The HOWELL Times
Vol. 24 - No. 12
In This Week’s Edition
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Fundraising Run Provides Contact For People In Need
BREAKING NEWS @
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Community News Pages 6-7
Dear Pharmacist Page 11
Inside The Law Page 11
Classifieds Page 13
Photo courtesy Contact Runners raised money for a 24-hour help line people can call for suicide prevention. By Chris Lundy HOWELL – Runners and walkers came out to support an organization that makes sure there is always someone there when you reach out for help. Contact of Ocean and Monmouth Counties held their 5K Run and Walk at Howell High School recently. The proceeds go toward providing a suicide prevention and crisis 24-hour phone line. The organization hit a milestone 50th year in operation in 2025.
The phone line, 732-240-6100, is answered by people trained to offer information, refer people to services, or simply provide a person to talk to. The nonprofit also provides telephone reassurance through the Ocean County Department of Senior Services. Executive director Kim Bessler Santora said that this fundraiser has evolved over its 13 years in existence. The event has been always dedicated to those loved and lost: William Bruno, Jake Bukowiec, (Fundraising Run - See Page 2)
Student’s Research Could Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions By Chris Lundy JERSEY SHORE – A high school student has an idea: whether biotechnology can help reduce harmful greenhouse gases right in our own back yard. A rising junior, Alexandra Kanterezhi-Gatto’s laboratory is Cattus Island County Park. The park spans acres and acres of a lush ecosystem on the Barnegat Bay. The wetlands filter water, store carbon and help protect the coast-
line, while providing habitat for fish, birds, reptiles, insects and more. She is investigating whether a specially designed peptide could inf luence the natural microbial activity occurring in marsh sediments and potentially reduce methane production. Organic material is broken down by different microbes. These microbes are all competing for the same resources. Whichever ones (Research - See Page 2)
Photo courtesy Alexandra Kanterezhi-Gatto Alexandra Kanterezhi-Gatto is developing an independent research project focused on methane emissions and the health of New Jersey’s tidal marshes.
August 29, 2026
AI Data Centers Banned
By J.R. Warnet HOWELL – The Township Council voted unanimously to block data centers from being constructed within the city limits. The ordinance was adopted toward the end of a recent meeting. This ordinance was originally introduced at a previous council meeting on July 14. Ordinances like these have become a hot topic as of late. Many cities across the state, and country in general, have been writing ordinances like these to ban the building of major data centers. Critics of data centers note how much energy and water they use, mostly for artificial intelligence, which has yet to create a profit. “It really came down to the quality of life,” said Councilman Mike Wrubel. “It came down to the energy and water usage. It came down to the risk versus reward…does it outweigh the risk of creating this large facility that’s going to pull excess power from the grid. That’s going to create resource issues. That’s not something we’re interested in.” Wruble went on to explain the differences with data centers. “The intent was always to ban AI hyper-scale data centers,” he said. “They’re the big AI data centers you see on TV; a million square feet, a 100 megawatt plus… Because the climate for the data centers is changing so quickly; the specifications around these things, on how they’re built, we had to lump in all data centers into this prohibition.” “It’s going to take more time to try and define and breakout those different data centers,” said Wrubel. Enterprise data centers, like the ones that house routers and other IT devices, are small and usually owned by a small company. These types of data centers are usually run in a smaller setting such as a closet or a room in a building. Hyperscale data centers, like the ones operated by Google Cloud and Amazon Web Services, can range over 50,000 square feet. There are different types of data centers, all with various size, energy use, and carbon footprints. Wrubel said the council doesn’t want to be overly restrictive when it comes to data centers in general. “This ordinance was more or less a stop gap,” he said. “There’s a very big difference between an AI hyperscale data center - 100 acres, huge, effects the entire town - versus some of these (Data Centers - See Page 9)
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Research:
Continued From Page 1 are successful impacts what compounds are produced by the material breaking down. Alexandra’s research asks whether she can influence part of that process without disrupting the ecosystem itself. “Methane receives far less public attention than carbon dioxide, yet it traps more than 80 times as much heat over the short term,” she said. “Healthy salt marshes naturally store carbon, filter water, and protect our coastline, but rising sea levels and warming temperatures are changing the microbial communities beneath the surface. I want to investigate whether biotechnology can work alongside these natural biological processes to help keep these ecosystems healthy.” Alexandra will collect sediment from the Cattus Island salt marsh in six custom-built containers that will allow her to recreate conditions under controlled settings. She will then introduce a synthetic peptide to see if it can strengthen electron-transfer pathways in the marsh. The idea is to see if it could encourage iron-reducing bacteria
Fundraising Run: Continued From Page 1
John Bukowiec, Jr., Jared Crippen, Kevin Glass, Connor Mahan, Brian McDonough, Bubba O’Reilly, Walter Reitsma, and Bill Whittaker.
to compete better against methane-producing microbes. This would potentially reduce methane emissions in a relatively natural way.
A Family Connection Alexandra is searching for a way to protect the future of the environment after being taught to respect it in her past. Her grandmother, Pamela, was one of her closest mentors. She introduced Alexandra to gardening, encouraged her curiosity about the natural world and taught her about the environmental problems facing
How To Help Alexandra has developed the project independently with guidance from scientific mentors and extensive review of primary scientific literature. Because the research requires specialized biotechnology equipment, peptide synthesis, environmental monitoring instruments, and laboratory materials beyond what is typically available to an individual high school researcher, she launched a crowdfunding campaign through Experiment.com to help make the project possible. As of press time, the campaign has raised just over $2,000 toward its $3,800 goal. With the campaign entering its final days,
Alexandra is still working to close the remaining gap. For her, community support means more than simply paying for laboratory supplies. It means allowing a local student to ask a question about a local ecosystem - and actually giving her the chance to find out whether her idea works. She hopes that the project can eventually contribute to a larger conversation about how communities protect wetlands, preserve biodiversity and respond to climate change. Those interested in supporting the research or following its progress can visit experiment.com/restoringmarshes. Supporters receive regular updates as the project progresses from field collection through laboratory experimentation and data analysis. “My goal is to show that meaningful scientific research can begin right here in our own community,” Alexandra said. “With the support of Ocean County residents, I hope this project can contribute to a better understanding of how we can protect the wetlands that make Barnegat Bay and the Jersey Shore such extraordinary places to live.”
There was a memorial spot for those who inspired the run, and there was also a place where people could add names of people they were running for. “We expanded it so that people can run in memory of anyone they want to remember,” Santora said.
She thanked race director Pete Bruno who started this event and has organized it every year. “He does a fantastic job and we couldn’t do it without him.” She also thanked the local school district because the race begins and ends at Howell High School. This helps kids become fa-
miliar with Contact, which is helpful since the teen years are such an important time in someone’s life. “We do get a lot of kids participate, either as a volunteer or to run,” she said. “It’s a somber event but also a celebration of lives lost,” she said.
Further Impact Although Alexandra’s experiment focuses mostly on methane, it could lead to greater understanding of the marsh habitat. A healthier and more productive marsh can support the larger environmental system around it, from the microorganisms in its sediment to the animals that depend on that habitat. “All of these things are connected,” she said. “The marsh isn’t just one thing. It’s an entire world of life.”
the planet. Before she passed away, Alexandra says her grandmother left her with a simple mission: find ways to protect the planet. That mission has stayed with her. “Every flower I smell, every garden trip I take, and every smile I see, I think of her,” she said. “I want to accomplish what her last words for me were - to reach my dreams no matter what it took.”
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OPINIONS & COMMENTARY EDITORIAL Make Your Voice Heard, Show Up To Your Community Government Meetings
We are seeing more and more how important it is to speak out and provide your voice and opinion about what is going on around the world, country, state and your municipality. Do research. Ask questions. Offer solutions to problems. Express concerns for the topics that are most important to you and your family. We are lucky to be able to have a say in our government and we should all take advantage of that right. For example, the New Jersey Department of Transportation recently dropped their suggestions on twoway travel on Route 35 North and South, a yearround speed reduction and back-in parking within Lavallette and Ortley Beach following two very well attended hearings in July that featured huge crowds and loud yet polite voices of why those suggestions wouldn’t work.
That message was heard loud and clear. While the recommendations to reduce vehicle and bicycle accidents were well intended, locals knew better that it would have been a disaster if implemented. The NJDOT is now going back to the drawing board on other means to do that such as improved signage, education etc. Likewise, residents in Jackson are clearly letting their voices be heard during Township Council meetings which have grown tremendously during the year and may even result in moving a future meeting to a school auditorium to accommodate the turnout. Some of it may be driven by an important election year but many residents have also simply seen enough to know that they need to become involved in the process of decision making. One meeting not only featured criticism toward the administration and council it also included one speaker
who used their individual five minutes at the microphone by doing a chant and breakdance while another speaker later directed a song of protest toward the mayor. This was done to remind residents that no matter where you live, you need to participate in the process and become knowledgeable about how government works. Being disgusted and angry isn’t enough. Keeping a cool head, concise message and strong focus on the issue you wish to address is important. Drifting off into name calling, accusations and snarky remarks never help your case. Keep that in mind when you walk up to the microphone during a public comment period. Manchester residents showed up in force during a recent council meeting. They not only filled seats they spoke during the public comment period and brought signs that backed up their position that they were opposed to data centers coming into
the community. Council President Michele Zolezi responded with a calm tone, facts and she was able to provide an update that put the audience more at ease although clearly, the public will be watching to see what happens next. Toms River Township Council meetings have also seen large turnouts for a few years now. Many of their meetings have been combative with exchanges between public officials and angry residents. Quite similar to the environment in Jackson but hopefully, cooler heads on both sides of the dais will eventually develop a dialogue where information, ideas and concerns can be exchanged without anyone being removed from the room or a public official storming out of the room. It is important for residents to attend council meetings, Board of Education meetings, Ocean County Board of Commissioners meetings,
Planning Board and Zoning Board meetings. Officials do take notice when their constituents are visibly present at meetings. It beats a petition (although those are important too) or an email/letter or for certain municipalities, like Stafford, Lacey, Toms River, Brick, Jackson and Plumsted, watching it online at home. That said, at least a virtual audience is better than not being able to make it at all but being in a seat at town hall shows your direct interest. Make your voice heard but also keep an open mind to learning how your local government works. Sometimes there are reasons why things you’d think were logical don’t happen. It often involves the authority that a particular governing body has and the regulations. It is also important though to question your elected officials. Don’t feel foolish asking any question that is on your mind whether it be a pointed question on municipal, school
district or county spending right up to what happened to the podium that you used during the public comment period and is now missing. You are a taxpayer. Your questions are valid and most likely, others in your community want to know the answers as well. Granted the ultimate voice you have is exercising your right to vote come November 3 and you should never miss that opportunity no matter whether you vote by mail or in person. Beyond that, make sure you stop by a meeting of your community’s governing body. Become more familiar with the public officials at the dais whether you voted for them or not. The issues they are discussing and voting on are important so don’t be shy if you have a question or three about what they are doing. Your voice matters!
it as kangaroo hearing. An attorney that received this letter on March 30,2026 refused to sign and return the receipt to the send. I believe this attorney should have federal charges brought against him for tampering with United States mail. Or even the mail person who delivered the mail and did not get receipt signed and returned. I allege there was no mention of me at either the open or closed-door session, other than a council vote about my removal during the open session. As of April 26th, 2026. I have not received the requested tapes, prompting the question of whether the withholding of these tapes was ordered by the shadow mayor. Witnesses were called whom I have never heard of in my fifteen years at town hall. Another issue is alleged double dipping: it is questioned whether the attorney for the hearing, who is also listed on the township rolls, is being paid twice - once for the hear-
ing and once as department head. These circumstances suggest possible conflicts of interest, conduct unbecoming, or even collusion. Zoning Board of Adjustment Conflict: I believe the Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting held on March 25, 2026, involved a definite conflict of interest. 1. This case should have been assigned to another district. 2. The mayor’s full-time job is as a loan officer, which may involve dealings with developers and individuals. 3. The applicant’s son is vice chairman of the board, potentially exerting major influence within the board - even if he recused himself from the application. Call for Investigation: How deep do we need to go and uncover such workings now?
Bob Vosseller Assistant News Editor
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR A Solution To The Housing Shortage Hello Governor Sherrill, Concerning your solution to the housing shortage in New Jersey: Please let me make a suggestion as a partial solution before you blanket our small state with numerous housing develop-
ments. As there are approximately half a million illegal people in New Jersey you should work with the federal government first to move them out and send them back home. This will surely reduce the number of new homes needed resulting in less crowding, less burden on us, New Jersey residents.
WE WELCOME LETTERS TO THE EDITOR! The Howell 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.
Thank you, Kenneth Peterson Manchester
Berkeley Bomb Shell
On Monday, March 30, 2026, while on my way to meet the mayor, I passed the breakroom on the second floor of town hall. In that moment, I allegedly overheard two employees discussing the clerk who had destroyed public property - specifically, the Berkeley Times edition dated March 28, 2026. This individual is the same person mentioned in my editorial. Page 14 of the township handbook states, “Theft of property from co-workers, patrons, or the agency” is cause for dismissal, with the agency in this case being the Berkeley Times. Despite this clear policy, the employee in question is still employed. The Berkeley Times delivers to town hall weekly and published my editorial.
Given these circumstances, either the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) or the State Attorney General should investigate the actions of this and earlier administrations. Town hall is equipped with video surveillance, and the relevant tapes should be reviewed. However, there is a concern that the tapes may have been destroyed to cover up the incident. This raises the question of whether the clerk is being protected by a “shadow mayor.” Township Hearing and Allegations of Impropriety: A hearing was scheduled by the township on March 24, 2026, to discuss my removal. The lead attorney assigned to oversee the hearing was sending emails throughout the day, including communications with potential witnesses. I sent a registered letter with return receipt for the tapes under OPRA for both the open and closed-door sessions, which I did not attend because I viewed
Ed Gudaitis Ex-Zoning Board Appointed Secretary for 15 years, Berkeley
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Spotlight On Government Correspondence & Commentary From Your Local, County, State & Federal Officials
Clinician Locator, $150M In Funding To Fight Lyme Disease From The Desk Of
Congressman
Chris Smith WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Chris Smith (R-4th), the founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Caucus, applauded Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s announcement that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is launching a variety of new initiatives to improve patient care, enable earlier diagnoses, and accelerate research for Lyme disease. “Under President Trump and Secretary Kennedy’s bold leadership, the HHS is taking important steps towards addressing and mitigating the national public health emergency caused by Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses over the past several decades,” said Smith, whose legislation (HR 4348) to provide $150 million over five years in continued funding for Lyme disease research at the U.S.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) overwhelmingly passed the U.S. House of Representatives just last month. “I am grateful to Secretary Kennedy and President Trump for their efforts to improve the lives and outcomes of the millions of Lyme patients throughout the country, and I am glad to see that tickborne illnesses are no longer taking the back seat in the public health space. “Critically, the HHS is prioritizing early and accurate diagnoses for Lyme disease, ensuring that often-misdiagnosed patients can receive the correct treatments they need in a timely and efficient manner,” Smith continued. “The HHS’s new Lyme Clinician Locator, made possible through their partnership with the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS), will help to significantly streamline this process, enabling patients to easily search for Lyme-literate clinicians in their area with a mere click. “As Secretary Kennedy also announced, patients can use their voices and experiences
to drive science and research further by utilizing CURE ID to share which treatments have worked for them, which have not, and what is needed for the future - all directly with NIH and FDA,” stated Smith. Smith also highlighted and praised the work of the LymeX Innovation Accelerator Program (LymeX) - a public-private partnership between the HHS and the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, which funds prize competitions to advance innovation in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of Lyme disease - in developing two new FDA-approved Lyme diagnostic tools over the past two years. “LymeX plays a vital role in improving diagnostic criteria and patient outcomes for Lyme disease, which is why I have introduced legislation (HR 7482) to finally codify this groundbreaking program. In addition to permanentizing this critical initiative, my LymeX Authorization Act allocates $5 million to the HHS Secretary to carry out prize competitions to incentivize Lyme disease research,” noted Smith. For over three decades, Smith has authored numerous amendments and legislation to enhance and expand federal tick-borne disease
research, awareness, and collaboration. Smith’s HR 4348 - which passed the House with broad bipartisan backing in late July reauthorizes the TICK Act (PL 116-94) that Smith and Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) spearheaded in 2019. Smith’s new bill will allocate federal monies to the CDC’s regional Centers of Excellence and provide funding for states in regions that have an elevated risk of Lyme or other tick-borne disease outbreaks, enabling them to work in tandem with the federal government to quickly identify and address such outbreaks. As passed by the House, HR 4348 authorizes - over the course of five years - $50 million for the regional Centers of Excellence and $100 million for cooperative agreement funding between states and localities, respectively. Furthermore, in December of last year, Smith’s amendment to probe whether the Cold War-era Department of War bioweapons program ever used ticks as hosts or delivery mechanisms for biological warfare agents was included within the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which was later signed into law (PL 119-60) by President Trump.
Update And Statement On False Voting Registration Issue From The Desk Of The
Governor Mikie Sherrill TRENTON - “My Administration has continued to move aggressively to fix the error at the Motor Vehicle Commission under the previous administration, to correct our voter rolls, and to protect the voting rights of eligible New Jerseyans. I said we would conduct a thorough, complete, and fair investigation, and that is exactly what we are doing. Because that is what accountable government looks like. My commitment to the people of New Jersey is to confront this issue with the urgency it deserves, so we have strong and fair elections. “That stands in contrast to the Trump Administration and Republicans, whose only interest has been in trying to use this issue for political gain. “I am grateful to everyone who has been working around the clock on remediation efforts and reviewing our records with a fine-toothed comb, to preserve the integ-
rity of our voter rolls, and ensure that our elections remain free and fair.” Update Summary: Since July 21, when this issue was first brought to light, the Sherrill Administration has moved swiftly to review records and identify affected individuals. The Statewide Voter Registration System was briefly taken offline so the Division of Elections could copy and preserve the system and then modify the status of individuals impacted by the system error. The Administration is now sharing the figures from the review and the updates that have been made to the system below. Approximately 5,100 registered individuals have been placed in deleted status in the system, since they were only registered because of the system error and had no other registration or attestation to their eligibility to register to vote (i.e., additional transactions in the system that would bring up voter questions or request declarations on voter eligibility, such as renewing a driver’s license). These individuals have been removed from New Jersey voter rolls because they were placed on the rolls in error.
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.
Approximately 1,450 registered individuals have had their registration status changed to rejected to prevent them from voting pending additional review. They have been referred to county election officials for that review. These are individuals who were impacted by the system error but have separate voter registrations, attestations, or transactions in the system, such that further review is required to determine whether these individuals are eligible and should be registered. Everyone in this modified status will not be able to vote until their record is resolved and their eligibility is verified. As stated previously, fewer than 400 approximately 340 - of those newly registered as a result of the system error voted.
In addition, the State has identified approximately 220 individuals who were affected by the software error and voted, but who also had previous voter registration or separate attestations to eligibility that are indicative of valid registrations. The State is referring this group of people to county officials for appropriate review to ensure all eligible voters are not disenfranchised. All remaining record changes and removals will occur at the county level. The Administration has directed county officials to complete their examinations before voting begins, ensuring that ineligible individuals are removed from the voter rolls and that eligible voters are not disenfranchised. The State’s investigation into how this error occurred is ongoing.
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Community News C lub N ews , A ctivities , E vents & A nnouncements
School District Eases Metal Water Bottle Restrictions
HOWELL – Howell Township Public Schools has revised its rules for metal and stainless-steel water bottles following feedback from families, allowing students to bring the containers to school under new restrictions. Superintendent Joseph Isola announced the updated guidance in an August 20 letter to parents and guardians. The rules will take effect during the 2026-27 school year. The district previously raised concerns about metal, stainless-steel and glass beverage containers because rigid, heavy bottles could potentially be misused. Isola said officials reconsidered the earlier guidance after hearing from members of the school community while continuing to prioritize student safety. Under the revised rules, students in prekindergarten through fifth grade may bring metal or stainless-steel water bottles to school. The bottles must generally remain in the classroom or a designated cubby, though students may take them to lunch and scheduled snack periods. Students in grades six through eight must store metal water bottles in their lockers during the school day. They may retrieve the bottles for lunch but must return them to their lockers afterward.
Students participating in after-school sports or clubs may bring the containers for use during those activities. The bottles must remain in their lockers until the regular school day ends. Students riding school buses must keep metal water bottles secured inside their bookbags while traveling. The containers may not be removed or used aboard buses, where eating and drinking remain prohibited. The district encouraged families to choose bottles holding no more than 24 ounces to make them easier to store and reduce potential safety concerns. Glass beverage containers will remain prohibited in school buildings and on school buses. Disposable plastic bottles are permitted, although the district encouraged families to use reusable containers that comply with the new rules. Officials said students who use a water bottle or another object as a weapon, or in any manner that threatens someone’s safety, will face consequences under the district’s student code of conduct and Board of Education policies. The district will monitor the effectiveness of the revised policy and could restore tighter restrictions if additional safety problems arise.
Rescue Ridge Seeks Supplies, Volunteers
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HOWELL – Rescue Ridge is asking the public to donate supplies and volunteer as the nonprofit animal rescue continues caring for cats and dogs throughout the region. Founded in Spring Lake in 2001, the nokill, all-volunteer organization operates eight cat adoption centers, two dog kenneling locations and a network of foster homes. About 150 to 175 volunteers assist the group, which placed 602 cats and 207 dogs in homes in 2025. Rescue Ridge recently accepted 14 dogs from high-kill shelters and is currently at capacity for cats and kittens. Requested items include monetary donations, pet store gift cards, paper towels, high-efficiency liquid laundry detergent, industrial-size garbage bags, bleach labeled as killing 99% of germs, copy paper, stamps, medical and cleaning gloves, undamaged
towels, pet gates and cat and dog crates. The rescue is not accepting sheets or litter scoops at this time. Dog supplies needed include hard rubber toys such as Kongs, treats, beds and Merrick or Fromm wet and dry food, particularly lamb-and-rice varieties. Cat needs include Friskies or Fancy Feast wet food, clumping litter, toys, cat trees and Rescue or Simple Green cleaning products. Donations may be placed in the bin outside Highland Kennel, 1424 Maxim Southard Road, preferably from 8 a.m. to noon or 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. daily. The rescue also needs foster homes and volunteers to assist with cat care, adoptions, fundraising and events. For information about donating, volunteering or adopting, call or text 732-546-8805, email rescueridgeshelter@gmail.com or visit rescueridge.com.
Library Plans Upcoming Programs
HOWELL – The Library will offer movies, music, crafts, book discussions and fiber arts programs for adults throughout September. The schedule begins with a 1 p.m. screening of the PG-13 movie “You, Me, and Tuscany” on September 10. Adult coloring will
be held at 6:30 p.m. September 16, followed by a concert featuring Fred Lehotay and the Ragtimers at 2 p.m. September 17. Kelly’s Knitting and Crochet Group will meet at 11 a.m. September 19. The library’s book club will discuss “The Berry Pickers” by Amanda Peters at 2 p.m. September 21.
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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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Community News C lub N ews , A ctivities , E vents & A nnouncements
Monmouth County Recognizes Overdose Awareness Month
Photo courtesy Monmouth County Government The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed August 2026 as Overdose Awareness Month during a Workshop Meeting. The proclamation was presented to representatives of Prevention First Behavioral Health in Eatontown. FREEHOLD – The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed August as Overdose Awareness Month during its recent workshop meeting. The proclamation was presented to representatives of Prevention First Behavioral Health in Eatontown. Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone said the observance honors those who died from overdoses and supports families and friends affected by those losses. He emphasized that substance use disorder should be treated as an illness
without stigma. Although overdose deaths have declined, Arnone said more work remains to increase awareness, connect residents with resources and ensure people know that assistance is available. Commissioner Susan M. Kiley, liaison to the Department of Health and Human Services, said education about prevention, treatment, recovery and naloxone can save lives. She added that compassion, understanding and access to support remain vital to addressing the public health crisis.
Local Animals Ready For Adoption
MONMOUTH COUNTY – The Monmouth County SPCA has a number of pets available for adoption. Have you ever had your very own meetcute? No? Well, that’s because you haven’t met CoStar yet! He was found outdoors but wished to live in a forever home. So, roll out the red carpet – this 2-year-old boy is ready to move in! CoStar may be shy at first, but he’s very gentle after a proper introduction. All it takes is some yummy snacks and gentle pets on his cheeks and head, and before you know it, he’ll be purring and showing off! Please note, CoStar has Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. His immune system is weaker, so the most important thing is to avoid unnecessary stressors as well as other cats that are sick, since FIV+ cats are more likely to catch an illness if they are exposed to it. If you’re looking to bring home this superstar, schedule a time to meet CoStar! The MCSPCA only does adoptions in person (please bring all family members). They
Photo courtesy MCSPCA 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
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Around The Jersey Shore Monmouth County Earns Stroke Smart Recognition
Photo courtesy Monmouth County Government The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners recognized Monmouth County as a Stroke Smart Community during a Workshop Meeting. A proclamation was presented to representatives from CentraState Medical Center in Freehold Township. FREEHOLD – The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners recognized the county as a Stroke Smart Community during its recent workshop meeting. A proclamation was presented to representatives of CentraState Medical Center in Freehold. The Stroke Smart New Jersey public health initiative promotes stroke prevention, recognition of warning signs and immediate action. About 800,000 strokes occur annually in the United States, and stroke remains a leading cause of long-term disability, according to the New Jersey Stroke Coordinator Consortium.
Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone said recognizing the signs of a stroke and calling 911 quickly can make the difference between recovery and lasting disability. The county plans to work with health care professionals, first responders, schools, businesses and community organizations to increase awareness. Commissioner Susan M. Kiley, liaison to the Department of Health and Human Services, said strokes can affect anyone and residents should know how to respond. Officials are encouraging the public to share the initiative’s message: “Spot a Stroke, Stop a Stroke, Save a Life.”
Full-Time Maintenance Position Available
FREEHOLD – The Township is seeking a reliable, self-motivated individual for a full-time maintenance and cleaning position with its Buildings and Grounds Department. The employee will work 40 hours per week, from 3:30 p.m. to midnight Monday through Friday. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits, including paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, health coverage and a retirement plan. Responsibilities include cleaning and monitoring municipal buildings and grounds, completing minor maintenance, restocking
supplies, removing trash and assisting with snow removal and emergency on-call assignments. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and a valid driver’s license. Janitorial or commercial cleaning experience is preferred, and employment is subject to a criminal background check and drug screening. Applications are available at tinyurl.com/ ftemployementapp and should be emailed to Thomas Muh, director of information technology and facilities, at tmuh@twp. freehold.nj.us.
CycleNation Seeks Teams for Charity Ride
POINT PLEASANT – Cycling enthusiasts, businesses and community groups are invited to form teams for CycleNation New Jersey, a stationary-bike fundraiser benefiting heart and stroke research. The event will begin at 5 p.m. September 10 at Crest Pointe Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center, 1515 Hulse Road. Riders of all experience levels can participate while overlooking the Point Pleasant Canal and will have access to hydration stations, light
snacks and a post-ride happy hour. Advance registration is required, and minimum fundraising requirements apply to individuals and teams. Proceeds will support the American Heart Association and its American Stroke Association division. Crest Pointe, an American Heart Association Heart Failure Certified Skilled Nursing Center, will host the event. For registration information, email nnjcyclenation@heart. org or call 718-619-6147.
jerseyshoreonline.com
Data Centers: Continued From Page 1
other data centers.” Amending it will probably come before the end of the year, according to Wrubel. Data center impacts came up last year at a joint meeting of the Senate Environment and Energy Committee, and the Assembly Environment, Natural Resources, and Solid Waste Committee. Christine Guhl-Sudovy, president of the Board of Public Utilities which oversees electricity, natural gas, and other energy sources, testified that the electric grid that provides power to 13 states and the District of Columbia has increasing demands on it because of data centers. She said that of the 32 gigawatts of electricity needed in coming years, 30 of it is needed by data centers. Even if they are not in New Jersey, they are on the same grid, and therefore, New Jerseyans will be impacted by it. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, data centers consume 10 to 50 times the amount of electricity of a commercial building of the same size. At a recent Manchester Township Council meeting a vast majority of the people in the
The Howell Times, August 29, 2026, Page 9 audience were in attendance to denounce the idea of building one such center in their town. Other events at the meeting included an ordinance to acquire a parcel of land from the Department of Transportation along Route 33 near Okerson Road. The purpose of this ordinance is to preserve land, according to the council. Residents also came to the podium to address certain issues regarding realtors who are aggressively approaching homeowners to sell their homes. Several residents said the council needs to act. Issues such as rental properties and selling of homes were spoke about at the meeting. Mayor John Leggio addressed the issues brought to the council from the speakers. He said the council is there to impose the laws and ordinances, and little can be done from their perspective. Homeowners selling their homes to outside realtors who then use that home for rental purposes, has been a point of contention in Howell recently. The next Township Council meeting is scheduled for September 15. The Executive Session (which residents aren’t allowed to attend) begins at 6 p.m. with the Regular Session beginning at 7 p.m.
Clearwater Festival Returns
ASBURY PARK – New Jersey Friends of Clearwater will present its free 51st annual Clearwater Festival September 5 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Sunset Park. The family-friendly event will open Labor Day weekend with live music, food, vendors and environmental activities. The Matt O’Ree Band will headline the festival. Other scheduled performers include The Wag, The Black Ties, Poppa John Bug & The Experience, Spook Handy, Sharleen Leahey and Diane Doolittle, and Hunter and the Cold Hearts Club. Music will be offered onstage and through the festival’s Circle of Song. The celebration will also feature food and merchandise vendors, pony rides and a children’s area. Environmental organizations will
provide information about protecting natural resources and local volunteer opportunities. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets. Clean Ocean Action will serve as a co-sponsor. The organization works through research, education and advocacy to improve and protect marine waters along the New Jersey and New York coast. The festival traces its roots to folksinger and environmental advocate Pete Seeger’s 1975 visit to Sandy Hook. Food truck operators, food vendors and merchandise sellers interested in participating may contact Mike Kestin at info@MunicipalEvents.com or 908-801-6008. Information about New Jersey Friends of Clearwater and donations is available at njclearwater.org.
Irish Open Mini Golf Tournament To Benefit Parade
BELMAR – The first annual 9th Ave Irish Open charity mini golf tournament will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. September 13 at 9th Ave Pier, 905 Route 35 South. The event will benefit the Belmar St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee and feature team competition, player prizes and the presentation of an inaugural “Green Jacket” to the top finisher. An after-party will follow with live music, a complimentary buffet, cash bar, door prizes and a 50/50 raffle. Organizers said the fundraiser is intended to bring the
community together while supporting the annual parade. Registration is $200 per foursome and includes tournament entry and event T-shirts. Admission for nonplayers and guests is $25 and includes the after-party and buffet. A rain date is scheduled for September 20. Businesses and residents may also participate through $150 hole sponsorships or prize donations. Registration and additional information are available at 9thavepier. com/irish-open.
Historic Racing Stable Open At Thompson Park
LINCROFT – The Historic Racing Stable at Thompson Park will be open for free public visits from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays through Sundays until October 18. The stable is among several Monmouth County
Park System properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The site may close because of poor weather or county holidays. For more information, visit MonmouthCountyParks.com or call 732-842-4000.
jerseyshoreonline.com
Page 10, The Howell Times, August 29, 2026
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The Howell Times, August 29, 2026, Page 11
Here’s To Your Health
Dear Phar Pharmacist macist Why Stress Can Leave The Door Open To A Cold By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph. This week, I have a cold. Cough, sore throat, postnasal drip—the usual uninvited guests. My husband has it too, and so does my daughter. We’ve spent a lot of time together lately during an unusually stressful period for our family, so the simplest explanation is that one of us picked up a respiratory virus and generously shared it with the others! But it got the pharmacist in me thinking: Does significant stress make us more vulnerable to getting sick? Apparently, it can. In a fascinating study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers evaluated psychological stress in healthy volunteers and then exposed them to respiratory viruses. As stress levels increased, so did rates of infection. Stress doesn’t create a virus. You still have to encounter one. But prolonged stress can change how effectively your immune system responds once that virus shows up. During prolonged stress, cortisol and adrenaline signaling can alter the activity of T cells, natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages - immune cells involved in recognizing viruses, coordinating immune responses, and clearing infected cells. Stress can also alter cytokines, the chemical messengers immune cells use to communicate. It can dysregulate the response, increasing some inflammatory signals while making certain antiviral defenses less efficient. Add poor sleep, disrupted meals and emotional exhaustion, and you’ve created less-than-ideal conditions for recovery. Let’s talk about my very unexciting cold arsenal next I’m keeping things pretty
simple. I’ve been using loratadine once daily for the drainage and fluticasone for nasal inflammation. Cepacol numbing lozenges help when my throat gets really sore. I’m also gargling warm salt water. The basic recipe is ½ teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of warm water. Gargle and spit it out. On the nutritional side, I’ve been taking vitamin C with DHQ, Immune Script at night and Mito B during the day. Mito B gave me a niacin flush one day - warmth, redness, and tingling. Harmless for many people, but let’s just say I didn’t particularly need my vitamins adding special effects this month. Honey may soothe a cough and irritated throat (but never give honey to a baby under one). Saline nasal spray is another inexpensive option for loosening mucus. Zinc lozenges may modestly shorten a cold when started early, although zinc can cause nausea. Avoid intranasal zinc because of its association with loss of smell. Echinacea and elderberry are popular, but the evidence is mixed. Natural doesn’t automatically mean proven, or harmless. Most uncomplicated colds improve with time, fluids and rest. But seek medical attention for trouble breathing, chest pain, dehydration, persistent fever, symptoms lasting more than about 10 days without improvement, or symptoms that improve and then suddenly worsen. Want to know more? I wrote a longer version of this article with more about cortisol, postnasal drip, essential oils, herbs, OTC medications and how to know when a cough needs medical attention. Visit suzycohen.com and search for key terms like cold, flu, or cough.
(This information is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Suzy Cohen is the author of “The 24-Hour Pharmacist” and “Real Solutions.” For more information, visit www.SuzyCohen.com) ©2026 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.
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Inside The Law Memorial Day To Labor Day On Route 37
Michael J. Deem, Esq.
By: Michael J. Deem, Esq. R.C. Shea & Associates Anyone who has lived in Ocean County for more than a year knows the county has two personalities. There is the version where you can make a left onto Fischer Boulevard without thinking about it, and there is the version that starts the Friday before Memorial Day. The summer version has drivers who have never seen that intersection before. They’re looking for a street sign, or a parking spot, or the beach badge stand, and they’re doing it while the car behind them wants to go. They brake late. They turn from the wrong lane. They make three-point turns on Route 35 because they missed the house. None of this makes them bad people. A driver who is lost is a driver who is distracted, and Ocean County fills up every June with people who are, by definition, unfamiliar with the roads. What changes for the rest of us is the arithmetic. The same left turn you’ve made a thousand times now happens in traffic that behaves differently. Kids on bikes near the boardwalk move in ways that make sense to a ten-year-old and to nobody else. A car pulling out of a rental driveway at 5 p.m. in July is not the same event it was in February. The crashes we handle from June through August aren’t usually dramatic. They’re intersections. They’re rear-end collisions in stop-and-go traffic on Route 37 East.
They’re a pedestrian in a crosswalk that a visiting driver didn’t expect to be there. There’s a second thing summer changes, and most people don’t think about it until they’re in it. The other driver often lives somewhere else. The car may be a rental, or borrowed from a cousin’s house down the shore, or insured under a policy written in another state with different rules than ours. The exchange of information at the scene matters more than usual, because tracking someone down in October who was here for a week in July is harder than it sounds. Get the plate, the license, and the insurance card. Photograph all three if the other driver is agreeable, and photograph the plate regardless. • Drive the summer roads like you’re a stranger too. Leave earlier than you need to. Assume the car ahead is about to do something that makes no sense, because there’s a decent chance it is. • If a summer crash has already happened to you, call us at 732-505-1212. The conversation costs nothing and obligates you to nothing, and we’ll tell you honestly whether you have a case worth pursuing, including when you don’t. • 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
Historical Association Plans Farm To Fork
COLTS NECK – The Monmouth County Historical Association will hold its fourth annual Farm to Fork event from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. October 3 at The Barn at Laird, 164 Laird Road. The dining event will showcase locally pro-
duced food, spirits and flavors from throughout Monmouth County. The association will honor Tracey Gdanitz and Tom Taylor for their years of dedication to the organization.
jerseyshoreonline.com
Page 12, The Howell Times, August 29, 2026
Around The Jersey Shore Brookdale Receives $680,231 Grant For Teacher Training Program
LINCROFT – Brookdale Community College has received a $680,231 state grant to launch a pre-apprenticeship program aimed at preparing more people for careers in education. The funding from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s Office of Apprenticeship will sup-
port Brookdale’s new Pre-Apprenticeship in Career Education program. The initiative is intended for paraprofessionals, early childhood professionals, career changers and others interested in working in schools. Brookdale plans to enroll 75 participants during the 18-month grant period. Students will complete more than 160 hours of class-
room instruction, career-readiness training and hands-on experience in local schools, including job shadowing with experienced educators. Participants will also prepare for the Registered Behavior Technician credential, which can expand employment opportunities in special education and behavioral support.
Graduates will be positioned to enter a registered teacher apprenticeship or continue pursuing a career in education. Brookdale President David M. Stout said the program will help aspiring educators enter the profession while strengthening the pipeline of qualified teachers for local school districts.
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.
Park System Sets Fall Golf Tournaments
MONMOUTH COUNTY – The Monmouth County Park System will host two golf tournaments in September and October, with team registration available online. The Two Person Over/Under Best Ball Tournament is scheduled for September 16 at Howell Park Golf Course. Registration
costs $185 per team and includes greens fees, a power cart, range balls and boxed lunches. The Jersey Devil Tournament will be held October 17 at Charleston Springs Golf Course. The $205 team fee includes greens fees, a power cart, range balls and
Al-Anon Meetings Available Locally
boxed lunches. Registration and additional details are available at reg.monmouthcountyparks. com. For course conditions or golf-related questions, contact the individual golf centers or email info@monmouthcountyparks. com.
MONMOUTH 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.
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The Howell Times, August 29, 2026, Page 13
CLASSIFIEDS For Rent
Help Wanted
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Seaside Heights Studio Apartment - $1,350 monthly. Security deposit, utilities included. Non smoker. No pets. Call 732-657-7850. (39)
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)
PQ Painting & Home Improvement Services - Over 5 decades of service in NJ. Visit us online at pqpaintingservice.com. Winner of Angie’s List Super Service Award. Free estimates, reasonable rates, fully licensed and insured NJ Lic #13VH06752800. Call 732500-3063 or 609-356-2444. (t/n)
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Evil Wears Many Faces! - The View, CNN, AOC, Mamdani, Sanders. Socialist hypocrites! Pawns of Satan. The lowest! America! Stand with Israel. Albert DeJesus, 732-533-8027. (40)
Auto For Sale
'79 Corvette and Top - V8, Auto. 88,000 miles. Teal. Blue interior. Excellent condition. Must sell. Asking $12,500. 732-597-6176. (39) VW Passat SLE 2013 - Blue, Low 63K miles, Black Leather Interior, New Battery. $8,700. Ocean County, Cell 848-459-7957. (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) Vinyl Records Wanted - Paying cash for LP albums Rock Jazz Blues Psychedelic. Call Rick 908-616-7104. Also Buying Comic Books. (41) 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) 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 RECORDS - FOR LPs & 45s Rock/Jazz/Soul/ Blues Call Eddie 732-829-5908. For 45 & 78 RPM Doo Wop/Soul/R&B Call Bob 909-938-4623. (38)
Help Wanted 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)
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) Live-Out Caregiver - Experienced 5 years. NJ Driver License. Have own car. Have alot of experience in Personal care assistance. Medication Reminders. Meals Perparations. Light Housekeeping, Companionship. 908-309-6337 Amanda. References available. (39) 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) DO YOU WANT YOUR CAR TO LOOK GOOD AND SHINE? Call Lenny, Lenny's Mobile Auto Detailing 908-868-4609. (36) Astro Appliance Sales and Service Moved to new location. Around for 40 years. Call 609-971-9318. (37) MASON - All Types Of Mason Work. Steps & porches, patios, walks. CALL KEN 908-964-7526. (40) Cleaning, Organizing, Errands - For seniors. 732-773-7789. (37) 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)
2.
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jerseyshoreonline.com
Page 14, The Howell Times, August 29, 2026
FUN & GAMES SUDOKU
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Across 1 Bread component, casually 5 __ toast 10 Research sites 14 Ingredient in some superfood smoothies 15 Classic cookies 16 Assessment, briefly 17 Presentation on an organic flytrap? 19 Sam Cooke’s “__ Little Love” 20 Book that details the origin of Passover 21 Time with a therapist 23 Went out with 24 Presentation on how to generate chemistry when matchmaking? 26 Postpone 28 Hermana del padre 29 Part of a one-two punch 32 Had a bite 33 MSNBC host Jen
37 Presentation on hot dogs? 42 Divided Asian peninsula 43 Seemingly forever 44 Lots of noise 45 Ozs. and lbs. 47 Sacks 50 Presentation on recycling? 54 Slip past 58 “Faster!” 59 Brunch order 60 Potatoes, in South Asian cuisine 61 Presentation on the Indiana WNBA team? 64 Pixar protagonist who has one small fin and one large fin 65 Liechtenstein currency 66 Like Southern California skies during June Gloom 67 Wax-wrapped cheese 68 Gets together? 69 Corridor
Down 1 Cried like a crow 2 “Five Feet of Fury” pro wrestler Bliss 3 Unpaid worker 4 Like some intricate wedding gowns 5 Some admins 6 Make a boo-boo 7 “Da 5 Bloods” director 8 __ nova 9 Stand up for (oneself) 10 “I vote we say no” 11 “Love Sux” singer Lavigne 12 Spoonbill habitat 13 Colloquialism 18 “My man!” 22 Happy hops 24 Alien-seeking org. 25 Market ahead of time 27 Fleeting trend 29 LGA alternative 30 Not prone to infatuation, for short 31 Keep out 34 Lend a hand
35 Splash of color in a water garden 36 Lodge 38 Place where things are always breaking? 39 Forensic anthropologist/writer Reichs who inspired the TV series “Bones” 40 Diner staffer 41 Game with a spinoff called Dos 46 Packs 48 Seasonal worker 49 Santa’s transport 50 Old Scottish title 51 Was extremely sweet? 52 Bakery emanation 53 Copycat’s activity 55 Extremely 56 Window sticker 57 __ alcohol: hand sanitizer ingredient 59 Tolkien brutes 62 Many a shuttle 63 Env. insert
(c)2026 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.
SOLUTIONS
SU DOK U
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Jumble: HOUND FRUIT AFLOAT VERIFY -- LEFT IN A HUFF
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The Howell Times, August 29, 2026, Page 15
OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FOR THE WEEK OF AUG 9 - SEPT 4 BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS FORECAST ARIES (March 21-April 19): Monday is a below-zero day with below-zero odds, if you can’t do it today, Tuesday is the best day remaining in August for a meetup, launch, submission, or starting something new if your personal transits also line up. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Inner creativity or artistry could yearn to come forth, the next month could be an exciting time on a creative level. Separate those with genuine talent from those just running their game. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Focus on home for the next few weeks. When all is aligned, home can be a sanctuary and charging station to provide respite as well as building the energy to re-engage with the world. Brainstorm improvements. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Someone close could have needed skills or answers now; you might be impressed. Find worthy sources of information to expand your mind; bypass posers and those invested in ego display. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You could be of a mind to develop a financial plan — Tuesday is a much better day to launch that today or Monday. Also, you might get some pushback, be aware. Trust that you have the talent needed now. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Your artistry could be lit for a couple of days; creatives could have lots of top-level inspiration to work from. If you’ve felt invisible for a while that could change abruptly — expect more attention for the next few weeks.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Home could feel like magic now, both in the daily vibe and the way it can serve as your launch pad for greatness. Tune into this, it’s wonderful but fleeting. A cycle of growth work could set you on a higher timeline. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Even if you’re an introvert, the next month or so could find you feeling more social. It’s also a time that networking could be especially useful. Share your joys and victories with those who care. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): This isn’t the moment to make financial changes or to sign up for any kind of investment. There could be lots of glitter but little if any actual gold for the next two days at least. Focus on building career. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Your skills could be in high demand, or just the ability to teach what you know. It’s a time to expand your horizons and also to share what you’ve learned. Plant seeds to disseminate knowledge. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Tune in to your personal wins whether large or small and throw yourself a victory lap. You deserve it! Next up could be to dismantle an illusion or two that holds you back. Build up finances in the background. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Your focus could be on close relationships for the next few weeks, whether romantic or business partnerships, a housemate, or a pet. An acquaintance could seem especially impressive but keep your nonsense detector switched to ‘on.’
(c) 2026 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.
THE ULTIMATE SUMMER FRITTATA Diane Rossen Worthington
VEGETABLE SAUSAGE FRITTATA Serves 4 to 6 2 sweet Italian sausages (1/3 to 1/2 pound total) 2 hot Italian sausages (1/3 to 1/2 pound total) 12 large eggs Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 6 ounces) 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 medium shallots, finely chopped 1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, thinly sliced 2 small zucchinis, thinly sliced 1 medium garlic clove, minced 4 medium plum (Roma) tomatoes, sliced Optional garnish: 1/4 cup sour cream 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil leaves 1. In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the sausages, turning frequently until browned, about 10 minutes. Drain on paper towels and let cool. Cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices and set aside. 2. Preheat the oven to 425 F. 3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the
eggs with salt and pepper. Stir in 1 1/4 cups of the cheese. Set aside. 4. In an ovenproof nonstick 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Add the shallots and saute until softened but not brown, about 3 minutes. Add the mushrooms and saute for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the zucchini and continue cooking for 2 minutes. Add the garlic and saute for 1 minute. Arrange the sausage slices around the vegetables and season with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. 5. Pour the egg mixture over the sausages and vegetables and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned on the bottom, about 5 minutes. Arrange the sliced tomatoes around the edge of the skillet. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup cheese. 6. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until the frittata is puffed and brown, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and invert onto a plate. Invert again onto a serving platter, so the tomato border faces up. (Alternatively, serve directly from the pan.) Garnish with the sour cream and basil, if desired. Use a pizza cutter to serve. Advance preparation: Although it will be completely different in texture and taste, the frittata may also be made one day ahead, refrigerated and served at room temperature.
(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.
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