2026-02-14 - The Howell Times

Crowd At Reptile Show Tips The Scales School Board Dispels Merger Rumors

Members of Small and Furry Rescue of Howell hold snakes

By Andrew Rice

HOWELL - The New Jersey Reptile Show had its second ever event recently at the VFW Post 2179 meeting hall on Port Monmouth.

According to the event’s website, this family-friendly reptile and exotic pet expo was meant to be a show-

case where hobbyists, breeders, families, and the reptile-curious can come together to explore the amazing world of exotic animals. The event included appearances from some of the top exotic pet shops, licensed breeders, and animal care professionals.

Due to New Jersey’s strict laws on the sale and possession of exotic pets, there aren’t many reptile shows in the state, meaning that local sellers, breeders, and enthusiasts usually have to go out of state for an event like this. However, that also means that when an

event like this is hosted in the Garden State, it gets packed wall to wall. The event had over 60 tables to browse and shop from, with many of the tables selling live animals right from their booth, while other tables sold reptile care accessories.

By Andrew Rice

HOWELL - Board of Education members said that it was unlikely that they would merge with other districts during their most recent meeting.

Newly inaugurated Governor Mikie Sherrill has discussed school mergers from time to time. While not mentioning Howell in particular, Sherrill has been on record proposing that non-consolidated districts might have to be merged with other districts in order to save administrative costs. It was brought up at the meeting by the board so that they could quell some concerns the public was having over it. The board pointed out that if they were going to attempt to merge any school district with Howell, it would be Farmingdale’s school district and even that was very unlikely.

On top of that, they said that a vote would be called for the locals to decide whether or not their district gets merged with another, so local approval would be needed for such an action. They also disputed the governor’s claim that merging districts saves administrative costs, saying that this is not guaranteed and relies on effective planning to do so.

The board also used this meeting to fill a vacant spot among their ranks that was left when former board member Dr. Sara Moran relocated with her family, thus leaving an open spot.

Several candidates showed up to the meeting to present to the board why they should be selected to join their ranks. After everyone who wanted to be considered for the role gave their presentation, the

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 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,

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Continued From Page 1

Most of the vendors had a similar story with how they fell in love with their craft. They liked to find different types of reptiles in the woods as a kid and they could never let go of that child-like love for exotic animals.

For Richard DeBevoise, the owner of HJS Serpents, his love for reptiles grew when he bought his first ball python and the subsequent rabbit-hole he went down learning as much as he could about them. That love of pythons and other reptiles grew into a collection and eventually into a business.

School:

Continued From Page 1

board retreated into executive session and deliberated on who they should pick to fill the vacancy.

After the board reemerged from the executive meeting, they announced that Cristy Mangano was selected to fill the empty seat due to her experience. Mangano will serve

Two Howell based organizations made an appearance at the show. Major League Exotic Pets, a popular exotic pet store located on Route 9 had a significant display of different animals.

The other Howell based organization at the show was Small and Furry Rescue, a local animal rescue organization dedicated to helping exotic pets. They work with local animal shelters because many of them don’t take reptiles.

One of the animals they had with them was a snake named Newark. Newark got his name because he was rescued after he fell through the ceiling into someone’s bedroom in an apartment complex in Newark.

one year to finish out the rest of Moran’s term. She will then have to run for office again if she chooses to.

Mangano has served on the board before in several different roles, including being the board’s president for a time. She has spent over nine years on the board. Her experience with Howell’s board in particular likely gave her a leg up over the other candidates. In addition to appointing a new board

Their work doesn’t just end with reptiles, as they provide services for every type of pet aside from the usual dog and cat.

As cool as it is to buy one of these exotic animals, they have to be taken care of properly.

That is one of the reasons why representatives from Nautilus Avian and Exotic Veterinary Specialists attended the event. Nautilus is an exotic pet veterinary hospital based out of Brick who attended the event with the purpose of educating new pet owners. Nautilus provides several different types of services, helping to ensure that these animals remain healthy in their new homes.

The event also included many booths dedicated to isopods, and animal enclosure acces-

member, the board also used the meeting to give its semi-annual Public Hearing on Violence and Vandalism, and Harassment/ Intimidation and Bullying Report. This report includes the statistical figures used to track the various incidents that go on inside of the schools. According to the presentation, there were 28 total incidents reported in the first segment of the school year that lasted from the beginning of September

Domestic Violence Advocate Training Offered

sories. Another booth called Parties by Parrots had an activity where eventgoers could have their picture taken with exotic birds resting on their shoulders

This event was put together by William Thomas, who runs shows all over the tri-state area. Thomas is a reptile enthusiast who has been a vendor at various shows from a young age, and it was the connections that he made through being a vendor that allowed him to start putting shows together himself.

Although no future event dates have been announced, Thomas said that they are looking to set up another show, possibly in a bigger venue because of the amount of guests this one had.

2025 to the end of December 2025. Those 28 incidents are the lump sum of all the incidents across all 12 schools in the district.

Two 8th grade students from Howell Middle School North’s band opened the meeting by playing the national anthem.

The next Howell Township Board of Education meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 18, at 6:30 p.m. in the main meeting room at the Howell municipal building.

FREEHOLD – 180 Turning Lives Around is accepting applications for its annual 40hour Domestic Violence Response Team training for new volunteer advocates. The free training will be held March

2–26 via Zoom on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 9:30 p.m. The deadline to apply is February 18.

Volunteers provide 24/7 support, resources and safety planning to survivors

of domestic violence through Monmouth County police departments. Applicants must be at least 18, have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation, complete background checks and finish

mandatory training. Prior experience is not required.

For information or an application, contact Tina Morgan at tinam@180nj.org or 732264-4360, ext. 4272.

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Seniors:

Continued From Page 1 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 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

Local Animal Rescue Group Asking Public For Help With Donations

HOWELL – Rescue Ridge a non-profit, no-kill, all-volunteer animal rescue group works tirelessly to find homes for all its animals in need. Founded in 2001 out of Spring Lake, the non-profit group had rapidly expanded with the love and support from the local communities. With seven adoption centers for cats, foster homes for both cats and dogs, and two local kenneling sites for dogs (one kennel located in Howell), not to mention its aggressive adoption events, this group is always in need of basic supplies. We pull from local high kill shelters, receive calls for help and take in strays etc. We are now asking the local communities for help in allowing us to continue our mission of saving lives. Rescue Ridge currently has approximately 145 volunteers and counting. This alone shows you how dedicated this group is to giving animals a second chance in life. We incur very high vet bills, along with all the medication, sheltering expenses and so much more. It is with this we ask for basic supplies. “The mission of Rescue Ridge is to Rescue. Our dream is to one day won’t have to.”

Highland Kennel, one of the two rescue group locations is located at 1424 Maxim Southard Road, Howell, will be accepting donations for animals in the rescues care. There is a donation bin by the front door and drop off times are best from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. then from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., seven days a week. The animal rescue group also offers kenneling availability to the public

at this location.

Rescue Ridge is asking for basic supplies: monetary donations, gift cards to PetSmart.

For our dogs the group is in great need of: Wee Wee Pads, dog pick up bags, From wet or dry for dogs - chicken is best, dog treats – must say made in USA, hard rubber toys such as Kong. We cannot give stuffed toys as they destroy them and eat the material and we need to be careful of squeakers.

For our cats the group is in great need of: Friskies wet food or Fancy Feast any flavor, “Simply Green” or “Rescue” Cleaner to help clean cat cages, and clumping litter.

For overall keeping shelter clean, the group is in need of basic supplies: paper towels, laundry detergent (he is best), large garbage bags (industrial size), and bleach (must say kills 99%).

Office supplies in great need of: copy paper and stamps.

Please no more sheets, blankets, collars or leashes as we have a lot that has been donated. We greatly appreciate all that has been donated.

If you or anyone you know can help with any of these items, please donate Rescue Ridge is always in need.

If you are interested in adoption or have a question, please call us at 732-546-8805 or text, our email is rescueridgeshelter@ gmail.com. You can also visit us on our website and view our amazing animals at rescueridge.com. Together we are “Saving Pets By The Jersey Shore.”

Downtown Seeks Vendors For 2026 Festivals

FREEHOLD – Downtown Freehold is now accepting vendor applications for two major community festivals scheduled for 2026: the Spirit of Monmouth Fest on June 27 and Oktoberfest on October 4.

Both events will run from noon to 5 p.m. and are expected to draw large crowds for a full day of family-friendly activities, including live entertainment on stage and in the beer garden, food

and retail vendors, games and other attractions.

Organizers said informational vendors will not be accepted for either event, as the goal is to maintain a diverse mix of offerings that benefit both attendees and participating businesses. Many vendors return each year, and available spaces are limited.

For more information, visit downtownfreehold.com

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

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

brought out during halftime shows throughout Super 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.

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 Howell 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.

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

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.

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 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

(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.”

Lasher Jersey Shore

S potlight o n g overnment

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 state-of-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 shortterm 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

Nurse Home Visitation Program Helps New Parents

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 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/.

• $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. Disclaimer: Micromedia Publications has always

C ommunity n ew S

Filmmaker’s Thriller Lands U.S. Distribution Deal

HOWELL – An independent action thriller written and directed by Howell native Kevin Interdonato is headed for a nationwide release this spring after securing a domestic distribution agreement.

Interdonato’s feature film Dirty Hands has been acquired by Saban Films and is scheduled for release across the United States beginning April 24, according to industry sources.

The gritty crime thriller is set against the backdrop of Chicago’s criminal underworld and follows brothers Richie and Danny Denton, whose lives spiral after a drug deal unravels with deadly consequences. As rival gangs close in and tensions rise within their own organization, the brothers are forced into a violent fight for survival over the course of a single night.

The cast includes Patrick Muldoon, Interdonato, Michael Beach, Denise Richards and Guy Nardulli.

Interdonato produced the film through Take No Prisoners Productions alongside Nardulli, who also served as a producer under Safety24 Productions. Action sequences were overseen by fight coordinator Jason Mello, whose previous credits include Fallout. The distribution deal was negotiated by Elisabeth Costa de Beauregard Segel of Storyboard Media.

Dirty Hands marks Interdonato’s second feature as a writer-director-star. His previous crime drama, The Bastard Sons, received a theatrical release in January 2024 through Vertical Entertainment. He

has also appeared as a writer and producer on the horror thriller Malicious, directed by John Fallon. Beyond his work in independent film, Interdonato is known to television audiences for his recurring role on the Showtime crime drama City on a Hill Interdonato was born and raised in Howell Township, where he continues to maintain ties to the community while building his career in film.

Township Seeks Office Coordinator For Health Dept.

FREEHOLD – The township health department is accepting applications for a full-time office coordinator position to support the department’s administrative and operational functions.

The position involves overseeing office operations tied to licensing, purchasing, invoicing and recordkeeping, as well as assisting with reports and helping coordinate public health programs, clinics and community events. The office coordinator also serves as a primary contact for residents, vendors and partner agencies. The health department provides services to six municipalities and focuses on safeguarding public health across the region. Applicants should have at least five years of office coordination or comparable ad-

ministrative experience, along with strong communication skills and a customer service–focused approach. Proficiency in Microsoft Office is required, and candidates must be willing to learn additional software systems as needed.

The township is offering a salary range of $44,000 to $58,000, depending on experience, along with a benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement benefits and paid time off.

The position is subject to New Jersey Civil Service regulations, and applicants must meet all applicable requirements. Interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and a completed township employment application at shorturl.at/cljdn.

Open Mic Nights

HOWELL – First Sunday of every month at 6 p.m. Come play your instruments, sing, standup comedy, poetry, etc. Just a good group of people hanging out and jamming together. Food will be available for sale. Any dona-

tions to their non-profit organization are very appreciated.

Southard Grange is located at 4860 US 9, Howell. For more information, call 848-3738529 or email southard218@gmail.com.

C ommunity n

League Condemns Call To Federalize Elections

FREEHOLD – The League of Women Voters of Monmouth County is denouncing President Donald Trump’s recent call to “nationalize” elections, aligning itself with a broader statement issued by the League of Women Voters that warns such rhetoric threatens the foundations of American democracy.

In a statement, the League said the president’s repeated claims of widespread voter fraud have been consistently rejected by nonpartisan election officials, the courts and the U.S. Department of Justice. Despite those findings, the organization said the administration continues to promote the narrative, expanding it to jurisdictions across the country, including Fulton County, Georgia.

“This is not political theater,” the statement said, describing the rhetoric as a deliberate effort to undermine confidence in elections by fostering fear, confusion and mistrust among voters and election officials.

The League expressed particular concern over proposals that would shift control of elections from state and local governments to the federal level, including suggestions

that voting operations be taken over in at least 15 jurisdictions. Without clear standards, the organization said, such actions raise alarms about federal overreach and political interference in elections where outcomes may be unfavorable to the president.

According to the statement, targeting local election administration based on results sets a dangerous precedent and threatens the principle of free and fair elections. The League characterized the push to federalize elections as a tactic aimed at suppressing voters, disrupting the electoral process and weakening public confidence ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

The League of Women Voters of Monmouth County called on elected officials to reject the rhetoric and reaffirm the constitutional framework that governs elections. The organization also urged members of Congress to take an active role in defending election integrity and upholding the Constitution.

“Silence is complicity,” the statement said, adding that protecting democracy requires immediate and decisive action.

Monmouth County Offers Free Promo Videos To Local Pizzerias

FREEHOLD – The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners has launched a new effort to help local pizzerias boost their online presence by offering free social media marketing videos through its Slice in Monmouth initiative.

Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone said the program is designed to support independently owned pizzerias across Monmouth County by giving them professionally produced promotional content at no cost.

“As part of Slice in Monmouth, we’re inviting pizzerias throughout the county to take advantage of this opportunity to showcase their businesses and their stories,” Arnone said. Interested restaurant owners can apply by completing an online request form at sliceinmonmouth.com.

County officials said once a pizzeria submits the form, staff members will follow up to coordinate the recording and guide owners through the production process. Arnone previewed the initiative during his State of the County address, where he debuted the first video in the series. That segment was filmed at Federici’s Family Restaurant, a long-standing pizza destination in Freehold.

County officials thanked owner Mike Federici and his staff for participating in the inaugural video, noting that the feature highlights the restaurant’s family history and its role within the community.

The video, along with additional information about the Slice in Monmouth program, is available at sliceinmonmouth. com.

Tai Chi Program Offered In Howell

HOWELL – Residents can explore the basics of T’ai Chi Chih Joy Through Movement® during a four-week program scheduled from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, February 19 through March 12, at the Winter Run Activity Center along the Manasquan River Greenway.

The moving meditation class introduces foundational principles and simple, flowing

movements designed to promote relaxation and balance. Instruction will be provided by Daniel Pienciak. Advance registration is required, and a program fee applies.

For more information on Monmouth County Park System programs, visit MonmouthCountyParks.com, call 732-842-4000, ext. 4312, or email info@monmouthcountyparks.com.

EDUCATORS! Have a special event planned for your class? Let everyone know by placing a news release in this paper! Call 732-657-7344 to find out how!

C ommunity n ew S

Police Sergeant Dies After Complications Linked To On-Duty Injury

after previously serving in the United States Air Force. He enlisted in 1998, rose to the rank of staff sergeant and was among the original members of the Air Force’s elite “Ravens” unit, according to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Within the State Police, Acker was widely known for his leadership at the Academy, where he served as head instructor of the Physical Training Unit. Fellow troopers said he demanded discipline and resilience, frequently running miles each day alongside recruits to push them beyond their perceived limits.

By Jason Allentoff

NEW JERSEY — The New Jersey State Police is remembering Sgt. First Class Sean William Acker, a longtime trooper who died Wednesday after complications connected to a duty-related injury, officials announced.

Acker, who had grown up in Howell and was assigned to the Division Staff Section, had served the New Jersey State Police for more than 19 years. Acting Superintendent Lt. Col. David Sierotowicz said Acker’s death followed years of serious medical issues that originated from injuries sustained during his career.

A member of the 145th State Police Class, Acker joined the agency in 2006

Years of intense physical training eventually caused significant damage to his hips, leading to a double hip replacement. While preparing to return to active duty, Acker suffered further complications. According to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a blood clot led to a pulmonary embolism and cardiac arrest, resulting in a traumatic brain injury and a prolonged recovery marked by additional medical setbacks.

Acker later became a recipient of the Tunnel to Towers Smart Home Program, which provided specialized housing support as he continued rehabilitation.

He is survived by his wife, retired State Police Capt. Lisa Acker, and their children, Connor and Samantha.

County Honors 11 Student Interns For Service

FREEHOLD – The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners recognized 11 students who completed internships across multiple county departments during the fall 2025 semester.

The students were honored during the board’s workshop meeting.

Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone said the internship program gives students practical exposure to professional workplaces while helping them better understand how county government functions and delivers services to residents.

“These internships provide valuable, hands-on experience and an inside look at public service,” Arnone said. “We appreciate the commitment these students showed and wish them continued success in their academic and professional paths.”

The recognized interns and their placements were:

Matthew Anderson — Sheriff’s Office

Logan Bavaro — Monmouth County Park System, Sunnyside Equestrian Center

Declan Berry — Department of Public Information, Economic Development and Tourism

Sophia Da Silva — Prosecutor’s Office

Daniel DeSerio — Sheriff’s Office

Giuliana Dorazio — Department of Public Information, Economic Development and Tourism

Justin Henriques — Monmouth County Park System, Longstreet Farm

Rio Mondschein — Department of Human Resources

Cailin Ryan — Monmouth County Library System

Sriya Sai — Department of Health and Human Services

Shreya Venkatesan — Prosecutor’s Office Information about Monmouth County programs can be found at visitmonmouth. com.

Around the JerSey Shore

Jones Named BlueClaws Manager For 25th Season

JERSEY SHORE

– Mycal Jones has been named manager of the Jersey Shore BlueClaws for the club’s 25th anniversary season in 2026, the team announced in conjunction with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Jones becomes the 18th manager in franchise history, replacing Greg Brodzinski, who won 209 games over the last three seasons and led the team to the postseason in 2023.

Jones is entering his seventh season in the Phillies organization. He previously served on coaching staffs with the Florida Complex League Phillies, Clearwater, and Double-A Reading, most recently spending the 2025 season in Reading. A former fourth-round draft pick of the Atlanta Braves in 2009, Jones played seven seasons in the Braves’ minor league system before beginning his coaching career. Joining Jones on the coaching staff will be

pitching coach Ryan Buchter, hitting coach Darnell Sweeney, position coach and assistant hitting coach Ryan Wrobleski, and position coach Orlando Muñoz. Buchter returns for a second season after helping oversee one of the league’s top pitching staffs last year, while Sweeney joins the BlueClaws following two seasons as a hitting coach in the Florida Complex League. The BlueClaws will open their 2026 season, which marks the franchise’s 25th anniversary, on April 3, with the home opener scheduled for April 7 against Brooklyn.

Editorial

:

Continued From Page 5

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. 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.

photo of the week

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.

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.

E. Murray Todd Half-Marathon Planned

LINCROFT – Runners will take to the roads for the annual E. Murray Todd Half-Marathon beginning at 8:30 a.m. on March 8, starting at Brookdale Community College.

The 13.1-mile course winds through residential neighborhoods in Lincroft, Holmdel and Colts Neck before returning to the finish area. Pre-registration is being accepted for the race.

More information on this event is available at MonmouthCountyParks.com, by phone at 732-842-4000, ext. 4312, or via email at info@monmouthcountyparks.com.

R.C. Shea & Assoc. Inside The Law

Legal Advertisement

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

Have you obtained a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) loan from Citizens Bank within the last 6 years and have elected to have your payments automatically deducted from your Citizen’s bank? If so, you may be entitled to a cash award with absolutely no financial risk to you.

We believe Citizens Bank committed FRAUD by promising its consumers a discount for using their automatic payment features, but never actually giving their consumers the discount associated with their HELOC loan. So, if you have a HELOC loan with Citizens Bank and you have been making automatic payments from your Citizens’ account then please

Michael J. Deem, Esq.

contact R.C. Shea & Associates to discuss your potential claim. We will need to review some of your monthly loan statements and your loan documents to determine whether you qualify for this potential claim.

Please call our consumer protection attorneys at R.C. Shea & Associates by dialing our toll-free number (800) 556SHEA or (732) 505-1212. Our consumer protection attorneys are interested in speaking with you about your potential case. This is a legal advertisement. We do not guarantee results. Your consultation is free.

Our clients’ success is our greatest reward.

732-505-1212 • RCSHEA.COM

Mixed-Media Home Decor Class

LEONARDO – A hands-on mixed-media art class focusing on 3-D home décor will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on February 19 and 26, at the Henry Hudson Trail Activity Center. Participants will create a one-of-a-kind decorative piece while experimenting with a variety of materials and techniques. The class will be led by instructor Monique Topp. Pre-registration is required, and a fee applies. Additional details about this and other county programs are available at MonmouthCountyParks.com, by calling 732-842-4000, ext. 4312, or emailing info@monmouthcountyparks.com.

LADACIN Plunge Raises $85K For Disability Services

MANASQUAN – More than 210 participants charged into the Atlantic Ocean on January 17 during the annual LADACIN Network Polar Plunge, raising $85,000 to support programs for individuals with disabilities in Monmouth and Ocean counties.

The fundraiser benefits the J. Michael Hartnett Memorial and supports the mission of LADACIN Network, which serves more than 3,500 infants, children and adults with complex physical and developmental

disabilities or delays.

The post-plunge celebration was hosted by Leggetts Sand Bar and featured live bagpipe performances, costume prizes and longtime emcee Gotts of 95.9 The Rat. Now in its 17th year, the event has raised nearly $1.5 million since its inception. It was founded and is coordinated by Joseph J. Russell Jr. of Manasquan, whose family ties to LADACIN have fueled his long-standing commitment to the cause.

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

Monmouth County Launches Plans For America’s 250th Anniversary

TINTON FALLS – Monmouth County officials are rolling out plans to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary, highlighting a slate of programs and events designed to involve residents of all ages.

County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon joined residents at a local senior village to preview the upcoming commemoration, commonly known as the Semiquincentennial. Hanlon, along with Commissioner Director Tom Arnone, serves as co-chair of the MonmouthNJ250

Committee.

During the visit, officials outlined educational initiatives, community activities and special events planned across the county in the lead-up to the historic milestone. The goal, they said, is to ensure broad participation as the United States approaches its 250th year.

Organizers encouraged residents to follow ongoing announcements and opportunities to get involved at monmouthnj250.org.

Garden Program Highlights Best-Value Plants

MIDDLETOWN – Gardeners looking to get the most value from their landscapes can attend a program titled “Plants That Give You the Most Bang for Your Buck” from 10 a.m. to noon on February 21 at the Deep Cut Gardens Horticultural Center.

The session will focus on shrubs and perennials that offer long-term impact and cost

efficiency for home landscapes. Advance registration is required, and a program fee applies.

Information on registration and other offerings can be found at MonmouthCountyParks.com or by calling 732-842-4000, ext. 4312. Inquiries may also be sent to info@monmouthcountyparks.com.

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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)

2011 Chevy Express Van - 1500 series, 6 cyl engine. Needs transmission. Body very good condition. Asking $1,600. Have clean title. Call or text, located in Toms River, 732-986-3873 ask for Chevy Express [Joe]. (10)

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)

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)

CA$h PAID For OLD 45 RPM RECORDS - R and B, doo wop, soul, rock and roll, and rockabilly. 909-938-4623, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., bobo78rpm@verizon.net. (13)

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)

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)

Now Training School Bus Drivers! - NO CDL NO PROBLEM we are willing to train. $23-$26 per hour. Full benefits package & paid sick leave. Start CDL Training today! 732-905-5100. (13)

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)

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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)

Housecleaning - Laundry, window, carpet, office cleaning, food shopping, painting. Call 732-3304189 or 848-287-3944. (1)

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)

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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)

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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)

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.

1. Below, circle the heading you would like your ad to appear under:

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By Jason Allentoff

LAKEWOOD – A $12 million coun -

ty-led transportation project is planned to improve safety and mobility along a busy stretch of Cedar Bridge Avenue, officials announced.

The project will focus on Cedar Bridge Avenue (County Route 528) between South Clifton Avenue and Airport Road, one of Ocean County’s most heavily traveled corridors. Funding is being provided through the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority, with Ocean County overseeing the work.

County officials said the roadway serves major commercial destinations, commu -

Around the JerSey Shore

$12M Project Planned To Improve Safety On Busy Ocean County Road

nity facilities and regional travel routes, while also presenting long-standing safety concerns. According to the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s 2023 network screening list, the corridor ranked first in Ocean County for pedestrian and bicycle safety concerns and second overall for corridor safety issues.

“This project addresses longstanding safety issues along a vital corridor for our residents and visitors,” said Ocean County Commissioner Frank Sadeghi, co-liaison to the county engineering department. He said the planned upgrades are expected to reduce crashes and provide safer options for pedestrians and cyclists in Lakewood

Township.

Improvements include upgraded traffic signals at six intersections and construction of a shared-use path designed to better accommodate people walking and biking. Additional work will include widened shoulders, high-visibility crosswalks, Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant curb ramps and enhanced roadway lighting.

Commissioner Ray Gormley, also a co-liaison to the engineering department, said the project builds on earlier safety improvements completed along other sections of Cedar Bridge Avenue in 2015 and 2017. He said the work will allow the

county to fully implement recommendations from a road safety audit completed in 2014.

Preliminary design work is expected to begin in the summer of 2026. The project will be coordinated with the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority, the New Jersey Department of Transportation and Lakewood Township officials.

The Ocean County Board of Commissioners said the investment reflects an ongoing commitment to improving roadway safety while planning for future growth, adding that modern infrastructure upgrades are critical to protecting residents and supporting local communities.

Lightning Fastpitch Softball Tryouts For Spring & Summer

JERSEY SHORE – 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.

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.

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 de -

buts 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.

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.