2025-12-13 - The Manchester Times

Christmas In The Pines Provides Festive Start To Holiday Season Township Receives State Recognition

By Bob Vosseller

MANCHESTER – It has been five festive years for the township’s Christmas in the Pines holiday event and this most recent one drew quite a large crowd.

As in years past, there were vendors, food trucks, costumed characters like the Grinch, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Yukon Cornelius and the Bumble. Chris Kringle - better known as Santa Claus - of course made his way to the lake to greet children and adults.

A popular spot to keep warm and enjoy a sweet treat was the s’more’s firepit area carefully monitored by area first responders where you could build your own s’more or enjoy a cookie. The event started with the National Anthem, and there were performances by New Hope Fellowship Worship

Manchester Township High School students are seen preparing meal packages as part of the Helping Hands for Hunger Initiative project that helped provide a Happy Thanksgiving for township residents.

this year’s Christmas in the

event held in Whiting.

Youth Group and the Whiting Bible Church and the Middle School Choir.

Also hitting the stage was singer Joe Scarangello, who performed before the high school choir took

(Christmas - See Page 5)

Community Gives Thanks To Helping Hands Initiative

By Bob Vosseller

MANCHESTER – Thanksgiving 2025 may be over but the memories will last forever thanks to the many ‘Helping Hands’ who made the holiday better this year.

For 17 years, Manchester Township High School’s Helping Hands for Hunger initiative has provided confidential Thanksgiving meals to Manchester Township School District families in need. This year, officials said the spirit of service was stronger than ever.

(Community - See Page 4)

Amanda

Gary

and Joseph Veni who are members of the township’s “Green Team” and the director of Sustainable Jersey Randall Solomon during a recent presentation.

By Bob Vosseller

MANCHESTER – Mayor Joseph Hankins announced during a recent council meeting that the township had been recognized by the Sustainable Jersey program during a New Jersey League of Municipalities conference.

“This is in line with being efficient with non-polluting events like our recent cleanup (coordinated by the Manchester Township Environmental Commission) that went on recently.”

The award noted that the township has officially met the rigorous requirements to achieve bronze-level certification through the Sustainable

(Recognition - See Page 4)

County Special Education Hub Proposed

By Chris Lundy

TOMS

RIVER

– Every school day, hundreds of students are bused to private special education schools because their home schools don’t have the resources for them. Toms River, in the middle of the county, wants them to come there instead.

Superintendent Michael

Citta pitched the idea for a regional special education hub at Intermediate North during a meeting of the Senate Education Committee. He said that this plan, if it went through, would be at least a year out. There are eight counties in New Jersey that already have a county-based

(Special Ed - See Page 5)

Members of the New Hope Fellowship Worship Youth group perform during this year’s Christmas in the Pines event at Harry Wright Lake.

Photos by Bob Vosseller

A firepit where you could build your own s'mores was a popular gathering spot during

Pines

Mayor Joseph Hankins joins township employees,

Kisty,

Sylvester,

Photo courtesy Manchester Township

Photo courtesy Manchester Schools

Recognition

:

Continued From Page 1

Jersey program, a prestigious recognition awarded to municipalities that demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, community well-being, and long-term sustainability planning.

Certified towns were announced at the recent Sustainable Jersey Annual luncheon in Atlantic City, held during the New Jersey State League of Municipalities Conference.

Sustainable Jersey’s participating communities now represent nearly 83% of all municipalities in the Garden State, reflecting a robust and growing statewide movement focused on sustainability and resiliency.

“Myself and the Township Council are

Community:

Continued From Page 1

More than 100 student and staff volunteers from every district school came together at Manchester Township High School to pack Thanksgiving meal bags as part of the annual student-driven program.

Originally aiming to support 125 families, students and staff ultimately prepared meals for 145 Manchester families ahead of the holiday.

“What you’re doing here today is an act of service. It reflects how Manchester students and staff think of others before

so proud of our township employees who work hard every day to achieve greatness. This certification reflects not only their dedication but also the commitment of our entire community to building a healthier, more sustainable Manchester for future generations,” the mayor remarked.

In 2025, 83 municipalities achieved Sustainable Jersey certification. Among them, 52 towns earned bronze certification - including Manchester - and 31 received silver certification, the program’s more advanced level. Bronze-level certification requires municipalities to document a balanced portfolio of approved sustainability actions totaling at least 150 points.

Adding in Manchester’s accomplishment, 191 towns across New Jersey are now certified through Sustainable Jersey,

themselves,” Superintendent Diane Pedroza said.

She noted, “when you sit at your table this year for Thanksgiving, please be especially grateful for those who did not have this meal to share, but now do, because of the impact of your fundraising efforts. You are truly living our district motto: Excellence by Example.”

Guided by high school Vice Principal Joseph Serratelli (who is now known as “Turkey Hat Joe”) the initiative continues to be a district-wide effort built on compassion, teamwork, and community pride.

a program that continues to serve as a model for community-driven environmental progress.

Sustainable Jersey participants have successfully implemented and documented nearly 30,251 sustainability actions, and the program has provided more than $8.6 million in grants to municipalities, school districts, and schools for community-based projects that foster healthy and sustainable communities across the state.

“It’s inspiring to see communities of every size across New Jersey leading the way toward a more sustainable and resilient future,” Randall Solomon, director of Sustainable Jersey said during the award presentation. “These municipalities are not waiting for change - they’re creating it, through action, innovation, and collaboration.”

Students and staff members from each school donated non-perishable items, helped organize materials, and packed meal bags that will be delivered confidentially to families a week before Thanksgiving.

School District officials noted that this year’s success was made possible not only by student leadership but also by the generosity of staff, families, and numerous local businesses and organizations. Manchester Township Schools extended heartfelt thanks to supporters such as: ShopRite of Manchester, Maximum Quality Foods, Carmona-Bolen

Solomon noted that New Jersey continues to face environmental challenges such as the climate change crisis, pollution, and a growing equity divide and that municipalities and schools were taking action to be part of the solution.

During that Township Council meeting Councilwoman Michele Zolezi, who also attended the League of Municipalities Conference announced “the township of Manchester won an award for our Tuskegee Park.”

That park was reconstructed by the township’s Department of Public Works and was reopened in October with a special ribbon cutting ceremony. “I think it is really wonderful that Manchester is being recognized. I wanted to congratulate all the Manchester personnel on a job well done,” Zolezi added.

Home for Funerals, Oliverie Funeral Home, Lakehurst Manchester Rotary Charitable Foundation, DeGraff Lakehurst Funeral Home, Manchester Township Democratic Club, Board of Education Staff, DKG Omicron Chapter / Women in Education, Phyllis Zarko, Burger 25, Jody Weber, Robin Roscoe, Horizon Funeral and Cremation Services Inc., Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, African American Club, Pies On 37, Redeemer Lutheran Church, William Hagan Group EXP Realty, and Building on the Rock Community Church.

Ed:

Continued From Page 1 special education system.

If you add up all the public schools in Ocean County, there are currently 882 special education students that are sent out of district, he said. The 29 school districts spend $109 million in tuition per year, averaging $137,000 per student.

Toms River has 118 out of district students, Citta said. They spend about $9.5 million per year, plus another $3 million on busing. Tuition for a single student might be $90,000, upward to $200,000.

These students are sent out because the districts don’t have the resources to care for the students in the way that their edu -

Christmas:

Continued From Page 1

the stage, followed a short time later by the Manchester High School and Middle School band.

Manchester High School student and Drama Club member Marisiya Goins who is very familiar with public performances also sang. Cassidy Gobel also performed and the Christmas Tree was lit up at 5 p.m. Lighted walking trails were opened at 3 p.m. for visitors to explore more entertainment.

Food vendors included Brooklyn’s Famous Pizza, City Eats, Fitchicks, John & Debbie O’s Concessions, Mister Softee and Simply Sofrito. There were plenty of

cation plan requires. They might specific medical and behavioral needs.

A central hub that has all the medical, behavioral, and other needs for these children would benefit them, Citta said. It would also be more cost effective. He estimated it would bring the average student cost from $137,000 per student to $85,000. The county would be saving approximately $47 million per year.

Additionally, there would be a reduction in transportation costs, he said. The schools throughout the county spend $12.8 million on transportation costs, but that could be lowered if they are all going to a centralized location. The students would benefit because they would not be spending as much time on a bus in the

craft vendors who provided some holiday specialties: Bundle of Soys, Carmelas Coastal Crafts, Colour on Ice, Caftin’ and Yarnin’, Crafts-n-Then Sum, Grandma B’s Handmade Treasures, Jackie O Creates, JP Leatherwork, Little Cash DIY, Scentsy, Seasons Change Sew Different, She’s Crafty, Sonny Jones Woodturner, The Crooked Kitchen and Woof & Waggle Company.

The holiday event was originally created by the township’s Chamber of Commerce. It is now a joint effort coordinated by Township Recreation Director Tracey Lynch that involves other township departments, the business community and the school district with local organization participation.

morning and afternoon.

This assumes that every parent and school currently enrolling their children out of district agree to a change in schools.

Citta was asked by a senator how the district would make space for them.

In Toms River, all sixth graders would be taken back to their elementary schools to create space for the new students, he said. Intermediate North has the most space, as the district has declining enrollment, particularly in the northern section of town.

Intermediate North is also near major roads, such as the Garden State Parkway, Route 9, and Route 571. It would be relatively quick for other schools to send students there.

It’s been at Harry Wright Lake for the last three years.

Special thanks went out to the New Hope Fellowship Worship and Whiting Bible churches, various school choirs and bands and performers and Manchester Township High School Drama Club, the township’s

The Senate Education Committee meeting had a number of things on the agenda. Citta testified during a discussion on regionalization.

The bill in discussion, S4861, would require the executive superintendent (there is one per county) to come up with a plan to consolidate schools in their county. If a district has fewer than 500 resident students, a plan would be made to make it part of a larger district. Other districts would become regional to absorb the smaller ones. The education commissioner would have to sign off on them.

The bill was just under discussion and no action was taken at the meeting. Citta was one of a number of speakers to address the issue.

Department of Public Works, township police, EMS and Whiting and Ridgeway fire departments

Members of the Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Committee were present once again this year and you could also drop off a letter to Santa.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM!

LOOK FOR A VARIETY OF PHOTOS SNAPPED ALL AROUND THE JERSEY SHORE!

Search: @ JSHOREONLINE

for

County Kicks Off Holiday Season With Tree Lighting

By Stephanie Faughnan

TOMS RIVER - The final numbers rang out in a joyful countdown: Ten. Nine. Eight, building up all the way down to One. Children’s voices rose above the cold December air. And then, in a sudden burst of light, Ocean County’s towering Christmas tree sprang to life, glowing against the early winter sky as applause rippled through the crowd.

The annual Ocean County Tree Lighting Ceremony was held at the county Administration Building, drawing more than an estimated 100 people despite brisk temperatures. Families, officials and county workers bundled together for a moment that blended tradition, music and the simple wonder of the season.

The ceremony came near the close of an era for Ocean County Board of Commissioners Director John “Jack” Kelly, who offered brief remarks before the lighting. Moments before, Kelly presided over his next to last Commissioners meeting before beginning his new role as Ocean County Clerk in 2026.

Also in attendance was Commissioner-elect Sam Ellenbogen, a familiar figure at county events, who joined fellow commissioners and county officials in celebrating the start of the holiday season. Ellenbogen will take his place on the dais in 2026 and appears to have worked hard to understand what’s going on in county government in his first elected position. Music filled the front of the Administra-

tion Building as the Pine Beach Elementary School Chorus delivered a cheerful holiday medley that drew smiles from the crowd, which included proud parents wrapped in scarves and winter coats. One mother, shivering slightly as she watched, summed up the mood.

“It’s awfully cold out here,” she said with a laugh. “But we’re so happy that our children’s chorus was picked to sing for the county. It’s really exciting.”

The centerpiece of the evening was the county’s Christmas tree itself, a 28-foot Norway spruce decorated with 6,000 energy-efficient LED lights. Standing tall beside the Administration Building, the tree illuminated not only the courtyard but the faces gathered around it, especially as the countdown reached its triumphant finish.

Once the lights were glowing, the crowd made its way indoors for warmth, cookies and refreshments. Many were eager to greet the evening’s special guest from the North Pole, as Santa Claus arrived to spread a little extra cheer. Holiday cookies were prepared by students in the Ocean County Vocational Technical School’s culinary program, adding an extra special touch to the celebration.

As the season unfolds, the county will continue its holiday observances with the lighting of the large menorah adjacent to the Christmas tree. That ceremony, marking the start of Hanukkah, is scheduled for December 15 at 4:30 p.m.

In the spirit of giving that defines the

season, the Board of Commissioners also recently wrapped up its annual holiday toy drive. County departments and community members collected new, unwrapped toys for children of all ages, ensuring that families across Ocean County could experience a brighter holiday. While the collection concluded just before publication, officials expressed appreciation for the generosity

shown once again this year. From the voices of children lifted in song to the glow of thousands of lights cutting through the cold night, the ceremony delivered exactly what it promised. It was a festive beginning to the holiday season, shared by a community that paused together, if only briefly, to count down and watch Christmas light up.

Photo by Stephanie Faughnan

Ocean County’s 28-foot Norway spruce glows with 6,000 LED lights after the ceremonial countdown during the county’s annual Christmas tree lighting.

S potlight o n g overnment

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

NJ Residents Should Have First Shot At State Park Permits

TRENTON - In response to recent policy changes at Island Beach State Park, Senator Carmen Amato, Jr., Assemblyman Brian Rumpf, and Assemblyman Gregory Myhre (all r-9th) are taking legislative action to ensure New Jersey residents have first priority when applying for mobile fishing permits. Senator Amato has joined as second prime

sponsor of legislation (S4775) introduced by Senator Shirley Turner that would require the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish an initial 14-day period during which only New Jersey residents may purchase mobile sport fishing permits.

Assemblyman Rumpf and Assemblyman Myhre will introduce a companion bill in the Assembly.

The 9th District Legislative Delegation has also been forwarding to the DEP Commissioner’s Office the many messages received from constituents who were unable

to secure a permit for the 2026 season. The Department recently instituted a lottery system due to “high demand” for permits. The Delegation is urging the DEP to review the concerns raised by residents and modify park policies accordingly.

Amato, Rumpf, and Myhre issued the following joint statement:

“A significant number of our constituents have, for much of their lives, obtained mobile fishing permits without issue and enjoyed long summers at Island Beach State Park, a family tradition for many along the Jersey Shore. Understandably, those who lost out through the new lottery process are extremely disheartened and are rightfully calling for policy changes that put New Jersey residents first.

“While we recognize the challenges the DEP faces with high permit demand, our Delegation is committed to working in a bipartisan manner to ensure our constituents can once again enjoy the level of access to Island Beach State Park they have long been accustomed to. As a matter of basic fairness, access to State parks should prioritize the taxpayers who fund the park system.” Assemblyman Rumpf was the prime sponsor of the 2020 law that exempts disabled veterans from fees for beach buggy permits, legislation that passed the State Legislature unanimously with bipartisan support. Presently, S-4775 is awaiting consideration by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.

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-of-pocket 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-of-pocket 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.

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 Manchester 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 Beware

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

New Speed Limits On Union And Brown Avenues

By Jason Allentoff

LAKEHURST – Speed limits have been reduced along the full length of Union Avenue and Brown Avenue as officials respond to ongoing concerns about drivers traveling too fast through the borough.

The Lakehurst Police Department announced that the changes span from Route 70 to Route 37 and follow multiple traffic studies conducted over the past year. Under the new limits, Union Avenue from Route 70 to Lake Street has dropped from 35 mph to 30 mph. The section from Lake Street through the intersection with Brown Avenue and Railroad Avenue, near the post office, is now set at 25 mph instead of 30 mph. The stretch from Brown Avenue and Railroad Avenue to Route 37 has been re -

duced from 35 mph to 30 mph.

Police Chief Matthew Kline said the department has fielded numerous speeding complaints from people who live along the affected roads. He said the borough, working with the Ocean County Engineer’s Office, pursued the reductions to improve safety for residents, children and visitors. Officers have begun stepping up enforcement in the area, including additional patrols during busy hours and the use of a portable radar trailer to alert drivers to their speed.

Kline urged motorists to pay close attention to posted limits and drive responsibly, saying that community cooperation is key to reducing dangerous driving.

Christmas Musical Shares Message Of Hope

MANCHESTER – New Hope Fellowship will present its 2025 Christmas production, His Holy Crown, a musical centered on the meaning behind the familiar sound of Christmas bells.

The performance follows a mother and her inquisitive son on Christmas Eve as she shares the story behind the bells they hear. As she speaks, the narrative transforms into a depiction of the nativity, complete with angels, shepherds and the manger scene that Christians believe marks the birth of Jesus. The musical blends a contemporary family moment with the traditional Christmas story, highlighting themes of hope, joy and faith.

The show will be held December 21 at the Manchester Township High School Auditorium. Organizers say the event aims to offer a family-friendly evening of storytelling, music and seasonal inspiration.

Tickets are available at newhopetoday. church/christmas.

Manchester Plans

Public Menorah Lighting

MANCHESTER – Manchester Township will host a community menorah lighting on December 17 at 3:30 p.m. outside Town Hall. The event, described by officials as a community Chanuka celebration, will take place at 1 Colonial Drive in Manchester. Residents of all ages are invited to attend.

Festivities will include a Chanuka gelt drop from a fire truck, made possible with assistance from Firehouse Station 32. Light refreshments will be available for attendees. Mayor Joseph Hankins and other local officials are expected to take part in the ceremony.

Students Bring Holiday Music To The Community

MANCHESTER – Choir and band students from Manchester Township School District are spreading holiday cheer with a series of performances across the community this week.

The district’s seasonal tour began when the Manchester Township High School Choir performed at the Leisure Knoll Community Christmas Tree Lighting. Students led the celebration with familiar holiday songs, drawing applause as residents gathered to welcome the season.

The festivities continued as the Manchester Township Middle School Choir heads to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst to

take part in the base’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting. District officials said the invitation reflects the students’ skill, commitment, and the positive reputation of the school music programs.

The week wrapped up at “Christmas in the Pines,” where choirs and bands from both the high school and middle school performed as part of the township’s annual holiday event.

School leaders praised the students for representing the district with enthusiasm and professionalism, noting that their performances help bring the community together during the holiday season.

Lakehurst Names Citizen Of The Year

Photo By Denise Maynard Lakehurst resident Mary Early was recently named this year’s Citizen of the Year. As part of her duties she will be helping Borough officials welcome in the holiday season at this year’s Christmas Tree Lighting on December 12 at 7 p.m. in front of the Community Center on Center Street.

Photo courtesy Manchester Township School District

A MESSAGE FROM

Leisure Knoll Owls Honor Late President John Glover

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! 1579 Old Freehold Rd. • Toms River, NJ 08753

By Jason Allentoff MANCHESTER — The Leisure Knoll Owls

senior softball team is paying tribute to its late president, John E. Glover, whose longtime leadership and dedication to fellow veterans left a lasting mark on the community.

Glover, a proud U.S. Navy veteran who served during the Korean War, died in September at age 97. Teammates said his commitment to service — both on and off the field — defined his years with the Owls, where he fostered camaraderie and encouraged support for active-duty military personnel.

In his honor, the team is encouraging residents to contribute to the “Send a Hero Home for the Holidays” program, which helps service members stationed in New Jersey travel home to be with their families. Donations can be made at sendaherohome.org

Glover’s devotion to veterans was rooted in his own military service aboard the USS Baltimore. He continued that mission in civilian life as a member of the Leisure Knoll Veterans Club.

Born in Passaic and raised in Nutley, Glover built a life centered on faith, family and community service. He was a volunteer firefighter in Garfield, a longtime church member, and a spirited leader within the Owls softball league.

Glover was predeceased by his wife, Florence, and is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who remember him as a man guided by faith, kindness, and unwavering patriotism. Teammates say honoring Glover through a cause he cared deeply about is a fitting tribute to a man who spent his life lifting others.

Preschool Registration For 2026–27

MANCHESTER – The township school district will open preschool registration for the 2026–27 school year on January 7 at noon, with enrollment offered on a first-come, first-served basis. District officials are encouraging families to review required documents in advance to improve their chances of securing a spot. Registration will take place online at manchestertwp.org/

preschoolreg, where parents can also access information to prepare for preregistration.

Current PK3 families planning to continue in the program must submit rollover forms by December 19.

Questions can be directed to the district’s preschool office at 732-350-5900, ext. 2251, or by email at preschool@mtschools.org.

Photos courtesy Joseph Scarangello

Students Take Part In Annual Turkey Trot

LAKEHURST – The elementary school marked its third annual Turkey Trot, offering middle school students a spirited kickoff to the Thanksgiving season. Students in grades six through eight dashed through three laps of a cone-lined course, cheering for classmates and celebrating each runner’s effort. The event

Photo courtesy Lakehurst Elementary School highlighted fitness, teamwork and school spirit, turning the friendly competition into a festive tradition. Some students added extra flair by dressing as turkeys, drawing laughter and creating plenty of photo-ready moments. Ms. Silvestri is pictured with her costumed “turkey squad.”

LAKEHURST DRY CLEANERS

Celebrating 30 Years In Business

• Offering Organic Dry Cleaning • Starting September we are offering a valet pick up and delivery service • Same Day Service Available

Sherry T. DeGraff NJ Lic No 3921

Arrangements Available In Your Home, Removal From Local Hospital, Alternative Container, Wood #ODZ, Transfer To Crematory Located at: DeGraff Lakehurst Funeral Home 119 Union Avenue, Lakehurst 732-657-7868 www DeGRAFFFuNeRAlhOMe COM

Additional Costs: Crematory Fee, Urns, Disposition Of Cremains & Certified Copies Of Death Certificates, Permit, Removal Assist. & Mileage, Viewings Or Memorial Services

Preschool Students Learn About Trees Through Fall Activities

MANCHESTER – Whiting Preschool students spent the fall season taking a closer look at the trees around them through a series of hands-on lessons tied to their Creative Curriculum program.

Children took nature walks to observe seasonal changes, visited pumpkin patches, and participated in interactive activities designed to help them understand the role trees play in the environment. The classes also welcomed a naturalist from Cloverdale Park, who introduced students to local tree species and led tactile learning sessions that allowed them to explore leaves, branches, and other natural materials.

Teachers said the outdoor experiences helped reinforce classroom lessons and encouraged students to connect with the world around them.

Photo courtesy Manchester Township School District

Jim Mauncele • 1007 Route 70 West • In the Manchester Plaza

Manchester Chief

Named President Of State Traffic Officers Association

By Jason Allentoff MANCHESTER –

Township

police chief Antonio Ellis has been sworn in as president of the New Jersey Police Traffic Officers Association, assuming leadership of the statewide organization dedicated to improving roadway safety. Ellis and the association’s executive board took their oaths during the group’s December meeting, where more than 100 officers and traffic-safety professionals were in attendance. He will serve a two-year term, succeeding Deputy Chief Nickolas Schock of the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office. A respected authority in traffic safety, Ellis has completed extensive specialized training and teaches the subject to law enforcement officers across New Jersey. Before his election, he served as the association’s executive director.

The NJPTOA, founded in 1974 by Fanwood Police Chief Tony Parenti, promotes safer

courtesy Manchester Police Department roads through public education, legislative advocacy and professional training. With roughly 800 members representing agencies statewide, it is considered New Jersey’s largest traffic-safety organization.

Manchester police officials congratulated Ellis and thanked him for his continued commitment to roadway safety locally and throughout the state.

Photo

•

•

•

•

•

Santa To Tour Lakehurst With Firefighters

LAKEHURST – Santa Claus is scheduled to make a special visit through Lakehurst on December 21, with help from the Lakehurst Volunteer Fire Department after an urgent holiday request from the North Pole Volunteer Fire Department.

Firefighters said Santa is expected to arrive in town around noon and will travel through neighborhoods to greet children. The tour will begin in the southeast section of town in Barkers Village before continuing through the community. Residents are asked to be patient, as the crew anticipates a busy day and will provide updates on its Facebook page,

including attempts to activate a live tracker. Families who want Santa to deliver a small gift to someone special can drop off wrapped presents at 2 Proving Ground Road. Gift drop-off times are scheduled for December 17 from 6:30 to 8 p.m., and December 21 from 9 to 10 a.m.

The fire department requests that gifts be no larger than a shoebox, clearly labeled with the recipient’s name and address, already wrapped, and contain nothing fragile or of high value. Fire officials noted they cannot be responsible for lost or damaged items.

Winter Celebration Planned for Military Families At Join Base

JBMDL – The Military and Family Readiness Center will host a family-focused “Winter Wonderland” celebration on December 19, offering an evening of activities for households with a deployed or recently returned service member.

The free event is open to families with a loved one currently deployed, on temporary duty for more than 30 days, within six months of returning from deployment,

serving on a remote assignment, or enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program. Organizers say the program is designed to give families a festive night out while strengthening community support networks. The celebration will feature games, food, crafts and other winter-themed activities from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Military and Family Readiness Center, located at 3435 Broidy Road on the installation.

Whiting Dive Team Completes Annual Skills Check

WHITING – Members of the Whiting Fire Water Rescue & Recovery Team recently carried out their annual skills assessment at America’s Keswick, using the facility’s indoor pool to run a series of underwater readiness drills.

The department thanked America’s Keswick for providing access to the pool and supporting the team’s training needs, noting that the controlled environment allows divers to practice and refine essential techniques before responding to real emergencies.

The evaluation included multiple submerged stations set along a guide line, where divers were tested on technical proficiency, safety procedures, and adherence to departmental operating guidelines. Team members assessed one

another throughout the session.

Among the skills reviewed were transitions between full-face and half-mask setups, including underwater mask clearing; victim packaging and lift procedures; cutting and entanglement scenarios using various tools and materials; lift-bag operations for raising submerged objects; and redundant air supply removal and sharing to simulate low-air incidents.

Divers also completed an arc-pattern search drill that incorporated the deployment of a safety diver using a contingency line.

Officials said the annual training plays a key role in ensuring the team remains prepared for mission-ready deployment in water rescue and recovery operations.

Photo courtesy Whiting Fire Company Sta. 33

Sound News

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

Should I Buy My Hearing Aids At Costco?

If you have a straight forward hearing loss, Costco may be a perfectly fine choice. Costco uses it’s buying power to offer hearing aids at more affordable rates and some Costco hearing aids come with extended trial periods to return them. Here are some of the reasons why you might decide not to go with Costco...

• Limited service customization/fewer audiologists. A large portion of the • Costco hearing aid centers do not employ Audiologists, who are better trained to deal with more complex hearing losses or need extensive follow-up rehabilitation.

• Brand/model Limitations. Costco only sells a very limited set of manufacturers (i.e. Phillips, Jabra, Rexton) as opposed to private practice Audiologists offering 4-6 major manufacturers (Phonak, Resound, Starkey, Oticon, Widex, Signia) and many of the Costco hearing aids are “defeatured.”

• Locked Devices/Limitation of service location. Many of Costco’s hearing aids can ONLY be programmed at a Costco

hearing aid center because the devices are “locked.” This limits your flexibility if you move or want to switch providers.

• Insurance Plans: Costco hearing aid centers typically do not accept insurance directly so you have to pay upfront and then self-submit for reimbursement. Payment plans may also be limited.

• Busy environment/appointment wait: Because Costco is a large retail/warehouse store, the hearing aid center may feel less personalized and you may wait longer for appointments or follow ups.

• Many Costco hearing aid centers do not utilize a double-walled Sound booth. Thus, if it’s quite noisy the testing may not be accurate. If you chose to go this route, make sure the Center has a double walled booth and utilize insert transducers as opposed to standard head phones. 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!

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 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.

Dr. Isidore Kirsh

ere ’ s t o Y our H e A lt H

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.

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.

Christopher R. Shea Esq.

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.

Around the JerSey Shore

Foot & Ankle Group Launches Holiday Drive For Local Animal Rescue

TOMS RIVER – Ocean County Foot & Ankle Associates is using the holiday season to support a local animal rescue, inviting the community to donate supplies at any of its clinic locations through December 19.

The practice announced that collection bins are now available at all offices, with staff hoping to gather a wide range of items to help care for dogs and cats in need. Requested donations include treats, toys, leashes, cat litter, blankets, cleaning supplies and various pet food brands.

The list also features specific needs such as pill pockets, cat scratch posts, unscented wipes, stainless steel dog bowls, slip-lead control leashes, storage bins, garbage bags, sponges, Dawn soap and paper products.

“This is a meaningful cause for us, and the holidays are the perfect time to give back,” the organization said in its announcement.

Items can be dropped off at the group’s offices in Toms River, Toms River West, Forked River, Whiting and Brick.

More information about the practice is available at ocfasa.com.

Office Locations:

Toms River: 54 Bey Lea Road, 732-505-4500

Toms River West: 1178 Route 37 West, 732240-5677

Forked River: 638 Lacey Road, 609-6933202

Whiting: 61 Lacey Road, 732-350-2424

Brick: 194 Jack Martin Blvd., Unit 1A, 732458-4911

Police Warn Residents Of Phone Scam Demanding Cash For Fake Warrants

By Jason Allentoff

OCEAN COUNTY – Local police are urging residents to be on alert after a community member reported receiving a phone call from someone impersonating a captain with the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department. According to authorities, the caller falsely claimed the resident had two outstanding warrants for “failure to appear” and instructed him to turn himself in — and to bring $10,000 in cash.

To heighten the pressure, the scammer reportedly texted an image of a fabricated warrant with the resident’s name typed

onto it.

Officials stressed that this type of contact is fraudulent. Law enforcement agencies do not call residents to demand cash, nor do they require individuals to bring money when addressing warrant-related issues.

Authorities said they are particularly concerned that older adults could be targeted by such schemes and urged the public to help spread the warning.

Anyone who receives a similar call is advised not to engage, not to send money, and to report the incident to local police.

EDUCATORS! Have a special event planned for your class? Let everyone know by placing a news release in this paper! Call 732-657-7344 to find out how!

Auto For Sale

For Sale - Pontiac G6, 2006, 61,500 miles, V6, $4,000 firm. 732-363-5240. (1)

For Rent

Manahawkin Single FamilySecond floor. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, garage, washer/ dryer, deck, immaculate. No smoking or pets limited to 1-3 people. Good credit. $2,350. Contact Jeff. Jefsed@aol.com. (51)

Items Wanted

$$$ WANTED TO BUY $$$ Jewelry and watches, costume jewelry, sterling silver, silverplate, medals, military items, antiques, musical instruments, pottery, fine art, photographs, paintings, statues, old coins, vintage toys and dolls, rugs, old pens and postcards, clocks, furniture, bric-a-brac, select china and crystal patterns. Cash paid. Over 35 years experience. Call Gary Struncius. 732849-6068 (new number). (t/n)

COSTUME/ESTATE JEWELRY

Looking to buy costume/estate jewelry, old rosaries and religious medals, all watches and any type of sterling silver, bowls, flatware candlesticks or jewelry. Same day house calls and cash on the spot. 5 percent more with this AD. Call Peggy at 732-581-5225. (t/n)

CASH, CASH, CASH! - Instant cash paid for junk cars, trucks, vans. Free removal of any metal items. Discount towing. Call Dano 732-239-3949. (t/n)

CASH PAID!! LP records - stereos, musical instruments, guitar, saxophone, CD’s, reel tapes, music related items. Come to you. 732-804-8115. (3)

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)

HVAC Installer/Techni -

cian 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)

Caregiver Help Needed - Need someone to stay at my house for 2 weeks to care for me after hip surgery. $500 per week. Also can clean house for $20/hr. Call Richard 732-901-5397. (3)

Laundromat Attendant - For FT/PT Good communication skills, math and min computer knowledge. Transportation needed. Long term commitment only. 732-286-1863. (t/n)

CLASSIFIEDS

Help Wanted

Certified Home Health Aides - Needed 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)

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)

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. (1)

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)

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)

A PLUS CLEANING - Homes Offices AirBnB Thorough Reliable Honest Specializing in Senior Villages Call Barbara 732 948-4730. (3)

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

Dana’s Cleaning Service - Let me make your home or office sparkle and shine for the Hollidays. Book now receive 20% for your first cleaning. 609-703-3922. (1)

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)

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)

Car Service - Based in Bayville & LBI area. Airports, long distance, late nights, holidays. Dependable. Text/Call Keith 609-351-2462. (2)

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

"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)

TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED:

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

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

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

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

• Estate/Garage/Yard Sales

• Auto For Sale

• Items For Sale

Items Wanted

Help Wanted

Services

For Rent

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

You are responsible for checking your ad the first time it runs and notifying us of any errors. If we make an error, we will correct it and rerun the ad. We will not be responsible for multiple insertions if you do not call us after the first ad run. No refunds for classified ads. Newspapers are available at our office. Please feel free to stop in and check your ad.

Calculate Price As Follows:

3. 1 week* at $29.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $ 2 weeks* at $44.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $ 3 weeks* at $60.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $ 4 weeks* at $74.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $ Total = $

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

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

Credit Card# Exp.

Cardholder Signature:

Print Name:

Billing Address:

5. PHONE NUMBER (THIS IS REQUIRED)

If you have any questions, leave a message for Ali 732-657-7344, ext. 203.

Deadline For Classified Ads: 12pm Monday (For that Saturday’s publication)

Tallwoods Care Center is a

Compassionate

Occupational Therapy

Speech Therapy

Tracheotomy Care • Wound Care

IV Therapy

Gastro-Feeding Tube/ Gastrostomy Care

Total Parental Nutrition (TPN)

Pulmonary Care

Around the JerSey Shore

Billhimer Becomes President Of County Prosecutors Association

OCEAN COUNTY – Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer has been appointed president of the County Prosecutors Association of New Jersey, a role local law enforcement leaders say reflects his long-standing commitment to public safety and collaboration. Ocean County Police Chiefs Association representatives Chief Michal Rogalski and Chief Kevin Santucci attended the CPANJ Annual College ceremony, where Billhimer was formally sworn in. Law enforcement officials across the

Photo courtesy Ocean County Police Chiefs Association county praised Billhimer’s leadership, noting his consistent support of police departments and his focus on communication and teamwork. Chiefs said every department in Ocean County has benefited from his guidance and cooperative approach.

Billhimer’s appointment was described as well deserved, and local police leaders said they look forward to continuing their partnership with his office on behalf of communities throughout Ocean County.

Grants Support STEM, Trade Students In Ocean

TOMS RIVER – Two Ocean County education programs are receiving support from the FirstEnergy Foundation as part of a broader effort to encourage students to pursue careers in electrical trades and STEM fields. Of the $55,000 awarded statewide, $10,000 is being directed to programs within Ocean County served by Jersey Central Power & Light.

The Ocean County College Foundation will receive $5,000 for its Cosmos Classroom program at the Robert J. Novins Planetarium, which provides STEM instruction to nearly 8,000 K-12 students annually. Another $5,000 is going to the Ocean County

County

Foundation for Vocational and Technical Education to supply materials for about 150 students in the Electrical Trade Technology program’s simulated work environment.

FirstEnergy’s President of New Jersey, Doug Mokoid, said preparing students for a technology-driven future is essential, noting that New Jersey has long been a hub for innovation. JCP&L employees also recently participated in Career Day at Ocean County Vocational and Technical School and host school STEM groups at company facilities to showcase the workings of the electric grid.

Library Announces Holiday Closures

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Library System will suspend in-person services during the upcoming holidays, with all branches and reading centers closed December 24 and December 25. Normal operating hours will resume December 26.

The system will also close at 5 p.m. on

December 31 and remain closed January 1. Branches will reopen January 2 with regular schedules.

While buildings are closed, patrons can continue to access digital services, including eBooks, eMagazines, streaming media, databases, and virtual classes at theoceancountylibrary.org.

Around the JerSey Shore

Students Honored For Essays Celebrating Ocean County’s Future

TOMS RIVER – Three high school students were recognized by the Ocean County Board of Commissioners for standout essays written as part of the county’s 175th anniversary celebration.

The contest invited students to reflect on Ocean County’s future and share ideas on how to protect what residents value most while adapting to growth and change. Officials said the submissions demonstrated insight, optimism, and a strong sense of community.

Ocean County Commissioner Robert Arace presented the top writers with certificates and

prizes on behalf of the board.

The winners are:

First place: Abbigail Schenker, Southern Regional High School

Second place: Valentino Vaccarella, Manchester High School

Third place: Kaitlyn Bardis, Point Pleasant Borough High School

County officials thanked all participating students, noting that their perspectives underscore a promising future and the potential of the next generation to guide Ocean County forward.

Photo courtesy Ocean County

Around the JerSey Shore

Toms River Veteran Writes Candid Memoir “Years Later About Vietnam”

By Stephanie Faughnan

TOMS RIVER - Ron Fazio didn’t want to go to war. But he also didn’t want to flee to Canada or risk arrest for defying the draft.

“I was a drafted teacher,” he said. “That proved I didn’t like the war. But I didn’t want to not serve. I didn’t want to go to Canada, and I didn’t want to go to jail. So, I took my 10, 15, 20 percent chance of either being killed or wounded, and I said, ‘I’m going in. I can’t take it anymore.’”

For decades, Fazio, who taught US history and economics at Manalapan High School, pushed his Vietnam experience to the side. He kept his recollections tucked away in journals, letters, and photographs but rarely spoke about them. This February, the 80-year-old Toms River resident finally gave those memories a permanent voice with the publication of his book, “Years Later About Vietnam.”

Years In The Making

Fazio’s book began with a journal he kept in a small notebook he carried with him in the jungles of Vietnam.

“Most guys threw their memorandum pads away,” he said. “In fact, nobody in my whole company or battalion took notes. But every day I’d have a date and what happened. I wrote letters home, too - 110 letters to my parents. And I told my mother early on, keep the letters.”

Those scraps of history became the backbone of “Years Later About Vietnam,” which blends Fazio’s daily entries with the letters and more than 200 photographs he

took on a Kodak Instamatic camera.

“If I wrote that I built a hooch, I had a photo,” Fazio said. “If I mentioned carrying an M16 with the radio, I had a photo. I wanted people to see what I saw.”

The result is a rare, day-by-day account of a draftee’s journey. Fazio began as a young novice and became a soldier who adapted to combat. He served as a radio telephone operator, a mortarman gunner and a forward observer at Firebase Jamie. He later became a headquarters and headquarters company clerk for his entire battalion. His job was to keep track of everyone, whether they were on the base, in the jungle, had been injured, or had gone AWOL.

“I had to know 1,000 guys, where everybody was on my board,” explained Fazio.

“And every day I had to open up the camp. I was the ‘go to’ guy.”

Fazio returned from Camp Husky at Xuan Loc to Camp Frenzell-Jones, where he’d originally only been a Private First Class (PFC) with the previous 199th. “I’d been a nobody there,” he said. “Now I’m in charge of all the withdrawals for the second of the twelfth battalion because I’m in the orderly room. I had to keep a journal of whoever comes and leaves and where they were going.”

Why He Waited

Although he knew his journals and letters held something special, Fazio resisted writing for years.

“I finally thought that I was old enough

(Author - See Page 29)

(Left) “Years Later About Vietnam” tells the true story of a local veteran. (Right) Ron Fazio holds copies of the book he published in February.

Photo courtesy Ron Fazio

Author: Continued From Page 28

to look back at myself, from how I was from 1968 when I graduated from college to the time I left Vietnam in 1971,” he said. “That’s 39 months. I basically wrote the book for me, but not this me. That me back then - the young guy, what I had to go through.”

When he returned home in 1971, the political climate was still deeply divided. “Very few people knew I was a Vietnam veteran,” Fazio admitted. “People were still moving around. Half the country thought the war was horrible. The other half thought we weren’t doing enough. I just went back to teaching and kept quiet.”

It wasn’t until 2024 that he began to seriously consider pulling everything together. The process required revisiting the hardest parts of his journals and deciding how much to reveal.

“The hardest part was trying to explain how hard it was to be a combat grunt,” he said. “Sometimes I used humor, like stopping to drink Kool-Aid while we were getting shot at. But other times I had to pause. The hardest part was remembering what it felt like to finally see my parents waiting at Newark Airport when I came home.”

The Teacher In Him Fazio’s background as an educator shaped how he chose to present his story.

“Since I was a history teacher, I figured I better keep this,” he said. “I wrote the book the same way I wrote in the jungle. Day by day. I didn’t want to change it. I just upgraded the vocabulary and punctuation.”

His goal was to create a resource that blended the emotional truth of a soldier’s life with the structure of history. “What makes my book different is that it’s not just a story of one battle or one heroic act,” he explained. “It’s a story of living, marching

in 100-degree heat, writing letters home, getting reassigned from one role to another, and finding ways to survive.”

Readers have responded to the authenticity. “One woman told me it felt like she was a fly on my shoulder, walking through the jungle with me,” Fazio said. “That’s the kind of reaction that makes it worth it.”

“Years Later About Vietnam” is not only about combat. It is also about the transformation of a young man whose life plans were interrupted.

“You’re going to graduate college and you want to be a teacher,” he reflected. “Instead, you can’t be a teacher. You see all your friends get jobs, get married, have kids, and you can’t do any of that. I didn’t even want to date seriously. I didn’t want to get someone involved in what I was going through.”

In the end, it was his teaching career that gave him the stability to move on after the Army. Fazio was discharged after 20 months instead of two years because he had a job waiting. “I was fortunate that I could get back to teaching where a lot of guys couldn’t,” he said. “That helped me put Vietnam aside for many years.”

Recognition At Yankee Stadium

On September 10, Fazio’s service was recognized in front of thousands when he was honored as “Veteran of the Game” at Yankee Stadium.

“You have to be nominated, and I didn’t even know who did it at first,” he said. “Suddenly, I’m on the Jumbotron, answering questions about my favorite memories and ballplayers. It was an incredible honor.”

For a lifelong Yankee fan who once caught a home run ball from Yogi Berra, the moment was especially poignant.

Want to learn more about Fazio and his time in Vietnam? “Years Later About Vietnam” is available in paperback and hardcover at Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

Wawa Settlement Emails Contain Legitimate eGift Cards

By Jason Allentoff

NEW

JERSEY

– A wave of emails offering Wawa eGift Cards as part of a data breach settlement is legitimate, according to details released about the long-running case.

The message, sent with the subject line “Wawa Settlement eGift Card,” includes a link for recipients to access a digital gift card tied to a $9 million settlement stemming from a payment-system breach that occurred between March 4 and December 12, 2019. During that period, malware on Wawa’s payment servers exposed credit and debit card numbers, expiration dates and cardholder names used at the company’s stores and fuel pumps.

Wawa’s IT team identified the malware on December 10, 2019 and fully contained the issue two days later.

Under the settlement terms, customers who used a payment card during the affected timeframe received compensation based on the level of fraudulent activity. Those who experienced unauthorized charges were issued a $5 card, while individuals whose banks reversed fraudulent transactions were granted $15. Customers who incurred out-of-pocket losses or related expenses received $500.

Recipients must click the link in the email to claim their eGift Card, which can be printed for in-store use or added to the Wawa mobile app.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Planned

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 JERALDINE SAUNDERS

OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

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.

HONEY AND HABANERO ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH

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

(c) 2025 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

Rossen Worthington. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

The butternut squash tastes sweet, savory and spicy all at once. CREDIT:(Kristin Teig/TCA).