Crest Pointe Earns National Recognition For Heart Care
POINT PLEASANT – Crest Pointe Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center has been named a Heart Failure Certified Skilled Nursing Center by the American Heart Association.
The designation recognizes the Ocean County facility’s cardiac rehab program, directed by Dr. Leonard Sandler, which helps patients recovering from heart events or surgery regain independence and quality
“This advanced certification assures patients that Crest Pointe follows the most effective, evidence-based treatment strategies,” said Kate Bauer of Marquis Health Consulting Services, which supports the center.
Located on Hulse Road, Crest Pointe also holds a Five-Star Quality Measures rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Dr. Leonard Sandler
Photo courtesy Caryl Communications of life.
Golf Outing To Help Fight Addiction
TOMS RIVER – Veterans Foundation of America, in partnership with Braven Health, will host a Veterans Health Fair and luncheon on October 18, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Holiday City South Club House, Building
By Chris Lundy
JACKSON – Patrick Saverino Jr. was a popular kid who grew up to be a charismatic young man who could light up the room with his heart and humor.
He was also fighting a disease that impacts millions of lives.
“Anybody you speak to, there’s somebody in their family who’s fighting addiction, whether it is drugs, alcohol, or gambling,” said his grandfather, Angelo Saverino. “He had this disease he just couldn’t shake.”
Patrick fought hard and got clean. And, for six years, he worked for Recovery Unplugged in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, helping others along the same journey.
Unfortunately, he lost his battle to addiction in 2022 at just 33 years old.
There were more than 300 people at his viewing, Angelo said. So many people said “he saved my life.”
Working in recovery, he helped countless people, and now his family wants to make
Veterans Health Fair And Luncheon
C, 139 Santiago Drive.
The free event will feature cancer, stroke, sleep, diabetes and asthma assessments; mental health and cardiovascular screenings; biometric testing such as blood pressure, cholesterol
and BMI; and educational classes with preventive health resources. Veteran service tables and community organizations will also be on site to provide information and connections. Lunch will be provided by Red White &
sure he continues to help people.
“We’re continuing that legacy and that promise,” Angelo said. Patrick’s Promise raises funds for those who don’t have the means to recovery.
All the money they raise throughout the year goes to Recovery Unplugged to support people who want to make that important change in their life. They’ve supported 12 people so far.
An upcoming fundraiser will help the group in their efforts to finance more people going through recovery.
The 3rd annual Break A Club Golf Classic and Fundraiser will be held on Friday, October 10, at Westlake Golf & Country Club, 1 Pine Lake Circle, Jackson. Registration and light refreshments begin at noon. There’s a 1 p.m. shotgun start. Dinner is included.
The cost per golfer is $250.
For details, call Angelo Saverino at 908433-1390.
Que Smokehouse.
Attendees are encouraged to register at thevfa.org/veterans-health-fairs
Questions may be directed to Jeff Cantor at jeff@thevfa.org.
Photo courtesy Angelo Saverino
The Saverino family remembers Patrick and is carrying on his legacy
Fraud Alert: Jury Duty Scam
By: Michael J. Deem, Esq. R.C. Shea & Associates
According to the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, there have been recent reports of residents who received a phone call from someone impersonating the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office in a Jury Duty Scam. The impersonator advised that the residents were issued a subpoena for court and failed to appear. The impersonator told the residents that there were active arrest warrants for failure to appear and even provided fraudulent warrant numbers. The residents were told they could pay the fines for the arrest warrants to avoid arrest.
Courts and government agencies, including those in Ocean County, will NEVER ask for payment over the phone. Courts NEVER ask potential jurors for personal identifying information like your social security number.
Key indicators of the Jury Duty Scam include but are not limited to:
• Initial contact from someone claiming to be law enforcement.
• A false claim that you’ve missed jury duty or a court appearance.
• Threaten you need to stay on the phone
and make an immediate payment.
Esq.
• Demand you provide payment in cash, wire transfer or cryptocurrency.
• Request personal information like your date of birth or social security information to steal your identity.
To protect yourself and others from these scams, consider the following:
• DO NOT provide personal information such as date of birth or social security number.
• DO NOT provide account login information
• DO NOT share account activity – Do not any activity or financial account information.
• Block any phone numbers and report the text as junk/spam.
Please call 9-1-1 or your local police department if you believe you are being victimized. You can also report scams to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) https://www.ic3.gov.
Contact the attorneys at R.C. Shea & Associates for all you’re your legal needs. (732) 505-1212
Haunted House Set To Bring Frights To Town
BRICK – A Halloween haunted house filled with animatronics, live actors, fog effects and eerie lighting will welcome thrill seekers on October 31 at 811 Marbro Avenue.
The multi-room attraction opens at 6:30 p.m. and is designed to deliver chills and surprises
around every corner. Organizers promise a mix of high-tech scares and costumed performers to keep guests on edge throughout the night. The event is open to the public, and visitors are encouraged to arrive early to experience the full haunted house.
Michael J. Deem,
C ommunity n ew S
Lakewood Wraps Up Summer Infrastructure Projects
LAKEWOOD – Township crews and contractors finished upgrades to more than two dozen roads and pedestrian walkways over the summer, part of Lakewood’s annual push to concentrate infrastructure improvements during the warm weather months.
Officials said the strategy takes advantage of better construction conditions and lighter traffic during vacation weeks, allowing road closures and detours to have less impact
on drivers.
“I thank our Department of Public Works, engineers, and other Township officials for working so effectively to progress towards our infrastructure goals in the quickest, least disruptive manner possible,” Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein said. “We remain committed to keep on progressing in our ongoing projects, while continuing to plan new projects for the coming year.”
Projects completed this summer included freshly paved roads such as East Seventh Street, South Lake Drive, Myrtle Place, Valley Drive and Tuxedo Terrace, as well as drainage and repair work on Washington Avenue near Spruce Street.
Crews also handled new road striping at Cedarview Avenue, Kennedy Boulevard, and Spruce Street intersections, along with concrete improvements such as ADA ramps,
curbs and sidewalks on 14th Street, Arlington Avenue, Bellinger and Funston, and South Lake Drive.
In addition, five new hot-mix asphalt pedestrian walkways were completed on Coral Avenue, South Street, Ridgeway/Drake, Marlin, and the Isabella and Vilna Path.
Several larger infrastructure projects remain underway, according to township officials, with more improvements planned for 2026.
Fix-It Program Helps Residents Stay Independent At Home
BRICK – Seniors and residents with disabilities in Ocean County can continue living independently thanks to a volunteer-driven program offering help with small but essential household tasks.
The Fix-It Program, operated by Catholic Charities Diocese of Trenton, provides assistance with everyday home mainte -
BRICK – Laurelton Fire Company #1, Station 23, is inviting the community to its annual “Meet Your Firefighters” open house on October 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
nance projects that may otherwise pose safety risks or challenges. Volunteers perform jobs such as installing grab bars and handrails, repairing leaky faucets, changing light bulbs, replacing smoke detector batteries, and fixing small appliances. Seasonal outdoor work may also be available, depending on volunteer availability.
Organizers say the effort is designed to help individuals maintain their independence and safety at home for as long as possible. “I find that having a positive attitude or spirit is a choice. I will stay independent as long as possible,” one program participant shared.
Firefighters Hosting Community Open House
The family-friendly event, held at the Route 88 firehouse across from Home Depot, will give residents a chance to explore fire trucks and equipment up close, take part
in hands-on activities and talk with local firefighters. Admission is free.
Organizers said the open house is designed to teach fire prevention and safety while
Services are offered through Community Services in Ocean County, located at 725 Mantoloking Road in Brick. The program is funded in part by a grant from the Ocean County Board of Commissioners. For more information or to request assistance, call 732-363-5322, ext. 3223, or visit CatholicCharitiesTrenton.org.
giving families a chance to see what goes on behind the scenes at the firehouse. The Laurelton Fire Company is located at 1725 Route 88 in Brick.
You Can Make A Difference!
Volunteers Needed:
Affinity Hospice & Palliative Care is looking for kind-hearted volunteers to support patients and families right here in your community.
HEALTH ALERT: You Can Cut Your Risk Of Dementia By 61% By Doing ThisBut You Have To Start Before AGE 70
Dementia diagnoses are on the rise nationwide, with the number of Americans affected by the memory-robbing disease expected to double by 2060. The disease increases the risk of a range of physical and mental health issues, including infections, falls, cardiovascular problems, malnutrition and depression. Untreated hearing loss is one of the strongest risk factors for dementia. The good news: using hearing aids can help protect your brain health particularly if you take the step sooner than later.
Researchers looked at 2,953 adults who were 60 or older and, at the start, dementia free. Over 20 years, they all took hearing tests and were evaluated for dementia. About 20% -583 people did develop the neurodegenerative condition. But the biggest brain boost was seen in people who started wearing hearing aids in their 60s. They had a whopping 61% lower risk of dementia compared with those with hearing loss who NEVER used hearing aids. People in the 60s with normal hearing had a 29% lower risk than those with untreated hearing loss.
“Managing hearing loss during midlife- improving hearing with the use of a hearing aid - could help protect the brain and reduce risk of dementia, “Dr.
Sudha Seshadi, a behavioral neurologist and co-author of the longitudinal study. This study adds to a growing body of evidence that hearing aids may also lend a hand to your brain. In one 2023 study, hearing aids cut cognitive decline by nearly 50% over three years in adults aged 70-84 who were already at high risk for dementia.
Why Hearing Aids Matter
Hearing loss reduces brain stimulation, which may speed up memory and thinking problems. - Wearing hearing aids keeps your brain active and helps you stay socially connected. - Research shows starting hearing aids before age 70 may lower the risk of dementia by more than 60%.
What Should You Do?
• Get your hearing tested regularly (every 1–2 years after age 50).
• If you notice hearing changes, don’t wait—ask about hearing aids.
• Use your hearing aids daily for the best brain-health benefits.
• Stay active, social, and manage overall health (blood pressure, exercise, diet). 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!
F.A.A.A.
Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.
Does Eating Breakfast Later In The Morning Speed Up Aging?
By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.
There’s an interesting new study that might make you think twice about when you have your first meal of the day. Researchers followed about 3,000 adults (between the ages 42 to 94), for more than two decades. They weren’t looking at calories, carbs, or cholesterol. Instead, they looked at something most of us never think about: the timing of breakfast.
On average, most people in this study ate breakfast around 8 in the morning. But as they aged, their first meal shifted later and later, sometimes creeping toward 10 or even 11 in the morning. That may not sound like a big deal, but it ending up revealing something shocking. Each additional hour of delay in breakfast was associated with about a 10 percent higher risk of dying earlier! By the end of the study, the folks who pushed their first meal to late morning had lower survival rates compared to those who ate earlier.
It doesn’t mean that eating breakfast at 10 am will automatically shorten your lifespan. We can’t take it that far. The researchers themselves make it clear that the timing of breakfast is more of a marker of health than the cause of it. In other words, if you’re dealing with fatigue, depression, pain, low appetite, or dental problems, you might naturally put off getting up and eating breakfast. These are the same health issues that are linked to shorter lifespan. So, is it the late breakfast, or the fact that people who feel unwell often eat later?
These choices can affect blood sugar, blood pressure, and heart health very differently. For someone with undiagnosed hypertension, a late-morning coffee might push up blood pressure when what their body really needs is potassium, magnesium, or fiber-rich foods.
As a pharmacist, I see the bigger picture. Breakfast timing may be a clue, but food choices and medications also play a huge role in long-term health. For instance, certain blood pressure drugs can deplete magnesium, a mineral that naturally relaxes blood vessels. Coffee depletes magnesium too. It’s a “drug mugger” effect I often write about. If you’re breakfast is coffee, your blood pressure will slowly rise and eventually worsen heart rhythm and blood pressure. The takeaway? Don’t panic if you prefer a later breakfast, the study shows correlation, not causation. But it’s a reminder that meal timing deserves attention, and when you do eat, make it count with foods that fit your body and health needs. Early bird or brunch lover, what’s on your plate matters more than the clock. For a deeper dive into this study and some free ebooks to learn more, visit me at suzycohen.com.
I wondered what everyone was eating and if that was taken into account. It wasn’t. This study didn’t evaluate what people were eating. A “breakfast” for one person might have been oatmeal and berries. For another, “breakfast” might be black coffee with two sugars. And let’s be honest, breakfast has become a socially acceptable way to eat cake, cleverly rebranded as pancakes and waffles.
2019 Jayco Jayflight Camper34' long. Excellent condition. King size bed. Theater recliners. 55" TV. Fireplace. Three slides. Full bathroom. Call 732-6443067 or 732-644-3260. (44)
CLASSIFIEDS
Help Wanted
Services Services Services Services
For Rent Items For Sale
Hair Stylist and Nail TechnicianVery busy salon in Manchester looking to add 2 or more stylist and nail techs to our salon. Looking for reliable individuals who love what they do. Part time to start. Salary discussed at interview. Please call Arleen 732657-2100 between 10-4. (44)
$1850 2 bedrooms 1 bath - Living room, dinning area, washer and dryer, central air, private parking. Available 10/1 Ocean County accepting voucher. 609-618-1941 text ok. (44)
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Part Time Caregiver - For mildly disabled 74 year old female. Brick, Light housekeeping, transportation, shopping. $20-$25/hr. Call Maryann 732-678-3161. (43)
Life Coach - Facing a challenge? Talk it out in person. Sense your way. $25 for 1 hour. Melissa Lekas, 732-754-4891. (44)
Retired R.N. - Available for help in your home. Appointments, meal prep, laundry, etc. Call Chris 845-430-1853. (43)
Handyman Solutions - Affordable prices that are budget friendly. All phases of Home Improvement and Repairs. Carpentry • Laminate
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Car Service - 24/7. Doctors, shopping, airports, hospitals, cruise, shops, Atlantic City, family functions, NYC accomodations for large groups. Call for reasonable rates. Kerry 732-606-2725. (42)
Anyone Interested In Having Their - Office, home or apartment cleaned, contact Diane. Honest and reliable. Free estimates. 845-762-9952. (49)
Hey Christian Metal Heads - I’m Joe, 61 and looking to start a Christian Metal/Hard Rock cover band in Ocean County. I’ve completed 28 songs. Bands such as Ashes Remain, 12 Stones, Skillet, Stryper, Disciple, Project 86, T.F.K.,etc... and resources to pick up band equipment…any instruments,all musicians. Call Joe at 917-519-4229. (43)
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)
COSTUME/ESTATE JEWELRY
Looking to buy costume/estate jewelry, old rosaries and religious medals, all watches and any type of sterling silver, bowls, flatware candlesticks or jewelry. Same day house calls and cash on the spot. 5 percent more with this AD. Call Peggy at 732-581-5225. (t/n)
Vinyl Records Wanted - Paying cash for LP albums Jazz, Rock, Reggae, Blues. Call Rick 908-616-7104. Also buying Comic Books. (46) Rowboat - 12', deepV, Tracker. Very good condition. Never used. $950. Call 732-477-7709, leave message. (45)
CASH, CASH, CASH! - Instant cash paid for junk cars, trucks, vans. Free removal of any metal items. Discount towing. Call Dano 732-239-3949. (t/n)
CASH PAID!! LP records - stereos, musical instruments, guitar, saxophone, CD’s, reel tapes, music related items. Come to you. 732-804-8115. (3)
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)
Cash - Top dollar, paid for junk, cars running and nonrunning, late model salvage, cars and trucks, etc. 732-928-3713. (t/n)
Used Guns Wanted - All types: collectibles, military, etc. Call 917-681-6809. (t/n)
Laundromat Attendant - For FT/ PT Good communication skills, math and min computer knowledge. Transportation needed. Long term commitment only. 732-286-1863. (t/n)
HVAC Installer/Techni -
cian Hiring Now - Experience needed. Great Work Environment. Company vehicle. Full time, year round, paid holidays. Call 732-349-1448 Or Fax Resume To 732-349-6448. (t/n)
Certified Home Health AidesNeeded for Ocean County area. Hourly and live-in positions avail. P/T and F/T. Call CCC at 732-206-1047. (t/n )
Services
PAINTING By Neat And Meticulous European Craftsman - who will beat any written estimate. Senior discounts. Interior, exterior. Call 732-506-7787, cell
Bilingual Therapist - Online sessions only. Accepts most commercial health insurances. Specialty: anger, grief, anxiety, adjustment challenges, and relationship issues. (732)7241841. Ages 21 plus. Find me at https://www.psychologytoday. com/us/therapists?search=carla+Marmelstein (45)
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Interior And Exterior PaintingSmall home repairs. 30 years of experience. Free estimates. Fully insured. LIC: 13VHO4548900 Call Tommy: 609-661-1657. (36)
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Garden State Property Maintenance - All yard work. Tree-trimming and removal, stump grinding, pavers, decks, flower beds, weeding. 609-661-5470. (t/n)
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Fall Gardening Services - Expert indoor/outdoor plant care, repotting, container arrangements, winterizing, spring bulb planting. Keep your garden thriving all season! Call today for reliable, professional care & advice. Joe 732-232-8144. (44)
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Wheels For STEM Program Expands Access To Outdoor Learning
biggest barriers to field trips: transportation costs.
The Wheels for STEM program, run by EarthShare New Jersey, provides travel sti-
pends for pre-approved K-12 public school field trips that focus on science, technology, engineering and math in natural settings. Teachers or district representatives can apply online for funding to bring students into forests, wetlands, parks and other outdoor spaces.
The program’s goal is to inspire a lasting appreciation for the environment in young people by giving them firsthand experiences outside the classroom. Organizers say the more donations received, the more students can take part.
“Getting kids outdoors is one of the best
ways to spark curiosity about science and the natural world,” the group said in announcing the initiative.
Donations to support Wheels for STEM are tax deductible. More details, including an online donation link, are available at earthsharenj.org.
A peaceful moment on the water. A flock of Canada geese glides across the Leisure Village East lake in Lakewood, with a glowing fountain forming a heart-shaped spray in the background. The pic was taken by local resident Bakin Rabbi. Want to see your pics in this space? Email photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you may get lucky!
A tractor tidies up the sand at sunrise on Brick Beach III, as families savor the final days of summer. Brick Recreation staff worked hard all season to keep the beaches clean and welcoming. The photo and write-up was submitted to The Brick Times by local resident John Zingis.
OCVTS Seeks Part-Time Math Teacher
TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Vocational Technical School District has announced an opening for a part-time mathematics teacher for the 2025-26 school year. Officials said the position is one of several opportunities available as the district
prepares for the upcoming academic year. Interested applicants can find details and apply at ocvts.org/employment For more information, candidates may call 732-240-6414 ext. 3317 or email tedgar@ ocvts.org.
FUN & GAMES SUDOKU
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
“Give __ go!”
Yours, biblically
Many a wedding guest
Name in a Beethov-
FOR THE WEEK OF OCT. 4 - 10
BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS
OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Feelings might seem freeze-dried but this should pass within hours. Today is one of October’s better days for action despite being Sunday, make a move if you need to, October’s poor offerings mean you’ll need to cherry-pick your days for best possible odds.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You’re likely to get more satisfaction from helping someone in need than from friendship today. An impulse money-move could be tempting but consider all consequences before you jump. A weekend break in routine can give you a reset.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The workplace could be on your mind even if you’re not there. Progress will come, but spiraling today over something you can’t control won’t help it along. A home project or creative outlet could get some love today.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): A getaway might not deliver what you hoped. A relationship may be solid but stellar influences could be seeding anxiety anyway. If you’re single and trying to date, sitting out the poor month of October could be the best strategy.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Keep it low-key, too much extra-ness may not land well. A financial concern might be less of a problem than you think. Domestic life could continue to be up and down for a while longer, find peace through investing in your inner world.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Even if their messaging has been off, fall back onto the long-term solidity that’s been built, friendships ebb and flow, that’s normal. A partner may not be able to personally offer much comfort now. You could find peace just
spending time at home.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Be the rainmaker and bring the solutions and regenerative energies which could really help to turn things around. It could be hard to put your whole heart into basic routines but your sense of duty can help you get through.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): If you’re stuck creatively, wait for inspiration to return on its own, it’s a muse that won’t be forced. Your connection to your local community as well as your larger connection to the cosmos is highlighted now. Craft your communiqués carefully.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Friendship can offer companionship and resources could be shared. You could be sought after for your calm and safe vibe even if you feel like you’re just phoning it in. Sort through past business so the vibe can go deep.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): If you’re working today you’ll likely have the mindset to make the most of it. Communications could seem strained or a misunderstanding could crop up; bring your natural understanding and grace to help clarify things.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Dive deep for the knowledge you need, whether it’s for yourself, someone you love, or to crush a worldly objective. A fresh new family beginning could spark joy. Service above self is a path to deeply-felt satisfaction.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You might not feel seen or truly met out in the world now, frequencies could feel off, your inner alignments could be shifting and evolving. Find a path through personal artistic expression or at least work out anxieties that way.
VEGETABLE PEARL COUSCOUS IS AN ADAPTABLE SIDE DISH
Diane Rossen Worthington
When you need a side dish that works with simple or spicy entrees, try this one. This recipe is a keeper and so Seriously Simple to make, you’ll probably find it in your weekly rotation of trusted recipes.
Pearl couscous, sometimes called Israeli couscous or “ptitim” in Israel is baked semolina or wheat pasta. It is larger than regular tiny couscous and tastes great sauteed and lightly browned. The couscous is mild with a delightfully nutty texture on its own, so it’s best to add some vegetables, nuts or other flavorings to spice up the little pearls. They resemble barley, but have a decidedly different flavor.
This simple side pasta is very adaptable. If you are in a big hurry, go for frozen petit pois instead of the carrots and zucchini, since the peas are a quick and tasty last-minute addition. You can also make this into a salad with the addition of diced tomatoes, tiny mozzarella balls and finely chopped basil.
A mustard citrus vinaigrette dressing would bring all the flavors together.
Whether you serve this as a hot side dish to grilled or braised entrees or create your own chilled couscous salad, I know you and your guests will enjoy it.
1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat the oil. Add the leek, and saute for 5 to 7 minutes or until lightly browned and caramelized. Add the carrot and zucchini, and continue to stir for 2 minutes or until slightly softened. Turn up the heat to high and add the couscous. Brown the couscous for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Add the hot water or broth to the couscous, stir with a fork, and bring to a boil. Cover and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the couscous simmer for about 10 minutes, cooking until all the liquid has been absorbed and the couscous is tender.
3. Add the parsley, and optional Parmesan; blend them in with a large fork. Taste for seasoning and serve immediately. Recipe note: This dish can be prepared up to two hours ahead and kept at room temperature. Reheat carefully in the top part of a double boiler over medium heat for 10 minutes.
