The HOWELL Times
Vol. 24 - No. 15
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September 19, 2026
Local Writers Find Community, Feedback And Inspiration At Monmouth Writers Group
New Year Holiday A Time To Share Classic Traditions
Photo by Justin Sauer Members of the Monmouth Writers Group gather for their monthly meeting at the Howell Township Library.
Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Meir Levine holds a machzor, the prayer book used during the Jewish High Holy Days. Levine recalled traditions from his childhood that he now carries forward with his own family.
In This Week’s Edition
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By Justin Sauer HOWELL – Writing can often be a solitary pursuit, but for members of the Monmouth Writers Group, the process doesn’t have to be. Each month, local writers gather at libraries in Howell and Manalapan to share
their work, receive honest feedback and connect with others who understand the challenges – and rewards – of putting words on a page. Led and moderated by Manalapan resident Jon Gibbs, the Monmouth Writers Group welcomes both bud-
ding and experienced authors. Members have the opportunity to have up to 1,500 words of their work read aloud and hear first-impression feedback and constructive criticism from fellow writers. Gibbs said the group grew out of a desire to
bring writers together and create a place where they could share their work and help one another improve. “I used to be in a critique group in Manalapan a rou nd 20 072008,” said Gibbs, who was a creative writing (Writers - See Page 2)
The Impact Of 9/11 On The Youngest Generation
By Chris Lundy TOMS RIVER – Everyone of a certain age can tell you where they were during the attacks on September 11, 2001. But for those who weren’t even born yet, how do they learn about it? And how does it impact them? On the morning of 9/11 in Toms River High School South, Mathew Sohl’s AP Government and Politics class were learning not only about the tragedy, but how it impacted people differ-
ently based on such factors as age and race. The topic folded neatly into an ongoing discussion of “political socialization,” which is defined in the most simple terms as where you get your ideology from. Many people have similar beliefs as their parents, but the youngest generation might be the first where social media has a stronger impact on their belief system. A study showed that millennials, (Impact - See Page 6)
Photo by Chris Lundy Mathew Sohl’s AP Government and Politics class at Toms River High School South learns how different generations responded to the attacks on September 11, 2001.
By Stephanie Faughnan JERSEY SHORE – Rachel had a seven-week-old baby with her when she stopped at Judaica Plaza in Lakewood in the days before Rosh Hashanah. There were holiday meals to prepare and the spiritual preparations that came with the Jewish New Year. Nearby, Rikki was choosing yarmulkes for her 3-year-old son. Asked how she decided among them, she gave the kind of answer any parent coordinating a child’s clothes might understand. “Match it to the clothes,” she said. Both women declined to be photographed, and Rikki asked that her last name not be published. Both are identified here by first name only. Rosh Hashanah has since passed, but the holiday provided an opportunity for conversations that went beyond its observance. What traditions matter inside Orthodox Jewish homes? What might people outside the community misunderstand about them? And as Orthodox families increasingly settle beyond Lakewood, how well do people living only a few doors apart actually know one another? The numbers help explain why those questions matter locally. A 2024 study by the Berman Jewish DataBank estimated that New Jersey’s (Traditions - See Page 4)
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Writers:
Continued From Page 1 teacher at Georgian Court University. “It’s basically a continuation of that. I started attending children’s book writers’ conferences and different writing groups, so I stopped going. That’s where it started. In 2022, I started the group here and the next one in Manalapan.” The goal, he explained, extends beyond simply critiquing someone’s writing. The group provides writers with an audience, a sounding board and a community of people who understand the often challenging process of writing. “The goal of the group is to get people writing,” he said. “I’m a big fan of critique
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groups. I think they’re really helpful, and they’re helpful for me as well. I’ve learned more from hearing other people critique other peoples’ work than I ever had from my own, because the shields go up. Even though you can say, ‘I’m open,’ you have this subconscious urge to justify why you’ve done something that perhaps wasn’t the best thing to do. Whereas if someone else does it, you go, ‘of course that’s wrong.’” A typical meeting gives members an opportunity to hear different types of writing and offer their perspectives. Writers bring up to 1,500 words of their work, which is read aloud before members provide feedback. “We bring our writing piece, and somebody else reads it out loud,” said Gibbs. “The reason we do that is because then you get to hear what you wrote rather than what you think you wrote. It’s quite an eye-opener because when you’re reading it yourself, you know where you emphasize certain words, or an accent, or something you put in. Then we all, in a very nice way, tear it to pieces.” For writers, hearing their work read aloud – or reading it themselves – can offer a different perspective than simply seeing the words on a screen or page. Feedback from other writers can reveal what is working, what may need clarification and how a piece is likely to be received by a reader. The sense of community has kept longtime member Katie Stelmaszek, 45, of Englishtown, returning to the group.
“I’ve been a member of the group for years now,” she said. “I’m currently writing a bunch of things. I start something and then I get interested in something else, so I have like 15 short stories going at one time. The group has helped my writing in different ways. It helps me see things from a different perspective. It gives a you bit of a tough skin. You look at your writing in a different way. Largely, for me, it’s social. It’s being with people that share my interest. I’ve written more being in the group because you get excited about thinking, ‘what are they going to think?’ It keeps you writing.” Sometimes, a single piece of feedback can make a significant difference in a writer’s work. “When you write, you’re so close to the project that sometimes you don’t see where you’re not making sense, where you can broaden things, or where there’s room to go in a direction you haven’t considered. It really makes you a better writer,” said Stelmaszek. For newer members, sharing writing for the first time can bring a different set of emotions. Sean Dudonis, 22, of Marlboro, recently joined the group and experienced that process firsthand. “I’m fortunate because I’ve done a workshop before in college, so going in, I wasn’t all that nervous,” said Dudonis, a recent graduate of Montclair State University. “I was an English major with a concentration in creative writing, so I’m used to the critiquing process. But when I first handed stuff in for a workshop, I was
very nervous. I was terrified.” Once the writing is shared, however, the focus quickly turns toward the work itself and how it can be strengthened. “I appreciate being able to hear other people’s feedback in the group,” he said. “It’s a new perspective that allows you to see something that you didn’t see before. The first thing I brought was a short story. It initially saw it as a one-off sort of a thing, and I got really good advice on how to turn it into a book.” For Dudonis, the experience also provided an opportunity to determine whether the group could become part of his writing routine. “I frequently attend,” he said. “When I started coming, there was really no stopping. When we meet, I’m there.” The Monmouth Writers Group is open to writers at all experience levels. Members are asked to bring five to six copies of up to 1,500 words of their work, double spaced and printed on single-sided pages. The group meets on the first Saturday of every month from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Manalapan Library and on the second Saturday of every month from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Howell Library. For local writers, the meetings offer more than an opportunity to have their work critiqued. They provide a chance to sit down with people who understand the creative process, exchange ideas and continue working toward becoming better writers. For more information or to inquire about joining, visit jongibbs.org or contact Gibbs at admin@jongibbs.org.
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Traditions:
Continued From Page 1 4th Congressional District, which includes Lakewood and portions of Ocean and Monmouth counties, was home to approximately 111,600 Jewish residents, representing 14.4 percent of the district’s population. The figures include Jews of all denominations and levels of observance, not only those who are Orthodox. Traditions Through The Generations In the days before Rosh Hashanah, the approaching holiday was visible inside Judaica Plaza. Only weeks earlier, displays had been filled with religious study books for the beginning of the school year. By September, attention had shifted to the High Holy Days. Decorative dishes designed to include apples and honey, traditionally eaten with a wish for a sweet new year, were among the seasonal items on display. For Avrohom Levine, preparing for a new year was less about what was on the table and more about what was happening within. “We want to make ourselves better people,” Levine said, describing the period as one of “soul searching.” That could mean doing a kind deed for someone, studying more Torah or spending more time in prayer. Rabbi Moshe Rotberg, leader of the Toms River Learning Center, described the High Holy Days in much the same way. Rotberg said one of their most meaningful aspects is the opportunity to acknowledge personal shortcomings rather than assume everything we have done is right. “The more we can acknowledge that we’re imperfect, the more perfect we are,” Rotberg said. For him, the process is less about
a traditional New Year’s resolution to go to the gym and more about deciding, “I want to be more patient. I want to get angrier less.” That reflection is also tied to traditions passed through families. Avrohom spoke about people who continue using the same High Holy Day prayer book for years and children who eventually inherit one used by a parent. After a father dies, he said, someone may treasure “that prayer book that his father prayed with for 50 years.” His son Meir, 42, could still remember standing beside his parents in synagogue as a little boy. What stayed with him most was the silence before the sound that suddenly filled the room. “The most important thing was the sound of the shofar,” Meir recalled. He remembered the person preparing to sound the ram’s horn with a prayer shawl over his head as everyone waited. When A Custom Is Unfamiliar Some Orthodox customs are obvious to people outside the faith. Others may only become apparent when two people actually meet. One is something as routine as a handshake. An Orthodox man who strictly follows Jewish law concerning physical contact between unrelated men and women may politely decline a woman’s extended hand. Rotberg said the practice sometimes causes confusion. He has even written a guide for professionals, including police departments, prisons and hospitals, to help explain Orthodox practices that can otherwise be misinterpreted. “It has nothing to do with someone being less than or other or anything like that,” Rotberg said. The distance between Orthodox and non-Orthodox residents has sometimes involved more
serious issues than misunderstood customs. As previously reported by The Jackson Times, Jackson Township reached a $575,000 settlement with the state in 2023 resolving a civil rights lawsuit alleging the township used zoning and land-use powers to discriminate against Orthodox Jewish residents. The settlement also required creation of a multicultural committee aimed at promoting diversity and religious sensitivity. Growth has also produced legitimate public-policy debates involving development, traffic, schools, taxes and land use. Rotberg’s own recent experience in Toms River offered an example of what can happen when people with questions have an opportunity to ask them. His congregation recently went through the approval process to build a synagogue. Rotberg said some non-Jewish residents expressed skepticism and asked questions about how it would operate, including why there would not be the vehicle traffic they anticipated on the Sabbath and High Holy Days. Instead of dismissing the concerns, Rotberg said he explained the religious practices involved. When he first came to Toms River about a decade ago, Rotberg said suspicion of the growing Orthodox community was readily apparent. Over time, familiarity changed some of those relationships. “As we got to know them, slowly those signs came down, and we became good friends.” The Neighbor Who Comes When You Need Him Perhaps one of Rotberg’s simplest examples of neighbors finding common ground happened when something went wrong. Orthodox Jewish law places restrictions on certain activities
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during the Sabbath, including operating electrical equipment. Under certain circumstances, Rotberg explained, an observant Jew may ask a non-Jew to perform a task the Jewish person cannot do. The person who helps is sometimes colloquially known as a “Shabbos goy.” Rotberg’s non-Jewish neighbors have filled that role, but the relationship he described sounded less like a religious accommodation and more like what neighbors have always done for one another. “We look out for each other,” he said. Once, during High Holy Day prayers, the air conditioning stopped working. Because of the religious restrictions, members of the congregation could not simply make the necessary adjustments themselves. They turned to a non-Jewish neighbor, who came over in the middle of the holiday and helped get the air conditioning running again. Rotberg described the relationships he has developed with his non-Jewish neighbors during the decade he has lived in Toms River simply as “really nice relationships.” The people interviewed for this story do not speak for every Orthodox Jew or every Jewish person in Ocean County. Judaism encompasses different denominations, traditions and levels of observance, while individual Orthodox families and congregations differ from one another. But many of the things they talked about required little knowledge of religion to recognize. A father hopes his children carry something meaningful from their childhood into adulthood. Parents have meals to prepare and children to dress. People look back at their mistakes and hope to do a little better in the year ahead.
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OPINIONS & COMMENTARY EDITORIAL Deadline On Political Letters And Candidates It’s that time again. With election day looming, supporters of candidates like to get letters into their local paper. It’s important to note that there are deadlines to make sure that your letter gets in. In order to give enough
time and space for letters, given the print schedule for our weekly papers, we will not accept any letters rega rd i ng local ca nd idates after October 17. Keep in mind that the sooner you get the letter in, the more likely it is to run. After October 17,
there will only be t wo weeks of letters pages. The best length for letters is 300-500 words. I will not publish anything that is crude, insulting, or makes false accusations. This isn’t Facebook. I also tend not to run letters that are obvious-
ly workshopped. Sometimes, I get three letters in a row that are making the same point, in a similar format, showing that t he y we r e c o a che d by someone. I’ll usually run the f irst one I get, and toss the rest. Every week, we have a
government page where we run press releases from you r elected re presentatives. We will not be running any press releases from candidates that are on the ballot throughout the month of October. A ny ca nd id at e s who want to broadcast their
message to our readers, which number literally hundreds of thousands, can contact us at Sales@ JerseyShoreOnline.com. Than k you for you r understanding.
Alaska but also Hawaii so there’s some highs and lows throughout. The average temp for all of the Julys from 1901 to 2000 was 73.59. That means this year, July was 3.3 degrees hotter than the average of the entire last century. If you compare a year’s worth of data, from August of 2025 through July of 2026, the average temp (including all four seasons) is 55.92 degrees, which is 3.9 degrees hotter than the average of the entire last century (52.02). Going further, if you add up five years of data, the average temp across all those days is 54.76 degrees. This is 2.79 degrees hotter than all of 1901-2000. 2 or 3 degrees might not feel like much, but this is on average of every day. It proves that it doesn’t just feel hotter, it really is hotter. The above figures are focused on July but there’s also a way to look at every year, from January through December, and compare them to the average of the last century. It’s important to note these next figures aren’t cumulative. 2002 wasn’t 1.19 degrees hotter than 2001. 2002 was 1.19 degrees hotter than 19012000. 2001 was on average 1.87 degrees hotter than 1901-2000. 2002 was 1.19 degrees hotter. 2003 was 1.23 degrees hotter. 2004 was 1.07 degrees hotter. 2005 was 1.62 degrees hotter. 2006 was 2.23 degrees hotter. 2007 was 1.63 degrees hotter.
2008 was only .27 degrees hotter. 2009 was only .37 degrees hotter. 2010 was only .97 degrees hotter. 2011 was 1.16 degrees hotter. 2012 was 3.26 degrees hotter. 2013 was only .41 degrees hotter. 2014 was .52 degrees hotter. 2015 was 2.37 degrees hotter. 2016 was 2.87 degrees hotter. 2017 was 2.53 degrees hotter. 2018 was 1.5 degrees hotter. 2019 was only .65 degrees hotter. 2020 was 2.35 degrees hotter. 2021 was 2.49 degrees hotter. 2022 was 1.37 degrees hotter. 2023 was 2.35 degrees hotter. 2024 was 3.47 degrees hotter. 2025 was 2.62 degrees hotter. Notably, there isn’t a single year this century where the average temperature was less than the average temp of the entire previous century. We really need to do something to curb these temperatures that are slowly creeping higher. This information came from NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Climate at a Glance: National Rankings, published August 2026 and retrieved on August 20, 2026 from ncei.noaa.gov/ access/monitoring/climate-ata-glance/national/rankings
Chris Lundy News Editor
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Empty Sky On NJ’s 9/11 Memorial Editor’s note: This letter was sent to the governor and state lawmakers. I write to you today, with the knowledge that September 11th, 2026 will be the 25th Anniversary of the September the 11th attacks. While there is no doubt that to those who lost loved ones, and whose names are represented on this memorial, there is a special meaning in memorializing their names. We are grateful. A sacred place. It is also true that memorial serves as a reminder to future generations of what can be lost in an instant, of what evil did, and that evil may be harbored in mankind’s heart, yet still. The memorial’s reflection shines upon the souls of those lost with each sunrise, each dusk, and nighttime sky. Yet it remains unfinished as it was designed. To leave the outside façade blank, devoid of the ability to reflect the sun or moon or display the words of
the oath we all swore, “Never Forget,” is an abandonment of what we swore to do, our promise to never forget. I implore you to help resolve those issues that are preventing the completion of the memorial. That those in opposition and declare it finished not think not with the purse, but with their hearts, and compassion, and seek any additional funding to complete and maintain the memorial for future generations. Thomas J. Meehan III Toms River USAF Vet 62-66 DAV & American Legion Lifetime member Gold Star Family Member
Congressman Smith Is Never Around Editor’s note: This letter is in reference to items on our government page, which we take from elected officials. An interview with Peace is scheduled for later this month. Smith has not re-
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.
turned our calls. I am pulled that you will present a press release from Chris Smith as actual news in the government. It seems very biased that you are not presenting any news of the actual congressional race in the fourth district. Chris Smith has not been seen in this district for many years. Has no town halls and does not respond to phone calls. Last time I called his office for information, I was hung up on. There is another candidate in the race in the fourth district. Rachel Peace and her name has not been seen in your paper at all. Maybe actual coverage of the government would be beneficial to the constituents here. Helen McGrail Toms River
Free Health Care Isn’t Free I would like to address Sen. Andy Kim’s proposed MEDIKIDS program. It appears that Sen. Kim had his political finger into the wind and senses the socialist movement gaining steam and is jumping on board to keep employed in the future ( the same with Cory Booker, me too, me too). The 1st thing I would like to point out to those who aren’t paying attention is that this is a KIDS program and he is calling everyone up to 26 years of age a kid. He justifies this by saying that since we are providing healthcare to seniors, we should also do it for children. The next step in the socialist agenda after that is to say, ‘hey we do this
for seniors and kids, why discriminate against everyone else, let’s have universal healthcare for all.’ When the press contacted Kim’s office to see how much this suggested program would cost, they didn’t have a clue. More importantly, we don’t hear from Andy how we will pay for it. My guess is you will get the standard left wing reply “the billionaires will pay!” (Note: since many if not most of the politicians are millionaires, they always point at the billionaires). This nonsense leads me to propose that that we pass a law that in order for a bill to be brought up for a vote whether it be local, state or national, that a verifiable cost estimate go along with it and the suggested means of paying for it. I guarantee that if this happened 90% of this bull crap freebie stuff would disappear. Wake up America before it is too late ! Bill Dluzniewski Barnegat
This Year Is Heating Up Everyone knows that it’s been super hot this year. It’s not just in our heads. There’s statistics to back it up. The federal government has been compiling average temperatures for each year dating back to more than a century. They released helpful charts summing up all of 1901 through 2000, and you can compare it to more recent years. According to the latest statistics, July’s average temp throughout the country was 76.89 degrees. This includes
Devon Blank Long Beach Island
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Spotlight On Government Correspondence & Commentary From Your Local, County, State & Federal Officials
Remembering September 11
From The Desk Of
Congressman
Chris Smith WASHINGTON, D.C. - The following are excerpts of remarks prepared by Rep. Chris Smith (R-4th) for Monmouth County’s September 11th Memorial Ceremony in Atlantic Highlands: “Twenty-five years later, we solemnly remember those who lost their lives and the pain suffered by the nearly 3,000 individuals - including 147 Monmouth County residents - who were murdered by radical jihadists and the anguish endured by their families and friends, both then and now. “We remember and honor the courageous first responders running up the stairs of
the burning buildings with total disregard for their own safety - attempting to save others at the expense of their own lives. “We honor the heroic firefighters, police officers, paramedics and civilian suppor t staff members, who have suffered and died from illnesses related to the rescue and recovery efforts in the aftermath of one of the darkest days in U.S. history. “According to the World Trade Center Health Program, an estimated 400,000 people were exposed to toxic contaminants in New York, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Over 96,000 people have been diagnosed with physical and mental health conditions as a result of exposure to the dust, smoke, debris and traumatic events of 9/11, and more than 9,000 people have died from illnesses directly linked to the attack.
“It is widely believed that Flight 93 was headed to Washington, D.C. to attack the Capitol or the White House when it was brought down in Shanksville, thanks in large part to N.J. hero Todd Beamer and his call to fellow passengers: ‘Let’s roll!’ “A member of my staff since 2006, Kathy Wisniewski - then a Howell resident - lost her beloved husband, Alan, on 9/11. “Alan was associate director for Sandler O’Neill Investment, and his office was on the 104th floor of the South Tower. His last phone call before his tower fell was to say: ‘I’m OK.’ Then United Airlines flight 175 crashed into his building. “Through Kathy, and their three children - as well from the other survivors, like the ‘Jersey Girls’ - we’ve all gotten a better understanding of the challenges suffered by family and close friends. “As an effective leader on behalf of 9/11 victims, Kathy is right now in New York City at the 9/11 ceremony. “As we remember all the victims of 9/11,
may each of us seriously recommit to persevering prayer and good works for peace and reconciliation, as well as support for effective intelligence gathering and law enforcement to better interdict violence in all of its ugly manifestations, including terrorism. “As the 9/11 Memorial and Museum reminds us, ‘100 million Americans are too young to remember the day that changed our city and nation forever. It is our shared promise - made 25 years ago - to never forget, so those born after 9/11 learn its significance and enduring legacy. As we commemorate this anniversary, a new generation will learn about the unimaginable loss we experienced and the inspiring stories of bravery, compassion, unity, and service that we witnessed, and have rippled through the decades.’ “We must never forget 9/11 and be ever mindful that the perpetrators of violence and terrorism never take a holiday - nor can we.”
Senator: Trump Is Destroying Protections For Consumers Capitol Comments Senator Andy Kim
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Andy Kim (D-N.J.) spoke out against the Trump administration’s dismantling of consumer protections. “Donald Trump promised to lower costs ‘on day one.’ Today’s independent watchdog report reveals the staggering extent to which the Trump Administration’s
assault on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has cost American families,” Kim said, as par t of a joint statement with Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). “New details lay out Trump and Russ Vought’s systematic attempt to destroy the agency, including by cancelling hundreds of contracts, creating a backlog of 16,000 consumer complaints, and halting 80 enforcement actions against companies for cheating consumers. “Over the last year and a half, Americans
have paid at least $26 billion because of Trump’s attack on the agency. But the Administration’s attempt to eliminate the agency has failed, thanks to people across the country coming together to fight for the CFPB. Today’s report is a reminder of how important it is to stay in the fight.” Kim and Warren had requested a report by the independent Office of Inspector General (OIG) for the Federal Reserve System into the Trump Administration’s attempt to destroy the CFPB. Senator Kim continues his work to hold the Trump administration accountable for leaving American consumers behind
and dismantling critical federal services, including demanding answers about reductions in force and contract cancellations, updates to the CFPB Consumer Complaint Portal, and other interferences at the agency. Senator Kim has previously forced votes on the Senate Floor to reverse Trump’s attacks on American consumers, including filing two Joint Resolutions of Disapproval of Trump Administration CFPB rules to protect Americans from unfair and illegal debt collection and defend their right to access and control their financial reports and futures.
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.
Impact:
Continued From Page 1 generally defined as 1981-1996, were the ones impacted the most by 9/11, since it happened during their formative years. For the students in Sohl’s class, these are their formative years, and the largest worldwide story impacting them was probably Covid-19. Sohl told this newspaper that he also teaches about 9/11 in U.S. History 2. The state requires age-appropriate education about 9/11 for certain grades, and offers guidelines and curriculum. Students read an article from Gallup called “Majority In U.S. Still Say 9/11 Permanently Altered How People Live.” In a poll, 64% of responders said the attacks changed lifestyles for Americans, although only 28% reported that their own lives changed.
A question about whether you feel your government can protect you from terrorism broke along party lines, with Republicans feeling more safe when a Republican is president and Democrats feeling more safe when a Democrat is president. This question had been asked in the past as well, and has shown a slow decline in the public’s trust in the government overall. An example of a question the class had to answer is “The article describes different ways young adults view the legacy of 9/11. Some see the attacks as a source of patriotism and national unity, while others emphasize government distrust, Islamophobia, and the consequences of U.S. foreign policy. Explain how the experiences and perspectives described in the article demonstrate the influence of political socialization on Americans’ political attitudes and beliefs. Identify and explain two factors that may contribute to differences in how
Americans view the legacy of 9/11.” Three students volunteered to speak to The Toms River Times outside of class about what they knew about 9/11 and how they are impacted by it. Andrew Stewart said he’s been learning about it since elementary school. “It’s not something that feels recent, even though it is recent,” he said. “I still see the effects of it today” like the patriotism that surged afterward. “A horrible event brought everyone together. It’s definitely made me more patriotic,” he said. “I wish people were more unified now.” Lucas Johnson spoke about how he learned in school that Osama bin Laden and Al-Qaida led the attacks. On his own, he learned about how the U.S. government supported bin Laden in the 1980s as a force against the USSR. While all eyes were on NYC in 2001, the world’s view of America has fallen in recent
years, he said. With the president talking about taking over Greenland or sharing AI images of himself on social media, “we’re probably viewed as a laughing stock.” Like others his age, he’s seen a lot of things online, some he agrees with, some he doesn’t. He was pretty critical of the government before he made a trip to Washington, D.C., but what really galvanized him was seeing so many homeless in the city while there are monuments to America’s “greatness.” Sonja Schwartz said throughout her education, she learned about the tragedy – and how many first responders got sick and died after risking their lives to save others. Her mother is a detective for the prosecutor’s office, and “her entire office was impacted.” Students today are more political than those in recent history, she said. “We should focus more on our politics and how government works.”
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Community News C lub N ews , A ctivities , E vents & A nnouncements
Educators Honored For 25 Years Of Service
Photo courtesy Howell Township Public Schools HOWELL – Township Public Schools presented Golden Apple awards to four educators in recognition of their longtime service to the district. Ms. Byrnes, Mr. Goodall, Ms. Milkowski
and Ms. Turchyn each received the honor after reaching 25 years of service. District officials recognized the educators for their dedication and contributions to students and the school community.
Kindness Corner Brings Giving To Local Families
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HOWELL – Beyond the Laces will bring its Kindness Corner to Howell Day and Green Fair from 3 to 8:30 p.m. September 19 at Soldier Memorial Park. The free community initiative will unite businesses, nonprofit organizations and professional sports teams to provide children and families with books, footballs, Topps trading cards and other gifts. No purchases or cash donations will be required at the booth. Kindness Corner grew from “Beyond the Laces,” a children’s book created by Bob
Salomon with Rick Young and illustrated by Ken Jones. The project promotes kindness, compassion, hope and perseverance while showing children that their communities care about them. Howell Day will also feature rides, children’s activities, food vendors, beer and wine, music and fireworks. Parking will be available at Soldier Memorial Park and Bear Swamp, with shuttle service from Howell middle schools North and South. Additional information is available at BeyondTheLaces.com.
Turkey Trot Registration Opens
HOWELL – The Turkey Trot 5K and 2-Mile Run/Walk will be held November 15 at Oak Glen Park, 300 Preventorium Road. Registration will open at 8 a.m., followed by the race at 9 a.m. The event welcomes participants of all ages, including competitive runners and casual walkers.
The registration fee is $25. The first 150 people to register will receive a shirt and medal. Coffee and snacks will be available before and after the race. Advance registration is required at runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Howell/Howell5kTurkeyTrot2MileFunRunWalk. For more information, call 732-938-4500, ext. 2102.
Secret Agent STEM Academy Opens Registration
HOWELL – The Howell Police Athletic League is accepting registration for “Mission Possible: Secret Agent STEM Academy,” a six-week LEGO robotics program for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Sessions will run from 5:30 to 7 p.m. September 22 and 29 and October 6, 13, 20 and 27 at Howell PAL, 115 Academy Road. The program costs $165.
Participants will build and code robots, complete spy-themed missions, explore virtual reality, solve Minecraft challenges and learn about artificial intelligence and online safety. Activities will emphasize creativity, teamwork and problem-solving. Each student will receive a Secret Agent Medal after completing the program. Registration is available at HowellPAL.org.
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The Howell Times, September 19, 2026, Page 9
Community News C lub N ews , A ctivities , E vents & A nnouncements
Touch-A-Truck Festival To Benefit Children Battling Cancer
FREEHOLD – The 5th Annual Charlotte Joy Touch-A-Truck Festival will return October 10 at the East Freehold Showgrounds, 1500 Kozloski Road, with a rain date of October 11. The event, billed as the largest Touch-ATruck on the East Coast, will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and benefit The Ashley Lauren Foundation, a nonprofit that supports New Jersey children battling cancer and their families. Organizers said all proceeds from the fundraiser will go directly to the foundation. The festival is held in memory of Charlotte Joy Scalese, a 6-year-old foundation child who died in 2023 after fighting Stage 4 neuroblastoma. More than 18,000 people attended the 2025 event, and organizers expect this year’s festival to feature more than 200 vehicles, including first responder vehicles, fire trucks, classic cars, vintage buses, big
rigs, race cars, construction equipment, boats, school buses and specialty vehicles. General admission includes access to the Touch-A-Truck fields, company giveaways, meet-and-greets, live and roaming entertainment, NJ Bubble parties, tractor hay rides, an interactive photo booth and stage performances. The first 240 families will receive a free soft pretzel from Wawa. Admission does not include mechanical rides, ziplining, face painting, pony rides, the petting zoo, vendors, the mobile gaming trailer or other separately priced activities. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children ages 3 to 12 and free for children under 3. No refunds will be offered for pre-purchased tickets. Vendor and sponsorship inquiries can be sent to Laura at Lscalese@ashleylaurenfoundation.org, or visit ashleylaurenfoundation.org/5th-annual.
Free Narcan Kits Available On Save A Life Day
HOWELL – The Howell Alliance will distribute free Narcan kits from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. September 24 at the Howell Municipal Building, 4567 Route 9 North, as part of the nationwide Save a Life Day initiative. Residents may pick up the overdose-reversal medication anonymously. Information about substance use treatment and recovery support services will also be available. Narcan is a brand of naloxone, a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. Save a Life Day seeks to expand access to naloxone, reduce the stigma surrounding
substance use disorder and connect people with behavioral health resources. The initiative began as a pilot program through Solutions Oriented Addiction Response in West Virginia. Organizers said communities in all 50 states participated in 2025, distributing about 133,000 doses of naloxone in one day. For more information about the event, year-round access to free Narcan or behavioral health resources, call the Howell Alliance at 732-938-4500, ext. 4012, or visit twp.howell.nj.us/Alliance.
Abandoned Vehicle for Sale VIN: 1MAG11C03M004329 2003 Mack Granite Date/location of auction: September 26, 2026 at 8:00 AM Rain or shine 1044 Route 33 Howell, NJ 07731
Starting Bid $12,800 Truck is Pre-admissions AS IS, WHERE IS Must be removed off property within 48 hours of purchase
Cash/Certified Check only
Designer Bag Bingo Fundraiser Planned
HOWELL – The Township Education Foundation will host a Designer Bag Bingo fundraiser from 6 to 11 p.m. October 2 at St. Veronica’s Gymnasium, 4219 Route 9 North. Doors will open at 6 p.m., and bingo will begin at 7:15 p.m. The event will also feature raffles and a 50/50 drawing. Guests may bring their own snacks and beverages.
Tickets cost $35 and include four bingo cards for 10 rounds. Additional boards will be available for purchase. Tables for 10 may be reserved for $350. All guests must be at least 21 years old. Registration is now open. Payments will be accepted through cash or Venmo. For more information, email HTEFBingoFundraiser@gmail.com.
Pie Baking Contest Planned At Fall Fest
HOWELL – A pie baking contest will be held October 17 during Howell Fall Fest at Soldier Memorial Park. Judging will begin at 12:45 p.m. at the stage, with entries evaluated on taste, texture and presentation. Awards will be presented for best in each category and
best in show. Apple, pumpkin and other fruit pies, including blueberry, cherry and peach, will be accepted. Entries containing nuts are prohibited. For an entry form, email dproffice@twp. howell.nj.us or call 732-938-4500, ext. 2451.
Internet Exchange Zone
HOWELL – The Howell Township Police Department would like to reminder residents that the Police Department Lobby is open to internet merchandise exchanges as well as domestic child custody exchanges.
There are two cameras in the lobby and one at the lobby entrance. They also have cameras that cover the front parking lot. When making exchanges use caution and try and conduct the transaction in a public location.
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Page 10, The Howell Times, September 19, 2026
Around The Jersey Shore Rowers Complete Cape May-To-Liberty Journey Your Howell/Jackson Home Cleaning Experts
Photo by Wendi Bennett By Jason Allentoff JERSEY SHORE — Ryan Fisher and Kyle Rumaker completed a demanding rowing expedition along the Jersey Shore, traveling from the Cape May Lighthouse to the Statue of Liberty while raising money for coastal preservation and a lifeguard scholarship. The pair generated more than $13,000 in donations during the journey, according to a social media post from Fisher’s family. A portion of the proceeds will support the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association, a national nonprofit that promotes shoreline protection and restoration through scientific research, responsible coastal management and public education.
Funds will also establish a college scholarship for one or more members of the Upper Township Beach Patrol. Fisher and Rumaker, who served as lifeguards together for eight years, will select recipients who demonstrate a strong commitment to protecting local beaches and receive recommendations from their peers. Family members followed the rowers along the coast and celebrated as they reached their destination, completing a challenge that combined physical endurance with support for causes closely connected to their years on the beach patrol. More information is available at lighthouse2libertyrow.com.
High Technology Earns Top National STEM Ranking
MONMOUTH COUNTY – High Technology High School has been named the nation’s No. 1 STEM high school in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools rankings. The Monmouth County Vocational School District school also ranked No. 1 among all New Jersey high schools for the third consecutive year and No. 28 nationally. Three other district schools earned recognition. Biotechnology High School ranked No. 4 in New Jersey and No. 72 nationally, the Marine Academy of Science and Technology placed No. 11 statewide and No. 156 nationally, and the Academy of Allied
Health and Science ranked No. 19 in the state and No. 348 nationally. County Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone said the results reflect the dedication of the students, educators, administrators and families. Superintendent Sean Meehan also credited the district’s staff and the Monmouth County schools that prepared students for the demanding programs. U.S. News evaluated nearly 27,000 public high schools based on college readiness, state assessment results, college-level curriculum, underserved student performance and graduation rates.
Storytellers Share Life Experiences
LINCROFT – “Everyone Has a Story” will be presented from 6 to 8 p.m. September 26 at the Thompson Park Theater Barn. James Dalton, creator of AP & Me Productions, will host regional storytellers who will share personal experiences inspired by
a variety of prompts. Audience members may also be invited to contribute related stories as time permits. Admission is free. For information, visit MonmouthCountyParks.com or call 732842-4000.
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The Howell Times, September 19, 2026, Page 11
Around The Jersey Shore Food Pantries Receive Major Hunger Relief Grants
JERSEY SHORE – The FirstEnergy Foundation has awarded $1.3 million to 25 New Jersey food banks and pantries, including 13 organizations serving Ocean and Monmouth counties. The grants, ranging from $5,000 to $250,000, are expected to provide more than 3.8 million meals statewide. The funding is part of a $5 million regional initiative supporting nearly 140 hunger-re-
lief organizations across six states and Washington, D.C. Local recipients include A Need We Feed, Bradley Food Pantry, Freehold Area Open Door, Fulfill, The Helping Hand Food Pantry, Interfaith Neighbors, Jersey Shore Dream Center, Lacey Food Bank, Lunch Break, Mercy Center, Nourish Asbury Food Pantry, Somebody C.A.R.E.S. and Trinity Center for Community. A Need We Feed,
Freehold Area Open Door and The Helping Hand Food Pantry are first-time recipients. FirstEnergy New Jersey President Doug Mokoid said the grants will help food banks respond as rising costs place additional pressure on household budgets. Feeding America estimates that more than 1.2 million New Jersey residents experienced food insecurity in 2024, including about one in six children. Jersey Central Power & Light employees
also support food banks and other nonprofits through volunteer service. FirstEnergy employees contributed about 28,500 volunteer hours across the company’s service territory in 2025.
Fun & Games Page 18
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Page 12, The Howell Times, September 19, 2026
Here’s To Your Health
Dear Phar Pharmacist macist 6 Nutrient Deficiencies That Can Feel Like Something Is Wrong With Your Heart By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph. Your heart suddenly flutters. You feel unusually tired walking upstairs. Maybe you’re lightheaded or your legs feel weak. Naturally, your mind goes straight to your heart, and sometimes that’s exactly where it should go. But nutritional deficiencies can produce surprisingly similar symptoms. I find that so fascinating, so today we’re going to discuss 6 nutrients deficiencies that might make you think your heart is failing. One thing though, as a pharmacist, I don’t want you diagnosing palpitations as a “magnesium deficiency” and popping supplements while ignoring a genuine problem. Some of you reading this could very well have n abnormal heart rhythm unrelated to nutrient deficiencies. So, keep this in mind: New or persistent palpitations, chest pain, fainting, significant shortness of breath or a rapid/irregular heartbeat definitely deserves medical evaluation. 1. Magnesium helps regulate the movement of calcium and potassium across cell membranes. Significant deficiency can cause weakness, muscle cramps and abnormal heart rhythms. Long-term use of acid blockers can contribute to low magnesium. 2. Vitamin B12 deficiency is another potential masquerader. It can cause megaloblastic anemia, resulting in fatigue, weakness and sometimes palpitations. B12 deficiency may also produce tingling, numbness or balance problems. If you take metformin, you may be particularly vulnerable to low B12. 3. Folate, vitamin B9, works closely with B12 in red blood cell production. Deficiency can also cause anemia, weakness, fatigue and shortness of breath. 4. Iron. When iron deficiency progresses to anemia, oxygen delivery suffers. Walking upstairs can suddenly feel like mountain
climbing, and the heart may beat faster to compensate. But don’t take iron simply because you’re tired. Too much iron isn’t benign either. Testing levels is useful before supplementing. 5. Potassium deserves special respect because both too little and too much can cause dangerous rhythm disturbances. Diuretics may lower potassium, while drugs such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs and spironolactone may raise it. This is one electrolyte I’d rather you measure than guess about. 6. Vitamin D deficiency is more strongly associated with bone and muscle problems than with palpitations, but vitamin D status can indirectly affect heart rhythm because it influences calcium balance. Too much vitamin D can raise blood and urinary calcium, potentially triggering rhythm disturbances. The larger lesson is simple: Symptoms are clues, not diagnoses. A fluttering heart doesn’t automatically mean magnesium deficiency, fatigue doesn’t automatically mean low B12, and weak legs don’t automatically mean low vitamin D. Sometimes nutritional status is part of the puzzle. And sometimes the answer really is your heart. Feed it well, correct genuine deficiencies, review medications that may affect nutrient levels, drink plenty of water (and add electrolytes sometimes), and just pay close attention when your body sends you unfamiliar signals. I know… we’re just too busy and we tend to brush off the obvious. I do it too. Please don’t, because sometimes your body whispers before it shouts. Want to know which nutrient I left out? Read the full article at suzycohen.com to discover the seventh nutrient, and why it matters to your heart.
(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.
R.C. Shea & Assoc.
Inside The Law What To Do After A Car Crash In New Jersey
Michael J. Deem, Esq.
By: Michael J. Deem, Esq. R.C. Shea & Associates Most of the people I meet after a car crash tell me the same thing: the f irst few days were a blur. That is normal. But a handful of decisions made in that first week tend to shape everything that follows. Start with medical care. If you feel any pain, get checked out, even if you waved off the ambulance at the scene. Soft tissue injuries and concussions often do not announce themselves for a day or two. Gaps in treatment also give an insurance company room to argue later that you were not really hurt. Report the crash to your own auto ca r r ie r promptly. I n New Je r sey, your own policy pays your medical bills f irst through Personal Injur y Protection, no matter who caused the collision. That surprises people. It is the trade-off in our no-fault system, unless you elected otherwise. Be careful with the other driver’s insurance company. An adjuster may call within days asking for a recorded statement. You are not required to give one, and a casual answer about how you are feeling on day three can be read back to you a year later. Photographs help more than most people expect. Damage to both vehicles, the resting position of the cars, skid marks, the intersection itself.
So do the names of anyone who stopped to help. Witnesses become impossible to f ind once ever yone drives away. Fault matters, but it is not all or nothing. New Jersey uses comparative negligence. If you are found partly responsible, your recovery is reduced by your share of the fault, and you are barred entirely only if you are more than 50 percent at fault. Being partly to blame is not a reason to assume you have no claim. Finally, watch the calendar. Most injury lawsuits in New Jersey must be filed within two years of the crash. If a public entity is involved, such as a municipal truck or a NJ Transit bus, written notice is generally due within 90 days. If you were hurt in a crash and are not sure what to do next, call and ask. Answering that question costs nothing. Michael J. Deem, Esq. is Certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as a Civil Trial Attorney. R.C. Shea & Associates, Toms River, New Jersey. (732) 505-1212 This article provides general information about New Jersey law. It is not legal advice about any particular sit uation, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Our clients’ success is our greatest reward. 732-505-1212 • RCSHEA.COM
Doctor Urges Men To Discuss Prostate Cancer Screening
JERSEY SHORE – About one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, making conversations about screening and early detection critical, according to a Hackensack Meridian Health specialist. Dr. Mina Fam, medical director of urologic oncology at Jersey Shore University Medical Center and robotic surgery at Ocean University Medical Center, said a primary care doctor can help patients understand their individual risk. Men at average risk should generally discuss screening around age 50, while Black men and those with a family history should begin around 45. Men with certain inherited risks, including a BRCA mutation, may need to start between ages 40 and 45. The prostate-specific antigen blood test is commonly used to establish a baseline and identify potential problems. Fam
said doctors consider changes in PSA levels over time, along with a patient’s age and prostate density, rather than viewing a single result as a pass-or-fail test. An elevated PSA level does not necessarily mean a biopsy is needed. MRI scans and newer blood and urine tests can help doctors deter mine whether further testing is appropriate. Fam also noted that u r i nar y sy mptoms of ten result from noncancerous conditions, while early prostate cancer may cause no symptoms. Treatment is similarly individualized. Some patients with early-stage prostate cancer may qualify for active surveillance instead of immediate surgery or radiation. More information is available at hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/ urology/prostate-cancer.
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The Howell Times, September 19, 2026, Page 13
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Free Multicultural Festival Celebrates Arts And Culture
MONMOUTH COUNTY – Monmouth Arts will host its inaugural “Culture Around the Corner,” a free three-day multicultural festival featuring music, dance, food, visual art and family activities from October 2 through October 4. The festival begins October 2 at 5 p.m. at Slocum Park and the Long Branch Free Public Library, 328 Broadway. The opening celebration will include the Ocean Avenue Stompers, Deseree Spinks and Ryan Gregg, a sunset salsa dance party by Baila Society and singer-songwriter Will Evans. Activities on October 3 will take place at the Long Branch Bandshell and the Art Yard at the Union Avenue Municipal Lot. Two stages will showcase the Long Branch High School Dance Group, the Hellenic Dancers of New Jersey, the Digba
Ogunbiyi Quartet, Atlantic Watch Pipe & Drums, Kuf Knotz and Christine Elise, Mary Cross, Alexander Simone and other performers. Global food, artisan vendors, hands-on art projects and a Kids Zone will also be offered. The festival concludes October 4 at Whitechapel Projects, 15 Second Avenue, with the Folklife Village. The program will feature Hawaiian hula, Indian classical dance, Colombian folk music, Jewish dance traditions, Afro-Brazilian capoeira, Andean flute music, artisans, food vendors and family activities. The event is supported by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s A.R.T. Phase II Grant Program. Admission is free. Additional information and schedule updates are available at monmoutharts.org.
Removal Assist. & Mileage, Viewings Or Memorial Services
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Page 14, The Howell Times, September 19, 2026
Around The Jersey Shore Italian Folk Group To Perform At Parade
Photo courtesy Ocean County Columbus Day Committee SEASIDE HEIGHTS – An acclaimed folk ensemble from Calabria will bring traditional Italian music, dance and culture to Ocean County during the 35th annual Columbus Day Parade and Italian Festival. Pro Loco di Castrovillari is scheduled to arrive in the eastern United States on Oct. 7 as a guest of the Ocean County Columbus Day Parade Committee. The group will make its first appearance in Ocean County during the three-day festival, which runs from Friday, Oct. 9, through Sunday, Oct. 11. The Columbus Day Parade will begin at 1 p.m. Oct. 11 in Seaside Heights. Committee Chairman Michael Blandina said the annual celebration has grown into one of New Jersey’s most popular cultural festivals. For 26 years, the committee has invited performers from Italy to give visitors an authentic look at the country’s heritage and traditions. Pro Loco di Castrovillari traces its roots to 1929, when the ensemble was established as I Canterini di Castrovillari. It adopted its current identity after becoming part of the newly formed Pro Loco di Castrovillari organization in 1959. The performers have spent decades researching and preserving the customs of Castrovillari, a city in northern Calabria near Pollino National Park. Their work highlights
the region’s traditional songs, dances, music, clothing and daily rituals. The group has received awards and cultural recognition in Italy and abroad. During a 2004 trip to New York, the performers were honored by New York City and Westchester County for their contributions to Italian cultural heritage. John Giavatto, the committee’s international relations chairman, helped coordinate the group’s visit. Organizers plan to arrange trips to New York City, Atlantic City and destinations throughout the region during the performers’ stay. Additional appearances are expected at Ocean County high schools and other local locations before and after the festival. Blandina said the celebration requires a full year of planning and fundraising by a small group of volunteers. Their efforts, he said, have allowed the parade and festival to continue for more than three decades. Organizers are still accepting sponsors, parade participants and volunteers. Most community groups and organizations may participate in the parade at no charge. Volunteers are also needed to serve as parade marshals and assist throughout the weekend. For more information, call Blandina at 732477-6507.
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The Howell Times, September 19, 2026, Page 15
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Auto For Sale '79 Corvette and T-Top - V8, Auto. 88,000 miles. Teal exterior. Blue interior. Excellent condition. Must sell. Asking $12,500. 732-597-6176. (40) 1984 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS 305 motor runs strong. White with blue interior Maintained for everyday driving. Asking $5,050 OBO Call or Text 732-278-5424. (40)
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Page 16, The Howell Times, September 19, 2026
Around The Jersey Shore County Schedules 16 Free Paper Shredding Events
FREEHOLD – The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners has announced a full slate of 16 free paper shredding events in 2026, offering residents across all 53 municipalities a secure way to dispose of personal documents and sensitive records. The events are designed to help residents reduce household clutter while guarding against identity theft by safely destroying items such as bank statements, medical records, legal paperwork and utility bills. Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone, liaison to the Monmouth County Reclamation Center, said the program provides a valuable service to the public at no cost and credited participating municipalities for helping make the events possible. All events will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and are open to Monmouth County residents, regardless of where they live within the county. Each participant may shred up to 100 pounds of paper, roughly
equal to four office paper boxes or four large trash bags. The 2026 schedule is as follows: Sept. 26: Colts Neck, Municipal Building, 3 Veterans Way Oct. 10: Asbury Park, City Hall, 1 Municipal Plaza Oct. 24: Avon, behind the Municipal Building, 301 Main St. Nov. 7: Allenhurst, Beach Club, end of Corlies Avenue near Ocean Avenue Nov. 21: Middletown, Middletown High School North, 63 Tindall Road Documents will be shredded on site using mobile shredding trucks. Events may conclude early if the trucks reach capacity before the scheduled end time. Residents are asked to remove large binder clips prior to shredding; staples and standard paper clips are permitted. Addit ional i nfor mat ion about the shredding program and other recycling services is available through the county’s recycling page at visitmonmouth.com or by calling 732-683-8686, ext. 8967.
United Way Plans Two Psychic Medium Events
MONMOUTH AND OCEAN COUNTIES – United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties will host two “A Night With Spirit” fundraisers featuring food, wine and gallery readings by psychic mediums. The Monmouth County event will run from 6 to 9 p.m. October 15 at Sette, 130 South Main St., Marlboro. Psychic medium Catherine McCall will lead the readings. The Ocean County event is scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. October 22 at Gal Mediterranean
Cuisine, 2 Route 37, Toms River. Psychic medium Joe Hicks will appear. Proceeds will support United Way programs addressing education, financial stability, health and basic needs for local families. Sponsorships range from $500 to $1,500 and include event signage or social media recognition. For tickets or sponsorship information, contact Marielaina LaRosa at 848-206-2041 or mlarosa@uwmoc.org.
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
produced 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.
Historic Racing Stable 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.
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The Howell Times, September 19, 2026, Page 17
Around The Jersey Shore Cave Dwellers: Who Lives There And How They Have Adapted
By Renee A. Thomaier Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator Many animals are well adapted to life in dark caves, and some species cannot survive anywhere else. These small cave-dwelling creatures, known as troglobites, include more than 7,700 species discovered worldwide. It is believed that thousands more remain unknown due to them being unexplored. Here are just a few of them we know. The Tumbling Creek cave snail is an aquatic species that lives under rocks inside caves. They are freshwater snails who prefer caves with large bat populations because they rely on bat guano (feces) for nutrition. They are found in Tumbling Creek habitats in southern Missouri. The cave salamander has no lungs and grows 4 to 6 inches long. Unlike many white or transparent cave dwellers, it is bright reddish orange with dark spots. Relatively long limbs help it climb through cave rock crevices. It’s typically found in caves in Oklahoma, Virginia, Indiana, Georgia, and Alabama. The cave robber spider uses hook-like claws on its legs to snatch prey from the air. With legs outstretched, it can reach 3 inches long. It lives deep in caves, hanging from simple webs with only a few strands, found
mostly in southwestern Oregon. The little brown bat is native to eastern North America and often lives and hibernates in cave colonies, though it may also use underground quarries or mines. These bats grow to about 3.5 inches long and have 9- to 11-inch wingspans. Using echolocation, they navigate their surroundings and find prey. They emit a sound that bounces off objects, and the returning echo provides them with information on the size and distance of objects around them. The southern cave crayfish is smoother, more transparent, and has longer antennae than its surface-dwelling relatives. Since cave food is scarce, these crustaceans have slower metabolisms that conserve energy, helping them live up to approximately 176 years. The Youngsteadt’s cave millipede was named for its first collectors, Jean and Norman Youngsteadt, in 1976. These transparent white millipedes live in Arkansas caves, using their antennae and tiny body hairs to sense their dark surroundings. Information for this article comes from various sources, so statistics may differ. For inquiries, call 732-244-2768. It is illegal to possess, relocate, or cause harm to wildlife for any reason. Managing wildlife without state and/or federal permits is illegal. Violators are subject to legal penalties.
Surf Competition To Support Clean Ocean
LONG BRANCH – Clean Ocean Action will hold its annual Surf Open on September 26 at Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, bringing surfers and supporters together to promote cleaner beaches and a healthier ocean. The competition is open to surfers of all ages and ability levels. Spectators may also attend to cheer on competitors, take photographs and support the organization’s
environmental work. Proceeds will support Clean Ocean Action’s year-round efforts to reduce pollution, protect marine life and preserve beaches and coastal communities for future generations. The event date is subject to weather and wave conditions. Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available. For more information, visit CleanOceanAction. org/surf-open.
Police Department Seeks Part-Time Dispatchers
WALL – The Wall Police Department is accepting applications for part-time police communications officers. Dispatchers serve as an essential link between the public and emergency personnel
while supporting the department’s daily operations. Details about the position, requirements, salary and application process are available at wallpolice.org/career.
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Bugs, Birds And Beyond Festival Planned
FREEHOLD – The Rutgers Master Gardeners of Monmouth County will host the free Bugs, Birds and Beyond festival from noon to 4 p.m. September 19 at 4000 Kozloski Road. The family-friendly event will feature take-home crafts, nature-inspired activities,
educational displays, insect exhibits, beehives and 4-H animals. Remarkable Raptors will also present live shows. Activities will be held indoors and outdoors, rain or shine. Children of all ages are welcome. For more information, call 732-303-7614.
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Page 18, The Howell Times, September 19, 2026
FUN & GAMES SUDOKU
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Across 1 “Jurassic Park” resin 6 Big name in champagne 10 Pigpen 13 Glacier-climbing tool 14 First word of a fairy tale 15 __ vez: again, in Spanish 16 Arbitrary allowance for error 18 Sonnet or ode 19 Phony 20 Margaret of “Fire Island” 21 Play parts 23 Ivy in New Haven 24 Poker player with the tallest stacks 26 Out of __ world 28 Not online, online 29 Dove’s sound 31 Prefix similar to quad33 38-Down dispenser
35 Talk a big game 36 Sweet treats for a valentine, or what the starts of 16-, 24-, 47-, and 59-Across are 40 Inning’s six 41 Tyrannosaurus __ 42 Many Omanis 43 Shivered syllable 44 Barinholtz who won “Celebrity Jeopardy!” in 2023 46 Community FYIs 47 Rite of passage for a Jewish boy 51 Cheeky answers 55 Legal scholar 56 Organ with a lobe 57 Desert flora 58 Shortly, shortly 59 Words on a novelty apron 62 Piffling 63 Uffizi display 64 “Love that” 65 NNW opposite 66 Body positive activist
Holliday 67 Brick-and-mortar worker? Down 1 Honda luxury line 2 Olympian’s aspiration 3 French loaves 4 Struck through 5 Penalty caller 6 Sweet rice cake 7 In first place 8 Prefix with hotel or tourist 9 Less verbose 10 Crustacean eaten by sea turtles 11 Moving sidewalk creators? 12 Thanksgiving tubers 13 Not without risk 15 Opinion piece 17 German cries 22 Berkeley, briefly 24 Bologna bye-bye 25 Long ride, for short 27 Bits of time? 30 Need to repay
31 Band wagons? 32 Like a limited edition 33 Hardware chain that celebrated “100 Years of Helpful” in 2024 34 “appreciate u” 35 Mensches 36 __ for apples 37 Lose sleep, maybe 38 Money 39 “Your Song” singer Rita 44 Online convos 45 Apt candy for a snack break? 46 Take different paths 48 Like peaches in summer 49 Cocktail twists 50 Bouquet bearers 52 Sneeze sound 53 Oktoberfest mug 54 Verb in a bread recipe 55 Scone spreads 57 John of “Argylle” 60 Anger 61 That guy
(c)2026 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, INC.
SOLUTIONS
SU DOK U
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Jumble: MUDDY BERET GENTRY ALLEGE -- GREEDY AGREED
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The Howell Times, September 19, 2026, Page 19
OMARR’S ASTROLOGICAL FOR THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 19 - 26 BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS FORECAST ARIES (March 21-April 19): September’s stars could continue to throw you up then down for another week before you get improved opportunity for a consistent period. Decide and move on above-zero days, refine and stage on below-zero days like today. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): A quiet hobby day could be a satisfying way to use a Sunday with poor stars for adventuring but helpful stars for creativity. Tasks could go smoothly enough if you stick with what you know works. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): An attempt at a fun escape could quickly get co-opted into taking on more responsibilities, or the plan might require more work and less play than you signed up for. Time at home could strike the right note today. CANCER (June 21-July 22): A breakthrough in your domestic arrangements could emerge, whether regarding people, pets, design, or practical needs. Let it percolate at least for today, put it into effect tomorrow or on another above-zero day. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Major purchases on below-zero days usually fail to perform well, don’t ignore today’s underwater stars just to grab a ‘deal.’ An idea could be promising but wait for a positive day in the Universal sky make an announcement. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Stay grounded in yourself — even as a parent, your own self-care will impact your ability to care for others. Your values could be clarifying dramatically but don’t act yet, today’s Universal stars do not support
helpful outcomes. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Who you are and how to present yourself could come even more into focus — you’ll know when the resonance feels deep and clear. Your outer presentation is just the book cover; your inner frequency is the actual content. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Some inward time could bring a significant inner breakthrough; your stars are lining this up for you. Don’t let too much noise and movement sandbag this opportunity for greater self-mastery. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Don’t discount a friend’s advice, they might know something you don’t. Still, wait until at least tomorrow to act — below-zero Universal stars correlate to poorer outcomes. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): An intuition regarding career could be significant or could be nothing — today’s poor stars could bring false insights rather than true ones. Be aware: Your intuition is impacted by Universal stars and your individual cycles, too. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Learn what you can today but always consider whether something truly aligns before taking on anything new in your life. Don’t force anything, especially later in the day PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Any kind of purchase or any other financial move is strongly discouraged today but do nothing and you should be able to skate through just fine. Save a conversation for a better day.
(c) 2026 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.
THIS DISH IS AN ODE TO LATE SUMMER
The cod’s mild flavor and flaky white texture let the bright sauce take center stage. CREDIT: (Diane Rossen Worthington/TCA). Diane Rossen Worthington
These last days of summer call for tomatoes, corn and sweet peppers at their peak, and this colorful cod dish makes the most of them. The sauce comes together first, with clam juice added at the end for a light, briny consistency, and crisp bacon is folded in for smoky depth. Best of all, the sauce can be made a few hours ahead, so the fish only needs a quick steam just before serving. Cod is ideal here: Its mild flavor and flaky white texture let the bright sauce take center stage. Use one large skillet or braiser with a lid, then nestle evenly sized fillets into the hot sauce, cover and steam until the fish flakes easily, about 10 minutes. With the ingredients prepped in advance, the dish comes together quickly; serve it with farro, quinoa or rice, a green vegetable, and a chilled pinot grigio or pinot blanc.
STEAMED COD WITH CORN AND TOMATO SAUCE
Serves 4 4 (6 ounce) cod fillets from center cut For the sauce: 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 ounces bacon, cut into 1 1/2-inch dice 2 leeks, light green and white part only, finely chopped 1 orange or yellow bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1 1/2-inch dice 3 garlic cloves, minced 1 cup dry white wine like pinot blanc or grigio 1 (14 1/2 ounces) can diced tomatoes and juice or 1 pound skinned and diced fresh, ripe tomatoes 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1/4 cup chopped basil 1 1/4 cups fresh yellow corn kernels
(about 2 1/2 cobs) Salt and pepper Smoked paprika 2 teaspoons balsamic syrup 1 cup clam juice For garnish: Extra basil leaves 1. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Saute the bacon for about 4 minutes or until crisp and golden. Remove with slotted spoon onto paper towels, drain and reserve. 2. Add remaining oil and saute the leeks for 5 to 7 minutes or until the leeks are soft but not brown. Saute the diced peppers for a couple of minutes. Add the garlic and saute another minute. Add the white wine and increase heat to high and reduce for about 4 more minutes to burn off the alcohol. 3. Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, and 2 tablespoons chopped basil. Lower the heat to medium and stir 5 to 8 minutes or until slightly thickened. Add the corn and cook another minute. Season to taste with salt, pepper and smoked paprika. Add the balsamic and mix to combine. 4. Just before cooking the cod, add the clam juice, reserved bacon and remaining chopped basil and bring to a simmer. Taste for seasoning. 5. Season the fish with salt and pepper and arrange each fillet in the skillet surounding the sauce. Cover the skillet and cook on medium high for about 10 minutes, depending upon the thickness or until the cod is cooked through. You can use a sharp knife to test it. Place a small basil leaf on top of each fish fillet. 6. Arrange each fillet and some sauce on serving plates. Add your favorite grain like quinoa, farro or rice on the side and serve immediately.
(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 20, The Howell Times, September 19, 2026
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