2026-08-01 - The Jackson Times

Coach Holmes Has Jaguars Packing Plenty Of Bite

courtesy Patrick Olivero/Jackson Schools

George Boley of Jackson Township slips past a defender.

By Chris Christopher JACKSON

- For Randy Holmes, basketball has always been about much more than wins and losses.

As the founder and director of Team Swish AAU Basketball and the boys varsity team’s head coach at Jackson Township High School, he has built a program centered on developing young athletes on and off the court.

Team Swish consists of six teams with players ranging from sixth through 10th grade and competes on an independent Amateur Athletic Union circuit.

“While the program focuses on player development, its mission extends beyond basket -

ball,” Holmes said. “The emphasis is on building self-esteem, strong character, accountability, teamwork and the individual skills needed for long term success.

“Because many of the athletes are from Jackson Township, Team Swish has also become an important feeder program for Jackson Township High School, allowing players to develop within the same culture and expectations before reaching the varsity level.”

Team Swish’s coaches are Sean Barksdale Sr., Shawny Person and Sean Barksdale Jr., Jackson’s junior varsity boys coach and a former Lakewood player under Holmes. Barksdale Jr. graduated in 2016.

Following last year’s merger of the two Jackson high schools, the Jaguars quickly emerged as one of the Shore Conference’s top teams. In just their first season as a merged school, the Jaguars won Class A South.

“It was the team’s first division title in at least a decade,” Holmes said. “This was a special group that helped establish the standard for what Jackson basketball can become. Its commitment to one another and its willingness to embrace our culture

(Jaguars - See Page 4)

Coach, Educator Bernie Reider Remembered

By Bob Vosseller JACKSON – A beloved coach, educator and mentor whose influence shaped

generations of township stu

dents over many

Bernard “Bernie” Reider devoted 40 years to the Jackson Township School District as a teacher, counselor, and administrator.

years has died according to township officials.

Bernard “Bernie” Reider devoted four decades to the Jackson Township School District after starting his career in 1963. During his tenure, he served as a mathematics teacher, guidance counselor, assistant principal, ath-

letic director, principal of Jackson Memorial High School and later Director of Community Services.

Reider will be best remembered for founding the Jackson Memorial High School wrestling program in 1966. Under his leadership,

(Bernie ReiderSee Page 7)

Police Security Added To Council Meetings

By Bob Vosseller

JACKSON – There is now more police presence at Township Council meetings following an official’s request that officers ensure order until the November general election. However, the subject of that request feels he was the target of harassment by the administration for speaking out.

Although the July 14 meeting was cancelled, had it taken place, there would have been police standing by to ensure that residents adhere to the five-minute rule when it comes to the public comment period.

Council Vice President Guiseppi Palmeri requested Mayor Jennifer Kuhn renew police presence at meetings. In an email to the mayor, Council President Mordechai Burnstein, Business Administrator Charles Terefenko, Township Attorney Gregory McGuckin, Township Clerk Sandra Martin and Police Chief Mary Nelson, Palmeri formally requested “increased security measures at future meetings.”

Palmeri stated in that email that a resident ignored Council President Burnstein’s request to cease speaking after his five minutes were up at the microphone during the prior council meeting. “From the moment one individual arrived, he engaged in repeated disruptive behavior, including heckling from the audience.”

“What makes this even more concerning is that this individual currently serves on

(Council Meetings - See Page 15)

Local Woman’s $65K Loss Highlights Growing Scam Threat

By Stephanie Faughnan

OCEAN COUNTY - A Berkeley Township woman had already lost $25,000 after allowing someone posing as a Microsoft representative to access her computer. Three days later, the scammers called again.

This time, the caller claimed to be with Homeland Security and offered to help recover her money. She was instructed to withdraw $40,000 in cash, place it in a black box and meet an “agent” in the parking lot of Luigi’s Deli in South Toms River.

She followed the instructions and handed over the money. When the same person returned seeking another $19,000, Berkeley Township detectives and

(Scam Threat - See Page 12)

: Continued From Page 1

made all the difference.”

Holmes said the team featured several “standout” performers, including George Boley, Jimmy Pappalardo, Yaseer Johnson, Sean Hallihan, Paul Bradshaw and his son Randy Holmes Jr.

Boley averaged a team-high 17.4 points per game and added 100 rebounds, 77 assists, five blocks and 28 steals as the Jaguars went 18-7 overall, including 7-1 in Class A South. He netted 33 treys and 79 of 99 free throws. He scored 779 career points in two varsity seasons and was named the Class A South Player of the Year as a senior.

Pappalardo averaged 9.9 points per outing and paced the team in three-pointers made with 46. He put home 27 of 28 free throws, blocked a team-best 32 shots and added 77 rebounds, 18 assists and 18 steals.

Holmes Jr., who will play for the University of Hartford of NCAA Division III, averaged 3.9 points per game through 20 games. He put home 14 treys and 10 of 17 free throws. He added 75 rebounds, 11 assists, three blocks and 17 steals.

“Boley was a first team all-shore selection,” coach Holmes said, “Pappalardo was a sharpshooter. Johnson was our floor general. Hallihan was our blue collar leader. Bradshaw was our defensive specialist. Randy’s versatility earned him the nickname Swiss Army Knife because of

his ability to defend, rebound, handle the basketball, make shots and consistently make the right play.

“Mi’Aire Anderson also played a key role, providing a strong rebounding presence and physical play in the paint. Other key players were Aidan Brown, Tyler Niman and Samir Talib.”

The Jaguars’ coaching staff also included Mike Antenucci, Don Connor, Sean Bayha, Steve Bado and Tom Bradley.

“I credit much of the team’s success to its outstanding coaching staff,” coach Holmes said. “Its collective experience and dedication have helped establish a culture built on hard work, discipline and accountability.

“With nine seniors graduating from last year’s team, this summer has become an important transition period for the Jaguars,” he said.

Jackson competes in the New Brunswick High School Summer League.

“The focus is less on wins and more on preparing a young roster for the upcoming season,” coach Holmes said. “The league gives inexperienced players valuable opportunities to adjust to the speed, physicality and intensity of varsity basketball while allowing the coaching staff to continue teaching the program’s system and culture.”

The Jaguars won two of their first three games.

“The Jaguars responded well,” coach Holmes said. “The team is led by juniors

Mi’Aire Anderson and Sal Simmins along with a talented group of underclassmen eager to make their mark.”

While there is still work to be done before the regular season tips off, coach Holmes is encouraged by what he has seen.

“The summer is all about growth,” he said. “We’re developing confidence, building chemistry and preparing these young players for the challenges ahead. We believe the future is very bright for Jackson basketball. With a thriving Team Swish program continuing to develop young talent and a varsity program already building on last season’s historic success, the foundation has been laid for Jackson Township basketball to remain competitive for years to come.”

Holmes, a 1991 Lakewood graduate, is second on the Piners’ career scoring list with 1,936 varsity points, excelling for legendary coach John Richardson. Holmes averaged 29.6 points, eight assists and six rebounds per game as a senior. He became an assistant coach under Richardson.

Holmes took over for Richardson and guided the Piners to a 304-99 career overall record through 14 seasons. Lakewood won 11 Class B South titles, two New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association sectional championships and one Shore Conference Tournament crown. At one time, he was one of four Shore Conference boys basketball coaches who have won the SCT as a player and coach. He stepped

down in 2020 to become Jackson Memorial’s head varsity boys basketball coach. Holmes scored 1,022 career points in four varsity seasons at St. Peter’s University. His 35 straight free throws made set the Peacocks’ record in 1994-95. He tied their season record with an .853 free throw percentage in 1994-95. He was named the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament’s Most Valuable Player in 1995 when he scored 24 points in a win over Manhattan in the championship game. Holmes was named second team AllMAAC in 1994-95, averaging a career-high 15.0 points per game. He led the MAAC in free throw percentage.

He played in 88 career games and started in 56. He averaged 11.7 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.2 steals per outing for the Peacocks. He helped St. Peter’s to two straight NCAA Division I Tournament appearances. Holmes is on the MAAC Honor Roll as he was enshrined in The MAAC Experience Exhibit at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass.

He is a member of the Lakewood High School Athletic Hall of Fame and the St. Peter’s College Athletic Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the MAAC Hall of Fame with his teammates in 1995 when the Peacocks of coach Ted Fiore went 1911 overall, including 10-4 for third place during the regular season, and won the MAAC Tournament.

OPINIONS & COMMENTARY

EDITORIAL

Political Parties Are A Pyramid Scheme

If you want to run for office, get in line. There are a lot of people ahead of you, and they all want their turn.

It goes a little something like this: You decide you want to help the community. You have some good ideas. People seem to like the things you say about topics. You’ve earned the respect of your immediate circle. You think it might be time to take it to the next step. But wait, first you have to pay your dues.

Before you get to call the shots, someone else has to tell you what to do. Before you practice any of your own ideas, you have to work on someone else’s.

So, you put in your time. You pound the pavement, knock on doors, and stuff envelopes for someone higher on the ladder than you.

“I’m helping,” you tell yourself, as you take another day away from your family to boost a politician you’ve never met.

The first elected position you might get is part of the county committee. Every voting district has two spots. If you get on there, then congratulations, you can then vote on who runs for board of education, council, and even the bigger spots. If you live in a tiny town with just a handful of districts, this might be a pretty big step. But if you live in a big town with dozens of districts, you’re not very special.

You’re one step higher on the

pyramid.

If you continue to toe the line, and vote for whoever the party bosses tell you to vote for, then maybe you’ll be rewarded with a spot on a volunteer committee for recreation or something – or maybe even a quasi-governmental board like the sewerage authority.

Another step!

Then after a couple of years, if you keep paying your dues, schmooze, and choose the right friends, maybe then you can be an option for one of the spots you actually wanted, like board of education or council. Finally! (It should be noted that a lot of times, people run for the board of ed and then run for council because the school is seen as less important than the town.)

And then you get to look down from your high podium. You see a bunch of newbies struggling at the bottom, wanting what you have. You might think you’ve made it. But no, your political bosses still tell you what to do, where to go, and who to spend time with.

Years - maybe decades –have passed, and after many, many sacrifices, you’re no longer a little cog in the political machine. Now, you’re just a bigger cog. There are simply fewer bosses telling you what to do, but there are still bosses. There’s only one person at the top, and it ain’t you.

Chris Lundy News Editor

WE WELCOME LETTERS TO THE EDITOR!

The Jackson 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.

Every Signature Matters

The members of our association were busy this week with our concerns regarding the Lennar Project. The Lennar Project would be an unwanted community changing atrocity. It would remove over 100 acres of forest, being replace with 415 housing units.

People have been requesting petitions in their communities and we listened.

This past week the members of our association distributed petitions to the following clubhouses and management offices. We went to Cranberry Creek, Sea Oaks, Mystic Shores, Tall Timbers and Walnut Grove. Ask your HOAs where the petitions are for you to sign. If not available, ask, “WHY?”

If your HOAs do not put out the petitions and you would like to sign, contact me on Facebook and one of our members will come to you for your signature.

We would like to thank the homeowners of the Sunrise Bay Community for their outstanding support in signing the petitions. We would also like to thank the businesses that have placed the petitions in their establishments for signatures.

Keep going to meetings, your presence and being seen has made a difference to keep this subject alive. We cannot fight Lennar alone, we need your help and the cooperation of other groups fighting the Lennar Project. If we all work together, we will win.

Debra Versheck, Co-Founder LEHT/Tuckerton Concerned Citizens Association

Running For Council

Jack Muldowney, a 31-year Toms River resident, former small business owner, and person in long-term recovery from opioid addiction, has announced his intention to seek a seat on the Toms

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

River Township Council as an independent candidate. Muldowney moved to Toms River at the age of 10, attended Toms River schools, and graduated from Toms River High School North. As a barber, he owned and operated businesses serving residents throughout Toms River, Brick, and Barnegat for nearly two decades before transitioning into the substance use treatment field.

“My campaign is about putting Toms River residents first,” Muldowney said. “I believe our local government should focus on protecting the people who built this community, preserving the character of our town, and making decisions with transparency and accountability.”

A central focus of Muldowney’s campaign is supporting Toms River’s senior citizens. If elected, he plans to introduce proposals that explore every lawful opportunity to help seniors remain in their homes, pursue property tax relief where possible, and oppose unnecessary overdevelopment that places additional strain on roads, schools, emergency services, and local infrastructure.

Muldowney also plans to advocate for responsible economic development by supporting regulated retail cannabis dispensaries in Toms River, subject to local oversight. He believes local tax revenue generated from legal cannabis sales should be directed toward priorities such as senior services, public safety, parks, addiction prevention and recovery programs, and other initiatives that benefit township residents while helping reduce the burden on taxpayers.

Having personally overcome opioid addiction, Muldowney says Ocean County’s experience during the opioid epidemic has shaped his commitment to prevention and recovery.

“Ocean County knows firsthand the devastation opioid addiction has caused,”

Muldowney said. “Because of my own recovery and my work helping others, I believe we have a responsibility to prevent the next addiction crisis before it grows.”

If elected, Muldowney said he intends to work with Township legal counsel, public health officials, and fellow council members to examine every lawful option available to regulate or restrict the sale of kratom within Toms River. He emphasized that he does not support the sale of kratom, especially to minors, and is concerned about situations where there is no minimum age requirement. He cited concerns that kratom contains compounds that act on opioid receptors in the brain and that dependence and withdrawal have been documented.

In addition, Muldowney said government transparency will remain a cornerstone of his campaign. He plans to advocate for greater public access to township information, increased community involvement in local decision-making, and an open government that earns the trust of residents.

“I’ve spent more than three decades calling Toms River home,” Muldowney said. “This campaign isn’t about politics - it’s about preserving the community that has given me so much and ensuring it remains a place where seniors can afford to stay, families can thrive, and residents know their voices matter.”

Muldowney said additional policy proposals addressing overdevelopment, public safety, fiscal responsibility, and quality-of-life issues will be released throughout the campaign.

Jack Muldowney Candidate for Toms River Township Council (Independent)

Can The Grand Old Party Be Grand Again?

On Memorial Day weekend while reflecting on

those brave men & women that died protecting our country and democracy, I found renewed strength to fight back and not allow the efforts by those in power to steal our democracy.

Each day multiple news sources are reporting the same news about this administration. The daily reporting of corruption, theft of taxpayer funds for illegal purposes, insider trading by high level government leaders and repeated violations of our Constitution and the law are all factually covered. If you look at more than one news source you will readily see that ‘where there’s smoke, there’s fire’. These corrupt actions are being allowed by the three branches of government, controlled by so-called fiscal conservative Republicans.

I say so-called because fiscal conservative Republicans claimed to support the economic philosophy of limited government, lower taxes, reduced spending, and minimal public debt. WHAT HAPPENED TO THOSE BELIEFS?

On ‘Meet the Press’ Sunday, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) reacted to the defeat of a Senate candidate in a Republican primary after Trump backed his rival by saying: “This is the party of Donald Trump.” Is this your Grand Old Party with all you thought it stood for or is Senator Graham correct that it is ruled by one man who governs like a king?

On November 3rd I hope you will vote for candidates that promise to take back control in Congress and protect the Constitution.

Or sadly, will your votes reflect that you favor money over all else, or wear blinders to bigotry, or simply are brainwashed by religion or Fox News?

Capitol Comments

Assemblyman Alex Sauickie

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

When “Motor Voter” Has An Odor

TRENTON - The bad news is that, according to Governor Sherrill, we have had about 6,600 ineligible voters on our voter registration rolls between June 2023 and June 2024, and around 400 of them actually voted. The “good” news seems to be that nobody in charge did anything wrong.

Maybe that’s an overstatement, because what I’m referring to is that nobody is taking responsibility, and everyone’s pointing at someone else. You can probably just call that another day ending in “y” in Trenton.

In Gov. Sherrill’s statement issued on July 21, she seemed to blame both the company whose software allegedly caused the illegal registrations, and the Murphy administration. She said the Motor Vehicle Commission customers entered “no” when asked if they were citizens, but “the system” registered them anyway. She also was very clear that this happened during the prior administration, before she became governor. With a sharpness usually reserved for her regular political targets, she said of the Murphy administration, “I am appalled by the reckless failures that allowed this to happen

and the lack of transparency shown by those in charge at the time.”

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Sherrill statement if she didn’t take a detour to swipe at President Trump. He’s trying to “weaponize elections,” she proclaimed, whatever that means. Box checked.

Five days before her statement, the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin, sent a letter to New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell, who is also the state’s chief election official as Secretary of State, to warn there may be thousands of non-citizens registered to vote in our state. He said a preliminary review found the number may be as high as 35,152, and that the identifying information of over 19,000 of them matched non-citizens in the DHS database. Maybe it was this warning about ineligible voters that Sherrill sees as an attempt to “weaponize elections.” I see it as just trying to help out. Anyway, the source of the problem is in dispute. IDEMIA, the company blamed by Sherrill for faulty software causing illegal registrations, pointed the finger right back at the state government.

The company said it just transmits the voter registration information to the state’s Division of Elections, and it’s the division’s job to review and validate the information. It does seem to me that it should be the Division of Elections that checks voter registrations, not the Motor Vehicle

Commission or a private vendor.

We should get the answer to that question of who has been ultimately responsible for this debacle, the vendor, the MVC, or the division. We need answers on related matters as well, such as why the federal DHS says almost 20,000 voters registered in New Jersey match the DHS records of non-citizens.

At least 22 of my colleagues in the Assembly agree with me on that. All 23 members of my party’s caucus signed a letter to Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin calling for the formation of a special legislative committee to investigate the integrity of the state’s voter registration system.

The letter rightly says that this matter can’t be left to an internal investigation by the executive branch alone. We have three independent branches of government precisely because they each act as a check and a balance on the others.

Our letter also lays out specific persons who should provide sworn testimony, and specific items that require review. One of those items is the very large gap between the 6,600 ineligible voters announced by Gov. Sherrill and the 35,000 estimated by the DHS.

While the Legislature should waste no time in forming and activating this investigatory committee, it seems we’re already behind.

Only hours after Gov. Sherrill’s announcement, Harmeet Dhillon, the U.S. Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division, sent a letter to Sherrill demanding information on

those who illegally registered to vote and specific information on those who actually voted while ineligible.

The letter told Sherrill to treat it as a request to preserve all records related to the situation. “Ensuring that U.S. citizens’ votes are not illegally diluted by noncitizens’ votes is of paramount importance,” Dhillon wrote.

While election integrity shouldn’t be a partisan issue, it nevertheless is treated that way. Political commentator Jake Tapper stated that the New Jersey illegal registration story was “not good for Democrats’ argument that there’s no such thing as undocumented immigrants voting.” Yet only hours before, he said election security is a red herring.

Now that it’s been admitted from the top of our state government that election security is a real problem, not a red herring, I hope we can make progress on some of the various reform legislation that’s already been proposed. I’ve been working on my own reform package, and will be diving right into the middle of the issue. Elections must be fair and follow the law. I’ll fight to improve voters’ confidence in our elections.

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.

Landmark “MediKids” Legislation Would Guarantee Healthcare For All Children

Capitol Comments

Senator Andy Kim

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ), introduced MediKids, monumental legislation guaranteeing healthcare to all children in America from birth to age 26.

“As parents – we promise to do all we can to look after the health and safety of our children. Nothing is more essential than caring for our kids – but as a country, we are failing to uphold that same promise,” Senator Kim said. “Millions of children are falling through the cracks of our healthcare system, and we are the only ones who can stand up and help. I built MediKids to be a step we can take right now to guarantee every single child in the United States the care they need, when they need it. No kid should go without care in our country.”

4.4 million children in America do not have healthcare coverage and 1 in 3 kids is un-

derinsured – meaning about 23 million kids’ healthcare coverage is unable to meet their needs. To provide free, high-quality insurance coverage to every kid, MediKids would automatically enroll every child and young adult in America in Medicaid’s robust Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit, which provides comprehensive and preventive health care services for children who are enrolled in Medicaid. Specifically, this legislation would automatically enroll every child in MediKids at birth. It would provide continuous eligibility for children enrolled in MediKids until age 26, regardless of income, immigration status, or health condition; and it would cover 100% of the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) for this population.

MediKids is co-sponsored by Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Alex Padilla (D-CA) and endorsed by: First Focus Campaign for Children, What To

Expect Project, American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, (ACOG), ZERO TO THREE, Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN), Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs (AMCHP), National Association of School Nurses, National Education Association (NEA), Families USA, MomsRising, NAACP NJ, Save Our Schools, New Jersey Citizen Action, SPAN Parent Advocacy Network, The Arc of NJ, The New Jersey Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics, and CASA of New Jersey.

“At a time when the uninsured rates for children is rising and children face unacceptably high rates of infant and child mortality, a growing mental health crisis, and declining immunization rates, Senator Andy Kim’s MediKids bill puts children back on the path toward ensuring all children have health coverage and improved access to care. No child in this country should go without health care

simply because of what their parents earn, their zip code, or whether they can navigate a complex and fragmented health care system. In an effort to improve the health, development, and well-being of children, MediKids represents the kind of ambitious, child-centered thinking that the moment demands for our children and grandchildren,” said Bruce Lesley, President of First Focus Campaign for Children.

“Medicaid is first and foremost a children’s program that was created with their health needs in mind, helping families receive everything from milestone checkups, to sick care, to immunizations. Pediatricians see first-hand how Medicaid works for the children and families who rely on it – support that should be available to all children, regardless of where they live or where their parents work, and MediKids would do just that. The American Academy of Pediatrics applauds Senator Kim for his leadership on this bill and urges Congress to advance it,” said Andrew D. Racine, MD, PhD, FAAP, President of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

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.

Bernie Reider:

Continued From Page 1

the Jaguars grew into one of the state’s premier wrestling programs, capturing four NJSIAA state team championships and producing numerous standout athletes. Throughout his career, he received widespread recognition for his contributions to education and athletics and was inducted into the Shore Conference Wrestling Hall of Fame, the New Jersey Scholastic Coaches Hall of Fame, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame’s New Jersey Chapter, the Jackson Memorial High School Athletic Hall of Fame and the Jackson Alumni Hall of Fame.

Mike Hanlon, a parent in the district shared his memories of Reider with The Jackson Times. “From the mid-1990s, my children were playing sports in the schools. Bernie was always at all the matches as the athletic director at the time. My wife went back to school after the kids were finished, he tutored her in math. That was the kind of guy he was. Anything he could do to help. He had the biggest heart. It is no wonder he was called ‘Mr. Jackson.’”

“I do not know of a single individual who ever had a negative thing to say about

him,” Hanlon added. “Even people he disagreed with and he could be a strongwilled individual, they respected him.”

Scott Goodale also knew Reider from a much younger age. “As a kid growing up in Jackson and going through the school district and the sports programs and obviously wrestling being his sport, being the most influential wrestler head coach at the time, for someone growing up at that time he was the most influential, important guy in the town.

“When I started teaching there, he was the guy you wanted to impress the most even more than your parents,” Goodale added. “You wanted his stamp of approval. For me personally any decision I ever made career wise, I would go through Bernie Reider.

I am at Rutgers (teaching) for 20 years because Mr. Reider gave me the stamp of approval to take that job.”

Goodale said, “I didn’t ask my parents, I asked Mr. Reider what he thought. There were other job opportunities where he told me ‘no, you need to be here,’ and the Rutgers opportunity came along and he said, ‘you need to take that job.’ That is how important he was in my life.”

Reider was described by officials as helping define “what it meant to be part of the

Jackson community.”

A statement posted to the Jackson Township School District Facebook page noted, “Bernie Reider was one in a million, and he inspired many of us with his energy, humor, and true love for students and colleagues.”

“Bernie’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of Jackson Township Schools. His remarkable 40-year career with the district began in September 1963 and touched virtually every corner of our educational community. Over four decades, Bernie served as an 8th-grade math and science teacher, high school math teacher, high school guidance counselor, assistant principal, athletic director, and principal of adult education and after-school childcare. In 1997, he was appointed principal of Jackson Memorial High School, leading the school until 2001 before serving as the district’s Director of Community Services until his retirement in January 2003.”

The post adds, “beyond the classroom and administrative offices, Bernie made a monumental impact on Jackson athletics.

In 1966, he founded the wrestling program at Jackson Memorial High School. With the support of Athletic Director Don Connor and long-time assistant Mike Cos-

Clothing Sale To Benefit Congregation

ta, he built the program from the ground up, establishing youth and middle school wrestling programs across the district to foster talent early on. Under his leadership through 1981, JMHS wrestlers achieved extraordinary success, including four NJSIAA State Titles.”

It goes on to note, that for “his extraordinary contributions, Bernie was inducted into the Shore Conference Wrestling Hall of Fame, the New Jersey Scholastic Coaches Hall of Fame, the Jackson Memorial High School Athletic Hall of Fame, and the Jackson Alumni Hall of Fame.”

“In 2013, he received national recognition with his induction into the New Jersey Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame for a lifetime of service to the sport. He also represented our district proudly for years on the Shore Conference Executive Committee. Upon his retirement in 2003, the Board of Education honored his decades of devotion by dedicating the original building at JMHS as ‘Bernie Reider Hall’ a permanent reminder of the leader, mentor, and advocate he was to generations of students and staff. Even in retirement, Bernie continued to serve Jackson as a trustee for both the Jackson Alumni and JMHS Athletic Hall of Fame committees.”

HOWELL – Congregation Ahavat Olam is inviting everyone to visit their clothing sale on Sunday, August 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

All of the clothes are gently used. They include beautiful name brand clothing and shoes for men, women and children. They also have office supplies, kitchenware, household items, and much more. The sale is cash only. Come early for the

best selection.

Congregation Ahavat Olam is located at 106 Windeler Road in Howell.

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.

Chianti is a beautiful four-month-old orange tabby with a gentle soul. She’s naturally shy and takes a little time to feel safe, but beneath that cautious exterior is an incredibly sweet, friendly kitten who simply needs a patient heart to help her blossom. Once she trusts you, Chianti enjoys gentle affection, cozy naps, and being close to the people she loves. She’s calm, easygoing, and would much rather spend a quiet evening curled up nearby than be in the middle of a busy household.

If you’re the kind of person who believes the quietest hearts often have the most love

Photo courtesy Calling All Cats to give, Chianti may be the perfect addition to your family. She isn’t just looking for a home - she’s looking for someone willing to let her bloom at her own pace.

Could Chianti be the missing piece your family has been looking for? She can’t wait to meet you and start her happily ever after.

After she gets fixed at the beginning of August, she will be ready for adoption, so get your application in now to schedule a meet and greet beforehand!

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.

Glow Walk To Support Breast Cancer Research

JACKSON – A glow-in-the-dark walk supporting stage 4 metastatic breast cancer research will be held October 17 at Jackson Memorial Middle School, 101 Don Connor Blvd.

The META Vivor “Light Up MBC” Glow Walk is scheduled for 6:15 to 8:30 p.m. and is planned as a family-friendly event for

the community.

Festivities will include the walk, light refreshments, a DJ and other surprises. Proceeds and donations will support metastatic breast cancer research.

Participants can register or donate at JacksonGlowWalk.RaceRoster.com.

Students Explore Local Ecosystem During Nature Program

JACKSON – Students at the Regional Day School at Jackson recently welcomed Mr. Claus, a naturalist with the Ocean County Parks Department, for an educational visit. The program included nature walks and

Photo courtesy Regional Day School at Jackson lessons about the area’s ecosystem, including local plants and animals. School officials thanked Claus for providing students with an informative, hands-on learning experience.

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 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.

EMS Squad To Host Seventh Blood Drive

JACKSON – Jackson Township EMS will hold its seventh community blood drive from 1 to 7 p.m. August 17 at the squad building, 38 East Veterans Highway. The drive is being conducted with New Jersey Blood Services. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins will also be accepted. Donors should eat well, stay hydrated and

bring photo identification. Participants must be at least 17 years old, or 16 with parental consent, and must meet minimum weight and other eligibility requirements. Appointments may be scheduled at nybc. org/sponsor using sponsor code 68797. Eligibility information is available by calling 1-800-688-0900.

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

Geraldine Oliverie, Mgr. Lic #3833 Michael Hennicke, Dir. Lic #3966

• Family Owned & Operated

• Funeral, Cremation, Memorial Services

• Funeral Directors Live On Premises

• Serving the Area Since 1987

In light of recent rumors and misleading actions by our competitors,We want to assure our community that we are not in any negotiations to sell. Our focus remains on serving our community with the same care, compassion and commitment you’ve come to trust- now and for many years into the future.

Geri & Mike

Around the JerSey Shore

Country Star Jon Pardi Heads To Hard Rock

ATLANTIC CITY – Country singer-songwriter Jon Pardi will bring his Gamblin’ Man Tour 2026 to Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena at 8 p.m. September 18.

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. July 24 through HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com Organizers said all shows are subject to change.

Pardi has released five studio albums,

courtesy Jon

including his latest, “HonkyTonk Hollywood.” His catalog includes four Top 5 albums and 14 RIAA-certified singles. Among his best-known songs are “Head Over Boots” and “Dirt on My Boots.” The California native has also accumulated more than 9 billion global streams and built an international following through years of touring.

Judge Halts $110B Warner Bros.Paramount Mega-Merger

TRENTON — A federal judge has temporarily stopped the proposed $110 billion merger of Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Skydance while a multistate antitrust challenge moves forward.

U.S. District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín issued a temporary restraining order Monday preventing the companies from completing the deal or taking steps to combine their operations. The order will remain in place for 14 days unless it is extended. A hearing on a longer-lasting preliminary injunction is scheduled for Aug. 3 in Oakland, California.

New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport joined attorneys general from 11 other states in filing the lawsuit July 13 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

The states contend the merger would violate federal antitrust law by reducing competition in film distribution, blockbuster movie releases and the licensing of basic cable channels. They argue the transaction could lead to increased consumer prices, fewer programming choices and lower-quality entertainment.

“The order, which temporarily blocks this unlawful merger while our case continues, is a major win for consumers,” Davenport said. “It is the first step in what I hope will be a total victory for New Jerseyans, who can ill-afford another price hike caused by opportunistic billionaires.”

The proposed transaction calls for Paramount to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery for approximately $110 billion. The combined company would control two of Hollywood’s five major studios, more than 50 basic cable channels, CBS, HBO, Showtime and the Paramount+, HBO Max and Discovery+ streaming services. The court said the states presented substantial evidence that the combined company could control about 27% of the market for widely released theatrical films. The judge also found the transaction could cause irreparable harm because it might be difficult or impossible to separate the businesses after their operations and employees were combined.

Paramount and Warner Bros. argued that the states relied on flawed assumptions about the entertainment industry and underestimated competition within the market. The judge found those arguments raised factual disputes but did not outweigh the states’ concerns at this stage of the case.

The restraining order requires both companies to continue operating independently while the court considers whether to block the merger throughout the litigation.

California is leading the lawsuit. The coalition also includes Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon and Washington.

great Jersey Shore photo? Send it to photos@ jerseyshoreonline.com for a chance to be featured and win tickets to Six Flags Great Adventure. Please include the photographer’s name and where the photo was taken.

Ocean Health Initiatives Earns Top Flu Prevention Honor

OCEAN COUNTY — Ocean Health Initiatives Inc. has received top recognition from the New Jersey Department of Health for its efforts to promote influenza vaccination and educate the public about flu prevention.

The organization was named one of six Top Honors recipients on the state’s 2025-2026 New Jersey Influenza Honor Roll, administered by the Department of Health’s Vaccine Preventable Disease Program.

State health officials recognized OHI for helping residents understand the benefits of flu vaccination and encouraging people to protect themselves and others during the most recent flu season.

Vaccination is particularly important for

people who face a greater risk of serious complications, including young children, pregnant women, adults age 65 and older, and individuals with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease.

Other Top Honors recipients included St. John the Baptist Church, the Hamilton Township Division of Health, Hackensack Meridian Health, Preferred Care and Rutgers University.

The Influenza Honor Roll highlights organizations that develop outreach campaigns, share prevention information and encourage vaccination throughout their communities.

Additional information about the program and its award recipients is available at nj.gov/health/ cd/edu_training/vpdp_flu_honor_roll.shtml.

Scam Threat:

Continued From Page 1

an investigator from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office were waiting. They arrested a man whom Mastronardy described as a Chinese national living in Mexico.

“He was putting money in a fund,” said Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy. “It was going to a Chinese gang.”

Mastronardy shared the case as consumer protection officials from across New Jersey compared the frauds and questionable business practices they’ve encountered. Their accounts showed how quickly scams are evolving and why recovering money is often far more difficult than preventing losses.

“This is happening every day as we’re speaking here,” Mastronardy said. “There are people being victimized in our county, in our state.”

The discussion took place at the Toms River Yacht Club, where representatives from nine counties and state officials gathered for the annual summer meeting of the County and Municipal Consumer Agencies. Other attendees included Ocean County Commissioner Director Frank Sadeghi, Commissioner Samuel Ellenbogen and Seaside Heights Police Chief Thomas Boyd. Ocean County Consumer Affairs Director Ronald Heinzman, who was recently re-elected president of the statewide association, hosted the meeting. New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport, Senior Counsel Erin Whitty and State Division of Consumer Affairs Acting Director Jeremy Hollander were among those taking notes as county representatives described recurring problems involving impersonation scams, usedcar sales, home improvement contractors, gift

cards and illegal flavored vaping products. The shared concern was not simply that scams continue. It was that perpetrators constantly change their tactics, often combining technology, official-looking documents and psychological pressure to overcome warnings from banks, police and family members.

Stepping Up Enforcement

Ocean County Commissioner Deputy Director Jennifier Bacchione warned that some political fundraising texts may falsely appear to support a particular candidate or campaign. “There are more and more scams coming up every day,” she said. “As soon as the people higher up think of a way to fix things, they think of another way to scam.”

Senator Carmen Amato (R-9th) said lawmakers need to keep pace as scammers adopt new technology and find ways around existing laws. He also warned that artificial intelligence can help scammers imitate a relative’s voice or likeness when asking for money.

Amato invited consumer affairs officials to identify statutes that need updating, particularly those involving fraud against seniors and veterans. “If you see anything that needs to be updated, please let my office know,” Amato said. “We’ll be more than happy to introduce legislation to make these penalties a little stricter.”

Assemblyman Brian Rumpf (R-9th) followed by emphasizing the financial consequences for seniors already struggling with New Jersey’s high cost of living. He said Ocean County has approximately 100 senior communities, making protection against financial exploitation especially important locally. “Life is tough enough as it is; costs are high all over,” Rumpf said. “But how unaffordable is it when the scammers get ahold of our loved ones’ dollars?”

Davenport said enforcement remains necessary, but it must be paired with prevention because perpetrators may be outside New Jersey or beyond the reach of local agencies by the time a complaint is received.

“We also have to make sure that we’re doing as much as we can to not have that scam happen in the first place,” Davenport said. “We know how hard it is when folks are not subject to our jurisdiction to get that money back.”

A Victim’s Embarrassment

Elsie Foster’s roles as Middlesex County’s director of Consumer Affairs and Weights and Measures and mayor of Highland Park converged when a senior called her municipal office asking why she was supposedly blocking money owed to him.

The man had already sent scammers $15,000 and was being asked for another $20,000. Even Foster’s staff could not initially convince him that the money did not exist, prompting a police officer to visit his home.

Foster said his embarrassment after learning the truth illustrates why some victims hesitate to report fraud. Middlesex County has launched a campaign reminding residents that scammers are not trying to help them, no matter how convincing they sound.

Contractors And Used Car Dealers

Not every consumer loss begins with an anonymous caller. Representatives from Bergen, Passaic, Union, Monmouth and Ocean counties reported continuing or increasing complaints involving used car dealerships.

Some consumers buy vehicles marked “as is” without understanding that the designation can sharply limit their options if the car breaks down. Others sign documents electronically and later

mistakenly believe the contracts are not legally binding.

Officials also described dealers advertising one price online and demanding thousands more when a customer arrives. One Hudson County dealership allegedly sold high-end vehicles to out-of-state buyers but failed to deliver the titles needed to register them.

Heinzman said Ocean County has experienced an influx of complaints involving both car dealerships and home improvement contractors. One of the enforcement challenges involves contractors who accept $10,000, perform a token amount of work such as digging a hole and then disappear.

Commissioner Robert Arace said the danger is particularly serious in Ocean County because of its large senior population. While serving as Manchester Township mayor, Arace said he learned of contractors using substandard materials in senior homes, including flooring so inadequate that residents fell through it.

Some seniors live alone or no longer have family members nearby to review contracts or inspect the work, he said. That makes Consumer Affairs a critical “watchdog or safeguard” for residents who may otherwise feel they have no one to turn to.

First Line Of Defense

Davenport called local consumer offices the “first line of defense” against fraud, scams, abuse and financial exploitation. Just as important as enforcement, she said, is assuring residents that someone will listen and respond when they report a problem. That trust grows when consumers see action and learn they are not alone, she said. Although government resources may be limited, Davenport told the county representatives, “We’re never limited when it comes to our creativity or our sense of urgency.”

Presented By:

Dr. Izzy’s

Sound News

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

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

Psychophysiological Dizziness (PPPD): Overview And Treatment

Psychophysiological dizziness, commonly known today as Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD), is a chronic form of dizziness influenced by how the brain processes balance signals under stress. It is a real physical condition, often triggered by illness, stress, or vestibular events. PPPD is a chronic dizziness disorder, where a person feels ongoing unsteadiness or motion sensitivity, even though standard tests are all normal. Unlike classic vertigo, there is no spinning sensation most of the time, symptoms of persistent, not episodic and all imaging studies are normal.

Common Symptoms

• Constant or frequent unsteadiness or rocking sensation

• Worsens when standing or walking

• Increased discomfort in busy environments (stores, crowds, screens)

• Feeling ‘off balance’ or disconnected Common Triggers

• Inner ear or vestibular illness

• Panic attacks or prolonged stress

• Concussion or other physical illness

What’s Happening in the Body

• The brain becomes overly sensitive to balance signals and relies too heavily on visual input. This creates a cycle where normal movement feels exaggerated, and anxiety reinforces dizziness.

Treatment Approaches

1. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT):

A specialized physical therapy that retrains the brain to process motion and balance correctly through controlled exposure exercises.

2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Helps break the cycle between anxiety and dizziness and reduces sensitivity to symptoms.

3. Medication (if needed)

Certain medications such as SSRIs (Sertraline, Escitalopram) may help regulate the brain’s sensory processing and reduce symptoms.

4. Lifestyle Adjustments

• Maintain regular sleep patterns

• Avoid excessive focus on symptoms

• Gradually expose yourself to triggering environments

Important Notes

PPPD is not dangerous but can be persistent. It responds best to a combination of therapy, gradual exposure, and sometimes medication.

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!

MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS! Expand your patient base by advertising in Micromedia Publications’ 7 weekly newspapers. Call 732-657-7344 to find out how!

Dear Pharmacist

Coffee And Your Heart: Some Surprisingly Good News

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

I should confess that I’m not exactly an impartial observer - I love coffee. For years, my daily ritual was a double-shot latte, sometimes followed by a single shot later in the day. Coffee didn’t merely wake me up, it felt like my brain in a cup! Unfortunately, my reflux was less enthusiastic. I gave up coffee completely for six months while my esophagus healed. These days, I can tolerate only a little decaf before the burning returns. So yes, a new scientific statement from the American Heart Association (AHA) made me genuinely happy.

The AHA reviewed the latest research on caffeine and cardiovascular disease: For most healthy adults, up to 400 mg of caffeine daily which is about 3 to 5 eightounce cups of ordinary brewed coffee. Moderate coffee consumption has also been associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure, type 2 diabetes and certain abnormal heart rhythms.

The apparent sweet spot was something like 2 or 3 cups (possibly even 4 cups) per day. However, this good news isn’t a prescription to start chugging coffee. I’d stick to two cups if you’re asking me. Most long-term studies were observational, meaning they found associations but couldn’t actually prove coffee caused the benefits.

Heart rhythm findings were especially interesting. Regular coffee wasn’t associated with a higher risk of AFib, and randomized data suggest it might even reduce episodes in some people. However, coffee may increase premature ventricular contractions, or PVCs, so there’s that! Extra heartbeats and fluttering are a little

alarming.

Brewing method matters too. Coffee contains natural oils called cafestol and kahweol that appear to raise LDL cholesterol. Paper-filtered drip and instant coffee contain very little cafestol, while French press, Turkish, boiled coffee and espresso allow more into your cup. If your cholesterol is high, I have better ideas for you than giving it up.

It is good for your thinking cap and brain. That isn’t breaking news because we’ve seen that in cognitive studies before. Recently, a 2026 JAMA study followed more than 131,000 adults for up to 43 years. Higher caffeinated-coffee intake was associated with an 18 percent lower risk of dementia, with the strongest association around 2 to 3 cups daily. Decaf did not show the same association.

I’ve always thought coffee received an unfairly grim reputation. Why?! If it gives you the jitters, worsens reflux, disrupts sleep, raises your blood pressure or makes your heart misbehave, don’t drink it. Your body has already cast its vote. But coffee doesn’t affect everyone that way, and moderate intake may offer some impressive benefits.

Coffee’s chlorogenic acid may “mug” nonheme iron by reducing its absorption (and decaf can do it too). Caffeine may also temporarily increase calcium and magnesium losses through the kidneys - what I call the drug mugging effect. But that concern applies primarily to caffeinated coffee or espresso.

For a more detailed version of this article, including coffee’s effects on blood pressure, medications, and energy drinks, visit suzycohen.com and type coffee into the search box.

(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.

Council Meetings:

Continued From Page 1

township boards and committees. I am concerned that these disruptions are being orchestrated to create chaos at council meetings only to later weaponize that chaos for political gain by falsely portraying the current council and leadership as unable to maintain order,” Palmeri’s email added. “For that reason, I respectfully request that we return to having at least two uniformed police officers present at every council meeting from now through the November election.”

Prior to the latest meeting, Burnstein had confirmed for The Jackson Times that the added police presence had been approved but the decision of whether there would be one or two police officers would be determined by Chief Nelson.

Mayor Kuhn told The Jackson Times that “public comment has been uninterrupted and our Council continues to provide opportunities for any resident to voice their concerns.”

Palmeri’s description of the events at that meeting fit resident Adam Haidi who went slightly over his time at the microphone during that prior meeting and as he headed back to his seat in the audience, Palmeri made the motion to close the comment period.

Burnstein seconded that motion seconds later and the motion passed, closing public comment for the night.

That public comment period did have several members of the public, some of whom serve on township citizen committees. Haidi is on the Environmental Commission and Raymond Cattonar is on the Open Space Committee. They asked pointed questions about procedure and the use of the Open Space Trust Fund for recreational improvements as well as a proposed purchase of land for preservation that was introduced that night.

Some residents said the addition of police officers at meetings amounted to political grandstanding and a needless expense. New security measures were also implemented at the Municipal Building at 95 West Veterans

Highway that require all visitors to enter through the front entrance. All rear doors are now locked daily as part of these new access management regulations.

Haidi said, “the Council arbitrarily extends speaking time. Often Burnstein hands out an additional 30 seconds. However, if you are critical, 300 seconds and your time is up.”

Burnstein denied that enforcement of the five-minute rule was in any way selective of who was in front of the microphone. He said during the latest meeting, “everyone is free to use their entire five minutes and I will take notes after everyone is done speaking and we will answer. I am not going to get into back and forths. I don’t want anyone to feel I am interrupting them.”

Councilman Chris Pollak took issue to Palmeri’s email describing meetings turning into chaos. During the latest council meeting he stated, “you had one person going past their speaking limit and this is someone who really tries to do the right thing for this town. They stand up for the environment and they raise legitimate issues. They spoke past their time a little bit.

Big deal. You don’t need to start bringing police officers in here pretending it was chaos because it wasn’t.”

“We’ve had people kicked out of meetings before that we have a lawsuit over,” Pollak said referencing an incident resident Elenor Hannum questioned then-Council President Kuhn about her connection with a township employee. Kuhn called Hannum out of order and had her removed from the room after she left the podium.

During the latest session Pollak also questioned the shutdown of the public comment from the last meeting. “I want to put on the record that I did not vote to close public comment and I did not vote to end the meeting. I am vehemently against that decision. It was done very hastily and at the end I was saying what just happened? You only shut down speech when you can’t answer questions when you are trying to hide something or when you’re wrong.”

Pollak noted other options would have been to answer questions or “even taken a recess instead you shut down the very people you are supposed to represent.”

Disabled American Veterans Chapter 77 Meetings

JACKSON – Disabled American Veterans Chapter 77 in Jackson meets at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at the VFW on Magnolia Drive in Jackson.

All men and women veterans are welcome. Male and Female Service Officers are available to assist veterans with claims to the Veterans Administration. The DAV’s

main purpose is to assist veterans and their families in securing the benefits they are entitled to. We help all veterans. You do not have to be a member to receive

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

our assistance. Correspondence can be sent to: PO Box 1571 Jackson, NJ 08527. Contact Patrick McGoohan at 732-275-5851 for more information.

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)

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)

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)

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

CLASSIFIEDS

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)

Housecleaning - Laundry, window, carpet, office cleaning, food shopping, painting, driving. Call 732330-4189 or 848-287-3944. (1)

Services

PQ Painting & Home Improvement Services - Over 5 decades of service in NJ. Visit us online at pqpaintingservice.com. Winner of Angie’s List Super Service Award. Free estimates, reasonable rates, fully licensed and insured NJ Lic #13VH06752800. Call 732500-3063 or 609-356-2444. (t/n)

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)

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

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

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)

R.C. Shea & Assoc. Inside The Law

Michael J. Deem, Esq.

Buying And Selling A Boat Are Fertile Grounds For Scammers

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

If you are considering buying or selling a boat, then you should be aware that the market is full of bogus buyers and sellers. When it comes to buying or selling a boat, if anything seems unusual then proceed with caution. While fraudulent transactions apply to both purchase and sales, this article will focus on the seller’s side of the transaction.

If selling your boat is not difficult enough, these days the last thing you need is to encounter someone, somewhere, trying to trick you at least once, if not two or more times as you try to complete the boat-selling process. Because fraud comes in all shapes and sizes, it is not possible for us to focus on one type of transaction, so we will concentrate on the most common red flags.

Obvious poor punctuation and grammar. These scammers crank out a thousand of their “inquiries” every day and many of them have a poor grasp of the English language. Also, pay attention to their use of multiple phone numbers (and/or multiple email addresses) from the same individual.

Everything the alleged buyer asked about was thoroughly detailed in your listing. Some of these scammers operate through robo or computerized forms of communication like e-mail or texting. So, if the potential purchaser is asking you for information that is already in your listing then this should raise a red flag and you should proceed with extreme caution.

Enlisting a third party to pick up the boat without the buyer ever having inspected it. Boats are not cheap. No credible buyer will purchase a boat sight unseen. A credible purchaser will at least obtain a boat survey, which is similar to a home inspection. In addition, most honest

buyers will be present when the boat is picked-up, rather than sending an agent to do take possession of your boat.

The offer to pay by cashier’s check and pick up the boat after it had been cashed. This seems like a reasonable show of good faith, but scammers have become very good at printing fake checks so realistic that banks initially accept them. It isn’t until days or even weeks later that the scam becomes apparent, and then the bank can pull those funds right back out of your account. Check with your bank to confirm its policy regarding final acceptance of funds.

Paypal or Venmo variation of payment. The phony buyer will ask for your PayPal ID in order to send you a payment, possibly for substantially more than the purchase price. Shortly after that, you will receive a fake confirmation from PayPal with your user ID for more than the agreed purchase price, and the buyer will contact you asking you to forward the extra money to a shipper. Again, you’ll lose whatever money you’ve sent.

An unwillingness to provide basic proof of identity such as a photo of their driver’s license. If they are who they say they are then there should be no issue with providing proof of their identity. Automobile dealerships will obtain proof of your identify when you try to purchase one of their vehicles. Strangers routinely share this basic information when they are involved in motor vehicle collisions, so it should not be sacred during the purchase of a boat or a car.

R.C. Shea & Associates is a full-service Law Firm. We are located at 244 Main Street, Toms River. Visit our website at www.rcshea.com or call us at (732) 505 1212.

Donations Support Foster Care Families

NEW JERSEY – New Jersey Angels is seeking donations to help support children, youths and families experiencing foster care across the state.

The organization said contributions help create a network of steady support for those who need it most. Donations may be made in honor of a loved one, to mark a special occasion or simply to help make a difference.

Funds support programs such as Love Box® and Dare to Dream®, which connect volunteers and mentors with foster care families and young people throughout New Jersey.

The group said its goal is to build lasting relationships, strengthen families and ensure no one in the foster care community feels alone. Donations can be made at newjerseyangels.org/waystogive.

FUN & GAMES SUDOKU

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

27 Good intel 29 Shortly 33 Flow out 34 Jeans material

35 Miss, in Mexico

36 “Carpe diem” acronym

37 “My Neighbor __”:

1988 Miyazaki film

38 Sr.’s course for college credit

39 Sonia Sotomayor’s alma mater

Pie in the __

“I’m cool with that”

Deadly African

Release, as a carabiner

“__ loves company”

Seashore

to what can precede

More impolite

Dreyer’s ice cream, east of the Rockies

“The Fresh Prince of

“Atlas” actor Liu

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Today is a positive day in the Universal sky for getting things done and meeting new people if your individual cycles align. Creative solutions could arise with ease. Career magic could be brewing behind the scenes.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Investing time, energy, and/or money into your home space could build something that will both serve and please going forward. Financial energies are mixed, lean into remediation over rebellion.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Trust builds when actions match up with words, and fractures when they don’t. Someone close — even a pet - could have healing magic to offer, whether its sympathy and solidarity, wags, or purrs.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Your financial situation is building more positivity but not everyone may be transparent — use care in shared investments or where shared resources are involved. Trust your path forward.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): There’s addition by subtraction and there’s also addition by addition. You are your ultimate masterpiece. Remove what’s not you; add what makes you ever more of your truest self. Take a little timeout today if you can.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The beauty of the outcome rests on two things: strong preparation and excellent timing. The next week or so are good times to prepare. Early August offers better days for launch if your individual

FOR THE WEEK OF AUGUST 1 - 7 BY

OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FORECAST

JERALDINE SAUNDERS

transits line up.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Some periods are better for internal experiences, other times are better for expanding your friendship network. The next month or so is for expansion. Get out there on above-zero days, better days improve odds.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): If you build it, they do eventually come. Build your resume, credentials, certifications, skills, knowledge base. Not one bit of learning is ever wasted, even if it seems premature at times.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): If you feel like an imposter, and you are, consider leading only with what you really know. If you feel like an imposter, and you’re not, consider working on releasing old fear and shame.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): If you’ve sometimes hungered to be seen, that may not be as much of an issue right now, your ‘all that’ should be fully visible now. More abundance is building. Show is more persuasive than tell.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Your shadow is a treasure chest, but you have to get past your old shame to be able to dig it up. Have the courage to unearth your greatest gifts and talents, it’s worth it; face the past, face yourself.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You might be able to work out some serious improvements to the daily grind now. When you invest into making your own life easier, there’s a daily payoff to be grateful for. Reach out to a friend.

COOL DOWN IN HOT TEMPS WITH A NO-COOK SOUP

Diane Rossen Worthington

DILLED CUCUMBER AVOCADO SOUP WITH SHRIMP GARNISH

Serves 4 to 6

Note: I like to garnish a soup with at least one of the ingredients in the soup; in this case, it’s the dill.

1 large ripe avocado, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces.

1 large European cucumber, unpeeled and cut into 2-inch pieces

1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable stock

1/4 cup finely sliced green onions

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup fresh dill fronds

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

To garnish:

4 cooked shrimp, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh dill fronds

1. In a food processor fitted with the metal blade combine the avocado and cucumber and process until smooth. Add the chicken

This Seriously Simple warm-weather soup only requires a food processor or a blender. CREDIT:(Diane Rossen Worthington/TCA).

stock, green onions, lemon juice, sour cream and dill weed and blend until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Chill for at least 2 hours.

2. Combine the shrimp with dill fronds in a small bowl. Serve the soup in small cups with a dollop of chopped shrimp and dill on top.

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