The
SOUTHERN OCEAN Times Vol. 14 - No. 9
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
Grand Old Music Celebrates America’s 250th
In This Week’s Edition
August 29, 2026
Barnegat Chooses One Of Its Own As Next Superintendent
BREAKING NEWS @
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Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Josh Toddings, a longtime Barnegat educator and administrator, has been selected as the district’s next superintendent.
Community News Pages 8-12
Dr. Izzy Sound News Page 14
Inside The Law Page 17
Classifieds Page 18
Fred Lehotay and The Ragtimers perform at the Barnegat Library. By J. R. Warnet BARNEGAT – Old time tunes filled a usually quiet library meeting room recently at the Barnegat Branch of the Ocean County Library. According to a press release from the Ocean County Library, classic ragtime favorites from the 1920s would be
performed at various library branches. This is part of a Summer Concert series hosted by the library system with live music inside a climate-controlled environment. Fred Lehotay and The Ragtimers performed with a four-piece band. The band had matching
outfits, like the performers would wear in the 1920s. “The Ragtimers have been performing old-time sentimental melodies and rousing ragtime favorites since 1968,” according to the press release. “They keep alive the music of the Roaring Twenties
Photo by J.R. Warnet and introducing new generations to music of a bygone era.” This event was billed as “Commemorating America’s 250th Birthday.” The event lasted one hour, from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m., but the band will play up to 2 hours at a clip. (Music - See Page 4)
Student’s Research Could Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions
By Chris Lundy OCEAN COUNTY – 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 coastline, while providing habitat for fish, birds, reptiles, insects and more. She is investigating whether a (Research - See Page 8)
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.
By Stephanie Faughnan BARNEGAT – Barnegat parents, staff members and residents had plenty to say about what they wanted in their next superintendent, both in conversations with the Board of Education and through survey responses. Among their hopes (Superintendent - See Page 4)
Data Device Ban Adopted
By Alyssa Lidman LITTLE EGG H A R BOR – T he Pinelands Regional Board of Education adopted the policy proh ibit i ng i nt e rnet-enabled devices on school grounds during the day. All present board members - president David Hewitt, Florence Grasso, Crystal Martin, and Stephanie Johnson - voted yes on the policy’s adoption. Board
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members Lisa Betty, Ryan Vaux, and Patty Martin were absent. There were no comments f rom board members or the public on the policy. The board introduced the policy on August 10. Policies are introduced and adopted at different meetings. Board members Betty, Grosso, Johnson, Martin, McVey, and Martin voted in favor of the introduction. (Data - See Page 7)
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Music:
Continued From Page 1 Fred Lehotay, of Jackson, spoke before the event about his long career. “The band was organized in 1968,” he said. “We’re all senior citizens in the group. We’ve been playing up and down the Jersey Shore for years.” Lehotay, the only original member of the band, said they have performed in 18 parades a year, along with playing in New York and the Christmas Parade in Long Beach Island for 35 years. They also have performed in the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade as well as the Fourth of July Parade in Staten Island. “This year we’re doing the library circuit. We’re playing in 10 different libraries this summer,” he said. “Four of them are in Ocean County.” Lehotay and The Ragtimers are no newbies to playing along the Jersey Shore. They play all sorts of venues with summertime at the shore being popular. From outdoor scenes along the glorious
Superintendent: Continued From Page 1
was finding someone who already knew the district, understood the community and was invested in its future. The board appears to have found that person without looking beyond its own
Jersey Shore to indoor meetings rooms at local libraries; the music from over 100 years ago can be enjoyed by the young and the older. “We just finished our finale in Avon, last Friday night (August 14th),” said Lehotay. “We were there for 36 summers, since 1990. We’re setting a record there.” Lehotay also said the music is family fun, and people can bring their kids to his shows. Moving around, singing and dancing is encouraged by the band during their performances. The current band lineup includes Fred Lehotay on alto saxophone and vocals, Gary Nokes on banjo and vocals, Bob Estler on guitar and vocals, and Tom Rittenhouse on keyboard. The band opened their set with the National Anthem, a long-standing set opener for the group. They then went into playing the first song, titled “Hindustan,” a 1918 American foxtrot/jazz song. Another song from the first part of the set was called “Yes Sir, That’s My Baby” from 1925. A crowd favorite came soon after with “On The Way To Cape May,”
a classic New Jersey hit. The band often switched off between slow songs and more upbeat t u nes. “Sweet Georgia Brown” came about halfway through the set, with this upbeat recognizable tune being a crowd pleaser. Right after that came a classic from Dean Martin called “You’re Nobody ‘Til Somebody Loves You.” Another popular songs from back in the day included “Puttin’ On the Ritz” from Irving Berlin. The Ragtimers then went into a military medley with songs geared toward our armed forces. The 1941 classic: “Bless ‘em all” was roused up, with “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “Over There” rounding out the military portion. Then came the patriotic segment of the performance. Songs such as: “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” “America the Beautiful,” and “You’re A Grand Old Flag” were belted out for a happy crowd. The final song of the day was “God Bless America,” thus ending the performance. These songs can be new to some, since most of the songs were written many years ago. With popular renditions being
covered by newer talents, songs from way back when can still be enjoyed by all. The patriotic section of the performance is always welcomed by any genre of music lover. Since these performances are focused on America’s 250th birthday, the last part was reserved for such songs. Lehotay said the band plays from a few different music books on one sheet music stand. Each show is different from the last with some songs being switched in and out, depending on the theme. He said the band has more shows upcoming through the Ocean County Library system. Future events include Friday, August 28 at the Toms River Library, and Wednesday, September 23 at the Long Beach Island Library. All events are free but require pre-registration through the Ocean County Library website. More information can be found at: theoceancountylibrary.org. You can also see The Ragtimers perform outside of the library circuit most of the year round. Bookings can be reserved through contacting Fred Lehotay via phone at 732-928-0603.
schools. Josh Toddings, a longtime Barnegat educator and administrator who grew up in the township, has been selected as the district’s next superintendent. Toddings is scheduled to move from his role as principal of the Russell O. Brackman School and take over the district’s top
post September 14. Toddings, 51, was the only internal candidate among a field he understood to have initially included about 20 applicants. In its August 17 announcement, the Board of Education pointed to his long tenure as one of his strengths. The board said Toddings’ 24 years in
the district provided him with “valuable insight into the day-to-day needs of our students, staff, families, and administrators.” For Toddings, knowing Barnegat appears to be as much about knowing its people as its schools. His years in the district (Superintendent - See Page 5)
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have allowed him to build relationships with teachers, administrators, parents and community partners. “Students who I knew years ago are now parents whose own children attend Barnegat schools,” he said. “People have gotten to know me and know if I say I’m going to do something, they know I’m going to follow through with my word.” That familiarity reflects what the board sought when former Superintendent Dr. Brian Latwis announced he was leaving Barnegat to become superintendent of the Ocean City School District. “You wouldn’t want somebody to walk in and take over our district without even being familiar with our staff, our schools, or anything else,” Board President Scott Sarno said earlier in the search. A Career That Came Back To Education Toddings grew up in Barnegat and played local sports before graduating from Monsignor Donovan High School. He attended Georgia Southern University, where he played football. After college, he taught for a year in Georgia before moving into the private sector, working for Pfizer and later on Wall Street. He returned to education following the financial downturn after the September 11 terrorist attacks, first in New Egypt and then in Barnegat. He said his finance and sales experience
The Southern Ocean Times, August 29, 2026, Page 5 broadened the perspective he brings to the superintendent’s job. He also holds a master’s degree in administration and the required administrative certifications. Becoming superintendent was not a longtime goal. Toddings said he thought becoming a principal might be the final step in his career until Latwis announced his departure and people began encouraging him to apply. “It just made me kind of look at it from a different lens,” Toddings said. He began his Barnegat career as a special education teacher before becoming a vice principal at the high school. He has served as principal of the Joseph T. Donahue, Cecil S. Collins and Russell O. Brackman schools. He also spent nearly a year as interim director of special education. Leadership Style Toddings describes his leadership style as collaborative and empathetic but said listening does not mean avoiding difficult decisions. “You can’t just be the sledgehammer,” he said. “Every situation’s different.” “I’m not a pushover. I’ve made hard decisions. I’ve told people no,” he added. “But I think it’s always been within an honest conversation. It’s been within truth, and it’s been with working with that person and collaborating.” Toddings said that approach will extend districtwide, but his long relationships in Barnegat will not prevent him from making decisions he believes are necessary. “If it’s the right business decision and
it’s best for the district and the kids, then that’s the decision that has to be made,” he said. A New Team Interim administrators will open the school year in several key positions, giving Toddings an opportunity to help assemble much of his permanent administrative team. Susan Speirs has been appointed interim principal of the Cecil S. Collins School, replacing Michelle Johns, who accepted a supervisory position with the Ocean City School District, where Latwis is now superintendent. John P. Russo has been appointed interim principal of the Robert L. Horbelt School, replacing Dr. Joseph Saxton, who retired after 43 years in education. Saxton began his career as an English teacher in Lacey Township and later helped open Barnegat High School as a vice principal in 2004. An interim replacement has not yet been named for Toddings at Brackman. Helen Payne will remain interim director of curriculum and instruction as the school year begins. Speirs, Russo and Payne are retired educators serving temporarily and, Toddings said, are not expected to become permanent replacements. Several have superintendent-level experience, something he considers an advantage during his own transition. The temporary appointments were intentional. Interim Superintendent Kevin J. Carroll was brought in to guide the
district through the transition, but Sarno previously said permanent appointments to major vacancies would be left to the next superintendent. That gives Toddings the opportunity to help choose people who could remain in those positions for years and reinforces his desire to make Barnegat a place where good employees want to build careers. “I want to reestablish stability here,” he said. “I want people to come to Barnegat and stay here. I don’t want people to leave here to go somewhere else. I want people to leave somewhere else and come to us because they just hear such wonderful things about this district and the climate and the culture.” Building On Success Toddings sees his role as building on what is already working in the district. He points to its facilities, technology and academic and athletic programs, but repeatedly returns to people when describing Barnegat’s strengths. “Just quality people is what we excel in,” he said. “Now it’s getting those quality people to just continue with what they’re doing, give them the tools that they need to succeed.” His first priorities include getting into each building, talking with staff, establishing expectations and determining where resources should be concentrated. Now, after more than two decades building those relationships, Toddings will have the opportunity to help shape the Barnegat school district’s next chapter.
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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 Southern Ocean 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
Lawmakers Call For Action On Bill To Fix School Funding Inequities Capitol Comments Senator Carmen F. Amato, Jr. 9th Legislative District
TRENTON - Senator Carmen Amato, Jr., Assemblyman Brian Rumpf, and Assemblyman Gregory Myhre (all R-9 th) sent a letter to Senate President Scutari and Speaker Coughlin urging that their legislation (S-4356 & A-5178) to assist school districts discriminated against by way of severe funding inequities be considered by the State Legislature.
An excerpt of the letter reads: “Over the last two State fiscal years, the formula has capped funding increases at 6%, which hits school districts, including many in our legislative district, even harder due to chronic and drastic funding cuts. As corrective action, our legislation would restore funding by eliminating this indefensible artificial cap. “Due to the 6% cap, the case can easily be made that the current formula has been deliberately rigged. Many of our constituents believe that negatively im-
pacted school districts are being denied funding to which they are rightly entitled under the existing formula so that other school districts in the state can benefit financially. This would include school districts prone to fiscal mismanagement, first and foremost Newark. “For the current year in just our legislative district alone, the school districts of Barnegat, Berkeley, Central Regional, Lacey, Lakehurst, Little Egg Harbor, Manchester, Ocean Gate, Ocean (Waretown), Pinelands Regional, Southern Regional, Stafford and Toms River Regional were unjustly denied more than $16 million in State funding due solely to the 6% cap. In the previous year these
school districts, with the exception of Tuckerton, lost out on more than $17 million in funding. “A total of more than $33 million in lost school funding in just two years. Larger classroom sizes, teacher layoffs and elimination of sports programs cannot be accepted as the new norm. Students, teachers, parents and taxpayers living in our Legislative District unquestionably deserve better from Trenton. “Upon introduction, S-4356 was referred to the Senate Education Committee while A-5178 was referred to the Assembly Education Committee. In closing, we respectfully request that our legislation be considered by the State Legislature.”
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 finetoothed comb, to preserve the integrity 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 individ-
uals 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. 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.
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.
Data:
Continued From Page 1 Acting Superintendent Kimberly Clark said, “In July, the New Jersey Department of Education released their final FAQ document regarding the statewide ban on internet-enabled devices in schools.” On January 8, outgoing Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation requiring all schools within all school districts to adopt policies restricting the use of cell phones and other internet-enabled devices, according to the New Jersey School Boards Association. This ban on internet-enabled devices will
take effect during the 2026-2027 school year, according to the NJ School Boards Association. “This policy is a no-brainer,” Murphy stated in a January 8 Facebook post. “It will help boost academic achievement, protect the mental well-being of our students, and restore focus in our classrooms.” “Over the past two decades, we have seen a shocking and untenable increase in the number of young Americans struggling with mental health issues – from anxiety to depression and beyond,” Murphy said. “This growing youth mental health crisis did not appear out of thin air. It has only grown
worse as smartphones have become more ubiquitous.” “With this legislation, we will set a national standard for protecting our students, their mental health, and their ability to succeed in the classroom,” Murphy stated. If a student brings an internet-enabled device to school, the device must remain off and may be required to be stored in a storage system, according to the policy at Pinelands. Teachers shall not incorporate students’ personal technology into lesson plans, according to the policy, adding that all digital engagement shall occur through district-managed tools and devices.
The board shall assume no responsibility for the security of or damage to a student’s internet-enabled device brought onto school grounds, according to the policy. The policy details exceptions to the ban: “District-issued technology and sponsored platforms are permitted to be used in classrooms for educational purposes.” Additional exceptions include fulfilling accommodations in an individualized education program (IEP) or to support the implementation of a 504 plan, and include implementing a student health plan, translation services, when required by law, and in the event of an emergency.
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Research:
Continued From Page 1 specially designed peptide could influence 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 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 to compete better against methane-producing microbes. This would potentially reduce methane emis-
sions in a relatively natural way. 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.” 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 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.” 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.”
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The Southern Ocean Times, August 29, 2026, Page 9
Community News C lub N ews , A ctivities , E vents & A nnouncements
Local Animals Ready For Adoption
Happy 20th Anniversary to Experienced Automotive
Kevin and Rod Best wishes now and in the future Linda, Dave, Paula and Jack
Founded 1914
JOIN US for these Upcoming Events Sept 16 - 5:30-7:30pm After Hours at the STAC
Photo courtesy Friends Of Southern Ocean County Animal Shelter STAFFORD – Jonas is a sweet boy with a calm and laid-back personality. He would love a quiet home to call his own. Jonas does have diabetes, which does need to be managed with insulin and a special diet. He needs a super caring person that can provide him with the love and care that he needs. Looking for your next furry friend? Send
your application in today! This pet is at the Southern Ocean County Animal Shelter. No application should be filled out ahead of time. You need to come in person to meet the pet and fill out the application at the shelter. Please call ahead if you have any questions at 609-978-0127.
Youth Fishing Event Set At Manahawkin Lake
MANAHAWKIN – The Stafford Township Police Department and Stafford Recreation will host the annual Hooked on Fishing event August 31 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Manahawkin Lake Park. Registration is open to anglers ages 15 and younger. Children 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited, and participants should bring their own fishing poles. The first 50 anglers to register will receive
a complimentary tackle bucket from Tony’s Bait & Tackle. Registered participants will also receive dinner from Chick-fil-A of Manahawkin and a free ice card from Rita’s. Prizes will be raffled throughout the event. Emergency vehicles will be displayed, including the Stafford Police Department’s boat, which visitors may tour. Stafford Recreation will also present a car show and live concert at the park during the family-friendly event.
Country-Western Dance Party Planned
FORKED RIVER – The Woman’s Club of Lacey will host a country-western dance party for adults with special needs from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. August 28. The event will be held at the Charles A.
Smith Community Center, 15 E. Lacey Road. A donation of $10 per guest is requested. Reservations may be made by calling Debra at 732-278-4072 or Janet at 732-814-1226.
Knights To Host Annual Flea Market
LITTLE EGG HARBOR – The St. Theresa Knights of Columbus will hold its ninth annual outdoor f lea market September 5 at St. Theresa Church, 450
Radio Road. Vendor spaces are available for $10 each. Vendors may call Rick at 609-276-7228 for more information.
Gathering brings together business, live entertainment, and an exclusive look at the upcoming Ocean Comedy and Concert Series $20 with donation to Habitat for Humanity Southern Ocean
Sept 22 – Women in Business hosted at HMH Southern Medical Center 10-11:30am
Hear from local health leaders as we celebrate Women in Medicine Month with networking, refreshments, and program in Manahawkin – no fee. Members only
Sept 30 – Local Summer Celebration Honoring Daddy O’s 20th Anniversary 5:30-7:30pm
Experience the very best of LBI—networking, complemented by seasonal menus, and a cocktail cash bar sponsored by Fulton Bank. A portion of $25 ticket sales will be donated to David’s Dream & Believe Cancer Foundation
RSVP directly through Southern Ocean Chamber today!
Support Local Business and Non Profits all summer through our official website Visit our website VisitLBIregion.com for events, business directory, and latest updates Follow us on social as: @southernoceanchamber @LBIregion
703 Mill Creek Road Suite G Manahawkin 609.494.7211 | visitLBIregion.com @SouthernOceanChamber
jerseyshoreonline.com
Page 10, The Southern Ocean Times, August 29, 2026
Community News C lub N ews , A ctivities , E vents & A nnouncements
Couple Sets Lighthouse Climbing Milestone
BA R N EGAT LIGHT – Bob, 91, and Pennie, 85, became the oldest couple to climb Barnegat Lighthouse together this year, according to the Friends of Barnegat Lighthouse State Park. T he couple completed the climb with their granddaughter, Natalie, and her husba nd , Set h. Bob a nd Pennie have vacationed on Long Beach Island since 1968, when they were 33 and 27, respectively. Photo courtesy Friends of Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
88-Year-Old Climbs Lighthouse
BARNEGAT LIGHT – Rose Falcone, 88, of Galloway, recently completed the climb to the top of Barnegat Lighthouse. The Friends of Barnegat Lighthouse State Park recognized Falcone as the oldest woman to make the climb this year. Photo courtesy Friends of Barnegat Lighthouse State Park
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LITTLE EGG HARBOR – Professor Bill Elwell will discuss how railroads helped create and shape the Jersey Shore tourism industry during a Tuckerton Historical Society program from 2 to 4 p.m. October 17. The presentation will examine how the Shore’s location between Philadelphia and New York, combined with expanding rail service, made the region accessible to day-trippers and summer vacationers.
Elwell is an adjunct history professor at Monmouth University and a lifelong Jersey Shore resident. He serves on the boards of the Ocean County Historical Society and Point Pleasant Historical Preservation Committee and participates in several other historical organizations. The program will be held at the Giffordtown Schoolhouse Museum, 35 Leitz Blvd. A $5 donation is requested at the door. To register, call Connie at 609-290-1149.
Chowder Cook-Off Returns
BEACH HAVEN – The Beach Haven Chowder Cook-Off will bring two days of food, shopping and live entertainment to the Taylor Avenue waterfront on October 3 and 4. The weekend begins with the free Merchant’s Mart from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. October 3. Visitors can browse offerings from local vendors and artisans while enjoying food, beer, wine, seltzers and music.
The ticketed Cook-Off Classic will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. October 4, featuring chowder samples from 12 local restaurants competing for top honors. Food, drinks, shopping and live entertainment will also be available. The event will be held rain or shine. Tickets and additional information are available at bhchowdercookoff.com.
jerseyshoreonline.com
The Southern Ocean Times, August 29, 2026, Page 11
Community News C lub N ews , A ctivities , E vents & A nnouncements
Fire Academy Offers Emergency Response Training
WARETOWN – The Ocean County Fire Academy will offer an Enhanced Response to Com mon Emergencies training program September 22 and 26 at the Ocean County Training Center, 200 Volunteer Way. The first session will run from 7 to 11 p.m. September 22, followed by hands-on training from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. September 26. Participants will practice responding to emergency calls with typical and atypical outcomes while operating as a multi-company department. Breakfast will be provided during the second session.
Students must have completed Firefighter 1, Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations, ICS 100 and IS 700. Each participant must bring personal protective equipment and a self-contained breathing apparatus. Enrollment is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis, with Ocean County students receiving priority. There is currently no cost for county providers. Registration forms are available at co. ocean.nj.us/OC/TrainingCenter. For more information, email OCFireAcademy@ co.ocean.nj.us or call 609-242-8450.
Bicycle History Takes Center Stage
LITTLE EGG HARBOR – Charlie O’Toole will present a program about the history of bicycles from 2 to 4 p.m. November 14 at the Giffordtown Schoolhouse Museum, 35 Leitz Blvd. O’Toole, a local member of the International Wheelmen Association, will display several antique bicycles and discuss their
history. The presentation will also explore the Tuckerton Wheelmen and the Tuckerton Velodrome, where cycling competitions were once held. The Tuckerton Historical Society requests a $5 donation at the door. To register, call Connie at 609-290-1149.
Check out Dr. Izzy’s Sound News on Page 14
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Page 12, The Southern Ocean Times, August 29, 2026
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Community News C lub N ews , A ctivities , E vents & A nnouncements
Save LBI Seeks Added Right Whale Protections
LONG BEACH ISLAND — Save LBI is calling for stronger federal protections for the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale, particularly along its East Coast migration route. The grassroots organization has petitioned the federal agency responsible for protecting the species to consider designating its primary migration corridor as critical habitat. Save LBI said the designation could provide additional safeguards when industrial projects, including certain offshore wind developments, are proposed along the route. According to the organization, female right whales capable of bearing calves must travel the corridor for the species to survive. Save LBI contends that noise from foundation pile driving, survey vessels and the longterm operation of offshore wind facilities has been underestimated or insufficiently
considered. The group also argues that large industrial developments could disrupt or obstruct whale migration, creating a risk beyond those posed by vessel strikes and fishing-gear entanglements. Save LBI said it has turned to the courts in an effort to require the federal agency to consider its petition, though the legal action would not compel the agency to approve the requested designation. Save LBI criticized government agencies, academic institutions and larger environmental organizations for emphasizing research or renewable-energy development without pursuing what it considers meaningful habitat protections. The group said the whale’s survival should be examined independently of broader opinions about offshore wind energy.
Chamber Golf Outing Offers Networking, Sponsorships
LITTLE EGG HARBOR – The Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce will host a golf outing from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. October 6 at LBI National Golf & Resort, 9 Golf View Drive. The event will bring together Chamber members, local business leaders and guests for a day of golf, networking and camaraderie. Registration is $250 per golfer or $900 per foursome and includes greens fees, a cart, breakfast, lunch, awards and prizes. Spectator admission is $100 and includes
breakfast, lunch and drinks. Sponsorships are available at several levels, including event sponsor for $4,000, golf cart sponsor for $1,500, Beat the Pro sponsor for $750 and tee sponsor for $250. Benefits vary and may include golfer registrations, signage and promotional recognition. Space is limited. Registration is available at tomsriverchamber.com. Questions may be directed to marina@tomsriverchamber. com.
Memorial Benefit To Support Children With Cancer
FORKED RIVER – The Szymanski Foundation will hold its 12th annual Memorial Charity Event in memory of Arthur Szymanski on September 20 from 2 to 6 p.m. at The Waterfront, 361 Lacey Road. Proceeds will benefit Ocean of Love and its work assisting children affected by cancer. The event will feature a hot and
cold buffet, live music by Sneak Attack, a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle and drinks. Admission is $35, while children may attend free. Commemorative T-shirts are $20, or attendees may purchase an admission and T-shirt package for $50. For more information, email theszymanskifoundation@gmail.com or visit facebook. com/ASzymanskiMemorialRideAndDrive.
Clamtown Antique And Flea Market Returns
TUCKERTON – The Historical Society will hold its Clamtown Antique and Flea Market from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. September 12 at Tip Seaman County Park on Lake Pohatcong. More than 80 vendors are expected. The
society will also offer a 50/50 raffle, books, Tuckerton-themed merchandise and its Port of Little Egg 250th anniversary flag at the park pavilion. Admission is free. The rain date is September 13.
Farmers Market
LACEY – The Farmers Market at Lacey Elks in Forked River is now open for the season. The market is held Sundays from 11 a.m.
to 3 p.m. at 900 Beach Blvd., with vendors offering fresh produce, handmade items and other local goods.
jerseyshoreonline.com
The Southern Ocean Times, August 29, 2026, Page 13
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jerseyshoreonline.com
Page 14, The Southern Ocean Times, August 29, 2026
Here’s To Your Health Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Presented By: Isidore Kirsh, Ph.D., F.A.A.A. (N.J. Lic. #678)
Dr. Isidore Kirsh Ph.D., F.A.A.A.
Hearing Aids Could Benefit Your Brain If You Wear Them
Hearing aids do much more than improve communication. Research continues to show a strong connection between hearing health and cognitive well-being. Treating hearing loss may help support overall brain function as we age. Recent research has found that people who wear their hearing aids consistently experience greater cognitive benefits than those who wear them only occasionally or not at all. Successful outcomes depend on proper fitting and daily use. When hearing loss goes untreated, the brain works harder to understand speech. This extra listening effort may leave fewer mental resources available for memory, attention, and thinking. Communication difficulties may also contribute to social withdrawal, which has been linked with cognitive
decline. Hearing aids improve access to speech and environmental sounds, reduce listening effort, and help people stay engaged with family, friends, and everyday activities. The greatest benefits occur when hearing aids are worn consistently during waking hours. If you already wear hearing aids, use them every day. If you have been delaying treatment, this research provides another important reason to have your hearing evaluated sooner rather than later. Dr. Izzy and his Staff are always available to provide answers to all of your hearing care needs. Feel free to visit www.gardenstatehearing.com or call 732-451-3962. We Hear You & We are Here for You!
His offices are in Toms River, Whiting, and Manahawkin. He can be reached at 732-451-3962 or via Web site at gardenstatehearing.com. Dr. Izzy & Staff gives Retirement Community Talks!
Deborah Offers Free PAD Screenings
TOMS RIVER – Deborah Heart and Lung Center will hold its annual peripheral artery disease screening event September 19 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Deborah Specialty Physicians office, 599 Route 37 West, second f loor. The complimentary screenings are available by appointment only. Peripheral artery disease, known as PAD, develops when fatty deposits clog arteries and reduce blood f low to the legs. The condition affects more than 18 million people nationwide and can increase the risk of amputation, heart attack, stroke and death. It can often be managed through lifestyle changes, medication and nonsurgical procedures when detected early. Symptoms may include cramping in the hips, thighs or calves after physical
activity; leg numbness or weakness; a cold lower leg or foot; slow-healing sores; skin discoloration; hair or toenail growth changes; shiny leg skin; and a weak or missing pulse in the legs or feet. Risk factors include current or past smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, being age 50 or older, African American ethnicity and a personal or family history of PAD, heart disease, heart attack or stroke. The event will include a painless, noninvasive ankle-brachial index test comparing blood pressure in the ankles and arms. Complimentary blood sugar screenings may also be available, with a four-hour fast recommended for the most accurate result. To schedule an appointment or obtain more information, call 609-496-5929.
Affordable Fitness Classes Offered
WARETOWN – Seniors and fitness enthusiasts in Southern Ocean County can take part in a variety of low-cost exercise classes at the Engel Sprague Senior Center, located at 239 11th St. in Waretown (GPS users should search Barnegat). Zumba, toning, aerobics, and dance party sessions are available for just $3 per class, while Jazzercise is offered at $7 per class on Tuesdays and Thursdays
at 9:30 a.m. Line dancing is also available on Mondays and Fridays at 11:30 a.m., with no class held on the fourth Monday of the month. Functional fitness chair classes are free for individuals aged 60 and older and take place at 11 a.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays. The program is funded in part by a grant from the Ocean County Board of Commissioners.
jerseyshoreonline.com
The Southern Ocean Times, August 29, 2026, Page 15
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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Page 16, The Southern Ocean Times, August 29, 2026
Photo Of The Week
Curious backyard visitors come nose-to-nose with a furry friend at the front door in this fun Jersey Shore moment captured by Michelle Milano. 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.
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The Southern Ocean Times, August 29, 2026, Page 17
R.C. Shea & Assoc.
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
Blood Drives Planned Across Ocean County
TOMS RIVER – The American Red Cross will hold a series of blood drives throughout Ocean County in September, giving residents several opportunities to donate at community locations. The month’s schedule begins September 2 from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Days Hotel by Wyndham Toms River, 290 Route 37 East, sponsored by Toms River Community. A drive will follow September 3 from noon to 5 p.m. at VFW Post 9503, 383 Veterans Blvd., Bayville, sponsored by Crossroads Realty. Donations will also be accepted September 4 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Holiday City South Clubhouse A, 139 Santiago Drive, Berkeley, sponsored by Knights of Columbus St. Maximilian Kolbe Council 10899.
Additional drives are scheduled September 12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Reserve of Lake Ridge, 707 Hollybrook Lane, Manchester, and September 16 from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Days Hotel by Wyndham Toms River, 290 Route 37 East. The schedule continues September 21 from 1 to 6 p.m. at Moose Lodge 399, 1801 Bay Blvd., Seaside Heights; September 22 from 2 to 7 p.m. at Brick Elks Lodge 2151, 2491 Old Hooper Ave.; and September 29 from 1 to 6 p.m. at Brick Presbyterian Church, 111 Drum Point Road. A whole-blood donation generally takes about an hour and collects approximately one pint. Donors may review available appointment times and registration information at redcrossblood.org.
Veteran Support Group
FORKED RIVER – Vetwork Saved Rounds peer to peer Veteran Support Group is held on the first Wednesday of every month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the
Vetwork Building, 102 Station Drive, Forked River. For more information, call 609-971-7613 or email vetwork@vetwork.org.
jerseyshoreonline.com
Page 18, The Southern Ocean Times, August 29, 2026
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'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.
Experienced Gardener specializing in container gardens and house plants. Planting, design, refresh containers. Seasonal care, problems diagnosed, DIY advise. Free 5 step care plan with visit. Keep your containers thriving in all seasons. Joseph 732-232-8144. (24) Life Coach - Facing a challenge? Talk it out with me; a safe, nonjudgmental listener. Support unique to you. In-person or on phone. Confidential. At your pace. $25 for 1 hour. Melissa Lekas, 732-754-4891. (37) Clean Sweep Pressure Washing & Home Repairs - No job to small or large. (NEW SEASON SPECIAL!) Free dryer exhaust/vent cleaning with every free estimate! A $75 value! Call or text to book your appointment 201-835-9394. (26) Lightning Strike Electric - You can rely on us to get the work done! Service/panel upgrades switches, outlets, dimmers, spot lights, fans & more! Call Dmitriy 856631-7519. lightningstrikeelectric. com. Lic #34EI00941600. (t/n)
Calculate Price As Follows: 3.
T H E R I D E G U Y - Ta k e s you anywhere! No limits. Comfy mini-van. References. Call Charlie 732-216-3176 or Email: cr@exit109.com. Let's Go! (t/n) Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-833-901-0309 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move. (t/n)
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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) 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)
Advertise in the main sections of Micromedia’s weekly newspapers. Your ad will be seen by thousands. Call 732-657-7344 ext. 206 for more information.
5.
jerseyshoreonline.com
The Southern Ocean Times, August 29, 2026, Page 19
Around The Jersey Shore Ocean County Adds Nearly $449K For Senior Services
TOMS RIVER – Ocean County officials have approved nearly $449,000 in additional Older Americans Act funding to expand programs aimed at helping seniors remain safe, independent and connected to essential services. The Ocean County Board of Commissioners approved the midyear allocation of $448,987, along with additional county support, for programs administered by the Ocean County Office of Senior Services. The money will help fund services ranging from meal programs and transportation to emergency assistance, home improvements, legal help and technology
designed to improve safety for older residents. Commissioner Robert Arace, liaison to the Office of Senior Services, said Ocean County is home to more than 200,000 seniors, a population that continues to increase. He said maintaining programs that allow older residents to remain independent and safely age in their communities is a county priority. Commissioners approved the funding distribution during their Aug. 19 meeting. The largest portion, $194,203, will support the Home Delivered Meals program. Another $137,215 will go toward a collec-
tion of services that includes emergency assistance, transportation, social visits, housekeeping, recreation, physical activity and respite care. Officials also allocated $45,000 for congregate nutrition programs and $22,213 for home repairs. Legal services will receive $20,000, while another $20,000 will support assistive technology, including personal emergency response systems and lock boxes. An additional $10,356 was designated for evidence-based physical activity programs. Senior Services programs supported by
the funding can also help residents facing food insecurity, past-due rent or temporary housing needs, as well as seniors who require accessibility modifications to their homes or transportation to medical and other appointments. County officials estimate the additional funding will allow the Office of Senior Services to reach about 500 more residents. Arace said directing resources toward transportation, food access, social isolation and accessible housing is part of the county’s effort to improve safety and quality of life for its aging population.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY PM WINTER BOAT COVERS #1 Fisher Storage Cover Dealer
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ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE! CHOOSE FROM ANY OR ALL PAPERS: Toms River Times • Manchester Times Berkeley Times • Brick Times • Jackson Times Howell Times • Southern Ocean Times
CALL 732.657.7344 TODAY TO SPEAK WITH A SALES REP!
jerseyshoreonline.com
Page 20, The Southern Ocean Times, August 29, 2026
Around The Jersey Shore
COMPLETE LANDSCAPING All Yard Work • Shrubs • Trees • Mulch • Topsoil • Stone Flower Beds • Stump Grinding • Gutter Cleaning • Weeding Debris Removal • Pavers • Decks • Bulkhead Repairs Spring/Fall Clean-Ups
BILLY SCHOENEBERG
CELL 609-661-5470
Star Trek Celebration Beams Down To Seaside
JERSEY SHORE - The Jersey Shore Chapter of Starfleet: The International Star Trek Fan Association (SFI) is celebrating the 60th anniversary of Star Trek on August 30 on the boardwalk and oceanfront of Seaside Heights from 4 to 10 p.m. The Star Trek franchise has inspired generations through its innovative storytelling, multiple series, films and books - to count only a few of the medias it has touched since 1966. SFI has been a part of that adventure since 1974, founded by enthusiastic Star Trek fans across the globe from its foundations in the United States across to Europe and out to Japan and Australia. There are very few places (if any) that this iconic show hasn’t been experienced. The USS Challenger formed in 1988 and meets monthly in Seaside Heights and is made up primarily of fans in Ocean and Monmouth counties. The Challenger is among 200 SFI chapters that boast a membership of 4,700 members worldwide. Chapters are actively putting together their own program of events this year to mark the celebration. The USS Challenger, in partnership with the Borough of Seaside Heights, is hosting a Star Trek 60th anniversary celebration. There will be vendors on the boardwalk near the Franklin Avenue stage that will feature comic book and science fiction inspired merchandise as well as a table featuring members of the USS Challenger. Brick resident Steven Lance, who appeared as an extra in the very first Star Trek feature film released in 1979, “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” will be a
special guest and will sign autographs and talk to Star Trek fans about his experience on the set of the film and his friendships with cast members as well as his years hosting the early Star Trek fan conventions. Two early Star Trek episodes will be shown at dusk on the borough’s beach, “Man Trap” the first episode shown on NBC on Sept. 8, 1966 and the second episode “Charlie X.” Ortley Beach resident Bob Vosseller has served as the chapter chairman or “captain” of the USS Challenger chapter for all 38 years of its existence and is a lifelong Star Trek fan. “This is an incredible time to be a fan of Star Trek and everything that it represents. Gene Roddenberry created an enduring and positive view of the future which has attracted worldwide praise and interest. Through SFI and our chapter we are able to celebrate its legacy as one giant global community.” “Star Trek fans are a truly welcoming community of diverse individuals and there is something for everyone - whether they’re a lifelong fan who was there from the beginning or a young cadet taking their first Star Trek steps alongside a Trekking parent,” Vosseller said. “We thank the Borough of Seaside Heights for providing this special venue and allowing us to bring this fandom celebration to the Jersey Shore on August 30.” For information about the event visit usschallenger. org, email usschallengerco@gmail.com or check out the USS Challenger Facebook page. You can also visit the Seaside Heights website at seaside-heightsnj.org/
Library Announces Labor Day Closures
TOMS RIVER – All Ocean County Library branches and reading centers will be closed September 6 and 7 in observance of Labor Day. Regular operating hours will resume
September 8. Patrons may continue using the library’s online databases, eMagazines, eBooks, streaming video and audio, and digital classes at theoceancountylibrary.org.
jerseyshoreonline.com
The Southern Ocean Times, August 29, 2026, Page 21
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Page 22, The Southern Ocean 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 Southern Ocean Times, August 29, 2026, Page 23
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.
Page 24, The Southern Ocean Times, August 29, 2026
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