The JACKSON Times Vol. 18 - No. 36
In This Week’s Edition
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
Top Educators Honored In Each School
BREAKING NEWS @
jerseyshoreonline.com
Inside The Law Page 11
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 14
Dear Pharmacist Page 15
Classifieds Page 19
─Photo courtesy Jackson Schools Teachers from Jackson’s 10 schools recently gathered to receive recognition as part of the annual Teachers of the Year award program held during a Board of Education meeting. By Bob Vosseller JACKSON – It hasn’t been easy for educators in the last two and a half years given the COVID-19 pandemic - so the inclusion of an awards presenta-
tion during a recent Board of Education meeting proved popular by teachers and the public. B o a r d P r e s id e n t Michael Walsh introduced t he teacher s
who received awards saying, “tonight we have the pleasure of celebrating this year’s Teachers of the Year and Educational Services Professionals of the Year. In honoring
them, I didn’t really want to use the word ‘resilient,’ although our honorees certainly are. I also didn’t want to focus on how well they have had to adapt
(Teachers - See Page 4)
Policies Make It Tough To Help Homeless
By Chris Lundy OCEAN COUNTY – It should be easy to reach out and help those who need it the most. Yet there are a lot of barriers that society has constructed that make it difficult to reach out. Recently, there was a Point In Time count in which local homeless
were surveyed so that they could be given the help they need. The counts translate into how much money the area will get, however, the federal government has it a bit backwards, some said. Since the goal is to reduce the number of homeless, you are rewarded if your
nu mb e r s go d ow n . E s se nt ia l ly, you’r e getting more money for fewer people. If your homeless count goes up, you are penalized, and you are given even less money to provide services to an even larger crowd. The pandemic has required social distancing, which means that
there are fewer people housing is the main allowed in shelters. problem. T here are It’s also caused staff- homes, but none withing levels to fall be- in reach for the homecause volunteers and less. employees can’t come M ichele Vit iel lo, in if they are possibly case coordinator for contagious. Vil lage Resou rces, Ev e r y o n e i n t e r- was on hand to t r y viewed in relation to for housing solutions. t h is issue says t he The difficulty is that same thing: the lack there are few t r uly of t r u ly af ford able (Homeless - See Page 7)
February 26, 2022
Bus Drivers Get Raise To Attract Workers
By Bob Vosseller JACKSON – District officials announced they would be increasing the bus driver pay rate to $30 per hour as a means to combat their bus driver shortage that has created an unprecedented staffing crisis. The shortage of bus drivers is not unique to Jackson but it has been a persistent problem for the school system’s transportation department. Business Administrator Michelle Richardson explained that by adding this new enticement it would help address a problem that has existed for years. “If we can’t get students to school, they can’t learn - and our ability to do that consistently is at risk due to this crisis.’’ “This change will allow us to recruit and retain qualified, dedicated staff members who are vital to the operations of this district,” Richardson added. (Bus - See Page 8)
Local Filmmaker Promotes New Jersey Movies
By Bob Vosseller BRICK – Filmmaker Thom DeMicco recently gathered with friends, fans and members of the Garden State film community for the premiere of his new short film which he hopes inspires others to make more productions in New Jersey. DeMicco’s newest film, “Kiss Me Judas: Chapter 1” premiered on February 17 at Dingbatz nightclub in Clifton. The Brick born filmmaker, author and martial arts trainer was influenced by the films of Lloyd Kaufman, Stanley Kubrick, Frank Capra and fellow New Jersey native Kevin Smith. “I have been in the film industry for the past four years working with Troma Entertainment (Filmmaker - See Page 8)
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