The BERKELEY Times Vol. 32 - No. 10
In This Week’s Edition
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History Back On Track As Train Runs Again
Council Asks State For School Tax Change
BREAKING NEWS @
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Government Page 5
Community News Pages 8-10
Inside The Law Page 14
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 12
Volunteers work to bring the locomotive back to life. By Chris Lundy BERKELEY – A locomotive that helped build a section of town has been given a second life now that it’s been rebuilt by volunteers. “This is the first time it’s run in 50 years, and the first time it’s run in Berkeley in about 100 years,” said Gerry Morey, president of the Berkeley Township Historical Society. The locomotive was built in 1926 by Plymouth Locomotive Works in Ohio and bought by the BW Sangor Corporation. Sangor had a grand
Photo by Chris Lundy
plan. He sold about 8,000 lots in the Pinewald section of town, between Route 9 and the Garden State Parkway, between 1928 and 1929, and built the Royal Pine Hotel and an 18-hole golf course. That hotel is now Crystal Lake Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. The manmade lake in front of it was created when they excavated the dirt and the train was used to cart the soil elsewhere. Engine #2173 was one of two used for this (Train Runs Again - See Page 7)
Student’s Research Could Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions
By Chris Lundy OCEAN COUNTY – A high school student has an idea: whether biotechnology can help reduce harmful greenhouse gases right in our own back yard. A rising junior, Alexandra Kanterezhi-Gatto’s laboratory is Cattus Island County Park. The park spans acres and acres of a lush ecosystem on the Barnegat Bay. The wetlands filter water, store car-
bon and help protect the coastline, while providing habitat for fish, birds, reptiles, insects and more. She is investigating whether a specially designed peptide could influence the natural microbial activity occurring in marsh sediments Photo courtesy Alexandra Kanterezhi-Gatto and potentially reduce methane production. Alexandra Kanterezhi-Gatto is developing an Organic material is broken down by independent research project focused on methdifferent microbes. These microbes ane emissions and the health of New Jersey’s (Student’s Research - See Page 7) tidal marshes.
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By Chris Lundy BERKELEY – The Township Council passed a resolution urging the state to change the rules on how school boards raise taxes. “It used to be, the school board would propose the budget. If the public voted it down, it would then go to the town,” Mayor John Bacchione explained. Now, under a rule put in place by Governor Phil Murphy in the year before he left, schools can potentially raise taxes up to 9.9%. State law makes it so that towns collect all property taxes. The town then doles out the appropriate amount to the county, schools, etc. “We’re 27%” of the total tax bill of a Berkeley resident, Bacchione said. The rest is the other taxing entities. He said he’s already spoken to state lawmakers such as Senator Carmen Amato (R-9th), Senator Robert Singer (R-30th), and Assemblyman Gregory McGuckin (R-10th). The council members in attendance voted in favor of sending this resolution to the state. Councilman Thomas Grosse was absent. Many years ago, the residents would vote to pass the budget for the upcoming school year in April, which was also when board of education elections were. If the voters shot down the budget, it would go to the town’s governing body to decide what to do. They usually had just a few weeks to digest all of the budget information. They would choose a number to cut from the budget, and then school districts would have to figure out how to make the new budget work. In 2010, then-Governor Chris Christie worked out a deal with then-Senate President Steve Sweeney that school districts couldn’t increase taxes more than 2%, but there were some line items, such as insurance, that were exempt. In 2012, a new law allowed the vote to be moved to November. It was done under the auspices of saving money on paying for an election. Critics worried that board of education elections – which are already infested with politics – would become even more so because school board candidates would unofficially join a town council slate. The Berkeley Times interviewed primary sponsor of the law, Shirley Turner (now a senator in District 12) in 2012, and she told this reporter that school board elections are already political and usually a stepping stone for municipal office. (School Tax Change - See Page 4)
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Page 2, The Berkeley Times, August 29, 2026
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The Berkeley Times, August 29, 2026, Page 3
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Page 4, The Berkeley Times, August 29, 2026 a public hearing and it will still be reviewed
School funding continued to have issues with a
she said. The 2012 legislation was a long time coming, she said. It started in 2000. Back then, the idea was that it was a mandatory change to November. This kept it from becoming law. When it was reworked to state that individual towns or school boards had the choice in the matter, it got majority approval and a signature from the governor.
icant state aid cuts to many local schools. This new S-2 formula was never made public, despite lawsuits to make it public, so districts often had no way to plan for the cuts. In public statements, the people in charge of this plan said that districts weren’t taxing their residents enough. Additionally, the 2% cap was still in effect. This left districts with huge budget holes: they lost millions in state aid, and couldn’t increase
School Tax Change: by the office of the county superintendent, Sweeney-led change in 2018 that caused signifContinued From Page 1
The 2012 law stated that a town’s governing body or a school board can choose to move their elections from April to November to save money. If they do, they are also not required to hold a vote on the budget. If the budget is under the 2 percent cap, voters won’t have a chance to approve or deny it. They will still have an opportunity to see it during
taxes to make up for it. Last year, then-Governor Murphy signed a bill into law that allowed districts to surpass the 2% cap if they met certain criteria. They had to have received less state aid during the 20242025 school year than they did in the 2020-2021 school year. They were able to increase taxes to make up the difference to get them to that 2020-2021 level, however it still couldn’t be more than 9.9%, according to the New Jersey School Boards Association.
Documentary Shows Impact Of Rising Sea Level
By J. R. Warnet TUCKERTON - When most people think of the Jersey Shore and the phrase The Retreat, they think of a lovely shore getaway. Maybe a few days spent on the sand soaking up the rays while contemplating which restaurant they’ll dine at later. That’s not the case here. Rutgers University released a documentary called: “Marine Field Station: The Retreat.” This story is not about a vacation to the shore. It’s about how the field researchers are losing a station they not only work at, but care about. Coastline erosion along the East Coast is accelerating at astronomical levels, with most conservative estimates still well below the actual loss numbers. The documentary discusses the scenario of coastal erosion by a group of scientists who are witnessing the effects of climate change in real time. All while documenting the evidence as it’s happening. Rising sea levels and loss of habitat are not something of science fiction; it’s of science reality. Just
ask your neighbor in Tuckerton, or Loveladies, or anywhere the land touches the ocean. When it rains, it floods. Bad flooding. High tides that used to bring an inch or two of water now bring feet of water. “The Retreat” focuses on how the field station where scientists study will eventually have to be abandoned. Much like countless other properties around New Jersey. “Retreat means to actually move away from the coastline,” said Thomas “Motz” Grothues, in the documentary. “It means leaving property you invested in behind.” Scientists who work at the station are constantly in the field researching how the area is changing. So many things are being studied at one time while trying to learn what those changes mean for the area long term. The results can help address what problems need to be focused on first. While speaking recently, Grothues said he and his colleagues have known they will have to leave the station. “We’ve known for a while sitting here (at the station) that eventually it all changes,” he
said. “The shorelines move and I think time scale is the thing that bothers people. We’ve been watching the shoreline erode. We watch it with a scientific interest, but eventually its reaching where it threatens the station. We think about the long-term consequences of that.” Grothues, along with other ecologists from Rutgers who work at the station, witness the loss from both a professional and personal level. It’s like trying to protect something you have a vested interest in being slowly taken away piece by piece, while knowing very little can be done to stop it. Perhaps one silver lining of the documentary is the invaluable data collected from the erosion. The data from stations like this are logged and shared with other institutions along the eastern seaboard. By combining their efforts, the scientists can learn from the data. “We’ve been seeing whole communities face these types of challenges,” said Grothues. “So, we thought that we’d document the change as it happened, as a case lesson for ‘retreats’ elsewhere.”
The notion of abandoning a home or a piece of land, especially one you own, may seem insane. But it’s happening in small communities like Tuckerton and beyond. Places like New York and Miami are losing shoreline each year. The issue is larger cities have millions of dollars to build sea walls or other projects to slow the progress. Smaller communities don’t have million-dollar budgets to throw at eroding coastlines. Grothues, who works at the Rutgers University Marine Field Station and has been at the station since 1999, said the public may be shocked at just how fast the sea level is rising. “These landscapes naturally move quite a bit,” he said, referring to the spit of land the field station is built on. He spoke about places like the end of Long Beach Island, where sand replenishment is utilized due to the number of homes there. The opposite can be said of the end of Holgate where there are no homes, and the water cuts off part of the island. (Sea Level - See Page 5)
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The Berkeley Times, August 29, 2026, Page 5
Spotlight On Government Correspondence & Commentary From Your Local, County, State & Federal Officials
Lawmakers Call For Action On Bill To Fix School Funding Inequities Capitol Comments Senator Carmen F. Amato, Jr. 9th Legislative District
TRENTON - Senator Carmen Amato, Jr., Assemblyman Brian Rumpf, and Assemblyman Gregory Myhre (all R-9th) sent a letter to Senate President Scutari and Speaker Coughlin urging that their legislation (S-4356 & A-5178) to assist school districts discriminated against by way of severe funding inequities be considered by the
State Legislature. An excerpt of the letter reads: “Over the last two State fiscal years, the formula has capped funding increases at 6%, which hits school districts, including many in our legislative district, even harder due to chronic and drastic funding cuts. As corrective action, our legislation would restore funding by eliminating this indefensible artificial cap. “Due to the 6% cap, the case can easily be made that the current formula has been deliberately rigged. Many of our constituents believe that negatively impacted school districts are be-
ing denied funding to which they are rightly entitled under the existing formula so that other school districts in the state can benefit financially. This would include school districts prone to fiscal mismanagement, first and foremost Newark. “For the current year in just our legislative district alone, the school districts of Barnegat, Berkeley, Central Regional, Lacey, Lakehurst, Little Egg Harbor, Manchester, Ocean Gate, Ocean (Waretown), Pinelands Regional, Southern Regional, Stafford and Toms River Regional were unjustly denied more than $16 million in State funding due solely to the 6% cap. In the previous year these school districts,
with the exception of Tuckerton, lost out on more than $17 million in funding. “A total of more than $33 million in lost school funding in just two years. Larger classroom sizes, teacher layoffs and elimination of sports programs cannot be accepted as the new norm. Students, teachers, parents and taxpayers living in our Legislative District unquestionably deserve better from Trenton. “Upon introduction, S-4356 was referred to the Senate Education Committee while A-5178 was referred to the Assembly Education Committee. In closing, we respectfully request that our legislation be considered by the State Legislature.”
Update And Statement On False Voting Registration Issue From The Desk Of The
Governor Mikie Sherrill TRENTON - “My Administration has continued to move aggressively to fix the error at the Motor Vehicle Commission under the previous administration, to correct our voter rolls, and to protect the voting rights of eligible New Jerseyans. I said we would conduct a thorough, complete, and fair investigation, and that is exactly what we are doing. Because that is what accountable government looks like. My commitment to the people of New Jersey is to confront this issue with the urgency it deserves, so we have strong and fair elections. “That stands in contrast to the Trump Administration and Republicans, whose only interest has been in trying to use this issue
Sea Level:
Continued From Page 4 Rutgers’ Megalopolitan Coastal Transformation Hub helped fund the project. Lisa Auermuller, the Hub’s Executive Director, is an ecologist at the Marine Field Station. In the documentary, she spoke about why it was so important to make people aware of the problem. “The Hub is all about doing research around the coast; with regards to impact of climate change on the coast and understanding how people who make discissions in coastal cities (New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, etc.) use what research questions they have,” said Auermuller. “We then use those questions to help guide the things we study.” “The documentary part is to ensure that there is a broader impact of doing our research,” she said.
for political gain. “I am grateful to everyone who has been working around the clock on remediation efforts and reviewing our records with a finetoothed comb, to preserve the integrity of our voter rolls, and ensure that our elections remain free and fair.” Update Summary: Since July 21, when this issue was first brought to light, the Sherrill Administration has moved swiftly to review records and identify affected individuals. The Statewide Voter Registration System was briefly taken offline so the Division of Elections could copy and preserve the system and then modify the status of individuals impacted by the system error. The Administration is now sharing the figures from the review and the updates that have been made to the system below. Approximately 5,100 registered individuals
have been placed in deleted status in the system, since they were only registered because of the system error and had no other registration or attestation to their eligibility to register to vote (i.e., additional transactions in the system that would bring up voter questions or request declarations on voter eligibility, such as renewing a driver’s license). These individuals have been removed from New Jersey voter rolls because they were placed on the rolls in error. Approximately 1,450 registered individuals have had their registration status changed to rejected to prevent them from voting pending additional review. They have been referred to county election officials for that review. These are individuals who were impacted by the system error but have separate voter registrations, attestations, or transactions in the system, such that further review is required to determine whether these individuals are eligible and should be registered. Everyone in this modified status will not
Auermuller said the Rutgers students who filmed the documentary experienced a type of filming they weren’t normally accustomed to. Being in the elements, seeing first-hand what the scientists see, was something different for them. Meanwhile, members of the community saw what the members of Rutgers Field Station work in daily. This type of exposure to the issues at the field station are meant to be seen by all those effected by rising tidewaters, regardless of involvement or political ideas. “Ultimately, we must make the decision to retreat from the station, just like many of our coastal residents and businesses along coastal New Jersey,” she said. The film crew met with challenging factors such as tide water crossing the road leading to the station. Issues like the bad weather and
storms, a common occurrence to year-round residents in summer vacation towns, gave the students an idea of what exactly the theme of the film is trying to get across. Tourists and residents alike were able to see some of the weather this summer, with high winds and tornados impacting parts of LBI and Beach Haven West. Over the course of years, the damaging effects of storms and flood waters are slowly reducing shore communities. “I think it’s really eye-opening to these students (and the public), who maybe didn’t know these parts of New Jersey existed, and here they are trying to capture it,” Auermuller said. The documentary “Marine Field Station: The Retreat” can be viewed here: coastalhub. org/2025/08/22/marine-field-station-the-retreat/
be able to vote until their record is resolved and their eligibility is verified. As stated previously, fewer than 400 approximately 340 - of those newly registered as a result of the system error voted. In addition, the State has identified approximately 220 individuals who were affected by the software error and voted, but who also had previous voter registration or separate attestations to eligibility that are indicative of valid registrations. The State is referring this group of people to county officials for appropriate review to ensure all eligible voters are not disenfranchised. All remaining record changes and removals will occur at the county level. The Administration has directed county officials to complete their examinations before voting begins, ensuring that ineligible individuals are removed from the voter rolls and that eligible voters are not disenfranchised. The State’s investigation into how this error occurred is ongoing.
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Disclaimer: Micromedia Publications has always provided a space in its newspapers to provide a place for readers to learn what their elected officials are doing. These items are lightly edited for such things as punctuation and grammar but are mostly unchanged from the source. These press releases are the politicians’ own views, not that of Micromedia Publications. We cannot vouch for the accuracy of information that these politicians are providing, and readers are encouraged to keep an open mind and consider multiple sources.
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Page 6, The Berkeley Times, August 29, 2026
OPINIONS & COMMENTARY EDITORIAL Make Your Voice Heard, Show Up To Your Community Government Meetings
We are seeing more and more how important it is to speak out and provide your voice and opinion about what is going on around the world, country, state and your municipality. Do research. Ask questions. Offer solutions to problems. Express concerns for the topics that are most important to you and your family. We are lucky to be able to have a say in our government and we should all take advantage of that right. For example, the New Jersey Department of Transportation recently dropped their suggestions on twoway travel on Route 35 North and South, a yearround speed reduction and back-in parking within Lavallette and Ortley Beach following two very well attended hearings in July that featured huge crowds and loud yet polite voices of why those suggestions wouldn’t work.
That message was heard loud and clear. While the recommendations to reduce vehicle and bicycle accidents were well intended, locals knew better that it would have been a disaster if implemented. The NJDOT is now going back to the drawing board on other means to do that such as improved signage, education etc. Likewise, residents in Jackson are clearly letting their voices be heard during Township Council meetings which have grown tremendously during the year and may even result in moving a future meeting to a school auditorium to accommodate the turnout. Some of it may be driven by an important election year but many residents have also simply seen enough to know that they need to become involved in the process of decision making. One meeting not only featured criticism toward the administration and council it also included one speaker
who used their individual five minutes at the microphone by doing a chant and breakdance while another speaker later directed a song of protest toward the mayor. This was done to remind residents that no matter where you live, you need to participate in the process and become knowledgeable about how government works. Being disgusted and angry isn’t enough. Keeping a cool head, concise message and strong focus on the issue you wish to address is important. Drifting off into name calling, accusations and snarky remarks never help your case. Keep that in mind when you walk up to the microphone during a public comment period. Manchester residents showed up in force during a recent council meeting. They not only filled seats they spoke during the public comment period and brought signs that backed up their position that they were opposed to data centers coming into
the community. Council President Michele Zolezi responded with a calm tone, facts and she was able to provide an update that put the audience more at ease although clearly, the public will be watching to see what happens next. Toms River Township Council meetings have also seen large turnouts for a few years now. Many of their meetings have been combative with exchanges between public officials and angry residents. Quite similar to the environment in Jackson but hopefully, cooler heads on both sides of the dais will eventually develop a dialogue where information, ideas and concerns can be exchanged without anyone being removed from the room or a public official storming out of the room. It is important for residents to attend council meetings, Board of Education meetings, Ocean County Board of Commissioners meetings,
Planning Board and Zoning Board meetings. Officials do take notice when their constituents are visibly present at meetings. It beats a petition (although those are important too) or an email/letter or for certain municipalities, like Stafford, Lacey, Toms River, Brick, Jackson and Plumsted, watching it online at home. That said, at least a virtual audience is better than not being able to make it at all but being in a seat at town hall shows your direct interest. Make your voice heard but also keep an open mind to learning how your local government works. Sometimes there are reasons why things you’d think were logical don’t happen. It often involves the authority that a particular governing body has and the regulations. It is also important though to question your elected officials. Don’t feel foolish asking any question that is on your mind whether it be a pointed question on municipal, school
district or county spending right up to what happened to the podium that you used during the public comment period and is now missing. You are a taxpayer. Your questions are valid and most likely, others in your community want to know the answers as well. Granted the ultimate voice you have is exercising your right to vote come November 3 and you should never miss that opportunity no matter whether you vote by mail or in person. Beyond that, make sure you stop by a meeting of your community’s governing body. Become more familiar with the public officials at the dais whether you voted for them or not. The issues they are discussing and voting on are important so don’t be shy if you have a question or three about what they are doing. Your voice matters!
it as kangaroo hearing. An attorney that received this letter on March 30,2026 refused to sign and return the receipt to the send. I believe this attorney should have federal charges brought against him for tampering with United States mail. Or even the mail person who delivered the mail and did not get receipt signed and returned. I allege there was no mention of me at either the open or closed-door session, other than a council vote about my removal during the open session. As of April 26th, 2026. I have not received the requested tapes, prompting the question of whether the withholding of these tapes was ordered by the shadow mayor. Witnesses were called whom I have never heard of in my fifteen years at town hall. Another issue is alleged double dipping: it is questioned whether the attorney for the hearing, who is also listed on the township rolls, is being paid twice - once for the hear-
ing and once as department head. These circumstances suggest possible conflicts of interest, conduct unbecoming, or even collusion. Zoning Board of Adjustment Conflict: I believe the Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting held on March 25, 2026, involved a definite conflict of interest. 1. This case should have been assigned to another district. 2. The mayor’s full-time job is as a loan officer, which may involve dealings with developers and individuals. 3. The applicant’s son is vice chairman of the board, potentially exerting major influence within the board - even if he recused himself from the application. Call for Investigation: How deep do we need to go and uncover such workings now?
Bob Vosseller Assistant News Editor
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR A Solution To The Housing Shortage Hello Governor Sherrill, Concerning your solution to the housing shortage in New Jersey: Please let me make a suggestion as a partial solution before you blanket our small state with numerous housing develop-
ments. As there are approximately half a million illegal people in New Jersey you should work with the federal government first to move them out and send them back home. This will surely reduce the number of new homes needed resulting in less crowding, less burden on us, New Jersey residents.
WE WELCOME LETTERS TO THE EDITOR! The Berkeley 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.
Thank you, Kenneth Peterson Manchester
Berkeley Bomb Shell
On Monday, March 30, 2026, while on my way to meet the mayor, I passed the breakroom on the second floor of town hall. In that moment, I allegedly overheard two employees discussing the clerk who had destroyed public property - specifically, the Berkeley Times edition dated March 28, 2026. This individual is the same person mentioned in my editorial. Page 14 of the township handbook states, “Theft of property from co-workers, patrons, or the agency” is cause for dismissal, with the agency in this case being the Berkeley Times. Despite this clear policy, the employee in question is still employed. The Berkeley Times delivers to town hall weekly and published my editorial.
Given these circumstances, either the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) or the State Attorney General should investigate the actions of this and earlier administrations. Town hall is equipped with video surveillance, and the relevant tapes should be reviewed. However, there is a concern that the tapes may have been destroyed to cover up the incident. This raises the question of whether the clerk is being protected by a “shadow mayor.” Township Hearing and Allegations of Impropriety: A hearing was scheduled by the township on March 24, 2026, to discuss my removal. The lead attorney assigned to oversee the hearing was sending emails throughout the day, including communications with potential witnesses. I sent a registered letter with return receipt for the tapes under OPRA for both the open and closed-door sessions, which I did not attend because I viewed
Ed Gudaitis Ex-Zoning Board Appointed Secretary for 15 years, Berkeley
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Train Runs Again: Continued From Page 1
project, said Josephine Morey, Historical Society Publicity Chair. A photo exists of Ziegfeld Follies girls dancing on top of the train as a publicity stunt. The locomotive was then bought by a brick-
The Berkeley Times, August 29, 2026, Page 7 yard in upstate New York. It crossed hands a few times until it wound up for sale online. The serial number linked it to Berkeley, and the Historical Society was brought in. This process started a couple years ago, and volunteers have recently got it roaring to life and driving forward and back along a 150-foot track.
A surprising amount of the original locomotive was still in working order, they said. Of the things that had to be replaced, they were replaced with materials to make it look and operate as close to the original as possible. The track for the railroad came from an amusement park built at Allaire Airport
(now Monmouth Executive Airport) by previous owner Ed Brown. In the future, events taking place at the historical society museum, right next to the recreation department on Route 9, will have train rides as part of the entertainment, providing families with a link to the town’s past.
in the marsh. The idea is to see if the planet. remaining gap. Student’s Research: pathways it could encourage iron-reducing bacteria Before she passed away, Alexandra says For her, community support means more Continued From Page 1
are all competing for the same resources. Whichever ones are successful impacts what compounds are produced by the material breaking down. Alexandra’s research asks whether she can influence part of that process without disrupting the ecosystem itself. “Methane receives far less public attention than carbon dioxide, yet it traps more than 80 times as much heat over the short term,” she said. “Healthy salt marshes naturally store carbon, filter water, and protect our coastline, but rising sea levels and warming temperatures are changing the microbial communities beneath the surface. I want to investigate whether biotechnology can work alongside these natural biological processes to help keep these ecosystems healthy.” Alexandra will collect sediment from the Cattus Island salt marsh in six custom-built containers that will allow her to recreate conditions under controlled settings. She will then introduce a synthetic peptide to see if it can strengthen electron-transfer
to compete better against methane-producing microbes. This would potentially reduce methane emissions in a relatively natural way. Further Impact Although Alexandra’s experiment focuses mostly on methane, it could lead to greater understanding of the marsh habitat. A healthier and more productive marsh can support the larger environmental system around it, from the microorganisms in its sediment to the animals that depend on that habitat. “All of these things are connected,” she said. “The marsh isn’t just one thing. It’s an entire world of life.” A Family Connection Alexandra is searching for a way to protect the future of the environment after being taught to respect it in her past. Her grandmother, Pamela, was one of her closest mentors. She introduced Alexandra to gardening, encouraged her curiosity about the natural world and taught her about the environmental problems facing
her grandmother left her with a simple mission: find ways to protect the planet. That mission has stayed with her. “Every flower I smell, every garden trip I take, and every smile I see, I think of her,” she said. “I want to accomplish what her last words for me were - to reach my dreams no matter what it took.” How To Help Alexandra has developed the project independently with guidance from scientific mentors and extensive review of primary scientific literature. Because the research requires specialized biotechnology equipment, peptide synthesis, environmental monitoring instruments, and laboratory materials beyond what is typically available to an individual high school researcher, she launched a crowdfunding campaign through Experiment.com to help make the project possible. As of press time, the campaign has raised just over $2,000 toward its $3,800 goal. With the campaign entering its final days, Alexandra is still working to close the
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than simply paying for laboratory supplies. It means allowing a local student to ask a question about a local ecosystem - and actually giving her the chance to find out whether her idea works. She hopes that the project can eventually contribute to a larger conversation about how communities protect wetlands, preserve biodiversity and respond to climate change. Those interested in supporting the research or following its progress can visit experiment.com/restoringmarshes. Supporters receive regular updates as the project progresses from field collection through laboratory experimentation and data analysis. “My goal is to show that meaningful scientific research can begin right here in our own community,” Alexandra said. “With the support of Ocean County residents, I hope this project can contribute to a better understanding of how we can protect the wetlands that make Barnegat Bay and the Jersey Shore such extraordinary places to live.”
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Page 8, The Berkeley Times, August 29, 2026
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Additional Costs: Crematory Fee, Urns, Disposition Of Sherry T. DeGraff Cremains & Certified Copies Of Death Certificates, Permit,
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Removal Assist. & Mileage, Viewings Or Memorial Services
Photo courtesy Berkeley Township BERKELEY – Residents and families gathered at Veterans Park for an evening of community activities during the annual National Night Out celebration. The event gave neighbors an opportunity to connect and meet local police officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel
and other first responders in an informal setting. Municipal staff and vendors also participated in the event, which was made possible by the employees, emergency personnel and community members who helped organize and support the celebration.
Deborah Offers Free PAD Screenings TOMS RIVER – Deborah Heart and Lung Center will hold its annual peripheral artery disease screening event September 19 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Deborah Specialty Physicians office, 599 Route 37 West, second floor. The complimentary screenings are available by appointment only. Peripheral artery disease, known as PAD, develops when fatty deposits clog arteries and reduce blood flow to the legs. The condition affects more than 18 million people nationwide and can increase the risk of amputation, heart attack, stroke and death. It can often be managed through lifestyle changes, medication and nonsurgical procedures when detected early. Symptoms may include cramping in the hips, thighs or calves after physical activity;
leg numbness or weakness; a cold lower leg or foot; slow-healing sores; skin discoloration; hair or toenail growth changes; shiny leg skin; and a weak or missing pulse in the legs or feet. Risk factors include current or past smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, being age 50 or older, African American ethnicity and a personal or family history of PAD, heart disease, heart attack or stroke. The event will include a painless, noninvasive ankle-brachial index test comparing blood pressure in the ankles and arms. Complimentary blood sugar screenings may also be available, with a four-hour fast recommended for the most accurate result. To schedule an appointment or obtain more information, call 609-496-5929.
Saint Barbara Sets 54th Greek Festival TOMS RIVER – Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church will host its 54th annual Greek Festival from September 25-27 at 2200 Church Road. The festival will run from noon to 11 p.m. September 25 and 26 and from noon to 7 p.m. September 27. Visitors can enjoy authentic Greek food, homemade pastries, an outdoor food court and an
indoor dining room. The weekend will also feature traditional Greek dancing, live music, games and raffles for the entire family. On-site parking will not be available. Free shuttle service will be offered from Ocean County College. Additional information is available at saintbarbaragreekfestival.com.
The Berkeley Times welcomes your special announcements! Engagements, Weddings, Births, Birthday Wishes, etc. Please call 732-657-7344 for more details!
jerseyshoreonline.com
The Berkeley Times, August 29, 2026, Page 9
Community News C lub N ews , A ctivities , E vents & A nnouncements
Police Welcome Blue
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• Wills / Living Wills / POA • Estate Probate • Estate Administration • Real Estate Closings • Trusts • Power of Attorney • Municipal Court
Photo courtesy Seaside Park Police Department SEASIDE PARK – The Seaside Park Police Department has welcomed Blue, a 3-monthold French bulldog partnered with Sgt. AJ Mantz, as its new “chief happiness officer.” Blue’s duties include greeting visitors,
riding in patrol vehicles and napping around police headquarters. The puppy also makes occasional appearances at community events, where residents are encouraged to stop and say hello.
Website: www.silvilaw.com • Email: lawfirm@silvilaw.com
Blood Drive Planned At Shore Plaza BAYVILLE – New Jersey Blood Services will hold a blood drive from 1 to 7 p.m. September 2 aboard a bloodmobile at Shore Plaza, 155 Atlantic City Blvd. Appointments are encouraged, but walkins will be accepted. Donors may register at tinyurl.com/MissMindysBD9-2. Participants should eat well, stay hydrated, bring photo identification and be free of ill-
ness symptoms. Donors must meet minimum weight requirements and generally be at least 17, though 16-year-olds may donate with parental consent. Each donor will receive a coupon for a free small iced coffee and one snack-size ice cream cone or cup, along with a free T-shirt while supplies last. Complete eligibility guidelines are available at nybc.org/eligibility.
Fundraiser to Benefit Firefighters, Tina’s House
BAYVILLE – Walter’s Custom Painting and Empowered Births with Sarah will host the third annual “Together We Rise, Together We Thrive” fundraiser September 20 from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Veterans Park, 489 Bill Zimmerman Jr. Way. The community event will support the Bayville Fire Department and Ocean County Friends of Tina’s House. Donations will help the volunteer fire department purchase new equipment and assist Tina’s House in pro-
viding a safe environment for children who have experienced physical or sexual abuse. Businesses and organizations may participate as sponsors or vendors. A $300 sponsorship includes social media promotion, an event table and placement of the sponsor’s name on the event T-shirt. Vendor spaces are $75 and include a table location. Vendor setup begins at 11:30 a.m. For additional information contact Sarah at 732-797-8901, ext. 1.
P.O. Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733 • Phone: 732-657-7344 • Fax: 732-657-7388 email: news@jerseyshoreonline.com • jerseyshoreonline.com
MANCHESTER TIMES • BERKELEY TIMES • BRICK TIMES JACKSON TIMES • HOWELL TIMES • TOMS RIVER TIMES SOUTHERN OCEAN TIMES President & Publisher Stew Swann
Vice President/COO Jason Allentoff
News Editor
Assistant News Editor
Distribution Manager
Chris Lundy
Bob Vosseller
Laura Hoban
Production Manager
Graphic Artist
Allison Gradzki
Julia Wilkens
Sales Manager Lorrie Toscano
Send your news tips, copy & letters to news@jerseyshoreonline.com
Published Weekly Copyright by Micromedia Publications, Inc. All material printed in The Times’ is copyrighted by Micromedia Publications, Inc. unless otherwise noted. The reproduction of the contents, in full or in part, is prohibited, unless permission is granted by Micromedia Publications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
jerseyshoreonline.com
Page 10, The Berkeley Times, August 29, 2026
RC R.C.SHEA S
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BUYING, SELLING, OR REFINANCING YOUR HOME? SERIOUS LEGAL MATTERS REQUIRE SERIOUS AND EXPERIENCED ATTORNEYS
Community News C lub N ews , A ctivities , E vents & A nnouncements
Sheriff’s Units Join National Night Out
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(House Calls Available By Appointment) TOMS RIVER OFFICE 244 Main St., Toms River, NJ 08753 • (732) 505-1212 BERKELEY AREA (800) 556-7432 MANCHESTER AREA (732) 408-9455 BRICK AREA (732) 451-0800 VISIT US ON OUR WEBSITE AT: WWW. RCSHEA.COM
Photo courtesy Ocean County Sheriff BERKELEY – The Ocean County Sheriff’s Office connected with residents during National Night Out celebrations in Berkeley, Manchester and Lakehurst. Members of the agency’s K-9, Mounted, Drone and Child ID units participated alongside representatives from other specialized divisions. Families watched demonstrations featuring police dogs, met the unit’s horses
and learned how drones assist law enforcement operations. Parents also had an opportunity to have their children fingerprinted and provided with identification materials as a safety precaution. Sheriff’s officials said the community events allow officers to build relationships with the public outside their usual patrol and emergency-response duties.
EMS Recruiting Volunteers
BAYVILLE – The township emergency medical services is seeking new members to join its volunteer team, offering residents a chance to serve their community while gaining valuable skills. The squad is currently welcoming cadets ages 16 to 18, certified EMTs, associate members, and participants in the Ladies Auxiliary. Volunteers receive free training, uniforms, and eligibility for LOSAP benefits, as well as opportunities to meet new people and develop hands-on emer-
gency response experience. Bayville EMS encourages anyone interested to stop by headquarters to see the fleet and equipment, or to learn more online. For details on joining, visit squad13.org/ join-our-team. Donations can also be made at squad13. org/donate. Those with questions can call 732-2691313 or visit Bayville EMS at 660 Atlantic City Blvd., Bayville.
CASA Seeks Volunteers For Fall Training OCEAN COUNTY – Court Appointed Special Advocates of Ocean County is seeking volunteers for its fall pre-service training program. Training sessions are scheduled for September 15, 22 and 29; October 6, 13, 20 and
27; and November 3. CASA volunteers advocate for children involved in the court system, offering support and helping ensure their needs are heard. More information is available at casaonoceancounty.org.
jerseyshoreonline.com
The Berkeley Times, August 29, 2026, Page 11
August 28th - September 1st 10 AM - 5 PM Hosted at 3 Locations For Your Convenience TMT Cash for Gold - Toms River 156 NJ-37 E (corner of hooper and 37), Toms River, NJ 08753
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Limit one per customer. Present this ad at the start of transaction. Bonus applies to a qualified items only. Prices subject to change with market conditions. Offers based on item evaluation. See show for details. Bring any original boxes and paperwork if available.
jerseyshoreonline.com
Page 12, The Berkeley Times, August 29, 2026
H ere ’ s T o Y our H ealth
Dear Phar Pharmacist macist
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Presented By: Isidore Kirsh, Ph.D., F.A.A.A. (N.J. Lic. #678)
Dr. Isidore Kirsh Ph.D., F.A.A.A.
Hearing Aids Could Benefit Your Brain If You Wear Them
Hearing aids do much more than improve communication. Research continues to show a strong connection between hearing health and cognitive well-being. Treating hearing loss may help support overall brain function as we age. Recent research has found that people who wear their hearing aids consistently experience greater cognitive benefits than those who wear them only occasionally or not at all. Successful outcomes depend on proper fitting and daily use. When hearing loss goes untreated, the brain works harder to understand speech. This extra listening effort may leave fewer mental resources available for memory, attention, and thinking. Communication difficulties may also contribute to social withdrawal, which has been linked
with cognitive decline. Hearing aids improve access to speech and environmental sounds, reduce listening effort, and help people stay engaged with family, friends, and everyday activities. The greatest benefits occur when hearing aids are worn consistently during waking hours. If you already wear hearing aids, use them every day. If you have been delaying treatment, this research provides another important reason to have your hearing evaluated sooner rather than later. Dr. Izzy and his Staff are always available to provide answers to all of your hearing care needs. Feel free to visit www.gardenstatehearing.com or call 732-451-3962. We Hear You & We are Here for You!
His offices are in Toms River, Whiting, and Manahawkin. He can be reached at 732-451-3962 or via Web site at gardenstatehearing.com. Dr. Izzy & Staff gives Retirement Community Talks!
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Why Stress Can Leave The Door Open To A Cold By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph. This week, I have a cold. Cough, sore throat, postnasal drip—the usual uninvited guests. My husband has it too, and so does my daughter. We’ve spent a lot of time together lately during an unusually stressful period for our family, so the simplest explanation is that one of us picked up a respiratory virus and generously shared it with the others! But it got the pharmacist in me thinking: Does significant stress make us more vulnerable to getting sick? Apparently, it can. In a fascinating study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers evaluated psychological stress in healthy volunteers and then exposed them to respiratory viruses. As stress levels increased, so did rates of infection. Stress doesn’t create a virus. You still have to encounter one. But prolonged stress can change how effectively your immune system responds once that virus shows up. During prolonged stress, cortisol and adrenaline signaling can alter the activity of T cells, natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages - immune cells involved in recognizing viruses, coordinating immune responses, and clearing infected cells. Stress can also alter cytokines, the chemical messengers immune cells use to communicate. It can dysregulate the response, increasing some inflammatory signals while making certain antiviral defenses less efficient. Add poor sleep, disrupted meals and emotional exhaustion, and you’ve created less-than-ideal conditions for recovery. Let’s talk about my very unexciting cold arsenal next I’m keeping things pretty
simple. I’ve been using loratadine once daily for the drainage and fluticasone for nasal inflammation. Cepacol numbing lozenges help when my throat gets really sore. I’m also gargling warm salt water. The basic recipe is ½ teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of warm water. Gargle and spit it out. On the nutritional side, I’ve been taking vitamin C with DHQ, Immune Script at night and Mito B during the day. Mito B gave me a niacin flush one day - warmth, redness, and tingling. Harmless for many people, but let’s just say I didn’t particularly need my vitamins adding special effects this month. Honey may soothe a cough and irritated throat (but never give honey to a baby under one). Saline nasal spray is another inexpensive option for loosening mucus. Zinc lozenges may modestly shorten a cold when started early, although zinc can cause nausea. Avoid intranasal zinc because of its association with loss of smell. Echinacea and elderberry are popular, but the evidence is mixed. Natural doesn’t automatically mean proven, or harmless. Most uncomplicated colds improve with time, fluids and rest. But seek medical attention for trouble breathing, chest pain, dehydration, persistent fever, symptoms lasting more than about 10 days without improvement, or symptoms that improve and then suddenly worsen. Want to know more? I wrote a longer version of this article with more about cortisol, postnasal drip, essential oils, herbs, OTC medications and how to know when a cough needs medical attention. Visit suzycohen.com and search for key terms like cold, flu, or cough.
(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.
Blood Drives Planned Across Ocean County
TOMS RIVER – The American Red Cross will hold a series of blood drives throughout Ocean County in September, giving residents several opportunities to donate at community locations. The month’s schedule begins September 2 from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Days Hotel by Wyndham Toms River, 290 Route 37 East, sponsored by Toms River Community. A drive will follow September 3 from noon to 5 p.m. at VFW Post 9503, 383 Veterans Blvd., Bayville, sponsored by Crossroads Realty. Donations will also be accepted September 4 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Holiday City South Clubhouse A, 139 Santiago Drive, Berkeley, sponsored by Knights of Columbus St. Maximilian Kolbe Council 10899. Additional drives are scheduled September 12
from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Reserve of Lake Ridge, 707 Hollybrook Lane, Manchester, and September 16 from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Days Hotel by Wyndham Toms River, 290 Route 37 East. The schedule continues September 21 from 1 to 6 p.m. at Moose Lodge 399, 1801 Bay Blvd., Seaside Heights; September 22 from 2 to 7 p.m. at Brick Elks Lodge 2151, 2491 Old Hooper Ave.; and September 29 from 1 to 6 p.m. at Brick Presbyterian Church, 111 Drum Point Road. A whole-blood donation generally takes about an hour and collects approximately one pint. Donors may review available appointment times and registration information at redcrossblood.org.
jerseyshoreonline.com
The Berkeley Times, August 29, 2026, Page 13
Around The Jersey Shore Tin Can Sailors Seek New Members
TOMS RIVER - The Tin Can Sailors Association of New Jersey is seeking out new members. The group is made up of veterans and is a heritage organization dedicated to preserving the legacy, service, and traditions of those who served at sea. Chartered as a squadron of Tin Can Sailors, Inc., the National Association of Destroyer Veterans, the organization brings together veterans, family members, supporters, and others with an interest in naval service, maritime history, and fellowship. Despite the “destroyer” theme, the chapter has a highly inclusive membership policy. They welcome: veterans and active-duty personnel; anyone who served in any type of ship or shore command - not just destroyers; all sea services and personnel from the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines, or Military Sealift Command (including foreign sea services). Family members of living or deceased veterans, naval historians, model builders, and anyone passionate about supporting historic fleets. There are monthly meetings featuring fel-
lowship, discussion, and occasional guest presentations. It allows for members to share their experiences and preserve the stories of naval and maritime service. There is also a newsletter called The Binnacle, a membership card and members participate in social events, commemorations, and community activities. Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at noon at George P. Vanderveer American Legion Post #129, 2025 Church Road, Toms River and lunch may be purchased from the Post kitchen. If you are interested in attending meetings but daytime hours make it difficult, let the membership know. If enough members are interested, an evening meeting may be scheduled. Annual dues is $20 and prospective members are warmly invited to attend a meeting, learn more about the organization, consider joining in support of naval service, remembrance, and fellowship. For further information, call (732) 630-1855; email commander@tcs-desvets-nj. org, or visit the group’s website at: tcs-desvets-nj.org/
Report Examines Health Of Barnegat Bay
TOMS RIVER – The Barnegat Bay Partnership has released its 2026 State of the Bay Report, a comprehensive assessment of the estuary and its surrounding watershed. Published every five years, the report compiles environmental research and monitoring data from the partnership and other organizations. It examines water quality, wildlife, habitats, land use, water supply and other factors affecting the watershed. Long-term trends highlighted in the report
identify areas of progress as well as concerns requiring continued research, restoration, monitoring and community involvement. The report is best viewed on a desktop while its mobile version remains under development. The partnership will also host its 2026 State of the Bay Symposium, bringing together researchers, resource managers and community members to discuss the findings and the watershed’s future. Registration is available at shorturl.at/olBd5.
jerseyshoreonline.com
Page 14, The Berkeley Times, August 29, 2026
R.C. Shea & Assoc.
Inside The Law Memorial Day To Labor Day On Route 37
Michael J. Deem, Esq.
By: Michael J. Deem, Esq. R.C. Shea & Associates Anyone who has lived in Ocean County for more than a year knows the county has two personalities. There is the version where you can make a left onto Fischer Boulevard without thinking about it, and there is the version that starts the Friday before Memorial Day. The summer version has drivers who have never seen that intersection before. They’re looking for a street sign, or a parking spot, or the beach badge stand, and they’re doing it while the car behind them wants to go. They brake late. They turn from the wrong lane. They make three-point turns on Route 35 because they missed the house. None of this makes them bad people. A driver who is lost is a driver who is distracted, and Ocean County fills up every June with people who are, by definition, unfamiliar with the roads. What changes for the rest of us is the arithmetic. The same left turn you’ve made a thousand times now happens in traffic that behaves differently. Kids on bikes near the boardwalk move in ways that make sense to a ten-year-old and to nobody else. A car pulling out of a rental driveway at 5 p.m. in July is not the same event it was in February. The crashes we handle from June through August aren’t usually dramatic. They’re intersections. They’re rear-end collisions in
stop-and-go traffic on Route 37 East. They’re a pedestrian in a crosswalk that a visiting driver didn’t expect to be there. There’s a second thing summer changes, and most people don’t think about it until they’re in it. The other driver often lives somewhere else. The car may be a rental, or borrowed from a cousin’s house down the shore, or insured under a policy written in another state with different rules than ours. The exchange of information at the scene matters more than usual, because tracking someone down in October who was here for a week in July is harder than it sounds. Get the plate, the license, and the insurance card. Photograph all three if the other driver is agreeable, and photograph the plate regardless. • Drive the summer roads like you’re a stranger too. Leave earlier than you need to. Assume the car ahead is about to do something that makes no sense, because there’s a decent chance it is. • If a summer crash has already happened to you, call us at 732-505-1212. The conversation costs nothing and obligates you to nothing, and we’ll tell you honestly whether you have a case worth pursuing, including when you don’t. • Michael J. Deem, Esq., is Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Civil Trial Attorney.
Our clients’ success is our greatest reward. 732-505-1212 • RCSHEA.COM
Chicago Announces Two Atlantic City Shows
ATLANTIC CITY – Chicago will perform two concerts at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City on November 6 and 7. Both shows are scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Tickets will go on sale July 31 at 10 a.m. through HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com. Event details are subject to change. Chicago has sold more than 100 million albums
worldwide and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The group has also received multiple Grammy Awards and the Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Known for its distinctive horn arrangements, vocals and extensive catalog of hits, the band has recorded 21 Top 10 singles, 11 No. 1 singles and five consecutive No. 1 albums. Chicago has also earned 49 gold and platinum awards.
Free Food Distribution Continues Weekly At Church
BAYVILLE – St. Barnabas Church is continuing its weekly drive-thru food distribution program, offering free groceries to residents in need. The church’s food pantry hosts the “Pop the Trunk” event every Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m., providing fruits, vegetables, canned goods and other staples at no cost. Volunteers load items directly into vehicles to
ensure a quick and contact-free experience. Drivers are asked to enter the church property from the Route 9 entrance near AutoZone. Supplies are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Organizers say the ongoing effort aims to support local families struggling with food insecurity and to make accessing assistance as simple as possible.
jerseyshoreonline.com
The Berkeley Times, August 29, 2026, Page 15
Around The Jersey Shore Unlikely Relationships In Wildlife; Our Role: To Respect Them By Renee A. Thomaier Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator Many people share their homes with more than one kind of pet, such as cats, dogs, rabbits, and birds. In the wild, such animals might be predators and/or prey, but at home some domestics live peacefully among one another. Wildlife shows similar examples of mutualism, where both species benefit from their interaction. Let’s look at a few. Ravens often interact playfully with wolves, sometimes tugging their tails or joining aerial games. They may also help wolves find food in exchange for leftovers, showing how different species can benefit from cooperation.
In Antarctica, leopard seals sometimes play gently with penguins instead of hunting them. This unusual behavior reveals a playful side of predator-prey relationships in nature. Dolphins and seals have been observed playing together in the open ocean, engaging in chases and other social behaviors. These interactions highlight marine mammals’ playful nature and ability, socializing beyond their own species. On the savannah, zebras and rhinos sometimes form an unlikely alliance: zebras alert rhinos to danger, while rhinos offer protection. This relationship shows how different species can adapt and coexist. In South Africa, an orphaned elephant at a
wildlife rehabilitation center formed a close bond with a sheep. After being separated from its herd because of poaching, the elephant found comfort in the sheep’s presence, and the two began spending time together. Their companionship shows how connection can help heal after trauma. The wild world is full of surprising examples of connections that go beyond basic survival instincts. These stories broaden our understanding of animal behavior and suggest that meaningful bonds are not unique to humans. They also remind us to value compassion, companionship, and harmony among ourselves. Wildlife surrounds us, from mammals
and birds to insects and microorganisms, all helping sustain the ecosystems we rely all upon. Yet as cities and suburbs expand, displacing wildlife by destroying habitats, removing food sources, and reshaping the environment for our own needs, has become habit. As custodians of our planet, let’s at least consider the importance of them in our own neighborhoods. Information for this article comes from various sources, so statistics may differ. For inquiries, call/leave a message at 732-244-2768. It is illegal to possess, relocate, or cause harm to wildlife for any reason. Managing wildlife without state and/or federal permits is illegal. Violators are subject to legal penalties.
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jerseyshoreonline.com
Page 16, The Berkeley Times, August 29, 2026
CLASSIFIEDS For Rent
Help Wanted
Services
Seaside Heights Studio Apartment - $1,350 monthly. Security deposit, utilities included. Non smoker. No pets. Call 732-657-7850. (39)
Magnolia Gardens Assisted Living is hiring a full and part time Dietary Aide. If interested, please email resume to HR@magnoliatr.com or call us at 732-557-6500. You can also visit us in person at 1935 Route 9 Toms River 08755. (38)
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)
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Evil Wears Many Faces! - The View, CNN, AOC, Mamdani, Sanders. Socialist hypocrites! Pawns of Satan. The lowest! America! Stand with Israel. Albert DeJesus, 732-533-8027. (40)
Auto For Sale
'79 Corvette and Top - V8, Auto. 88,000 miles. Teal. Blue interior. Excellent condition. Must sell. Asking $12,500. 732-597-6176. (39) VW Passat SLE 2013 - Blue, Low 63K miles, Black Leather Interior, New Battery. $8,700. Ocean County, Cell 848-459-7957. (39)
Items Wanted $$$ WANTED TO BUY $$$ Jewelry and watches, costume jewelry, sterling silver, silverplate, medals, military items, antiques, musical instruments, pottery, fine art, photographs, paintings, statues, old coins, vintage toys and dolls, rugs, old pens and postcards, clocks, furniture, bric-a-brac, select china and crystal patterns. Cash paid. Over 35 years experience. Call Gary Struncius. 732849-6068 (new number). (t/n) COSTUME/ESTATE JEWELRY Looking to buy costume/estate jewelry, old rosaries and religious medals, all watches and any type of sterling silver, bowls, flatware candlesticks or jewelry. Same day house calls and cash on the spot. 5 percent more with this AD. Call Peggy at 732-581-5225. (t/n) 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 Blues Psychedelic. Call Rick 908-616-7104. Also Buying Comic Books. (41) Entire Estates Bought - Bedroom/dining sets, dressers, cedar chests, wardrobes, secretaries, pre-1950 wooden furniture, older glassware, oriental rugs, paintings, bronzes, silver, bric-a-brac. Call Jason at 609-970-4806. (t/n) U s e d G u n s Wa n t e d - A l l types: collectibles, military, etc. Call 917-681-6809. (t/n) 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 RECORDS - FOR LPs & 45s Rock/Jazz/Soul/ Blues Call Eddie 732-829-5908. For 45 & 78 RPM Doo Wop/Soul/R&B Call Bob 909-938-4623. (38)
Help Wanted Certified Home Health Aides Needed for Ocean County area. Hourly and live-in positions avail. P/T and F/T. Call CCC at 732-206-1047. (t/n)
H VA C I n s t a l l e r / Te c h n i cian Hiring Now - Experience needed. Great Work Environment. Company vehicle. Full time, year round, paid holidays. Call 732-349-1448 Or Fax Resume To 732-349-6448. (t/n) Laundromat Attendant - For FT/ PT Good communication skills, math and min computer knowledge. Transportation needed. Long term commitment only. 732-286-1863. (t/n) Magnolia Gardens Assisted Living is hiring a full time cook. If interested, please email resume to HR@magnoliatr.com or call us at 732-557-6500. You can also visit us in person at 1935 Route 9 Toms river 08755. (38)
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) Live-Out Caregiver - Experienced 5 years. NJ Driver License. Have own car. Have alot of experience in Personal care assistance. Medication Reminders. Meals Perparations. Light Housekeeping, Companionship. 908-309-6337 Amanda. References available. (39) 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) DO YOU WANT YOUR CAR TO LOOK GOOD AND SHINE? Call Lenny, Lenny's Mobile Auto Detailing 908-868-4609. (36) Astro Appliance Sales and Service Moved to new location. Around for 40 years. Call 609-971-9318. (37) MASON - All Types Of Mason Work. Steps & porches, patios, walks. CALL KEN 908-964-7526. (40) Cleaning, Organizing, Errands - For seniors. 732-773-7789. (37) Lisa Cleaning - I have my own supplies. Reliable. Dependable. Please call 732-581-0409. (37)
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 Caregiver Experience 30 years. NJ Driver's License. Have own car. Doctor Appointments, laundry and light cleaning. 732-439-9765 Zeina. References available. (31)
2.
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. Support unique to you. In-person or on phone. Confidential. At your pace. $25 for 1 hour. Melissa Lekas, 732-754-4891. (37) Clean Sweep Pressure Washing & Home Repairs - No job to small or large. (NEW SEASON SPECIAL!) Free dryer exhaust/vent cleaning with every free estimate! A $75 value! Call or text to book your appointment 201-835-9394. (26) 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)
Calculate Price As Follows: 3.
T H E R I D E G U Y - Ta k e s you anywhere! No limits. Comfy mini-van. References. Call Charlie 732-216-3176 or Email: cr@exit109.com. Let's Go! (t/n) 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)
4.
APlus Home Improvements Quality work. Fair prices. Renovations, custom decks, painting, repairs and more. No job too small, give us a call. 908-278-1322. (36) Handyman Service - Carpentry, masonry, repairs, painting. 732-6743346. License #13VH03469200. (41) DIRECTV - All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Directv and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/ mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-877-557-1213. (t/n)
Advertise in the main sections of Micromedia’s weekly newspapers. Your ad will be seen by thousands. Call 732-657-7344 ext. 206 for more information.
5.
jerseyshoreonline.com
The Berkeley Times, August 29, 2026, Page 17
Photo Of The Week
Curious backyard visitors come nose-to-nose with a furry friend at the front door in this fun Jersey Shore moment captured by Michelle Milano. Want to see your photo featured here — and possibly win tickets to Six Flags Great Adventure? Email your favorite Jersey Shore pictures to photos@jerseyshoreonline.com for a chance to be featured.
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.
Hope Buddy Program Offers Weekly Encouragement
TOMS RIVER – HOPE Sheds Light is inviting community members to join its Hope Buddy Program, which provides participants with two inspirational text messages each week. The messages feature encouraging quotes selected from inspirational books by the organization’s family volunteers. The program is intended to
provide regular support, connection and hope. Participants will also be invited to future Hope Buddy Meetups, with additional details expected to be announced later. To register or learn more, contact Nicole at nicole@hopeshedslight.org or 732-244-0783, ext. 131.
SUMMER SPECIAL 10% OFF
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WE SERVICE ANY SYSTEM: Installing Water Conservation Systems • Expert Pump & Well Repair Discount Annual Service Contracts • Renovations & Alterations Repairs & Maintenance • Fall Shut Downs • Summer Start Ups Line Repairs Due to Roots • Drip Irrigation • Drainage NJ Master Well Drilling Lic# 545435 • NJ Well Drilling Lic# JD1015 NJ Well Pump Lic#15029 • NJ Irrigation Lic#15043 • NJ Pesticide Lic# 9024B NJ Home Improvement Lic# 13VH01923600
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Page 18, The Berkeley Times, August 29, 2026
FUN & GAMES SUDOKU
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Across 1 Bread component, casually 5 __ toast 10 Research sites 14 Ingredient in some superfood smoothies 15 Classic cookies 16 Assessment, briefly 17 Presentation on an organic flytrap? 19 Sam Cooke’s “__ Little Love” 20 Book that details the origin of Passover 21 Time with a therapist 23 Went out with 24 Presentation on how to generate chemistry when matchmaking? 26 Postpone 28 Hermana del padre 29 Part of a one-two punch 32 Had a bite 33 MSNBC host Jen
37 Presentation on hot dogs? 42 Divided Asian peninsula 43 Seemingly forever 44 Lots of noise 45 Ozs. and lbs. 47 Sacks 50 Presentation on recycling? 54 Slip past 58 “Faster!” 59 Brunch order 60 Potatoes, in South Asian cuisine 61 Presentation on the Indiana WNBA team? 64 Pixar protagonist who has one small fin and one large fin 65 Liechtenstein currency 66 Like Southern California skies during June Gloom 67 Wax-wrapped cheese 68 Gets together? 69 Corridor
Down 1 Cried like a crow 2 “Five Feet of Fury” pro wrestler Bliss 3 Unpaid worker 4 Like some intricate wedding gowns 5 Some admins 6 Make a boo-boo 7 “Da 5 Bloods” director 8 __ nova 9 Stand up for (oneself) 10 “I vote we say no” 11 “Love Sux” singer Lavigne 12 Spoonbill habitat 13 Colloquialism 18 “My man!” 22 Happy hops 24 Alien-seeking org. 25 Market ahead of time 27 Fleeting trend 29 LGA alternative 30 Not prone to infatuation, for short 31 Keep out 34 Lend a hand
35 Splash of color in a water garden 36 Lodge 38 Place where things are always breaking? 39 Forensic anthropologist/writer Reichs who inspired the TV series “Bones” 40 Diner staffer 41 Game with a spinoff called Dos 46 Packs 48 Seasonal worker 49 Santa’s transport 50 Old Scottish title 51 Was extremely sweet? 52 Bakery emanation 53 Copycat’s activity 55 Extremely 56 Window sticker 57 __ alcohol: hand sanitizer ingredient 59 Tolkien brutes 62 Many a shuttle 63 Env. insert
(c)2026 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.
SOLUTIONS
SU DOK U
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Jumble: HOUND FRUIT AFLOAT VERIFY -- LEFT IN A HUFF
jerseyshoreonline.com
The Berkeley Times, August 29, 2026, Page 19
OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FOR THE WEEK OF AUG 9 - SEPT 4 BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS FORECAST ARIES (March 21-April 19): Monday is a below-zero day with below-zero odds, if you can’t do it today, Tuesday is the best day remaining in August for a meetup, launch, submission, or starting something new if your personal transits also line up. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Inner creativity or artistry could yearn to come forth, the next month could be an exciting time on a creative level. Separate those with genuine talent from those just running their game. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Focus on home for the next few weeks. When all is aligned, home can be a sanctuary and charging station to provide respite as well as building the energy to re-engage with the world. Brainstorm improvements. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Someone close could have needed skills or answers now; you might be impressed. Find worthy sources of information to expand your mind; bypass posers and those invested in ego display. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You could be of a mind to develop a financial plan — Tuesday is a much better day to launch that today or Monday. Also, you might get some pushback, be aware. Trust that you have the talent needed now. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Your artistry could be lit for a couple of days; creatives could have lots of top-level inspiration to work from. If you’ve felt invisible for a while that could change abruptly — expect more attention for the next few weeks.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Home could feel like magic now, both in the daily vibe and the way it can serve as your launch pad for greatness. Tune into this, it’s wonderful but fleeting. A cycle of growth work could set you on a higher timeline. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Even if you’re an introvert, the next month or so could find you feeling more social. It’s also a time that networking could be especially useful. Share your joys and victories with those who care. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): This isn’t the moment to make financial changes or to sign up for any kind of investment. There could be lots of glitter but little if any actual gold for the next two days at least. Focus on building career. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Your skills could be in high demand, or just the ability to teach what you know. It’s a time to expand your horizons and also to share what you’ve learned. Plant seeds to disseminate knowledge. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Tune in to your personal wins whether large or small and throw yourself a victory lap. You deserve it! Next up could be to dismantle an illusion or two that holds you back. Build up finances in the background. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Your focus could be on close relationships for the next few weeks, whether romantic or business partnerships, a housemate, or a pet. An acquaintance could seem especially impressive but keep your nonsense detector switched to ‘on.’
(c) 2026 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.
THE ULTIMATE SUMMER FRITTATA Diane Rossen Worthington While the heat continues to pound us from coast to coast, I cook as simply as possible. No long simmering stews orsoups for me. I am moving toward no-cook chilled soups, chilled precooked salmon orshrimp, tomato and fruit salads, crisp vegetable salads or barbecued anything. One of my favorite ways to beat the heat and serve up something satisfying is to prepare a frittata with ingredients that are both seasonal and colorful. I usually do this in the morning before the after- Frittatas can be eaten warm or at room temperature noon heat sets in. Fritta- and served for brunch, lunch, or supper. CREDIT:(Maura tas can be eaten warm or McEvoy/TCA). at room temperature and served for brunch, lunch, or supper. That’s browned, about 10 minutes. Drain on paper why they easily fit into my summer menus. towels and let cool. Cut into 1/4-inch-thick Use this recipe as a template for whatever slices and set aside. ingredients you prefer. If you are just adding 2. Preheat the oven to 425 F. veggies, begin with Step 2. 3. In a medium bowl, whisk togetherthe eggs The classic Italian frittata is a flat, round with salt and pepper. Stir in 1 1/4 cups of the omelet cooked over low heat until firm and cheese. Set aside. finished in the oven. Frittatas can be simple 4. In an ovenproof nonstick 12-inch skillet or as multilayered as this version that in- over medium-high heat, melt the butter with cludes sausages, zucchini, mushrooms, and the olive oil. Add the shallots and saute until plum tomatoes tucked inside. To round out softened but not brown, about 3 minutes. the meal, serve with roasted baby potatoes. Add the mushrooms and saute for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the zucchini and continue cooking for 2 minutes. Add the garlic and Serves 4 to 6 saute for 1 minute. Arrange the sausage 2 sweet Italian sausages (1/3 to 1/2 pound slices around the vegetables and season total) with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 2 hot Italian sausages (1/3 to 1/2 pound 1/8 teaspoon pepper. total) 5. Pour the egg mixture over the sausages 12 large eggs and vegetables and cook over medium-low Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to heat, stirring occasionally, until lightly taste browned on the bottom, about 5 minutes. 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese Arrange the sliced tomatoes around the (about 6 ounces) edge of the skillet. Sprinkle with the remain2 tablespoons unsalted butter ing 1/4 cup cheese. 1 tablespoon olive oil 6. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake 2 medium shallots, finely chopped until the frittata is puffed and brown, 10 to 1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, thinly sliced 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and 2 small zucchinis, thinly sliced invert onto a plate. Invert again onto a 1 medium garlic clove, minced serving platter, so the tomato border faces 4 medium plum (Roma) tomatoes, sliced up. (Alternatively, serve directly from the Optional garnish: pan.) Garnish with the sour cream and basil, 1/4 cup sour cream if desired. Use a pizza cutter to serve. 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil Advance preparation: Although it will be leaves completely different in texture and taste, the 1. In a medium skillet over medium heat, frittata may also be made one day ahead, recook the sausages, turning frequently until frigerated and served at room temperature.
VEGETABLE SAUSAGE FRITTATA
(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.
Page 20, The Berkeley Times, August 29, 2026
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