The BERKELEY Times Vol. 32 - No. 4
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“The Impossible Airplane” Takes Shape As Armless Pilot Thanks Volunteers
In This Week’s Edition
Council To Vote On $68.6M Budget
BREAKING NEWS @
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Government Page 6
Community News Pages 8-10
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 12
Inside The Law Page 11
Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Jessica Cox Chamberlain will be flying The Impossible Airplane to prove that the sky isn’t the limit for people with different abilities. By Stephanie Faughnan BERKELEY - Jessica Cox Chamberlain slowly circled the airplane, imagining what it would feel like to take off in it. Born without arms, Jessica has spent much of her life proving that physical limitations do not define a person’s potential. In 2008, she became the world’s first licensed armless pilot, flying an
airplane entirely with her feet. Now, standing inside a hangar at Ocean County Airport, she smiled as she admired The Impossible Airplane, a custom-built Van’s RV-10 built through years of volunteer craftsmanship and engineering innovation. “It started off literally in crates and thousands (Pilots - See Page 4)
New Program Teaches Students Lifesaving Skills
By Bob Vosseller LAVALLETTE – As kids hit the beach and their pools this summer, they will be prepared for emergencies thanks to a pilot program teaching water safety. Second graders at Lavallette Elementary School had been learning the essentials of staying safe around water through a four-day module before the school year ended. The curriculum was designed to teach students the basics of water safety while building their understanding of how to respond in water-related emergencies. The program at Lavallette Elementary School is a partnership between national water safety nonprofit The ZAC Foundation – which created the curriculum – the New Jersey Swim Safety Alliance (NJSSA), and the Lavallette (Lifesaving Skills - See Page 7)
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Photo by Bob Vosseller Lavallette Elementary School teacher Randy Royle’s second graders learned water safety.
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July 18, 2026
By Chris Lundy BERKELEY – The Township Council is set to vote on the $68,600,647.78 budget at its next meeting, which takes place at 6 p.m. on July 20 at the town hall located at 627 Pinewald-Keswick Road. None of the following figures are set until the budget is approved. This article does not include other budgets, such as the county and the two school districts. Even though the town collects all taxes and then distributes the money, they have no control over the other entities. The municipal budget is an increase of $2,218,767.09 over last year, according to the budget document. The amount to be raised in taxes will increase by $2,356,595.29, from last year’s $42,707,196.65 to this year’s proposed $45,063,791.94. The tax rate last year was 78.5 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. This year would be 82.39 cents, an increase of 4.95%. This figure is based on the assessment of your property, not what you paid for it. A law dating back to when Chris Christie was governor caps increases at 2% for most of the things a town budgets for. Berkeley is under cap. The proposed budget includes dipping into surplus more, from last year’s $7.5 million to this year’s $9.95 million. This would leave only $625,075.78 in surplus. When looking at the costs to run the town, the most significant change is that the town is receiving fewer grants this year. Last year was about $4 million; this year, just under $1 million. Salaries and wages increased from $21.6 million to $22.7 million. The budget sets aside less money for uncollected taxes. Last year’s $1,924,324.90 will be reduced to $871,570.75. The reserve for uncollected taxes is a fund used to cover the town’s finances when people don’t pay their taxes for one reason or another. Every town has a percentage of taxes that are successfully collected, often in the high 90s. Berkeley’s percentage is quite high. Last year was 99.63%. Towns use this figure to estimate how much they’ll need to cover expenses. The town has $91,583,085.15 worth of debt, of this is $7,382,896.24 in interest. Towns generally borrow money to do larger projects. The philosophy behind this is that they are paying less per year to pay off the interest and principal over a number of years, rather than paying off the project immediately. Plus, most towns don’t have the money available to do a large project. The down side is that, much like credit cards, it costs more in the long run.
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Page 2, The Berkeley Times, July 18, 2026
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Pilots:
Continued From Page 1 of rivets,” she said as she led reporters around the aircraft before a celebration. “It’s amazing to me.” Jessica’s eyes lit up as she imagined what it would feel like to fly it. “I used to cruise at 85,” she said of the vintage Ercoupe she currently flies. “Can you imagine just doubling the speed? I mean, more than double. It’s going to be like a fast, fast car.” For more than four years, members of Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 898 have devoted more than 2,000 volunteer hours to building The Impossible Airplane, which will become the first aircraft in aviation history specifically designed to be flown entirely with a pilot’s feet. The recent gathering marked the completion of the New Jersey phase of the project before the airplane heads to Arizona for final assembly, testing and installation of specialized foot-operated controls. A plaque mounted on the fuselage bears the names of the volunteers who spent countless evenings and weekends assembling the aircraft. Jessica proudly noted their names will remain with The Impossible Airplane wherever it travels. An Unexpected Beginning The celebration marked another milestone in a story first introduced to local readers in 2023. At that time, Jessica and her husband, Patrick Chamberlain, had traveled to New Jersey after damage to Jessica’s vintage
airplane at JFK Airport unexpectedly connected them with EAA Chapter 898. A conversation with chapter member Gene Bunt led them to Dr. Robert Newman, who agreed to lead the ambitious project. Under Newman’s direction, roughly 20 volunteers contributed to the build over the years, gathering on Wednesday evenings, Saturdays and additional work sessions to transform thousands of individual pieces into an almost completed airplane. “We’re nearly finished with what we can do here,” Newman said. “It needs to be fully assembled. The wings have to be put on, and all the systems have to be rechecked.” He noted that the airplane is capable of cruising at approximately 170 knots, roughly twice the speed of Jessica’s original aircraft, and represents an estimated $250,000 project, with virtually all of the labor donated by volunteers. More Than An Airplane Jessica’s excitement shifted to heartfelt gratitude. “When we came up here... I just couldn’t believe seeing this airplane and seeing the dream of the airplane,” she told the group. “I had each and every single one of you to thank for your countless hours, for your blood, sweat and tears.” Looking around the hangar, Jessica said the volunteers themselves impressed her even more than the airplane. “I am so incredibly grateful for this community,” she said. “We travel the country. We travel the world. I don’t see community like this.” Although The Impossible Airplane rep-
resents an extraordinary achievement in aviation, Jessica said its true purpose has little to do with flying. She and Patrick plan to use it through Rightfooted Foundation International to visit schools, aviation events and disability communities, encouraging children and others facing obstacles to believe they are capable of more than they imagine. “If I can fly a plane with my feet, and if this amazing team of people can come together to build something hour after hour, year after year... then nothing is impossible,” she said. “Together we can do incredible things to show what is possible.” Patrick reminded the audience how unlikely the project once seemed. After Jessica’s airplane was damaged at JFK Airport, they contacted Gene Bunt looking for help. During one conversation, they mentioned what Patrick described as their “really crazy idea” for a custom airplane. Gene said, ‘I might know a guy,’ Patrick recalled. That introduction eventually led them to Newman and EAA Chapter 898. Patrick estimated the airplane might not have been completed until around 2032 had they attempted the project alone. “You’ve helped us get to this point far sooner than we could do on our own,” he said. “There’s so many more people and kids that Jessica’s going to meet because of it.” A Personal Thank You Newman said the volunteers received as much from the project as they gave. “The building of this aircraft has done so many great things for so many of us,” he said. “This
has been a win-win for all of us.” He credited the chapter’s volunteers for showing up week after week, regardless of the weather, and said the project strengthened the organization while laying the groundwork for future aircraft builds and scholarship opportunities for aspiring aviators. Rather than simply thanking the volunteers from the podium, Jessica sat down, removed her shoe and began signing personalized Rightfooted Foundation certificates for every person who had helped build The Impossible Airplane. “The least I can do is take my shoes off and sign all of these certificates with your names on it,” she said. “I’m going to sign all of these with my right foot because I am right-footed.” Each signature served as a personal acknowledgment of the hours the volunteers had invested and reinforced the same lesson the airplane itself is meant to teach - that ability is often defined by determination rather than circumstance. Before leaving, Jessica promised the volunteers they would see The Impossible Airplane again. Once the specialized controls are installed, the final assembly completed and flight testing finished in Arizona, she plans to return to Ocean County Airport at the controls of the airplane they helped build. When that day comes, the aircraft will carry more than its pilot. It will carry with it the names engraved on its dedication plaque and the generosity of the volunteers whose belief in one woman’s dream made aviation history possible.
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The Berkeley Times, July 18, 2026, Page 5
OPINIONS & COMMENTARY LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
FEATURED LETTER Power Company Responds To Holiday Outages Dear JCP&L Customers, Thank you for your patience and encouragement for our crews during the recent storms. There’s never a good time to lose power, but an outage in triple-digit heat during a holiday weekend created especially difficult challenges for families, businesses and communities. We understand the frustration many of you have felt. Storms unlike we’ve seen in years: Four consecutive days of storms during the Fourth of July weekend brought severe thunderstorms with winds exceeding 65 mph and flooding rains. The damage to our system was comparable to what we see in hurricanes. This led to a massive restoration effort. In the days that followed, we restored power to more than 400,000 affected customers. Hundreds of contractors already on-site for the heatwave were joined by thousands of additional contractors and mutual assistance partners. Approximately 5,700 workers worked around-the-clock in the restoration efforts including nearly 2,900 line workers and some 1,400 foresters, as well as substation electricians, hazard responders, damage assessors, dispatchers and support personnel. Trees, mostly outside of our rights-of-way, were the primary cause of outages.
Nearly 1,500 forestry orders were addressed, many with multiple trees down at a single site. In all, crews replaced: • More than 500 broken poles • Over 600 transformers • Over 163,000 feet of wire - nearly 31 miles Looking ahead: While restoration is complete, our work continues. Post-storm patrols and inspections are underway across thousands of miles to identify any new potential hazards. For many customers, this was the longest outage since Tropical Storm Isaias. While the investments we’ve made have improved reliability, we still have work to do. That’s why we plan to invest $6.8 billion over the next five years to strengthen the electric system against more frequent storms, improve reliability and enhance your customer experience. On behalf of everyone at JCP&L, I want to acknowledge and thank not just our crews, but their families. Many of the people working 16-hour shifts had families at home who were also without power. And most importantly, I want to thank our customers again for your patience, understanding and support for our crews as we worked to get the lights back on as fast as safely possible. Doug Mokoid President, JCP&L
WE WELCOME LETTERS TO THE EDITOR! The Berkeley Times welcomes all points of view for publication and provides this page as an open forum for residents to express themselves regarding politics, government, current events and local concerns. All letters are printed as space allows unless deemed offensive by the editorial staff, and provided they are signed and include address & phone number for verification. Letters may not be printed if we cannot verify them. Names will not be withheld from publication. While most letters are printed as submitted, we reserve the right to edit or reject letters. The weekly deadline is 5 p.m. Thursday. Mail typed letters to: PO Box 521, Lakehurst, NJ 08733, fax 732-657-7388 or e-mail news@jerseyshoreonline.com. Letters may be limited to one per month per writer at the editor’s discretion. The opinions expressed in the Letters To The Editor section do not necessarily reflect those of the staff, management or sponsors of Micromedia Publications/Jersey Shore Online. Letters to the Editor are the OPINION of the writer and the content is not checked for accuracy.
Councilman’s Mudslinging Is Disgraceful This is an open letter to Councilman Chris Pollak. You have stated several times how much you’re for the residents of Jackson, and how you want to bring everyone together. Furthermore, you also have stated how you’re against mudslinging. That is calling the kettle black. Every time you sit on that dais and call your fellow councilmen disgusting, you are mudslinging. How exactly does that bring people together in a positive fashion? It doesn’t. Your constant negativity towards your fellow members of the administration needs to stop. It’s causing more divisiveness in an already divided town. It causes more antisemitism in a town where it already exists. As for the mayor, we don’t need any more controversy between a mayor and councilman. We already had that with Reina vs Kafton. It was disgraceful then, and it’s disgraceful now. Please leave all that negativity outside the door, if you really want to move our town forward in the right direction. Stephanie Brown Jackson
Transparency Is Not Optional At (a recent) Jackson Township Council meeting, residents witnessed a moment that should alarm anyone who believes government is accountable to the people it serves. During the discussion of the 2026 municipal budget, I raised concerns that several documents required under the New Jersey Administrative Code had not been provided to the public. When asked, the township attorney confirmed that I was correct: the law requires this information, and it was not supplied. But what followed was even more troubling.
Rather than treating the missing documentation as a serious breach of transparency, the attorney stated that the State would likely be “more upset” that the Township submitted its budget significantly past the required deadline than about the fact that residents were denied the information they are legally entitled to. And despite acknowledging these omissions, the council voted to adopt the budget anyway. That comment revealed a mindset that should concern every resident: the idea that the public’s right to information is secondary - something that can be brushed aside when inconvenient. The timeline only makes the situation worse. The Township did not release any version of the User Friendly Budget (UFB) until May 27, 2026 - a full 29 days after the budget was introduced. That document was incomplete. Entire sections were missing, including critical financial details that state regulations require to be available at the time of introduction. Nine days later, on June 5, the Township posted a second version of the UFB. Yet even that updated document still lacked essential information, including: Budgeted positions by department; accrued absence liability details and information on all outstanding PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) programs. These are not optional attachments. They are foundational components of a transparent budget. They show how many positions each department is funded for, what long term financial obligations the township is carrying, and how much revenue is being forgone through PILOT agreements. Without them, residents cannot see the full financial picture. And without that full picture, meaningful public oversight becomes impossible. The council’s decision to move forward anyway sends a clear message:
meeting a deadline mattered more than meeting the public’s right to transparency. The State’s potential frustration mattered more than residents’ legal entitlement to information. And the appearance of progress mattered more than the integrity of the process. This is not how trust is built. It is how trust is broken. Local government is the level of government closest to the people. It is where residents expect, and deserve, the highest standard of openness. When a governing body knowingly proceeds with a budget while required infor mation is missing, it undermines the very foundation of public confidence. It tells residents that their role in the process is ornamental, not essential. And it forces a difficult question: If the council is willing to ignore what residents are entitled to today, how can we trust that we are being told everything we should be receiving tomorrow? Transparency is not a courtesy. It is not a favor. It is a legal and ethical obligation. And when that obligation is treated as optional, residents are right to be offended - and right to demand better. Every municipality deserves a government that respects the law, respects the process, and respects the people it serves. The events of the council meeting show how far Jackson Township still has to go. James Silecchia Jackson
Patriotism After 250 Years As an avid student of American history, the 250th anniversary of the founding of our republic serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of patriotism and the enduring value of our democracy. Our founding fathers, while not perfect, were geniuses in establishing
our form of government and drafting the Constitution. Among them, George Washington was perhaps the most prescient, specifically warning us about the dangers that a divisive party system poses to our nation. Today, it is vital that we reject intense partisanship and remember that, first and foremost, we are all Americans living in the most wonderful country in the world. True patriotism lies in every citizen’s belief in their country and their active participation in our government. As we celebrate our democracy, we must also remember Benjamin Franklin’s timeless warning that... we have a republic, if we can keep it. Charlie Cunliffe Barnegat
Pine Beach Doesn’t Look Like Shore Town Anymore My family has been in Pine Beach since the early 1930s. I spend all the summers of my youth there and I still have family who live there, but the saddest part about Pine Beach today is how the local government has turned it into a mini Staten Island or, as I have heard, Perth Amboy. McMansions on lots that are way too small for them, grass covered yards, large concrete driveways, the decimation of the pine trees that used to be so prominent. If I’m not mistaken, the town is called “Pine Beach.” Town council has done a disservice to this community over the years and it’s sad how the inf lux from the north were unable to see and understand the natural beauty of the area and ultimately destroyed it. Despicable. As Thomas Wolfe once wrote, you can’t go home again. Fred Eriksson Pine Beach
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Page 6, The Berkeley Times, July 18, 2026
Spotlight On Government Correspondence & Commentary From Your Local, County, State & Federal Officials
Local Towns Authorized To Receive $72,470,000 In Funding Capitol Comments Senator Carmen F. Amato, Jr. 9th Legislative District
TRENTON - Legislation sponsored by Senator Carmen Amato, Jr. (R-9th) to allocate funds from New Jersey’s Infrastructure Bank (I-Bank) to finance more than 300 clean water projects was signed into law.
Senator Amato was a prime sponsor of the bipartisan legislation (S-4220) along with Senator Raj Mukherji, which passed by both Houses of the State Legislature with unanimous support. “Ensuring clean, drinkable water is not a partisan issue, it’s a core responsibility of government to effectively serve the people,” said Senator Amato. “The NJ Infrastructure Bank remains a vital resource for communities working to
modernize aging water systems, protect waterways, and deliver safe water for families across the state. This allocation of funds will deliver meaningful support to achieve those goals.” Correspondingly, Senator Amato was a co-sponsor of bipartisan legislation (S4221), which has also been signed into law, to allocate state and federal funds to support these projects. Assemblyman Brian Rumpf and Assemblyman Gregory Myhre, representing the 9th Legislative District along with Senator
Amato, also co-sponsored S-4421 in representing the interests of their constituents. The 9th District legislators have introduced companion legislation, S-1608 and A-1845, which would require the Department of Environmental Protection and the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank to provide priority for principal forgiveness on environmental infrastructure project loans to municipalities in coastal areas. The legislative initiatives are awaiting consideration by the environment committees of their respective Houses.
Legislation Will Save Residents Money On Electric Bills From The Desk Of The
Governor Mikie Sherrill TRENTON – Governor Mikie Sherrill signed major legislation to hold utility companies and data centers accountable while announcing immediate bill credits that will provide relief to millions of New Jersey households. Together, the Sherrill Administration’s actions over the last six months, including these bills, will save New Jersey ratepayers more than $1 billion annually, according to Synapse Energy Economics. The three bills will eliminate unnecessary utility incentives that increase electricity costs (Repeal ROE Adder, S1673 / A2757); strengthen state oversight of utility infrastr ucture investments to prevent wasteful spending and encourage smarter grid upgrades (Advanced Grid Technologies Act, S4411 / A5188); and ensure large data centers pay their fair share for energy instead of shifting costs onto New Jersey families and small businesses (Data Center Fair Share, S731 / A796). Additionally, the Governor announced a $25 credit to all 3.6 million New Jersey ratepayers through the Residential Uni-
OCEAN COUNTY - The Ocean County Special Needs Registry is a collaborative effort between the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, the Ocean County Sheriff’s
versal Bill Credit (RUBC) program, as well as an additional $150 credit to lower- to moderate-income families through the Residential Energy Assistance Payment (REAP) program, as we head into the summer months. “I made a commitment to rein in energy costs, and today we are delivering on that commitment,” said Governor Sherrill. “For too long, New Jersey families have paid the price for poor oversight, outdated policies, and rising demand on our electric grid by unchecked actors. Today, we’re putting money back into people’s pockets while holding utility companies and large data centers accountable through stronger oversight and smarter incentives that will drive down costs and strengthen our grid. The actions we have taken over the last six months, including the bills I signed today, will save New Jerseyans more than $1 billion every year. We will continue using every tool at our disposal to lower costs for families and build a more affordable and reliable energy future for New Jersey.” The Governor also highlighted additional actions taken by the Board of Public Utilities, including renewing the Summer Termination Program to protect vulnerable households from utility shutoffs during extreme heat and approving
12 new solar projects that will generate enough clean electricity to power approximately 45,000 homes. Summary Of Legislation Repeal ROE Adder (S1673 / A2757 – Zwicker / Katz, Calabrese, Park): This bill would allow for the removal an unnecessary incentive where utility companies receive additional money for being part of our grid operator, PJM, or a regional transmission organization (RTO). Under FERC Order No. 679, a utility that is a voluntary member of an RTO gets to add 50 basis points to its return on equity, which flows to customers as higher wholesale transmission rates, called the RTO Participation Adder. This bill mandates RTO membership for NJ utilities. Because participation would no longer be voluntary, they lose eligibility for the adder. Advanced G r id Tech nologies Act (S4411 / A5188 – Zwicker, Timberlake / Miller, Schnall, Onyema): This bill closes a regulatory gap that utility companies have taken advantage of to advance supplement al t ransm ission projects (i.e., wires, poles, substations) without oversight and passing those costs to consumers. The bill will require utility companies to pursue a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) before
Ocean County Special Needs Registry
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The goal of the Special Needs Registry is to ensure all Ocean County residents who may be in need of special assistance are able to get the help and support they need in a time
they construct a supplemental project, where the state will review under a standard track (full notice and hearing, decision within 180 days) or fast track (decision within 120 days) if they use Advanced Transmission Technologies (ATT). Supplemental project spending made up 79% of New Jersey ratepayer transmission expenses from 2008-2025 - $14.7 billion. New Jersey represents 12% of PJM total demand but nearly 22% of PJM’s supplemental project spending, the biggest differential of any PJM state, according to Rocky Mountain Institute. Data Center Fair Share (S731 / A796 – Burzichelli, McKeon / Bailey, Danielsen, Calabrese, Pintor Marin): The bill will create a new ratepayer class and rate structure for data centers, ensuring they pay for their own energy use and associated grid infrastructure. This includes incentivizing these data centers to bring in cheap, clean power to the grid, and when the grid gets strained requires data centers to cut back before residential ratepayers are impacted. The bill would also create a retail program - outside the PJM market - through which a new large load offsets its capacity obligation by paying to reduce demand elsewhere on the system. This mechanism is the first of its kind, driving accelerated deployment of distributed energy resources paid for by data centers.
of emergency or during interaction with Law Enforcement, Fire or EMS personnel. For more information or to register please visit: www.OCSNRNJ.com.
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.
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Lifesaving Skills: Continued From Page 1
School District. The ZAC Foundation was established in 2008 by Karen and Brian Cohn after the loss of their 6-year-old son, Zachary Archer Cohn, in a pool drain entrapment in their backyard swimming pool. In his honor, the Cohns established TZF to help prepare parents and children for a lifetime of water safety, including the potential dangers associated with pool or spa drains and basic water safety and swimming skills. Their lessons have been shared with more than 20,000 children ages 5-9 nationwide. During the interactive lesson, students learned about pool drain dangers and entrapment hazards through engaging, hands-on activities. Activities included creating a song about water safety and a STEM exercise that helps students understand how drains use suction, what makes them dangerous, and how engineers solve real-world safety problems. NJSSA founding Board member Judith Leblein who was present for the the final lesson, told JerseyShoreOnline.com that Lavallette Superintendent Dr. Lisa Gleason was instrumental in bringing the program together.
SOUTH TOMS RIVER – The South Toms River Police Department will host National Night Out from 4:30 to 7 p.m. August 6 at South Toms River Elementary School.
The Berkeley Times, July 18, 2026, Page 7 Leblein, who lives in the borough, said that thanks to recent legislation, “starting in September every parent, private or public school will get a water safety sheet and a QR code which will send them to our site to see where they can get a packet of safety information.” The main purpose of NJSSA is to unify all aquatic organizations into one cooperative, collaborative family. The agency wants to spread the message of water safety, hope, and compassion beleiving a single action can make a difference in the community, and that collective action can greatly impact the world. “This is a multi-state pilot and we did a program at the Camden Boys and Girls Club. They ran the curriculum there. I was in Connecticut for a program aimed at 3rd graders,” Assemblyman Mike Inganamort (NJ-24) said. He came out for the event and is a co-sponsor of New Jersey Assembly Bill A4763, which advances multi-state and local water safety efforts. The law directs the development of a water safety fact sheet and requires school districts to maintain a public list of local, free, or reduced-cost swim lessons. “We did it here starting in the end of the fall which was part of a school assembly. This one was a four day program in the classroom,” Leb-
lein noted. “My little neighbor Blair who goes to kindergarten here, her family got a new pool in the backyard and she took me by the hand and she said ‘I want to show you my new pool’ and she started telling me the ABCD basics of water safty.” Those basics are outlined in a children’s book that the Cohns wrote. “The Polar Bear Who Couldn’t, Wouldn’t Swim” follows the journey of a young polar bear named Zeke who is afraid of the water and refuses to swim. The book was created as a tool for educators and parents to teach young swimmers, ages 5-9, about how to stay safe in any body of water. It was used in the Lavallette second grade classroom where the final lesson was conducted.. Teacher Randy Royle went over those basics with his students, quizzing them about the goals of the story. The A stands for Adults, “because you should always have an adult watching you while you are in the water. You need an adult at all times with their eyes on you. What does the B stand for?” Owen, one of the students, answered correctly with “barriers.” Then another student, Ray, explained that a barrier could be a fence or a gate. The teacher added that barriers might “surround the water to keep unwanted things out of it or
National Night Out Set
The free community event is designed to bring residents, police, local businesses and organizations together while promoting safer neighborhoods and stronger community connections.
Activities will include family fun, community resources, demonstrations, food and more. Organizers said the event is also an opportunity for businesses and organizations to showcase their services
to the public. Vendor spots are still available. Interested vendors can contact Chief Michael C. Schneidt at m.schneidt@boroughofsouthtomsriver.com or 732-349-0313.
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to let you know that you should not go in there without an adult.” “I think this has been great,” Royle said after the lesson. “Living in a town that is so close to the water it is important and doing the lessons prior to the summer and having them get their ABCDs locked down.” Assistant Principal and Borough Fire Chief Michael Hajisafari said, “we have the ocean on one side of the school and the bay on another. Spreading water safety awareness throughout the community is very, very important. We appreciate it.” “We appreciate the test drive of the curriculum,” Leblein added. “Brick Township is very interested. Rob Brown, the chief lifeguard at Brick is now in charge of curriculum for water safety in Brick so this is spreading. She is heading a bathing suit and goggle drive for the NJSSA to support saving lives in the water with a location drop location at 114 New York Avenue in Lavallette.” In New Jersey swimsuits are required to be worn during swim lessons and she is asking for donations of any new, unusued boys’ or girls’ swimsuits and goggles to that location. You can reach her at 732-319-5814 or email her at jleblein@ optonline.net for further details and for information about the NJSSA.
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Firefighter Honored After Academy Graduation
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Photo courtesy Bayville Volunteer Fire Department BAYVILLE – Bayville Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 congratulated Firefighter Michael Nieves on his graduation from the Ocean County Fire Academy. Nieves was recognized by the department for his dedication, professionalism and commitment throughout his academy training. Fire company members said his work ethic and leadership stood out both in the classroom and during handson training.
His efforts earned him the Michael Davenport Award, one of the academy’s highest honors. The award reflects the character, integrity and determination Nieves demonstrated during his time at the academy. Members of Bayville Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 said they are proud of Nieves’ accomplishment and look forward to seeing him continue serving the community. They wished him a long, safe and successful career in the fire service.
Rock 2 Adopt Returns BAYVILLE – Rock 2 Adopt will celebrate its 13th year with a two-day charity festival supporting pet adoption and animal care. The family-friendly event will be held from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. September 26 and 27 at Veterans Park in Bayville. Proceeds will benefit Jersey Shore Animal Center in Brick and The Bridge Clinic, which serves the Bensalem and Philadelphia areas. The festival will feature 22 local bands, acoustic performers, karaoke, an “Idol Contest,” vendors, crafters, food trucks, wrestling, exercise classes and children’s activities. Special events include meet-and-greets with adoptable shelter dogs from noon to 2 p.m. both days in front of the main stage. Kids’ activities will include trick-or-treating with vendors, face painting, balloon twisting, fairy
hair, Build-A-Bear, painting, character meetand-greets and a Little Mermaid puppet show. Saturday events include a Zumba class at noon, Titan Championship Wrestling from 2 to 4 p.m. and the Caturday Idol Contest from 4 to 5 p.m. Sunday events include Zumba at 1 p.m., karaoke from 2 to 3:30 p.m. and yoga at 2 p.m. Two-day wristbands are $25 for adults and $10 for children 10 and younger. Wristbands may be purchased in advance through Venmo at @rock2adopt. Include your full name and the number of adult and children’s wristbands being purchased. No coolers, large bags, outside glass bottles or cans are permitted. Bags may be inspected at the gate. Vendors and food trucks leave at 6 p.m. Outside dogs and pets are not permitted because adoptable shelter dogs will be on site.
Elks To Host Family Fun Day BAYVILLE – The Bayville Elks #2394 Special Children’s Committee will host a Family Fun Day from noon to 3 p.m. August 30. The event will feature barbecue, games, music and a water slide.
The event is open to members’ children and grandchildren ages 12 and under. Families interested in attending are asked to sign up on the sheet posted on the bulletin board by August 23.
Church To Host Trunk Or Treat BEACHWOOD – Living Word Baptist Church will host a Trunk or Treat event from 3 to 6 p.m. October 24 at the church, 320 Compass Avenue.
The Halloween-themed community event will feature candy, food and family-friendly fun. Residents are invited to stop by and take part in the festivities.
jerseyshoreonline.com
The Berkeley Times, July 18, 2026, Page 9
Community News C lub N ews , A ctivities , E vents & A nnouncements
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211 ROUTE 9, BAYVILLE, NJ 08721 • 732-269-8555 Photo courtesy Beachwood Volunteer Fire Company Joseph E. Diehl By Jason Allentoff BEACHWOOD – A longtime Ocean County firefighter who served several local departments and was honored for helping save a child’s life is being remembered for his dedication, generosity and love of the fire service. Joseph E. Diehl, 55, died unexpectedly, according to statements from the Beachwood Volunteer Fire Department and Pine Beach Fire Company No. 1. Diehl began his firefighting career in Beachwood after graduating from the Ocean County Fire Academy in 1998. He served with the Beachwood Fire Department from 1998 to 2008 and played an important role in organizing the department’s Poker Run fundraising events. After leaving Beachwood, Diehl continued volunteering with fire companies throughout Ocean County, including New Egypt, Ocean Gate and Pine Beach. He joined Pine Beach Fire Company No. 1 in 2019, later rising to the rank of captain. He also served as treasurer of the Pine Beach Firemen’s Relief Association before relocating to South Carolina.
Diehl also served as sergeant-at-arms during New Jersey State Firefighters’ Association conventions. Although he moved away from Beachwood, fire officials said Diehl remained connected to the department where his service began and often returned to visit members. During one visit, Diehl became involved in a successful CPR response after a child who was not breathing was brought to the Beachwood firehouse. For his actions, Diehl was recognized in 2025 by the Beachwood Fire Department and the 200 Club of Ocean County with a Life Saving Award. Pine Beach fire officials described Diehl as having “a big personality and an even bigger heart,” saying he was the kind of person who would give a friend “the shirt off his back.” Fire officials said his commitment to the fire service was matched only by his love for his son, Michael, who serves as a career firefighter/EMT with Horry County Fire Rescue in South Carolina. “Our thoughts are with Joe’s son Michael and the entire Diehl family,” the Beachwood Fire Department said. “Rest easy Joe, we’ll take it from here.”
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Page 10, The Berkeley Times, July 18, 2026
Community News C lub N ews , A ctivities , E vents & A nnouncements
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Photo courtesy Bayville EMS BERKELEY – Bayville EMS provided standby coverage during the kickoff of the Sounds of Summer Concert Series, helping ensure a safe evening for residents attending the community event. Despite the heat, EMS officials said the concert went smoothly, with no major issues reported. The event drew residents
for an evening of music, dancing and summer fun. Bayville EMS thanked Berkeley officials for hosting the concert series and for recognizing its members who were on hand during the event. The agency said it looks forward to seeing residents at future concerts in the series.
State Park Marks Blueberry History BAYVILLE – Double Trouble State Park marked National Blueberry Day by highlighting New Jersey’s role in the history of the popular fruit. New Jersey continues to rank among the top blueberry-producing states in the country. Double Trouble also played a part in that agricultural history, as the Double Trouble Company operated from 1909 to 1964 and once maintained a major blueberry business with fields in both New Jersey and North Carolina. The company’s influence on North Carolina’s blueberry industry is now part of a new Pender County Museum exhibit, “Deep Blue
Roots: The Early History of the North Carolina Blueberries.” The exhibit recognizes the early contributions that helped shape commercial blueberry production in that region. Blueberries are native to North America and have been eaten in the wild for thousands of years. Native Americans used the fruit in food and medicine, while modern cultivated blueberries were developed in the early 1900s. The commercial blueberry industry can be traced to Elizabeth White and Frederick Coville, who helped determine how to grow blueberries successfully on farms at Whitesbog in New Jersey.
Seaside Heights Police To Cover Pelican Island
BERKELEY – Police services for the Berkeley section of Pelican Island will now be handled by the Seaside Heights Police Department under a new shared services agreement. The change took effect at 4 p.m. July 8, according to a notice issued on behalf of Mayor John Bacchione and Police Chief Kevin Santucci. Officials said the agreement was made to provide efficient police coverage and emergency response for residents and visitors in that portion of Pelican Island.
Under the agreement, Seaside Heights police will respond to all law enforcement calls in the Berkeley portion of the island. Officials said the goal is to maintain strong public safety services while using municipal resources responsibly. Anyone needing police assistance for a non-emergency matter should call the Seaside Heights Police Department at 732793-1800. In an emergency, residents should call 911.
jerseyshoreonline.com
The Berkeley Times, July 18, 2026, Page 11
R.C. Shea & Assoc.
Inside The Law Can You Sue An Employer For A Positive Marijuana Test In New Jersey?
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By: Christopher R. Shea, Esq. R.C. Shea & Associates In a major decision for New Jersey workers, the Appellate Division recently ruled that people who lose a job or are denied employment because of lawful, off-duty marijuana use may have the right to sue their employer under New Jersey’s Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act (CREAMMA). In Sanders v. Levari Group, LLC, the plaintiff applied for a customer service position and received a conditional job offer. As part of the hiring process, she took a pre-employment drug test, which came back positive for marijuana metabolites. These metabolites simply show that a person used cannabis at some point in the past—they do not prove that the person was impaired at work or under the influence when tested. The applicant explained that she had legally used cannabis while off duty and had never been impaired during the hiring process. The employer told her it would withdraw the job offer unless she paid for a second drug test herself. When she could not afford the test, the company rescinded the offer. She filed suit, claiming that CREAMMA prohibits employers from refusing
to hire someone solely because of a positive marijuana test. Although the trial court dismissed her case, the Appellate Division reversed that decision. For the first time, a New Jersey appellate court held that individuals may sue employers under CREAMMA if they are denied employment or otherwise discriminated against solely because they lawfully used cannabis outside of work. The decision makes an important distinction between being impaired on the job, which employers may still prohibit, and merely testing positive for marijuana metabolites, which can remain in a person’s system for days or even weeks after lawful use. This ruling is significant for both employers and employees. Employers should carefully review their hiring and drug-testing policies, while employees and job applicants should understand that lawful, off-duty cannabis use may now be protected under New Jersey law. If you believe you were denied a job or otherwise treated unfairly because of lawful cannabis use, you may have legal rights. Contact our office at (732) 505-1212 to discuss your situation.
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Photo Of The Week
A trio of wild turkeys takes a leisurely stroll through Leisure Village East in Lakewood. These feathered visitors are a common sight as wild turkeys often roam residential neighborhoods during the summer months. Photo by Bakin Rabbi. Want to see your pictures in this space? Email photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you may win a prize!
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Page 12, The Berkeley Times, July 18, 2026
Here’s To Your Health Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Presented By: Isidore Kirsh, Ph.D., F.A.A.A. (N.J. Lic. #678)
Dr. Isidore Kirsh Ph.D., F.A.A.A.
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The majority of my patients with permanent hearing loss demonstrate auditory processing/ listening issues. Hearing aids can assist in clarifying conversations but in some instances the brain has to be retrained to give you that extra 10-15% of additional clarity. This is where LACE AI Pro should be considered. Basically, it’s physical therapy for the brain! Depicted below are some advantages of using LACE AI Pro. Improves Speech Understanding (Especially in Noise) LACE helps improve your ability to understand conversations in restaurants, crowds, and meetings. It trains your brain to focus on speech while filtering background noise. Studies show up to 25% improvement in understanding speech in noise with regular training. Helps Your Brain Adapt to Hearing Aids Faster Hearing aids amplify sound, but your brain must relearn how to interpret it. LACE helps you adjust faster to new hearing aids, improves voice clarity, reduces listening fatigue, and increases confidence in conversations. Improves Memory, Attention, and Processing Speed LACE trains cognitive hearing skills including working memory, attention, rapid speech com-
prehension, and processing speed. This helps you follow fast talkers, remember conversations better, and stay mentally sharp. Improves Real-World Communication Ability Exercises simulate real-life situations such as restaurants, meetings, phone calls, and doctor visits. This improves everyday listening ability, not just quiet test-room performance. Makes Hearing Aids Work Better Clinical trials show LACE can improve hearing aid performance, increase daily hearing aid use, and improve satisfaction. 6. Supports Long-Term Brain and Cognitive Health Auditory training strengthens brain pathways involved in hearing, helps maintain cognitive function, and reduces listening effort and fatigue. LACE AI Pro recommends that you do these exercises 15 minutes per day for up to 6 weeks. You can continue the program indefinitely. You can purchase the licensing rights for this program by finding a participating provider. Dr. Izzy and his Staff will continue to educate you on hearing related issues. Call today to set up an appointment in one of 3 locations, 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!
jerseyshoreonline.com
The Berkeley Times, July 18, 2026, Page 13
Here’s To Your Health
Dear Phar Pharmacist macist Why You’re More Tired This Summer By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.
Every summer, I hear the same thing, “Suzy, I don’t know what’s wrong with me, but I’m exhausted.” To be honest, I hate the heat and feel the same way! While hot and humid weather can certainly beat you down faster, it isn’t the whole story. Sometimes summertime just exposes an underlying issue that was already there. One of the biggest culprits is electrolyte loss. When you sweat, you lose more than water. You also lose minerals such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium. These are needed to maintain healthy blood pressure, and boost energy. When they fall out of balance, you may feel weak, tired, dizzy, mentally foggy, anxious, or even notice heart palpitations. Certain medications like acid blockers for reflux, some diuretics, and other commonly prescribed drugs, can quietly deplete nutrients over time, making summer fatigue more noticeable. Dehydration is another common problem, and it doesn’t always make you feel thirsty. Sometimes it shows up as fatigue, headaches, constipation or dry skin. Plus, as we age, our thirst signals become less reliable. Add outdoor activities, exercise, air travel, caffeine, alcohol, or summer heat, and it becomes surprisingly easy to fall behind on hydration. Summer also means more activity - gardening, vacations, swimming, golf, hiking, or chasing kids or grandchildren. That increases your need for nutrients, especially the B vitamins that help convert the food you eat into usable energy. If you’ve been sleeping well but still feel like you’re dragging, you may be short on
B vitamins. This can easily happen if you take medications that gradually deplete them, what I call “drug muggers.” It can also happen if you drink wine or alcohol. Inflammation can also quietly drain your reserves. Whether it’s related to poor sleep, chronic stress, excess weight, joint discomfort, chronic pain, or an inflammatory diet, your body uses energy to manage these processes. Let’s talk D and sunshine. Many people assume their D levels are better in summertime (because of the sunshine), but that’s not necessarily true. Many of us spend much of the day indoors, avoid direct sunlight, or consistently wear sunscreen. Others have genetic polymorphisms or reduced enzyme activity that affect the liver and kidney hydroxylation pathways needed to convert vitamin D into its active form. Low vitamin D is one possible contributor to fatigue, reduced muscle function, and changes in mood. It’s worth a blood test to check levels. Over the years, I’ve watched people chase fatigue for months (sometimes even years) only to discover they simply needed better hydration, a healthier electrolyte balance, improved nutrition, a few less pounds to carry around in the summer heat, or a review of the medications they were taking. If you’ve been feeling unusually tired this summer, don’t automatically blame your age or the heat and humidity. Make some of these small changes and see surprisingly big improvements. For more practical health tips, wellness articles, and access to exclusive supplement coupons, visit me at suzycohen. com and stay in touch.
(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.
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Page 14, The Berkeley Times, July 18, 2026
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jerseyshoreonline.com
The Berkeley Times, July 18, 2026, Page 15
Viral Police Horse Attack Claim Falls Apart By Jason Allentoff JERSEY SHORE – A police horse was not attacked before falling on the Wildwood Boardwalk over the Fourth of July weekend, authorities said, disputing a viral social media claim that sparked hundreds of angry and racist comments. Wildwood Police Chief Joseph Murphy said the horse simply lost its footing on a metal surface and that neither the animal nor its rider was hurt. “There was no assault on the horse,” Murphy told Jersey Shore Online. “It slipped on a metal grate on the boardwalk. The horse and rider were not injured.” The incident gained widespread attention after Jersey Coast Emergency News, a monetized Facebook page with more than 428,000 fol-
lowers, shared the video July 5 with the claim that “thugs attacked a police horse.” The video initially appeared on a Facebook page operated by Wildwood digital creator Brian Foster before being reposted by Jersey Coast Emergency News with its own wording. The footage does not show the horse slipping. It begins as the mounted officer and horse fall into view. The horse is then seen regaining its footing as people nearby react. Several young people can be heard laughing before officers direct the crowd to continue moving. Many commenters said the video did not support the claim that anyone attacked the horse. Some said the young people appeared to be reacting to the unexpected fall and did not touch or kick the animal.
“I saw kids acting like kids and a police horse slipping on a wet boardwalk,” one commenter wrote. Despite the police chief’s account and the lack of visible contact with the horse, the posts generated hundreds of comments, including racist and threatening remarks directed at the young people shown in the video. The episode shows how quickly an unverified allegation can spread online when dramatic language is attached to a short video without full context. Jersey Coast Emergency News has previously drawn criticism over posts that were disputed by people, businesses and organizations involved. Those posts included unfounded accusations against Brick Little League, allegations about
a Central Regional High School teacher, a falsehood about a submarine sighting off the New Jersey coast and a supermarket explosion that police later said did not occur. A local car dealership also publicly challenged a post involving its business earlier this year. The Ashley Lauren Foundation announced it had ended its relationship with the page. In the case of the Central Regional teacher, Jersey Coast Emergency News published allegations that he had a sexual relationship with an underage student. An attorney representing the educator later named Meta and Jersey Coast Emergency News in a strongly-worded legal notice connected to the online posts. The allegations have not been established as fact, and it was not immediately clear whether the page’s operators responded to the notice.
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Page 16, The Berkeley Times, July 18, 2026
CLASSIFIEDS Real Estate
Items Wanted
Services
Hunting 11.75 Acres - 3 BR, 1 1/2 BA, mobile home. F/P. Mineral rights. Furnished. Bethel Hill Susquehanna, Pa. 2 car garage. 732-675-2092. Offers. (32) ~Selling??- Best service for less than 1% ~Don't get RIPPED OFF!!! ~CALL-Joe Shimonis 609-713-1727 listforlessnj.com (31)
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)
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)
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Affordable Landscaping - Spring Cleanups, Complete lawn maintenance, Sod & seed lawns, Shrubs & tree pruning, Topsoil & mulch and much more. 732-808-7477. (t/n)
1 9 9 1 M e rc u r y G r a n d M a rquis - Low milage. Garage kept. Silver. Leather seats. Excellent condition. Call Barbara 732492-0812. $11,600. (32)
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ESTATE/MOVING SALE - 56" round marble table, 310lbs olympic weight set, all wood corner desk with hutch, Massarelli 4 tiered fountain and statues, king sleep number bed, patio furniture, 18ft ext. ladder, luggage, vintage Wilson Staff golf clubs, MUCH MORE. 732-232-5016. (33)
Items For Sale Limited Edition Dolls - From Ashley Cooper, Madame Alexander Bradley, Shirley Temple. Must buy all. Leave message. Firm $150. 732-341-9357. (32)
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) Comice Books - I am paying cash for comic books from 1979 and before. Please call Steve at 732-277-7327 anytime. (30) 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) Vinyl Records Wanted - Paying cash for LP albums Rock Jazz Reggae Psychedelic. Call Rick 908-616-7104. Also Buying Comic Books. (35) Entire Estates Bought - Bedroom/dining sets, dressers, cedar chests, wardrobes, secretaries, pre-1950 wooden furniture, older glassware, oriental rugs, paintings, bronzes, silver, bric-abrac. Call Jason at 609-970-4806. (t/n) U s e d G u n s Wa n t e d - A l l types: collectibles, military, etc. Call 917-681-6809. (t/n) 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)
SALES, P/T - Reliable person for Family Business, Seaside Heights, Call 732-597-0388 (31) 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) Reliable and bi-lingual (Russian or other Slavic language) nanny - is needed in Atlantic county. We live in Egg Harbor, NJ, and are looking for a nanny to care for two daughters, a five year old and a newborn. We value gentle parenting and aim to create a safe environment where the girls can thrive. Start in mid-September. Ask for Laura, 609-833-0058. (32) Certified Home Health Aides Needed 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)
Live-In or Live-out Caregiver Experience 30 years. NJ Driver's License. Have own car. Doctor Appointments, laundry and light cleaning. 732-439-9765 Zeina. References available. (31) 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) Life Coach - Facing a challenge? Talk it out with me, a safe, nonjudgmental listener. Meet it head on with my support, unique to you. In-person or on phone. Confidential. $25 for 1 hour. Melissa Lekas, 732-754-4891. (31) 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)
HELP WANTED - Sheet Metal Installers wanted for commercial HVAC company located in Jackson. Mechanics should have a minimum of 5 years field experience. We are also looking for apprentices who we will train for those looking to learn the trade. No experience required. $18.00 to start. Benefits include paid health insurance, 401k contribution, paid holidays and more. Send resume to bsellinger@mammothmechanical. com or call 732-833-7223. (31)
Transportation Services - Airports, Cruise Ships, Casinos, Appointments, Light Hauling with Pick-Up Truck. Call Bill 732-674-0378. (19)
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 732557-6500. You can also visit us in person at 1935 Route 9 Toms river 08755. (30)
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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) Absolute Gutter Company - Full Service Gutter Company. www. absolutegutterconj.com. 732774-7910 call or text. NJ License #13VH13757400. (33) 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) 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)
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The Berkeley Times, July 18, 2026, Page 17
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Page 18, The Berkeley Times, July 18, 2026
FUN & GAMES SUDOKU
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Across 1 Golfer’s vehicle 5 Lingerie purchases 9 Lingerie purchase 13 21-Across in Spain 14 __ Raton, Florida 15 Buenos __ 17 On the horizon 20 Permit 21 13-Across in France 22 Zip 23 Spy-fi org. 24 On the horizon 29 Counter attacker 30 Oft-redacted fig. 31 Burrito option 32 “I’ve __ better” 34 Mouth pieces? 37 Hosp. caregivers 38 On the horizon 41 Fish tacos fish, familiarly 43 Foil kin 44 Wound covering 48 One of five com-
petitive figure skating disciplines 49 Grilled fish in kabayaki 51 In the style of 52 On the horizon 56 “Miracle Workers” channel 57 Fed. health law 58 “I knew it!” 59 Lessens 61 Classic film with a time-traveling DeLorean, and an apt description of 17-, 24-, 38-, and 52-Across 66 Cookies with a Sour Patch Kids flavor 67 Mystical glow 68 Fielder’s need 69 Mangyshlak Peninsula’s continent 70 More __ meets the eye 71 64-Down, for one Down 1 Capital city with
Bolívar Square 2 Botox target 3 Go long? 4 Root in the Hawaiian dessert kulolo 5 Television network created by royal charter 6 Sushi topper 7 Feels sore 8 Thai skewers 9 Japanese title of respect 10 Actor Simu 11 Big name in endurance events 12 Stretches 16 Burrito option 18 Doesn’t rent 19 “Radical Optimism” singer __ Lipa 25 Northern European capital 26 In reserve 27 Valley 28 Best Upset and Best Moment 33 Indira Gandhi’s fa-
ther 35 Soda 36 Trusty horse 39 Japanese soup 40 Suffix with ump41 Lash lengthener 42 Decorated fighter pilots 45 Form-fitting garment 46 Columbia Icefield province 47 Angela of “9-1-1” 48 Soul singer Bryson 50 “In __ of gifts ... “ 53 Comedian Margaret 54 Patronize, as a restaurant 55 Casual agreement 60 Devices loaded with cash 62 Fish in an ornamental pond 63 LAX safety team 64 Young fig. 65 Booster
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SOLUTIONS
SU DOK U
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Jumble: SOAPY MESSY SWIVEL GERBIL -- “LOSS” VEGAS
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The Berkeley Times, July 18, 2026, Page 19
OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 18 - 24 BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS FORECAST ARIES (March 21-April 19): While you may have been fairly home-oriented in the last few weeks, your heart could get even more engaged for the next few days. Recognition for your efforts in the world could be expanding. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Today one focus could be money, and if you can escape negative emotions, it could be a good day for money moves if your individual cycles are helpful. Your communication abilities could be nearing a peak. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You aren’t your financial status, I’ll say it again. While some kinds of people judge by that yardstick, free yourself enough from public opinion to put your personal authenticity first. This said, your money could be growing anyway. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Your intelligence shines now, forget trying to play stupid. An old grievance could come to mind, see if you can shift your perspective from grievance to lesson. Consider your part and what you could do differently. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): A friend could move from negative and cynical to excited about an opportunity in just a few hours. Instead of wishing you were more onstage, use the next week or so for the equivalent of rehearsals, you’ll be in the spotlight soon. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Don’t linger in a discouraged place in terms of work, more money could be inbound soon. Mastermind something with the right friends, they could provide better ide-
as and stronger intel than you might have expected. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Share investing and money-making ideas and be open to learning more, there’s lots of info out there that can help. The clarity with which you can approach your career now could be epic. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Shared resources could become easier to manage by later today or tomorrow but consider that not everyone may want the same thing. Digital creators could be at the top of their game. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You may be able to talk something through today that’s been an issuefor a while, but the other people need to be on board too. Someone close may have a financial idea for you. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): If both partners are in decent enough individual cycles, a breakthrough in communication could change everything for the better in a relationship. When hearts and minds work together, magic can happen. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Something could come along that makes day-to-day tasks easier and more pleasant both. The more you can make your daily round a happy one, the better your quality of life. Mindset helps too. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Express yourself. Use art, crafts, music, the written or spoken word, whatever medium gives you the most freedom and satisfaction. The next week or so could allow a lot of happiness through creativity.
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