2025-12-20 - The Toms River Times

TheTOMS RIVER Times Vol. 21 - No. 33

In This Week’s Edition

JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM

MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS

December 20, 2025

Survivor Day Brings Awareness Drug Prevention, Health Leaders To Suicide Prevention Celebrated

BREAKING NEWS @

Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Members of the DART Prevention Coalition of Ocean County join representatives from Ocean County College after the college was recognized with the Excellence in Prevention Award.

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Government Page 7

Community News Pages 11-13 & 18

Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 16

Inside The Law Page 20

Photo by Bob Vosseller Runners lineup for the start of the 6th Annual Purpose and Hope 5 Kilometer Run held in Island Heights.

By Bob Vosseller OCEAN COUNTY – Out of tragedy, some good can come and that is what drew people to the 6th Annual Purpose and Hope 5 Kilometer Run at the Island Heights municipal complex on the rainy morning of International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. The event was coordinated by the founders of Purpose and Hope - Kevin M. Schmiegel, his sister Kirsten Schenk and her husband David who is a captain in the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department.

Schmiegel, a retired lieutenant colonel in the United States Marine Corps, spoke candidly to Jersey Shore Online.com and later to the public

Cadets of the Ocean County Police Academy take a jog at the conclusion of the 6th Annual Purpose and Hope 5 Kilometer Run held in Island Heights. about his own mental health struggles.

He explained how the non-profit support organization formed. “This is six years in the making. The race was started in memory of my nephew Christian Schenk who essentially finished his training as a police officer during Covid and he took his own life on Easter Sunday. We are a big Catholic family and it was devastating for us.”

“My sister Kirsten wasn’t able to get out of bed. I (Survivor day - See Page 4)

This Month In History: How Well Do You Know Toms River?

By J. Mark Mutter TOMS RIVER - Next year, our country celebrates 250 years of independence. To usher in the semiquincentennial, some end of the year fun - a local history quiz. The answers are at the end of the quiz; no peeking!

1. Our town’s name was changed in a voter referendum in 2006 to the “Township of Toms River.” What was our original legal name when we were founded?

A. Town of Dover B. Township of Dover C. Village of Tom’s River D. Goose Creek 2. This colonial-era governor signed the act creating our town: A. William Franklin B. William Livingston C. William Patterson (History Month - See Page 9)

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By Stephanie Faughnan OCEAN COUNTY - The spirit of collaboration and perseverance filled the room at the annual DART Prevention Coalition of Ocean County Year-End Celebration, as members reflected on a year marked by innovation, challenges, and measurable impact.

The event brought together educators, law enforcement, health professionals, and community leaders.

Their collective commitment to substance use prevention, mental health awareness, and youth empowerment has helped shape a strong and continually evolving coalition.

“This past year has been one of tremendous challenge,” said Roberta Rapisardi, Assistant Director of Prevention and the Training Institute at RWJBarnabas Health.

(Leaders - See Page 5)

Years After Camp Closes: ‘We Had Nowhere To Go’

By Stephanie Faughnan Photo by Stephanie Faughnan MANCHESTER - Surf and Stream CampMarie Cicalo (left) and Dawn Gray share ground was once a tucked-away community an emotional embrace after reflecting on where neighbors looked out for one another the continuing strain Surf and Stream’s and life felt manageable, even for those former residents continue to carry nearly hanging on by a thread. three years after their displacement.

(Camp Closure - See Page 10)

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Page 2, The Toms River Times, December 20, 2025

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The Toms River Times, December 20, 2025, Page 3

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Page 4, The Toms River Times, December 20, 2025

Survivor Day: Continued From Page 1

was a non-profit leader. I ran major military and veteran non-profits to support our community and I called her up and said she should start a non-profit to help surviving families,” he added.

The race was held on International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, which is recognized globally. He said the goal of this event is to educate others that this is an issue that every community faces.

He posed the question, “how do you get young people to recognize that we all struggle and that struggle is part of growth? If you can get people to support the families who lost loved ones to suicide, the community comes together, there is no stigma on the family and they support one another.”

He noted that those in the military, veterans, and first responders are especially vulnerable to severe depression that may lead to suicide because of the huge responsibilities and stress they face.

“Over time, we can come together as a community. We can help solve the issue by being more transparent and open about the issue. I struggle myself, post transition, how do you find purpose in your life or connect to community or the things you need to get through those

struggles?” he asked.

“That is what it is all about. Part of the problem is people don’t want to talk about it. I am talking more publicly about my own struggles,” he added. “The saying is ‘It is okay to not be okay’ and you have to recognize that. You have to talk about things and you have to share your story.”

Schmiegel noted that in today’s society, social media masks the true struggles people face. The truth is that everyone struggles.

People who race in the event pay a registration fee and the proceeds go to “causes that support mental health, the PBA, other non-profits that support families.”

David and Larissa Colangelo are former Jackson residents who now live in Cookstown and came out for the event to remember David’s brother Mark. “He worked with me at the Ocean County Jail.

He died December 11, 2013. He took his life. There were no signs. I was a sergeant at the Ocean County Jail. He was an officer. We worked together for many years.

It came out of nowhere.”

“There is a lot of pressure and a lot of ups and downs with that job. I am sure that was part of it. We come here every year to show our support,” David Colangelo said.

Larissa Colangelo said two years ago the run served as tribute to her husband’s brother. “It was held on the 10th anniver-

sary of his passing. If it wasn’t for Purpose and Hope we wouldn’t have the awareness.

I feel more people are talking about it now.

We never talked about it years ago and we didn’t tell anybody about it but now I think awareness is growing. More people I know have people suffering in their families.”

“Purpose and Hope really brought my family together in understanding suicide,” David Colangelo added.

The Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, Prosecutor’s Office and cadets training currently at the Police Academy came out for the event. Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer and Sheriff Michael Mastronardy also attended to show their support. There was also representation from county government.

“The Ocean County Commissioners are very much aware and this is on the radar that we need to provide awareness,” said Ocean County Commissioner Frank Sadeghi. He told two stories of recent suicides that he knew about.

“We need to find out what causes this. Is it the bond between the family members that is broken or is it a societal thing? We need to do more - there is no question about it. Is it the pressures on younger people? Social media? Young people today don’t talk to each other anymore, they are sitting at the dinner table and texting each other instead of actually conversing. We need to find out

what the answer is,” he said.

Remembering Tom Winters Every year, the run names someone who has been lost and this year they focused on Tom Winters of Jackson.

Peter Winters said his brother Tom worked for 13 years as a lifeguard in Lavallette and Island Beach State Park and loved the ocean. He said his brother played soccer “on a team that won a lot of championships with Rob Johnson. He lived in Jackson from ’78 to 2005 or so. He went to college and served as a lifeguard and moved to California and lived in Florida until the end of his life. He loved fishing in Jackson. He loved the beach and the woods.”

“Tom Winters lived a life marked with a love of family, friendship and community.

He was a son, a brother and a proud uncle.

At 52 Tom lost his life to suicide. He is remembered for the challenges he faced, the smile he shared and the joyful laughter he brought to family and friends,” Schmiegel remarked.

Schmiegel said around 300 runners came out including the latest class of police cadets from the Ocean County Police Academy.

“There is a story behind every Tom and every Christian and every family left behind and that is what you have to remember.

Their memories do live on and they live on in part because you are here.”

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Leaders:

Continued From Page 1 She described a year shaped by funding cuts, staffing shortages, and reduced engagement across partner agencies. Despite these barriers, she noted that the coalition’s determination never faded. “Our team continued to show up with heart, creativity, and unwavering commitment.”

The sentiment echoed throughout the celebratory program. Even in a difficult environment, DART’s work did not slow. In many ways, it grew deeper.

DART’s Evolving Mission DART, established in 2009 and supported by RWJBarnabas Health’s Institute for Prevention and Recovery, serves as Ocean County’s regional coalition dedicated to addressing underage drinking, misuse of prescription medication, illegal marijuana use, and tobacco and vaping prevention.

Senior Prevention Manager Amy Piacente-Desch spoke about the coalition’s growth over sixteen years. She described DART as a network that brings together individuals from twelve community sectors, including schools, law enforcement, government, youth organizations, businesses, and healthcare.

“Every county in the state has a regional coalition. DART is ours,” she said. “And without all of you in this room, we would not still be here.”

DART’s work now spans three core branches: prevention programs for adults and the general community, youth-focused initiatives in local schools and clubs, and the SOCIAL Network, which unites faith-based leaders and

The Toms River Times, December 20, 2025, Page 5 congregations around wellness and prevention throughout Southern Ocean County.

DART’s accomplishments over the past year illustrate how much the coalition has strengthened. Thousands of residents received resources, training, and direct prevention tools. School partnerships deepened. Youth programming expanded. Faith communities increased their capacity to provide support through new mental health, human trafficking, and leadership trainings.

Awards Presented Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer spoke about the significance of the Terrence P. Farley Recognition of Excellence Award, named for the late First Assistant Ocean County Prosecutor. Farley played a key role in DART’s formation and was known within the prosecutor’s office for his extensive work on youth prevention initiatives.

Billhimer noted that both Farley and Anthony Pierro, for whom the student award is named, were “legends in the office” whose prevention efforts continue to influence the county. Billhimer recalled that Farley’s outreach extended into the community long before formal partnerships existed, and that the award reflects the type of long-term, committed service Farley championed.

Jeanne Broadbent of Waretown was named as this year’s recipient of the Farley award and recognized for nearly three decades of work in Waretown and Barnegat. She began her career in 1997 as a part-time municipal alliance coordinator and later became responsible for managing two recreation departments. In that role, she oversaw the development of programs

that served a broad range of age groups and interests within the community.

Presenters Saranda Franzone and Julie Snyder of the Ocean County Health Department outlined Broadbent’s operational and administrative contributions. They cited her management of day-to-day recreation functions, coordination of community events, and ability to identify and implement programming responsive to local needs. They also noted her long-standing collaboration with municipal alliances, law enforcement, school districts, and local organizations, which helped ensure that prevention initiatives remained visible and accessible.

Broadbent acknowledged the longevity of her service during brief remarks after accepting the award. “I would have never thought that what started as a part-time job would turn into a lifetime commitment,” she said. “I truly love my community, and I am honored to have worked with so many of you.”

The Anthony V. Pierro Student of Excellence Award recognizes a young person who embodies authenticity, leadership, community passion, and resilience. The award was established in honor of retired Chief Juvenile Prosecutor Anthony V. Pierro, who devoted his career to helping youth and strengthening prevention strategies throughout Ocean County.

This year’s recipient, Delara Jablonsky, a junior at Brick Memorial High School, was nominated independently by two people who did not know the other had selected her. This rare occurrence reinforced just how widely her impact has been felt.

Brick Municipal Alliance Coordinator Brandy White described Delara’s commitment to youth

mental health advocacy as “tireless.” She noted that Delara’s own experiences growing up with parental mental illness and substance use shaped her desire to support others.

Anjelica Rivera, Assistant Director of Preferred Behavioral Health’s NJ4S Ocean Hub Team, also spoke about Delara’s leadership.

She highlighted Delara’s involvement in multiple school committees, her role as a public speaker for youth mental health initiatives, and her achievements in competitive cheerleading.

DeLara thanked her family, mentors, and the many adults who encouraged her work. “This year has been a rough one, but it is my main passion to help with mental health advocacy,” she said. “You all mean so much to me.”

The final honor of the afternoon went to Ocean County College, which was selected as the Excellence in Prevention recipient. Instead of naming a Town of Excellence this year, DART chose to recognize a team whose work meaningfully advanced campus health and safety.

Ocean County College implemented a multi-layered prevention model. The campus housed a naloxone vending machine, ensured its staff were trained in naloxone administration, partnered with DART to distribute harm reduction resources, and offered extensive mental health and substance use awareness programs. Their “Fresh Check Day” events, professional development sessions, and student support initiatives positioned the college as a leader in prevention within the academic setting.

“They helped shine a light on the importance of understanding the social determinants of health and how they shape the well-being of our community,” Piacente-Desch said.

Page 6, The Toms River Times, December 20, 2025

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The Toms River Times, December 20, 2025, Page 7

Spotlight On Government Correspondence & Commentary From Your Local, County, State & Federal Officials

Failing Test Scores, Skyrocketing School Taxes And An Outrageous $80,000 Raise: Mayor Rodrick Calls On Superintendent Citta To Resign From The Desk Of

The Mayor - by Mayor Daniel Rodrick For far too long, I have kept silent about the state of the Toms River School District. As mayor, I have always respected the independence of our school board and the democratic process by which its members are elected. But as the situation has worsened and misinformation has spread, I can no longer remain on the side-

lines. Our children, our families, and our taxpayers deserve the truth - and decisive action.

Recently, Superintendent Mike Citta has made claims that I am personally preventing him from receiving an $80,000 raise, which would bring his salary to $308,000 per year. Let me be clear: While I believe such a raise is outrageous, I have no authority over the superintendent’s contract. The decision rests with a handful of school board members who, rightfully, have serious concerns about approving an excessive salary increase at a time of fiscal crisis.

The superintendent’s focus should be on

improving our schools, not on spreading false aspersions or pushing for a pay raise that most taxpayers would find indefensible. Even worse, Mr. Citta recently attempted to steer the district toward bankruptcy - despite the fact that debt service represents just 3.5% of the total budget and the state provided the district with an additional $2 million in aid this year.

Meanwhile, Toms River residents are being crushed by out-of-control school taxes. This year alone, school taxes have risen by 13%, following a 9.9% increase last year. That’s a staggering $47 million in new taxes in just two years. Let me be clear, these tax increases are entirely being driven by increasing spending. In 2021, the total school budget was $247 million; by

2024, it had ballooned to $303 million. That’s $56 million in new spending. Meanwhile, enrollment dropped by 1,000 students over the same period.

What are we getting for this massive increase in spending? Disturbingly very little. State test scores show that 55% of Toms River students are failing in reading and writing, and 67% are failing in mathematics. This is unacceptable.

Mike Citta cannot continue to ask taxpayers for more while results continue to decline. It’s time for a new direction - one that prioritizes academic excellence, fiscal discipline, and transparency.

Our children’s future depends on it. We must raise the bar for our schools, our leaders, and ourselves. Mike Citta needs to resign!

Superintendent’s Statement Refuting Political Slander state aid. Over 250 district positions had been eliminated. We were confronting COVID‑19 lear ning loss, prolonged school closures, rapid demographic shifts,

By Superintendent Michael Citta and the instability created by two interim superintendent appointments. Staff morale My name is Michael Citta, and I am proud was fragile. Students needed certainty. to serve as Superintendent of the Toms Riv- The district needed leadership focused on er Regional Schools, the sixth-largest school recovery and stability, not politics. district in the State of New Jersey, educating Instead, the process became politicized. more than 14,000 students and employing Elected officials outside this district atover 2,500 dedicated professionals. tempted to influence votes and control I am writing this to address recent events, outcomes. Candidates - each of whom was publications, and rhetoric that have crossed a respected and experienced educational a line. Politics and slander have increasingly leader - were subjected to slander and outintruded into this school district, into the right falsehoods. work of this Board of Education, and into I was personally called corrupt because I both my professional and personal life. worked in a district where a former superSilence in the face of that intrusion would intendent was later indicted. I was labeled suggest acceptance. I will not accept it - on an “underboss” because of my Italian behalf of our students, our staff, or this heritage - an accusation meant to imply community. mafia ties. That insult is not only false; it It is no secret that from 2021 through 2022, is deeply offensive. My family left Italy in the superintendent selection process in this the late 1800s to escape the Black Hand. district became a public spectacle. Can- To weaponize ethnicity in a professional didates - myself included - were dragged appointment process is disgraceful. through the mud during an already difficult My name and reputation were used repeatand protracted interview and appointment edly in political propaganda by then‑Counprocess. This occurred while the district cilman, now‑Mayor Daniel Rodrick, in an was navigating one of the most destabilizing effort to discredit my decades of service to periods in its history: the full impact of the this district and this community.

S‑2 funding legislation.

Let me be absolutely clear: I am not a At that time, Toms River Regional Schools member of any political club. I do not run had already lost more than $60 million in campaigns. I have no interest in running

From The Desk Of

The Superintendent

for public office now or in the future. I am an educational leader charged with the responsibility of running and rebuilding one of the largest school districts in New Jersey during one of the most challenging eras in public education.

From my first day as Superintendent, my focus has been singular: our students and this community.

Prior to my appointment, every superintendent during the S‑2 era spoke publicly about the coming fiscal cliff - the apocalypse that S‑2 would bring to Toms River Regional Schools. Student achievement declined.

Programming was reduced. Hundreds of educators and support staff were cut. Every line item in the budget was reduced by approximately 30 percent.

Yet even through those reductions, Toms River Regional Schools remains the most fiscally responsible school district in the State of New Jersey, with per‑pupil costs under $16,000 - the lowest especially when compared to the average of $23,000 or the highest nearing $50,000 per student.

My administrative team and I immediately implemented a strategic plan to reverse the downward trends: • Student achievement has increased every year of my tenure.

• We expanded student programming, including new pre‑vocational opportunities, the addition of JROTC, and a 15% increase in student participation in clubs and extracurricular activities.

• Suspensions and discipline referrals have decreased by 22 percent.

• Chronic absenteeism has decreased by 10 percent.

• Graduation rates and post‑secondary placement have increased each year.

We accomplished this without further reducing teaching staff, despite overcrowded classrooms with average class sizes of 30 or more students.

At the same time, we took a firm stand against the New Jersey Department of Education. We refused to raise local taxes unnecessarily. We refused to sell school buildings that our students and community need. We filed state and federal lawsuits. I personally testified and traveled throughout New Jersey to tell our District’s story.

I was threatened with the loss of my superintendent’s license for taking that stance.

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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.

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Page 8, The Toms River Times, December 20, 2025

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY FEATURED LETTER Local Help Needed To Protect Arctic National Wildlife Refuge From the smallest insects to the largest predators, vast arrays of wildlife fill ecosystems globally. As a Marine and Environmental Biology and Policy student at Monmouth University, each day when I step outside my door, my day is filled with fauna ranging from squirrels running around campus to dolphins leaping out of the ocean. Although nature is still fighting to exist, our world is dominated by busy roads, buildings as far as the eye can see, and pollution. There are only a few places left in the world where true wilderness still thrives, and one of these

places is the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska.

This land is rich with animals such as polar bears, caribou, seals, foxes, various birds, and more. Beauty extends throughout the 19.6 million acres, but it is currently facing a devastating threat that would bring this to an end.

This land is not empty; it is a complex ecosystem full of life. Although you may have never set foot here, you are connected to this land. Various animals migrate between lands, such as the birds that can even be found in your backyard. We have grown up seeing this wildlife in the books read as children, on television, and even in zoos.

They have been with us our entire lives, and now we are failing them. Oil and gas drilling is currently threatening this home, and it will affect you, too. Beloved animals will die, habitats will be destroyed, water and air will be polluted, and global climate change will accelerate.

This irreplaceable national treasure will be lost in the name of the short-term profit of drilling.

The government has made an aggressive push to undo Arctic protections. Representative Nick Begich of Alaska introduced a resolution (H.J. Res. 131) seeking to overturn previous protections in place.

The whiplash of opening and

closing protections leaves the wildlife to suffer the most.

Every voice matters in this fight, and change is possible.

Congress needs to enact permanent protections, ensuring this land is here for future generations to see for themselves. It is up to us to ensure that these animals are not read about in history books or only seen in a museum, wondering what it would be like for them to still be alive today. This fight isn’t trying to halt energy production everywhere; this fight is to recognize that the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is too important to lose. Protection for the Arctic would mean preserving biodiversity and

preventing the acceleration of global climate change for years to come.

This is an issue for me, I am a young college student about to enter the world. My purpose in life is to give a voice to the voiceless animals of the world, and I want to see these animals live another day.

This is an issue for you, as the world is facing environmental threats that will have devastating impacts. This is an issue for our nation, as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is ours to protect. Saving this land is an issue for all, no matter who you are or what you believe. Everyone has the capacity to have the heart to save a life, just as valuable as

your own. Once this wildlife and land dies, it doesn’t come back.

The opportunity to choose long-term life over a shortterm profit has presented itself. Congress has the power to ensure that the Arctic lives to see another day, where nature can thrive, and we can be proud to call this national treasure part of our home. The animals in the Arctic need more than just my voice; they need every voice willing to fight this irreversible destruction.

the planet. Just because some people object to placing nativity scenes on government buildings or prefer to say Happy Holidays rather than Merry Christmas, doesn’t mean there’s a war on Christmas.

Finally, I’d even be willing to give up one of my Christmas presents in favor of a bag of coal being put under the Christmas tree of the, “tell-it-like-it-ain’t” Fox News commentor, Sean Hannity. A man who never met a Democrat he liked, or a Republican he didn’t; and we wonder what’s wrong with our country.

After watching and listening to many of our senators, congresspeople and the news media this year, it’s taught me that truth, honesty, and kindness matter!

Christmas is a good time to forgive and forget - a good time to throw away prejudices and animosities - a good time to fill your heart and your house, and the hearts and houses of others, with love and sunshine - what a nice Christmas present that would be.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to all!

Leaders Need To Grow Up I was very disheartened at the conduct of our administration during the council meeting when Chris Pollak was sworn in. Mayor Khun should not have made an issue out of “this town” vs “our town.” If it bothered her so much she should have talked with him privately. Chris should not have responded the way he did. Saying that nobody likes her is like a juvenile on a playground, not to mention, wrong. Pointing out that she wasn’t elected is also wrong. That isn’t her fault. That was due to Reina’s actions, not hers.

This reminded me of the days of Reina vs Kafton. As a town, we cannot afford to go back there. It wasn’t productive then, and it won’t be now. Egos need to be left at the door. They don’t belong in a meeting, and they certainly won’t help bring our town forward. We as a town need to work together, and that includes our administration.

We all need to be able to respectfully disagree. Only then can positive change begin.

Borden Applegate Jackson

Stephanie Brown Jackson

Morgan Davis Student, Monmouth University

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR and your wife.

eased your despair.

Then take time to watch one of those traditional Christmas f licks.

And be sure to include cookies and hot chocolate for the perfect mix.

Yes guys there is a Santa Claus that lives deep within us all.

He appears when we give a nd it do e sn’t h ave t o come from a mall.

Today I watch teens and adults with heads buried in a screen.

I ask myself if they understand what this holiday should mean.

Yes, I do miss the tradition when every city was lit with Christmas lights.

It was that rare time of yea r t hat you cou ld n’t wa it for t ho s e s p e cia l nights.

A big hello and a smile, a warm and embracing hug or a kiss on the cheek.

All these special gestures make others’ hearts grow and their emotions peak.

Let’s all break our habits of getting caught up in everyday life.

I nstea d put away you r laptop and enjoy the kids

At night, everything came alive as beautiful Christmas music was in the air.

Even if you were broke there were wonders that

Annual Holiday Poem If I see another Amazon truck, it’s going to blow my mind.

I miss the days of going to the mall to see what I could find.

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Letters to the Editor are the OPINION of the writer and the content is not checked for accuracy.

Love doesn’t have to cost a penny; sometimes love can be shown in a rhyme.

So no matter what your circumstances, enjoy this holiday Christmas time.

Thank God for all of the go o d t h i ng s t h at h ave been bestowed upon you.

Show that g ratit ude to others because it multiplies God’s love by two.

So this holiday season give, and give, and give, and not just to those that expect.

Instead give to the unexpecting brothers and sisters, that’ll earn you God’s respect.

Scott Mahnken NJ Food Guy

Political Wish List I’ve just completed my Christmas list for this year.

First, I’d like to see mandatory terms limits for all elected public officials.

Second, and perhaps the most important, that research scientists come up with an over-the-counter, non-prescription vaccine, which would permanently cure President Trump of his malignant narcissism and foot-in-mouth disease; two conditions that have plagued the president all his adult life.

Third, it really would be a nice Christmas present to see Senate Minority Leader, Chuck Schumer, say something - anything - without reading it from a prepared written script behind a lectern.

My fourth holiday wish is that the “word salad queen” and former presidential candidate Kamala Harris would do all of us a favor and just go away.

Next, it would also be nice this Christmas not to hear ad nauseam, Bill O’Reilly whine about how secularists and non-believers are trying to “steal” Christmas.

Nonsense! Christmas is the most ubiquitous holiday on

jerseyshoreonline.com

History Month: Continued From Page 1

D. Richard Howell 3. As a political entity, our town is older than the United States.

A. True B. False 4. This is how Toms River celebrated American independence on July 4, 1776: A. With a torchlight parade B. With a day of prayer C. With a halt on Patriot smuggling activities D. We don’t know 5. A “blockhouse” - a crudely made fort of roughly cut logs - was built in Toms River during the Revolutionary War to: A. Protect village homes B. Protect salt warehouses located near the riverfront C. Protect local shipbuilding D. All of the above 6. This item was produced in Toms River that aided the Patriots’ effort for independence: A. Brick B. Salt C. Charcoal D. None of the above 7. Before refrigeration, salt was needed for the preservation of food. During the war, a salt works was built in Toms River for the production of salt. It was located in this present-day park: A. Cattus Island Park B. Huddy Park C. Money Island Park D. Shelter Cove Park 8. Who said that the several salt works along the Jersey shore were the most important in the cause of American independence?

A. George Washington B. Benjamin Franklin C. John Adams D. William Livingston 9. Captain Joshua Huddy defended the village of Toms River from British attack during the Revolutionary War. Where was

The Toms River Times, December 20, 2025, Page 9 he from?

A. Toms River B. Freehold C. Trenton D. Forked River 10. The British attacked Toms River only once during the Revolutionary War. A. True B. False 11. In the historic March 24, 1782 battle of Toms River, after the British successfully attacked the blockhouse fort and killed several of the Patriot defenders, they: A. Fled fearing an American counter attack B. Burned the fort and village to the ground C. Dumped the salt stored in the nearby warehouses into the river D. Marched south and attacked a Patriot outpost in the Pine Barrens 12. This is how Toms River celebrated the 200th anniversary of independence in 1976: A. With a parade B. With a post-parade town sponsored party C. With a showing of the new, locally produced film about the British attack on Toms River D. All of the above 13. Our town has an official motto; it’s in Latin and states: “Homo Cogitat, Deus Indicat.”

What does it mean?

A. Out of many, one B. God is our vindicator C. Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, D. Man thinks, God directs ANSWERS: 13 questions to celebrate the original 13 states! Here are the answers: 1. A. Town of Dover. We don’t know, conclusively, where the name “Dover” came from, but it is speculated that it was simply borrowed from Dover, England as many colonial towns and counties were named after places in England. The “town” designation, as stated in the charter, was changed to “township” in 1798 with enactment of a state law that established towns as municipal corporations in New Jersey. “Tom’s River” originates from

one Thomas Luker, an Englishman, who settled here in the late 1600s and married the local Lenni Lenape chieftain’s daughter.

They lived along the river in what is the present-day downtown village; an English map from 1712 is the first known reference to the name. The apostrophe was eventually lost to history; the last known use of it was in the early 1800s. Other colonial-era maps also referred to a “Goose Creek.”

2. A. William Franklin - Benjamin Franklin’s son. He was the last royally appointed governor of New Jersey. William Livingston was New Jersey’s first elected state governor. William Patterson was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and supported its adoption; a city in Passaic County bears his name. Richard Howell was our state’s third elected governor; a township in Monmouth County is named in his honor.

3. True. Our town was established by an act of the colonial assembly on June 24, 1767 - nine years before the Declaration of Independence.

4. D. We don’t know. News travelled slowly during colonial times, and it is likely that word of the independence that was declared in Philadelphia did not reach Toms River for several days. But once the news arrived here, it is very probable that it was greeted with great joy and excitement as Toms River was a longtime Patriot outpost.

5. D. All of the above.

6. B. Salt. Before refrigeration, salt was a vital commodity in the preservation of food, especially fish.

7. D. Shelter Cove Park. Today, the park is home of a bayfront beach, playing fields, and tennis courts, but during Revolutionary times, in a 169-foot long building, water that was captured from the bay was boiled. From the evaporated salt water, salt crystals were dried there and later transported by wagon for storage to warehouses in the village.

8. A. George Washington. It is famously said that “an army travels on its stomach,” so who better to know of the significance

of the area’s salt works than General Washington?

9. B. Freehold. He was a long time, well known thorn in the side to the British. In 1777 he was appointed to command an artillery unit of the state militia. His home in Monmouth County was once attacked by the British and he successfully defended it.

He fled the building, but was soon captured, only to later escape. He would go on to raid Loyalist sites in New Jersey. In December 1781, knowing of his exploits, the citizens of Toms River petitioned Governor William Livingston to send Huddy to Toms River for its defense. He arrived in February 1782, was captured in March after the attack on the blockhouse and hung in April.

10. False. The British attacked the village in 1777, and again in 1778, but both times they were unsuccessful in their attempt to destroy the salt warehouses.

11. B. Burned the fort and village homes to the ground. The town was left in ruins, but was quickly rebuilt and 68 years later in 1850 was named the seat of the newly created Ocean County. It is an epic story of the resiliency of mankind.

12. D. All of the above.

13. D. Man thinks, God directs. The official motto was adopted in 1967 for the 200th anniversary of our founding. The other mottos are, respectively, the United States’, the Confederacy’s and France’s.

COMING UP: In 2026, to celebrate 250 years of independence, this column shall feature Toms River’s many roles in the American Revolution.

J. Mark Mutter is the retired Clerk of Dover and Toms River Township. He was elected to the Dover Township Committee for three terms and served as Mayor in 1993 and 2000. He chaired the township’s 225-year anniversary committee in 1992, its 250-year anniversary committee in 2017, and its U.S. Constitution bi-centennial committee in 1987. He is the Township Historian and is writing a book on the history of Toms River.

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Page 10, The Toms River Times, December 20, 2025

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Camp Closure: Continued From Page 1

Nearly three years after residents were forced out when Ocean County bought the property for open space, the emotional and financial fallout has not eased. More than 70 former tenants are parties to a lawsuit in Superior Court, fighting over what happened and how the displacement reshaped their lives Their accounts do not read like legal claims.

They read like survival stories.

How It All Began Residents say the County was misled in thinking that Surf and Stream was only a seasonal campground. Families lived there year-round, received their mail there, and even listed the address with employers.

School buses stopped at the entrance each morning, cars filled the sites through winter, and some families had lived on the same lots for decades. Matthew Higgins, 44, was among them.

“My family has been there longer than anyone I know,” said Higgins, whose brother was also displaced. “I lived there on and off growing up, but I started living there yearround in 2012 and stayed until it closed.”

Once the County completed the purchase, demolition plans proceeded and residents were told they had to leave. According to the lawsuit, that directive triggered relocation assistance obligations under state law. Former tenants say those obligations were ignored, leaving them on their own as they scrambled to find housing during one of the region’s worst affordability crises.

Marie Cicalo ran the office at Surf and Stream and remembered the fear spreading from one trailer to the next. She took it upon herself to help in the only way she could.

Before losing her position, she spent days photocopying leases, rent receipts, and any document that might later prove a resident’s tenancy.

“I copied every file I could,” she said. “People were going to need paperwork, and I was afraid no one else would protect them.”

Her instincts proved right. Many residents later discovered that agencies, landlords, and assistance programs required extensive documentation. Without Marie’s copies, several would not have had proof at all.

Still, the paperwork did little to prevent the financial hardship that followed. Residents described paying as much as $75 per housing application, although the applications rarely led to anything more than a spot on an extensive waiting list.

“They threw us out like we were vermin,” shared Higgins. “Here I was a disabled person, going from apartment complex to another with good credit. I can’t tell you the thousands I wasted, and time and effort desperately trying to find a place to go.”

Sixty-eight-year-old John Renouf, who has suffered multiple heart attacks, was unable to move his trailer before the shutdown. “I lived in my car for about two or three weeks,” he said, before staying in his brother’s basement.

His applications were repeatedly denied.

“They tell me I have eviction and abandonment charges on me,” he said. “They tell me they can’t rent to me.”

Kaitlyn Ludlam, 36, moved to Surf and Stream in 2019 with her three children.

She ran a cleaning business but lacked the traditional pay stubs many agencies require.

Residents were expected to leave by late October 2022, but Ludlam remained until December 1 when the power lines to her trailer were cut.

Ludlum spent her entire tax return on motel rooms while bouncing between friends’ homes. During that period, her boyfriend died of heart failure at only 36. Her children initially remained in the Manchester School District under homeless protections, then transferred to Toms River when temporary housing was found.

The single mother’s rental subsidy ends this month. “I have been working as many hours as possible so I can have $2,400 for rent,” she said. Her current work includes cleaning homes, harvesting produce, and boxing baked goods. She recently earned her CDL in hopes of finding a more stable job. “If I have to work fifty hours a week and another overnight job to make ends meet, I am going to do it.”

Hardworking Lives Upended Twice Dawn Gray, and her husband Jim Ackerman, both 55, moved to the campground in 2019 after the Beachwood home they had owned for fifteen years went into foreclosure.

Ackerman, a flooring installer, survived liver cancer and a transplant eight years ago but could no longer work. Despite hardship letters and medical documentation, the family said their mortgage company pushed the foreclosure through quickly.

After leaving Surf and Stream, they moved their trailer to a park in New Gretna where the rent was initially affordable. Within a month, new owners doubled the rent and ordered residents out for utility upgrades. Forced out again, Gray and Ackerman moved their trailer into the nearby woods, where they lived until November 2024.

Gray also suffered the loss of her sister, 58-year-old Lorraine McHugh, who had been diabetic and a recent amputee. McHugh also lived at Surf and Stream and died after suffering cardiac arrest while staying in the woods.

They were not the only family who sought refuge in the outdoors and subsequently lost loved ones.

Where The Case Stands The lawsuit argues that Ocean County failed to provide required relocation assistance, including written notices of rights, help finding safe replacement housing, and moving support.

Attorney Kevin Starkey, who represents the former residents, said the legal requirements are clear and the County did not meet them.

Ocean County denies wrongdoing. County Counsel Laura Benson declined to comment, stating that it would be inappropriate to comment on pending litigation.

Cicalo, who collected documents and quietly tried to protect every resident she could, summed up the collective experience. “These people have been through more than anyone understands,” she said. “They deserve justice, and they deserve to be heard.”

Whether the courts deliver that justice remains uncertain. What is clear is that the families of Surf and Stream still carry the weight of a displacement that upended their lives, and the hope that someone will finally acknowledge what they lost.

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Toms River Times, December 20, 2025, Page 11

Community News C lub N ews , A ctivities , E vents & A nnouncements

Challenge Day Brings Honest Conversations To High Schoolers

A Friend’s House Social Adult Daycare

The Road to A Friend’s House is never long.

FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office hosted a “Challenge Day” program at Toms River High School East, bringing together 100 students, staff members and volunteers for a full day focused on empathy, teamwork and emotional growth.

The program encourages students to step outside their comfort zones, address the

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pressures they face and recognize shared experiences among their peers. Organizers said the goal is to break down social barriers and promote healthier school communities.

The Prosecutor’s Office is offering Challenge Day to every intermediate and high school in Ocean County this school year as part of its ongoing effort to support youth wellness and positive school climates.

Students Honored For Essays Celebrating Ocean County’s Future

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P.O. Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733 • Phone: 732-657-7344 • Fax: 732-657-7388 email: news@jerseyshoreonline.com • jerseyshoreonline.com

MANCHESTER TIMES • BERKELEY TIMES • BRICK TIMES JACKSON TIMES • HOWELL TIMES • TOMS RIVER TIMES SOUTHERN OCEAN TIMES Photo courtesy Ocean County 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.

President & Publisher Stew Swann

Vice President/COO Jason Allentoff

News Editor

Assistant News Editor

Distribution Manager

Chris Lundy

Bob Vosseller

Laura Hoban

Production Manager

Graphic Artist

Allison Gradzki

Julia Wilkens

Sales Manager Lorrie Toscano

Send your news tips, copy & letters to news@jerseyshoreonline.com

Published Weekly Copyright by Micromedia Publications, Inc. All material printed in The Times’ is copyrighted by Micromedia Publications, Inc. unless otherwise noted. The reproduction of the contents, in full or in part, is prohibited, unless permission is granted by Micromedia Publications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Page 12, The Toms River Times, December 20, 2025

Community News C lub N ews , A ctivities , E vents & A nnouncements

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Photo courtesy Ocean County Sheriff’s Department OCEAN COUNTY – Detective Michael Schumann of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department was presented with the Gold Medal of Valor at the 129th Annual New Jersey State PBA Valor Awards, recognizing his exceptional courage and heroic actions in the line of duty.

The Gold Medal of Valor is the association’s highest honor, reserved for officers who demonstrate extraordinary bravery while

protecting the public.

PBA President Charles Solimine, Delegate Keith Hardie, Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy, and several of Schumann’s colleagues joined his family and friends at the ceremony to celebrate the achievement.

PBA Locals 379 and 379A extended their gratitude to Schumann and all of this year’s Valor Award recipients for their service and dedication.

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WIC Offers Breastfeeding Help For Ocean County Families

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Health Department is reminding new and expectant parents that lactation support is available through the WIC Breastfeeding Warmline, a free service designed to answer common questions and provide guidance.

WIC staff members are trained to assist with a wide range of breastfeeding concerns, from how often to nurse and how long a feeding

should last, to recognizing a proper latch or dealing with discomfort. The warmline also offers advice for parents who plan to continue breastfeeding after returning to work or school.

Officials say the service is intended to be approachable and convenient, giving families access to help whenever they need it.

The WIC Breastfeeding Warmline can be reached at 732-678-0057.

Little League Opens Registration For 2026 Season

TOMS RIVER – Families can now sign up their young athletes for the 2026 Toms River Little League season, with registration officially underway for baseball and softball programs.

The league is accepting players ages 4 through 16 and is offering an early registration discount of $25 through December 31. Fees for the upcoming season are $275 for baseball, $230 for softball, and $175 for tee-ball. A family cap of $425 is available,

or $400 with early registration.

League officials said early sign-ups help secure teams, coaches and schedules ahead of opening day.

Registration is available exclusively online at trll.us.

The organization, one of the area’s largest youth sports programs, encourages families to register early to take advantage of the discount and ensure a smooth start to the spring season.

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Toms River Times, December 20, 2025, Page 13

Community News C lub N ews , A ctivities , E vents & A nnouncements

Grunin Appointed To GovernorElect’s Advisory Task Force

Photo courtesy Grunin Foundation Jeremy Grunin

By Jason Allentoff TOMS RIVER – Jeremy Grunin, president of the Grunin Foundation, has been selected to serve on the New Jersey Governor-elect’s Interdisciplinary Advisory Task Force, the organization announced.

The appointment aligns with one of the foundation’s core priorities: advancing regional and statewide advocacy through coalition building to address long-term, systemic issues. Foundation officials said Grunin’s role on the task force will help strengthen efforts to amplify the needs of Monmouth and Ocean counties while

contributing to statewide policy discussions.

Grunin will join hundreds of representatives from nonprofits, industry, and community groups who will take part in listening sessions and briefings designed to guide the new administration. Several of the foundation’s nonprofit partners are also participating.

“I am just one voice at the table of over 400, including several of our Monmouth and Ocean County nonprofit partners who are the ones doing the frontline work each day,” Grunin said in a statement. “Together, we can help influence and shape policies and programs that will impact communities across New Jersey. It is an honor to serve alongside these inspiring individuals.”

Grunin, known for championing equity and community collaboration, serves on a number of nonprofit and statewide boards in addition to leading the Toms River–based foundation.

The Grunin Foundation, established in 2013

by Jay and the late Linda Grunin, supports organizations working toward a more equitable and vibrant Central Jersey Shore through funding, capacity building, and advocacy.

The foundation has invested more than $58 million in the region to date, with another $12 million committed.

For more information, visit gruninfoundation.org

Toms River, Lakewood Among New Jersey’s Most Populated Towns

OCEAN COUNTY – New Jersey continues to prove it’s a prime destination for families, with new data showing several communities – including two in Ocean County – ranking among the most populated in the state.

According to Reader’s Digest, which analyzed New Jersey Demographics data, the Garden State remains one of the most densely populated states in the country, often trading places with Rhode Island for the top spot.

More than 9.5 million residents now call New Jersey home, spread across its 564 towns and municipalities.

Ocean County stands out in the latest population rankings, with Lakewood and Toms River both landing in the top 10. Lakewood placed fourth statewide with 139,866 residents, while Toms River followed in eighth place with

99,091 residents.

Statewide, Newark continues to hold the top position with 304,960 residents, followed by Jersey City at 291,657 and Paterson at 156,452.

Top 10 Most Populated Towns in New Jersey Newark, Essex County – 304,960 Jersey City, Hudson County – 291,657 Paterson, Passaic County – 156,452 Lakewood, Ocean County – 139,866 Elizabeth, Union County – 135,829 Edison, Middlesex County – 106,836 Woodbridge, Middlesex County – 103,194 Toms River, Ocean County – 99,091 Hamilton, Mercer County – 91,640 Trenton, Mercer County – 89,620 The figures highlight Ocean County’s continued growth and its appeal to families seeking to plant roots in New Jersey’s coastal communities.

One-Day NJ Boat Safety Course

TOMS RIVER – A one-day New Jersey Boat Safety Certification class will be offered December 28 at the Toms River Elks Lodge.

The course, run by Boat Safe US, meets all state and federal requirements for operating powerboats and personal watercraft, and successful participants will receive both a temporary certificate and a lifetime New Jersey Boating Safety Certificate.

The class runs from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and costs $110, which includes instruction from U.S. Coast Guard–licensed captains, the student manual, and the proctored exam. Registration is required at boatsafeus.com/schedule-class.

Boat Safe US also offers $55 proctored exams for students who complete online courses through approved providers. For more information, call 609-613-2339.

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Page 14, The Toms River Times, December 20, 2025

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The Toms River Times, December 20, 2025, Page 15

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jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 16, The Toms River Times, December 20, 2025

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5 Reasons For Hearing Aids

Hearing loss doesn’t just change how you listen. It changes how you live. From meaningful conversations to overall well-being, it can reach into every aspect of your world. Whether it’s spotting early signs or maximizing checkups, here are five reasons hearing loss is a family affair.

Friends and Family Often Notice Hearing Changes First Hearing loss often happens gradually, so you might not realize it’s happening. However, family members may notice the TV creeping louder, missed punchlines in conversation, or frequent “What did you say?” moments. Their observations might be the first sign it’s time for a hearing evaluation.

Hearing and Total Health Are Closely Linked Research links hearing loss to falls, depression, cardiovascular disease, and even dementia, making it far more than just a communication issue. Loved ones can help support healthy habits and encourage follow-through on regular hearing checkups, contributing to overall wellness.

Companions Make Appointments More Effective Bringing a spouse, a best friend, or other close person in your life to the hearing appointment can make a world of difference. They can offer helpful insights about what they’ve noticed, support you in understanding test results, and provide

a familiar voice in test-driving or getting fitted with hearing technology.

Hearing Loss Can Strain Relationships at Home When communication becomes difficult, frustration, misunderstandings, isolation, reduced independence, and other problems can follow. However, both adults professionally treated for hearing loss and their loved one’s report significant improvements in relationships and other aspects of life, reflecting that everyone has a stake in better hearing solutions.

Shared Responsibility Supports Success Managing hearing health can feel overwhelming. When family members encourage appointments, remind about device use, or practice empowering communication strategies, it can help ease stress, encourage adherence, and foster a supportive environment that benefits everyone.

As a major public-health challenge, hearing loss affects the whole family, shaping communication, connection, and daily life. If you or someone you care about is experiencing hearing changes, don’t wait.

Call Dr. Izzy & his Staff today to set up an appointment in one of 3 locations…..

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Grief Groups In Ocean County

OCEAN COUNTY – Grief Group Counseling is provided by Rev. Dr. Anthony Lipari, FCM at various locations throughout Ocean County.

This complimentary service is held on the last week of every month at 1 p.m. and as following: Monday – Ocean County Memorial Park, Waretown Tuesday – Tim Ryan Funeral Home, Fischer Boulevard, Toms River

Wednesday – Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home, Mule Road, Toms River Thursday – Anderson Campbell Funeral Home, Route 571, Manchester Friday – Manchester Memorial Home, Schoolhouse Road, Whiting/Manchester Individual Counseling is also provided by Fr. Anthony by calling 732-349-6797.

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The Toms River Times, December 20, 2025, Page 17

Here’s To Your Health Dear Pharmacist Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

How I Saved Someone Thousands On Their Prescription In 5 Minutes

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph. Have you ever been standing at the pharmacy counter, minding your own business, when the clerk says, “That’ll be 958 dollars,” and you briefly exit your body? I used to be that pharmacist delivering the sticker shock, though I always tried to soften the blow.

I’ve seen people turn pale, mutter words I can’t print here, and leave the pharmacy crying. Back in the 1990s, we didn’t have Google at our fingertips or smartphones in our pockets, and patient assistance programs (PAPs) were mostly reserved for people with no insurance at all.

Today, I want to be your hero and explain more about PAPs and how they can slash the cost of many brand-name prescriptions. These programs are offered by the manufacturer, not the pharmacy, and you can save a small fortune if you know how.

Here’s an example. A friend’s husband was prescribed Xifaxan. His GI-MAP test showed bacterial overgrowth, finally explaining years of stubborn stomach symptoms. His doctor prescribed 42 tablets (a two-week supply). The pharmacy prices comes up at $2,448. The poor guy nearly needed CPR. His wife (my friend) texted me in a panic. I said, “Don’t pay that, give me a minute.”

Step 1: I Googled “Xifaxan copay card.”

Ten seconds. I see that the manufacturer has a savings program on their website.

Many brand-name drugs do. I let her know.

Step 2: They fill out the form which requires name, email, insurance info, and 30 seconds later - boom! The site instantly generates a digital “card” with

four magic numbers: BIN, PCN, Group, and ID. Step 3: She read those numbers to the pharmacist. The price dropped from $2,448 to about $759. That’s a 70 percent savings in under five minutes! Tell me that isn’t sorcery.

Another quick example: A doctor prescribes a topical analgesic product called Pennsaid for knee pain. The items is priced at $1,500. Just FYI, Pennsaid is just diclofenac, what you probably know as Voltaren Gel. I found a PAP for Pennsaid itself, and the price drops from $1,500 to free for this particular patient!

You might be wondering, Why doesn’t the pharmacy tell me if there’s a PAP for a medicine? Because they’re juggling interactions, insurance rejections, refills, long lines, and printers that freeze up.

Besides, it’s always up to the consumer to find the best price on things they want to buy. Just so you know, pharmacists are salaried, so it doesn’t affect their pay one bit whether you’re charged a sky-high price or get your medication for nothing.

So, you have to become a savvy patient.

Here’s how: • Google your medication name plus “savings program” or “copay card.”

• Click ONLY the manufacturer ’s website.

• Fill out the quick form.

• Screenshot the card with the BIN, PCN number, Group number and ID. • Call the pharmacy and read the numbers.

• Watch the price collapse.

If you’d like the full expanded version with even more money-saving examples and tips, just head over to suzycohen. com and sign up for my free newsletter.

(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.

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 18, The Toms River Times, December 20, 2025

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

It has been our core belief that the delivery of healthcare is quite personal. That “intimacy” is in danger when 5 to 100 facilities are operated in multiple states by large corporations.

Community News C lub N ews , A ctivities , E vents & A nnouncements

Widow of Former Toms River Mayor Tom Kelaher Dies At 95

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! nursing and

rehabilitation center

1579 Old Freehold Rd. • Toms River, NJ 08753 732-505-4477 • www.rosegardennj.com

Photo courtesy Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home

By Jason Allentoff TOMS RIVER – Caroline E. “Carol” Kelaher, the widow of former Toms River Mayor Thomas F. Kelaher, died peacefully on December 9. She was 95.

Born May 22, 1930, on Park Street in Toms River, Kelaher was a lifelong township resident who devoted her career to education, her family and her community. Her husband died in 2021.

A graduate of Toms River High School’s Class of 1948, Kelaher went on to earn a degree in elementary education from Trenton

State Teachers College (now The College of New Jersey). After traveling widely in her early adulthood, including trips to Mexico, Hawaii and across the United States, she returned home to teach second grade in the Toms River Regional School District. She retired at age 68 after a long career at Hooper Avenue Elementary School.

Kelaher met her future husband in 1956 at a dance class on Main Street. The couple married two years later at St. Joseph’s Church and later settled in Toms River, where they raised their family and became deeply rooted in civic, faith and volunteer life.

For four decades, she sang in the St. Joseph’s Church choir and volunteered with O.C.E.A.N., Inc., Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey, and other local organizations.

Family members said her dedication to service stemmed from lessons learned from her father about the importance of giving back.

She is survived by her children, Patty Thompson (Drew), Nancy Larrain (Santi), John Kelaher (Chelle) and Michael Kelaher (Regan); her grandchildren Dan and Alex Thompson; Miguel (Naomi) and Tomas (Maddie) Larrain; Finley and Glenn Kelaher; and Quentin and James Kelaher; her great-granddaughter, Emilia; nieces and nephews; and her lifelong friend, Eleanor Moberg Roth.

The family expressed gratitude to the staff of Harrogate and Compassus Hospice, and especially to her caregiver, Mary. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice.

OCVTS Sets Open House To Showcase Career Training Programs

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TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Vocational Technical School district will host a districtwide open house on February 5, 2026, offering prospective high school students and adults a chance to explore more than 30 career and technical education programs.

The event runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. across multiple sites, including the Toms River, Brick and Jackson centers, the Grunin Performing Arts Academy on the Ocean County College campus, and Cuisine on the Green in Little Egg Harbor. Visitors can tour facilities, view student demonstrations, and speak with instructors about available programs.

OCVTS will introduce several new offerings in Fall 2026, including Veterinary Assistant,

Civil Engineering CADD and Surveying, and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training.

The district will also highlight featured programs such as Design and Visual Communications and Culinary Arts.

Attendees are encouraged to register for the open house at bit.ly/ocvtsopenhouse26.

Before the main event, OCVTS will host a special information session for graduating seniors and adult learners from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Grunin Performing Arts Academy.

The session will cover program details, admissions procedures, financial aid options and job placement services. Participants will then be directed to the appropriate OCVTS location to visit their program of interest.

Weekly Bingo Nights Offer Fun and Prizes

TOMS RIVER – The Toms River Elks Lodge #1875 invites the public to enjoy weekly Bingo Nights every Wednesday at 600 Washington St., Toms River.

Doors open at 5 p.m. with games beginning at 7 p.m. Entry is $2 per board, with daubers and tape available for $2 each.

The lodge recently introduced new machines for a more exciting experience and offers up to $2,200 in prizes each week. Food options including hamburgers, hot dogs, and grilled cheese are available for purchase.

The event is open to the public. For more information, visit tomsriverelks.org

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Toms River Times, December 20, 2025, Page 19

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 20, The Toms River Times, December 20, 2025

R.C. Shea & Assoc.

Inside The Law When Should A Power Of Attorney Take Effect?

Michael J. Deem, Esq.

Helpful Guidance for Seniors and Their Families By: Michael J. Deem, Esq. R.C. Shea & Associates

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A Power of Attorney (POA) is an important legal document that allows you to choose someone you trust to manage your financial or personal affairs if you need help. The document itself is called the “power of attorney,” and the person you appoint is known as your “attorney-in-fact” or “agent.”

There are two common types of Powers of Attorney: • Immediate POA – Your chosen agent can act as soon as the document is signed, and can continue to do so even if you later become unable to make decisions on your own.

• Springing POA – Your agent can only act if you become incapacitated (for example, due to illness or cognitive decline). It “springs” into action when it is needed.

A question many clients ask is: Should my POA be effective right away, or only if I can’t manage things myself anymore?

There isn’t one right answer—what works best depends on your personal circumstances and your comfort level. For many married couples, an immediate POA feels natural. Spouses often already share access to bank accounts and property, so allowing a partner to step in when needed can make handling finances easier, especially as health needs change.

However, if you are naming an adult child, relative, or trusted friend instead of a spouse, you

may prefer that their authority only begins if you become unable to act for yourself. Younger adults commonly choose this “springing” option, especially if they are perfectly capable of managing their own affairs today.

Many seniors, on the other hand, recognize that even while fully competent, everyday tasks such as paying bills or dealing with insurance can become burdensome. In these cases, giving a trusted agent the ability to help right away can provide peace of mind and avoid unnecessary delays.

A common misconception is worrying that signing a POA means losing control over their own choices. That is not true. As long as you are mentally capable: • You remain the decision-maker • You can tell your agent to stop or change what they are doing • You can revoke the POA entirely if your agent is not acting in your best interest Ultimately, the best approach depends on your family situation, your confidence in the person you choose, and your goals for the future. An experienced estate-planning attorney can help you make the decision that protects your independence while ensuring the support you may need. Call the attorneys at R.C. Shea & Associates for all your legal needs. (732) 505-1212.

Our clients’ success is our greatest reward.

732-505-1212 • RCSHEA.COM

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Toms River Times, December 20, 2025, Page 21

CLASSIFIEDS Auto For Sale

Help Wanted

Services

For Sale - Pontiac G6, 2006, 61,500 miles, V6, $4,000 firm.

732-363-5240.

(1)

Caregiver Help Needed - Need someone to stay at my house f o r 2 w e e k s t o c a r e f o r m e a fter hip surgery. $500 per week.

Also can clean house for $20/hr.

Call Richard 732-901-5397.

(3)

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)

Misc.

Food Bazar at Ukrainian Catholic Church located at 1344 White Oak Bottom Rd in Toms River on 12-20-2025. Pierogies $11 per dozen, kobasi $20 per ring and sweet rolls with poppy seeds, apricots, prune or cheese $20 per roll. To place orders please call 732-5056293. Pick up date 12-20-2025 between 12:00 and 2:00 PM. (2)

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/es tate 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) U s e d G u n s Wa n t e d - A l l types: collectibles, military, etc.

Call 917-681-6809. (t/n) I Buy Records - Cash paid, we answer the phone. Call Eddie at 732-829-5908. Records 33/45.

Walt buys comics, toys & collectibles. Call 908-278-3782.

(49)

Help Wanted H VA C I n s t a l l e r / Te c h n i 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) 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)

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

Housecleaning - Laundry, window, carpet, office cleaning, food shopping. Call 732-3304189 or 848-287-3944.

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

TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED: • Mail 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

• Items Wanted

• For Rent

• Auto For Sale

• Help Wanted

• Real Estate

• Items For Sale

• Services

• Other

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

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8

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

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)

17

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)

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)

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.

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)

Calculate Price As Follows: 3. 1 week* at $29.95 for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word = $

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) DO YOU WANT YOU CAR TO LOOK NICE AND SHINE CALL 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)

T H E R I D E G U Y - Ta k e s 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)

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 = $ *In order to qualify for discounts, the same ad

Total = $ 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)

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 22, The Toms River Times, December 20, 2025

Citta:

Continued From Page 7 The state’s response was clear: sell schools, cut sports, allow class sizes to balloon beyond capacity if that balanced the budget. We refused. Despite that refusal, the state imposed tax increases on this community over two years. Those facts are not disputed.

In 2023, in a good‑faith effort to permanently resolve the fiscal crisis while protecting students and taxpayers, we pursued regionalization with Seaside Heights. That plan would have eliminated a $27 million annual budget gap, stabilized our district’s finances, and saved Seaside Heights approximately $6 million in taxes in the first five years alone..

We held more than forty meetings and six public town halls explaining the educational and financial benefits. The four Toms River municipalities approved the plan by 85%.

When I met with then‑Mayor‑elect Rodrick to request support, I was told that he and the town “didn’t want those kids,” referring to students from Seaside Heights.

I was told the plan was a political loser and that it would be easy to remove Board members - and me - once political control was secured.

Although Toms River voters overwhelmingly supported the plan, behind‑the‑scenes political pressure led to its failure in Sea-

side Heights by 65 votes - eliminating a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to stabilize this district’s finances without further tax increases.

To preserve student programs and protect taxpayers, we pursued alternative solutions. We sold open‑space tree rights to the Township for $4.3 million, preventing overdevelopment. We sold the 1144 (Hooper Avenue) office building to Ocean County for $16 million, keeping the property in public hands and saving the County nearly $100 million in new construction costs.

We reorganized administration and the business office, saving $1.3 million annually. We eliminated two director positions and one assistant superintendent position.

According to NJDOE metrics, this district should have four assistant superintendents.

We operate with two.

This brings me to the issue of my contract and compensation.

This has never been about money for me.

My record proves that.

In 2010, during a $14 million state aid reduction, the district eliminated an assistant superintendent position. I voluntarily returned to the building as principal - despite being legally entitled to retain my assistant superintendent salary. I accepted placement on the principal salary guide, giving back $55,000 annually.

Over twelve years, that decision amounted to approximately $660,000 in foregone compensation. It was the right thing to do.

When the superintendent search finally concluded in 2022, and in an effort to stabilize a fractured board, I agreed to a starting salary of $215,000 under a 4.5‑year contract. That salary ranked 185th in the State of New Jersey - despite leading the sixth‑largest district.

During the last four years, I froze my salary due to the district’s financial condition. I also assumed the duties of an eliminated assistant superintendent and director.

At the Board’s request, negotiations began on a new five‑year contract to ensure stability following the settlement of a new collective bargaining agreement. The process followed standard procedures, occurred largely in closed session as required by law, and resulted in the votes necessary for Department of Education approval. The negotiated and approved contract was a market place adjustment to the position period as it was way out of the market for a district our size.

Politics once again intervened. The contract was weaponized in campaigns for municipal and school board offices. I was portrayed as a superintendent who caused tax increases and now sought personal gain.

What was omitted were the facts: • The new contract places my salary at $275,000 not $308,000 and would be 32nd statewide - not first - and not the highest in Ocean County, despite serving 4,000 more students than the next largest district.

• Superintendent recruitment is increasingly difficult; the average tenure statewide is approximately two years.

• Administrative restructuring I implemented saves $1.3 million annually - more than covering the marketplace adjustment.

• Workload and accountability have increased substantially due to eliminated leadership positions.

I understand criticism. It comes with this role. It will not deter me.

What I will not accept is the distortion of facts or the injection of politics into our classrooms, our schools, or this Board of Education.

Look at the surrounding districts. Jackson has sold schools and redistricted. Lakewood continues to close and sell buildings. Across Ocean County, S‑2 districts raised taxes by an average of 20 percent over two years while student programming and outcomes declined.

Toms River protected its instructional model, preserved community schools, expanded opportunity, and continued to be a place families choose to live.

We fought - successfully - to keep student programs intact, to invest in pathways for future success, and to develop innovative solutions that address demographic change while controlling costs.

That is the work. That is the mission.

Politics do not belong in a school district, a classroom, or a police department. The residents of this district deserve better. Our students deserve better.

I remain committed - without apology - to doing what is right for this community and for the children we serve.

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jerseyshoreonline.com

The Toms River Times, December 20, 2025, Page 23

Around The Jersey Shore Experts Stress Toy Safety During Holiday Shopping Season

NEW JERSEY – With holiday shopping in full swing, pediatric specialists at Hackensack Meridian Children’s Health are urging families to keep safety top of mind when buying gifts and decorating their homes.

One of the biggest tips: check age recommendations on toys. “These labels are based on safety testing, not a child’s maturity,” said Marie Grace Ponce, M.D., of K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital. “Toys meant for older kids may have small parts or require

skills younger children don’t yet have.”

Toy-related injuries remain common. In 2023, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recorded 10 child deaths and nearly 155,000 emergency-room visits tied to toys. Falls from bikes and scooters make up a large share.

Key safety reminders include: • Avoid choking hazards — anything that fits through a toilet paper tube is unsafe for children under three.

• Keep button batteries and small magnets

away — they can cause life-threatening internal injuries if swallowed.

• Match riding toys to a child’s size and skill, and always include protective gear.

• Secure heavy or fragile decorations to prevent injuries.

Holiday décor can also pose risks. Breakable ornaments and those with small pieces should be placed high on the tree, said Virteeka Sinha, M.D., of Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital. She also warned about poisonous plants such as mistletoe and holly

berries, and emphasized keeping real trees watered and candles out of children’s reach.

Other hazards include visitors’ handbags with medications, leftover packaging from toys, and hot foods or drinks near table edges. Small seasonal foods like nuts and hard candies can also be choking risks.

Doctors say a few simple precautions — reading labels, clearing hazards and keeping risky items out of reach — can help ensure a safe and happy holiday season for children.

jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 24, The Toms River Times, December 20, 2025

Micromedia News 3 Offices to Serve You! Now in Leisure Village & Lavalette!

C lub N ews , A ctivities , E vents & A nnouncements

329 Commons Way • Building C • Toms River, NJ 08755 DelVirginiaRealtors.com • 848.221.1180 GAETANA DEL VIRGINIA CDPE, SFR. Broker of Record/Owner

From Ocean County to St. Helena Island, South Carolina — Micromedia President & Publisher Stew Swann raises a holiday toast at one of his favorite spots, Morgan River Grill. Though he’s relocated south, Stew remains deeply involved in our dayto-day operations and continues to be a familiar face in both communities. Happy holidays from all of us at Micromedia!

Library Seeks Volunteers To Craft Baby Hats ISLAND HEIGHTS – The Island Heights Branch of the Ocean County Library is teaming up with RWJ Barnabas Community Medical Center to collect handmade baby hats for families in the hospital’s maternity unit. The branch is accepting donations of soft yarn and completed hats from teens and adults who want to support newborns and their parents.

To help volunteers learn the craft, the library will host a series of hands-on programs: K n it t i ng a nd Fib e r A r t s G roup • December 29 at 6:30 p.m.

• January 26 at 6:30 p.m.

Loom Knit Baby Hats • January 5 at 2:30 p.m.

•February 10 at 2:30 p.m.

Participants ages 12 and older can learn to use knitting looms to create simple baby hats that will be donated to the medical center.

Volunteer hours are available.

Advance registration is required. Sign up at tinyurl.com/KnitOCLIH, call 732-270-6266, or visit the branch at 121 Central Avenue.

Registration for each workshop opens two weeks before its scheduled date.

Tap room Hours:

- Thursday: 3-9 - Saturday: 12-9

- Friday:12-9 - Sunday: 12-6

Tap Room and Beer Garden:

- 16 unique styles on tap - Hard seltzer options available - We offer pints and flights

Location: 1540 Rt 37 W, Toms River, NJ 08755

- Cans, Cases, Crowlers, And Growlers

Contact: 732-608-1004 tomsriverbrewing.com

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The Toms River Times, December 20, 2025, Page 25

Photo Of The Week

Our favorite Christmas house is back in all its glory. Kudos to Denise and John Curcio of Manahawkin for this amazing display.

As we say every year, this one will make Clark Griswold jealous!

From all of us at Micromedia Publications, we wish you a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Happy Kwanza and a very Happy New Year!

County Urges Seniors To Report Suspicious Medicare Calls, Mailings

OCEAN COU NTY – Off icials are warning residents to stay alert for potential Medicare scams as reports increase about unsolicited phone calls, unexpected mailings and unannounced visits from individuals claiming to represent Medicare.

Authorities say some residents have received calls from people posing as Medicare representatives or plan providers, offering to change or “update” their coverage. Others have reported strangers arriving at their homes with f lyers or marketing materials promoting alternative Medicare plans.

Seniors are also urged to watch their

mail closely. If a packet arrives welcoming them to a plan they did not sign up for, it may indicate their coverage was switched without their knowledge or consent.

Anyone who believes they may have been targeted is encouraged to contact the Senior Medicare Patrol at 877-808-2468 or by emailing info@smpresource.org.

For residents who need assistance comparing plans or determining which Medicare option best fits their needs, the county’s Office of Senior Services offers free guidance through its State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Counselors can be reached at 732-929-2091.

New Philly Cruise Terminal To Set Sail In 2026

JERSEY SHORE – Do you enjoy taking cruises? Travelers will soon have a brandnew option about an hour and 25 minutes from the Jersey Shore, as the PhilaPort Cruise Terminal is set to open on April 15, 2026.

The 16-acre site next to Philadelphia International Airport will serve as Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest homeport, offering 41

yearly sailings to Bermuda, the Caribbean and Canada under a seven-year agreement.

The project is expected to generate more than 2,100 jobs and pump $300 million annually into Pennsylvania’s economy.

The opening marks Philadelphia’s return to cruise service for the first time since 2011, giving South Jersey residents a closer alternative to Bayonne, New York and Baltimore.

Check out Micromedia Publications’ website, jerseyshoreonline.com

A WIDE SELECTION OF FABRICS TO CHOOSE FROM! Large Selection Of Fabric • Boat Upholstery Kitchen Chairs • Window Treatments • Cornices-Draperies Foam Rubber Cut to Size • FREE ESTIMATES

732-270-0622

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189 Route 37 • Toms River, NJ (1/4 Mile W. of GSP) 74 Brick Blvd. • Brick, NJ (The Pavillion) 623 Lacey Rd. • Forked River, NJ

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• Wills / Living Wills / POA • Estate Probate • Estate Administration • Real Estate Closings • Trusts • Power of Attorney • Municipal Court Website: www.silvilaw.com • Email: lawfirm@silvilaw.com

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Page 26, The Toms River Times, December 20, 2025

FUN & GAMES SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Across 1 Brewer’s ingredient 5 Paragons 11 Tea, in Hindi 15 “Or so __ say” 16 Like some cottage cheese 17 Captain’s post 18 “Whew! I was so worried the Kahlo was counterfeit!”

21 Re-tiring workers?

22 Swift composition 23 Chinese: Pref.

24 Stupefies 27 “That’s it!”

30 NFL document intended to protect the secrets of the Big Game?

35 Competition with pros?

37 Bygone toy company 38 “The Bear” Emmy winner __ MossBachrach

39 Not boyish 40 Greek X’s 41 Electric shaver brand 42 Object 43 Slender 44 Mortar’s partner 45 Retro-chic style that originated with the family of a movie charioteer?

48 Oxford Word of the Year for 2021 49 Extinct birds 50 “Riiiiiight” 52 Cast member 55 “And so on” 59 Impatient person’s comment, or an apt title for this puzzle?

63 Facts and figures 64 Reprimand sharply 65 Green land?

66 Yelp rating unit 67 Étouffée cuisine 68 “Dang it!”

Down 1 Start of some addresses 2 “You just get here?”

3 __ moss 4 Aligns 5 Naive stock character 6 “Why Do Fools Fall in Love” genre 7 Finales 8 “100 Years... 100 Movies” org.

9 Back muscle, for short 10 Ave. crossers 11 LeBarons, e.g.

12 Successor 13 No-frills grocery chain 14 Apple desktop once marketed with the Rolling Stones song “She’s a Rainbow” 19 Actress Swanson 20 Whizzed (by) 24 Need for some copiers 25 Basics 26 Petting __ 27 Allow in 28 Moor 29 “Li’l” fellow 31 Branch of philosophy

32 Channel for hoops fans 33 Birthing coach 34 New wing 36 “Talk to Her” Oscar winner Pedro 40 Rosalind of “3 Body Problem” 41 “Get serious” 43 Sked placeholder 44 Occasion for a launch party, informally 46 Sported 47 Having a gap 51 Polk predecessor 52 Supports 53 Chinwag 54 “__ for now” 55 Ono from Tokyo 56 College basketball coach Barnes 57 Feathered missile 58 Those in favor 60 Peacock network 61 Roofing goo 62 Test for prospective M.A. students

(c)2025 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.

SOLUTIONS

SU DOK U

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Jumble: OUNCE SKIMP BUTTON STRAND -- PAST “TENTS”

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The Toms River Times, December 20, 2025, Page 27

OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FOR THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 20 - 26

BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS FORECAST ARIES (March 21-April 19): Handle

what you can today, Monday and Tuesday bring worse than usual below-zero stars.

Wednesday brings you back into sunshine, so you’ll have more support from the Universe. Plan gatherings accordingly.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Strategizing to do less important stuff Monday and Tuesday is a boss move for the new week.

Today, or Wednesday and beyond, give you significantly better odds. Drill down for facts in any money situation.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Get it done today or wait until Wednesday or after. A partner might gaslight or might not be clear themselves about what happened. Enjoy creative time today if you can, it could continue to be an insightful time.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Get tasks handled today, though the right approach could be very unclear. Plan to do little Monday and Tuesday, deeply below-zero stars on those days make everything harder and less likely to turn out well.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): The desire to play, create, frolic could be strong, but you may have to stay in harness with obligations during the busy holiday season. A baseline sense of being rooted can bring peace.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Getting something done around the house may be needed and energy should be available, but get steps and particulars clear before you begin. Plan to sit out Monday and Tuesday for anything important.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): An attempt

at a communiqué could glitch — your facts could be skewed, and/or the intended audience could be divided or otherwise unreceptive. Wait until Wednesday or after for any attempt at a do-over.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): A financial matter could be unclear or deceptive for several more days, even if you’re positive you’ve got a handle on it. It’s wise to stage today for Monday’s and Tuesday’s poor stars, but it’s also a great day for inner insights.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):

If they’re misunderstanding you, do what you can to clarify your position. That said, someone well served by a misunderstanding will never get it, by design. If it’s a recurring pattern, take note.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You might feel somewhat scattered today, too many programs running in the background.

Do what’s needed before Wednesday today if you can, Monday and Tuesday offer very poor odds of great outcomes.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): A friend could be over-the-top imaginative or not be for real. Decide which, then place them in your life accordingly. A connection you’re contemplating could be made today, though Wednesday or after should work better.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Your mind could already be on the new week today. Planning and staging done today can work better than initiating on Monday or Tuesday. Wednesday and onward bring out opportunity sunshine.

(c) 2025 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

A CHRISTMAS BRUNCH TRADITION Diane Rossen Worthington

CARAMELIZED LEEK AND ASPARAGUS CRUSTLESS QUICHE

Serves 6 For the filling: 1/4 cup olive oil 5 leeks, light green and white part only, cleaned and thinly sliced 1 pound pencil thin asparagus, cleaned and cut into thirds, use the tips and the top of the stalks about, 4 cups 1/2 shredded carrots, optional Salt and pepper For the quiche: 6 eggs 2 cups milk 1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt Freshly ground black pepper For the side salad: 2 cups arugula

1/4 cup favorite vinaigrette 1. Preheat the oven to 325 F. 2. Heat the oil in a large sauté pan on medium-high heat. Add the leeks and saute for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until lightly caramelized.

Add the asparagus and saute for about 4 to 5 minutes or until crisp tender, stirring occasionally. The asparagus will turn bright green. Season with salt and pepper. Cool.

3. Combine the eggs, milk, cheeses, flour, baking powder and salt and pepper in a medium bowl and whisk until completely blended.

4. Place the leek mixture on the bottom of a greased 11-inch quiche pan and evenly distribute.

5. Place the quiche pan on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes or until just firm. The center should be slightly jiggly. While the quiche is baking, toss the arugula with the vinaigrette and reserve.

6. Remove from the oven and let sit for 10 minutes. Cut into slices and serve immediately alongside arugula salad.

(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.

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Page 28, The Toms River Times, December 20, 2025

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