Times
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS, INC.
THE TOMS RIVER
Vol. 12 - No. 10
we know that the bay’s total nutrient loadings are significantly higher than heretofore recognized.” The State of the Bay 2016 Conference, held at the Gateway Building of Ocean County College on June 15, featured a who’s who of Barnegat Bay experts. Private sector and government scientists, academics, engineers and others held panel discussions during the event that was hosted by the Barnegat Bay Partnership (BBP, formerly the Barnegat Bay National Estuary Program). The conference was held in conjunction with the release of its State of the Bay Report 2016, an evaluation of the current environmental conditions of the bay and its watershed. The current conditions were compared to those from the last report, State of the Bay Report 2011, which enables the experts for the first time to determine trends of specific and measurable characteristics of the bay. Hales said the Bay ecosystem “weathered a historic cataclysm” between the 2011 and (Bay - See Page 4)
Funny In 90 Seconds
By Jennifer Peacock WHITING – Before she even asked if Julia Scotti wanted a table or booth, the waitress at Heritage Restaurant in Whiting told Scotti she killed it. “You were hysterical,” she said. “I don’t watch that show, but I turned it on because you were on there.” Scotti settled at a table in the quiet section, where 60s ballads were blasting overhead. While waiting for her grilled chicken Caesar salad and wheat toast, another patron leaving stopped by the table, touched Scotti’s shoulder and wished her luck.
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July 2, 2016
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The State Of The Bay By Judy Smestad-Nunn OCEAN COUNTY – The state of the Barnegat Bay remains one of nitrogen fertilizer, nuisance species and depleted shellfish, but experts shared some positive changes alongside the grave discoveries announced in a special conference hosted by the Barnegat Bay Partnership. Among the biggest problems facing the bay is eutrophication from the high nutrient load of fertilizer runoff, with the 2016 State of the Bay report and conference revealing those levels were higher than previous thought. The last State of the Bay report was completed 2011. The 2016 study shows that fertilizer runoff from lawns and other turf landscapes like parks and athletic fields is a significant and increasing source of the bay’s total nutrient load. “Our understanding of its causal factors have improved substantially,” said Barnegat Bay Partnership Director Dr. Stan Hales. “As a result of new science... not included in previous st udies,
Inside This Week’s Edition
Business Directory....................... 24-25 Classifieds......................................... 26 Community News........................ 10-14 Dear Joel........................................... 28 Dear Pharmacist ............................... 19 Dr. Izzy’s Sound News ..................... 18 Fun Page .......................................... 23 Inside The Law.................................. 22 Letters to the Editor............................. 8
“Oh, wow,” Scotti said. Scotti, who lives in Manchester, appeared on the June 21 episode of America’s Got Talent, hosted by Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Mel B and Howie Mandel. She had 90 seconds—not including waiting for the laughter to die down—to impress the judges and pass the audition. She mentions that her Twitter feed went from 600 followers to more than 3,000 almost overnight, and her Facebook feed is clogged with well wishes. She wants to answer each person, but even her agent (Funny - See Page 5)
With the
– Photos by The Toms River Times From top, Barnegat Bay Partnership Director Stan Hales; a stormwater basin in Laurel Commons; and the lagoon front Mariner’s Cove, Silverton. Background, the view from K Street, Seaside Park.
Block House Now Open
By Catherine Galioto and Judy Smestad-Nunn ORTLEY BEACH – After delays from weather since the project began, the Block House lifeguard building destroyed by Superstorm Sandy is now open. Township officials and lifeguard staff helped cut the ribbon on the new building, formally known as the Ortley South Lifeguard Building, in a ceremony June 24 at Fielder Avenue. The event was attended by Mayor Tom Kelaher, Councilwoman Maria Maruca and Councilman Kevin Geoghegan, who also noted the ceremony corresponded with the start of daily beach operations. For the season before June 24, the beaches were only guarded on weekends. Now through Labor Day, beaches are guarded daily. Nor’easters and other storms lead to some delays in completing the work, as the foundation which began in 2014 had to be buried before construction resumed 2015. Through last year, the frame, stories, walls and utilities went into the building, which is used as a lifeguard station of operations as well as public bathrooms. After the storm for the summers of 2013 through 2015, the staff operated from a trailer, and porta-potties were available. Township Engineer Robert Chankalian said the project was slowed by weather but (Block - See Page 20)
Fourth Of July Celebrations In Ocean County
OCEAN COUNTY – Looking for the nearest places to see fireworks? There are numerous Independence Day firework displays over the holiday weekend, as well as parades and other fun. Mark your calendar: July 2 to 4, Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson will hold its Fourth of July Weekend Celebration. Fireworks are scheduled for 10 p.m. every night. July 3: The Lakewood BlueClaws is
promising the largest fireworks in its history after the July 3 game, which starts at 7:05 p.m. For tickets or more information, visit blueclaws.com. July 3, Lacey Township will have a fireworks display at the Lacey Township High School. The fireworks will begin at dusk. July 3, The Lavallette Independence Day Extravaganza Fireworks and Concert will be held at the gazebo starting at 8 p.m. on
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