The BERKELEY Times Vol. 26 - No. 48
In This Week’s Edition
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
Governor Sued, Senior Communities Want To Use Their Buildings Again
BREAKING NEWS @
jerseyshoreonline.com
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 18
Dear Pharmacist Page 19
Classifieds Page 25
Inside The Law Page 27
May 15, 2021
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
─Photo by Chris Lundy Community pools, like this one at Holiday City South, remain closed by executive order. By Chris Lundy BERKELEY - The Senior Coalition of Berkeley Tow nsh ip and the Holiday City South Homeow ners Association are suing Gov. Phil Murphy and the New Jersey Department of Health to enable senior residents to use clubhouses and other amenities again. Councilman Michael
Signorile is President of the Coalition and of Holiday City South. He said they will be represented by Paul Leodori P.C. of Medford in this matter. They are seeking an affirmation of the rights of both age-restricted associations and their members living in Berkeley “to be able to enjoy fundamental rights guar-
anteed under both the New Jersey and United States Constitutions.” The complaint was filed on May 4, and as of this printing the case is set for June 7. Mayor Carmen Amato has offered his support as well by fi ling jointly with the Coalition. Township Council President Angelo Guadagno (2nd Ward)
Local Artist Pursues 100 Paintings In “Shore Things” Project
By Alyssa Riccardi JERSEY SHORE – A local artist has taken on the personal challenge of creating 100 paintings in a project titled “100 Shore Things.” Melissa Hood, an artist from Point Pleasant, launched the new project on ─Photo courtesy Melissa Hood April 1 with a goal to paint 100 Jersey Melissa Hood painted scenes from around Shore-themed paintings in 100 days. the Jersey Shore, including this one in Hood began her project with the idea Seaside. (Artist - See Page 4)
and Councilwoman Sophia Gingrich are also standing firm with the Coalition. They each represent senior communities in Berkeley Township and understand the need for the senior communities to reopen. Signorile said his goal is to “Get our community, especially our
Berkeley Fighting 25% Gas Rate Hike
By Chris Lundy BERKELEY – The governing body is fighting against a proposed increase of 25 percent to New Jersey Natural Gas rates. “Six years ago they proposed a 24 percent increase in rates. Just three short years ago, they proposed another 19 percent increase in rates. To be back so soon for another large increase is totally unacceptable,” Mayor Carmen Amato said. According to New Jersey Natural Gas, their proposed rate increase will raise an average monthly bill to $141.17, up $28.07, or 24.8%, for a typical customer who uses 100 therms a month. The system works like this: utility companies make a proposal for an increase, the Board of Public Utilities holds a hearing and then sets what the increase will be. In the past, people have been critical of this system, stating that utility companies overshoot a proposed increase knowing that the BPU will settle on a figure they can live with. “A $336.84 yearly increase on our seniors on fixed incomes and our hard working families in the middle of a pandemic is outrageous,” Amato said. “The proposed increase would create an undue financial hardship on our homeowners. Especially our senior citizens who struggle on a daily basis to make ends meet. I am calling on the executives of NJNG to sharpen their
(Senior - See Page 6)
(Gas - See Page 4)
5K Raises Money For Just Believe
By Chris Lundy TOMS RIVER – A 5K is just over three miles. 16,000 feet. It’s a long distance, and the money raised can go a long way. The 5K was held at Winding River Park and run by Recalibrate, an organization that delivers “social connection for disconnected veterans and first responders” by using wellness activities such as fitness, surfing, yoga, and peer recovery meetings. “We are a group of veterans who are banding together to spur one
another on to lives of betterment and purpose. We are experienced, credible, and available for one another,” the group’s website stated. The event raised $5,000 and awareness for Recalibrate and for Just Believe, which takes care of the homeless in the area. “Together, we raised awareness for the cause and have raised over $5,000 in just under a month. The support from the (Fulfill - See Page 8)
TO ADVERTISE, CALL 732-657-7344 EXT. 206