JTOWN NEWS
BREAKING NEWS
Police Determine Body Found in Colliers Mills Was Missing Pemberton Man, Murdered and Dumped by Al DellaFave, OCPO
he believed to be a human skull. nis then used a vehicle available Warden Byrne then contacted his at the residence to transport the supervisor via radio and requested victim in the trunk to the Colliers Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph a suppression team to respond Mills Wildlife Management Area on D. Coronato, Burlington County to put out the burn in the area to South Stump Tavern Road in JackProsecutor Scott A. Coffina and preserve the evidence. son. McGinnis later traveled back Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, SuperDetectives from the New Jersey to Pemberton where the scene intendent of the New Jersey State State Police Homicide South Unit was cleaned of visible blood and Police today announced the arrest were contacted, and Detective other evidence of the murder. The of Alan McGinnis, 27, of Pemberton Shaun Clark was assigned to work suspect also destroyed evidence in the death of Cody MacPherson the investigation with the Major associated with the crime. whose remains were discovered in Crime Homicide Unit of the Ocean On April 21, 2017, Alan McGinnis the Colliers Mills Wildlife ManageCounty Prosecutor’s Office. Initial was charged by the New Jersey ment Area this past March. Cody MacPhearson identification was made showing On September 24th 2017, Pemberton Township Police Detectives vice. Warden Byrne was conducting that the remains found were a controlled burn in the area besuspected to be those of Cody filed a missing person report for Cody MacPherson, 20, who recently tween 433 and 483 South Stump MacPherson, a missing person Tavern Road in the Colliers Mills out of Burlington County. moved to Browns Mills from PorWildlife Management Area. Warden On March 20, 2018, at 10:00 tage, Indiana. Byrne was preparing the area a.m., a Post Mortem Examination On March 19, 2018, at 1:32 was conducted at Community p.m., the Jackson Township Police for the burn when he observed human remains under logs close Medical Center in Toms River NJ. Department received a call from to the area of the burn. He then The Forensic Pathologist assigned Richard Byrne, a District Warden was Dr. Dante Ragasa, who with the New Jersey Forest Fire Ser- moved closer and noticed what received assistance from Anna Delaney, a Forensic Anthropologist, and Dr. Stewart Alexander, a Forensic Odontologist. SubAlleged murderer Alan McGinnis. sequent to the examination, Dr. Ragasa ruled the cause of death to be a stab wound to the left State Police with murder, kidnapabdomen and the manner of death ping, possession of a weapon for to be homicide. Dr. Alexander took an unlawful purpose, unlawful photographs and X-rays of the possession of a weapon, impropteeth, and determined that all den- er disposal of human remains, tal work observed was consistent and destruction of evidence. He with the records obtained for the is currently lodged in the Ocean missing person, Cody MacPherson. County Jail. On April 17, 2018, D/Sgt. Joseph Itri Anyone with information should of the NJSP was contacted by Anna contact Detective Brant Uricks of Delaney, a Forensic Anthropologist, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s who informed him that the NJSP Office Major Crime Homicide Unit Laboratory positively identified the at (732) 929-2027, Detective Shaun remains found in Jackson Township Clark of the New Jersey State Police to be those of Cody MacPherson Homicide Unit, Detective Brian by DNA analysis. Miller of the Burlington County On April 21, 2018 at approximately Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime 0600 hours, two residential search Homicide Unit, Detective Jason Luis warrants were executed in Pember- of the Pemberton Police Departton Township and Jackson Town- ment, or Detective Scott Conover ship. The investigation revealed of the Jackson Township Police that during the early hours of Department. September 24, 2017, Alan McGinnis The public and the press are of Pemberton, NJ allegedly stabbed reminded that criminal charges are Cody MacPherson multiple times at merely accusations. Each defenthe residence of 234 Pardee Blvd in dant is presumed innocent until Pemberton Township, NJ. McGin- proven guilty.
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AROUND TOWN
JTOWN NEWS
Mayor Reina Appoints Three Lakewood Rabbis as Jackson Municipal Chaplains
JACKSON-For decades, Jackson Township had one chaplain, Captain “Chaplain” Dan Schafer who also serves as the police chaplain for Brick Township, Stafford Township, the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, Jackson’s four firehouses and the Jackson First Aid Squad. Now, joining Schafer are Rabbi Jan Rosenberg, Rev. John Bambrick, Rev. Dan Schafer, Joseph Tiedemann, Rabbi Mordechai Burnstien, Rabbi Israel Burystn, Shmulie Naparstek and Rabbi Yaakov Wenger. For decades, Jackson Townsh At the second council meeting of April, Jackson Township Mayor Michael Reina expanded the official public clergy by appointing eight more chaplains, four of which being Orthodox Jewish rabbis. After over two years battling the local growing Orthodox community in town, which has led to nothing but lawsuits against the township and once vitriolic media campaign against Councilman Robert Nixon, viewed by many in the township’s Jewish community as the “ringleader” against them, the town’s elected officials have apparently seen the light in recent weeks. Appointed to the clergy staff was Jackson Township resident Mordechai Burnstein, founder of the Jackson Eruv Association
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who has for the past year been fighting the township to build a public eruv within the borders of Jackson. Also appointed were Rabbis Yaakov Wenger and Israel Burstyn, both of Lakewood. Wenger operates a weekly newspaper in Lakewood, the Lakewood Shopper and Burstyn runs the Lakewood Civilian Safety Watch. Several years ago, Jackson Mayor Michael Reina was at odds with the Lakewood Civilian Safety Watch after the civilian-based community organization was cited by residents, including Councilman Robert Nixon as operating a quasi-police force within Jackson’s borders. The public battle put the mayor and councilman at odds with the LCSW and Jackson Township Police Chief Matthew Kunz. What this means for the future of LCSW operations in Jackson is uncertain as the head of the organization is now ordained a police chaplain in the township. The fourth rabbi to join the Clergy is Rabbi Shmulie Naparstek, also of Lakewood, who operates the Jackson Chabad, located on Cross Street in Lakewood. Naparstek has initiated a community outreach project for residents of all sects of the Jew-
ish faith and has been active in the Jackson community for the past year. Being a police chaplain is a volunteer position and there are no requirements of local residency, in fact, there are no references to the position at all in the township codebook. In 2006, Chaplain Schaffer was awarded the honorary title of police captain within the Jackson Township Police Department by then Director of Public Safety Christopher Dunton. How did we get here? The road to religious acceptance in Jackson has been a complex one for Orthodox Jews in town. For over two years, the township council and Reina have been at odds, in public at least, over the growing pains associated with the rapidly expanding Orthodox Jewish population base in the township. In efforts to curb activities, the township enacted ordinances against real estate solicitors, anti-dormitory ordinances and trailer bans, culminating with a public battle over eruv poles and wires, which Agudath Israel of America, a Jewish rights group claims were all motivated by antisemitism. AIOA filed a lawsuit against the township after township code enforcers began enforcing a decades-old and rarely enforced right of way ban, which also targetted families with curbside basketball hoops. After tensions heated between the township and the local Orthodox community, Orthodox based newspapers and online news websites began targeting Councilman Rob Nixon, which the community viewed as the protagonist, even calling for his job as a political lobbyist for the New Jersey State Police. A letter writing campaign ensued. Things came to a boiling point when hundreds of Jackson and Lakewood Orthodox Jewish res-
idents lobbied New Jersey State PBA President Patrick Colligan for the termination of Nixon’s position with the PBA in early December for what they deemed were antisemitic actions by a local publicly elected official. Things boiled over when residents in both Jackson and Lakewood successfully lobbied the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General and the United States Department of Justice to investigate antisemitism at the hands of Reina and the council. State and federal authorities descended upon Jackson, scouring through boxes of documents, confirmed by both the NJ OAG office and the township’s attorney Jean Cipriani. Jackson was cooperating fully with the investigation. The heat got too hot in the kitchen for the local officials and they turned the flames off. By the end of the month, the township had agreed to an interim settlement with Burnstein and the Jackson Eruv Association. Jackson’s first public eruv network received the green light from the mayor and council but had to be built using existing public utility poles to service many of the estimated 500 or so families now residing in the township. Jackson also agreed to mediation talks regarding the high school zoning denial. Then...silence for months as the parties negotiated off camera during the mutually agreed upon cease-fire agreement. No public documents reference the appointments of new chaplains, the appointment appeared on the April 24th township council agenda. What happened next was a series of unofficial meetings between local officials and members of the Orthodox Jewish community.
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Continued on Page 30
JTOWN NEWS
AROUND TOWN Jackson Girl Finishes at the Top in State Freethrow Challenge by Nadine Demczyszyn Jackson Township 8th grader Jacklyn Capasso was the winner of the 2018 NJ Knights of Columbus Free Throw Contest in her age bracket this year. Jacklyn attends McAuliffe Middleschool and dropped in 12 out of 15 baskets, tying for first place in the local competiton. She advanced to the regionals where she sunk 21 out of 25 baskets, including a run of 16 straight shots through the hoop. When it came to the state finals, she placed third, sinking 17 of 25.
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JTOWN NEWS
JACKSON SCHOOL BUDGET
School District Presents 2017 Budget
by Allison Erwin
“Given rising health insurance and other costs, it took a lot of work and a lot of hard choices The Jackson Board of Education introduced a Tentative to get to this budget,’’ said Budget that supports curricu- Superintendent of Schools Stephen Genco. “We are able lum and safety projects, but limits investments in other ar- to make investments in our eas in the face of rising costs. curriculum and to continue
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safety and security projects, but we had to dial back a number of other elements of our facilities improvement and technology plans.” In accordance with the district’s five-year curriculum plan, this tentative budget includes investments in the district’s math curriculum in grades 6-12, as well as district wide programs in media, technology and business. It also supports programs related to responsive classroom training, which provides practical strategies to emphasize social, emotional and academic growth in a strong, safe school community. Genco said the tentative budget, which was introduced at a public board meeting on March 20, provides maintenance and investments in the district’s technology infrastructure, but does not include additional promethean boards requested by the technology department. It includes the last phase of the district’s plan to install security vestibules at each school and to accomplish limited facilities improvements such as re-siding modular classrooms, window projects, parking lot repairs and electrical work. “We scaled down our bud-
gets and our facilities improvements drastically, which is discouraging but was necessary for this year,’’ he said. “We are doing what we need to do to provide a safe learning environment, but just like many homeowners need to prioritize and strategize for another day, so do we.’’ The $153,830,585 tentative budget is up a total of 1.77 percent from the previous school budget. The General Fund Tax Levy is increasing by 3.13 percent, or $2,547,602. The district is utilizing a state-permitted cap waiver allowed because it is facing healthcare costs that exceed the state limits to increase the general fund tax levy beyond the normal 2 percent cap. The total school tax rate under this tentative budget is $1.33 per $100 of assessed home value, which is an increase of 2 cents from the previous year’s budget. It will cost the average homeowner approximately $92 more per year in school taxes, based on the average home assessment of $327,046 as provided by the tax assessor’s office. Helping to offset costs for taxpayers this year is a $486,500 increase in state aid - which at a less than a one percent increase is still the biggest state aid increase the district has seen in six years. The district is also returning $378,504 in unused funds from an old bond question to bring down the district’s debt service tax levy. “We aren’t finished trying to find ways to maximize every dollar entrusted to us,’’ Genco said. “This is still a work in progress and will be right up until the public hearing.”
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New Police Officers Hired
Jackson welcomes officers Robert Gravina and Matthew Colangelo. Gravina, a corrections officer will attend the OC Police Academy to become a fulltime officer and Colangelo, a USMC veteran will work as a class 2 special officer.
Photo by Jackson Police Dept.
AROUND TOWN
JTOWN NEWS
Are Hawks Attacking Small Pets in Ocean County? Toms River Official Thinks So
by Phil Stilton The Toms River Office of Emergency Management is warning residents about the possibility of hawks attacking small pets around Ocean County. The moderator of the OEM page said that his own dog almost became a victim this week. “A hawk came after my dog, Snowball, yesterday,” he said. “Yes, my little Weather Dog is real! There were three hawks eyeing him up as he is 7 pounds of pure pepperoni. As one dove in too close for comfort, I scooped him up and ran him back home.” “Raptors hunt a variety of prey, including rodents, birds, rabbits, snakes, and insects. Large raptors, such as Redtailed Hawks and Great Horned Owls, can attack and kill small pets,” according to Hawks Aloft, Inc., an avian research and conservation organization. “We recommend that for animals less
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than 15 pounds, that you supervise all of their outdoor activities and that cats be kept indoors at all times. Regardless of if your small pet is accompanied with a larger dog, or if it is sporting a kevlar or reflective vest– your pet is still fair game for predators like hawks, owls, and coyotes.” Some residents say hawk attacks in the area are getting more aggressive. “The hawks are getting more and more aggressive. Was playing ball with my little guy and the swooped down after him. Luckily I got him before the hawk did but now the hawks are even aggressive towards me when I’m in my backyard,” said Ryan Laskos. As for the hawks, residents should note that some are protected and endangered species and you could face charges if caught harming the birds. Earlier this year, it was reported that a hawk snatched a dog playing the front yard of her Fairhaven home. Phoebe, a French bulldog was snatched infront of her owner Chris Gooch. Gooch said the hawk grabbed the bulldog by her hind legs but was unable to fly away with the dog, leaving her with lacerations. Last week a hawk attacked a dog near New Bedford, Connecticut. The hawk swooped in and tried to fly off with a 10 year old Bichon Frise, Daisy. She suffered a broken paw. Jackson officials have not yet released any information about the rising rate of incidents.
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LOCAL GOVERNMENT
JTOWN NEWS
Jackson Senator Sam Thompson Opposes Murphy, Democrat Plan to Register Convicts to Vote Voting is one of the greatest privileges we have as Americans. The trends in election turnout are disheartening and prove that we need to do more to increase participation. However, there is some good news: data from the U.S. Census and the state Division of Elections shows that up to 92 percent of eligible voters in New Jersey were registered and eligible to vote in recent elections. My fellow Republicans in the New Jersey State Senate and I want every law-abiding citizen to vote. Every American should seize the opportunity to have a say in who gets to be their voice in the halls of government. What we are opposed to, is wasting millions of taxpayer dollars on unnecessary legislation. In a state with the highest property taxes in the country, we simply can’t afford to play political games with the state’s money. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what New Jersey Democrats are trying to do this week. And we need help from New Jersey residents to stop them. Last week, New Jersey Democrats forced through last-minute amendments to S-481, also known as the “automatic voter registration” bill. The far-reaching change was introduced right before we were about to vote it out of committee. Originally, S-481 would have automatically registered eligible voters any time they visit a Motor Vehicle Office, unless they opt out. The last-minute amendments drastically changed the bill. Under the new version, every
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single state agency in New Jersey – from the MVC to the parole board – would automatically register any potentially eligible voter they collect information from. Democrats tried to pass a bill in 2016 to create automatic registration at Motor Vehicle Agencies. Fortunately, it was vetoed. That bill would have cost $1 million to implement, and $400,000 a year to maintain, according to the conditional veto statement. $1.4 million to sign up the remaining 8 percent of New Jersey residents who aren’t registered to vote: that is the price tag for implementing automatic registration at one state agency. Imagine how much taxpayer money it’s going to cost to get every single state agency on board. Is this really a good use of taxpayer dollars? Of course not. It’s obscene. Why are Democrats spending so much money on a bad bill, when they won’t even fully-fund our schools or the homestead rebate program, which would at least provide some property tax relief for our residents? The massive cost of this bill is just the tipping point. We
also have to acknowledge that there is a very real possibility that this legislation could lead to an increase in voter fraud. Voter fraud is real and it happens in New Jersey. Expanding voter registration without also spending more taxpayer money to update technology and hire more people will undoubtedly cause overworked state employees and understaffed agencies to let instances of voter fraud slip through the cracks. It is no secret that the lack of efficiency at state agencies is a huge problem. Do we really want to make changes that will lead to voter fraud or make wait times even worse? Last year, Democrats acknowledged that voter fraud is an issue. They added language to the 2016 motor voter bill that would have required anyone who registers to vote to acknowledge that voter fraud is a crime in New Jersey, punishable by up to five years in prison. That language is not included in the bill they are attempting to push through now. In fact, S-481 makes it extremely difficult to hold anyone accountable for illegally registering an ineligible voter.
It’s a slippery slope, because at the same time that this bill is moving through, Democrats are also advocating for legislation to grant voting rights to prisoners and people who are still on parole. Is it any wonder that they also want to pass a bill that would allow parole offices to automatically register people to vote? Whenever a major amendment is offered to controversial legislation with little discussion at the last minute before a vote, it’s right to question the motivation for the change and the lack of transparency in the process. We are concerned by reports that this amendment was pushed by an outside organization linked to Democratic politics. We believe that forcing New Jersey taxpayers to pay millions of dollars for legislation that is likely politically motivated is unconscionable. Thankfully, this sneaky trick did not go unnoticed by my Republican colleagues on the Senate Budget Committee – all of whom took notice of the last-minute amendment and voted against the bill in committee last Thursday. If New Jersey Democrats are going to insist on pushing through such a terrible piece of legislation, the least they can do is add language to the bill that would enact stronger penalties for voter fraud so that people or organizations that break the law are punished accordingly. Republicans in the state Senate and the Assembly will continue to loudly voice our opposition, but we need the state’s residents to also oppose this legislation.
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LOCAL GOVERNMENT
JTOWN NEWS
Smith, Vicari Lead Charge Against Offshore Drilling by Phil Stilton
Congressman Chris Smith was joined by Ocean County Freeholder Joseph Vicari at the signing of New Jersey’s STOP Offshore Oil and Gas Act event. “Today, I spoke at the signing of the STOP Offshore Oil and Gas ACT by Gov. Murphy in Point Pleasant Beach. It is extraordinarily important legislation that bans oil and gas exploration, development and production in State waters— within three nautical miles from our coastline. “It makes NJ offshore drilling now or into the future nearly impossible, as it not only prevents infrastructure to transport oil and gas through state
waters but also prohibits land-based support facilities.
“Our pristine beaches and marine ecosystem, along with our critical tourism and fishing industries, must never be exposed to oil spills and other catastrophic risks of offshore drilling. “The people of New Jersey, the congressional delegation, the State Legislature and local public officials have seldom been as united in opposition to an issue as they are to offshore oil and gas drilling. This legislation is our best insurance policy to ensure that doesn’t happen now—or ever.”
Is it Legal to Drive a Golf Cart on NJ Roads? Can you drive your golf cart on roads in New Jersey? According to the Ocean County Traffic Safety Association, “Sure.” “However, there are Federal / State regulations to operate a golf cart (LSV),” the organization said on a post on their website. While it is legal, they warn some municipalities can impose a LSV ban on ALL roadways within their jurisdiction, so make sure you check that out first. Some of the caveats? Posted speed limits on roads must be 25 MPH or below to drive your cart, must be a battery powered cart and you must have a valid driver’s license. If children are in the golf cart, safety restraint laws are the same as they would be for
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passenger vehicles. In case you’re thinking about recreating a scene from MTV’s “Jackass” movies, keep in mind, the rules of the road apply and you can get a ticket, which is applied the same as operating a normal motor vehicle. Want to learn more about driving golf carts on the road, check out the association’s website. To learn more about New Jersey traffic safety information, visit the Ocean County Traffic Safety Officer’s Association webpage. A quick search of the Jackson Township code book showed no prohibitions when it comes to driving your golf cart around town, but you migth want to check with the police department before unplugging and hitting the highways.
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POLICE & FIRE NEWS
JTOWN NEWS
Parents Charged for Leaving Kids in Car at Bar by Capt. Steven Laskiewicz, JPD On Saturday March 24, 2018 at approximately 9:45 pm, Police Officers Matthew Buono and Phil Minissale responded to the parking lot behind Brook Plaza for a welfare check. It had been reported that a female had been observed leaving a child in a GMC pickup truck while she went into a bar located in the plaza. Officers arrived on scene and up checking the vehicle, observed at least two children left unattended in the rear seat area of the truck. An officer went into the bar and located a male and female playing a game of billiards who advised the truck was theirs. They then went outside and opened the vehicle so the officers could check on the children. Upon the truck being opened, it was discovered that there were four children inside the vehicle
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identity and that there were two outstanding warrants for his arrest out of Freehold Boro. He was also charged with driving without a driver’s license, operating an unregistered motor vehicle and failure to use a car seat for children. He was lodged in the Ocean County Jail after being processed. A 28 year old female was charged with 4 counts of child endangerment and hindering apprehension. She was released on summons ranging in ages from one to eight under arrest at this time and the pending a court appearance on the years old. Although the temperature Department of Child Protection and charges. was approximately 32 degrees Permanency (DCPP) was contacted The owner of the GMC pickoutside, the children were checked to take control of the children. up was issued a summons for and determined that they were A 29 year old male resident of allowing an unlicensed person to not injured in any way. Sgt. Mitch Jackson was arrested and charged operate the vehicle. The truck was Cowit arrived on scene as the with 4 counts of child endangerimpounded and towed from the investigation continued and it was ment. He was also charged with scene. determined that the children had hindering apprehension when Identities of the arrested are being been left in the vehicle unattended it was discovered that he had withheld at this time to protect the for approximately 30 minutes. provided investigating officers identities of the children involved. The male and female were placed with a false name to conceal his
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JTOWN NEWS Jackson Appoints Rabbis On December 21st, Reina appeared at the kickoff celebration of the “Lakewood Neighbors” program in Lakewood Township alongside Shmuel Lefkowitz, who coined the term “schtickle pioneer”, Rabbi Aaron Kottler, president of Beth Medrash Govoha. The purpose of the threehour event was, “to build a new coalition to change what some see as a negative public image of Lakewood Township.” It was also attended by Asbury Park Press Hollis Towns. JTOWN Magazine was not invited to attend the event. Reina pledged his support for the Lakewood Neighbors initiative, spearheaded by public relations firm Princeton Strategic Communications Group. Since its public launch, lakewoodneighbors.com has produced a handful of press releases for the community. In 2015, Lefkowitz urged the settlement of Jackson and surrounding communities by the Orthodox
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community. He encouraged those “pioneers” to establish a rapport with the local public officials to break the stereotypes and antisemitism that often follows the Orthodox community. “It’s how people see our community and we have to get out from under this. We have to learn how to counter this by better messaging,” Lefkowitz said. “There’s nothing like having an elected official who is not just familiar with your community, but he’s part of their community. They can be a champion for you.” With the hostilities beginning to draw down in Jackson between the municipal government and the Orthodox community, several lawsuits remain active against the township. AIOI is suing the township for discrimination over the dormitory ban and the zoning board’s rejection of an all-girls high school on Cross Street, claiming discrimination in both cases.
TOWNSHIP HAPPENINGS In January, Pitney Lane resident Isaac Tawil filed a lawsuit against Township Council Vice President Robert Nixon, claiming Nixon ordered code enforcement officers to spy on his Sabbath prayer service he holds at his home on Friday nights. Tawil’s gatherings have drawn criticism from local watchdogs who even sought to enact a township-wide port-a-potty ban to prevent Tawil from using one on his property. The ordinances were never considered by the township council because by the time it was proposed, the OAG and DOJ had already been looking into the township’s activities. Tawil claims the overzealous enforcement directed by Nixon against him hindered his constitutional right to freedom of religion. During the stakeouts, Business Administrator Helene Schlegel urged an end to the nearly non-stop flood of complaints against Orthodox homeowners holding services in their homes. “We are wasting valuable time and money checking every
complaint that comes in. We can’t keep chasing ghosts. It’s the same people and addresses every week,” she said in an email which was released through an Open Public Records Act request by the township. Whether it was realizing their overstepping of Constitutional freedoms and rights, or just finally, “seeing the light”, the township has begun to embrace the local Orthodox community, even if it may be the unpopular public opinion in town. At the last meeting, Councilman Nixon, once the protagonist, offered a proclamation to Rabbi Naparstek as the town celebrated Education and Sharing Day in honor of Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. At the most recent meeting, Reina welcomed four rabbis, one a Jackson Resident and three prominent Lakewood Rabbis into the fabric of the community as new chaplains.
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JTOWN NEWS
Jackson Police Officers Awarded with “Combat Cross Award”
TOWNSHIP HAPPENINGS Jackson Memorial Day Parade to be held on May 28th
The annual Jackson Township Memorial Day Parade, hosted by Jackson PBA 168 will be held this year on May 28th with a slight change. The parade will no longer take place at the Jackson Justice Complex. This year the parade will start at the Lucy N. Holman Elementary School and run through to Johnson Park where the annual Memorial Day ceremony will be held. Each year hundreds come out to supThere’s sometimes a running joke in Jackson is that cops in town spend more time chasing port Jackson’s local veterans kids on ATV’s and issuing speeding tickets than fighting actual crime, but 2017 proved those and hundreds more service naysayers wrong when on multiple occassions Jackson Police Officers were confronted by armed criminals with the intent to kill or harm officers or others. For their involvement in those oriented groups march along the parade route. life threatening scenarios, Jackson Police Officers Waybe Olejarz and Anthony Riso were both awarded the Combat Cross Award at the 63rd annual MOCIB Valor Awards Luncheon.
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AROUND TOWN
JTOWN NEWS
Jackson Liberty Jazz Band Wins State and National Band Titles
by Tammy Garcia
Cavalcade of Bands National Championships in Souderton, The Jackson Liberty Jazz Band is Pennsylvania celebrating their most recent victory . The Jazz Band had to compete after earning the title of Cavalcade against 8 other award winning top notch bands. In the end, Jackson of Bands National Champions. Liberty had the highest score and After winning the NJ State title was crowned Best Overall Band! they were the only New Jersey They also won awards for Best based band to move on to the
Trumpet Section, Best Trombone Section, and Best soloist awards for Brandon Moy on guitar and George Willis on tenor sax. Earlier in the monththe Liberty Jazz Band was crowned New Jersey State Champions at the Cavalcade of Bands NJ State Finals. They almost swept the compe-
tition winning all awards except one. Brandon Moy, Geroge Willis and Oscar Madrigal were awarded best soloists in the state. The group also earned the status of having the best trumpets, trombones and saxophone section in the state.
FITNESS
JTOWN NEWS
Healthy Advice: The Do’s and Dont’s About Your Desk Job and Your Health by Kate Prosha
says that almost 40% of the country population suffer from obesity and more than 70% have Most contemporary money-bringing jobs are overweight issues. If you don’t want to become related to desk-sitting. While you can earn your one of them then the time to act fast has leaving easier, it’s also much easier to get extra come. Yes, it would be weird and uncomfortkilograms and you’re your body shape. Statistics able at first to follow the rule of weight-losing
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at a desk job, yet if you follow all the rules you can be sure to see results over a month or two. So here are three don’ts and 3 dos to help you stay or get fit at work. Don’ts 1. Soda. Even if you see the label “diet”, don’t be fooled by it. It’s still soda that contains sugar and additional chemicals that stay in your body and increase your size day by day. Several researches reported that daily soda drinking leads to higher risks of stroke and type 2 diabetes. 2. Chips. You may think that if the label says “baked potato chips” it means they are healthy. Forget it! These are still chips and thinking otherwise would be fooling yourself. . 3. Energy shots. This is a complete taboo! They not only contain tons of sugar, but also lead to serious cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems damages. Dos 1. Green tea. Stop drinking coffee and adding milk and sugar to it. Start getting your caffeine shots from green tee. According to personal trainers this is a great supplement because green tea contains even more caffeine than coffee. If you feel sleepy at work, there is no better remedy than a cup of fresh green tea. According to the Canadian researchers, regular consumption of green tea can even prevent you from getting colds. Furthermore, green tea is a great fat burner. So if you’re aiming at losing weight, there is no better remedy than green tea at a work place! 2. Healthy snacks. Forget about sandwiches, hamburgers, and chips. All this food has extremely negative effect on your health not only in terms of weight gaining, but also damages your cardiovascular system. Replace all junk food that you consume during the workday with something healthy and tasty. For instance, chips can be replaced with nuts; dried fruits and banana chips are perfect supplements for candies. A piece of chicken with salad is pretty much the same hamburger. 3. A small mirror. A small mirror on the desk is a perfect way to stick to your plan of healthy habits. If you feel the need to eat something bad, just look into the mirror and think if you want to get those perfect check bones or your second chin works well enough for you? 4. A bowl of fruit. There are several studies that proved that if you look at food and smell it before consumption for 10-15 minutes, you lose some part of appetite and as a result eat less. 5. Gum. Though some people say that gum chewing is not a very healthy habit, it can and will help you lose weight. When you chew a gum in some middle-range stressful situation, you lover cortisol level and as a result influence on your body’s capacity to store fats.
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TOWNSHIP HAPPENINGS
JTOWN NEWS
Councilman Nixon, Township Honor Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson’s Annual Education and Sharing Day
by Phil Stilton The Jackson Township council on Tuesday celebrated Education and Sharing Day, a day to honor the works of Hasidic Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. Councilman Robert Nixon, who once led the township’s drive to enact ordinances some claim were intended to deter the growth of the local Orthodox Jewish community in town delivered a proclamation to Chabad of Jackson’s Rabbi Shmuel Naparstek. Established in 1978 by a joint Congressional resolution, Education Day U.S.A. focuses on the very foundation of meaningful education: instructing our youth in the ways of morality and ethics, and teaching them an appreciation for divine inviolable values. The Presidents, in conjunction with the Washington, D.C.
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that bring people in the community together through an education environment where residents care about each other. “Education is not one day of the year, it’s every day of the year,” Naparstek said. “We should be educating ourselves every day of the year.” “Rebbe taught that education is not only about teaching mathematics and science but teaching the knowledge based American Friends of that children need to know,” Lubavitch, designate annually Naparstek continued. “EducaEducation and Sharing Day tion is building the character U.S.A. on the anniversary of of the child, teaching them the birth of the Lubavitcher morals, “Teaching them to be Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of righteous memory, who dedicated his life to the cause of education. Since establishing the Chabad of Jackson, Rabbi Naparstek has been a regular face in the Jackson community, providing his support and services to residents of all faiths on many different community service oriented projects across Jackson Township. Although Councilman Robert Nixon proclaimed the night to be the first time the township has recognized Education and Sharing Day, it was also officially recognized by the township in 2017. Nixon said Education and Sharing Day is an opportunity to recognize the good things
upright citizens, teaching them allegiance to their country.” Naparstek ended his speech saying that the Rebbe’s teachings in mid-twentieth century New York City apply today to Jackson. “There’s no two sides, there’s one community, one town,” Naparstek said. He said that was the message the rebbe delivered in New York City during his life to try to bridge the Orthodox Jewish and non-Orthodox Jewish divide. “The same applies here in Jackson.”
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SPORTS
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Tackle Football Ban for Young Children Takes the Field in New Jersey Assembly
New Jersey Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri-Huttle (D) thinks children under the age of twelve should be barred from playing organized tack football. Tackle football is a fall pastime for thousands of children each year at the Jersey Shore through the American Youth Football league. Below is the bill proposed by Vainieri-Huttle which proposes to ban children under 12 from playing the sport. AN ACT concerning youth athletics and supplementing Title 5 of the Revised Statutes and P.L.2010, c.94 (C.18A:40-41.1 et seq.).BE IT ENACTED by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey 1. a. As used in this section: “Tackle football” means any practice or game of American
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football where physical contact is used to force opposing players to the ground. “Youth sports team organization” means one or more sports teams organized pursuant to a nonprofit or similar charter or which are member teams in a league organized by or affiliated with a county or municipal recreation department. b. A child under the age of 12 shall not be permitted to participate in tackle football offered by a youth sports team organization. A child under the age of 12 shall be eligible to participate in all other athletic activities offered by a youth sports team organization including, but not limited to, touch football or flag football. 2. a. As used in this section, “tackle football” means any
including, but not limited to, touch football or flag football. The bill also provides that a school district may not permit a student under the age of 12 to participate in tackle football during interscholastic athletics, intramural athletics, a physical education program, or any athletic activity offered to students. Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is caused by repetitive hits to the head sustained over a period of years. Athletes who begin playing contact sports at younger ages are at a greater risk for neurological impairment later in life, including CTE. Studies show that exposure to tackle football before the age of 12 is associated with a greater practice or game of American risk of neurological impairfootball where physical con- ment than exposure to tackle tact is used to force opposing football starting at or after players to the ground. the age of 12. b. A school district shall not permit a student under the age of 12 to participate in tackle football during interscholastic athletics, intramural athletics, a physical education program, or any other athletic activity offered to students. This bill prohibits children under the age of 12 from participating in organized tackle football programs. Under the bill, children under the age of 12 will not be permitted to participate in tackle football offered by a youth sports team organization. Those children are eligible to participate in all other athletic New Jersey Assemblywomactivities offered by the youth an Valerie Vaineiri-Huttle. sports team organization
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JACKSON POLITICS
JTOWN NEWS
Ready! Set! Go! Campaign Season Under Way As Republicans Seek Candidates Jackson Republicans Demand Background Checks on All Prospective Candidates After a Year Filled with Appointment Follies was unleashed against he and the township. Yet another member, abruptly resigned before taking office. Last month, the council again appointed one of their own, political operative Joseph Sullivan. Now, the club is taking it one step further, requiring candidates seeking the establishment Republican line endorsement in November to subject to background checks and to reveal their social media activity. This year, Jackson will be electing a mayor and two council positions. Insiders have reported that current councilwoman Anne Updegrave, who works as a confidential secretary for the Toms River Township Council will not be seeking re-elecby Phil Stilton Jackson Township Council. tion this year after three consecuAfter a year filled with follies by Photo By Gavin Rozzi, Rozzi tive terms in office. Club insiders also have said the members appointed to Jackson’s Media. club has not yet made any decision various public boards by the to endorse incumbent councilman all-Republican council, the Jackson death upon Ocean County GOP Scott Martin to run for a fourth Republican Club is now asking Chairman George Gilmore and New consecutive term in office. those seeking their endorsement Jersey State Senator Robert Singer. So far, no Jackson Republican Club to be subjected to a background Next, the council was forced to members have officially announced check and a list of all social media remove another member they their candidacy for 2018, but others accounts used by the prospect. appointed to the zoning board, have. “The Jackson Republican Club is Anthony Marano. Marano was now accepting submissions for arrested at gunpoint by it’s endorsement in the upcoming Jackson Police Officers after 2018 Mayor and Council races. a tense standoff in which The Club’s Screening Committee he held a gun at police requires the following to be eligible officers after they came to for the endorsement: – Candihis home to arrest him on date must be eligible for Office as child pornography charges. prescribed by Law. – Candidate Yet another zoning must submit Personal/Professional board member, Peter Kitay Resume – Candidate must submit resigned after calls for his a Full and Complete List of Social resignation after being Media accounts under their name challenged by residents in and/or control – Candidate must town over the activities of grant permission to be subject to a Kitay’s construction busibackground check,” a post on the ness, claiming conflicts of club’s Facebook page said. interest in his position as a The request for background check zoning board member. comes after the council itself began Another zoning board asking volunteers to community member abruptly quit after boards to provide the information being appointed by the after a series of mishaps plagued council. That member the council in the past year. cited personal time reFirst, a long time member of the straints, but the next day, a Jackson Club, John Burrows, who barrage of negative media was appointed to the zoning board articles from Orthodox lashed out at the club and wished Lakewood news outlets
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John Maneri, a Republican who works an employee manager at iPlay America has announced his run for the office of mayor, challenging longterm Republican Michael Reina. Gene Davis, a former North Jersey Councilman has also declared his intent to represent Democrats against Reina. Michael Mitchell, an employee of the Jackson Township Public Works Department has also indicated he will run for the office of Mayor in November. No candidates for council have publicly stated their intent to run for office, but political insiders suggest a short list of political insiders currently tops the list of prospects being vetted by the club. “Please submit all Documents and Documentation to the committee via email (ffriker@aol.com, toddporter62@gmail.com and/or recyclingqueen1951@gmail.com), regular mail (Screening Committee c/o Jackson Republican Club, PO Box 519 Jackson, NJ 08527), or In-Person at the April 25th Meeting of the Jackson Republican Club,” the club told prospects.
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