2026-07-25 - The Jackson Times

The

By Bob Vosseller

JACKSON – It may have been a little cloudy and dark outside with a threatening storm but inside Jackson Mills Fire Station 54 it was a whole different story as the Jackson Commission for the Disabled/Handicapped held its annual prom night.

Alex Janoczkin who serves as the Commission’s current co-chair said, “This year’s prom theme was ‘Under the Sea,’ and with the incredible storm that rolled through Jackson that evening, we almost found ourselves literally under the sea, but despite the challenging weather, the turnout was absolutely amazing, and the smiles throughout the night made every moment worthwhile.”

“There is truly nothing more special than seeing the joy on the faces of our clients as they celebrate, make memories, and enjoy the surprises that make this event so magical,” he added.

Janoczkin gave a very special shout out to DJ Robert Douriet of SoManyStylez Entertainment, a local business owner “who

Pirates, Giant Robots & Baby Sharks Bring Fun Under The Sea During Prom Night

courtesy Commission for the Disabled/Handicapped Stacy Bisignano joins a pirate as part of this year’s Jackson Commission for the Disabled and Handicapped Prom Night event that featured the theme of “Under the Sea.”

continues to go above and beyond for our clients. Robert and his entire family bring so much energy and excitement to this event every year. Along with providing fantastic music and an incredible photo booth, he surprised everyone with a giant robot guest appearance that was an instant hit.”

“We are also incredibly grateful to Bartley Healthcare of Jackson and Jessica Marangio, who have truly become part of the Jackson Township Commission for the Disabled/ Handicapped family. Jessica helped create unforgettable moments by arranging special

(Prom Night - See Page 4)

Missing Podium Becomes Symbol For Larger Debate

By Bob Vosseller

JACKSON– The township’s podium, used for when members of the public speak before the governing body, is still noticeably absent but it is set to return with a new microphone, according to officials. Not every municipality has a podium for residents to use but Jackson’s has become a symbol for those who feel their ability to speak at council meetings is under attack. Some residents have said that the removal of the podium, and the few times that the public portion of the meeting was cut short, were both done to silence dissent.

Township officials, however, say that this is nothing more than a damaged podium that needs to be replaced.

Resident Ray Cattonar is among those who is bothered by its absence

(Missing Podium - See Page 5)

County Tests AI Text Line For Senior Services

By Stephanie Faughnan OCEAN COUNTY - Residents

searching for food assistance, transportation, caregiving support or other services for older adults can help test a system designed to provide answers through a text message.

Ocean County has introduced an artificial intelligence-powered text line that allows residents to ask questions about local aging resources at any time and receive

automated response. The system accepts questions in multiple languages, recognizes spelling errors and draws its answers from a controlled database of Ocean County information rather than searching the open internet.

Residents are being invited to test the Age-Friendly Ocean County Pilot Text Line by texting 848-266-6981. Their questions

(Senior ServicesSee Page 7)

Court: Town Condemned Land Improperly

By Bob Vosseller

JACKSON – Four years after the idea was originally conceived by township officials, the New Jersey Supreme Court rendered a decision that will impact a plan involving open space preservation and which might also have state-wide implications. The court recently ruled that the township improperly used its eminent domain authority to seize privately owned land as part of a land swap with a private developer. It found Jackson officials had exceeded its legal authority and did not deal fairly with the property owners, Bellevue, Jackson, LLC and Getzel Bee, LLC.

Mayor Jennifer Kuhn provided her reaction on the decision to The Jackson Times, saying, “the NJ Supreme Court issued a decision that former-Mayor (Michael) Reina and the prior administration had improperly utilized eminent domain to take two small parcels of land from a Lakewood-based LLC as part of a larger land swap deal dating back to 2022.”

“To be clear: the court did not block or undo the larger land swap,” the mayor added noting the only portion affected by the decision “were parcels which combined amount to less than an acre of the overall property.”

Council President Mordechai Burnstein told The Jackson Times, that the “only thing this decision does is block the condemnation of these two lots, less than an acre of overall tract. The Township had sought to take control of land via eminent domain as part of land swap to aid new school construction.”

(Condemned Land - See Page 4)

Ocean County Commissioner Robert Arace and Ocean County Office of Senior Services Director Marie LaFace stand together during the launch of the Age-Friendly Ocean County Multisector Plan for Aging at the Ocean County Library in Toms River. Photo by Stephanie Faughnan

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appearances from a fantastic pirate who led clients on an adventure to a treasure chest with a special prize,” Janoczkin remarked.

He added, “there was also a baby shark that everyone wanted to get a photo with. Bartley even provided a beautiful custom cookie favors for every guest to take home.”

“Linda Thomson of First Choice Catering and her daughter, Kimberly, created a beautiful menu from start to finish and worked tirelessly alongside Col. Jonathan Spare and the ROTC Cadets to prepare, serve, and help clean up after this incredible evening. Their dedication and teamwork helped make the night seamless,” Janoczkin noted.

He added, “A heartfelt thank you goes to Fire Station 54 for generously donating their beautiful space and making this event possible for so many years. We are saddened that this will be our final Prom held at this location as the room will soon be converted into sleeping quarters for our hardworking firefighters. We are incredibly grateful for the memories created here and hope to find a new venue that can continue this beloved tradition for years to come.”

Commission member Sam Iorio expressed, “what an incredible evening! Our prom was a tremendous success, and it would not have been possible without the dedication of our amazing Commission members. After putting in long days at their regular jobs, they spent countless hours volunteering their evenings and personal time to transform a vision into an unforgettable night for our clients.”

“Their passion, teamwork, and commitment are truly inspiring, and we are so grateful for each and every one of them,” Iorio added.

This marked the first prom for Commission member Jessica Cacoso. “It was such a wonderful experience. Seeing everyone dressed up, enjoying the evening, and sharing in the excitement was truly rewarding. I had the pleasure of working

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He concurred with Mayor Kuhn that “the land swap itself did not fall through. There were two different lawsuits. The lawsuit challenging that land swap ordinance was won (by Jackson) and never appealed.”

Kuhn said “I have instructed our township legal team and officials to fight tooth and nail to preserve every acre possible on this tract and throughout town. I will do everything in my power to protect the town I grew up in. The number one mission of my administration is the preservation of open space. As I have said many times, the best defense against overdevelopment is preserving every acre we can.”

Burnstein noted the conception of the land swap plan went back to 2022. Jackson Township’s land swap ordinances came a year later (with Ordinance 5-23 and amended Ordinance 7-23) which authorized an exchange of 43 acres of municipal land along White Road for a 35-acre parcel on Leesville Road owned by Bellevue Estates, LLC. The goal was to move a planned private school complex.

Bellevue Estates developer Mordechai Eichorn had planned to build a four-school educational complex and dormitories on Leesville Road,

the drink station, meeting so many new people, and watching the happiness and friendships throughout the night. It was a beautiful reminder of how special these events are and the incredible community we have built together.”

Drew Henning is a client and a member of the Commission. “Our Prom was absolutely exquisite! From the beautiful decorations to the smiles on everyone’s faces, it was truly a magical evening and everybody was happy.”

Other comments from clients also expressed the festive event. “When you see everyone filling the dance floor you know you have a good party.”

Another client remarked that the prom “gave you a chance to forget all of your cares for an evening and just have fun.”

“This was one party where you just couldn’t sit down, from the pirate and treasure hunt to the shark and the giant Transformer dancing. It will make a great memory for some time to come,” another client said.

Another attendee noted “this event really brings our community together and understand that we are here for each other.”

“Whether you are new to the commission or a long-time member there was such a real feeling of belonging and family. This was great event,” a client parent said.

Members of the Jackson ROTC couldn’t help but dance to a few of their favorite songs and the parents of clients were all smiles and had time to enjoy and talk with each other.

Janoczkin said, “events like this remind us what community truly means - people coming together to create happiness, inclusion, and unforgettable memories for our clients. Thank you to everyone who helped make Under the Sea Prom 2026 a night we will never forget!”

Former Commission Chair Suely Fries told The Jackson Times that the Commission formed in the 1970s and offers various recreation and leisure programs for individuals with special needs in the community. It receives an annual state grant that the township matches at around 20%.

which faced strong community opposition regarding traffic in that area.

Jackson officials agreed to trade approximately 43 acres across dozens of lots on White Road (near the border of Lakewood) in exchange for the Leesville Road property, which the township planned to preserve as open space.

The land swap agreement was finalized in the spring of 2024. Then-Mayor Reina told The Jackson Times at that time that “by closing on this property, Jackson Township has eliminated potential development on this land for eternity.”

The governing body’s use of eminent domain to acquire certain properties to facilitate the deal, resulted in significant litigation. The New Jersey Appellate Court struck down the township’s condemnation of the properties, ruling that the municipality misled property owners by initially claiming the land was for open space land when its actual intent was for a private developer land transfer.

The court opinion written by Chief Justice Stuart Rabner affirmed a lower court ruling that blocked the condemnation of the two parcels. These were the parcels that were privately owned that the township sought to acquire and then transfer to the developer.

Rabner added that eminent domain statutes

(Condemned Land - See Page 5)

The Jackson Times, July 25, 2026, Page

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and case law from federal or state courts do not authorize the type of land swap that Jackson officials had used.

The ruling stressed that while towns can use eminent domain to acquire land for a legitimate public purpose, they are prohibited from condemning a property owner’s property to exchange it for another property that would serve the public.

The town maintained that the transaction

Missing Podium:

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and he was willing to launch a GoFundMe campaign to help the township find it or buy a new one. He has reached out on social media receiving more than 6,800 responses to a post where he asked, “Have you seen this podium?”

“It served the residents of Jackson Township faithfully for years. It held notes, petitions, and documents. It gave speakers a place to stand with dignity. Seniors relied on it for support. Residents used it while exercising one of their most important constitutional rights - the right to address their government. Then... it mysteriously vanished. No public explanation. No public discussion. Just gone,” he noted.

“Apparently, making it harder for residents to speak has become the new standard. Since our elected officials seem unwilling to return it, we’re starting a GoFundMe to buy the township a replacement podium. Maybe if taxpayers

served a public purpose as it would permanently preserve open space. However, that reasoning was rejected by the NJ Supreme Court as the condemned properties themselves were not intended for public use. The parcels would actually become a developer’s property and therefore would not benefit the public.

The case was compared to similar federal eminent domain decisions that involved redevelopment plans for public purposes.

According to the court, Jackson had sought to use condemned land and transfer it from one private owner to another outside an integrated

purchase one themselves, it will finally make its way back into the council chambers,” he added.

Cattonar explained, “our goal isn’t really to buy furniture; our goal is to remind our elected officials that public meetings belong to the public - not the politicians sitting on the dais.

A podium isn’t a privilege. It’s a basic tool that allows residents - including seniors, veterans and those with mobility challenges - to participate safely and comfortably in local government.”

Mayor Jennifer Kuhn responded to questions by The Jackson Times about the missing podium clarifying that the GoFundMe campaign won’t be necessary. “The reality is that under the previous mayor, (Michael Reina) much of town hall and township property had not been improved in over two decades. The podium was old. It cracked.”

“We will continue to ensure that our residents are heard. Whether that happens at a podium, a table, or a standalone microphone. That hasn’t stopped public comment, we still make a micro-

public development. This transfer from a private owner to the developer would then raise questions as to a private purpose that was intended. Allowing such a transaction could invite abuse according to the court opinion and would stray from the Constitutional requirement that private property be taken for public use only.

The Justices were critical of the township officials’ conduct throughout the condemnation process which they said ran contrary to state law that requires officials to act honestly and fairly. It put into question whether the governing body failed to meet that standard

phone available to any resident who wishes to participate. Still, I expect that the Council will have a new podium, with new audio equipment,” she added.

Council President Mordechai Burnstein also told The Jackson Times that the podium was out of service for an upgrade and a new microphone. He said it would return in front of the dais but wasn’t sure when.

The podium - which is believed to be in a storage room within the municipal complex - isn’t the only missing item that residents have inquired about. They have also been asking the whereabouts of two outside fixtures that were in front of Town Hall: the township clock (which Burnstein said was donated by the Jackson Rotary Club) and a dedication stone that are no longer there. Also missing is a display case that was inside Town Hall that contained materials on the township’s many veterans of the past.

The mayor explained the disappearance of those cherished items. “The township clock was

as its ordinances and communications with the property owners did not fully disclose that the parcels would eventually be transferred to a private developer instead of being preserved for open space.

The public purpose for the taking of the land was described by the justices as being vague, inaccurate and pretextual at various points in the process.

The NJ Supreme Court has not yet ordered a specific remedy but has instead sent it back to the trial court to decide what relief should be provided to the property owners.

damaged in the winter storm. As you’ll recall, it was the most severe winter storm Jackson has experienced in years. Administration is working to repair or adequately replace the clock.”

Burnstein confirmed that the clock and the memorial stone had been damaged by a snow plow during one of the worst snow storms of the year.

“As for the history display, Jackson is proud to be home to one of the largest veteran communities. We honor their sacrifices, and owe them a debt we cannot repay. That is why we’ve maintained an active Veterans Committee. That Committee is working to upgrade the history display to include more of our local veterans and preserve their memory for all of prosperity,” the mayor said. She added, “that process is ongoing, but will ultimately include both physical and onscreen components. We remain committed to honoring each and every one of our Jackson residents who served in uniform.”

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

Community Events And Financial Savings

From The Desk Of Mayor Jennifer

Kuhn

There are weeks when you look back and realize exactly why you chose to serve your community. This was one of those weeks.

Standing in Johnson Park during our Food Truck Festival and Fireworks Celebration, I couldn’t help but smile. Everywhere I looked, there were families enjoying dinner together, kids running around with huge smiles on their faces, neighbors catching up, and local businesses serving up some incredible food. It felt like Jackson.

These are the moments that remind us what community is all about. They don’t happen by accident. They happen because of the hard work of our Recreation Department, Township employees, police officers, firefighters, EMS, volunteers, local businesses, and so many others who give their time to make these events possible. On behalf of the Township Council, thank you to everyone who came out and made it such a memorable evening. We’re already looking forward to what’s next.

As much fun as these events are, they also remind us why we do the work behind the scenes

Energy

Capitol Comments

every day.

Over the last eight months, we’ve been taking a close look at Township operations and asking ourselves a simple question: “How can we make things better without wasting taxpayer dollars?”

Sometimes the improvements aren’t flashy, but they’re important.

If you’ve been inside Town Hall recently, you’ve probably noticed it looks a little brighter. We’ve been repainting the building and upgrading old lighting with new energy-efficient LED fixtures through grant funding. That means better experience for residents and employees without adding to the tax burden.

We also recently replaced the aging doors leading into the Council Chambers. The old doors had become a safety concern, and instead of asking taxpayers to foot another bill, we used capital funds that had been unused for years. That’s the kind of practical decision we want to keep making.

Safety is always at the top of our list, and I also want to remind everyone that New Jersey’s updated e-bike laws officially took effect on July 20. If you or someone in your family rides an e-bike, now is the time to make sure you’re familiar with the new requirements. Riders must be at least 15 years old, have the appropriate New Jersey license or permit, register

Regulators

Are

qualifying e-bikes, carry insurance when required, wear a helmet, and have the proper documentation with them while riding.

These laws aren’t about making life more difficult. They’re about keeping everyone safer, whether you’re riding an e-bike, driving a car, walking through a neighborhood, or enjoying one of our parks. The Jackson Township Police Department has already begun enforcement, so please take a few minutes to learn the new rules and ride responsibly.

You’ll also notice some activity on Bethel Church Road.

Construction is underway between South New Prospect Road and the Howell Township border as we begin important sidewalk and roadway improvements. There will be alternating traffic and eastbound detours during portions of the project, so I appreciate everyone’s patience while this work gets done. We know construction can be frustrating, but these improvements will make the roadway safer for both drivers and pedestrians for years to come. Please continue following the Jackson Township Police Department for traffic updates and detour information.

Another project that’s especially meaningful to me is the continued work on our Jackson Veterans Honored Wall.

Working alongside the Jackson Veterans Commission, we’re making sure the men and women who served our country receive the

recognition they deserve. If you’re a veteran, or have a loved one who served, I encourage you to reach out to the Commission or visit the Township website to learn how they can be included. Every one of those names tells a story, and everyone deserves to be remembered. At the end of the day, everything we do comes back to one goal: making Jackson an even better place to live.

Whether it’s improving Township buildings, investing in safer roads, honoring our veterans, hosting community events, or finding smarter ways to spend taxpayer dollars, we’re always asking how we can leave this community a little better than we found it.

I also want you to know that my door is always open. If you have an idea, a concern, or simply want to talk about something happening in town, don’t hesitate to reach out. The best conversations usually happen when people sit down together and work through issues, and that’s exactly the kind of local government we want to build.

Thank you for continuing to place your trust in us. Jackson has accomplished a lot in a short period of time, but we’re just getting started. Together, we’ll keep moving our Township forward while never losing sight of what makes this community so special.

Until next week, take care of one another, stay safe, and as always, God bless you, God bless our veterans, and God bless Jackson Township.

Rightly Looking Outside,

But Also Need To Look Inside

TRENTON - In my previous column, I repeated my call – first made on July 6 – for the state’s utility regulator, the Board of Public Utilities, to investigate the performance of the power companies over the Independence Day weekend and beyond. Hundreds of thousands of households lost power, many for several days, during an extreme heat wave.

As a member of the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee, but more importantly as a representative of many residents who lost their lights, their air conditioning, their refrigeration, and in many cases access to their well water, I demanded that the BPU hold public reliability hearings to get answers about JCP&L’s ongoing reliability and preparedness failures. I’m grateful for the difficult and danger-

ous work done by the line workers and public safety personnel who had to venture out into the storms to get the power flowing again. What I question is whether the managers and planners are being as effective as possible in their jobs.

In the world of government and politics, you learn to take the smaller victories and keep working for the bigger ones. On July 15, the BPU announced it would indeed scrutinize the power companies’ responses to the storms and outages, and also welcomed public comment about people’s experiences during the power failures.

In its statement, the BPU seemed to recognize the gravity of what happened. “Many residents experienced prolonged outages during dangerously high temperatures, along with reports of lengthy estimated restoration times, inadequate communication with local officials, and concerns about the adequacy of utility restoration resources,” it said.

They invited the public to share their

experiences with power outages during the holiday weekend by submitting comments for the BPU to review. To do this, you can go to my website, assemblymanalex.com, click on my July 17 press release about the BPU investigation, and click the link where you see “submit comments for review.”

Further, the BPU is requiring each utility operating in New Jersey to file a postmortem report on its storm response report before August 4. This is also something I called for on July 6.

This is a good first step, but it is only a first step. Year after year, we are told JCP&L is sinking millions into fixing its reliability issues, and BPU is holding them to account. Yet we continue to suffer through long outages and poor communication, all while paying the highest utility costs in the nation.

As mentioned in my previous column, I asked for post-storm reports from utility companies to include the number of customers affected, restoration timelines, staffing levels, mutual aid deployment, infrastructure failures, and recommendations before the next major storm. I said the BPU must examine utility storm preparedness,

restoration efforts, communications with customers and local officials, vegetation management, equipment failures, and whether ratepayer-funded reliability investments produced measurable improvements.

My Ocean County colleagues, Assemblymen Greg McGuckin and Paul Kanitra, got into the fray on behalf of county residents as well. Kanitra serves with me on the committee that oversees utilities and the BPU. In their statement, McGuckin said, “Year after year, our residents suffer some of the longest outages in the state. Ocean County has one of New Jersey’s largest senior populations, and JCP&L keeps treating four- and five-day outages during heat emergencies like the cost of doing business. It has to stop.”

Kanitra pointed out that the BPU also has to take a hard look at itself.

“The BPU approved barely a fifth of the plan to fix this grid, and then had the nerve to threaten fines because reliability is bad. You cannot starve the system and then punish it for starving. And the people who actually get punished are the families in (Sauickie - See Page 10)

Disclaimer: Micromedia Publications has always provided a space in its newspapers to provide a place for readers to learn what their elected officials are doing. These items are lightly edited for such things as punctuation and grammar but are mostly unchanged from the source. These press releases are the politicians’ own views, not that of Micromedia Publications. We cannot vouch for the accuracy of information that these politicians are providing, and readers are encouraged to keep an open mind and consider multiple sources.

Senior Services:

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and feedback will help improve the system before a broader public launch.

The pilot was introduced as county and Rutgers officials unveiled the Age-Friendly Ocean County Multisector Plan for Aging, which organizers called the first county-level plan of its kind in New Jersey. The five-year roadmap is intended to help Ocean County prepare for a growing older population and address the conditions that affect residents’ ability to remain independent.

Dr. Emily Greenfield, founding director of the Rutgers Hub for Aging Collaboration, said the text line gives the county an opportunity to try a new way of connecting people with information.

“We do age-friendly together, and we do age-friendly with great joy,” Greenfield said. She described the pilot as an opportunity “to experiment, to learn and to try new things.”

The system is designed to answer questions such as how to obtain Meals on Wheels or whether transportation is available to a grocery store.

The AI draws from a closed knowledge base containing information selected and supplied by those administering the platform.

Greenfield said the secure system is populated with information supplied by Ocean County’s age-friendly partners.

Bridge Social is the project’s technology partner, while Rutgers Cooperative Extension is administering the platform. The Grunin Foundation provided seed funding, and the Rutgers Hub for Aging Collaboration is evaluating the pilot.

Planning For An Older Ocean County

The text line is one of the first visible outcomes

of an 18-month collaboration involving the Ocean County Office of Senior Services, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, county departments, healthcare providers, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, caregivers and residents.

Marie LaFace, director of the Ocean County Office of Senior Services, said the process began after county commissioners adopted a resolution to join the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. County funding allowed Rutgers Cooperative Extension to dedicate a full-time faculty position to the initiative, while additional support came through the New Jersey Division of Aging Services.

LaFace said more than 200,000 Ocean County residents are at least 60 years old. The county also has 93 age-restricted communities and what officials described as New Jersey’s largest “super senior” population.

“This is just the beginning,” LaFace said. “These numbers are only expected to grow.”

She said she initially believed Ocean County was already age-friendly because her department conducts annual needs assessments and oversees services intended to help older adults remain independent. During the planning process, however, she came to see the concept as much broader.

“This isn’t just about services. It’s about quality of life,” LaFace said. “Something as simple as a safe sidewalk or a ride to a store can make the difference between independence and isolation.”

“Age-friendly requires much more than what my department does,” LaFace added. “It requires us to evaluate our systems, our policies, our infrastructure and our environment.”

The plan addresses housing, transportation, healthcare, caregiving, economic security, food access, social participation and communication.

It also incorporates the domains of livability used by the World Health Organization and AARP.

Dr. Kathleen Cullinen, a Rutgers Cooperative Extension educator and the plan’s principal investigator, said data from more than 8,000 surveys of residents, caregivers and people with disabilities contributed to the final document. Researchers also conducted town halls, interviews and focus groups across the county.

Cullinen said the goal was to identify steps that could produce early results while laying the groundwork for longer-term changes requiring additional resources. She said Ocean County’s work could serve as a model for other counties and for a future statewide plan.

Barriers To Independence

Focus groups documented how transportation, housing costs, health problems and caregiving responsibilities affect older adults’ daily lives. Janae Jackson, a community research specialist with 35th Street Consulting, said researchers conducted three focus groups involving 50 people of different ages, income levels and backgrounds.

Transportation emerged repeatedly as a major concern. One participant described a friend with cancer who had to choose between a single invasive procedure and a longer course of less invasive treatment. Transportation became the deciding factor because repeated trips for treatment would have been too difficult to arrange.

“People have to plan their healthcare around transportation, not the other way around,” Jackson said.

County Commissioner Robert Arace said the county is examining ways to improve Ocean Ride scheduling. Some reservation-based trips require approximately 14 days of advance notice, and commissioners hope to reduce that wait.

Caregiving was another significant concern. Some older residents are caring for spouses or parents in their 80s and 90s while facing physical, emotional and financial strain themselves. Participants described difficulties lifting family members, accessing medical information, obtaining equipment and finding affordable home health services suited to their needs.

Researchers also found that many older homeowners want to remain in their homes but struggle with property taxes, insurance, utilities, repairs and seasonal maintenance. Participants called for trustworthy home repair providers, help with chores and clearer information about available assistance.

“People who expected to retire reasonably comfortably struggle with the cost of living today,” Jackson said.

From A Plan To Action Rutgers Provost Jason Geary said the plan reflects the university’s responsibility to apply research in ways that improve lives outside its campuses. He said transportation, safe housing, walkable communities, social opportunities and caregiver support may be especially important to older adults, but improvements in those areas benefit people of all ages.

“When we create communities that work better for older adults, we create communities that work better for everyone,” Geary said.

The plan will now move into a five-year period of implementation, evaluation and continued community engagement. Residents can participate immediately by testing the text line and reporting whether the answers are accurate and useful. Residents can text the Age-Friendly Ocean County Pilot Text Line at 848-266-6981. More information about the plan is available at agefriendlyoceancounty.org.

Fire Commissioner Honored For 12 Years Of Service

JACKSON – Fire District No. 4 is recognizing Fire Commissioner Raymond Torres for 12 years of service to the community.

District officials thanked Torres for his leadership, commitment and the many hours he devoted to supporting residents and the fire district.

Officials said his work has made a lasting impact on the community and wished him well in the future.

Business Showcase

JACKSON Business Showcase - Picone Automotive Service Center was spotlighted during a recent Jackson Township Council Meeting. From left: Councilman Nino Borrelli, Council President Mordechai Burnstein, members of the Picone family, Councilmen Giuseppe Palmeri, Chris Pollak and Ken Bressi.

Plumsted National Night Out Set

NEW EGYPT – Plumsted Township residents are invited to meet local first responders during National Night Out on Aug. 4 at New Egypt High School.

The family-friendly event will run from 5 to 9 p.m. at 117 Evergreen Road. Vendor setup is scheduled from 3 to 5 p.m.

Planned activities include bounce houses, carnival and backyard games, sports activities, an archery and BB range, a touch-a-truck display, race cars, a petting zoo and pony rides. A live DJ and music will be featured through-

out the evening. The event will also include a first responder pie-eating contest and a graduation ceremony for participants in the Junior Police Camp.

Food vendors are expected to include Twisted Steaks, House of Cupcakes, Mr. Softee Ice Cream, We BBQ For You, Taqueria Mar y Tierra, Kona Ice, Relish the Dog and Dellinas Concessions.

The Plumsted Township Police Department and Plumsted Township Fire District No. 1 are among the participating agencies.

Volunteers Have Cats Available For Adoption

JACKSON – Calling All Cats is a cat rescue group made up of volunteers, some of whom work at a spay and neuter clinic. People would drop off unwanted cats. As a group, they save the babies that are left alone, the countless mothers that have had numerous litters and those that are losing or have lost their home.

Atlas loves belly rubs and is a full-time cuddler! Atlas is a handsome tuxedo kitten that is playful and confident. He is the sister to beautiful Lyra and would love to go home with his sister. Great

Photo courtesy Calling All Cats pair of kittens for sure!

To help humanely lower the feline population, they spay and neuter feral cats and then find homes for the friendly adults and the offspring that have been born. The rescue works extremely hard to find the best homes for cats of all shapes, sizes, colors and ages. While these cats wait, they are cared for in safe, loving, and nurturing foster homes

To start the application process, visit Calling All Cats on Facebook and Petfinder.com

Fire Company To Celebrate 125th Anniversary

NEW EGYPT – Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 will mark 125 years of service with a parade and community celebration August 1.

The event will run from noon to 7 p.m. and feature live music by the Bent Fender Band, food trucks, a cash bar and a cornhole tournament hosted by NJ Nightmare Cornhole.

The Good Life Mobile Cigar Lounge will also attend, and an awards ceremony is planned as part of the anniversary festivities.

The celebration will begin with a noon parade departing from the New Egypt American Legion. The procession will travel along Main Street and conclude at the New Egypt Elks Lodge.

Individuals and organizations interested in participating in the parade may contact Deputy Chief Matt Sams at 609-339-8096.

The family-friendly event celebrates the fire company’s history of service to New Egypt since its founding in 1901.

Library To Offer Cybercrime Prevention Workshop

JACKSON – The Jackson Branch of the Ocean County Library will host “Fraud Watch: Vigilance Against Cybercrime” from 2:30 to 4 p.m. July 29.

The free workshop will offer practical guidance for protecting personal information while using the internet at home, in public and on social media.

Participants will also learn safer practices for online shopping and banking, along with ways to recognize and avoid common scams. The program will be presented by the AARP New Jersey Speakers Bureau. Registration is required. Visit tinyurl.com/ FraudJackson, call 732-928-4400 or stop by the branch at 2 Jackson Drive.

Around the JerSey Shore

Families Of Fallen Officers Honored At Survivors Day

SEASIDE HEIGHTS – Families of New Jersey law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty were welcomed to the 19th annual Monsignor Philip Lowery Law Enforcement Survivors Day at Breakwater Beach and Casino Pier.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer joined New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and Acting State Police

Superintendent Jeanne Hengemuhle in greeting the families and recognizing the sacrifices made by their loved ones.

The event honors the memory of Lowery, the longtime New Jersey State Police chief of chaplains, who died in November 2019. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office also thanked the Storino family for continuing to host the annual gathering.

Lawmakers To Hear From Special Needs Community

JACKSON – Families, caregivers and individuals with special needs will have an opportunity to speak directly with state lawmakers during a legislative listening forum at 6:30 p.m. August 10.

The event, hosted by Assemblymen Alex Sauickie and Rob Clifton, will focus on the experiences and concerns of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Participants will be able to engage with lawmakers who sponsor legislation affecting

Sauickie:

Continued From Page 6

Monmouth and Ocean sitting in the dark with the fridge going warm,” he said.

I heartily agree that the BPU itself also needs scrutiny. In March I wrote to the acting head of the NJ Department of Environmental Protection and the then-head of the BPU, asking if they’re following a law that’s on the books to help keep energy rates down.

The underlying issue is a little complicated, so I’ll try to keep it simple. There’s a law that says larger energy generators have to pay money for exceeding carbon dioxide emission targets, and the payment amounts are determined by auctions.

Because these payments can cause consumers’ costs to rise, the law says that if they

the IDD community and share questions, personal stories and ideas for change.

The forum will be held at the Jackson Commission for the Disabled and Handicapped, 45 Don Connor Boulevard. Organizers said the session will be recorded, although participants may choose not to be featured.

Those interested in attending may RSVP or request additional information by emailing Aesposito@njleg.org or Jkingston@njleg.org.

exceed a certain amount, those two agencies must develop an action plan for ratepayer relief, and also hold a joint public hearing.

The payments began to exceed the triggering amount at the end of 2020 and continued to exceed it through March 2026, but I could find no record of a relief plan or a public hearing. I asked them for a record of following the law, but they still haven’t responded.

The BPU first has to get answers on the recent outages, but it also has to account for whether it’s even following the law to keep rates down.

Alex Sauickie is a life-long Jackson resident who represents his home town and 12 other towns in the State Assembly. Follow him on Facebook (/AssemblymanAlex), Instagram (@AssemblymanAlex), X (@AlexSauickie), and TikTok (@AssemblymanAlex) or visit his website at AssemblymanAlex.com.

Around the JerSey Shore

States Press FCC To Tighten Robocall Rules

TRENTON – New Jersey Attorney General

Jennifer Davenport is helping lead a bipartisan coalition of 49 attorneys general urging the Federal Communications Commission to strengthen rules aimed at preventing scammers from obtaining legitimate telephone numbers for illegal robocalls.

The coalition said scammers increasingly purchase real phone numbers and rotate through millions of them to avoid spam filters and detection. The tactic has become more common as federal and state enforcement has made it harder for callers to illegally disguise, or “spoof,” numbers belonging to government agencies and legitimate businesses.

Americans received an estimated 29.6 billion scam robocalls and text messages last year and lost nearly $2 billion, according to the attorney general’s office. In one North Carolina case,

scammers placed more than 17.3 million calls in a single day through one telephone company while rarely using the same number more than twice.

The attorneys general want stricter certification and reporting requirements for companies that buy and resell phone numbers. They also are seeking rules that would require applicants to certify that numbers will not be used illegally, block sales to entities without legitimate calling or texting services, prohibit rapid number cycling and restrict trial numbers that can be exploited by scammers.

“Robocalls aren’t just annoying and illegal,” Davenport said. “They expose New Jerseyans to rampant scams and fraud that threaten their life’s savings.” Davenport is co-leading the effort with the attorneys general of North Carolina, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

HR Conference Returns

ATLANTIC CITY – Hundreds of human resources professionals, business leaders, managers and workplace decision-makers are expected to attend the 35th annual SHRM New Jersey Conference & Expo from September 27-29 at the Atlantic City Convention Center.

This year’s theme, “The Science of HR: From Innovation to Integration,” will focus on emerging technology, employment law, workplace culture, leadership development and strategies organizations can apply to a changing workplace. Attendees may earn SHRM, HRCI and HRIP recertification credits while choosing from five concurrent session blocks, two larger “Mega Sessions” and three general sessions.

Opening keynote speaker Geoffrey Klein, a bestselling author and artificial intelligence consultant, will discuss using AI to improve communication, collaboration and employee experiences without losing the human side of work. Louis Lessig will moderate a legislative update on legal and regulatory issues affecting employers,

while closing keynote speaker Lu Ann Cahn, an author, career coach and eighttime Emmy Award-winning journalist, will speak about how trying new things can help leaders build innovative and resilient organizations.

Networking opportunities will include a Sunday Sunset Cruise, a Monday evening reception and an expo featuring HR technology, employee benefits, recruiting services, compliance resources, workplace wellness programs and other business products. The conference will also include a fundraising auction benefiting the SHRM Foundation, with scholarships, education, research and workforce initiatives among the programs supported.

Early bird registration ends July 31, and advance registration is required for the Sunset Cruise because space is limited. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for companies offering products or services for employers and workers. Registration, speaker information and the full agenda are available at shrmnj.org/conference.

H ere ’ s t o Y our H e A lt

Presented By:

Dr. Izzy’s

Sound News

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

Isidore Kirsh Ph.D., F.A.A.A.

Lenire Treatment For Tinnitus: Candidate Guide And Sleep Apnea Considerations

Lenire is a bimodal neuromodulation device combining sound stimulation via headphones with mild electrical stimulation on the tongue to promote neuroplasticity in the auditory system. While it has helped many individuals, it is not effective for everyone. Candidate selection and underlying health factors, such as sleep apnea, can influence outcomes.

Best Candidates for Lenire Treatment

Chronic Subjective Tinnitus: Ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds present for 6+ months. Pulsatile or medically-driven tinnitus is not ideal.

Mild to Moderate Hearing Loss: Especially noise-induced or age-related hearing loss. Normal-hearing patients may still benefit, but profound hearing loss may reduce effectiveness.

Moderate Tinnitus Distress: Patients bothered by tinnitus but not in severe psychological crisis respond best. Extremely high anxiety may require concurrent therapy (CBT or counseling).

Consistent, Motivated Users: Requires daily sessions (30–60 minutes) over several months. Compliance strongly correlates with improvement.

Tinnitus Duration: Tinnitus under ~10–15 years may respond more quickly, though long-standing tinnitus can still benefit over time.

Less Ideal Candidates

• Pulsatile tinnitus or tinnitus linked to cardiovascular causes.

• Active Meniere’s disease flare-ups.

• Severe unmanaged anxiety or depression.

• TMJ-driven tinnitus unless treated concurrently.

• Expecting complete elimination of tinnitus rather than symptom reduction.

Realistic Treatment Goals

• Reduced perceived loudness of tinnitus.

• Reduced annoyance and distress.

• Improved sleep quality.

• Enhanced habituation and coping strategies.

Sleep Apnea and Tinnitus

Sleep apnea, a condition characterized by repeated interruptions of breathing during sleep, can exacerbate tinnitus in several ways:

Oxygen Fluctuations: Intermittent drops in oxygen levels can increase neural excitability in the auditory system, potentially amplifying tinnitus perception.

Poor Sleep Quality: Fragmented sleep increases stress hormones, which can worsen tinnitus annoyance and reduce coping ability.

Inflammation and Vascular Stress: Repeated apnea episodes can contribute to inner ear or vascular strain, which may influence tinnitus severity.

Daytime Fatigue and Cognitive Stress: Sleep-deprived brains are more sensitive to auditory signals and distress, making tinnitus feel louder or more intrusive. Addressing sleep apnea (e.g., CPAP therapy, lifestyle changes, weight management) may improve sleep and reduce tinnitus distress, potentially enhancing Lenire treatment outcomes.

Bottom Line

Lenire is most effective for individuals with chronic subjective tinnitus, mild-to-moderate hearing loss, moderate distress, and who are motivated to follow daily therapy sessions. The majority of Lenire providers will administer some type of tinnitus handicap questionnaire. In general, the higher your score, the more likely Lenire will provide you with benefit. Sleep apnea and other health factors can influence outcomes, so managing these conditions may improve response. While not a cure, Lenire can reduce tinnitus severity and improve quality of life.

Dr. Izzy and his Staff are always available to provide answers to all of your hearing care needs. Feel free to visit www.gardenstatehearing.com or call 732-451-3962.

We Hear You & We are Here for You!

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!

Wellness Workshop Planned This Fall

TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Advisory Commission on the Status of Women will host a Financial & Legal Wellness Workshop from 3 to 5 p.m. October 6 at the Ocean County Resource Center, 1005 Hooper Ave.

The workshop will feature two guest speakers discussing financial and legal topics, with a focus on awareness and practical

Dear Pharmacist

Glucosamine: America’s Favorite Joint Supplement - But Does It Deserve The Hype?

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

Walk into any pharmacy and you’ll see shelf after shelf of glucosamine. It’s one of the best-selling joint supplements in America, and millions of people take it every day hoping for healthier cartilage and less knee pain. But popularity isn’t proof.

In fact, glucosamine has become the avocado toast of the joint supplement aisle. Everybody buys it because everybody else buys it.

As a pharmacist for over 30 years, I’ve been asking the same questions about glucosamine for nearly 30 years: Does it actually work? Does enough of it reach the joint to make a meaningful difference? And does it consistently outperform placebo in well-designed clinical trials?

Those are fair questions, and they’re the same ones researchers have been trying to answer.

Some early studies looked promising, which helped fuel glucosamine’s popularity. But as larger, higher-quality clinical trials were completed, the picture became less convincing. The landmark NIH-sponsored GAIT trial found that glucosamine, chondroitin, and the combination generally failed to outperform placebo for knee osteoarthritis.

There was one small subgroup of patients with moderate-to-severe pain that appeared to benefit, but because that group was relatively small, researchers cautioned against drawing firm conclusions without additional study. That’s how science moves forward. One study rarely settles the question. Reproducibility matters. There’s another issue that doesn’t get nearly enough attention.

Even if glucosamine is absorbed into the bloodstream, it still has to survive your digestion, pass through the intestinal wall, undergo what’s called “first-pass” metabolism, circulate throughout the body, and

ultimately reach your damaged cartilage in meaningful concentrations. That’s a much taller order than most supplement advertisements suggest.

Absorption alone isn’t the goal. Meaningful biological activity is.

I also hear this argument all the time, “Well, glucosamine is naturally found in cartilage, so taking more must help.”

Not necessarily.

If that logic held true, eating brains would make us smarter and eating liver would cure liver disease! Human biology simply doesn’t work that way.

None of this means glucosamine is dangerous or that everyone taking it should immediately stop. If you believe it’s helping you, I’m not here to argue with your personal experience. But if you’re still dealing with persistent joint discomfort after months of taking it, it may be time to rethink whether it’s earning a permanent place in your medicine cabinet. When I formulate supplements, I ask every ingredient to earn its place based on the evidence—not because it’s popular, trendy, or familiar.

I’ve never believed popularity should outweigh good evidence. It didn’t 30 years ago, and it doesn’t today.

Want the full story on this topic with more details? Because this article only scratches the surface. But on my website, you’ll find my in-depth article discussing the GAIT trial, placebo-controlled research, absorption, pharmacokinetics, and why I created something for you without glucosamine.

Visit suzycohen.com and search “arthritis” in the search box. While you’re there, explore more than 1,000 evidence-based articles on medications, vitamins, supplements, hormones, and natural health topics written over the past three decades.

(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.

information for attendees.

Various agencies also will be on hand to answer questions, share information and connect residents with resources and services.

For more information, call the Ocean County Department of Human Services at 732-506-5374. The event is sponsored by the Ocean County Board of Commissioners.

Pool Safety and Premises Liability: What Every New Jersey Family Should Know This Summer

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

Summer in Ocean County means backyard barbecues, beach trips, and afternoons spent by the pool. While swimming pools provide hours of enjoyment, they can also pose serious dangers when proper safety measures are not followed.

Property owners have a responsibility to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition for guests and visitors. This responsibility extends to swimming pools. Simple precautions can prevent devastating injuries. Homeowners should ensure that pools are surrounded by appropriate fencing with self-closing and self-latching gates.

Pool decks should be kept free of hazards that could cause slips and falls. Diving boards, ladders, and other equipment should be regularly inspected and repaired when necessary. Young children should never be left unattended near the water, even for a moment.

Unfortunately, pool-related accidents still occur each year. These incidents can include drownings, near-drownings resulting in brain injuries, slip-and-fall accidents, diving injuries, and injuries caused by defective pool equipment.

When an injury occurs because a property owner failed to take reasonable steps to

address a dangerous condition, New Jersey law may permit the injured person to pursue a premises liability claim. Every case is different, and the outcome often depends upon factors such as the status of the injured person on the property, whether the owner knew or should have known of the hazard, and whether reasonable steps were taken to prevent foreseeable harm.

The best approach is prevention. By remaining vigilant and addressing potential dangers before an accident happens, families can help ensure that summer memories are happy ones.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to unsafe conditions on another person’s property, you may have important legal rights. Speaking with an attorney can help you understand your options and protect your interests.

Michael J. Deem, Esq. is Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Civil Trial Attorney and is employed by R.C. Shea & Associates, P.C., in Toms River. If you have been injured in an accident, call (732) 505-1212 to discuss your legal rights.

Real Estate

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)

CLASSIFIEDS

Items Wanted

COSTUME/ESTATE JEWELRY

Services

Auto For Sale Estate Sale

1991 Mercury Grand Marquis - Low milage. Garage kept. Silver. Leather seats. Excellent condition. Call Barbara 732492-0812. $11,600. (32)

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, brica-brac, select china and crystal patterns. Cash paid. Over 35 years experience. Call Gary Struncius. 732-849-6068 (new number). (t/n)

Comic Books - I am paying cash for comic books from 1979 and before. Please call Steve at 732277-7327 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)

Used Guns Wanted - All 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)

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. (33)

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)

Help Wanted

SALES, P/T - Reliable person for Family Business, Seaside Heights, Call 732-597-0388 (31)

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 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)

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)

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)

COMPUTER SUPPORT - Computer and Cellphone Assistance right at home. Certified Technician for over a decade. Call today! 732-9089919 or Jaephiera@gmail.com. (36)

APlus Home ImprovementsQuality work. Fair prices. Renovations, custom decks, painting, repairs and more. No job too small, give us a call. 908-278-1322. (36)

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)

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

Live-In or Live-out CaregiverExperience 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)

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

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)

THE RIDE GUY- Takes you anywhere! No limits. Comfy mini-van. References. Call Charlie 732-216-3176 or Email: cr@exit109.com. Let's Go! (t/n)

Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-833-901-0309 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move. (t/n)

DO YOU WANT YOUR CAR TO LOOK GOOD AND SHINE? Call Lenny, Lenny's Mobile Auto Detailing 908-868-4609. (36)

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)

YMT Vacations. Over 50 guided tours available. Affordable, social and stress-free travel designed for mature travelers. Our tours include accommodations, transportation, baggage handling, sightseeing, entrance fees, a professional Tour Director and select meals. For a limited time SAVE $250 on all tours. Call YMT today. 1-866-296-9071. (t/n)

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

2. 3. Calculate Price As Follows: 5. 4.

Around the JerSey Shore

Former Ocean County Prosecutor, Judge Edward Turnbach Dies

TOMS RIVER – Retired Superior Court

Judge Edward J. Turnbach, who previously served two terms as Ocean County prosecutor, has died, officials announced.

Turnbach led the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office from 1976 through 1987 before being appointed to the Superior Court bench. He later became presiding judge of the Criminal Division of Ocean County Superior Court in 2003 and remained in that position until retiring in 2006.

The Prosecutor’s Office remembered

Turnbach for his commitment to justice, public service and the impartial application of the law.

Officials said he was widely respected throughout the county’s legal community for his judgment, professionalism, compassion and understanding of the law.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and members of the Prosecutor’s Office offered condolences to Turnbach’s family, friends, colleagues and others mourning his death.

OCEAN COUNTY – SAVE Rescue is asking residents to help control the stray and feral cat population by sharing information about its affordable spay and neuter program.

The program is designed for towns that do not already have a spay and neuter program available. The goal is to reduce overpopulation while helping prevent disease and improve the welfare of community cats.

The low-cost program is $25 per cat and includes the surgery, rabies vaccine and ear tip. Appointments are required. To schedule, call 732-281-8652 or email saverescuespayneuter@gmail.com.

Judge Upholds Search In Dog Shooting Case

By Stephanie Faughnan

TOMS

RIVER

- An Ocean County judge has rejected Jeffrey Lentz’s attempt to throw out evidence in the case accusing him of fatally shooting a French bulldog named Ruby while she was in his care, allowing prosecutors to move forward with the evidence collected during a search of his Berkeley Township home.

In a 17-page written opinion, Superior Court Judge Kimarie Rahill denied Lentz’s motion to suppress evidence, ruling that police lawfully executed the search warrant and had probable cause to obtain it.

The judge also denied Lentz’s request for what is known as a Franks hearing, a special court proceeding that allows a defendant to challenge a search warrant by arguing investigators intentionally or recklessly included false information or left out important facts when asking a judge to approve it. Rahill concluded the defense (Lentz’s attorneys) failed to make the substantial preliminary showing required to receive such a hearing.

The ruling means prosecutors can continue using evidence collected during the October 2025 search as Lentz faces charges of second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, third-degree animal cruelty and fourth-degree possession of a large-capacity ammunition magazine.

According to prosecutors, Ruby’s owners left the dog with Lentz while they attended a wedding on October 3, 2025. Investigators allege Lentz later called to tell them, “Ruby is gone.” Officers responding to the home reported seeing blood on a couch and a rolled-up carpet through the doorway, and veterinarians later determined Ruby had died from a gunshot wound. Lentz has pleaded not guilty, and the allegations against him remain unproven.

Defense Challenged Search

Lentz’s attorney argued that police violated New Jersey’s “knock-and-announce” rule when executing the search warrant by entering the electronic passcode for the front door before identifying themselves and by waiting too little time before entering the home. The defense also argued that Detective Riccardelli’s affidavit supporting the warrant contained material misrepresentations that undermined probable cause and warranted a Franks hearing.

After reviewing body-worn camera footage from the search, Rahill rejected those arguments. The judge found that although officers entered the electronic door code before knocking, the door remained completely closed until after police repeatedly knocked, announced “police” and “search warrant,” and waited before entering.

According to the opinion, officers knocked approximately 16 times, announced their presence twice and waited about 23 seconds before opening the door. Rahill emphasized that while the electronic lock had been disengaged, the door itself remained “tightly shut” until

officers entered.

“The officers were in compliance with the knock and announce provision and did not enter the home until it was constitutionally permitted,” Rahill wrote.

Officer Safety Was A Key Factor

The judge also found the officers’ actions were reasonable because investigators believed firearms were inside the residence and had been told Lentz routinely carried a handgun on his hip.

The opinion notes investigators had received information that Lentz possessed numerous firearms throughout the home and had been drinking alcohol before Ruby’s death. Officers also observed blood inside the residence while speaking with Lentz through the closed front door before obtaining entry.

Rahill rejected another defense argument that officers waited until too close to 10 p.m. to execute the warrant. The warrant had been approved at 9:02 p.m. and executed at approximately 9:45 p.m., well within the timeframe allowed under the Attorney General’s directive governing search warrants, the judge wrote.

Probable Cause

Rahill also concluded the search warrant was properly supported by probable cause. According to the opinion, Detective Riccardelli’s affidavit relied on statements from Ruby’s owners, who reported that Lentz called them to say their dog was dead after they had left her in his care. The affidavit also described the officers’ observations of blood inside the residence and statements that Lentz routinely carried a firearm and kept numerous guns inside the home.

The judge wrote that those facts provided sufficient justification for issuing the search warrant. Rahill also rejected the defense’s claim that Detective Riccardelli omitted or misrepresented important information in the warrant application.

The defense argued investigators should have independently verified veterinary findings before applying for the warrant. However, Rahill concluded detectives reasonably relied on statements from Ruby’s owners, who reported veterinarians told them the dog had been shot and still had bullet fragments in her skull. The judge also noted police corroborated portions of the information through their own observations at the home.

“The statements made in the affidavit are trustworthy,” Rahill wrote, concluding that the defense failed to establish the preliminary showing required for a Franks hearing.

After addressing each of the defense’s arguments, Rahill denied both the motion to suppress evidence and the request for a Franks hearing, allowing prosecutors to continue using the evidence seized during the search as the criminal case moves forward.

FUN & GAMES SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 25 - 31 BY

JERALDINE SAUNDERS

OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

ARIES (March 21-April 19): It could be time to finish up home projects, by mid-week your focus could shift, making for less motivation. A partner or someone close could surprise you with instant, rapid-fire logic and wisdom.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You could get an unusual level of satisfaction just from handling usual tasks and details for the next few days. A surprise assist could crop up today or tomorrow. Consider learning something new.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): There’s a lot of future promise in your financial sectors, more could build for some time. If you can bug out for a day of fun, do it. The next few days will likely bring a desire to express, play, make art or music.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): If you can stay home that could be the best gift for today, some time spent nesting or just chilling quietly could fill your soul. Matters of identity could matter less soon, your focus could move toward building abundance.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Every trigger is something that can be healed. The growth path remains highlighted for at least a few more days, but self-work and the resulting uplevel is never a bad move. If you express what you feel, reactions could vary.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): An impulse move is seldom right, especially in the financial realm. Don’t gamble anything you can’t afford to lose, but an impulse today could potentially bring money. Lend a hand to a friend.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): The truth

could suddenly become clear. Next-level clear. Don’t discount perceptions or insights today and tomorrow, hold them and let all the levels of meaning gradually surface. Keep building.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): A breakthrough could come on a deep, inner level that could be a game-changer. The fewer broken pieces of self you carry around the easier it is to rise. Engage in both learning and sharing what you know.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): A spontaneously-met new friend could have real value but always give time to see who someone really is. Financial concerns could take a backseat soon. It could be time to expand your world.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Money could grow despite intermittent anxieties — live in the vibe you want, not the vibe you fear. A close relationship could be part of the money magic. Grab a new career idea and consider its merits.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): It could be a great day to mop up lingering projects, you could soon be less focused on tasks and more focused on one-to-one relationships. If an idea or insight really pops, this time it could be all that. Still, investigate.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Enjoy some freedom today if you have that luxury, tasks and responsibilities could soon claim much of your attention. A financial impulse isn’t likely a good move now, too many possible problems could crop up.

NEED A LIGHT DESSERT FOR SUMMER? TRY WINE-POACHED PEACHES

Diane Rossen Worthington

It’s summer, and I prefer delicious des serts that don’t cause me to spend the day in the kitchen. That said, poached fruit compotes are always welcome at the end of a summer meal. And cooks and guests alike often prefer a light dessert in these hot months.

This recipe was creat ed when my first crop of Babcock peaches turned out to be larger than I ever imagined.

The Babcock peach is different from the others because of its creamy white fruit. You can also use yellow peaches, but note that Babcock peaches cook faster than other peach varieties. I’ve given you the blanch method to remove the peach skin, but if you have serrated peeler, you can skip that step and peel them easily. The serrated peeler blade makes it Seri ously Simple.

raspberry sauce, optional topping

1. In a large saucepan bring water to boil. Immerse peaches in water for about 20 seconds and then remove immediately. (Or use a serrated peel er and skip this step.)

You can have fun selecting your favorite sweet wine for this recipe. I’ve used other wines like riesling and gewurztraminer, which each offer their own unique flavor. You can also poach the peaches whole. Increase your cooking time slight ly, and make sure to serve with a knife and fork since the pit has not been removed. A dollop of whipped cream, vanilla ice cream or raspberry sauce is lovely spooned on top of the poached peach halves.

Serve these in your largest wine glasses, and add a sprig of mint for a pretty presentation.

WINE POACHED PEACHES

Serves 6

6 medium Babcock or other variety of peaches, slightly firm

3 cups white zinfandel

1 cup sugar

2 cinnamon sticks

10 fresh mint leaves, plus more for garnish

Whipped cream, vanilla ice cream or

2. Peel peaches and then cut peaches in half. Remove pit in center of each peach.

3. In a large non‑aluminum Dutch oven or heat proof casserole com bine wine, sugar, cinnamon sticks and mint. Over medium heat bring syrup to a simmer, making sure that sugar is dissolved.

4. Add peach halves carefully. Cover and poach about 10 minutes or until peaches are cooked but still have slight resistance. (Timing will de pend on the ripeness and size of the peaches). Turn peaches at least once to obtain even color.

5. Remove peaches from syrup, place in a glass bowl and cool. Cool syrup, remove mint leaves and then drizzle about 2 cups syrup over peaches.

6. To serve, arrange two peach halves in individual glass bowls. Pour over a tablespoon or so of syrup and then spoon on some whipped cream, va nilla ice cream or raspberry sauce. Garnish with fresh mint leaves. Make ahead: This may be prepared 8 hours in advance through Step 6 and kept in the refrigerator.