2026-10-17 - The Brick Times

The BRICK Times Vol. 25 - No. 23

In This Week’s Edition

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Ice Palace To Host New Minor League Hockey Team

BREAKING NEWS @

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Dr. Izzy’s Sound News

Photo courtesy Garden State Gamblers Frank Gerbasi, head coach of the Garden State Gamblers.

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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

Inside The Law Page 14

Classifieds Pages 22

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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.

Vigil Speaks Names Of Domestic Violence Victims 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

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 brandnew 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

(Vigil Speaks - See Page 5)

October 17, 2026

Asphalt Plant Manager: Changes Would Be Cleaner By Judy Smestad-Nunn BRICK - Stavola Industries, who have operated an asphalt production plant on Chambersbridge Road since the 1950s, is seeking approval from the Board of Adjustment to modernize its 17.3-acre plant. They recently held a fifth hearing for the application. Most of the three-hour special meeting involved the testimony of Stavola Industries division manager Greg Wagner, who oversees operations at Stavola’s 12 asphalt plants across the state. Under the cross-examination by Stavola attorney John Jackson, Wagner provided the nuts and bolts information on how “batch” asphalt production differs from a “drum” plant. The current facility is a three-ton batch plant, which makes one batch of asphalt at a time. Several timely steps are needed to combine (Asphalt Plant - See Page 15)

Shelter Reborn To Serve Families

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 (Ice Palace - See Page 4) new family shelter program operated by Family Promise of the Jersey Shore. The former youth shelter at 2445 Windsor Avenue is now Ocean County’s only state-licensed family emergency shelter. HABcore bought the former Harbor House property 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. “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 (Shelter Reborn - See Page 4)

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Ice Palace:

Continued From Page 1 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

Shelter Reborn:

Continued From Page 1 games. The kitchen has wood cabinets and a large refrigerator. Each family receives its own brand-new dishes, 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

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 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

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. Families Of All Sizes The five-bedroom house is approved by the state for 13 beds. That number can grow

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

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 acces-

sible. 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.

(Shelter Reborn - See Page 6)

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Vigil Speaks: Continued From Page 1

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 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-

The Brick Times, October 17, 2026, Page 5 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 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 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.” 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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Shelter Reborn: Continued From Page 4

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. Breaking Down Barriers Case management starts the day a family NEED AN EMERGENCY HOME REPAIR? WE’RE HERE TO HELP AT NO CHARGE

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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.” 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.

Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Family Promise Executive Director Elizabeth Golla, left, and shelter supervisor Gabby Eyrich stand in one of the bedrooms prepared for a family at HABcore Harbor.

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

Task Force To Bolster Election Integrity Capitol Comments Assemblyman Paul Kanitra

TRENTON - Offering New Jersey residents an alternative to the Democrats’ status quo in Trenton, Assembly Republicans are advancing their agenda through a newly created policy task force, which is focusing on election integrity first. The five-member task force, chaired by Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger, prioritized developing policies to protect the integrity of New Jersey’s elections following the registration of at least 6,600 noncitizen voters at the state’s Motor Vehicle Commission. “New Jersey residents’ confidence in our elections has been damaged with the revelation that Democrat-led state agencies failed by not only registering noncitizens to vote but then inviting them to participate. That is why this task force is presenting policies to ensure something like this never happens again as well as to clean up the voter rolls, prevent voter fraud, and make sure every legal vote counts,” Scharfenberger (R-Monmouth) said. Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia (R-Sussex) is vice chair of the task force and a sponsor of three

of the seven bills in its election integrity package. “New Jersey voters want stronger safeguards and accountability for the blatant failures in our voter registration system. The majority has yet to acknowledge or meet those demands. We will lead the fight for reforms that restore faith in our elections,” Fantasia said. Assemblymen John Azzariti (R-Bergen), Paul Kanitra (R-Ocean) and Alex Sauickie (R-Ocean) are the other members of the task force that was formed in the months following Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s election to develop a policy agenda that speaks to the needs of New Jersey residents and contrasts with the left’s priorities. After losing the Assembly majority in the 1989 election, Republicans developed a similar vehicle for pushing policies. The Assembly Republican Policy Committee in 1990 created task forces to address issues ranging from adult day care to government efficiency. The party won back the Assembly majority in the 1991 election and held it through 2001. “Public confidence won’t be restored by asking voters to accept a system that has already failed them. This package puts concrete solutions on the table to clean up voter rolls, verify eligibility, and secure our elections. Our Democrat colleagues have an opportunity to help deliver

those protections, and we’re asking them to take it,” Fantasia said. The following bills are in the Assembly Republicans’ election integrity package: Voting Integrity Task Force - A187 (Fantasia/ Inganamort/Auth): Creates a task force within the Attorney General’s Office composed of state, county and local law enforcement to investigate and prosecute alleged voter fraud. Voter Roll Cross Checking and Post-Election Reporting - A5627 (Flynn/Auth/Fantasia): Requires the secretary of state to maintain a voter registration list maintenance and cross-checking program to identify duplicate, nonresident and otherwise ineligible registrations. It also requires a report within 90 days following each general election and provides for cross checking voter registration information with jury records to identify individuals who report that they are noncitizens when seeking to be excused from jury service. Voter ID and Distinct Licenses for Noncitizens - A5628 (Scharfenberger/Flynn/McGuckin): Requires voters to present qualifying government-issued or photo identification at the polls and requires licenses issued to noncitizens to be visually distinct. Opt-In Voter Registration and Proof of Citizenship - A5489 (Azzariti/Fantasia): Eliminates automatic voter registration and

restores an opt-in registration process. It also requires proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote through the MVC. Election Day Deadline for Mail-In Ballots A5590 (Sauickie): Requires mail-in ballots to be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day to be canvassed. Securing Mail-In Ballot Drop Boxes - A5565 (Sauickie): Requires video surveillance and recording of mail-in ballot drop boxes and the counting of mail-in ballots. Special Legislative Committee on Election Integrity - AR156 (DiMaio/DePhillips): Creates a 12-member special Assembly committee, with six members appointed by the speaker and six by the minority leader and a co-chair selected by each. The committee would have subpoena power and authority to compel testimony and obtain documents, electronic records and other evidence as part of its investigation. “The bills are commonsense reforms that will safeguard elections,” Scharfenberger said. “Requiring voter ID is something the majority of Americans and even Gov. Sherrill supports, so we believe that this package warrants real consideration by legislative leaders. These bills deserve to be heard in committee, and the residents of New Jersey deserve to have confidence in our elections.”

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 reg-

istration. 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…These include: Deploying an automated audit process that verifies voter-registration records against customers’ recorded responses at the end of each day before being transmitted 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. 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. (Sherrill - See Page 9)

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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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 Brick 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 Brick Times, October 17, 2026, Page 9

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

Police Officer Honored As Phenomenal Woman

partment. A department member since 2015, she began her law enforcement career as a Class II seasonal officer before joining Brick police full time. She spent five years in patrol before transferring to the Community Policing Division. She now serves as the department’s public information officer, a DARE officer and a cadet mentor. Her responsibilities also include school presentations and developing relationships with residents and community organizations. Her career honors include two Life Saving Awards, a Grand Cordon Award, a Certificate of Congressional Recognition and Photo courtesy Brick Police several departmental commendations. She graduated summa cum BRICK – Police Officer Victoria Finelli has laude from New Jersey City University with a been named one of Monmouth and Ocean bachelor’s degree in national security studies, counties’ “Phenomenal Women Under 40” by attending on a full Presidential Scholarship for Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, recognizing academic achievement. her achievements, character and commitment The department praised Finelli’s dedication, to community service. saying her work combines public safety, menFinelli received the honor September 16, torship and community outreach to strengthen according to the Brick Township Police De- trust and inspire girls to pursue their goals.

Elks Plan Hidden Trail Lodge Crawl BRICK — Brick Elks Lodge 2151 will host its Hidden Trail Lodge Crawl on November 7, offering participants a daylong bus trip open to Elks members and their guests. The bus will depart from the Brick lodge at 11 a.m. and is expected to return at approximately 8 p.m. Organizers are encouraging participants to wear their favorite lodge shirt.

The cost is $45 per person and must be paid when making a reservation. Seating is limited to 55 people. Participants may bring small coolers with personal beverages and snacks. Reservations can be made by contacting Nancy Dinkowitz at 732-674-6785 or Janet Bittner at 732-678-7522.

Sherrill:

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. The MVC is also 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.

Continued From Page 7 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

55th 24

Adam H.S. Murrison Jr., 82, of Brick, formerly of Branchburg, Ridley Park, Pa., and Wildwood, died peacefully on October 4, 2026 following a brief and courageous battle with lung cancer. The son of Adam and Eleanore Murrison, Adam was born in Wildwood while his father was serving in World War II and raised in Ridley Park, Pa., where he was a soccer and basketball standout. Upon graduating from high school he joined the U.S. Navy, proudly serving his country on the USS Pine Island during the Vietnam War. Adam was honorably discharged in June of 1965 and drove from California to Wildwood to work at Groff ’s Restaurant for the summer. Within days, he caught the eye of a pretty hostess, Betty Wedemeyer. They were engaged by November and married the following June – a summer romance that celebrated 60 years of marriage this year. Adam and Betty settled into married life while he attended Penn Morton College, where he played soccer and basketball. After graduating from PMC in 1969, Adam started a lengthy sales career with Procter & Gamble, where his friendly, easygoing nature made him a popular visitor in supermarkets and drug stores. He and Betty moved to Long Island briefly before settling in Branchburg, where they raised their children Beth and Adam (Skip). Adam enjoyed coaching Little League baseball and Branchburg soccer and introduced his children to basketball and golf, but always found time for men’s softball and basketball leagues in town. Following a quarter century with P&G, Adam started his own home improvement business, Built to a Tee, before retiring in 2000. His retirement goals were simple – play as much golf as he could, travel with his wife and never mow the lawn again. He loved – LOVED – golf. He joined Woodlake Country Club and enjoyed multiple rounds a week – first tee time of the day, done in under three hours! – with friends for years. Adam enjoyed nothing more than a round with his son and delighted in his daughter’s career with the USGA. Adam and Betty traveled whenever they could – from day trips to Atlantic City and NYC to weeks in their beloved Wildwood, family vacations to Alaska and Hawaii, Caribbean cruises and a grand European adventure with Betty and his sister- and brother-in-law. And settling on a lagoon in Brick – not a blade of grass in sight – they reveled in welcoming family and friends to their home for boat rides and long weekends. As someone who grew up an only child, Adam loved large gatherings of family and friends – the bigger and louder the better. Betty and Adam’s swimming pool in Branchburg was the meeting place for family and friends for decades. He was famous for leading laughably off-key renditions of happy birthday. He always asked a million questions, which drove his children slightly crazy until they realized he was just interested in everything they did. He could fix or build anything, from rocking horses to decks. He maintained a silky smooth jumper until late in life and was still striping it down the center of the fairway well into his 70s. In his final days, surrounded by his loving family, he remarked, “it was a great life.” It sure was. Adam was predeceased by his parents Adam and Eleanore Murrison and father- and mother-in-law Fred and Elizabeth Wedemeyer. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Betty; his daughter Beth and son-law-law Scott Major of Tinton Falls; and his son Adam and daughter-in-law Lisa of Branchburg and their three children Adam, Matthew and Emily. Being their Pop Pop was Adam’s greatest joy. He was promoted to Opa when Adam and his spouse G welcomed Rhys in July of 2025. He was the best Dog Pop Pop who ever lived to Rosie, Kona and Maisie. He’s also survived by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Barbara and Jeff Topps, his nephews Brian (Eileen) and Kevin (Kristin) and their children Catherine, Sarah, Ciara and Conor. He also leaves behind many cousins from the Brown, Lock and Murrison families and dear childhood and lifelong friends Linda King and Ric McGraw. Details regarding visitation, which will be held at John E. Day Funeral Home in Red Bank, will be shared shortly. Burial at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the veterans’ group or animal rescue of your choice in Adam’s honor. Please visit Adam’s memorial website at www.johnedayfuneralhome.com for additional information.

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Page 10, The Brick 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.

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? 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.”

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

Mayor Creates Advisory Council On Disabilities

BRICK – Mayor Lisa Crate is proud to announce the formation of the Mayor’s Advisory Council on Disabilities, a new initiative focused on promoting inclusion, increasing awareness and improving the quality of life for residents with disabilities throughout Brick Township. “Brick is a community for everyone, and I want every resident to feel that they have a voice, that they are heard and that they have the opportunity to enjoy all that our Township has to offer. The Mayor’s Advisory Council on Disabilities will help us identify the barriers that exist and find meaningful ways to remove them,” said Mayor Crate. “I am excited to work alongside the members of this Council, learn from their experiences and continue building a Brick where everyone has the opportunity to participate, contribute and feel included.” The Council will work to identify and address the needs and concerns of individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. It will also provide educational and informational programs designed to increase community

awareness and understanding of issues related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), accessibility and inclusion. The Council will consist of up to 10 members appointed by Mayor Crate. Membership will include six individuals with disabilities or family members who live with or care for individuals with disabilities, the Township Planner, one member of the Township Council, one representative from the Brick Township Public Schools and one representative from the Brick Township Chamber of Commerce. Members will serve one-year terms, with the first term beginning January 1, 2027. The Council will hold quarterly meetings at the Municipal Building. Meetings will be open to the public, providing residents with an opportunity to learn more about the Council’s work and share their ideas, concerns and experiences. Anyone interested in being considered for membership on the Mayor’s Advisory Council on Disabilities should submit a resume and cover letter to Mayor Crate at mayor@bricktownship.net, beginning November 1.

Lakewood Employees Rank Eighth In Cancer Fundraiser

LAKEWOOD – Municipal employees raised money for breast cancer research and patient support through the Susan G. Komen Central Jersey More Than Pink Walk, finishing eighth among participating teams in the campaign’s Top Companies category. Team Lakewood Squad participated for the second consecutive year at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson. Committeewoman Debbie Fuentes joined employees from across municipal government, with each participant creating a personal fundraising page. Proceeds support Komen’s breast cancer research, patient advocacy, support services and educational programs. According to the orga-

nization, it has invested more than $3.6 billion in those efforts over several decades. Mayor Ray Coles, a cancer survivor whose parents and two sisters also survived the disease, praised the team for raising awareness and supporting patients and families. Coles, who has also lost close friends to cancer, said the employees’ efforts should make the community proud. Deputy Mayor Menashe Miller commended the employees for extending their public service beyond their jobs. Trish Komsa, the township’s chief operating officer and human resources director, said their participation reflected the workforce’s compassion and commitment to community health.

Elks Seek Gift Cards To Buy Children’s Coats

BRICK –Elks Lodge 2151 is collecting gift cards to purchase coats for children through its Give a Kid a Coat drive. The coats will be distributed with Thanksgiving food baskets on November 22. The lodge is accepting Visa, Mastercard,

American Express and Burlington gift cards through November 10. Donations can be left behind the lodge bar in an envelope marked for Elyse Russo. For more information, call Russo at 732644-6273.

Historic Sites Bus Tour Returns

BRICK – The Brick Township Historic Preservation Commission will host its seventh annual Bus Tour of Historic Sites on October 17, offering residents a chance to explore some of the community’s history. The free tour will depart at 10 a.m. from Havens Farm/Cultural Arts Center on Herberts-

ville Road and is scheduled to return at 1 p.m. There is no charge to participate, although donations will be accepted to help support maintenance of the historic Hulse House. Seating is limited. Those interested in attending should reserve a seat by contacting Kevin Jamiolkoski at 732-262-1055.

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Brick Times, October 17, 2026, Page 11

Police Blotter Driver Killed In Two-Vehicle Crash By Jason Allentoff BRICK – A 97-year-old man was killed in a two-vehicle crash on Drum Point Road, police said. Brick Township police responded to the intersection of Drum Point Road and Johnson Road at about 7:15 p.m. September 28 after receiving a report of a crash with injuries. A preliminary investigation by the department’s Traffic Safety Unit determined that a 2024 Hyundai Elantra was traveling east on Drum Point Road when it crossed the painted center median and struck a 2026 Cadillac Escalade traveling west, police said. The Hyundai driver, identified as Frank Pug-

liese, 97, suffered fatal injuries in the crash. The Cadillac driver, Taylor Reinig, 36, suffered minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Drum Point Road was shut down in both directions for about five hours while officers investigated and processed the scene. The crash remains under investigation. Anyone who witnessed the collision or has information that could assist police is asked to contact Patrolman Vincent Rustico at 732-262-1093. Police said the findings remain preliminary and could change as the investigation continues.

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

eventually 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.

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.

Treat yourself to the pleasure of a Full Victorian Holiday Tea, surrounded by the festivities, over 30 dazzling Christmas trees. Step into our enchating Tea Room adorned with crisp linens, fine English Bone China and charming tea pots with cozies. Our five-course Holiday Tea includes a freshly brewed pot of tea of your choice, a seasonal salad, a petite cup of soup, a warm scone with clotted cream & lemon curd, an assortment of tea sandwhiches and a full plate of home-made desserts.

Overnight stay package for the Mathis House or Huddy House Bed & Breakfast with Holiday Victorian Afternoon Tea for two and a gourmet breakfast the next morning at $249.00 a night Teatime is BUY ONE GET ONE FREE for overnight quests.

Reservations are required with advance payment of $50 per person plus tax and grautuity, $20 for children Enjoy live music during your visit. Seating times are everyday, 11am and 3pm.

November 2026-January 31, 2026

For Reservations, Please Call 732-818-7580 or Book Online at mathishouse600main.com

Seating Times are 7 Days a Week 11am and 3pm

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Page 12, The Brick 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)

Dr. Isidore Kirsh Ph.D., F.A.A.A.

Early Hearing Treatment May Reduce Dementia Risk

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!

PEDIATRIC DENTISTS & ORTHODONTISTS FOR YOUR CHILD! WE ARE ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! 368 Lakehurst Road | Suite 305 Toms River, NJ 08755

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Food Addicts Anonymous Meetings

BAYVILLE – In person meetings are every Monday night at 7 p.m. at the Methodist Church just south of the Dinosaur in Bayville. (526 Atlantic City Boulevard,

Bayville.) Come check it out if you’re wondering whether Food Addicts Anonymous could help you or someone you know!

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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The Brick 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.

P.O. Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733 • Phone: 732-657-7344 • Fax: 732-657-7388 email: news@jerseyshoreonline.com • jerseyshoreonline.com

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Page 14, The Brick Times, October 17, 2026

R.C. Shea & Assoc.

Inside The Law New Jersey’s Dog Bite Law Is Stricter Than People Expect

Michael J. Deem, Esq.

By: Michael J. Deem, Esq. R.C. Shea & Associates

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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.

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.

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Murder Mystery Dinner Planned At Grenville

POINT PLEASANT – The Daughters of America and the Woman’s Club of Point Pleasant will host “Murder at the Grenville,” an evening of dinner and mystery, on October 16. The event will run from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at The Grenville, 345 Main Ave. Guests will

take part in a “who done it?” style dinner show. Tickets are $60 and include dinner and the show. The event is BYOB, and no tickets will be sold at the door. For tickets, contact Terri at 201-320-6091 or Robin at rhoenge@yahoo.com.

Program Helps Seniors Apply For Nutrition Assistance

TOMS RIVER – Ocean County is offering several locations where seniors and residents with disabilities can receive help applying for supplemental nutrition assistance through Operation Homeplate. The program assists county residents age 60 and older, as well as people with disabilities, in determining eligibility for nutrition benefits. Application help is available every Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Somebody Cares,

48 Schoolhouse Road in Manchester, and every Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Lakewood Center, 1255 Route 70 in Lakewood. Residents can also get assistance at the Toms River Senior Center, 652 Garfield Ave., on the last Tuesday of each month from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call the Ocean County Office of Senior Services at 732-929-2091 and press 1.

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Asphalt Plant: Continued From Page 1

ingredients into a hopper where they are baked to about 320 degrees and dried. Then the aggregate is blended with oil and dropped into a truck, three tons at a time. “That truck will sit underneath the plant, and it takes eight minutes of mixing for that truck to be loaded,” Wagner said. When the load is dropped into the truck, the mixer opens, releasing steam and emissions, he said. Batch asphalt production is 1940s to 1960s technology, Wagner said. Stavola hopes to upgrade their Brick facility to a continuous mix plant, or drum plant, using newer technology. In a drum plant, all ingredients, including the aggregate and oil, are mixed and dried, all in one drum. The steam and emissions stay contained and are burned off inside the

POINT PLEASANT – The Jersey Shore Association for Human Resources will offer a SHRM certification exam preparation course through Zoom in partnership with Brookdale Community College. Classes will run from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays from September 16 through December 9, with no class scheduled during Thanks-

The Brick Times, October 17, 2026, Page 15 drum, and the finished product is loaded into the trucks from above. Wagner said the current plant emits over 100 decibels of noise. The noise would be reduced to about 55 decibels using the newer technology, he said. In a batch plant, the equipment has to start and stop, and uses significantly more electricity than a drum plant, which runs continuously while producing asphalt. Electricity is the most expensive part of asphalt production, Wagner added. The Brick plant is not as busy as it could be, Wagner said. Due to the market share, the plant only produced 86,000 tons last year. It has the capacity to make some 432,000 tons a year. There are time constraints as to how long asphalt can sit in a truck since it is temperature sensitive, so there are limitations on how long the truck can travel before the

material is unusable - usually no more than 30 minutes, Wagner said. Opposition attorneys will cross examine Wagner at a future hearing, which include attorneys hired by Brick Township Utilities Authority (BTMUA) and the environmental group Save Barnegat Bay. Both organizations say the location of the plant poses health risks due to its proximity to the Metedeconk River, located a halfmile upstream, which supplies drinking water to 100,000 residents. BTMUA Executive Director Chris A. Theodos and Save Barnegat Bay Executive Director Britta Forsberg and founder Willie deCamp have attended every hearing. In January, Theodos issued a press release stating that the utility has “grave concerns” and is “adamantly opposed” to the major reconstruction of the plant, and that the current proposal is “incompatible

with existing zoning…and poses a threat to the health, safety and welfare of Brick Township residents and neighboring coastal communities.” Theodos wrote that the plant should be closed promptly and the site remediated by the owner to eliminate any remaining hazards. There will be additional hearings before the Board votes on the application. Current professionals scheduled to testify include a traffic engineer, a planning/zoning professional and possibly other witnesses to rebut or address some things that might be raised by objectors. The next hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, October 21 during the regularly-scheduled Board of Adjustment hearing. Chairman David Chadwick said there would be one or two short applications heard before the Stavola application continues.

HR Certification Prep Course Offered Online giving week. The 36-hour program will cover the technical and operational aspects of human resources management and is designed for professionals pursuing senior HR, management or leadership roles. Participants who complete the course may take the national Society for Human Resource Management exam to earn either

the SHRM Certified Professional or SHRM Senior Certified Professional credential. Tuition is $1,369 and includes books, online resources, quizzes, review sessions and the exam fee. Payment plans are available. Registration is available at brookdalecc. edu/continuinged/business-professional-training/human-resources. Questions

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

may be directed to Carolyn Broderick at CarolynBrod@gmail.com. The association said more than half of its members are SHRM certified. It also received a 2025 SHRM Learning System Champion badge for supporting professional certification and advancement in the human resources field.

Page 16, The Brick Times, October 17, 2026

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The Brick Times, October 17, 2026, Page 17

Around The Jersey Shore Ocean County Recognizes Women’s Health Month

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.

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Page 18, The Brick Times, October 17, 2026

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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.

Arc Casino Night Raises More Than $62,000

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.

Fall Craft And Vendor Show Planned

BRICK – The Pioneer Hose Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary will hold its annual Fall Craft and Vendor Show from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. November 14 at 312 Drum Point Road. The event will feature a selection of crafts and merchandise from participating

vendors. Food will also be available for purchase. Proceeds will support the Ladies Auxiliary and its activities. For more information, email phfirehouse22aux@gmail.com.

jerseyshoreonline.com

The Brick Times, October 17, 2026, Page 19

Around The Jersey Shore Fulfill Receives $250,000 Grant To Fight Hunger

Photo courtesy Fulfill 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, 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.

Food Deliveries Continue To Serve Communities

JERSEY SHORE – FULFILL, the food bank serving Monmouth and Ocean counties, continues to operate mobile food pantries across the region to help residents struggling with food insecurity. The program provides regularly scheduled monthly distributions at various sites, including senior centers, health facilities, and community housing locations. Each stop offers groceries and fresh produce to individuals and families in need. Among the Ocean County sites are Manchester Pines on Hilltop Road in Manchester (first

Tuesday of the month, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.), Windsor Crescent in Jackson (second Monday, 10–11 a.m.), Harbor View Apartments in Tuckerton (third Monday, 10–11 a.m.), and Toms River Oaks on Oak Avenue (fourth Wednesday, 12:30–1:30 p.m.). Other distribution points include Georgian Court University in Lakewood, the Lakehurst United Methodist Church parking lot, Brick Housing Mobile at the Conway Building, and the Berkeley Housing Mobile site in Bayville. For the full list of mobile pantry sites and distribution times, visit fulfillnj.org.

Clubhouse Available For Rent

POINT PLEASANT – The Woman’s Club of Point Pleasant is offering its clubhouse for rent for meetings, organization gatherings, special occasions and small private events.

The rental includes access to a full kitchen, which is covered in the rental price. For details, availability or reservations, contact Michele Coffey at 848-227-0026 or email WomansClubPPRentals@gmail.com.

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Page 20, The Brick 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 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 fund-

ing 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.

Fall Festival Celebrates Harvest And History LAKEWOOD – A Fall Festival celebrating the harvest season and America’s 250th anniversary will be held October 18 from 1:30 to 4 p.m.

The event will take place at the Common Grounds Community Garden, located at the John Patrick Sports Complex in Lakewood.

The festival is presented with support from the Jewish Federation of Ocean County, RWJBarnabas Health’s Monmouth Medical Center

Southern Campus, Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Commission, New Jersey State Council on the Arts and Ocean County.

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The Brick Times, October 17, 2026, Page 21

Around The Jersey Shore Ocean Ride To Launch Automated Ride Alerts OCEAN COUNTY – Ocean Ride Reserve-A-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 ReserveA-Ride 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.

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The Brick Times, October 17, 2026, Page 23

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Page 24, The Brick Times, October 17, 2026

Around The Jersey Shore Holiday Crafts Faire Returns To Toms River

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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.

Library Program Explores American Artists

OCEAN COUNTY – The Ocean County Library will offer “Freedom to Create: The Artists Who Shaped America,” a free program combining a discussion of influential artists with a hands-on art activity. Teaching artist Jenny Santa Maria will discuss how the experiences of Georgia O’Keeffe, Faith Ringgold and Keith Haring shaped their work. Participants will then

create art inspired by the artists’ techniques and stories. The program is scheduled for October 23 at 2 p.m. at the Point Pleasant Beach Branch, 710 McLean Ave.; and October 27 at 11 a.m. at the Plumsted Branch, 119 Evergreen Road in New Egypt. Registration is required at tinyurl.com/CreateOCL or through the participating branches.

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The Brick Times, October 17, 2026, Page 25

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A touch of fall meets the Jersey Shore in this creative display, with freshly gathered acorns filling a vintage Georgia-Pacific toy truck. Photo by Caroline Ciccone. Have a great Jersey Shore-related photo of your own? Want to win a prize? Send your pictures to photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you may hear from us!

Billy Joel Band Sets Upcoming Show ATLANTIC CITY – The musicians who have backed Billy Joel in concert will perform at 8 p.m. December 5 at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. The show will highlight Joel’s decades-spanning catalog, which includes “Piano Man,”

“Uptown Girl,” “My Life,” “Just the Way You Are,” “New York State of Mind” and “We Didn’t Start the Fire.” Tickets go on sale through HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com. The performance schedule is subject to change.

Woman’s Club Gift Auction POINT PLEASANT BEACH – The Woman’s Club of Point Pleasant will host its returning gift auction October 25 at The New Harbor Point on Channel Drive. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Tickets cost $60 per person and include a choice of lunch. Auction bundles

will be available for purchase during the event. The auction is cash-only, and checks will not be accepted. Tables seat 12 people, and seating is limited. For ticket information, call Rosemarie at 732-892-2737.

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Page 26, The Brick 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 Brick 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 Brick Times, October 17, 2026

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