Locals Hold Up Stop Sign To NJ’s Ideas To Change Route 35
Photo by Bob Vosseller
This stretch of Route 35 North is a one-way street but that could change if a New Jersey Department of Transportation proposal moves forward.
By Bob Vosseller
TOMS RIVER - Hundreds of residents of La-
vallette and the Ortley Beach section of Toms River came out to express their dislike of potential changes the state suggested to speed limits, parking, and even the direction of Route 35.
The first hearing was held at Lavallette Borough Hall and the second-floor meeting room was packed. The second meeting was held later in the day at the Moose Club in Ortley Beach.
The Ortley Beach Voters & Taxpayers Association had circulated a petition demanding the NJ Department of Transportation (NJDOT) “shelve immediately” the controversial proposal to modify Route 35.
Under the proposal, the NJDOT would make Route 35 North and Route 35 South have a lane in each direction “to improve connectivity and reduce driver confusion.”
The Safety Improvement Project proposal also
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 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
(Scam Threat - See Page 6)
includes restriping parking spaces that would require drivers to back into their parking spots. It would also permanently reduce the speed limit to 25 mph year-round.
Those ideas were strongly rejected by local officials like Lavallette Mayor Walter G. LaCicero who remarked that during “the summer months, when it’s bumper to bumper, how are you going to be able to back up into that traffic and get the spot?”
He also noted that Lavallette has designated bike lanes. Many residents present voiced their own ideas on how bike lanes could be safer, recommending better signage, increased law enforcement presence as well as marking the lanes.
“Paint all your bicycle lanes green,” was a suggestion by Lavallette Council President Anita Zalom during the hearing.
Last winter, the state performed a road safety
(Route 35 - See Page 4)
Mayor Calls Prosecutor’s Internal Affairs Takeover Political
TOMS
By Stephanie Faughnan
RIVER
- Mayor Daniel Rodrick is accusing Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer of taking control of the Toms River Police Department’s Internal Affairs function for political reasons, claiming the move was intended to prevent township officials from identifying employees responsible for leaks and other alleged misconduct.
Rodrick said the timing was no coincidence. The decision came as the township was pursuing several Internal Affairs investigations, including one involving photographs of Police Chief Guy Maire’s missing office nameplate that circulated on social media while the chief was on medical leave.
“They’re taking over because they don’t want to solve who it was that released those images,” Rodrick said during an interview. “It’s pretty clear to me that they are continuing to protect their friends.”
Billhimer offered a different explanation, saying the decision was made to protect the Internal Affairs process. “To safeguard the confidentiality, independence, and integrity of the internal affairs process, we assumed command and control of the Toms River Police Department’s Internal Affairs function,” Billhimer said in a text message.
(Mayor - See Page 4)
Friends Of Ortley Beach Host Annual Beach Bash
By Bob Vosseller
TOMS RIVER – Storms may have pushed back this year’s Beach Bash by one day but there was plenty of enjoyment to be had along 3rd Avenue for the event coordinated by the Friends of Ortley Beach.
Attendees were ready for the fun along the beach and boardwalk. Food trucks were unfortunately not available that Sunday but the
local Sugar Shack on 3rd Avenue and the Beach was open and serving up plenty of Beach Bash favorites.
Children enjoyed a bounce house, face painting, and games on the beach during the event that ran from 5:30 to 8 p.m. while adults took chances on basket raffles and there was plenty of Friends of Ortley Beach merchandise to (Beach Bash - See Page 14)
Children enjoyed some face-painting during this year’s Friends of Ortley Beach sponsored Beach Bash event on 3rd Avenue in Ortley Beach.
Photo courtesy Friends Of Ortley Beach
Route 35:
Continued From Page 1
audit on a portion of Route 35 on the barrier island. The study did show an increase in crashes during summer months which LaCicero noted was “nothing unusual for a tourist-driven town,” He expressed that if the proposed changes were implemented, “parking downtown would become a nightmare.”
He explained that a driver would have to determine if a car was backing out to provide a spot. He questioned how a driver would be able to do that that without backup lights. “You need to talk to the police officers who do these investigations. I was a police officer here for over 25 years. I literally investigated probably 200 accidents during that period of time.”
“The number one accident is the rear end and the number two is the side swipe but in
Mayor:
The prosecutor confirmed his office assumed command and control effective Friday, July 17. He said no formal press release was issued.
Mayor Points To Timing
reality, it is the left turn from the right lane. Many people stop suddenly especially on a two-lane highway. It is hard to see those pedestrians,” the mayor added.
Assemblyman Paul Kanitra (R-10th) asked the Lavallette audience “is anyone here in favor of two-way traffic on Route 35?” He went through the other proposed changes as well and got the same loud response of “no.”
“The room is packed because people are passionate about the top five issues and you mentioned earlier that if the community didn’t want it you wouldn’t do it. I think we could probably calm down the entire room if we went through them individually and you gave us feedback that you are not going to go forward,” he said.
Kanitra stated to the DOT that if any of the proposals were pushed further “we will all fight that tooth and nail to the end.”
The lead DOT representative responded
Rodrick offered no evidence connecting them to the Internal Affairs decision.
that the message would be brought back and that their role was only to solicit feedback from the public.
The Toms River Times spoke to a DOT representative at the conclusion of the Ortley Beach hearing who said that the proposal amounted to “suggestions” and that the agency was developing different plans and will not move forward without the support of local officials and residents. He acknowledged that the input from residents and officials at the hearings was a resounding “no.”
Lavallette resident Jim McDonald was the lone supporter of the back-in parking concept expressing that it had a safety value. “I was personally a victim of a car when I was riding my bike. You can not see backing out.” He cited that the North Jersey community of Hoboken has back-in parking but members of the borough audience disagreed and noted only the north end of
that community had such a regulation.
Outside Borough Hall, residents who had attended the hearing were discussing the issue. “They really had nothing other than taking our feedback. We were under the impression that they had a plan in place. It seemed like our mayor couldn’t get answers. I just hope we have someone fighting for us to get answers,” Joan Victory of Brooklyn Avenue said.
Lavallette resident Valerie Mahoney was interested in what had been said inside. Like everyone else, she was not in favor of the changes suggested.
“It would impact the businesses; there would be a parking issue. The study that the state did was during the winter months when the town is quiet. I don’t even know why it is an idea on the table,” she said. “I heard it was for traffic safety to reduce accidents but this seems like the exact opposite would happen.”
The mayor named several people he views as political adversaries or allies of the prosecutor to support claims of political motivation. They are not identified here because
The prosecutor’s intervention followed reports that police intended to investigate the disappearance of Maire’s nameplate from outside his office. Maire had been on medical leave for about five weeks when a photograph showing the missing nameplate appeared on social media alongside claims he had cleared out his office and would not return. Rodrick disputed those claims, and Maire later returned to duty. No finding has been made identifying who
removed the nameplate or determining whether the incident constituted theft, property damage or a policy violation.
Continued From Page 1 (Mayor - See Page 5)
Rodrick characterized the incident as more than a workplace prank. “Could you imagine the audacity of removing the chief’s name from the wall and lying and saying he packed his desk and posting it on social media?” he said. “That’s insubordination. It’s theft.”
The mayor also alleged that internal emails, police schedules and information about the chief’s whereabouts have circulated outside the department. “The police are there to
protect and serve,” Rodrick said. “They should not be engaging in politics, and they should certainly not be leaking the chief’s whereabouts or damaging public property.” Rodrick predicted the prosecutor’s office would not resolve the investigations. “I’m going to go on the record and say that Brad Billhimer is not going to solve the case, and that’s the reason he’s taken on this role, no more, no less,” he said.
This is the latest chapter involving township police. Toms River police have been led by
Mayor: Continued From Page 4
three different men from 2024-2025. Mitch Little retired August 23, 2024 after publicly butting heads with the mayor. Little wanted to hire more officers. Rodrick said he wanted to cut back on costs and prevent nepotism in the hiring process.
Little was replaced with Peter Sundack, who expressed concerns about “critical vacancies” in the police force, according to The Patch. Sundack was replaced after a few months with Guy Maire. Maire’s promotion was made at a Township Council meeting where a change was made that added the mayor and town’s business administrator to the hiring process for all officers. Critics of Rodrick said this was overreach.
“The morale in the police department is zero,” Council President David Ciccozzi said.
Prosecutor Powers
Rodrick said the action is not a takeover of the police department itself. “It’s not a takeover,” he said. “Toms River has not been taken over.”
The prosecutor’s office has assumed command and control of Internal Affairs, not
the department’s patrol, investigative or administrative operations.
Internal Affairs generally investigates alleged misconduct by police officers or employees. Rodrick said Toms River has the personnel to conduct its own investigations, while the prosecutor’s office performs that function for many smaller departments.
“They do Internal Affairs for most towns,” Rodrick said. “We’re just big and have the capacity to do our own.”
He also defended the Toms River department’s Internal Affairs lieutenant as fair and capable of protecting confidentiality. “Our Internal Affairs lieutenant is absolutely fair,” Rodrick said. “He’s a person with strong integrity, and he would absolutely protect the confidentiality.”
Security Concern Investigation
Rodrick said another Internal Affairs matter stemmed from a Township Council meeting where an attendee stood close to the dais.
He said he asked Police Chief Guy Maire to ensure attendees maintained a safer distance. At a subsequent meeting, the same person announced that he had learned the mayor raised the concern with the chief. It has not been determined how the attendee learned of the request or whether confidential infor-
mation was improperly disclosed.
Rodrick said he requested an Internal Affairs investigation to determine how the information reached the individual whose proximity had prompted the concern.
“If the mayor or the business administrator are concerned about the safety and well-being of ourselves and the council, how did that get back to the very person that we were concerned about?” Rodrick said.
Billhimer’s statement did not identify a particular investigation, describe any deficiencies in the township’s Internal Affairs process or indicate how long the arrangement would remain in place.
Dispute Already In Court
The Internal Affairs fight comes amid a lawsuit filed by Toms River, Rodrick and former Business Administrator Jonathan Salonis against the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Billhimer, First Assistant Prosecutor Michael T. Nolan Jr., the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office and other state entities.
The complaint accuses the prosecutor’s office of interfering with the administration’s authority over the police department. The disputes include access to the department’s Facebook page, a request for a police dispatch radio and the prosecutor’s authority to
Health Fair And Resource Day Planned
intervene in personnel investigations.
The township is asking a judge to declare that Toms River officials are entitled to access the police Facebook page and radio and to restrict the prosecutor’s intervention in personnel investigations except in cases involving criminal or serious administrative misconduct.
The Attorney General’s Office has moved to dismiss the claims against the state defendants, arguing the complaint contains virtually no factual allegations involving the Attorney General or Division of Criminal Justice and seeks no specific relief against them.
The state also argues the township has not identified a valid private right of action or grounds for an injunction limiting the prosecutor’s oversight. Its brief characterizes the case as a dispute over social media access, police radios, hiring standards and the authority to investigate misconduct.
Attorneys for the prosecutor’s office have separately asked that the case be transferred from Mercer County to Ocean County, where the parties are located and the underlying events occurred.
Both motions are scheduled for decision Aug. 14, with no oral argument requested. Chris Lundy contributed to this story.
BERKELEY – The Sadie Vickers Resource Center will host a Health Fair and Resource Day from noon to 3 p.m. September 19 at 62 1st Avenue.
The event will bring together up to 20 vendors from the health care industry, giving residents an opportunity to ask health-related questions and learn about local resources and services.
Free health screenings will be provided by the Ocean County Health Department. The event will also include light refreshments and door prizes.
The program is being held in association with Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey. For more information, email info@sadievickers. org or call 848-226-3930.
Scam Threat:
Continued From Page 1
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.”
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 Toms River 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
Independent 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?
Candy Banks Spring Lake
S potlight o n g overnment
Correspondence & Commentary From Your Local, County, State & Federal Officials
State’s Ideas To Change Route 35 Are Misguided And Dangerous
From The Desk Of The
Mayor
- by Mayor Daniel Rodrick
Fellow Residents, I oppose the State’s proposal to convert portions of Route 35 North and Route 35 South into two-way roads. This plan is misguided and would make our roads less safe by increasing congestion, creating new traffic conflicts, and making it far more difficult for motorists to enter and cross Route 35. My administration will continue fighting to ensure this proposal never becomes a reality.
The current Route 35 design was not created by accident. It was the product of careful planning by transportation engineers who understood the unique traffic demands of our barrier island. We should not abandon a system that has worked for decades without compelling evidence that these changes will improve safety.
Making both roadways two-way would create significant new traffic conflicts. Drivers leaving the beach, their homes, businesses, and side streets would have to cross traffic coming from both directions instead of just one. During the busy summer months, that would make turning onto Route 35 far more difficult, increasing congestion, and creating more accidents.
I am equally concerned about the proposal for back-in angled parking. Asking motorists to stop in the middle of a state highway, shift into reverse, and back into a parking space while traffic waits behind them simply does not make sense. It is difficult to see how that would improve either safety or traffic flow.
Just as troubling is the way this proposal has been handled. Our communities should not be used as a testing ground for a transportation experiment, especially without meaningful input from local officials. It has been more than a week since these plans became public, and neither I nor my administration were consulted beforehand.
I have reached out to Governor Sherrill to express my concerns and request a discussion. As of this writing, I have not received
a response. Our residents deserve better than to have major decisions affecting their daily lives made without local input! If the State’s goal is truly to improve safety, there are simpler and more effective solutions. Every intersection should have clearly marked crosswalks, better directional signage, and pavement arrows to guide motorists. If the State would just authorize us to do the work, the Township’s Division of Roads could complete many of these improvements in just a few weeks. My administration will continue fighting this proposal and advocating for practical, common-sense improvements that enhance safety without creating unnecessary congestion or confusion. I will continue keeping you informed and will always stand up for the residents of our barrier island communities.
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.
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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 underinsured – 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.
Museum Opens At Historic Carousel
SEASIDE HEIGHTS – The historical society is inviting visitors to tour its newly opened museum at the Floyd Moreland Carousel pavilion this summer.
The pavilion and museum are located at the beginning of the Seaside Heights Boardwalk
at Carteret Avenue. Museum exhibits are open Wednesday through Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m.
Visitors can explore local history and see the restored Floyd Moreland Carousel, a treasured part of Seaside Heights’ past. The historical
society is encouraging residents and visitors to “meet me at the carousel” and experience the historic attraction.
The organization thanked the community for its continued support and said it looks forward to welcoming guests throughout the summer.
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.
Firefighter And Wife Welcome Baby Boy
Sheriff’s Drone Unit Demonstrates Public Safety Technology
TOMS RIVER – Members of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Drone Unit recently demonstrated the team’s technology and capabilities for County Commissioners Sam Ellenbogen and Frank Sadeghi.
Chief Warrant Officer Fennessy and other unit members showcased equipment used during public safety operations, including DeDrone software designed to detect unauthorized or potentially unsafe drone activity
Photo courtesy Ocean County Sheriff near sensitive locations and public events. The Sheriff’s Office said the demonstration highlighted the specialized training and technology used by the unit to support emergency response and help protect the public.
Officials thanked the commissioners for visiting the unit and observing the team’s work on behalf of Sheriff Michael Mastronardy.
Author To Discuss Food Preservation Techniques
TOMS RIVER – Author and home cook
Holly Capelle will lead a virtual Ocean County Library program on preserving food at 2 p.m. August 6.
Capelle will discuss her new book, “Preserving the Seasons,” which covers safe methods for jamming, drying, dehydrating, freezing, freeze-drying, infusing and quick-pickling herbs, fruits, vegetables and edible flowers.
The book includes more than 100 recipes, equipment guides, preservation tips, photo-
graphs and information on edible flowers, botanical teas, jams, jellies and infused ingredients. Capelle is the founder of the online community @BigFamilyLiving and has more than three decades of culinary experience.
The free program requires registration. Visit tinyurl.com/PreservingOCL , call 732-349-6200 or stop by an Ocean County Library branch. Cardholders can also request a copy of the book at tinyurl.com/ CapelleOCL.
West Dover Fall Fest Returns For Seventh Year
TOMS RIVER – The West Dover Elementary School PTO has begun planning its seventh annual Fall Fest, scheduled for October 16.
The family event is expected to feature food trucks, local vendors, inflatables, music and activities for children and adults.
Organizers said additional details, including vendor information and other announcements, will be released in the coming months. The event will bring together students, families and members of the West Dover Elementary School community for an evening of fall activities.
Sheriff’s Office Promotes
Officers, Welcomes New Hires
TOMS RIVER – Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy recently presided over a swearing-in ceremony recognizing several promotions and welcoming new sheriff’s officers and investigators. Melissa Flynn was promoted to captain, Anthony Pereira to lieutenant and Dan Dowe to sergeant.
New sheriff’s officers include Thomas
Photo courtesy Ocean County Sheriff Shadiack, Samuel Salazar-Robles, Wade Armstrong, Davies Adepoju, Ryan Porter, Christopher Mellott, Christopher Ambrosio, Mark Little and John Impallomeni. The Sheriff’s Office also welcomed investigators Haley Maness, Paul J. Mazzeo III and Megan Campanile. Family members, friends and fellow officers attended the ceremony to celebrate the career milestones. In the July 25 article “Livestreaming Meetings Becomes Power Struggle,” the first name of Superior Court Judge Francis R. Hodgson Jr. was reported incorrectly. We regret the error.
American Legion Celebrates Historic Anniversary
Photo by Bob Vosseller
SEASIDE HEIGHTS - For the fourth year in a row, long time Shore Boros American Legion Post 351 member Ian Worrell of Toms River provided some history of the nation during this year’s Independence Day observance at the Post. This year marked the 250 th anniversary of America. Worrell wished to once again bring some meaning to the occasion with a reading by himself and several guest speakers of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
For information about the local American Legion Post and its activities and programs, call 732250-1366, e-mail post0351al@ gmail.com or visit their website at legion.org Their Facebook page is The American Legion Post 351.
Cornhole Tournament To Benefit Volunteer Firefighters
TOMS RIVER – The Pleasant Plains Volunteer Fire Department will hold a cornhole tournament fundraiser from 1 to 4 p.m. September 26 at Fun Bags Cornhole Lounge.
Check-in begins at 12:30 p.m. The cost is $100 per team and includes admission, food and drinks. A 50/50 raffle will also be held during the event.
The tournament will take place at 452 Route 37 East, Suite 2. Space is limited, and registration will close once all team openings are filled.
Teams may register using this link from the official Pleasant Plains Volunteer Fire Department shorturl.at/kPGlV. Organizers warned participants to use only registration information shared by the department.
Multi-Sport Camp Offered For Children
TOMS RIVER – The Recreation Department will host a multi-sport camp for children ages 5 through 12 from August 10 through 14.
The USA Sports program will offer morning, afternoon and full-day options. Pricing
is $217 or $360, depending on the schedule selected.
Registration is available at register.communitypass.net/tomsriver. For more information, email recreation@tomsrivertownship.com or call 732-341-1000, ext. 8414.
Dasti Named To 2026 NJBIZ Law Power List
Photo courtesy Dasti & Staiger
Christopher J. Dasti
FORKED RIVER — Christopher J. Dasti, managing partner of Dasti & Staiger PC, has been named to the 2026 NJBIZ Law Power List, an annual recognition of attor-
neys who have demonstrated leadership, professional achievement and service to New Jersey’s legal and business communities.
Dasti credited the firm’s attorneys, staff and his law partner for helping build a practice focused on serving clients and maintaining strong community ties.
He said the firm’s growth and the opportunity to assist individuals, businesses and community members remain among the most meaningful accomplishments of his career.
Dasti also identified artificial intelligence as one of the most significant challenges facing the legal industry. As AI technology develops rapidly, law firms and other businesses will need to determine how to use it responsibly while adapting to changes in communication, research and daily operations, he said.
Group Paddleboarding Session Offered
TOMS RIVER – Residents age 15 and older can take part in a group stand-up paddleboarding session beginning at 9 a.m. August 2. The single-session program will be led by Jen Coastline Adventures and costs $45
per participant.
Registration is available at register. communitypass.net/tomsriver. For more information, email recreation@tomsrivertownship.com or call 732-341-1000, ext. 8414.
to libraries, community centers, senior centers, and more, Beyond the Bug aims to change perceptions, spark curiosity, and encourage greater respect for the
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Beach Bash:
Continued From Page 1
shop for.
“We were so pleased to see the community come together despite the change in plans,” FOB President Celeste Prell said. “That spirit of support is what makes events like Beach Bash so meaningful.”
She added, “FOB appreciates everyone who attended, participated, and volunteered to make Beach Bash ’26 a memorable evening. We look forward to bringing the community together again for an even bigger and better Beach Bash
next summer!”
The group’s next big event is coming up on August 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. when the Friends’ annual Craft Show returns to the grounds of Saint Elisabeth’s Chapel on 3rd Avenue. (The rain date is Saturday, August 15.)
You can spend some time browsing rows of tents filled with handmade creations from many talented local artisans. Shoppers will find jewelry, photography, home décor, coastal-inspired gifts, and plenty of handmade and one-of-a-kind treasures.
While you’re there, you can try your luck at raffles, featuring gift baskets filled with
items generously donated by vendors. Visitors will also have the opportunity to visit the FOB beach table to shop for T-shirts, tank tops, and other merchandise that lets everyone show a little Ortley pride.
The group’s leadership urges you to bring a friend, invite a neighbor, and enjoy an hour or two of relaxed oceanside shopping, community, and fun. Proceeds from the event help support FOB programs and improvement projects throughout the year.
FOB provided a special thanks to the Chapel community for once again allowing them to use its grounds for this popular yearly event.
The goal of the Friends of Ortley Beach is to build “a more vibrant Ortley Beach community” and to “work together to enhance, protect and sustain the natural beauty and resources of our barrier island, and celebrate the spirit of our town through cultural, artistic and educational events.”
Dues are $10 per person annually for a single membership. The group seeks to preserve not only the area’s natural resources but the history, culture and community that’s always been uniquely Ortley Beach. For details on how to join, future FOB events and how to get involved visit friendsofortleybeach.org/membership/.
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.
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!
H ere ’ s t o Y our H e A lt H
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.
Fantasy Island’s Ferris wheel glows in patriotic red, white and blue against the night sky on Long Beach Island. Have a great Jersey Shore photo? Send it to photos@ jerseyshoreonline.com
Flags Great Adventure.
photographer’s name
where the photo was taken.
R.C. Shea & Assoc. Inside The Law
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.
Pins For Paws Bowling Event Planned
TOMS RIVER – K’s Catnip Corner Cat Lounge will host a Pins for Paws Bowling event on August 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Playdrome, 821 Conifer Street.
The cost is $25 per person or $100 for a
group of five. Light refreshments are included.
Registration is highly recommended so organizers can reserve enough lanes. More information is available at kscatnipcorner.com
Wu-Tang Clan Coming To Atlantic City
ATLANTIC CITY – Wu-Tang Clan will take the stage at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena in Atlantic City on August 28 at 8 p.m.
Tickets are on sale through HardRockHo -
telAtlanticCity.com
The legendary Staten Island hip-hop group rose to fame with its 1993 debut “Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)” and later topped the Billboard 200 with “Wu-Tang Forever.”
Michael J. Deem, Esq.
House Calls Are Back
Remember the days when doctors made house calls? They still do! Visiting Physician Services, part of VNA Health Group, has been making house calls to older adults and homebound patients for over 30 years. Our mission is to enable patients to stay at home as they age with an improved quality of life. House calls also help ease the stress on both caregiver and patient providing peace of mind and more quality time while reducing hospital and emergency room visits.
Comprehensive Care
Our comprehensive care includes physical exams, managing chronic conditions, medication management, wound care, in-home diagnostic testing, Telehealth
and much more.
Visiting Physician works closely with other home care and visiting specialists including visiting podiatrists, dentists, audiologists, optometrists, durable medical companies, physical therapy, behavioral health counseling, visiting nurse services, palliative and hospice care.
If you or a loved one has difficulty getting to the doctor, consider calling the doctor who comes to you.
We accept Medicare, Horizon, Braven, Aetna, WellCare and Wellpoint. For more information call 732-571-1000, email us at info@visiting-physician.com or visit vnahg.org/vps.
Recovery Center Adds Reentry Services
TOMS RIVER – Hope Sheds Light has announced a new community partnership with the New Jersey Reentry Corporation to provide additional support services at its Toms River Recovery Center.
NJRC representatives will be onsite biweekly from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hope Sheds Light Recovery Center, 253 Chestnut Street. Walk-ins are welcome.
The nonprofit NJ Reentry Corporation works with individuals returning from addiction treatment, jail or prison, and
military service. Services may include addiction treatment and MAT support, case management, employment assistance, job training, driver’s license restoration, court support, social services navigation, veteran-specific support, and housing and community resource connections.
For more information, contact Courtney Payne at courtney@hopeshedslight.org or 732-244-0783, ext. 140. Brian McGillivray can also be reached at bmcgillivray@ njreentry.org or 848-217-7448.
Al-Anon Meetings Available Locally
OCEAN COUNTY – Are you troubled by someone else’s drinking? Al-Anon Family Groups may be able to help you. Call their 24-hour hotline for local meeting locations at 888-944-5678.
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)
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)
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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 of -
fice. 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.
The Growing Future Of Fencing In America
TOMS RIVER - The sport of fencing is experiencing remarkable growth across the United States, and this year’s USA Fencing Summer Nationals & July Challenge in Portland, Oregon, is a testament to that success. As the largest event in USA Fencing history, the championship brings together more than 6,000 qualified athletes from across the nation, highlighting the sport’s expanding popularity and competitive excellence.
While only a select few athletes will ultimately earn the honor of representing the United States at the Olympic Games, the journey itself opens countless doors. Fencing teaches discipline, resilience, strategic thinking, and leadership—qualities that extend far beyond the strip. Many student-athletes also pursue collegiate fencing, where opportunities for scholarships and admission to some of the nation’s most prestigious universities make the sport an exceptional investment in a young person’s future.
Magnolia Gardens is proud to celebrate
one of its extended family members. Glenn Saldarini, the 15-year-old son of Magnolia Gardens employee Erica Saldarini, who was enamored by fencing since he was just three years old. Inspired by the classic Tom and Jerry cartoons—and the unforgettable line, “En garde, Pussycat... Touché!” —where the two characters often dueled with fencing swords, Glenn first picked up a blade at the tender age of seven and has never looked back. Through countless hours of training, competition, and perseverance, he represents the determination and commitment shared by thousands of young fencers nationwide.
As fencing continues to grow in America, so too do the opportunities it provides. Whether the goal is Olympic competition, a college education, or simply becoming the best version of oneself, the future of American fencing has never been brighter.
Everyone at Magnolia Gardens wishes Glenn the very best of luck as he continues pursuing his fencing dream. Make every touch count, Glenn—we’re all cheering for you!
CASA Seeks Volunteers For Fall Training
OCEAN COUNTY – Court Appointed Special Advocates of Ocean County is seeking volunteers for its fall pre-service training program.
Training sessions are scheduled for September 15, 22 and 29; October 6, 13, 20 and
27; and November 3.
CASA volunteers advocate for children involved in the court system, offering support and helping ensure their needs are heard. More information is available at casaonoceancounty.org.
Downtown Block Party
TOMS RIVER – Toms River Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 will host a community block party August 29 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The event will take place on Washington Street between Main Street and
Robbins Street. Activities will include live music, games, fire trucks, raffles and other family-friendly attractions. Food and beverages from several craft breweries will also be available.
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,
Photo courtesy Jon Pardi 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.
Clothing Sale To Benefit Congregation
HOWELL – Congregation Ahavat Olam is inviting everyone to visit their clothing sale on 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.
Around the JerSey Shore
Viral Toms River Tornado
Photo Exposed As AI Hoax
By Jason Allentoff
TOMS RIVER – A fabricated image appearing to show a tornado near Hooper Avenue and Route 37 spread across social media July 18, prompting a warning about the dangers of sharing unverified information during severe weather.
The Jersey Shore Hurricane News Facebook page was the first to debunk the post which spread like wildfire to the region. The National Weather Service confirmed the image was created using artificial intelligence and did not show an actual tornado in Toms River.
While fake weather images may seem harmless, they can influence decisions during emergencies. Residents may seek shelter, leave their homes, alter travel plans or contact
family members based on what they see online.
False images can also create unnecessary panic, place additional drivers on already dangerous roads and make people believe severe weather is closer than it actually is.
The misinformation can have lasting consequences. Once people discover a dramatic image was fabricated, they may become less likely to trust future alerts, including legitimate warnings issued during a real emergency.
The concern is especially significant in Ocean County, where many senior citizens and other residents rely on Facebook and similar platforms for local news and emergency information. Not everyone has the time or ability to verify each photograph or video before reacting.
Residents are encouraged to pause before sharing dramatic weather content, check the original source and look for confirmation from the National Weather Service, local emergency officials or established news organizations.
Questionable photographs and videos should not be circulated as authentic until they can be verified.
Bad information can lead to dangerous decisions. During severe weather, everyone has a role in preventing misinformation from spreading.
Violence Prevention Coalition
Seeks New Members
OCEAN COUNTY – The Ocean County Violence Prevention Project is seeking new coalition members to help strengthen violence prevention efforts and community safety across the county.
Mental health and health care professionals, students, school community members, law enforcement officers, first responders and residents concerned about violence are encouraged to participate.
The coalition meets six times a year, or every other month, bringing together community organizations, multidisciplinary professionals and residents. Each meeting also includes a training component.
For more information or to join, contact Emily Miller at 609-494-1554 or emiller@ stfrancislbi.org.
Graphic Courtesy Jersey Shore Hurricane News
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
“The Rabbit Hutch” National Book Award
Pizzeria owner in “Do the Right Thing”
Weep loudly
Hawaiian word for “family”
Disapproving sound
Actor’s stand-in, or a
to what can precede
Late, as a library book
First game of the sea-
38 Sr.’s course for college credit
39 Sonia Sotomayor’s alma mater
Pie in the __
“I’m cool with that”
Deadly African
46 Release, as a carabiner
“__ loves company”
Seashore
More impolite
Dreyer’s ice cream, east of the Rockies
“The Fresh Prince of
Artist Yoko
“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
It is getting so hot here that all I want to prepare are no-cook dishes. I always look forward to whipping up effortless cold soups in the dog days of summer and what follows is one of my all-time favorite recipes for summer heat.
This dish is a nod to Scandinavia thanks to the dill and shrimp. This Seriously Simple warm-weather soup only requires a food processor or a blender.
Avocado and cucumber are not only a happy combination in soups but also in salads — perfect for summer dishes. Dill weed has stems and fronds (the flowery sprigs). Use the fronds for this recipe. This refreshing uncooked puree of cucumber and avocado, accented by dilled shrimp, is flexible to serve for a dinner party or a picnic.
If you plan on serving this at a picnic, here is a neat trick to keep the soup cold: Pour ice water into a thermos and let sit for five minutes. Pour out ice water and carefully pour in the soup. It will keep cool for at least three hours.
If you want to lighten up the soup you can use non-fat yogurt instead of sour cream. Adjust the seasonings of the soup once it has been chilled. Chilled soups usually need more seasoning, since the chilling process reduces the flavor. You may also want to add extra dill fronds to perk up the flavor. You can always add some extra stock or sour cream to recreate the proper flavor and
thickness as
to serve chilled rose wine to accompany this soup.
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 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.
