2026-10-10 - The Howell Times

The HOWELL Times

Vol. 24 - No. 18

In This Week’s Edition

BREAKING NEWS @

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Community News Pages 7-9

Dear Pharmacist Page 13

Inside The Law Page 13

Classifieds Pages 15

By Bob Vosseller JOINT BASE – 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

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Volunteers Show How Helpful Canine Companions Can Be

By J. R. Warnet JERSEY SHORE 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 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

Photo by J.R. Warnet (Above) Apollo, with Louise Bratnik, shows how he can help open a cabinet door. (Right) Fiddler, the 5-month old lab, is in training at the All About Service Dogs event. dogs trained by Canine Companions help their human counterparts in so many ways. For someone who has a disability or a condition, everyday tasks (Canine - See Page 2)

Citing Cost, Feds Won’t Use Base For Immigration Detention 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, secu re 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 (Base - See Page 4)

October 10, 2026

Teaching Tech Questioned

By Alyssa Lidman HOWELL – At the most recent Board of Education meeting, a parent questioned the reliance on electronic teaching equipment. A “bell-to-bell” ban on internet-enabled devices went into effect in all New Jersey public schools this September. Officials said the reason was for the mental health and attention span of children. However, the ban doesn’t impact devices used for education. During the portion of the board meeting where members of the public can speak on any issue they like, resident and parent Lauren Gibbons said she wanted to talk about educational technology used in the classroom. “When I received my school supply list for my child, it was to my surprise that they required headphones and so I inquired more about their purpose and was informed that my child would be using them for a one-to-one personal device,” she said. She said, “According to literature such as ‘The Digital Delusion,’ the use of a personal screen device has been shown to be harmful to our kids, and I have brought up these concerns to our school principal as well as the superintendent, and I do appreciate these conversations.” “However, these conversations led to a growing concern that there’s a large reliance on digital tools on our children’s education,” she said. “There’s a lack of information provided to the parents regarding the ed tech used in the classroom.” She said that it is important that the board needs to consider a handbook that specifically provides the information on the digital tools used within the classroom. “I’m also here to urge you guys to reevaluate the amount of time and tools that are being used by the children and educators,” she said. She added that it’s hard for families to then limit their own screentime when kids are being encouraged to use it daily at school. “To quote the book ‘Anxious Generation,’ digital devices reduce interest in all nonscreen based forms of experience,” she said. “There is current data revealing that the literacy rates are decreasing and the implementation of ed tech is not improving it. Human interaction and paperwork has been proven time and time again to be superior.” (Questioned - See Page 4)

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Canine:

Continued From Page 1 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.”

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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 profound impact in ways you can never imagine. It helps improve the overall mindset and mentality 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-monthold 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. “We are in desperate need of puppy-raisers right now,” said Bratnik. With the current wait time for a service dog assignment at almost 2 years, Canine Companions needs more volunteer puppy raisers to train much-needed dogs. The demand in the northeast region is ever-growing. Several audience members also brought their Canine Companions service dogs to the event, showing the need in every community for these expertly trained pups. During the question-and-answer portion of the event, Louise Bratnik said these dogs “can 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 do doggie things. Whether it’s treats for good behavior or scratches behind the ears, these dogs can be dogs while providing a much-needed, much-appreciated service to the community they serve. For those interested in arranging a service dog, the event was an eye-opener. New Jersey has many laws governing service dogs and what is and isn’t acceptable. The Bratniks said new laws are coming out all the time, so it’s important to review all state and federal laws before having a Canine Companion dog. In general, dogs with a blue Canine Companion vest are fully trained service dogs, while yellow-vested Canine Companions are in training. The difference between a service dog and other companion dogs are vastly different. Leash requirements and service dog vests or patches depend on the level of training each dog has completed. It is advised to review any and all designated training programs before obtaining or having a service dog for use. For more information on Canine Companions and how to either get involved as a volunteer puppy-raiser or if you or someone you know needs a service dog, please visit: canine.org.

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Base:

Continued From Page 1 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

Questioned:

Continued From Page 1 Smooth School Opening This was the first board meeting of the new school year, and Superintendent Joseph Isola said that it was their most consistent and smooth [school] opening post-Covid.

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.”

“I’ve taken the opportunity to visit every single school and meet with - either in a faculty meeting or popping into classrooms, seeing - almost every staff member it feels like, and certainly, many of the kids throughout the days.” He added, “Things are very seamless and the students are doing really well as they launch their ‘26-27 school year.”

Howell Fall Fest And Car Show Set

HOWELL – The Optimist Club of Howell and Howell Township will host a Fall Fest and car show celebrating America’s 250th anniversary from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. October 17 at Soldier Memorial Park, 587 Lakewood-Farmingdale Road. The judged car show welcomes all makes and models and will award more than 70 trophies, including one for the most patriotically decorated vehicle. Registration and parking for show cars begin at 9 a.m. and cost $20 per vehicle. The first 200 vehicles

will receive dash plaques, and car show groups should arrive together. The festival will feature a two-hour concert, a DJ, food trucks, beer and wine, fire pits, free rides and a pie-baking contest. Proceeds will support nine college and vocational scholarships and other Optimist youth programs. For Fall Fest information, call 732-9384500, ext. 2106. For car show information, email Howelloptimistevents@gmail.com or call or text John at 732-678-6607.

Al-Anon Meetings Available Locally

MONMOUTH COUNTY – Are you troubled by someone else’s drinking? Al-Anon Family Groups may be able to help you. Call their 24-hour hotline for local meeting locations at 888-944-5678.

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The Howell Times, October 10, 2026, Page 5

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 Howell Times welcomes all points of view for publication and provides this page as an open forum for residents to express themselves regarding politics, government, current events and local concerns. All letters are printed as space allows unless deemed offensive by the editorial staff, and provided they are signed and include address & phone number for verification. Letters may not be printed if we cannot verify them. Names will not be withheld from publication. While most letters are printed as submitted, we reserve the right to edit or reject letters. The weekly deadline is 5 p.m. Thursday. Mail typed letters to: PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733, fax 732-657-7388 or e-mail news@jerseyshoreonline.com. Letters may be limited to one per month per writer at the editor’s discretion. The opinions expressed in the Letters To The Editor section do not necessarily reflect those of the staff, management or sponsors of Micromedia Publications/Jersey Shore Online. Letters to the Editor are the OPINION of the writer and the content is not checked for accuracy.

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 6, The Howell 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 Robert W. Singer 30th 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. Spe cif ical ly, S -1566 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 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.

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.

Teacher Saves Toddler With Liver Donation

Photo courtesy Fischetti Family via Toms River Schools Courtney Olsen holds CJ Fischetti, the toddler whose life she saved through a liver donation.

By Jason Allentoff TOMS RIVER - When Courtney Olsen saw a Facebook post from two parents searching for a liver donor to save their baby, she thought about her own child. Then she took the first step toward saving theirs. Olsen, a teacher at Toms River High School South, became a living liver donor for 14-monthold CJ Fischetti, whose rare genetic condition had left him needing a lifesaving transplant. “As a parent myself, I knew what I hoped anyone would do for my child,” Olsen said. “And I immediately began the organ donor registration process.” CJ was born with Alagille syndrome, a condition that affects the liver’s bile ducts. His parents, Leanna and Chris Fischetti, both Toms River Regional Schools alumni, began seeking a donor who could meet the compatibility requirements and pass the necessary medical testing. Jersey Shore Online first covered the family’s plea in April, when CJ was on the active transplant list and his parents were asking the com-

munity to help find a living liver donor. Nearly four months later, that search led to a successful transplant and a lasting bond with Olsen. “Given my blood type and overall good health, I figured I would give it a shot,” she said. “And thank goodness I did.” On August 6, CJ received his transplant. Both his procedure and Olsen’s donor surgery were successful, creating a bond she describes as “liver buddies for life.” For the Fischettis, the person who could help their son turned out to be a teacher in the same school district they once attended. “Two separate Toms River families are now united as one because one TR teacher chose to become a lifesaver,” said CJ’s uncle, Ed Goodman, a physical education teacher at High School East. Weeks after the transplant, that connection brought an unexpected moment of joy. On September 19, Olsen and the Fischettis happened to attend the same flag football game. There, she saw CJ smiling, with his transplanted liver working.

“Something in me immediately felt a connection to CJ, and every step of the journey confirmed it,” Olsen said. “The invisible string between CJ and me proved to be true on September 19 when we unexpectedly ran into each other at a flag football game. His liver was working, he was smiling, and our eyes met for the first time.” The encounter gave Olsen a chance to see the little boy whose life her donation had helped save. Now, CJ’s family hopes their experience will encourage others to consider living organ donation and draw attention to the need for liver disease research, funding and awareness. Their message begins with the simple decision Olsen made after reading their plea: Find out whether you can help. “There were so many signs throughout the process and post-transplant that reinforced this was meant to be,” Olsen said. “And I am truly grateful to have had the ability to give this strong and silly boy what he needed.” There is a GoFundMe to help the family. You can access it at shorturl.at/shwXR.

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The Howell Times, October 10, 2026, Page 7

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

Retired Officer Named State Instructor Of The Year

Photo Courtesy L.E.A.D Cpl. Maureen McBride, of the Howell Township Police Department, center, received the New Jersey Instructor of the Year Award during Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence’s 21st Century Drug & Violence Prevention Training Conference. Cpl. McBride stood with L.E.A.D. Board Chairman Kevin Haney, left, and L.E.A.D. Executive Director/ CEO Nick DeMauro, right. HOWELL – Recently retired Howell police Cpl. Maureen McBride has been named New Jersey Instructor of the Year by Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence, known as L.E.A.D. McBride received the award at the organization’s training conference in Atlantic City. She spent nearly 30 years in law enforcement, much of that time as a school resource officer teaching drug and violence prevention lessons to students in the Howell

Township K-8 School District. The school district also recognized McBride at a middle school graduation ceremony shortly before her retirement. Howell police praised her dedication to local students. “She built meaningful relationships with students while delivering important lessons that help young people make positive choices,” L.E.A.D. Executive Director Nick DeMauro said.

Football Nights Feature $10 Game Day Meals

HOWELL – Knights of Columbus Council 6201 and the Howell Jackson Columbian Club are inviting football fans to watch Monday and Thursday night games while enjoying discounted meals and supporting the council. Football nights begin at 6 p.m. and continue through the end of the game. Several $10 meal deals are available, including a half-pound

burger with fries, a shrimp basket with fries, fish and chips, or a fish sandwich with fries. Each meal includes a draft beer or soda. Additional menu items, including baskets of fries, may also be purchased separately. The weekly football nights are designed to give residents a place to gather, watch the games and support Knights of Columbus Council 6201.

Rain Barrel Workshop To Be Held

HOWELL – Residents can build a rain barrel during a free workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. October 17 at Echo Lake Park, 1225 Maxim-Southard Road. Participants will learn how collecting rainwater can conserve water for gardens and reduce runoff into local waterways, including

the Metedeconk River and Barnegat Bay watersheds. Each barrel holds about 50 gallons. All tools and materials will be provided. The workshop is limited to 25 participants, and registration is required. To reserve a spot, email skondrup@brickmua.com or call 732701-4282.

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Page 8, The Howell Times, October 10, 2026

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HOWELL – Detective Richard Robertiello has become the first Howell police detective to earn the Certified Fraud Examiner credential from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, the department announced. Robertiello passed an examination covering financial crime schemes, fraud investigations, legal issues and prevention. The

Photo courtesy Howell Police association also reviewed his education, work experience and professional recommendations before awarding the credential. Howell police said the training will support the department’s investigations into complex financial crimes. Robertiello has also led 10 community seminars on preventing financial fraud, with more planned.

Fire Company Plans Fire Prevention Open House

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HOWELL – The Adelphia Fire Company will invite the community to meet local volunteer firefighters and learn about fire safety during its Fire Prevention Open House on October 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The free event will be held at the Adelphia Firehouse, 925 Adelphia Road, Adelphia. Visitors will be able to tour fire trucks and equipment, watch smoke alarm demonstrations and pick up fire safety tips for their

homes and families. Hands-on activities will also be offered for visitors of all ages, including children. Firefighters will be available to answer questions about their work and provide information about volunteer opportunities with the department. Coffee and bagels will be served, and an inflatable ride will be available for children. Admission is free and the event is open to everyone.

Holiday Theater Classes Open For Young Performers

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HOWELL – Howell PAL Theater Company is offering a six-week Actors Toolbox Holiday Class program for children ages 6 to 16, featuring acting and musical theater dance instruction followed by a performance showcase. Classes will be held Tuesdays on November 3, 10, 17 and 24, and December 1 and 8. The showcase is scheduled for Decem-

ber 11. Programs include Actors Toolbox sessions for different age groups, musical theater dance and combination classes. Individual classes cost $175, while combination packages are $300, offering a $50 savings. Class times vary by age group and program. Registration is available at HowellPalTheaterCo.com. For additional information, email howellpaltc@gmail.com.

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The Howell Times, October 10, 2026, Page 9

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

Bus Driver Celebrates 25 Years Of Service

Photo courtesy Howell Township Public Schools K-8 HOWELL – Township Public Schools recently recognized Mrs. Pickett for 25 years of service transporting students in the district. School officials thanked Pickett for the care and attention she has provided to students

during their daily bus rides. The district also praised her longtime commitment to helping keep students safe while making their trips to and from school a positive part of the day.

Live Game Show Fundraiser Planned

HOWELL – The Southard Fire Department No. 1 Ladies Auxiliary will host a “Game On!” live game show fundraiser at 7 p.m. October 16 at the Southard Fire Department, 4611 Route 9 North. The two-hour event will feature bingo, Name That Tune, trivia, prizes, a 50/50 drawing and a gift auction. Admission is $25 per person and includes unlimited game-show play. Extra bingo boards will be available for $5.

Guests may bring their own beverages and snacks. Additional purchases, including 50/50 and gift auction tickets, can be made at the door by cash or credit card. Tables seat up to 10 people, and seating requests can be emailed to sfd1ladiesaux@gmail.com. Tickets are available at square.link/u/olD8gyF0. Proceeds will benefit the Southard Fire Department No. 1 Ladies Auxiliary.

Monmouth Vocational Schools Report High SAT Averages

FREEHOLD – Students at five Monmouth County Vocational School District high schools posted average SAT scores above New Jersey’s statewide average during the 2024-25 school year, county officials said. High Technology High School had the highest average at 1,509 out of a possible 1,600. Biotechnology High School averaged 1,461, followed by the Academy of Allied Health and Science at 1,367, Communica-

tions High School at 1,321 and the Marine Academy of Science and Technology at 1,298. The statewide average was 1,052. County Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone credited the students, teachers and administrators for the results. District Superintendent Sean Meehan also thanked the schools across Monmouth County that helped prepare the students before high school.

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Page 10, The Howell Times, October 10, 2026

Temporary Housing For Homeless Planned By Stephanie Faughnan TOMS RIVER – For years, the Pelican Inn & Suites on Route 37 housed homeless people with no one dedicated to looking out for them. The nonprofit that bought it says that is exactly what is about to change. Some of the motel’s neighbors aren’t convinced. HABcore, Inc. paid $7 million in June for far more than the 25-unit motel. The nonprofit owns everything from the tree line beside the Pelican to the building where there’s a grooming business at the other end of the lot. Pampered Pet Resort and Spa will stay on as a tenant and keep paying rent. The former Best Carpet & Flooring will eventually become offices. “This is not going to be a shelter,” said Steve Heisman, president and CEO of HABcore. Dozens of people packed the former carpet store next to the motel, where rolls of carpet still lined the walls, during an open house of the property. “It has a license as a social service hotel, and that’s what it’s going to continue to be.” Guests will be referred by county agencies and go through background checks and screening. Drugs and alcohol are banned. First stays last four weeks, with up to two extensions for guests making progress. The motel will serve up to 25 households, and pets are welcome. Staff will be on site around the clock. HABcore has already installed a $50,000 security system with

new cameras and electronic access. In some ways, the Pelican may work like any other motel. County and state contracts and grants will cover many nightly costs. When asked if guests will be required to contribute towards their stays, Heisman said the most succinct way he could presently answer that question was “it depends.” A Building With Past Issues Heisman did not sugarcoat the motel’s past. “They were homeless without support and supervision, and they stayed here a long time,” he said of earlier guests. Vincent Zenna, who lives across the street, remembers those years. “The place that ran the motel before was motivated by the money, and they didn’t care who was in the rooms,” he said. Zenna, who ran a soup kitchen in Lakewood for 18 years, believes the people coming now will be different because they want help. “It’s going to be supervised, it’s going to be managed, it’s going to be controlled,” he said. Guests who break the rules will be shown the door, he added. “You want someone who wants to be here and who wants to change.” That long history matters. Because the Pelican will keep operating as a licensed social service hotel, HABcore isn’t changing how the property is used. Heisman said that means no zoning approval and no permits for most of the work, like replacing

lights, flooring and cameras. Heisman was clear about what will need permits. HABcore already got one to turn the electric meters back on. Converting the carpet store into offices will require permits before work starts. HABcore also wants movable planter fencing to steer all foot traffic past the office. Because it could cut into parking, that plan will likely go before the zoning board. Fears And Hope At the September 23 Township Council meeting, a resident named Noreen said she supports housing for the homeless and veterans. Still, she questioned a site she said lacks public transportation, shopping and health care. “I care about being a good neighbor,” Heisman said at that meeting. “I invite everybody to hold us accountable for that.” At the open house, plenty of people pushed back. A woman who said she lives across the street called the arrangement a loophole and questioned how HABcore would pay for staff and upkeep. “You’re going to go on a wing and a prayer,” she said. Heisman shot back. “I’ve never done anything on a wing and a prayer. I’ve been doing this for 27 years.” She also described years of trash and needles in the area. “My heart completely goes out to this,” she said. “However, this is not the place.” A business owner across the street put it more bluntly. “We don’t

Partners And The Future HABcore said it expects to partner with Fulfill and JBJ Soul Kitchen to provide prepared meals, and local veterinarians will help with pets. Site manager Kelly Broderick previously ran the Monmouth County shelter. So far in 2026, it has served 110 guests, and 74 percent found (Homeless- See Page 16)

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want this here,” he said. One woman filmed the entire evening on her phone. Asked for her name afterward, she refused and stormed out. Heisman pointed to HABcore’s record at the Monmouth County Adult Homeless Shelter in Oceanport. In its first year, police were called three times for problems unrelated to a health condition, and residents made two of those calls. “I take responsibility in that I run the agency,” he said. Supporters spoke up too. A man named Scott, who has lived a couple of blocks away for 17 years, thanked Heisman for coming. “This, to me, seems like a step up for the community,” he said. “The homeless are here, regardless. It’s better to have a place for them than not.” Zenna also had an answer for worries about Route 37 traffic. He said a footpath leads to the nearby Quick Chek and a bus stops by the motel every day. “At least we have someone here who cares about the people,” he said.

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The Howell Times, October 10, 2026, Page 11

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Page 12, The Howell Times, October 10, 2026

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!

Youth Arts Festival Coming To Asbury Park ASBURY PARK – Teen Arts New Jersey will hold a free Youth Arts Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. October 18 at several downtown venues. The event marks the end of the organization’s six-month Youth Arts Initiative. House of Independents will host an open mic, karaoke, the Trenton Circus Squad and hands-on art activities throughout the day. Super Art Fight, a live drawing competition, begins there at 1 p.m. Parlor Gallery, The ShowRoom Cinema and Over the Moon Art

Studios will offer additional activities from 10 a.m. to noon, including student films, a drum circle and a student art showcase. The initiative brought workshops and other arts experiences to Asbury Park through partnerships with local organizations. It was funded by a New Jersey Economic Development Authority grant in partnership with the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. The festival is free, but registration is required for entry. Details and registration are available at teenartsnj.org.

Lynyrd Skynyrd To Perform

ATLANTIC CITY – Lynyrd Skynyrd will perform at 8 p.m. February 19 at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. Known for songs including “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Free Bird” and “Simple

Man,” the Southern rock band released its debut album in 1973. Its current lineup includes Johnny Van Zant and Rickey Medlocke. Tickets are on sale through HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com.

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The Howell Times, October 10, 2026, Page 13

R.C. Shea & Assoc. Here’s To Your Health

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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Monmouth County Awards $9.15 Million For Local Parks

FREEHOLD – The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners has awarded $9.15 million in open space grants to 27 municipalities for park and recreation projects. The awards include $350,000 for improvements to Pride Park in Howell, $500,000 to expand Sylvan Lake Park in Bradley Beach and $500,000 for improvements to Manasquan’s Stockton Beach Park. Other projects include playground work, athletic

fields, park facilities and a boat ramp and kayak launch. The grants are part of the county’s Municipal Open Space Grant program, which helps towns fund recreation, conservation, historic preservation and open space projects. “These funds will help our towns maintain and enhance the parks where families gather, children play and residents can enjoy the outdoors,” Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone said.

United Way Plans Psychic Medium Events

MONMOUTH AND OCEAN COUNTIES – United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties will host two “A Night With Spirit” fundraisers featuring food, wine and gallery readings by psychic mediums. The Monmouth County event will run from 6 to 9 p.m. October 15 at Sette, 130 South Main St., Marlboro. Psychic medium Catherine McCall will lead the readings. The Ocean County event is scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. October 22 at Gal Mediterranean

Cuisine, 2 Route 37, Toms River. Psychic medium Joe Hicks will appear. Proceeds will support United Way programs addressing education, financial stability, health and basic needs for local families. Sponsorships range from $500 to $1,500 and include event signage or social media recognition. For tickets or sponsorship information, contact Marielaina LaRosa at 848-206-2041 or mlarosa@uwmoc.org.

Dear Phar Pharmacist macist 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.

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Page 14, The Howell Times, October 10, 2026

Around The Jersey Shore Documentary Shows Impact Of Rising Sea Level

Photo courtesy Rutgers University The makers of the documentary “Marine Field Station: The Retreat” used a drone for this aerial shot of the Rutgers research site in Tuckerton that will one day be flooded.

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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 (Sea Level - See Page 16)

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The Howell Times, October 10, 2026, Page 15

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Page 16, The Howell Times, October 10, 2026

Homeless:

Continued From Page 10 permanent or temporary housing. Manager Mitch Andryszewski said 28 percent of this year’s guests are 62 or older, and about half are 55 or older. “Somebody needs to make about $45 an hour to afford an apartment in Monmouth and Ocean County,” Heisman said. The 2025 Point-in-Time Count found at least 577 Ocean County residents experiencing homelessness. HABcore’s Windsor Avenue property, run with Family Promise of the Jersey Shore, is the county’s only licensed family

shelter. The nonprofit also works with 180 Turning Lives Around to provide housing for survivors of domestic violence Heisman said the Pelican is meant to be a stop along the way, not a permanent address. The ultimate goal is moving every guest into permanent housing. Supportive housing coordinators will build a plan with each person to remove whatever stands in the way, from lost IDs to a lack of income. Staff will “help them find housing, help them find income,” he said. Renovations continue, and windows are still being replaced. HABcore hopes to start moving people in as soon as the repairs are complete.

Resources For Suicide Loss Survivors

HOWELL — The Howell Alliance is sharing a range of support options for residents grieving a loss to suicide, including peer connections, local groups and guidance for families. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) offers several free resources. Its Find a Support Group tool helps users locate meetings by ZIP code; organizers recommend contacting the coordinator in advance to confirm in-person or virtual details. AFSP’s Healing Conversations pairs loss survivors with trained volunteers for one-on-one support by phone, video or in person.

The organization also provides self-care tips, strategies for talking about a loss, book and film recommendations, and a downloadable guide to help children and teens cope. AFSP’s New Jersey chapter information is available at afsp.org/newjersey. Additional mental health and suicide prevention resources are available through the Howell Alliance at twp.howell.nj.us/Alliance. The Alliance can be reached at criddle@twp. howell.nj.us or 732-938-4500, ext. 4012. The Alliance is not a 24/7 crisis line. In an emergency or life-threatening situation, call 911.

“Comic Book Men” Star Ming Chen To Speak At Brookdale

LINCROFT – Ming Chen, known for his role on “Comic Book Men,” will discuss his path into the entertainment industry at 6:30 p.m. October 21 at Brookdale Community College. The talk is part of Brookdale’s Breaking In Lecture Series and will be held in the Navesink Rooms on the second floor of the Student Life Center, 765 Newman Springs Road. Showrunner Brian Nashel will moderate, and audience members will have a chance to ask questions. Chen’s career began with a fan website he created for Kevin Smith’s film “Clerks” while he was a college student in 1995. That connection eventually led him to Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash and “Comic Book Men.” Tickets are $20 for the public and free for Brookdale students who register in advance. To register, call Daniel Colaian-

Photo courtesy Brookdale Community College ni at 732-224-2683 or email dcolaianni@ brookdalecc.edu with “Ming” in the subject line. Parking is available in lots 6 and 7.

Holiday Farmers Market Set

HOWELL – The Howell NJ Farmers Market will hold a holiday market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. December 13 at Echo Lake Park, 1205 Maxim Southard Road. Shoppers can browse local vendors for

handmade gifts and other holiday items while supporting area small businesses. Families are welcome. For more information or to apply as a vendor, visit HearHereEvents.com.

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Sea Level:

Continued From Page 14 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. 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.

The Howell Times, October 10, 2026, Page 17 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 yearround 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-stationthe-retreat/.

Arts Summit To Mark Five Years Of Creating Change

RED BANK – New Jersey Theatre Alliance and ArtPride New Jersey will mark the fifth anniversary of their Creating Change initiative with a statewide arts summit October 28 at the Count Basie Center for the Arts. “Creating Change 2026: Community and Culture Shift” will bring together artists, arts professionals and community advocates to discuss partnerships, accessibility and equity in the arts. The program will include a keynote address by arts strategist

Emil J. Kang and a group listening session led by Donna Walker-Kuhne of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Tickets cost $100 individually or $400 for a group of five. Tickets for unaffiliated artists are $35, and student tickets are $25. A limited number of subsidized tickets are also available for members of the New Jersey Arts and Culture Administrators of Color Network. Registration is open at tinyurl.com/CreatingChangeNJ26.

New STEAM Trail To Open At Sycamore Park

TINTON FALLS – United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties and the Borough of Tinton Falls will celebrate the opening of a new Born Learning STEAM Trail with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. October 13 at Sycamore Park, 977 Sycamore Ave. The trail is designed to encourage children and families to learn together through hands-on activities in nature. Activities focus on observing and identifying clouds, birds, trees and bugs; exploring balance,

gravity, movement and direction; recognizing shapes, patterns and numbers; and using creativity, imagination and problem-solving. Organizers said the STEAM Trail is intended to strengthen early learning and language skills while giving children opportunities to explore the natural world. The rain date is October 19. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP by emailing info@uwmoc.org or calling 848-206-2046.

The Howell Times welcomes your special announcements! Engagements, Weddings, Births, Birthday Wishes, etc. Please call 732-657-7344 for more details!

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Page 18, The Howell 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 Howell Times, October 10, 2026, Page 19

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 20, The Howell Times, October 10, 2026

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