The BERKELEY Times Vol. 32 - No. 18
In This Week’s Edition
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What Do You Do With A Closed School?
Mullock, Van Drew Talk Costs, Vets, Before Election
BREAKING NEWS @
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Community News Pages 9-11
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 12
Inside The Law Page 24
Classifieds Pages 22
Photos by Chris Lundy (Above) It all started here: the one-room schoolhouse that was still in use in the years before the district closed. (Right) A resident expresses concerns about the future of the school. By Chris Lundy OCEAN GATE – The Ocean Gate School closed to students in June, which leaves the residents asking what comes next? Should the school building remain intact? Should it be demolished to make way for something else? Would new ratables lower taxes? Are there needs that a community center could address? Residents met recently to hear a discussion about possibilities and give their opinion to the borough’s leaders. People have been speaking about it a lot lately but this particular meeting had all of the comments
recorded formally for this topic. Planner Tara Paxton led the meeting with a presentation bringing residents up to speed on what has been done so far and laying out future options. The Borough Council has declared that the land is an area in need of redevelopment, she said. This “redevelopment” designation brings more control to the property owners. A simplified version is that it allows the town to make the plans, rather than a developer bringing in plans. Mayor Bob Curtin spoke several times during the (Closed School - See Page 4)
Toms River Halloween Parade Has International Appeal By Chris Lundy TOMS RIVER – “They’re heeere…” is what little Carol Anne famously said in “Poltergeist,” as restless spirits invaded her home. Restless spirits will also be invading Downtown Toms River. This year, Halloween is on a Saturday, so the parade is expected to be larger than life (and unlife). At 7 p.m. on October 31, the parade will start at the corner of Main Street and Highland Parkway. The parade will travel south on Main Street (Route 9) turning left onto Washington Street. The parade
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ends at the intersection of Washington Street and Hooper Avenue. This will be the 87th time the parade has been held. The parade is known for its elaborate floats, marching bands, costumes, pets, and family-friendly Halloween fun. This year’s Grand Marshall is ex fire chief Al McDaniel. He has 50 years with Toms River Fire Company #1, which runs the parade, and he is still active in the department, said current Chief Carl Weingroff. The parade known as the second largest Halloween
By Chris Lundy BERKELEY – Local voters will choose who represents them in Congress during the November 3 election. Every two years, one-third of the seats in the Senate and every seat in the House of Representatives are on the ballot. On the Senate side, Senator Cory Booker, Democrat, is up against Republican challenger Justin Murphy. JerseyShoreOnline.com chose to focus on the House seats for their election coverage. This article is about New Jersey’s 2nd Congressional District, which incorporates the southern parts of Ocean County, including some of Berkeley Township, and most of the southern portion of the state. Incumbent Congressman Jefferson Van Drew, a Republican, is being challenged by Cape May Mayor Zack Mullock, a Democrat. Both candidates were asked the same questions via phone interviews. Their answers appear in alphabetical order. Affordability Much of the current problems people have can be summed up by a simple word: affordability. Whether it’s the cost of health care, groceries, gasoline, utilities, or taxes, it all comes down to how much money stays in the pockets of voters. Both candidates were asked the general question of how they would make life more affordable. As mayor of Cape May, Mullock said he’s been (Mullock & Van Drew - See Page 5)
Five Voter Registrations Still Under Review After Court Ruling By Stephanie Faughnan OCEAN COUNTY – Would they still be able to vote? Some Bay Head residents brought that concern to a recent Ocean County Board of Elections meeting hours after a judge denied a request to halt the review of their voter registration status. The review began with an August 21 letter from Dennis Shaning, then Bay Head Borough Council president and Republican Party chairman, listing 39 voters whose tax bills were mailed outside the borough. The letter questioned their domicile or residence as it related to their right to vote in Ocean County. The Board of Elections received the letter September 1 and discussed it September 8.
(Halloween Parade - See Page 6)
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Page 2, The Berkeley Times, October 24, 2026
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The Berkeley Times, October 24, 2026, Page 3
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Page 4, The Berkeley Times, October 24, 2026
Closed School:
Continued From Page 1 meeting to give residents an idea of what the governing body is thinking. For example, earlier in the day he had met with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Monmouth County who were interested in using the school property as they expand into Ocean County. The county government has also expressed interest in the school gym and classrooms hosting county recreation programs, he said. The local historical society would like to have a portion of the school dedicated to the history of the school. There’s also an idea about having a reading program in the one-room schoolhouse. None of these options are done deals, but they are examples of what the governing body has in mind for the property, Curtin said. One of the property lots, Lot 4, is where the NEED AN EMERGENCY HOME REPAIR? WE’RE HERE TO HELP AT NO CHARGE
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playground is. That’s owned by the town, the mayor said. Lot 5 is owned by the Ocean Gate Board of Education. An agreement would convey that property to the town. The town would assume $400,000 in debt the school had and would pay that off with a 30-year bond. The end result in all of this is that there would be one owner – the town. School taxes would decrease but municipal taxes would have a small increase. The Ocean Gate Board of Education would still exist, because they are needed to determine where to send students, Curtin said. Although the deal is already in place to send elementary kids to Berkeley Schools and older ones to Central Regional, a school board needs to be in existence. Additionally, special needs children might need to be sent out of district, and a school board is necessary to address that. About 55 people were in attendance, although some were officials. Theresa O’Neill advocated for a branch of the Ocean County Library. Michelle Dillon, who retired a few years ago as the school’s art teacher, asked that the mosaic be preserved. A child suggested that Beachwood and Ocean Gate could get together and turn it into a police station. A real estate agent had a learning center as a client that could bring in about $22,000 a month. William Quinn asked about operating costs of
the town running it, versus renting out the space to various community groups. The mayor said that they would have to hire a third Public Works employee to take care of the property. He said that the borough’s Chief Financial Officer, Fred Ebenau, went through the 2026 budget to get an idea of costs and make sure it’s workable. Another resident, Paul Stanley, worried about affordable housing being forced onto the land by the state. Every town in New Jersey is required to set aside a certain number of units of affordable housing based on a complicated formula. Every ten years is a new round and a new number of units. An attorney representing the town said that if a town doesn’t meet that number, they are more vulnerable to a lawsuit where a developer could force themselves in, but the borough has met its burden of units so it would be very unlikely. Paxton said that a developer could always sue a town even if they are compliant with affordable housing. However, a redevelopment plan is affirmative action, with the borough stating clearly that the land would be for the public’s use, so it would form a strong barrier to a builder trying to claim the land in court. Resident Carolyn Severino relayed the story of how locals fought against a development
on Louis Avenue, on the Berkeley side of the border, and the developer won. “Will it be untouchable?” she asked of the school. “Money talks and people can basically pay what they want and get what they want in certain towns.” Paxton said since the town will be the property owner, no changes to it will happen without the town wanting it. Residents have voiced their opinions – and fears – about the future of the property before, but this meeting was an official public hearing, Paxton said. A questionnaire was in the back room. Attendees were also invited to break out into small group discussion after the presentation. She added that there will be more opportunities for people to make their feelings known. The first school in the borough, the one-room schoolhouse was built in 1914. It was used as the kindergarten building when it closed. The school’s website notes that the two-room schoolhouse was built in 1940. A third building opened in 1968, followed by an expansion in 1994. But times have changed, and state aid dropped drastically. A district that kept needing more space now has about 150 students. A referendum in January asking voters for more than $600 a year to keep it open was voted down 393 to 186.
Elks To Host Autumn Craft Fair
BAYVILLE –Elks Lodge No. 2394 will host its Autumn Harvest and Craft Vendor Fair on November 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The indoor and outdoor market, weather
permitting, will feature local artists and vendors selling handmade crafts, jewelry, clothing, home décor, baked goods, specialty foods and seasonal items. Food will be available from the City
Eats food truck and other local vendors. Admission and parking are free, and proceeds will support a community charity. For more information, email Jan at jbernadinoRN@gmail.com.
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Mullock & Van Drew:
Continued From Page 1 able to keep taxes flat. His goal to make life more affordable for Americans includes: 1. End the war in Iran 2. Restore the Affordable Care Act (ACA) 3. Make real changes to the health care system. The gas prices would be solved by ending the war. This would also bring down the cost of diesel and other prices that are hurting farmers, which impacts the cost of food. Three companies control all the fertilizer. “Very big corporations control a lot of our food market. I think there is a potential to bring down the cost of food.” “You can’t blame politicians for the price of gas - except in this moment,” he said. The first things to do is end the war in Iran and end the tariffs because that would cut the average person’s costs considerably. The tariffs cost the consumer more than the corporations selling the products, he said. The federal government charges the seller, and then the seller just passes the costs on to the buyer. The Supreme Court ruled that the tariffs that corporations were being charged were unfair and that the corporations had to be reimbursed. However, he said, the corporations didn’t give the people any relief from costs. It didn’t go back to the people in any way. “What made the middle class? Good-paying jobs, affordable energy and affordable homes. I feel like we’re failing all three of these things,” he said. “Generational wealth comes from real estate and people’s homes. The federal government
The Berkeley Times, October 24, 2026, Page 5 should look into programs to help young people.” Mortgage rates are higher than 7% now. “I bought our first home under the First Time Homebuyer Program. It had a low percentage rate. We had to stay for ten years. Eventually we sold the house and went on. That’s how we started our family.” He has a young family, with kids ages 12, 10, and 7. “We have a wonderful life. My family qualifies for ACA subsidies and that was cut.” SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) was cut in Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill, which Van Drew voted to pass. “I find it disgusting. I find it insulting and un-American,” he said. The 2nd Congressional district contains three of the poorest counties in the state, he said, where one-third of students are on food assistance programs. “We’re hurting the most vulnerable.” Medicaid and Medicare were both cut by Republicans, which impacted 180,000 residents of this district. However, these cuts have been pushed off until after the midterms so that people won’t realize how much the current Congress members like Van Drew have hurt them, he said. Social Security was cut as well. “Van Drew promised in many letters he wouldn’t cut them and he did,” he said. “A cut to Social Security is not acceptable.” America’s role in the world stage matters on Main Street. He noted that approximately 10% of tourism in Cape May comes from Canada most years. This year it was barely 1 percent. That’s because of Trump’s unnecessary spat with Canada; Canadiens are choosing to spend their vacation money elsewhere. Van Drew argued that the costs are tied to Democrat increases and Republicans have
been working hard to bring federal spending under control. “The cost of living went way up under Biden,” he said. He pointed to several measures he supported that have taken steps toward affordability. For example, the child tax credit was increased; taxes on tips and overtime were cut; car loan interest payments can now be deducted. When it comes to Social Security, the federal government was unfairly taxing payments, and penalizing police and first responders on their payouts. He has either sponsored bills or voted for legislation to protect these payments. He noted a few times with these bills that they are not enough to solve the entire problem but they are all meaningful and immediate improvements in the people they were meant to serve. During Trump’s first term, the president cut tax bills for a limited time, and Van Drew voted more recently to make those cuts permanent. “If we didn’t, it would have been the worst tax increase in American history.” To cut utility costs, there needs to be more options for electricity. “I don’t like windmills,” he said, explaining that they are expensive and made by foreign companies. Solar is welcome but renewables alone won’t produce the energy we need. Politicians jumping entirely behind renewable energy is not realistic and “virtue signaling.” The big problem, besides the Middle East, is that the U.S. has no refinery for what is called sweet crude, a high quality and efficient kind of oil. America needs to get natural gas and diesel refineries back. Good energy policy involves not relying on other countries for our needs. He also accused Atlantic City Electric of being greedy. “They’re not helping and they
Veteran Care With all of the senior communities in our area, there’s also a higher than average percentage of veterans. The federal Veterans Administration has faced some criticism about how it handles – or mishandles as some would say – a vulnerable population. A new clinic in Toms River (which is outside of this congressional district) alleviated much of the problems, but there are still reports that this clinic is understaffed by the federal government. Therefore, both candidates were asked if veterans are taken care of enough, and what they could do about it. Both answered that current veteran care is not enough, but their approaches to it differed. Mullock said the veterans are not given the care they deserve. His father and two grandparents are veterans. The district has a high percentage of seniors. Expanding services for seniors would help veterans because often they are looking for the same services. “They ask for affordable housing and good health care and transportation to get to these health care appointments.” “It’s shocking to me that as a country we can’t get that together,” he said. “It’s such a small ask.” When asked where he’d get the money to pay for these services, he said “If we’re able to pay for the war, we need to be able to pay for them when they come home.” “I think we need to end the Middle Eastern wars we never can get out of,” he said. “I won’t be sending south Jersey’s youth to war without a really good reason.” Van Drew said his office has fielded calls (Mullock & Van Drew - See Page 6)
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Page 6, The Berkeley Times, October 24, 2026 they need from what’s currently available.
“I want to hear from people,” he said, explain-
that it’ll make for a good video online. “Some
are no vets without health care, then maybe we’ll get close to where we need to be,” he said.
Being Accessible To Residents People are frustrated with the way things are now, and want a direct line to their elected officials. This newspaper spoke to both candidates about how to be accessible to residents. Mullock said he knows how important availability and transparency are. After he became mayor, his administration put the entire meeting packet online, and the meetings are livestreamed. If a resident has a question that officials don’t know the answer to, they say they don’t know the answer and they will get back to you. “Our Congress on both sides of the aisle need to do a better job communicating,” he said, noting that Van Drew doesn’t do town hall meetings and fellow Democrat Donald Norcross doesn’t do them either.
problems that people in government might not realize. Van Drew said his office receives thousands of e-mails every day. In addition, some people meet in person. He’ll pick a few emails and respond to them with a phone call. “Don’t hang up, it’s really me,” he’ll say, since people expect a telemarketer or scam. “Nobody thinks a congressman is going to call them up.” These phone calls are productive. “I’ve learned a lot. They really want to talk and love to exchange ideas,” he said. He spoke about doing the grocery shopping so that he could meet people in the stores. “It’s fun.” “I’d love to have a town hall to have a good discussion with people. I learn a lot from people,” he said. The problem, he explained, is that some people are using it as political theater, knowing
scream at you,” he said. What’s more productive, is to get a large group of people together - even if they don’t like him - to discuss issues. When an audience is chanting curses, or throwing stuff at you, “stop saying it’s a town hall meeting.” “My opponent is trying to say I’m not accessible. You can say I’m too conservative, or I want the borders closed too tight, but you can’t say I’m not around.” For 27 years, since earlier in his political career when he was mayor of Dennis Township, he’s had big barbecues on the Friday after Labor Day. It’s grown to be up to 5,000 people and they have to have them at a venue. “There are lines to talk to me. I’m out there,” he said. “I love people and I love trying to help them.” There is a debate between both candidates scheduled for October 22 hosted by Stockton University.
Youtube channel at TRSTV. Last year, they
do so until the day of the parade. The chairs
If you are taking part, you should be in the
two people in Hawaii and one in China, so the parade truly has gone international. For more information, visit facebook.com/ trfchalloweenparade/, call 732-349-0144 or email CWeingroff@TRFire.org If the parade is postponed, it will be Monday, November 2 at 7 p.m. Because of how many people attend the parade, some towns hold Trick or Treat on the day before the parade. Check with your towns for that information. Those wanting to set up their chairs must not
into the roadway or block the sidewalk.
p.m. on the day of the parade. Maps are online to describe how large vehicles like school buses should approach. Group Leaders are urged to inform all of the participants in your group that they are in a walking or a float division. Let them know the letter and number of the group. Everyone will enter the parade route from Highland Parkway. Since this is the country’s 250th anniversary, patriotic costumes are more than welcome.
Mullock & Van Drew: “When there are no homeless vets, when there ing that sometimes they provide solutions to people are blatantly political and just want to Continued From Page 5
from vets saying they haven’t been treated right by the VA or a care facility, sharing a story about a vet who was brought to a facility in another state and when his treatment was done, they let him out without a way to get home. Fortunately, there was a whistleblower who tipped them off. “We can always do better,” he said, noting that Ocean County and the local townships do a lot. He was chosen as a VFW Legislator of the Year when he was a state senator and twice as a member of Congress. “I have a particular connection with veterans,” he said, choosing to work as a dentist in VA hospitals. It’s more than medical, you need to treat their “mind, body and soul.” The Congressional district is larger than the state of Delaware, and he said he’s been pushing to get more community care in the area. He’s heard about how veterans can’t get what
Halloween Parade: saw that the parade was being watched by should be secured so that they don’t blow out Toms River Shopping Center no later than 6
Continued From Page 1 parade in the world, behind the one in Greenwich Village in New York. Many downtown businesses will be open. There will also be scarecrows on display. Another tradition is that windows of downtown businesses will be painted with spooky imagery by High School South students. Weingroff told the Toms River Times that the parade will be broadcast on the fire company’s Facebook page as well as the school district’s
Join The Parade If you are interested in shambling down the street with the rest of the ghouls and ghosts, registration has already begun. Come to the firehouse at 26 Robbins Street on Tuesday nights from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. You can also register during Haunted Downtown from 6-9 p.m. On parade day, registration will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the same location.
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The Berkeley Times, October 24, 2026, Page 7
Spotlight On Government Correspondence & Commentary From Your Local, County, State & Federal Officials
Polling Shows NJ Citizens Want Voter ID Laws Capitol Comments Senator Carmen F. Amato, Jr. 9th Legislative District
TRENTON - In response to the release of a Rutgers-Eagleton Poll showing 82% of state residents support voter ID laws, Senator Carmen Amato, Jr., Assembly-
ma n Br ia n Ru mpf a nd Assembly man G regor y Myhre issued the following statement: “Recent polling confirms what many of us already know, that New Jersey citizens want secure, transparent and trustworthy elections. “New Jersey’s bureaucratic procedures make citizens jump through hoops to file for property tax relief programs, apply
for unemployment, or receive Medicare assistance. Why then does Trenton have a lesser standard for voter identification to ensure the integrity of our elections? “Support for voter ID reform has only continued to build since the discovery that 6,600 noncitizens were on ou r state’s voter rolls. This system failure demands immediate and comprehensive legislative action that the citizens rightly deserve and demand of their elected representatives.
“Our Delegation remains fully supportive of making voter ID the law in New Jersey. Every legal vote should be counted and no one ineligible to vote should have the opportunity to cast a ballot. Period.” Amato, Rumpf and Myhre have joined as co-sponsors to companion legislation S-1733 (Space) and A-841 (Scharfenberger) which would require a voter to present acceptable identification before voting at a polling place at any election.
Governors To Work On Energy Costs From The Desk Of The
Governor Mikie Sherrill TRENTON – Governor Mikie Sherrill joined governors from 12 other states and
the mayor of Washington, D.C., in launching the bipartisan PJM Governors’ Collaborative. The group will give states a stronger, unified voice in regional grid decisions that affect electricity costs, reliability, and economic growth. Although “PJM” originally stood for
Pennsylvania, (New) Jersey, and Maryland, it now represents 13 states and the District of Columbia. The PJM Interconnect coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity in these areas. “We are facing an energy affordability crisis. Driving down costs for New Jerseyans will require strong, coordinated action across state and party lines to hold PJM and utility companies accountable
and build a reliable grid that can power our interconnected region for years to come. This Collaborative brings red and blue states to the same table to share solutions, find common ground, and speak with one voice to ensure PJM puts the people, not member profits, first. I look forward to working with our partnering governors and states to drive this much needed work forward.”
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.
Under Review: Continued From Page 1
Two people on the list had already moved and been removed from the rolls, leaving 37 who received questionnaires September 15. The questionnaires warned their right to vote “may be challenged” if they did not respond. Judge Denies Request To Halt Review The ACLU of New Jersey and League of Women Voters of New Jersey asked the court to stop the review, arguing it violated the John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act and the state Constitution. ACLU attorney Liza Weisberg called the process “bullying through bureaucracy” and said it could become “the new playbook for voter suppression.” The lawsuit says all 39 voters were Democrats or unaffiliated, with no Republicans included. Deputy Attorney General Mark Gulbranson, representing the Board of Elections and Chairman George Gilmore, said election law permits more intrusive investigations, including interviews with voters and neighbors. The Board instead sent letters seeking information. “No voter is being disenfranchised,” he said. Gulbranson acknowledged Shaning’s list “may well have been partisan,” but said the Board could not ignore a complaint. Weisberg countered that the law makes re-
fusing to provide information a fourth-degree crime, so calling the questionnaire voluntary “defies credibility.” Mercer County Assignment Judge Robert Lougy denied a request to halt the review of 37 voters’ registrations. At the hearing, Lougy said the new state voting law sends cases like this to Mercer County, regardless of where the dispute arose. He issued a 37-page order later that morning. The ruling addressed only temporary restraints, so the lawsuit continues. Additionally, the Board of Election’s motion to dismiss the complaint in court remains pending. The judge wrote the Board had a duty to investigate allegations “however spurious or partisan.” He found the voters had other legal remedies and had not shown ir reparable har m. The Board cannot determine eligibility or remove voters unless they request it. It can place names on a challenge list, and voters may affirm eligibility by affidavit and ask a judge for help if denied a ballot. The order said the Board’s letter “is susceptible to harsh or less harsh readings,” but fell short of intimidation. Lougy also cautioned that public statements suggesting the Board can rule on eligibility “are not accurate.” A Packed Board Of Elections Meeting Approximately 60 people filled the Board
of Elections meeting within hours after the court ruling. Many had appeared at the Board’s September meeting when the Board voted against placing a ballot drop box at Ocean County College. They were joined this time by several Bay Head residents who had received domicile letters. The four-member Board is evenly divided: Secretary Wyatt Earp and Commissioner Jeff Horn are Democrats; Gilmore and Commissioner Justin Flancbaum are Republicans. Earp and Gilmore are the leaders of their county political parties. Earp opened by calling the Bay Head list partisan, noting every person was a Democrat or unaffiliated. He cited a Republican husband who was not listed while his Democratic wife was and said residents should not have to “jump through hoops in order to vote.” Earp added that he did not vote on the decision to conduct the review. He attended the early part of the meeting by phone to vote on the drop box issue. He left the meeting early as he was called in for an urgent medical procedure. Gilmore countered Earp’s statement and announced the judge’s ruling. He said Democrats had the same opportunity to request a review. Ellyn Shannon, president of the Bay Head Democratic Club said the club had identified 21 Republicans whose tax bills also go outside Bay Head. The club chose not to send in their names.
“We are 900 voters, and we all know each other,” Shannon said. “We don’t choose to tear each other apart. We believe in the rule of law.” When someone in the audience called out that Lougy was a “Republican judge,” Gilmore shot back. “Well, I guess we just decide Republican judges vote for Republican ways, and Democrat judges vote for theirs.” Lougy began his career as a public defender, served briefly as acting attorney general in 2016 and was nominated to Superior Court by Republican Governor Chris Christie. His official court biography does not list a party affiliation. Five Voters Remain Under Review Board staff reported that 15 questionnaires had come back without raising concerns. Eleven people did not return forms, but staff found other records showing they live in Bay Head. Four requested removal because they now live out of state, and one duplicate registration was merged. After staff confirmed one person was a student, five cases remained unresolved. Gilmore said the Board does not remove anyone from the rolls. It can only put names on a challenge list for poll workers. “We’re not taking votes away from anyone who lives there,” Earp said. Gilmore said letters telling cleared voters (Under Review - See Page 11)
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Page 8, The Berkeley Times, October 24, 2026
OPINIONS & COMMENTARY FEATURED LETTER Goodbye To The Jersey Shore For 26 of my 30 years, there has been one place in my life that I think I subconsciously believed would always be there: My grandparents’ house at the Jersey Shore. They’ve been at the shore since I was four years old. I spent most of my summers growing up there, and after high school I was lucky enough to call it home for four years. And now it’s time to say goodbye. I don’t really know how to explain what that house means to me, because when I look at it, I don’t see a house. I see my life. I see birthdays, family reunions, beach days, parties, friends, family, and countless hours crabbing off the dock. I see myself coming home from the beach completely exhausted, taking an outdoor shower and eating what
somehow felt like the best meal of my life. I see Fantasy Island. Bay Village. Bike rides to Bagels & Beyond. Boogie boarding until I was a prune. Summer jobs at Ron Jon and Farias. Boats on the bay. Nights that went way too late. And then there were the four years I actually lived there. I moved in after high school as a stubborn kid who thought he was a lot more grown up than he really was. I thought living at the shore year-round would be one endless summer vacation. In a lot of ways, it was. I made mistakes. I threw parties I definitely wasn’t supposed to throw. I bumped heads with my grandparents because I was too young and stubborn to fully understand how fortunate I was. But those years built me. I fell in love. I started trav-
eling on my own. I began my career in M&A. I made lifelong friends and memories. I experienced so many things for the first time. The version of myself that moved into that house was still trying to figure out who he was. When I eventually packed up and moved to Florida, I thought I had it all figured out. Looking back now, I was still a kid. But I had a good life there because of the support of two people who gave me a place to grow up. Grandma and Grandpa aren’t the centerpiece of this goodbye, but that house could never have been what it was without their presence. Breakfast early in the morning. The same kitchen table. Dinners together. Warm greetings when someone came downstairs. Grandma imme-
diately trying to feed anyone who gave her the opportunity. Their presence made it home. And there was simply no feeling like arriving there. You open the car door, the salt air hits you, and for a moment all your stress disappears. Nothing else matters. You just know whatever comes next is going to be memorable. That feeling followed me from childhood into my teenage years and eventually into adulthood. That house watched me grow from a four-year-old kid catching crabs off the dock into the person I am at 30. And I think that’s why saying goodbye to it feels so much bigger than selling a house. Places like this become containers for entire versions of yourself. You look at a dock and suddenly you’re a little kid again. You look at the kitchen and
hear voices that have been there your entire life. You see a bedroom, a deck, a couch, a set of stairs, and somehow twenty years disappear. The house stayed mostly the same. We were the ones who kept changing. And the hardest part of all of this is something I haven’t been able to stop thinking about: The last time I was there, I didn’t know it was the last time. I didn’t know to stay on the dock a little longer. I didn’t know to take one more look around. I didn’t know that when I walked out that door, I was saying goodbye to something that had been part of my life for 26 years. Maybe that’s how these things happen. Life rarely announces when
a chapter is ending. Sometimes you only realize you’ve turned the page after it’s already behind you. I’m going to miss that house more than I can explain. I’ll miss Mary Alice Road. I’ll miss the dock. I’ll miss the salt air. I’ll miss knowing that somewhere up in New Jersey, that place was still there waiting for me. But more than anything, I’m grateful. Grateful for 26 years of summers, family, friends, mistakes, laughter, growing up and memories that I will carry for the rest of my life. Some houses are just houses. That one never was. Goodbye, Mary Alice Road. And thank you for giving me one hell of a childhood.
OVER $85 MILLION in the RED. Can you afford to live in this township along with the new property tax revaluation to be in place starting 2027? You are the judge. Remember you can vote them out next election!!!! WE CAN DO BETTER. WE MUST DO BETTER
board member training offered by the New Jersey School Boards Association. In May 2019, I received my Master Board Member certification. The following year, in May 2020, I received the Certified Board Leader award. If the people of Lacey want a dedicated tax watchdog on the board - that would be me. I’ve been watching where the money goes at Lacey Board of Education for over 20 years. I still review their monthly bills when I have time under the Open Public Records Act. This is going to be another financially difficult year for the Lacey Board of Education since they have removed solar panels from several buildings to go back on the full price grid. They made no effort to get a PPA in place before removing the panels that were producing ⅓ of the district’s power. Please consider voting for an experienced Board Member who is not currently an incumbent. The incumbents raised your taxes 27% in 3 years!
Nicholas Troyano Manahawkin
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Allegations Against A Councilman Recent events have sparked questions about the conduct and integrity of a local councilman. While he has gained a reputation for publicly criticizing others for engaging in questionable or secretive dealings, there are now allegations that he himself may be involved in similar activities. This contradiction is reinforced by his frequent advocacy of the principle “do
as I say, not as I do,” while evidence suggests that his actions may not align with his stated values. One notable example involves the alleged establishment of an illegal bagel shop on Route 9 for his granddaughter. Such actions, if true, raise concerns about his commitment to the ethical responsibilities of his office. Additionally, the councilman appears to receive support from influential figures, such as the so-called “shadow mayor” and the regular Repub-
WE WELCOME LETTERS TO THE EDITOR! The Berkeley Times welcomes all points of view for publication and provides this page as an open forum for residents to express themselves regarding politics, government, current events and local concerns. All letters are printed as space allows unless deemed offensive by the editorial staff, and provided they are signed and include address & phone number for verification. Letters may not be printed if we cannot verify them. Names will not be withheld from publication. While most letters are printed as submitted, we reserve the right to edit or reject letters. The weekly deadline is 5 p.m. Thursday. Mail typed letters to: PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733, fax 732-657-7388 or e-mail news@jerseyshoreonline.com. Letters may be limited to one per month per writer at the editor’s discretion. The opinions expressed in the Letters To The Editor section do not necessarily reflect those of the staff, management or sponsors of Micromedia Publications/Jersey Shore Online. Letters to the Editor are the OPINION of the writer and the content is not checked for accuracy.
lican club screening board. Both entities have faced criticism about their effectiveness, and their endorsement of the councilman for placement on the mayoral ballot raises further concerns about the transparency and integrity of the political process. Collectively, these issues challenge the councilman’s dedication to ethical governance and adherence to legal standards. Residents may recall the rehabilitation application for Tallwoods Way, which was originally scheduled to be presented to the zoning board in October 2025. Local politicians in Berkeley decided to postpone this presentation, believing it would be unwise to move forward before the elections. Since the postponement, two members of the zoning board with significant drainage expertise are no longer on the board for one reason or another, allowing the application to continue without their valuable input. Historically, the twenty-four units on Tallwoods Way required substantial underground drainage improvements to address persistent
flooding issues affecting residents. With the rehab application now advancing and the zoning board lacking members with relevant drainage experience, there is growing concern that the township engineer’s recommendations may be approved without thorough consideration for the needs of the community. This could result in decisions that do not adequately address resident concerns, leaving the community vulnerable to flooding and other related issues. Allegedly it is my opinion that there is a MAJOR ELECTION VIOLATION in that a sitting state senator can not be the president of our political organization. What’s next for him down the road, will he be appointed as the business administrator for our township, by our mayor or does he get forced out and someone from council function as pro tempore to appoint. Does he even have a degree in fiscal management I would allege not. This is the SAME person along with past and present council members that has put our operating budget into
Ed Gudaitis Ex-Zoning Board Appointed Secretary for 15 Years Berkeley
An Important Election In Lacey Please do not forget to vote in the November 3rd general election. It’s very important. If you need a mail in ballot, apply now. Don’t wait for the deadline. The week prior, early in person voting should be in place in Ocean County. Consult OceanCountyClerk.com for proper election information and forms. I am currently on the ballot for Board of Education in Lacey Township. I have previously served two terms and have achieved the highest levels of
Regina Discenza, Candidate, Lacey BOE, VOTE Nov 3rd
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The Berkeley Times, October 24, 2026, Page 9
Community News C lub N ews , A ctivities , E vents & A nnouncements
Rutgers Honors Friends Facing Cancer
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BAYVILLE – Two longtime friends and former Central Regional High School football teammates were honored for their strength and courage during Rutgers’ recent football game against Indiana. Braylon Corbino, 17, and Dayton Frulio, 18, were recognized as the Shining Knights of the Game, an initiative organized by Rutgers Athletics and RWJBarnabas Health to spotlight patients facing health challenges. Corbino is a high school senior, while Frulio is a college freshman. Corbino was diagnosed with a rare bone and soft tissue cancer in 2021 and is undergoing chemotherapy after a relapse in July. Frulio was diagnosed with brain cancer last year and underwent surgery to remove
Photo courtesy Rutgers Athletics a tumor before beginning radiation and chemotherapy. Both receive care from the pediatric hematology and oncology team at RWJBarnabas Health’s Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center and Rutgers Cancer Institute. The friends call themselves “Cancer Buddies,” supporting each other through treatment and difficult days. Their Rutgers visit included leading the game-day parade down Scarlet Knight Way before joining their families on the field, where fans applauded their courage. Their game-day experience will be commemorated in a Rutgers Athletics facility alongside those of other Shining Knight honorees.
Free Food Distribution Continues Weekly At Church
BAYVILLE – St. Barnabas Church is continuing its weekly drive-thru food distribution program, offering free groceries to residents in need. The church’s food pantry hosts the “Pop the Trunk” event every Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m., providing fruits, vegetables, canned goods and other staples at no cost. Volunteers load items directly into vehicles to
ensure a quick and contact-free experience. Drivers are asked to enter the church property from the Route 9 entrance near AutoZone. Supplies are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Organizers say the ongoing effort aims to support local families struggling with food insecurity and to make accessing assistance as simple as possible.
Terror Trail Offers Free Halloween Scares
BEACHWOOD – The Terror Trail will welcome visitors October 30 and 31 for a Halloween walkthrough featuring live actors and chainsaw scares at 1016 Anchor Avenue. The attraction opens at 6 p.m. both eve-
nings, weather permitting. Admission is free, and donations are welcome. Updates are available on Facebook at The Terror Trail and on Instagram and TikTok at @terrortrail1016.
ShopRite To Host Free Health Screenings
BAYVILLE – Southern Ocean Medical Center’s Your Health on the Move van will visit ShopRite of Bayville, 431 Atlantic City Boulevard, from 9 a.m. to noon October 29. Medical staff will provide free blood pres-
sure, heart rate and cholesterol screenings, along with stroke risk assessments. Fasting is not required. For more information, call 1-800-560-9990 or visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Events.
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Page 10, The Berkeley Times, October 24, 2026
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Photos courtesy Berkeley Township BERKELEY – Residents and local officials gathered for an Italian flag-raising ceremony celebrating Italian heritage, culture and the contributions of Italian Americans. Senator Carmen Amato and Former Ocean County Commissioner Joe Vicari attended the event, according to the township.
Mayor John Bacchione provided sandwiches, while New Beginnings Church donated cannoli for those attending. The township thanked its Recreation Department and Buildings and Grounds Department for organizing the ceremony, along with residents and others who helped make the celebration possible.
Elks To Host Holiday Vendor Market BERKELEY – Shoppers can get a head start on holiday gifts while supporting local vendors during a free market November 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bayville Elks Lodge 2394. The event will feature handmade crafts, jewelry, home decor, specialty foods and baked goods. Vendors will be set up in-
doors, with outdoor shopping available weather permitting. City Eats Food Truck and other local food vendors will offer food for purchase. Admission is free. For vendor spotlights and more information, visit facebook.com/share/1BzkheJCnQ/.
Railroad Fest To Celebrate Century-Old Locomotive
BERKELEY – The Township Historical Society will hold its first Railroad Fest from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. October 24 at 630 Atlantic City Boulevard in Bayville. The event will celebrate the 100th birthday and return to operation of Plymouth locomotive No. 2173. Visitors will be able to see
it running alongside other narrow-gauge locomotives. The festival will also feature antique equipment from the Pineland Antique Engine Association, model train displays by the Ocean County Society of Model Railroaders, antique cars and trucks, and fire trucks.
District Seeks Substitute Teachers BERKELEY – The Township School District is seeking substitute teachers at a pay rate of $111 per day. Applicants with 60 college credits are eligible to substitute in district schools, according to the
district’s announcement. To apply, visit btboe.org and select “Board of Education,” then “Board Documents & Resources” and “Employment Opportunities.” Candidates must complete an AppliTrack application.
The Berkeley Times welcomes your special announcements! Engagements, Weddings, Births, Birthday Wishes, etc. Please call 732-657-7344 for more details!
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The Berkeley Times, October 24, 2026, Page 11
Community News C lub N ews , A ctivities , E vents & A nnouncements
Firefighters Bring Safety Lessons To School PINE BEACH – Members of Pine Beach Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 visited Pine Beach Elementary School to teach students about fire prevention and explain how firefighters respond to fires. The Station 38 crew thanked the school’s faculty and staff for welcoming them and the Pine Beach PTO for providing members with lunch from Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. The fire company described the visit as a welcome opportunity to meet students who could become future firefighters. Photo courtesy Pine Beach Volunteer Fire Company No.1
First Aid Squad Seeks Gift Auction Donations
BAYVILLE – The Bayville First Aid Squad is seeking donated gifts and baskets for an auction during its first vendor show December 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the squad’s headquarters. The event will feature local vendors, food and beverages, children’s holiday crafts and photo
opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Organizers are asking businesses and community members to contribute small gifts or gift baskets to support the squad’s service to the community. To arrange a donation, contact Rebecca at 732-552-4171 or Lisa at 908-814-5109.
Under Review:
temporarily away at law school, received four letters while no one else in the household did. “How does a 26-year-old respond to a survey asking about tax documents?” she asked. Gilmore said being away at school did not change his home address.
Continued From Page 7 they are in good standing could go out the following day, as long as the Attorney General’s office agrees. He defended the questionnaire as the reason the list shrank so quickly. “Now you’re down to five rather than 37 or 39,” he said. Residents Describe Worry And Confusion Heather Robertson, an unaffiliated voter and plaintiff, said she had lived in Bay Head full time for 24 years and served on its planning board and environmental commission. She said Shaning knew her personally, yet she was included. “I could never have imagined standing here to justify my voter eligibility,” she said, describing an “emotional roller coaster.” Ada Draesel, 84, sent a statement read by her son-in-law. She said she and her late husband bought a Bay Head home 60 years ago and she has lived there full time for about 25 years, though some mail goes to family in Massachusetts. “I never imagined that after all this time I would have to worry about whether or not I would be allowed to vote,” she wrote. Some residents said they were unsure whether they had to attend the meeting to vote. Julie Duffy said her 26-year-old son,
Candidate Presses Gilmore On Timing Rachel Peace, the Democratic congressional candidate challenging Republican incumbent Chris Smith asked whether Shaning’s letter had been handed to Gilmore at a Bay Head fundraiser with Smith on August 21, the same date on the letter. Gilmore acknowledged attending the fundraiser and called Smith “a great congressman.” Asked whether the list came up there, he said, “The answer is no. Didn’t discuss it.” He dismissed her theory as “conspiracy stuff.” Peace and others also pressed the Board on the 90-day quiet period under federal law. Gilmore noted that the argument was not raised at the court hearing that morning. Linda Fote, president of the Ocean County chapter of the National Organization for Women criticized Shaning’s role in the challenge, saying “a middle-aged, middle-class, property-owning white man in Bay Head is attempting to remove registered voters from their rolls.”
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.”
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.
jerseyshoreonline.com
Page 12, The Berkeley Times, October 24, 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.
What Is The Impact Of Untreated Hearing Loss On Brain Function?
Untreated hearing loss is more than an inconvenience –it can significantly affect mental health, quality of life and brain function. Depicted below are the major consequences of untreated hearing loss and the benefits of early intervention. CONSEQUENCIES OF UNTREATED HEARING LOSS Consequence Impact on Brain Function & Health Cognitive Decline Increases risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s; Accelerates brain aging and atrophy Cognitive Overload
Brain strains to process sound, reducing focus, Memory, and thinking capacity
Auditory Deprivation
Brain “forgets’ how to interpret certain sounds, worsens Speech understanding over time
Social Isolation & Depression
Leads to withdrawal from conversations; contributes to Loneliness, anxiety, and cognitive decline
Impaired Balance Cognitive Treatment
Increases risk of falls due to reduced spatial awareness Less effective when hearing loss is untreated BENEFITS OF TREATING HEARING LOSS
Treatment Benefit Positive Effects on the Brain and Life Slowed Cognitive Decline Helps preserve memory, focus, and overall cognition Improved Quality of Life Enhances communication, confidence, social engagement Reduced Risk of Depression Improves emotional health & reduces long term risks Better Speech Understanding Restores the brain’s ability to process speech effectively Greater Safety Enhances balance and reduces fall risk Enhanced Cognitive Therapies Supports better outcomes from mental health treatment Dr. Izzy recommends that you have an initial hearing evaluation when you turn 50 years of age. The consequences of untreated hearing loss are far too great to procrastinate. Dr. Izzy and his Staff will continue to educate you about hearing care choices. Please feel free to contact our office at 732-451-3962 or visit our website at gardenstatehearing.com. 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!
jerseyshoreonline.com
The Berkeley Times, October 24, 2026, Page 13
Here’s To Your Health
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Is Your Hair Bleaching Itself From The Inside? By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph. Have you ever found a new gray hair and wondered, Where did YOU come from? We usually blame age, genetics or stress. And all three can matter. But there’s another fascinating piece of the gray-hair puzzle involving hydrogen peroxide and an antioxidant enzyme called catalase. Yes, hydrogen peroxide (the same chemical many of us once poured on scraped knees) is naturally produced inside your body. And our hair follicles appear to have an interesting relationship with it. Our body makes hydrogen peroxide. Most people don’t know that. Hydrogen peroxide is produced during normal cellular metabolism. In appropriate amounts, it even participates in cellular signaling. But too much (like any good thing) can contribute to oxidative stress. Fortunately, the human body makes catalase, an antioxidant enzyme that rapidly converts the harmful hydrogen peroxide into harmless water and oxygen. It’s part of our cellular cleanup crew. Catalase is fast and can break down millions of hydrogen peroxide molecules per second under ideal conditions. It’s basically the body’s microscopic peroxide patrol, working aroundthe-clock shifts. Here’s where this gets really interesting and relates to hair color. In a landmark study published in The FASEB Journal, researchers studying gray and white human hair found an accumulation of hydrogen peroxide along with substantially reduced catalase enzymatic activity. The researchers proposed that this oxidative environment interferes with normal melanin production. Melanin, of course, is the pigment that gives our hair its color. As melanin production falters, strands gradually emerge gray,
silver, or white. Anyway, their research led to the catchy idea that hair may essentially be “bleaching itself from the inside.” Keep in mind, genetics plays a major role, along with aging of pigment-producing cells and their stem cells. Smoking and certain nutritional deficiencies as well as other health factors may contribute to your hair color. In other words, finding one gray hair (or hundreds) does not mean you’re “catalase deficient.” Catalase is sold as a dietary supplement, which naturally raises the question: If catalase breaks down hydrogen peroxide, could taking more of it keep your hair from turning gray? We don’t have convincing human clinical evidence showing that oral supplements of catalase reach the hair follicles in sufficient amounts to reliably prevent or reverse gray hair. In addition to catalase research, scientists have also associated premature graying with factors such as B vitamin status, mineral levels, and even thyroid status in some cases. The bottom line is gray (and white) hair follicles have been shown to contain increased hydrogen peroxide along with decreased catalase activity. That’s legitimate science. No one can argue with that. What hasn’t been established is that taking a catalase supplement reliably prevents gray hair or turns existing gray hair back to its original color. Some people think it does, others don’t, and most are curiously googling this out of curiosity. If you want to read the full article and take a deeper dive into catalase, hydrogen peroxide, gray hair, and what specific nutrient deficiencies lead to early graying, 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.
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jerseyshoreonline.com
Page 14, The Berkeley Times, October 24, 2026
Around The Jersey Shore Ocean Of Love Radiothon A Rousing Success
Photo courtesy Ocean Of Love TOMS RIVER – The annual Ocean of Love Billboard Radiothon raised a record $173,535, with Toms River police and fire personnel contributing more than $15,000 to the fundraising effort, organizers announced. Presented by WRAT 95.9 FM, the event brought together donors, sponsors and volunteers to support Ocean of Love families. Toms River PBA Local 137 said its members, along with Toms River Police Department community service officers, dispatch personnel and the Toms River Fire Department, collectively donated $15,257. The union also praised WRAT personal-
ity Gotts for his commitment to the event, recounting his response when asked to leave the billboard because of rain and high winds. “This is nothing compared to what these kids go through,” Gotts said, according to the PBA. Ocean of Love celebrated the record closing tally and announced that Gotts had reached a $1 million fundraising milestone. Organizers thanked the radio station, its listeners, sponsors, volunteers and community members for their support. PBA Local 137 said it hopes to help break the event’s record again next year.
Remodeled Burger King Reopens In Toms River By Jason Allentoff TOMS RIVER – Burger King celebrated the reopening of its remodeled restaurant at 803 Route 37 on October 17 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a promotion offering the first 50 dine-in customers one free Whopper each month for a year. The celebration included face painting, a DJ and a prize wheel. Eligible customers were offered vouchers for 12 monthly Whoppers. The event also included a planned presentation by franchisee Sanjay Patel of $500 worth of school supplies to West Dover Elementary School through the Burger King Foundation. The renovation incorporates Burger King’s “Sizzle” design, part of the company’s broader plan to modernize its restaurants
by 2028 with more than $700 million in investments. Exterior updates include a prominent bun logo and a “Home of the Whopper” wall. Inside, the restaurant features a “King Booth” for families and larger groups, a Whopper-themed art installation and digital ordering kiosks for dine-in and takeout purchases. A dedicated pickup area serves delivery drivers and customers collecting digital orders. “We’re proud to reopen our doors in Toms River with a fresh new look that reflects where the Burger King brand is headed,” Patel said in a statement. He said the improvements reflect a continued commitment to serving the community and enhancing the customer experience.
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The Berkeley Times, October 24, 2026, Page 15
Around The Jersey Shore Prosecutor’s Office Agent Earns Prevention Award
P.O. Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733 • Phone: 732-657-7344 • Fax: 732-657-7388 email: news@jerseyshoreonline.com • jerseyshoreonline.com
MANCHESTER TIMES • BERKELEY TIMES • BRICK TIMES JACKSON TIMES • HOWELL TIMES • TOMS RIVER TIMES SOUTHERN OCEAN TIMES Photo courtesy Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office OCEAN COUNTY – Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Agent Michael Colwell has received the NJ4S COMPASS of Ocean County Community Prevention Provider Leadership Award for his community outreach work. The award recognizes leadership, collaboration and service that strengthen community prevention efforts. According to the prosecutor’s office, Colwell has spoken to approximately 50,000 students throughout Ocean County over the past
four years. NJ4S COMPASS supports students, schools and communities through programs addressing mental wellness, healthy decision-making, substance use prevention, bullying, violence, stress and emotional well-being. Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and David Seegert, Preferred Behavioral Health’s director of New Jersey Statewide Student Support Services, joined Colwell for the recognition.
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Page 16, The Berkeley Times, October 24, 2026
Around The Jersey Shore Holiday Crafts Faire Returns To Toms River
TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Historical Society will host its 35th annual Holiday Crafts and Collectibles Faire on Nov. 1, offering shoppers a chance to browse dozens of vendors while supporting local history programs. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Toms River High School South Cafetorium, accessible from Hooper Avenue. Those using GPS can enter 212 Hooper Ave. About 90 vendors are expected to participate, offering a variety of handmade goods, collectibles and holiday merchandise. Shoppers can expect items including wreaths, candles, pottery, scarves, jewelry, decorations, postcards, jams, food products and household goods. The society will also sell baked goods during the event, along with 50/50 raffle tickets. Organizers said the raffle has traditionally generated a prize worth thousands
of dollars. Visitors can also stop by the Ocean County Cultural and History Pavilion to learn more about the county’s past. The pavilion is sponsored by Ocean County Cultural and Heritage. Admission to the faire is free. The event serves as the Ocean County Historical Society’s largest annual fundraiser. Proceeds help maintain the organization’s museum and Victorian-style home at 26 Hadley Ave. in Toms River and support educational programs, school visits, historical presentations and its bimonthly publication. The society is also planning a Holiday Open House featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus on Nov. 28. A limited number of 8-foot vendor tables remain available. For information, call Joseph at 732-998-5934 or email rjl072001@ gmail.com.
Route 37 Bridge Testing To Halt Traffic By Jason Allentoff TOMS RIVER – Drivers heading toward Seaside Heights on Route 37 should expect overnight delays October 28 & 29 as crews test the Mathis Bridge over Barnegat Bay. The New Jersey Department of Transportation said eastbound traffic will be stopped for 15-minute intervals between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. Crews will position trucks equipped with
crash cushions across the roadway before the bridge to stop vehicles while testing is underway. The work includes checks of the movable bridge’s safety interlock system to verify safe operation for motorists and boaters. The testing is part of federally funded inspections conducted under the National Bridge Inspection Standards. Drivers should reduce their speed, watch for crews and allow additional travel time.
Gavin Adcock Bringing Tour To Hard Rock ATLANTIC CITY – Country singer-songwriter Gavin Adcock will bring his “The Day I Hang It Up” tour to Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City on May 14 at 8 p.m. Tickets are on sale at HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com. The performance is subject to change. Originally from Watkinsville, Georgia, Adcock began writing songs after an injury ended his college football career. He
has amassed more than 1.5 billion global streams, with hits including the platinum-certified “A Cigarette” and gold-certified “Run Your Mouth,” “Deep End” and “Four Leaf Clover.” Adcock’s major-label debut, “Actin’ Up Again,” was followed by “Own Worst Enemy.” An Academy of Country Music Award nominee for new male artist of the year, he is taking music from his third studio album, “The Day I Hang It Up,” on the road.
Substitute Teachers Sought For Child Care Programs NEW JERSEY –Early Education Substitute Solutions is recruiting substitute teachers to work with young children at child care programs in Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean counties. The program is seeking reliable, professional and team-oriented applicants interested in early childhood education. Substitute teachers can select their preferred locations and receive shift alerts directly on their phones.
Participants may receive free CPR and first aid certification, professional development and classroom experience that can strengthen a teaching résumé. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED, pass a background check and complete a medical examination. For information, visit childcarenj.gov/Providers/Quality/ SharedServices/Substitutes or email sharedresourcesnj@gmail.com.
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The Berkeley Times, October 24, 2026, Page 17
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Page 18, The Berkeley Times, October 24, 2026
Join Us For 5 Days Only | 4 Convenient Lcoations
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The Berkeley Times, October 24, 2026, Page 19
Page 20, The Berkeley Times, October 24, 2026
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The Berkeley Times, October 24, 2026, Page 21
County Backs Meals Program Serving Seniors
OCEAN COUNTY – The Board of Commissioners continues to provide funding support for Community Services Inc. of Ocean County, helping sustain Meals on Wheels and other nutrition programs for older residents across the county. In 2025, the organization delivered more
than 286,000 meals through a combination of home-delivered service and Community Cafes, ensuring seniors had reliable access to nutritious food and daily human contact. Each morning in Manahawkin, kitchen staff begin work before dawn, preparing meals that are later distributed throughout Ocean County.
Program leaders say the service goes beyond nutrition, offering routine check-ins and a sense of connection for residents who may otherwise be isolated. County officials credited the partnership with Community Services Inc. of Ocean County for strengthening the safety net for aging residents,
while advocates emphasized the role Meals on Wheels plays in helping seniors remain healthy and independent in their own homes. The program serves thousands of older adults countywide each year, with funding from the county helping cover food preparation, delivery and community-based dining options.
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Page 22, The Berkeley Times, October 24, 2026
CLASSIFIEDS Other DEFEAT! These Democratic Socialist Communist! AOC, Sanders, Warren, Jeffries, El-Sayed, Omar, Tlaib, Khanna, Booker, and others! Fight for your freedom! Vote properly! GO MAGA. GO TRUMP. GO ISRAEL! Albert DeJesus. 732-533-8027. (47) GOOD MORNING AMERICA! HELLO LAKEWOOD! I'm Albert L. DeJesus, a disable wheelchair war Veteran (USAF). I walked and flew with Generals! C-130's. Corrections Department. Retired! I'm running as a "WRITE-IN" Candidate for member of the Board Of Education in Lakewood! I'm Pro-Israel! I will introduce for the Education of your Children, the following: Personal Finance! The Rule Of 72! Money Management! Percentages! Bible Studies! How to play "Chess" and Win! And more! Please Vote For Me, as a "WRITE-IN" Candidate November 3, 2026. Remember my name! Hablo Espanol! Thank You! This ad paid by me. GOD BIESS! Albert L DeJesus. 732-533-8027. (48)
Yard Sale Yard Sale....104 West Chadwick Way, Lavallette NJ - Pictures,records,Golf clubs,costume jewelry, fishing equipment, cutlery,religious items, CDs, sports equipment, car supplies. (46)
For Sale
Pierogi sale at St Stephen Ukrainian Church at 1344 White Oak Bottom Rd in Toms River on October 24 between 12:00 and 1:00PM. $12.00 per dozen. To order call 732-505-6293. (36)
Items Wanted $$$ WANTED TO BUY $$$ Jewelry and watches, costume jewelry, sterling silver, silverplate, medals, military items, antiques, musical instruments, pottery, fine art, photographs, paintings, statues, old coins, vintage toys and dolls, rugs, old pens and postcards, clocks, furniture, bric-a-brac, select china and crystal patterns. Cash paid. Over 35 years experience. Call Gary Struncius. 732849-6068 (new number). (t/n) I Buy Records - Cash paid, we answer the phone. Call Eddie at 732-829-5908. Records 33/45. Walt buys comics, toys & collectibles. Call 908-278-3782. (42) U s e d G u n s Wa n t e d - A l l types: collectibles, military, etc. Call 917-681-6809. (t/n) Cash - Top dollar, paid for junk, cars running and nonrunning, late model salvage, cars and trucks, etc. 732-928-3713. (t/n) Entire Estates Bought - Bedroom/dining sets, dressers, cedar chests, wardrobes, secretaries, pre-1950 wooden furniture, older glassware, oriental rugs, paintings, bronzes, silver, bric-a-brac. Call Jason at 609-970-4806. (t/n)
Items Wanted
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Buying World War II - Helmets, Hats, Swords, Daggers, Bayonets, Flags, Banners, Medals. Also buying Vintage Selmer Saxophones and other Classic models. Immediate Cash Paid! 609-581-8290. lenny1944x@gmail.com. (45)
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5.
jerseyshoreonline.com
The Berkeley Times, October 24, 2026, Page 23
Around The Jersey Shore Donations Support Foster Care Families
NEW JERSEY – New Jersey Angels is seeking donations to help support children, youths and families experiencing foster care across the state. The organization said contributions help
create a network of steady support for those who need it most. Donations may be made in honor of a loved one, to mark a special occasion or simply to help make a difference.
Funds support programs such as Love Box® and Dare to Dream®, which connect volunteers and mentors with foster care families and young people throughout New Jersey.
The group said its goal is to build lasting relationships, strengthen families and ensure no one in the foster care community feels alone. Donations can be made at newjerseyangels.org/waystogive.
Ocean County Opens Requests For Business, Nonprofit Support
TOMS RIVER – Ocean County Business Development & Tourism is now accepting online requests from businesses and non-
profits for ribbon cuttings, grand openings, letters of support for grant applications, and event sponsorships.
Officials said the program is designed to celebrate milestones and provide resources to support local success. Requests can
be submitted through the county’s online form at oceancounty.seamlessdocs.com/f/ BusinessRequestForm.
jerseyshoreonline.com
Page 24, The Berkeley Times, October 24, 2026
R.C. Shea & Assoc.
Inside The Law Who Is Responsible When You Trip On A Sidewalk
Michael J. Deem, Esq.
By: Michael J. Deem, Esq. R.C. Shea & Associates A raised slab of concrete outside a storefront can break a wrist or a hip. Whether anyone is legally responsible depends on details that have nothing to do with how badly you were hurt. Start with who owns the property. In New Jersey, commercial property owners have a duty to maintain the public sidewalk abutting their building and can be held responsible for injuries caused by letting it fall into disrepair. Owners of ordinary residential homes generally do not carry that duty. The same crack can support a claim in front of a pharmacy and no claim at all in front of the house next door. Which category a property falls into is not always obvious either. Rental properties and mixed-use buildings can go either way, and the answer often turns on how the property is actually used. If the sidewalk, curb, or walkway belongs to a town, a county, or the State, a different statute controls. Claims against public entities fall under the Tort Claims Act, which sets a high bar. You have to show the entity had notice of a dangerous condition and that its failure to act was palpably unreasonable. Pain and suffering is recoverable only with a permanent
loss of a bodily function and more than $3,600 in medical expenses. The deadline is the real trap. A notice of claim against a public entity is generally due within 90 days of the incident. Miss it and the claim is usually gone regardless of how strong it was. Evidence disappears quickly here. Photograph the defect from several angles with a coin or a shoe in the frame for scale, because a quarter-inch lip and a two-inch lip are very different cases. Once a complaint is made, municipalities and property owners often repair the defect, and the proof goes with it. If you were injured on a sidewalk or a walkway, the clock may be shorter than you expect. Call and we can sort out who owns it. Answering that question costs nothing. Michael J. Deem, Esq. is Certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as a Civil Trial Attorney. R.C. Shea & Associates, Toms River, New Jersey. (732) 505-1212. This article provides general information about New Jersey law. It is not legal advice about any particular situation, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Our clients’ success is our greatest reward. 732-505-1212 • RCSHEA.COM
CPR Classes Open To The Public
SOUTH TOMS RIVER – South Toms River EMS is pleased to offer Initial and Renewal CPR Classes for both first responders and the general public. Classes will be held the 4th Thursday of the month at the Squad building on Dover Road
at 6 p.m. Each class will take approximately 2 to 3 hours. Learn life-saving skills to protect your loved ones and community. Classes are affordable, include certification, and are open to all! Register at: strfas.org/cpr.
jerseyshoreonline.com
The Berkeley Times, October 24, 2026, Page 25
Photo Of The Week
Sunrise serenity at the Jersey Shore! Two cheerful sunflowers greet the first golden light of day as gentle waves roll toward the sand and a lone fisherman welcomes the morning. A picture-perfect reminder that some of the Shore’s most beautiful moments happen before the rest of the world wakes up. Photo by Vanessa Paladino. Want to see your pics in this space? Email photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you may win a prize!
Holiday Vendor Show To Benefit First Aid Squad
BAYVILLE – The first Holiday Vendor Show benefiting the Bayville First Aid Squad will be held December 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 660 Atlantic City Blvd. The event will feature local vendors and businesses offering holiday gifts and other merchandise. Children may also decorate holiday or naments to take home.
Vendor spaces cost $50 with a table and chairs provided or $40 for those bringing their own setup. Organizers are also seeking donated items and gift baskets for a small gift auction during the event. Space is limited. Vendors and businesses interested in participating or donating may call Lisa Pepper at 908-814-5109 for an application and additional information.
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Page 26, The Berkeley Times, October 24, 2026
FUN & GAMES SUDOKU
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Across 1 Vehicle not allowed in Venice 4 Museum piece 9 Relax in a tub 13 Mineral deposit 14 __ acid 15 “More or less” 16 Put money (on) 17 Vocalist who expresses unrequited love 19 Skin bump 21 In first place 22 Letters on tubes of toothpaste 23 Pencil end 26 “And that’s final!” 28 Early sci-fi adventure hero 31 Bring on board 32 Mil. rank 33 Anchor a boat 34 “__ your age!” 35 Hockey feats 39 Madrid Mrs. 41 Previously
42 Franchise that includes “Iron Man” and “WandaVision,” for short 45 Chimney dust 46 Cocktail makers 49 Petitions to a higher court 51 Workplace for a forensic scientist 52 Uno e due 53 Vision-correcting surgery 56 Barest trace 57 Kill a few hours, and an apt title for this puzzle? 61 “Couples Therapy” network, for short 62 Grammy winner Baker 63 BBC airer, familiarly 64 Spanish for “to be” 65 Award for “Hadestown” 66 Sign of fire 67 Museum pieces
Down 1 Spider traps 2 Partial floor covering 3 Take back, as a statement 4 Rodent in the Vietnamese zodiac 5 Introspective music genre 6 Turkish currency 7 Move very slowly 8 Joint inheritor 9 Cain, to Adam 10 Common label at Whole Foods 11 Humbly accepted blame 12 Martial art developed in Okinawa 15 Steamed vegetables, e.g. 18 __ Club: Costco rival 20 Sound of disapproval 24 Humorist Bombeck 25 Daikon or beet 27 Cries of discovery 29 Understood
30 Misspelling, e.g. 35 Dislike intensely 36 Tattoo artist’s supply 37 Looped in on an email 38 Enthusiastic 39 Opera diva, usually 40 Successfully entices 42 “Bridesmaids” actress McCarthy 43 Uninvited party guest 44 Spot for a flash drive 45 Made no changes 46 Ho-hum 47 Desirable traits 48 “__ Patrol”: animated series with dogs in uniform 50 Ski resort near Snowbird 54 To-do list entry 55 Metric weight 58 Trough locale 59 “I have a dream” monogram 60 Place for winged liner
(c)2026 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.
SOLUTIONS
SU DOK U
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Jumble: THUMP ELUDE SKIING FRUGAL -- LEFT HIS MARK
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The Berkeley Times, October 24, 2026, Page 27
OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FOR THE WEEK OF OCTOBER 24 - 30 BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS FORECAST ARIES (March 21-April 19): Anyone for the penthouse? The elevator’s going up for success for most of this week into next week. Given the choice between imagination and illusion, lean in to imagination. Keep yourself centered. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Use discernment and critical thinking skills to separate fact from fiction, especially online. Avoid wishful thinking too. Stand on what’s real and nothing else. New hacks could make daily life easier. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Insist on full documentation before you sign on to any financial collaborations, not everything may be fully transparent. Solutions could be apparent now, try to wrap up any creative projects in the next week if you can. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Put illusory or hopeful mirages away, especially regarding relationships. You might have a financial opportunity arise that’s worth looking into, but don’t let adrenaline drive your decision. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Pre-dawn illusions in the wee hours today are just that, phantoms of the night. By daylight, you could be making powerful plans with a partner, building your confidence in each other and in the relationship. Say what’s needed. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Capitalize on top-tier imagination and creativity today, you could discover exciting new worlds or just unearth new dimensions of worlds you currently know. Finances could start to make a lot more
sense. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Postpone a home-related decision until tomorrow, today you might not be seeing a full picture, or may want to believe something other than what’s real. Get ready for a shift in focus coming soon. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Communications could get garbled, be misunderstood, or some deliberate obfuscation could play a role today. Tomorrow could make everything clearer. Keep tweaking your self-presentation. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Get all the details before you make any financially related decisions today, much could be either accidentally or intentionally obscured. Leverage your community for ideas. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Take responsibility for your rizz. If someone’s drawn in, be sure they understand the situation clearly, so nothing smacks of deception. The next week could be important to your future. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Lying to yourself sets up a fundamental disconnect — it’s nearly impossible to make good choices if you’re not in reality. No matter how much you may want to believe something, do yourself the favor of self-honesty. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): A friend could be grandiose, over the top, or lost in space. Be gentle and understanding, it should only last a few hours before they regain their normal self. Keep an eye open for something hidden.
(c) 2026 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.
EASY CHILAQUILES BRING BIG FLAVOR TO THE BREAKFAST TABLE
CREDIT:(Diane Rossen Worthington/TCA). Diane Rossen Worthington
I have enjoyed chilaquiles in many California and Mexican kitchens over the years. If you’re not familiar with this Mexican breakfast staple, it is a rustic dish of tortilla chips tossed with salsa, then served as a bed or topping for eggs. Use your favorite salsa here, fresh or bottled; both green and red versions work well. I imagine the recipe began as a delicious way to use leftover corn tortillas and salsa, and countless variations have flourished ever since. This modern adaptation keeps things simple with prepared salsa and store-bought tortilla chips. Those shortcuts cut the cooking time considerably, which is a real boon for the Seriously Simple cook. In this version, the salsa mixture is spooned over the eggs, but you can also cook the eggs directly in the salsa if you prefer. Either way, the sauce surrounds the bright yellow eggs and creates a colorful, flavorful, satisfying start to the day. Serve with sliced fresh fruit and, if you like, a few extra tortilla chips to complete the meal.
EASY CHILAQUILES
Serves 4 16 ounces favorite green or red
salsa, fresh or bottled Pinch cumin 1 1/2 cups tortilla chips 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 8 eggs 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese Salt and pepper To garnish: Sliced avocado Sour Cream Shredded cheddar cheese Extra tortilla chips 1. Combine the salsa and cumin in a medium saucepan on medium heat and simmer for about 3 minutes. Add the tortilla chips, using tongs to coat them evenly for about a minute. Remove from heat and reserve. The chips should be slightly crisp and chewy. 2. Place the butter in a 9-inch skillet on medium heat. While pan is heating combine the eggs, cheese, salt and pepper in a medium bowl and whisk until well blended. 3. Add the eggs to the pan and scramble them on medium heat until cooked but not dry. 4. Spoon the eggs into individual shallow soup bowls and then spoon over the salsa equally among the bowls. Garnish with avocado, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese and tortilla chips; serve immediately.
(Diane Rossen Worthington is an authority on new American cooking. She is the author of 18 cookbooks, including “Seriously Simple Parties,” and a James Beard Award-winning radio show host. You can contact her at www.seriouslysimple.com.) ©2026 Diane Rossen Worthington. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Page 28, The Berkeley Times, October 24, 2026
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