Atomic Veteran Recognized By American Legion Dredging, Rent And AI Cause Concern
By Bob Vosseller
HOWELL - It was a special night for US Army Veteran Arthur Ehrmantraut who had a remarkable service record and life.
Ehrmantraut, 93, was joined by his wife of 60 years, Judith, when he was celebrated by the Jackson/ Howell American Legion Post 504, where he has been a member for 30 years.
He is known as an Atomic Veteran, one of thousands who had been ordered to participate in Pacific Island or stateside above-ground bomb tests, or served in Japan near Hiroshima or Nagasaki. Ehrmantraut served in the enlisted ranks, participating in 14 different atomic bomb tests at Yucca Flats and other locations during the Cold War.
service.
He was presented with an official Atomic Soldier certificate and commemorative coin by the Post to honor his presence at and exposure to classified nuclear tests.
The US government has, inconsistently, compensated many Atomic Veterans as well as nuclear weapons workers but many occupational or medical experi-
ment participants have gone unrecognized despite clear signals they were in harm’s way. It may be impossible to know exactly what harm the radiation exposure caused. Many survivors believe it to be a slow killer.
Ehrmantraut, who served in the 1950s and was part of the 50th Chemical Platoon, told The Jackson Times that
many men he served with in the platoon died young and that others developed illnesses long after leaving the service.
He has endured severe health issues and has been treated for cancer that manifested over several decades. While he is now cancer free, he noted that “my memory (Veteran - See Page 14)
The Truth Behind Boardwalk Games, Prizes And Scales
By Stephanie Faughnan
JERSEY SHORE – Just about every Jersey Shore visitor seems to have some skepticism about boardwalk games. They think the basketball hoops are too small. The bottles are impossible to break. The football target somehow fails to register a winning throw. And perhaps the most common suspicion of all is that the crane machine is programmed to drop the prize just before it reaches the chute. Those theories have become part of the Shore experience itself, passed from one generation to the next alongside memories of rides, arcades and saltwater taffy.
A group of state, county and local officials recently set out to answer those questions during New Jersey’s annual Safe Summer initiative in Seaside Heights. The program highlights the inspections that take place behind the scenes at boardwalks and businesses throughout the summer season.
Joining the event were Attorney General Jennifer Davenport, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs Jeremy E. Hollander, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, Ocean County Commissioner Rob Arace, Seaside Heights Mayor Anthony Vaz, Seaside Heights
(Boardwalk - See Page 2)
By Alyssa Lidman
HOWELL – Residents approached the governing body with many concerns, including lake dredging, oversight for rentals, and data centers.
Rory Morris, a resident of Lemon Road, urged the Township Council not to dredge Lake Louise during the portion of a Township Council meeting where the public can bring up any concern.
Township Manager John Gross said in response, “There are currently no plans to do dredging in Lake Louise mostly because we don’t have the money, number one, and number two, it was brought up at a previous meeting as an area of concern, which we committed to look at and see whether or not it was something that needed to be done or if we could do.”
“As of this time, there is no active project on that,” he clarified.
Mayor John Leggio said, “Mr. Morris. You know, there may have been some
kind of suggestion about dredging Lake Louise, but there’s nothing in the budget on that, sir.”
Morris said he saw discussion of it a few meetings ago. “We are now, again, considering dredging Lake Louise and my question is, why?”
“I have lived in this town for 60 years. I have fished Lake Louise for most of those 60 years because I lived on Locust Avenue between Echo Lake and Lake Louise.”
“I came here today to tell you, if you dredge this lake, you are destroying a resource that you don’t even know you have.”
Lake Louise is located at 19 Laurel Place, according to the website Fishbrain and is approximately 24 square acres in size, according to the website Lake-Link. The website Fishbrain states, “It is most popular for fishing largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and yellow perch.”
Dredging is the removal
Photo by Bob Vosseller
Jackson/Howell American Legion Post 504 Commander
Christian Stark gives US Army Atomic Veteran Arthur Ehrmantraut, 93, a challenge coin during a special presentation honoring his
Photo by Stephanie Faughnan
An official checks out the hoop of a basketball game.
(Concern - See Page 2)
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of sediments and debris from the bottom of lakes, rivers, harbors, and other water bodies, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
NOAA states that it is a routine necessity in waterways around the world because sedimentation - the natural process of sand and silt washing downstream - gradually fills channels and harbors.
NOAA adds that dredging is often focused on maintaining or increasing the depth of navigation channels, anchorages, or berthing areas to ensure the safe passage of boats and ships.
Rent Control
In other news, Joe Bizonos, resident of Cossack Road, suggested replacing the Mobile Home Rent Control Board with a landlord-tenant advisory committee.
He cited key elements of Montclair’s Landlord-Tenant Advisory, which has a non-emergency formal complaint hotline.
Councilman Michael Wrubel said in response, “As far as the non-emergency formal
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complaint hotline, that’s something, correct me if I’m wrong, Mr. Gross, that’s going to be included in GovPilot rollout, the software where there’ll be a portal that’ll be easily accessible.
“You take out a ticket. You’ll be able to look at updates so it’s a lot more streamlined,” Wrubel explained.
Leggio said, “We’ll look into your ideas and solutions. We’ll take it into consideration, but understand it has to go through legal first and I will make sure, what you said tonight, we will look into in regards to other towns and we’ve done that in the past.”
“For some reason in some other towns, some things are on the books because they’ve never been challenged and then some towns try doing things and then they’re challenged so it could cause an issue,” the mayor said.
Bizonos said in his statement, “There were already discussions regarding dissolving the mobile home rent control board. I’m grateful to the Council for choosing to not do that.”
“The landlord-tenant advisory committee will keep the best elements of the mobile home rent control board while adding new language that oversees renter-related matters
Police Chief Thomas Boyd, Ocean County Consumer Affairs Director Ron Heinzman and members of his staff, along with representatives from the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs and other state agencies.
While the purpose of the event wasn’t merely for entertainment, Billhimer, Davenport and Arace appeared to be having as much fun as anyone else. As inspectors moved from game to game, the three eagerly stepped up to test their own skills, taking shots, tossing footballs
and advises residents more broadly,” he said.
“We need a straightforward system that makes it easy for residents to file legitimate concerns whether it’s code violations, quality of life issues, or other non-emergency matters,” Bizonos said.
“This hotline should give every resident the clear option to track the progress of their complaint from start to finish so they can see that their voice is being heard and acted upon,” he said. “Other towns in New Jersey have successfully implemented dedicated hotlines or online portals. Compared with case tracking numbers, Howell can and should do the same to increase transparency, accountability, and public trust.”
Data Centers
Zachary Borus, resident of Southport Drive, urged the Council to not allow artificial intelligence data centers.
Wrubel said in response to Borus’s statement, “Just to circle back on the data centers again, we hear you. We’re on board. We’re working on legislation, looking at adjacent towns to create ordinances to ban AI data centers.”
A data center is a building containing
and trying their luck while learning how the games are regulated.
many powerful computers and the systems needed to keep them running so that large amounts of data can be dealt with effectively and without interruption, according to the Cambridge English Dictionary.
The World Resources Institute states that mid-size artificial intelligence data centers can use up to 300,000 gallons of water a day and large facilities use as much as 5 million gallons daily.
Borus said in his statement, “Before I begin, I know this was brought up during the last meeting, but I just wanted to keep urging y’all about any proposal for the future about AI data centers in Howell Township. While these facilities may have promised economic benefits, they come with significant costs.”
“Data centers consume enormous amounts of electricity, place additional demands on infrastructure, and have massive environmental impacts that can last for decades,” he said. “They also require large industrial style buildings that may not fit the character of our community.”
“If we really want to protect the character of Howell, we cannot allow this. They can go to Newark or Trenton and build it there if they want, but not in Howell,” he said.
For Billhimer, the experience brought back memories from his teenage years. Long before becoming Ocean County’s chief law enforcement officer, he spent summers working one of the game stands on the Seaside Heights boardwalk.
“I used to work in these stands when I was a kid,” Billhimer said. “I don’t remember them ever being checked, but I’m sure they were fair.”
Davenport, who grew up in Cape May County (Boardwalk - See Page 4)
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enjoying summers in Wildwood, said preserving public confidence remains an important part of protecting one of New Jersey’s most beloved traditions.
“Not everybody’s going to win,” Davenport said. “But you know that you have a fair shot to win.”
Inspectors Put Games To The Test
The demonstrations revealed that boardwalk games undergo much more scrutiny than most visitors realize.
According to state officials, investigators conducted 17 inspections in Seaside Heights during the 2025 summer season and found no violations. The inspections were part of a larger statewide effort that includes both scheduled and surprise visits to amusement operators, arcades and businesses throughout the summer. Every licensed amusement game location in New Jersey is inspected at least once each season, with inspectors reviewing rules, prizes, software, equipment and game mechanics.
One of the first stops at the special event involved football toss and basketball games. Inspectors demonstrated how they test electronic targets to ensure successful throws properly register as wins. They also reviewed prize displays and trade-up rules so players understand exactly what is required to earn prizes at each level.
The basketball games generated particular interest because of one of the boardwalk’s longest-running myths. Generations of visitors have walked away convinced the hoops are
smaller than regulation size. Inspectors said that’s not the case. Basketballs are checked for proper inflation, and the equipment must comply with state standards.
The bottle-bust game offered another opportunity to explain the regulations. Inspectors measured the playing field and reviewed bottle placement requirements while explaining that even the type of bottle used matters.
Perhaps no game attracted more attention than the crane machine. Standing before rows of colorful plush toys, inspectors opened the cabinet and explained how they verify that the software has been approved for use in New Jersey. They also demonstrated how the claw mechanism is tested to ensure it can actually pick up and carry prizes.
A veteran inspector with more than two decades of experience even shared a tip: target prizes closest to the chute rather than those buried deep in the pile.
The Rules Behind The Fun
Many visitors might be surprised to learn just how detailed New Jersey’s amusement game regulations can be.
Inspectors not only review the operation of the games themselves but also check prize displays, licensing requirements and posted rules. Operators must clearly explain how games are played and what players need to do to win specific prizes. Trade-up policies must also be displayed so visitors understand how smaller prizes can be exchanged for larger ones. State regulations even dictate pricing. According to inspectors, a boardwalk game cannot charge more than $20 for a single play package. Charging $20.01 would constitute a violation
under state rules.
The regulations also govern prizes. Individual prizes can be worth as much as $10,000, but operators cannot award certain items, including alcohol, weapons, illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia or live animals. Toy prizes must be lead-free. The goal is to ensure games remain family friendly while giving players clear expectations about what they are trying to win.
More Than Games
Members of the Office of Weights and Measures demonstrated how they test scales used by candy stores, fudge shops and other businesses selling products by weight. Using certified test weights, inspectors verified that scales accurately measured products throughout their operating range.
“We’re here to protect the consumer, and we’re also here to protect the business,” explained Mike Dillard of the Office of Weights and Measures. “If it’s one pound, it is one pound. If it’s five pounds, it’s five pounds.”
Inspectors also review pricing displays, refund policies, credit card surcharge notices and consumer products sold by businesses along the boardwalk.
When Operators Break The Rules
Officials emphasized that the inspections are more than educational demonstrations.
Operators found violating state regulations can face fines of up to $250 for a first offense and up to $500 for second and subsequent violations. Violations can involve improperly posted rules, uncertified games, inaccurate scales, licensing issues or other consumer protection concerns.
While Seaside Heights recorded no violations during its 17 inspections last year, state officials reported that inspectors found dozens of violations elsewhere in New Jersey, resulting in more than $15,000 in penalties.
Officials said the enforcement effort helps protect both visitors and honest business owners by ensuring everyone operates under the same rules.
Watching More Than Games
The Safe Summer initiative also addresses another issue facing shore communities: social media-organized pop-up parties.
Davenport said the New Jersey State Police work closely with county prosecutors and local police departments to monitor online activity and identify gatherings that can quickly grow into public safety concerns. The effort helps communities prepare for large crowds before problems arise.
Billhimer praised the partnership among state, county and local agencies and then delivered what may have been the afternoon’s most memorable line.
“It’s a public safety concern. We stay on top of that all summer long,” Billhimer said. “So, if you’re going to have a pop-up party, do it somewhere other than Seaside Heights.”
The comment drew laughter from those gathered on the boardwalk.
As the demonstrations concluded and families continued strolling past games, rides and food stands, officials emphasized that winning still requires skill and luck. Thanks to the inspections taking place behind the scenes, however, visitors can feel confident the games themselves are being played fairly.
OPINIONS & COMMENTARY
EDITORIAL
Have A Fabulous 4th Of July Celebrating America 250
The Fourth of July is coming up fast and this year the birthday celebration should be bigger and better than most because we have reached the milestone year of 250, but it does seem like there isn’t a lot of hoopla going on nationally or even as much as expected, locally.
On the national front things are a bit chaotic. The Freedom 250 celebration looked like it was headed for cancelation after a wave of musicians pulled out.
President Donald Trump expressed his view that it should be canceled but that has since changed. For those unaware, Freedom 250 is the group that is organizing the administration’s events for the birthday celebration. They announced a series of nine musical acts would perform during a 16day exposition - known as the Great American State Fair - on the National Mall later this month with festivities surrounding America’s big birthday bash.
Trump’s alternative isn’t
all that inspiring. “We should have a giant Make America Great Again Rally, for 250, instead of having overpriced singers, who nobody wants to hear, whose music is boring, and yet who do nothing but complain,” the president said. One has to ask, well why did the administration choose those particular singers if that was the case?
The musicians were to have canceled because the event had become more partisan so now the president wants to make it completely partisan with his organization rally? Do we really need a political event to sidestep what should be a non-political celebration? I don’t think so!
I still recall our Bicentennial year in 1976 and enjoyed watching all those Bicentennial Minutes that commemorated the American Revolution with segments produced by CBS. The network broadcast each night from July 4, 1974 until December 31, 1976.
Oh, how our world and country have changed in a
half century. That feeling of learning and celebrating our heritage seems to have been replaced by pessimism over our immediate future. Even without some grand celebration, we’re Americans, the party will happen locally.
Along the Jersey Shore we know how to have a patriotic good time. In Ocean County we have a variety of celebrations of fireworks, food trucks and get togethers but some of those have run into economic issues.
One town that provided a nice snapshot of Independence Day with its borough historical society sponsored car show, a street fair, vendors from the community (where the local Girl Scouts served up the best cheeseburgers ever grilled and a local church provided free lemonade) was Lakehurst Borough. It also included a fireworks display the night before and a parade along Union Avenue.
This year the car show was unable to be organized and due to the recent dissolve-
ment of the town’s 113-yearold Fire Company it was decided the parade would not be held but some kind of celebration would occur in the fall. At first fireworks looked to be too costly; an impact of the president’s tariffs had caused the price to increase as most came from China. A drone show alternative proved even more expensive. There does appear to be a plan for pyrotechnics in the borough after all.
Likewise nearby Manchester is incorporating the 250-celebration theme into its Manchester Day event on June 27. Jackson’s 4th of July festivities are said to feature a flea market and fireworks on July 11 at one of its parks. Toms River’s Independence Day celebration will center around massive waterfront fireworks, historic 250th-anniversary programs, and nearby regional festivities. Because Toms River serves as the county seat, several special events commemorate America’s 250th Independence Day starting on July
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
2 with a “Patriotic Extravaganza” which is an early Independence celebration with concerts and a drone show taking place at 1198 Bandon Road (Parks Administration Building) at 7:30 p.m.
On July 4, you can enjoy “Bells Across America” at the Ocean County Courthouse (118 Washington Street from 1 to 3 p.m. for a public reading of the Declaration of Independence and a statewide ceremonial ringing of bells.
The Ocean County Library’s Toms River Branch on Washington Street is hosting a special community 250th Anniversary concert from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on July 4.
There will also be fireworks in Beachwood as part of that community’s 90-year-old tradition will light up the sky over Toms River at dusk. Seaside Heights will have its fireworks display off the oceanfront on July 4. Brick Township will host its annual SummerFest concert series with fireworks taking place on July 3 at Windward
Beach Park. This event will feature live music, food trucks, and a fireworks finale.
Close by in Point Pleasant Beach, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk will have their Independence Day fireworks display at dusk on July 4. The Jersey Shore BlueClaws based in Lakewood will host a “Red, White & BlueClaws” fireworks night after their baseball game at Shore Town Ballpark on July 3. For additional details, history tours, and schedule updates, visit the Ocean County Tourism 250th Anniversary or the Beachwood, New Jersey Government Calendar. Whatever you do, be safe, have fun and remember that America still has a lot to celebrate and no matter how bleak things may appear currently, the American dream remains for a brighter future for everyone!
Bob Vosseller, Assistant News Editor
New Jersey has more at stake in foreign aid than most realize. Johnson & Johnson and Merck have spent years collaborating on global health programs to save lives abroad and support jobs at home. When America retreats from the world, New Jersey loses too, including its contracts, research, jobs, and standing.
And America is doing
TO THE EDITOR!
The Howell Times welcomes all points of view for publication and provides this page as an open forum for residents to express themselves regarding politics, government, current events and local concerns.
All letters are printed as space allows unless deemed offensive by the editorial staff, and provided they are signed and include address & phone number for verification. Letters may not be printed if we cannot verify them. Names will not be withheld from publication. While most letters are printed as submitted, we reserve the right to edit or reject letters. The weekly deadline is 5 p.m. Thursday. Mail typed letters to: PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733, fax 732-657-7388 or e-mail news@jerseyshoreonline.com. Letters may be limited to one per month per writer at the editor’s discretion. The opinions expressed in the Letters To The Editor section do not necessarily reflect those of the staff, management or sponsors of Micromedia Publications/Jersey Shore Online. Letters to the Editor are the OPINION of the writer and the content is not checked for accuracy.
just that. Since the United States shut down USAID in January 2025, an estimated 800,000 people have died, with The Lancet warning that 14 million more could die by 2030. One was Peter Donde, a ten-yearold who lost access to the HIV medicine keeping him alive. I learned his name interning at the Alliance for American Leadership, and I have not forgotten his story since.
I am the daughter and granddaughter of immigrants who built a life in Holmdel because America opened its doors to them, which taught me that a nation generous inward must be generous beyond its borders. Studying abroad in Ireland showed me how American investment and diplomacy shape lasting goodwill in a country, with
foreign aid being the backbone of American leadership and global stability. American assistance has lifted nearly a billion people out of poverty and returns $5 for every dollar spent, helping create a stronger America. Peter should still be here, and so should millions of others. America, as well as New Jersey, must lead again before the damage becomes irreversible.
Alexia Zambito Holmdel
Will Lanier Sink Mystic?
I believe that the Lanier Project, consisting of 300+ homes, is a major concern regarding Little Egg Harbor Township and surrounding communities. Many of the newer home -
owners that now reside here are not aware of the damage caused by SuperStorm Sandy.
In the year 2012, when Sandy hit, this township did not receive the media coverage other areas had. People were unaware that some homes had over 10 feet of water in them and that over 4,000 homes were damaged. Our home is located in the Atlantis section on Country Club Blvd. Our home is not on the water, but backs up to the golf course. Still in all, we had to evacuate our home and go to the township shelter for 3 days due to the flooding. When we came home our home was filled with dirty water (fresh, salt and sewage water). We were shocked to find out that our home was inundated by high tides
and water flow from Willis Creek. We had 4 feet of water and lost everything, as did our neighbors. Me and my neighbors have major concerns that if this Lanier Project goes through, which is where Willis Creek headway starts in this densely forested area, the water would have nowhere to go. It will no longer be absorbed naturally into the ground as it is now. It would force the flow of water to increase, impacting all the communities and developments with risk of flooding.
My fear is that if this project goes through and we should have a major storm, some communities like Mystic will end up under water.
Debra Versheck Little Egg Harbor
S potlight o n g overnment
Correspondence & Commentary From Your Local, County, State & Federal Officials
Congressman Wants Abortion Drug Added To EPA List
From The Desk Of Congressman Chris Smith
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-OK), and Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) led 16 members of Congress in sending a comment letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin, urging the addition of mifepristone, a chemical abortion drug, to the agency’s sixth Contaminant Candidate
List (CCL 6), which identifies potential or known contaminants in public water systems that are not currently subject to regulations under U.S. law.
In the bicameral letter, the Republican lawmakers underscore the dangerous, adverse effects of mifepristone on women - impacting nearly 11% of women who take this baby poison pill - and argue that there is a well-founded concern that mifepristone may be contaminating our public water systems (which deliver water for human consumption) and posing serious environmental and public health threats.
“In addition to killing unborn babies and
Senators:
U.S.
Capitol Comments
threatening the wellbeing or lives of their mothers, mifepristone has the potential to impact our national water system, a danger that was acknowledged by the Food and Drug Administration thirty years ago,” the 19 members of Congress write.
“In 1996, the FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) claimed that adverse environmental effects from mifepristone were ‘not anticipated,’ but acknowledged that ‘[m]ifepristone may enter the environment from excretion by patients, from disposal of pharmaceutical waste, or from emissions from manufacturing sites,’” they continue.
The co-signatories go on to argue that the pervasive use of mifepristone - which has exploded since the Biden Administration removed
Infrastructure
commonsense medical safeguards and now accounts for two-thirds of all abortions in the United States - “has only increased the potential for mifepristone to ‘enter the environment.’ “As the use of mifepristone has risen, its impact on drinking water should be closely researched and monitored,” the lawmakers assert.
In their conclusion, the authors urge the EPA to add mifepristone to CCL 6 to “determine whether the active metabolites that enter our Nation’s water system through mifepristone abortions threaten access to our safe drinking water” and study “whether the level of mifepristone present in the Nation’s water system is significant enough to cause endocrine disruption.”
Should Be Able To Withstand Climate Change
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Representative Kevin Mullin (D-CA) introduced their Federal Flood Risk Management Act, legislation to ensure that federally-funded infrastructure projects are built to withstand the impacts of climate change and flooding. Flooding is the most common natural disaster and, according to the Congressional Budget Office, costs the United States $46 billion on average each year.
“Flood damage already costs New Jersey taxpayers millions each year, and as climate change accelerates and drives more severe flooding, those costs will keep rising unless we invest in resilient infrastructure,” said Senator Booker. “This legislation is a fiscally responsible step that ensures federally
funded projects are built to withstand flooding, protect communities, and strengthen our preparedness for extreme weather, helping us avoid far greater costs from disaster response and rebuilding.”
Understanding the dangerous and costly consequences of flooding, the Obama Administration first set standards in 2015 to make sure that federal projects were able to stand up to heightened flood risks. President Biden later reinstated these standards, which also take into account how climate change is impacting weather and sea levels. President Trump revoked these standards in his first term and again in January 2025. Throughout both Trump Administrations, the Senators repeatedly pushed back against this effort. The Senators are reintroducing the Federal Flood Risk Management Act to codify the standards first set forth by President Obama and ensure that we make resilient federal investments that take into account the impacts of climate change. Doing so will protect our nation’s infrastructure, save
taxpayer dollars, safeguard businesses from flood damage, and keep communities safe.
“From the devastating flooding that hit Western Maryland last year to nuisance flooding that frequently disrupts business and impacts residents’ lives in our coastal communities, flooding presents a clear threat here in Maryland and across the country. As the climate crisis causes increasingly severe storms and flooding with more frequency, it’s past time we take action to harden our infrastructure against these threats. This legislation will both help ensure the federal government is leading the way in that effort and ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely on infrastructure that is built to withstand the challenges of climate change,” said Senator Van Hollen.
“Extreme weather is becoming more frequent and more severe, and it’s taking a huge toll on our infrastructure. Our bill will help ensure that federally-funded infrastructure is built to be more resilient to the impact of floods and other disasters,” said Senator Schatz.
“Communities in California and across the country are increasingly facing the devas-
tating consequences of stronger floods and extreme weather events,” said Congressman Mullin. “Too many families have seen their homes, businesses, and livelihoods threatened by flooding, only to be left wondering how they will rebuild. The Federal Flood Risk Management Act is a critical step toward making our communities more resilient. By requiring federally-funded projects to account for future flood risks using the best available science, this bill will help protect lives, safeguard taxpayer investments, and reduce the costly damage caused by increasingly severe storms.”
“Flooding is the costliest disaster facing our country, with billions in taxpayer funds spent to rebuild public infrastructure,” said Joel Scata of the Natural Resources Defense Council. “The Federal Flood Risk Management Act ensures federally funded projects, like hospitals, roads, and schools, are built to withstand future floods, protecting people and property. When federal funds are used to build or rebuild, the government has a responsibility to ensure those investments are safe, sustainable, and resilient.”
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.
Jersey Shore Pop-Up Parties Lead GOP To Call For Crackdown
By Briana Vannozzi, Anchor (NJ Spotlight)
JERSEY SHORE - Pop-up parties that have taken over parts of the Jersey Shore in recent summers are leading Republican lawmakers to push for stiffer criminal charges against unruly crowds.
A video posted to social media last month showed hundreds of people gathered at the oceanfront Pier Village in Long Branch, some leaping onto cars and blocking traffic. Law
enforcement was visibly outnumbered, several fights broke out and six people were arrested. In response, Sen. Robert Singer (R-Monmouth) is calling for fellow lawmakers to take action on a bill that would increase penalties for riot and disorderly conduct.
“Seeing this pop-up party in Long Branch,” Singer said. “It’s worrying us that this could be the beginning of a problem for the entire season.”
The gatherings are organized on social me-
dia. In recent years, though some towns have banned backpacks and set curfews on boardwalks, the parties have continued — putting a strain, Singer said, on local resources.
“We’re taking a look and reaching out to the State Police, the Attorney General’s Office and New Jersey Transit to say, ‘You’ve got to do better.’”
As the height of summer tourism approaches, Singer stressed the importance of cracking down on these parties to preserve Jersey Shore’s
welcoming and family-friendly environment. “The people who spend money down at the Jersey Shore are families … they spend the dollars that are very important to our economy,” Singer said. “But more importantly, they have to feel safe.”
This story is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people. This story was originally published by NJ Spotlight News through the NJ News Commons.
Senator Cory Booker
C ommunity n ew S
Local Animals Ready For Adoption
MONMOUTH COUNTY – The Monmouth County SPCA has a number of pets available for adoption.
Hungry for a new best friend? Benito Burrito will leave you completely satisfied! He was found as a 2-year-old stray, but he’s happy to stay inside from now on. I mean really, who can pass up free food?
Benito Burrito has all of the necessary ingredients to make a purrfect companion: friendly, chatty, curious, and loves to be petted by anyone and everyone! As the cherry (or rather, cilantro) on top, his short little tail is the cutest thing ever. Anyone
courtesy MCSPCA would be lucky to get a taste of a snack like me!
Mr. Burrito hasn’t met other pets before, but is happy to try making new friends after a proper introduction. Spice up your life by bringing him home!
The MCSPCA only does adoptions in person (please bring all family members). They will ask you to fill out an Adoption Survey and speak with an Adoption Counselor to help find your perfect match. They are located at 260 Wall Street in Eatontown. They can be reached at 732542-0040
Annual Memorial 5K To Benefit Crisis Hotline
FARMINGDALE – The 13th annual Howell/Farmingdale Memorial 5K Run and Race Walk will be held at 6 p.m. August 19 at Howell High School, 405 Squankum-Yellowbrook Road.
The event benefits CONTACT of Ocean & Monmouth Counties, which operates a 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention hotline. Professional race results will be provided by CompuScore.
This year’s events include a 5K run and race walk, along with a Kid’s Fun Run featuring a 400-yard dash. The course will take participants through roads in Howell
and Farmingdale, and runners and walkers of all ages are welcome.
Awards will be presented to the top overall male and female finishers, along with age group awards for the 5K run. Special pricing is available for participants ages 19 and younger until race time, while other participants can register by August 18 for a discounted rate.
Registration is online only at contactoceanmonmouth.org/events. For more information, call 732-240-6104 or email contact@contactoceanmonmouth.org. Race sponsorship opportunities are also available.
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CASA Gala Supports Foster Children
FREEHOLD –CASA for Children of Monmouth County celebrated a successful “Evening of Chance and Change” gala at The TillingHouse at SunEagles Golf Club, bringing together supporters, volunteers, advocates and community leaders to raise awareness for children in foster care.
The event honored Steve Westhoven as the 2026 Cindi Van Brunt Humanitarian recipient and highlighted CASA’s mission of providing trained volunteer advocates for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Guests took part in dinner, entertainment, raffles, casino tables, a silent auction and stories about the need for children to have safe, permanent and nurturing homes.
CASA thanked its “All In” sponsors, Stillwell-Hansen and The Provenzano Family, along with “Jackpot” sponsors New Jersey Resources, DLA, LLC, and The Sparacio
Family. The organization also recognized Gala Chair Becky Bennett and Auction Chair Mary Ann Larkin for helping organize the event.
Lynn Pitarresi, executive director of CASA for Children of Monmouth County, said the event’s success showed the community’s commitment to making sure children in foster care have someone standing with them during difficult times.
CASA also thanked its sponsors, donors, auction contributors, volunteers and attendees for supporting the organization’s work. To learn more about volunteer opportunities or ways to help, visit casaofmonmouth.org or call 732-460-9100.
Fire Company Seeks New Volunteers
HOWELL – Adelphia Fire Company has launched a new recruitment campaign aimed at bringing more volunteers into the fire service under the theme, “Join Our Tradition. Create Your Legacy.”
The four-year campaign is designed to help the all-volunteer fire company recruit new members to respond to emergency calls across about 22 square miles in Howell, including portions of Routes 9 and 33. Outreach efforts will include social media, videos, mailers, lawn signs, media relations and community booth displays.
Residents interested in volunteering can visit HeroesNeeded.org to complete an inquiry form. The campaign is being fully funded through a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant from the
Federal Emergency Management Agency.
“We are looking for dedicated individuals to join our team,” said Carmelo La Marca, trustee of Adelphia Fire Company and commissioner of Howell Fire District No. 2. “As you serve the community, you’ll also find camaraderie, pride and lifelong friendships at the firehouse.”
Volunteer opportunities include active firefighters, active associate members for certified New Jersey firefighters who live or work in the area, support members who assist with events and administrative duties, and junior members ages 14 to 17. No prior experience is required for active members, and the fire company provides training and gear. More information is available at HeroesNeeded.org.
Photos courtesy CASA for Children of Monmouth County
C ommunity n ew S
County Honors Nurses
FREEHOLD – The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners recognized local nurses for their service during National Nurses Week.
Commissioners issued a Certificate of Recognition honoring nurses for their commitment to patient care throughout the county.
Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone said nurses play a vital role in keeping the community healthy and safe through their skill, professionalism and dedication.
The certificate was presented to nurses from the Monmouth County Department of Health and Human Services by Commissioner Susan M. Kiley, the board’s liaison to the department.
Kiley, a former nurse, said she understands the training and commitment required in the profession and called it a privilege to recognize nurses across Monmouth County for the essential work they do to support residents’ well-being.
Teen Honored For National Service Recognition
FREEHOLD – The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners honored Giuliana Demma after she was named a finalist for the Congressional Medal of Honor Youth Service Award.
Demma received a certificate of recognition during the board’s recent workshop meeting.
Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone presented the certificate on behalf of the board.
Arnone said the commissioners congratulated Demma for earning the national distinction, which recognizes young Americans
who show compassion, leadership and a strong commitment to community service.
Demma is also the founder of G’s Giving Gowns, a nonprofit-style initiative that replaces standard hospital gowns with custom port-access shorts and shirts designed to provide comfort to patients. Through the effort, more than 3,000 gowns and 520 port-access shirts have been donated.
Arnone thanked Demma for her dedication to volunteerism and said her work continues to make a difference for people across the country.
Photo courtesy Monmouth County Government
Photo courtesy Monmouth County Government
Around the JerSey Shore
Monmouth County Unveils 250th Monument
Photo courtesy Monmouth County Government
Middletown Mayor Tony Perry welcomed attendees and said the monument will help future generations reflect on the country’s history and ideals.
RED BANK – Monmouth County officials unveiled the MonmouthNJ 250 Monument at Swimming River Park, marking a major piece of the county’s celebration of America’s 250th birthday.
Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone, co-chair of the MonmouthNJ 250 Committee, said the county has spent years preparing to recognize its role in the nation’s fight for independence.
County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon, who cochairs the committee with Arnone, said the monument is intended to honor Monmouth County’s Revolutionary War history and the sacrifices made by those who helped secure the freedoms Americans enjoy today. The monument includes seven statues representing people from different walks of life in Monmouth County whose experiences and contributions helped shape the Revolution and the nation.
The county’s MonmouthNJ 250 celebration includes library programs, student history materials, poetry and essay contests, a mobile app, the “Talking 250” podcast, the “History with Hanlon and Arnone” YouTube series, the “250 for 250” miles challenge and the “ParkStage” summer performance series. Upcoming signature events include America’s 250th Birthday Gala on June 25 and the “Red, White, & YOU!” Big Birthday Parade in Middletown on June 28.
Sculptor Brian Hanlon said the monument was designed around themes of fight, family and patriotism in Monmouth County during the Revolutionary War, calling the project the pinnacle of his career. The ceremony also featured the Atlantic Watch Pipe and Drums, Marine Academy of Science and Technology Color Guard, NJ Society Sons of the American Revolution Monmouth Chapter, vocalist Julia Santiago and Rev. Brian T. Butch of the Church of Saint Anselm in Tinton Falls. More information is available at visitmonmouth.com.
for
Around the JerSey Shore
Schools Earn High-Performing State Designation
RED BANK – Red Bank Borough Public Schools has been designated a “High Performing” district by the New Jersey Department of Education following a state review of the preschool through eighthgrade district.
The designation came through the New Jersey Quality Single Accountability Continuum, or NJQSAC, which evaluates public school districts in five areas: governance, operations, personnel, fiscal management,
and instruction and program. Red Bank earned perfect scores in three of the five categories and finished with an overall average of 95%.
The commissioner of education recommended, and the State Board of Education approved, the district’s certification for a three-year period.
Superintendent Dr. Jared Rumage said the recognition reflects the work of the district’s staff, students, families and Board
of Education. He said the achievement supports the district’s “People, Not Programs” philosophy and its effort to help students “Dream BIG.”
District officials said the designation reinforces the #RBBisBIA mindset, which stands for the district’s goal of being the Best School District in America. The district said it plans to carry the momentum into the future while continuing to support students, families and the Red Bank community.
shoreonline.com
Two
Monmouth Beaches Named Among State’s Best
FREEHOLD – Two Monmouth County shore towns have earned national recognition after USA TODAY named Asbury Park and Avon-by-the-Sea among the top 10 beaches in New Jersey.
The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners congratulated the municipalities, saying the rankings highlight the county’s coastline as one of the state’s leading beach destinations.
Commissioner Director Thomas A. Ar-
none said the recognition reflects the efforts of local communities, beach staff, small businesses and residents who help make the shore welcoming for visitors.
USA TODAY’s rankings were determined through input from an expert panel and readers. County officials said the honor also points to the year-round work that keeps Monmouth County’s shore towns thriving. For county news and alerts, visit visitmonmouth.com.
HGTV Show Seeks Shore Homes For $150K Makeover
JERSEY SHORE – Homeowners living near the beach with unusual, outdated or hard-to-explain houses could have a shot at a major renovation through the HGTV series “Ugliest House in America.”
Casting is now open for homes near the water that stand out for all the wrong reasons. Producers are looking for properties with mismatched designs, awkward floor plans, odd additions or décor choices that leave visitors scratching their heads.
The casting call says the show is not searching for minor repair projects. Instead, producers want homes that are especially strange, dramatic or visually overwhelming.
One selected homeowner will receive a $150,000 renovation intended to turn the property into a more stylish and practical living space.
Homeowners can apply at ugliesthouseinamerica.castingcrane.com.
Donations Support Foster Care Families
NEW JERSEY – New Jersey Angels is seeking donations to help support children, youths and families experiencing foster care across the state.
The organization said contributions help create a network of steady support for those who need it most. Donations may be made in honor of a loved one, to mark a special occasion or simply to help make a difference.
Funds support programs such as Love Box® and Dare to Dream®, which connect volunteers and mentors with foster care families and young people throughout New Jersey.
The group said its goal is to build lasting relationships, strengthen families and ensure no one in the foster care community feels alone. Donations can be made at newjerseyangels.org/waystogive.
Sara Veres and her family make it a night to remember at Shoretown Ballpark, soaking up the sights, smiles, and summer fun at a Jersey Shore BlueClaws game. Want to win tickets of your own? Email your best shore pics to photos@jersey-
and you may hear from us.
R.C. Shea & Assoc. Inside The Law
Graduation Parties and Social Host Liability: What New Jersey Parents Need to Know
Michael J. Deem, Esq.
By: Michael J. Deem, Esq. R.C. Shea & Associates
Graduation season is a time for celebration. Families across Ocean County will soon be hosting parties to honor their high school and college graduates. While these gatherings create lasting memories, they also come with important legal responsibilities that every parent should understand.
Under New Jersey law, adults who provide alcohol to individuals under the legal drinking age may face serious consequences if someone is injured as a result. In certain circumstances, a homeowner or host can also be held financially responsible if an intoxicated guest causes injuries to another person.
This concept is known as social host liability
For example, if a parent knowingly allows underage drinking at a graduation party and an intoxicated teenager later causes a motor vehicle accident, the injured parties may pursue claims not only against the driver but also against the adults who provided or permitted access to the alcohol.
Even when guests are over the age of 21, hosts should take reasonable steps to
promote safety. Encouraging designated drivers, arranging rides through family members or rideshare services, and monitoring alcohol consumption can help reduce the risk of tragedy.
The purpose of New Jersey’s social host laws is not to discourage celebrations. Rather, these laws recognize that those who furnish alcohol may have a role in preventing foreseeable harm.
As graduation season approaches, parents should have open conversations with their children about alcohol use and establish clear expectations for parties held in their homes. A few precautions can make a significant difference in protecting both guests and the broader community.
Graduation should mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter—not the aftermath of a preventable accident.
Michael J. Deem, Esq. is Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Civil Trial Attorney and is employed by R.C. Shea & Associates, P.C., in Toms River. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, call (732) 505-1212 to discuss your legal rights.
Summer Concert Series Set For Mondays
SEASIDE PARK – The Borough of Seaside Park will host its Monday Night Summer Concert Series from June 29 through August 25.
The concerts will begin at 7:30 p.m. on the Police Station Lawn, 1 Municipal Plaza, Seaside Park.
Residents and visitors are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy live music outdoors throughout the summer season.
The series is part of the borough’s seasonal community programming.
H ere ’ s t o Y our H e A lt H
Dear Pharmacist
The Placebo Effect Is Real
By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.
When someone says, “You’re just having a placebo effect,” they usually mean it as a put-down. But maybe it isn’t.
As a pharmacist, I’ve spent decades studying medications and helping people use them safely.
I believe in modern medicine. Some drugs are absolutely life-saving. But one of the most fascinating things I’ve learned is that the human brain can influence healing in ways we’re only beginning to understand.
The placebo effect occurs when you experience a real improvement after receiving an inactive treatment, such as a sugar pill. What’s remarkable is that the improvement isn’t imaginary. Researchers have shown that placebo responses can trigger measurable changes in your brain, including the release of dopamine and endorphins! Those are feel-good chemicals involved in pleasure, motivation, and pain relief.
Yeah, your brain has its own pharmacy.
One of the most famous placebo studies involved patients with severe knee arthritis. Some underwent actual arthroscopic surgery, while others received “sham” surgery that looked real complete with incision, but didn’t include anything therapeutic. Surprisingly, a lot of patients in the sham group improved just as much as those who got the real operation!
Then there are studies involving Parkinson’s disease. Scientists now see that placebo treatments can trigger measurable dopamine release in the brain. The expectation of improvement changed brain chemistry as much as a pill.
Your entire healthcare experience matters. A doctor’s office. Measurements of your heart rate or blood pressure. His or her confidence in your treatment, and a reassuring conversa-
tion… the ritual of taking a pill all influence the outcome.
There’s also a darker side called the nocebo effect.
If positive expectations can help people feel better, negative expectations can sometimes make them feel worse.
I saw this all the time at the pharmacy. Someone would read the package insert like it was forbidden government intel. Or we’d casually say, “Take this with food to minimize nausea,” and it more than likely trigger nausea. Every now and then we’d get a call by someone convinced they were experiencing one of those horrible side effects rattled off at warp speed during a TV drug ad. I’m kidding... mostly.
Side effects are absolutely real. But anxiety and expectation influence the nervous system far more than most people realize. Please don’t read this column and toss your prescriptions into the trash. Many meds are essential, and some require careful tapering if they’re discontinued.
But do learn to ask questions. How well did the drug perform compared to placebo? Are there lifestyle approaches that might help? Has sleep, stress, loneliness, or chronic inflammation been properly addressed? Is your nervous system stuck in a constant state of sympathetic fight-or-flight? Your body isn’t necessarily broken. Sometimes it’s overwhelmed. The placebo effect reminds me that healing is about more than metabolic pathways and genes. It’s also about expectation, hope, connection, and the powerful conversation between your mind, body and spirit.
If you enjoy learning about the fascinating intersection of medicine, nutrition, and natural health, you’ll find hundreds of articles and resources at suzycohen.com.
(This information is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Suzy Cohen is the author of “The 24-Hour Pharmacist” and “Real Solutions.” For more information, visit www.SuzyCohen.com) ©2026 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.
Veteran:
Continued From Page 1 has been affected by chemo and other medications that I have been subject to.” He was grateful to the Post and its officers for the presentation made to him. “It surprised the hell out of me. I was also appreciative that I was acknowledged.”
He said he was aware of the potential danger he was in while witnessing the atomic detonations. “We were responsible for controlling how the troops came in to be part of a simulated activity. We went through a training period of what to expect and to perform in the field. Every (photo) varied with where the troops came from. We were there for the 14 shots and we put up tapes and whatnot and to determine the extent of the exposure which was in the direction of the detonation which usually involved a 50-foot tower with an elevator in it that lifted the personnel and the bomb to that area. There, (photographic) shots from the air and shots were done on the ground and there were variations of situations.”
“I was the photographer and at first, I wasn’t allowed to have a camera for the 50th Chemical (Platoon) and I said ‘When the hell are they going to let us bring a camera in?’ I was told that when they did the one shot (of the detonation) they will allow that. I took my camera which was a 35 millimeter and took the shots at the time,” he added. “That is what I have in my own collection.”
His wife noted that beyond his military experience that put his health in peril in the 1950s her husband has led an adventurous life and has sailed to Bermuda twice in a race.
“That was a wonderful experience,” Ehrmantraut said. The couple has also visited state parks across the country in an RV. While he was in high school Ehrmantraut built his own hot rod from an old Model A. “I was always involved in engineering and architecture.”
He also worked on the World Trade Center and was involved with the scaffolding of the Twin Towers for four years.
Ehrmantraut expressed that he has had a rich
life filled with many interesting and exciting experiences. “He has been very lucky,” his wife added.
“We lived in Point Pleasant for years and we lost our house to SuperStorm Sandy in 2012. We didn’t have a place to live so we ventured out this way. We had friends who lived in West Lake. We rented here for a couple of years and then we decided to buy in 2014 or 2015,” Judith Ehrmantraut said. They have three children and eight grandchildren.
Ehrmantraut was celebrated by ranking officers of the American Legion, including County Commander Hector Quinones, Post Commander Christian Stark, First Vice Commander Dave Heulitt, Second Vice Commander Tim Toscano, Third Vice Commander Antonio Rosado, Past Commander and Finance Officer Dave Whelan, Adjutant Gordon Frank, and various members of the Post that meet regularly at the Howell/Jackson Columbian Club on Bartley Road.
The meeting also featured a proposed community service project that their guest Eagle scout candidate Joseph Lozada from Jackson Troop 34 presented. That project concerns a prayer garden at Saint Monica’s Church.
Photo courtesy Jackson/Howell American Legion Post 504 Eagle Scout candidate Joseph Lozada from Jackson Troop 34 spoke to members of American Legion Post 504 about his Eagle Scout project which involves creating a prayer garden at Saint Monica’s Church.
In the June 13 article “Recital Brings Many Church Organists Under One Roof,” the name of the musician at Central Regional High School was incorrect. The correct name was Michael Snowhill. We regret the error.
Real Estate
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4.
C ommunity n ew S
Teen Expedition Registration Opens
HOWELL – Registration is open for Teen Expedition 2026, a six-week summer program offering trips, activities and social experiences for teens.
The program runs from June 29 through August 7, with drop-off and pickup at Middle School North or Middle School South. Trip costs are additional and may be paid later.
Activities may include amusement parks, water parks, trampoline parks, paddle boarding, kayaking, tubing, bowling, roller skating, beach and boardwalk trips, baseball, swimming, arcades, malls, movies, an
aquarium, golf and an end-of-summer party. Calendars, waiver forms and additional information are available at twp.howell. nj.us/115/Activities. Online registration is available through Community Pass at register.capturepoint.com/HowellTownship Credit card payments must be made online, while check and cash payments may be made in person.
For more information, contact Steven Fecher, director of community relations, at 732-938-4500, ext. 2106, or sfecher@twp. howell.nj.us.
PAL Announces Summer Softball Clinic
HOWELL – The Howell Police Athletic League is introducing a summer softball clinic for incoming sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students at Howell Middle School South.
The four-day clinic is scheduled for July 27-30 from 9 to 11 a.m., with July 31 set aside as a rain date if needed. The cost is $175 per participant.
The program will be led by a Howell Mid-
dle School coach who is a former Division I softball catcher and now coaches softball at Georgian Court University.
Players will receive instruction in hitting, fielding and defensive play, base running, game awareness and position-specific skills. The final day will also include competitions with prizes.
Registration is available at howellpal. ce.eleyo.com.
Monmouth County Plans America 250 Parade
FREEHOLD – Monmouth County officials announced plans for a countywide parade next summer to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary, marking the Semiquincentennial of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The event, titled America’s Big Birthday Parade: Red, White & You , is scheduled for June 28 in Middletown Township. The parade will step off at 12:30 p.m. and will coincide with the 248th anniversary of the Battle of Monmouth, a major Revolutionary War engagement fought in the county in 1778.
The parade is being organized by the MonmouthNJ 250 Committee in partnership with Middletown America 250 and will recognize both the historic Battle of Monmouth and the county’s broader role in the American Revolution, as well as its contributions to the nation over the past two and a half centuries.
Organizers expect a large-scale procession featuring floats, performances, marching bands and community organizations, with an emphasis on patriotism, local pride and public participation. County officials described the parade as one of the most ambitious public events the county has undertaken.
Following the parade, a public festival will be held from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Mater Dei Park in Middletown. The MonmouthNJ 250 – America’s Big Birthday Festival will include food vendors, live entertainment and activities geared toward families.
Parade organizers are encouraging groups interested in participating to incorporate patriotic themes through music, costumes and creative displays. Information on parade guidelines and applications is available through monmouthnj250.org/ monmouth-county-250-parade.
Around the JerSey Shore
Monmouth, Surfrider Expand Water Testing
WEST LONG BRANCH – Monmouth University has partnered with the Surfrider Foundation to expand ocean water quality monitoring along the Jersey Shore, adding year-round testing that will supplement New Jersey’s seasonal beach sampling program.
The agreement, signed ahead of World Oceans Day, makes Monmouth the newest partner in Surfrider’s Blue Water Task Force, a national network that tracks water quality at public beaches. The program will help fill a gap in East Coast monitoring and provide timely information for public officials, scientists, advocates, surfers and swimmers when water conditions may pose health risks.
Surfrider volunteers in New Jersey will collect samples from local beaches and deliver them to Monmouth’s Phytoplankton and Harmful Algal Bloom Lab, led by Endowed Professor of Marine Science Jason Adolf. Lab staff and student researchers will test for enterococcus bacteria and post the results through Surfrider’s interactive
Blue Water Task Force web app. Sampling will begin at about a half-dozen Monmouth County beaches, with plans to expand to other parts of the state.
Adolf said the partnership is designed to complement the state’s existing testing schedule by adding sampling later in the week. A 2023 Monmouth study found that after moderate rainfall, enterococcus levels exceeded state health standards about half the time within 6 to 24 hours at many local beaches where stormwater outfall pipes and coastal lakes drain into the ocean.
Surfrider will provide Monmouth with $25,000 in grant funding over two years to help cover lab equipment and student research positions. Jeffrey Ross Williams, Surfrider’s legislative and policy director, said protecting New Jersey’s coastline requires science, transparency and strong partnerships. Those interested in volunteering with the Blue Water Task Force can contact the Surfrider Foundation Jersey Shore at jerseyshore.surfrider.org/ volunteer.
Shrek: The Musical Coming To Algonquin Arts Theatre
MANASQUAN – Algonquin Arts Theatre will present Shrek: The Musical from July 11 through July 26.
Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, the stage production brings Shrek, Fiona, Donkey and a cast of familiar fairy-tale characters to life in a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud adventure. The musical
celebrates friendship, acceptance and the importance of being true to yourself.
Tickets are on sale now and start at $27. They can be purchased online at AlgonquinArts.org, by calling the box office at 732-528-9211, or in person Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the theatre box office.
Webinar To Discuss Prostate Health
NEPTUNE – Hackensack Meridian Health will offer a free webinar, “A Guy’s Guide to Prostate Health,” from noon to 1 p.m. June 24.
The virtual program will feature urologists who specialize in prostate health. Topics will include common symptoms,
routine and diagnostic testing, and treatment options for prostate issues ranging from sexual function to cancer.
Registration is required. To reserve a spot, visit Hackensackmeridianhealth. org/events and search the keyword “Prostate.”
Photo courtesy Monmouth University
FUN & GAMES SUDOKU
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Thinking or talking your way through a financial situation or series of decisions could be just right today, both your heart and your mind should be engaged, and Universal day scores are positive today and through next week.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Money is likely on your mind, though the vibe is less toward processing ideas and having conversations than for Aries, above. For you, today could be about making tangible moves that can sweeten your financial future.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): With today’s Sun and Moon hanging out with asteroid Midas, most signs have some kind of financial focus now. Yours relates to how you identify with money and wealth, the degree to which you feel your financial status identifies you.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): For you, Cancer, today’s money process is taking stock of your beliefs around abundance and scarcity. Inner beliefs drive outer realities. What are you holding from your past that’s limiting your future?
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Finances and friendships are the mix for you today. Do you do business with friends? How should boundaries work in dual relationships? One obvious thing is to always vet opportunities thoroughly regardless of where they originate.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Career/workplace is likely your focus today — how you put your energies into the world, how the world compensates you for your contributions. More money could be coming through your pipeline.
FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE 20 - 26 BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS
OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Teach and learn not just about money, but what it represents energetically. Money is fundamentally a means of exchange, but because of its relationship to power, it can corrupt also and morph into endless greed for more.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Money can become more complex when resources are shared. Everyone has different thresholds for safety, risk, wealth, scarcity, then egos get involved. Even if everyone is fully in integrity, it can get very complicated.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): A business or financial partner should be working harmoniously with you now, interests appear to be well-aligned. When both people share the same objectives and working style, synergy can multiply results.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The costs of daily routines could come up to be examined — how much did that latte cost? It’s not necessarily due to lack, it may just be time for a review. Consider your health hacks too.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You might find a way to monetize something you’d do for free just for the joy of it. When work is also play, it’s not so heavy. When work is a personal joy, it’s not so boring. See if you can connect these dots.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Building a safety net has become nearly impossible for most today, but your foundation can rest on something more powerful than a bank account. Rest your security on the richest, most creative resource of all, the Universe.
THIS BRIGHT SOUP TASTES LIKE PURE SUMMERTIME
Diane Rossen Worthington
Chilled soups are light, flavorful, refreshing and Seriously Simple to prepare. They can be made well in advance to allow them to chill properly. This means that you can prepare your soup early in the day (when it’s cooler in the kitchen) or even the day before, a real boon to the summer cook. And best of all, these soups cool us off when the temperatures are crazy hot. This bright soup tastes like pure summertime with its fresh just-picked corn, golden yellow sweet peppers, and yellow cherry tomatoes. Yellow tomatoes are sweeter and less acidic than their red cousins. If you can’t find yellow tomatoes, use the red variety and sweet red peppers for an equally delicious variation.
I like to garnish a soup with an interesting topping. Feel free to decorate as you wish. Try corn kernels or chopped tomatoes on top. Some chopped green basil leaves on top add a pretty contrast. Remember to adjust the seasonings of the soup once it has been chilled. Cold soups usually need more seasoning since the chilling process reduces the flavor.
Serves 6 to 8
2 cups fresh corn kernels (about 4 medium ears)
1-pint yellow cherry tomatoes or 1 large yellow tomato, stemmed and coarsely chopped
1 sweet yellow pepper, seeded and diced into 1/2-inch pieces
3 tablespoons olive oil
6 scallions, white and light green part only, finely chopped
6 cups chicken or vegetable stock
6 basil leaves
1/4 cup whipping or heavy cream
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon hot pepper oil
To garnish: 1/2 cup sour cream
Extra basil leaves, finely chopped; add just before serving to avoid darkening
1. Reserve 1/4 cup corn, 2 tablespoons diced yellow pepper and 1/4 cup tomatoes. Immerse the reserved corn and yellow pepper in a saucepan of boiling water for about2 minutes. Drain, chill, and reserve with the tomatoes.
2. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add scallions and saute until slightly soft, about 3 minutes. Add the remaining tomatoes, yellow peppers, and corn to the pan and saute for about 3 minutes. Add chicken stock and basil; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer slowly, uncovered, for about 10 minutes. Remove the basil leaves.
3. Puree the soup in the pan with a hand blender or in batches in a blender or food processor fitted with a steel blade. Transfer to a bowl. (For a smooth consistency if desired, pass through a food mill or strainer into a bowl, pushing down to get all the essence.) Add the cream, seasonings, and hot pepper oil. Taste for seasoning. Chill for at least three hours.
4. To serve: Pour the soup into bowls and garnish with sour cream, tomatoes, yellow pepper, corn, and chopped basil.
(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.) ©2026 Diane Rossen Worthington. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Cold soups usually need more seasoning since the chilling process reduces the flavor. CREDIT:(Maren Caruso/TCA).
