The Toms River Regional School Board recognized three high school students and their teachers for participating in the Waksman Student Scholar Program. The Waksman Student Scholars Program provides avenues for high school science teachers and students to participate in, contribute to and molecular biology research. These students had their DNA sequences published on the NCBI website, they have accomplished what no other student in our district has.
Community News
Toms River Board Recognizes Life Saving Wrestling Coaches
The Toms River Regional School District’s Board of Education recognized High School North coaches Josh Huber and John DeMarco for their quick thinking as well as their certified training that led to saving the life of a Donovan Catholic student during a wrestling meet in Lakewood on January 4, 2017.
“We are proud of our coaches and the real reason for victory that evening,” the board said.
Pictured with coaches Josh Huber and John DeMarco is Board Member Christopher Raimann, HSN Athletic Coordinator Paul Barnoski and Superintendent David Healy.
Freehold Township High School Wins Monmouth County Consumer Bowl
HOWELL, NJ – Freehold Township High School came up winners in the 2017 Monmouth County Consumer Bowl, a game-show-style competition for teams of high school students held Feb. 14 at the Monmouth County Fire Academy.
Students from seven high schools answered consumer-related questions in a multiple choice and open-ended format to test their knowledge of consumer issues, such as Internet fraud and buying and leasing automobiles.
The six-member team from Freehold Township High School successfully earned its 2017 Monmouth County Consumer Bowl title against students from Colts Neck, Freehold Borough, Howell, Manalapan and Raritan and Saint John Vianney High School.
“The best part about this program is that all of our participating young adults gained some knowledge about what it takes to help them be smarter consumers and possibly future consumer advocates,” said Freeholder Serena DiMaso, who was on hand to congratulate the winners. “It is also a great way to promote the County’s Consumer Affairs office, which enforces consumer laws and helps people who suspect they might be victims of unscrupulous business practices.”
In the final round, Freehold Twp. faced-off with Howell High School. Though the scores were close, the Freehold Township team was victorious and won the 2017 County Consumer Bowl for the seventh time in eight years. .
“It’s important that teens understand consumer and business concepts, like credit and identity theft, banking and fraud, marketing and advertising,” said Freeholder Lillian G. Burry, liaison to the County’s Division of Consumer Affairs. “Consumer Bowl participants are a step ahead of their peers with their knowledge of consumer issues and are well-prepared to tackle issues in the marketplace.”
Team members are Anna Landre (team captain), Matthew Bernstein, Jake LaFronz, Michael Galanaugh and Raiyan Hussain. Their advisor is Dan Cooper; school principal is Elizabeth Higley.
The Freehold Township team now moves on to the regional competition on April 6 with home field advantage because the competition will be held at the Monmouth County Fire Academy. The winner of the regional competition will go on to compete in the 2017 New Jersey State Consumer Bowl scheduled for May in Trenton.
The New Jersey High School Consumer Bowl is a program of the state Department of Law and Public Safety, Division of Consumer Affairs. It was established in 1997 to help students learn about consumer issues that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Since the County’s Division of Consumer Affairs was established in 1977, the department has handled more than 50,000 complaints and resolved disputes, resulting in savings to consumers of more than $22 million; $9 million has been resolved in the past five years.
Consumer Affairs is a law enforcement agency, created and funded by the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders. It protects against consumer fraud and dishonest and dishonest business practices by enforcing the state Consumer Fraud Act and many other regulations.
Additional information about fraud and other consumer affairs programs can be found on the County website at www.VisitMonmouth.com, by calling 732-431-7900 or email ConsumerAffairs@co.monmouth.nj.us. The office is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Everything You Need to Know About Saturday's Fire District Elections in Jackson
This Saturday is the day residents of Jackson can go out and vote for their local fire district commissioners and budgets. Polls in Jackson are open from 2pm to 9pm on Saturday, February 18th.
Jackson Fire District 2 (Consolidated 1&2)
3 yr. Commissioner Seats Available: 2
Candidates: *John Alchevsky, *Martin Flemming III, Robert Reddington, Jr.
1 yr. Commissioner Seats Available: 1
Candidates: *John Ryan
Budget detail: 2017 Proposed Budget 2017 APPROPRIATIONS Salaries $682,615 Fringe Benefits 355,923 Election Expense 1,500 Office Expense 5,400 Professional Services 50,000 Travel Expenses 200 Advertising Expense 2,000 Insurance Expense 165,000 Maintenance & Repairs 140,000 Hydrant Rental 38,000 Supplies Expense 5,000 Training & Education 10,000 Uniforms & Personal Equipment 37,000 Utilities 40,000 Fire Supression Contracts 40,500 Payroll Service Fees 5,500 Physicals 10,000 Fuel 20,000 Replacement Equipment 36,500 Extrication Equipment 24,000 SCBA 20,000 Hose 5,000 Pagers 5,000 Operating Expenses 66,800 Losap 40,000 Capital Appropriations 490,000 Debt Service 137,021 Total Appropriations $ 2,432,959 REVENUES Fund Balance Utilized $655,500 Misc. Revenues 12,745 Interest Income 3,300 Supplemental Fire Grant 116,500 Amount to be Raised by Taxation 1,644 914 Total Revenues $ 2,432,959 Tax Rate Per $100 $0.0812
Voting place: Miller Avenue Firehouse, 785 Miller Avenue
Jackson Fire District 3
3 yr. Commissioner Seats Available: 1
Candidates: *John Seidler, Vincent Nicosia
Budget detail: OPERATING APPROPRIATIONS: Current Operating Expenses $ 3,008,400.00 CAPITAL APPROPRIATIONS: a. Debt Service $ 84,105.00 b. Total Capital Improvements $ 100,000.00 c. Reserve for future Capital Outlays $ -0- d. Length of Service Award Program $ 30,000.00 TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS: Total revenues and fund balance $ 3,222,505.00. utilized to defray taxation: $ 264,651. 00 AMOUNT TO BE RAISED BY TAXES: $ 2,957,854.00.
Voting Place: Jackson Volunteer Fire Company Firehouse 200 Kierych Memorial Drive
Jackson Fire District 4
3 yr. Commissioner Seats Available: 2
Candidates: *Brian Ruditsky, *Ray Torres, Kenneth Byrnes, Wallace Jamison, n/a
Note: n/a – One candidate omitted at request of family member under threat of lawsuit.
Budget detail: OPERATING APPROPRIATIONS: Current Operating Expenses $ 1,546,141.00 CAPITAL APPROPRIATIONS: a. Debt Service $ -0- b. Total Capital Improvements $ 500,000.00 c. Reserve for future Capital Outlays $ -0- d. Length of Service Award Program $ 50,000.00 TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS: $ 2,096,141.00 Total revenues and fund balance utilized to defray taxation: $ 538,757..00 AMOUNT TO BE RAISED BY TAXES: $ 1,557,384.00
Voting Place: Jackson Mills Volunteer Fire Company firehouse, 465A North County Line Road.
* Indicates JTOWN Magazine’s fire commissioner endorsement.
New Jersey State Police Union Reveals Terrifying Bail Reform Statistic
The New Jersey State Policeman’s Benevolent Association this week released a terrifying statistic about New Jersey’s bail reform. It’s a system where those pushing it are making millions of dollars, but the people of New Jersey, including police and prosecutors are the ones paying the price.
“Bail Reform Numbers – In the 3,382 cases statewide that were processed in the first four weeks of January, judges set bail only three times,” the NJSPBA announced.
Bail Reform Numbers – In the 3,382 cases statewide that were processed in the first four weeks of January, judges set bail only three times.
— New Jersey State PBA (@NJSPBA) February 8, 2017
On this Day: Russian Poet Alexander Pushkin Died from Injuries Sustained in a Duel
JACKSON-On this day in 1836, Alexander Pushkin died from wounds suffered in duel days earlier.
A memorial dedicated to Pushkin is here in Jackson, dedicated to the Russian poet and writer. Jackson is home to a very large Russian Orthodox population and was once a global vacation destination for the Russian Orthodox community. Many came to the now defunct, but once very popular and thriving Rova Farms Resort.
Jackson is also home to the Pushkin Memorial Home, a senior assisted living facility.
Photo of the Pushkin Memorial in Jackson Township.
New Playa Bowls in Brick Highlights Success of Empty Storefront Program
BRICK-Across Ocean County, many retail storefront units have remained empty for years, but in Brick, an incentive program for new and expanding businesses is helping to fill those empty stores.
Brick Township’s empty storefront program helps businesses in Brick and the community by waiving all township fees for businesses willing to open shop in a retail space that has been vacant for more than one year.
Under the program, building permits and inspection fees are waived.
Mayor John Ducey touted the success of the program with the announcement of the addition of the wildly popular Playa Bowls chain coming to the Shops at Brownstone.
In his February 7th Facebook live session with residents, Ducey said although builders are free to clear lots and build commercial space in town, he would rather see businesses move into existing vacant spaces.
“We’d rather see empty storefronts filled first and that’s what we’re seeing around town,” Ducey said. “As you drive around as everyone sees, there less vacancies and more and more being filled all the time.”
Playa Bowls is rapidly growing chain of health food shops specializing in acai bowls, pitaya bowls, juices, smoothies, and Chloe’s soft serve fruit.
Berkeley Mayor Amato Announces Evening Office Hours
BERKELEY – Mayor Carmen F. Amato, Jr., is pleased to announce the next installment of his evening office hours. Mayor Amato’s evening office hours are in addition to his
“Meet the Mayor” and “Town Hall” programs, which will also continue in 2017.
“My next scheduled public evening office hours will be held Monday, February 13th at Berkeley Town Hall from 5:30pm to 7:00pm. Elected officials have an obligation to be as accessible as possible to our constituents. During my time in office, I have held countless “Meet the Mayor” and “Town Hall” meetings, regularly meet with constituents outside of regular business hours, and have created additional avenues for residents to contact local government.” Mayor Amato said.
“Our Hot Line gives residents one-stop access to Township government, enabling the township to more effectively and efficiently respond to resident’s suggestions, concerns or complaints. The Hot Line number is 732-244-7400 Extension 203, and is available 24 hours a day.” Mayor Amato said.
Residents can also email the Mayor directly at: mayor@twp.berkeley.nj.us .
“In addition to the “Hot Line” and my email, residents are encouraged to visit www.berkeleytownship.org and click next to the Mayor’s message to provide suggestions or feedback online, with most residents receiving follow-up the next business day.” Mayor Amato said.
Our Township of Berkeley Facebook Page is new, and is constantly updated with information, and news on the Township.
If you haven’t signed up for our Nixle system, please visit our web site to register to receive important emails and text messages.
“I look forward to continuing my dialog and outreach to residents in 2017.” Mayor Amato said.