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Brick Township Honors Fallen Heroes on Memorial Day

Ocean County News — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 14:55:58 +0000

by Phil Stilton

Photos courtesy of Brick Township

BRICK—Brick Township Celebrated Memorial Day with a parade hosted by the township, American Legion Post 348, and VFW Post 8867. The Parade began near the former Foodtown site on Route 70 and marched down Chambers Bridge Road to the Municipal Complex.

Commander Ed McBride of American Legion Post 348 hosted the memorial service. Mary Kubik, sang the National Anthem, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Commander McBride.

Reverend Robert Horn of St. Thomas Lutheran Church gave the prayer invocation, saying, “Today we stand proud because of the thousands who died in war for our country and flag.”

Mayor Steven Acropolis used his time at the podium to remember Operation Homecoming, the 1973 operation that freed 591 American prisoners of war held in North Vietnam. February 12^th marked the fortieth anniversary.

The POW’s released in that operation included notables U.S. Navy Vice Admiral James Stockdale, U.S. Congressman John McCain, and United States Air Force General Robinson Risne.

“Every year we gather to remember those who did not return alive from their wartime service,” Acropolis said, “We remember those who died on far away battlefields. The battlefields of Southeast Asia, Somalia and the Middle East and during the terror attack on the USS Cole.”

Acropolis also took time to remember the tens of thousands of American Marines, soldiers and sailors who did not die on the battlefield, but were in enemy prisoner of war camps during World War II, Korea and Vietnam, where they suffered under harsh conditions, torture and sometimes murder.

Eileen Daily, of Gold Star Mothers, mother of Mary Kubik who sang the National Anthem and of U.S. Army Sgt. Ronald A Kubik said, “I’m very proud that so many people came here today to honor our fallen soldiers.”

Her son, Ron Kubik was a U.S. Army Ranger and died on April 23, 2010 during Operation Enduring Freedom. He grew up in Manchester Township and attended Manchester High School before moving to Brielle where he attended Manasquan High School. He graduated in 2006 and enlisted in the Army in 2007, and is interred at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown.

“Remember freedom is not free, it was paid for by the hundreds of thousands of Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice,” she told the crowd. “It was paid for by the blood of our youngest and most promising men and women and was paid for by the families of those soldiers who must live on now without their mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers and sons and daughters.”

“I recently lost my only son,” she said. “He gave his life for our country during combat operations in Afghanistan…He was on his third deployment to Afghanistan when he heroically gave his life saving ten soldiers and nineteen women and children.”

For his actions, Sgt. Kubik was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star with Valor, the Meritorious Service Medal and Purple Heart. On May 21^st, the Army awarded him with the Silver Star.

“I am so very proud of my son, he is my hero,” Mrs. Daily said. “And I know his spirit is here with us. Today we remember all of our fallen heroes in all of our wars who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

VFW Post 8867 Commander Ed Sofield said, “I’m really proud of all of the people who showed up here today. It’s an honor to be here in front of all these people and remember our community is one big great community. We did a lot after the storm and helped everyone and I’m proud of that.”

The VFW Color Guard closed the ceremony with a rifle salute and Taps as the American flag was lowered to half-mast.

Jackson Township Approves $39 Million Budget

Ocean County News — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 13:25:26 +0000

Left to Right: Jackson Township Mayor Michael Reina, Councilman Ken Bressi, Council President Ann Updegrave, Council Vice President Scott Martin, Councilman Barry Calogero and Councilan Rob Nixon paying respects to America’s fallen warriors at the Jackson Township Memorial Day Ceremony at the Justice Complex.

The Jackson Township Council adopted the $39,068,719.14 annual budget on May 28^th. The council unanimously voted to approve the budget. Before voting, Councilman Calogero told the audience that despite the fees incurred by the township from Hurricane Sandy, the budget still fell within the state mandated 2 percent tax cap.

The budget, unlike those in recent years, came without the need to cut police or municipal services. “This budget is fiscally responsible and in the best interest of the residents,” Calogero said.
“I don’t think there’s anything that can be called a perfect municipal budget, but this budget ensures that seniors, children and disabled have access to programs and resources that they need and want,” said“It preserves public safety with an eye on the future of the police department and ensures that township operations function every day with no furloughs or cuts in services.”

Nixon pointed out that the municipal taxes accounts for just 21% of the total taxes paid by residents. 79% of Jackson Township taxes go to schools, county and other services.
He also referenced the costs associated with Hurricane Sandy.

“Following the storm, we were all in the dark. We were surrounded by debris and downed trees and we were expecting the township to get it cleaned up and get it done quickly, and the township did,” Nixon added.
Council Approves Municipal Budget Amendment

In the public session portion prior to the adoption of resolution 235R-13 amending the 2013 municipal budget, 2012 council candidate Ray Cattonar asked for an explanation and clarification of the amendment. Business Administrator Jose Torres explained the details of the resolution for Mr. Cattonar. Torres explained that the $300,000 allocated was a reimbursement of expenses from COAH which forced the township to tap into the surplus funds. Mr. Cattonar thanked Torres for the explanation.

Toms River Artist Gregg Hinlicky Turns Storm Debris into Works of Art

Ocean County News — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 13:17:13 +0000

by Phil Stilton

TOMS RIVER—Gregg Hinlicky, an artist living and working here, turned tragedy into art in the wake of last October’s deadly hurricane.

“After Hurricane Sandy did her dirty work, my family and I were doing whateve

r we could to give back to those less fortunate,” he said. “I started creating works of art made from collected beach debris. Partial proceeds of sales of these collages go to Sandy relief.”

The artist noted that was one of the fortunate ones, only losing power for one hour, and so used that advantage to go into the shore community with his family to volunteer, make food for area hospital patients, aid with clothing drives and even invite affected families into his home.

“While thinking of other methods of giving back, I took a trip with my sister out to her beach house in Ocean Beach,” he stated. “When I was in my teens, I used to paint pictures on driftwood and sell them at area gift shops from Lavallette to Point Pleasant, so the idea came quick. After deciding to take a collage approach with proceeds going to relief, my initial collection of four Hefty bags full was gathered in my sister’s driveway. After that I went to whatever beach I could get onto.”

Mr. Hinlicky said he took walks along the beaches of Seaside Heights, Seaside Park, Lavallette, Ocean Beach, Point Pleasant, and Manasquan up to Belmar. Some debris came from Toms River bay areas.

In May, he noted, an 8^th grade class from Boulder, Colorado stopped by his studio.
“The class was here with two teachers on a mission to study the after effects of Sandy,” he said. “One of the teachers, while researching the trip, ran across the website and set up the get together.”
Thinking back on a life he said has been spent almost entirely creating art, he recalled when, at age of two, he picked up a crayon, put it down and then opted instead for pencils, pens, paintbrushes or whatever each successive project called for.

As an illustrator, his work has appeared on book covers, magazines, children’s books, billboards, advertisements, CD and record covers, posters, packaging and television advertisements.

Mr. Hinlicky drew the attention of the media and critics when he collaborated with other artists on a project that adorned a ten story building on 42^nd Street and 8^th Avenue, opposite the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan. The project was of Joe Camel and an advertisement for Camel Cigarettes. It was a noteworthy symbol during the anti-smoking wars that eventually saw the demise of R.J. Reynold’s caricature of Joe Camel in 1997.

His paintings hang in galleries and private collections and he now creates what he refers to as “The Brewer’s Art,” a series depicting the work environments of beer makers. Simultaneously, the artist noted, he and his family are trying to put his 20 years experience as an advertiser, designer, and artist in the brewing industry to work in hopes of opening a new production brewery. He says they’re currently looking into locations in either Brick or Lakewood.
From June 7^th to 30^th, his Sandy Debris collection will be on display at Idiosyncrazies in Point Pleasant. The art gallery “and so much more” can be found on Facebook by searching its name, and images of Mr. Hinlicky’s collection can be seen by visiting www.sandysdebris.com.

So You think You Can Sing? Ocean County Singers Invited to Audition for Summer Long Competition

Ocean County News — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 12:47:06 +0000

Singer Jordan Torres and guitarist Johnny Peacock, both of Jackson rocked the stage at the 2013 St. Aloysius & St. Monica’s Carnival in Jackson Township. The two are both students at Music University in Freehold.

Jackson Township Clean Communities Seeking Singers for Jackson Day Music Contest

JACKSON—Jackson Day is one of the township’s largest annual events and this year, township employee Patricia Wood has something special planned for the thousands of guests who are expected to attend the event.

Wood says this year; the main show in the day long festival will be the culmination of a summer long singing competition where cash prizes and awards will be given to the winners.

It is the “So You Think You Can Sing Challenge.” There will be four competitive age brackets, ages 10-15, 16-25, 26-40 and 41 plus.

The competition kicks off with auditions held throughout the month of July. Semifinals will be held in August and the finals will take place on the main stage at Jackson Day on September 1^st.

This isn’t any ordinary karaoke competition, contestants will have to woo the judges and Mrs. Wood says she has some surprises up her sleeves in the form of celebrity judges for the main event.

To participate, pre-registration is required prior to the July 13^th auditions. The singing competition allows for karaoke style performances or a cappella. The contest is open to all residents of Ocean County and Wood hopes it becomes a premier countywide music event for years to come.

For more information, email pwood@jacksontwpnj.net or print fill out the pre-registration form in this issue of the Ocean Signal

Shots Fired Near Jackson Township Elementary School All Students OK; Person of Interest Detained

Ocean County News — Thu, 30 May 2013 20:06:13 +0000

JACKSON–Jackson Police responded to multiple shots fired at a home on Laurelton Avenue on Thursday, May 30th.

After conducting an initial search and investigation, police located and encircled a home which had multiple gunshots visible from the outside according to police on scene.

The incident happened at approximately 1:45 pm, just one block from the Lucy N Holman Elementary School. Students at the nearby school were brought inside from their field day activities after a series of loud gunshots were heard.

In total, 8 apparently large caliber gunshots were heard as fourth grade students were engaged in a water balloon toss to conclude their field day activity.

Three shots were heard in succession followed by three more. Approximately one minute later two more shots rang out and students were then brought into to the school upon request of the Jackson Police Department.

Initially, parents and faculty suspected the sounds were nearby fireworks before a lock down was ordered.

Three of Jackson’s schools were subsequently placed on lock down. Lucy N. Holman Elementary, Jackson Liberty High School and McAuliffe Middle School will be on lock down. The lock down was lifted two hours later, at 3:45 pm.

Jackson School District Communications Officer Allison Erwin confirmed that the incident did not involve the school, students and all students were safe and accounted for, but the lock down was a safety measure due to the proximity of the incident to the schools affected.

Police blocked off a portion of Manhattan Street between Bennett’s Mills Road and South Cooksbridge Road during their investigation.

At approximately 3:30 pm., Jackson Police announced they had detained a person of interest in the shooting.

The Ocean Signal was on scene when the incident occurred, covering the field day event.

New Jersey AYF Advances to Spring Football All-Star Championship Game

Ocean County News — Sat, 25 May 2013 20:16:10 +0000

TOMS RIVER-Toms River North was host to the 2013 8th/9th Grade Spring American Youth Football Championship All-Star Tournament this weekend. All-Star teams representing New Jersey, Central Florida, Maryland and Pennsylvania participated.

In round one, the New Jersey AYF team defeated Central Florida 28-10 and Maryland defeated Philadelphia 26-0. New Jersey and Central Florida will face each other in the championship game.

The New Jersey AYF all-star team consists of players from NJAYF-Jersey Shore, including Toms River, Jackson, Brick and Berkeley Townships.

Governor: All Jersey Shore Boardwalks Open…Or Are They?

Ocean County News — Fri, 24 May 2013 04:26:53 +0000

LAVALLETTE—On Monday, May 20th, Governor Chris Christie made an appearance at the beachfront here to announce that every boardwalk on the shore would be open for Memorial Day weekend, appearing alongside Mayor Walter G. LaCicero and several other borough officials. Those gathered then observed Councilwoman Joanne Filippine hammer one of the final nails into the boardwalk to signify Lavallette’s boardwalk restoration complete.

Despite the governor’s statements that “every boardwalk up and down the Jersey Shore” would be open in time for this weekend, at least several inland boardwalk areas, including Ocean Gate and the marina boardwalk section in Beachwood, both on the Toms River, remained under partial reconstruction at press time.

Possible Camp Osborn Redevelopment Plan Revealed

Ocean County News — Thu, 23 May 2013 23:38:36 +0000

BRICK – The New Jersey chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) hosted a weekend community design program starting on April 27th at Emma Havens Young Elementary School on Drum Point Road, here, to help develop a plan to rebuild Camp Osborn in Brick Township, which was devastated by a fire after Hurricane Sandy.

The program, formally known as a Sustainable Design Assessment Team or SDAT, combined local resources with the expertise of a multidisciplinary team of professionals to create a viable solution for rebuilding the Route 35 community. The volunteer participants included architects, planners, engineers, landscape architects, attorneys, officials and stakeholders.

“As architects, we have the ability to not only rebuild structures, but entire communities,” said Jack Purvis, president of AIA-NJ. “In an effort to help rebuild one of our local communities, which was devastated by fire as a result of Sandy, we’re using an SDAT as tool to help mobilize local support and foster result-driven cooperation. This fast-paced, exciting program will help us design and rebuild Camp Osborn in a sustainable way as quickly as possible.” Read More

Photos- Top: AIA Rendering of Camp Osborn. Middle: Camp Osborn on fire by Sean Furey. Bottom: Camp Osborn days after Sandy, still smoldering by Patrick Day, NYOnAir.

Mississippi Leaders Share Katrina Experiences with Local Mayors

Ocean County News — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:46:30 +0000

by Kathleen Koch and Phil Stilton

SEASIDE HEIGHTS – What do three Democrats from the “Deep South” have in common with a Republican mayor from the Jersey Shore? They all know what it’s like to have a hurricane devastate their communities, and on Friday, May 17th, they all came together in here.

Seaside Heights Mayor Bill Akers hosted the delegation from Mississippi who came to meet with local mayors and officials and discuss the long term effects of Hurricane Katrina on their cities, including former United States Congressman Gene Taylor (D-Miss.), Mayor Brent Warr (D-Gulfport, Miss.) and Mayor Eddie Favre (D-Bay St. Louis, Miss.). All were elected officials when Hurricane Katrina struck their state in 2005.

Rep. Taylor, who lost his home in that Category 3 storm, tried to introduce legislation to reform the insurance industry to give homeowners more security after national disasters, but his bill never made it to the Senate floor for vote. The divide was between congressmen who represented coastal communities and those who did not. With Taylor’s 2010 election loss, supporters of reform were certain the legislation would die without his support, and it did. Today, New Jersey towns face the same insurance and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) problems his state was confronted with eight years earlier.

Seven weeks before Hurricane Katrina made landfall…Continue Reading

Central Regional is Alma Mater to Seven County Police Chiefs

Ocean County News — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:37:24 +0000

by Erik Weber

BERKELEY TOWNSHIP – It may have been several decades since they put down their social studies notebooks and picked up their badges, but for five of the seven current police chiefs serving in Ocean County, coming back to the halls of Central Regional High School here to reminisce about their early years in front of the cameras of contemporary television students was a bit like coming home again.

The five – Toms River Chief Michael G. Mastronardy, Class of 1971; Tuckerton Chief Michael Caputo, Class of 1976; Ocean Gate Chief Reece J. Fisher, Class of 1985; Pine Beach Chief John M. Sgro, Class of 1987; and Berkeley Chief Karin T. DiMichele, nee Kane, Class of 1989 – arrived one by one to the parking lot of the school, once just a grass field when they all had attended, and entered a main entrance facing Forest Hills Parkway that was built years after they graduated. After photo opportunities and initial video interviews conducted by student Avery Jackson in another newer hallway honoring successful alumni, the five walked through an older part of the school – trading old stories as they passed the rows of lockers – and entered the current location of the student television studio, which once held Industrial Arts classes.

The two other Central Regional graduates currently serving as police chiefs – Seaside Heights Chief Thomas Boyd and Seaside Park Chief Francis Larkin – were unable to attend. Lt. Kevin C. Arnold, head of the Island Heights Police Department but not yet formally promoted to chief, is also an alumni.

Settling into a row of chairs before bright lights and a group of digital videocameras, the five opened up to student and host Angela Roberts for the station’s Community Spotlight program about their reaction to the changes around the school, how they learned they had all graduated from the same school, what they remembered most about their time here, and what they could offer as advice for contemporary students.

“So, pulling up into the parking lot and walking through those same hallways again, what felt different?” asked Ms. Roberts. “What has changed since how you remember it?”

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