The BERKELEY Times Vol. 32 - No. 17
In This Week’s Edition
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
Resource Fair Provides Services And Ways To Serve
October 17, 2026
Vigil Speaks Names Of Domestic Violence Victims
BREAKING NEWS @
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Community News Pages 9-10
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 12
Inside The Law Page 19
Classifieds Pages 22
Photo by Chris Lundy Groups like the Toms River Area NAACP welcomed new members at the event. By Chris Lundy BERKELEY – A health fair and resource day brought 14 different nonprofits and other vendors to offer their services to residents outside the Sadie Vickers Resource Center in Manitou Park. It also provided ways for people to give back. The Resource Center is a place to make referrals and host people offering services, and this event was like an extension of that, held in partnership with Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey. Chaplain Barbara Miles, Community Liaison of the Sadie Vickers Resource Center, said they regularly assist individuals by connecting them to service providers. It’s associated with the Holy Temple Church Of God In Christ. This was the first year holding this resource fair,
Miles said, and there are plans to expand it in the future. Perhaps they could have a medical professional providing vaccines; perhaps there could be a cooking demonstration on how to prepare the fresh vegetables from the community garden. There are plenty of options and plenty of ways to help. One of the purposes of the Resource Center is to fill in a vacuum of needs for the small community, often forgotten about. Many of the vendors were similar. Francine Porges from Caregivers said that the goal of these networks of volunteers is to create a set of supportive services to let seniors age in place. Whenever she does a presentation, a lot of seniors tell her that they’re still able to do everything independently. That’s great, but no one knows what’s (Resource Fair - See Page 4)
Families Welcomed At Local Shelter By Stephanie Faughnan TOMS RIVER – A safe bed, meals and a place for children to play may sound simple. For parents who have run out of options, those basics can mean the difference between a crisis deepening and starting over. That idea is at the heart of a new family shelter program operated by Family Promise of the Jersey Shore. The former youth shelter at 2445 Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Windsor Avenue is now Ocean Family Promise Executive Director Elizabeth Golla, left, County’s only state-licensed family and shelter supervisor Gabby Eyrich stand in one of the emergency shelter. HABcore bought the former Harbor House property bedrooms prepared for a family at HABcore Harbor.
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for $775,000 in April 2025 through a county program funded with federal American Rescue Plan Act money. HABcore leases the building to Family Promise, which provides the staffing, food, security and case management. It Should Look Like Home From the street, the brick ranch blends right in with the neighborhood. Mature trees shade the property, and a wooden gazebo and picnic tables sit out back. (Shelter Reborn - See Page 6)
Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Tyler Webb’s mother Lisa and his sister mourn his memory. By Stephanie Faughnan JERSEY SHORE - The red silhouettes stood in the late-day light outside Ocean Partnership for Children, shaped like people but without faces. Yellow hearts fastened to their chests carried names and the brief, unbearable stories of Ocean County residents killed in domestic violence. They were part of Providence House’s Silent Silhouettes Project, displayed for Ocean Partnership for Children’s seventh annual Domestic Violence Candlelight Vigil. The people being remembered were not statistics, headlines or case numbers. They were people whose absence continues to reshape families, workplaces and communities. Maureen DeSantis, Ocean Partnership’s director of care management, named some of those losses from the past 14 months. They included Tyler Webb and Lauren Simencheck, Allan and Michelle Russell and their daughter Deanna, and Eileen Garvin, the beloved Barnegat school bus driver killed in September. Her husband, William Garvin, is charged with murder in her death, a case that remains pending in Ocean County Superior Court. The recent cases underscored why the vigil was necessary, DeSantis said. Ocean Partnership serves about 1,100 Ocean County families, and at least 30 percent of the children it works with have been directly affected by domestic violence. DeSantis said even that number is likely low. “This issue is not distant, abstract or happening in some other place,” DeSantis said. “It’s (Vigil Speaks - See Page 5)
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Page 2, The Berkeley Times, October 17, 2026
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The Berkeley Times, October 17, 2026, Page 3
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Resource Fair: Continued From Page 1
around the corner, she said. An accident or some other serious issue could impact all aspects of their lives. Similarly, at a nearby table was Jack Stewart, owner of Assisted Living Locators. He helps families and seniors find the right place to live. There’s a general assessment which looks into medical needs, financial situation, and other topics, he said. Based on that, various options for assisted living are presented. Ultimately, the senior or the family makes the decision and they don’t pay for anything. They can be reached at 732-749-2610. “Sometimes people feel they don’t have choices,” he said. A community’s marketing people can be aggressive and might strongarm them into joining a facility that might not be right for them. Adler aphasia is characterized by difficulty speaking, writing, or understanding language or the written word. It is often caused by stroke, and 70,000 in New Jersey have it. Brianna Rein, program director of the
Adler Aphasia Center in Toms River, was there to explain the condition to people and offer them help at their Toms River location (201-368-8585). Fulfill of Monmouth and Ocean had a table as well. Oscar Velazquez, a resource connections team specialist, said Fulfill doesn’t check financial requirements when you come to their food banks. They offer more than food, however, serving the whole person. If they can’t help you with what is needed, then they can refer you to someone who can. The Toms River location can be reached at 732-731-1400. Some groups offered services as well as an outlet to help others. For example, the Toms River Area Branch of the NAACP was on hand to drum up volunteers and help in any way they can. You can learn more by going to NAACP.org and designating chapter #2107-B or text JOIN to 20707. The Friends of the Ocean County Library Toms River were also there to share news about upcoming events and welcome people to their group. They hold fundraisers and use the money to create free programs at the library.
Photo by Chris Lundy More than a dozen services and nonprofits met residents near the Sadie Vickers Community Resource Center.
Police Warn Residents Of Phone Scam Demanding Cash For Fake Warrants By Jason Allentoff OCEAN COUNTY – Local police are urging residents to be on alert after a community member reported receiving a phone call from someone impersonating a captain with the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department. According to authorities,
the caller falsely claimed the resident had two outstanding warrants for “failure to appear” and instructed him to turn himself in — and to bring $10,000 in cash. To heighten the pressure, the scammer reportedly texted an image of a fabricated warrant with
the resident’s name typed onto it. Officials stressed that this type of contact is fraudulent. Law enforcement agencies do not call residents to demand cash, nor do they require individuals to bring money when addressing warrant-related issues.
Authorities said they are particularly concerned that older adults could be targeted by such schemes and urged the public to help spread the warning. Anyone who receives a similar call is advised not to engage, not to send money, and to report the incident to local police.
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Vigil Speaks: Continued From Page 1
happening in our homes, in our families, neighborhoods, colleges and communities all around us.” More Than A Court Case Jamie Schron, a supervising assistant prosecutor with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit, said domestic violence cannot be understood only through police reports, criminal charges or courtroom proceedings. “Behind every case is a person, a family, children, relationships, financial concerns, fear of what happens next and often a complicated journey that may begin long before someone ever feels able to ask for help,” Schron said. She recognized victim advocates who guide survivors and their families through the criminal-justice process, providing information, support and a consistent person to call when the system feels unfamiliar or overwhelming. Laurie Toole, community affairs and education manager for Providence House, said silence and isolation allow domestic violence to continue. The agency, which is marking 40 years of service in Ocean County, offers a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, legal services, counseling and creative arts therapy for child witnesses of domestic violence. “Domestic violence is not a private family matter,” Toole said. “If we continue to treat it as something that should remain behind
The Berkeley Times, October 17, 2026, Page 5 closed doors, it will never be eradicated.” A New Home For Dottie’s House Liz Graham, CEO of 180 Turning Lives Around, introduced her agency to Ocean County. The Monmouth County-based domestic and sexual violence response agency is celebrating its 50th year. This year it stepped in to save Dottie’s House. Founded by Carol Wolfe, Dottie’s House is a transitional housing program where survivors can stay while they work on their cases and rebuild their lives. When the program dissolved, property owner Homes Now committed to keeping the house exclusively for domestic violence survivors and reached out to 180. Graham said she told her board they had to decide that same night. She didn’t want any family living there to spend a single day worrying about where they would go. Graham said staff at 180’s own safe house used to celebrate whenever a client was accepted into Dottie’s House. The property could have become general affordable housing, she said. Instead, it will carry on Wolfe’s vision as a next step for families leaving Providence House’s shelter. A Light Missing Since March Diane Goss, a supervising family service specialist with the state Division of Child Protection and Permanency, spoke about the deaths of her colleague Allan Russell, his wife Michelle and their daughter Deanna. She remembered Alan Russell as a devoted father and grandfather, a man with a dry sense of humor and a private nature who still
made time for coworkers and the families he served. He was the kind of caseworker who would be cursed at by a parent in the afternoon and still return that evening to ask what they could do together to make things work. Russell worked late to accommodate working families, Goss said. He would volunteer to sit with a child in a hospital overnight, even when his own family was waiting for him at home. Coworkers knew him as part of their “A Team,” a close-knit unit that still feels incomplete. “There is a light that has been missing since March, the light of Allan,” Goss said. She said the deaths of Allan, Michelle and Deanna Russell had left a continuing loss for those who knew them. Domestic violence, she said, does not end with the people directly involved. It reaches friends, relatives, coworkers and children who must learn to live with a new reality they never wanted. “Allan, Michelle and Deanna did everything right, and yet their lives were tragically cut short,” Goss said. “It is important to remember who they were, not just how they died.” ‘My Pain Is Turning Into Words’ Lisa Webb spoke about her son Tyler Webb, a 29-year-old mechanic and volunteer firefighter, who was killed alongside Lauren Simencheck in August 2025. The community recently honored Tyler in a memorial car show in Berkeley. She described a young man with an old soul who bought his home at 23 and worked on it with his father. His house became a place
A Sister’s Voice The sister of Dana Gavor Ciccolella spoke from the audience in remembrance. Dana was killed at age 32 and left behind four children. She said her sister’s 13-year-old daughter found her body two days after the killing. The children were separated, and relatives, friends and coworkers were left to carry the loss. “He may have taken her voice,” she said, “but he will not take mine.”
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where friends and family gathered, along with his dog, Luna. He had built his own side business, Webb’s Automotive, and made a habit of helping people, whether they were lifelong friends or strangers. “He was a gentleman with the biggest personality and heart,” Webb said. She said Tyler and Lauren’s families had become connected through grief, despite not having the chance to know one another before their children were killed. The words ‘domestic violence’ and ‘murder’ still feel impossible beside her son’s name, she said, but she will not let Tyler and Lauren’s lives be defined only by how they died. “I came here to say Tyler and Lauren’s names because their life stories will not be silenced,” Webb said. “We need to stop the silence. Awareness is the only way to make change happen.” “My pain is turning into words,” Webb said. “Domestic violence is a crime.” She urged anyone experiencing abuse, or anyone concerned for someone else, not to remain silent. “Do not stay quiet,” she said. “Speak until something is heard and action is taken.”
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Page 6, The Berkeley Times, October 17, 2026
Shelter Reborn: Continued From Page 1
“It is not cots everywhere. It is not people living on top of one another,” said Elizabeth Golla, executive director of Family Promise of the Jersey Shore. “It should look like home. When somebody walks into a place, they should feel welcome.” Golla wants the children who stay there to feel the same way. When the school bus pulls up, she said, “they should be proud that that’s their house.” Inside, the living room has leather couches, armchairs and framed artwork. A larger common room holds dining tables, a sectional sofa, bookshelves and stacks of board games. The kitchen has wood cabinets and a large refrigerator. Each family receives its own brand-new dishes, NEED AN EMERGENCY HOME REPAIR? WE’RE HERE TO HELP AT NO CHARGE
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and every bedroom has its own TV. “When a family enters the shelter, everybody is given a brand-new pillow, brand-new bedding, and they get to take everything with them when they leave,” Golla said. Families pay nothing while they are in the program, so any money a parent earns can go into savings. “We are paying for every single thing for them while they’re in that program,” Golla said. Shelter supervisor Gabby Eyrich showed off supply closets stocked with toilet paper, soap, shampoo, and other basics. She has also lined up food partnerships with Stop & Shop, Panera and Wawa.
each week. That works for parents who drive and get around on their own, but not for everyone. Many host buildings are not handicapped accessible, and weekly moves can be hard on people on the autism spectrum. “This shelter program is for families that have higher barriers and need a little more 24/7 support,” Golla said. Two staff members are on site around the clock. The program is for families with at least one child younger than 18. Adults undergo a background check and drug and alcohol screening and must stay substance-free while in the program.
Families Of All Sizes The five-bedroom house is approved by the state for 13 beds. That number can grow when families have children younger than 3 who sleep in cribs or pack-and-plays. Golla said the home could potentially accommodate about 20 people, depending on the number of young children. Bedrooms mix standard beds and bunk beds, so staff can set up rooms to fit each family. Golla pointed to one family of 11 who has been without a home for some time. “What motel are they going into with little kids?” she asked. The house has four full bathrooms, including one that is wheelchair accessible. The bathrooms are not attached to bedrooms, but Golla said they can be designated for separate families. There is also a laundry room, a fenced backyard and individual lockboxes that keep medications away from children.
Breaking Down Barriers Case management starts the day a family arrives. Staff help parents figure out why they lost housing and what has to change. That might mean replacing a birth certificate, getting a driver’s license, applying for benefits or finding a job. Families can also be referred to Bright Harbor Healthcare for mental health services. Transportation is often one of the biggest hurdles. Golla said Family Promise uses grant money to fix broken-down cars or buy dependable ones for about $2,500. “If we can overcome some of these barriers,” she said, “then they are going to be ready for housing.”
Different Challenges Family Promise has run its rotating shelter since 2009, moving families between congregations
A Growing Need Golla hopes the home proves the concept works and shows other agencies “it’s really not scary to help people.” The need is already obvious. The new shelter had a waiting list before families moved in, and the rotating shelter is full. Family Promise’s work reaches well beyond shelter. Its Anchors to Stay program helps
households with overdue rent, mortgage or utility bills, and its diversion program covers security deposits and first month’s rent. Rapid rehousing and housing navigation services help clients find apartments and work with landlords. “We never just put somebody somewhere and say, ‘Good luck to you,’” Golla said. “A lot of times folks don’t even have any kind of support system. So, we become that support system.” Family Promise reported serving 9,811 people in 2025, and its website says 88 percent of families sheltered through the organization find housing. Golla said clients include construction workers, nurses, school employees, seniors and students. She recalled a mother and father with two daughters who both worked for a local school district. They lost their housing and could not find anything affordable fast enough, yet they kept showing up for their students every day. Family Promise eventually helped them find a home near their jobs. “We don’t share pictures of clients that we serve, because that client that we serve literally is your next-door neighbor,” Golla said. “We don’t want to put their cases all over the place because people don’t want to be known in that situation.” How To Help The shelter is still hiring residential assistants and per diem substitutes. Family Promise’s annual gift auction takes place November 7 at St. Mary’s Parish in Manahawkin, and organizers are still seeking sponsors and basket donations. Anyone with donations, or anyone in need, can call 609-994-3317 to schedule an appointment. Families in immediate need should call 211.
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The Berkeley Times, October 17, 2026, Page 7
Spotlight On Government Correspondence & Commentary From Your Local, County, State & Federal Officials
Bill Would Lower Veterans’ Property Taxes Capitol Comments Senator Carmen F. Amato, Jr. 9th Legislative District
TRENTON - The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee approved bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Carmen Amato, Jr. (R-Ocean) and Senator Troy Singleton (D-Burlington) to increase veterans’ property tax deduction to $2,500.
The bill, SCR-96, proposes a constitutional amendment that would increase the benefit from $250 to $2,500 over a four-year period. The veterans’ property tax deduction hasn’t been adjusted since 2003. “Property taxes continue to climb to alltime highs, pricing veterans out of their homes and making life less affordable here in the Garden State,” said Senator Amato.
“The veterans’ property tax deduction has remained stagnant for over 20 years, even as the cost of owning a home has risen dramatically. Veterans made sacrifices to protect our freedom; they shouldn’t have to sacrifice their homes to make ends meet. It is only fair that we increase this benefit to a level that reflects the realities veterans face today.”
After MVC Errors, Reforms To Voter Registration Announced From The Desk Of The
Governor Mikie Sherrill TRENTON – “My Administration continues to move aggressively to fix the serious system error at the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) left behind by the previous administration to ensure our elections remain free, fair, and secure. I promised we would be thorough to ensure that no one who is ineligible remains on the voter rolls, and that every eligible voter has their voice heard. “Leaving no stone unturned, I directed my Administration to conduct a thorough review of all voter-registration processes at the MVC and implement reforms to strengthen those processes. “This review surfaced two issues. Neither issue involved noncitizens. “The review identified approximately 750 additional records affected by the IDEMIA system error from June 2023 to June 2024 that require further action. These individuals selected “no” on the age-eligibility prompt, but their records were sent through for registration. These individuals’ dates of birth confirm they were old enough to vote, and no underage person voted as a result of this error. They appear to have pressed the wrong button on the PIN pad by mistake. “Additionally, the review identified approximately 340 potentially improper voter-registration records from the MVC re-entry events dating back to 2016. “The review showed that this issue had gone undetected and unaddressed, with some going as far back as a decade. My Administration found them and moved immediately to fix them. I directed the MVC to take the necessary steps to strengthen our registration processes and enact stronger safeguards. In addition to transitioning to a new vendor, the MVC is in the process of implementing agency-wide reforms, with many already completed, that add new layers of review and quality control
to the voter-registration process. These include: • Deploying an automated audit process that verifies voter-registration records against customers’ recorded responses at the end of each day before being transmit-
ted to DOE. • Creating an escalation and remediation plan so that any anomaly flagged by the daily audit is reported to MVC leadership and tracked through investigation and correction. • Adding clear signage in MVC Mobile Units for Department of Corrections (DOC) re-entry events to ensure individuals understand voter-eligibility requirements. • Making the registration process clearer and more accessible, through expanded language and translation assistance and clearer explanations of voter-eligibility requirements. • Developing a PIN pad prompt at re-entry events where individuals seeking to register must confirm they are not currently incarcerated for an indictable offense, to prevent similar errors found in our review. “I said we were going to run a secure and fair election here in New Jersey and I meant it. In just two and a half months, we conducted this review and are taking sweeping action to secure our voter registration processes and the integrity of our voter rolls, so that New Jerseyans can feel confident about their election system. This stands in stark contrast to Trump, who has been complaining about this issue for the last ten years and done nothing to fix it, while doing everything in his power to make voting less safe and suppress votes,” Sherrill said. At Governor Sherrill’s direction, the Administration conducted a thorough review beyond the original citizenship-related software error to examine MVC voter-registration processes more broadly. That review identified two additional categories of records requiring correction or further review. The review identified additional records affected by the IDEMIA software error during the previous administration from
June 2023 to June 2024 that require further action. These individuals answered “no” to the age-eligibility question, but were sent over for registration due to the same error. However, since they also provided their date of birth in the same transaction, they were age-eligible, but their registrations were not legally valid. Additionally, the review also found that many of these individuals were well above voting age and likely pressed the incorrect button on the pin pad by mistake. Out of an abundance of caution, the state is remediating these records and has provided instructions to those affected on next steps. Approximately 380 had no other registrations, did not vote, and are being placed in deleted status. Approximately 320 have other potentially valid registrations, voted, and are being referred to counties for review. Approximately 50 were registered solely as the result of the error and voted. These records are being placed in deleted status and being referred to the counties for review. The review identified approximately 340 potentially improperly processed voter-registration records from MVC re-entry events dating back to 2016. Our review found that some individuals incorrectly attested to eligibility even though they were “currently serving a sentence of incarceration for an indictable offense.” All records requiring further action are being referred to county election officials for remediation. These registrations require individual review to determine whether deletion is appropriate. Separately, approximately 60 individuals were identified as currently incarcerated. The counties have a routine list maintenance process that identifies and flags currently incarcerated individuals for deletion. These names are being sent to the counties for remediation. New MVC Reforms At Governor Sherrill’s direction, the MVC is implementing several reforms, with many completed, to strengthen its role in the voter-registration process and prevent similar errors.
The MVC is implementing a new daily audit system that verifies every voter-registration record by comparing the information stored in MVC’s database with records prepared for processing by the technology vendor. It confirms that each record accurately reflects the customer’s responses, including citizenship status, age, and whether the customer chose to register to vote. It also automatically flags incomplete or inconsistent records for manual review by MVC staff and notifications to MVC leadership before they can be transferred. It prevents records with missing or conflicting information from being transmitted, ensuring that only complete, verified, and consistent records move forward. It allows corrected records to be transmitted only after staff review confirms they are fully supported by the customer’s recorded responses. It has an escalation and remediation plan so that any anomaly flagged by the daily audit is reported to MVC leadership and tracked through investigation and correction. The MVC is also implementing several customer-facing improvements to make voter-registration questions clearer and more accessible. These improvements include expanding the complete set of voter-registration questions to five languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, Hindi, and Simplified Chinese. Adding multilingual signage and handheld translation devices supporting more than 80 languages at every MVC agency, will help customers understand and respond to each question in their preferred language. The MVC’s online driver license and identification card renewal pages will clearly state voter-eligibility requirements, explain how customers’ information will be used, and provide a clear choice to continue or decline voter registration. The website will be geared toward every supported browser. They will develop a PIN pad prompt where individuals seeking to register must confirm they are not currently incarcerated for an indictable offense, to prevent similar errors found in our review.
Disclaimer: Micromedia Publications has always provided a space in its newspapers to provide a place for readers to learn what their elected officials are doing. These items are lightly edited for such things as punctuation and grammar but are mostly unchanged from the source. These press releases are the politicians’ own views, not that of Micromedia Publications. We cannot vouch for the accuracy of information that these politicians are providing, and readers are encouraged to keep an open mind and consider multiple sources.
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Page 8, The Berkeley Times, October 17, 2026
OPINIONS & COMMENTARY FEATURED LETTER Joyce The Elephant Has Waited Long Enough When I think of my home state of New Jersey, I think of its charming towns and stunning beaches. I think of its legendary talents - Bon Jovi, Whitney Houston, The Boss - and that unmistakable Jersey attitude. What I don’t think of are elephants. There’s a reason for that. Elephants aren’t from here. They roam savannahs in sub-Saharan Africa or explore dense jungles in southeast Asia. They don’t belong in the Garden State. Yet at Six Flags Wild Safari, five African elephants live in
an enclosure a fraction of the vast landscapes they would roam in the wild. One of them is Joyce, and her story is heartbreaking. Joyce’s journey began in Zimbabwe in the 1980s, when she was just a calf. She was among 63 young elephants brought to the United States after surviving a government-ordered mass killing operation. The plan was untenable from the start: keep all 63 elephants together on a billionaire’s sprawling Florida estate, despite the enormous challenges of caring for so many large, complex animals and bringing
together young elephants from different social groups. It was a promise that never could have lasted. The elephants were eventually sold to zoos, circuses, and other exhibitors. Joyce was sent to a notoriously vicious circus and, over the decades, was sold and resold to various places until arriving at Six Flags in 2010. Today, Joyce lives apart from the park’s other elephants. During warmer months, roller coasters thunder nearby, and massive trucks filled with visitors pass by her enclosure. The rumbles and vibrations
throughout a busy park day are a continuous nuisance to the sensitive elephants. During New Jersey’s freezing winters, Joyce’s world becomes even smaller as she spends extended periods confined to a barn. The constant vibrations, New Jersey’s harsh winters, and the restricted space raise serious questions about whether a theme park can provide an appropriate home for elephants. There is another option. World Animal Protection and thousands of our supporters are urging Six Flags to release Joyce to a reputable elephant sanctuary, where she could
have hundreds of acres to explore, forage, and form relationships with other elephants. We know such a move is possible because we’ve helped make it happen before. In 2023, World Animal Protection partnered with Elephant Refuge North America to care for Mundi, an African elephant who came to the United States as part of the same group as Joyce, after her transfer from a defunct zoo in Puerto Rico to the sanctuary in Georgia. Six Flags has an opportunity to do the same for Joyce. It can recognize that what was once considered acceptable is no
longer, and give an elephant who has already lost so much the chance to spend her remaining years with greater space, companionship, and dignity. New Jersey has never been Joyce’s natural home. But it can be the place where, after decades of captivity, people finally decide to do right by her. Joyce has waited long enough. It’s time to set her free.
ficials, political candidates, and those responsible for informing our communities. Recently, The Manchester Times published a statement from Timothy Poss claiming that his slate was the only one with children currently enrolled in Manchester Township schools. That statement is false. Multiple statements were actually false. Voters deserve accurate information, especially when candidates make claims about their opponents. I was also disappointed to see what appeared to be a politically motivated press release using a student’s recognition at an official Board of Education meeting. The article incorporated campaign messaging into what otherwise resembled district news. In fact, the superintendent included the article in her weekly report as a district press mention, apparently without realizing it contained campaign-related content. An individual Board member does not have the authority to speak on behalf of the district or imply district support for a political campaign. That accomplishment belonged to the student, not a candidate seeking reelection. Leadership is about sharing the spotlight, not taking it. It’s about saying other
people’s names more often than you say your own and recognizing others without needing to insert yourself into their accomplishments. Students deserve recognition without political exploitation. Voters deserve accurate information. And public officials should understand the difference bet we e n se r v i ng t hei r community and promoting themselves. Submitted in my capacity as a private citizen. These views are my own and do not represent the Manchester Township Board of Education.
Ari Solomon Director of Communications, World Animal Protection US
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Sherrill Lied About Noncitizen Voters
Just a note to tell Sherrill that we don’t believe a thing she says. We all know that it had nothing to do with the Motor Vehicles Commission that these people voted. Their votes all should have been cancelled out for sure, and they should not be in our data system, they are not citizens of this state or country. They do not belong here. When we fought in Vietnam, the government there considered us as invaders of their country, well these people are the same thing and do not belong here. We all support President Trump on what he is trying to do to keep them out. If we do not have a border, you don’t
have a country. Every state and city has a border, and our country should have one as well to keep these people out. The democrats are feeding us and themselves a bunch of lies as always. Paul Brown Ocean County
GOP Leaders Let Trump Hurt Americans Hey you, Republican Senators and Representatives! Yes, all of you! Have you no sense of decency? At long last, where is your sense of decency? You have looked on, supported, cheered and/or remained safely silent as a man-child of unspeakable malice and cruelty has been obliterating
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.
the ideals immortalized in the Declaration of Independence while simultaneously dismantling the mandates of the Constitution! If you really want to know what the Constitution is for, just read and reread its Preamble, which starts with “We the People.” Your leader, your fuhrer, proves every day and night that he is a malignant narcissist; a pathological liar; displays a combative paranoid personality; and sadistically takes delight in signing cruel Executive Orders by the dozens! Anything that once benefited the general public (ordinary people) has been abrogated. SNAP benefits for hungry children are being cut while huge tax cuts are being gifted to the mega-rich! Health insurance subsidies are being eliminated and millions of citizens are losing their health insurance! An out-of-control ICE is roaming the streets, public and private places, rounding up and corralling thousands of migrants. Protesters, exercising their First Amendment rights, are manhandled, arrested or shot! And, what about murdering boatmen off the coast of Venezuela without due process and killing survivors of the first strike? Invading Venezuela and abducting its Presidential Couple? When will they be tried, on what
grounds, or has sentencing of life imprisonment already been effected by Executive Order? Trump’s total blundering in attacking Iran? What say ye, Oh you of full faith in your Master? Since you remain largely silent, any reasonable spectator of your conduct in Congress can readily conclude that you support, approve and sanction all violations of the Constitution and all crimes against humanity, perpetrated by Donald Trump and his surrogates! If he is a criminal, a criminal granted immunity in advance by his corrupt SCOTUS, then you are too! You are as much in violation of the Constitution as he is; you are as cruel as he is. We might never be the America that once was, so you may get away with your crimes of collusion and conspiracy, just as Trump himself will escape punishment. Blind support for a criminal is automatically approval of his crimes! You are guilty! Nicholas S Molinari Brick
Public Service Is Not Self-Promotion People show you who they are through their actions. That applies to elected of-
Laura Wingler Manchester
Development Leads To Flooding How can people, especially planners and developers, be so stupid to take down trees and then act as if they were innocent when major flooding occurs? Isn’t it common knowledge that we need to keep trees alive so that, among other things, their roots can soak up rain water and prevent the calamities we saw last week (editor’s note: the nor’easter)? Iona Conner Brick
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The Berkeley Times, October 17, 2026, Page 9
Community News C lub N ews , A ctivities , E vents & A nnouncements
PBA Golf Outing To Support Local Scholarship Fund
BEACHWOOD – The Beachwood-Pine Beach PBA Local 253 will hold its annual golf outing October 23 at LBI National Golf & Resort in Little Egg Harbor. Registration begins at 11 a.m., followed by a 1 p.m. shotgun start. The event will feature a four-person scramble format. Registration is $200 per golfer or $800 per foursome and includes access to the practice range, a golfer welcome gift, cocktail hour and a buffet-style dinner in the Lighthouse Ballroom. A dinner-only option is available for $50. Businesses and community members
can also support the event through sponsorships. Opportunities include platinum sponsorships for $1,500, gold for $500, silver for $400, bronze for $300 and tee advertisement signs for $100. Depending on the sponsorship level, benefits may include a foursome, recognition on the event banner, a plaque and tee advertising. Checks should be made payable to PBA Local 253 and mailed to Andrew Altman, P.O. Box 253, Beachwood, NJ 08722. Proceeds will benefit the Beachwood-Pine Beach PBA scholarship fund and other local charities.
Police Warn Residents About Tech Support Scams
BERKELEY – Police are warning residents to be cautious of technology support scams in which criminals pose as representatives of well-known companies in an effort to steal money or personal information. Scammers may contact victims by phone, email or pop-up messages and falsely claim there is a problem with their computer. They may then ask the victim to open files, run scans or provide remote access to the device, even though no legitimate computer problem exists. Once access is granted, scammers can install malicious software, obtain usernames and passwords, steal financial information or
pressure victims into paying for unnecessary software, repairs or services. Police advise residents not to call phone numbers displayed in unsolicited pop-ups, click suspicious links or provide passwords or remote access to anyone they do not know. Anyone who needs technical assistance should contact a company directly using an official phone number and keep security software updated. Residents who believe something may be suspicious are encouraged to stop before providing information or money and contact Berkeley Township Police at 732-341-6600.
Trick Or Trunk Returns
BERKELEY – The recreation department will host its annual Trick or Trunk celebration October 24 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Veterans Park, offering local children a safe and festive way to celebrate Halloween. The event is open to Berkeley residents through sixth grade. Children are encouraged to wear costumes as they make their way among decorated vehicle trunks to collect Halloween treats.
Organizers are also seeking community members to participate by decorating their vehicles and handing out candy. Those interested in hosting a trunk are asked to complete the recreation department’s Trick or Trunk registration form. Families may also donate bags of candy to help ensure there are enough treats for participating children. For additional information, contact Berkeley Recreation at 732-269-4456.
First Aid Squad Plans First Vendor Show
BAYVILLE – The Bayville First Aid Squad will host its first vendor show December 12, offering residents a chance to get some holiday shopping done while supporting local businesses and volunteer emergency medical services. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bayville First Aid Squad. A variety of local vendors will be on hand, along with
food and refreshments. Organizers are also planning activities for children, including a holiday craft. Santa may make a special appearance, giving families an opportunity to take holiday photos. Proceeds and community support from the event will help the volunteer Bayville First Aid Squad continue providing emergency medical services to the area.
Fire Company Plans Christmas Raffle
SOUTH TOMS RIVER – Manitou Park Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 will hold a 50/50 Christmas raffle drawing at 6 p.m. November 27 at the South Toms River First
Aid Building, 401 Dover Road. The winner does not need to be present. For tickets or additional information, call Patrick Piccoli at 732-597-8379.
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Page 10, The Berkeley Times, October 17, 2026
The Ocean County Historical Society’s Annual Holiday Craft and Collectibles Faire
Sunday, Nov. 1st from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Located at Toms River South Cafetorium (off of Hooper Ave)
ADMISSION IS FREE! • 90 quality vendors • Delicious baked goods table • Large 50 - 50 A limited number of 8’ tables are still available. For additional information and a contract Contact Joseph at 732-998-5943, rj072001@gmail.com or visit the Ocean County Historical Society website.
Community News C lub N ews , A ctivities , E vents & A nnouncements
Manitou Park Fire Company Plans Spaghetti Dinner BERKELEY – The Manitou Park Volunteer Fire Company will host an all-youcan-eat spaghetti and meatball dinner November 7 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Holiday City South Clubhouse, 139 Santiago Drive. Dinner will include spaghetti, meatballs, bread, salad, dessert, coffee and other beverages. Guests may bring their own alcoholic beverages, and takeout orders will also be available. Children younger than 10 may attend for free. Admission is $20 per person at the door or $18 with advance tickets. Each admission
also includes one free ticket for a gift auction. Seating is limited. Advance tickets will be sold at the Manitou Park Firehouse on Fort De France Avenue from 6 to 7 p.m. October 19, October 26 and November 2. Tickets may also be purchased at Carmona Bolen Funeral Home, 412 Main St., Toms River, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. seven days a week through November 4. For additional information or tickets, contact Patrick at 732-597-8379. Food for the dinner is being provided by Luigi’s Deli in South Toms River.
Community Garden Plot Rentals For Residents
BEACHWOOD – Residents will have the opportunity to grow their own vegetables and f lowers this season as Beachwood officials open applications for plots at the community garden. The program, organized through the Environmental Shade Tree Committee, invites residents to rent garden plots and take part in a shared outdoor space focused
on gardening and community building. The garden offers a place to cultivate produce, flowers and connections with neighbors. Application packets are now available online at beachwoodusa.com under the Environmental Shade Tree Committee section, labeled Garden Application Package. Officials noted that participation is limited to Beachwood residents.
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.
Vendors Sought For Fall Craft Fair
BEACHWOOD – The Toms River High School South Marching Indians are seeking crafters, vendors and food trucks for a fall craft and vendor fair November 7. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Toms River Intermediate South, 1675 Pinewald Road.
An 8-by-5-foot vendor space costs $50, while a space with access to an electrical outlet costs $60. Applications are available at forms. gle/47PeEw4wugj7adVF8. Questions may be directed to fundraising@trhssbandwagon.org.
The Berkeley Times welcomes your special announcements! Engagements, Weddings, Births, Birthday Wishes, etc. Please call 732-657-7344 for more details!
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The Berkeley Times, October 17, 2026, Page 11
Around The Jersey Shore Fulfill Receives $250,000 Grant To Fight Hunger
Jo Gallo, Licensed Broker Phone & Text Message: 908-433-5774 Email: jo@jogallo.com Website: www.jogallo.com
HEY JERSEY SHORE! AEP 2027, October 15-December 7 is almost here! Let’s Make Medicare Personal Again! Are you ready for Medicare’s 2027 Annual Enrollment Period? Every year, Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans can change — including premiums, benefits, provider networks, drug coverage and out-of-pocket costs. And when everything changes, you deserve more than a sales pitch.
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?
JERSEY SHORE – Fulfill has received a $250,000 grant from the FirstEnergy Foundation to expand hunger-relief efforts for families across Monmouth and Ocean counties as rising food costs continue to strain household budgets. More than 150,000 residents turn to Fulfill for food assistance each month, according to the organization. Fulfill President and CEO Triada Stampas said the FirstEnergy Foundation funding will help provide nutritious food while connecting residents with other services designed to improve long-term stability. The grant is part of a $1.3 million FirstEnergy Foundation investment benefiting 25 hunger-relief organizations throughout New Jersey. The foundation said the funding is expected to help provide nearly 4 million meals. Jersey Central Power & Light,
Photo courtesy Fulfill a FirstEnergy subsidiary, serves about 1.2 million customers in 13 New Jersey counties, including Monmouth and Ocean. Feeding America estimated that more than 130,000 people in Monmouth and Ocean counties experienced food insecurity in 2024, including nearly 40,000 children. Fulfill said higher food prices and changes to SNAP benefits have added to the financial pressures facing families. Fulfill plans to use the grant for programs including its Pop-The-Trunk mobile food distributions and services that connect residents with public assistance and other resources. Board of Trustees Chair Susan Doctorian Kyrillos said partnerships with businesses and community organizations are critical to addressing both immediate hunger and the broader challenges facing families.
Holiday Crafts Faire Returns To Toms River
TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Historical Society will host its 35th annual Holiday Crafts and Collectibles Faire on Nov. 1, offering shoppers a chance to browse dozens of vendors while supporting local history programs. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Toms River High School South Cafetorium, accessible from Hooper Avenue. Those using GPS can enter 212 Hooper Ave. About 90 vendors are expected to participate, offering a variety of handmade goods, collectibles and holiday merchandise. Shoppers can expect items including wreaths, candles, pottery, scarves, jewelry, decorations, postcards, jams, food products and household goods. The society will also sell baked goods during the event, along with 50/50 raffle tickets. Organizers said the raffle has traditionally generated a prize worth thousands
of dollars. Visitors can also stop by the Ocean County Cultural and History Pavilion to learn more about the county’s past. The pavilion is sponsored by Ocean County Cultural and Heritage. Admission to the faire is free. The event serves as the Ocean County Historical Society’s largest annual fundraiser. Proceeds help maintain the organization’s museum and Victorian-style home at 26 Hadley Ave. in Toms River and support educational programs, school visits, historical presentations and its bimonthly publication. The society is also planning a Holiday Open House featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus on Nov. 28. A limited number of 8-foot vendor tables remain available. For information, call Joseph at 732-998-5934 or email rjl072001@ gmail.com.
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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Page 12, The Berkeley Times, October 17, 2026
Here’s To Your Health Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Presented By: Isidore Kirsh, Ph.D., F.A.A.A. (N.J. Lic. #678)
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Science has found growing evidence that treating hearing loss may do more than improve communication. It could also help protect brain health. A study published in JAMA Neurology in 2025 adds to the increasing evidence, showing that using hearing aids earlier in life may help lower dementia risk in some groups. The investigation, “Self-Reported Hearing Aid Use and Risk of Incident Dementia,” drew on data from almost 3,000 U.S. adults ages 60 and older who were part of the long-running Framingham Heart Study. Participants without dementia were followed up to 20 years to track whether hearing aid use affected their chances of developing the condition. What researchers found: Adults 60–69 who reported wearing hearing aids were about 61% less likely to develop dementia than those with unaddressed hearing loss. Though the same potential benefit wasn’t found among those 70+ with an identified hearing loss, other research has already linked hearing aid use to lower dementia risk among older adults. Timing might play a key role. Tackling hearing loss earlier — before significant
cognitive changes begin — may help keep the brain active and connected. Hearing loss can lead to social withdrawal and increased mental strain as the brain works harder to process unclear sound. Over time, the extra effort may contribute to changes in brain structure and function. By improving sound clarity and communication, hearing aids may help reduce this burden and support longterm brain health. The study’s findings build on past breakthroughs tying hearing care to cognitive wellness. In 2023, for example, the ACHIEVE study announced findings linking professionally fitted hearing aids and audiologic counseling to a slower rate of cognitive decline in older adults at higher risk over three years. These outcomes demonstrate hearing care’s importance in aging healthily and empowered. Help protect your hearing and brain health. Call Dr. Izzy & Staff to set up an appointment for a complete hearing evaluation, 732-451-3962 or visit our website at gardenstatehearing.com. 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!
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.
jerseyshoreonline.com
The Berkeley Times, October 17, 2026, Page 13
Here’s To Your Health
Dear Phar Pharmacist macist Can You Really Die Of A Broken Heart? By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph. Several weeks ago, I lost my 33-year old son Michael unexpectedly, and violently. Since then, I’ve learned something about grief that textbooks can’t fully convey but maybe some of you understand. Traumatic grief is different than ordinary grief. And neither one lives just in your head. You feel it in your stomach, your sleep, your breathing, your energy, and sometimes in the pounding or fluttering of your heart. As a pharmacist, I started wondering about something I’ve heard people say my entire life: Can you actually have a broken heart? As it turns out, yes! There is a real medical condition called Takotsubo syndrome, also known as stress cardiomyopathy or Broken Heart Syndrome. Intense emotional or physical stress can temporarily weaken the heart muscle, making it less able to contract normally and pump blood effectively. And it’s not just feeling anxious or tired. You can see changes on your labs, and on an echocardiogram. The cardiac changes (again, visible on echo) can alter your ejection fraction, affect an ECG, raise cardiac biomarkers, and, occasionally, trigger dangerous heart rhythms. One leading theory for why this happens is that it involves a huge activation of the sympathetic nervous system… you probably know this as your “fight or flight” response. Stress chemicals like adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine) rise. The intense or prolonged stress response appears capable of temporarily “stunning” portions of the heart muscle. Bereavement isn’t the only trig-
ger. It can happen after tremendous fear or rage, an accident, surgery or serious illness. Grief itself doesn’t automatically lower your ejection fraction. There are plenty of other reasons someone’s EF might be low or declining. For example, coronary artery disease, significant valve disease, persistent arrhythmias and other types of cardiomyopathy, just to name a few. So please don’t look at a low EF during a stressful period and assume, “Oh, it’s just grief.” It can look like a heart attack. This is probably the most important thing I can tell you. Heart rhythm disturbances can also occur. Some people develop atrial arrhythmias, and more serious ventricular arrhythmias are possible. So yes, Broken Heart Syndrome can look remarkably similar to a heart attack. I’ve learned over these past seven weeks that grief has a physical presence. It can mess with your sleep. It can steal your appetite. It can exhaust you and somehow leave you wired at the same time. And your heart may suddenly pound because a song comes on, you see a picture, or you hear a helicopter overhead airlifting some other unlucky soul. The connection between your emotions, nervous system and heart is very real. We tend to put emotional health in one little box and physical health in another, but your body doesn’t necessarily work that way. So don’t panic over every flutter. But don’t dismiss your heart symptoms either. For a more in-depth version of this article, including how Broken Heart Syndrome can affect heart function, ejection fraction and cardiac testing, visit suzycohen.com.
(This information is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Suzy Cohen is the author of “The 24-Hour Pharmacist” and “Real Solutions.” For more information, visit www.SuzyCohen.com) ©2026 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.
CPR Classes Open To The Public
SOUTH TOMS RIVER – South Toms River EMS is pleased to offer Initial and Renewal CPR Classes for both first responders and the general public. Classes will be held the 4th Thursday of the month at the Squad building on Dover Road
at 6 p.m. Each class will take approximately 2 to 3 hours. Learn life-saving skills to protect your loved ones and community. Classes are affordable, include certification, and are open to all! Register at: strfas.org/cpr.
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. MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS! Expand your patient base by advertising in Micromedia Publications’ 7 weekly newspapers. Call 732-657-7344 to find out how!
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Page 14, The Berkeley Times, October 17, 2026
Around The Jersey Shore Ocean Ride To Launch Automated Ride Alerts
OCEAN COUNTY – Ocean Ride ReserveA-Ride passengers will begin receiving automated calls and text messages about their scheduled transportation starting Oct. 19 as part of a new software system designed to improve service. The Ocean County Department of Transportation Services said riders will receive an automated confirmation call the day before a scheduled trip. On the day of the ride, passengers will get another call 15 minutes before their pickup window begins, followed by a text message when the vehicle is on the way and another notification when it arrives. Reserve-A-Ride passengers select a pickup window of 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the service. Riders are being reminded to be ready at the beginning of that window because drivers may arrive at any time during the designated period. “The new software is designed to make Reserve-A-Ride services more efficient and timing during the pick-up window more accurate for riders,” Ocean County Commissioner Robert S. Arace, liaison to Ocean Ride, said. When scheduling a trip, riders will be asked to provide or confirm their contact information so they can receive the auto-
mated updates. Arace said the technology is another step toward modernizing the county transportation system while making the service easier to use for seniors and residents with disabilities. “Ocean Ride is moving forward towards the future of public transportation, seeking to streamline service for riders,” Arace said. “The Reserve-A-Ride program is meant to make life easier for our senior population and residents living with a disability. We hope this new alert system provides even further ease.” The way passengers book rides will not change. Reservations can still be made by telephone, and the program’s operating hours and shared-ride service will remain in place. County officials also said Ocean Ride plans to launch a smartphone application in 2027 that will give riders easier access to trip and route information. Ocean Ride operates 13 public transportation routes in Ocean County. Its Reserve-ARide program provides advance-registration, door-to-door, non-emergency medical transportation primarily within Ocean County for residents age 60 and older and people with disabilities age 18 and older.
Food Addicts Anonymous Meets Weekly
BAYVILLE – Those struggling with food addiction can find encouragement and recovery through the Food Addicts Anonymous (FAA) Twelve-Step fellowship, which meets every Monday at 7 p.m. at Faith Community Church, 526 Atlantic City Boulevard. The group offers
a supportive environment for individuals dealing with binge eating, restrictive eating, or purging behaviors, viewing food addiction as a biochemical disorder rather than a lack of willpower. For more information, visit faacanhelp.org.
jerseyshoreonline.com
The Berkeley Times, October 17, 2026, Page 15
Around The Jersey Shore Arc Casino Night Raises More Than $62,000
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Photo courtesy The Arc of Ocean County TOMS RIVER – The Arc, Ocean County Chapter raised more than $62,000 at its third annual Celebrate The Arc Casino Night on October 2 to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The fundraiser drew 185 guests to the Atlantis Ballroom for a cocktail reception and games of craps, roulette, blackjack and poker. Players exchanged their play money for raffle tickets for 70 gift auction prizes and 22 high roller prizes valued at more than $200 each.
Local businesses donated prizes, and 50 event sponsors helped the organization exceed its fundraising goal. Platinum sponsors included Lester Glenn and OceanFirst Bank. Proceeds will support 1,100 individuals with disabilities and family members enrolled in the chapter’s programs. Services include housing, job training, employment assistance, transition services, transportation, clinical and family support, respite care, recreation and wellness. For more information, visit arcocean.org.
Ocean County Adds Nearly 90 Acres To Preserved Land
OCEAN COUNTY – Nearly 90 additional acres in three Ocean County municipalities are slated for preservation following action by the Ocean County Board of Commissioners. The county approved the preservation of properties in Eagleswood, Berkeley and Plumsted townships during September using the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust Fund. Together, the properties total about 89.5 acres and will expand a preservation program that has already protected more than 30,000 acres of open space and 3,600 acres of farmland across the county. The largest acquisition involves 78.35 acres along Route 9 in Eagleswood Township. The county plans to purchase the environmentally sensitive property for $850,000. Ocean County Commissioner Robert Arace, liaison to the Natural Lands Trust Fund Advisory Committee, said the land had faced the possibility of being developed with nine single-family homes. It will be the second property purchased through the program in Eagleswood. In Berkeley Township, the county will preserve a 1.22-acre parcel near Route 9 that was donated by a private property owner. Officials said the land sits between areas associated with the former Blackbeard’s Cave property and includes trails that could even-
tually connect with the previously preserved 746-acre NJ Pulverizing property. That site also connects with a portion of the Barnegat Branch Trail. The county also approved the purchase of development rights on 9.97 acres of mostly wooded farmland along Hopkins Road in Plumsted Township for $255,000. Under the agreement, the property owners will retain ownership and continue operating the farm, while Ocean County will hold the agricultural easement and development rights. The arrangement permanently prevents the property from being developed for other uses. The farm is near approximately 64 acres of county-preserved land known as the Schen property, or Old Hopkins Farm, as well as other preserved properties overseen by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The Natural Lands Trust Fund is used to preserve forests, wetlands, farmland, waterways and other environmentally important property throughout Ocean County. County voters will be asked in November whether to increase the trust fund tax from 1.2 cents to 2.2 cents per $100 of equalized property valuation. Officials said the additional revenue would support future land purchases, maintenance, cleanup and habitat preservation.
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Page 16, The Berkeley Times, October 17, 2026
Around The Jersey Shore Ocean County Recognizes Women’s Health Month 18 Butler Blvd • Bayville 732-237-2220 Tallwoods Care Center is a Premier Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Facility. Compassionate Nursing Care. Let us help you with your health care needs!
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Photo courtesy Ocean County TOMS RIVER – Ocean County has proclaimed October as Women’s Health Month, encouraging women to prioritize their well-being and learn about local health resources. Commissioner Jennifier Bacchione joined members of the Ocean County Advisory Commission on the Status of Women to mark the designation.
The Board of Commissioners urged women to stay informed about their health, schedule recommended screenings and use programs and services available throughout the county. Community organizations and agencies, working with the advisory commission, will offer programs and events throughout October focused on women’s health and safety.
Chicago Announces Two Atlantic City Shows
ATLANTIC CITY – Chicago will perform two concerts at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City on November 6 and 7. Both shows are scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Tickets will go on sale July 31 at 10 a.m. through HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com. Event details are subject to change. Chicago has sold more than 100 million albums
worldwide and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The group has also received multiple Grammy Awards and the Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Known for its distinctive horn arrangements, vocals and extensive catalog of hits, the band has recorded 21 Top 10 singles, 11 No. 1 singles and five consecutive No. 1 albums. Chicago has also earned 49 gold and platinum awards.
Thanksgiving Homecoming Celebration Planned
SOUTH TOMS RIVER – South Toms River Recreation will host a free Thanksgiving Homecoming and Harvest Celebration on November 21 from noon to 6 p.m. The all-ages community event will feature family activities, opportunities to reconnect with friends and relatives, and local vendors
offering items for holiday gatherings. The celebration will be held at 1 Drake Lane in South Toms River. Vendors, activity sponsors and community organizations interested in participating can call 732-278-1134 or email strrecreation@ gmail.com to reserve space.
Hope Buddy Program Offers Weekly Encouragement
TOMS RIVER – HOPE Sheds Light is inviting community members to join its Hope Buddy Program, which provides participants with two inspirational text messages each week. The messages feature encouraging quotes selected from inspirational books by the organization’s family volunteers. The program is intended to
provide regular support, connection and hope. Participants will also be invited to future Hope Buddy Meetups, with additional details expected to be announced later. To register or learn more, contact Nicole at nicole@hopeshedslight.org or 732-244-0783, ext. 131.
jerseyshoreonline.com
The Berkeley Times, October 17, 2026, Page 17
Around The Jersey Shore
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Photo courtesy LADACIN Network Back row left to right: Carla Romano, Marketing Manager, Turning Point Restaurants, Kirk Ruoff, CEO/Founder, Turning Point Restaurants, Lisa Lerner Graul, Executive Director, LADACIN Network. Front row: LADACIN Schroth school students. WANAMASSA – Turning Point Restaurants raised more than $24,000 for LADACIN Network during a two-day fundraiser held at participating locations across Monmouth and Ocean counties. Restaurants in Brick, Toms River, Long Branch, Little Silver, Holmdel, Manalapan, Ocean, Old Bridge, and Sea Girt locations took part in the “Eat, Drink and Be Caring…Serving the Mission of LADACIN Network” campaign. Despite a nor’easter during the weekend, supporters contributed to the fundraiser benefiting LADACIN’s services for people with disabilities.
Guests who donated $25 or more to LADACIN received a voucher for two complimentary entrées on a future Turning Point visit. Organizers said all customer donations went directly to LADACIN Network. LADACIN provides educational, therapeutic, social, residential and support services for infants, children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities or delays. The organization serves more than 3,500 individuals and families at 15 locations in Monmouth and Ocean counties. For more information, visit ladacin.org or turningpointrestaurants.com.
CASA To Celebrate 20 Years With Dining For A Cause Gala JERSEY SHORE – CASA of Ocean County will mark its 20th anniversary with a Dining for a Cause Gala at 6 p.m. October 30 at the Bay Head Yacht Club. The evening will include dinner, an open bar, entertainment and other special activities while raising money to support CASA’s
work with local children in foster care. Proceeds will help fund advocacy for children, recruitment and training of volunteer advocates and holiday wish lists for children in foster care. Tickets are available at casaofoceancounty.org/events/dining-for-a-cause.html.
Trunk Or Treat Event Aims To Scare Away Stigma
TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Mental Health Awareness Committee will host its sixth annual Scare Away Stigma Trunk or Treat from 6 to 8 p.m. October 21. The community event will be held on the fourth floor of the Ocean County Parking Garage near Madison and Hadley avenues in downtown Toms River. The Halloween-themed gathering is de-
signed to promote mental health awareness while giving families an opportunity to enjoy trunk-or-treat activities in a welcoming setting. The event is sponsored by the Ocean County Board of Commissioners. For more information, call the Ocean County Department of Human Services at 732506-5374.
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jerseyshoreonline.com
Page 18, The Berkeley Times, October 17, 2026
Around The Jersey Shore Ocean County Approves New Opioid Response Plan TOMS RIVER – Ocean County officials have approved a new three-year strategy aimed at expanding opioid prevention, treatment, recovery services and overdose prevention using money from national opioid settlements. The Ocean County Board of Commissioners recently endorsed the Ocean County Opioid Advisory Council’s 2027-2029 plan, which will guide how settlement funds are used to address substance use throughout the county. The plan was developed using community feedback and other available data to identify areas where additional resources are needed. Priorities include increasing public awareness, improving access to treatment and recovery programs, expanding harm reduction and peer support services, and removing barriers that may prevent residents and families from getting help. Ocean County Commissioner Sam Ellenbogen, liaison to the advisory council, said community participation played a major role in determining how the county should move forward. “Direct community input was an incredibly important part of the planning process,” Ellenbogen said. “Paired with other available data, community feedback informed action steps for the appropriate use of national opioid settlement funds and helped to identify service gaps so we can strengthen the system of care.” As the new plan is implemented, Ocean County is expected to offer competitive
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contracts for organizations providing programs that address the priorities identified by the council. County officials said programs supported during the previous funding cycle have already served thousands of residents. More than 5,000 Narcan and harm reduction kits have been distributed, while more than 125 businesses have participated in opioid prevention and treatment initiatives. About 2,000 students have taken part in drug prevention education programs, and more than 780 people have been connected with treatment and supportive services. Community outreach efforts have also generated more than 8,000 contacts with local partners to provide information, resources and referrals, according to the county. Organizations interested in future funding opportunities can monitor the Ocean County Procurement Portal at procurement. opengov.com/portal/oceancounty. Providers can also register through OpenGov to receive alerts about new county solicitations. “Ocean County is committed to using these funds responsibly to enhance programs and services for all of our residents and families affected by substance use disorder,” Ellenbogen said. The Ocean County Opioid Advisory Council was established in 2022. The group makes recommendations to the county and participating municipalities on how money received through national opioid settlements should be used to support local prevention, treatment and recovery efforts.
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The Berkeley Times, October 17, 2026, Page 19
R.C. Shea & Assoc.
Inside The Law New Jersey’s Dog Bite Law Is Stricter Than People Expect
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Most injury cases require proof that somebody was careless. Dog bites are different. New Jersey has a strict liability statute, and it changes the analysis entirely. Under the statute, a dog owner is liable for a bite whether or not the dog ever showed any sign of aggression before. The old notion that every dog gets one free bite is not the law in this state. The injured person has to establish three things: the defendant owned the dog, the dog bit them, and they were either in a public place or lawfully on private property when it happened. What the owner knew about the dog’s temperament is not part of the equation. Lawfully present covers more ground than people assume. A mail carrier, a delivery driver, a meter reader, and an invited guest are all lawfully on the property. Someone who climbs a fence into a fenced yard is not. The statute covers bites. It does not cover every injury a dog causes. If a large dog runs loose and knocks a cyclist over, or a leash is dropped and a dog charges someone who falls stepping back, that claim proceeds under ordinary negligence law instead and carelessness has to be proven. Both routes can be in play in the same case.
Marc A. Mastapeter – Manager NJ Lic. No. 4873
Payment usually comes from homeowners or renters insurance. Most policies cover dog bites, although some exclude particular breeds or exclude a dog with a bite history. That is one reason these claims are rarely about a neighbor’s personal savings, which is the concern that keeps many people from calling at all. A few practical things to rember. Get medical attention, because bite wounds get infected. Report the bite to the local health department, which starts a rabies investigation and creates a record. Photograph the wounds as they heal. Scarring on a face or a hand is often the most significant part of a child’s case, and a series of photographs shows what a description cannot. If a dog injured you or your child, call and we can talk about what the law actually covers. Answering that question 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. This article provides general information about New Jersey law. It is not legal advice about any particular situation, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Our clients’ success is our greatest reward. 732-505-1212 • RCSHEA.COM
Free Narcan Available Around The Clock
SOUTH TOMS RIVER – A naloxone distribution box has been installed outside the South Toms River EMS building, providing the public with free, around-the-clock access to the opioid overdose-reversal medication commonly known as Narcan. The box and its supplies were provided at no cost through a partnership with the Ocean County Health Department. Residents may take a kit without an appointment or answering questions. Each kit contains two single-dose, 4-mil-
ligram naloxone nasal sprays, gloves and instructions. The medication can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, allowing additional time for emergency responders to arrive. Anyone who suspects an overdose should call 911 immediately and administer naloxone if it is available. Officials encouraged residents to carry a kit because overdoses can involve illegal opioids or prescription medications and affect people from all backgrounds.
Youth Baseball Plans Trunk-Or-Treat
SOUTH TOMS RIVER – South Toms River Youth Baseball will host a trunk-ortreat fundraiser October 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. at 1 Drake Lane. Families can enjoy decorated vehicles, costumes and candy while supporting the local baseball organization. The rain date is October 18.
Residents and businesses are invited to register a decorated trunk, advertise their services and sell small trinkets during the event. Donations will be accepted at the entrance and concession stand. To register a trunk or obtain more information, call Ashley at 732-330-2104.
www.mastapetermemorialhome.com
Page 20, The Berkeley Times, October 17, 2026
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The Berkeley Times, October 17, 2026, Page 21
Program Encourages Residents To Prepare For Emergencies
TRENTON – New Jersey officials are encouraging residents with disabilities or access and functional needs to enroll in Register Ready, a voluntary statewide program designed to help emergency responders better assist individuals during disasters. Register Ready is a free, secure database that allows residents to share information that could be critical during emergencies such as
evacuations, sheltering or power outages. The program is intended to help emergency managers and first responders plan and respond more effectively to the needs of people who may require additional assistance. The registry is open to permanent and seasonal New Jersey residents with physical, developmental, cognitive or behavioral impairments. Individuals with temporary conditions —
including serious medical issues or high-risk pregnancies — are also encouraged to sign up. Family members or caregivers may register on behalf of someone who needs help. State officials say enrolling ahead of time can improve response times and ensure that emergency personnel are aware of mobility issues, medical equipment needs or other challenges before a crisis occurs.
Residents can register online at registerready. nj.gov. Assistance is also available by calling 2-1-1 within New Jersey or 877-652-1148. Translation services and TTY/TDD support are offered. Additional help is available through county offices of emergency management and local centers for independent living. Participation in the program is voluntary, and information provided is kept confidential.
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Page 22, The Berkeley Times, October 17, 2026
CLASSIFIEDS Other DEFEAT! These Democratic Socialist Communist! AOC, Sanders, Warren, Jeffries, El-Sayed, Omar, Tlaib, Khanna, Booker, and others! Fight for your freedom! Vote properly! GO MAGA. GO TRUMP. GO ISRAEL! Albert DeJesus. 732-533-8027. (47) GOOD MORNING AMERICA! HELLO LAKEWOOD! I'm Albert L. DeJesus, a disable wheelchair war Veteran (USAF). I walked and flew with Generals! C-130's. Corrections Department. Retired! I'm running as a "WRITE-IN" Candidate for member of the Board Of Education in Lakewood! I'm Pro-Israel! I will introduce for the Education of your Children, the following: Personal Finance! The Rule Of 72! Money Management! Percentages! Bible Studies! How to play "Chess" and Win! And more! Please Vote For Me, as a "WRITE-IN" Candidate November 3, 2026. Remember my name! Hablo Espanol! Thank You! This ad paid by me. GOD BIESS! Albert L DeJesus. 732-533-8027. (48)
Estate Sale Entire Estate Must Go! - Bedroom set, Wooden Curio, Electric fireplace, sectional, Grandfather clock, Computer desk with chair, and more. Call Patty 732-575-9870. (44)
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The Berkeley Times, October 17, 2026, Page 23
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Page 24, The Berkeley Times, October 17, 2026
Ice Palace To Host New Minor League Hockey Team
By J.R. Warnet BRICK - The Ice Palace will be hosting a new minor league hockey team this year. The Garden State Gamblers, a new NA3HL ice hockey team, will play their inaugural season home games at the Ice Palace, located at 197 Chambers Bridge Road. “The North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) has announced that its Board of Governors has approved the membership of the Garden State Gamblers, with the team set to begin play in the 2026-27 season,” according to a press release on na3hl.com. The new team also brings some renovations to the rink, which has long been a symbol of youth and teen ice hockey and ice skating in Ocean County. According to a press release, “It will feature brand-new locker rooms, a gym, and an off-ice training area. The Gamblers will be directly affiliated with the New Jersey Titans of the North American Hockey League and will provide opportunities for players to advance to the next level through the New Jersey Titans pipeline,” said Frank Gerbasi, head coach of the Gamblers. According to the Gamblers’ press release, head coach Gerbasi said he is most excited to coach younger players in a sport many New Jersey fans love. “The biggest thing for me at this level of hockey is play development. The best part about coaching for me is helping kids reach their goals and reach where they want to be.” This year’s season for the Gamblers will run from September 17 until March 12, 2027. The Gamblers are “owned and operated in direct affiliation with the New Jersey Titans of the North American Hockey League,” according to the website. The New Jersey Titans, who will play the Gamblers on October 24 and 28, have been playing hockey in Middletown for the past 28 years. Other teams the Gamblers will play throughout the year include the New Hampshire Jr. Mountain Kings, the Long Beach Sharks, and the Norwich Sea Captains. According to the Gamblers’ press release, “The NA3HL is one of only three USA Hockey-sanctioned Junior leagues and serves as one of the top training grounds in the country by providing the best coaching, exposure, and developmental vehicles available for student-athletes. The NA3HL advances more players to the NAHL, NCAA, and ACHA than any other junior league of its kind.” For hockey fans, watching a junior player rise through the ranks is exciting, and with a new team so close to the Brick area, fans may get a chance to watch a future NHL player before they reach prime time. Past New Jersey Titans alumni include Stanley Cup Champion Anthony Stolarz, who won the Cup with the Florida Panthers as their backup goaltender in 2024. Stolarz now plays for the Toronto Maple Leafs and has Jersey hockey roots that grow deep. Stolarz grew up in Jackson and was drafted 45th overall in 2012 by the Philadelphia Flyers in the second round of the NHL draft. The Gamblers aren’t the only new hockey team in Jersey. This season kicks off the Trenton Ironhawks’ inaugural season. Playing in the ECHL, East Coast Hockey League, the Ironhawks will
Photo courtesy Garden State Gamblers Frank Gerbasi, head coach of the Garden State Gamblers. be the first team to play in Trenton since the old Trenton Titans ended their run in 2013. Youth Teams Continue Other teams will be utilizing the Ice Palace for games this season. The Brick Hockey Club will play games at the arena and hold training classes for future hockey stars. Kids ages 5 to 18 are invited to play. According to the Brick Hockey Club’s website, the “Brick Hockey Club continues to be one of the most recognized and successful Tier 2 Organizations in America. Our players have dominated the high school scene year after year.” Brick has a long tradition of coaching players to further their ice hockey aspirations. “Prep school coaches continue to seek the talents of our players. We currently have players playing at the Division 1, 2 and 3 college levels, in Junior Hockey, and in the NHL,” according to the Brick Hockey Club website. Both high schools in Brick also use the Ice Palace for their home games. The Brick Dragons and the Brick Mustangs will call the rink home for the year, with plenty of local fans and past Brick ice hockey players coming to support the next generation of players. The Ice Palace has been hosting hockey teams and figure skating for decades. Currently, they hold hockey clinics for all ages through November 19. Players interested in this clinic should have completed the Learn to Skate program at the Ice Palace before joining the Fall Learn to Play Hockey clinic. Open hockey is also featured at the Ice Palace throughout the year. On October 31, first responders are invited to play open hockey. Public skating is available at the rink on Fridays and Saturdays during October. Skate rentals and full ice hockey equipment are available in limited quantities for those interested in trying a new sport. You can also rent the rink for birthday parties and other events in advance. For a full list of events, clinics, ticket sales, and games, please visit theicepalace.net. To follow the Garden State Gamblers’ stats and upcoming home games at the Ice Palace, please visit na3hl.com/teams
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The Berkeley Times, October 17, 2026, Page 25
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-month-old 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 community 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 st ring bet ween 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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Page 26, The Berkeley Times, October 17, 2026
FUN & GAMES SUDOKU
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Across 1 Cop to 6 Of this clue, approve he would 10 Flows back 14 Previous 15 Brief analysis? 16 Blind strip 17 Christmas party 19 Unit of lipstick 20 Fuel made from corn 21 Beverage with tapioca pearls 23 Winter coat? 25 Many an island in the South Pacific 26 Slumber party 32 Starting squad 33 “Good Omens” co-writer Gaiman 34 Couple 37 Pasta filling, sometimes 38 Popped with a low blow 40 Source of a low
blow? 41 Justin Trudeau and Christopher Luxon, for short 42 Degs. for filmmakers 43 Call for pizza, say 44 Halloween party 47 Professionals who might bug people 50 Impassioned request 51 Seemingly unbeatable foe 54 Get the big picture 59 Maroon 5 lead singer Levine 60 Cocktail party 62 Cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs, say 63 Glutinous glob 64 D sharp equivalent 65 Whole lot 66 Border lines? 67 Black Sea resort Down 1 Choir section 2 “Dang it!” 3 Ho Chi __ City
4 Crumb 5 Classic Pontiac 6 Like many a school bus 7 Egg cells 8 Mark on a bingo card 9 “On top of which ... “ 10 Lot of wealth? 11 Popeye’s rival 12 Genesis locale 13 Terrific bargain 18 Nutmegger’s st. 22 Word with hard or soft 24 Apple often used to make cider 26 X Games launch point 27 “Unexpected __ in bagging area” 28 Pair in a pod 29 Factory tub 30 Word that indicates a name change 31 “Diary of a Wimpy __” 34 “Seriously, man!?”
35 Superlative prefix 36 Couple in a boat 38 Company whose X account only follows some Spice Girls and seven guys named Herb 39 “Don’t bother” 40 Tackle 42 Fail to notice 43 Walter who moved the Dodgers to Los Angeles 44 Granny, to some 45 Puts in a seat 46 Host before Fallon 47 Bumps in the road 48 One of two on a tricycle 49 Instagram upload 52 Urge 53 Worn-down part of a shoe 55 __ Romeo 56 Streamlet 57 Tiny pest 58 “¿Cómo __?” 61 May celebrant
(c)2026 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.
SOLUTIONS
SU DOK U
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Jumble: DUNCE DRESS FLAVOR THEORY -- OLD-”FASTENED”
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OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FOR THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 17 - 23 BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS FORECAST ARIES (March 21-April 19): A belief might get challenged or a new idea could be presented — decide what’s meaningful and aligned for yourself without outside input. A relationship could be quiet but peaceful and settled now. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): An article of faith presented by someone close might or might not resonate. It might not be gaslighting, but it might be. Use your critical thinking and lived experience to determine what’s what. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Compliance can seem like safety though it doesn’t always work out that way. Find the best ways to handle your responsibilities, you should not have to follow directives if you’re not in the workplace. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Creatives know that sooner or later the right inspiration will land. Quiet time replenishing energy could be the perfect flex for today, Monday and Tuesday, as below-zero days can be more taxing to navigate. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Getting the family or group on the same page could be the task for today and you might have more luck that at other times, there could be a willingness to go along and get along. Communicate with care. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Consensus around an idea or plan could be reached, but don’t put anything into motion until Wednesday of next week or after. New beginnings need positive Universal day scores and after midday today stars head south.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Your focus could center around money and values — while it’s a poor day for any financial moves or big purchases, it could be an excellent day to consider your beliefs around deservingness and abundance. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Today your belief in yourself could catapult into a new, higher level of self-esteem that could stick. To make it stronger, work on self-validation and consistently keeping promises to yourself. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Examine your beliefs — your beliefs create much of your reality through their filtered interpretation of events. If your life isn’t what you want it to be, look within to see what’s creating it. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): A friend or friend group might expect conformity or agreement now. Friends can be very influential over the choices you make, be sure their lives are in alignment with your downstream goals. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): A shared understanding of the world can make people feel like kindred spirits, but all are one, regardless. Exclusion seldom leads toward good, inclusion does. The best accomplishments draw on everyone’s talents. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Learning is different than drinking Kool-Aid. A true teacher will present knowledge, let you integrate it your own way, and watch you grow through understanding. A cult forces obedience. (c) 2026 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.
The Berkeley Times, October 17, 2026, Page 27
GIVE CAULIFLOWER SOUP A GLOW-UP
Silky cauliflower soup gets a sweet-tangy finish with mango yogurt and crisp papadums. CREDIT:(Diane Rossen Worthington/TCA). Diane Rossen Worthington Cauliflower makes an elegant, versatile soup when paired with warm curry, sweet apple and a bright mango yogurt drizzle. This version is satisfying enough for a light lunch entree, yet refined enough to serve as a first course. Apple and cauliflower cook down beautifully in vegetable or chicken stock, then blend into a silky puree without the need for cream. Choose a balanced, aromatic curry powder, mild or spicy depending on your preference, and add a splash of hot sauce if you want a livelier finish. The mango yogurt drizzle adds a distinct sweet-savory layer, while crumbled papadums bring a crisp, unexpected garnish. Together, they give the soup color, texture and a polished finish.
CURRIED CAULIFLOWER APPLE SOUP WITH MANGO YOGURT DRIZZLE Serves 4 to 6 For the mango yogurt drizzle: 1/2 cup plain yogurt 1 tablespoon mango chutney 1 teaspoon curry powder Salt and white pepper For the soup: 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 medium onion, sliced 1 carrot, peeled and sliced 1 celery stalk, sliced 2 tablespoons good quality curry powder 3 garlic cloves, minced 2 pounds cauliflower florets, cleaned
1 apple such as Pink Lady, Envy or Cosmic Crisp, peeled, cored and coarsely chopped 6 cups vegetable or chicken stock Salt and white pepper to taste To garnish: Papadums, crumbled Parsley sprigs 1. Make the mango yogurt drizzle. In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, chutney, curry powder, salt and pepper until well blended. Add 1 tablespoon water, or enough to reach a drizzling consistency. Cover and refrigerate until serving. 2. In a medium soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrot and celery and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and very lightly colored. Lower the heat to medium, add the curry powder and stir for 1 minute. Add the garlic and saute for another minute, taking care not to burn it. 3. Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until creamy and smooth. Season with salt and white pepper, whisk to incorporate and taste for seasoning. 4. Add the cauliflower, apple and stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium, cover and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cauliflower and apple are soft. Remove from the heat. 5. To serve: Reheat the soup. Ladle the soup into shallow soup bowls. Drizzle with the mango yogurt sauce, sprinkle with crumbled papadums and finish with parsley sprigs. Serve immediately, with the remaining sauce on the side.
(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 28, The Berkeley Times, October 17, 2026
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