2026-06-13 - The Southern Ocean Times

More Than 1,000 Celebrate Barnegat Pride

By Stephanie Faughnan

BARNEGAT - Small rainbow flags waved from hands throughout the crowd as families explored vendor booths, children bounced in inflatable attractions and visitors gathered around the stage for music and entertainment during Barnegat Pride’s second annual Pride Festival.

More than 70 vendors filled the grounds, drawing well over 1,000 attendees from throughout Ocean County and beyond. The festival blended celebration with education and outreach, featuring everything from artists, crafters and authors to health organizations, recovery services, advocacy groups, educational institutions and nonprofit agencies.

Visitors had opportunities to connect with representatives from organizations including the Ocean County Health Department,

Flying Solo performs during Barnegat Pride’s second annual Pride Festival. (Right) Dezi performs during the festival.

Garden State Equality, Sea Change Recovery Community, the Ocean County Library, Stockton University’s Pride Alliance and other groups offering infor-

mation on healthcare, counseling, recovery support, education and local resources. During the opening

(Pride - See Page 4)

Recital Brings Many Church Organists Under One Roof

By Chris Lundy OCEAN COUNTY -

Dozens of faithful music lovers filled the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Beachwood for the first ever recital for local organists.

Usually in church, it’s not customary to clap after the organist finishes a song. But it was encouraged here,

as a way to show appreciation for the hard work and passion that the musicians demonstrated. It made one wonder how often they perform for a crowd that isn’t a mass. They hailed from Redeemer Lutheran in Neptune, Manahawkin Methodist, All Saints Episcopal in

Bay Head, St. Luke’s Catholic in Toms River, and many more. They were assembled by Barbara D’Ippolito, the Dean of Ocean County American Guild of Organists. She organized this event which was called “And Again I Say, Rejoice!” Although the pipe

(Recital - See Page 7)

When Retirement Housing Stops Being Affordable

By Stephanie Faughnan

STAFFORD - Housing affordability has become one of the biggest concerns facing older adults throughout Ocean County, where many retirees rely on fixed incomes that have failed to keep pace with rising living expenses.

The issue surfaced repeatedly during a recent Ocean County Senior Services public hearing, where advocates and service providers described seniors living in vehicles, staying in storage units and struggling to afford rent, utilities and medical care.

Ocean County Senior Services Director Maria LaFace noted that older adults living primarily on Social Security often have little ability to absorb sudden increases in housing costs because they cannot simply increase their income.

(Housing - See Page 5)

Parents Died

Trying

To Get Him Help, Family Says At Sentencing

By Stephanie Faughnan

TOMS RIVER – A daughter whose brother killed their parents urged a judge last Friday to temper justice

with compassion, saying the couple spent their final hours seeking help for a son in crisis before they were fatally stabbed inside

(Parents - See Page 6)

Pride:

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organization’s vice president. Hoffman recently returned to the leadership team after previously serving as its youth director. The Penn State sophomore has become one of the nonprofit’s most visible advocates.

“Just a few years ago, no one would have thought that a Pride in Barnegat was possible,” Hoffman said. “You would have never thought that field would see so many vendors, so many people for Barnegat Pride.”

“Pride is both a celebration and a reminder,” Aspan said. “It is a celebration of who we are, how far we’ve come and the joy of living authentically. It is also a reminder that visibility matters, acceptance matters and community matters.”

Live entertainment kept the crowd engaged throughout the afternoon. Redbird Flying Solo, Alaska and Soup Can Magazine performed musical sets while DJ Speedy provided tunes between acts. The event also featured PG-rated drag performances by Dezi, Mimi, Kirby and Cobra, with Desiree Moonshine serving as emcee and keeping the crowd energized throughout the day. Buster from the Jersey Shore BlueClaws added a special family-friendly touch to the festivities.

Yet organizers said the event serves as the public face of work that continues throughout the year.

More Than A Festival

For many attendees, the day represented much more than a festival.

Aspan found herself overwhelmed by the

number of people who stopped to share what the event meant to them. “People from all over South Jersey were coming up to me,” she said. “They were saying, ‘Thank you so much for doing this. We never thought we’d see this in Ocean County. Especially in Barnegat.’”

The comments carried particular significance given the township’s history.

Barnegat drew national attention in 2019 when then-Mayor Alfonso “Al” Cirulli criticized state requirements that schools include LGBTQ-related topics in their curriculum.

Although Cirulli said at the time that his remarks were not intended to be hateful or discriminatory, his comments sparked protests and generated widespread media coverage.

Aspan said members of the Township Committee were invited to attend and speak at both the inaugural festival and this year’s event but did not respond.

At the May Township Committee meeting, Cirulli, now serving as a committeeman, read a proclamation recognizing the “natural family” for the second consecutive year. The proclamation described the natural family as consisting of two married individuals of the opposite biological sex and their biological or adopted children. It further stated that the institution of family has historically served as a foundation of society and has been “maligned and denigrated” by efforts to redefine it.

While the annual Pride Festival may be Barnegat Pride’s most visible event, organizers say it represents only a small part of the organization’s work. Founded in 2024, the nonprofit was created after Aspan recognized a lack of LGBTQ+ resources in southern Ocean County. Since then, it has evolved into a year-round

organization focused on education, support, outreach and service.

Barnegat Pride hosts Reading With Pride in partnership with the Ocean County Library’s Stafford Branch, educational programs, resource fairs and outreach events. The organization has also coordinated blood drives and other service projects that benefit residents throughout the area.

One of its most important offerings is a monthly support group facilitated by Dr. Christine Chapais, LSW. The sessions are open to LGBTQ+ individuals, family members and allies seeking support and connection.

Hoffman said creating opportunities for people to come together remains central to the organization’s purpose. “When we talk about community, it’s not just the LGBTQ-plus community,” he said. “Allies are a huge part of that. Without them, we don’t get into these doors and we don’t see things through a different lens.”

A Community Partnership

Among the busiest booths at the festival was one staffed by members of the Waretown United Methodist Church. Pastor Dawn Corlew wore a shirt proclaiming “A Pastor With Pride” as church members collected donations for their Summer Feeding Program, which provides food assistance to children when school meal programs are unavailable. The collection focused on non-perishable, non-expired and kid-friendly food items.

Aspan spoke proudly of the church’s support and said she joined the congregation after finding an accepting environment focused on loving people as they are.

The festival also featured a giveaway spon-

sored through partnerships with B98.5 and the New York Cosmos. One lucky winner received a VIP package valued at more than $1,000 that included premium game tickets, food, beverages and access to the team’s hospitality area.

Aspan said she secretly entered Rich Bowman into the drawing. Bowman, who is married to Corlew is both a pastor and attorney. “I was so excited when he won,” said Aspan.

Recognition Beyond Barnegat

Barnegat Pride recently received a $5,000 operational grant from the Grunin Foundation to help sustain its year-round programming and support services.

Garden State Equality recently honored Barnegat Pride volunteer Lily with its Volunteer of the Year recognition.

Aspan and Hoffman had to leave this year’s festival early to represent Barnegat Pride at the New York Cosmos’ inaugural Pride Match, where the organization was recognized alongside advocacy groups and community organizations from across the region. Hoffman spoke on behalf of Barnegat Pride during a press event connected to the match.

For Hoffman, the organization’s success demonstrates that attitudes continue to evolve, particularly among younger generations.

“I think people have more respect for how people live their lives, especially in the younger generation,” he said. “We’re moving towards progress.”

“It was a wonderful day of everybody celebrating,” Aspan added. “Celebrating love. Celebrating the fact that we can be ourselves in that environment and be safe.”

Housing:

Continued From Page 1

“This is not how the golden years were intended to look,” said LaFace.

For residents of Summit West, an 18-home age-restricted rental community in Stafford Township, those concerns are a daily reality. They say rent increases over the last several years have created financial hardship and uncertainty for many who believed they had found an affordable place to spend their retirement years.

Summit West renters report lease increases as high as 20 percent in one year. Some say they have depleted savings, accumulated debt, delayed purchases and relied on assistance programs simply to remain in their homes.

Fixed Incomes Meet Rising Costs

For Nicholas Ferrara, 78, retirement was supposed to focus on spending time with family and caring for his wife, Hillary.

The couple moved to Summit West approximately 12 years ago after relocating from Massachusetts. Ferrara, a retired biomedical engineer, said the community offered an affordable place to live near family members who could help support them as they aged.

Today, the couple faces mounting pressure from rising housing costs and uncovered medical expenses. “We’re on a fixed income,” Ferrara said. “Social Security, a small pension. The cost-of-living increase was only a few percent, but everything else keeps going up.”

More than the financial burden itself, he worries about the toll the stress takes on his wife. “She doesn’t have any bandwidth left,” Ferrara said.

Ferrara’s concerns are echoed throughout Summit West. Many of the residents’ experiences have been shared publicly through a series of online videos posted under the banner “Summit West Stories,” documenting the challenges they say rising housing costs have created within the community.

Trivan Properties LLC operates both Summit West and nearby West Bay Village, two age-restricted communities located just a short distance apart in Stafford Township.

Licensing records group the properties together as a mobile home park, despite differences in how residents occupy the homes.

Last year, New Jersey enacted legislation limiting annual rent increases in many manufactured-home communities to 3.5 percent. The law applies primarily to land-lease communities, where residents own their homes but pay rent for the land beneath them.

That is how West Bay Village operates. Residents own their homes and lease the lots, making them eligible for the state’s rent-cap protections.

Summit West operates differently. Residents rent both the home and the land from Trivan. Because they do not own their homes, they are not covered by the law’s protections.

The distinction is particularly frustrating for Summit West residents because West Bay Village is located only a few lots away. “I can almost throw a stone and those guys are all protected,” resident Beth Mann said. “It’s the same houses, same owners, same over-55 vulnerabilities.”

Mann has been one of the lead organizers working with Summit West neighbors to keep their homes affordable.

For residents, the result is that two neighboring

retirement communities owned by the same company are subject to different rules when it comes to rent increases.

Representatives of Trivan Properties LLC were contacted for comment regarding residents’ concerns and reported rent increases but did not respond prior to publication.

A copy of a rent increase notice provided by a resident cited increases in utilities, real estate taxes, supplies and materials, maintenance and other operating expenses as reasons for the higher rents.

Several residents disputed those explanations, noting that tenants are responsible for paying their own electric, gas and water bills, with Trivan covering sewer service. Residents also contended that maintenance of the aging homes and common areas has been limited.

Taking Their Concerns to Town Hall

As rent increases continued, residents organized and brought their concerns directly to Stafford Township officials.

Residents attended council meetings, invited local officials to visit the community and met with township representatives to discuss what they viewed as a growing affordability crisis affecting older adults.

Their efforts resulted in the adoption of Stafford Township Resolution 2025-305. The resolution urged state lawmakers and Governor Phil Murphy to support legislation addressing what it described as “unconscionable rent increases” and stated that township officials supported efforts to protect renters from significant rent hikes while making housing more affordable and reliable throughout New Jersey.

Residents said the resolution represented ac-

knowledgment that local officials understood their concerns. A group returned to the council meeting last month to plead for help from the local municipality as they face another rent increase.

Township Administrator Matthew von der Hayden has indicated that Summit West presents unique challenges because it is a privately owned rental community and not a traditional affordable housing development. Township officials continue to explore available resources, although the protections residents seek are governed largely by state law rather than local ordinance.

Beyond Summit West

The concerns raised by Summit West residents mirror conversations taking place throughout Ocean County and the state as a whole. State officials are also expressing concern. Earlier this month, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs reported that eviction filings are the second-leading cause of homelessness among people entering the state’s homeless services system, accounting for nearly one in four cases.

For many Summit West residents, the issue extends beyond the latest rent increase. They say they are seeking stability rather than special treatment - the ability to remain in the homes and communities they chose for retirement.

As Ocean County’s senior population continues to grow, the concerns raised in Summit West may increasingly be heard elsewhere. Residents worry that rising housing costs and a shrinking supply of affordable options could leave older adults with few alternatives if they can no longer afford to stay where they are.

Parents:

Continued From Page 1 their Barnegat home.

Superior Court Judge Guy P. Ryan ultimately sentenced Michael Mulgrew, 37, to two concurrent 30-year prison terms for the November 2, 2023 murders of Eugene and Cheryl Mulgrew. The sentence carries a 30-year period of parole ineligibility.

Mulgrew pleaded guilty earlier this year to two counts of murder. Under the plea agreement, prosecutors were permitted to seek consecutive sentences totaling 60 years before parole eligibility, while the defense argued for concurrent terms.

The hearing, which lasted more than two hours, focused as much on mental illness and a family’s efforts to help a son battling psychosis as it did on the murders themselves.

They Died Trying To Get Him Help

Michelle Mulgrew’s remarks underscored the unusual nature of the sentencing hearing, where family members repeatedly advocated for compassion toward the man responsible for their loss.

“I stand before the court today as the daughter of Cheryl and Eugene Mulgrew, and as the executrix of their estates, as a survivor, a witness, and the sister of the defendant,” she said. “These are roles I never imagined I would hold simultaneously, and certainly not in the courtroom.”

Michelle described her father, a longtime public health official, and her mother, a healthcare professional, as people who

spent their lives helping others. She said both were well known and respected in their community and remained devoted to their son despite years of struggles with mental illness.

She also spoke of the personal loss left behind by their deaths, describing the absence of the parents she once turned to for advice, support and guidance through life’s challenges.

Drawing on her experience as a pharmacist and as Michael’s sister, Michelle argued he was experiencing a psychiatric emergency at the time of the killings. She described psychosis as a medical crisis rather than simply a mental health condition and maintained that opportunities existed to intervene before the tragedy unfolded. The deaths of her parents, she said, were not inevitable but followed what she viewed as a series of missed opportunities and systemic failures.

Judge Ryan acknowledged the family’s concerns about the response to Michael Mulgrew’s mental health crisis but emphasized that the sentencing proceeding was not the venue for determining whether mistakes had been made by healthcare providers, emergency responders or other agencies.

“I have no control over that,” Ryan said, explaining that his responsibility was to impose an appropriate criminal sentence based on the law and the facts before the court. Those allegations are central to a separate civil lawsuit Michelle filed against healthcare and mental health entities involved in the events leading up to her parents’ deaths.

The lawsuit alleges emergency psychiatric intervention was sought but not properly provided before the killings occurred. The allegations remain disputed and have not been proven in court.

Relatives Urge Compassion

Although victim impact statements are typically limited to immediate family members, Ryan permitted two of Eugene and Cheryl Mulgrew’s cousins to address the court.

“For many years, they tried tirelessly to help Michael through his struggles with mental illness and substance abuse,” Joseph Puleo said, calling them devoted parents. “They sought treatment for him, supported him emotionally and never abandoned hope that he could stabilize and build a better life.”

Geraldine Tucciarone also urged the court to focus on Michael’s need for treatment.

“The only kind of justice for my cousins Eugene and Cherrie as parents would be to ensure Michael gets the help he needs to process this tragedy,” she said.

Attorneys Make Their Cases

When police responded to the Mulgrew family’s Lincoln Avenue home, they discovered Eugene and Cheryl Mulgrew dead from stab wounds. Michael Mulgrew was later located nearby and taken into custody without incident.

Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Mara Brater urged Ryan to impose consecutive sentences, arguing that the deaths of two victims warranted separate recognition

under New Jersey law.

According to Brater, evidence showed Cheryl Mulgrew had been in contact with Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services (PESS), a state-funded crisis response system that evaluates individuals believed to be experiencing psychiatric emergencies.

Brater said PESS personnel advised Cheryl not to tell her son that an evaluation was being arranged because of concerns it could upset him.

“He indicated that he had heard his mother speak to the mobile psychological services evaluator that morning and knew they were coming to the house to give him an examination,” Brater said. “Yet this defendant flew into a rage based on the knowledge that PESS was coming to the house and stabbed his parents.”

As Brater made those remarks, Mulgrew, who stood shackled in the jury box, shook his head in disagreement.

The prosecutor argued that while mental illness was an important factor, the court could not overlook that two lives were lost and that each victim deserved separate consideration.

First Assistant Deputy Public Defender Michael Vito argued that the tragedy could not be understood without examining years of documented psychiatric illness, including drug-induced psychosis.

For nearly an hour, Vito walked the court through records detailing psychotic episodes, hospitalizations, recurring delusions and mental health crises dating back to 2018.

(Parents - See Page 13)

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

9th District Applauds Delay Of NJ REAL Rules

Capitol Comments

Senator Carmen F. Amato, Jr. 9th Legislative District

TRENTON - Senator Carmen Amato, Assemblyman Brian Rumpf, and Assemblyman Gregory Myhre (all R-9 th) praised the decision to extend the legacy provisions of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Resilient Environments and Landscapes (REAL) rules for one year, providing an opportunity for meaningful stakeholder engagement and regulatory reform. The extension will allow existing standards to remain in place until July 20, 2027.

The 9th Legislative Delegation issued the following statement:

“The decision to pause implementation of the REAL rules is a victory for homeowners, small businesses, municipalities, and working families who raised legitimate concerns about the devastating economic consequences these regulations could have imposed.”

“The regulations, which impact coastal zone management, freshwater wetlands, stormwater management, and flood hazard rules, generated widespread concerns from local governments, business organizations, builders, and property owners throughout New Jersey. Many stakeholders warned that the rules would

significantly increase housing costs, hinder redevelopment efforts, and create new obstacles for property improvements.”

“We recognize the importance of preparing for future environmental challenges and strengthening resiliency against flooding and severe weather events. However, environmental protection cannot come at the expense of housing affordability, economic opportunity, private property rights, or the ability of families to improve and maintain their homes.”

“New Jersey is already facing an affordability crisis, with residents struggling under the weight of high property taxes, utility costs, and housing expenses. Government policies should help New Jersey families remain in their communities, not make it more expensive and difficult to

live here. A balanced approach is possible. We can protect our environment while also encouraging responsible development, infrastructure improvements, and economic growth.”

“We look forward to working with the NJDEP, the Governor’s Office, local officials, environmental advocates, industry representatives, and residents during the review period to ensure that any future regulations are transparent, achievable, scientifically sound, and consistent with legislative intent.”

“Our goal should be policies that enhance resiliency without placing unrealistic burdens on homeowners, businesses, local governments, and future generations of New Jersey residents. We welcome this opportunity to get the REAL rules right.”

Senator Wants Transparency On Who Owns Nursing Homes

Capitol

Comments

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) is pressing Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Mehmet Oz to immediately reinstate a key transparency deadline requiring Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) to report detailed information about their ownership, management, and related-party financial arrangements. The federal administration’s decision to suspend that deadline has significantly weakened visibility into

who controls nursing homes and how public dollars are used. U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) also signed the letter.

In their letter, the Senators wrote:

“We write to urge immediate reinstatement of the deadline for Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) to submit disclosures of ownership, managerial structures, and related parties... As you know, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) indefinitely suspended the previously established January 1, 2026, deadline for SNFs to report comprehensive ownership, managerial control, and ‘additional disclosable parties’ data. As of February 2026, just over half of applica-

ble SNFs were reporting with the new form. These requirements were implemented to create transparency and help families better understand the entities that own, control, and operate facilities where their loved ones receive care,” the senators wrote.

“SNFs provide essential medical and personal care to older adults and people with disabilities, and two out of every three nursing home residents rely on Medicaid. Billions of taxpayer dollars flow into SNFs each year, but increasing evidence suggests that complex ownership and related-party arrangements can obscure how those funds are used and whether they ultimately support resident care,” they continued.

“The absence of timely ownership and related-party disclosure is particularly concerning given the growing body of evidence

that ownership structure and the role of private equity and other private investments are related to quality and safety in SNFs. A systematic review of twelve studies published between 2000 and 2024 found that private equity ownership of nursing homes in the U.S. was linked to a higher number of care deficiencies, increased hospitalization rates, and higher mortality among residents,” they added.

“Accordingly, we implore CMS to immediately resume the requirement that SNFs submit ownership, managerial, and related-party disclosures and to establish an expedited deadline for full compliance. Greater transparency into ownership and control is essential to protect residents, safeguard public funds, and enhance oversight of the nursing facility sector,” the senators concluded.

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.

Balloon Safety Urged During Graduation Season

SOUTHERN OCEAN – Atlantic City Electric is reminding residents to keep mylar balloons away from power lines as graduation celebrations get underway. The utility said foil balloons, which have a metallic coating, can cause damage and power outages when they come into contact with electric equipment. From 2016 through 2025, mylar balloons caused 221 outage events that affected nearly 18,500 Atlantic City Electric customers. So far this year, about 600 customers have lost power because of foil balloons, resulting in roughly 420 hours without service.

Atlantic City Electric urged residents to keep balloons tethered or attached to

weights and to dispose of them properly by puncturing them to release helium before throwing them away. The company also encouraged people to consider other ways to celebrate without balloons. Ideas are available at PreventBalloonLitter.org

Anyone who sees a balloon tangled in a power line should not try to remove it. Customers should call Atlantic City Electric at 800-833-7476 for assistance. The utility said all power lines should be treated as energized, and people should keep themselves, ladders and equipment at least 10 feet away from overhead wires.

More safety information is available at atlanticcityelectric.com/Safety.

Recital:

Continued From Page 1

organ is associated with classical music, one of the composers was born in 1989. Additionally, one of the organists, Tyler Sotto, was a sophomore at Central Regional High School.

Everyone knows the overpowering chords of the pipe organ. It fills the church and reverberates off the stained glass. It’s a sound that echoes the power of the heavens. However, the instrument has more range than that - and so do the musicians. There were gentle, subtle tones. Delicate fingerwork. Sweeping speed and relaxing, lulling, long notes. The pipes bellow, causing the low register to vibrate, which makes you surprised when thin, fragile, high notes

pour out later. It often comes together in a fullness that makes one musician rival an orchestra.

During the invocation before the performances, Pastor Peter Hartney discussed the crowd of the shape of the church, which can be seen from the Garden State Parkway entrance, resembling an upside-down ship.

Inside the church looks like the hull of a ship, crossed wooden beams arching overhead. The pastor said that the organ is the stern of the ship, propelling it forward. The music is like wind in the sails.

The group invites organists, pianists, choir directors and more to visit them at OceanCountyAGO.org, Facebook.com/ OceanCountyAGO and Instagram.com/ OceanCountyAGO

World Cup Road Tour To Stop In Southern Ocean

LITTLE EGG HARBOR – The official FIFA World Cup 2026™ NYNJ Host Committee Skyline to Shoreline Road Tour will make a stop in Southern Ocean County June 14 as part of a community watch party and youth soccer showcase at LBI National Golf Resort.

The free event, hosted by the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the NJ Youth Soccer Association, begins at 2 p.m. and will include interactive soccer activities, music, giveaways, photo opportunities and pop-up experiences tied to the upcoming World Cup. A youth soccer showcase led by a local nonprofit organization will feature skills demonstrations, practice tips and casual scrimmages.

Attendees can also visit local business and nonprofit tables before gathering at 4 p.m. for an outdoor big-screen viewing of the Netherlands vs. Japan Group F match. Indoor viewing will also be available. World

Cup-themed food and drinks will be sold, and the event will follow official FIFA Watch Party guidelines.

Contributions from the event will support the Pinelands Soccer Association and South Jersey Elite Barons. Businesses interested in setting up a table can register at visitlbiregion.com.

The chamber will also hold a World Class Business Watch Party June 13 at LBI National Golf Resort beginning at 5:15 p.m. Tickets are $30 and include a pass for a future sunset cruise aboard the Miss Barnegat Light, a curated menu and premium cash bar access, with $5 from each ticket donated to Ocean County Meals on Wheels.

Ocean County Commissioner Director Frank Sadeghi and Commissioners Robert Arace and Ray Gormley are expected to attend. For details, visit visitlbiregion.com, call the Southern Ocean Chamber at 606494-7211 or email Blaise@sochamber.com.

Elks Award $21,000 In Scholarships

FORKED RIVER – Lacey Elks Lodge #2518 awarded $21,000 in scholarships to 21 graduating seniors from Lacey High School, continuing the lodge’s support of local students and education.

The scholarships, each worth $1,000, were announced during the school’s recent awards ceremony through the Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship Program. The awards will help students as they continue their education after graduation.

The program was coordinated by Trudy Stolte, chairwoman of the Lacey Elks Scholarship Committee. Stolte said the lodge is proud to support students who have shown academic achievement,

leadership, community involvement and a commitment to excellence.

The Most Valuable Student Scholarship Program is sponsored by the Elks National Foundation and recognizes students based on scholarship, leadership and financial need. Letters are also expected to go out this week to winners of the Lacey Legacy Scholarship, with each award also valued at $1,000.

State Elks Family Scholarship applications are due June 30. Lacey Elks Lodge #2518, which has more than 3,300 members, is one of the largest Elks lodges in New Jersey and supports veterans, youth, families and local organizations through its charitable programs.

Atlantic City Electric Offers

Free Trees To Customers

SOUTHERN OCEAN COUNTY – At-

lantic City Electric customers can reserve a free tree through the utility’s partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation’s Energy-Saving Trees program.

The company is making 700 trees available to residential customers on a first-come, firstserved basis. The program is designed to help homeowners improve energy efficiency by planting trees in locations that can provide shade, reduce cooling costs and offer other long-term environmental benefits.

When planted properly, trees from the program can help reduce energy bills by 15% to 30% as they mature, according to the company. Since the partnership began, trees distributed through the program are expected to generate nearly $9.3 million

in energy savings, reduce electricity use by more than 41.2 million kilowatt-hours and provide more than $13.2 million in combined energy and community benefits. Customers may choose from several tree species native to the Northeast, including baldcypress, river birch, eastern redbud, red maple and flowering dogwood. Interactive online tools from the Arbor Day Foundation are also available to help residents select the best planting location for energy savings. Trees can be reserved while supplies last at arborday.org/ace. Atlantic City Electric also reminds customers to call 811 before digging so underground utility lines can be marked. More energy efficiency information is available at atlanticcityelectric. com/WaystoSave.

C ommunity n ew S

Historical Society Awards Scholarships

STAFFORD – The Historical Society recognized its 2026 scholarship recipients marking the organization’s 34th year participating in the community program.

Board members presented the Edna Hazelton Memorial Scholarship in Honor of Doris F. Cranmer to Cooper Adams and Hadley Marti.

Miss Stafford Brooke Borusovic and Francis

DeSena received the Stafford Historical Society Town Crier Scholarship in Memory of Steve Brescia and his legacy of civic service.

The society said more than $960,000 in scholarships were awarded during the evening. Members also thanked donors, fundraising participants and Southern Regional School District staff for helping make the scholarship program possible.

Longtime Police Employee Remembered

LACEY – The Lacey Township Police Department is mourning the loss of longtime employee Debra “Spiffy” Simpson, who died May 25 after nearly five decades of service to the community.

Simpson, a lifelong Lacey resident, began working for the department in May 1977 as Police Dispatcher #283. She served in that role for 25 years before retiring for the first time. She also was a volunteer founding member of the Lanoka Harbor First Aid Squad #26.

After her initial retirement, Simpson returned to public service as a crossing guard before later becoming a part-time records

clerk, a position she held until her death. In all, her service to Lacey spanned from 1977 to 2026.

Simpson’s late husband, Daniel Simpson, also served the police department as a Special Law Enforcement Officer Class I. Police officials remembered Debra Simpson for her generosity, dedication to others, quick wit and spirited personality.

No services will be held, in keeping with Simpson’s wishes. Those who would like to honor her memory are asked to consider donating to the Forked River Rotary Foundation to support a future scholarship in her name.

Couch To 5K Program Begins This Summer

LACEY – Residents looking to start running this summer can take part in a Couch to 5K program offered by Lacey Recreation and the Municipal Alliance.

The program is designed to help participants build endurance and confidence ahead of the Lacey 5K. Weekly group training runs and walks will be held at the Gille Park Pavilion on Mondays at 7 p.m., beginning June 22.

Participants will receive motivation, guidance and advice, along with educational clinics covering topics such as proper nu-

trition and injury prevention. The program also gives runners and walkers a chance to train alongside others working toward the same goal.

The program will be coached by Brandy Rapatski, Patty Naden, Robin Gialanella, Jean Sullivan and Bethanie Bradley. The $35 fee includes registration for the Lacey 5K, which will be held Saturday, August 22.

Registration is available online at parksrec.egov.basgov.com/laceynj or in person at the Recreation Office.

Southern Ocean Chamber presents

World Watch Party Weekend

A Weekend of Community on a Global Scale June 13-14 hosted at LBI National Golf & Resort

Saturday, June 13 — World Class Business Watch Party his exclusive cocktail style reception runs from 5:15 to 8:30 p.m., offering a curated menu, signature food stations, and networking to benefit Ocean County Meals on Wheels.

Garden Club Teaches Scouts About Pollinators

BARNEGAT LIGHT – The Garden Club of LBI recently welcomed 31 Daisies and Brownies from a Manahawkin Girl Scout troop for a hands-on lesson about bees, butterflies and the flowers that support them.

scouts’ work toward earning a gardening badge. Julianna, 6, said she enjoyed “the honey and helping the bees.”

$30 Register at www.visitLBIregion.com

Each ticket holder will receive a complimentary pass to a sunset cruise on Miss Barnegat Light

FIFA World Cup 2026™ Skyline to Shoreline Road Tour to Make Official Stop at Chamber’s Community Watch Party & Youth Soccer Showcase

Sunday, June 14 — FREE Community Watch Party & Youth Soccer Showcase Family Friendly Celebration

Beginning at 2 p.m.,

a Youth Soccer Showcase featuring skills demonstrations and practice tips.

Gather for the Group F match: Netherlands vs. Japan

Special giveaways and surprises scheduled for the day.

The event follows FIFA Watch Party guidelines and is free and open to the public. Local businesses and organizations will be onsite showcasing products and services. Vendor information available online

The girls, ages 5 and 6, visited the club’s Pollinator Garden in Barnegat Light on June 1, where Garden Club members led them on a tour and explained which flowers are most helpful to pollinators. The scouts also decorated flower pots, planted flowers to bring home and made paper suns to add to their mini-gardens.

Troop leaders Jeannine McLain and Sabrina Casas said the program helped the girls learn practical gardening skills while also showing them how plants benefit the environment. The lesson was part of the

The Pollinator Garden, chaired by Bonnie Brodman, is maintained by Garden Club members as part of the organization’s community mission. The garden was created as a habitat for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and Eastern songbirds, with plants including milkweed for monarch butterfly larvae, as well as dill and parsley for swallowtail larvae.

Club members meet each Tuesday to care for the garden, which is open to the public. The Garden Club supports community projects through two annual fundraisers, the Holiday House Tour and the Outdoor Living and Garden Tour, scheduled for June 25. Tickets are available at thegardencluboflbi.

Fishing Tournament Invites Women, Girls

FORKED RIVER – The Tuna Club will host its 33rd annual Ladies’ Catch of the Day Fishing Tournament on July 11, with a rain date of July 12.

The tournament is open to women anglers for a $30 entry fee, with participants fishing for fluke and sea bass. Paid anglers may register up to three “Mermaids,” girls age 12 and younger, who can fish for fluke and crab. A male parent or adult may also register up to three Mermaids for a $20 fee, which includes admission to the awards picnic but does not include fishing.

Registration and the captain’s meeting

will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, July 10, at the clubhouse, 18 Bay Ave. Registration forms and rules are available at forkedrivertunaclub.com. Forms received by June 26 will be entered into an early entry raffle.

An awards picnic will begin Saturday after the weigh station closes at 4 p.m. The event will include gift basket raffles and door prizes, with additional picnic tickets available for purchase. Proceeds will benefit local marine conservation organizations and the Forked River Tuna Club’s scholarship fund. For more information, call or text Linda at 609-618-2925.

Master Gardeners To Answer Questions

WARETOWN – Gardeners looking for help with plants, pests or new projects can stop by the Ocean County Library’s Waretown Branch for advice from the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Ocean County.

The free “Ask a Master Gardener” program will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 27 at the branch, 112 Main Street. Registration is not required.

Residents can bring questions, photos or samples of insects, plants, shrubs or trees for help with identification, diagnosis and

recommendations. The volunteers can assist with topics such as plant problems, soil health, pest management, native plants, composting and sustainable gardening practices.

The Rutgers Master Gardeners are trained and certified volunteers who work with Rutgers Cooperative Extension to provide research-based gardening information to Ocean County residents.

For more information, call 609-693-5133 or visit the Waretown Branch.

C ommunity n ew S

Elks Lodge Receives Donation From Hibernians

MANAHAWKIN – The Elks Lodge No. 2340 recently received a donation from the Father Duffy Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division 2 Ocean County, supporting continued charitable efforts in the area.

The contribution reflects the shared

mission of both organizations to give back to the community and assist local causes throughout Ocean County.

Past Exalted Ruler Rico Fischer was pictured with members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division 2 Ocean County, during the presentation.

AARP To Discuss Public Benefits For Older Adults

WARETOWN – Older adults and caregivers can learn about programs designed to help reduce living expenses during a free AARP presentation at the Waretown Branch of the Ocean County Library.

“Public Benefits for Older Adults” will be held at 2 p.m. June 25, at the branch, 112 Main Street. The program will focus on ways eligible residents can supplement their income, lower spending and access essential benefits, discounts and refunds.

Topics will include the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the Affordable Connectivity Program, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Medicare Savings Programs and the Medicare Extra Help Plan. Attendees will also receive information about how to apply for the programs.

Registration is required. To register, visit tinyurl.com/BenefitsWaretown , call 609693-5133 or stop by the branch.

American Legion Post Seeks New Members

LACEY – American Legion Memorial Post 517 is inviting eligible veterans to join its membership and take part in the post’s community and support programs.

The post meets on the first Monday of each month at noon at the Charles A. Smith Community Center, 15 East Lacey Road, Forked River. Interested veterans are encouraged to attend a meeting or contact the post for help with the membership process.

Post officials said members should bring a copy of their DD 214 discharge papers when signing up. The post describes itself as having a strong support system in Ocean County and welcomes veterans who want to connect with others through the American Legion.

For more information, call Post Commander Bill Schmidt at 732-575-6904 or email BillSchmidt1000@aol.com

Heart Healthy Walk Set

MANAHAWKIN – Southern Ocean Medical Center will offer a free Talk and Walk program with the Stafford Pathfinders Group at 8:30 a.m. June 16 at the Doc Cramer Sports Complex soccer fields.

The program will focus on heart healthy eating, with a health expert sharing tips

on cardiovascular nutrition during a brisk walk. Topics will include reducing sodium, choosing nutrient-dense foods and managing blood pressure. Registration is encouraged but not required. For more information, visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Events or call 1-800-560-9990.

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Local Animals Ready For Adoption

STAFFORD – Cosmo is a wonderful boy with a great personality! He is a six year old husky and pit bull mix. Cosmo enjoys going for walks, and loves playing with his toys. He is super friendly, loves to be around people and enjoys the company of other dogs as well. He would do best in a home with children over the

age of 7 years old.

This pet is at the Southern Ocean County Animal Shelter. No application should be filled out ahead of time. You need to come in person to meet the pet and fill out the application at the shelter.

Please call ahead if you have any questions at 609-978-0127.

Library Program To Highlight Women Of The Revolution

FORKED RIVER – The Lacey Branch of the Ocean County Library will mark America’s 250th anniversary with a program highlighting the role women played during the American Revolution.

Historian and performer Alisa Dupuy, of Ladies of History, will portray Revolutionary War figure Annis Boudinot Stockton at 10:30 a.m. June 24 at the branch, 10 East Lacey Road. The all-ages program will focus on women from different backgrounds who supported the revolutionary cause.

Stockton, a published poet, will be brought to life through stories about her experiences, her views on George Washington and the war, and selections from her poetry.

The program is supported by the Ocean County Library Foundation, a 501(c) (3) organization now in its 25th year of expanding services and opportunities for library customers. Registration is required. To sign up, visit tinyurl.com/StocktonOCL, call 609-693-8566 or stop by the branch.

Stafford Historical Society To Host

American Music Concert

MANAHAWKIN – The Stafford Historical Society will present a “250 Years of American Music & Culture Concert” on June 24 at the Historic Old Baptist Church. The free concert will feature the Navesink Brass and is part of the community’s cel-

ebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

The event will be held at 120 N. Main Street in Manahawkin. Admission is free, and donations will be accepted.

For more info, visit staffordhistory.org.

Primary Election Results Paint Picture For November

By Chris Lundy OCEAN COUNTY – Political leaders

celebrated their primary election wins, although in most cases they are facing foregone conclusions in the fall.

The primary election is when political party members vote for who should be their candidate in the general election in November.

However, there’s an even deeper level of candidates. The Ocean County election results are 908 pages long, listing every candidate for something called “county committee.” There are two committee member seats from every voting district. These people represent their party, support candidates, and have similar responsibilities.

The Ocean County Republican Organization posted that 608 of the 618 candidates they endorsed won.

“Ocean County showed up for our people up and down the ballot,” they said.

“This is what the strongest Republican county in New Jersey looks like,” the county GOP stated on social media.

“This is what organization, dedication, and a community that believes in Republican values looks like. Last night was not an accident, it was the result

of months of hard work by hundreds of volunteers, candidates, and supporters across every corner of this county.”

The county Republicans endorsed Richard Tabor for Senate, and he led voters here, but he lost the primary to attorney Justin Michael Murphy. He’ll face Senator Cory Booker, who is predicted to win.

It’s not surprising that Ocean County’s two congressmen, Chris Smith (R-4 th) and Jefferson Van Drew (R-2 nd ) won their primaries. They are predicted to beat their challengers, Democrats Rachel Peace (4 th), a small business owner, and Zack Mullock (2 nd ), mayor of Cape May.

“The Ocean County Democrats would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Peace 4 Shore - Rachel Peace for Congress and Mullock for Congress on their primary victories yesterday,” the organization posted. “We are looking forward to supporting you through the general election as we work as one to defeat the Republican incumbents.”

Also, Commissioner Director Frank Sadeghi, a Republican, and Kia Phua, a Democrat, were unchallenged in their primaries and will face off in November for the county commissioner spot.

The Southern Ocean Times welcomes your special announcements! Engagements, Weddings, Births, Birthday Wishes, etc. Please call 732-657-7344 for more details!

Parents:

Continued From Page 6

“The record before this court is not one of criminality,” Vito argued in support of asking for the sentences to run concurrently. “It’s of an intelligent, caring man that suffered not only from addiction but from severe mental illness.”

Mulgrew Addresses Court

When given an opportunity to speak, Mulgrew accepted responsibility for his actions while acknowledging his longstanding struggles with addiction and mental illness.

“I stand here before you today not to deny accountability,” Mulgrew said. “But as an individual who is now keenly aware of his extremely serious substance abuse problems and underlying mental health issues.”

He said he intended to continue addressing those issues regardless of the sentence imposed.

Judge Sentences

Before imposing sentence, Ryan reflected on what he described as a troubling number

of cases involving violence between parents and children that have appeared before the Ocean County court system.

The judge noted that while each case presents different circumstances, many have involved mental illness, addiction and family members struggling to obtain help for loved ones in crisis.

Ryan ultimately concluded that concurrent sentences appropriately balanced the seriousness of the crimes with the circumstances presented to the court.

“Your Family Will Always Love You”

Michelle reserved her final words in the courtroom for her brother. “Mom and Dad loved you so much, besides trying to keep you safe and get you help,” she said. “You need to always remember that.”

She urged her brother to remember that even in the darkest days, their unconditional love would be stronger. “They believed your life was worth living.”

“They would want you to forgive yourself and make the best out of this terrible situation,” Michelle said. “Whatever the outcome, your family will always love you.”

Friends Group Hosts Monthly Brunch And Fellowship

BARNEGAT – The Barnegat Friends Meeting will host a monthly open house brunch, Friends, Food and Fellowship, on the fourth Sunday of each month. Worship begins at 10 a.m., followed by

brunch and fellowship at 11 a.m. Participants are welcome to stay and socialize for as long as they wish. The event is open to the public. For more information, call or text 609-6982058 or email events@barnegatquakers.org.

Dr. Izzy’s

Sound News

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

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!

Heart Failure Lecture Scheduled

LITTLE EGG HARBOR – Southern

Ocean Medical Center will host a free lecture on understanding heart failure from 11 a.m. to noon June 22 at the Ocean County Library Little Egg Harbor Branch, 290 Mathistown Road.

Heart failure nurse specialists will discuss how the condition develops, its causes, symptoms to report and current treatments.

The program will also cover ways to help prevent or manage heart failure.

Wellness screenings will be offered from 1 to 3 p.m., including blood pressure, heart rate, cholesterol and stroke risk assessments. Fasting is not required. Registration is through the library. For more information, visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/ Events or call 1-800-560-9990.

Vascular Screenings Available

MANAHAWKIN – Southern Ocean Medical Center will offer Angioscreen vascular screenings from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 18 in the Beach Plum Conference Room, located in the cafeteria at Southern Ocean Medical Center, 1140 Route 72.

Participants will receive information about

their risk for heart attack and stroke, an instant color report and a private consultation with a registered nurse.

The fee is $49.95, and registration is required. To register or learn more, visit HackensackMeridianHealth.org/Events or call 1-800-560-9990.

Dear Pharmacist

Could Losartan Be Depleting Your Zinc?

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

If you take losartan for high blood pressure, I have a question for you: Have you ever wondered whether your medication might be affecting your nutrient levels?

Most people don’t. They assume a prescription drug has one job - to lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol, control blood sugar, or whatever condition it’s prescribed for. But medications often have unintended effects that don’t make it onto the evening news or into conversations at the doctor’s office.

One of those effects may involve zinc. Losartan belongs to a class of medications known as angiotensin receptor blockers or ARBs as we call them for short. These meds are commonly prescribed for high blood pressure, heart protection, and kidney function. Other drugs in this family include valsartan, irbesartan, olmesartan, telmisartan, and candesartan.

They’re effective medications and can be very important for the people who need them. However, research has shown that losartan may increase the amount of zinc lost through the urine. In other words, your body may be eliminating more zinc than usual while you’re taking the medication. Why does that matter?

Because zinc is involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions throughout the body. It helps support immune function, wound healing, taste and smell perception, hormone balance, thyroid function, and even healthy hair growth.

When zinc levels begin to fall, symptoms can be surprisingly vague. Some people notice frequent infections, thinning hair, poor wound healing, reduced sense of taste or smell, brain fog, or a general feeling that something just isn’t quite right.

The challenge is that these symptoms often develop gradually. Many people attribute them to stress, aging, or a busy lifestyle.

As a pharmacist, I’ve spent decades helping people understand what I call the “Drug Mugging Effect”—the tendency of certain medications to deplete nutrients over time. Sometimes a person develops symptoms that seem unrelated to their medication, when in reality a nutrient imbalance may be contributing to the problem.

Now, before anyone tosses their blood pressure pills in the trash, let me be very clear: Do not stop taking a prescribed medication without discussing it with your healthcare provider.

Managing blood pressure is important.

The goal isn’t to abandon treatment, it’s to understand the whole picture.

If you’re taking losartan or another ARB, it would be worthwhile to discuss zinc status with your doctor, especially if you’ve developed symptoms consistent with deficiency. It’s also nice to focus on foods naturally rich in zinc, including oysters, beef, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, cashews, and lentils.

When people understand how medications interact with nutrients, they can make informed decisions about diet, testing, and supplementation alongside their healthcare team. That’s not alternative medicine. It’s smart medicine.

Your meds may be helping your blood pressure, no doubt, but it’s worth asking whether your body needs a little nutritional support along the way. For pennies a day, you can restore what the drug mugger stole. For a deeper dive into losartan, zinc depletion, drug muggers, and hundreds of archived health articles, visit suzycohen.com.

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

R.C. Shea & Assoc. Inside The Law

Summer Safety In Ocean County: What To Do After A Boardwalk Or Recreational Injury

Esq.

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

Summer in Ocean County brings an influx of visitors to our beaches, boardwalks, parks, and recreational facilities. Whether you’re spending the day in Seaside Heights, riding bikes along the shore, or attending a youth sporting event, the increase in activity unfortunately also leads to an increase in preventable injuries.

One trend that has become increasingly common involves accidents involving bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, and other recreational devices. Congested boardwalks, distracted riders, inadequate supervision, and violations of local ordinances can create dangerous situations for both residents and tourists.

If you or a loved one is injured, there are several important steps to take immediately:

1. Seek medical attention. Your health should always come first. Even injuries that initially seem minor—such as concussions, soft tissue injuries, or shoulder injuries—can worsen over time.

2. Report the incident. Notify the appropriate authority, whether that is local police, security personnel, event organizers, or property management. An official report can become important evidence later.

3. Preserve evidence. Take photographs of the scene, your injuries, and any hazardous conditions involved. Obtain contact infor-

mation from witnesses whenever possible.

4. Avoid discussing fault. In the aftermath of an accident, emotions run high. Avoid making statements that could later be interpreted as accepting responsibility before all the facts are known.

5. Understand that time matters. New Jersey law imposes deadlines for pursuing personal injury claims. In cases involving public entities, much shorter notice requirements may apply.

Many people assume that an accident is simply “bad luck.” However, injuries caused by negligent supervision, unsafe premises, defective products, or careless conduct may give rise to legal rights that deserve investigation.

As our community enjoys everything the Jersey Shore has to offer this summer, a little awareness can go a long way toward preventing serious injuries. If an accident does occur, knowing what steps to take can help protect both your health and your future.

Michael J. Deem, Esq. is certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Civil Trial Attorney and is an attorney with R.C. Shea & Associates, P.C., located in Toms River, New Jersey. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, contact our office to discuss your legal rights and options for recovery. (732) 505-1212

Event

JERSEY SHORE - Rescue Ridge - a non-profit, no-kill, local animal rescue group - will be holding its annual Hollywoof on June 27 from 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the ShoreTown Ballpark, 2 Stadium Way, Lakewood. Last year this event drew in over 1,400 people from all over. This is a fun family day event with all kinds of entertainment such as an impersonator, demonstrations, local animal groups, vendors, petting zoo, touch tank, Bury The Hatchet, 94.2 The Point, and of course our famous basket auction.

This is Rescue Ridge’s largest event to help raise the much needed funds to continue our mission of “Saving Lives By The Jersey Shore.” Rescue Ridge not only helps those locally, but takes in from local high kill shelters and from other areas when help is needed depending on availability.

In 2025, this group adopted out 602 cats and 207 dogs. This alone shows you how dedicat-

ed the group is to saving lives. It is with this we are asking the public if they would like to contribute a NEW product towards our Basket Auction. Any amount is greatly appreciated. You can text one of our volunteers at 732- I546-8805 and she will meet you. If you would like a receipt for your donation, please leave your full name along with address (or e-mail) and value amount attached to your donation and a letter will be sent for your taxes. You will be mentioned for your donation. In addition, the group is also asking if anyone or company would like to sponsor our event. Your name (or company name) will be promoted throughout the event in many ways depending on level of sponsorship. Please contact Ruthie at the number below.

Please visit us rescueridge.com to view our animals, e-mail us at rescueridgeshelter@gmail. com or call us at 646-248-4335 for questions and/or tickets to Hollywoof and speak to Ruthie.

Around the JerSey Shore

EMS Teams Train For Infectious Disease Response

OCEAN COUNTY – Local emergency responders recently took part in Special Pathogens Response Training aimed at strengthening preparedness for emerging infectious diseases and other public health emergencies.

The training was conducted by the

ATLANTIC CITY – A guest at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City won a $109,704 jackpot while playing a Huff N’ Even More Puff slot machine, casino officials said.

Ocean County EMS Coordinators and the Ocean County Office of Emergency Management, with participation from partner agencies. Officials said the session was designed to improve awareness, operational readiness and coordination during complex health-related incidents.

Guest Wins $109K Slot Jackpot

The jackpot was hit recently on the Light & Wonder machine, which had a $1 denomination. The winning wager was $360.

The guest chose to remain anonymous.

Topics included responder safety, proper use of personal protective equipment, patient management, interagency coordination and best practices for emergency operations. The training also emphasized an all-hazards approach to preparedness, ensuring responders are ready for a wide range of potential incidents.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City has 2,298 slot machines, including a private high-end slot salon, along with 128 table games such as poker, blackjack, baccarat, craps and rou -

Officials said continued training and planning are key to protecting residents, visitors, first responders and health care partners during emergencies.

lette. The casino resort sits on 17 acres along the Atlantic City Boardwalk and also offers entertainment, restaurants, lounges, nightlife, retail shops and other amenities.

Auto For Sale

1957 Chevy Belair - New tires, shocks, V8, 283, 3 speed, 4 door, $6,250. 732-740-9906. (26)

Real Estate

SELLING???- The realtor you are looking for - Secrets of getting more for your property-best price/ lowest expense - www.listforless.com 609-713-1727. (27)

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)

JEWELRY

COSTUME/ESTATE

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)

CASH PAID!! LP records - stereos, musical instruments, guitar, saxophone, CD’s, reel tapes, music related items. Come to you. Brian cell 732-804-8115. (19)

JScott Firearms FFL dealer appraising and purchasing firearms from estates or individuals. No obligation. Discreet, fair offers. Call 215-595-5480 (38)

Cash - Top dollar, paid for junk, cars running and nonrunning, late model salvage, cars and trucks, etc. 732-928-3713. (t/n)

Entire Estates Bought - Bedroom/dining sets, dressers, cedar chests, wardrobes, secretaries, pre-1950 wooden furniture, older glassware, oriental rugs, paintings, bronzes, silver, bric-a-brac. Call Jason at 609-970-4806. (t/n)

Used Guns Wanted - All types: collectibles, military, etc. Call 917-681-6809. (t/n)

Vinyl Records Wanted - Paying Cash for LP Albums, Rock, Jazz, Reggae. Call Rick 908-616-7104, also buying Comic Books. (21)

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. (26)

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. (24)

CLASSIFIEDS

Help Wanted

Magnolia Gardens Assisted Living is hiring a full time cook If interested, please email resume to HR@magnoliatr.com or call us at 732-557-6500. You can also visit us in person at 1935 Route 9 Toms river 08755. (30)

Magnolia Gardens Assisted Living is hiring a full and part time Dietary Aides If interested, please email resume to HR@magnoliaal. com or call us at 732-557-6500. You can also visit us in person at 1935 Route 9 Toms river 08755. (30)

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)

HVAC Installer/Technician Hiring Now - Experience needed. Great Work Environment. Company vehicle. Full time, year round, paid holidays. Call 732-349-1448 Or Fax Resume To 732-349-6448. (t/n)

Services

PAINTING By Neat And Me-

ticulous European Craftsman - who will beat any written estimate. Senior discounts. Interior, exterior. Call 732-506-7787, cell 646-643-7678. (t/n)

Registered Nurse - Knee or Hip surgery pre or post orthopedic speciality Registered Nurse comes to your home for assistance. Free consult Call Barbara RN @ 516-4601729, Toms River area only. (25)

Garden State Property Maintenance - All yard work. Tree-trimming and removal, stump grinding, pavers, decks, flower beds, weeding. 609-661-5470. (t/n)

Car Service - 24/7. Doctors, shopping, airports, hospitals, cruise, shops, Atlantic City, family functions, NYC accomodations for large groups. Call for reasonable rates. Kerry 732-606-2725. (42)

Clean Sweep Pressure Washing & Home Repairs - No job to small or large. (NEW SEASON SPECIAL!) Free dryer exhaust/vent cleaning with every free estimate! A $75 value! Call or text to book your appointment 201-835-9394 (26)

Handyman Service - Carpentry, masonry, repairs, painting. 732-6743346. License #13VH03469200. (41)

Nor’easter Painting and Staining, LLC - Interior and exterior. Decks, powerwashing. Affordable. Senior discounts. References. No job too small. Fully insured. 732-6910123. Lic #13VH09460600. (t/n)

DIRECTV - All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Directv and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/ mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-877-557-1213. (t/n)

Lightning Strike Electric - You can rely on us to get the work done! Service/panel upgrades switches, outlets, dimmers, spot lights, fans & more! Call Dmitriy 856631-7519. lightningstrikeelectric. com. Lic #34EI00941600. (t/n)

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)

Experienced 24/7 caregiver is available to take care of your elderly loved ones: personal care, med reminders, meal preps, light housekeeping. Please, call: 732867-6686. Thanks. (28)

Life Coach - Facing a challenge? Talk with me, a safe, arms-length listener. Gain insight. Nonjudgmental support unique to you. $25 for 1 hour. Melissa Lekas, 732-754-4891. (22)

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. (17)

Experienced Gardener specializing in container gardens and house plants. Planting, design, refresh containers. Seasonal care, problems diagnosed, DIY advise. Free 5 step care plan with visit. Keep your containers thriving in all seasons. Joseph 732-232-8144. (24)

Joe's Handyman ServicePainting, powerwashing, electrical, plumbing, light hauling, cleanouts. 732-859-9266. (17)

Affordable Landscaping - Spring Cleanups, Complete lawn maintenance, Sod & seed lawns, Shrubs & tree pruning, Topsoil & mulch and much more. 732-808-7477. (t/n)

Transportation Services - Airports, Cruise Ships, Casinos, Appointments, Light Hauling with Pick-Up Truck. Call Bill 732-674-0378. (19)

MASON CONTRACTOR - All types of mason work, steps & porches, walkways, patios, pavers, brick & block work.Quality work since 1975. CALL KEN 908-964-7526. (16)

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Around the JerSey Shore

Boardwalk Claw Machine Named NJ’s Most Unexpected Romantic Spot

NEW JERSEY – Forget candlelit dinners. In New Jersey, romance may be hiding between flashing arcade lights and one more attempt to grab a stuffed animal.

A new survey from ACE.com found that the Jersey Shore boardwalk claw machine ranked as New Jersey’s most unexpectedly romantic place, topping a list of ordinary spots where singles say sparks can fly when no one is trying too hard.

The survey of 3,024 respondents looked at everyday places where people might strike up an unplanned connection, especially as warmer weather and wedding season bring more social outings. ACE.com said the findings point to a shift away from high-pressure dating environments and toward casual settings where conversations feel more natural.

New Jersey’s top five unexpected romance spots were:

1. The Jersey Shore Boardwalk Claw Machine: The arcade game won the top spot, with its mix of playful frustration, friendly competition and repeated failed attempts offering just enough drama to start a conversation.

2. American Dream Mall in East Rutherford: With shopping, indoor skiing, water attractions and plenty of places to get turned around, the massive entertainment complex offers no shortage of chances for strangers to laugh, wander and connect.

3. Princeton Record Exchange: The record store made the list for its easy conversation starters, from album choices to shared opinions on music.

4. Wawa Hoagie Touchscreen: The touchscreen ordering station may not seem romantic, but ACE.com said it can quickly show personality through sandwich choices, confidence and courtesy.

5. Hoboken PATH Platform: A delayed train, shared commute and a little mutual frustration can sometimes be enough to turn small talk into something more.

The survey also found that rising costs

may be changing how people think about dating. According to ACE.com , 96% of respondents said higher prices have made traditional date spots such as restaurants, bars, concerts and paid activities less appealing.

That does not mean people are less interested in romance. Instead, the survey suggests many are more open to low-cost, low-pressure encounters in places such as grocery stores, coffee shops, bookstores and transit stations.

Manners also matter. The top “green flag” respondents noticed in public was being polite to service workers, chosen by 18%. Other positive traits included helping someone with bags, directions or a photo, returning a shopping cart, offering the last seat and staying calm during a delay. On the other hand, rude behavior can quickly end any romantic possibility. Being rude to staff was the biggest turnoff, selected by 15% of respondents. Cutting in line, constant complaining and aggressive behavior over parking also ranked high among romance killers.

When asked which errands have the most underrated flirting potential, grocery shopping ranked first at 23%. Picking up coffee followed at 16%, with buying pet food at 12% and browsing a bookstore at 11%.

ACE.com also asked which movie-style meet-cute seemed most believable in real life. Asking someone to take a photo ranked first at 16%, followed by reaching for the same grocery item at 15% and laughing at the same strange moment nearby at 14%.

A spokesperson for ACE.com said the survey shows that romance does not always need a dramatic setting.

“When people think about romance, they usually picture candlelit dinners or nights out, but our findings suggest the odds of meeting someone special may be just as strong in the places people least expect,” the spokesperson said.

Widespread Panic To Perform Three Shows In Atlantic City

ATLANTIC CITY – Rock band Widespread Panic is set to take the stage for a three-night run at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. The performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. Aug. 14, Aug. 15 and Aug. 16. Tickets will go on sale through HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com. Organizers note that all shows are subject to change.

The group, which has been performing for more than three decades, was founded in Athens, Georgia, by vocalist and guitarist

John “JB” Bell, bassist Dave Schools and guitarist Michael Houser. The band later expanded to include drummer Todd Nance, percussionist Domingo “Sunny” Ortiz and keyboardist John “JoJo” Hermann, with Duane Trucks joining on drums.

The band has set attendance milestones at venues across the country, highlighted by dozens of sold-out performances at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado, further cementing its status as a major draw on the live music circuit.

Around the JerSey Shore

Police Recruits Graduate

OCEAN COUNTY – Ocean County Police Academy Basic Police Recruit Class No. 124 graduated during a ceremony at Georgian Court University after completing five months of training.

The recruits trained under the direction of Ocean County Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy and were joined at the ceremony by family, academy instructors, law enforcement leaders and county officials.

Ocean County Commissioner Director Frank Sadeghi and Commissioner Sam Ellenbogen, who serve as liaisons to the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, also attended.

Ellenbogen told the graduates the ceremony marked a turning point as they move from preparation into the responsibilities of law enforcement.

New Wildland Firefighters Complete State Training

Photo courtesy New Jersey Forest Fire Service and Type 4 wildland fire engines, along with fireline construction, mop-up procedures, burnout operations and emergency fire shelter deployment.

TRENTON – The New Jersey Forest Fire Service’s Central Division recently conducted its twice-yearly field day exercise, marking the final phase of certification for the state’s newest wildland firefighters.

The hands-on training is nationally recognized through the National Wildfire Coordinating Group and is led by certified instructors with the Forest Fire Service. The exercise serves as the capstone for entry-level wildfire training completed by recruits.

Participants received instruction and practical experience with New Jersey’s Type 6

According to the Forest Fire Service, more than 1,200 trained and certified on-call wildland firefighters are available statewide for deployment when needed. The latest training session added 40 newly certified firefighters to those ranks. Additional information about the program and wildfire safety is available at wildfire. nj.gov.

FUN & GAMES SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Bird in the National Audubon Society logo

With 43-Down, “M*A*S*H” star

Writer Mary who specializes in popular science

Party with glow sticks

Hatha to Ashtanga?

Change the locks?

“I said ENOUGH!”

Insta, X, TikTok, etc., informally

Runs smoothly

Wilson of Heart

TMZ subject

Stuffed teddies that look like a green Jedi master?

Anxious feeling

snack that improves the performance of an Alpine singer? 49 Anaheim team, to fans

Condition often treated with ERP

Flower at the center of a financial bubble in the 1630s

Marshy habitat

Artificial surface sports injury

“lol 2 funny”

Dice toss style named

Tons

Stir-fry ingredient

Overthrow, e.g.

Fall apart, as plans

Operated

Heart charts, for short

James of “The White Lotus”

Like Boo Boo and Smokey

Slapstick prop

Not good at all

Gym count 18 Gives the cold shoulder to

Semi areas

One-person project

Like an easy job

27 First calendario page 28 “Bring it on!”

Dict. entry

Start to matter? 32 Sirius business

Whacks 35 It’s right there on the map! 40 NCAA champion swimmer Thomas

Jump ahead of 43 See 14-Across

Dodge

Mercedes luxury line 48 Trip

52 Like the number eight, in China 53 “Kapow!” 54 Icicle holder 55 Big Board abbr. 56 Woody of “Toy Story,” for one 58 Reusable shopping bag 59 Lena of “The Reader”

“Anyone __?”

Regret

FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE 13 - 19 BY

JERALDINE SAUNDERS

OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Today is a positive-scoring day, Monday – Friday of next week are all below-zero days, Saturday brings the stars back into sunshine, try not to start anything important until then. June could be a huge opportunity month overall.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Put things into motion for next week today if you can, it’s a much stronger day with much better odds than the weekdays next week. A friend could struggle with sketchy behavior sourced in low self-esteem.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Bosses gotta boss, at least some of them, some of the time. Today you could see who wields power just for the sake of wielding it. Keep building yourself into the person you aspire to becoming.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): If you look closely, you can see that those that never invest in themselves show it in bad behavior, fronting, trying to impress. Those that fill their own cup have nothing they need to prove.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): A financial wrangle could really be about ego or envy. Make no moves until next Saturday or later, underwater stars don’t bring positive odds for positive outcomes. Hang out with good friends if you can.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): A partner could get petty for a day or two, better not to react if it’s not an ongoing pattern. If it’s not a pattern, just blame the stars and move on. If today’s vibe is the norm, that’s something to look at.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Don’t get

down on yourself if simple tasks somehow aren’t simple today. Take a breath, take a break, even a few hours could improve the situation. Share what you know broadly, knowledge needs to circulate.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Dating if you’re single isn’t likely to bring any gems now, though if you are in personal Soulmate cycles you could still meet someone worthy. Schedule first meetups on positive-scoring Universal days.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Your home space could be cluttered by difficult vibes for a day or two, if someone’s feeling less-than, it could trigger all kinds of behavior. Partnership could be on your mind.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Despite a nice Universal day score, today could be very poor for both thinking and communication, and Monday-Friday next week are underwater in the sky. Wait until next Saturday or later to say what needs to be said.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Lock your devices, hide your credit cards, today is a terrible day for you to make a major purchase. Facts could be buried, emotions could rule, ego could weigh in too. It’s extremely unlikely you’ll have the clarity to make a wise choice.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Do what you can to set up your home to be a charging station for your energy and even a sanctuary if possible. Even if there are kids, pets, and work from home to manage, try to break out a little corner for yourself.

ENJOY A TASTE OF SUMMER IN ONE BITE

Diane Rossen Worthington

Kids and adults love these savory cakes that include shredded zucchini and corn kernels — two vegetables that taste like summer in one bite. Here are a few tips to make this dish a big success:

2 medium garlic cloves, minced 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan-Reggiano

Zest of 1 lemon

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

• Select firm zucchini (if you want you can use yellow squash).

• Make sure to salt the zucchini to remove all the excess water.

• Change up the herbs with rosemary, oregano, mint or whatever you prefer.

• Make sure the batter is thick and well mixed.

• Use a large tablespoon if you don’t have 1/3 cup measuring cup.

• Use a nonstick or cast-iron large pan for best results.

You can serve these all by themselves or topped with myriad sauces. Tzaziki, romesco, pesto or tomato-red pepper sauce are just a few ideas to consider.

You also can make these four hours ahead, place on paper towels and then reheat at 325 F in an air fryer for about 8 to 10 minutes. Making these ahead will be helpful so there is no last-minute cooking, and they go nicely with any simple entree.

Makes about 6 cakes

2 medium zucchini (about 1 pound)

Salt

1/2 cup corn kernels, (about 1 ear corn stripped)

3 tablespoons finely sliced chives

3 tablespoons finely chopped basil

2 large eggs

2 tablespoons mild olive oil

1. Grate the zucchini using the large holes of a box grater or food processor fitted with the shredding disk. Transfer to a colander in the sink and sprinkle about a teaspoon of salt over the zucchini and mix to evenly coat. Let sit in the sink for 20 to 30 minutes. Wrap the zucchini in cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel and squeeze to remove all the excess liquid over the sink. Set aside.

2. Combine the corn, chives, basil, eggs, cheese, zest, salt and pepper, flour and baking powder in a medium bowl and whisk together until nicely blended. Add the reserved zucchini to the mixture and stir with a fork until the shredded zucchini is evenly mixed together.

3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, drop 1/3-cup portions of batter into the pan, leaving space between the cakes. Cook three cakes at a time, then repeat with the remaining oil and batter. Cook for about 3 minutes on the first side and 2 minutes on the second, watching carefully so they do not burn.

4. Reduce the heat if they brown too quickly. Transfer the cooked cakes to paper towels to drain, and serve immediately.

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