TheTOMS RIVER Times Vol. 19 - No. 33
In This Week’s Edition
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
Longtime County Leader Vicari Bids Farewell To Public Office
BREAKING NEWS @
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Government Page 7
Community News Pages 8-14
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 16
Inside The Law Page 21
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Photos By Bob Vosseller Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners Joseph H. Vicari reflects on his long career in public office. By Bob Vosseller OCEAN COUNTY – He’s been a fixture in county politics for more than four decades and his name was conspicuously absent from the ballot this year in the slot of Ocean County Commissioner. Joseph H. Vicari, the longest serving freeholder/commissioner in the state, is saying farewell. He first became freeholder in 1982. His sunset from public office however comes
with many fond memories, some challenging times and a host of accomplishments. In his private life he served as a teacher of English a nd social st ud ies, school supervisor, and principal at Veterans Memorial Elementary School in Brick from 1994 to 2003. He became superintendent of the Berkeley Township School District in 20032010 and 2011-2012. Vicari is concluding his 14 th ter m as
an Ocean Count y Commissioner, a title previously known as Freeholder. He served this year as director of the board, a position he has held a dozen times. From 1979 to 1994, he served as a member of the Dover Township Committee (now k nown as the Toms River Township Council). He served as mayor and also as police commissioner of the township for five terms. He grew up in Jersey City and it was his father who inspired him to go into politics. “I grew up in downtown Jersey City, an urban area, poorest section and I worked for the family business which was a butcher because my father was a butcher and my grandfather,” Vicari said. “W hen my father (Vicari - See Page 4)
December 23, 2023
“Heroes Against Hate” Honored By Stephanie Faughnan TOMS RIVER - The Jewish Federation of Ocean County recently hosted its annual “Heroes Against Hate” event to celebrate individuals committed to combatting the rising tide of antisemitism and hate in the community. An annual occurrence, this year’s event took on added significance due to increased attention to the Jewish community because of the war in Israel. Keith Krivitzky, the Managing Director of the Jewish Federation of Ocean County, served as the host for the event, held at the Jazmin Loft. “We call it our community caring event because, as the Jewish Federation, we want to embody that value in the community the Jewish community and the broader Ocean County community,”
Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Recipients of the Heroes Against Hate with members of the Jewish Federation of Ocean County’s Community of Caring committee. explained Krivitzky. However, recent years have seen the celebration take on a more urgent tone, as the region grapples with a troubling surge in hate and antisemitic incidents. Recognizing the need for proactive measures, Krivitzky emphasized the importance of not merely condemning hate but actively encouraging individuals to become “upstanders.” The term reflects
a commitment to standing up against hate, bigotry, and bias whenever encountered. “The best way to combat this isn’t just for the people affected to say, ‘That’s bad. Don’t do that,’” asserted Krivitzky. “It’s to encourage others to be called upstanders, to encourage others to stand up when they see hate, when they see bigotry, when (Prosecutor See Page 4)
This Month In History: How Well Do You Know Toms River? By J. Mark Mutter TOMS RIVER - To wrap up the year, some fun - a quiz on our local history! The answers are at the end of this column. No peeking! 1. Which European explorer first discovered what we know today as the Barnegat Bay? A. John Cabot B. Christopher Columbus C. Henry Hudson D. Giovanni da Verrazzano 2. In the historic “Blizzard of ‘88” - March 11 to 14 in 1888 - snow drifts of up to 15 feet were reported. What happened in Toms River?
A. Telegraphic wires were downed B. Rail service stopped C. The downtown village was completely isolated D. All of the above 3. How many women mayors has the township had in its history? A. One B. Two C. Three D. None 4. During the Second World War, an organization known as the “Toms River Service Center” provided a place of rest, relaxation, and
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comfort for the men and women in military service. The Center was run and supported by: A. The First Baptist Church B. The First Presbyterian Church C. The Confederation of Jewish Farmers D. All of the above 5. In 2006, our town’s name was changed from the “Township of Dover” to the “Township of Toms River.” There was a prior effort to change our name in: A. 1987 B. In the 1850s C. In 1799 D. All of the above
6. The Toms River Country Club located along the Toms River was once a 100 acre farm owned by a local lawyer, John Peter Haines. He was the president of the: A. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals B. American Red Cross C. Salvation Army D. First National Bank of Toms River 7. In the presidential elections of 1860 and 1864, Abraham Lincoln lost New Jersey both times. How did he do in Dover Township? 8. What Hollywood movie was filmed in (History - See Page 5)
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