TheTOMS RIVER Times Vol. 17 - No. 52
In This Week’s Edition
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Field Of Dreams Opens With An Inspirational First Pitch
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Community News Page 10
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 18
Inside The Law Page 22
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─Photo by Stephanie A. Faughnan Baseball star Todd Frazier returns Gavin Kane’s pitch to him. By Stephanie Faughnan TOMS RIVER – Fa n s wat che d i n heartful appreciation as 11-year-old Gavin Kane made his way t o t h r ow t he c e r e monial first pitch at Toms River’s Field of
Dreams last Saturday. The scene was even m o r e b r e a t ht a k i n g than Kevin Costner’s epic emergence from the cornfields to the pitcher’s mound in the movie that bears the same name. Gavin’s father, Chris-
tian, held him upright from underneath both arms as the young boy used all his might to make the throw. Te a r s of joy a nd a p pl a u s e ove r t o o k the crowd as Gavin’s pitch landed squarely i n t he c at che r’s
mitt waiting behind home plate. The unassu mi ng man i n a blue volunteer shirt who made the catch i m me d iat ely r a c e d toward the pitcher to congratulate him. Wel l-k now n a s a (Dreams - See Page 4)
Toms River “Bubble” Unveils A New Name By Alyssa Riccardi TOMS RIVER – The popular spor ts venue, the Toms R iver “ Bubble” h a s of f icial revealed its new name: the Rothman Orthopaedics Sports Complex at the John Bennett Athletic Center. Alexander R. Vaccaro, MD, PhD, MBA, President of Rothman Orthopaedic Institute
which is known for its work in musculoskeletal health and medicine, stated that the orga n i z at ion wa nted to con nect w it h the local community through high school sports. “We are thrilled to partner with the Toms River School District on the naming rights of the Bubble,” said Va c c a r o, who a l s o
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serves as the Richard H. Rothman Professor and Chairman of t he D e p a r t me nt of O r t h o p a e d ic s , a n d Professor of Neurosu rge r y at T homa s Jefferson University and Hospitals. “We’ve served the Toms River community for years and are honored to develop a true partnership dedicated to supporting and edu-
cating youth athletes.” The complex now h a s a new sig n a ge with the name draped between its two ent rances facing the newly-renovated parking lot. “This venue is eminently recognizable, and serves as an important physical asset for st udent athletes throughout New Jersey, as well as a finan-
cial asset for this district,” Superintendent Michael Cit ta said. “This new partnership with Rothman Orthopaed ics ma x i m i zes that value, while also bringing attention to t he g reat work be ing accomplished by the practice, which is especially helpful for the athletes and families utilizing the
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(Bubble - See Page 6)
May 7, 2022
Group Opens Central Hub To Help Homeless By Chris Lundy TOMS RIVER – A new group to help the county’s homeless just opened a new home of their own. The Housing Resource Center will be a centerpiece in providing services for our most at-risk residents. The Toms River Housing and Homeless Coalition began operating out of 200 Corporate Circle, off of Route 37, several months ago, but they had an official ribbon cutting recently. It’s led by Sue Jones, a pastor with Holy Cross Lutheran Church. The goal is to be a nexus connecting different agencies. “Our goal is to work ourselves out of a job,” she said. They’ll be working with Habcore, Inc., which provides housing and services for homeless in Ocean and Monmouth counties. Case manager Toni Ann Widmaier said that (Homeless - See Page 5)
Former Councilwoman Appointed As Department Head By Chris Lundy TOMS RIVER – For mer long-time Councilwoman Maria Maruca was appointed as the Director of the Department of Human Services. This department oversees the township’s senior services and outreach, municipal alliance, and the animal control facilities. “We’re fortunate to have a person with Maria’s compassion, management ability and leadership join the administration in this very important role,” said Mayor Maurice B. “Mo” Hill. “Maria is uniquely qualified to fill the very big shoes being left by JoAnn Benson. No one works (Council - See Page 5)
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