2026-02-14 - The Berkeley Times

Central’s Reeder Signs With Penn State University

Central Regional’s Elijah Reeder catches a pass for the Golden Eagles.

By Chris Christopher BERKELEY - It’s official.

Elijah Reeder will compete in major college

football.

The Central Regional High School senior has signed a National Letter of Intent to play defensive end and edge rusher at Penn State University on a full football scholarship.

The Nittany Lions are in the FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision), the highest level of NCAA Division I college football in the nation. It features 130-plus schools with 85 scholarships each. It is characterized by high revenue programs, massive stadium capacities and a 12-team televised playoff to determine the national champion.

Following Reeder’s promotion into the Rivals300, he became a fourstar recruit, according to ESPN. The 6-foot-5, 210-pounder is the Nittany Lions’ top-ranked recruit by Rivals300 and the Industry Rankings. Reeder signed in the Golden Eagles’ main gymnasium joined by his parents, Mitch and Karolyn, and sister Kira as well as his football, basketball and track and field teammates and coaches with athletics director John Scran.

“I chose Penn State because of coach (Matt) Campbell, its tradition, the guys and the atmosphere,” Reeder said. “Coach Campbell was always very transparent with the recruiting process. A lot of them (coaches) are like salesmen. Mom and dad loved his transparency. He is a good guy. He runs a strict program. I picked the right guy. Everyone on the coaching staff is very phenomenal. This is a nice fit. “I am blessed and thankful to announce my commitment to play football at Penn State to

(Reeder Signs - See Page 4)

Woman Fostered Over 100 Puppies While Battling Rare Disease

By Stephanie Faughnan

BERKELEY - Danielle E. Cicora never wanted her illness to define her. For more than half her life, the Toms River resident lived with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, a rare and debilitating nervous system disorder that left her on crutches at times, in a wheelchair at others, and occasionally unable to tolerate even the touch of fabric on her skin.

But if you asked Danielle who she was, she wouldn’t have started with the diagnosis. She would have started with the puppies.

Born November 10, 1989, Danielle passed away January 20, 2026, at age 36. She is survived by her mother, Sandy Cicora, her father, Mike, her brother, Michael, her significant other, Sean Tomesco and five devoted “furbabies” - Serenity, Minty, Stewie, Emmett and Akela.

(Rare Disease - See Page 5)

Flooding, Dredging Discussed By Council

By Chris Lundy

BERKELEY – With all the snow still on the ground, it’s tough to imagine that in only a few months, it will be spring. Berkeley Shores residents want to make sure the lagoons and beach are ready for warmer weather.

The co-president of the Berkeley Shores Civic Association spoke about dredging and beach replenishment at Amherst Beach. A lot of sand blew into the inlet, he said at a recent Township Council meeting.

This is a common problem in lagoon properties, as the sand is pushed around by tides and storms. The lagoons were manmade, and require frequent maintenance.

The annual Blessing of the Fleet is coming up on Memorial Day, he noted, hoping that the waterways are shipshape long before then.

Also relating to shore homeowners, officials

(Flooding, Dredging - See Page 8)

Seniors Taught To Recognize AI And Disinformation

By Sara Rafferty

BRICK – Seniors learned how to spot artificial intelligence and disinformation at a talk hosted by the local library.

Sarah Spellman, a volunteer for AARP, said she introduces elderly communities to the world of technology and how to protect themselves from scams. The most important part of Spellman’s presentation was her advice on detecting AI and avoiding scams. For deepfakes (fake images), look out for things that look too airbrushed. For example, a person’s undereye often looks much brighter, their hair appears blurred, etc. Pay close attention to a person’s body - AI often struggles to create the correct number of fingers and toes. Their muscle lines may not look entirely connected. If it’s an image of nature, pay attention to the lines on trees, the flower petals, or if the grass appears airbrushed.

For voice cloning, fake voices are often much smoother than normal. A person’s natural accent

(Disinformation - See Page 8)

Reeder Signs:

Continued From Page 1

continue my athletic career. Thank you to all of the coaches who recruited me and to everyone who supported me along the way. This day is exciting, definitely exciting.”

Campbell is eager to see Reeder in the Nittany Lions’ uniform.

“Great size, great ability,” he said.

Penn State won consensus national championships in 1982 and 1986. The Nittany Lions captured Big Ten Conference titles in 1994, 2005, 2008 and 2016. The Nittany Lions own 13 unbeaten seasons. Founded in 1887, they are 947414-42 (.690) all-time overall, including 33-21-2 (.607) in bowl games.

Through the conclusion of the 2025 NFL Draft, 393 former Penn State players were selected, ranking seventh among Division I schools. More than 45 exPenn Staters were on active NFL rosters entering the 2025 season.

Central coach Jarrett Pidgeon said he is impressed with Campbell, general manager Derek Hoodjer and the remainder of the Nittany Lions’ coaching staff.

Reeder said he offers the Nittany Lions a solid player.

“Penn State rotates a lot of guys in and

out of the lineup. I will probably redshirt for my freshman year so that I can get a fifth year of eligibility and my Master’s Degree (possible majors are either accounting or business). If I redshirt, I will be eligible to play either four or five games as a freshman. The NFL (National Football League) is my biggest goal. I want to earn my Master’s to be set up for life. That’s the real setup,” he said.

Reeder said he chose Penn State over the University of Missouri, Rutgers University, the University of New Haven, Monmouth University and Bryant University.

Kira Reeder, a 2021 graduate of Central where she played three years of junior varsity field hockey, said she has watched her brother play football for a long time.

“It’s been crazy,” she said. “I have watched him play since he was about eight years old. I have watched him play since he was a little boy. This is insane. I see how much he works. He’s an amazing kid.”

Mitch Reeder said his son will be successful at Penn State.

“As long as he stays true to who he is, he will have no problems,” he said. “Coach Campbell is extraordinary, very welcoming. I just want him to take care of

my son. They will teach him all sorts of techniques and he will exceed and excel.”

Karolyn Reeder said she is grateful for Campbell’s involvement in her son’s life.

“I am so excited and proud of the opportunity coach Campbell has given us,” she said. “We are blessed for Elijah to be part of his rebuild at Penn State. We are so blessed and excited for this opportunity. All moms are afraid their sons will get hurt playing football. Elijah has worked hard. He’s coachable. He puts into play what his coaches tell him to do.

“Elijah has never been to any other high school. He grew up in this school system (the Central Regional School District). I am real excited for Central Regional High School. Other high schools recruited Elijah. Some kids go to bigger public schools. A shout out to Central Regional High School. The community is proud.”

“We’ve had studs come out (of Central), but nobody’s really done what I’m doing,” Reeder said. “These kids need to know you can still stay public and still succeed and play at a big collegiate level. Coaches are going to find you no matter what.”

An estimated 60 of Reeder’s teammates turned out for the ceremony late on a school day.

One supporter was Central senior

Dayton Frulio, who was a teammate of Reeder’s in the Berkeley Township chapter of American Youth Football. Frulio, who undergoes chemotherapy for brain cancer, wore Penn State gear.

“This is just really exciting,” he said. “He’s going to my favorite college team. He’s my best friend. He’s a really good friend. Funny. Nice. He always reaches out to me when I need anything. He’s outgoing.”

Reeder, who also competes in track and field for the Golden Eagles, starred in football last fall as a defensive end, leading the team in sacks (eight) and adding 19 assists. He was second on the club in tackles for yards lost (15) and fifth on the team in solo tackles (30). He added 30 solo stops. He forced one fumble and recovered one fumble.

As a tight end, he caught 10 passes for 93 yards and rushed for 40 yards and six touchdowns on 15 carries as Central was 8-2 overall and 4-1 in Shore Conference Class B South, finishing second to Southern Regional. He paced the team in overall touchdowns (six) and two-point conversions (three). With Reeder in the lineup, Central was 8-2 in 2024, sharing the Class B South championship with Southern and Toms River South at 4-1.

NOTE: The shoresportsinsider.com, X and @TDS contributed to this report.

Rare Disease:

Continued From Page 1

To the volunteers at All Fur One Pet Rescue in Toms River, Danielle was more than a foster mom. She was a force.

“If you ever saw a foster mom carrying a literal sea of puppies with her bright red hair flowing, you likely knew Danielle,” the rescue wrote in a tribute following her death. “She was a firecracker… funny, smart, and radiating a beautiful energy that could fill any room.”

But behind the vibrant hair colors and easy smile was a woman who quietly fought battles most never saw.

A Purpose Found

Danielle had once been a gymnast. A fall and subsequent knee injury at 19 marked the beginning of a very different journey, one filled with specialists and years of chronic pain.

“She always said, ‘I never want this disease to define who I am,’” her mother recalled. “I’m not a person with RSD. I’m me. I just happen to have that.”

There were stretches when she couldn’t walk without assistance. Months when even a blanket brushing her legs was unbearable. Her family rigged bars across her bed so the blankets wouldn’t touch her skin.

Still, when transport night came and a litter of puppies needed a safe place to land, Danielle’s response was always the same: “I’ll take them.”

She began volunteering at All Fur One about five years ago. At first, she helped around the rescue. Then came her first foster, a small fluffy dog named Furby. Three days later, he was adopted.

Soon, one puppy turned into litters. Litters of three. Litters of six. One unforgettable litter of ten.

Over the years, Danielle fostered well over 100 puppies. “She never looked at it as work,” Sandy said. “She said, ‘These are living things that can’t fight for themselves, so I have to fight for them.’”

Mint’s Story - And Hers

One litter in particular changed everything.

The “Candy Land” litter, named for board game characters, included six puppies. All six contracted parvovirus. Five responded to treatment.

Mint did not. “He’s not going to make it,” the rescue founder warned.

Danielle refused to accept that. She learned how to administer subcutaneous fluids. She slept on the floor in the foster room for nights, listening for the faintest cry.

One morning, Mint lifted his head and wagged his tail. That was the moment Danielle knew she had found her calling.

Mint became her “foster fail,” the puppy she couldn’t let go. He grew into her emotional support dog, rarely leaving her side, especially during lengthy IVIG treatments at home. If the treatment lasted six hours, Mint stayed six hours. If nine, he stayed nine.

“He gave back to her a millionfold,” Sandy said. After Mint, Danielle began volunteering for the hardest cases - parvo puppies, sick litters, those other fosters felt unequipped to manage. She would switch assignments if another litter fell ill. She went to fellow volunteers’ homes to help treat puppies.

She understood suffering. “As sick as she was,”

her mother said, “she’d say, ‘Mom, I know what they’re going through. I live it every day.”

The Letting Go Fostering means goodbye. Sometimes after three days. Sometimes after nine months. Was it hard?

“Of course I’m going to miss them,” Danielle would say. “But there’s more that need me.”

At her funeral and viewing, families arrived with dogs she had once cradled in her arms.

“She reached out to see how my pups were doing,” one adopter shared. Another wrote, “They were so loved and well cared for.”

According to the rescue’s founder, it’s rare for adopters to remember the name of the foster. With Danielle, they did.

The Ones She Couldn’t Let Go

Among the hundreds she fostered from All Fur One, four remained. Mint, Stewie from the “Dinosaur” litter, Emmett from the “Airline” litter, and Akela, the two-pound runt she refused to let be bullied. And then there was Serenity, the 11-year-old rescue who predated All Fur One but anchored Danielle’s world.

Mint and Serenity still search for her. Mint walks through the house crying, sniffing her bed. Serenity has become quiet, watchful.

“When you hug one of the dogs,” Sandy said, “it feels like you’re hugging her.”

The Pit Crew Danielle didn’t do it alone.

Her mother described herself and Sean as Danielle’s “pit crew.” On bad health days,

they cleaned pens, administered medicine, loaded cars for adoption events. If Danielle couldn’t attend, Sandy brought the puppies, often unaware that her daughter had texted other volunteers ahead of time: Please make sure my mom’s okay.

Sean, 44, met Danielle a year ago. She told her mother he was the love of her life, the first man who truly understood her limitations without seeing them as burdens.

“She said, ‘No one’s ever taken care of me the way he does,’” Sandy recalled.

Sean embraced the puppies as readily as Danielle. Recently, while working, he recognized a dog that looked like Emmett, only to discover it was Emmett’s sibling. The owner remembered Danielle instantly.

A Legacy In Motion

Danielle once feared she had no purpose because she couldn’t work. Fostering changed that. “It turned her world around,” Sandy said. Today, her mother has become an adoption coordinator with All Fur One. Sean stands beside her. They are considering fostering again in time. Because that is what Danielle would have wanted.

In its tribute, the rescue imagined her at the Rainbow Bridge, greeted by her beloved Makota and a joyful, wagging crowd of every puppy she ever saved.

They called her “a hero to the voiceless.” Somewhere, in homes across New Jersey and beyond, more than 100 dogs are safe, loved and alive because Danielle E. Cicora decided her disease would not be her story.

The puppies were.

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY

EDITORIAL

Super Bowl Halftime Shows Through The Years

This is unfamiliar territory for me, since I’m not a sports fan. As I recently told my father, the only way I know if there’s a big game coming up is if I’m at the grocery store and chips are on sale.

The Super Bowl Halftime Show headliner transcends fans, though. It’s meant to get other people to tune in. It’s more for the millions watching at home than the thousands in the stadium.

Still, when they announced Bad Bunny, I was only a little surprised. I only know of this guy through his appearances on Saturday Night Live. I hate most rap, so I’m not the target demographic for his music (or for the Super Bowl for that matter).

I’ve gone beyond questioning the decisions made in the entertainment industry. I automatically assume that most of them are bad. But this one made me think (for a change). I mean, besides him having a stupid name, I really don’t know if he’s that big of a star. Again, not my rodeo. Maybe he is. It made me look up the entertainers brought out during halftime shows throughout Super

VA Women’s Clinic

Understaffed

I am writing to bring attention to an issue that has deeply affected many female veterans in our community.

The Women’s Clinic at the Toms River VA facility - an important resource that was promised to us - remains inaccessible due to ongoing staffing shortages. Despite the clinic being established with the support of a grant from the town and presented as a dedicated space for women veterans, it has yet to fulfill

Bowl history. This year isn’t the only weird choice.

The first shows were marching bands, like any football game at your local high school or college. This gave way to big band leaders and slowly pop stars started showing up. In 1972, there was a salute to Louis Armstrong which featured the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Carol Channing (Channing returned in 1970, the first of many to do so).

I might be going out on a limb here, but I’d say the first big commercial halftime was in 1977 when the Walt Disney Company produced it and had some of their songs in it. Imagine seeing “It’s A Small World” live. It sounds like a nightmare, honestly. Pretty big jump from three years earlier when the performers were the University of Texas Longhorn Band featuring Miss Texas ‘73 on the fiddle. Two years later, Carnival Cruise Lines produced the “Salute To The Caribbean” which I’m sure was a big ad for traveling on their boats.

1987 saw another Disney-produced show with the theme being Hollywood’s 100th an-

its intended purpose.

For many of us, this clinic represented progress: a commitment to providing gender-specific care, privacy, and a supportive environment tailored to the unique needs of women who have served. Instead, we find ourselves unable to utilize the very services that were meant to address longstanding gaps in care. We are still able to be seen by our provider but not in the dedicated area for the female veterans. The community invested in this clinic. Female veterans were told it would be

The Berkeley Times welcomes all points of view for publication and provides this page as an open forum for residents to express themselves regarding politics, government, current events and local concerns.

All letters are printed as space allows unless deemed offensive by the editorial staff, and provided they are signed and include address & phone number for verification. Letters may not be printed if we cannot verify them. Names will not be withheld from publication. While most letters are printed as submitted, we reserve the right to edit or reject letters. The weekly deadline is 5 p.m. Thursday. Mail typed letters to: PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733, fax 732-657-7388 or e-mail news@jerseyshoreonline.com. Letters may be limited to one per month per writer at the editor’s discretion. The opinions expressed in the Letters To The Editor section do not necessarily reflect those of the staff, management or sponsors of Micromedia Publications/Jersey Shore Online. Letters to the Editor are the OPINION of the writer and the content is not checked for accuracy.

niversary. This show featured George Burns and Mickey Rooney, which is pretty awesome, actually. The next year saw Chubby Checker and The Rockettes. 1990’s theme was a salute to Peanuts, which also sounds great. Then in 1991, Disney produced again and we got the New Kids On The Block. What a time capsule. A salute to the 1992 Winter Olympics featured Brian Boitano and Dorothy Hamill. Gloria Estefan was also performing. And then in 1993, arguably the biggest star in any of our lifetimes: Michael Jackson. I feel like this was a turning point. Sure, New Kids and Estefan were big in the early 90s, but they were no Michael Jackson. The halftime show has probably been chasing this high ever since.

The next year was Clint Black, Tanya Tucker, Travis Tritt and The Judds. I guess they were the big names. I know only a little more about country music than I do about rap.

I’m just reading off a big list so I have no idea what the 1995 Indiana Jones performance brought to you by Doritos is. But Patti LaBelle and Tony Bennett were there.

Anywho, another big name in lights for

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

available. Yet without proper staffing, the facility sits underused, and the promises made to us remain unfulfilled. This is not simply an administrative oversight - it is a failure to honor the commitments made to those who have served.

I urge local leadership, VA administration, and the broader community to address this issue with the urgency it deserves. Women veterans deserve access to the care that was pledged to them, and the resources already invested should not go to waste.

Thank you for helping bring visibility to this matter.

Carolyn Franzen US Air Force Female Veteran

Kudos To AristaCare

AristaCare in Whiting is an outstanding facility on so many levels.

I recently spent 2 months there for IV antibiotics and physical therapy. The care I received was wonderful: professional and compassionate. Virtually every staff

member: administrators, doctors, nurses, CNAs, aides all contributed greatly to my rapid healing.

One CNA in particular, Wanda, is a phenomenal caretaker and her encouraging spirit greatly aids healing. The physical therapy staff is beyond compare. They are respectful, thorough and challenging. The spirit of the staff is also reflected in authentic collaboration on all levels. I have immense gratitude to the whole team, and recommend them highly!

Frank Couglin Whiting

Young Candidate For Monmouth Commissioner

I’m Eduardo Castillo, a Marlboro resident and a working-class retail worker running in the Democratic primary for Monmouth County Commissioner. I am not a career politician; I am someone who has worked over six retail jobs and understands the daily grind of trying to make ends meet.

1996: none other than Diana Ross. That’s an impressive pull.

1997 was a Blues Brothers Bash with Dan Aykroyd, John Goodman and Jim Belushi. James Brown and ZZ Top also performed. OK…

Then we go to Motown’s 40th anniversary with Smokey Robinson, Martha Reeves, The Temptations for pedigree and Boyz II Men and Queen Latifah for new fans.

The fact that I get to type out “Big Bad Voodoo Daddy” in my job is a wonder. Anyway, they were in 1999 with a celebration of soul, salsa and swing with Stevie Wonder (another great pull), Savion Glover, and oh, hey, Gloria Estefan’s back!

The big 2000 show was Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera, Enrique Iglesias and Toni Braxton. The 2001 show I remember watching: Aerosmith and NSYNC, with Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige, and Nelly. In 2002, it was after the attacks on September 11, 2001 so we needed something a little more thoughtful and U2 was the answer.

(Editorial - See Page 11)

I know the stress of living paycheck to paycheck, the weight of mounting medical debt, and the frustration of watching grocery and gas prices climb while personal time with family disappears. At 22, I offer a unique balance of youthful energy and seasoned lived experience. This campaign isn’t a battle of young versus old, I deeply respect our older generations and connect with them through shared struggles. I believe that ideas, not age, define a candidate. My goal is to bring fresh, reasonable solutions to our local government, rooted in my identity as a son, a partner, and a proud American who believes in our collective potential.

As your County Commissioner, I will focus on the powers of the office, managing the budget, passing ordinances, and overseeing essential services like education, public safety, and health, to directly combat the rising cost of living. While the office has its limits, there is so much we can do to improve our infrastructure and social services. Together, we can make Monmouth County the number one place to live

in New Jersey. Let’s work together to make our county bigger, better, and greater for everyone.

Eduardo Castillo Marlboro

The Unborn Lost On Election Day

As we look at the last governor race in New Jersey, Christians who voted did not reflect what the Word of God says. America had a covenant with God, and we should not sacrifice our children through the sin of abortion which is MURDER! Exodus 20:6 How could we elect those who continue to slaughter the unborn who were made in the image of God. And we will be accountable before the Lord. Looks like a heart issue and hopefully there will be a spirit of Repentance. May God forgive us!

Proverbs 8:35-36 “For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord; But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; all those who hate me love death.”

Pat Lasher Jersey Shore

Correspondence & Commentary From Your Local, County, State & Federal Officials

$23.8M In Federal Funds For Ocean And Monmouth Counties

From The Desk Of

Congressman

Chris Smith

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Critical and comprehensive infrastructure projects and humanitarian initiatives serving Ocean and Monmouth counties were included in the recently approved consolidated budget and will receive more than $23.8 million in federal funding, thanks to earmarks submitted by Rep. Chris Smith (R-4th).

“The nearly $24 million in federal funding, which I secured, will go towards vital projects and initiatives that will greatly improve the safety, health, and quality of life of Ocean and Monmouth County residents,” said Smith.

“These funds will go towards critical law enforcement equipment and technology upgrades; significant improvements to water quality and wastewater treatment; enhanced stormwater management and flood mitigation efforts; expanded services for victims of domestic violence; and the implementation of informative human trafficking prevention programs in New Jersey schools,” continued Smith.

“These critical projects will bring innumerable benefits and improvements to the people

of Ocean and Monmouth counties, and I am honored to have played a role in securing the funding they need to bring these important initiatives to life.”

The federal funds, which Smith personally secured through congressional earmarks, include:

• $1,750,000 for Manchester to construct a stateof-the-art permanent water treatment facility to improve drinking water quality and mitigate PFOS contamination;

• $2M for the Ocean County Utilities Authority to help replace aging isolation valves, check valves, slide gates, and channel covers at several pump stations throughout Ocean County to improve wastewater treatment;

• $480,000 for the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office to augment its vehicle fleet to meet the growing law enforcement demands of Ocean County and the greater region;

• $540,000 for the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office to acquire upgraded communications equipment that provides for interoperability between the Sherriff’s Office and the County’s Emergency Management Agency and the multiple law enforcement and emergency services providers throughout the county;

• $2M to address safety and congestion issues along a section of the heavily traveled Route 537

corridor from Routes 526/571 to Gravel Hill Rd.;

• $5,640,000 for Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst to facilitate the construction of a critically needed Secure Test Aviation Research Hangar, which would include enhanced physical and cyber security features necessary for integration of advanced technology systems needed to enact the Navy’s Air Wing of the Future Program;

• $1,490,000 to restore, renovate, and revitalize the historic Manitou Park School House, which served only African American students and is the only remaining building in Berkeley with ties to the civil rights movement;

• $275,000 to upgrade the radio communication infrastructure for the Lakewood Shomrim, a vital volunteer organization that works handin-hand with the Lakewood Police, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office and Ocean County Prosecutors Office, in a commitment to law and public safety;

• $271,498 for Dottie’s House, a domestic violence shelter in Brick, to address a short-term gap for professional clinical casework and support staff and to restore and replace major aged systems in order provide better housing for transitioning families, as well as conserve energy and water and reduce costs;

• $3.2M for the construction of a new Air Traffic Control Tower at Lakehurst NAS, replacing the current tower constructed in the 1970s, which is now in a state of disrepair;

• $1M for Belmar to address critical water quality issues at Silver Lake, a coastal lake located approximately 750 feet west of the Atlantic Ocean, by installing a sustainable and resilient living shoreline to improve water quality; restoring native pollinators, plants, and wildlife, as well as the estuary; and efficiently filtering and managing stormwater;

• $247,000 for the Covenant House New Jersey (CHNJ) to launch a comprehensive, statewide human trafficking prevention initiative for schools aimed at reducing exploitation through education, early intervention, and expanded access to services;

• $2M to restore and improve the health, structure, and stormwater management abilities of Shadow Lake, an 80-acre, man-made flood mitigation and stormwater collection pond within the Navesink River system, located between Middletown and Red Bank;

• $2M for Lakewood to provide roadway, drainage, and sewer infrastructure improvements to Maplehurst Avenue, Newport Avenue, Franklin Boulevard, and Faraday Avenue along the Cross Street Corridor; and

• $1M for Eatontown to conduct infrastructure repairs and improvements around Wampum Lake to lower its water level in advance of a storm event and bring the road infrastructure up to modern compliance standards to prevent cyclical damage to housing, businesses, roads, transportation and recreational greenspace.

Nurse Home Visitation Program Helps New Parents

From The Desk Of The Governor

Mikie Sherrill

TRENTON – The Family Connects NJ program (FCNJ) – the state’s Universal Nurse Home Visiting program – has been expanded to support more families welcoming home a newborn. The service is now available in all of South Jersey, and most of Central and North Jersey, with program rollout on track to reach statewide implementation next year.

FCNJ is a voluntary program that offers a free nurse home visit by a specially trained registered nurse or advanced practice nurse to all families within two weeks of the arrival of a newborn. The service is open to all families with newborns, whether through birth, adoption, resource placement, or kinship placement. The program also assists families

recovering from the tragedy of stillbirth or neonatal loss.

Families in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Monmouth and Salem counties can now schedule a free home visit from a specially trained registered nurse to perform health screenings, answer questions, refer community resources, and ensure the family has a healthy and safe start. Family Connects NJ nurses have already performed nearly 9,000 visits since the program’s launch in January 2024, and it is already available in Bergen, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Mercer, Middlesex, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, and Sussex Counties.

“Ensuring that our families, particularly our mothers, receive the medical care they need is a top priority for my administration. We know that the early days are critical for both moms and newborns, and having access to timely medical care can have a significant positive impact on their long-term health and

well-being. The Department of Children and Families has done an excellent job expanding access to these essential services, both building upon the progress made in reducing Black infant mortality and keeping New Jersey the top place to raise a family,” said Governor Mikie Sherrill.

“It’s exciting to see how this successful program continues to grow and support even more parents and families with newborns during such a critical time in the post-pregnancy and parenting journey,” said NJ DCF Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer. “The most recent evaluation data gathered in partnership with Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health showed that, time and time again, participants reported high satisfaction with the nurse providers, that the participants felt seen and heard, and that their nurse provider made the family’s health and concerns a priority.”

According to the recently updated Maternal Health Hospital Report Card which is produced by the Department of Health’s New Jersey Maternal Data Center, data showed

that while substantive progress has been made around maternal and infant health, there is still much to do.

One of the key data points showed that 86.7% of pregnancy-related deaths were determined (Sherrill - See Page 10)

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.

Flooding, Dredging:

Continued From Page 1

are watching regulations on rebuilding after flooding.

Although Superstorm Sandy was 14 years ago, there are some people who still have not fully rebuilt, Councilman James Byrnes said. There is still money in the Reconstruc-

Disinformation:

Continued From Page 1

may be distorted, there will be limited to no sounds of breathing, and they may sound more confident - they won’t hesitate or stumble on their words.

She focused on the disinformation spread by AI and the ever-increasing risks. She also highlighted the important difference between misinformation - the accidental spread of untruths, and disinformation - the purposeful spread of untruths.

AI is everywhere now, especially online. It’s become easily accessible by scammers, who are quick to use a person’s voice as a way to mask their own identity and convince you to send them money, she explained.

AARP offers scam alerts, which helps people stay up to date on the current scams in your area. More information can be found on AARP’s official website, AARP.org, and there’s no membership required.

Spellman urged people not to think AI is

tion, Rehabilitation, Elevation and Mitigation Program (RREM) to be granted out. This led into a conversation about the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection REAL rules, which stands for Resilient Environments And Landscapes. Any new construction or reconstruction must adhere to new rules so that the buildings will withstand climate change, such as

rising sea level. They can be found at dep. nj.gov/njreal/ Township Planner James Oris explained that certain older regulations will still be in place, and updated the council on base flood elevations.

In other news, the Township Council approved an application for a $15,000 grant from the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank.

This is available to towns to perform infrastructure improvements.

Business Administrator Jay Delaney said the money will be used for stormwater maintenance equipment.

Township Engineer John LeCompte explained that cleaning areas where stormwater drains has an environmental impact since the drains lead to the Barnegat Bay.

Local residents learned how to distinguish fake from real information.

of AARP to teach the program.

entirely evil, though. While scammers may be using AI, so can the police. Departments could use this advanced technology for things like facial recognition in crowded areas or searching the internet for information on a suspect. It can help with small tasks like quick questions - just stay mindful of the answers, as AI

“learns” information by recognizing patterns online, and the internet is full of its own misinformation and human errors.

She explained that you should be mindful of content that is designed to elicit an emotional reaction. Always remember to fact check your sources; if you see something online and believe it’s worth sharing, it’s worth fact checking. If you can find a fact on multiple platforms, it’s more likely to be true. Spellman recommends using verified, non-partisan websites when fact checking information. Her two favorite examples are Snopes.com or FactCheck.org

C ommunity n ew S

Hands-On Lessons Engage Young Learners

BERKELEY – First graders at H. & M. Potter School are bringing sight words to life through hands-on learning in the classroom. In Ms. Bale’s class, students recently practiced reading fundamentals using a multi-sensory approach designed to keep young learners engaged and motivated. By combining movement, touch and interac-

Photo courtesy Berkeley Township School District tive activities, the lesson transformed what can be challenging work into an enjoyable experience.

District officials say strategies like these help reinforce early literacy skills while encouraging enthusiasm for learning, especially at the primary level where engagement is key.

Senior Slow Pitch Summer League Registration

By Chris Lundy

BERKELEY - Registration is now available for the Berkeley NJ Over 60 Senior Slow Pitch Summer League. Tryouts will soon be held. Players are welcome from anywhere in New Jersey.

The registration link is leaguelineup.com/ welcome.asp?Url=berkeleyssl

Note: Once you click the link, you may see a message stating “This site does not support secure connection with HTTPS.” Not to worry, if you are using wifi at home, you’re OK, as your wifi router has security protection. Click continue to access the website. Concerns? Call Mike Singer, Web Administration Group at 732-580-0633. Registration available on the welcome page under the heading register online. After you submit the register form, you get a new window with another link “please click this link to complete the registration.” Click that link to finish the registration process. Registration is for new, previous, and existing players who want to change teams. The summer league is a franchise league, meaning the majority of the teams are sponsored by various businesses. Players who tryout and are drafted will be joining an existing team. And possibly a new team.

Games are played on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 10 a.m. at Veterans Park, Bayville, and Whispering Pines Park in Berkeley (although many believe that this is in Toms River).

New players must be at least 60 in the 2026 calendar year. New Players: Legal bats: If you are 60 to 69, your bat must be ASA or USA-certified. Players 70 and over can use an ASA, USA, or a Senior Bat. Note: Must turn 70 in the 2026 calendar year to use a Senior Bat.

All new players must attend the tryout to be eligible for the draft. The tryout is scheduled for April. Date “to be determined.” The venue for the tryouts is Whispering Pines Park fields, located at the corner of Orlando Boulevard and Selkirk Avenue, Berkeley.

Questions regarding the league, contact Tom Olson at 609-743-1226 or email: tomolson451@gmail.com

If you have issues registering for the draft contact Mike Singer at 732-580-0633 or Email at singemi43@gmail.com

The league plays Tuesday/Thursday mornings at Veterans Park and Whispering Pine Park.

For more information visit leaguelineup. com/berkeleyssl

329 Commons Way • Building C • Toms River, NJ 08755 DelVirginiaRealtors.com • 848.221.1180

GAETANA DEL VIRGINIA CDPE, SFR. Broker of Record/Owner

BERKELEY TOWNSHIP LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to P.L. 2025, c. 72 The complete text of each legal notice of Berkeley Township, Ocean County including the Boards, Commissions and the like may may be obtained or viewed by the public on the official Internet website of Berkely Township: https://www.berkeleytownship.org/361/Legal-Notices

TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that New Jersey Secretary of State legal notice webpage of each public entity is not available as of this publication. https://www.nj.gov/state/statewide-legal-notices-list.shtml

Karen Stallings RMC-Township Clerk

R.C. Shea & Assoc. Inside The Law

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

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Support Group Offers Space For Residents Struggling With Clutter

TOMS RIVER – A free peer support group aimed at helping people who feel overwhelmed by clutter or hoarding-related behaviors meets monthly in Toms River, offering a judgment-free environment focused on understanding, connection and personal choice.

The group is designed for individuals who struggle with excess belongings or difficulty letting go of items. Organizers emphasize that participants are more than their possessions and that change happens at an individual pace.

Meetings provide a respectful setting where attendees can share experiences, listen to others and explore practical, supportive strategies without pressure or criticism. Participation is voluntary, and no one is required to speak. The group meets on the fourth Thursday of each month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Mental Health Association of Ocean County administrative offices, 1747 Hooper Avenue, Unit 15. Those interested may RSVP by emailing cgalesky@mhanj.org, though advance registration is not required.

Open Prayer At Pine Beach Chapel

PINE BEACH – Pine Beach Chapel will be offering Open Prayer each Thursday 5 to 7 p.m. at 401 Hillside Avenue, Pine Beach. All welcome.

Sherrill:

Continued From Page 7

to be preventable. It also showed that the pregnancy-related mortality rate for Black, non-Hispanic women was 7.6 times higher than for white, non-Hispanic women, while the pregnancy-related mortality rate for Hispanic women was 2.7 times higher than for white, non-Hispanic women.

Family Connects NJ visits are typically scheduled within two weeks of delivery or welcoming a newborn home. During the nurse home visits, customized care and assessment is provided to the birthing parent and newborn. Nurses conduct health checkups for mom and baby and provide professional advice on breastfeeding, sleep training, and caring for a newborn, as well as referrals to community

supports, if needed.

“The first-year evaluation data showcases just how incredible and lifesaving the FCNJ program has been since the very beginning,” said Brandie Wooding, Program Director for FCNJ. “In 14% of the families that were visited during the first year, a nurse identified a serious postpartum health concern that could not wait for the next scheduled medical appointment. This percentage has significantly increased since year one, with our 2025 data showing the percentage of families referred for medical attention at 18%. This includes issues like caregiver elevated blood pressure, signs of caregiver or infant infection, challenges with infant weight gain, and postpartum mental health.”

To learn more about Family Connects NJ, visit familyconnectsnj.org/

Editorial:

Continued From Page 6

2003 had Shania Twain, No Doubt and Sting which don’t seem to fit but maybe that was the point.

Then we come to the infamous 2004 Janet Jackson/Jusin Timberlake show. You know what happened here, because it was talked about forever, and was very controversial. But also P. Diddy and Kid Rock were there? P. Diddy was later sentenced for sex trafficking, and Kid Rock later wrote a song about liking underage girls, and the controversy was the wardrobe malfunction? Jeez…oh, and Jessica Simpson was there, too.

Then we got spoiled. 2005: Paul McCartney. 2006: Rolling Stones. 2007: Prince. 2008: Tom Petty. 2009: Bruce Springsteen. 2010: The Who. What a run.

2011 was Black Eyed Peas featuring Usher which is another time capsule, honestly. I hate Madonna with the heat of a thousand suns but it makes sense for her to be a headliner, and she was in 2012. However, there were also LMFAO (lol), Nicki Minaj, MIA, and Cee Lo Green, who were all a little less timeless.

Beyonce and Destiny’s Child hit 2013. Valid. Bruno Mars the next year with Red Hot Chili Peppers. OK sure. Katy Perry in 2015 - again, big name, big stage presence, makes perfect sense. She was joined by Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliott.

Coldplay was 2016. They were joined by Beyonce, Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson. Kind of a strange mix but fine. 2017 was Madonna again (Oh, I’m sorry, I meant Lady Gaga). 2018 Justin Timberlake returned. 2019: Maroon 5 with Travis Scott and Big Boi. Whatever.

Then in 2020 we saw Shakira and Jennifer Lopez featuring J. Balvin and Bad Bunny.

Wait, what? This is his second time at the Super Bowl? How is that even possible?

Ladies and gentlemen, The Weeknd was in 2021. 2022 was Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar. Again, no fan of rap, but these are some of the most commercial rappers so it’s not a huge surprise to see them here. Rihanna headlined 2023.

Usher headlined 2024, his second appearance, despite being a despicable person. He was joined by Alicia Keys, Jermaine Dupri, H.E.R., will.i.am (second appearance for this Black Eyed Peas member), Lil Jon, and Ludacris. Last year was Kendrick Lamar again, with SZA.

A lot of these shows also had marching bands. The best named one was “the Sonic Boom of the South.”

The nonprofit music group Up With People performed five times in the 70s and 80s, with a message of multiculturalism and racial equality, so programming like that isn’t new.

Looking at this list puts things in perspective. Someone like Bad Bunny isn’t even the worst choice based on this history. Once they started getting superstars, the producers were always chasing the biggest names (even if they would be forgotten just a few short years later).

How many of this list are for football fans? Way less than half, I’d say. That’s why the performers face the cameras and not the stands. The point is to get non-football fans to tune in. To be eyes on the screen during the commercials and the ads in the stadium itself. It’s to get people like me, who don’t care about football or pop music, to talk about it, to hype it up, and to tune in or be left out of the conversation. So I guess I’ll stop talking about it now.

Chris Lundy News Editor

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.

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H ere ’ s t o Y our H e A lt H

Dr. Izzy’s

Sound News

Presented By: Isidore Kirsh, Ph.D., F.A.A.A. (N.J. Lic. #678)

Isidore Kirsh Ph.D.,

What Is The Impact Of Untreated Hearing Loss On Brain Function?

Untreated hearing loss is more than an inconvenience –it can significantly affect mental health, quality of life and brain function. Depicted below are the major consequences of untreated hearing loss and the benefits of early intervention.

CONSEQUENCIES OF UNTREATED HEARING LOSS

Consequence

Cognitive Decline

Cognitive Overload

Auditory Deprivation

Social Isolation & Depression

Impaired Balance

Cognitive Treatment

Impact on Brain Function & Health

Increases risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s; Accelerates brain aging and atrophy

Brain strains to process sound, reducing focus, Memory, and thinking capacity

Brain “forgets’ how to interpret certain sounds, worsens Speech understanding over time

Leads to withdrawal from conversations; contributes to Loneliness, anxiety, and cognitive decline

Increases risk of falls due to reduced spatial awareness Less effective when hearing loss is untreated

BENEFITS OF TREATING HEARING LOSS

Treatment Benefit

Slowed Cognitive Decline

Improved Quality of Life

Reduced Risk of Depression

Better Speech Understanding Greater Safety

Enhanced Cognitive Therapies

Positive Effects on the Brain and Life

Helps preserve memory, focus, and overall cognition

Enhances communication, confidence, social engagement

Improves emotional health & reduces long term risks

Restores the brain’s ability to process speech effectively Enhances balance and reduces fall risk

Supports better outcomes from mental health treatment

Dr. Izzy recommends that you have an initial hearing evaluation when you turn 50 years of age. The consequences of untreated hearing loss are far too great to procrastinate. Dr. Izzy and his Staff will continue to educate you about hearing care choices. Please feel free to contact our office at 732-451-3962 or visit our website at gardenstatehearing.com.

His offices are in Toms River, Whiting, and Manahawkin. He can be reached at 732-451-3962 or via Web site at gardenstatehearing.com. Dr. Izzy & Staff gives Retirement Community Talks! Dr.

Dear Pharmacist

Why You Can’t Sleep Without A Blanket Even In Summer

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Have you ever kicked the blanket off because you’re too hot… only to pull it right back up five minutes later? Or is that just me?

I love being covered at night. Even in August. Even with the air conditioning on. Even when logic says, “You’re overheating, woman.”

And here’s the strange part, it’s not really about warmth. I looked this up and wanted to share my research with you in case you like to be covered too when you sleep. It has everything to do with your nervous system, not the temperature in your bedroom.

As a pharmacist who’s spent decades helping people sleep better without jumping straight to prescription sedatives, I find this endlessly fascinating because it’s so common, so instinctive, and yet so misunderstood.

We assume blankets are used only to stay warm. What your body is actually responding to is the light pressure and containment. Think swaddling! Even a thin sheet provides gentle sensory input that helps shift your nervous system out of “alert mode” and into “rest mode.” That shift is governed by your parasympathetic nervous system, the part responsible for slowing your heart rate, lowering stress hormones, and allowing sleep to unfold naturally. For context, the sympathetic nervous system is your “fight or flight” mode. Parasympathetic is better described as “rest and digest” and it’s what’s activated when you cover up.

In other words, your blanket isn’t just a comfort habit. It’s a regulatory cue to put you into parasympathetic mode.

Light pressure on the skin sends calming signals to the brain and supports vagus nerve signaling, a pathway deeply involved in relaxation, digestion, and sleep. This is the same reason weighted blankets help some people sleep more soundly.

There’s also an ancient, evolutionary layer to this. Long before memory or logic kicks in, the nervous system asks one quiet question at bedtime: “Am I safe enough to let go?”

Covering yourself creates a subtle sense of enclosure that reduces nighttime vigilance. Your modern brain knows you’re safe in bed. Your primitive brain is skeptical.

Then there’s temperature regulation. Stable skin temperature matter more than being cold. A light cover helps your body regulate heat evenly, which supports the natural drop in core temperature required for sleep. Melatonin plays a role too. This blanket instinct also overlaps gently with anxiety. Not panic attacks. Not diagnoses. I’m talking about the far more common experience of being wired but tired, mentally exhausted yet unable to settle, restless at night, or easily startled awake.

In those moments, your body often reaches for self-soothing tools like being covered up. It’s your nervous system telling you it wants to downshift gears.

But this whole blanket thing also explains why sleep feels worse sometimes in hotels, or when your husband ‘steals’ the covers in his sleep. It’s not just annoying. It’s the loss of a calming signal your body expects.

For more natural sleep insights, including melatonin timing and gentle nervous-system support, visit me at suzycohen.com.

(This information is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Suzy Cohen is the author of “The 24-Hour Pharmacist” and “Real Solutions.” For more information, visit www.SuzyCohen.com) ©2026 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.

Around the JerSey Shore

Fixture Of Ocean County St. Patrick’s Day Parade Dies

TOMS RIVER – Kevin Nulle, a longtime supporter and committee member of the Ocean County St. Patrick’s Day Parade, has died. He was 57.

Nulle passed away peacefully Jan. 31 in Toms River, surrounded by family, according to information provided by loved ones.

A resident of Pine Beach, Nulle dedicated more than three decades to the Ocean County St. Patrick’s Day Parade, serving as a committee member for over 30 years and as parade marshal for more than half that time. Friends and colleagues described him as a fixture of the parade and a passionate advocate for the annual event.

Born Sept. 26, 1968, in Hollis, New York, Nulle spent part of his childhood on Long

Island before moving with his family to Toms River in 1979. He graduated from Toms River High School North in 1987 and later earned an associate degree from Ocean County College.

Nulle built a career in logistics, working for more than 32 years as a logistics manager for L’Oréal, where he made lasting friendships. Outside of work, he was active in the community, volunteering for many years with the Beachwood/Pine Beach Little League and coaching several seasons.

He was known for his love of music, concerts, beach days, skiing trips to the Poconos, and watching New York Mets and New York Rangers games with family and friends. Those close to him said he

had an easygoing personality, a quick sense of humor, and a natural ability to connect with others.

Nulle is survived by his parents, Pat and Larry Nulle; his wife, Kerry Ryan; his son, Kyle Nulle; his stepson, Sean Baker; two sisters and their families; and an extended family that includes nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his grandparents and several aunts and uncles.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Ocean County St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Contributions can be sent via Venmo to @OCStPatricksDay or arranged by contacting parade committee member Michael Yeager.

Arc Of Ocean County To Host Lunch Break Networking Event

BRICK – The Arc, Ocean County Chapter will host a Lunch Break networking event on March 5 to mark Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and highlight the contributions people with disabilities make to the local workforce and community.

The event is scheduled from noon to 2 p.m. at the organization’s Pop-Up Café in Brick

and is free to attend. It is being organized by The Arc’s Vocational Services department.

Local businesses, school districts and nonprofit organizations are invited to attend, enjoy lunch and connect with The Arc’s vocational staff and program participants. The event is designed to promote inclusive partnerships and expand awareness of vo-

cational and transition services available in Ocean County.

Representatives will share information on a range of services, including commercial cleaning, shredding and production work for businesses, as well as volunteer opportunities for Arc participants with nonprofit organizations. The Arc will also discuss

job-coaching employment sites that support integrated work environments and transition services for school districts, including a new paid internship program.

Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP by visiting arcocean.org or by emailing development@arcocean.org for additional information.

Around the JerSey Shore

BlueClaws To Mark 25th Anniversary Season In 2026

LAKEWOOD – The Jersey Shore BlueClaws will celebrate a milestone summer in 2026 as the franchise marks its 25th anniversary season at ShoreTown Ballpark.

Team officials said the anniversary will focus on the fans who have supported the club since its debut in 2001. BlueClaws General Manager Bob McLane said the organization is planning a season-long celebration recognizing the community’s role in the team’s success.

As part of the anniversary, the BlueClaws are asking fans to submit photos and memories from the team’s first 25 years. Selected submissions will be featured throughout the season on the video board, the team’s website and social media platforms.

The team will also unveil a 25th Anniversary All-Time Team, with fan voting conducted by position group. Voting is scheduled to begin later this month with catchers, followed by infielders, outfielders, starting pitchers and relief pitchers in subsequent weeks.

Several anniversary-themed game nights are planned during the season. Opening Night at the Jersey Shore is scheduled for April 7 and will mark the 25th home opener in franchise history. A commemorative ticket giveaway is also planned for April 11, when the first 1,000

fans will receive a special ticket honoring the anniversary of the team’s first-ever home game. Players will wear a special home cap throughout the season featuring a 25th anniversary patch. The design resembles a beach badge and includes the surfing crab logo along with the years 2001 and 2026.

The BlueClaws have served as a Philadelphia Phillies affiliate since the franchise’s inception, with the original player development agreement signed in 2000. Over the past quarter-century, 127 former BlueClaws have reached the major leagues, including 87 who made their debuts with the Phillies. Former BlueClaw Ryan Howard was the first alumnus to appear in a major league game in 2004.

Attendance milestones are also approaching.

More than 8.9 million fans have attended BlueClaws games since 2001, leaving the club fewer than 100,000 fans shy of reaching the 9 million mark entering the 2026 season.

Single-game tickets are now available for select dates, including Opening Night, Father’s Day on June 21 and the July 4 game tied to America’s 250th birthday celebration. The season opens April 7 with the BlueClaws hosting Brooklyn, the High-A affiliate of the New York Mets.

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CLASSIFIEDS

Items Wanted

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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)

• M ail this form to: PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733. OR

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Around the JerSey Shore

Garden State Tribe Seeks Players For Spring Youth Football Season

TOMS RIVER – A nonprofit youth football organization serving underprivileged children in several Ocean County communities is recruiting players for its upcoming spring season.

The Garden State Tribe, a spring football program entering its fourth year in 2026, recently held tryouts for its 12U, 14U and 15U teams and is still looking to fill several

roster spots, according to program founder Frank Roder.

The organization focuses on providing opportunities for children from Toms River, Beachwood, Ocean Gate and Bayville. While the program is open to all athletes, Roder said its mission centers on removing barriers that often prevent underprivileged youth from participating in organized sports.

To that end, the Garden State Tribe provides transportation to and from practices and games and offers academic support, including tutoring, to help players maintain their grades. Several members of the coaching staff are school teachers, Roder said, reinforcing the program’s emphasis on education alongside athletics.

The team is coming off a strong 2025 season

in which it finished undefeated before falling in the final moments of the championship game.

Practices and home games are held at West Dover Elementary School in Toms River. Families interested in learning more about the program or registering a player can contact Roder by email at gstribefootball@ gmail.com or by phone at 609-342-3707.

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 732255-0400, ext. 2368, or abotein-furrevig@ ocean.edu.

A white-tailed deer hunkers down in deep snow during a powerful winter storm that blanketed the area in ice and heavy snowfall. The image was captured by Thomas Smith of Berkeley Township. Have a pic to share with our readers? Email it to photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you may see it here.

Habitat for Humanity Plans Bingo Fundraiser

TOMS RIVER – Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity will host a bingo night fundraiser on March 12 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Toms River.

The event will be held at 113 Tennyson Ave., with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and bingo beginning at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $20 and includes six bingo games. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

In addition to bingo, the evening will

feature a basket auction and a 50/50 raffle. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own food.

Proceeds from the event will support Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity’s mission to provide affordable housing opportunities in the community.

For more information, contact the organization at lmorgan@northernoceanhabitat. org or 732-818-9500, extension 105.

Free Martial Arts Program

OCEAN GATE – A free martial arts program will be offered by the Ocean Gate Municipal Alliance at Ocean Gate Elementary School.

Instructor: Leo Canzoneri – 2nd Degree. Learn self defense skills, enhance mobility, confidence, awareness, discipline, compe -

tition, interest with other TKD Schools. Classes every Monday and Thursday from 6 to 7 p.m. (all year round). Training for youth and adults 7 and up. Uniform and testing fees would apply. For more information, contact Leo Canzoneri at 732-597-0374.

FUN & GAMES SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 14 - 20 BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS

ARIES (March 21-April 19): If it’s important, plan your week so that it happens Thursday or Friday — those are the days with the most momentum for achievement in the coming week. Release desired projections so you can see facts.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): People often want to believe in something or someone but can then be mis-served by investing in the insubstantial. Assess with open eyes before you leap; wait until the above-zero stars later this week.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Do your own research before you share something, it’s easy to be blinded to reality for the next few days. Give others space too if they’re grappling with faulty assumptions or misinformation.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Believe in yourself with all you’ve got, express with full-throated joy. But know that below-zero Universal stars don’t necessarily bring the response you’d like. Do it just for you, not for critics.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Build a home life that supports your efforts — a better ‘charging station’ can allow you to feel solidly rooted in yourself, giving you a platform from which to grow tall and to thrive with all that you are.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Even the best efforts can get tanked if what is actually needed is misunderstood. Start by clarifying the need, then apply the effort. This could be more difficult until you get to Thursday or after.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): What you believe could be because it’s what you want to believe. Sidestep assumptions and lazy thinking and dig until you have all the facts if the matter is important. Be patient as you look for answers.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Something about the domestic scene may not add up, some foundational piece of intel could be missing or skewed to create different optics. Stand up for truth, it’s the only place worth living.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):

Drill down to facts before you open your mouth. While everyone could be more easily fooled now, don’t be the one remembered for delivering bad intel. Extra caution is advised on this below-zero day.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19):

Freeze yourself from making any major purchases for the next few days, you are especially prone to a financial error due to some kind of inadequate understanding, whether deliberate or accidental.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You don’t need to add any glow up to your already glowy self now, it could be seen as some kind of false front for a few more days. Stay solidly in your authenticity, no frosting needed on this cupcake.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): An old untruth could cycle around for another level of understanding and processing. Upholding things that are no longer real for you doesn’t serve your evolution. Discern what’s ready to release forever.

THIS DISH IS A FAVORITE FRENCH BISTRO CLASSIC

Diane Rossen Worthington

Leeks are like onions but have a milder, slightly sweet flavor, making them a versatile ingredient that blends well without overpowering other flavors. They can easily substitute for onions in any recipe. They look like large scallions with a white stalk and green stalk.

For this recipe, select medium-sized leeks, roughly 1 1/2 inches in circumference. Larger, thicker leeks can be fibrous and lack sweetness. Choose leeks with their long, dark green leaves attached and trim them just before cooking for maximum freshness (save the dark green stalk for making soups). If you’re unable to find medium leeks, Trader Joe’s typically offers packs of two that are the ideal size. For guidance on cleaning and cutting leeks, you can refer to the YouTube video on my channel: https://www.youtube.com/@seriouslysimplecook.

2 teaspoons lemon zest

1 garlic clove, minced

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For garnish: Cooked, chopped egg

Baby red and yellow tomatoes

Browning and braising the leeks in broth adds a rich, distinctive flavor. Finished with a simple vinaigrette made from the braising broth and enhanced with lemon zest, dill, Dijon mustard and garlic, this dish is delicious served hot or chilled as a first course on a beautifully arranged platter.

For a special garnish, top the leeks with 1/2-pound cooked shrimp or crabmeat and drizzle with sauce. I also like to sprinkle chopped, cooked egg along with fresh dill on top and arrange colorful baby tomatoes around the perimeter of the dish. This dish is truly Seriously Simple and will garner raves from friends or family.

VINAIGRETTE

Serves 4

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided 8 leeks, white and light green parts only, cleaned (see above)

1 3/4 cups chicken broth

3 tablespoons finely chopped dill weed, divided, plus more for garnish

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

1. In a skillet large enough to fit the leeks in a single layer, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.

2. Add leeks and cook, turning with tongs, for about 5 minutes until lightly browned. Pour in the broth, add 2 tablespoons dill weed and cover. Cook for 10 minutes or until the leeks are tender when pierced with a knife. Transfer the leeks to a rimmed serving platter.

3. Remove the skillet from heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, remaining 1 tablespoon dill weed, the lemon juice, mustard, lemon zest and garlic. Whisk to combine, then season with salt and pepper.

4. Taste for seasoning. Spoon the vinaigrette over the leeks and garnish with chopped egg, fresh dill weed sprigs and baby tomatoes. Serve immediately or chill.

Recipe notes

Leeks are very dirty, so clean them thoroughly. When cleaning, split the leeks down the middle, ensuring the root remains intact, and rinse under cold water to remove any dirt.

Advance preparation: This dish can be made up to one day ahead, covered, and refrigerated. Garnish just before serving.

(Diane Rossen Worthington is an authority on new American cooking. She is the author of 18 cookbooks, including “Seriously Simple Parties,” and a James Beard Award-winning radio show host. You can contact her at www.seriouslysimple.com.) ©2026 Diane Rossen Worthington. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.