Anyone deserving of an 'Honorable Menschen,' can contact Howard Berger via his e-mail: Howardberger9798@aol.com or by fax: 822-3670.

ECONOMIC MELTDOWN EFFECTS SENIORS HARD SAYS MICHAEL WEINRAUB

It doesn't look good for older Americans locally and nationwide as a result of the economic meltdown, contends HM's Elder Law consultant, Michael D. Weinraub, whose practice is located in Ventnor. He said, in his current newsletter, "the slumping stock market, falling housing prices and weakening economy have serious repercussions for the 94 million Americans age 50 and older who are approaching retirement or already retired." And he added, "retirement accounts lost about 18 percent of their value over the past 12 months and between January 2007 and May 2008, housing prices fell from 4 percent to 20 percent, depending on where you live." And, concludes Weinraub, these people have "little time to recoup the values of their homes, 401(K) plans and individual retirement accounts (IRAs) all important parts of their retirement nest eggs." A retired schoolteacher told Weinraub what she surmises is the bottom line: "The economic times have made it more anxious for us in terms of trying to figure out what to do," declared Sandy Tracy.

LATE BERNIE IZES' DAUGHTER, LOIS IZES, NAMED TOP NJ PUBLIC DEFENDER

The late Bernie Izes of Margate is remembered as the city editor of the Press of Atlantic City, performing his journalistic profession with great skill. He was a good friend to all of us in the mainstream news field. He had a brilliance that was inherited by his daughter, Lois Izes. "Like her dad was, she is good at what she does, although not in the field of journalism," said her mother, Bernice Izes. After graduating ACHS and Stockton State College, Lois became a field investigator in the office of the Public Defender, Office of the Law Guardian, for the entire state of New Jersey. And she did such an exceptional job that recently she was honored as "the most outstanding field investigator for the state." The mission of her program is to represent children who are in the court system due to their parent's inability to care for them. Mazel Tov Lois. "I am proud of her and I'm certain if Bernie was alive, he too would share that pride," declared Bernice, who can be reached at her email- Bmizes@Juno.com.

CHAD JUROS AMONG HONOREES FOR THE ANNUAL SYKES HUMANITARIAN AWARDS

Chad Juros of Egg Harbor Township has been widely recognized for his many humanitarian contributions, so it comes as no surprise that he was among several honorees for the Donald Sykes Humanitarian Award. Recovering from a childhood bout with Leukemia, Chad developed skills as a superb magician, performing in AC casinos, at the White House, Las Vegas and many other entertainment venues including the Flyers and Sixers, becoming their official magician. This week he performed at Caesars (AC) for the Philadelphia Eagles Ronald McDonald 25th anniversary hosted by Joe Piscoppo. In the audience was Governor Corzine. Recently Chad created a DVD, produced by Ed Snyder, owner of the Flyers/Sixers, to teach simple magic to children with cancer. Chad also founded the "Spread The Magic Foundation," and he is on his way to becoming one of the nation's leading magicians. "Who knows how far he will go in his field," declared his proud mother, Penny Juros.

OCEAN CITY PR GURU MARK SOIFER ELECTED FIRST PRES. OF NATIONAL ASSN. OF TIRED PEOPLE

There are many unique if not weird organizations in the nation and there are too many of them to list. but one of them has popped up in our area founded by Ocean City's public relations guru, Mark Soifer. His clever marketing creations have added to the success of Ocean City's claim as the "World's Leading Family Resort." One of these unique programs is the annual "Quiet Festival" set to start today, Nov. 14, concluding this Sunday, Nov. 16. This led to the founding of the "National Association of Tired People," and the election of Soifer as its first president, a role we're certain he relishes. Accepting the presidency, Soifer, 75, said (with tongue in cheek), "I've been tired for about 40 years now, and I feel uniquely qualified to represent the millions of tired folks in this nation and world. Mark could wind up being president for life stating there are no term limits and "you serve until you get tired." which the infatiguable PR icon says "won't happen," until I get old. He's a real mensch.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Today, Friday, is another milestone day for Deborah Davies, CEO of ARC of Atlantic County, when she and COO Pat Jones are honored for their 25 years of services to this organization at a luncheon at Carmines located in the Trop .... With the reelection of Frank Lautenberg and 12 other Jewish Senators they more than maintain their Minyan in the Upper House of Congress ... Congrats to the newest member of the Margate Board of Education,

Brad Jacobson, a financial advisor with UBS, Northfield, named to the vacant post by Margate Mayor Michael Becker filling the spot of Joseph Sayegh who stepped down recently.