2026-10-10 - The Berkeley Times

The BERKELEY Times Vol. 32 - No. 16

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Community News Pages 8-9

Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 12

Inside The Law Page 16

Classifieds Pages 19

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San Gennaro Festival More Than Just A Feast

In This Week’s Edition

BREAKING NEWS @

MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS

Councilman Grosse Resigns

By Chris Lundy BERKELEY – While San Gennaro is commonly associated with a feast, there was more than food at the township’s recent festival. Veterans Park was once again the site of the day long event. A ring of vendors surrounded the field. As you walked through the ring, food was being cooked on the left, and crafters and other vendors were on the right. There was Italian favorites, of course, but there were also selections for every palate, from funnel cake to food Photos by Chris Lundy trucks. Like other large (Top) Zeppole and othgatherings at Veterans er delicious foods were Park, local organizations available for festival golike the Cub Scouts and ers. (Bottom) A farm was Knights of Columbus selling locally-grown fruit used it as a fundraising and vegetables. opportunity. itans who had settled on Mulberry Street decided Picnic tables were set up for meals, and some people just brought their food to to have a one-day block party for their patron saint. This blankets and chairs set up on the green for concerts. Slap has grown into an 11-day event which stretches Happy, Sketchy Medicine, and the Infernos performed throughout the 11 blocks of Little Italy. According to the New York festival’s website, Saint from the late afternoon to the evening. It was cool and a little windy in the afternoon as folks Gennaro was Bishop of Benevento, Italy. He died shopped for fruit and vegetables at a market booth or a martyr on September 19, 305 AD. While being tortured, he refused to disavow his loyalty to Christ. looked at jewelry or 3D-printed toys. Berkeley held it’s first San Gennaro Festival last year, A statue and poster about his story were posted by inspired by the one in New York City. In 1926, Neapol- the bandshell at Veterans Park.

Firefighter Monument Vandalized

Photo courtesy Pat Piccoli The plaque memorializing fallen f iref ighter Eugene Furey was pried off, damaging the granite.

By Chris Lundy BERKELEY - Monuments are supposed to last for generations. The Volunteer Firefighter Memorial in Veterans Park was installed years ago to honor those who were lost in their dedication to lifesaving. However, someone pried off a bronze nameplate, cracking the stone to which it was attached. The vandalism was found by a public works employee - who also happens to be a firefighter - while he was cleaning the area. The memorial cost more than $100,000 and was funded through donations. Although many towns are having trouble attracting and maintaining volunteers, Berkeley is blessed with three volunteer fire (Vandalized - See Page 4)

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By Chris Lundy BER K ELEY – Councilman T homas G rosse resigned from the Township Council to take a position as the head of the recreation department. Grosse retired f r om t he Tom s River Police Depar tment as a Thomas Grosse Special Victims Detective after 27 years. He has served as a Councilman-At-Large for 15 years. Prior to that, he served on the Berkeley Township Board of Education for two years. Council President Michael Signorile read his resignation letter at the most recent council meeting. “Tom is a great guy, and he will be missed. There are big shoes to fill,” he said. Other members of the governing body chimed in on his departure. “He’s been a great ally to Berkeley Township,” Mayor John Bacchione said. “He put a lot of time in to make sure Berkeley Township ran fiscally and safely.” “He was an excellent team player. He will be missed,” Councilwoman Sophia Gingrich said. (Grosse Resigns - See Page 4)

Volunteers Show How Helpful Canine Companions Can Be By J. R. Warnet OCEAN COUNTY - Having to live with a life-altering injury or disability can impact a person on so many levels. With the help of a Canine Companion, the days can hopefully be a little easier to manage. That’s what an organization called Canine Companions showed everyone who attended a recent event held at the Brick Branch of the Ocean County Library. Billed as a “volunteer puppy-raiser” event, All About Service Dogs with Canine Companions was fully booked, with a full house eager to learn about service dogs. What are Canine Companions? For those who don’t know, this organization (Canine Companions - See Page 5)

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Page 2, The Berkeley Times, October 10, 2026

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The Berkeley Times, October 10, 2026, Page 3

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Page 4, The Berkeley Times, October 10, 2026

Grosse Resigns: Continued From Page 1

Many, like Councilman Keith Buscio, noted Grosse’s “wit, wisdom, and camaraderie.” Councilman James Byrnes noted how he was also a great asset to the town when he served the school board. “I had the honor of sitting next to Councilman Grosse. He’s someone I could go to if I had any kind of issue,” Councilman Angelo Guadagno said. Councilman Douglas Bowens, the newest member of the council, called him “a great mentor of mine.”

Vandalized:

Continued From Page 1 companies which worked for over a decade to install the memorial. The memorial consists of three large stones, each from one local volunteer company: Bayville, Manitou Park, and Pinewald Pioneer. A statue of a firefighter was done by local sculptor Brian Hanlon. Another statue of a fireman’s hat was inscribed with the name of Eugene Furey, a firefighter who died in 1988 en route to a fire call when he lost control of his personal vehicle on a rain-slicked road. He was 28. A street in town is named after him. It was a plaque of his name that was broken off of the Bayville stone.

What Comes Next? The Township Council is made up of seven members, one from each of four wards (geographical divisions in town), and three who can be from anywhere in town. Grosse’s seat was an at-large spot, which can be from anywhere. When politicians step down from an elected position, it is often around this time. That’s because it’s past the deadline for their replacement to have to run for election in November. Also this month, Brick’s Councilman Vince Minichino resigned. Last year in September, Jackson Mayor Michael Reina resigned after 17

years in that position. According to state law, the procedure to fill Grosse’s seat is provided in the “Municipal Vacancy Law,” which states that the governing body may fill the vacancy directly by appointment for the remainder of the unexpired term, if the vacancy occurs on or after September 1. Vacancies occurring before September 1 must be filled at the next general election, with the governing body permitted to make a temporary appointment until that election takes place. Since Grosse left in September, he will be replaced by his party. The Municipal Vacancy Law provides

that a committee composed of the political party of the incumbent - in this case, Republican - has 15 days to forward three nominees to the Township Clerk who will then forward the names to the governing body for their consideration. The council is also all Republican. Within 30 days of the vacancy, one of those nominees must be appointed to fill the unexpired term, likely at the October 19 meeting. An appointment to fill the vacancy will be by a majority vote of the remaining council members. In the event of a tie, Mayor Bacchione would cast the deciding vote. Judy Smestad-Nunn contributed to this story

“It’s sad. We put so much time and money into it,” said Pat Piccoli, former chief of the Manitou Park Fire Co. The stones are made of solid granite, so he is not sure if that can be repaired, or if it has to be replaced. The insurance has a $10,000 deductible, which means the first $10,000 worth of repairs will come from the fire companies’ pockets. While security cameras weren’t on the memorial at the time of the crime, they are now, he said. It’s unfortunate that it has to be like this. He said he assumed that if the suspect was looking to sell the bronze in the plaque, but since it was left behind, something must have scared them into leaving suddenly. John Anderson, former chief of the

Bayville Fire Company, said there are always tons of kids at the park and it’s been untouched for about a decade. He doesn’t think the vandalism was done out of anger. Another name that was about to be added was Brian LeTrent, who was just 34 when he died in 2023 of a medical issue within 24 hours of a training exercise for the Bayville company. The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation just acknowledged that his death was in the line of duty. His bio can be found here: firehero.org/fallen-firefighter/brian-j-letrent/ The vandalism has been upsetting for the firefighters. “It’s sacred,” Anderson said, comparing it to if a tombstone had been damaged. The monument was put in the middle of

a very busy park with the intention that not only should people learn about past members, but perhaps it could inspire future members. Someone could see how residents celebrate firefighters and want to join. Anderson said that he hoped that if there’s a bright side to be found here, it’s that someone who learns about the incident uses it as a sign to follow a higher calling and join one of the volunteer squads. Bayville, for example, meets at the firehouse every Tuesday night after 7:30 p.m. at the corner of Route 9 and Eugene Furey Boulevard. Interested people can come visit then. Donations can be sent to the Volunteer Firefighter Memorial Fund, PO Box 592, Toms River, NJ 08754.

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The Berkeley Times, October 10, 2026, Page 5 found impact in ways you can never imagine. It

“We are in desperate need of puppy-raisers right

what is and isn’t acceptable. The Bratniks said

of a family.” The event presenters were Dennis, Louise, and Kim Bratnik, who brought three dogs to display their talents to the public. They have dedicated a portion of their lives to raising puppies for those who need them. Since 2008, when their daughter Kim graduated with her first service dog, the Bratniks have been an example of a volunteer family who helps others in need. In fact, the Bratniks had a 5-month-old yellow lab named Fiddler who was training. Fiddler is the ninth dog currently being trained and will hopefully pass the rigorous training all Canine Companion dogs undergo, according to Breedy. Dennis Bratnik said Canine Companion dogs are fully trained at 16-18 months old. With training starting around 8 weeks old, the dogs can be ready for their new owner in about a year, provided the dog graduates from the extensive program. The two other dogs with the Bratniks were Gretal, a semi-retired black lab, and Apollo, Kim’s current service dog, who showed off his skills to the audience. Things like opening cabinet doors and picking up items that have fallen to the floor are standard training for Canine Companion dogs. Apollo can pick up items as thin as a credit card, which was shown to the audience as well. Then came the “pill trick.” Canine Companions are trained to only accept treats that are given or handed to the dog. Louise dropped a few treats on the ground, and all three service dogs ignored them. The idea is that if a person accidentally drops a pill, the dog will not pick it up. Dennis Bratnik shared a key piece of information with the audience during the presentation.

for a service dog assignment at almost 2 years, important to review all state and federal laws Canine Companions needs more volunteer before having a Canine Companion dog. In puppy raisers to train much-needed dogs. The general, dogs with a blue Canine Companion demand in the northeast region is ever-growing. vest are fully trained service dogs, while yelSeveral audience members also brought their low-vested Canine Companions are in training. Canine Companions service dogs to the event, The difference between a service dog and other showing the need in every community for these companion dogs are vastly different. Leash expertly trained pups. requirements and service dog vests or patches During the question-and-answer portion of depend on the level of training each dog has the event, Louise Bratnik said these dogs “can completed. It is advised to review any and all go anyplace a person can go with your shoes on.” One of the only places a Canine Companion service dog is not allowed would be a sterile hospital environment, such as an ICU ward. But all other places, like schools, work sites, restaurants, etc., are technically service dog safe. After the program, many audience members wanted to see the dogs up close. Even though dogs like Fiddler, Gretal, and Apollo are working service dogs, they are still dogs at heart and Photo by J.R. Warnet do doggie things. Apollo, with Louise Bratnik, shows how he can help open Whether it’s treats for good a cabinet door. behavior or scratches behind the ears, these dogs can be dogs while provid- designated training programs before obtaining ing a much-needed, much-appreciated service or having a service dog for use. to the community they serve. For more information on Canine Companions For those interested in arranging a service and how to either get involved as a volunteer dog, the event was an eye-opener. New Jersey puppy-raiser or if you or someone you know has many laws governing service dogs and needs a service dog, please visit: canine.org.

Canine Companions: helps improve the overall mindset and mentality now,” said Bratnik. With the current wait time new laws are coming out all the time, so it’s

Continued From Page 1 helps raise service dogs from about 8 weeks old to help with basic everyday needs. These highly trained, well-behaved dogs not only help those with disabilities, but also help veterans who have PTSD. In all, the dogs trained by Canine Companions help their human counterparts in so many ways. For someone who has a disability or a condition, everyday tasks like getting dressed and walking down a flight of stairs are almost impossible. That is where organizations like Canine Companions step in. “Essentially, it’s an introduction to our organization and the wonderful things our service dogs can do,” said Rudy Breedy, executive director for the Northeast Region of Canine Companions. “We have wonderful volunteers who are not only puppy raisers but happen to be three-time recipients of our dogs. They are going to talk about how these dogs have impacted their lives and how the general community can get involved.” Breedy said that the public doesn’t always know that the service dogs Canine Companions offer are free to those who apply and are approved. “We provide our service dogs to individuals who are in need completely free of charge; there’s no cost associated with that,” he said. “We’ve done that for over 50 years.” When asked about the program itself, Breedy spoke from the heart. “Our dogs have the power to transform lives,” said Breedy. “The people who support us, whether as a volunteer or as a donor, also have that same power. It has a pro-

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Page 6, The Berkeley Times, October 10, 2026

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

Bill Would Help Protect Volunteer Fire Departments Capitol Comments Senator Carmen F. Amato, Jr. 9th Legislative District

TRENTON - The Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee passed Senator Carmen Amato, Jr. (R-9 th) and Senator Robert Singer’s (R-30 th) bill to

help protect volunteer fire departments from unnecessary financial strain. Sp e ci f ic a l ly, S -156 6 would establish the “Volunteer Fire Company Assistance Program” in the Division of Fire Safety in the Department of Community Affairs to support the ongoing operations and sustainability of volunteer fire companies, as well as establishing a special,

non-lapsing fund to be known as the “Volunteer Fire Company Assistance Program Fund.” “Volunteer fire companies play a critical role in keeping our communities safe, especially in the wake of the devastating Pinelands wildfire last year,” said Sen. Amato. “So many Ocean County residents depend on these dedicated volunteers. We need to make sure these departments have the necessary financial support to keep their doors open, respond to emergencies,

and continue protecting our families.” “Providing volunteer fire companies with the support they need to remain ready to answer the call when emergencies happen is of the utmost importance for the health and safety of New Jersey families,” said Sen. Singer. “These volunteers put their lives on the line to protect our communities, and we need to do our part to ensure these departments can remain steadfast on their job without looming financial concerns.”

Task Force To Usher In New Nuclear Energy From The Desk Of The

Governor Mikie Sherrill TRENTON – Governor Mikie Sherrill convened the first meeting of the state’s Nuclear Task Force, marking the next phase in her administration’s work to bring next-generation nuclear power to New Jersey to drive down costs and power New Jersey’s growth and innovation for the future. During the meeting, the Task Force reviewed a draft charter, established five subcommittees, and outlined key areas of work to lay the groundwork for new nuclear generation in New Jersey. The Administration also launched Nuclear NJ (nj.gov/nuclear) a new one-stop

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website resource for information and updates on the state’s nuclear energy efforts. “New Jersey needs more clean, reliable power to lower costs, meet growing demand, and fuel our economy for decades to come. Next-generation nuclear will help us get there at scale,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill. “Earlier this year, we ended a 50-year moratorium on new nuclear power. Now, we are laying the groundwork to turn new nuclear power into reality through coordinated, strategic action across state government and with cross-sector stakeholders. We’ve assembled the best of the best on this Task Force, and we are going to take big swings today to secure New Jersey’s energy future tomorrow.” To advance that work, the Task Force established five subcommittees:

Regulatory & Permitting Framework - Review regulatory and permitting requirements and identify opportunities to streamline the development of new nuclear generation. Financing & Deal Structure - Assess financing mechanisms and offtake models to support new nuclear development. Supply Chain & Technology Development - Evaluate supply-chain needs and emerging technology opportunities. Workforce Growth & Training - Identify workforce and training needs to build the skilled workforce necessary to support the industry. Public Trust & Confidence - Develop strategies to engage and educate the public on advanced nuclear power and solicit community input. The meeting follows through on Governor Sherrill’s Executive Order 2 signed on Day One to establish a Nuclear Task Force and

position New Jersey to lead on new nuclear generation. It also builds on legislation enacted by the governor in April, lifting New Jersey’s 50-year de facto moratorium on new nuclear development. Nuclear energy already supplies more than 40 percent of New Jersey’s electricity and roughly 80 percent of its carbon-free power, providing safe, reliable baseload power around the clock. Nuclear NJ, developed in partnership with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, New Jersey Economic Development Authority, and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, serves as a central resource for information on nuclear power in New Jersey. The website includes updates on the state’s efforts to advance new generation, the work being driven by state agencies, and information and fact sheets on economic and workforce opportunities, safety, and other FAQs on nuclear energy.

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 fellowship, 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@tcsdesvets-nj.org, or visit the group’s website at: tcs-desvets-nj.org/

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. Government 0fficials... Have news that you would like the community to be involved with? Let everyone know by placing a news release in this paper! Send it to news@jerseyshoreonline.com.

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The Berkeley Times, October 10, 2026, Page 7

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY EDITORIAL Another Bill That Doesn’t Go Far Enough There are a lot of laws that sound good until you realize they are not really tackling the root problem. Last week I criticized how Congressman Chris Smith talked up a bill that was supposed to prevent members of Congress from insider trading. Instead, it only made them fill out a form in order to do it. This week I’m complaining about the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which was praised by Senator Andy Kim. I’m the one who chooses what press releases from politicians go in the paper.

When reading this one, I was flabbergasted. There’s a new provision that blocks people from owning more than 350 single family homes. Yes. 350. Apparently there enough situations like this that they needed to include it in a law. I wonder how the number 350 got decided. Was it originally lower, like 100? Did the real estate collectors then say “no, we should be able to own 300 houses. Make the cut-off 350.” Or maybe this was a compromise. One senator wanted the limit to be 100 and the other wanted 500. I want to know who is actu-

ally impacted by this. Who owns more than 350 houses? Keep in mind, this isn’t a case of a company owning a huge apartment complex. It specifically says single family homes. Obviously, they aren’t living in all these houses. They are renting them out to people. Renting causes poverty. If you can’t afford a home of your own, rental payments will go on forever and you’ll never have any equity. You will never have anything to pass on to your children, so it creates generational poverty. A lot of people point to rentals as a solution to helping people

afford a place to live, and in the short term, sure. In the long term, the only person benefiting is the owner of the apartment complex. How many houses should people be allowed to own? This is a stupid-sounding question but I guess that’s where we are. I say five, and that’s being generous. If you’re super rich, you can have five houses. That’s it. Otherwise, you’re taking advantage of the poor. More than usual, anyway. The specific language is “This section generally prohibits large institutional investors that invest in single-family

homes (and have investment control of at least 350 such homes in aggregate) from purchasing single-family homes. The section authorizes specified agencies to issue rules to implement the prohibition. The section authorizes civil penalties of up to $1 million per violation or 3 times the purchase price of the property involved, whichever is greater.” A $1 million fine sounds like it could actually put a dent in some of these billionaires. Maybe? Could this actually make it prohibitive? The term “generally prohib-

its” also bothers me. That seems like there’s ways around it. The history of this law – actually a collection of bills – is too convoluted so I couldn’t easily tell what “generally prohibits” means. The rest of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act has some good points, and some other bad points, but this was the most egregious in my humble opinion. It’s definitely a law that should have hit harder in order to really help people.

and considering the records of those already serving, the question of who would be the best choice was clear. Laura Wingler currently serves as Board President and has developed substantial experience in school governance during her years on the Board. What has impressed us is that she understands the difference between governing a school district and trying to run one. She believes a Board member should ask questions, provide oversight, establish policy and hold the superintendent accountable while allowing professional administrators to manage the schools. Gloria Adkinson spent 33 years as an educator and trusted leader in her field. She understands classrooms, employees, collective bargaining and public education because she lived it. In her first term on the Manchester Board, we’ve found her accessible, engaged and willing to listen. Her attendance has been exemplary, and she remains visible throughout our schools and community. PaulaAnn Fazio would be new to the Board, but she hasn’t waited until election season to learn about Manchester’s schools. She has regularly attended Board meetings since 2023 and has participated in school activities. She wants to expand opportunities for students who may choose skilled trades or other career paths, while protecting athletics,

music, theater, visual arts, and extracurricular activities. She recognized the contributions of every category of school employee and emphasized communication, respect, and collaboration even when people disagree. All candidates understand that difficult financial decisions are coming. Healthcare, transportation, operational costs, enrollment and school funding are real challenges. What stood out during our screening was their belief that we can confront those challenges without automatically assuming that employees and student programs should be the first things sacrificed. They recognize the essential work performed by our paraprofessionals, secretaries, custodians, transportation employees and other educational support professionals. That combination matters to us: two experienced Board members with established records and one new candidate who has taken the time to learn before asking voters to entrust her with the position. As a community we want Board members who remember why the district exists in the first place: our students. Vote Putting Kids First slate for the Manchester Township Board of Education!

Chris Lundy News Editor

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Remember When Congress Knew Right From Wrong?

Trump promised to bring prices down and keep the US out of expensive, unnecessary wars. These promises were broken, and prices have skyrocketed. We watch Trump on the news, blissfully playing golf; obsessively talking about his plans for a White House ballroom and other unnecessary, expensive vanity projects. His words and actions reflect his lack of concern and his unwillingness to help people in our country who are struggling to buy food and pay their bills. It has become clear by their actions that Trump’s GOP also doesn’t care about those struggling. Please let

your vote show you care. Ethics, human rights, food safety, the environment, and quality control are all being sacrificed on their altar of profit. If you see yourself as a member of the old-school Republicans’ beliefs and value system, then vote against the unethical leaders that have taken over your party. Vote for candidates who will hold our leaders in power accountable. Please be sure everyone you know nationwide registers to vote (voterizer.org). Motivate those who vote on November 3rd to elect candidates who promise to stop the carnage of our democracy. As the famous quote advises us: “Right is right even if no one is doing it; wrong is wrong even if everyone is doing it.” Let’s make our descendants proud. Show them

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.

that we still care about right and wrong. Candy Banks Spring Lake Heights

Everything Is Expensive Thanks To Democrats The left must think the American people are real stupid, we know all about the high cost of things around here. It all started with the left and Biden, the prices started going up before he left office and if the left would leave the President do what he wants, we would have these high prices we got right now. I have been calling around lately for car insurance and I get one high price after the other. The last one I got was over $3,700 for two cars and no accidents. My home insurance is the same, and this all came about because of Biden just before he left office. How much do they think the American people can take? We have our own bills to pay and we are not here to make the insurance companies richer because the left owes them a favor. The billionaires are not going to write that off either. If the democrats want this, then let them pay for it. The left doesn’t pay for anything in this country and get free healthcare because we pay for that as well. Their children never serve in

the military because they are too scared, and too rich to worry about it. The American people are not going to stand for the left’s crap any longer, it is time for them to go. Vote them out for good. That is the smart thing to do in this country. Paul Brown Little Egg Harbor

Putting Kids First: 1, 2, 3 - Wingler, Adkinson, Fazio As President of the Manchester Township Education Association, I would like to ask that you support our endorsed Putting Kids First slate for the Manchester Township Board of Education: 1. Laura Wingler 2. Gloria Adkinson 3. PaulaAnn Fazio Our members are the people who teach Manchester’s children, transport them to school, support students with disabilities, maintain their buildings, counsel them, coach them, keep the district running and see firsthand every day what works and what doesn’t. We believe their perspective deserves to be part of this community’s conversation about who serves on our Board. After giving every candidate the same opportunity to make their case, examining their answers, interviewing them,

Dan Staples President Manchester Township Education Association

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Page 8, The Berkeley Times, October 10, 2026

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Local Author To Discuss Dystopian Novel At Library BERKELEY – The Berkeley Branch of the Ocean County Library will host local author Kelly Keevins for a free program at 6 p.m. October 15. Keevins is the author of “The Cavern,” a dystopian survival novel for teens that follows a group living underground five years after biochemical warfare made the outside world uninhabitable. The story centers on Elise, a mysterious newcomer who cannot remember where she came from or how she arrived. As Elise becomes part of life in the cavern,

questions emerge about her past and whether she may know more than she reveals. The young adult novel explores themes of survival, hope, love and trust in a world transformed by disaster. The program will be held at the Berkeley Branch, 30 Station Road. Registration is not required. Ocean County Library cardholders can borrow “The Cavern” through the library system. For more information, call 732-269-2144 or visit tinyurl.com/ CavernOCL.

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BAYVILLE – The sixth annual Sip in Autumn Wine Festival will bring New Jersey wineries, food vendors, live music and craft sellers to Veterans Park on November 7 and 8. The event runs from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. Eight wineries are scheduled to participate: Angelico Winery, Chestnut Run Farm, DiMatteo Vineyards, Plagido’s Winery, Terra Nonno Winery, Valenzano Winery, Villari Vineyards and Wagonhouse Winery. Guests can sample wines and meet the winemakers. Food will be available from Empanada

Beast, Wholly Bowls and Bowl Embrace Seafood. Rockit Fish will perform November 7, and Goldenseal will play November 8. The festival will also feature local craft and specialty food vendors. The vendor and winery lineup is subject to change. Wine sampling tickets, available only to guests 21 and older, cost $20 in advance or $25 cash at the gate and include a souvenir glass. Admission is free for guests who do not sample wine and for those under 21. Tickets are available at etix.com/ ticket/p/67525263/sip-in-autumn-winefestival-2026-bayville-veterans-park.

School Crossing Guards Needed BEACHWOOD – The Police Department is seeking applicants for immediate openings as school crossing guards to help protect children walking to and from local schools. The part-time positions operate on school days only, with no nights, weekends or holidays required. Limited additional hours may also be available during community events throughout the year.

Officials said the department is looking for dedicated and caring individuals interested in serving the community and helping keep students safe. For more information, call 732-286-6000, ext. 101, email records@beachwoodpolice. com or visit Beachwood Police Headquarters at 1600 Pinewald Road to pick up an application.

Railroad Fest To Celebrate Century-Old Locomotive BERKELEY – The Township Historical Society will hold its first Railroad Fest from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. October 24 at 630 Atlantic City Boulevard in Bayville. The event will celebrate the 100th birthday and return to operation of Plymouth locomotive No. 2173. Visitors will be able to

see it running alongside other narrow-gauge locomotives. The festival will also feature antique equipment from the Pineland Antique Engine Association, model train displays by the Ocean County Society of Model Railroaders, antique cars and trucks, and fire trucks.

Rhythm ‘N’ Sound To Perform At Library BERKELEY – Rhythm ‘N’ Sound will perform music from the 1940s through the 1980s at 6 p.m. October 12 at the Berkeley Branch of the Ocean County Library, 30 Station Road. The group’s revue features songs associated with the Four Seasons, the Beach

Boys and Neil Diamond, along with oldies, classic rock, disco and Motown. The free concert is sponsored by the Friends of the Berkeley Library. Registration is required at tinyurl.com/ RNSConcert. Residents can also call 732269-2144 or stop by the branch to register.

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Berkeley Times, October 10, 2026, Page 9

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

Neighborhood Watch Sets Meeting Schedule

SOUTH TOMS RIVER – The South Toms River Police Department has announced its Neighborhood Watch meeting schedule through the end of 2027, giving residents several opportunities to meet with police and discuss community safety. Meetings are scheduled for November 23, February 22, April 19, June 21, August 16,

October 18 and December 20. Each meeting begins at 6 p.m. at Borough Hall, 19 Double Trouble Road. The Neighborhood Watch program encourages residents to work together with local law enforcement to help strengthen neighborhoods, share concerns and promote safer streets throughout the borough.

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.

Spaghetti Dinner To Support Central Regional Student

BERKELEY – A spaghetti dinner fundraiser for Central Regional High School student Braylon Corbino will be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m. October 20 in the school cafeteria. All proceeds will support Corbino.

Tickets are $15 if purchased before October 10 or $20 at the door. To buy tickets, email mbaranyay@ btpdnj.org or jscrana@centralreg.k12.nj.us. Cash and checks are accepted; checks should be made payable to Berkeley Township PBA.

School District Seeks Substitute Teachers

BERKELEY – The Berkeley Township School District is accepting applications for substitute teachers at a daily rate of $111. Applicants with at least 60 college credits are eligible to work as substitutes in district

schools. To apply, visit btboe.org, select “Board of Education,” then “Board Documents & Resources” and “Employment Opportunities” to complete an Applitrack application.

Fire Company Plans Annual Open House

BAYVILLE – Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 will host its annual open house from 6 to 8 p.m. October 20 at Station 17, 645 Atlantic City Boulevard. Families can meet volunteer firefighters, tour the station and view fire trucks

and emergency equipment. The event will also feature demonstrations and giveaways. Firefighters will answer questions about their work and provide information about fire prevention and community safety.

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Page 10, The Berkeley Times, October 10, 2026

Jo Gallo, Licensed Broker Phone & Text Message: 908-433-5774 Email: jo@jogallo.com Website: www.jogallo.com

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You deserve a real conversation with a real person. You may be wondering: • Did my current plan change for 2027? • Are my doctors still in the plan? • Are my prescriptions covered — and what will I pay? • What will my copays and out-of-pocket costs look like? • Are there other plans available that I should compare? That’s where I can help. I’m Jo Gallo, a Licensed Medicare Broker, and I’ve been helping Americans along the Jersey Shore with their Medicare options since 2020 at no cost. I take the time to listen to you, review the options available to you, and help you understand the differences — so you can make an informed decision about your Medicare coverage.

No pressure. No rushing. No AI robots answering you. No trying to fit you into a plan just because it’s the one someone wants to sell. Just a conversation with a knowledgeable, experienced Medicare professional. “Currently representing 20 organizations/carriers and offering over 50 Medicare products in your area. You can always contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE for help with additional plan choices.”

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Citing Cost, Feds Won’t Use Base For Immigration Detention By Bob Vosseller OCEAN COUNTY – A plan to utilize Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst as a holding facility for undocumented immigrants has been dropped by the government. The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently issued a report noting it would be a waste of taxpayer dollars. The GAO report noted that urgent planning would be needed to avoid further waste of taxpayer dollars and within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is the lead agency responsible for providing safe, secure and humane confinement for detained noncitizens in the country. A January 2025 executive order directed DHS to detain individuals apprehended for violations of immigration law to the extent permitted by law and to allocate all available resources for ICE detention purposes. “Since that time, ICE’s funding for immigration detention facilities has increased significantly, rising to unprecedented levels.” It cited in the 2025 fiscal year the agency’s annual appropriation for detention facilities totaled approximately $3.8 billion and in July 2025 the Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) provided ICE with $45 billion for detention capacity through the fiscal year of 2029. The report went on to note that officials of GAO toured a detention facility at Fort Bliss in El Paso Texas and noted that Department of Defense (DOD) officials and ICE stated they no longer planned to move forward with detention centers at the Joint Base and in Indiana. DOD officials stated in October 2025 that they weren’t planning to build detention facilities on other military installations according to the report. Despite the GAO report stating no detention facilities are planned at military facilities in the future, “ICE has not rescinded its February 2025 request for assistance, and the agreement remains active as of August 2026.” According to the report, poor planning was a major part of the scale back. It noted that since January 2025, “ICE has invested significant resources in six new initiatives to expand its detention capacity. However, as of July 2026, ICE has scaled back four of those initiatives, resulting in wasted, or potentially wasted resources.”

The GAO report gave the example of the Fort Bliss detention center that had contracted meals that were set to the maximum occupancy level but didn’t account for occupancy being less than the maximum and as a result, ICE paid about $7.1 million for meals it didn’t need from October 1, 2025 to March 12, 2026. ICE spent $1.07 billion nationally to purchase 11 warehouse facilities to transform into detention centers but now they plan to sell seven of those warehouses because the DHS “had not conducted appropriate due diligence and planning” In addition, $7.7 million was spent by ICE on nonrecoverable costs that included zoning assessments and title insurance to buy those warehouses that they are now selling according to the GAO report. ICE is still paying for utilities and services at the warehouses at an estimated cost of $12.8 million at the current time. It was noted in the report that if the government sells those seven warehouses “for far less than ICE’s purchase price of $707 million, that will result in additional waste.” Many existing detention sites have seen protests, with public officials questioning the treatment of the alleged undocumented prisoners of those facilities within the last year. Some public officials have also been charged by ICE for entering areas where they sought to inspect the facilities to determine if the prisoners were being properly treated. In most cases those charges were later dropped. Some facilities set to be built in areas of the country have also been protested noting that elected officials and community residents did not want such a facility constructed or a structure repurposed there. Toms River was home to a protest that took specific aim at the plan to confine undocumented immigrants at the Joint Base. That rally held on a hot summer day was based in front of the Ocean County Veterans Administration Building on Hooper Avenue and coordinated by the Democratic Coalition of Ocean County (DCOC), Young Democrats of Ocean County, Jersey Shore Blue and the Toms River Democrats. The late afternoon protest held in 85-degree weather carried a name that represented its theme, “Choose to Welcome: Not Imprison” and DCOC spokeswoman Sharon Quilter stated at the time, “we are horrified this government wants to repurpose Fort Dix as a prison for immigrants. We are making our displeasure known.”

Community Trunk-Or-Treat Planned PINE BEACH – The borough will hold a community trunk-or-treat event October 17 featuring decorated vehicles, candy and Halloween activities. Organizers are seeking participants to dec-

orate trunks, along with craft vendors and others interested in joining the event. Advance registration is requested. To register or obtain more information, email Lori McGee at lmcgee@pinebeachnj.gov.

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Berkeley Times, October 10, 2026, Page 11

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Page 12, The Berkeley Times, October 10, 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)

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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!

Caregiver Support Group To Meet At Library

BAYVILLE – Southern Ocean Medical Center will hold a caregiver support group from 11 a.m. to noon October 12 at the Berkeley Branch of the Ocean County Library, 30 Station Road. Participants can share experiences,

exchange practical advice and discuss the challenges and rewards of caregiving. Registration is not required. For more information, call 1-800-560-9990 or visit HackensackMeridianHealth. org/Events.

Al-Anon Meetings Available Locally

OCEAN 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.

Why Am I Bruising So Easily? 6 Causes You May Not Expect By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph. You look down at your arm and there it is, another purple bruise! You don’t remember bumping into anything. You certainly don’t remember getting into a bar fight. Yet somehow your forearm looks like it has a more exciting social life than you do! Easy bruising becomes more common as we age, but sometimes there’s more to the story. Here are six frequently overlooked causes that might be of interest to you: 1. Aging skin. As we get older, skin becomes thinner and loses some of the fatty cushioning that protects tiny blood vessels. Collagen also declines, making vessels more vulnerable to minor bumps. Sun damage accelerates this process, particularly on the hands and forearms. Apparently, with age, our skin develops a better memory than we do, it remembers every little bump! 2. Vitamin C deficiency. Vitamin C is required to make collagen, which provides structural support to blood vessels. With significant deficiency, capillaries can become fragile, resulting in easy bruising, purpura or tiny pinpoint spots called petechiae. 3. Aspirin and NSAIDs. Aspirin interferes with platelet function, making bruising and bleeding easier. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen can also affect platelet function, although differently from aspirin. These are sold over-the-counter and sometimes found in multi-tasking cough/cold products and sleep aids. 4. Blood thinners. Warfarin (Coumadin), apixaban (Eliquis), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), dabigatran (Pradaxa) and antiplatelet medications such as clopidogrel (Plavix) can make bruises appear more readily. That’s partly what these medications are designed to do— reduce clot formation. Never discontinue one

because of bruising without speaking to your prescriber. 5. Corticosteroids. Prednisone and other corticosteroids can reduce collagen production and thin the skin, particularly with prolonged exposure. Don’t forget these medications are sometimes used for asthma, allergies, chronic pain and adrenal insufficiency. 6. Supplements. Natural doesn’t mean biologically inactive. High supplemental doses of vitamin E can affect platelet aggregation and blood clotting, especially when combined with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications like warfarin. Garlic, ginkgo and certain other supplements are also studied for potential effects on platelets or bleeding. Evidence varies considerably, so I don’t put every supplement into one giant “blood thinner” category. Just FYI, women often bruise more easily than men. Female skin generally has a thinner supportive layer and less collagen, and declining estrogen during menopause further reduces collagen, making skin more fragile and bruising more noticeable. Occasional bruises are harmless. But I want you to be careful because new, frequent, unusually large (or spontaneous) bruises shouldn’t be blamed on aging. Pay particular attention if you’re also getting nosebleeds, bleeding gums, blood in your urine or stool, or unusually heavy menstrual bleeding, Sometimes the explanation isn’t buried in an exotic laboratory test. It may be sitting right inside your medicine or supplement bin. Want to know what else may be behind those mystery bruises? Read the longer version at suzycohen.com for more causes, medication and supplement culprits, testing options and practical tips.

(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.

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Berkeley Times, October 10, 2026, Page 13

Around The Jersey Shore Ocean County Agencies To Hold Joint Job Fair

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Health Department and Ocean County Board of Social Services will hold a joint job fair October 26, offering prospective employees an opportunity to learn about a variety of available positions. The event will run from 3 to 7:30 p.m. at the Ocean County Health Department auditorium, 175 Sunset Ave. Officials are seeking candidates for positions including nutritionists, case management staff, outreach and field representatives, human services specialists, animal attendants and

health technicians, among other jobs. The agencies are promoting competitive salaries and a benefits package that includes medical, dental and prescription insurance, paid leave, the New Jersey pension system and supplemental retirement plans. Job seekers are encouraged to come prepared and dress professionally. For additional information, contact the Ocean County Health Department at 732-3419700, ext. 7206, or the Ocean County Board of Social Services at 732-238-3857.

Career Academies Host Admissions Sessions

OCEAN COUNTY – Middle school students and their parents are invited to attend admissions information sessions for the Ocean County Vocational Technical School District’s career academies during October and November. Sessions will be offered for the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science, Grunin Performing Arts Academy and Academy of Law and Public Safety. Visitors can tour the facilities, speak with faculty members and learn about each academy’s ed-

ucational approach. The career academies are four-year, full-time public high schools designed for college-bound students seeking career-focused education. Students are admitted at the ninth-grade level through a competitive application process. Students are strongly encouraged to attend a session for the academy to which they plan to apply. Applications are accepted from every school district in Ocean County. For additional information, call 732-244-1122 or email nwallner@ocvts.org.

ShopRite To Host Free Health Screenings BAYVILLE – Southern Ocean Medical Center’s Your Health on the Move van will visit ShopRite of Bayville, 431 Atlantic City Boulevard, from 9 a.m. to noon October 29. Medical staff will provide free blood pres-

sure, heart rate and cholesterol screenings, along with stroke risk assessments. Fasting is not required. For more information, call 1-800-560-9990 or visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Events.

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jerseyshoreonline.com

Page 14, The Berkeley Times, October 10, 2026

A Storm Couldn’t Stop Their LBI Wedding

Photo courtesy Kirsten Denesevich Kirsten and Aaron Denesevich toast at their wedding reception at Element Restaurant & Bar in Manahawkin.

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By Stephanie Faughnan LONG BEACH ISLAND - The nor’easter had already put parts of Long Beach Island under water when it upended Kirsten and Aaron Denesevich’s wedding plans. Early on the morning of September 26, Kirsten’s phone rang with news that might have ended most wedding days before they started. Wedding coordinator Gianna Verdoni was on the line. Mallard Island Estate, where the couple had spent 2 1/2 years planning their celebration, was flooded and impossible to reach. “I thought there is no way this is happening,” Kirsten said. “No matter what, I’m going to marry the love of my life today, regardless of where it is.” And she did. By nightfall, the high school sweethearts were married at a different venue with a Walmart cake, a friend serving as DJ and about 60 guests who made it through the storm. The room that made it possible opened up because another pair of high school sweethearts had to cancel their own milestone party. Kirsten, 29 and Aaron, 30, are both from Egg Harbor Township, although they graduated from two different high schools. The couple first met at a House of Blues concert in Atlantic City when they were 15. Together half of their lives, they originally expected about 200 people to watch them marry on the island. Flooded roads, bridge closures and the growing risk to guests and vendors quickly put that plan out of reach. A couple of hours after the call, the couple texted guests that the wedding was postponed and warned them to stay off LBI. At that point, they had no new date, no new space and no idea the day could still be saved. Searching For Dry Land Kirsten’s family, wedding party and close friends started calling restaurants and event venues. One business on the island

offered to help, but the group couldn’t safely get back there. So the search moved to the mainland, away from the worst of the flooding. Meanwhile, some of the groomsmen were still stuck on the island. Kirsten later saw news clips of them pushing cars through floodwater as they tried to get out. Aaron had left his tuxedo behind in his rush to get to Kirsten after the cancellation call. Members of the wedding party retrieved it and found their own way through the storm. “They were the true MVPs,” Kirsten said. Then Element Restaurant & Bar in Manahawkin called. Staff had worked through Mallard Island Estate and Verdoni to track down the couple, and the restaurant had a room available starting around half past noon. The Deneseviches did not yet know why it had become available. A Party Washed Out Jeff and Diane Reagan had planned to welcome 90 family members and friends to Element that evening. The Beach Haven West couple was celebrating their 60th birthdays and 40th wedding anniversary. Instead, they were dealing with floodwater in their home and garage. The house had been their summer place since 2002, and they moved there full time in 2021. Diane said about 18 inches of water entered the home and garage as repeated high-tide cycles pushed water into the neighborhood. Robin from Element assured the Reagans the restaurant would work with them if they needed to cancel. That made a hard decision a little easier, since the flooding was beyond anyone’s control. About 10 minutes after the Reagans canceled, the Deneseviches called Element looking for a place to get married. Neither couple had any idea the other existed. A Facebook Post Finds The Bride The Reagans didn’t learn they had made a wedding possible until later that night. Once the water dropped enough to drive down their street, they met their daughters, a son-in-law and a few friends for a quick drink before the next high tide. A friend got to Element first and saw right away there would be no room at the bar. The restaurant was packed with people dressed for a wedding. “She found out from the group of people gathered there the story of the bride and groom and their canceled wedding,” Diane said. “Hearing the story immediately brought tears to my eyes.” The next day, Diane shared the story in the Beach Haven West Community Group on Facebook. She wrote that she hoped the post would reach the new Mr. and Mrs., and it did. A friend sent the post to Kirsten and asked if it was her wedding. Kirsten replied, and the two women started talking. That’s when they learned Diane and Jeff Reagan are high school sweethearts, too. (LBI Wedding - See Page 15)

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LBI Wedding:

Continued From Page 14 The newlyweds have offered to take the Reagans to dinner. The Reagans, in turn, have invited the couple and their parents to the rescheduled birthday and anniversary party. For Diane, that connection changed how the lost party felt. “Learning that our cancellation allowed another high school sweetheart couple to have their wedding in the very same venue, our disappointment took on a whole different meaning,” she said. A Wedding Remade In Hours The last-minute switch meant the couple could no longer use several original vendors. The cake, DJ, band, photographer and planned decorations were canceled, though Driftwood Florist managed to get the flowers to the new venue. Verdoni and Merri-Makers arranged for someone to pick up key items like candles and guest favors. Close friend Marcus Zamot stepped in as DJ, and the replacement cake came from Walmart. When Kirsten and Aaron walked into Element, they were overwhelmed by how the room looked on such short notice. It was nothing like the wedding they’d planned,

The Berkeley Times, October 10, 2026, Page 15 but it was no less meaningful. The moment Kirsten knew they had pulled it off came as she started down the aisle. The speakers were still being set up, so the people around her began singing the couple’s wedding song a cappella. “It made me realize that’s all that matters,” Kirsten said. “The person I’m marrying and the people close to me.” The day still came with real losses. Kirsten said three vehicles were totaled by water damage, and many people who hoped to attend couldn’t safely make the trip. The Reagans are still waiting to reschedule their party. But knowing their cancellation helped another couple start a marriage has made the disappointment easier to carry. “Sometimes you don’t understand why something happens when you’re in the middle of it,” Diane said. “Then, later, you realize that something beautiful came from it.” She called it a “pretty wonderful 60-6040 gift.” She also offered the Deneseviches some advice for a marriage that began in a nor’easter. “Life comes with its ups and downs and unexpected storms,” Diane said. “They quite literally started their marriage in a storm and they came out stronger because of it.”

Sunday Funday Brings Fall Fun To Ocean County Park

LAKEWOOD – Ocean County residents and visitors are invited to celebrate the fall season with games, entertainment and family activities during Sunday Funday on October 11 at Ocean County Park. The free event will run from noon to 4 p.m. at the park, 659 Ocean Avenue. Attractions will include live music, magic shows, field games, a Touch-a-Truck display, petting zoo and hayrides. Free parking will be available. Activities begin with a scavenger hunt at 12:15 p.m., followed by a family-friendly magic show at 12:30 p.m. and again at 2:30 p.m.

A Bandl will perform from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., while games including Pool Noodle Soccer and Hot Potato will be offered throughout the afternoon. Ocean County Commissioner Robert S. Arace, liaison to the Department of Parks and Recreation, said the county’s parks host activities throughout the year ranging from weekly programs to larger annual events designed for families and visitors. For more information, call the Ocean County Parks Department at 732-506-9090 or visit oceancountyparks.org.

Online Map Connects Residents With Recovery Services

OCEAN COUNTY – A new online resource map aims to help people find addiction treatment and recovery support throughout Ocean County. The Ocean County Recovery Ecosystem Resource Map lets users search by category or town for treatment and recovery services, peer support, recovery housing, family

support and other community resources. The Ocean County Recovery Ecosystem Committee developed the directory to make those services easier to locate. The map is available through HOPEShedsLight.org. For more information, call 732-244-0783 or email rise@HOPEShedsLight.org.

League Mails Voting Information To 500 Young Voters

OCEAN COUNTY – The League of Women Voters of Ocean County mailed postcards to 500 newly registered young voters providing voting information ahead of the midterm election. League members prepared the postcards during a gathering in Toms River held in conjunction with the national League’s Unite & Rise

for Voting Rights Day of Action. The mailing is part of the local group’s broader voter education work, which includes registration drives, nonpartisan information and candidate forums. For more information about the League or membership, visit oceancountynj.lwv.org or email lwvocean@gmail.com.

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Page 16, The Berkeley Times, October 10, 2026

R.C. Shea & Assoc.

Inside The Law When A Bar Can Be Responsible For A Drunk Driving Crash

Michael J. Deem, Esq.

By: Michael J. Deem, Esq. R.C. Shea & Associates When a drunk driver causes a crash, the driver is responsible. Sometimes the business that served the alcohol is responsible too. New Jersey addresses that question under the Licensed Alcoholic Beverage Server Fair Liability Act, usually shortened to the “Dram Shop Act”. The statute is very narrower, probably more than you assume. A licensed server is liable only if the service was negligent, and the law defines that in two ways: (1) serving a visibly intoxicated person, or (2) serving someone underage when the server knew or reasonably should have known the person was underage. “Visibly intoxicated” has a specific meaning. The person’s condition had to be apparent to a reasonable observer through appearance, speech, or behavior. Proof that a driver’s blood alcohol was high hours later does not by itself establish it. That is why these cases turn on witnesses and records. Bar staff, other patrons, receipts showing how many drinks were served and how quickly, point-of-sale data, and video from inside the establishment. Photographs taken by friends that night are sometimes the best evidence

of how a person looked before leaving. Nearly all of it goes away fast, which is why the first few weeks matter so much. Social hosts are treated differently. A private person who serves a guest at home can be liable under a separate statute, but only for willfully serving a visibly intoxicated guest under circumstances creating an unreasonable risk of harm, and generally only when the resulting injury comes from a motor vehicle accident. The practical reason any of this matters is coverage. A driver carrying minimum liability limits cannot begin to pay for a catastrophic injury. A licensed establishment carries liquor liability insurance, and that is often the difference between a claim that exists on paper and a recovery that pays for a lifetime of care. If you or a family member was hurt by an intoxicated driver, it is worth finding out where that person had been drinking. Call us and we can sort out where it all started. Answering your questions costs nothing. Michael J. Deem, Esq. is Certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as a Civil Trial Attorney. R.C. Shea & Associates, Toms River, New Jersey. (732) 505-1212.

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The Berkeley Times, October 10, 2026, Page 17

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Page 18, The Berkeley Times, October 10, 2026

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The Berkeley Times, October 10, 2026, Page 19

CLASSIFIEDS Personals I am a 50+ Bible-believing lonely gentleman seeking a caring Christian lady for friendship, dating and possible marriage. Willing to accept a ready made family. I am a published author and retired musician. Please call me at 732-785-9765. (43)

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5.

Page 20, The Berkeley Times, October 10, 2026

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Photo Of The Week

A sailboat rests in silhouette as a brilliant orange sunset sets the sky and water ablaze off Long Beach Island. The peaceful scene captures the quiet beauty of an evening along the Jersey Shore. Photo by Patricia Hefferon. Want to share your Jersey Shore pic with our readers? Email photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you may win a prize!

The Berkeley Times, October 10, 2026, Page 21

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Page 22, The Berkeley Times, October 10, 2026

FUN & GAMES SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Across 1 Light melody 5 Singer Del Rey 9 Photographer Adams 14 Nice companion 15 Sister of Castor and Pollux 16 Raises or rises 17 Orientation for new senators? 19 Possessed 20 “Way cool!” 21 “Wabbit” hunter 22 AQI monitor 25 “Margaret won’t be in the comedy showcase!”? 29 New England state 31 Conclude 32 __ Lingus 33 Theme park serviced by the Disney World monorail 34 Took to court 36 IRS IDs 37 Exclamation when

a product lives up to the hype? 41 Pupil’s place 43 Wee bit 44 Needed a sick day 47 Boxing Day mo. 48 Part of a pod cast? 49 Q-Tip and Ice-T 51 Tables and chairs that wobble? 55 Circular __ 56 Scull pair 57 Reptiles in the logos of some dojos 59 Muddle 61 “Straight up, please,” to match 17-, 25-, 37-, and 51-Across? 65 Shampoo brand since 1947 66 Correct spelling, say 67 Beltmaking tools 68 Source of waste 69 Movie night rooms 70 Nerd (out) Down 1 Cozy cat seat

2 “Sez me” 3 Smaller than sm. 4 Bitter brews 5 Showed the door 6 First Hebrew letter 7 Mythical lion’s home 8 “__ minute now ... “ 9 Word with poke or push 10 Fresh cut 11 Beach homes? 12 Afore 13 Acid initials 15 Wore 18 University of South Dakota athlete 21 Italian luxury brand 22 Morn’s opposite 23 Pizzazz 24 Permafrost predators 26 Turn sharply 27 __ of the woods mushroom 28 Alternatives 30 Hardness scale name 34 Prepare for takeoff, maybe 35 Katie Ledecky’s team:

Abbr. 36 Pickup alternative 38 Docking stations? 39 Reddish horse 40 Watch in wonder 41 “Who wants cake?” response 42 Slo-mo reviewer 45 Time worth studying 46 Bargain footwear chain 48 Red and blue 49 Flemish painter Peter Paul __ 50 Extra Extra Dry brand 52 Server error? 53 Beginning of a famous boast 54 Part of NFT 58 Unexpected hitch 59 Speed letters 60 Rollover subj. 61 Larger than sm. 62 Fleece source 63 Bitter brew 64 Judgy sound

(c)2026 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.

SOLUTIONS

SU DOK U

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Jumble: ICING FOGGY PERMIT THIRTY -- GET RIGHT ON IT

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The Berkeley Times, October 10, 2026, Page 23

OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FOR THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 10 - 16 BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS FORECAST ARIES (March 21-April 19): Stars are building higher over the week ahead, opening doors and making life generally easier. Some truly productive conversations could be had or big insights could land around a relationship in the next few days. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Improvements could facilitate daily tasks for the next few days and some could continue going forward. A health insight could be game-changing. Avoid reactivity at home. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Rash statements won’t likely improve anything and could create consequences to deal with. You might need to wait a whole day before you regulate enough to handle something with more grace. CANCER (June 21-July 22): New insights into your home could land in the next few days — use them to make your living space more user-friendly, more supportive, more functional, more beautiful. Don’t make a snap decision about money. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Be open to learning things that could be world-changing for you over the next few days, whether they’re ideas, attitudes, methods, whatever. Do some selfwork on removing inner obstacles to abundance. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): A financial move made with a friend or friends could get discussed. While there’s some real potential, do all due diligence. Then, wait for a powerful Universal day with overlapping powerful personal cycles to launch.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): You really can combine creations drawn from your inner-child magic with success in the workplace, but it requires keeping the child on the creative end and your inner business person handling the agreements and deadlines. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Something could feel like a ‘bait and switch’ if they get your hopes up, then fail to deliver — don’t take this personally in any possible way. Attunement with your inner wisdom is likely for the next few days. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): While this week is generally good for many sectors of life, financial matters could trigger too many emotions to make clear decisions about money for a day or so. Bond with besties. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Don’t let a temporary dip in hope push you toward any relationship decisions. Look at long-term patterns, that’s your truest measure of what’s happening. Keep building onto your career. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Keep your mindset and discipline strong — don’t throw a pity party for a mood that might only last a few hours. Be open to new learning that could turn a lot around in the first part of next week. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): While anger might seem an improvement over discouragement, neither is likely to last into tomorrow so don’t act on either today. Consider learning more about money management, new insights could make a difference.

(c) 2026 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

USHER IN AUTUMN WITH THIS SEASONAL SALAD

This salad can be served as a first course or satisfying main dish. CREDIT: (Diane Rossen Worthington/TCA). Diane Rossen Worthington Peppery arugula, crisp Belgian endive, roasted winter squash, and smoky bacon make this autumn salad both colorful and deeply flavorful. A honey-mustard sherry vinaigrette ties together the sweet squash, salty bacon and pleasantly bitter greens with just enough brightness. The salad is Seriously Simple to assemble, and much of it can be prepared ahead. Roast the squash and cook the bacon up to four hours in advance, then let both come to room temperature; if you prefer, the squash may also be served warm. When tossing, lightly coat the greens and pass any remaining vinaigrette at the table. The dressing is versatile enough to use on other simple green salads as well. I like to serve this vibrant salad as a first course for dinner, but it is satisfying enough to become a light main course with focaccia or a French baguette. It also pairs beautifully with a simple soup, such as potato leek or mushroom, for an easy seasonal meal. For me, it is the kind of dish that marks the shift from late summer into autumn.

ARUGULA AND BELGIAN ENDIVE SALAD WITH WINTER SQUASH AND BACON

Serves 6 For the vinaigrette: 3 tablespoons sherry vinegar 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon honey 1/2 cup olive oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper For the salad: 1/3 pound applewood cured sliced bacon (about 5 to 6 slices) 1 1/2 pounds peeled butternut squash, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon maple syrup 1 teaspoon seasoning salt 7 ounces arugula leaves 3 Belgian endives, sliced on the vertical 1. Whisk the vinaigrette ingredients well in a small mixing bowl. Taste for seasoning. Reserve. 2. In a medium skillet cook the bacon on medium heat for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning once with tongs, or until brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels. Cool and break into small pieces. Reserve. 3. Preheat the oven to 425 F. Place the squash on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Add the oil, syrup and seasoning salt and toss to evenly coat the squash. Roast for about 30 to 40 minutes, turning the squash once, or until lightly browned. Cool and reserve. 4. When ready to serve combine the arugula, Belgian endives, squash and bacon in a salad bowl. Spoon the vinaigrette over all and toss to mix well. Serve immediately. Serve any remaining vinaigrette on the side Advance preparation: The salad may be prepared through Step 3 up to four hours ahead and kept at room temperature, loosely covered.

(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 24, The Berkeley Times, October 10, 2026

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