The HOWELL Times
Vol. 24 - No. 11
In This Week’s Edition
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National Night Out Connects Families With First Responders
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Inside The Law
Photos by Justin Sauer Attendees stop by the Howell Township Police Department and Howell Police Athletic League tables. (Right) Sgt. Chris Hill, director of the Howell Police Athletic League and organizer of the event, chats with young attendees during Howell PAL’s National Night Out at Soldier Memorial Park. (Below) A service dog mingles with and entertains attendees.
(Warehouse - See Page 4)
More Than 150 Swimmers Compete In Ocean Race
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Classifieds Page 13
By Justin Sauer HOWELL – Police officers and first responders are often seen during stressful or frightening moments. Howell Township’s National Night Out offered residents an opportunity to meet them under much different circumstances. The Howell Township Police Athletic League hosted the annual community event at Solider Memorial Park. Families gathered for demonstrations, music, giveaways and activities designed to bring residents and local first responders together in a relaxed environment. The event’s larger purpose was to help residents become more comfortable with
38,000 Square Foot Warehouse Approved
By Alyssa Lidman HOWELL – A 38,000 square foot warehouse and office building located at 10 Industrial Court was approved by the Planning Board. The board granted preliminary and final major site plan approval to Vanderveer Industrial Partners, LLC at a recent meeting. All present members of the board - Dylan Beato, Marc Friedman, Vice Chairman Christopher Mercer, Nickalos Woetko, and Chairman Nicholas Huszar - voted in favor of the application. Members Charles Gimbel, Brian Greenfield, Daniel Karbownik, Brian McNicholas, Councilman Michael Wrubel, were excused, and Interdeep Kaur was absent. There were no members of the public who made comments on the application. Approximately 3,400 square feet of the building will be office space, and the remaining portion will be a warehouse, according to the agenda. The building will include five loading dock spaces plus one additional drive-in ramp.
BREAKING NEWS @
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August 22, 2026
the people who protect
and serve their community. Sgt. Chris Hill, director of the Howell PAL and organizer of the event, said National Night Out gives families an opportunity to interact with police officers away from emergencies and other difficult situations. “At events like National Night Out, families get a chance to see a lot of what Howell has to offer,” he said. “A lot of people don’t know what’s out there. Although it’s a big-small town, a lot of things are spread out, and if you don’t
know the area, there are a lot of things you’ll miss. Events like this bring out some of the businesses in town that support all the efforts we do. It’s way for us to give back to them as well.” Throughout the evening, children and their parents were able to speak with officers, ask questions and learn more about the police department and other emergency services. For younger residents, those simple interactions can help make officers appear more approachable and less intimating. Instead of meeting an officer during an emergency, children can speak with them (NNO - See Page 2)
Photo courtesy Ocean County Drone Unit A drone’s eye view provides a glimpse of the Open Ocean Swim race in Lavallette which was a benefit for the Lavallette beach Patrol and the New Jersey Swim Safety Alliance. By Bob Vosseller JERSEY SHORE – The Lavallette Beach Patrol kept a particularly close eye on the shoreline for (Swimmers - See Page 4)
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NNO:
Continued From Page 1 while enjoying music, activities and time with their families. “Nights like this show the relationship that law enforcement has with the community,” Hill said. “We’re not just riding by and waving. We want people to know we’re here. This is nice because they can come up to us, ask us anything and talk to us, and we also get a chance to learn more about them. There are people in the community who may have just moved in that we don’t know yet. We don’t want to only be seen on emergency calls. This gives people a chance to meet us in a different environment and say, ‘Hey, these guys aren’t bad.’” Patrolman Jayme Higgins, a Howell Township Police Department school resource officer and coordinator of the Public Safety Cadets, said it is important for officers to meet residents outside of emergency situations. “We found, especially starting with kids, that it’s important to build a level of trust with them,” Higgins said. “We don’t want the first time they meet a police officer to be during an emergency situation. We want to strive for a point where, when they do have a problem, maybe they already know that officer. They’ve seen them or interacted with them somewhere else.” As a school resource officer, Higgins regularly works with young people and understands the importance of building trust before a crisis occurs. Events such as National Night Out allow residents to see
officers as neighbors, parents, coaches and members of the Howell Community. Those relationships can make residents feel more comfortable approaching police officers when they have a concern, need assistance or simply have a question. “Everybody sees that we all work together,” Higgins said. “This is specifically a Howell Police Athletic League event, but we’ve intertwined the Police Department, the fire departments, the Office of Emergency Management and State Police hazmat officers. It kind of brings everybody together so people realize that everybody knows everybody. If I see a firefighter, I can go to them for help because I know they know the cops. If I see an ambulance and I need help, it’s the same thing. I can go to them. Everybody’s here to work together.” The evening also highlighted programs that give young people a closer look at careers in law enforcement and public safety. Howell resident Jason Rosenberg attended the event and has seen the impact of those programs firsthand. His 12-year-old son, Drew, is a Howell Police Junior Cadet and had recently graduated from the program’s Boot Camp. The Howell Police Junior Cadets is a youth volunteer program run by the Howell Police Department for children ages 12 to 14. Through regular meetings, training sessions and youth academies, participants get an inside look at law enforcement while learning about service, responsibility and teamwork. “It was cool. They had trips where they learned about law enforcement and other safety departments,” Rosenberg said. “They
Photo by Justin Sauer The Squankum Fire Company was one of several first responders that attended. were able to learn how to use different equipment like handcuffs, hazmat suits and radiation meters. He also thought it was really cool to tour the police station, the Monmouth Correctional Institution and the State Police Academy”. Rosenberg said programs like the Junior Cadets and community events such as National Night Out help families better understand the people behind Howell’s public safety agencies and the work they do in the community. “These kinds of events help you feel more connected to the community. I mean, how can they not?” Rosenberg said. “You see all the first responders who come out and all the police officers who are involved in the community. First aid, fire - it’s all about connecting with these people we respect who are here to help us. Just being able to
come out, see them and spend time together is great.” For Hill, the evening was about more than entertainment. He hoped families left Solider Memorial Park with positive memories and a stronger connection to the officers and first responders serving their town. “I really hope that events like this emphasize to children and families that they don’t have to wait for an emergency to talk to us,” Hill said. “Our door is always open. Just knock on the door or give us a call.” By creating opportunities for casual conversations and shared experiences, National Night Out helped remove some of the barriers that can exist between residents and law enforcement. For a few hours, officers and families were able to meet not during an emergency, but as members of the same community.
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Swimmers:
Continued From Page 1 the 41st Annual Mid-Summer Ocean Swim. The Beach Patrol hosted the early morning event that had more than 150 swimmers line up at Philadelphia Avenue and the borough boardwalk at 7 a.m. Swimmers started at President Avenue and went south to Elizabeth and Princeton Avenues. Although it had been cancelled due to weather the previous two years, it is the longest-running open water swim in New Jersey. The top three male and female finishers took home Visa Gift Cards. Medals were presented to the top finishers in categories from 14 plus to 70 plus. This year’s race served to benefit the Lavallette Beach Patrol and the NJ Swim Safety Alliance’s efforts in water safety. Lavallette resident Judith Leblein Josephs who heads the NJ Swim Safety Alliance (NJSSA) explained “this is a point-to-point swim and to make the swim experience even more awesome, swimmers will be swimming either south to north or north to south dependent on ocean conditions. It is a great race for beginners through masters’ swimmers.” She added, “participants that brought a new child’s bathing suit were entered into a contest to win a Family Four Pack at Break-
Warehouse:
Continued From Page 1 There will be two entrances - one to the parking lot off of Industrial Court for cars and then another driveway that comes in off of the southeast corner of the lot at Industrial Court for just the trucks going in and out of the site, according to engineer and planner Peter W. Strong with Crest Engineering Associates. There will be 24 parking spaces along the Industrial Court frontage, according to Strong. “In the back of the building are two detention basins that will handle the stormwater runoff and meet the criteria for stormwater management for the township and the state in this particular area,” he said. Strong agreed to provide a 50 foot landscaping buffer along Vanderveer Road. Traffic expert Scott Kennel with Mc-
water Beach Waterpark in Seaside Heights. The NJRPA/NJSSA/Dolfin Bathing Suit and Goggle Drive is a statewide effort to provide new bathing suits to children in our cities so they can attend free swimming lessons.” There were two divisions: Open and Wetsuit. Pre-registration was $40 and included a commemorative T-Shirt, water bottle sticker, light refreshments, and a chance to win gift cards and medals. Registration on the day of was $50. Lavallette Beach Patrol Chief Jack Caucino, who is an open water champion himself, said that the Beach Patrol was “pleased to bring back our mile ocean swim. Over the years it has been one of the most iconic open water races. This year’s version had something for every level of competitor.” “This race was not only for the top swimmers but for the recreational swimmer who may be trying an open water swim for the first time. It’s due to the friendly atmosphere and welcoming spirit of Lavallette’s residents. We do this with a large presence of lifeguards in the water to help them along on their personal best.” Josephs said, “the Ocean County Drone Unit followed the race and provided aerial photography. It was epic. Back after two down years, we had over 150 swimmers ages 10 – 80 from New Jersey and other states and even some international visitors who happened to be here in town for the race.”
Donough and Rea Associates confirmed the adequacy of the parking and loading, and that the anticipated vehicle movements including trash, emergency, and articulated tractor trailers can be maneuvered on the site. “The site plan prepared by Crest has been reviewed,” Kennel said. “We have the loading area that’s segregated or separate from the passenger vehicles. So, again, the two intersections serving this industrial park will operate very well upon its completion.” Board member Dylan Beato said, “Since I’ve been on the board, especially when it comes to this applicant, this was away from residents. So, has there been a lighting plan, and what type of lighting is it going to be? How bright is it going to be?” There has been a plan, according to officials. Beato said, “So, it’s going to be more towards the south, not necessarily going towards Vanderbilt,” to which the others replied that that is correct.
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The Howell Times, August 22, 2026, Page 5
Spotlight On Government Correspondence & Commentary From Your Local, County, State & Federal Officials
Bill Aligning Occupational Therapists With National Standards Becomes Law Capitol Comments Senator Robert W. Singer 30th Legislative District
TRENTON - Legislation sponsored by Senator Bob Singer (R-30th) was signed by the Governor to update the law governing occupational therapists, aligning New Jersey with national standards. The law instructs the Di-
vision of Consumer Affairs, in consultation with the Occupational Therapy Advisory Council, to establish continuing competence and professional development requirements for licensed occupational therapists and licensed occupational therapy assistants to renew their credentials. “Occupational therapists are critical in
helping patients regain independence and these continuing education requirements will ensure that New Jersey practitioners stay current with the latest standards of care,” said Senator Singer. “Aligning with national standards will help support our highly qualified workforce and improve access to care for patients.”
Bill Would Restore Common-Sense Standards For Federal Law Enforcement Capitol Comments Senator Cory Booker
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), introduced the Federal Integrity, Training and National Eligibility for Service Standards (FITNESS) Act, legislation to freeze ICE officer hiring and establish mandatory hiring, vetting, training, and accountability standards for all federal law enforcement. Federal law enforcement, including ICE, had long maintained eligibility requirements and tactical training protocols. In 2025, the Trump administration abandoned that standard in pursuit of rapid expansion. ICE lowered eligibility requirements for new hires and cut training by 40 percent. The result: thousands of poorly vetted, minimally trained officers deployed across American communities with arrest and use-of-force authority. Officers with criminal records and integrity failures are conducting enforcement operations, and every day Americans see more constitutional violations. These failures undermine public trust in law enforcement, normalize misconduct and unprofessionalism, and put communities - and every law enforcement officer - at risk. “When the federal government gives someone the power to carry a badge, make arrests, and use force, it has a responsibility to ensure that person has been thoroughly vetted, properly trained, and prepared to serve,” said Senator Booker. “The FITNESS Act restores the basic safeguards that DHS intentionally weakened and ensures that those
entrusted with extraordinary authority meet the standards necessary to protect the communities they serve.” The Trump administration systematically dismantled longstanding federal recruitment, eliminating qualification requirements and accelerating the deployment of underqualified immigration enforcement officers. The FITNESS Act halts this damage by imposing a recruitment moratorium pending agency compliance with baseline law enforcement standards. In July 2026, ICE officers shot and killed two American residents, Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero and Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, while those residents were in their cars. According to his ex-wife and close relatives, the officer who killed Mr. Guerrero had a history of mental health issues, violence, and domestic abuse. In the aftermath of these shootings, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) temporarily suspended traffic stops to provide officers with additional tactical training for high-risk vehicle stops. “ICE officers have relentlessly disregarded the Constitution and violated fundamental rights—breaking down doors, detaining people in mass sweeps, and engaging in brutal and violent tactics. As a whistleblower revealed to my office earlier this year, ICE has drastically reduced its training standards, accelerating the risks of death and destruction by its officers. The FITNESS Act seeks to stop ICE’s brutality and dangerously inadequate training. By imposing a hiring freeze until all current officers receive proper training and enforcing clear recruitment and training standards, this critical legislation places checks on this agency to prevent future tragedies,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Communities are safest when law en-
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.
forcement agencies are held to the highest standards of training, professionalism, and accountability. In the past two years, the reforms put in place after George Floyd’s murder have unraveled. The FITNESS Act would establish clear and consistent standards for federal law enforcement and begin the process of rebuilding trust. We applaud Senator Booker for advancing legislation that recognizes accountability and public safety go hand in hand,” said the National Urban League. “America’s law enforcement officers pride themselves on being the best in the world, and they deserve to know that the officers serving beside them are the best of the best. The FITNESS Act is a significant step toward creating the training and quality standards we have a right to expect from federal law enforcement professionals. These common-sense reforms will increase safety for the American public as well as for the officers who serve and protect them, while holding
accountable the unelected political appointees who have let their personal agendas stand in the way of good law enforcement,” said Ryan Schwank, Former ICE Instructor and Attorney. The FITNESS Act establishes clear, enforceable minimum standards for federal law enforcement recruitment, vetting, training, and accountability. The legislation requires comprehensive background investigations, medical evaluations, physical fitness testing, and completion of core training programs before officers can be deployed. It also strengthens oversight through mandatory use-offorce reporting, inspector general review, and accountability measures for officials who knowingly deploy officers who do not meet required standards. The bill would freeze the hiring of new ICE officers until the agency ensures its current workforce has satisfied all eligibility and training requirements. The FITNESS Act is endorsed by the NAACP and the National Urban League.
Abandoned Vehicle for Sale VIN: 1MAG11C03M004329 2003 Mack Granite Date/location of auction: September 26, 2026 at 8:00 AM Rain or shine 1044 Route 33 Howell, NJ 07731
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Photo Courtesy L.E.A.D. Participants in L.E.A.D.’s inaugural Community Prevention Officer (CPO) pilot program, including Cpl. Jayme Higgins, standing, right, discussed the outcomes of their community prevention initiatives during a panel presentation at the 21st Century Drug & Violence Prevention Training Conference on June 3 at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City.
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HOWELL – Cpl. Jayme Higgins of the Howell Township Police Department is among the first officers nationwide to complete the L.E.A.D. Community Prevention Officer program. Higgins joined 11 officers from eight states in the inaugural class, receiving training in prevention science, strategic planning and research-based practices. Participants assessed local needs, created measurable prevention projects and presented their work at L.E.A.D.’s National Training Conference in Atlantic City. Higgins developed a local initiative targeting youth nicotine and THC vaping. The program combines classroom instruction,
parent outreach, public awareness, community partnerships and data collection to evaluate its effectiveness. Schools, police, public health professionals and other community groups will work together on the effort. L.E.A.D., or Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence, created the officer program to expand prevention work beyond classrooms and plans to introduce it nationwide. The nonprofit supports more than 6,500 certified instructors serving over 1 million students in more than 2,500 school systems. More information is available at LEADrugs.org.
Secret Agent STEM Academy Opens Registration
HOWELL – The Howell Police Athletic League is accepting registration for “Mission Possible: Secret Agent STEM Academy,” a six-week LEGO robotics program for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Sessions will run from 5:30 to 7 p.m. September 22 and 29 and October 6, 13, 20 and 27 at Howell PAL, 115 Academy Road. The program costs $165.
Participants will build and code robots, complete spy-themed missions, explore virtual reality, solve Minecraft challenges and learn about artificial intelligence and online safety. Activities will emphasize creativity, teamwork and problem-solving. Each student will receive a Secret Agent Medal after completing the program. Registration is available at HowellPAL.org.
Flu Shot Clinic Planned At Senior Center
HOWELL – The Monmouth County Office of Public Health will offer free standard flu vaccinations from 1 to 3 p.m. September 14 at the Howell Senior Center, 257 Preventorium Road. Eligible residents also may receive
COVID-19, RSV, high-dose f lu, pneumonia and shingles vaccines through the participating pharmacy. Age and insurance requirements apply to those vaccines. For more information, visit visitmonmouth. com/health.
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The Howell Times, August 22, 2026, Page 7
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Local Animals Ready For Adoption Your Howell/Jackson Home Cleaning Experts
Photo courtesy MCSPCA MONMOUTH COUNTY – The Monmouth County SPCA has a number of pets available for adoption. Aloha from Leilani and Leimomi, the pearls of the MCSPCA! They were found together after possibly being abandoned, so it’s about time we found a family that is going to cherish these girls like the queens they are. Leilani and Leimomi are two easy breezy one-year-old sisters, who have no problem going with the flow. They might be able to live with other cats and dogs – after a proper introduction. But most of all, these girls
love each other, so they need to be adopted together! Ohana means family, and family means no one gets left behind… so please come adopt us soon! The MCSPCA only does adoptions in person (please bring all family members). They will ask you to fill out an Adoption Survey and speak with an Adoption Counselor to help find your perfect match. They are located at 260 Wall Street in Eatontown. They can be reached at 732542-0040
CentraState Awards $23,500 In Scholarships To Medical Science Seniors
FREEHOLD – The CentraState Healthcare Foundation awarded $23,500 in scholarships to graduating seniors in the Freehold Regional High School District’s Medical Sciences Magnet Program during a luncheon at Freehold High School. Students in the program participate in a senior externship at Atlantic Health CentraState Medical Center, where they attend lectures twice a month and shadow physicians and other health care professionals. The district has offered the magnet program for more than 30 years, while its partnership with CentraState began in 2003. Twenty-one scholarships were awarded
this year with support from Jack Aaronson and 33 East Car Wash, DCH Freehold Toyota, Family Practice of CentraState, the Band Aid Open Golf Committee, the Matera family, the McLean family, the Brock and Arcoleo family, and Rebecca Proske of the Charles Schwab Freehold Branch. The scholarship program has grown substantially over the past decade. Four scholarships totaling $4,000 were presented in 2016, compared with 21 awards totaling $23,500 this year. CentraState Healthcare System is a nonprofit health system and partner of Atlantic Health System based in Freehold. More information is available at centrastate.com.
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Around The Jersey Shore NJ’s Most Nostalgic Summer Food Is Saltwater Taffy
JERSEY SHORE — When New Jersey residents think about the foods that bring back summer memories, a familiar Shore favorite tops the list: boardwalk saltwater taffy. A new survey of 3,011 people found saltwater taffy ranked as New Jersey’s most nostalgic summer food, finishing ahead of pork roll and the classic Jersey tomato sandwich. The survey was commissioned by A Mission for Michael and conducted by Cherry Data Signals to examine which regional foods are most closely associated with comfort, childhood memories, home and summer traditions. For generations of Shore visitors, saltwater taffy has been closely tied to days spent walking New Jersey boardwalks, visiting amusement piers and stopping inside candy shops before heading home. The brightly wrapped candy is sold in dozens of flavors and is often packed into boxes that become part souvenir, part snack. That connection helped push taffy into the No. 1 spot in New Jersey.
Pork roll ranked second. The New Jersey staple is commonly served browned on a griddle and paired with egg and cheese on a roll, making it a familiar breakfast stop at diners, delis and Shore-area restaurants before a day at the beach. The Jersey tomato sandwich came in third. Made simply with ripe summer tomatoes, bread, mayonnaise and salt, the sandwich is closely associated with backyard gardens, local farm stands and the height of New Jersey’s tomato season. The findings suggest those foods are tied to more than taste. Across the survey, 26% of respondents said their favorite summer comfort food was most strongly connected with happiness, while 22% associated it with a feeling of home and 20% linked it to childhood memories. Another 15% cited comfort and reassurance, while 10% connected their favorite foods with family. Overall, 84% said eating a familiar summer dish improved their mood.
County Urges Residents To Reduce Mosquito Breeding
FREEHOLD – The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners is reminding residents and visitors to eliminate standing water around homes and properties following recent rainstorms. County officials said mosquitoes, including the Asian tiger mosquito, can breed in very small amounts of standing water. Residents are encouraged to empty water from buckets, tarps and other containers and to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors.
The county conducts surveillance, monitoring and targeted treatments as part of its mosquito control efforts. Free property inspections are also available to identify standing water that may support mosquito larvae, which can develop into adult mosquitoes in as little as seven days. Residents can schedule a free inspection by calling the Office of Mosquito Control at 732-542-3630 or by visiting visitmonmouth. com/mosquito.
Church To Host Community Blood Drive
HOLMDEL –Community United Church of Christ will partner with the American Red Cross for a community blood drive from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. August 25 at 40 Main Street. Donors of all blood types are needed, particularly those with O negative, A negative and B negative blood, according to the Red Cross. Church officials said the drive is intended to help maintain hospital supplies and give residents an opportunity to support patients in need. Appointments may be made by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, visiting RedCross-
Blood.org or contacting the church at 732946-8821 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Holmdel Community United Church of Christ traces its roots to the 1660s and is among Monmouth County’s oldest congregations. Its historic campus includes Tiffany stained-glass windows and a church building that was reportedly occupied by British soldiers during the Battle of Monmouth. For additional information, contact Sylvia Allen at 732-241-1144 or sylvia.allen@ allenconsulting.com.
Portable Climbing Wall Coming To Shark River Park
WALL – Visitors can test their climbing skills on the Monmouth County Park System’s 25-foot portable wall from noon to 3 p.m. August 23 at Shark River Park. The free Climb Time program is open to
ages 8 and older. Climbers must be at least 42 inches tall, and participants younger than 18 must attend with an adult. For more information, visit MonmouthCountyParks.com or call 732-842-4000.
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The Howell Times, August 22, 2026, Page 9
Around The Jersey Shore Leadership Program Focuses On Workplace Communication
NEPTUNE – The Jersey Shore Association for Human Resources will present “The Seven Professional Languages of Leadership” on September 10 at Jumping Brook Country Club, 210 Jumping Brook Road. Networking and breakfast will begin at 8 a.m., followed by announcements at 8:30 a.m. and the program at 9 a.m. The event is open to the public.
Andre Young, an author, professional speaker and leadership trainer with You Evolving Now LLC, will discuss seven communication styles leaders can use to influence, motivate and connect with employees. Organizers said understanding a person’s preferred professional language can help leaders build stronger teams and improve workplace performance.
Registration costs $40 for members, $55 for nonmembers and $30 for first-time guests and those in transition. Registration is available at jsahr.shrm.org/events. The program is pending one SHRM professional development credit and one Human Resource Certification Institute recertification credit. BSI Corporate Benefits is sponsoring the event.
YOUR AD COULD BE SEEN IN PRINT & ONLINE! CALL 732-657-7344 TO LEARN MORE!
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Photo Of The Week
A beautiful sunrise lights up the beach in Mantoloking in this photo by Donald S. Keenan. Want to see your photo featured here — and possibly win tickets to Six Flags Great Adventure? Email your favorite Jersey Shore pictures to photos@ jerseyshoreonline.com for a chance to be featured.
Historic House Welcomes Weekend Visitors HOLMDEL – The Holmes-Hendrickson House at Holmdel Park will offer free public tours from noon to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through October 18. The historic property is listed on the
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Here’s To Your Health
Dear Phar Pharmacist macist
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Inside The Law “I Felt Fine At The Scene”
Michael J. Deem, Esq.
By: Michael J. Deem, Esq. R.C. Shea & Associates
Why You Can’t Think Straight When You’re Under Extreme Stress By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph. If you’ve ever walked into a room and forgotten why you went there, misplaced your phone while holding it, or stared at a simple email and thought, I cannot deal with this right now, stress may be partly to blame. I understood this intellectually for decades. I’m a pharmacist. I’ve written countless articles about cortisol, adrenaline, sleep, and the nervous system. Then I lost my 33-year-old son, Michael, unexpectedly. Suddenly, the science became personal. I’ve noticed that things that normally take me five minutes can take 30. I forget what I was about to do. Decisions feel harder. Sometimes I reread something three times before it registers. There’s a biological reason for this. When your brain perceives a serious threat or overwhelming emotional event, it shifts resources toward survival. Your sympathetic nervous system - the “fight or flight” system - becomes more active. Adrenaline rises quickly. Cortisol follows and can remain elevated when stress continues. That’s incredibly useful if you need to escape danger. It’s not particularly helpful when you’re trying to remember a password, answer emails or something else. It’s happening because your brain changes priorities. During intense stress, the prefrontal cortex can become less efficient. That’s the part of your brain heavily involved in planning, concentration, decision-making, and working memory. Meanwhile, the amygdala, which helps detect threats and emotionally significant information, becomes more influential. In plain English, your brain temporarily prioritizes survival over spreadsheets. This helps explain why people experiencing
grief, caregiving stress, divorce, trauma, illness or other major life upheavals sometimes say, “I don’t feel like myself.” Sleep disruption makes matters worse. Even if you’re spending enough hours in bed, stress can fragment sleep and leave you less restored the next morning and more irritable. Then there’s nutrition. During periods of intense stress, we often lose our appetite. Others may stress eat. Dehydration and skipped meals can add another layer of fatigue and mental fog. Don’t expect peak performance. For me I can normally get a hundred things done in one day and am proud that. Right now I’m satisfied if I can complete four or five simple tasks a day. I know in time that will change. But right now, time moves slowly. If you’re going through something difficult, simplify wherever possible. And if you make a mistake or forget something obvious, give yourself some grace. There are also situations when cognitive changes shouldn’t simply be blamed on stress. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, facial drooping, weakness, severe headache or other abrupt neurological symptoms require immediate medical attention. Persistent memory problems also deserve a conversation with your healthcare provider. For most of us going through an extraordinarily difficult season, however, brain fog can simply be one more way the body responds to overload. I’ve spent my career teaching people that the brain and body aren’t separate entities. What happens emotionally will affect us physically. I knew that before. I just understand it more completely now. For a deeper look at how intense stress affects your brain, and a couple of practical ways to help yourself through it, read the expanded version at suzycohen.com.
(This information is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Suzy Cohen is the author of “The 24-Hour Pharmacist” and “Real Solutions.” For more information, visit www.SuzyCohen.com) ©2026 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.
The most common thing people tell us about the day of the crash is that they turned down the ambulance. They were standing. They were talking. A police officer asked if they needed medical attention and they said no, because at that moment it was true. Adrenaline is doing exactly what it evolved to do: get you out of danger and worry about the damage later. Later turns out to be Tuesday. Tuesday is when you can’t turn your head to back out of the d r iveway. Wednesday your thumb is numb and you have no idea why. By the weekend you’re sleeping in a recliner because lying flat makes your neck feel like it’s on fire. None of that is unusual. Soft tissue injuries, disc injuries, and concussions frequently announce themselves days after the impact, and any emergency room physician will tell you so. But there’s a gap between what doctors know and what the rest of us assume, and that gap causes real harm to injured people. An insurance adjuster reads “refused medical treatment at scene” and builds a file around it. So does a juror, sometimes, sit-
ting in a Toms River courtroom and quietly deciding the plaintiff is exaggerating. If you’re reading this and nothing has happened to you, this is the part worth keeping: getting checked out is not an admission that you’re hurt badly. It’s a record of the truth, made while the truth is still fresh. And if something already happened, and you said you were fine, and now you’re not fine, you haven’t ruined anything. Go see a doctor. Explain when the pain started and why you didn’t take an ambulance to the hospital. Honest timelines hold up. It’s the unexplained ones that don’t. If you were in a crash, told everyone you were fine, and now you’re not, call us. The conversation costs nothing and obligates you to nothing. We’ll give you a straight answer about whether you have a case worth pursuing, including when the answer is that you don’t. (732) 505-1212. Michael J. Deem, Esq. is Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Civil Trial Attorney.
Our clients’ success is our greatest reward. 732-505-1212 • RCSHEA.COM
Golf Outing To Support Foster Care Community
MANALAPAN – New Jersey Angels will hold its annual golf outing August 31 at Battleground Country Club to support children, young adults and families experiencing foster care. The event will combine a day of golf with fundraising activities, including the organization’s Bottle Bonanza and opportunities to win prizes.
Proceeds from registrations, sponsorships and donations will support New Jersey Angels programs such as Love Box and Dare to Dream, which provide ongoing assistance and mentorship to members of the foster care community. Registration and additional information are available at newjerseyangels.org/ golfouting.
Ricky Martin To Perform At Hard Rock Live
ATLANTIC CITY – Ricky Martin will perform at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City at 8 p.m. October 16. Tickets are on sale through HardRockHotelAtlanticCity.com. The concert schedule is subject to change. Martin has sold more than 95 million albums worldwide and earned two Grammy
Awards, four Latin Grammys, 14 Premio Lo Nuestro Awards, 12 Latin Billboard Awards, nine World Music Awards and two American Music Awards. The Puerto Rico-born performer first gained prominence as a member of Menudo before beginning his solo career in 1991. His best-known songs include “María” and “La Copa de la Vida.”
The Howell Times welcomes your special announcements! Engagements, Weddings, Births, Birthday Wishes, etc. Please call 732-657-7344 for more details!
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Page 12, The Howell Times, August 22, 2026
Fulfill Adds Three Members To Board Of Trustees
NEPTUNE – Fulfill has appointed John Salata, Stephanie Taylor Ayers and Nancy Riordan to its Board of Trustees as the organization expands efforts to combat hunger in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Board Chair Susan Kyrillos said the new trustees bring experience in finance, corporate leadership, education and community service that will help Fulfill respond to growing and changing food assistance needs. The organization works with community partners on food distribution, advocacy, benefits enrollment, workforce development and programs designed to improve long-term stability. Salata retired from Deloitte LLP in 2024 after more than 40 years in financial, governance and strategic leadership roles. His experience includes financial management, mergers and acquisitions, technology implementation and corporate governance, along with service on Deloitte’s U.S. and global boards. Stephanie Taylor Ayers held leadership
Photos courtesy Fulfill
John Salata, Nancy Riordan and Stephanie Taylor Ayers. roles at Verizon Communications, where she worked in telecommunications, product development and operations. She also volunteers with Fulfill’s Audit Committee and Mobile Pantry and assists with community
dinners at Pilgrim Baptist Church. Riordan is a retired educator, former Brielle Board of Education member and longtime business owner. Her work included grant-funded education initiatives, school
improvement programs and development of an award-winning district nutrition policy. Fulfill officials said all three trustees share the organization’s goal of ensuring reliable access to nutritious food.
Performing Arts Academy Opens Fall Registration
MANASQUAN – Registration is open for Algonquin Arts Theatre’s Fall 2026 Performing Arts Academy, a 10-week program offering 12 classes for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Classes begin September 9, with additional
sessions starting the week of September 14. Offerings include musical theater, acting and improvisation, choreography, singing, stage combat, puppetry, storytelling and theater-based gaming. Programs are divided by age and grade
level, with options including Musical Theatre, Storybook Theatre, Shakespeare Unleashed: Stage Combat, Musical Theatre: Choreography, Acting & Improv, Just Role with It: Theatre in Gaming, Props & Puppetry, Contemporary Musical Theatre
and Singing for the Stage. Tuition is $200 per class. Classes meet once a week for 10 weeks, and space is limited. Registration and schedule information are available at AlgonquinArts.org/classes.php?s=23.
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The Howell Times, August 22, 2026, Page 13
CLASSIFIEDS Other
Help Wanted
Services
Enough Bull! - Socialist Governors Sherrill, Hochul, give us a break on gasoline and diesel gas taxes now! Albert DeJesus, 732-533-8027. (40)
Certified Home Health Aides Needed for Ocean County area. Hourly and live-in positions avail. P/T and F/T. Call CCC at 732-206-1047. (t/n)
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For Rent
Seaside Heights Studio Apartment - $1,350 monthly. Security deposit, utilities included. Non smoker. No pets. Call 732-657-7850. (39)
Auto For Sale
'79 Corvette and Top - V8, A u t o . 8 8 , 0 0 0 m i l e s . Te a l . Blue interior. Excellent condition. Must sell. Asking $12,500. 732-597-6176. (39)
Items Wanted $$$ WANTED TO BUY $$$ Jewelry and watches, costume jewelry, sterling silver, silverplate, medals, military items, antiques, musical instruments, pottery, fine art, photographs, paintings, statues, old coins, vintage toys and dolls, rugs, old pens and postcards, clocks, furniture, bric-a-brac, select china and crystal patterns. Cash paid. Over 35 years experience. Call Gary Struncius. 732849-6068 (new number). (t/n) 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) JScott Firearms FFL dealer appraising and purchasing firearms from estates or individuals. No obligation. Discreet, fair offers. Call 215-595-5480 (38) Cash - Top dollar, paid for junk, cars running and nonrunning, late model salvage, cars and trucks, etc. 732-928-3713. (t/n) Entire Estates Bought - Bedroom/dining sets, dressers, cedar chests, wardrobes, secretaries, pre-1950 wooden furniture, older glassware, oriental rugs, paintings, bronzes, silver, bric-a-brac. Call Jason at 609-970-4806. (t/n) U s e d G u n s Wa n t e d - A l l types: collectibles, military, etc. Call 917-681-6809. (t/n)
Magnolia Gardens Assisted Living is hiring a full and part time Dietary Aide. If interested, please email resume to HR@magnoliatr.com or call us at 732-557-6500. You can also visit us in person at 1935 Route 9 Toms River 08755. (38) H VA C I n s t a l l e r / Te c h n i cian 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) Laundromat Attendant - For FT/ PT Good communication skills, math and min computer knowledge. Transportation needed. Long term commitment only. 732-286-1863. (t/n) Magnolia Gardens Assisted Living is hiring a full time cook. If interested, please email resume to HR@magnoliatr.com or call us at 732-557-6500. You can also visit us in person at 1935 Route 9 Toms river 08755. (38)
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) APlus Home Improvements Quality work. Fair prices. Renovations, custom decks, painting, repairs and more. No job too small, give us a call. 908-278-1322. (36) Astro Appliance Sales and Service Moved to new location. Around for 40 years. Call 609-971-9318. (37)
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)
MASON - All Types Of Mason Work. Steps & porches, patios, walks. CALL KEN 908-964-7526. (40)
Help Wanted
Cleaning, Organizing, Errands - For seniors. 732-773-7789. (37)
Custodian Position - PT, 20 hours weekly @SRP Westerly Clubhouse. $15.92 per hour. Interested? Call Diance Dillon 732-818-9072. (36)
Lisa Cleaning - I have my own supplies. Reliable. Dependable. Please call 732-581-0409. (37)
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 Caregiver Experience 30 years. NJ Driver's License. Have own car. Doctor Appointments, laundry and light cleaning. 732-439-9765 Zeina. References available. (31)
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DO YOU WANT YOUR CAR TO LOOK GOOD AND SHINE? Call Lenny, Lenny's Mobile Auto Detailing 908-868-4609. (36) Handyman Service - Carpentry, masonry, repairs, painting. 732-6743346. License #13VH03469200. (41) 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)
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Page 14, The Howell Times, August 22, 2026
FUN & GAMES SUDOKU
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Across 1 Groundbreaking 5 Nae sayer 9 Hosp. area 14 Do-re-mi 16 Beard dye in some cultures 17 Boiling point? 18 Tore 19 Vouch for 20 __ rock 21 Enduring style? 24 Shared surname in cinema 25 Red __ 26 Extended time off, briefly 27 Checkpoint container 28 Tony Gwynn’s “The __ of Hitting” 29 “Mental Illness” Grammy winner 30 “Genius!” 35 “Calm down” 36 Coldwater breed
that originated in Niigata, Japan 37 Funds to supplement HDHPs 38 Spots 39 Sloth, for one 40 Oreo __ cake 42 French Laundry offering 45 Tibetan singing __ 46 Over the line, in a way 51 Monk who won the 2017 Jerry West Award 52 Window on the house 53 Cut off 54 Seasonal salutation 55 Elizabeth of “Love & Death” 56 Extra social media accounts, casually 57 Likely to root around in someone else’s medicine cabinet
Down 1 Spanish pronoun 2 Soft drink option 3 B-school entry req. 4 Bind 5 Finalize 6 Part of many a linen blend 7 Simmering 8 “Sweeney Agonistes” monogram 9 Musical sentence 10 Get a hold of 11 Whole food? 12 Arnold Palmer ratio 13 Stuff 15 “__ in Chemistry”: Bonnie Garmus novel 20 Crimean resort 22 Food 23 Gran 24 Eugene or Gary 27 Low points of some performances 28 “Midsommar” filmmaker Aster
29 Air drops? 30 Udder part 31 Whooped it up 32 Zoë who won a Pulitzer Prize for the 1935 play “The Old Maid” 33 Mallet target 34 Hip-strengthening exercises 39 __ tofu 40 Loss 41 Gathers 43 Jute binder 44 Mushroom hunter’s prize 47 1979 revolution site 48 Critter on some pj’s 49 Brunches, say 50 Crush it, informally 51 Eponym of a tunic suit 52 Vax overseer
(c)2026 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.
SOLUTIONS
SU DOK U
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Jumble: ADAGE CAMEO GENIUS HOTTER -- TARGET AUDIENCE
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The Howell Times, August 22, 2026, Page 15
OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FOR THE WEEK OF AUGUST 22 - 28 BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS FORECAST ARIES (March 21-April 19): It’s easy to get anxieties ramped up if you follow disturbing or upsetting content online — often that’s the intended outcome. In the same way you choose your food, be intentional about what you consume online. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Breakthroughs could occur in the way you accomplish your daily tasks, once a discovery is made you might wonder why it never merged before. Prepare if it’s possible, otherwise release the worry. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Someone could be very childish and insistent without much reason, but the situation could segue surprisingly into an extremely logical outcome. A creative solution or artistic inspiration could push itself forward. CANCER (June 21-July 22): While financial concerns should always be addressed, get emotions released and clarity in place before you make final decisions. A neat and satisfying improvement in your living space could emerge. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Underlying anxiety could be more visible than usual for a couple of days, and you don’t need to feel ashamed — it’s just part of the human condition. Deep insights could help you knit up mind and heart. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Utilize today’s opportunity to understand your deeply held beliefs around money and abundance. Your subconscious assumptions and limitations affect
your ability to manifest prosperity. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Social anxiety could be a thing for a few days. Whether its feelings of awkwardness or fears of rejection, getting triggered is a golden opportunity to understand and release old beliefs or fears. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): A big insight could drop that could be life-changing, and your personal evolution is what will, over time, deliver your dreams. A career matter could be more worrisome than actually problematic. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Consider doing more networking or building a new alliance. Philosophically, consider that if you don’t acknowledge your fears, they emerge out of your shadow as self-sabotage. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Worries could beset someone you’re trying to collaborate with now, give them a day or two to get balanced out. While logic might have driven career matters yesterday, emotion could drive them today. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Have a conversation with someone close that could lay your fears, or theirs, to rest. Today brings an excellent opening to address the issue. Consider online privacy and discretion. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Both lack of clarity and anxiety combine into making this a poor day for financial decisions or agreements, then Universal stars begin to slide into darkness. Wait until Thursday or Friday for better results.
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VEGETABLE AVOCADO SALSA AND MARGARITAS, A SPLENDID SUMMER COMBINATION Diane Rossen Worthington Salsas are an indispensable taste enhancer. They provide an enormous amount of flavor and an appealing texture. It’s amazing how so few calories can heighten the flavor of simple grilled or roasted dishes. This cross between a spicy vegetable salsa and a traditional guacamole shows that sometimes the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Carrots, sweet bell peppers, raw corn and diced avocado are added to a simple tomato salsa. While I Carrots, sweet bell peppers, raw corn and diced avusually serve it with ocado are added to the simple tomato salsa. CREDcrisp warm tortilla IT:(Maura McEvoy/TCA). chips, you can also serve it on the side of grilled chicken, Salt and freshly ground black pepper beef or fish or even add some cooked 1 medium avocado, peeled and cut into chopped shrimp or crab meat for a 1/2-inch pieces more substantial salsa. Don’t forget to Extra cilantro leaves, for garnish pair this with my margarita recipe — a wonderful way to beat the heat and 1. Combine all the ingredients except the avocado in a medium mixing bowl. enjoy this no-cook snack. Refrigerate for an hour. 2. Spoon into a serving bowl. Right before serving, add the avocado and Makes about 4 cups Notes: Regulate the hotness by the taste for seasoning. Garnish with cilantnumber of chilies included. When work- ro leaves and serve with tortilla chips. ing with chilies, always wear rubber Advance preparation: The salsa may gloves. Wash the cutting surface and be prepared up to four hours ahead knife immediately afterward. If you like through Step 1, covered well and kept a more rustic salsa, don’t bother to peel in the refrigerator. and seed the tomatoes. DIANE’S MARGARITA 2 large tomatoes (about 1 pound), Serves 1 and multiply as needed peeled, seeded, and finely diced 1/2 medium sweet red pepper, diced 1 1/2 ounces good quality tequila 1 ounce lime juice (about 1/2 cup) 1/2 medium sweet yellow pepper, diced 1 ounce Cointreau or Triple Sec Crushed ice (about 1/2 cup) 1 large carrot, peeled and diced (about 1. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake to combine. You can 3/4 cup) 1/2 cup corn kernels (about 1 medium also blend in a blender for a foamier drink. If you like, add pureed fruit like ear) 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro strawberries, peaches or honeydew 2 tablespoons finely chopped Italian melon. 2. To serve this drink, first dip the rim parsley 1 jalapeno chile, seeded and finely of a balloon glass or margarita glass in fresh lime juice, then swirl it in coarse chopped 2 tablespoons fresh lemon or lime juice salt.
VEGETABLE AVOCADO SALSA
(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.
Page 16, The Howell Times, August 22, 2026
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