TOMS RIVER, NJ – AMC Theaters are reopening their doors nationwide, but not in New Jersey, because it’s a nanny state run by a tyrant Democratic Socialist governor who has continued to keep restaurants, gyms and movie theaters closed, even though the transmission rate of the virus has steady been better than most of the country for the past several months.  While Murphy will tell you that’s because he has continued his five-month long excessive lockdown order in place, science is definitely telling 49 other governors across America something different.

This week, Murphy said he’s not sure when theaters will re-open but probably not any time soon.

“We’re just not there yet folks,” Murphy said.

While the rest of America enjoys 1920 movie ticket prices in 2020, New Jersey residents better enjoy staying home and watching your damn Netflix and Disney Plus.  Maybe you can find a pop-up drive-in movie theater around the area, but don’t be pushing your luck, people.

So for the rest of America, there’s this:

In 1920, the Dubinsky Brothers began operations with a single movie screen in Kansas City, Missouri. That single screen would serve as the foundation for what is known today as AMC Entertainment (NYSE: AMC), the largest theatrical exhibitor in the United States, in Europe & the Middle East, and in the world. One hundred years later, as AMC reopens its doors to U.S. moviegoers for the first time in more than five months, AMC is celebrating its history with a throwback to the year it all started by offering “Movies in 2020 at 1920 Prices.” When the first wave of more than 100 AMC theatres reopens on August 20 of 2020, moviegoers can again enjoy the magic of the big screen at 1920 ticket prices. For one day only, on August 20, all tickets at AMC will be priced at 15 cents (plus sales tax).

This is part of a phased plan to reopen AMC in the United States. AMC currently expects to open approximately two thirds of its more than 600 U.S. theatre locations in time for the September 3 release of Warner Bros.’ TENET, following Disney’sAugust 28 release of THE NEW MUTANTS. The remainder of AMC’s U.S. theatres will open only after authorized to do so by state and local officials.

The one-day 15 cent ticketing celebration kicks off several promotions that guests will find as they return to AMC around the country. After August 20, bring-back titles such as the special INCEPTION 10th anniversary event, as well as titles like BLACK PANTHER, BACK TO THE FUTURE, GHOSTBUSTERS, GREASE and STAR WARS: EPISODE V – THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK will be priced at only $5. AMC is also offering an array of $5 food and beverage treats, including regular popcorn, regular Coca-Cola Freestyle drink and KidsPacks, through the end of October. And all AMC Stubs members will earn double points on all ticket and food & drink purchases through the end of October.

Adam Aron, CEO and President of AMC Theatres, commented: “We are thrilled to once again open our doors to American moviegoers who are looking for an opportunity to get out of their houses and apartments and escape into the magic of the movies. As our guests return on our first day of resumed operations on August 20, we invite them to join us in celebrating a return to the movies, and in celebrating 100 years of AMC making smiles happen with movies at 1920 prices of only 15 cents each.”

In addition to the throwback movie titles that start August 20, guests can enjoy new movie releases almost immediately, which will be available at normal admission prices.

8/21

  • UNHINGED
  • TRAIN TO BUSAN PRESENTS: PENINSULA
  • CUT THROAT CITY
  • WORDS ON BATHROOM WALLS
  • INCEPTION 10th anniversary event

8/28

  • THE NEW MUTANTS
  • PERSONAL HISTORY OF DAVID COPPERFIELD

9/3

  • TENET

9/11

  • INFIDEL

9/18

  • THE KING’S MAN
  • WAR WITH GRANDPA

For full title and showtime information, moviegoers should check their theatre’s webpage on amctheatres.com.

AMC SAFE & CLEAN

Upon returning to the movies, AMC guests can expect to experience AMC’s comprehensive health and sanitation program: AMC Safe & Clean, which was developed under advisement of current & former faculty of Harvard University’s prestigious School of Public Health as well as the No. 1 U.S. cleaning brand, The Clorox Company.

AMC Safe & Clean components include significant reductions in the maximum tickets available for each showtime and seat blocking in reserved seating auditoriums to allow for appropriate social distancing between parties, enhanced cleaning procedures that include extra time between showtimes to allow for a full, thorough cleaning and nightly disinfecting utilizing electrostatic sprayers, use of high tech HEPA vacuums, upgraded air filtration efforts including the use of MERV 13 filters wherever possible, new guest and associate safety protocols that include mandatory mask wearing by all guests and associates, hand sanitizing stations throughout the theatre, and the availability to guests of disinfectant wipes. The entire AMC Safe & Clean plan can be found at amctheatres.com/amc-safe-and-clean.

AMC is planning to open more than 100 theatres on August 20, with additional theatres to follow during the next two weeks. As currently planned, the following theatres are set to open on August 20, when guests can enjoy movie tickets for just 15 cents each (plus tax).

AMC THEATRES TO REOPEN AUGUST 20

Atlanta Danbury, CT AMC Elmwood Palace 20
AMC Avenue Forsyth 12 AMC Danbury 16 AMC Westbank Palace 16
AMC Colonial 18 Denver, CO Norfolk, VA
AMC Parkway Pointe 15 AMC Arapahoe Crossing 16 AMC Hampton 24
AMC Phipps Plaza 14 AMC Flatiron Crossing 14 AMC Lynnhaven 18
AMC DINE-IN North Point 12 AMC Highlands Ranch 24 Oklahoma City, OK
AMC North Dekalb Mall 16 AMC Orchard 12 AMC Penn Square Mall 10
AMC Southlake Pavilion 24 AMC Southlands 16 AMC Quail Springs Mall 24
AMC Sugarloaf Mills 18 AMC Westminster Promenade 24 Orlando, FL
Austin, TX Harlingen, TX AMC Altamonte Mall 18
AMC Barton Creek 14 AMC Edinburg 18 AMC DINE-IN Disney Springs 24
Birmingham, AL Hartford, CT AMC West Oaks 14
AMC Patton Creek 15 AMC Plainville 20 Philadelphia, PA
AMC DINE-IN Vestavia 10 Houston AMC Center Valley 16
Boston, MA AMC Deerbrook 24 AMC Marple 10
AMC Assembly Row 12 AMC First Colony 24 AMC Neshaminy 24
AMC Boston Common 19 AMC Fountains 18 AMC Plymouth Meeting 12
AMC Braintree 10 AMC Gulf Pointe 30 Pittsburgh, PA
AMC Burlington 10 AMC Katy Mills 20 AMC Waterfront 22
AMC DINE-IN Framingham 16 AMC Spring 10 Rockford, IL
AMC Liberty Tree Mall 20 AMC Studio 30 AMC Rockford 16
AMC Methuen 20 AMC Willowbrook 24 Springfield, MO
AMC South Bay Center 12 Indianapolis, IN AMC Springfield 11
AMC Tyngsboro 12 AMC Castleton Square 14 St. Louis, MO
Chicago AMC Indianapolis 17 AMC Streets of St. Charles 9
AMC Crestwood 18 Jacksonville, FL Tallahassee, FL
AMC Ford City 14 AMC Orange Park 24 AMC Tallahassee 20
AMC Hawthorn 12 AMC Regency 24 Tampa, FL
AMC Oakbrook Center 12 Kansas City AMC Highwoods 20
AMC Naperville 16 AMC Barrywoods 24 AMC Regency 20
AMC DINE-IN Northbrook 14 AMC Independence 20 AMC Veterans Expressway 24
AMC DINE-IN 600 North Michigan 9 AMC Studio 28 AMC Westshore Plaza 14
AMC River East 21 AMC Town Center 20 AMC Woodlands Square 20
AMC Schererville 16 AMC Ward Parkway 14 Tulsa, OK
AMC South Barrington 24 Las Vegas, NV AMC Southroads 20
AMC Streets of Woodfield 20 AMC Rainbow Promenade 10 Washington, D.C.
AMC Village Crossing 18 AMC Town Square 18 AMC Hoffman 22
AMC DINE-IN Yorktown 18 Miami, FL AMC Potomac Mills 18
Cincinnati AMC DINE-IN Coral Ridge 10 AMC Tysons Corner 16
AMC Newport on the Levee 20 AMC Pembroke Lakes 9 Wichita, KS
AMC West Chester 18 Minneapolis, MN AMC Northrock 14
Columbus, GA AMC Coon Rapids 16
AMC Columbus 15 AMC Eden Prairie Mall 18
Columbus, OH AMC Inver Grove 16
AMC Dublin Village 18 AMC Rosedale 14
AMC DINE-IN Easton Town Center 30 AMC Southdale Center 16
AMC Lennox 24 Mobile, AL
Dallas, TX AMC Bayou 15
AMC Firewheel Town Center AMC Destin Commons 14
AMC DINE-IN Grapevine Mills 30 AMC Mobile 16
AMC Irving Mall 14 Nashville, TN
AMC DINE-IN Mesquite 30 AMC Stones River 9
AMC NorthPark 15 AMC DINE-IN Thoroughbred 20
AMC Parks at Arlington 18 New Orleans, LA
AMC DINE-IN Stonebriar 24 AMC Clearview Palace 12

About AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc.

AMC is the largest movie exhibition company in the United States, the largest in Europe and the largest throughout the world with approximately 1,000 theatres and 11,000 screens across the globe. AMC has propelled innovation in the exhibition industry by: deploying its Signature power-recliner seats; delivering enhanced food and beverage choices; generating greater guest engagement through its loyalty and subscription programs, web site and mobile apps; offering premium large format experiences; and playing a wide variety of content including the latest Hollywood releases and independent programming. AMC operates among the most productive theatres in the United States’ top markets, having the #1 or #2 market share positions in 21 of the 25 largest metropolitan areas of the United States. AMC is also #1 or #2 in market share in 9 of the 15 countries it serves in North America, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit www.amctheatres.com.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ – On Saturday night, August 15th, just after 9:00 p.m. officers were called to the area of Eagle Point on the Metedeconk River in response to a woman missing in the water. Between the winds and strong current, the water was rough and the boat she had been on lost sight of her for several minutes when the boat’s operator called 9-1-1. Several officers responded to Eagle Point while others mobilized the two police boats out of Trader’s Cove Marina. The Coast Guard, State Police Marine Unit and the Brick Fire Department Dive Team were all notified as officers converged on the area where the victim last went missing.

Officers John Alexander and Eric Haugh were operating one of the police boats in the area where the boat operator stated he last saw the victim when they heard a faint call for help. The officers quickly found her and saw her having trouble keeping her head above water. They threw here a life ring but she was too weak to grab onto it. Officer Haugh began positioning the police boat down current from the woman as Officer Alexander began taking off his police gear to make a water rescue. The currents brought the woman up to the side of the boat before Officer Alexander had to make entry into the water and the two officers were able to grab her arms and pull her aboard. It is estimated the woman spent approximately an hour in the water before being pulled out.

The victim was blue and semi-conscious. Officer Alexander kept her awake and administered first aid while Officer Haugh brought the police boat to Eagle Point where other officers and EMTs were standing by. The victim was transported to Ocean Medical Center where she was treated for acute aspiration pneumonia and respiratory failure. She remains admitted at this time and is stable.

Chief Riccio would like to commend the officers involved for their quick response and preparedness.

Photo Google Earth.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

TOMS RIVER, NJ – Suddenly, everyone loves the post office, even the Democrats.  That wasn’t the case when President Barack Obama mocked the post office for their constant financial woes.

“I mean, if you think about it, UPS and FedEx are doing just fine, right? No, they are,” Obama said way back in 2009 when he called the service outdated and antiquated. “It’s the post office that’s always having problems.”

Now, the woes of the post office are all Donald Trump’s fault.

“Donald Trump’s attacks and defunding of the postal system are a direct threat to the right to vote and the integrity of the election and even now are delaying Americans from getting the medicine and mail they need. We must act now to stop this attack and protect our election process,” the union said.

Join a “Save Our Mail! Save Our Vote!” event in front of a Post Office near you. Face masks and 6-foot Social Distancing Requirements will be strictly complied with at all events.

This event is sponsored by Our Revolution Ocean County and NJ State Industrial Union Council.  It will take place on August 21st from 12-1 pm at the Toms River Post Office on Water Street.  The event is being promoted by “Blue Wave”.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

BAYVILLE, NJ – Berkeley Mayor Carmen Amato and Police Chief Karin DiMichele are proud to announce that the Township of Berkeley was awarded funding from the United States Department of Justice through the Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP).  The Berkeley Police Department was awarded the grant totaling $1,250,000 which will allow the department to hire ten (10) new police officers.

 

“We have aggressively pursued this funding to help strengthen our police department without impacting local taxpayers. With upcoming retirements and a growing population, the 1.2 million in funding couldn’t come at a better time,” said Mayor Carmen Amato.

 

“The Department of Justice is committed to providing the police chiefs and sheriffs of our great nation with needed resources, tools, and support.  The funding announced today will bolster their ranks and contribute to expanding community policing efforts nationwide,” said Attorney General William P. Barr.  “A law enforcement agency’s most valuable assets are the men and women who put their lives on the line every day in the name of protecting and serving their communities.”

 

The COPS Hiring Program is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing by providing direct funding for the hiring of career law enforcement officers.  In addition to providing financial support for hiring, CHP provides funding to state, local, and tribal law enforcement to enhance local community policing strategies and tactics.  In a changing economic climate, CHP funding helps law enforcement agencies maintain sufficient sworn personnel levels to promote safe communities.

 

The substantial award secured through Berkeley’s longtime grant writing team at Bruno Associates, Inc. will offset the salary of the prospective new officers over a three-year period, with the Township fully absorbing costs starting on the fourth year. These new officers will specifically bolster the Berkeley Police Department’s community policing efforts and will also focus on combating effects of the Opioid Epidemic. The new officers are expected to be hired by the Township and integrated into BTPD over the next two years.

“The Council and I would like to thank Bruno Associates, Administrator John Camera, CFO Fred Ebenau and Lt. Ryan Roth for working together on the successful application. Chief DiMichele and I look forward to hiring  these additional officers over the next two years.” Mayor Amato said.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

LAKEWOOD, NJ – If you’re in your 70’s you might remember it as the Continental, the River 978.  Now it’s called Estreia Restaurant, located on Route 9 South in Lakewood.  This week, the restaurant caught the eye of Governor Phil Murphy.

The restaurant is an upscale Kosher steakhouse that provides upscale Manhattan dining here at the Jersey Shore. It is owned by partners Itchie Rosenbaum and Shloimie Green.

“In Lakewood,  the Estreia restaurant owner was cited for an executive order violation for having residents inside,” said New Jersey State Police Superintendent Patrick Callahan. Accounts of the party estimate an extremely large party with several hundred people.

One reporter at Monday’s press conference with Governor Phil Murphy claims Ocean County Sherrif’s Department officers waited until the party was finished before issuing citations.

“I just wanted to see if you were aware of that and can speak generally to how uniform enforcement of these executive order violations is across the state? Because you’re working with your troopers but also with local departments,” the reporter asked the governor.

“I’m not aware of that,” the Governor said.

“I believe that enforcement is very uniform. We do rely mostly on our local and county partners. But when those incidents are reported and police respond and see large gatherings, no social distancing, indoor dining, from all the reports that we get at the ROIC that those executive order violations are issued,” Callahan responded.

The worst part about this story is that New Jersey is still fining people for eating dinner, regardless of what town in New Jersey we’re talking about.  While many in the area cheer places like the Lakeside in Forked River and the Atilis Gym, we’re sure this place will be condemned, because, you know.

 

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

TOMS RIVER, NJ – Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi is now one of us, whether you like it or not.  She has purchased a home in Ocean County, in Toms River intends to raise her children here.  Snookie moved in the bayside Silverton neighborhood’s “east side” and dropped $850,000 on a lagoon front home complete with a saltwater pool.   Some residents worried about her old-school hard-partying days from Jersey Shore.  To them, Snooki says, calm down.

“I’m not going to bother anybody. We’re not throwing house parties like we’re Jersey Shore, 2009. Like, I have three kids, let me enjoy Toms River. I’m allowed.” she said in her podcast, first reported in the APP, “I’m with my children, calm the  f*ck down.”

We welcome Snooki to the hood, representing from Silverton’s Upper West Side.  As long as Tony Rivoli doesn’t go painting a full-wall mural again in his new place, everything should be good.  By the way, if you haven’t been to Riv’s Silverton Hub go there.

 

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

SEA GIRT, NJ – With the Democrat party in New Jersey and around the culture in full “Defund the Police” and cancel culture mode, the state’s largest police officer’s union, the New Jersey State PBA today announced they are endorsing Donald J. Trump for President of the United States and seven other congressional and state Republican candidates.  The PBA did not endorse a candidate for U.S. Senate.

President of the United States: Donald J. Trump

United States House of Representatives

District 2 Jeff Van Drew
District 3 David Richter
District 4 Chris Smith
District 7 Tom Kean
District 11 Rosemary Becchi

New Jersey Senate (special election)

District 25 Senator Anthony Bucco

New Jersey General Assembly (special election)

District 25 Assemblywoman Aura Dunn

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Bereavement, Stress Management and Social Connections
FRA continues to provide personal connections for those with developmental or acquired disAbilities as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

Red Bank, NJ – Where there is a need, there is always a way. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Family Resource Associates (FRA) has strived to provide ways to keep those with developmental or acquired disAbilities connected to each other. Earlier this summer, after receiving feedback that there was a need for mental health support for its adult students, FRA launched a COVID-19 Bereavement and Stress Management Group. FRA adults initiated their own group in an effort to stay connected with friends. Having started as a monthly group gathering these adults are now connecting for fun and games via zoom.

The COVID-19 Bereavement and Stress Management Group is led by Sue Levine, MA, CSW, FRA Social Worker, and Alexis Spektor, M.Ed. The goal is to provide a safe space for adults to express feelings of loss and grief and to address the stressors of COVID-19 and the quarantine. “Attendees not only receive support from the group leaders, but also their peers,” said Levine. “It has been amazing to see the compassion and support extended peer to peer in the group.”

The COVID-19 group meets every other Thursday morning via Zoom. All adults enrolled in any of FRA’s programs are invited to join the group. “The group is very helpful,” said Dani Z. “I’ve been stressed so I’ve enjoyed everything we talk about and the strategies really help.”

In early 2019, Spektor and Joe Martinelli, an FRA Ambassador, started a social group based on a need for adults to learn how to take charge and connect with friends outside for social gatherings. “We were looking for a loose format similar to the way adults meet up and hang out in social settings,” said Martinelli. “We named the group Social Entrepreneurs because we were taking charge of our social life much like entrepreneurs take charge in business.”

The group initially met at local restaurants, bowling allies or the boardwalk. FRA employees often volunteered their time to help facilitate conversation and organically teach social skills. The group started to slow down in Late-2019 and took a hiatus when COVID-19 hit. “It was not until Alan Sniffen, an FRA teacher, became involved that the group was revived,” said Spektor. “Alan brought new life, ideas and structure to the group, via Zoom.”

Sniffen, together with Doug W. (an FRA student), Martinelli, and his Direct Support Professional, Manuel Solorzano, have transitioned the group to a virtual platform in Spring 2020. Spektor advises the group on an as-needed basis. “The group’s mission was to teach adults how to plan and organize social gatherings, and to practice social skills at group events,” said Sniffen. “Now, due to COVID 19, we had to transition to virtual meet ups on Zoom which has been an interesting way to learn how to communicate and have fun through this platform for the first time.”

Although the group’s future is fluid, “we know that there is a desire for personal connection and we need to find a way to help facilitate that,” said Sniffen. If you are interested in joining this social group, please look up Social Entrepreneurs on Facebook or request access by clicking here. To learn more about FRA – PossAbilities for People with disAbilities, please visit www.frainc.org or call 732-747-5310.

About Family Resource Associates
Family Resource Associates, Inc. (FRA) is a 501(c)(3) in Monmouth County helping children, adolescents and people of all ages with disAbilities to reach their fullest potential. FRA connects individuals to independence through specialized therapies and advanced technology. Acknowledging the powerful influence of the family, we remain committed to them by offering both support and education.

FRA assists individuals of all ages who have developmental delays or disAbilities as well as acquired disAbilities. FRA provides home-based early intervention for infants, therapeutic recreation programs, pre-vocational and educational classes for adults, employability training and job coaching, along with family and sibling support groups.
TECHConnection, a signature program of FRA, leverages technology to help increase, maintain or improve the capabilities of individuals with disAbilities as a result of accident, injury, illness or aging as well as related issues affecting hearing, vision, reading or mobility. To learn more, visit frainc.org.

Federal Tax ID # 22-2285850 – NJ Charity Registration # CH0232800

###

Suggested photo caption:
FRA Ambassador Joe Martinelli and Manuel Solorzano.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Maria Bancer
[email protected]
(732) 531-7100 ext. 3000

InSite Surveying, LLC acquires Secaucus-based
land surveying firm, Faraldi Group, Inc.
Faraldi Group offers a full spectrum of surveying services that focus on construction layout, boundary and topographic surveys, ALTA/NSPS land title surveys and more.

August 17, 2020 – Wall – InSite Surveying, LLC, a New Jersey land surveying firm based in Wall Township, NJ, announces its acquisition of Faraldi Group, Inc, formerly based in Secaucus, NJ.

Founded in 1984, Faraldi Group, Inc. is a well-respected full-service land surveying firm. The firm specializes in providing a wide range of land surveying services to a strong client base. Their professional experience encompasses a full spectrum of surveying services focused on construction layout, boundary and topographic surveys, title surveys, ALTA/NSPS land title surveys and more. James J. Schack, PLS has joined InSite Surveying as part of the acquisition, bringing 17 years of knowledge and experience with Faraldi Group’s clients and projects with him.

“We are very excited to announce the acquisition of Faraldi Group,” said Jason Fichter, partner at InSite Surveying, LLC. “Al and Claudia Faraldi founded their company 36 years ago with the goal of providing superior service and to help their clients achieve their goals. InSite Surveying will continue to serve Faraldi Group’s clients with the same superior service leveraging their extensive records, vast digital library and historical knowledge and professionalism of Jay Schack. By carrying Faraldi Group’s legacy forward, we further our mission to ensure our clients’ success and to provide rewarding professional opportunities to our staff.”

The acquisition of Faraldi Group, Inc. provides InSite Surveying, LLC the opportunity to expand their existing client base and service offerings as well as to bring on a talented, licensed Professional Land Surveyor with a strong surveying background. The firm is acquiring Faraldi Group’s vast collection of survey files from their 36 years of work, as well as the files of James Henderson, Ralph Brown, Arthur Brokaw and Joseph Oberiter, that Faraldi acquired over the years.

About InSite Surveying, LLC
InSite Surveying, LLC is a privately-owned surveying firm offering comprehensive land surveying and construction layout services for corporate, private, and government clients in the residential, commercial, industrial, public, and institutional markets. InSite Surveying is located in central, coastal New Jersey with immediate access to the region. For more information about InSite Surveying, please visit http://www.InSiteSurveying.net

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

TRENTON, NJ – Former New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman has been on an anti-President Trump crusade since the man took office.  Early on in the 2016 election cycle, she had many allies in the New Jersey Republican Party cheering alongside her, including Jack Ciattarelli, who is running for Governor in 2021.   These days, Jack has laid off on the Anti-Trumper rhetoric and is even pushing himself as the Trump guy, but Whitman has become the Jane Fonda of the Republican Party.

Whitman spoke at the 2020 Democrat National Convention to endorse Democrat Joe Biden.  She claimed about how she comes from a long lineage of Republicans, who now are definitely rolling in their graves.

“This isn’t about Republican or Democrat, it’s about a person,” Whitman said. “A person decent enough, stable enough to get our economy back on track.  A person who can work with everyone. Donald Trump isn’t that person.  Joe Biden is.”

The New Jersey Republican party in general is just shy of left these days, but for one of their elder stateswomen to go into the capital city of the Democrat party and help that party launch attacks against the Republican, well, maybe her new name should be Milwaukee Jane.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Since the George Floyd protests and riots Amazon Prime has been suggesting the viewing of many classic movies about race and culture.  This week, we bit and watched Watermelon Man, a 1970’s comedy about an arrogant, racist white insurance salesman who wakes up one morning as a black man.  Starring Godfrey Cambridge as Jeffery Gerber, a white man who who is racist, sexist and self-centered and his wife Althea.

After waking up black one moring, Gerber thinks it was just a matter of his overusing a tanning bed every day, but he soon finds out his new black skin isn’t washing off and isn’t fading.  So he eventually goes out into the world as a black man and realizes within minutes what it’s like to go out into the world as black man.

He’s called “n-gger” by his neighbors, was blamed for robbing people on the street and was chased by police simply for jogging through his neighborhood.  His wife eventually leaves him because although she loves him, she doesn’t want to be “married to a negro” and worries what the neighbors would think if they started having “mixed negro” children.  He eventually settles in with his new look and the movie ends with him being alone, working a menial job.

The movie was supposed to end with Gerber waking up to find out it was all a dream, but producers admitted they forgot to shoot that scene.  The movie was a financial success in 1970, raking in $1,000,000.   Sadly, Cambridge, an up and coming stand up comic alongside the likes of Bill Cosby and Nipsey Russell passed away six years later at the age of 43, suffering a heart attack.

The movie is a bit strange cinematically, but it fits into what was actually in-style during the early 1970’s and late 1960’s. It’s doubtful such a movie could be made today without being boycotted or called racist, but it does a great job of bringing people in to the plight of black Americans with a twist of comedy and surprise.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Alexander Yuk Ching Ma, 67, a former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officer, was arrested on Aug. 14, 2020, on a charge that he conspired with a relative of his who also was a former CIA officer to communicate classified information up to the Top Secret level to intelligence officials of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).  The Criminal Complaint containing the charge was unsealed this morning.

Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney for the District of Hawaii Kenji M. Price, Assistant Director of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division Alan E. Kohler Jr., and Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Honolulu Field Office Eli S. Miranda made the announcement.

“The trail of Chinese espionage is long and, sadly, strewn with former American intelligence officers who betrayed their colleagues, their country and its liberal democratic values to support an authoritarian communist regime,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers.  “This betrayal is never worth it.  Whether immediately, or many years after they thought they got away with it, we will find these traitors and we will bring them to justice.  To the Chinese intelligence services, these individuals are expendable.  To us, they are sad but urgent reminders of the need to stay vigilant.”

“The charges announced today are a sobering reminder to our communities in Hawaii of the constant threat posed by those who seek to jeopardize our nation’s security through acts of espionage,” said U.S. Attorney Price. “Of particular concern are the criminal acts of those who served in our nation’s intelligence community, but then choose to betray their former colleagues and the nation-at large by divulging classified national defense information to China. My office will continue to tenaciously pursue espionage cases.”

“This serious act of espionage is another example in a long string of illicit activities that the​People’s Republic of China is conducting within and against the United States,” said Alan E. Kohler Jr., Assistant Director of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division.  “This case demonstrates that no matter the length or difficulty of the investigation, the men and women of the FBI will work tirelessly to protect our national security from the threat posed by Chinese intelligence services.  Let it be known that anyone who violates a position of trust to betray the United States will face justice, no matter how many years it takes to bring their crimes to light.”

“These cases are very complicated and take years if not decades to bring to a conclusion,” said Eli Miranda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Honolulu Division.  “I could not be more proud of the work done by the men and women of the FBI’s Honolulu Division in pursuing this case. Their dedication is a reminder that the FBI will never waiver when it comes to ensuring the safety and security of our nation.”

Ma is a naturalized U.S. citizen born in Hong Kong. According to court documents, Ma began working for the CIA in 1982, maintained a Top Secret clearance, and signed numerous non-disclosure agreements in which he acknowledged his responsibility and ongoing duty to protect U.S. government secrets during his tenure at CIA.  Ma left the CIA in 1989 and lived and worked in Shanghai, China before arriving in Hawaii in 2001.

According to court documents, Ma and his relative (identified as co-conspirator #1) conspired with each other and multiple PRC intelligence officials to communicate classified national defense information over the course of a decade.  The scheme began with three days of meetings in Hong Kong in March 2001 during which the two former CIA officers provided information to the foreign intelligence service about the CIA’s personnel, operations, and methods of concealing communications.  Part of the meeting was captured on videotape, including a portion where Ma can be seen receiving and counting $50,000 in cash for the secrets they provided.

The court documents further allege that after Ma moved to Hawaii, he sought employment with the FBI in order to once again gain access to classified U.S. government information which he could in turn provide to his PRC handlers. In 2004, the FBI’s Honolulu Field Office hired Ma as a contract linguist tasked with reviewing and translating Chinese language documents.  Over the following six years, Ma regularly copied, photographed and stole documents that displayed U.S. classification markings such as “SECRET.”  Ma took some of the stolen documents and images with him on his frequent trips to China with the intent to provide them to his handlers.  Ma often returned from China with thousands of dollars in cash and expensive gifts, such as a new set of golf clubs.

According to court documents, in spring 2019, over the course of two in-person meetings, Ma confirmed his espionage activities to an FBI undercover employee Ma believed was a representative of the PRC intelligence service, and accepted $2,000 in cash from the FBI undercover as “small token” of appreciation for Ma’s assistance to China.  Ma also offered to once again work for the PRC intelligence service.  On August 12, 2020, during a meeting with an FBI undercover employee before arrest, Ma again accepted money for his past espionage activities, expressed his willingness to continue to help the Chinese government, and stated that he wanted “the motherland” to succeed.

Ma will make his initial appearance before a federal judge tomorrow in the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii.  He is charged with conspiracy to communicate national defense information to aid a foreign government and faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment if convicted.  The maximum sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes.  In the event Ma is convicted, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Honolulu and Los Angeles Field Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson and Trial Attorneys Scott Claffee and Steve Marzen of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

Photo by Robert Nyman on Unsplash

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

BALTIMORE, MD – Activist Kimberly Klacik and elected member of the Baltimore City Council put out a video describing what life is really like in Baltimore because of the failed policies of the Democrat party.  Klacik said she believes Black Lives Matter and that’s why residents of Baltimore and black Americans in general need to stop voting for Democrats.

“Democrats don’t want you to see this. They’re scared that I’m exposing what life is like in Democrat run cities. That’s why I’m running for Congress Because All Black Lives Matter Baltimore Matters And black people don’t have to vote Democrat,” Klacik said.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

NEW YORK CITY, NY – It sounds like a plan Joe Biden might have had in 1988, but boomer Alexandria Ocasio Cortez has lost some chic hip points after suggesting Americans go out and buy those things we call stamps and start a pen pal program.  Most of her constituents had to Google both to figure out what she’s talking about, but she insists on saving a dying entity and damaging the environment.  Why should millions of people buy stamps, to put on pieces of paper (dead trees) to then ship all over the world (carbon foot print) when you can just send the person an email that costs nothing and uses virtually no renewable resources.  Duh.

We can’t imagine a national pen pal program working, but these days you never know.  We’re not boomers here, but even we think this is plan only boomers would suggest and go far.  Let’s see what happens here.

 

 

Photo by Da Kraplak on Unsplash

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

ALBANY,NY – New York Governor Andrew Cuomo says gyms will reopen in his state at 33% capacity on August 24th.  Those facilities that reopen will be subject to rigorous health and safety standards and all gyms and fitness centers will be able to open by September 2.

“As New York maintains daily positive test rates below 1 percent, the State has determined that local elected officials can allow gyms and fitness centers to reopen at 33 percent capacity while following rigorous safety protocols, including wearing masks at all times,” Governor Cuomo said. “While it’s encouraging that we’ve reached the point where it’s acceptable for them to begin reopening in our communities, this is not the time to forget that the pandemic is ongoing. New Yorkers must closely adhere to the guidelines and local health departments are required to strictly enforce them to help ensure gyms and fitness centers reopen safely and protect the public health.”

Local elected officials may choose to delay the reopening of gyms and fitness centers until September 2 to, in part, provide time for required local health department inspections, and may also choose to delay the reopening of indoor fitness classes until a date beyond September 2. In New York City, the Mayor will determine whether gyms and fitness centers should postpone reopening. Outside of New York City, the county’s chief executive – county executive, administrator, manager, or chair of the local elected legislative body – will determine whether gym reopening needs to be postponed.

Localities can also determine whether gyms postpone resumption of indoor classes. In New York City, the Mayor and, throughout the rest of the state, the county’s chief executive may decide to opt-out of indoor group fitness and aquatic classes within their jurisdiction, postponing their resumption until a later date. Local health departments must inspect gyms prior to reopening, or within two weeks of reopening, to ensure strict adherence to Department of Health guidance.

Guidance for Gyms and Fitness Centers

  • Capacity: 33% occupancy limit.
  • Access: Sign-in with contact information and health screening required.
  • PPE: Appropriate face coverings required at all times.
  • Distancing: 6 feet of separation at all times.
  • Hygiene/Cleaning: Cleaning and disinfection supplies made available to customers; shared equipment cleaned after every use; staff must also be available to clean and disinfect equipment in between uses; rental equipment must be cleaned and disinfected between customer use.
  • Classes: By appointment/reservation only; maximum class capacity capped at number of people that can adhere to the 6-feet social distancing rules, but in no case more than 33% of the typical class size (i.e., leave stations, cycles, etc. vacant); classes should be scheduled to allow additional time for cleaning and disinfection in between each session.
  • Amenities: Water bottle refill stations permitted, but not shared water fountains; communal showers are closed, but individual showers/stalls can remain open so long as they are cleaned in between use.
  • Air Handling Systems: Gyms should operate at MERV-13 or greater; if they are unable to operate at that level, they must have heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) professional document their inability to do so and adopt additional ventilation and mitigation protocols from American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
  • Inspection: Local health departments shall inspect before or within two weeks of the gym/fitness center opening to ensure compliance.

Photo by Sven Mieke on Unsplash

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

TOMS RIVER, NJ – A poll of Shore News Network readers over the past week shows that most are opposed to Toms River Mayor Maurice “Mo” Hill’s botched backdoor sale of public land to a member of the Lakewood Township Planning Board.    Over 500 answers were received in the poll and 83.3% of those who took the poll feel Hill acted in an inappropriate or unethical manner to facilitate this land auction.

Just 10.8% approved, 3.9% were undecided and 2.0% said they really didn’t care what Mo Hill does.

89.2% of those who took the poll said they did not support Hill’s proposed auction, but just 48% said the township should not put the land back up for sale in a fair and open auction that is properly publicized and approved by the board.  11.8% said they don’t care if the land goes up for sale again and 13% were undecided about the sale.  Just 26.5% felt the town should go back to the drawing board and sell the property on the open market.

The vast majority of poll takers said they felt Mo Hill and the Township of Toms River tried to cover up the details of the land sale once they were brought to light by Shore News Network after Councilman Daniel Rodrick blew the whistle on the suspicious transaction.  83.3% said the town tried to cover their tracks and an nearly identical amount felt Dan Rodrick did the right thing by exposing the land sale.

Although the poll is officially over, you can see the results and continue voting here.

Take Our Poll – What is Your Opinion of the Toms River PO Box Land Sale Scandal?

 

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

TRENTON, NJ – Did you know, people in your own household might right now be infected with the deadly COVID-19 virus and not even know about it?   Maybe they contracted it at their last trip to the park or supermarket?  Even worse, one of those outdoor bars where nobody follows directions or at the last radical leftist protest or riot your children attended.   That’s the message New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli are sending this week as she and Governor Phil Murphy are pushing their contact tracers on New Jersey.

An army of 1,500 workers have been deployed to let you know you might have COVID-19, even though you don’t know it, have the sniffles or maybe a fever.  With the virus’ numbers diminished by over 90% in most trackable statistics since April, Persichili reminded New Jersey, the killer is still lurking out there and when their contact tracers call, you need to answer.

“As the Governor covered, we are making progress in building our army of contact tracers in our state. However, we still have too many residents not providing key information to reach their contacts and control the spread of COVID-19,” she said.  “That means that many individuals, the contacts, are not aware that they’ve been exposed to COVID-19. These individuals could be your family, your friends and your coworkers who unknowingly are contributing to the spread of the virus. This puts residents at risk, especially those who are most vulnerable, older adults and those with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer and lung disease.”

Persichili said the state has now invested money into a statewide marketing and public relations campaign to promote contact tracers and encourage residents to answer the call.  Persichili said the campaign is targeting communities where black and Latino people live.

“To help residents understand the importance of contact tracing and testing, last week we launched our public awareness campaign, For Each Other, For Us All. This campaign is a multichannel communications effort reaching vulnerable and high-risk audiences across the state with a heightened focus on communities of color, which have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. Advertising is targeted to reach populations most at risk,” Persichili said.  “Ads will also run in multicultural communities, such as the cities of Newark, Paterson, Elizabeth, Camden, Atlantic City and Trenton. As the campaign progresses, we hope the message for residents, For Each Other, For Us All, Answer the Call, will further resonate and we will see an increase in residents sharing their contacts with tracers so we can contain the virus.”

“Although the campaign has been running for a short time, we are already seeing positive results. More than 770,000 individuals have shared or liked the campaign ads on Facebook. We have seen a high engagement with the senior population via this social media channel,” she said  “Video advertising on Univision has engaged residents with nearly all of them watching the majority of the video. The COVID-19 information hub has seen nearly 35,000 page views since the launch, and 95% of the users visited the site for the first time. After going to the test and trace page, most users have been clicking on the testing information page. More than 100 TV ads and nearly 600 radio ads have run so far. Billboards in New Jersey Transit advertising are up in key urban centers in Newark, Elizabeth, Camden, Patterson, Atlantic City and Trenton. We will continue to expand the reach of our campaign in the weeks to come.”

Photo by Jakayla Toney on Unsplash

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

7th Annual Celebration of HOPE Virtual Walk will be held on September 12
The annual walk, hosted by HOPE Sheds Light, provides hope and support to families that are impacted by substance use disorder.

Toms River, NJ – HOPE Sheds Light, Inc., a Toms River-based non-profit organization
dedicated to educating families on the disease of addiction, will host its 7th Annual Celebration of HOPE Virtual Walk on Saturday, September 12, 2020. The kick-off ceremony will be live on Facebook starting at 9am. The virtual walk will begin right after the ceremony. “If we have to go virtual, let’s go large,” said Pamela Capaci, CEO of HOPE Sheds Light. “With your help, HOPE Sheds Light will reach its goal of 10,000 walkers!”

At the Celebration of HOPE Walk, the community comes together to learn about substance use disorder. “We want to celebrate recovery and provide hope to those affected,” Capaci added. “Those impacted by addiction typically don’t know where to turn for help. Our walk offers them a community of support.”

Now in its seventh year, walkers are encouraged to register online and start a team. Registration is $5 per person. “We also invite you to create a personal video and tell us why you are walking,” Capaci said. Videos can be emailed to [email protected] and will be shared on HOPE Sheds Light’s social media channels leading up to walk day.

“Before COVID-19, New Jersey was dealing with the addiction epidemic,” said Capaci. “Since the pandemic, there has been a 20 percent increase in overdose deaths in New Jersey. Please help us raise awareness and support those impacted by substance use disorder.”

The walk offers resources for family members and friends of those dealing with addiction and substance misuse. The event also highlights inspirational speakers, a “virtual” Tree of HOPE to remember those who were lost, a 50/50 raffle and more. “It’s a celebration of recovery,” said Capaci. “We’re always hearing about the negatives of the disease. But by bringing hope and education to the community, we support each other and those affected. We show that recovery is possible.”

Founded in 2012 after Co-founder Ron Rosetto lost his son Marc to a battle against substance

abuse, HOPE Sheds Light serves to provide help and resources to families affected by addiction. Rosetto, along with Co-founders Arvo Prima and Stephen Willis, Chief Executive Officer Pamela Capaci and a team of board members and volunteers, work year-round to support families impacted by this epidemic that is so prevalent on the Jersey Shore and across New Jersey.

To learn more about HOPE Sheds Light or to register, donate or sponsor the 7th Annual Celebration of HOPE Virtual Walk, visit HOPEShedsLight.org.

About HOPE Sheds Light, Inc.
HOPE Sheds Light, Inc. is an IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID: 46-3910504) that is supported by friends and families directly affected by addiction and found recovery through continuous love, support and understanding. The mission of HOPE Sheds Light is to raise awareness and educate individuals, families and the community about the impact of addiction by having the courage to share personal experiences and offer strength, wisdom, hope and resources that lead to positive community change and long-term recovery. To learn more, please visit http://www.HOPEShedsLight.org.

###

Suggested caption:

HOPE Sheds Light will host its 7th Annual Celebration of HOPE Virtual Walk on September 12, 2020. Pictured from left: HOPE Sheds Light Co-founders Arvo Prima, Ron Rosetto and Stephen Willis at the 2019 Celebration of HOPE Walk.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

TOMS RIVER, NJ – All over the country, liberals, Democrats and leftists are celebrating the death of President Donald J. Trump’s younger brother, Robert Trump with a disgusting hashtag, #wrongtrump.  The hashtag implies that the wrong Trump passed away, meaning they wish it was the President who died.

While the Trump family mourned the loss of one of their elders, the liberal left and the mainstream media continued piling on the President.

“Uncle Robert, we love you. You are in our hearts and prayers, always,” said niece Ivanka Trump.

Some Democrat politicians took the high road, even two prominent Democrats with huge scores to settle with the President.

“Mr. President, Jill and I are sad to learn of your younger brother Robert’s passing. I know the tremendous pain of losing a loved one — and I know how important family is in moments like these. I hope you know that our prayers are with you all,” said former Vice President Joe Biden.

“President Donald Trump and I spoke earlier today, and I extended my heartfelt prayers for his brother at this difficult time. I know the grief the President is feeling, having also lost my brother,” said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy who is suing the Trump administration.

Trump is planning a private White House funeral for his brother Robert.

“We’re looking at Friday. And we may do just a small service right here at the White House,”I think he’d be greatly honored. He loves our country. He loved our country so much. He was so proud of what we were doing and what we are doing for our country.”

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Greensboro –  Social distancing was ignored as liberal leftist protesters marched on the postmaster general’s home near the Greensboro Country Club.  Anti in-person voting protesters say voting in person is dangerous to their health, but amassing in a large, close-quarters crowd is quite alright.   Opponents of in-person voting claim the COVID-19 risks associated with the act of casting a ballot are too great to take chances with.  Protesting on a hot summer day in a huge crowd is perfectly COVID-19 safe.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

PORTLAND, OR – An ANTIFA mob in Portland, Oregon pulled a man from his car and nearly beat him to death.  The mob, who according to Portland Police was blocking traffic claims the man tried to run them over. The man said the protesters were throwing objects at his vehicle and threatening himself and his passenger, a female.  Trying to escape the mob, the driver crashed his truck into a light pole.  As the man’s body lay on the ground, blood pouring out, the ANTIFA mob began looting the vehicle, taking the man’s belongings.

Another video prior to the beating shows the man minding his own business before being approached by a mob. Some in that mob yelled, “He didn’t do nothing.”  Then they starting beating a woman next to his truck.

Later that night, police reported another incident.  A victim suffered a gunshot wound after a drive-by shooting in the Woodlawn Neighborhood.  On Monday, August 17, 2020 at 12:10a.m., North Precinct officers responded to a call of a shooting near Northeast 15th Avenue and Northeast Dekum Street. The victim was in his vehicle and had a gunshot wound to his arm. Medical responded and he was transported to a hospital by ambulance. His wound is believed to be non-life threatening.  The victim told officers he was driving his pickup truck had been shot by someone in a passing car. No suspect information is being released.

 

Earlier in the afternoon at 12:45p.m., North Precinct Officers responded to a report of a shooting near the intersection of Northeast Knott Street and Northeast 7th Avenue. When they arrived they located an adult male with a gunshot wound to a leg. The victim was transported to the hospital by ambulance. His injuries are believed to be non-life threatening. Officers learned that a suspect or suspects drove by and fired at the victim from a moving vehicle. The suspects left before officers arrived and have not yet been located. No suspect information is available.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

STURGIS, SD – If it wasn’t for the Sturgis Police Department, a handful of Antifa protesters, who want to “defund police”, could be waking up today in a hospital critical care unit.  The small group of protesters showed up at the annual Sturgis Bike Rally where tens of thousands of bikers from around America come together each year to celebrate as one.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1294857320749568003

Sturgis Police officers received criticism for defending protesters who are calling to defund police, but said they are bound by duty to protect all citizens, even Antifa when necessary.   The department said had they not stepped in when they did, things could have gone badly for the protesters.

“It is law enforcement’s job to protect everyone, protestors and anti-protestors alike,” the Sturgis Police Department said.  “Law enforcement does not pick sides and protects everyone equality. Had law enforcement not been present, the small group of protestors would more than likely would have been assaulted.”

Residents of the community also praised their police officers for stepping in when they did.

“I’m proud that the men and women of our department take their vow to protect and serve no matter what seriously. As much as we would love to see ANTIFA dealt with. The police still have their duties to protect everyone that they can,” said one Meade County Sheriff’s Department dispatcher.

 

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

JACKSON TOWNSHIP, NJ – The Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders is expected to purchase 16.81 acres of land along South Hope Chapel Road between  Whitesville Road and Route 571 to protect it from development, according to county documents.  The board will vote to move on the acquisition on Wednesday.  The purchase price has not been disclosed.  The land, currently owned by Elizabeth Anne Runge of Oyster Bay New York is assessed at approximately $210,000.  The land was recommended for purchase by the Natural Lands Trust Fund Advisory Committee which now has two Jackson Township residents presiding.  The county said the parcel is to extend the Toms River Corridor Conservation Area.

0 comments
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

You can't access this website

Shore News Network provides free news to users. No paywalls. No subscriptions. Please support us by disabling ad blocker or using a different browser and trying again.