Police Blotter

Two Suffer Significant Injures After DWI Driver Cuts In Front of Vehicle on Route 9

by Your News
By: Your News

LACEY TOWNSHIP-On Wednesday, July 3, 2019, at approximately 2343 hours, officers from the Lacey Township Police Department responded to a report of a two car motor vehicle accident that occurred at the intersection of Route 9 and Beach Blvd.

Preliminary investigation revealed that Zachary Campbell, a Bayville resident, was traveling westbound on Beach Bl approaching the intersection of Route 9 and Beach Blvd. and attempted to make a right hand turn onto Route 9 when he traveled into the path of a vehicle heading southbound on Route 9. The operator of the southbound vehicle, Tiffani Becker, from Barnegat, and the passenger, Ryan Bacon, from Barnegat, both suffered significant injuries. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of  Campbell for driving while intoxicated. Additional charges are pending.

Responding agencies included the Lacey Township EMS and MONOC Paramedics. The Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CSI Unit also responded to assist in the investigation, as well as members of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Fatal Accident Support Team.

The collision remains under investigation by members of the Lacey Township Crash Team. Anyone with information may contact Officer Michael Verwey at 609-693-6636 ext 2598.

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Government NewsNew Jersey News

Mayor Amato, Council to State: Stop Taxing Military Combat Pay

by Phil Stilton
By: Phil Stilton

BERKELEY TOWNSHIP-Mayor Carmen Amato and the Berkeley Township Council agreed last week that the state government should immediately stop taxing combat pay for New Jersey residents serving in overseas combat zones.

Under federal law, members of the military serving in a combat zone may exclude income received while serving in a combat zone or time in hospitalization recovering from injuries sustained in combat, but New Jersey does not afford war veterans with the same courtesy.

“New Jersey does not provide for such exclusions,” Mayor Amato said. “The imposition of taxes is unfair, as these men and women are serving our country and putting their lives on the line for our protection.”

A bill in the New Jersey assembly right now proposes to change that.   Bill A2451 seeks to exclude combat pay from taxable income in New Jersey.

 

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Government NewsHealth and WellnessNew Jersey News

Berkeley Township Mayor, Council Oppose 18-25% Increases in Flood Insurance Premiums

by Phil Stilton
By: Phil Stilton

BERKELEY TOWNSHIP-Since Superstorm Sandy struck the Jersey Shore in 2012, Berkeley Township’s Mayor Carmen Amato and the township have been working hard to ensure the residents of the community received discounts under the National Flood Insurance Programs Community Rating Systems (CRS).

The National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum NFIP.  Berkeley and other Jersey Shore communities invested heavily to achieve a rating with the NFIP that provided residents with a 20% discount.

Now, an 18-25% increase by the NFIP will wipe out those savings for homeowners.

“Berkeley NJ has thousands of homes situated in the flood plain and the planned increases will destroy values of these homes, will force many into foreclosure and will shrink the tax ratables to our town,” said Mayor Carmen Amato.

“We spent considerable funds to achieve one of the largest Flood Insurance discounts (20% CRS discount) for our residents, unfortunately, it will be negated by the massive increases. Councilman Jim Byrnes stated.

Last week, Amato and the council voted to pass a resolution protesting the federal government’s premium hikes and urged other towns across New Jersey to support their opposition to the increases.

“We urge other Mayors across the country to pass similar resolutions and forward them to your congressmen and Senators,” Amato said. “All residents living in a flood zone are encouraged to contact their Senators and congressmen and let them know that 18% – 25% Increases are Unaffordable.”

The resolution was approved by  Councilmembers James Byrnes, John Bacchione, Keith Buscio, Angelo Guadagno, Judy Noonan and Sophia Gingrich.

 

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Community NewsNew Jersey News

Lawsuit Seeks to Stop Jackson’s Field of Dreams, MS Research Center at Adventure Crossing

by Phil Stilton
By: Phil Stilton

JACKSON-A plan to make Jackson Township a regional sports and adventure tourism destination has a new obstacle, a lawsuit filed by 13 families hoping to stop it dead in its tracks.  The $500 million Adventure Crossing USA (ACUSA) project will feature state of the art sports training facilities for youth athletes who play soccer, baseball, softball, lacrosse, basketball and more plus hotels, restaurants and a Multiple Sclerosis brain research center.

When complete, Adventure Crossing USA will feature 120,000 square foot indoor sports dome with a soccer field, basketball courts, sports bar and party facilities.  Aside from the sports dome, the site will feature multi-purpose turf fields, ice hockey rinks, a golf driving range, indoor sports training facility and an exposition center.

The 13 families filed their complaint in Superior Court in Toms River in June and are seeking the court to overturn the project which was approved by the township and the state.

Vito Cardinale, owner of Cardinale Enterprises, the developer building ACUSA would not talk about the lawsuit but said he was most upset about the delay in the construction of a worldwide MS brain research center on the site.   Cardinale, who lost his wife Linda to the disease which affects 2.3 million people worldwide.

Cardinale hopes the research center can be the driving force that can find a cure for MS.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, debilitating disease of the central nervous system. The symptoms of MS can range from mild—producing little or no disability—to severe—leading to substantial disability, sometimes quickly. The unpredictable physical and emotional effect can be life-long, but effective treatment can help manage symptoms and change the course of the disease.

The Linda E. Cardinale MS Center at CentraState is named in honor of Cardinale’s wife and was created to help improve the quality of life for people with multiple sclerosis and their families in the tri-state region. We provide comprehensive, high-quality care through accurate diagnosis, education, the establishment of appropriate care plans, and individualized treatment, with a special emphasis on various support systems.

Now Cardinale wants to take it one step further and not just treat the disease, but to find a cure for the disease.  Cardinale said withing hours after an MS patient passes, their brains will be sent to the facility, studied and shared globally with others researching a cure for MS.

“This facility will allow doctors and researchers all over the world to have this data to examine,” Cardinale said. “But each day we’re being held back, people continue to suffer and die from this disease.”

Aside from his dream of curing MS, Cardinale also expressed disappointment in the delay over the sports facility portion of the project.

“We’re building world-class facilities and opportunities for young athletes in New Jersey to train like the pros,” Cardinale said. “Adventure Sports is partnering with U.S. Olympians, professional players in each sport and top-level trainers to give these kids a sports experience like no other.”

For now, those families will have to wait another season for the grand opening, which is now expected to be in the Spring of 2020 due to the lawsuit.

“This lawsuit is only delaying progress,” Cardinale said. “We will build it.”

According to the Asbury Park Press, the plaintiffs in the case are:

  • Dean and Joyce Arcarese, Anderson Road
  • Robert Bialoglow and Allison Graf, Anderson Road
  • Edward Blewett and Nicole McHale, Anderson Road
  • Donald and Joy Chafe, Anderson Road
  • David and Antoinette Cusson, Perrineville Road
  • Glen Green, Perrineville Road
  • Jane Greenwood, Anderson Road
  • Keith and Joyce Jolliffe, Holly Tree Court
  • Diane Koveleski, Perrineville Road
  • Michael and Holly-Ann Lasko, Anderson Road
  • Aurus Malloy, Perrineville Road
  • William and Laurie Rose, Perrineville Road
  • Joseph and Lorraine Smolinski, Anderson Road

Those families, according to the lawsuit feel Adventure Crossing USA’s township approvals were “unlawful”.

 

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Community NewsGovernment NewsHealth and Wellness

Brick MUA Opposes Stavola Asphalt Plant Expansion

by Breaking Local News Report
By: Breaking Local News Report

BRICK-The Brick Township MUA has announced their formal opposition of an application submitted by Stavola Industries, LLC for the expansion of the company’s Brick Township asphalt plant.  The MUA says the plant is not good for the environment, but Stavola Industries’ owner, Ricky Stavola disagrees with the MUA’s assessment, saying the upgrades to the plant will replace an aging plant that is some fifty-plus years old.

“What we are doing in Brick is replacing the original aging plant that has to be stopped and started many times each day with a new plant that will allow us to reduce the starting and stopping of the plant all day long,” Stavola said. “The new plant is better for the environment and allows us to store the asphalt for delivery without the need to run the plant all day long.”

The MUA however disagrees, claiming the application submitted by Stavola will significantly expand its asphalt manufacturing operations at its plant on Chambers Bridge Road in Brick.

In a press release published by the MUA, the authority said the plant is directly adjacent to the Metedconk River and less than a half mile upstream from the water intake of the Brick Township Municipal Utilities Authority (Brick Utilities) water treatment plant.

“Brick Utilities supplies all residents of Brick Township and several adjacent towns with drinking water and obtains the majority of the water it treats from the Metedeconk River,” the MUA said in its release. “Any release of pollutants to the air or ground at the site will likely find their way into the Metedeconk River by either directly entering the river or entering the groundwater which makes up most of the river flow.”

Stavola disputes the MUA’s claim as the plant has been running in that location for decades without incident to the township’s drinking water.

“This new plant will run cleaner than what is there now,” Stavola said.

The MUA also cited concerns about floods or accidents at the plant, such as fires and explosions which are not uncommon in the asphalt industry. Any contamination could render the Metedeconk River unusable for drinking water supply for extended periods, although no incidents have occurred to date at the plant.

Stavola also noted that the mining and asphalt operation on the site, which is adjacent to the Garden State Parkway dates back to the late 1950’s, long before any other residential or commercial activity was present in that section of Brick Township.   The site was considered remote until the early 1980’s after the township built it’s new municipal complex adjacent to the site.   Residential developments began sprouting up along the Metedeconk River in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s.

“The community grew around our Brick plant,” Stavola said. “The site is environmentally friendly and located along the Garden State Parkway, so truck traffic doesn’t impact the community.”

Stavola also said that the upgraded plant will not increase demand for asphalt or increase traffic because the demand for asphalt is constant.

“Nobody is going to go out and say, let’s buy more asphalt if they don’t need it,” Stavola said, adding that this project only makes producing asphalt at the Brick site more efficient and environmentally friendly.

The Brick MUA contends the plant is a disaster waiting to happen.

“Our professionals have evaluated this proposal and have serious concerns,” said Brick Utilities Chairman Gregory M. Flynn. “The Metedeconk River is the primary source of our water supply. Such a heavy industrial operation on the river just upstream from where we get our drinking water presents substantial risks to our water quality and our operations and we believe this would not be in the best interest of our customers.”

The MUA said the asphalt plant is located in the Rural Residential (RR-1) Zone, which is a low density residential zone that does not allow for industrial uses like asphalt plants. Operation of the current plant was “grandfathered in” because it was built prior to establishment of the zoning ordinance. It has been able to continue operating in its current state with the expectation that it will eventually reach the end of its useful life and be replaced with a non-industrial activity that conforms with the Rural Residential Zoning.

“Stavola Industries’ application to the Board of Adjustment is seeking a Use Variance. This is not the first time Stavola Industries has sought a Use Variance to expand its plant. The Brick Township Board of Adjustment reviewed a similar application for expansion in 2005,” the MUA said. “The 2005 application was ultimately denied and the denial was upheld by the New Jersey courts. Concerns raised by the public at the time included traffic safety, public health, dust, odor, and noise. All of these concerns remain in the current Stavola Industries application.”

Stavola Industries is seeking additional variances including a height variance for the construction of 60-foot-tall Asphalt silos. The maximum permitted height is 35 feet. Under the proposed plan, the silos would tower 20 feet over existing buildings and trees.   Stavola said the Asphalt silos will allow the company to store asphalt, instead of running the plant throughout the day, lowering the impact of noise and air pollution to the surrounding community.

According to the company, the brick asphalt plant takes in recycled millings from road projects and creates recycled asphalt for use on road and construction projects throughout the state.

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MIsc. News

Hackensack Meridian Health Children’s Hospitals Ranked Among the Top Children’s Hospitals

by Your News
By: Your News

Hackensack Meridian Health announced that the 13th annual Best Children’s Hospital rankings by U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in hospital rankings and consumer advice, has ranked the combined cancer program at Hackensack Meridian Health’s two children’s hospitals – Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital and K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital –#44 in the U.S. and the only cancer program in New Jersey to be ranked among the top 50 in the nation. In addition, the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center is ranked #49 and the only children’s hospital in New Jersey to be ranked in Neurology and Neurosurgery. The Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital has now ranked five times in the top 50 in Neurology and Neurosurgery.

“Hackensack Meridian Health is proud to once again be recognized by U.S. News & World Report. The Best Hospital rankings underscore the high-quality patient care the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital and K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital consistently deliver to our patients and their families,” said Robert C. Garrett, CEO, Hackensack Meridian Health. “I congratulate Judy Aschner, M.D., clinical director, Children’s Care Transformation Service, Hackensack Meridian Health and physician in chief at the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital; Alfred P. Gillio, M.D., director of the Children’s Cancer Institute at the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital, who administers the cancer program at both children’s hospitals; and Jessica Scerbo, M.D., section chief, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital for the integrated cancer care our children’s hospitals offer to pediatric patients and their families.”

The 13th annual Best Children’s Hospitals rankings recognize the top 50 pediatric facilities across the U.S. in 10 pediatric specialties: cancer, cardiology and heart surgery, diabetes and endocrinology, gastroenterology and gastrointestinal surgery, neonatology, nephrology, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, pulmonology and lung surgery and urology. The Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital is the only children’s hospital in NJ to rank in more than one subspecialty in the 13th annual Best Children’s Hospital rankings by U.S. News & World Report.
“We are extremely proud of our physicians and team members who demonstrate day after day their dedication to the world-class care they provide, and are committed to offering patients more options and innovative treatments,” said Mark D. Sparta, FACHE, president and chief hospital executive, Hackensack University Medical Center and executive vice president, Population Health, Hackensack Meridian Health.
“Our team at the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital remains committed to delivering the highest level of patient- and family-centered care,” said Judy Aschner, M.D., clinical director, Children’s Care Transformation Service, Hackensack Meridian Health and physician in chief, Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital. “We are proud of this national recognition of the state-of-the-art medical and surgical care delivered by the Neurology and Neurosurgery teams, led by Ariel Sherbany, M.D., Ph.D., and of all the many pediatric subspecialties and team members throughout the Children’s Hospital that contribute to the healing environment and excellent outcomes for our pediatric patients.”
U.S. News introduced the Best Children’s Hospitals rankings in 2007 to help families of children with rare or life-threatening illnesses find the best medical care available. The rankings are the most comprehensive source of quality-related information on U.S. pediatric hospitals.

“I congratulate the teams at the K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital and Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital for this significant recognition,” said Kenneth N. Sable, M.D., MBA, FACEP, regional president, Southern Market, Hackensack Meridian Health. “Our combined pediatric cancer program allows us to offer more state-of-the-art treatment options to our patients in their own community, which is a vital benefit for both children and their families.”

“This national ranking of our combined pediatric cancer program at the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital and the K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital speaks to the continued efforts of our physicians, nurses and team members who are focused every day on consistently providing excellent care for our patients,” said William Faverzani, vice president and senior operations officer for Children’s Enterprise at Hackensack Meridian Health. “We are not only providing the best cancer treatment at our children’s hospitals, we are determined to find a cure as well.”

The Children’s Cancer Institute is home to Tackle Kids Cancer, a philanthropic initiative that is dedicated to finding a cure for pediatric cancer. Funds raised via Tackle Kids Cancer support pediatric cancer research and innovative patient care programs. Only four percent of government cancer funding is allocated to pediatric research and innovative patient care programs.

“The Best Children’s Hospitals rankings were designed to help provide families seeking the best medical care for their sick child with access to the most comprehensive data available,” said Ben Harder, managing editor and chief of Health Analysis at U.S. News. “The rankings, coupled with guidance from pediatricians, help families make better-informed decisions about where to find high-quality, compassionate care for their children when they need it most.”

The U.S. News Best Children’s Hospitals rankings rely on clinical data and on an annual survey of pediatric specialists. The rankings methodology factors in patient outcomes, such as mortality and infection rates, as well as available clinical resources and compliance with best practices.

This year’s rankings will be published in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Hospitals 2020” guidebook (ISBN 9781931469937), available in stores mid-September. For more information, visit Best Children’s Hospitals for the full rankings.

Also, the New York Daily News’ “New York’s Best Children’s Hospitals” was released. Hackensack Meridian Health children’s hospitals are included in the top 10 in the New York Metro area with the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital listed as #6 and the K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital tied for #7.

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Business News

Deborah Heart and Lung Center receives Get With The Guidelines-Heart Failure Gold Plus with Honor Roll Quality Achievement Award

by Your News
By: Your News

Deborah Heart and Lung Center has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines®-Heart Failure Gold Plus with Honor Roll Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes the hospital’s commitment to ensuring heart failure patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines founded in the latest scientific evidence. The goal is speeding recovery and reducing hospital readmissions for heart failure patients.
Deborah earned the award by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure patients at a set level for a designated period. These measures include evaluation of the proper use of medications and aggressive risk-reduction therapies. Before discharge, patients should also receive education on managing their heart failure and overall health, get a follow-up visit scheduled, as well as other care transition interventions.
“Deborah is dedicated to improving the quality of care for our patients with heart failure by implementing the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines-HF initiative,” said Kulpreet Barn, MD, Medical Director of Deborah’s Advanced Heart Failure Program. “The tools and resources provided help us track and measure our success in meeting evidenced-based clinical guidelines developed to improve patient outcomes.”
Deborah is also recognized on the association’s Target: Heart FailureSM Honor Roll. Hospitals are required to meet specific criteria that improves medication adherence, provides early follow-up care and coordination and enhances patient education. The goal is to reduce hospital readmissions and help patients improve their quality of life in managing this chronic condition.
“We are pleased to recognize Deborah for their commitment to heart failure care,” said Lee H. Schwamm, M.D., national chairperson of the Quality Oversight Committee and Executive Vice Chair of Neurology, Director of Acute Stroke Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts. “Research has shown that hospitals adhering to clinical measures through the Get With The Guidelines quality improvement initiative can often see fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates.”
According to the American Heart Association, more than 6.5 million adults in the United States are living with heart failure. Many heart failure patients can lead a full, enjoyable life when their condition is managed with proper medications or devices and with healthy lifestyle changes.
For more information, visit www.DemandDeborah.org

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MIsc. News

Two Local Artisans Saving and Beautifying Planet, One Dresser at a Time

by Your News
By: Your News

That was the title of the story picked up by the SandPaper in LBI.

You can find the link to that story here:
https://www.thesandpaper.net/p/two-local-artisans-saving-and-beautifying-planet-one-dresser-at-a-time

The two artists are Candace Voehl and Christina Matthews and they restore old furniture into elegant furniture that people from all over Ocean County love (1,100 followers on Facebook who comment and share).

Furniture restoration has been a trending topic for the last year or so, as shown here:
https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?geo=US&q=furniture%20restoration

You will also notice that NJ is the state with the highest search volume. With all of this in mind I feel as though this story would be great for the Shore News Network, as it supports local business/creators and appeals to the current interests of locals.

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Community NewsNew Jersey NewsPolice Blotter

Police Searching for “Faded” Red Pathfinder that Threw Kittens into Traffic

by Your News
By: Your News

by TRPD

TOMS RIVER-On Saturday, June 22, 2019, at approximately 8:00 PM police were called to the intersection of Route 70 and Massachusetts Ave for an animal call. Witnesses observed the passenger of an older model, faded red Pathfinder, with black roof racks, throw two kittens into the road. One of the kittens was immediately run over by another vehicle as the second kitten was rescued by the caller. Shortly after this photo was taken the second kitten escaped into the woods.

We are asking anyone recognizing the vehicle (description) or who may have witnessed the incident to please contact Detective Grosse at 732-349-0150 x1263

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Community NewsNew Jersey News

Rodrick Says Toms River Council Censured Him in an Act of Political Reprisal

by Phil Stilton
By: Phil Stilton

TOMS RIVER-Toms River Councilman Daniel Rodrick who engaged in a heated political campaign against Toms River Councilman Maurice “Mo” Hill and former Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato said on Tuesday that his campaign mailers were not anti-semitic, but anti-overdevelopment.  Rodrick said that when the township council censured him for a mailer that detailed a then-secret political relationship between his opponent Hill and Scott Gartner, an Orthodox Jewish man who threatened to sue to the township over zoning restrictions for houses of worship, it was nothing more than political retribution.

Rodrick said the censure resolution by the council was intended solely to harm his credibility as a politician and to threaten his job as a middle school teacher.  Rodrick claimed that during the council’s private executive session, the township attorney and the other council members did not acknowledge past anti-semitic mailers sent out by the campaigns of Mayor Thomas Kelaher and other councilmembers.

 

He also said the township’s in-house lawyer also had a score to settle with Rodrick who seeks to abolish the current legal services agreement in favor of outsourcing legal expenses.

“The council was advised to take this action by our in-house legal services team, the very same legal services team that I campaigned against in favor of outsourcing as a cost-saving measure that can save the taxpayers over one million dollars annually,” Rodrick said.

Rodrick said when the council was presented with the resolution for his censuring, he advised the council and the attorney of other mailers sent by members of the governing body that went far beyond Rodrick’s mailers which detailed a political alliance between Hill, Gartner and Rise Up Ocean County.

Rodrick campaign mailer published by the Asbury Park Press is the center of the debate between Councilman Daniel Rodrick and the Township of Toms River after Rodrick was censured for the mailing the postcard during his campaign in June.

“During the primary, Mo Hill even sought and received the endorsement of Rise Up Ocean County,” Rodrick said. “A group labeled by the Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Attorney General as anti-Semitic.”

“The fact that nobody else has been censured or asked to resign demonstrates that the intention of the censure was not to protect the town but to damage my reputation,” Rodrick said.

Rodrick said he recently met with Scott Gartner to discuss their differences and said that his stance remains anti-overdevelopment and not anti-Orthodox.

“Mr. Gartner was not happy about his political lobbying efforts being featured in a mailer,” Rodrick said. “My goal was to ensure Scott that my position on zoning relates to the curbing of excessive growth and not faith.”

 

 

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Cape May County NewsPolice Blotter

Lower Township Police Lieutenant Arrested for Drunk Driving w/ .36% BAC!

by Your News
By: Your News

Lower Township, New Jersey police lieutenant arrested for drunk driving with a BAC of .36%!

Footage of the entire arrest and the story were both released today for the first time on YouTube by the channel “Real World Police” even though the arrest happened more than a year ago, it was not reported anywhere.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2a9wijk6Yo

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MIsc. News

The Red Men July Annual Clam Bake Sat July 6th

by Your News
By: Your News

All Welcome!
The Red Men’s Annual CLAMBAKE
Saturday July 6th – 1 to 5 pm
Featuring the BROTHER SAL BAND
All you can eat Steamed Clams & Clams on the Half Shell Soda, Beer, Corn on the Cob, Hamburgers & Hot Dogs
$30 in advance, $35 at the door
$12 kids 18 and under – 5 and under free
The Red Men Lodge
145 W Main St. Tuckerton NJ

For more info call 609-296-1956

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Community NewsGovernment NewsNew Jersey News

Kelaher, Petro Raise Pride Flag Over Toms River

by Phil Stilton
By: Phil Stilton

TOMS RIVER-The Demographics of Toms River are slowly changing in a more progressive direction.  Once a staunch conservative stronghold, those times are slowly changing.  15 years ago, Downtown Toms River was home to nationwide gay rights struggle.  Last week, hundreds of area residents showed up to protest and anti-LBGTQ rally in Lakewood.  This week, for the first time ever, the rainbow flag that represents the LBGTQ pride movement was raised by Mayor Thomas Kelaher and Mayoral Candidate Jonathan Petro.

“Today, Toms River Township held its inaugural Pride flag raising ceremony in front of Town Hall, kicking off this weekend’s pride celebration in the downtown area,” Mayor Kelaher’s office said in a release.  “The Pride flag (or rainbow flag) has six colors. Red represents life, orange is for healing, yellow is sunshine, green means nature, blue represents harmony, and purple is spirit. The flag will fly through the month of June to honor Pride Month and commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in Manhattan.”

Mayor Kelaher was joined by Councilman Terrance Turnbach; Jonathan Petro, Chairman of the Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce; Karen Hershey, CEO of the Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce; and Lexi Davenport of Exit 82 Theatre Company.

Exit 82 is leading an all-day event “celebrating diversity, culture and equality” on Saturday, June 22nd from Noon to 5 p.m. that includes a festival on Robbins Street with games, food trucks, vendors and shows.

At the last Council Meeting, the Governing Body presented a proclamation to Exit 82 proclaiming June 22nd as Toms River Pride Day in the Township of Toms River.

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EventsNew Jersey News

Sounds of Summer Concert Series Coming to Berkeley Opening with Garden State Radio, Rock N’ Rythm

by Your News
By: Your News

BERKELEY TOWNSHIP– Mayor Carmen F. Amato, Jr. is proud to announce that the Sounds of Summer Concert Series will return to Veterans Park in Bayville this Wednesday, June 26th. “I am pleased to say that the return of our wildly popular “Sounds of Summer Concert Series” our 20th year, begins this Wednesday,” Mayor Amato proclaimed. “This Wednesday,  June 26th, Is Opening night!  Beginning at 6:00pm, we will feature long-time Jersey Shore talent, Rock N’ Rhythm; a five-part vocal group with a tight harmonious sound of both traditional Doo-Wop and contemporary styles, followed by headliner Garden State Radio, a pop and rock band playing hits from the 80’s, 90’s and today. This band will thrill the audience with the music from Pat Benatar to Katy Perry; from Michael Jackson to Journey and many more! Please come on out for a great night of entertainment and don’t forget to bring a chair! Refreshments are always provided by our local non-profit groups and organizations that use these concerts as their fundraisers. We hope to see you at the show!!!” Mayor Amato said.

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Community NewsNew Jersey News

Mayor Kelaher Welcomes Artistic Community Arts Programs to Downtown Toms River

by Phil Stilton
By: Phil Stilton

TOMS RIVER-In a collaboration between the SUEZ Water South Jersey company and the Toms River Community Arts Project, Mayor Thomas Kelaher celebrated the artwork that now adorns the  Suez Water tower on Hooper Avenue, across from Hooper Avenue Elementary School.  Downtown Toms River says the logo on the tower is working towards raising awareness to the good work the Community Arts Project is accomplishing to revitalize Downtown Toms River.

Photo: Mayor Kelaher cuts the symbolic ribbon for the water tower. To his right is Karen Hershey, CEO of the Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce.

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New Jersey NewsPolice BlotterPolitics

Freeholders Warn Residents not to Buy or Use Illegal Fireworks on Fourth of July

by Breaking Local News Report
By: Breaking Local News Report

TOMS RIVER-It’s that time of year when New Jerseyians, restricted by law cross the bridges over the Delaware River to buy fireworks in Pennsylvania where they treat residents as adults and the purchase of fireworks is legal.

The Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders is warning residents not to bring those fireworks back, not even a sparkler, because you might get hurt.

“Despite the temptation, the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders is asking parents to be extremely cautious with store-bought fireworks and instead celebrate the holiday by attending one of the many professional fireworks displays scheduled around the county,” the board said in a press release issued this week.

“While they may be legal, sparklers and fireworks that are now available at many local stores are still dangerous,” Ocean County Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari said. “Even a sparkler burns at more than 1,000 degrees and can lead to serious injury.”

According to federal statistics, fireworks injure more than 12,000 people every year throughout the United States. The vast majority of those injuries occur during the two weeks leading up to and following July 4. “Many types of fireworks look like toys and are marketed towards children when they are anything but for kids,” said Ocean County Freeholder Director Virginia E. Haines. “Be wise and do not travel out of state and buy fireworks that are otherwise unavailable in New Jersey.”

Holding fireworks in your hand, near your face is very dangerous…not to mention stupid.

“We have seen reports across the country of people who have seriously hurt themselves because the seemingly harmless firecracker they were holding suddenly exploded in their hand or near their face,” Vicari said.

While sparklers, small smoke bombs and party poppers may now be sold and used in the state, other fireworks such as firecrackers and rockets remain illegal.

Possession of illegal fireworks by anyone but a licensed professional is a disorderly person offense, but possession with the intent to sell is a fourth-degree offense, with a possible maximum penalty of 18 months imprisonment and fines up to $10,000.

In addition, with many towns in Ocean County hosting shows during the holiday weekend, Vicari warned that residents should leave their pets at home.

“Many dogs and other animals are terrified of the loud noises made by fireworks,” Vicari said.

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Community NewsGovernment News

Work to Begin on Grawtown Road Bridge in Jackson

by Phil Stilton
By: Phil Stilton

JACKSON-WORK WILL BEGIN this summer on a new Grawton Road Bridge in Jackson Township.

The Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders is expected to award a $1.6 million contract to Marbo, Inc. for the new span.

The new bridge will be a 12-foot-long long span with a precast concrete culvert and concrete wing walls. The structure will be built on steel-pipe piles with concrete footings.

The new span replaces an aging wood structure built in 1936 that carries traffic over the Dove Mill Branch of the Toms River.

“We are constantly monitoring our roads and bridges to ensure that we have the safest possible road network here in Ocean County,” said Freeholder Jack Kelly, who is also Director of Law and Public Safety.

The new bridge will be 36-feet wide with two 12-foot travel lanes and two 6-foot shoulders.

The old bridge was 30-feet wide.

A full detour around the bridge will be in place for the duration of the construction, which is expected to last about six months.

The project also includes the installation of state Department of Environmental Protection mandated terrestrial animal crossings on each side of the main culvert.

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There’s a New Sheriff in Town: Golden Brings “Minus” Touch to the Shores of Ocean County

by Phil Stilton
By: Phil Stilton

Is Shaun Golden’s touch good or bad for Toms River Republicans?

TOMS RIVER-The campaign for Maurice “Mo” Hill for Mayor had a special guest this week in the form of Monmouth County GOP Chairman, Sheriff Shaun Golden.  Golden came to plant his flag in Ocean County ahead of next year’s Gubernatorial election where Golden is expected to be one of several state Republicans vying for the Republican nomination to challenge Phil Murphy.

Golden also drove south to show his support for the campaign of Hill, but will Hill be cursed with Golden’s “Minus” Touch?  Since taking control of the Monmouth County GOP, Golden has lost ground to Democrats in nearly every election cycle.  Many elections in the county have suffered from Golden’s “Minus” Touch, losing seats for Republicans.  It was Golden’s first public appearance in Ocean County since taking control of the Monmouth County Club five years ago.

This spring, the Monmouth County Democrat party has gained even more ground against Golden after last month’s election in Ocean Township gave the party majority control of the municipal council.

Ocean Township Republicans Rich Long and Donna Shepiga will be departed the governing body, being replaced with Margie Donlon and David Fisher.

Since 2015 Democrats have been gaining ground on Golden, taking 46 seats, including 3 legislative seats along the way.  Since Golden has assumed power, Democrats have flipped 9 Republican towns in the county.

Democrats now control Allentown, Atlantic Highlands, Eatontown, Keyport, Long Branch, Manasquan, Matawan, Neptune City, Ocean Township, and Red Bank.   Democrat Mayors are in power in Howell and Spring Lake Heights.

Since taking power, Golden has given up ground year after year to Democrats.   Now, Golden, in the absence of former GOP Chairman George Gilmore is seeking to push his influence south the Republican stronghold of Ocean County where an apparent power vacuum now exists, but can Golden work his magic and help deliver a win for Hill with newly elected Ocean County GOP Chairman Frank B. Holman, III?

Golden doesn’t have much to show in his visit to Toms River, but  Monmouth County Democrat Chairman David. G. Brown does.  He’s essentially been manhandling Golden in the election booth.

“Democrats have flipped Atlantic Highlands, Matawan, Allentown, Eatontown, Red Bank, Shrewsbury, Neptune City, Long Branch and so many other towns in recent years,” Brown said. “We’ve also won three legislative seats and elected a Democratic Mayor in Howell, Monmouth County’s second biggest town. Republicans have only flipped one town during that time period – Belmar. Most recently, Democrats won a majority of the seats in Ocean Township’s nonpartisan election – they went from having 3 Republicans on the governing body to 1.”

Brown said in total, his party has replaced over 50 Republicans since Golden took control of the Republican Party.

“We’ve replaced over 50 local Republican elected officials in recent years and we are really proud of the progress Democrats continue to make in Monmouth County,” Brown said.

Hill now faces an uphill battle in Toms River, digging out of a hole that was created for him by his opponent Daniel Rodrick, who uncovered the Admiral’s soliciting of votes and campaign donations from the growing Orthodox Community in Toms River and trying to hide that relationship from voters until the last legally possible minute.

Golden, on the other hand, is softening the ground in Ocean County as he prepares to run a primary campaign against possible opponents, including State GOP Chairman Doug Steinhardt and Burlington County Republican Jack Ciattarelli.  Steinhardt, who is leading the state party during what he calls the “Murphy Midterms” is hoping to channel energy against the administration of Governor Phil Murphy into state Senate and assembly victories.

 

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Turning the Corner on an Ugly Past; Pride Flag Raised Over Downtown Toms River

by Your News
By: Your News

TOMS RIVER-Evan Phalon, a strategic consultant for the Exit 82 Theater Company celebrated the raising of the LBGT Pride flag over Downtown Toms River.  Phalon, joined by Toms River Mayor Thomas Kelaher raised the flag, hoping to turn the page on an ugly history that continues to haunt Ocean County to this day.

In 2006, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Police Lieutenant Laurel Hester’s fight for benefits for her domestic partner, Stacie Andree made national headlines.   The County’s Board of Chosen Freeholders sought to deny Andree’s rights to Hester’s benefits that would have been afforded to a husband and wife.  Same-sex marriage at that time was illegal in New Jersey.

“The Jersey Shore community is undergoing a demographic shift that’s helped spark not only its inaugural Pride celebration and the historic raising of the Pride flag, but this year’s nomination of the township’s first openly-gay mayoral candidate, lawyer and Toms River Chamber of Commerce Chairman Jonathan Petro, Phalon said. “In fact, earlier this month amid calls to protest the neighboring Lakewood BlueClaws’ Pride Night, counter-protesters converged on the minor league baseball stadium to show their support for the Shore’s growing LGBT+ community.”

Phalon thanked Mayor Kelaher for his involvement.

“I’m very happy to share that, for the first time in its 252-year history, the Pride flag was raised over Toms River, NJ just this afternoon (6/20) by Mayor Kelaher. Exit 82 Theatre Company gifted the flag to the Township following the Council’s Pride Proclamation earlier this month,” Phalon said.   Flags were also gifted to the Ocean County Freeholders after their own Pride Proclamation just last night, as well as to Toms River High School South in the Downtown Village District on the day of their graduation.”

Established in 2009, Exit 82 Theatre Company has brought arts and culture back to Toms River and helped revive the once thriving Downtown business district. To date, it has produced more than 30 productions and taught over 300 students through its CAPA Academy.

Visit their website, to learn more about their upcoming Pride Festival on June 22nd.

 

 

 

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Sparse Turnout at Jackson Trump Rally Not Reflective of Jackson’s “Trumpiness”

by Phil Stilton
By: Phil Stilton

JACKSON-The Jackson Township Republican Club in conjunction with the Ocean County GOP and New Jersey State GOP held a Trump rally and viewing party at the Magnolia St. VFW post this week.  The event also served as a viewing party for Trump’s 2020 campaign announcement and as an educational opportunity by the State GOP for digital activism training.

Although the Jackson Republican Club did not endorse Trump’s candidacy at the 2016 nominating convention in Toms River, the club has since put all of its support behind the President.

The event was poorly promoted to the community, which boasts one of New Jersey’s largest concentration of Trump supporters, being identified as one of the “Trumpiest” towns in New Jersey.  Trump won Jackson 62% to Hillary’s 34%.

 

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45th Annual NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet Recognizes African Americans in Local Law Enforcement

by Your News
By: Your News

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer was honored to attend the 45th Annual N.A.A.C.P., Lakewood Chapter, Freedom Fund Banquet at the Ramada Inn in Toms River. OCPO Captain Anthony Carrington was presented with the NAACP Annual Achievement Award. Prosecutor Billhimer promoted Carrington from Lt. to Captain, making Captain Carrington the highest ranking African American in the history of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. Pictured with Prosecutor Billhimer is Lt. Ricardo Valmon, New Jersey State Police, Sgt. John Marshall, Lakewood Police Department, Captain Carrington and Vincent Petrecca, Chief of Detectives  Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.

“Congratulations Captain Carrington on this prestigious award and thank you for your 25 years of dedicated service to the residents of Ocean County,” Billhimer said.

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“Anti-Semitic” Mailers Commonplace in Toms River, Jackson Political Campaigns

by Phil Stilton
By: Phil Stilton

TOMS RIVER-Last week, the Toms River Township Council censured one of their own, Councilman Daniel Rodrick after a postcard mailer by his campaign detailed political and financial transactions between Councilman Maurice “Mo” Hill and Scott Gartner, an Orthodox Jewish resident who threatened to sue the township over what he feels is an anti-Semitic zoning law.

Rodrick campaign mailer published by the Asbury Park Press.

That law which was passed many years ago by the township council requires that houses of worship require a minimum of 10 acres of land to build without applying for a land use variance.

Rodrick “outed” Hill’s newfound relationship with Gartner which included Gartner openly supporting Hill’s campaign and a $2,600 financial contribution.   It was a political football that Rodrick tried to carry into the endzone on election day, but many residents didn’t believe the mailer at first.

Hill is known as the “Admirable Admiral” around town.

That is until the day before the election, the State of New Jersey released Hill’s campaign filings that documented the donation made by Gartner.   Also released was Hill’s mayoral nomination petition which was endorsed by Gartner. Hill intentionally hid Gartner’s support and campaign donation from voters by reporting the donation at the latest possible opportunity with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission.

For that mailer and another one criticizing the welfare fraud amnesty program, Rodrick was branded a “bigot” by his fellow councilmembers which many see as nothing more than political retribution against an opponent.    At that same meeting, the council also forced the resignation of Heather Barone, a candidate for council who lashed out at Hill, who received the coveted bloc vote from the township’s large Orthodox Jewish population in the North Dover section of town.

Fake newspaper published by Democrats Laurie Huryk and Terrance Turnbach that used Orthodox Jews in Lakewood and Toms River to stir fear and panic during the 2017 Toms River Council election.

But using the “Orthodox Jew” or “Lakewood” card in political campaigns is nothing new in communities that surround Lakewood.  Many sitting members of the government have also used the “Lakewood” card, but no others have been censured.

For instance, in 2017, a fake newspaper called the Toms River Tribune paid for by Democrats Terrance Turnbach and Lauri Huryk used scare tactics showing photos of Orthodox Jewish men walking in North Dover with the headline of “Republicans Pandering for Orthodox Jewish Votes?”   Another story in that newspaper claimed, “Lakewood Money Flowing to Toms River Republicans”.   The Democrats used that newspaper to win a narrow margin over Republicans, winning 3 out of 4 seats.  It worked.

Turnbach and Huryk also used a letter of well being sent by the Toms River Police Department ahead of the Jewish holiday Rosh Hashanah as evidence that even the township’s police department was in on some sort of plan to sell out the township to “Lakewood” and the “Orthodox Jews”.  In the 12 page mailer, the Democrats referenced Orthodox Jews 8 times.  Another article in the fake newspaper criticized then Republican Councilman Jeffrey Carr for being a partner in an engineering firm that worked on an Orthodox Jewish school in Lakewood, alluding that his construction work in Lakewood made him unsuitable to hold office in Toms River.

 

Candid photo of Orthodox Jewish mean walking down the street in Toms River used in a newspaper published by Huryk and Turnbach in the 2017 election.

“Carr’s strong ties to Lakewood development projects are rumored to have forced him out of the Toms River Council race this year. Carr will finish the remainder of his term, which ends December 31,” Turnbach and Huryk claimed in the paper.

In the story against Police Chief Mitch Little, Huryk and Turnbach claimed the township Republicans and police chief were working with the Lakewood VAAD to gain a political endorsement.

“A LETTER RECENTLY SURFACED that has raised questions about whether township officials are showing favoritism toward Orthodox Jewish residents. Critics claim the letter is aimed at gaining the endorsement of the Vaad, a Lakewood organization which endorses candidates in local and state elections,” the Democrats said.     The Lakewood VAAD never endorsed a candidate in that election.

Turnbach and Huryk were not censured for their mailing which included the same amount of “anti-semitism” and “bigotry” than Rodrick’s.

Another mailer sent that year by Huryk criticized her opponent Lou Gallipoli for receiving financial donations by professionals hired by the Township of Lakewood.  That mailer used photos of engineers sitting in at a planning board meeting, which happened to also include Orthodox Jewish men who also serve on the planning board.

Using the fear of the growing Orthodox population is not only done in Toms River.  In 2018, in Jackson, the campaign focused mostly around who was more “with the Orthodox Jewish community” and less about actual campaign platforms.

Democrat candidate Tracie Yostpille charged out of the gates with the above mailer painting a picture that Mayor Michael Reina had already sold out Jackson to Jewish developers in Lakewood.

Another postcard depicted Reina at a retirement party for a Jackson resident, Lenny Cohen who worked for the Lakewood Department of Public Works.  Yostpille sent a mailer that incorrectly identified Cohen as Lenny Cohen, a Lakewood developer, calling the Jackson resident a “Lakewood Power Broker” and “Lakewood Developer”.

Using the fear of Lakewood and the Orthodox community to panic voters has not just been limited to the Democrats.  The Jackson Republicans used the above mailer to connect Yostpille to Lakewood’s power base, even photoshopping the head of Yostpille campaign manager Mitch Seim on the body of another person.

There’s no doubt in anyone’s mind in Jackson or Toms River, that the Lakewood issue and the growth of the Orthodox Jewish population in both towns has become one of political importance, and while both sides have routinely used fear tactics to sway voters, is it now going to be deemed as “anti-semitic” or “bigoted” to even bring up the real issues facing both communities. Another question is will the township councils in those towns follow Toms River’s suit and censure all candidates who used the “Orthodox” card in previous elections or just those they fear could be strong political foes in the future.

There are many other mailers that have gone out by both Republicans and Democrats in Ocean County, all claiming opponents have “sold out” to either Lakewood Orthodox leaders, Lakewood developers or just “Lakewood” in general.  A 2017 piece shows Hill’s running mate Kevin Geoghegan standing in front of a sign welcoming Lakewood developers.  That same postcard was used against Mayor Michael Reina, but with Reina’s head photoshopped in place of Geoghegan’s.

The township council of Toms River should consider the censure of Haryk and Turnbach at their next meeting if they are going to persecute Rodrick and Barone for the same behavior.  The only difference between Rodrick’s mailers and the ones sent out by Haryk and Turnbach were that Rodrick never mentioned the words Orthodox or Jew.  Rodrick’s mailer against the relationship between Hill and Gartner proved to be factual after the election.

 

 

 

 

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Howard C. Johnson Elementary School Unveils “Learning Unleashed” Model Classroom Funded by OceanFirst Foundation

by Your News
By: Your News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information please contact:
Phyllis Lacca: 609.344.2400 x204 cell 609.214.7870 / [email protected]
Stephanie Toal, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, OceanFirst Foundation 732-341-4576 / [email protected]
Ben Morris: 609-344-2400 x202 / [email protected]

Howard C. Johnson Elementary School Unveils “Learning Unleashed” Model Classroom Funded by OceanFirst Foundation

IMG_7538.jpg: On May 21, 2019, representatives from OceanFirst Bank and OceanFirst Foundation visited the Howard C. Johnson Elementary School in Jackson Township, NJ, to tour the model classroom made possible by a grant from OceanFirst Foundation. With the $10,000 Model Classroom Grant, the school created a space for social and emotional learning with the aid of the school’s therapy dog – Mighty. The Yale University School for Child Development and Social Policy developed a proven, well-researched curriculum called “Mutt-i-grees” with the mission to “teach children skills to promote self and social awareness, effectively communicate and manage emotions and foster empathy.” Howard C. Johnson Elementary School has incorporated this curriculum within its newly-constructed “Learning Unleashed” model classroom. Pictured with students from the elementary school are, from left to right, Kathy Durante, Executive Director, OceanFirst Foundation; Nina Anuario, Senior Vice President and Business Development Officer, OceanFirst Bank; and Robert Cook, Vice President, Business Banking Lender, OceanFirst Bank.

***PHOTOS***
Howard C. Johnson Elementary School Model Classroom Photos

ABOUT OCEANFIRST FOUNDATION
Since its founding in 1902, OceanFirst Bank has built a solid reputation and legacy as a good neighbor and responsible corporate citizen. The Bank’s strong commitment to helping families, organizations, schools and communities throughout central and southern New Jersey has spanned several generations, reaching new heights in 1996 with the creation of OceanFirst Foundation. The Foundation provides grants to organizations that meet community needs within the OceanFirst Bank footprint. Since its inception, OceanFirst Foundation has contributed in excess of $37 million to over 900 local charities and schools that meet needs such as Health and Wellness, Housing, Youth Development and Education and Improving Quality of Life.

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