Antique Sale Gives Old Treasures New Homes
By Justin Sauer FARMINGDALE –
For the Farmingdale Historical Society, an antique is more than an old object. It can be a reminder of how people once lived, worked, decorated their homes and built the community residents know today. The connection between the past and present is at the heart of the Historical Society’s Antique & Vintage sale that was at 11
Asbury Avenue. The sale featured hundreds of items, offering visitors an opportunity to find something unique while supporting the organization’s efforts to preserve and share Farmingdale’s history. Items available at the sale included a wide variety of vintage and collectable merchandise.
Organizers have emphasized fair pricing, making the event accessible to
Family Mourned After Plane Crash
By Jason Allentoff
OCEAN COUNTY – A local doctor, his daughter and his 2-year-old granddaughter were killed when the small plane he was piloting crashed shortly after takeoff in upstate New York, leaving family, friends, patients and colleagues mourning three generations of one family.
New York State Police identified the victims as 70-year-old Dr. Gabriele Jasper of Toms River, 33-year-old Gabriella Hillgrube of Forked River and her young daughter, Guiliana Hillgrube. Jasper was piloting a 1976 Piper Aerostar that departed Adirondack Regional Airport in Saranac
Retirements, Neighborhood Issues Discussed At Meeting
By J. R. Warnet
HOWELL – The recent Town Council meeting was marked by two events. The first being the retirement of 11 town employees with the second being discussion over new two ordinances being introduced.
The monthly meeting began with recognitions for some of the town’s valuable employees. According to John Gross, Township Manager, each of the retirees had 20 or more years of public service. Of the 11 people who retired, four attended the meeting. All members who retired received an engraved block with their name and years of service, according to Gross. The blocks are to be installed in front of Town Hall in a newly constructed area known as Township of Howell Walk of Fame.
One retiree was police Captain Tim Rizzo. He spoke at the podium during the presentation for
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Teacher Charged With Sexual Assault
By Stephanie Faughnan
FREEHOLD – What investigators say began with after-school kisses inside a Freehold Township High School classroom shortly after Thanksgiving 2025 allegedly escalated over the next seven months into more than 30 sexual encounters in classrooms, vehicles and parking lots across Monmouth County before ending with text messages and a recorded conversation prosecutors say led to a local teacher’s arrest.
Jesse L. Heubel, 37, of Englishtown, surrendered to authorities July 12 and now faces multiple second-degree charges alleging he engaged in a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student while serving in a position of authority at Freehold Township High School.
Heubel was booked by the Freehold Township Police Department at approximately 7:03 p.m. that evening. The arrest report identifies him as a teacher employed by Freehold Township High
(Teacher - See Page 4)
Photo courtesy Jasper Spine Institute Dr. Gabriele Jasper
Photo courtesy Facebook Gabriella & Guiliana Hillgrube
(Family - See Page 9)
Photo by Justin Sauer
Various classic items were on display during the Farmingdale Historical Society’s Antique and Vintage Sale.
(Antique - See Page 5)
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a few minutes thanking the town.
“I’ve been all over the country and I can tell you - you’re very fortunate and blessed…to work a career in a place where we have the community support,” said Rizzo. “We never had to deal with civil disobedience and the stuff that police officers throughout our country have to deal with. So, it’s an honor and a privilege to have worked here.”
Rizzo, who has also been featured on the television series “On Patrol Live,” spoke about his legacy on the police force. “I leave a lot of unfinished business on the table,” he said. “It’s not the way I
envision myself finishing my career, both professionally or personally…the fact that I couldn’t give you guys more, I regret.”
Rizzo thanked the public for the love and support they gave him and his family over the years.
Several members of the public were given time to speak at the podium during the section of the meeting set aside for this.
Larry White, of Wren Way, spoke about ordinance O-26-16, referring to daily fines for violations of town ordinances.
White also spoke about the newly introduced ordinance O-26-18, referring to the “code to prohibit data centers in all zoning districts.”
Joe Bizonos, of Colts Neck Road, also spoke about the new ordinances, which he is in favor of. He also said an ethics board should be created for the town.
Richard Krug, of Sami Drive, spoke about a contentious topic. He spoke about the “illegal assembly groups.” These meetings, he alleges, occur on his street.
“I would like someone to respond; I’m going to call on the lawyer right here,” said Krug, referring to the town’s lawyer.
“Because I’ve been in the system 38 years and I know the construction law and I know what they’re allowed to do, and I know what they’re not allowed to do.” He was alluding to a possible misuse of permits pertaining to the address in question. Krug insisted on discussing the possible use of this address for multiple people and families, as opposed to a single-family unit using the house as a place of worship. Another item brought up at public com -
ment was the alleged “pole barn” located on Darien Road. This topic has been an ongoing zoning/permit issue at this address. There are “double parked cars” at the location and “dozens of men” going inside, according to resident Joe Reilly of Jumping Bush Way.
“Seeing firsthand how disruptive future events at this location may cause, it’s imperative that the revisions to the four land use ordinances that were initially to be voted on at the May 12th, 2026, council meeting be voted on and adopted ASAP,” said Reilly.
After public comment was closed, the council was able to speak about the topics brought up. The events that occurred at Darien Road are being investigated, according to the town council. Councilman Ian Nadel spoke about how he expects the ordinances to be enforced within the town, regardless of who is committing the offences.
Councilwoman Evelyn O’Donnell asked questions about how repairs and renovations can be fixed at the library. She also asked about how the library can construct an “outdoor pavilion.” The Friends of the Howell Library have raised over $16,000 through book sales and they want to use that money to build a shade pavilion, she said.
O’Donnell also spoke about the need for tree removal after storms. She alluded to the trees being dangerous and wanted to know if more can be done by the county or DPW.
According to John Gross, the library
building probably will not be funded this year. The township engineer would also most likely not be utilized, as Councilwoman O’Donnell asked about. More details will be needed, he said.
As to the tree removal, he said the town is doing what it can now and the DPW is working as much as possible to address the tree issue.
Mayor John Leggio also spoke about the traffic trouble with the Darien Road pole barn. “I’m disgusted by some of the stuff that I’m seeing in the neighborhoods,” said Leggio. “As far as Darien Road the other night…I got several phone calls in regard to the party. So, I went over there…I called one of our liaisons to the community… and told him it would be smart to contact PD to have some kind of traffic thing set up.”
Mayor Leggio said that night in question he found the parked cars to be a problem. This could lead to issues with emergency services not getting to a location due to an excess number of cars in the area, according to Leggio.
“I have zero tolerance for it,” said Leggio.
Key ordinances from the night that were adopted included O-26-16, which amends penalties for per day fines for continuing violations. The ordinance banning data centers in the town, 0-26-18, was successfully introduced.
The next Town Council meeting is scheduled for August 18. The executive session (just for officials) starts at 6 p.m. with the regular session beginning at 7 p.m.
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According to documents obtained from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, the investigation began July 11 after authorities received two independent reports that ultimately converged into the same criminal case.
One report came after a woman discovered sexually explicit communications between Heubel and a high school student on his cellphone and contacted the Manalapan Township Police Department. According to investigators, she also recorded a subsequent conversation in which Heubel allegedly admitted having sexual intercourse with the student before turning both the recording and the electronic messages over to detectives.
That same day, the Freehold Township Police Department received separate information alleging Heubel had engaged in sexual conduct with one of his students. The reports prompted a joint investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Bureau and several local police departments.
According to the affidavit, the student later gave detectives a written statement describing how the relationship allegedly began shortly after Thanksgiving 2025 when Heubel kissed her after school inside a classroom. She told investigators the kissing continued for several months before escalating to sexual intercourse inside the school’s drama classroom in February 2026.
Detectives concluded the relationship continued for months, involving more than 30 sexual encounters between February and June 2026.
Court documents say the alleged encounters extended well beyond school grounds. Court documents describe incidents in classrooms, vehicles and parking lots throughout Monmouth County, including locations in Freehold Township, Red Bank, Englishtown and Manalapan.
One alleged encounter occurred in May after an awards ceremony at the Count Basie Center for the Arts, when investigators say Heubel and the student engaged in sexual penetration inside a vehicle parked at the YMCA in Red Bank.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, the student told investigators she repeatedly resisted during one encounter in June before Heubel forced sexual intercourse, allegations that resulted in an additional charge of second-degree sexual assault by force or coercion.
The final act of sexual penetration allegedly occurred on July 8, 2026, inside the student’s vehicle at Sanford Park in Englishtown.
None of the allegations contained in the criminal complaints have been proven in court.
Four Municipalities, Four Criminal Complaints
Although the allegations involve a single defendant and one alleged victim, prosecutors filed four separate complaint-warrants because they contend the encounters occurred in four different municipalities. Under New Jersey law, criminal complaints are initially filed in the jurisdiction where the alleged offenses occurred.
The Freehold Township complaint alleges conduct beginning on or about Oct. 1, 2025, and charges Heubel with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, second-degree sexual assault involving a victim between the ages of 16 and 17 over whom he allegedly exercised supervisory or disciplinary authority, and second-degree sexual assault by force or coercion.
Separate complaints filed in Red Bank, Englishtown and Manalapan each charge second-degree endangering the welfare of a child and second-degree sexual assault involving a student between the ages of 16 and 17. Those complaints allege incidents occurring on or about May 19, June 1 and July 8, 2026.
Prosecutors allege Heubel’s position as the student’s teacher made the conduct criminal even though the student was at least 16 years old. Under New Jersey law, sexual penetration involving a student between the ages of 16 and 17 is a second-degree offense when the defendant exercises supervisory or disciplinary authority over that student.
The endangering charges allege Heubel violated his legal duty to care for the student by engaging in conduct that would impair or debauch the morals of a child.
All of the charges filed against Heubel are second-degree crimes. If convicted, Heubel faces five to 10 years in New Jersey State Prison and fines of up to $150,000 on each second-degree offense, although any sentence would be determined by the court.
The names of the alleged victim and the woman who initially reported the cellphone communications have been redacted from the court records released by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office to protect their identities.
Court records show Heubel is scheduled to appear before Superior Court Judge Marc C. Lemieux for a pretrial detention hearing on July 22 at 1:30 p.m.
Anyone with information about Heubel’s activities is urged to contact Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Julio Casso at 732-431-7160, ext. 2220, or Freehold Township Police Department Detective Tyler Whelan at 732-462-7908.
A request for comment was made to Freehold Regional High School District Superintendent prior to publication. No response was received.
As with all criminal defendants, Heubel is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
S potlight o n g overnment
Correspondence & Commentary From Your Local, County, State & Federal Officials
Ban Wanted On Seafood From Chinese Forced Labor
From The Desk Of
Congressman Chris Smith
WASHINGTON, D.C. - A bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers and members of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) are asking President Trump to issue an Executive Order banning seafood harvested by Chinese-linked vessels or processed in China from entering the United States. The letter was spearheaded by CECC Co-Chair Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Chair Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and signed by fellow CECC Commissioners Reps. Dale Strong (R-AL) and Tom Suozzi (D-NY).
In their letter, the lawmakers commend President Trump’s April 2025 Executive Order (EO 14276) to restore American
seafood competitiveness and urge the Administration to take the next step by closing the U.S. market to marine products linked to the People’s Republic of China’s forced labor and illegal fishing practices.
“We urge you to use your authority to make our country the least hospitable market in the world for Chinese harvested seafood,” write the Members of Congress. “Chinese seafood is too often produced through forced labor and enters our market at prices honest American fishermen cannot match. That is not competition. It is abuse shipped into the United States.”
The letter details abuses across China’s seafood industry, including debt bondage, passport confiscation, violent abuse, labor trafficking, avoidable deaths, and coercive labor transfers. These abuses affect workers aboard fishing vessels, in seafood-processing plants, and in aqua -
culture operations, including operations connected to the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and Tibet.
The lawmakers note that “federal agencies have already recognized the seriousness of this risk,” underscoring that the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has identified fish harvested by Chinese distant-water vessels as a forced labor concern, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has made seafood a high-priority enforcement sector under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (PL 117-78), of which Smith was an original co-sponsor.
The Members of Congress further reiterate the food-safety concerns associated with Chinese seafood, stating that “the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has imposed import controls on certain seafood from China and Hong Kong because of unsafe drug and additive risks, including products farmed and harvested outside China, but processed there.”
The letter also warns that China’s distant-water fishing fleet is not merely a commercial enterprise, but rather “a subsidized maritime force that takes resources, pressures coastal states, and expands Beijing’s influence.” As such, the co-signers urge the President to adopt an import prohibition modeled on existing restrictions on Russian seafood and designed to prevent evasion through transshipment, relabeling, repacking, or processing in third countries.
“The United States cannot inspect every vessel or police every agreement the Chinese routinely break, but we can decide what enters our market. If you engage in illegal fishing and use slave labor, you should not have access to the American market,” the lawmakers argue.
“Banning Chinese seafood from the United States would back American fishermen, protect American consumers, support our allies, and cut off profits from a system built on abuse and coercion.”
Senator: Trump Rejects Disaster Aid For Democrat-Led States
Capitol Comments
Senator Andy Kim
WASHINGTON, D.C. – As the Senate considers Trump’s nominee to head FEMA, 15 senators demanded immediate transparency and accountability after reports that the Trump Administration has disproportionately rejected disaster aid for Democratic-run states, failing to deliver timely aid to disaster survivors.
In the letter, the Senators cite recent reporting that found that President Trump’s second Administration has rejected Public Assistance disaster aid for Democratic-run states at the highest rate in the 47-year history of FEMA. The same report found that Republican-led states have waited 39 days on average for a decision compared to the 80-day average for Democratic-led
states. The Senators shared that “these delays have left disaster survivors in the dark waiting to learn whether the federal government will assist in their recovery.”
Despite federal regulations requiring that FEMA provide disaster relief recommendations based on verifiable criteria, the Trump Administration has provided no further information on what considerations are taken into account during the aid process.
“Federal regulations require FEMA to provide recommendations based on specific, verifiable criteria. To date, President Trump’s Administration has provided no further information regarding what this new approval process entails or what metrics or other considerations it relies on, causing uncertainty that leaves disaster survivors in the dark. It is critical that Congress understand why disaster assistance
requests have been denied and ensure the process is free from political influence,” wrote the Senators.
Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs’ Subcommittee on FEMA, and Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the full Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, led 15 colleagues in sending the letter to the Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought.
The letter, requesting a comprehensive overview of the federal disaster aid approval process, was signed by Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Peter Welch (DVT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Bernie Sanders (D-VT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Tina Smith (D-MN).
The letter was sent just ahead of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs’ hearing to consider Trump’s nominee, Cameron Hamilton, to head FEMA. During the hearing, Senator Kim pressed Hamilton to commit to working directly with Congress to move forward on reforms at FEMA and support the agency’s mission to deliver all communities relief and support when disaster strikes.
While addressing Hamilton, Senator Kim made clear: “We’ve had a number of good conversations amongst Senators in a bipartisan way…I think of nothing really more important than being there for Americans on their hardest days. And when I hear from these families, those that survived Superstorm Sandy and other problems that we’ve encountered in New Jersey and around this country, I think that this is just so important that we get right, and we can’t wait for some future Congress or some future administration to be able to take action.”
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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experienced collectors as well as residents who may simply be searching for an interesting decoration, household item or piece of local history.
Leigh Shaffer, President of the Farmingdale Historical Society and organizer of the antique sale, said the event allowed the
society to bring older items back into the community rather than allowing them to be forgotten or discarded.
“For 52 years, we had a small room in the community center, and later we moved to a larger room there,” Shaffer said. “Recently the borough moved its offices to the community center and gave us this house. After all these years, we finally have a home where we can properly display the items that have
been collected since the historical society was established in 1974. It is called the Elizabeth Grove Museum in honor of Elizabeth Grove, who founded the historical society and museum.”
Each item carries its own story, even when its complete history is unknown. A piece of furniture, set of dishes, old photograph, decorative object or household tool can offer a glimpse into another era. Upon purchase,
those items become part of a new household and begin another chapter of their history. That idea closely reflects the mission of a historical society. While museums and archives preserve important photographs, records and artifacts, antique sales can encourage people to appreciate history through objects they can use, display and enjoy in their own homes.
(Antique - See Page 9)
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Reservoir Boat Tours Return
HOWELL – The Monmouth County Park System is offering guided boat tours of the Manasquan Reservoir, giving visitors a chance to see turtles, egrets, herons, ospreys and other wildlife.
The 45-minute tours are led by a park system naturalist and depart from the Visitor Center on Windeler Road. Tours run at the top of the hour from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays now through September 7.
Additional tours are scheduled for 2, 3 and 4 p.m. Wednesdays through August 26.
Evening tours will be held at 6 and 7 p.m. Fridays on August 7.
Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for children 12 and younger. Life jackets are required and provided. Children must be at least 2 years old and able to sit independently during the tour.
Tours depend on weather and water levels. Tickets are sold the day of the tour on the lower level of the Visitor Center. Call 732919-0996, ext. 4526, to confirm tours are running.
Fire Department Plans Cigar Night Fundraiser
HOWELL – Southard Fire Department
No. 1 will host its second annual Cigar Night Fundraiser on August 21, offering an evening of cigars, food, raffles and community support for local volunteer firefighters. The event will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. at the firehouse, 1320 Maxim Southard Road in Howell.
Tickets are $100 for smokers and $50 for non-smokers. Smoker tickets will be $125
at the door.
Organizers said proceeds will support Southard Fire Department No. 1 and its work serving Howell Township. The fundraiser is also open to businesses and individuals interested in sponsorship opportunities, with several levels available that include tickets and recognition during the event and on the department’s social media pages.
Writers Group Offers Feedback And Critiques
HOWELL – Budding and experienced authors are invited to attend the Monmouth Writers Group from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. August 8.
Participants may have up to 1,500 words of their work read aloud for first-impression feedback and critiques from fellow
writers.
Writers should bring five or six copies of their work, printed double-spaced on single-sided pages. The group meets on the second Saturday of each month. For more information, contact Jon Gibbs at admin@NJWritingGroups.com.
Library To Screen ‘Small Things Like These’
HOWELL – The Howell Library will screen the drama “Small Things Like These” at 1 p.m. August 6.
The film follows a coal merchant who discovers disturbing secrets hidden by a local convent while working to support his family. The discovery forces him to con-
front his past and the silence of a small Irish town controlled by the Catholic Church.
Directed by Tim Mielants, the film stars Cillian Murphy, Patrick Ryan, Peter Claffey, Ian O’Reilly and Helen Behan. The PG-13 movie runs 98 minutes and is distributed by Lions Gate Films Inc.
Clothing Sale To Benefit Congregation
HOWELL – Congregation Ahavat Olam is inviting everyone to visit their clothing sale on Sunday, August 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
All of the clothes are gently used. They include beautiful name brand clothing and shoes for men, women and children. They
also have office supplies, kitchenware, household items, and much more.
The sale is cash only. Come early for the best selection.
Congregation Ahavat Olam is located at 106 Windeler Road in Howell.
PAL To Host National Night Out
HOWELL – The Howell Township Police Athletic League will host National Night Out from 5 to 8 p.m. August 4, at Soldier Memorial Park.
The free family event will give residents a chance to meet local first responders, connect with neighbors and take part in an evening of community activities.
The event will include demonstrations, giveaways, music, family activities and other attractions for all ages.
National Night Out is an annual community-building event designed to strengthen relationships between residents and law enforcement while promoting neighborhood safety.
C ommunity n ew S
Local Animals Ready For Adoption
MONMOUTH COUNTY – The Monmouth County SPCA has a number of pets available for adoption.
Farrah is a two-year-old border collie mix weighing 38 pounds. Not very social out of the gate, she’ll require time and patience before she is comfortable.
When she’s ready, Farrah can be an affectionate girl who will ask for gentle pets by reaching out her paw to you. A calm and quiet home would help this nervous nellie feel at ease!
Currently heartworm positive, Farrah
Photo courtesy MCSPCA will need to have limited exercise and be the only spoiled pet in the home as she undergoes her treatment. If you’re looking for your new best friend, send in your application today!
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.
Olde Freehold Day Returns For 50th Celebration
FREEHOLD – Olde Freehold Day will return August 1 with a full day of family activities, food and entertainment at Lake Topanemus, also known as “The Pond.” The event, marking its 50th celebration, will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and feature live music, food trucks, vendors, canoes and paddleboats, a kids zone, an art show and a beer garden.
The dunk tank will also return, with throws available from noon to 5 p.m. Veterans are invited to attend a brief ceremony at 11 a.m. thanking them for their service and sacrifice.
Free shuttle buses will run from the Monmouth County Courthouse beginning at 10:15 a.m. More information is available at oldefreeholdday.com.
Folk-Blues Concert Planned At Library
HOWELL – Guitarist and songwriter Tal Naccarato will perform an afternoon of folk-blues music at 2 p.m. August 13. The indoor concert will feature original and
traditional acoustic guitar compositions with a blues-inspired swing. Naccarato will also discuss the history of the Americana and folk-blues traditions during the performance.
Around the JerSey Shore
LADACIN Names New Executive Director
NEW JERSEY – Lisa Lerner Graul of Point Pleasant will become executive director of LADACIN Network this July, following two decades of service with the nonprofit agency.
Graul has held several leadership roles within LADACIN and brings experience in special education, administration and supervision. She holds degrees from Georgian Court University and West Chester University, along with Department of Education certifications.
LADACIN Network provides educational, therapeutic, social, residential and support services to infants, children and adults with complex physical and developmental disabilities or delays. Founded in 1949, the agency serves more than 3,500 individuals and families at 15 locations in Monmouth and Ocean counties. More information is available at ladacin.org.
League Offers Candidate Forums Ahead Of November Election
MONMOUTH COUNTY – The League of Women Voters of Monmouth County is offering to organize virtual candidate forums for municipal and school board races ahead of the November 3 election. The nonpartisan forums are designed to help residents learn about candidates and their positions before casting their ballots. Events are conducted through Zoom and can accommodate up to 500 live viewers. Moderators are professionally trained and have no ties to the candidates or communities involved.
Questions are gathered from local residents and reviewed by League members
to ensure the forums address important community issues while avoiding personal attacks or inflammatory language. Recordings are posted on the League’s website after each event and can be shared with the public.
Forums may be sponsored by civic organizations, PTAs or other community groups for a nominal fee. Candidates may also arrange a forum and divide the cost equally. For information, contact Cynthia Curtis-Budka at curtisbudka@gmail.com or 908-208-5536. Requests to schedule fall forums may also be sent to LWVMonmouth@gmail.com.
SPCA Hiring For Several Positions
EATONTOWN – The Monmouth County SPCA is seeking applicants for several positions involving animal care, veterinary services and public assistance.
Available jobs include veterinary technicians, animal care attendants, customer service representatives and animal control officers. The organization said additional positions may also be available.
Full-time employees are eligible for
medical, dental and vision insurance, along with paid time off. The agency also advertises competitive wages and a fast-paced workplace centered around caring for animals.
Applicants may email a resume to employment@monmouthcountyspca.org or search for Monmouth County SPCA openings on Indeed.
Additional information is available at bit.ly/3gCuVBv
Rescue Ridge Thanks Public For Donations
MANASQUAN – Rescue Ridge is thanking members of the public who donated supplies during a recent collection at Shore River Gardens on Lakewood Road.
The organization received towels, laundry detergent, cat food, comforters,
paper towels and other items needed to care for animals.
Rescue Ridge officials said donors may request a letter acknowledging their contribution for tax purposes.
For more information contact info@ rescueridge.com
Photo courtesy LADACIN Network
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Lake at about 10:36 p.m. on July 13, authorities said. Investigators said the aircraft climbed to an estimated 100 feet before communication was lost.
Troopers located the wreckage after spotting a fire in a wooded area near Route 186 and Hearf’s Way in the town of Harrietstown. The aircraft was destroyed, and all three people aboard were pronounced dead at the scene.
He was a licensed pilot with approximately 35 years of flying experience, according to the obituary.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash.
Jasper founded the Jasper Spine Institute in Brick Township in 2002 and was widely known for performing and teaching minimally invasive endoscopic procedures for spinal stenosis and disc degeneration.
Chris Alderucci, a friend and former colleague, shared an emotional tribute on Facebook, and spoke to Jersey Shore Online. He described Jasper as a gifted surgeon, devoted family man and loyal friend.
Alderucci said he worked with Jasper for about a decade and traveled around the
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Shaffer said proceeds from the sale also help the Farmingdale Historical Society continue its work within the community.
“The house is in pretty good condition, but there are a few things we need to take care of before we open to the public, so that’s what we’re raising the money for,” she said.
Donna Terkildsen, a member of both the Farmingdale and Howell historical societies and Treasurer of the Howell Historical Society, has seen how local organizations rely on community involvement to protect
world with him as Jasper taught endoscopic surgical techniques to doctors from numerous countries.
“He was one of the most genuine surgeons that cared about his patients and the staff that worked with him,” Alderucci wrote.
He remembered Jasper as someone who lived life fully and enjoyed flying, racing cars, riding motorcycles and spending time on boats. Above all, Alderucci said, Jasper loved his family and friends.
“There will be many surgeons and patients from around the world that will be sad to hear this news,” he wrote.
He trained physicians and neurosurgeons at universities in the United States and around the world, published articles on endoscopic discectomy and spinal procedures and regularly served as a speaker and instructor in minimally invasive spine surgery techniques.
In 2015, Jasper received the Parviz Kambin Award in Mainz, Germany. The honor is considered one of the most prestigious awards in endoscopic spine surgery, and Jasper was the first interventional pain physician to receive it, according to his obituary.
Jasper held medical licenses in New Jersey, New York and Florida and belonged to several professional organizations, including the
the stories of small towns.
“The Historical Society is important to the community because it helps keep the past alive in the present and preserves it for the future,” said Terkildsen. “History often repeats itself, so it is important to understand what the founders did here and continue preserving the values and integrity of family life in the community.”
Preserving local history can be especially important in communities that continue to grow and change. Buildings may be renovated, businesses may close and longtime residents may move away. Historical societies help ensure that photographs,
American Medical Association, American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians and New Jersey Society of Interventional Pain Physicians.
His obituary described him as a source of “love, strength, healing, hope and care” who worked tirelessly to make patients feel safe and comfortable. He was known for talking and joking with nervous patients before procedures to help put them at ease.
Outside medicine, Jasper enjoyed flying, boating, farming and racing cars. His family affectionately called him “Peter Pan” and “Batman” because of his wide range of interests and his determination to master anything he attempted.
The Jasper Spine Institute issued a statement thanking the community for the outpouring of prayers and support following the deaths.
“Your kindness has been a source of comfort during this unimaginable time,” the statement said. “Although our hearts are heavy, your compassion has been a beacon of light in the darkness, and we are truly grateful.”
The office said Philip Jasper and the institute’s staff are working to continue the level of care established by his father.
“Our patients have always been more than patients – you have become family,” the
documents, personal stories and physical objects connected to earlier generations are not lost.
For some shoppers, the sale may offer a chance to find a collectible or complete a set. For others, the appeal may come from discovering an item that reminds them of a parent’s or grandparent’s home. Younger visitors may encounter objects they have never seen before and learn how they were once used. Even those helping with sale have found treasures of their own.
“I purchased an English tea set decorated with roses, and it’s currently sitting in the trunk of my car,” Terkildsen said with a
statement said. “Dr. Jasper’s greatest priority was always your well-being, and we remain dedicated to carrying that mission forward with the same compassion, excellence and commitment that he instilled in all of us.”
He is survived by his son, Philip; son-inlaw, Tyler Hillgrube; grandson, Gabriel James, known as GJ; and the mother of his children, Michele Jasper. He is also survived by his sisters, extended family members, nieces, nephews and members of the Jasper Spine Institute staff.
Dr. Jasper advertised with Micromedia Publications several years ago, and members of our staff remember working with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, colleagues and patients during this heartbreaking time.
Visitation for Dr. Gabriele Jasper, Gabriella Hillgrube and Giuliana Hillgrube was scheduled for July 23 at Silverton Memorial Funeral Home, 2482 Church Road, Toms River.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 24, at St. Luke Roman Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, the obituary asks that donations be made through an online fundraiser established to assist the family: gofundme.com/f/help-tyler-and-gj-afterheartbreaking-family-loss
laugh.
The sale ultimately gives older possessions a second chance. Instead of remaining packed away in storage or thrown out, the items can be appreciated by new owners. At the same time, each purchase supports the Farmingdale Historical Society’s broader effort to keep the borough’s past visible for future generations.
Through the Antique & Vintage Sale, the society is showing that preserving history does not always mean placing something behind glass. Sometimes, it means allowing an old treasure to leave with someone who is ready to give it a new home.
ere ’ s t o Y our H e A lt H
Dear Pharmacist
Glucosamine: America’s Favorite Joint Supplement - But Does It Deserve The Hype?
By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.
Walk into any pharmacy and you’ll see shelf after shelf of glucosamine. It’s one of the best-selling joint supplements in America, and millions of people take it every day hoping for healthier cartilage and less knee pain.
But popularity isn’t proof.
In fact, glucosamine has become the avocado toast of the joint supplement aisle. Everybody buys it because everybody else buys it.
As a pharmacist for over 30 years, I’ve been asking the same questions about glucosamine for nearly 30 years: Does it actually work? Does enough of it reach the joint to make a meaningful difference? And does it consistently outperform placebo in well-designed clinical trials?
Those are fair questions, and they’re the same ones researchers have been trying to answer.
Some early studies looked promising, which helped fuel glucosamine’s popularity. But as larger, higher-quality clinical trials were completed, the picture became less convincing. The landmark NIH-sponsored GAIT trial found that glucosamine, chondroitin, and the combination generally failed to outperform placebo for knee osteoarthritis.
There was one small subgroup of patients with moderate-to-severe pain that appeared to benefit, but because that group was relatively small, researchers cautioned against drawing firm conclusions without additional study.
That’s how science moves forward. One study rarely settles the question. Reproducibility matters. There’s another issue that doesn’t get nearly enough attention.
Even if glucosamine is absorbed into the bloodstream, it still has to survive your digestion, pass through the intestinal wall, undergo what’s called “first-pass” metabolism, circulate throughout the body, and
ultimately reach your damaged cartilage in meaningful concentrations. That’s a much taller order than most supplement advertisements suggest.
Absorption alone isn’t the goal. Meaningful biological activity is.
I also hear this argument all the time, “Well, glucosamine is naturally found in cartilage, so taking more must help.”
Not necessarily.
If that logic held true, eating brains would make us smarter and eating liver would cure liver disease! Human biology simply doesn’t work that way.
None of this means glucosamine is dangerous or that everyone taking it should immediately stop. If you believe it’s helping you, I’m not here to argue with your personal experience. But if you’re still dealing with persistent joint discomfort after months of taking it, it may be time to rethink whether it’s earning a permanent place in your medicine cabinet. When I formulate supplements, I ask every ingredient to earn its place based on the evidence—not because it’s popular, trendy, or familiar.
I’ve never believed popularity should outweigh good evidence. It didn’t 30 years ago, and it doesn’t today.
Want the full story on this topic with more details? Because this article only scratches the surface. But on my website, you’ll find my in-depth article discussing the GAIT trial, placebo-controlled research, absorption, pharmacokinetics, and why I created something for you without glucosamine.
Visit suzycohen.com and search “arthritis” in the search box. While you’re there, explore more than 1,000 evidence-based articles on medications, vitamins, supplements, hormones, and natural health topics written over the past three decades.
(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.
R.C. Shea & Assoc. Inside The Law
Pool Safety and Premises Liability: What Every New Jersey Family Should Know This Summer
By: Michael J. Deem, Esq. R.C. Shea & Associates
Summer in Ocean County means backyard barbecues, beach trips, and afternoons spent by the pool. While swimming pools provide hours of enjoyment, they can also pose serious dangers when proper safety measures are not followed. Property owners have a responsibility to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition for guests and visitors. This responsibility extends to swimming pools.
Simple precautions can prevent devastating injuries. Homeowners should ensure that pools are surrounded by appropriate fencing with self-closing and self-latching gates. Pool decks should be kept free of hazards that could cause slips and falls. Diving boards, ladders, and other equipment should be regularly inspected and repaired when necessary. Young children should never be left unattended near the water, even for a moment.
Unfortunately, pool-related accidents still occur each year. These incidents can include drownings, near-drownings resulting in brain injuries, slip-and-fall accidents, diving injuries, and injuries caused by defective pool equipment. When an injury occurs because a property owner failed to take reasonable steps
Esq.
to address a dangerous condition, New Jersey law may permit the injured person to pursue a premises liability claim. Every case is different, and the outcome often depends upon factors such as the status of the injured person on the property, whether the owner knew or should have known of the hazard, and whether reasonable steps were taken to prevent foreseeable harm. The best approach is prevention. By remaining vigilant and addressing potential dangers before an accident happens, families can help ensure that summer memories are happy ones. If you or a loved one has been injured due to unsafe conditions on another person’s property, you may have important legal rights. Speaking with an attorney can help you understand your options and protect your interests.
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 have been injured in an accident, call (732) 505-1212 to discuss your legal rights.
States Press FCC
To Tighten Robocall Rules
TRENTON – New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport is helping lead a bipartisan coalition of 49 attorneys general urging the Federal Communications Commission to strengthen rules aimed at preventing scammers from obtaining legitimate telephone numbers for illegal robocalls.
The coalition said scammers increasingly purchase real phone numbers and rotate through millions of them to avoid spam filters and detection. The tactic has become more common as federal and state enforcement has made it harder for callers to illegally disguise, or “spoof,” numbers belonging to government agencies and legitimate businesses.
Americans received an estimated 29.6 billion scam robocalls and text messages last year and lost nearly $2 billion, according to the attorney general’s office.
In one North Carolina case, scammers placed more than 17.3 million calls in a single day through one telephone company while rarely using the same number more than twice.
The attorneys general want stricter certification and reporting requirements for companies that buy and resell phone numbers. They also are seeking rules that would require applicants to certify that numbers will not be used illegally, block sales to entities without legitimate calling or texting services, prohibit rapid number cycling and restrict trial numbers that can be exploited by scammers.
“Robocalls aren’t just annoying and illegal,” Davenport said. “They expose New Jerseyans to rampant scams and fraud that threaten their life’s savings.” Davenport is co-leading the effort with the attorneys general of North Carolina, Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Michael J. Deem,
A dramatic Jersey Shore sky puts on a spectacular show over the Belmar Pier! This breathtaking shot was captured by local photographer Brian Lundy, who also happens to be the highly skilled IT professional working behind the scenes to help keep Jersey Shore Online… online! From picture-perfect views to keeping our digital newsroom running, Brian truly does it all. Have a photo for this space? Want to win a prize? Email photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you may hear from us.
Al-Anon Meetings Available Locally
MONMOUTH COUNTY - Are you troubled by someone else’s drinking? Al-Anon Family Groups may be able to help you. Call their 24-hour hotline for local meeting locations at 888-944-5678.
Around the JerSey Shore
Judge Upholds Search In Dog Shooting Case
By Stephanie Faughnan
TOMS RIVER - An Ocean County judge has rejected Jeffrey Lentz’s attempt to throw out evidence in the case accusing him of fatally shooting a French bulldog named Ruby while she was in his care, allowing prosecutors to move forward with the evidence collected during a search of his Berkeley Township home.
In a 17-page written opinion, Superior Court Judge Kimarie Rahill denied Lentz’s motion to suppress evidence, ruling that police lawfully executed the search warrant and had probable cause to obtain it.
The judge also denied Lentz’s request for what is known as a Franks hearing, a special court proceeding that allows a defendant to challenge a search warrant by arguing investigators intentionally or recklessly included false information or left out important facts when asking a judge to approve it. Rahill concluded the defense (Lentz’s attorneys) failed to make the substantial preliminary showing required to receive such a hearing. The ruling means prosecutors can continue using evidence collected during the October 2025 search as Lentz faces charges of second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, third-degree animal cruelty and fourth-degree possession of a large-capacity ammunition magazine. According to prosecutors, Ruby’s owners left the dog with Lentz while they attended a wedding on October 3, 2025. Investiga-
tors allege Lentz later called to tell them, “Ruby is gone.” Officers responding to the home reported seeing blood on a couch and a rolled-up carpet through the doorway, and veterinarians later determined Ruby had died from a gunshot wound. Lentz has pleaded not guilty, and the allegations against him remain unproven.
Defense Challenged Search
Lentz’s attorney argued that police violated New Jersey’s “knock-and-announce” rule when executing the search warrant by entering the electronic passcode for the front door before identifying themselves and by waiting too little time before entering the home. The defense also argued that Detective Riccardelli’s affidavit supporting the warrant contained material misrepresentations that undermined probable cause and warranted a Franks hearing.
After reviewing body-worn camera footage from the search, Rahill rejected those arguments. The judge found that although officers entered the electronic door code before knocking, the door remained completely closed until after police repeatedly knocked, announced “police” and “search warrant,” and waited before entering.
According to the opinion, officers knocked approximately 16 times, announced their presence twice and waited about 23 seconds before opening the door. Rahill emphasized that while the electronic lock had been disengaged, the
door itself remained “tightly shut” until officers entered.
“The officers were in compliance with the knock and announce provision and did not enter the home until it was constitutionally permitted,” Rahill wrote.
Officer Safety Was A Key Factor
The judge also found the officers’ actions were reasonable because investigators believed firearms were inside the residence and had been told Lentz routinely carried a handgun on his hip.
The opinion notes investigators had received information that Lentz possessed numerous firearms throughout the home and had been drinking alcohol before Ruby’s death. Officers also observed blood inside the residence while speaking with Lentz through the closed front door before obtaining entry.
Rahill rejected another defense argument that officers waited until too close to 10 p.m. to execute the warrant. The warrant had been approved at 9:02 p.m. and executed at approximately 9:45 p.m., well within the timeframe allowed under the Attorney General’s directive governing search warrants, the judge wrote.
Probable Cause
Rahill also concluded the search warrant was properly supported by probable cause. According to the opinion, Detective Riccardelli’s affidavit relied on statements from Ruby’s owners, who
reported that Lentz called them to say their dog was dead after they had left her in his care. The affidavit also described the officers’ observations of blood inside the residence and statements that Lentz routinely carried a firearm and kept numerous guns inside the home.
The judge wrote that those facts provided sufficient justification for issuing the search warrant. Rahill also rejected the defense’s claim that Detective Riccardelli omitted or misrepresented important information in the warrant application.
The defense argued investigators should have independently verified veterinary findings before applying for the warrant. However, Rahill concluded detectives reasonably relied on statements from Ruby’s owners, who reported veterinarians told them the dog had been shot and still had bullet fragments in her skull. The judge also noted police corroborated portions of the information through their own observations at the home.
“The statements made in the affidavit are trustworthy,” Rahill wrote, concluding that the defense failed to establish the preliminary showing required for a Franks hearing.
After addressing each of the defense’s arguments, Rahill denied both the motion to suppress evidence and the request for a Franks hearing, allowing prosecutors to continue using the evidence seized during the search as the criminal case moves forward.
Real Estate
Hunting 11.75 Acres - 3 BR, 1 1/2 BA, mobile home. F/P. Mineral rights. Furnished. Bethel Hill Susquehanna, Pa. 2 car garage. 732-675-2092. Offers. (32)
CLASSIFIEDS
Items Wanted
COSTUME/ESTATE JEWELRY
Services
Auto For Sale Estate Sale
1991 Mercury Grand Marquis - Low milage. Garage kept. Silver. Leather seats. Excellent condition. Call Barbara 732492-0812. $11,600. (32)
ESTATE/MOVING SALE - 56"
round marble table, 310lbs olympic weight set, all wood corner desk with hutch, Massarelli 4 tiered fountain and statues, king sleep number bed, patio furniture, 18ft ext. ladder, luggage, vintage Wilson Staff golf clubs, MUCH MORE. 732-232-5016. (33)
Items For Sale
Limited Edition Dolls - From Ashley Cooper, Madame Alexander Bradley, Shirley Temple. Must buy all. Leave message. Firm $150. 732-341-9357. (32)
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, brica-brac, select china and crystal patterns. Cash paid. Over 35 years experience. Call Gary Struncius. 732-849-6068 (new number). (t/n)
Comic Books - I am paying cash for comic books from 1979 and before. Please call Steve at 732277-7327 anytime. (30)
JScott Firearms FFL dealer appraising and purchasing firearms from estates or individuals. No obligation. Discreet, fair offers. Call 215-595-5480 (38)
Cash - Top dollar, paid for junk, cars running and nonrunning, late model salvage, cars and trucks, etc. 732-928-3713. (t/n)
Vinyl Records Wanted - Paying cash for LP albums Rock Jazz Reggae Psychedelic. Call Rick 908-616-7104. Also Buying Comic Books. (35)
Entire Estates Bought - Bedroom/dining sets, dressers, cedar chests, wardrobes, secretaries, pre-1950 wooden furniture, older glassware, oriental rugs, paintings, bronzes, silver, bric-abrac. Call Jason at 609-970-4806. (t/n)
Used Guns Wanted - All types: collectibles, military, etc. Call 917-681-6809. (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)
CA$h PAID For OLD 45 RPM RECORDS - R and B, doo wop, soul, rock and roll, and rockabilly. 909-938-4623, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., bobo78rpm@verizon.net. (26)
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. (33)
Looking to buy costume/estate jewelry, old rosaries and religious medals, all watches and any type of sterling silver, bowls, flatware candlesticks or jewelry. Same day house calls and cash on the spot. 5 percent more with this AD. Call Peggy at 732-581-5225. (t/n)
Help Wanted
SALES, P/T - Reliable person for Family Business, Seaside Heights, Call 732-597-0388 (31)
Reliable and bi-lingual (Russian or other Slavic language) nanny - is needed in Atlantic county. We live in Egg Harbor, NJ, and are looking for a nanny to care for two daughters, a five year old and a newborn. We value gentle parenting and aim to create a safe environment where the girls can thrive. Start in mid-September. Ask for Laura, 609-833-0058. (32)
Certified Home Health AidesNeeded for Ocean County area. Hourly and live-in positions avail. P/T and F/T. Call CCC at 732-206-1047. (t/n)
Laundromat Attendant - For FT/ PT Good communication skills, math and min computer knowledge. Transportation needed. Long term commitment only. 732-286-1863. (t/n)
HELP WANTED - Sheet Metal Installers wanted for commercial HVAC company located in Jackson. Mechanics should have a minimum of 5 years field experience. We are also looking for apprentices who we will train for those looking to learn the trade. No experience required. $18.00 to start. Benefits include paid health insurance, 401k contribution, paid holidays and more. Send resume to bsellinger@mammothmechanical. com or call 732-833-7223. (31)
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)
Absolute Gutter Company - Full Service Gutter Company. www. absolutegutterconj.com. 732774-7910 call or text. NJ License #13VH13757400. (33)
Garden State Property Maintenance - All yard work. Tree-trimming and removal, stump grinding, pavers, decks, flower beds, weeding. 609-661-5470. (t/n)
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)
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)
COMPUTER SUPPORT - Computer and Cellphone Assistance right at home. Certified Technician for over a decade. Call today! 732-9089919 or Jaephiera@gmail.com. (36)
APlus Home ImprovementsQuality work. Fair prices. Renovations, custom decks, painting, repairs and more. No job too small, give us a call. 908-278-1322. (36)
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)
Affordable Landscaping - Spring Cleanups, Complete lawn maintenance, Sod & seed lawns, Shrubs & tree pruning, Topsoil & mulch and much more. 732-808-7477. (t/n)
Live-In or Live-out CaregiverExperience 30 years. NJ Driver's License. Have own car. Doctor Appointments, laundry and light cleaning. 732-439-9765 Zeina. References available. (31)
Experienced Gardener specializing in container gardens and house plants. Planting, design, refresh containers. Seasonal care, problems diagnosed, DIY advise. Free 5 step care plan with visit. Keep your containers thriving in all seasons. Joseph 732-232-8144. (24)
Life Coach - Facing a challenge? Talk it out with me, a safe, nonjudgmental listener. Meet it head on with my support, unique to you. In-person or on phone. Confidential. $25 for 1 hour. Melissa Lekas, 732-754-4891. (31)
Experienced 24/7 caregiver is available to take care of your elderly loved ones: personal care, med reminders, meal preps, light housekeeping. Please, call: 732867-6686. Thanks. (28)
Transportation Services - Airports, Cruise Ships, Casinos, Appointments, Light Hauling with Pick-Up Truck. Call Bill 732-674-0378. (19)
Lightning Strike Electric - You can rely on us to get the work done! Service/panel upgrades switches, outlets, dimmers, spot lights, fans & more! Call Dmitriy 856631-7519. lightningstrikeelectric. com. Lic #34EI00941600. (t/n)
THE RIDE GUY- Takes you anywhere! No limits. Comfy mini-van. References. Call Charlie 732-216-3176 or Email: cr@exit109.com. Let's Go! (t/n)
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)
DO YOU WANT YOUR CAR TO LOOK GOOD AND SHINE? Call Lenny, Lenny's Mobile Auto Detailing 908-868-4609. (36)
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)
YMT Vacations. Over 50 guided tours available. Affordable, social and stress-free travel designed for mature travelers. Our tours include accommodations, transportation, baggage handling, sightseeing, entrance fees, a professional Tour Director and select meals. For a limited time SAVE $250 on all tours. Call YMT today. 1-866-296-9071. (t/n)
Handyman Service - Carpentry, masonry, repairs, painting. 732-6743346. License #13VH03469200. (41)
2. 3. Calculate Price As Follows: 5. 4.
FUN & GAMES SUDOKU
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 25 - 31 BY
JERALDINE SAUNDERS
OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST
ARIES (March 21-April 19): It could be time to finish up home projects, by mid-week your focus could shift, making for less motivation. A partner or someone close could surprise you with instant, rapid-fire logic and wisdom.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You could get an unusual level of satisfaction just from handling usual tasks and details for the next few days. A surprise assist could crop up today or tomorrow. Consider learning something new.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): There’s a lot of future promise in your financial sectors, more could build for some time. If you can bug out for a day of fun, do it. The next few days will likely bring a desire to express, play, make art or music.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): If you can stay home that could be the best gift for today, some time spent nesting or just chilling quietly could fill your soul. Matters of identity could matter less soon, your focus could move toward building abundance.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Every trigger is something that can be healed. The growth path remains highlighted for at least a few more days, but self-work and the resulting uplevel is never a bad move. If you express what you feel, reactions could vary.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): An impulse move is seldom right, especially in the financial realm. Don’t gamble anything you can’t afford to lose, but an impulse today could potentially bring money. Lend a hand to a friend.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): The truth
could suddenly become clear. Next-level clear. Don’t discount perceptions or insights today and tomorrow, hold them and let all the levels of meaning gradually surface. Keep building.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): A breakthrough could come on a deep, inner level that could be a game-changer. The fewer broken pieces of self you carry around the easier it is to rise. Engage in both learning and sharing what you know.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): A spontaneously-met new friend could have real value but always give time to see who someone really is. Financial concerns could take a backseat soon. It could be time to expand your world.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Money could grow despite intermittent anxieties — live in the vibe you want, not the vibe you fear. A close relationship could be part of the money magic. Grab a new career idea and consider its merits.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): It could be a great day to mop up lingering projects, you could soon be less focused on tasks and more focused on one-to-one relationships. If an idea or insight really pops, this time it could be all that. Still, investigate.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Enjoy some freedom today if you have that luxury, tasks and responsibilities could soon claim much of your attention. A financial impulse isn’t likely a good move now, too many possible problems could crop up.
NEED A LIGHT DESSERT FOR SUMMER? TRY WINE-POACHED PEACHES
Diane Rossen Worthington
It’s summer, and I prefer delicious des serts that don’t cause me to spend the day in the kitchen. That said, poached fruit compotes are always welcome at the end of a summer meal. And cooks and guests alike often prefer a light dessert in these hot months.
This recipe was creat ed when my first crop of Babcock peaches turned out to be larger than I ever imagined.
The Babcock peach is different from the others because of its creamy white fruit. You can also use yellow peaches, but note that Babcock peaches cook faster than other peach varieties. I’ve given you the blanch method to remove the peach skin, but if you have serrated peeler, you can skip that step and peel them easily. The serrated peeler blade makes it Seri ously Simple.
1. In a large saucepan bring water to boil. Immerse peaches in water for about 20 seconds and then remove immediately. (Or use a serrated peel er and skip this step.)
You can have fun selecting your favorite sweet wine for this recipe. I’ve used other wines like riesling and gewurztraminer, which each offer their own unique flavor. You can also poach the peaches whole. Increase your cooking time slight ly, and make sure to serve with a knife and fork since the pit has not been removed. A dollop of whipped cream, vanilla ice cream or raspberry sauce is lovely spooned on top of the poached peach halves.
Serve these in your largest wine glasses, and add a sprig of mint for a pretty presentation.
WINE POACHED PEACHES
Serves 6
6 medium Babcock or other variety of peaches, slightly firm
3 cups white zinfandel
1 cup sugar
2 cinnamon sticks
10 fresh mint leaves, plus more for garnish
Whipped cream, vanilla ice cream or
2. Peel peaches and then cut peaches in half. Remove pit in center of each peach.
3. In a large non‑aluminum Dutch oven or heat proof casserole com bine wine, sugar, cinnamon sticks and mint. Over medium heat bring syrup to a simmer, making sure that sugar is dissolved.
4. Add peach halves carefully. Cover and poach about 10 minutes or until peaches are cooked but still have slight resistance. (Timing will de pend on the ripeness and size of the peaches). Turn peaches at least once to obtain even color.
5. Remove peaches from syrup, place in a glass bowl and cool. Cool syrup, remove mint leaves and then drizzle about 2 cups syrup over peaches.
6. To serve, arrange two peach halves in individual glass bowls. Pour over a tablespoon or so of syrup and then spoon on some whipped cream, va nilla ice cream or raspberry sauce. Garnish with fresh mint leaves. Make ahead: This may be prepared 8 hours in advance through Step 6 and kept in the refrigerator.
(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.
raspberry sauce, optional topping
This delicious dessert is perfect for the hot season. CREDIT: (Maura McEvoy/TCA).
