EGG HARBOR CITY, NJ—The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office, along with New Jersey State Police and Egg Harbor City PD, hosted a community outreach event recently, aimed at assisting vulnerable community members. The event featured hot meals prepared and served by NJSP troopers and volunteers from Pic a Lilli Inn, located on Route 206 in Shamong.
These efforts bring together our community and law enforcement to help those who need the help the most. Hot meals were prepared and distributed by the NJSP troopers and the great volunteers at the Pic a Lilli inn on 206 in Shamong Clothes hung on hangers placed on racks were distributed. Shoes, blankets and toiletries were given away as well. New Jersey Courts were on hand for immediate expungements and information on how to get records expunged distributed.
During the event, attendees received not only food but also clothing on hangers, shoes, blankets, and toiletries.
Additionally, representatives from the New Jersey Courts were available to provide information on record expungement, with immediate expungements being processed onsite. The State of New Jersey Office of the Attorney General’s initiatives, Operation Rise and Operation Helping Hands, were also present, distributing doses of Naloxone to combat heroin and fentanyl overdoses.
- Free Toll Friday Returns to Atlantic City Expressway as Memorial Day Shore Traffic Builds
Atlantic County, NJ — Drivers heading to the Jersey Shore for Memorial Day weekend will get a free ride Friday afternoon as Chickie’s & Pete’s once again covers tolls on the Atlantic City Expressway during its annual “Free Toll Friday” kickoff event.
The South Jersey Transportation Authority and Chickie’s & Pete’s announced that all eastbound tolls at the Egg Harbor Toll Plaza will be paid from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, May 22, offering a break to thousands of travelers expected to flood shore routes ahead of the holiday weekend.
The annual promotion marks the unofficial start of the summer season on one of New Jersey’s busiest shore corridors.
Crabfries, Car Show and Summer Celebration Planned at Farley Plaza
Before tolls go free, Chickie’s & Pete’s and the SJTA will host a daylong “100 Days of Summer” celebration from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Frank S. Farley Service Plaza along the Atlantic City Expressway in Hammonton.
Visitors can grab complimentary orders of Chickie’s & Pete’s signature Crabfries while browsing an outdoor car show and more than 70 participating organizations, vendors, artists, and exhibitors.
The event also features appearances from the Funny Farm animal rescue sanctuary, the New Jersey State Police K9 team, Atlantic City International Airport fire and rescue crews, and local businesses including Johnson’s Popcorn and Lucy the Elephant.
“Free Toll Friday is one of my favorite summertime traditions,” Chickie’s & Pete’s Chairman and CEO Pete Ciarrocchi said in a statement. “We’re excited to be back at Farley Plaza hosting one of our favorite annual events this year. We love to send everyone off to the shore in good spirits before a big holiday weekend.”
Key Points
• Chickie’s & Pete’s will pay eastbound Atlantic City Expressway tolls Friday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• The free toll event takes place at the Egg Harbor Toll Plaza during Memorial Day weekend travel.
• A summer kickoff festival at Farley Plaza includes free Crabfries, live attractions, and family activities.
Heavy Jersey Shore Travel Expected for Holiday Weekend
Memorial Day weekend traditionally signals the start of the busy summer tourism season across the Jersey Shore, with major increases in traffic along the Atlantic City Expressway, Garden State Parkway, and coastal routes.
South Jersey Transportation Authority Executive Director Stephen F. Dougherty said the annual event is designed to create a festive atmosphere for travelers making their way toward shore destinations.
“We’re excited to kick off our annual 100 Days of Summer celebration and welcome travelers passing through Hammonton on their way to their favorite Jersey Shore destination,” Dougherty said. “This year’s festivities offer something for everyone.”
Families attending the event can also visit a Sidewalk Chalk Fun Zone, pet rescue displays, and emergency vehicle exhibits from local agencies.
Memorial Day Event Also Supports Veterans Charity
Chickie’s & Pete’s said the event also highlights its partnership with The Patriot Fund, a nonprofit organization supporting military veterans and their families transitioning to civilian life.
The restaurant chain announced that a portion of proceeds from its “Patriot Punch” cocktail throughout the summer will benefit the organization.
Ciarrocchi said the timing of the event during Memorial Day weekend carries personal significance because of his family’s military background.
“My Dad and my Uncles were all in the military,” he said. “In fact, my Uncle George, who was my restaurant mentor, won the Silver Star for bravery.”
Officials expect heavy traffic volumes throughout Friday afternoon as shore-bound travelers begin arriving for the long holiday weekend.
- New Jersey’s Shore Towns Facing Memorial Day Washout as Rain Storms Expected Through Monday
Mount Holly, NJ – A soggy stretch of weather could disrupt Memorial Day weekend plans across New Jersey as forecasters warn of several straight days of rain, gusty winds and possible thunderstorms heading into the holiday.
That could put a damper on planned pop-up parties intended to disrupt the shore towns, but bad for tourism overall.
The latest National Weather Service forecast issued Thursday shows rain chances climbing sharply through Saturday, with showers expected nearly every day through Memorial Day.
Saturday currently looks like the wettest day of the stretch, with forecasters predicting widespread showers, wind gusts up to 20 mph and a 90% chance of rain. Conditions could worsen Saturday night, when thunderstorms are also possible and rainfall totals may reach up to a half-inch in some areas.
The repeated rounds of rain are raising concerns about a potential holiday weekend washout for beachgoers, campers, barbecue hosts and travelers across the state.
Friday Brings Brief Break Before Weekend Soaker
Thursday’s showers were expected to taper off by late afternoon, though skies were forecast to remain cloudy into the evening.
Friday may offer the best opportunity for outdoor activities before conditions deteriorate again. Forecasters predict mostly cloudy skies with highs near 63 degrees, but rain chances return late Friday night.
By Saturday morning, widespread showers are expected to move back into New Jersey and continue into Sunday.
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Key Points
• Rain chances remain elevated in New Jersey through Memorial Day.
• Saturday carries a 90% chance of showers with possible thunderstorms overnight.
• Memorial Day itself still includes a 50% chance of rain.
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Sunday’s forecast currently calls for lingering showers before 2 p.m. with cloudy skies and temperatures near 68 degrees.
Even Memorial Day itself may not fully escape the wet pattern. Forecasters predict a 50% chance of showers Monday, with mostly cloudy skies and highs climbing into the mid-70s.
While the holiday will likely be warmer than the weekend, unsettled weather could still interrupt outdoor ceremonies, shore traffic and cookouts.
Travelers heading to the Jersey Shore or planning long-distance drives may also encounter periods of reduced visibility and slick road conditions through the holiday stretch.
Clouds, Cool Temperatures Dominate Start of Holiday Weekend
In addition to rain, much of the state will remain cooler than typical late-May conditions. High temperatures are expected to stay mostly in the upper 50s to mid-60s through Sunday before slightly warming Monday.
Persistent northeast and east winds will also reinforce the chilly, damp feel across much of the region.
Current Status
As of Thursday, forecasters continue to monitor an unsettled weather system expected to impact New Jersey through Memorial Day. While rain timing could still shift, multiple days of showers remain in the forecast statewide heading into the holiday weekend.
- New Jersey Poll Workers Can Earn $300 for June 2 Primary Election Shifts
Trenton, N.J. — New Jersey officials are urging residents to sign up as poll workers for the June 2 Primary Election, offering paid opportunities for adults and students to help staff voting locations across the state.
The New Jersey Division of Elections announced a statewide recruitment push Tuesday in partnership with county election offices, encouraging residents ages 16 and older to apply through Pollworker.NJ.Gov. Workers selected for Election Day service can earn $300, while Early Voting shifts pay $21.43 per hour.
State officials said thousands of poll workers are needed to operate voting sites during both the primary and upcoming general election cycle.
State Targets Students and First-Time Civic Volunteers
Lieutenant Governor Dr. Dale G. Caldwell, who serves as New Jersey’s Secretary of State and chief election official, said the program gives residents a direct role in supporting elections and voter access.
“Becoming a poll worker is one of the best ways to get engaged with our democracy,” Caldwell said in a statement announcing the initiative.
He added that New Jersey residents “16 and older have a meaningful opportunity to engage civically and help neighbors vote in free and fair elections as poll workers this year and beyond.”
Election officials are especially encouraging high school and college students to apply, part of a broader effort to recruit younger workers as longtime poll staff members retire.
Key Points
• New Jersey poll workers can earn $300 for the June 2 Primary Election
• Early Voting workers are eligible for $21.43 per hour
• Residents as young as 16 years old may apply through Pollworker.NJ.Gov
Counties Across New Jersey Need More Poll Workers
Donna Barber, director of the New Jersey Division of Elections, said counties statewide are actively seeking additional workers before the primary election.
“Elections across New Jersey rely on thousands of dedicated residents who staff polling locations,” Barber said. “It’s a great way to earn money while supporting your community.”
Poll workers typically assist voters at check-in stations, help manage voting equipment, answer procedural questions, and ensure polling locations operate smoothly throughout Election Day.
Officials said the recruitment effort comes as counties continue preparing for both in-person voting and expanded early voting operations.
Who Qualifies to Serve
According to the Division of Elections, applicants must meet several requirements to serve as poll workers in New Jersey.
Eligible applicants must:
- Be U.S. citizens and New Jersey residents
- Be registered to vote in the county where they live, unless under 18
- Be at least 16 years old
- Not be running as a candidate in the election
Residents under age 18 do not need to be registered voters to participate.
State officials said serving as a poll worker can also provide students with civic engagement experience and community service opportunities.
Recruitment Continues Ahead of Primary Election
Applications remain open through the state’s poll worker portal as counties continue staffing polling sites for the June 2 primary.
Officials are encouraging residents interested in election work to apply as soon as possible due to training and scheduling requirements before voting begins.
As of Tuesday, the Division of Elections had not released updated statewide staffing totals for the primary election.