The BERKELEY Times Vol. 31 - No. 26
In This Week’s Edition
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Wreaths Placed On Veteran Graves As A Symbol Of Remembrance
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Government Page 7
Community News Pages 8-11
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 14
Inside The Law Page 20
Photo by Chris Lundy Wreaths were laid for each branch of the armed services, followed by individual veterans’ graves. By Chris Lundy BERKELEY – Dozens of veterans are buried at the cemeteries surrounding Faith Community Church. Some date back hundreds of years. Despite the length of time they’ve been there, a recent ceremony ensured that they will never be forgotten. Faith Community Church at the corner of Route 9 and Butler Avenue hosted a Wreaths Across America service, one of many held throughout the country recognizing and honoring past soldiers.
At the one in Berkeley, the Central Regional JROTC presented the colors and “Taps” was played. First, a wreath was laid for each branch of the armed services. This was followed by individual wreaths placed at each veteran’s grave. The volunteers doing this were encouraged to say the soldier’s name and thank them. True to the Wreaths Across America credo to educate the next generation, some of those helping with the wreaths were Girl Scouts.
Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Members of the DART Prevention Coalition of Ocean County join representatives from Ocean County College after the college was recognized with the Excellence in Prevention Award.
By Stephanie Faughnan OCEAN COUNTY - The spirit of collaboration and perseverance filled the room at the annual DART Prevention Coalition of Ocean County Year-End Celebration, as members reflected on a year marked by innovation, challenges, and measurable impact. The event brought together educators, law enforcement, health professionals, and community leaders. Their collective commitment to substance use prevention, mental health
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(Leaders - See Page 5)
Staff Praised For Handling Snowstorm By Chris Lundy BERKELEY – Mayor John Bacchione praised the township Public Works Department for handling Sunday morning’s snowstorm. “I don’t think a lot of us knew it was going to be as serious as it was,” he said. The forecast was for just a few inches and it wound up being about six. “The first plow hit the road at 4:30 a.m. and they’re still plowing today,” he said Monday night. He reminded residents that roads are plowed in order of how vital they are. The main roads get done first, then the roads that feed into that. The culs-de-sac, of which Berkeley has many, get done last because they are dead ends. “I ask residents and taxpayers to be patient; we have 271 miles of roads,” he said. One challenge the plows had was that people had parked their cars in the street, Bacchione noted. He gave kudos to Public Works Director Shawn Thomas and his staff, and said there was discussion of perhaps investing in different equipment for next year. Councilman Michael Signorile thanked Thomas for taking calls throughout the night about the storm. The estimated cost of snow removal was $240,000, Bacchione said. This discussion was held at the most recent Township Council meeting, where a lot of end-of-year paperwork and housekeeping was done. For example, the governing body approved the companies allowed to tow vehicles, and a junkyard’s annual license was approved. (Staff Praised - See Page 4)
(Wreaths - See Page 4)
Drug Prevention, Health Leaders Celebrated
December 20, 2025
Survivor Day Brings Awareness To Suicide Prevention By Bob Vosseller OCEAN COUNTY – Out of tragedy, some good can come and that is what drew people to the 6th Annual Purpose and Hope 5 Kilometer Run at the Island Heights municipal complex on the rainy morning of International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. The event was coordinated by the founders of Purpose and Hope - Kevin M. Schmiegel, his sister Kirsten Schenk and her husband (Survivor Day - See Page 17)
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Photo by Bob Vosseller Runners lineup for the start of the 6th Annual Purpose and Hope 5 Kilometer Run held in Island Heights.
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