JACKSON COMMUNITY NEWS
PRIVATE SCHOOL APPLICATION HEADING TO SUPERIOR COURT
ORTHODOX HIGH SCHOOL APPLICATION HEADING TO COURT: APPLICANT CITES RELIGIOUS BIAS IN FILING
PROMINENT LAND-USE ATTORNEY SUES JACKSON TOWNSHIP FOR DENYING ZONING VARIANCE Land use attorney Ray Shea and his firm Levin, Shea & Pfeffer have filed an appeal after the township zoning board rejected their variance to build a private Orthodox religious based high school for girls on Cross Street. Through several months of testimony, the board rejected the application based on its non-conformity in a residential zone. Not so, according to court documents filed on October 15th in Ocean County Superior Court. The complaint references two similar Christian schools in the nearby vicinity, St. Aloysius and Jesus Harvest Time Academy. Both schools were permitted to be built in residential zones. Shea’s firm also questioned why Jackson Liberty High School, McAuliffe Middle School and other schools were permitted to be built, but the Jewish school could not. “Within Jackson Township there are several other schools that have been constructed in the R-l Zone,” the firm stated. “Two of the most recently developed public schools are the Elms Elementary School located on Goetz Lane and Jackson Liberty High School located on North Hope Chapel Road. Elms Elementary was completed in 2004 and houses over 830 students and 55 full-time teaching staff, while Liberty High was completed in 2007 and has approximately 1,400 students and 90 full-time teaching staff.” Shea also took aim at Zoning Board member Joseph Schulman’s testimony.
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“I’d like to make a remark that I think may help to clarify in the Board members’ minds the question of beneficial use to the community, and that is this: That this is a school, obviously -1 am not saying anything that hasn’t been stated before – that is a private school and is exclusively for the use of the Orthodox community; there will be no other children of other religions admitted to that school without being able to pass a strict religious component, as the rabbi has said himself during testimony,” the complaint alleges. “And I want to relate something that I experienced during my time living in Lakewood, which was my whole life before I moved to Jackson. I attended a meeting at the municipal courtroom in Lakewood during which the titular head of the Orthodox community in Lakewood, Rabbi Schenkolewski, stated several times that the Orthodox community will never assimilate; therefore, they stand alone.” The complaint claims the township is violating the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, prohibiting actions against the freedom of religion. “No government shall impose or implement a land use regulation that discriminates against any assembly or institution on the basis of religion or religious denomination,” Shea’s firm wrote in the complaint. “The Board’s denial of the Application is in contrast to its previous decisions to give precisely the same type of relief requested by the Plaintiff to multiple Christian schools and
JTOWN MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2014
MAIN PHOTO: Jackson Township Zoning Board Vice Chairman Dr. Sheldon Hoffstein reads a prepared letter stating why he voted to reject the application at the June 2014 hearing. L-R: Zoning Board member John Burrows, Sheldon Hofstein and Chairman Steve Costanza; Zoning Board attorney Sean Gertner BOTTOM Rabbi Ephraim Birnbaum and Ian Borden, representing the applicant, Oros Bais Yaakov private school for girls. Photos by Phil Stilton. other, larger nonreligious schools. This fact, coupled with the anti-ultra- Orthodox sentiment evidenced during the Hearings underscores the Board’s discriminatory treatment of Plaintiffs Application.” Jackson Mayor Mike Reina said he disagrees with Shea and the complaint filed. “At this time I am extremely disappointed in Ray Shea’s decision to appeal the Zoning Board’s denial of the school fully knowing that this new cost for legal defense will placed squarely on the backs of our residents,” Reina said. “Since the application was made public I fully supported Jackson Township land-use attorney and had confidence that the Zoning Ray Shea of Levin, Pfiffer & Shea, Board would consider all relevant legal counsel for the Oros Bais factors during the process. To that Yaakov school. point I feel that they acted properly in denying this application based on made its decision based on the inthe ordinances and laws already in tensity of the proposed use – and place. Our ordinance does not per- again today I fully stand by and supmit a school in this zone, which is port the Board’s decision. I see this why the application was before the as a frivolous attempt to overturn a Zoning board instead of the Plan- denial that was right and just the ning board. Fully recognizing no first time.” matter what ordinance is in place, In Jackson’s past, zoning board anyone can apply for a variance at officials regularly allowed non-conany time since a variance applica- forming applications to be built, tion is, by definition,a request for but in recent years, updates to the permission to do what is not per- township’s master plan attempted mitted. The fact still remains that the to curb irresponsible growth. The Zoning board considered the traffic most recent revisions to the plan and every other relevant impact on were an attempt by the township to the residents of that area and deter- curb non-residential growth in resimined that our ordinance is correct, dential zones. and that a school is not appropriate for this residential zone. The Board
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JACKSON HAPPENINGS TOWNSHIP NEWS
JACKSON POLICE AND FIRE CHIEF RESCUE DISABLED MAN FROM BURNING HOME
Chief Timothy Carson
by Steven Laskiewicz, JPD On Tuesday November 11, 2014 at 4:04 am, Jackson Police Officers Edward Travisano, Anthony Riso and Jody Benecke responded to the report of a structure fire at a residence located at 464 Pfister Road. It was reported that smoke was filling the house, which was occupied by a male resident who was wheelchair bound. Officers arrived on scene and observed that the rear of the residence and roof were engulfed in flames and that there was a heavy smoke condition in the rest of the house. Residents of the house who had been able to get outside advised the officers that the wheelchair bound resident was still inside. At that time, Officer Jody Benecke was able to locate which
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bedroom the resident was in and then attempted to make entry into the residence. Officers began clearing windows to make entry into the residence and Officer Riso made entry through a window. He located the male inside a room but due to the male’s condition, along with clutter and debris inside the room, Officer Riso could not move him and was forced to leave the room as he was being overcome by smoke. Station 55 Assistant Chief Timothy Carson had arrived on scene at this time and was preparing to make entry into the residence. Officer Riso, who has also served as a volunteer fireman in the township, obtained a spare Scott Pack and made entry a second time along with Chief Carson. They were able to locate the male inside and
JTOWN MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2014
worked to get him through the house to a window. Officer Travisano had cleared the window out and with help from others, had also removed a large oxygen tank from the area as the fire grew. The male was then lifted through the window and passed outside to Officer Travisano. During this rescue, a dog was also located inside the residence and brought outside. After the male resident was brought to safety, Officer Travisano observed another dog in a corner of a room which was filling with smoke. The dog would not move or come to the officer as he called to it. Officer Riso, who was still wearing a Scott Pack, entered the residence a third time to retrieve the dog and bring it outside. A third dog was also later found inside and rescued by fire
department personnel. Officer Riso and Chief Carson were later transported to Centra State Hospital in Freehold for treatment for smoke inhalation. Officer Travisano was transported to Centra State for treatment for smoke inhalation and a back injury received during the incident. The officers were treated and later released. Several firefighters from Station 55 made entry into the residence to keep the fire from advancing toward the bedroom as the rescue was ongoing. Two unidentified firefighters were later treated and released for minor burns sustained in the process. Fire personnel from Jackson Stations 55, Whitesville and the Cassville stations responded to the incident. Also responding were personnel from Jackson and Howell First Aid, Ramtown First Aid, Southard, Adelphia and Freewood Acres fire companies. Detective Scott Conover and Ocean County Fire Marshal Bill Gee investigated and it was determined that the fire was accidental, started by a portable heater at the rear of the house.
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NOVEMBER 2014 | JTOWN MAGAZINE
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JACKSON ELECTION RESULTS ELECTION 2014
REINA WINS! FOUR MORE YEARS AS JACKSON’S MAYOR
Mayor Michael Reina has won his third consecutive election after he and his team swept their opponents in Tuesday night’s election. Reina, a Republican, defeated Democrat William Spedding by a 16% margin and nearly 2,000 votes. The council election was closer as Republicans Scott Martin and Anne Updegraves defeated their opponents by a 5% margin. The election was the first in Jackson to be heavily influenced through social media as residents took to Facebook to battle it prior to the campaign and to launch attacks against the Republican incumbents. Reina said that his campaign team
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stuck to facts and stayed above personal attacks. In the last days leading up to the election Reina endured a host of vicious attacks against himself, his family and his personal life. “This is a testament to running a clean campaign and that this is what the people of Jackson wanted,” Reina said. “We stuck to the issues and didn’t take our campaign personal like they did and we won based on our accomplishments.” “The residents of Jackson made it clear. We ran on our accomplishments and we won based on those accomplishments,” said Councilman Scott Martin. “For years, I left my family out of these elections and never acknowledged their support, but this year, this group decided they were their target and to that, we won anyway and the people of Jackson spoke,” Reina said. “I’m honored to serve them. Today was a testament of how dirty politics can be. It’s a shame people had to stoop to levels this low.” On an opposition based Facebook page, several Democrat op-
JTOWN MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2014
ABOVE: Mayor Michael Reina celebrates his election victory with his family. LEFT: Jackson Township Councilman Barry Calogero (Left) announces Mike Reina’s victory on election night at the Jackson Volunteer First Aid building on East Veterans Highway. ponents made accusations that the mayor used the condition of his grand-daughter, who suffers from leukemia, to boost his candidacy and that a fundraiser hosted for children with cancer at Laurita Winery, which is owned in part by land use attorney Ray Shea. “They couldn’t criticize us for what we’ve done as elected officials, but they were quick to criticize us for what we’ve done for children,” he added. Reina said he loves both his family and his town and the support he receives from both is what drives him to serve as mayor of the township. Despite a desperate last-minute smear campaign by Democrat supporters, Reina said he felt those attacks drew more support to his team and that their plan backfired.
ABOVE: Councilwoman Ann Updegrave thanks members of the Jackson Republican Club for their support. BELOW: Councilman Barry Calogero (left) and Councilman Robert Nixon (center) watch as Mike Reina writes the election results on a board, sealing his third election win in Jackson.
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JACKSON HISTORY
INTERACTIVE HISTORY LESSON AT OCEAN COUNTY LIBRARY
RESIDENTS SHARE THEIR MEMORIES OF JACKSON The Jackson branch of the Ocean County Library hosted an interactive history lesson on the township Saturday afternoon. The program included nine panelists and moderator Vickie O’Donnell who is a teacher and chronicler of Jackson history. Panelists included past library commission director Eleanor Hyers, Alexander Golubov, Ann Korzen Richardson, Bill Linke, Nancy Luna, police Lt. John Decker, Danny Black, teacher Walter Reed and Dr. Vincent DeMura, MD. “I was an old-time doctor without the wagon,” said Dr. DeMura, who practiced medicine for three decades in Jackson, including stints as school physician, physician to the first aid department and to the police department. “I touched the life of just about everyone on this panel.” Other panelists shared their unique perspective on growing up in the town and their take on its growth from a small farming community, to a commuter’s bedroom
community, to today’s multicultural town. Nearly 50 people attended the program, including the “dean” of Jackson educators Bernie Reider and OC Historical Society president Betsy Dudas. Mr. Reider had worked for the Jackson Board of Education (teacher, principal, administrator) since 1963. He knows just about everybody in town. Other audience members participated by adding their memories of the town including the Great Forest Fire of 1963 and the national importance of the Russian-community vacation spot Rova Farms which was THE social and dining spot for Jackson residents. The program was co-sponsored by the Ocean County Historical Society and the Ocean County Library and was organized by Betsy Dudas, OCHS, Meagan Toohey, Principal Librarian and Jo Anne Morales, Senior Librarian, OCL Jackson Branch.
Dr. Vincent DeMura practiced medicine in Jackson and “touched the life of just about everyone on the panel.”
Educator Walter Reed spoke about the history of the Jackson school system. He remains deeply involved in the community and is the Chair of the Jackson Alumni Hall of Fame, raising funds for high school graduate scholarships.
Eleanor Hyers, past Chair of the Ocean County Library Commission, spoke about growing up in Jackson.
Bill Linke spoke about Jamison’s General Store & Post Office in the Van Hiseville section of Jackson.
Nancy Luna spoke about growing up in Jackson’s Hispanic community and the Luna Market that was owned by her family.
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Police Lt. John Decker spoke about the history of Jackson’s police department from the time it was patrolled by NJ State Police, to its first three paid police officers, to today’s force of about 80 members.
Bernie Reider, the “dean” of Jackson educators, spoke of his 51 years in Jackson educating thousands of its children.
Alex Golubov spoke about the Russian-community vacation spot Rova Farms in the Cassville section of Jackson.
JTOWN MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2014
Dan Black was born and raised in Jackson. Dan has guided several authors, including Vickie O’Donnell and the late Karen Riley, to several historic sites in the township. Dan also served as the town’s youngest mayor in the 1970s and confronted the state DEP when it attempted to dump truck loads of radon-contaminated soil onto Colliers Mills property. The state trucks left without dumping the soil.
Ann Korzen Richardson spoke about growing up in the Van Hiseville section of Jackson.
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JACKSON HAPPENINGS AROUND TOWN
FIREFIGTHERS RESPOND TO 10 FIRES ON VETERANS DAY
Jackson Police and firefighters responded to as many as ten fires over a twelve hour period on Veterans Day and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office is conducting an investigation into the possibility of arson. A fire was reported at a pole barn sheltering animals at Six Flags Wild Safari here shortly after 10 pm. By 10:30 pm, firefighters from Jackson’s four fire companies had extinguished the fire at the structure, whose roof collapsed during the blaze. At approximately 11:30pm, news helicopters above the scene located four small brush fires around the site of the original fires and reported those fires to firefighters on the ground. Upon initial arrival to the call, firefighters from Jackson’s Cassville Volunteer Fire Company, according to radio transmissions at the scene, were unable to access the Wild Safari and were forced to cut an access point through the fenced in area along Reed Road, a dirt municipal road which runs along the outside of the Wild Safari’s southeastern edge. Six Flags’ public information officer Kristin Siebeniecher reported at 11:30 pm, “The local fire department has extinguished a fire in a safari barn. No animals were injured, and all are safely inside the safari. The safety of our animals and team members is our top priority. The cause of the fire is under investigation. ” At midnight, firefighters from Cassville, Jackson Station 54, Jackson Station 55, Station 57 and Millstone
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Fire Department were dispatched to battle several surrounding brush fires. Earlier in the evening several other brush fires were reported in the township. At 7:05 pm, Officer Joe Candido responded to the report of a fire on Rachel Court, which is located off of North Boston Road. A pile of leaves which had been collected at the curbside was lit on fire. At 7:08 pm, Officers Bill Simon and Jeff Henba responded to a report of a pile of leaves and brush lit on fire in front of a residence on East Pleasant Grove Road. At 7:14 pm, Officer Joe Candido responded to the report fires in piles of leaves placed curbside to the left and right of the caller’s residence on East Pleasant Grove Road. At 7:52 pm, Officer Andy Falzarano responded to the report of a brush fire near the intersection of Beatrice Lane and Perrineville Road. The caller reported a pile of leaves and brush on fire. At 7:53 pm, Officer Darin McClain responded to the report of a brush fire on Willys Lane, which is located off of Perrineville Road. The caller reported a pile of leaves and brush on fire near the residence. At 10:11 pm, Officers Andy Falzarano, Shannon Foote, Fred Meabe, Ed Travisano and Sgt. Frank Mendez responded to the report of a structure fire at the Six Flags Safari in the area of Reed Road. It was discovered that an animal barn on Six Flags property was fully engulfed in flames. The fire was extinguished by fire de-
JTOWN MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2014
JACKSON WRITERS GROUP HOSTS BOOK FAIR AT LIBRARY
The Jackson Writers Group hosted its annual book fair last week. Key note speaker and local author Chris Klim spoke about his experiences as a satellite specialist during the Challenger Disaster. Klim frequently lectures on writing and publishing and is the chair of the Eric Hoffer Award for books and prose. He is also the creator and former executive editor of “Best New Writing.” Nine other authors were in attendance at the event to sell, sign and share readings from their works, including: Louise Ann Barton (horror & history); Karen Kelly Boyce (children’s and novelist); Judith Leichliter LaBell (inspiration guidance); Nicole Caruso LaBrocca (children’s picture books); J. J. Lair (history & mystery);Al Lohn (fiction); Richard Morgan (poetry); Beth Rinyu (romance & YA novelist) and Danielle Sibarium Tsapp (romance & YA novelist). partment personnel, no animals were reported injured. Detective Scott Conover, the Ocean County Fire Marshal and officers from the Ocean County C.I.U. unit arrived to investigate the incident. Police reported a possible suspect description as provided from witnesses. The suspect was described as a white male in his late thirties to early forties with possible facial hair, wearing a baggy dark colored sweatshirt and riding a BMX style bike, but the prosecutor’s office remains unsure of whether the person was the suspect or if the fires were connected. Later that morning, firefighters were called out again to the home fire detailed on page 14. The fire incidents were isolated to Veterans Day and no reports or related incidents were reported since. Siebenicher also stated that no animals escaped from the porperty during the incident while the perimeter fence was breached.
-EVENT NOTICEFREE COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR AND FOOD TASTING Join us as we celebrate – health, fitness and food during the holidays. Make sure to bring everyone in the family for this event! Community Health Fair & Food Tasting -Free to the Public Date: Saturday, December 6, 2014 Time: 9 a.m. to 1p.m. Place: CentraState Fitness & Wellness Center 901 West Main Street Freehold, NJ 07728. Spend time celebrating with the friends and family you love. Enjoy the variety of health, fitness and fun, such as food tastings by local restaurants. This informational exhibition benefits people of all ages and health conditions. Make time for your health. You owe it to yourself and those you love. Open to the public! Members and non-members welcome.
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JACKSON SCHOOL NEWS IN OUR SCHOOLS
NJ ASSEMBLYMAN DANCER PUSHES TO HAVE JACKSON STUDENTS’ SONG BECOME OFFICIAL STATE SONG OF NEW JERSEY
by Allison Erwin Assemblyman Ronald Dancer came to Jackson and presented three Johnson Elementary School students with a copy of bill he introduced to make a song they wrote the official State Song of New Jersey. “This is a perfect example of how laws can start right here with students,’’ Dancer told students during a school assembly at Johnson Elementary School. “All it takes is a good idea that benefits the state of New Jersey.’’ Dancer presented a copy of his bill, Assembly Bill A-3689, to students Sabrina Erndl, Kaliah Fitch and Ziaira Fitch, who wrote a song last year while studying New Jersey in social studies class. The bill is now under consideration by the Assembly State and Local Government Committee. “We didn’t expect this,’’ said Ziaira Fitch. “It’s exciting.’’ Assemblyman Dancer also spoke to the student body about how a bill becomes a law. He said he
ABOVE: , Assemblyman Ronald Dancer presents a copy of his bill to students Sabrina Erndl, Kaliah Fitch and Ziaira Fitch, who wrote a song last year while studying New Jersey at Johnson Elementary School. Also pictured is Johnson Principal Michael Raymond. enjoys visiting schools whenever possible to connect with students and share ideas. “You’d be surprised what the kids come up with,’’ he said. “They have a lot of good ideas.’’ When he asked students at Johnson for ideas they discussed lowering gas prices and taxes, as well as another idea near and dear to their hearts. “No more homework,’’ suggested one student, to loud applause. Dancer replied that although he knows students would like that, they shouldn’t get their hopes up. “I know that would be popular, but homework is all part of what you need to learn in school,’’ he said. “Education is so important.’’
JACKSON MEMORIAL BAND FINISHES 2ND AT NATIONALS by Bud McCormick The Jackson Memorial Jaguar Band performed their hearts out in Allentown, Pennsylvania and scored a 90.988 at the 2014 US Band National Championships Drum majors Dylan Sidali and Dylan Thomas conducted the 2013 Defending National Champions through their rendition of “After Hours”. There were standing ovations after the band’s second musical number and final musical number of “Sophisticated Lady” came up short, as Scotch Plains High School claimed the top spot. Best Captions for the Jaguar Band included Best General Effect - Gino Cipriani, Best Musical Ensemble – Andrew Gekoskie, 2nd place in Music Individual –
Carl Bly, and 2nd place in Percussion – Jason Ihnat. Band Director Bud McCormick said, “The Jaguar Band has a tradition of peaking at the right time. We tend to play a longer show than most, and we also gear our shows to entertain the audience.” This year was no exception, as multiple standing ovations occurred throughout the performance. Assistant Band Director Jason Diaz said, “I couldn’t be happier with the outcome of yesterday’s US Bands Nationals Competition. The Jackson Jaguar Band put their hearts and souls into their final performance and were honored with a second place finish in Group VI A.”
Elms Elementary School kindergarten students were treated to a visit by a special guest, Kringle the Penguin. Kringle is from Jenkinson’s Aquarium in Point Pleasant.
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JTOWN MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2014
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JACKSON SCHOOL NEWS IN OUR SCHOOLS
WEIRD SCIENCE AT JMHS ON HALLOWEEN
Students in Jackson Memorial High School’s Halloween classes got a lesson in spooky science on Halloween from teachers who brought the principals of chemistry and physics to life right before their eyes. Exploding pumpkins, crumpling steel drums, teachers laying down on a bed of nails, dancing flames, flying rockets, exploding Pringles and more captivated students’ attention. “It is so much fun for us as teachers to see students interested in science,’’ said teacher Anne McCormick. “It’s something different, and sometimes it takes something different to catch their attention.’’
Jackson Memorial High School teacher Anne M. McCormick introduced a plan in 2013 to mix Halloween with chemistry and physics education by performing various experiments for the student body.
Elms Elementary School students awarded for acts of kindness towards other students. In this photo are the October “Bucket Fillers”.
An annual event in the Jackson School District, the Rotary Club of Jackson presented free dictionaries through the national organization’s “The Dictionary Project”. The dictionaries are given to third graders in Jackson and hundreds of others nationwide. The Rotary Club has also agreed to sponsor the 2014 school spelling bee at Holman Elementary School (pictured here) and the Young Authors Conference attendees.
DISTRICT THANKS PTN FOR SUPPORT AND DONATIONS
The Jackson Board of Education recognized parent-teacher organizations at Elms, Crawford-Rodriguez and Switlik Elementary schools for their contributions to the students and teachers in the district through fundraising and event planning. Pictured here with Board Member Marvin Krakower.
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JTOWN MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2014
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COMMUNITY CARING
JACKSON KoC TREE SALE FOR CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS CHRISTMAS TREE SALE BENEFITS ST. JUDE’S
For the past 13 years the Knights of Columbus Council 11529 out of Saint Monica’s church in Jackson have held a Christmas tree sale to support the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as well as other local charities. The funds raised are possible due to the many volunteers who give up most of their December for this great cause. Stop by their Christmas tree lot at Glory’s market on the corner of
route 526 and Cedar Swamp Road in Jackson. The sale runs from Friday November 28th through mid-December. The hours of operation are noon to 8pm Monday through Friday and 10am to 8pm on Saturday and Sunday. For more information call Jamie Claudio at 732-616-7003. What better way to keep Christ in Christmas than to support a great cause when buying your Christmas tree!
DO YOU HAVE A COMMUNITY CARING STORY TO SHARE? Each month we feature local community causes, charities and non-profits in order to help those groups raise awareness to their cause. If you have an idea for next month’s community caring story, please let us know by emailing news@jacksonnjonline.com with the subject line: Community Caring JTOWN.
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JTOWN MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2014
RESTORATION WORK BEGINS AT HARMONY CHURCH Work has begun to restore the aging Harmony Road Church by the congregation of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church. On October 26th, the members of the church began the cleaning and repairing process. This month the church hopes to replace old windows and roof repair. “Our renovations will continue for several months as we look forward to the day that we can worship in our new home, and we welcome all the help that we can get,” the church said. Earlier in the month, electrical services were turned on at the building for the first time in years. Volunteers are needed. You don’t have to be a member to help. To find out how to help, visit Cornerstone’s website at http:// cornerstonechurchofjackson.org. The next work day is Sunday, November 30th from 12pm to 6pm. ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS 732-333-3208
JACKSON COMMUNITY NEWS CELEBRATING VETERANS DAY
JACKSON HONORS ALL VETERANS WITH CEREMONY
ELMS ELEMENTARY SHOWS SUPPORT FOR VETERANS by Phil Stilton Memorial Day is the day Americans honor their deceased war veterans. Veterans Day is the day we honor all veterans. Veterans are people who serve in the United States’ five branches of the military including the army, Marine Corps,navy, air force and coast guard. Being a veteran doesn’t require one to go to war or fight in combat. Being a veteran means that a person sacrificed years of their lives to serve in the military. That is the spirit of the Jackson Veterans Memorial garden, according to founders Ken Bressi and Charlie Garofano, to honor all veterans. “Whether or not somebody served during war time or peace time, it doesn’t matter, because they took that oath, served their
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country and sacrificed their time away from their family,” Bressi said. “They knew at any moment, they could get that call.” Approximately two hundred veterans, residents and dignitaries came to Jackson on Veterans day for a memorial service in which the flags of all five branches perched at each corner of the pentagon shaped memorial were raised by students from Jackson Memorial High School’s JROTC program. “Today, we honor all who have served,” Garofano told the audience. Color guards by the Jackson VFW Post 4703 and the Joint Base MDL opened the ceremony. The veterans memorial garden is located at the intersection of East Commodore Boulevard and Jackson Mills Road overlooking the Jackson Mills Pond.
JTOWN MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2014
On Veterans Day, students from Elms Elementary School showed their support for veterans in several different ways. Ms. Shields’ students show their pride with Red, White & Blue bracelets (pictured right). Ms. O’Brien’s Class read “H is for Honor, A Military Family Alphabet” by Devin Scillian & by Victor Juhasz. The book is pictured here with Victoria Clayton; her father is Marine Infantry Sergeant William Clayton. Sgt. Clayton deployed overseas three times with the 3rd Battalion 8th Marines. He was an instructor at the School of Infantry, where he taught entry-level Marines basic infantry skills and techniques. He also instructed at Advanced Infantry Training Battalion, where he taught infantry unit leaders tactics, skills and techniques about anti-tank warfare and explosives.
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JACKSON COMMUNITY NEWS CELEBRATING VETERANS DAY
A SOMBER REMEMBRANCE FOR THOSE WHO GAVE ALL
ABOVE: Marine Corps Veterans from the Jackson Marine Corps League pose with Timothy Ryan and General Alphonse Stephenson. BOTTOM LEFT: Air Force Brigadier General Father Alphonse Stephenson. In the front lawn of the Timothy E. Ryan home for funerals, a flag stood for each soldier, Marine and sailor killed during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The flags were placed by Jackson Boy Scout Pack 82 and Cub Scout Pack 104. Funeral director and business owner Timothy Ryan has been performing this service annually since 2003 at his Toms River location. “It has been such a big part of what we do in Toms River for years and this year, I wanted to bring it to the people of Jackson,’ Ryan said. On Veterans Day, Ryan hosted a memorial service for those veterans who are no longer with us and Air Force Brigadier General Father Alphonse Stephenson led a prayer for those in attendance. Members of the Jackson Marine Corps League provided the service with accounts of their time in the service and shared memories of
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Marines and other veterans who had passed. General Stephenson expressed the importance of spiritual guidance for veterans who suffer from PTSD and urged all veterans and their families to look after their fellow veterans who show signs of PTSD. Ryan said he hopes the tradition spreads in Jackson and is looking forward to repeating the service for Veterans Day in 2015.
JTOWN MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2014
Students at Switlik Elementary School hosted their annual run for vets and many came dressed in patriotic outfits to support veterans
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JACKSON POLICE BLOTTER
VISIT THE OCEAN COUNTY POLICE BLOTTER: www.facebook.com/OCPoliceBlotter
JACKSON POLICE SHOW RESTRAINT, DIFFUSE SITUATION AFTER BEING ATTACKED BY KNIFE WIELDING SUICIDAL MAN
JACKSON WOMAN LEADS TOMS RIVER POLICE ON HIGH SPEED CHASE AFTER INCIDENT INITIAL POLICE CONTACT MADE AFTER STORE EMPLOYEES CLAIMED WOMAN’S DOG URINATED ON MERCHANDISE
On November 17, 2014 at 1pm Toms River Police Officer Carl Basile responded to the Lane Bryant clothing store located at 1232 Hooper Avenue in Toms River for a disorderly persons report. Store employees reported that a female entered the store with a small dog and allowed it to urinate on 14 dresses and 11 pair of pants. This caused Damage in excess of $2,000. The woman was asked to leave the store but became belligerent and refused. Officer Basile and Sgt. Moeller arrived as she entered a white Chevy Malibu. The officers
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attempted to stop her vehicle; however she fled and ran several red lights as they were behind her utilizing emergency lights and sirens. Given that the road was wet and there was a potential for danger to the community, the officers discontinued the efforts to apprehend her, for what was initially a minor incident. She was identified through her license plate and physical description as Theresa M. Tumbleson, 35, of Jackson. Charges were signed against her for Eluding a Police Officer and Obstruction of the Administration of Law. Bail is set at $30,000. Additional charges will be filed for the incident within the store. She remains at large and efforts to apprehend her at her home have so far been unsuccessful as of November 19th.
JTOWN MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2014
On Tuesday November 18, 2014 at approximately 12:04 am, Jackson Police Officers responded to a report of a disturbance at a residence on Olivia Way. It was reported that a male at the residence was allegedly planning on causing harm to himself. Police Officer Fred Meabe arrived on scene first and was advised that the male was in the basement area of the house and was in possession of a knife and was trying to harm himself. Officer Anthony Riso arrived on scene and the officers made their way into the basement and discovered that the male had exited the residence through a sliding glass door. It was also observed that there was blood in the area, from what would later be discovered as a self inflicted wound to the male’s arm. The officers were able to observe the male outside walking around the property with what appeared to be two steak knives. They confronted the male at gunpoint and gave orders for him to drop the knives but he refused to do so. The incident continued around the property of the residence as the officers attempted to have the male drop the knives. As the officers were negotiating with the male to drop the knives in one part of the yard, in an effort to avoid any kind of hostage situation should the male attempt to go back into the house, Sgt. Frank Mendez was able to enter the rear of the residence and escort an adult female and three children outside to his patrol supervisor’s vehicle so they could be taken from the scene to safety. As the male observed the sergeant leaving with the subjects, he then charged at the vehicle, stabbing at it and causing damage to the hood with the steak knives. Sgt. Mendez was able to accelerate and safely remove the adult female and children from the scene and trans-
ferred them to Officer Edward Travisano who transported them from the area. After causing damage to the supervisor’s vehicle as it left the residence, the male then caused damage to two other patrol vehicles parked at the residence by smashing the windshields. There was then a brief standoff at the front of the residence as the officers set up a perimeter to contain the male, who was bleeding from the wound on his arm. During this time, the male yelled multiple times at the officers to shoot and kill him before he retreated back into the house. Ocean County Sheriff’s Department negotiator, Sgt. Flynn responded as well as several officers from the Ocean County Regional SWAT Team as a perimeter was set around the house. Contact was made with the male and after a short while, he indicated that he was going to exit the house. The male exited the residence and was taken into custody and later treated by Jackson First Aid for his injury. Police Officers Shannon Foote, Michael Goelz, Tristan Bennett and Alex Crinnian, along with Detective Edward Howe and Dsg. Denis Campbell also responded to this incident. The officers showed great restraint in their response to this incident and put themselves in harm’s way to bring it to a successful conclusion and safely take the suspect into custody without resorting to the use of deadly force. Nicholas Losey, age 36 of Jackson, NJ. Mr. Losey was charged with several counts of criminal mischief, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon and harassment. Bail was set at $50,000.00 by Judge Daniel Sahin and Mr. Losey was transported to an area hospital for evaluation and treatment for his injury.
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JACKSON SPORTS
FALL BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL CHAMPIONS CROWNED
JACKSON REIGNS SUPREME IN FALL CFBL
The Holbrook 50/70 Intermediate team defeated Berkley in a close 10-9 championship win in Toms River, capping a fall season where Holbrook Little League won four titles. Both Jackson Little Leagues ended their fall seasons with trophies and championships in the Little League Competitive Fall Baseball League. The 8u Holbrook heat defeated Brick. Gavin DeGregorio and Thomas Mazella pitched a combined shutout and Donovan Louis-Jaques nearly hit for the cycle, hitting a single, double and triple. An inside the park home run by Eric Valentin helped the heat to a 14-0 victory.
WILDCATS WIN SHORE CHAMPIONSHIP Holbrook Little League’s Jackson Wildcats 12u softball team won the 2014 All-Shore Softball League’s fall championship. After an undefeated Holbrook’s 12U Major League team defeated the Manchester Mohawks season, they defeated a tough Stafford team in the championship game. for the championship behind the pitching of Jonny Sefick and Jake Hickman.
MISS OCTOBER: YOU HIT LIKE A GIRL!
The 9U Holbrook team quickly fell behind to Barnegat 9-0 in the championship game, but battled back to a 12-10 win that went into extra innings after tying the game at 10.
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JTOWN MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2014
Three girls from Holbrook’s softball programs made history in October and November by hitting league first home runs. Jess Cannestro, of the Jackson Wildcats hit the program’s first home run, a deep shot over the left-centerfield fence in Barnegat (center) in a 15-5 win. Sophia Lopiccolo (left) hit Holbrook’s first ever softball Minor League home run. Cassie Koslowski (Right) hit the Holbrook Minor League’s first ever grand slam home run over the fence. “Perhaps it’s time to move the fences back,” said Holbrook President Tony DelVecchio. ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS 732-333-3208
JACKSON SPORTS SPORTS RECAP
MEMORIAL LACROSSE PLAY SIGNS DII LETTER
Troy Wolf, the captain of the Jackson Memorial High School lacrosse team has signed a letter of intent to play Division II lacrosse in college at the University of Tampa.
LIBERTY SOCCER & WRESTLING VOLUNTEERS Members of the Jackson Liberty varsity soccer and wrestling teams volunteered their time to work at a function to host and cater a dinner for New York State Correctional Officers at Six Flags Great Adventure.
REGIONAL CHEER CHAMPIONS! Five Jackson Jaguar cheer teams won regional titles and are heading to the national championships in Florida. Pictured here are the D10 large red team. Check next month for a full feature on this year’s cheer success at Regionals.
On November 12th, the Harlem Wizards visited Switlik Elementary School and entertained for students and faculty. The wizards took on the staff at the school before a sell-out crowd. WWW.JACKSONNJONLINE.COM
NOVEMBER 2014 | JTOWN MAGAZINE
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ON THE SCENE: IN JACKSON
SMOKING OUT PEDIATRIC CANCER Jersey Smokes Hosts Fundraiser PHOTOS BY PHIL STILTON
Local cigar establishment Jersey Smokes hosted a fundraising benefit for the Charitique Foundation, run by Jackson’s “First Lady” Laura Reina, the wife of Mayor Michael Reina. Mrs. Reina’s foundation is currently assisting four local families whose children have been struck with different forms of pediatric cancer, including her own. Local business owners attended the event.
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JTOWN MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2014
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ON THE SCENE: IN JACKSON
VETERANS MEMORIAL Jackson Honors Veterans PHOTOS BY PHIL STILTON
The third annual Veterans Memorial Garden service was held on Veterans Day to a crowd of several hundred, the largest since its inception three years ago. The memorial is one that recognizes and honors all veterans, not just combat and war veterans.
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JTOWN MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2014
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ON THE SCENE: IN JACKSON
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARINES
Celebrating 239 Years of History, Tradition and Success on the Battlefield PHOTOS BY PHIL STILTON
The Jackson Marine Corps League hosted a birthday for the Marine Corps, which turned 239 years old on November 10th. In true Marine Corps tradition, the Marines honored their youngest and oldest members as a sign of passing the honor and tradition from the old-time Marines to the younger ones. The event was held at Jackson VFW Post 4703.
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JTOWN MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2014
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ON THE SCENE: IN JACKSON
BREAKING GROUND AT JACKSON 21 Monumental Event Held to Kick Off Town’s Biggest Construction Project Since Six Flags PHOTOS BY PHIL STILTON
Although visionary Mitch Lee was not around to see his dream come true, his family and business partners have finally broken ground and cleared land along West Commodore Boulevard to build Jackson 21, hailed as a place to live for people who want to live life. Despite the event being crashed by shock-watchdog News 12 reporter Walter Kane of “Kane in Your Corner” for a late hour election “gotch ‘ya” piece, the event was a success. Local business owners and members of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce were able to get a new look at the project as interior designs and layouts were on display.
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ON THE SCENE: IN JACKSON
SUNSHINE FOR SHARON
Community Comes Together to Help Mom Fighting Cancer PHOTOS BY PHIL STILTON
For years, the Jackson MOM’s Club has helped women in their time of need through the “Sunshine Angels”. Leading the angels has been Sharon Anderson, but when Sharon was diagnosed with cancer, the entire town came together for a person who has coordinate the help of so many others in the past years. The club hosted a gift auction at the Miller Avenue fire station. Items were donated from over 200 local businesses and individuals.
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JTOWN MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2014
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ON THE SCENE: IN JACKSON
KARATE DOJO HALLOWEEN PARTY Karate School Hosts Annual Scare-Fest PHOTOS BY PHIL STILTON
Master Eric Alders, Paul Alders and the staff at the Karate Dojo hosted their annual Halloween extravaganza in October as a safe-zone type of Halloween event for children in Jackson Township. The facility was packed with ghouls, goblins, ghosts, witches, princesses, superheroes and video game characters. The Karate Dojo is located in the Jackson Crossing Shopping Plaza.
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JTOWN MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2014
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