The Ocean County nonprofit is launching Salt Bridge Farm this summer as a transitional housing and training program for young adults who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability, offering them something few have been given
(Clockwise from bottom left) An animal enclosure on Salt Bridge Farm will one day be used to teach young adults about animal care. A house on the property will be renovated into apartment-style units, allowing residents to transition toward greater independence. Bright Harbor Healthcare CEO Kim Veith talks about future phases of the project.
before: time to grow.
The project represents a shift from traditional shelter or apartment-based models. Instead of focusing solely on emergency housing, Salt Bridge Farm is structured as a phased, longterm environment where young people can learn how to live independently while building skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
Bright Harbor CEO Kim Veith describes the farm’s name as both literal and symbolic. “We
Rodrick fell short of its goal to collect enough signatures, and the mayor said a private investigator he hired proved they were never close to this figure.
The recall committee had the task of collecting 18,464 signatures. This number comes from the state law that says it has to be at least 25% of the total registered voters. If they had succeeded, they would have caused a recall election.
The state law makes it difficult for recalls to take place, because otherwise people would try to have one after every election.
They had 160 days from the date that they started the recall effort, which was August 19, 2025. They reported collecting 16,963 signatures on 3,590 petition pages.
These signatures were unverified, meaning that they still had to be vetted to determine that they were Toms River registered voters.
In a letter to the township clerk that was shared with the media, the recall committee called the signatures “an extraordinary level of participation by the voters of Toms River.”
“From the outset of this effort, the Committee publicly
(Recall Failed - See Page 15)
Inside The Meetings That Saved JBJ Soul Kitchen
Photo by Stephanie Faughnan
Ocean County Library Commission Chair Henry Mancini and other officials listen to people advocating for the JBJ Soul Kitchen Pop-Up.
By Stephanie Faughnan
TOMS RIVER – A unanimous vote by the Ocean County Library Commission to keep the JBJ Soul Kitchen Pop-Up operating inside the Toms River branch through April 30 came after two very different public meetings.
The decision followed an emotional reorganizational meeting that left the café’s future uncertain and a special meeting days later that drew a packed crowd demanding action. Between the two sessions, even library employees made their opposition visible, walking out of the building on a frigid day to protest the planned closure of the café.
According to recordings of the Commission’s January 22 reorganizational meeting, library officials explained that the JBJ Soul Kitchen café had been operating under a temporary agreement and that public contracting law requires long-term use of public property to go through a formal request-for-proposals process.
Commission Chair Henry Mancini said the pop-up had already received multiple extensions and had reached the legal limit for remaining in place without competitive bidding. The pop-up was scheduled to close on January 31. Mancini also cited an operational complication: the abrupt shutdown of the library’s longtime book supplier, which left pallets of unprocessed books inside the building and disrupted normal
(Soul Kitchen - See Page 5)
TOMS RIVER - Bright Harbor Healthcare is planting more than crops on a farm along Silverton Road.
Photos by Stephanie Faughnan
Farm & Hope:
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wanted to bring in the part about bridge housing and what that was going to mean,” she said during a recent tour of the property. “We also liked the salt element, as far as salt of the earth. It’s an enduring element.”
Salt Bridge Farm is intended to serve young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 who face barriers to stable housing. That includes individuals who have aged out of foster care, those with mental health challenges, and young people in early recovery from substance use. Many have never experienced consistent adult guidance or a stable home environment.
Rather than operating as a short-term shelter, the farm is built as a multi-phase program that allows residents to progress at their own pace.
Phase One, scheduled to open July 1, will house five to six residents in a renovated single-family home. The house includes bedrooms, shared bathrooms, a kitchen, dining space, and common living areas. A house manager will live on site to provide structure, accountability, and support.
Future phases are already planned. The neighboring house will be converted into apartment-style units, allowing for more independence. A third phase will eventually include tiny homes on the expanded acreage behind the houses.
Residents are expected to spend approximately six months in Phase One and up to a year in Phase Two, depending on individual needs and progress. Even after moving on,
Bright Harbor plans to maintain long-term connections.
What A Farm Represents
Veith said the decision to build the program around a working farm grew out of years of experience in mental health and social services, and a belief that growth often happens outside traditional clinical settings.
Participants in the program will be involved in animal rescue, farming, and vocational training. The property will house chickens, goats, sheep, and rescue dogs and cats. Plans include greenhouses, planting areas, and hydroponic growth. While the model is new to Ocean County, similar farm-based residential programs have been tried in other parts of the country.
“There has to be investment in the land, in watching the process and trusting the process,” Veith said. “How you tend the land is, in some ways, a reflection of what your challenges may be.”
Salt Bridge Farm is intentionally designed to avoid rigid eligibility criteria tied to diagnoses or funding categories. Instead, Bright Harbor plans to accept referrals from a wide range of sources, including schools, social service agencies, and the broader community.
Residents will help shape their own daily routines based on personal goals. The program is rooted in a philosophy that emphasizes strengths over shortcomings.
“There’s a quote we live by,” Veith said. “‘Amplified strength is far better than marginally improved weakness.’ We all have
things we’re not great at. Why focus only on that when we can help people find what they do well?”
Training Through Partnership
Salt Bridge Farm is being developed in collaboration with multiple partners. Bright Harbor is working with Ocean County Vocational Technical School and higher education institutions, including Rutgers University’s agricultural program.
Plans include hands-on training opportunities in construction, farming, veterinary assistance, and culinary arts.
“We just received an award from Ocean County to build a teaching kitchen,” Veith said. “It will be a place where food grown on the farm can be used to teach skills and give back to the community.”
The farm is also expected to host students from vocational and college programs, creating an environment where learning flows in multiple directions.
From the beginning, Salt Bridge Farm was designed with long-term sustainability in mind.
Bright Harbor purchased two adjacent properties for approximately $2 million, spending about $1 million on each site.
The Young Adult Bridge Housing project received initial backing from Ocean County’s distribution of American Rescue Plan Act federal funding. Veith said the project was structured to avoid reliance on longterm operating subsidies.
Operating costs will be covered through a mix of resident contributions, program-based funding, and targeted grants.
Some residents will be supported through sober living or recovery-related programs, with assistance from organizations such as Sea Change and Hope Sheds Light. Others will contribute rent directly, once licensing requirements are finalized.
“When you have the house manager model, what’s really necessary are things like electricity and basic operating costs,” Veith said. “That’s what they pay into.”
The farm itself is expected to generate modest revenue over time through produce, flowers, and educational programming. Bright Harbor is exploring options such as flower sales, community-supported agriculture, and training-based partnerships.
The overarching goal is to keep the housing affordable and insulated from market pressures.
“For housing to prevent homelessness, housing has to be affordable,” Veith said. “We have to build it, manage it, and keep it outside of the market.”
The idea to locate Salt Bridge Farm on Silverton Road traces back to Toms River Council Vice President Tom Nivison, whose nearby farm helped spark the project.
“He’s the whole reason that we bought this,” Veith said. “We went to talk with him about farming in general, and he said, ‘That’s for sale across the street. Why don’t you go talk to her?’”
The former owner, a retired teacher, agreed to sell after learning about Bright Harbor’s vision. “She said her husband would be so honored to have this land continue to be a place where kids grow,” Veith said.
11-4pm
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Toms River resident Philip Brilliant attended the meeting and said he disagreed with the legal interpretation. Brilliant argued that the JBJ Soul Kitchen Pop-Up serves a documented public purpose and could legally remain in place through a lease approved by resolution, rather than through a competitive bidding process.
Brilliant wrote to the Ocean County Commissioners and cited state statute governing nonprofit use of public property and said the commission’s stated reasons for closure, including space needs and contracting rules, did not justify ending a program that provides meals and stability to people facing food insecurity. He called on the Ocean County Board of Commissioners to take immediate action to preserve the pop-up or secure a comparable downtown location.
Brilliant was just one of many who spoke out against the closure. He was joined by other community members, including those who identified as unhoused.
“I’m a part of the homeless population,” said Samatha Kidd. “I’m also one of the advocates for the homeless. Basically, I know you’re well aware of the backlash we’ve gotten from (Toms River) Mayor (Dan) Rodrick, and I’m sure this had something to do with it.”
Mancini interrupted and said he had never spoken with the local mayor and that the library commission operates
independently.
“JBJ has literally saved my life,” Kidd continued. “They are our main resource. Not only do they feed us, they help us. They talk to us about resources.”
Chef Kevin, who oversees the pop-up kitchen, urged commissioners to consider what was happening just outside the library doors. “Across the street is the parking garage. Around the corner is the housing authority. People are sleeping in the woods,” he said. “Why are you taking away their only lifeline? Are books really more important than human life?”
Others called upon officials to act with compassion and allow JBJ’s mission to continue. “We need to start seeing them as equals and start treating them with the dignity and respect they deserve,” Maureen Glover said. “That we even need to be here today to decide if JBJ will be allowed to continue its beautiful and necessary ministry tells us more about who we are.”
“At a time when we are banning books, perhaps to erase some unpleasant parts of our history, it feels like now we are going to start banning people, people who may not look like us or dress like us or groom like us, ” she continued.
When the reorganizational meeting ended, no extension was approved. The commission said it would form a committee to study future use of the space and consider issuing an RFP (request for proposals from interested parties for the space). The lease remained expired, leaving the café’s future unresolved.
Special Meeting Draws Overflow Crowd
Public reaction in the days that followed led to the special meeting on January 28, where the conference room overflowed, with people standing outside in hallways hoping to convince the commission to change its course.
Mancini apologized for the small space, saying that the large hall named for his late father was filled with books. He and the other commissioners went into a brief closed session before the chair came out to read the resolution expanding the café’s opening until April 30.
After the applause settled, public comment began. “I live very well on Green Island,” said a man named Peter. He said he visited the JBJ Soul Kitchen Pop-Up for lunch and was struck by how guests were treated. He said he sat with two people who were homeless and described the staff as respectful and welcoming to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay.
A woman named Phyllis told them “If you look at me, I don’t look homeless, I don’t smell homeless,” she said. “I will not have you give me that stigma.”
Phyllis praised the people from JBJ for opening their doors and said without the welcoming nature and people who pay it forward, she would be starving.
“From the very beginning, this Pop-Up was about responding to a real and growing need in downtown Toms River,” said Rob Wood, assistant general manager of JBJ Soul Kitchen. “The library staff, our partners and community members
showed up and advocated for our guests. This extension is a direct result of that collective effort.”
According to figures provided by the organization, the pop-up has served more than 13,500 meals, with 78 percent going to guests in need. It has supported about 40 long-term unhoused individuals and distributed more than 1,275 hygiene kits. Partnerships facilitated more than 200 service referrals, resulting in housing placements and employment for several guests.
Library officials emphasized that the extension does not guarantee the café’s future beyond April. A committee has been formed to examine the long-term use of the space and determine whether
(Soul Kitchen - See Page 7)
S potlight o n g overnment
Correspondence & Commentary From Your Local, County, State & Federal Officials
Congressman: Senate Failed On Pregnant Students’ Rights Act
From The Desk Of Congressman Chris Smith
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Chris Smith (R-4 th), Co-Chair of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus, issued the following statement in response to the Senate’s
failure to invoke cloture on the Pregnant Students’ Rights Act:
“I am extremely disappointed in my Senate colleagues’ failure to invoke cloture on and advance the Pregnant Students’ Rights Act, critical legislation that would have supported pregnant and parenting students seeking to complete their degrees.
“This common-sense legislation would
have required colleges and other higher learning institutions to provide pregnant and parenting students with helpful resources, details about accommodations, and information about how to file a complaint. The miracle of pregnancy should not be viewed as an ‘inconvenience’ by schools and administrators, let alone an inhibitor of higher education.
“This bill sends a clear message that motherhood and education are not mutually exclusive: assistance, resources, and accommodations are in-place and available.
“The unconscionable decision of Senate Democrats to vote against cloture reflects an unwillingness to offer care to young parents throughout the United States, who continue to pursue college-level or higher degrees during pregnancy or post-birth. There should be clear, bipartisan support for students who are pursuing an education and working towards a viable career path while caring for children or preparing to give birth. Young parents and their children need Congress to be their fierce advocates, not powerful adversaries.”
Senators: Donald Trump Jr.’s Job Gets Largest Defense Department Loan Ever
Capitol Comments
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) pressed Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on potential conflicts of interest surrounding the awarding of multiple lucrative Department of Defense (DoD) contracts and loans to companies associated with President Donald Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr.
“We write to obtain information on whether DoD’s decisions to hand out lucrative contracts and loans to companies associated with the President’s son may have been affected by conflicts of interest. If this is the case, it could mean that the Trump family is profiting from funds appropriated by Congress to keep Americans safe, raising both ethics and national security concerns,” wrote the lawmakers.
Shortly after President Trump was elected to his second term, his son, Donald Trump Jr., announced he was joining venture capital firm 1789 Capital. After Trump Jr. joined the firm, the firm’s portfolio companies reportedly won
more than $70 million worth of contracts from the Trump Administration, including: $45 million awarded to Cerebras Systems in April 2025 to improve artificial intelligence chip connections
$10.8 million awarded to PsiQuantum in April 2025 for quantum chips
$4.9 million awarded to Firehawk Aerospace in August 2025 to develop rocket engines
$10 million to Vulcan Elements for magnets in 2025.
A separate Trump Jr.-affiliated company received a $12.8 million DoD contract last year - and another 1789 Capital-backed startup that produces magnets in drone systems reportedly received DoD’s Office of Strategic Capital’s largest loan ever, at $620 million. Several of the Trump Jr.-connected companies had never received such large DoD contracts prior to 2025.
Trump Jr. reportedly helped screen candidates for top Pentagon jobs after his father won the 2024 election. During the process, he apparently checked whether candidates supported his own personal investment priorities, including those who wanted to “spend more on drones.”
Trump Jr. himself has alluded to possible
conflicts between 1789 Capital and the Trump administration, saying that the firm “understands what the administration wants to do, because (they) helped craft some of the messaging.”
“We are concerned about the conflicts of interest of President Trump, his family, other administration officials, and any potential favoritism resulting in a waste of taxpayer dollars and a threat to national security,” wrote the lawmakers.
Senators Kim, Warren, and Blumenthal have long sounded the alarm over financial conflicts of interest in how DoD awards taxpayer dollars. Senators Kim and Warren recently
introduced the Department of Defense Ethics and Anti-Corruption Act to limit the influence of contractors on the military and increase transparency over contractors and their interaction with DoD.
Senator Kim has stood up to corruption in New Jersey and continued his calls for nationwide reforms to root out corruption and conflicts of interest as the Trump administration continues to use mob boss tactics to exploit the American people for their own gain. He’s previously introduced legislation to prohibit the owning or trading of individual stocks and other “covered investments” across all three branches of government.
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it will be offered through a competitive bidding process.
Mancini said the commission must balance compassion with its legal and operational responsibilities. “Our charge is to run a library system,” he said. “But we also understand the human side of what is happening here.”
For those who spoke during both meetings, the
issue was never about statutes or square footage. Ocean County Commissioner Jennifier Bacchione serves as the liaison to the Ocean County Library. She referred to the library’s mission statement to connect people, build community and transform lives. “We are committed to serving the diverse community of Ocean County and aim to be the heart of the community,” she said. “So if this is what our community needs, we need to strive to take into consideration the quality of life for our community in downtown Toms River.”
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.
Senator Andy Kim
Volunteer Fire Department Welcomes New Recruit
Photo courtesy Pleasant Plains Volunteer Fire Department
TOMS RIVER – The Pleasant Plains Volunteer Fire Department has added a new member to its ranks with the swearing-in of Jessica Rivera, department officials announced.
Rivera, who is new to the fire service, was formally inducted during a department ceremony held this week. Officials said
she is eager to begin training and learn the responsibilities of serving the community as a firefighter.
Department leaders and members welcomed Rivera and expressed appreciation for her decision to volunteer, noting the importance of new recruits in maintaining local emergency response services.
Valentine’s Evening Set For Planetarium
TOMS RIVER – Couples looking for a unique Valentine’s Day experience can head indoors and look up as the Robert J. Novins Planetarium hosts a romantic evening under the stars.
The special program is scheduled for February 14 at 7 p.m. and invites guests to spend the night exploring the night sky through stories of love drawn from constellations and cultures around the world. The show will be paired with romantic
music and an interactive, heart-themed scavenger hunt woven into the cosmic presentation.
The event includes a guided sky talk and is recommended for ages 12 and older. Organizers say the program is designed to appeal to both astronomy enthusiasts and those simply looking for a memorable way to celebrate the holiday.
The presentation is expected to run about one hour.
Ocean County Library To Close For Presidents’ Day
TOMS RIVER – All Ocean County Library branches and reading centers will be closed February 16, in observance of Presidents’ Day.
Regular operating hours will resume February 17, according to library officials.
While physical locations are closed, patrons will still have access to the library’s digital offerings, including online databases, eMagazines, eBooks, streaming video and audio, and virtual classes through the theoceancountylibrary.org.
C ommunity n ew S
Police Shift To Black Patrol Cars, Ending Decades-Old Look
TOMS RIVER – A visual hallmark of policing in Toms River is disappearing as the first newly redesigned patrol vehicle bearing an all-black color scheme has been placed into service, ending a blue-and-white tradition that spanned more than six decades.
For generations, residents associated the blue-and-white patrol cars with the Toms River Police Department, viewing the colors as a symbol of continuity, visibility and local identity. Township officials previously confirmed that future vehicles would no longer carry the historic design.
The move to black patrol cars was justified by officials as a cost-saving measure, citing lower expenses associated with painting
and maintenance. However, the decision has drawn criticism on social media in various posts, following the Township Council’s earlier approval of a transition from Ford Explorer police vehicles to Chevrolet Tahoes — a switch that increased the base cost of each patrol unit.
As additional black patrol vehicles are expected to enter service, some residents say the change represents more than a cosmetic update, viewing it as a departure from a familiar and historic presence on township streets. For them, the blue-and-white patrol cars were not simply paint and decals, but a visible link to the department’s past that they believe should have been preserved.
Volunteers Sought For Weekly Meal Deliveries
TOMS RIVER – A local nonprofit that provides meals to veterans, seniors and families in need is seeking volunteer delivery drivers to help with its weekly distribution efforts.
A Need We Feed is looking for drivers available Wednesday afternoons between 2 and 4 p.m. to assist with delivering meals across Ocean County. Each week, the organization partners with local restaurants to purchase and distribute approximately 145 meals to residents facing food insecurity.
Volunteers are asked to use their own vehicles to help transport meals directly to recipients’ homes. Organizers say the time commitment is minimal, but the impact on the community is significant.
Those interested in volunteering or seeking additional information can contact Danielle Bisignano at dbisignano@aneedwefeed.org.
A Need We Feed relies on community support to continue its mission, and officials say additional volunteers will help ensure meals reach those who depend on them each week.
Recreation Department Hiring For Summer Positions
TOMS RIVER – The township recreation department is seeking seasonal employees for its 2026 summer operations, with a range of positions available across township programs and facilities.
Officials said the openings include camp counselors, a Camp Discovery director, lifeguards, badge sellers and checkers, pool and
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beach maintenance workers, beach security staff, and various roles at the township’s golf course.
Applications are being accepted online through the township’s employment portal. Additional information about the recreation department and its programs is available at tomsrivertownship.com.
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Valentine’s PopStar Sing-Along
SEASIDE HEIGHTS – Families are invited to celebrate Valentine’s Day with music, games and themed treats during a PopStar Sing-Along at Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach.
The event will be held from noon to 2 p.m. February 14 at the Casino Pier Arcade, located at 800 Ocean Terrace. Designed as a “mommy and me” outing, the afternoon will feature a K-pop-inspired sing-along, arcade games and interactive activities for children.
Organizers said the event includes free sing-
along participation, photo-op meet-and-greets and complimentary face painting. Families can also take advantage of a Valentine’s-themed lunch special at the Pier Grill.
The “Pizza My Heart” package is priced at $29 and includes two heart-shaped pizzas, two medium fountain drinks and a $20 arcade game card.
The event is open to the public and free to attend, with food and arcade packages available for purchase.
Free Stress Management Talk Set
LAVALLETTE – Ocean University Medical Center will offer a free educational lecture on stress and anxiety management next month at the Ocean County Library’s Upper Shores branch in Lavallette.
The program is scheduled for February 11 from 1 to 2 p.m. and will focus on helping participants better understand stress and develop practical tools to manage it.
Health experts from the medical center will discuss different forms of stress, share evidence-based coping strategies, and demonstrate relaxation techniques designed to reduce anxiety and improve overall well-being. The event is free, but registration is required. Residents can sign up by contacting the Ocean County Library’s Upper Shores/Lavallette Branch at 732-793-3996.
Jersey Shore Comic Book Show Set To Return
TOMS RIVER – The Jersey Shore Comic Book Show is coming back to Toms River with a one-day event featuring comic creators, collectibles and pop-culture attractions.
The show is scheduled for February 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 600 Washington Street.
Organizers say the event will include a mix of artists, writers and crafters, along
with appearances by veteran comic book professionals Bob Petrecca and Neil Vokes. Members of the Star Wars 501st Legion are also expected to attend.
The family-friendly show is billed as an opportunity for fans of all ages to meet creators, browse merchandise and enjoy themed displays.
Additional details are available at jerseyshorecomicbookshow.com.
Monmouth University Announces Dean’s List Honorees
WEST LONG BRANCH – Monmouth University has recognized students who earned a place on the Fall 2025 Dean’s List, honoring undergraduates for outstanding academic performance during the semester.
To qualify, students must rank in the top 20 percent of their major based on semester grade point average, maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.30, and successfully complete all coursework for the term. Part-time students are eligible if they complete 12 or more credits over successive semesters.
The following students from the Jersey Shore area were named to the Dean’s List: Beachwood - Angelica Huston, Jessica Magnaye
Toms River - Karlysia Beatty, Noelle Bennett, Jailyn Calderon Santos, Vinicius Dias de Oliveira, Jake Flatley, Hayden Forbes, Luis Garcia-Avila, Destiny Goodfriend, Jennifer Greene, Callie Kammerman, Grace Keller, Nikolette Lebright, Lisa Mohabeer, Kelly Nide, Stephen Santos, Alexa Scott, Danielle Walker, Victoria Zimmermann.
Polar Bear Plunge Set To Return
SEASIDE HEIGHTS – The iconic Polar Bear Plunge will make its chilly return to the Seaside Heights shoreline on February 28, drawing thousands of participants willing to dive into the frigid Atlantic Ocean for a good cause.
The event, held at 315 Boardwalk, benefits Special Olympics New Jersey and supports year-round training and competition for thousands of athletes across the state. Registration will take place from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., with
the plunge scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.
Whether taking the plunge solo or as part of a team, participants are encouraged to raise funds and awareness for the Special Olympics mission. The annual event has become one of the organization’s largest fundraisers and draws spectators and supporters from across the region.
For more information or to sign up, visit plungeseaside.org.
C e B lotter
Homeless Woman Found Dead In Car At Toms River Walmart
By Bob Vosseller
TOMS RIVER – A 74-year-old woman who appears to have been homeless was found dead in her car at the township’s Walmart parking lot.
Toms River Police reported that on January 27, at around 1:30 p.m., Linda F. Bocchino of Berkeley Township was found deceased in the driver’s seat of a 2013 Hyundai Tucson. Based on the amount of snow on the vehicle, it was assumed that it hadn’t been moved in some time. While nothing suspicious was discovered within the vehicle, the case is still under investigation to determine a cause of death.
Her vehicle had run out of gas and the car’s battery wasn’t operational according to Paul Hulse, the chief executive officer at Just Believe Inc. which is a nonprofit agency that formed in 2017 and assists those who are homeless in the county.
Hulse said on social media that his organization responded to the scene to assist with the removal of the car on behalf of the woman’s family. “The police stated the car would have been impounded if we weren’t able to assist. The individual was homeless in Toms River. Just Believe is lending a helping hand to the family with the vehicle, ensuring it is safely removed from the premises, and providing any additional assistance needed during this challenging period.”
Hulse posted that he and his team arrived at the parking lot and offered support “to the family of the deceased, holding them close in this difficult time. It appears the individual passed away in their vehicle while seeking warmth after running out of gas, and subsequently, the battery died.”
“Every life has immense value, and it’s heartbreaking that this life was lost due to circumstances that could have been altered with more comprehensive support systems for homelessness in Ocean County, including a permanent shelter,” Hulse
commented. “When will we come together to create a community where everyone has a safe haven, and suffering becomes less prevalent in Ocean County?”
With warming centers filling up during cold weather days experienced this week, many homeless individuals who are already living in their cars attempt to keep warm in the winter. He noted that eight others are being assisted who were living out of their cars along with others in Ocean County communities who live in tents.
Members of the organization were distributing blankets to those living in the woods, some of whom had been turned away from the Code Blue shelters that were full that night according to Hulse.
This last week has seen the coldest temperatures of the winter so far with one snow storm last weekend and another coming up this weekend. Temperatures are expected to remain at freezing levels according to the National Weather Service.
Ocean County has four Code Blue Shelters that operate from November until March when temperatures hit 32 degrees or lower. They have a capacity of 115 people according to the Ocean County Department of Human Services.
The Ocean County PIC building on Route 9 accommodates 60 people, Warm Hearts on Ocean Avenue in Lakewood can provide shelter for 30 individuals, Promise on Windsor Avenue in Toms River can help two families of up to five members each and Saint John’s Zion AME Church in Lakewood has room for 15 people.
Hulse said that wasn’t nearly enough to accommodate Ocean County’s homeless population which according to Monarch Housing Associates is around 580 people. This figure comes from the annual count but is generally seen as a low estimate since many homeless are under the radar.
Stephanie Faughnan contributed to this story.
Yiddish Film Seminar Set
At Ocean County College
TOMS RIVER – Ocean County College will host a free seminar in February exploring the history and cultural significance of Yiddish film, a genre that once reflected the daily lives, struggles and traditions of Jewish communities in Eastern Europe and the United States.
The three-hour program, Celebration of Yiddish Film, will begin with silent films documenting Jewish life in the shtetlach of Eastern Europe, many produced by Polish and Soviet Jewish filmmakers. The seminar will also examine the genre’s American
“Golden Age” in the late 1930s, when films blended humor, drama and social commentary on immigration, family life and identity. All films will be shown with English subtitles.
The event will be held February 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Technology Building Lecture Hall, Building 25, Room 115, on the college’s main campus. Admission is free, but registration is required.
To register or for more information, contact Dr. Ali Botein-Furrevig at 732-255-0400, ext. 2368, or abotein-furrevig@ocean.edu.
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Why Do Seniors Wait Too Long To Improve Their Hearing?
Many people who are diagnosed as candidates for hearing aids postpone wearing them for up to 9 years or more. This lengthy delay is seen globally and across various demographic groups. Several factors contribute to the procrastination:
• Social stigma linked to aging, disability, or perceived frailty leads to embarrassment and fear of exclusion.
• Financial concerns due to high device costs and limited insurance coverage.
• Lack of awareness means people underestimate their hearing loss or are uninformed about new advancements in AI technology which is embedded in hearing aids.
• Denial and coping mechanisms enable individuals to ignore or adapt to their hearing loss, delaying meaningful intervention.
• Family, friends, and social environment can discourage or delay an individual’s decision to seek help or purchase hearing aids.
Delays in getting hearing aids can:
• Worsen communication challenges in daily life, leading to social withdrawal, loneliness and isolation.
• Contribute to mental health issues and accelerate cognitive decline due to untreated hearing loss.
How should we address the delay?
• Boosting public awareness about hearing loss and new hearing technologies.
• Every Senior should have a Cognitive screening free of charge.
• Reducing stigma through education and positive social messaging.
• Improve the affordability of hearing care and hearing aids. Medicare should pay a portion of the cost!
• Encouraging support from healthcare providers, family, and friends to facilitate earlier intervention.
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.
at 732-451-3962
First Aid Squad Seeks Community Support
LAVALLETTE – The first aid squad is urging residents and businesses to consider making donations to help fund its operations, which are not supported by local tax collections.
The all-volunteer squad covers expenses such as vehicle and equipment purchases, maintenance, training and supplies through
community contributions. Members receive no pay for their service.
Donations are accepted year-round and can be made in honor or memory of loved ones, to celebrate special occasions, or in appreciation for assistance provided by the squad. For more information, visit lavallette.org/ organizations/firstaid.html
His offices are in Toms River, Whiting, and Manahawkin. He can be reached
or via Web site at gardenstatehearing.com. Dr. Izzy & Staff gives Retirement Community Talks!
Dr. Isidore Kirsh
Dear Pharmacist
Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.
That Carrot In Your Fridge Is Older Than You Think
By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.
I’ve been a pharmacist for decades, but I’m also a lifelong carrot eater. Raw with a pinch of salt. Roasted with thyme and rosemary. Shaved into salads. Juiced back when juicing was all the rage. Somewhere along the way, I started asking a question most people never consider: How old is this carrot?
Once you know the answer, you’ll never look at a bag of carrots the same way again.
Supermarket carrots were not pulled from the ground last week, probably not even last month. Carrots store well. Under proper commercial cold-storage conditions, they can be held for two to six months, sometimes even longer! That’s not a scandal. It’s logistics.
According to post-harvest research, carrots still look bright orange for months. They will still crunch. But internally, sugars decline, aromatic compounds fade, texture becomes woody, and a hint of bitterness occurs. That’s why a carrot can look perfect and taste rather forgettable.
Those bagged “baby carrots” are even further removed from the field. I never use those. They’re full-size carrots that were peeled, cut, shaped, rinsed in chlorinated water (a standard food-safety step), and packaged. They’re also months old. Safe? Yes. Fresh? Not especially. When I buy carrots (and I suggest you do the same) I look for ones with the green leafy tops still attached, preferably from a farmers market. Those tops are a freshness marker and indicate the carrot was harvested recently, often within days or a week. Nutritionally, that matters more than whether the carrot is grown organically or conventionally. They’ll be more
flavorful too.
Carrots are one of the most studied vegetables. Higher carrot intake has been linked to lower cardiovascular risk, better digestive and bile support due to soluble fiber, and reduced risk of certain cancers, particularly lung and gastric cancers.
Carrots are also famous for vision support because they’re rich in beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A. But here’s the nuance: some people carry BCMO1 gene variants that impair conversion of beta-carotene into active vitamin A. In those cases, eating carrots won’t correct night vision, skin, or immune issues related to vitamin A status. People with this gene variant may need preformed vitamin A instead. In other words, nutrition isn’t just about what you eat, it’s about what your body can actually use.
Carrots weren’t always orange, by the way. They used to be purple, yellow, white, and red. Dutch farmers in the 16th century selectively bred sweeter, milder, more uniform carrots that also stored better. Orange won because it outperformed the other colors.
A carrot can be months old by the time it reaches your kitchen, even though it still looks fresh. That’s perfectly fine when I’m baking carrot cake or gajar halwa, but freshness matters if you want the highest nutritional value. If you want the deeper science, the storage timelines, and what freshness really means for nutrition, visit suzycohen.com and sign up for my free newsletter. I’ll email you the expanded version of this article and more practical health insights you won’t find in print.
TINTON FALLS – Ocean County Commissioner Jennifier Bacchione joined business, civic and nonprofit leaders from across Monmouth and Ocean counties for a wide-ranging discussion on regional collaboration, economic opportunity and health initiatives during the Monmouth–Ocean Development Council’s Kickoff to 2026 luncheon.
The event focused in part on the upcom -
ing 2026 FIFA World Cup and the potential ripple effects major international sporting events can have on local economies, tourism and community engagement. Panelists discussed how large-scale events can drive infrastructure investment, promote wellness initiatives and elevate the region’s profile on a global stage.
Bacchione emphasized the importance of cross-county cooperation, noting that partnerships between Monmouth and Ocean counties will be critical to maximizing economic and community benefits tied to future growth and global events.
The panel also explored broader themes of health and wellness, workforce development and the role regional organizations play in preparing communities for increased activity and visitation. Attendees included representatives from business, government and community organizations, along with a lighthearted appearance by the Jersey Shore BlueClaws’ mascot, Buster.
Organizers thanked the panelists for sharing insights on how regional planning and collaboration can help position the area to benefit from global events while strengthening local communities.
Dana Lancellotti and Jennifier Bacchione with Buster.
Photo courtesy Ocean County
Recall Failed:
Continued From Page 1
committed that if the required minimum number of signatures was not achieved, the petitions would not be submitted for filing. This commitment was made to protect the residents who signed, and those who wished to sign but expressed legitimate concern about potential political retaliation or retribution. Unfortunately, fear of reprisal has become a real and reasonable concern under the current administration. The Committee will honor its promise. Accordingly, no petition pages will be filed with your office, and no request for verification or certification is being made,” they said.
“Although the statutory threshold was not met, the outcome of this effort must not be misinterpreted as satisfaction with the current administration or support for Mayor Daniel Rodrick. Nearly 17,000 residents in Toms River - more than the number of votes Mayor Rodrick received when elected in
2023 - signed a petition seeking a special election and his removal from office.
“We also recognize the many residents who chose not to sign - not because they support Mayor Rodrick - but because they feared retaliation, harassment, or targeting. Their hesitation speaks volumes about the current political climate in our township.”
The committee urged residents to get out to vote in the next mayoral election in 2027.
Resident Phil Brilliant often speaks on behalf of the recall committee, which is also endorsed by the four Township Council members who oppose Rodrick on most votes: David Ciccozzi, Thomas Nivison, Clinton Bradley and Robert Bianchini.
Rodrick responded with a letter to members of the Toms River Republican Party, which was also shared with media.
“For months, we’ve heard wild claims about a recall effort against my administration, with organizers saying they were close to 17,000 signatures. Let me be clear: this effort was a hoax from the start. They never came
close to that number.
“To get the facts, I hired and personally paid for a private investigator to attend every signing event. His findings were clear: almost no one showed up. The organizers were so desperate that they allowed the investigator to sign for people who weren’t present at every location - which is illegal.
“There is video evidence of recall committee members admitting they were nowhere near that number of signatures. If they had 17,000, they would have had to visit nearly every other house in Toms River. But no one came to your door or mine.
“This recall was only meant to discredit my administration and create the false impression that we lack public support,” he said.
“The facts speak for themselves. My administration has done what no other governing body has done in New Jersey. We reduced the municipal budget by 9%, cutting $11 million in wasteful spending annually. We paid down millions in debt. We stopped 10-story towers and repealed zoning plans for a city of high-rise
apartments downtown.
“We also achieved a major victory over the State of New Jersey on affordable housing by reducing our new construction requirement to just 184 units, using creative deed restrictions and $9 million from our trust fund - money that would have otherwise been seized by the state.
“As promised, we eliminated the burdensome certificate of occupancy ordinance that was preventing residents from selling their homes. We cut red tape, stopped overdevelopment, and have kept taxes flat every year I’ve been in office. Our next budget will also have a flat tax.
“It is because of these successes that we are under attack - from the liberal media and so-called Republicans from the prior administration who want to regain power. They raised taxes, filled our town with high numbers of affordable housing, and wanted a city of high-rise apartments downtown.
“This entire recall has been a hoax, perpetrated to delegitimize our accomplishments and our conservative record,” he said.
Larry’s Home Accepting Applications For Veteran Sober Living Program
OCEAN COUTNY – Applications are now being accepted for Larry’s Home, a sober living residence for veterans in Ocean County, according to Just Believe Inc., the nonprofit organization that operates the program.
Officials said the waiting period for the
home has concluded, allowing eligible applicants to apply for residency. Larry’s Home is designed to support veterans in recovery by providing stable housing and a structured environment focused on sobriety and personal growth. The residence is open to male veterans who currently live in Ocean County. Organizers said the program aims to help participants rebuild their lives while fostering accountability and community support. Those interested in applying or learning more about the program can contact Just Believe Inc. by phone at 732-279-6157
during business hours, Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Community members who wish to support the program or assist veterans served by Larry’s Home are also encouraged to reach out to the organization for additional information.
p oli C e B lotter
Ocean County Man Sentenced To Five Years In Prison After High-Speed Crash
TOMS RIVER — A Lakewood man has been sentenced to five years in state prison after admitting to eluding police while intoxicated and causing a separate high-speed crash that seriously injured an off-duty police officer, Ocean County officials said.
Edwin Ramirez-Carranza, 21, received the sentence after pleading guilty to eluding and aggravated assault, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. Superior Court Judge David M. Fritch ordered the sentences to be served concurrently. The aggravated assault conviction stems from an April 19, 2025, crash in Lakewood Township and is subject to the No Early Release Act, requiring Ramirez-Carranza to serve at least 85% of the sentence before becoming eligible for parole.
The eluding charge dates to Oct. 8, 2024, when Lakehurst police witnessed a three-vehicle crash on Route 70 and attempted to stop a Chevrolet Silverado
driven by Ramirez-Carranza, authorities said. Investigators reported that Ramirez-Carranza fled the scene and was eventually forced to stop after his vehicle became disabled in traffic. Police said he showed signs of intoxication, failed field sobriety tests and recorded a blood alcohol level above the legal limit for an underage driver.
The aggravated assault charge arose from a separate crash shortly after midnight on April 19, 2025, when authorities said Ramirez-Carranza ran a red light at a high rate of speed and struck a Honda Civic driven by an off-duty Lakewood Township police officer who had just finished his shift. Investigators determined the Silverado was traveling about 106 mph moments before impact. The officer suffered serious injuries and was treated at Jersey Shore University Medical Center before being released. Ramirez-Carranza was also hospitalized and has remained in custody since April 20, 2025.
Around the JerSey Shore
United Way To Host Psychic Medium Fundraiser
TOMS RIVER – United Way of Monmouth & Ocean Counties will host a fundraising event later this spring featuring an evening of dining and live psychic readings.
The event, titled “A Night with Spirit,” is scheduled for March 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Gal Mediterranean Cuisine, located at 2 Route 37 in Toms River.
Attendees will be served a buffet dinner beginning at 6 p.m., followed by gallery-style readings at 6:30 p.m. by psychic medium Dolores Rilho. Red and white wine
will be available at each table, and guests may bring their own additional beverages. Tickets cost $100 per person, and advance reservations are required. Proceeds will benefit United Way of Monmouth & Ocean Counties and its community programs.
Businesses interested in supporting the event may participate through underwriting opportunities, which include promotional recognition during the evening.
Additional information and ticket purchases are available at uwmoc.org/night-spirit.
Lightning Fastpitch Softball Tryouts For Spring & Summer
OCEAN COUNTY – The New Jersey Lightning Fastpitch organization is holding tryouts as it prepares for the upcoming spring and summer softball seasons, with opportunities available for players across multiple age groups.
The program is seeking athletes from the 10-and-under through 18-and-under levels, including pitchers, catchers and players at all positions. Open team practices are held
on Sundays, and the organization also offers strength and speed training as part of its development program.
According to the organization, the seasonal cost is $800, covering both the spring and summer schedules. The Lightning Fastpitch program is affiliated with USA Softball and focuses on competitive play and player development.
For more info, visit njlightningfastpitch.com.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR ADMINISTRATOR:
Rose Garden is one of the few “mom and pop” skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers left ... in the state of New Jersey. The world has turned “corporate;” we have not.
It has been our core belief that the delivery of healthcare is quite personal. That “intimacy” is in danger when 5 to 100 facilities are operated in multiple states by large corporations.
We have always strived for a close “family” atmosphere and believe we have succeeded. The environment is warm and inviting and exceedingly clean and spotless. Our homemade food and soups are outstanding, and the care is thoughtful, kind and productive.
We have been called the “Hotel of Healthcare.” Please ask your friends, neighbors and, most importantly, other healthcare professionals. We are here, in your neighborhood, to serve you!
nursing and rehabilitation center
1579 Old Freehold Rd. • Toms River, NJ 08753 732-505-4477 • www.rosegardennj.com
Lights, Camera, Fort Monmouth: Netflix Deal Final
Governor Phil Murphy, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, and Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill at the ceremony marking the purchase of the Mega Parcel, which will be developed into Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth.
By Jason Allentoff
MONMOUTH COUNTY – Netflix has officially completed the purchase
of property at Fort Monmouth, clearing a major hurdle for a sprawling studio campus county officials say will bring
jobs, investment and long-term economic growth to Monmouth County.
Monmouth County Commissioner Director Tom Arnone, joined by Commissioners Ross Licitra and Erik Anderson, along with local elected officials and community leaders, marked the milestone recently at the former military installation.
Plans for the future Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth campus call for 12 soundstages encompassing nearly 500,000 square feet, supported by production and office buildings. The development is also expected to include a hotel, theater, helipad, retail space, studio trailer areas and visitor attractions.
Officials said the project is expected to generate an estimated $4 billion economic impact statewide, creating thousands of construction and permanent jobs while revitalizing a property that has sat largely dormant since Fort Monmouth’s closure.
The closing was celebrated at The Park Loft in Oceanport, where Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, Governor Phil Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy, and Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill joined county and local officials, including Ea -
tontown Mayor Anthony Talerico Jr. and Oceanport Mayor Thomas Tvrdik.
“We first announced our plans to transform Fort Monmouth back in 2022,” Sarandos said. “It is incredible to think about how what started as an idea is on its way to becoming a reality - a state-ofthe-art production facility that will bring new jobs and economic opportunities to New Jersey.”
Murphy said the project represents the transformation of a long-dormant site into a world-class creative campus that will anchor New Jersey’s film and television industry for decades. Tammy Murphy said the momentum shows New Jersey has become a place where worldclass stories will be told while supporting skilled workers and local businesses.
Netflix said it plans to invest $1 billion to redevelop the 292-acre site. Over the past year, the company has filmed nearly 20 titles in New Jersey and is currently shooting two films in the state, employing more than 500 people, Sarandos said.
Construction timelines and additional details on the phased development are expected to be announced as planning and permitting continue.
Lightning Fastpitch Softball Tryouts For Spring & Summer
OCEAN COUNTY – The New Jersey Lightning Fastpitch organization is holding tryouts as it prepares for the upcoming spring and summer softball seasons, with opportunities available for players across
multiple age groups.
The program is seeking athletes from the 10-and-under through 18-and-under levels, including pitchers, catchers and players at all positions. Open team practices are held
on Sundays, and the organization also offers strength and speed training as part of its development program.
According to the organization, the seasonal cost is $800, covering both the spring and
summer schedules. The Lightning Fastpitch program is affiliated with USA Softball and focuses on competitive play and player development.
For more info, visit njlightningfastpitch.com.
Photo courtesy Netflix
^^Thinking of Selling^^ Get morePay Less ~ Experienced Preparation/ Negotiation. LOWEST Commissions TOO!! No Double Talk ~ www. LISTFORLESSNJ.COM BROKER
Joe S. 609-713-1727cell (9)
Adult Community WhitingCrestwood Village 5. 55+. Larger 2 BD, 1 BA, powder room, porch, washer/dryer, garage. No pets. No smoking. $1,700 plus utilities. 848-326-0105. (10)
House For Rent - Silverton. Fully Furnished, 3 BDRM, 2 BTH, LRG KIT, DIN RM, FAM RM. LRG DECK, BOAT LIFT, JACUZZI, TIKI BAR & GRILL. Available for rent 2/1/26-6/30/26 $3200/MNTH, Utilities Incld, No Pets. Would consider full year rent at $4800/ MNTH. Call 201-527-0205 or email jmartinez4165@gmail.com. (7)
Room For Rent - Private full bath.
Use of kitchen. Pet friendly. Short term available. No smoking. Washler, dryer. Holiday City South, Toms River. $1,450. 732-710-8915. (11)
Living Room Furniture For Sale - Bay window couch, like new. Antique marble coffee table. Two side coffee tables. Asking $1,000 for the set. Can be sold as individual pieces. 732-773-9415. (9)
Gorilla Giant Ladder - $150. 48" Round folding table - $25. Craftsman 9 Ballbearing Drawers - $350 and 6 drawers plus top - $300. Call Jerry 908-307-5492. (8)
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)
Vinyl Records Wanted - Paying cash for LP albums. Rock, Jazz, Blues, Reggae. Also buying comic books. Call Rick 908-616-7104. (10)
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)
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)
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. (9)
CLASSIFIEDS
Items Wanted
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)
Project Estimator: Coffey Brothers Inc., Howell, NJ: Bid Mngment & Proposal Develop't, Bid Tracking, cost estimat'n, vendor mngment, project procure't & planning, pre-construct'n mgment, stakeholder eng't; team co-ordination. Pos'n req Master deg in Const'n Mangmnt, Civil Engg or rltd field of study. OSHA Certification req. Travel req sporadically to project sites in NJ State. No out of State travel. Salary: $99,382.00 w/ std corporate benefits. Email Resumes to: wcj@msn.com. (9)
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)
Laundromat Attendant - For FT/ PT Good communication skills, math and min computer knowledge. Transportation needed. Long term commitment only. 732-286-1863. (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 646-643-7678. (t/n)
Handyman Solutions - Affordable prices that are budget friendly. All phases of Home Improvement and Repairs. Carpentry • Laminate Flooring • Painting • Drywall • Doors • Windows • Siding • Hand and Vinyl Railings • Decks • Minor Plumbing/Electrical and more. Licensed Insured. 609-384-9030 (50)
INCOME TAXES - Toms River Firm. 30 Years experience. Personal and Small Business Returns. $100 Off with this AD. Call for appointment. 732-270-6505. (11)
YMT Vacations. Over 50 guided tours available. Affordable, social and stress-free travel designed for mature travelers. Our tours include accommodations, transportation, baggage handling, sightseeing, entrance fees, a professional Tour Director and select meals. For a limited time SAVE $250 on all tours. Call YMT today. 1-866-296-9071 (t/n)
Life Coach - Not sure how to handle something? Talk. Hear. Listen. Get unstuck. $25 for 1 hour. Melissa Lekas, 732-754-4891. (10)
DO YOU WANT YOU CAR TO LOOK NICE AND SHINECALL LENNY < Lenny's Mobile Auto Detailing 908-868-4609. (46)
"Stick With the Man That Covers Your Can! - Residential and Commercia Pump-outs FREE 1 year supply of enzyme treatment with each septic pump-out. Septic Inspections. Septic System Installations and All Repairs. Grease Traps installation and pump outs. Tank Abandonment and Demolition. 24 Hours Emergency Service! 732-244-0189. (5)
A PLUS CLEANING - Homes Offices AirBnB Thorough Reliable Honest Specializing in Senior Villages Call Barbara 732 948-4730. (3)
Services
PQ Painting & Home Improvement Services - Over 5 decades of service in NJ. Visit us online at pqpaintingservice.com. Winner of Angie’s List Super Service Award. Free estimates, reasonable rates, fully licensed and insured NJ Lic #13VH06752800. Call 732500-3063 or 609-356-2444. (t/n)
APlus Home Improvements - Over 30 years experience. Everything from small handyman tasks to large renovations. Fully insured and licensed. Seniors 10% off any job $500 or more. Lic #13VH11453600. No job too small give us a call. 908-278-1322. (7)
DIRECTV - All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Directv and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/ mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-877-557-1213 (t/n)
Nor’easter Painting and Staining, LLC - Interior and exterior. Decks, powerwashing. Affordable. Senior discounts. References. No job too small. Fully insured. 732-6910123. Lic #13VH09460600. (t/n)
Learn To Play The - Flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, or drums, from a NJ State Certified Teacher of Instrumental Music, in your home! Call 732-3504427 for more information. (7)
A1 HANDYMAN SERVICES -
Over 30 years experience in all phases of home improvements. Free estimates and referrals. Call John 267475-7962 or 732-477-0379. (43)
THE RIDE GUY - Takes you anywhere! No limits. Comfy mini-van. References. Call Charlie 732-216-3176 or Email: cr@exit109.com. Let's Go! (t/n)
Fix And Build It - All while being fair and honest. Call and I'll show up and will beat anyone's price. Discount for Vets, Police, Fire and EMS. Home builder for over 25 years. Tony 201-303-7923. (10)
Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-833-901-0309 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move. (t/n)
In-Home Chores & Organizing for Older Adults - Available for home & closet organizing, meal preparation, errands, house cleaning, and more. Call Mary 732-703-6502. (8)
Affordable Landscaping - Spring Cleanups, Complete lawn maintenance, Sod & seed lawns, Shrubs & tree pruning, Topsoil & mulch and much more. 732-808-7477. (t/n)
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)
Garden State Property Maintenance - All yard work. Tree-trimming and removal, stump grinding, pavers, decks, flower beds, weeding. 609-661-5470. (t/n)
TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED:
• M ail this form to: PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733. OR
• Go to jerseyshoreonline.com, click classifieds, fill out the form and pay by credit card. OR
• Fax this form to 732-657-7388 ATTN: ALI.
Auto For Sale
Items For Sale
Items Wanted
Help Wanted
Services
For Rent
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2. Print clearly your ad as you want it to read. Include Phone # within ad below (counts as 1 word). Use separate sheet if necessary.
You are responsible for checking your ad the first time it runs and notifying us of any errors. If we make an error, we will correct it and rerun the ad. We will not be responsible for multiple insertions if you do not call us after the first ad run. No refunds for classified ads. Newspapers are available at our office. Please feel free to stop in and check your ad.
Calculate Price As Follows:
*In order to qualify for discounts, the same ad must run over the requested weeks. • Estate/Garage/Yard Sales
for 20 words + $0.40 ea. add’tl word =
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R.C. Shea & Assoc. Inside The Law
What New Jersey’s New E-Bike Law Means For Riders
By: Michael J. Deem, Esq. R.C. Shea & Associates
Electric bicycles (E-Bikes) are everywhere now—on neighborhood streets, bike paths, and commuter routes—and New Jersey has responded with a new law that clarifies who can ride what, where, and under what rules. If you own an e-bike (or are thinking about buying one), here’s what you need to know.
First, the law draws a clear line between low-speed electric bicycles and faster, more powerful models. A low-speed electric bicycle must have working pedals, provide assistance only while pedaling, and stop assisting once the bike reaches 20 mph. Anything more powerful—such as bikes exceeding 750 watts or capable of speeds over 28 mph—falls into a different category and is treated more like a motorcycle under state law e bike law. For most casual riders, the biggest takeaway is that low-speed electric bicycles are treated like traditional bicycles in how and where they can be used. They are generally allowed on public roads, bike lanes, and most bike paths, unless a local government specifically restricts their use. Riders are not required to carry insurance, and the same traffic rules that apply to bicycles generally apply to lowspeed e-bikes as well.
That said, low-speed e-bikes are not treated like traditional bicycles when it comes to age and licensing. Under the new law, no one under 15 may operate a lowspeed e-bike. Riders ages 15 and 16 must have a motorized bicycle license or permit, and riders 17 and older must have a valid driver’s license. The main exception is for shared e-bike programs operated under municipal contracts, where riders age 16 and older may use a low-speed e-bike without holding a driver’s license, provided the program allows it.
The law also cracks down on modifications. Altering an e-bike to increase its speed or selling kits designed to turn a legal e-bike into a faster motorized vehicle is now prohibited.
Bottom line: the new law aims to encourage e-bike use while improving safety and consistency across the state. If you stick with a properly classified low-speed e-bike and follow the rules of the road, you’re on solid legal ground in New Jersey.
At R.C. Shea & Associates, our attorneys are disciplined in many areas of law. Vitit our website at www.rcshea.com or give us a call for a free consultation in one of our many areas of expertise. 732-505-1212.
Grunin Performing Arts Academy To Stage ‘Mamma Mia!’
LAKEWOOD – The OCVTS Grunin Performing Arts Academy will bring the hit musical “Mamma Mia!” to the Strand Theatre in Lakewood with three performances in February.
The student production is scheduled for February 20 at 7 p.m., followed by matinee and evening shows on February 21 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. The performances will take place at the Strand Theatre, located at 400
Clifton Avenue.
Presented by the academy’s performing arts students, the show features the music of ABBA and centers on a young woman’s search for her father on a Greek island, weaving together comedy, romance and wellknown pop songs. The production serves as a showcase for students enrolled in the academy’s theater and performance programs. Tickets are available at shorturl.at/9APeA.
Winding River Ice Rink Brings Back DJ Skate Nights
TOMS RIVER – Lace up your skates and get ready to groove — DJ Skate Nights are back at the Winding River Ice Rink.
The popular seasonal series runs from now through March 28, offering lively evenings filled with music and fun on the ice. Sessions take place Fridays from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. and
Saturdays from 8 to 10 p.m.
Skaters can enjoy tunes spun by a live DJ under the rink lights at 1211 Whitesville Road. Admission is $15, with skate rentals available for $5.
For more information, contact the Winding River Skating Center at 732-244-0720, ext. 1 or 5.
Michael J. Deem, Esq.
Snow-laden trees arch over a winding Ocean County road following a recent winter storm, creating a peaceful scene that briefly slowed the pace of the day. Photo courtesy of Laura Michelle of the Facebook page Tri-County Scanner News. Have a pic for this space? Send it to photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you may see it here!
Become A Member Of The Retired Educators Association
OCEAN COUNTY – Retired members of the NJEA are encouraged to join NJREA and the county organization, OCREA to keep their many benefits after they are retired.
Barbara Bowen is in charge of recruitment for the Ocean County Retirement Education
Organization. They hold four luncheon meetings a year, where they have guest speakers and keep you up to date on your pension and health benefits.
Barbara can be contacted at tbtbow1@comcast. net or 732-644-4985 if you have any questions.
Like comfort food 12 Like some subscriber-based apps
Wannabes
Beach widener, at times
Take the stand
Rude address
“Understood” 25 Not closed 26 Turning point 28 Merrymaking
32 Was in first
33 “The Natural” protagonist Hobbs
34 The “A” of “RHOA”: Abbr.
36 Beneficial berry
37 Pack (down)
38 Dairy structures
39 “Come to my side, pup!” 42 __ shanty
43 Cash on hand, investments, etc.
44 Give a piece of one’s mind 45 “That’d be nice”
Tag lines?
Actress Ione
Wide __
Bow projectile
Tony winner Menzel
Not close
Swiftie, to Swift
Joyful cry at a fútbol
60 Cut back
Needing a humidifier
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ARIES (March 21-April 19): The first half of this week gives you far better odds than the 7 days starting Thursday, get it done soon or wait. Creatives could go over the top with diva behavior. Rely on your inner circle.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20) : Emotional upset in your living space is a possibility for a few hours, it could be better to process it fully now, so resentments don’t arise later in the week as the stars begin to sink.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Regulate before you communicate. It’s too easy to dismiss a message that comes across as overemotional — much harder to close eyes to facts presented with calm certainty.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Today’s good opportunity stars in the Universal sky still won’t make a reactive decision a good one; cool your jets, get centered and clear, before you do anything with money.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You could come across as a handful for a few hours, authenticity is one thing, bad behavior is another. Keep things appropriate so there are no messy or uncomfortable consequences to have to clean up later.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Staying grounded could be more of a challenge for part of the day than is normal. Do what you can to not get pulled out of your center, give yourself time to return to your inner home base if you do.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): A friend could be triggered, or a friend could trigger
FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 7 - 13 BY
OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST
JERALDINE SAUNDERS
you. It’s a passing phase for just a few hours, a little space to reset should be the solution. Creation remains a powerful force flowing through you.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Keeping it chill in the workplace is the flex for today, it would be easy to go off and unlikely to benefit you. Remember your roots, your goals, and what you’re here for and maintain inner discipline.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Even someone you admire can sometimes lose it, today could be one of those days. Give people space to be people without judgment, everyone has their moments. Speak words of reassurance.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): An emotional appeal for money is something to walk away from now, let every financial decision be based on your goals. One personal goal should be altruism, just don’t be manipulated.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): A partner could need a counterbalance for a few hours today to get back into a more stable place; you should be able to offer that today. Learning to re-regulate the nervous system can be a game-changing life hack for survivors.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Be an informed consumer of health services as with any other service. If you’re feeling concerned about a health issue, your worries could settle quickly, underneath could be a pervasive sense of wellbeing.
MOCHA MOUSSE, A SERIOUSLY SIMPLE VALENTINE’S DAY DESSERT
Diane Rossen Worthington
The highlight of freezing February is Valentine’s Day. Not for going out to lunch or dinner, where the big crowds rival Mother’s Day meal service. For me, it’s all about the meal I prepare at home. I try to cook up a simple steak, veal chop or fish filet with a vegetable side so I have room to enjoy this luxuriously decadent mousse.
This recipe is a variation I learned while living in Paris. Seriously Simple to put together, the mousse can even be made in the morning, covered with plastic wrap and decorated right before serving. I also love that this mousse incorporates my two favorite flavors: chocolate and coffee. The coffee accentuates the chocolate flavor.
Egg whites are carefully beaten into a cloud of fluffiness and lighten up the mocha mixture. Cream fraiche adds a slightly sour, yet creamy tang. Make sure to use a rubber spatula to carefully fold the egg whites into the mousse. Use good-quality chocolate like Ghirardelli, Guittard or Valrhona for the best flavor.
Serves 6
8 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, cut into pieces or chips
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/4 cup room temp brewed espresso or strong coffee
3 large egg yolks
1/4 cup creme fraiche
6 large egg whites
Pinch of salt
Garnish
1/2 cup heavy cream, whipped Chocolate curls, grated chocolate, strawberries or blueberries
1. In the top part of a double boiler, combine the chocolate and butter on medium heat and melt slowly. When melted, add the espresso/coffee and whisk to combine. Add the egg yolks and beat them into the mocha until well-combined. Let it cool.
2. Add the creme fraiche to the cooled chocolate mixture and mix until it is well blended.
3. In a large mixing bowl, or with an electric mixer, beat the egg whites with the salt until very stiff.
4. Fold the mocha mixture into the egg whites carefully, making sure that there are no lumps. Use a rubber spatula to carefully fold the egg whites into the mocha mixture. Pour the mixture into a 1-quart serving bowl or individual serving goblets and chill at least for 2 to 4 hours or until completely set.
5. Decorate each serving with whipped cream and the grated chocolate or chocolate curls. To make chocolate curls, use a swivel peeler and shave off the chocolate.You can also decorate with raspberries and blueberries.
