LAKEWOOD–Looking for something to do this weekend for dad on Father’s Day? The Ocean Signal has some exciting ideas including breakfast, dinner and a cruise along the historic Toms River waterfront.

by Frank Cipriani

I was enjoying a little online chat with my editor when he informed me that he had to go mow his lawn. He left the chat before I could warn him of the consequences of this antiquated and barbaric practice.

Turns out, that lawns were invented in France, the nation that brought us smelly cheese and creeping socialism, and so many other un-American practices, like atheism and dudes in tights. Lawns were invented so that, from a distance, castle keepers could see that enemies were approaching. In the mid-nineteenth century, Americans wanted to imitate the Frenchified landscaping which had, by then, taken hold in Scotland and England. The wet climate and more northerly latitudes made lawns a more organic choice in Europe than they were in the United States.

I’ve been reading the dire news from Europe about how the world economies are going south and how, because we are no longer independent of the global vicissitudes of the marketplace, we may experience a renewed economic crash, just like we did at the end of the Bush presidency. If we do, it will be thanks to our dependence on the Europeans, the same people who brought lawns (and smallpox) to North America.

And this time, there will be no bailout.

In other bad news, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts an above-active hurricane season. Not to say the sky is falling, but if it’s going to fall, it turns out the worst thing you could do is mow your lawn.

What does this mean for us here along the river? Will it mean empty grocery shelves, or more long lines for gas? Will it mean that we won’t be able to send our children to college or enjoy our retirement? Will I have to drive four hours north (again) to watch “Breaking Amish?”

I don’t think it will be quite as bad as all that, especially for those of us who practice “liberty gardening.”

Therefore, I humbly suggest that each and every one of you tear out your lawns.

Think about it – grass is useless. Lawn maintenance costs money and gives nothing in return but a boring monoculture of endless steppe and greenery which demands mowing, fertilizing and watering, reducing us all to meaningless serfdom when we could be inside inventing a new form of math, or some alternate form of energy, or even publishing a newspaper. Heartier plants seed themselves in this chemical-rich environment, and the homeowner is forced to counter with even stronger chemicals. More than 60 percent of all these chemicals never reach the roots of the grass, and instead are washed into Barnegat Bay, where they contribute to the rise of jellyfish populations and algae blooms and force a die-off of fish and shellfish in the bay and ocean.

Grass, it turns out, has two different processes by which to propagate. It can be seeded, or it can reproduce by runner. Most homeowners are restricted by law from propagating their grass by seed, although this is the best method by which to maintain a thick, drought-resistant lawn. This is why most lawns propagate through underground runners. In some areas, where the soil is clay and has poor drainage, allowing grasses to go to seed is a bad idea, but in our area, which is mostly sand, local varieties of turfgrass (not hybrids) can be bred to survive our specific conditions of blistering summers, periods of drought, and wet springs and autumns. The truth is, most of the turfgrass and perennial lawn grasses we grow here in Ocean County could not survive without continued care and mowing, an absurd waste of water, and accompanied by environmentally unfriendly blasts of chemicals.

So even if you insist on growing a lawn, you really shouldn’t mow it until after it has gone to seed. This way, at least, you’re reseeding with turfgrass which is best adapted to survive you very particular little biome. If you do decide to let your grass go to seed, you can do it in patches, allowing the part of your lawn with the worst conditions for growth to complete its life cycle. This assures that any grass that does manage to survive is the heartiest grass for your particular lawn. Then, cut it gradually, collect the seeds and scatter them throughout the rest of your lawn. The best times to do this are in the spring and fall.

Personally, I hate lawns, and have grown useful edible plants instead, much to the chagrin of my neighbors. This includes wild edibles like Evening Primrose, which I harvest in the spring and freeze. Milkweed, another wild edible, attracts butterflies, and can be eaten as a potherb. Its unopened flower buds can be cooked in two changes of water and served like broccoli, and the pods it produces can be pickled. I also allow mullein to grow in my yard. The tea helps relieve my asthma. This summer, I will be writing a series of articles dealing with these wonderful “volunteers” which demand so little and give back so much – these are the plants that can feed your family in economically challenging times.

So by the time the next disaster comes, be it environmental or economic, you’ll be able to stroll out into your yard and gather some useful plants that come to you, free of charge, and pretty much maintenance free as well. While those McMansion high-falutin’ neighbors of yours struggle to fill the pantry, you’ll be sitting pretty. See, grass isn’t good eating, so unless your neighbor happens to be a cow, when the next disaster that hits, you’ll be the envy of the neighborhood.

The next time you’re summoned to mow the lawn, just show this article to your well-meaning loved one or neighbor. Just say “no” to lawn mowing.  You’re not being lazy. You’re an American, baby, a Jersey Shore American, doing your patriotic duty by letting those so-called “weeds” help you declare your independence. you’re saying “no” to Euro-culture, and socialism, and smelly cheese.

And if your sissified neighbors complain? Just tell them it isn’t an overgrown lawn, it’s a strategic alternative food reserve system, and they can come over and graze when disaster hits. Their eyes will tear with gratitude. And if they don’t? Well, the town usually gives you ten days to mow before they levy fines.

The 38-year-old New Jersey native was driving northbound on Custer Road at approximately 11:40 am when he collided with a Jeep Grand Cherokee that was making the turn onto Custer Road, according to the Frisco Police Department. He was pronounced dead after being taken to Baylor Medical Center.

“The McKinney Police Department is saddened to report the death of Officer John Libby. ” said Sgt. Chad Barker, a spokesperson for the McKinney Police Department where Mr. Libby has worked since moving to Texas from New Jersey in 2007, “He has honorably served the citizens of McKinney for nearly six faithful years. John’s commitment to his family, community and fellow officers will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Libby family during this difficult time.”

Libby was hired by the Jackson Police Department in 2007 and graduated from the 77th class of the Ocean County Police Academy in February of 2002 as one of twelve new police officers hired by the township that year.

Jackson Police Officer Fred Meabe, who attended the police academy with Libby said,  ”John Libby was, is a good man, great father and was a respected officer. John was always a fun guy to be around,”

“I have so many memories and stories of John that I will always remember. I remember when he told me that he was moving to Texas to take a police job and, selfishly, I didn’t want him to go.”

Libby also worked for the Pine Beach Police Department. There are no drugs or alcohol suspected. No charges have been filed in this case at this time. The collision is still under investigation.

“He always cared for others, but no more than he did his wife Jen and their kids. John treasured family, and most importantly his. He went to the ends to make sure that they were always secure and taken care of, regardless of what he had to do,” Officer Meabe said.  ”He wanted nothing more than to become a police officer, and he was so proud of the fact that he made it. He is going to be a huge loss to the town of McKinney, to his friends in both New Jersey and Texas and more importantly, to his family. My prayers go out to them forever and always.”

Community Calendar

Land Use Board

Thursday, May 2nd is the next scheduled meeting for the Pine Beach Land Use Board.  The meeting will take place at the Borough Hall at 7:30 pm.  The public is welcome to attend.

Registration for Community Yard Sale

There is still time to register for the Community Yard Sale scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, May 18^th & 19^th!  Pick up a registration form at the borough hall or online at http://www.pinebeachborough.us and send in by the May 3^rd deadline to the Pine Beach Municipal Alliance.  The $15.00 registration fee includes advertisement, listing on map and balloon for your mailbox.

Council Meeting

The Mayor and Council will hold their next meeting on Wednesday, May 8^th at 7:30 pm.  Meetings are held at the municipal building and are open to the public.

In particular, the new School Performance Reports seek to:

• Focus attention on metrics that are indicative of college and career readiness.
• Benchmark a school’s performance against other peer schools that are educating similar students, against statewide outcomes, and against state targets to illuminate and build upon a school’s strengths and identify areas for improvement.
• Improve educational outcomes for students by providing both longitudinal and growth data so that progress can be measured as part of an individual school’s efforts to engage in continuous improvement.

TOMS RIVER REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

BEACHWOOD ELEM
CEDAR GROVE ELEM
EAST DOVER ELEM
HOOPER AVE ELEM
JOSEPH A CITTA ELEM
NORTH DOVER ELEM
PINE BEACH ELEM
SILVER BAY ELEMENTARY
SOUTH TOMS RIVER ELEM
TOMS RIVER HIGH EAST
TOMS RIVER HIGH NORTH
TOMS RIVER HIGH SOUTH
TOMS RIVER INTERMEDIATE E
TOMS RIVER INTERMEDIATE N
TOMS RIVER INTERMEDIATE S
WALNUT STREET ELEM
WASHINGTON ST ELEM
WEST DOVER ELEM

JACKSON TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT

CARL W GOETZ MIDDLE SCH
CHRISTA MCAULIFFE MID SCH
CRAWFORD RODRIGUEZ ELEM
ELMS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
HOWARD C JOHNSON ELEM
JACKSON LIBERTY HIGH
JACKSON MEMORIAL HIGH
LUCY N HOLMAN ELEM
SWITLIK ELEM
SYLVIA ROSENAUER ELEM

BRICK TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT

BRICK COMM PRIM LEARN CTR
BRICK TWP HIGH
BRICK TWP MEMORIAL HIGH
DRUM POINT ROAD ELEM
EMMA HAVENS YOUNG ELEM
HERBERTSVILLE ELEM
LAKE RIVIERA MIDDLE
LANES MILL ELEM
MIDSTREAMS ELEM
OSBORNVILLE ELEM
VETERANS MEM ELEM
VETERANS MEM MIDDLE SCH

BERKELEY TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT

BAYVILLE ELEM
BERKELEY TOWNSHIP ES
CLARA B WORTH ELEM
H & M POTTER ELEM

CENTRAL REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

CENTRAL REGIONAL HIGH
CENTRAL REGIONAL MIDDLE

PINE BEACH – Citing increasing costs, members of the Pine Beach Volunteer Fire Company voted Thursday night, March 7th to officially close down their meeting hall on Prospect Avenue.
The structure was built in 1958, expanded in 1974 and named Schiel Hall in honor of longtime chief and company secretary Charles Schiel, who served from 1939 to 1971.
Councilman and past company chief Barry Wieck reported at the Monday night council work meeting that the hall would have all the water drained from its heating system and electric service shut off to try and reduce the average $1,200 monthly utility bills the company pays throughout their facility.
“It was all built before people were concerned about the cost of energy so there’s no insulation,” he said. “It’s cool in the winter and warm in the summer, just the opposite of what you want.”
“We’re going to have to move the general election back to here,” the former chief added.
Councilman Robert Budesa asked whether the fire company was still pursuing the sale of their lots across from the firehouse, which were commonly used for parking during events at the hall.
“They’re still pursuing it but nobody’s interested,” replied Mr. Wieck.

In other news from the early March work meeting of the mayor and council:

FEMA Maps
Mayor Lawrence Cuneo brought up the idea of the governing body adopting the Federal Emergency Management Agency [FEMA] Advisory Base Flood Elevation [ABFE] maps, adding that the land use board spoke about the issue at their meeting the previous Thursday evening.
“They wanted one change, to put into it stating just to follow the maps as adopted so that we don’t have to keep coming back to update it,” he reported. “They didn’t like it, but that’s the hand we’re dealt right now so in order to try and help the residents with this we should adopt these so people, if they need the ICC [FEMA's Increased Cost of Compliance] money to help raise their houses, they can get that and other people can get flood insurance.”
Council President Richard “Ritty” Polhemus asked the mayor whether he knew how many homes in Pine Beach would be affected by the advisory maps.
“We’re trying to get an exact number but Jack [Mallon, of the borough's engineering firm of Ernst, Ernst & Lissenden] thought about 30,” the mayor said. “He said no more than 30 but he thinks less than that.”
He added that residents may go onto the FEMA ABFE website at www.region2coastal.com and enter their address to find what projected flood zone they may be in.
Mayor Cuneo stated that while the maps were released shortly after the hurricane, the agency had been working on them for some time prior to that and “it just happened to be New Jersey’s turn to get it.”
The ABFE would not be official for some time, as new preliminary flood insurance rate maps are due to be completed later this summer, after which a regulatory process that could take up to a year and a half will begin, allowing the ABFE to possibly be lowered before final adoption sometime in the second half of 2014.
A second topic discussed at the land use board meeting, the mayor reported, was the idea of waiving height restrictions only for those homeowners who had to raise their homes to comply with the new ABFE standards, as other local waterfront communities have done in recent months.
It was decided they would seek out some of the ordinances adopted by nearby municipalities to possibly write one of their own.

Reassessment
Mayor Cuneo reported that the borough, which had recently undergone a town-wide property reassessment to go into effect in 2014, showed a loss of approximately 20 percent in value, from $306 million to between $240 and $244 million.
“Nornally we don’t like to see that but in this case it’s going to be okay for us – it brings the properties into line where they should be so people aren’t overly assessed and those who appeal get the benefit of it while their neighbors are paying more than they should be,” he said, adding that the lowering of the assessment “should hopefully ease some of [the regional school tax] burden we have to take over because of the less valuation than the other towns.”
The other towns within the regional district that are taxed based on the combined total valuation include Beachwood, South Toms River and Toms River.

Swim Clinic
Due to the issues ongoing on the bayside of the barrier island due to the effects of Hurricane Sandy, a company that holds swim clinics for triathlon participants previously held in Lavallette applied for permission to hold the classes in the waters of the Toms River off Pine Beach instead, stated Mayor Cuneo.
“They get people in to show the transitions between swimming, biking and running,” he continued, noting that they had requested permission to run the classes on Saturdays throughout May.
“I don’t think it’s a bad thing for us from the perspective of it helps,” said Mr. Budesa.
“I don’t think it will hurt to get some people over to this side, maybe 50 people, to show off our town,” added Mayor Cuneo, stating that they would need to park in appropriate areas and not in areas where they might receive a ticket for parking in a parking permit area.
“The last thing we want is to invite them into town and here’s a ticket – that’s not the goodwill we’re trying to spread,” he laughed.
Borough Clerk Charlene Carney asked whether the classes could be held at Avon Road Beach due to the large and underused parking lot there.
“Yeah, probably Avon so they can go swim in either direction they want,” replied the mayor.

Capstan Avenue, Pine Beach
The previously contested property owned by the Suarez family was brought up at the meeting, as the Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity [NOHFH] had taken it over and were actively engaging the Pine Beach and Beachwood governing bodies regarding utilities, municipal services and taxes.
The property, which for years was a hotly debated issue between the town and its owners, is located on a parcel of land at the eastern end of Capstan Avenue, in Beachwood, but within the boundary of Pine Beach and surrounded by the wooded area adjacent the elementary school. The current structure there was built sometime in the mid-20th century, and due to its location, NOHFH must depend upon Pine Beach to either provide services in a hard-to-reach location or enter into an interlocal agreement with Beachwood for them to provide utility hookup and service plus trash and recycling pickup.
NOHFH is a non-profit ecumenical housing ministry that works in partnership with low-income households to improve the housing in which they live by providing the capital and skills needed to renovate or build simple, decent homes for those who are without adequate housing at an affordable price.
On the difficult property location, Mayor Cuneo stated that “we don’t run anything [utilities] through there and for garbage and recycling and everything else, the way the street dead-ends and the way the property dead-ends in Beachwood, we don’t access it in Pine Beach.”
He added that the improvements proposed by the non-profit were already approved by the land use board and Beachwood neighbors who attended the meeting spoke in favor of the project.
Due to both governing bodies using the same law firm of Hiering, Gannon and McKenna of Toms River for legal services, it was accepted that a resolution would be brought before the council at their Wednesday night regular meeting to approve the hiring of Kevin Sheehy of King, Kitrick, Jackson & McWeeney of Brick to handle the agreement. Mr. Sheehy is currently the borough’s land use board attorney, and the mayor and council felt his familiarity to the property as well as Pine Beach in general would allow him to “do a fine job.”

False Alarm Fines
Mr. Polhemus reported he was contacted by Pine Beach Volunteer Fire Company President Jay Sonnenfeld regarding the introduction and adoption of an ordinance affixing fines to properties that produce multiple false alarms for emergency services.
“I know a particular home, since the beginning of January, they’ve responded to four times,” he said. “Mostly it’s not the residents, it’s their aids there doing cooking and setting off the alarms or smoking in the house – unfortunately at these types of homes they don’t have a choice, they have to respond.”
The council president added that the danger and expense of having fire company members rushing in their personal vehicles to get to the station and then rushing in the apparatus to respond to the scene of a false alarm multiple times was a detriment across the board, and that Mr. Sonnenfeld was looking into other area municipalities that have a similar ordinance they are looking to have introduced.
“I think it’s a low threshold, like two times and you pay $100 or something [starting with the third],” said Mr. Budesa.
Pine Beach Police Chief John M. Sgro stated that sometimes responding officers are able to hold the engines back when a false alarm is suspected, but that at least the chief or an official from the company still must respond even in their own vehicle as the police are neither trained nor authorized to make a determination on a fire service call.
Mr. Polhemus stated that they would look to collect more information from ordinances of other municipalities and further the effort to address the issue at their next work meeting at the end of March.

Trees, Trees Everywhere
Borough resident, Toms River High School South senior and regular environmental volunteer Lindsey Van Zile reported to the governing body that her parents had attended a New Jersey Tree Foundation meeting for her and received “tons of information about Arbor Day” and signed up to receive many free trees, approximately 100, to plant across the borough or just for residents to plant in their yards.
She added that she spoke with Pine Beach Principal Tricia Tutzauer about getting schoolchildren involved in an Arbor Day project there and was also interested in working with local scouting organizations for further planting opportunities.
After various council members joked that they should plant a number of them along Riverside Drive particularly between the mayor’s house and his family’s view of the river, Mayor Cuneo stated that one good area could be along Washington Avenue adjacent the soccer fields and spectators bleachers as they could provide shade where there currently was none.
Mr. Wieck stated another idea would be to advertise for residents to pick up the trees free at the annual town-wide yard sale to plant in their yards.
“You’ve almost single-handedly taken care of cleaning up Pine Beach, between picking up garbage and planting,” said Mr. Polhemus. “We’re proud of you.”

Beach Replenishment
Mary Jane Steib stated that possibly $40,000 or more could be allocated for beach replenishment in the coming year, depending whether it could be entered into the budget – depending upon the impact of the town reassessment – or acquired through a capital improvement ordinance, the latter of which could allow more money to be utilized.

Sign or Home
Councilman Andrew Keczkemethy stated that two residents had approached him asking whether signs present on several undersized lots within the town advertising homes to be built to suit on them could be removed.
“As long as the signs are conforming with our ordinance regarding signs, we can’t do anything,” replied Mr. Budesa.
“So we have to live with the signs for the next 40 years?” asked Mr. Keczkemethy.
“The sign would be better than a house,” said Mr. Budesa.

Independence Day Parade Planning
Mr. Wieck stated that the first Fourth of July event meeting was slated for March 20th at 6:30 pm in borough hall and asked for anyone interested to attend who had a suggestion for a theme, a grand marshal or to volunteer.

BEACHWOOD – When Hurricane Sandy served a direct blow to our area on October 29th and 30th, the barrier island and eastern bay communities were severely impacted, but its effects were also felt farther upriver in this community on the southern bank of the Toms River.
On the morning of October 30th, residents and officials awoke to not only downed trees and powerlines borough-wide, but also a totally submerged beachfront and marina area.
As spectators gathered atop the bluff and lower ridges over the beachfront and at the height of the inclines on Compass Avenue and Brigantine Street looking down at the marina that morning, it was yet unclear the full extent of damage. The Beachwood Community Center appeared as if an island, parts of the marina boardwalk had floated across the street and the northern edge of western T-dock was seen peeking above the waterline at a strange angle. At the beachfront, waves lapped over the entire parking lot and against the block wall below the letters that spelled out BEACHWOOD behind the flagpole, and only the top halves of the two shelters and playground slide were visible.
When the river receded, it was learned that while appearing possibly unharmed, the community center indeed took on damaging water to its lower subfloor area; the marina’s T-dock, lightpoles, electric utilities and boardwalk were damaged or destroyed up to where it met the higher boardwalk that runs alongside the shoreline from the foot of Beachwood Boulevard east to the entrance to Beachwood Beach; the eastern T-dock on the beachfront lifted up and floated all the way across the western marina cove area before coming to rest behind the community center, and sand had eroded down from a small section of the Windy Cove bluff onto the adjacent lower paver walkway.
Also damaged beyond repair was a brand new video security system that a contractor had mostly installed along the marina and waterfront, which would need to be replaced.
In the months that followed, Borough Engineer Jim Oris has repeatedly met with the borough’s insurance company and representatives for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to go over repair costs that the borough expects will be 75 to 90 percent covered by federal aid when not covered outright by insurance.
At the early February council meeting, the engineer stated that while keeping in mind the fast approaching summer season and traditional opening of the beachfront and marina area, he was working very hard to try and get the boat slips back and available to patrons. Earlier this week, Borough Clerk Elizabeth “Bette” Mastropasqua stated the town hoped to have it rebuilt and opened by Memorial Day weekend or June 1st.
Currently the community center remains closed as mold remediation efforts continue and the groups that used it for programs, meetings and events – including the monthly dances of the borough municipal alliance, now taking place at the firehouse far inland – have had to find other locations.
Mr. Oris stated that the hall now stood in the velocity zone of FEMA’s Advisory Base Flood Elevation [ABFE] maps released late last year and approved by the governor. Borough officials at the early February meeting debated the costs associated with either repairing the community center as-is and moving utility services to a higher level, raising the community center to above the base flood elevation, or demolishing the community center and rebuilding at an elevation higher than the ABFE zone. It was not then known whether the damages sustained on the structure were greater than 50% and thus made it necessary to do any more than make repairs and raise the utilities.
All the wood from the marina boardwalk was carted away several months after the hurricane, and today sits closed off to the public by plastic orange netting and poles. The gate at the entrance to the beachfront is also closed, as the electric utilities there were destroyed and need repair along with the T-dock there.
Councilwoman Beverly Clayton thanked Mrs. Mastropasqua, Mr. Oris, Treasurer Elizabeth Sarantinoudis and Lt. Tapp for performing under the strain of multiple meetings and a constant flow of ever-changing information relating to storm recovery since late October.
Earlier this winter, an already-planned and approved project to install a groin to the east of the beach T-dock was carried out, and today extends off the nearby playground area to curtail and stop the beach erosion that has eaten away at the once wide span of beachfront present in earlier decades of the 20th century.

In other recent activities of the mayor and council:

• the council unanimously approved a resolution urging the president and federal government to approve a 90 percent reimbursement rate from the cost of post-Hurricane Sandy repairs through FEMA.
• a resolution was also unanimously passed opposing a state bill promoted by northern legislators demanding free beach access and comfort facilities to the public in exchange for financial aid for storm repairs, as it would place an undue hardship on all shore municipalities without funding beachfront safety, maintenance and operations.
• efforts have begun by Mrs. Clayton to form a proactive committee interested in planning a yearlong celebration of the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of the borough in 2017. Anyone interested in serving on such a committee is invited to call borough hall.
• Councilman Ed Zakar attended the installation dinner of the Beachwood First Aid Squad in late January and was presented a plaque thanking the borough for its support which he then passed on to the mayor and council at their early February meeting.
• a suggestion was made by Mr. Zakar to have the borough start a practice of honoring volunteers when they reach milestones of service, such as 10, 15 and 20 years with the first aid squad and fire company, that can be presented by town officials at their annual installation dinners.
• Councilman Steve Komsa applied for a $500 grant through the Ocean County Tourism Department to produce promotional materials for the annual Beachwood 5K and One Mile Fun Run, this year entering its second year and held in the fall.
• Councilman Gerald W. “Jerry” LaCrosse, who had been involved with water quality testing and stormwater management along the riverfront and specifically beach area, stated that as a result of the hurricane it was questionable as to the local effects in the waters off the beach but that he would seek to continue his work with the Ocean County Health Department through this year where possible.
• Regarding the ABFE maps from FEMA, Mr. Oris stated that possibly as many as 20 homes could be affected by the new base flood elevations, but Mr. LaCrosse pointed out that these appeared to include homes far above the riverfront on the bluff areas of town and farther inland than would ever be impacted. Mrs. Clayton pointed out that these homes were as much as 40 or 50 feet above the river.

113: #9 Chris Crane (Southern) md. #8 Connor Maliff (Brick Mem)  11-0
113: #5 Ben Mrozinski (Lacey) d. #12 Zack Baker (Jackson Mem)  4-0
113: #3 Nick DePierro (Freehold Twp) md. #14 Tommy Flannigan (Long Branch)  12-0
113: #7 Nasiyr Brown (Neptune) d. #10 Costa Poniros (Ocean Twp)  9-2

120: #8 Joseph Santamarco (Manalapan) d. #9 Connor Garrity (Lacey)  8-3
120: #4 Matt Russo (Jackson Liberty) d. Andy Hernandez (Long Branch)  3-1
120: #7 Dylan Seidenberg (Raritan) d. #10 Josh Glantzman (Wall)  2-1 2OT
120: #2 Dan Nobbs (Pt Boro) p. #15 Yospeh Boral (TR East)  2:57

126: #5 Anthony Scarcella (Raritan) md. #12 Khalil Haskins (Matawan)  13-1
126: #4 Marcus Iwama (Rumson) p. #13 Isaiah Haymon (Neptune)  4:21
126: #7 Andrew Tonneson (Southern) p. #10 Pete Powell (Marlboro)  5:50
126: #2 Jared Staub (Brick Mem) d. #15 Thomas Poklikuha (Pinelands)  5-2

132: #9 Dan Saraiva (Marlboro) d. #8 William Rodriguez (Matawan)  7-2
132: #4 Zach Hertling (Ocean Twp) d. #13 Joe Mandara (Barnegat)  6-0
132: #6 Ryan Harter (Pt Boro) d. #11 Nick Menkin (Long Branch)  5-4
132: #2 Kyle Wojtaszek (Brick Twp) d. #15 Ryan Davis (TR North)  9-2

138: #9 Christian Casselli (CBA) d. #8 Tim Leo (Matawan)  7-6
138: #5 Jake Camapana (Southern) p. #12 Carlos Fontanez (Keansburg)  1:29
138: #4 Steve Cimmino (Brick Twp) p. #13 Andrew Garrity (Lacey)  1:25
138: #10 Dan Kinsella (Wall) d. #7 Jack Rada (Howell)

145: #9 Nick Racanelli (Southern) d. #8 Sam Koenig (Shore)  3-0
145: #12 Matt Best (Middletown South) p. #5 Orion Rovegno (Ocean Twp)  5:45
145: #3 Spencer Young (Jackson Mem) p. #14 Steve Knapp (Lacey)  2:22
145: #10 Terrence Davis (St John Vianney) d. #7 Nick Pollara (Brick Twp)  7-5

152: #8 Dylan DaSilva (TR North) d. #9 Garrett Applegate (TR South)  6-4
152: #5 Jake George (Long Branch) tf. #12 Evan Brown (Red Bank)  15-0
152: #7 William Scott (Brick Twp) d. #10 Jake Kaminsky (Manalapan)  5-4
152: #2 Cliff Ruggiero (Brick Mem) p. #15 Jeff Goldrosen (Marlboro)  5:20

160: #8 Joe Beverly (Brick Mem) d. #9 Sean Rembach (Manchester)  8-4
160: #5 Antres Clagon (TR South) tf. #12 Steven Chandler (Manalapan)  16-1
160: #3 Anthony Ferraro (St John Vianney) d. #14 Jason Lawhon (Ocean Twp)  5-2
160: #7 Connor Sheehan (Raritan) d. #10 Jose Caraballo (Neptune)  7-4

170: #1 Tyler Richardson (Brick Mem) p. #16 Chris Cruz (Jackson Liberty)  2:45
170: #9 Ryan Kirk (Barnegat) d. #8 Anthony Benedetti (Manalapan)  7-3
170: #6 Kyle Lynch (Raritan) d. #11 Dan Baillie (Shore)  5-0
170: #7 Tyler Wilton (Middletown North) d. #10 Tyler MacLaine (TR North)

182: #8 Tommy Lyster (Ocean Twp) md. Quentin DeCarlo (TR South)  10-2
182: #6 Drew Donner (Wall) p. #11 Spencer Govel (Manasquan)  3:05
182: #7 Anthony Fabiano (Middletown North) p. #10 Muhab Elgamal (Manalapan)  1:42
182: #2 Glenn Cross (Matawan) tf. #15 Greg Schmalz (Barnegat)  18-3

195: #5 Chad Freshnock (Middletown North) d. #12 Tyler Romanelli (Wall)  2-1
195: #4 Shawn McCord (RBC) md. #13 Nick Dzuna (Pt Boro)  11-3
195: #6 Dan Hwang (Marlboro) p. #11 Josh Foca (Central)  1:49
195: #7 Ben Aquilina (Manalapan) d. #10 Armando Leonor (TR East)  6-3

220: #5 Jesse Bauta (Southern) p. #12 Mike McKenzie (Jackson Liberty)  2:30
220: #3 John Seidle (Neptune) p. #14 Tyler Tomanek (Middletown South)  3:42
220: #6 Matt Frigon (Barnegat) d. #11 Luke Becker (Manalapan)  5-3
220: #7 Joey Guidetti (Long Branch) d. #10 Anthony Dzugan (Brick Twp)  8-4 2OT

Hwt: #8 Ezra Figueroa (Brick Mem) d. #9 Thomas D’Amore (Pt Beach)  3-2
Hwt: #5 Hunter Gellman (Freehold Twp) d. #12 Dan Arias (Ocean Twp)  5-1
Hwt: #3 Anthony Fernicola (Holmdel) d. #14 Zach Andrews (Barnegat)  1-0
Hwt: #15 Atanacio Carrillo (Central) d. #2 Pat Toal (Raritan)  5-2

NEPTUNE – The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties launched a free income tax assistance program aimed at helping low and moderate income workers maximize their tax benefits.

The VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) will be offered at six sites, three in Monmouth County and three in Ocean County, throughout the tax season. IRS-certified tax professionals will help filers complete their state and federal returns.

“The FoodBank’s mission is to build food secure communities in Monmouth and Ocean Counties,” says Carlos M. Rodriguez, executive director of the organization. “As The FoodBank works toward more comprehensive solutions to hunger in our communities, connecting  low-income families with tax credits, SNAP and other benefits  will provide an opportunity to save and strengthen their families financial health. Ultimately, The FoodBank wants people to shop in our local stores for the food they need and make the purchasing decisions that are right for their families.”

To qualify for free tax assistance, households with dependents must earn $51,000 or less, and households with no dependents must earn $30,000 or less.

FoodBank representatives and volunteers will ensure that filers who are eligible will receive important tax credits that they are entitled to, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC). In addition, The FoodBank team will connect people with other critical benefits such as SNAP (food stamps), legal assistance, Hurricane Sandy-related aid and emergency food, if needed.

“The EITC is one of the largest and most successful anti-poverty programs in history,” says Mr. Rodriguez. “EITC has a proven track record of lifting families out of poverty, putting as much as $5,000 back into the pockets of working families who are living on the edges of poverty. This will not only help families, it will put money back into the local economy at a time when businesses are struggling to recover after Hurricane Sandy.”

The FoodBank’s VITA program is run in partnership with the IRS, Cowan, Gunteski & Co, PA, and the host sites, and is supported by the Robin Hood Foundation and Singlestop USA.

VITA is available at the following sites beginning in late January through April 15:

Ocean County:

• Ocean County Library, 101 Washington St., Toms River (Monday & Wednesday 4 – 8 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
• Berkeley Head Start, 264 First St., South Toms River (Tuesday 4 – 8 p.m.)
• Lakewood Library, 301 Lexington Ave., Lakewood (Tuesday & Thursday 4 – 8 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)

Monmouth County:

• SCAN Adult Education Center, Monmouth Mall, Eatontown (Monday & Thursday 4 – 8 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Lunch Break, 103 Drs. James Parker Blvd., Red Bank (Tuesday & Thursday 1- 4 p.m.)
• Hispanic Affairs, 913 Sewall Ave., Asbury Park (Monday & Wednesday 4 – 8 p.m.)

Filers should bring all required documents including a valid photo ID; copies of previous returns; all income statements including W-2, Social Security and unemployment income; 1099 forms, birth dates and Social Security numbers for all dependents and a check showing a Bank Routing Number for direct deposit, if applicable.

For more information, call The FoodBank, 732-918-2600 or visit www.foodbankmoc.org.

About The Food Bank of Monmouth & Ocean Counties
The FoodBank’s mission is to alleviate hunger and build food security in Monmouth and Ocean Counties. The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties distributes approximately 7 million pounds annually through a network of 260 feeding programs, such as soup kitchens, food pantries, and shelters. One out of every ten people living in Monmouth and Ocean Counties receives food from the FoodBank. Since Super Storm Sandy struck the Jersey Shore on October 29, 2012 The FoodBank has been actively involved in the work to bring relief and comfort to the communities it serves. Working with relief agencies, government programs and others involved in the recovery effort The FoodBank distributed food for approximately 1 million meals in the first month following the storm. For more information, visit www.foodbankmoc.org.