinal” features Windber Brandt as Larry, Herbie Brandt as Joe, Nancy Viola as Jacqueline, Corey Crawford as Gordon, Linda McLaughlin as Gigi, Ally Scribellito as Andi, Christopher Ottman as Donnie, Phil Flangan as Roger, Windber R. Brandt as the Announcer, Gail Sheehan as Dina, Emma Scribellito as Keri for most shows, and Jessica Meszaros will play Keri on December 13.
Production staff includes Crawford as the director, Len Rienzi as production assistant, Ivan Hahn as technical director and Katlyn Glynn as technical engineer.
The play will be put on by The Guild Theatreworks on December 5, 6, 12, 13 at 7 p.m. and December 7 and 14 at 2 p.m. An $8 donation is paid at the door. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 732-552-3930. The final performance is sold out.
The one based on him is also dealing
This isn’t the first play Crawford has written and directed for the theater
Performances are at the Anstett Cultural Arts Center, 515 Herbertsville Road, Brick.
Photo courtesy Corey Crawford
(Above) The full cast assembles for a photo. (Right) Cast members rehearse a scene.
OPINIONS & COMMENTARY
EDITORIAL
Donate Cash Or Gifts?
Between Thanksgiving and Christmas is probably our most charitable time. We give food, money, and our time to those less fortunate. If we are able to spare a little, we try to lessen the burden on others.
I think that’s beautiful. But what kind of donation should you give? Cash or gifts?
On one hand, if you can get something that you know is going to be useful, then a gift is perfect. On the other, charities can
Senator Wrong On Military Donation
Editor’s note: This letter is in response to a Senator Andy Kim press release published in our December 6 papers. Kim questioned a $130M private donation to pay military servicemembers during the government shutdown, wondering who paid it and what they want in return.
I find it interesting that the Senator objects to a private person contributing funds to pay our servicemen. The individual who so graciously provided the money I’m sure had no ulterior motive other than to offer some financial assistance at a time of need. Servicemen do not earn a very high salary and I’m sure some of them live paycheck to paycheck. So thank you.
make a dollar stretch much further.
If feels good to give a package: a thoughtfully selected toy, the frozen turkey you’re getting from the grocery store, or something else that you picked up that you know is going to be used. The giving of a gift feels great. Spotting something perfect in the store and dropping it off at a donation center makes you feel warm and fuzzy. That’s why I especially like those gift trees where families ask for spe -
cific items and you can pick something off their wish list. Those kind of drives are harder to find, because they take a lot more volunteer hours to coordinate. It’s easier to drop a toy in a bin and someone will dole it out by age appropriateness. Toy collection drives usually aren’t equipped to deal with cash because they don’t have someone to do the shopping; that’s why they are collecting gifts that you shopped for. They’re happy to get unwrapped toys
straight from the store. Donating money feels like you didn’t put much thought into it. You’re not carrying a present or a bag of groceries. You’re dropping a dollar in a container or clicking a box online.
While cash doesn’t feel as good to you, it feels much better to those on the receiving end.
If you donate a $4 can of soup, a family can have a can of soup. If you donate that $4 to a food bank, they can buy a day’s worth of
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
food. They get special discounts when purchasing. I remember writing an article and a food bank manager said they bought chicken at 90 cents per pound or something. That was a while ago, but I’m sure a version of it still applies.
There’s also the problem that charities get loaded with items they might not have a use for, like hundreds of pounds of canned gravy, but they have to buy produce out of pocket. While they are thankful for
anything, they know what they need.
I’m the father of a teenager who only asked for money this Christmas so I understand how cash doesn’t always feel like a gift.
Just like that teenager will spend it on something that he wants, a charity will spend that money on something they know is needed.
Chris Lundy News Editor
As to the Senator’s comments about President Trump’s unilaterally making military decisions, he seems to not be aware of the past Presidents who did exactly the same thing. Wasn’t it
President George W. Bush who received congressional authority after 9/11 to declare war on terrorists? Over the past 25 years that authority has been used to wipe out Al Qaeda, ISIS, Bin Laden etc. Under President Obama he was authorized to use military force against ISIS.
President George H.W. Bush invaded Panama because Noriega controlled the Canal and threatened the American civilians who reside there. I believe 21,000 American troops went in and captured Noriega and brought him back to the US. And how about the invasion of Grena-
The Howell 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.
da, there was no congressional approval.
Isn’t it ironic that the Democratic Senators who signed this letter that Senator Kim is referring to included a Senator who falsely claimed to be of American Indian descent and the other who claimed to be a Vietnam veteran and a great Marine war hero. Incredible.
President Trump is defending the American people, which he has a right to do under the Constitution, by stopping these narco-terrorists from poisoning our citizens and our children. This is a war we are fighting. Would Senator Kim and the others prefer to have these boats land in our country and distribute the drugs? Would the Senator feel the same about this situation if these same drugs found their way to his doorstep?
ALL AMERICANS should applaud the way the President is reacting to the narco-terrorists.
Gino Ricca Brick
Lakehurst is not part of Manchester.
I have lived in Manchester Township for over 15 years and am deeply disturbed to watch the further expansion of the marijuana industry within the township.
It may be new to us, but across the country many have fallen victim to the rhetoric of the marijuana industry. Data may be continually examined, but it has been evidenced that marijuana commercialization, legalization, and normalization has led to negative outcomes for both public health and safety and has served as a public breeding ground for corruption, with billions of dollars being poured into the addiction for profit marijuana industry, complete with its host of lawmakers and lobbyists.
It’s sad, but it looks like Historic Lakehurst has become a prime example of Small Town America literally gone to pot.
Janet Zelinski Whiting
Parents And Grandparents
Editor’s note: This letter is in response to a proposed ordinance that would allow marijuana distribution/ manufacturing in an area of Union Avenue in Lakehurst.
Many studies have shown the harm that screens are causing in children and adolescents. The harms include, but are not limited to, the physical (slowed brain development, weight gain and reduced muscle development due to screens being
a sedentary activity) and the emotional (increased anxiety, depression, etc and fewer face to face friendships).
Big Tech deliberately designs screens to be addictive. It is telling that a number of Big Tech executives will not let their children have cell phones. (Hmm - Ok to harm other kids for profit, but leave my kids alone.) These executives know the dangers.
There are many resources for parents. A good place to start is “The Tech Exit: A Practical Guide to Freeing Kids and Teens from Smartphones,” by Clare Morell. (Available at the Ocean County Library.) The appendix of this book provides many helpful references and resources for parents. Mothers Against Media Addiction (MAMA) and ScreenStrong are two organizations working to save kids from screens. Please take the time to educate yourself on the dangers to your children. Unrestricted cell phone use is like letting strangers into your home to warp the minds of your children.
Finally, please write to your elected representative once you have studied this issue. Just as with alcohol, gambling, etc, government regulation is needed to help parents protect their children. Please also pray that parents will have the strength and the help to fight this battle for their children.
Kurt Kalenak Barnegat
Lies Are Being Told About Medicaid Cuts
The false explanations of the approved Medicaid program budget given by some elected officials and others: Establishing a work program - That is not new, it has been in existence for some years. Walmart is a company that hires.
Paying fraud cases or no longer qualified - That has been audited by the State for many years and money is collected. Illegal immigrants will not be able to qualify - They never qualified.
The reasons some people claim are budget cuts, do not exist and these specific cuts that they claim are never given a dollar amount. The new law is to increase qualifications which will eliminate people on Medicaid. Also, people who do not qualify for Medicaid but are able to buy into the Affordable Care Act may not be able to afford the increased premiums.
The bottom line is that the approved budget cuts will put more people without healthcare coverage. They will wait longer before they see a doctor and will need more serious care. Then who will pay?
Lee Amato Lakewood
S potlight o n g overnment
Correspondence & Commentary From Your Local, County, State & Federal Officials
House Passes Trafficking Survivors Relief Act
From The Desk Of Congressman Chris Smith
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), author of the landmark Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA) and four additional comprehensive laws to combat human trafficking, issued the below statement
following the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act (HR 4323):
“HR 4323 - legislation I have cosponsored - provides a critical pathway for vacating or expunging certain non-violent criminal convictions for offenses that trafficking victims - mostly women and children - were forced to commit by their traffickers.
“Largely due to the criminal records
tied to their exploitation, many survivors face lifelong barriers to employment, housing, education, and stability. This bill ensures that survivors can no longer be punished for crimes that were the direct result of coercion and control.
“Survivors should not have to constantly relive the trauma of their trafficking experiences through the unabating reminder of an indelible criminal record - all for actions they were forced to commit against their will. This legislation helps to ensure that survivors have
a real chance to rebuild their lives and experience a future free of exploitation.
“The passage of HR 4323 builds upon the quarter-century of anti-trafficking progress in the United States, initiated through our enactment of the landmark Trafficking Victims Protection Act in 2000 and its subsequent reauthorizations. With this new bill, we will continue to strengthen survivor-centered protections. HR 4323 is another crucial step towards procuring justice and long-overdue relief.”
Insurers Required To Cap Costs Of Insulin, EpiPens, And Asthma Inhalers
From The Desk Of The Governor
Phil Murphy
TRENTON – As part of the Murphy Administration’s efforts to continue to improve drug pricing transparency and make health care more affordable, the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance has adopted final rules outlining requirements for state-regulated insurers to cap certain out-of-pocket costs on critical prescription medications.
Governor Phil Murphy previously signed legislation making New Jersey the second state in the nation to cap out-of-pocket costs for asthma inhalers and epinephrine auto-injector devices in addition to capping consumer costs for insulin. The Department issued guidance to insurers on the requirements last year, and the caps have been implemented.
“Improving health care affordability and accessibility have been hallmarks of my
Administration. No one should be without access to medications that can improve their lives,” said Governor Murphy. “Capping the costs of these critical prescriptions such as inhalers and EpiPens can have lifesaving consequences for those who depend on them.”
The law extended Medicare’s $35 a month insulin out-of-pocket cap to state-regulated markets and New Jersey public employee plans, including Get Covered New Jersey, the State’s Official Health Insurance Marketplace. The law also capped out-ofpocket costs for epinephrine auto-injector devices and asthma inhalers at $25 and $50, respectively, for a month’s supply.
“New Jersey has made great progress expanding access to quality, affordable health insurance through Get Covered New Jersey, and this law builds on our efforts by capping the out-of-pocket costs of vital medications through all marketplace plans,” said Commissioner Justin Zimmerman. “With Open Enrollment underway at Get Covered New Jersey, we encourage
consumers who need health insurance with prescription coverage to visit GetCovered. NJ.gov to explore plan options. Consumers should enroll by December 31 for January 1 coverage.”
Open Enrollment for 2026 coverage runs November 1, 2025, through January 31, 2026. Consumers who want their insurance to start January 1, 2026, must enroll by December 31; if they enroll by January 31, 2026, coverage will start February 1, 2026.
Under P.L. 2023, Chapter 105, effective January 1, 2025, carriers in the fully insured market, including the individual and small employer markets, are required to provide for the purchase of certain medications without any deductible, and no payment or coinsurance that exceeds the statutorily required cap.
The $35 cap applies to any insulin product prescribed to a patient as part of a 30-day supply, regardless of the number of prescriptions or type of insulin needed. Coverage for equipment and supplies for the treatment of diabetes and diabetes self-management education is also required.
Insurers must also limit the out-of-pocket
costs of asthma inhalers to $50 per 30-day supply, regardless of the type of inhaler prescribed. Additionally, coverage for at least one epinephrine auto-injector device, with the out-of-pocket cost capped at $25 per 30-day supply is required.
The regulations also require carriers, consistent with the P.L. 2023, Chapter 275, known as Grace’s law, to cover the purchase of hearing aids or cochlear implants, remove the age limit on hearing aids and the $1,000 limit on coverage, and expand coverage of the number of hearing aids to one hearing aid for each hearing-impaired ear every 24 months. Consumers’ out-ofpocket costs are limited to those paid for primary care provider visits and hearing aids, including cochlear implants, which cannot be treated as durable medical equipment for purposes of determining the appropriate cost.
The Department of Banking and Insurance worked closely with the Governor’s Office of Health Care Affordability and Transparency in developing these consumer-focused policies. The final regulations were published in the New Jersey Register on December 1, 2025.
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.
Library Launches Yearlong America 250 Events
MONMOUTH COUNTY – The library system will mark America’s 250th anniversary in 2026 with a yearlong series of events at branches throughout Monmouth County, beginning in January.
Many of the programs are funded by a grant from the New Jersey State Library’s Rev250 initiative, which highlights New Jersey’s role in U.S. history. The grant, obtained by Headquarters Branch Manager Robyn Miller, will help the library provide a variety of events designed to deepen community understanding of the
American Revolution.
The series opens Jan. 22 with “Who Tells Your Story: A Rev250 Hybrid History Book Discussion,” offered three times during the year, starting with a session held both online and in person at the Headquarters Branch in Manalapan. On Jan. 31, Headquarters will host “Revolutionary Pieces: Jigsaw Puzzle Competition,” a team-based 500-piece jigsaw contest. In February, the Headquarters and Wall Township branches will present “Dance
Like a Colonial: A Reel Good Time,” a family event with Colonial-era dances, followed by an adult dance session.
“Living History through Music,” featuring liberty songs and ballads, will be performed at Headquarters March 6 and at the Eastern Branch in Shrewsbury April 28.
Additional events include “Battle of the Navesink” at the Atlantic Highlands Branch; “Friendly Rivals: Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton at Monmouth” at the Allentown Branch; and “Captain Joshua
Huddy v. Colonel Tye” at the Eastern Branch. The Ocean Township Branch will examine “The Role of Black and Indigenous Peoples in the Revolution.” “George Washington Is Here!” will be presented at Headquarters and Eastern Branch. Virtual and in-branch lectures are also planned.
Details on more America 250-themed programs, scheduled throughout 2026, will be released in the coming months. For updates and more information, visit monmouthcountylib.org.
p olice B lotter
Car Crashes Into Nail Salon, Minor Injuries Reported
By Jason Allentoff
HOWELL – The Township Police Traffic Safety Unit is investigating a crash in which a vehicle struck a commercial building on December 2, authorities said.
The incident occurred around 12:47 p.m. at Nail Pro, located at 3426 Route 9 South. Police said the driver, a 76-year-old Jackson resident, was evaluated by EMS but was not injured. The Lakewood Scoop was first to report on the incident and provided photos and video.
Several patrons inside the nail salon reported minor injuries. All individuals involved were assessed at the scene by emergency medical personnel, and no major injuries were reported.
Multiple agencies responded, including Howell Township Police EMS, Howell First Aid, Freewood Acres Fire Company, Southard Fire Department, the Howell Township Building Department, New Jersey Natural Gas and Taylor’s Towing & Recovery.
Police are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has information to contact Howell Police Traffic Safety Patrolman Daniel Scherbinski at 732-938-4575 ext. 2663 or email DScherbinski@howellpolice.org
Free Holiday Concert
HOWELL – The Band of Two Rivers will celebrate the holiday season with a free Christmas concert on December 20 at 2 p.m. at the Howell Library.
Now in its 28th season, the nonprofit community ensemble is made up of local musicians who rehearse Wednesday evenings in Fair Haven. Rehearsals are open to the public, and those interested are welcome to sit in or join the group.
The Band of Two Rivers is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to bringing live music to the community throughout the year.
The holiday performance will feature festive selections and is free for all ages.
Photo by Amber Duhigg
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Officers Win Titles At Annual Charity Boxing Event
HOWELL – Two township police officers earned championship belts at this year’s “Jingle Brawls: Police vs. Fire 2,” with one securing his second consecutive title.
Officers Joe Sulewski and Anthony Enzerillo represented the Howell Police Department in the annual charity boxing event. Enzerillo successfully defended his title, becoming a back-to-back winner, while Sulewski also captured a championship in his match.
The department said it is proud of both officers’ performances and their commitment to the community.
Officers Earn Statewide Traffic Safety Recognition
HOWELL — Four Howell Township police officers have been honored with a statewide traffic-safety designation recognizing advanced training and leadership in roadway enforcement.
Patrolmen Courtney Casterlin, Anthony Dematteo, Jonathan Curtin and Jerry Perez received the Traffic Safety Specialist Level 1 Leadership Award during the New Jersey Police Traffic Officers Association’s state meeting at AAA’s Central Headquarters in Hamilton.
The Traffic Safety Specialist program, originally developed in Maryland and adopted regionally in New Jersey, highlights officers who demonstrate significant training, education and hands-on experience in highway safety enforcement. To qualify for Level 1 status, officers must meet a series of benchmarks including at least three years of solo patrol experience, certifications in speed-detection devices and standardized field-sobriety testing, and a minimum of 30 elective points earned through college coursework, specialized training or military service.
ny and comes with academic credit — 18 undergraduate or six graduate credits — through Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Officials said several Howell officers are now working toward the program’s Level 2 designation, which requires completing a technical study aimed at improving traffic safety within their community.
The voluntary program was introduced locally in 2016 through the Ocean County Police Traffic Officers Association. The certification is also recognized as a professional credential in courtroom testimo -
Department leaders praised the officers for their continued commitment to safer roadways. A photo released by the agency shows Patrolmen Curtin and Casterlin following the ceremony.
Photo courtesy Howell Police
Photo courtesy Howell Township Police Pictured are Ptl. Curtin and Ptl. Casterlin.
c ommunity n ew S
Police, Community Partners Team Up To Bring Holiday Cheer To Local Kids
courtesy Howell Township Police
HOWELL – A local holiday tradition continued this season as law enforcement officers and community partners once again helped brighten Christmas for area children through the annual Shop With a Cop event.
Held at Target, which served as the host location, the program paired officers with kids for a special holiday shopping trip. Organizers said the event’s success reflects the generosity of the many supporters who make it possible each year.
This season’s contributors included Target, Salon Professional Academy, Tim and Leslie Geraghty, Levinson Axelrod, P.A., Former Deputy Mayor Thomas Russo, Certified Auto Mall, and Dick Clark. Their donations helped ensure families facing hardship could give their children a joyful and memorable Christmas.
Police officials said they were grateful for the overwhelming community support and the opportunity to spread holiday cheer alongside their partners.
Fire Company Hosting
Pancake Breakfast With Santa
HOWELL – Families are invited to kick off the holiday season with the Ramtown Fire Company’s annual Pancake Breakfast with Santa on December 14.
The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Ramtown Firehouse, where children and adults can enjoy a hot breakfast and meet Santa Claus. Each breakfast includes a free photo opportunity with
Santa.
Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children under 12, and free for children under 3. Organizers said no RSVP is required, but early notice is appreciated to help volunteers prepare.
For more information, residents can contact event coordinator Pete Realmutto at 973-420-0437.
Community Menorah Lighting Ceremony
HOWELL – The township will host its annual public menorah lighting on December 16, inviting residents to gather for an evening of celebration marking Hanukkah.
The ceremony is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at the Howell Municipal Building on Highway 9. The event will feature the traditional lighting of a large outdoor
menorah along with complimentary hot drinks and pastries for attendees.
Township officials said the gathering is intended to bring the community together in recognition of the Festival of Lights and to honor local traditions that highlight hope and resilience.
The event is free and open to the public.
Photo
Around the JerSey Shore
Kiley Honored With Outstanding Community Service Award County Drive Collects 1,700 Pounds Of Food
MONMOUTH
COUNTY – The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners is applauding Commissioner Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley for receiving the Outstanding Community Service Award from the Jersey Shore Chamber of Commerce. The honor was presented during the chamber’s 40th Annual Golden Osprey Awards held at Jumping Brook Country Club. The award recognizes an individual who has made meaningful contributions to the community’s well-being, the chamber said. Kiley said she was grateful for the recognition, noting that public service remains central to her work. “As an elected official, I am committed to serving residents to the best of my ability through continued participation in service initiatives,” she said in a statement.
Photo
courtesy Monmouth County
Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone praised Kiley’s dedication, calling the award well-deserved. “She has demonstrated her commitment to the well-being of our community time and time again,” Arnone said. “It is an honor to serve alongside her.”
The Jersey Shore Chamber of Commerce focuses on strengthening the regional economy, supporting local businesses and fostering a strong quality of life for residents and workers throughout Monmouth County.
FREEHOLD – Monmouth County officials say this year’s November food drive brought in 1,700 pounds of nonperishables, a result of contributions from county employees and residents who donated throughout the month.
The food was split between two area pantries — the Belmar Food Pantry at the West Belmar United Methodist Church and the Casa Freehold Food Pantry — both of which continue to assist households experiencing food insecurity.
Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone said the response reflects the generosity of the community and county workforce.
“Reaching 1,700 pounds is a significant achievement and shows the compassion of our employees,” Arnone said. “These dona-
tions will directly help residents who are still struggling to feed their families.”
Commissioner Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley, who serves as liaison to the Department of Health and Human Services, noted that the need for pantry support remains steady.
“Even with full SNAP benefits restored, many families continue to face financial hardship,” Kiley said. “Pantries are still stretched, and this collection will help them meet that demand. We are grateful for the vital work Belmar Food Pantry and Casa Freehold Food Pantry provide every day.” County officials thanked everyone who contributed and helped make the annual collection a success.
Howell Pack 258 Seeking Members
HOWELL – Howell Pack 258 is seeking boys and girls from kindergarten through 5th grade to join them in their safe, fun, hands-on educational group. Enjoy hiking, camping, bike riding, nature, campfires, cooking, fishing. Pinewood Derby, “big trips,” ceremonies, parades, first aid, citizenship and community service.
In Cub Scouts, boys and girls are prepared from today and for life, growing into their very best future selves.
Contact them at 973-714-0143 or cubscoutpack258.bsa@gmail.com. Join the Howell Cub Scout Pack 258 at beascout. scouting.org. for more information, visit MonmouthBSA.org.
By Chris Lundy
BEACHWOOD – It’s pretty common to see sailboats making their way down the Toms River. However, on one beautiful weekend, these yachts were small, remote-controlled sailboats taking part in the National Championship Regatta.
Members of the U.S. Vintage Model Yacht Group came from miles away to take part. There were 36 skippers with 74 boats, said Chuck Lage, secretary of the group.
This event was hosted by the Barnegat Bay Model Yacht Club, and used Beachwood resident George Schuld’s backyard as headquarters. A few steps away is the boardwalk that stretches along the length of the river, where skippers followed their boats as they worked the controls.
While the wind provides propulsion, the joysticks on the remote move the sail and the rudder in the exact same way that people would guide the full-sized sailboats if they were on board.
“The rules of racing are identical… except we don’t have to wear life jackets,” Lage joked.
The “vintage” part of their name refers to the way the boats were made. Modern
Around the JerSey Shore
Model Yachts Race On The River
boats might be faster, so they are quite literally in a different class. Lage said that the 1970s is when the changes in materials and other aspects started having newer boats take off.
Some of the yachts in use today are from the 1930s and 40s, he said. There were also boats that were not made back then, but made using the same materials and techniques as back then, so they still count.
Throughout the event, there were about a dozen classes of yachts. Awards were given for first, second, third, and best craftmanship.
Many of the skippers were also craftsmen. Guides on how to build these yachts are available online, and experienced builders are more than happy to lend a hand and give advice to those starting out. Additionally, some could be seen doing repairs after their boat took on water during a race.
Buoys were stationed out in the river, and the boats had to make laps around them. Heading east for the first leg, the wind was against them, but the wind was at their back on their way back.
A judge in an actual boat was closer to the action, able to make calls. There were also people on the boardwalk at the starting line and at the line of buoys. A lot comes down to skill, timing, and
even luck, just like any other race.
“It’s about who makes the fewest mistakes on the water,” Lage noted. For more information, visit USVMYG. org
Photo by Chris Lundy Skippers get their boats in the water from the Beachwood boardwalk.
R.C. Shea & Assoc. Inside The Law
Injured At Work?! Know Your Rights To Critical Benefits!
By: Christopher R. Shea, Esq. R.C. Shea & Associates
You have a right to a safe and healthful workplace. If you have suffered an injury on the job, make sure you know what kind of benefits you might receive under workers’ compensation coverage.
In some instances, an aggressive compensation carrier may deny an injured worker’s legitimate workers’ compensation claims. An insurer can claim you have not been injured, or that the injury you have suffered is not serious enough to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. If this is the case, you may stand to lose critical benefits.
Most important among these critical benefits is the right to medical treatment. Medical benefits are mandated by the New Jersey Worker’s Compensation Act, and require the employer to furnish the injured worker with medical, surgical, and other treatment as are necessary “to cure and relieve the worker of the effects of the injury and to restore the functions of the injured member or organ” if possible. Moreover, in those instances where the employer has refused or neglected to provide medical treatment in accordance with the provisions of the Workers’ Compensation Act, the employer will be held responsible for the cost of treatment; even if the employee receives treatment prior
to the carrier’s authorization.
Further, it is important to note another critical benefit of the Workers Compensation Act. This benefit protects employees from collections law suits when the employee obtains medical treatment that has been wrongfully or negligently withheld by an employer. This benefit, was upheld by the New Jersey Appellate Court in Kinley Physical Therapy Services, Inc. v. Kramer, and unequivocally states that a medical service provider is prohibited from filing an action against the employee until a determination has been made by the Division of Workers’ Compensation. The Court reasoned that a medical provider is normally not permitted to pursue collection actions in court until it resolves all administrative remedies, thus, the employee must be shielded from all actions by the medical provider until the Court determines whether or not the employer is responsible for the cost of medical care. If you feel your legitimate benefits have been denied and you live in the New Jersey, our workers compensation lawyers would like to talk to you to see if we can assist you with your case. Please call for a free consultation. R.C. Shea & Associates, 244 Main Street, Toms River, N.J. (732) 505-1212.
Monmouth Civic Chorus Sets Holiday Concert ‘A Joyous Day’
RED BANK – The Monmouth Civic Chorus will present its popular holiday program, A Joyous Day, on December 21 at the Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre at the Count Basie Center for the Arts.
The 4 p.m. performance will feature selections from Handel’s Messiah followed by arrangements of traditional carols. The 100-voice chorus will be accompanied by a professional orchestra made up of nationally recognized musicians.
This year marks the 14th and final holiday season under Artistic Director Ryan James Brandau, whom The New York Times recently praised for delivering a “gold standard” interpretation of Messiah General-admission tickets cost $42 for
adults and $37 for seniors and groups, with student tickets priced at $15. Premium seating ranges from $62 for adults to $20 for students. Tickets are available at monmouthcivicchorus.org.
Season subscriptions for 2025-26 are on sale through November 30, offering premium seating for the holiday concert and access to the full season.
The Monmouth Civic Chorus, acclaimed by regional critics and honored with national awards, has long been known for its vibrant choral performances. Brandau, who also leads several professional ensembles and has prepared choirs for major orchestras worldwide, holds advanced degrees from Yale University and Cambridge University.
Christopher R. Shea Esq.
Dear Pharmacist
Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.
The Ingredient That Outsmarts Your Wrinkles
By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.
There’s a fine line between wanting smoother skin and wanting to avoid a syringe. That’s where science steps in with something clever enough to satisfy both sides. The ingredient is called Neodermyl, the brainpower behind many newer skincare products. Google it and you’ll see it’s often referred to as “needle-free filler” because it convinces tired skin cells to act young again.
Neodermyl targets the real reason our skin slackens with age: bored fibroblasts. These cells are the little factories in your dermis that build collagen I, collagen III, and elastin. And those 3 things are the scaffolding that keep your face from sagging. Over time, productivity slows down, like employees eyeing retirement, and then your ‘architecture’ quietly deflates. Chins droop. Cheeks sag. Maybe you’ve noticed this, if not, give it a few more years.
This is where Neodermyl clocks in with coffee and motivation! It delivers an energy molecule called methyl-glucoside-6-phosphate to ignite the sleepy fibroblast cells, then feeds them copper lysinate/prolinate, two nutrients essential required for collagen cross-linking. It improves the matrix holding your face together. Think of Neodermyl as handing your construction man a strong espresso and a power drill.
In clinical testing, skin treated with Neodermyl became measurably thicker and firmer in just two weeks, manufacturer-reported results are described as equivalent to a collagen filler injection, though publicly published head-to-head data with hyaluronic acid injections is not yet widely documented. Plenty of products brag about fighting free radicals, but that alone won’t get you far
unless you’re also rebuilding the skin itself. Of course, Neodermyl won’t work alone.
My serum (and many others that contain this ingredient) almost always pair it with collagen-building peptides, or sodium hyaluronate, and other vitamins and nutrients known to keep skin soft and youthful.
If you’ve noticed your skin feeling thinner or less resilient, that’s not your imagination. Collagen production drops about one percent per year starting in your late twenties, and elastin declines even faster. By midlife, the scaffolding is wobbly. And that one percent is only an average. Smoking, sun damage, and unhealthy eating can accelerate collagen loss, aging you faster than the calendar does.
When using moisturizers, apply them morning and night to clean, dry skin, including your face, neck, and décolleté. If you’re using a serum as well, apply the serum first then your moisturizer or sunscreen. There are impressive new ingredients that our skin is practically thirsty for. If you want beautiful skin, without the needles, and expense, consider a consistent routine with a high-quality serum and moisturizer. Sunscreen too. These gentle additions can truly help. Neodermyl is one of several advanced ingredients found in modern serums that helps restore firmness, elasticity, and that elusive “bounce” we associate with youth.
That’s the kind of anti-aging strategy even me (a pharmacist) can smile about, no injections required. Want more details and weekly health tips from me? Get the full article emailed to your inbox when you 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.
Around the JerSey Shore
Surfers Catch Waves Of Hope At Sea Change Recovery Fundraiser
By Stephanie Faughnan
HOLGATE - When 70-year-old Bud
Gilfillan paddled out into the surf at Holgate’s wooden jetty on a recent Saturday, he wasn’t just chasing waves. He was celebrating twenty years of recovery and honoring the lives of those who never made it back to shore.
“I almost didn’t make it to 50,” Gilfillan admitted. “They didn’t think I was going to survive. Now I’ve had 20 years to turn it around. I’m a husband, a father, a grandfather, and I get to give back instead of causing hurt.”
Gilfillan caught 794 waves this summer, which was enough to clinch first place in the 5th Annual 100 Waves for Recovery fundraiser, hosted by Sea Change, an Ocean County nonprofit.
Sea Change works to break the stigma around substance use disorder and provide hands-on resources for people and families in crisis. The group emphasizes harm reduction, designed to keep people safe, while leaving the door open for recovery when they are ready.
A Summer Of Surf And Support
The idea behind 100 Waves is simple but powerful. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, surfers, paddleboarders, bodyboarders, and even kneeboarders tally their rides, collecting pledges for every wave. The final celebration, timed to coincide with International Awareness Day, added a surf contest along the way. Yet, the day’s real purpose was rooted in a beach-wide show of unity for recovery.
Sea Change founder and executive director Elizabeth Burke Beaty explained how the fundraiser began during the pandemic.
“The first year, it was ‘your waves, your beach, your challenge,’” Elizabeth said. “People surfed wherever they were and raised funds on their own. Now, it’s grown into a full community beach day with yoga, music, and remembrance.”
This year’s event raised more than $20,000, thanks to sponsors like Ari Products, Caribbean Pete’s, RWJ Barnabas, JBJ Soul Kitchen, Southend Surf and Paddle and the Reynolds Family Foundation. Volunteers handed out carnations for the afternoon paddle-out, while the Danksters filled the shoreline with live music.
Crushing Stigma, Catching Hope
For many who gathered, the day was about more than waves and trophies.
“Substance use disorder is something a lot of us try to hide,” said Gillian Buchansky, a program associate with Sea Change. “But nobody gets better alone. We’re here to catch people when they slip - to say you’re not an outcast, you’re part of something bigger.”
Buchansky, 26, joined the nonprofit after losing a friend to overdose and beginning her own recovery journey. “It felt like the universe aligned,” she said. “Sea Change is action-heavy. We’re out in the community with Narcan, with resources, and with compassion.”
That sense of belonging struck a chord with participant Marc Halikas, who tallied
431 waves this summer. Halikas said his motivation behind participating in 100 Waves last year was a bit more selfish. He hadn’t been in the water in six weeks, and decided the fundraiser was a way to get him back out in the surf.
“This year, it was a different mindset,” Halikas said. “I really wanted to help out the addiction recovery counseling service that Sea Change offers.”
Halikas said he even visited the organization’s office to see firsthand what he was raising money for. He discovered that Sea Change works to help people who feel shame and guilt come forward for help by meeting them at their level and helping them to rise up.
Award winners for the 100 Waves contest were Gilfillan with 794 waves, followed
by Tom Beaty with 640, and Halikas with 431 waves.
Gilfillan was quick to deflect the spotlight. He pointed out that he rides a boogie board, Halikas, Beaty, a longboard and Halikas does stand-up paddle boarding. “It’s like our recovery,” he told the crowd. “Each one of us picked the way we were going to live better lives. We each had our own path, and we became good fathers, good husbands. I’m a grandfather now, and we’re giving back to the community. This is what happens when we decide to start actively.”
“Five years ago, I met Elizabeth,” Gilfillan added. “She showed me that harm reduction is number one, and that picking our own recovery is the best thing we can do.” (Fundraiser - See Page 17)
Photo by Stephanie Faughnan
Surfers line up along the shoreline with their boards before heading into the ocean for the paddle-out remembrance ritual during the 100 Waves for Recovery event in Holgate.
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Fundraiser
:
Continued From Page 15
Honoring Lives Lost
The upbeat energy did have its moments of solemn remembrance shared in solidarity. Surfers and supporters carried white carnations into the surf for a Hawaiian-style paddle-out, forming a floating circle beyond the break.
For those gathered on the shoreline and those on boards, the ritual carried both weight and lightness. “You could feel the mix of emotions,” one supporter said. “People were grieving, but also lifting each other up.”
Beyond
The Waves
For Elizabeth, Sea Change’s mission is deeply personal. A certified peer recovery specialist with 31 years of sobriety, she founded the nonprofit in 2020 after years of watching neighbors and families grieve.
“What we do is about saving lives,” she said. “Sometimes that means helping someone get a motel room for a few nights, making sure they get to a doctor’s appointment, or simply being the person who says, ‘You’re not alone.’”
Sea Change staff and volunteers now number close to ten, and their presence is growing across Ocean County. They’ve reached out to people struggling with substance abuse, distributed Narcan, and connected countless families to resources that reduce harm and build hope.
The 100 Waves event also carried a message of advocacy. Participants circulated a petition demanding that New Jersey redirect $45 million in opioid settlement funds away from hospitals and back into community-based recovery efforts.
“Advocacy is part of recovery,” Elizabeth emphasized. “We need to make sure resources reach the people most impacted by this crisis.”
Park System Announces December Youth Programs
TINTON FALLS – The Monmouth County Park System is offering several hands-on programs for children this December, ranging from creative crafts to interactive winter workshops.
An American Girl Doll Design session will take place December 13 from 12 to 1 p.m. at the Fort Monmouth Recreation Area in Tinton Falls. The program invites children ages 7 to 12 to make custom accessories for their 18-inch dolls. Advance registration and a fee are required.
At the Freneau Woods Park Visitor Center in Aberdeen, youngsters ages 3 to 6 and their caregivers can join How to Catch a Snowman on December 17 from 10 to 11 a.m. Participants will enjoy a story time, a short guided walk
and a snow-themed craft to take home. Pre-registration and a fee are required.
From December 29 to 31, Big Brook Park in Marlboro will host Snapology Winter Break Workshops, where children can build projects using LEGO® bricks and simple technology during a series of hands-on sessions. Registration and a fee are required.
According to the Park System, craft and building activities help children strengthen fine motor skills, enhance problem-solving abilities and encourage creativity.
Details about all programs are available at MonmouthCountyParks.com or by calling 732-842-4000, ext. 4312. Questions may also be directed to info@ monmouthcountyparks.com
Hospitals Reinstate Mask Rules As Respiratory Illnesses Rise
By Jason Allentoff
JERSEY SHORE
– Several of New Jersey’s major hospital systems are once again requiring face masks as respiratory viruses continue to climb heading into the winter season.
Hackensack Meridian Health, one of the state’s largest networks, said Monday that visitors will be required to mask up when seeing admitted patients at any of its facilities. The policy took effect December 1.
In a social media announcement, the network urged the public to take precautions as virus activity grows. Hackensack Meridian operates 18 hospitals and more than 500 care sites statewide, serving nearly 2 million patients each year.
RWJ Barnabas Health, which oversees 14 hospitals across New Jersey, also reinstated masking rules this week. Under the updated guidelines, masks are required for staff providing direct patient
PHOTO WEEK
care, for patients when they leave their hospital rooms, and for visitors who are around patients. The system said face coverings are strongly encouraged at its outpatient sites.
Other health providers around the state have reminded patients that mask mandates may return when local illness levels rise.
Hospitals have seen a steady increase in admissions tied to COVID-19, flu and RSV in recent weeks, according to the state’s latest respiratory illness surveillance data. While emergency department visits remain relatively low, hospitalizations continue to trend upward.
Health officials say older adults account for most COVID and flu hospitalizations, while RSV is primarily impacting young children and seniors.
With holiday gatherings underway and colder weather pushing people indoors, experts expect viral transmission to continue climbing in the weeks ahead.
FUN & GAMES SUDOKU
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Across
by
5 Held in suspense
Eats
Mercury Prize-winning singer-songwriter Parks 15 “She-Hulk” actress Renée __ Goldsberry 16 Decor do-over, informally 17 Prosaic 19 Parroted 20 “My pleasure” 22 Stresses, in a way 23 “The quicksand of reason,” per George Sand 26 Coolers, for short
Real mensch 28 Lav
Piedmont product
“Next week on ... “
“Uh, no”
Garden veggie
Gulf of Aden re-
Idea shared by
Prefix on many Chinese brand names
Brings about
Dress shape
Colors 8 Actor Morales 9 Cole Porter biopic starring Kevin Kline
Wood flooring feature 11 Coldly calculating 12 “Ceci n’est pas __ pipe” 13 Compact figure? 18 Big Apple output 21 William and Mary 24 Decadent cake 25 Joins the team?
27 Hefty alternative 29 Keep an eye out for 30 Haruki Mu -
City in French Down 1 Riyadh resident 2 “ ... unless you think otherwise” 3 Solo 4 Hanging in a drawing room
rakami’s “Kafka on the __”
31 “Beat it”
32 Letterhead image, maybe 33 Terse oath
36 Composed
37 Chakra that signifies the unconscious mind
38 Quiet stretch
44 Singer dubbed the “Tejano Madonna”
45 Prime Day event
47 More cautious
48 Ring
49 “Who cares what they do”
50 More than ready
51 Poor sap
52 “Uh, yeah”
54 __ dog
55 Part of LGBTQIA+ or 10-J-Q-K-A
56 Tucson or Santa Fe
(c)2025 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Cocooning indoors may sound better than fighting early holiday crowds. Upcoming travel plans could be exciting. Give yourself permission to find your soul tribe, it starts with fearless authenticity.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): What you have to say might be just what is needed now, offer comfort, support, and understanding. Try to come to terms around a financial agreement instead of remaining poles apart.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Things could be slotting into place around your budget and finances. You and/or a partner could be making the rounds of gatherings with extra sexy style. Sidestep an incipient power struggle.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Take a deep breath. Another. When you know how to come back into your own calm center after a trigger, you become your own best safe space. Search it up: How to regulate your nervous system.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Create today, there’s both the imagination and the energy to work on something, creative projects could fall into place and should turn out satisfyingly well. A partner could seem off and need extra patience.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Spend time alone to find buried treasure. Though the energies today could feel inward, you still might have to stay harnessed to tasks. Prospects could be solid for daters if you’re also in induvial soulmate cycles.
FOR THE WEEK OF DEC. 13 - 19 BY
OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST
JERALDINE SAUNDERS
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): If you’re working today, it might feel more aligned than you might expect. People can only hear and understand what they have context for, someone may not be able to grasp a nuanced viewpoint.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Sometimes you find just what you’ve been looking for, today could be one of those days. A money matter that been going around and around may continue for a while longer. Creative attempts could disappoint now.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):
Someone might have your back more powerfully than you know, today you might get a first look. A lot of abundance is continuing to stage for you, your financial sectors are filled with helpful planets.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): A partner could bring just the right chicken soup to feed your soul. In turn, you bring insights, companionship, and just plain raw talent. Put self-work in your schedule too for today.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Sometimes, helping someone else can be the best way to save yourself — just ask any rescue pet owner who really saved whom. Make time for friendships and congenial groups if you can.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Sometimes the act of creation gets elevated to a ‘heart form,’ today could feel just like that. Career could occupy your mind some today, get to a point of clarity before you take any action.
A TASTY TAKE ON BUTTERNUT SQUASH
Diane Rossen Worthington
Chef and culinary storyteller Pyet DeSpain has penned a lovely new book called “Rooted in Fire.” It explores DeSpain’s deeply personal journey through Native American and Mexican traditions, ancestral wisdom, and healing foodways. This book is part memoir, recipes and ceremony — a fascinating take on Native American and Mexican cuisine.
Here, the author shares a recipe that she first tasted in Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico, that she reinterpreted with her own touch. This would make a wonderful side dish surprise for holiday parties. To make this simple recipe, halve and seed the butternut squash, then bake it with melted butter, honey, habanero pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. The butternut squash becomes golden brown and caramelized, tasting sweet, savory and spicy all at once.
You can use this melted butter glaze on other favorite vegetables. If you aren’t a fan of very hot chiles, you could add a jalapeno or simple green chile in place of the very hot habanero. You can also add a few sprigs of cilantro and a cut lime as a garnish.
Serves 4
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons honey
1 habanero pepper, finely minced (adjust to taste for desired heat)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 medium butternut squash, halved lengthwise and seeded
Fresh parsley or cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)
Lime quarters, optional
1. Preheat the oven to 400 F.
2. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the honey, habanero pepper, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine, simmer for 5 minutes, and remove from the heat.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, place the butternut squash halves on the sheet cut-side up, and pour the butter mixture over the squash flesh.
4. Roast for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the squash is tender. Remove the squash from the oven and let it cool slightly, about 5 minutes. Cut into four pieces, garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro leaves, lime quarters, if desired, and serve.
(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.
The butternut squash tastes sweet, savory and spicy all at once. CREDIT:(Kristin Teig/TCA). HONEY AND HABANERO ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH
