The MANCHESTER Times Vol. 27 - No. 35
In This Week’s Edition
BREAKING NEWS @
jerseyshoreonline.com
Community News Page 10-12
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 18
Inside The Law Page 21
Dear Joel Page 21
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
Manchester’s Firebreather Is A Hot Act To Follow By Bob Vosseller MANCHESTER – It is said that some people are just full of hot air. For one township resident, it is a bit more than that. He breathes out fire. Needles, the township’s own fire breathing human, took center stage recently at the 20th annual Lakewood Renaissance Faire. He drew a lot of applause from the audience with his spectacular spouting of flames high into the air and managed to do so without scorching his tongue. His real name is Eric Lotz and originally, he was from Berks County, Pennsylvania but for about seven years now he’s called Ocean County his home. “I came to Brick but most recently I’ve been livi ng i n M a n che s t e r Township.” When asked how one becomes involved in performing as a fire breather, Lotz said, (Act - See Page 4)
–Photo courtesy the Lions Club Of Lakewood Manchester resident Eric Lotz, better known as Needles the Fire Breather shows his dragon like ability to spit out flames during a performance at this year’s Lakewood Renaissance Faire held in Pine Park.
Are Food Banks Affected By Rising Food Prices?
By Alyssa Riccardi JERSEY SHORE – As food prices surge throughout the country, it’s affected the economy in more ways than ever. Higher prices have left many families and individuals struggling to have food on the table for them-
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
selves. Along with the inflating prices, many grocery stores and super markets are experiencing a shortage in products to put on their shelves. With the COVID-19 pandemic still is full force over a year later, the increase in food
cost is just another hurdle for most. These effects are hurting individuals more during the holiday season. Some residents now need to rely on food banks and pantries to support themselves. But how are food banks (Food - See Page 5)
December 11, 2021
Update Given On Cell Phone Tower
By Bob Vosseller MANCHESTER – During just about every Township Council meeting, someone asks the governing body about the status of a tower that will provide added cell phone coverage in the community. Resident Judy Noonan wanted to make sure that residents of her senior community who have been asking questions about that issue get some answers. “What exactly is going on about the cell phone tower? There are all kinds of rumors going on about the cell tower. We need the proper information,” Noonan asked the governing body. Business Administrator Brandon Umba responded, reading from an e-mail he received at 7:58 a.m. that day from Lisa Govostes, the project manager for American Tower Corporation. “I send her for a weekly update on what is going on and here is what it says today. ‘I found out that Verizon didn’t install yet because they had to change their equipment configuration. In order for them to change their configuration they have to submit an application and new revised plans to us, (meaning American Tower Corporation) they are working on that now and I will pass it along to you as soon as I receive them,” Umba said. Umba added that he had reported that during the prior meeting as well. “They sent me plans (Tower - See Page 5)
Renewable Energy Plan Put On Hold
By Bob Vosseller MANCHESTER – During prior meeti ng s , C ou n c i l m a n James Vaccaro has reminded the governing body of the need for a renewable energy master plan for the next decade that would include electric charging stations and seeking ways to use
renewable energy like solar, wind and geothermal. In more recent meetings however, he’s called for that plan to be put on hold. “I continue to recommend to the council that it be placed on temporary hold as we evaluate the various impacts of the new federal infrastructure bill that was
passed on November 6,” Vaccaro said. He wants to see how the “state of New Jersey, counties, municipalities will be impacted by the bill.” President Joe Biden’s infrastructure plan was put forth earlier this year, to rebuild roads, bridges, and rails. Other aspects include access
to drinking water and high speed internet. Pandemic Not Over Vaccaro also reminded residents that the coronavirus health crisis was not yet over. “I recommend everyone to continue to wear face masks when desired, wear protective (Energy - See Page 4)
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