COMMUNITY CARING
JTOWN NEWS
Jackson MOMS Club Hosts Another Successful School Backpack Drive
The MOMS (Moms Offering Moms Support) Club of Jackson has had a very busy summer in the community. The past two months we have been collecting school supplies and met as a club to stuff over 50 book bags with supplies. We worked
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the Brandeis Foundation at Westlake, the Rotary Club of Jackson and all the community members who donated supplies. We also met one day to show the Jackson Police Department our appreciation for all that they do for us. The children got to visit with some of the Township Officers and we were able to provide the department with sandwiches closely with the Food Pantry of and salads as a thank you for Jackson and all the book bags all that they do to help keep will be distributed to students our children safe. in elementary through High If you are interested in joining School that have registered the MOMS Club of Jackson, with the Food Pantry. We please email membership@ could not have completed momsclubjackson.org for more this project without the help information. of several local businesses,
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ELECTION 2018
JTOWN NEWS
Congressional Candidate Declares Jackson One of Four “Racist” Towns in District 4 running against Congressman Chris Smith is held a town hall meeting in Jackson in August at the Sons of American Vets Post. A few months earlier, Welle (pronounced Well-Ee) said residents of four towns were racists, including Jackson. Welle had left no context as to why he singled out residents of four Central Jersey towns as racists. “I want to move this district forward,” Welle said. “I want to fight against racism and by Art Gallhager es to different audiences, but discrimination in this district.” the message delivered by one “But as you go to Howell and Political candidates often say local Democrat had Jackson Jackson and Allentown and things they don’t mean, or per- residents fuming. Millstone, and people who haps deliver different messag- Josh Welle, the Democrat voted for Chris Smith for 37
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years,” he said. “They’re not there yet.” During a gathering of the Monmouth and Ocean County Democrats last February when Welle was competing for the Democrat nomination to challenge Congressman Smith, Welle said that he wants to end discrimination and racism in the district, but that residents of Howell, Jackson, Allentown, and people who voted for Smith for 37 years, “are not there yet.” A video of Welle’s speech was published to YouTube. JTOWN Magazine has attmpted to reach Welle for a comment on this story, but he has ignored all requests.
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COMMUNITY CARING
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Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore Announces Phenomenal Women Under 40 Honorees
Samara P. O’Neill, Porter Plus Realty From a young age Samara Porter O’Neill was encouraged to live a life built upon the foundation of values. Such values focused on the importance of education as well as living a life of purpose. After earning her Master’s degree from Drexel University in marketing, Samara began the climb up the Fortune 500 corporate ladder. Before leaving the corporate world, to take over her fathers Real Estate legacy; she was an esteemed consultant, Director and Project manager. When her father passed away she walked away from corporate America and took on the challenging role of Real Estate broker while being a full time mom and heavily involved in her community. She has a passion for following in her family’s footsteps and showing her children the importance of risk taking and staying faithful to your roots. From taking on the challenge of her daughters elementary yearbook, to being a youth basketball coach, board member of YMCA, a member of the rotary club, volunteer at the Jackson food pantry and more; there is nothing she can’t find the time for. This is because Samara believes in giving back to the community ten fold and
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that being a role model for the youth is of the utmost importance. Samara’s positive attitude, strong work ethic, compassion, passionate drive and perseverance can be seen in all she takes part in. Everyone who knows her respects her for her ability to transcend challenges through perseverance and compassion. “Samara has a genuine heart and is eager to jump to the call of service for her community,” said nominator Allison Niedrach. “She is a do all, take charge, and love all the people kind of woman!” Samara plans on continuing to serve as a pillar in the community while instilling the important values she learned herself as a child. She also hopes that her company Porterplus Realty can continue to positively help the community while bringing the dreams of home buying for families to a reality.
2015. Snell attended Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, where she holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Accounting and Finance. Snell works as chief operating officer at Holman Frenia Allison, P.C. When she started working in 2005 she became one of the fasted moving accountants; she rolled up her sleeves and shifted focus inward on the heart of the company she grew to love. Her ambition kept her working while growing her family, which is often not the choice for women in public accounting since it is such a demanding job. “Sarah is a true role model for women not only in our firm, but in the workforce. She has proven that you can have an awesome career while at the same time being an amazing wife, mom, daughter and sister,” said nominator Lauren Holman, 2016 Phenom Award Recipient. “She does all of this with grace and elegance and honestly makes it look easy.” Snell implements and oversees a wide range of activities in all phases of administration, personnel, finances, facilities, and marketing for an 80+ employee firm with four offices located throughout New Jersey. She belongs to the New Jersey and National Chapters of the CPA Firm Management Association where she received the designation of “PAFM” Professional Accounting Firm Manager and graduated from the CPAFMA Leadership Institute in 2017. She is Sarah Snell, Holman Frenia a member of the New Jersey State Having the Girl Scouts close to Society of CPAs and serves on the heart, Sarah Snell is an active Student Programs and Scholarship member of the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore where she holds the Committee. She is also a new position of regional delegate to the member of the Junior League of Monmouth County, currently serving Board of Directors and serves on the council’s recruitment commit- on the Community Impact Council. tee. She is also involved as a troop leader for not one, but two troops in the Shore Pines Region since
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Laura Grunin The Jay & Linda Grunin Foundation Laura Grunin resides in Toms River with her husband of 18 years, Jeremy, and her three amazing children, Josh (17), Rebecca (15), and Emma (13). Laura makes her impact in the philanthropic endeavors of The Jay and Linda Grunin Foundation locally, with the goal of doing the same globally. She has helped implement school-based mental health services in the Toms River School system in order to benefit children in need. Laura is the Second Vice Chair of the Ocean County YMCA as well as a founding and active member of the 100 Women Campaign at Ocean County College, where she mentors nursing students. Although she is quite busy with her family as well as volunteering for non-profit organizations, she has recently gone back to school at NYU for her PhD in Nursing Research and Theory Development in order to maximize her nursing expertise in the same manner as her work at the Foundation - positive global impact. Although she does not necessarily believe she deserves this honor, her compassion, need to help others, and willingness to work hard all make it clear why she was nominated for this award.
JTOWN NEWS
ELECTION 2018
Four Running for Three Seats on Jackson BOE Jackson Township Board of Education members Vicki Grasso, Scott Sargent and John Burnetsky are running for re-election this November. Challenging the three incumbents is former school board member Gus Acevedo. According to the Ocean County Clerk, Acevedo is running under the campaign slogan “Gus for Us” and Vicki Grasso is running with the slogan “Keeping Kids First”.
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COMMUNITY
JTOWN NEWS
Roadkill: An Unfortunate Fact of Life In Jackson
In a town that is over 100 square miles of mostly preserved forests, it’s inevitable that you will eventually be faced with roadkill. Each week several deer are hit on Jackson’s many highways, along with skunks, squirrels, possums, racoons and other critters that roam
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our woods. What to do with those critters often leads to confusion for residents. In August, an unfortunate incident of a discarded, mutliated sheep carcass dumped on Allyson Road remained nearly a week later. Neighborhood residents
were upset, claiming animal control services were called and township workers simply moved the carcass, which was wrapped in a blue tarp to the side of the road. Eventually, the incident was escalated to Mayor Michael Reina. Reina said a call from a concerned resident today was the first his office had heard about the incident and informed Township Business Administrator Helene Schlegel. The next day the carcass was removed. Residents on Facebook offered many theories about the discarded sheep, ranging from a science experiment gone wrong to a religious cult sacrifice. So, who is responsible for removing dead animals from the roads?
“For dead deer notify DPW,” the mayor said. “Upon notification we request a pickup from the outside company contracted for deer removal. They are not always able to respond immediately.” For small and domesticated animals residents should notify Animal Control. When it comes to large farm animals, Reina said the township is not able to move such large animals. “In this case the animal weighed several hundred pounds,” Reina said. “Both DPW and Animal Control responded, assessed the situation, and special arrangements were made as soon as possible to remove it.”
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Land Cleared for Adventure Sports Complex, Hotel
Workl has begun on Route 537 in Jackson to clear land that will soon be the home of Adventure Sports and Entertainment, a multisport entertainment complex and the site of two future hotels. Mayor Michael Reina said the project is key to Jackson’s economic future in developing the properties adjacent to Six Flags, after nearly forty years of waiting.
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JTOWN NEWS
Jackson Soccer Blood Drive
The Jackson Soccer Club will be hosting a blood drive at the Jackson Justice Complex on Saturday, September, 29th. The event will start at 8:30 am and run until 2:30pm. The event is sponsored by the Central Jersey Blood Center. To learn ore, visit www.cjblood.org and click on “donate blood” to schedule an appointment. You can also call Will Weikel at 732-616-7671. Appointments are appreciated.
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COMMUNITY NEWS
IRWIN ---------------->
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<-------------------------IRWIN
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SPORTS
The Jackson U11 Girls Stampede, of the Jackson Soccer Club celebrates their victory after winning the 2018 Spring MOSA National 2 Division Championship.
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COMMUNITY NEWS
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Jackson Police Department Welcomes New Officer to Ranks The Jackson Police Department welcomed new Police Officer Robert Gravina after his successful graduation from the Ocean County Police Academy Basic Police Class # 105.
Gravina was the recipient of numerous awards while representing the agency. Those awards were the PTC Merit Award, the High Overall Award as well as the High Physical Fitness Award with a score of 456 out of 500.
Jackson Township Chief of Police Matthew Kunz welcomes Robert Gravina to his police department.
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Ocean County Freeholders Praise President Trump for Expanded Role at Joint Base
Presidebnt Trump’s announcement that a squadron of new Air Force KC-46A refueling tankers will be stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst is a victory both for national defense and the local economy, Ocean County’s Freeholders said. “This decision ensures that the base will continue to play an important role in the defense of our nation well into the 21st century,” Freeholder Director Gerry P. Little said. Trump signed a Defense Authorization Act that will base 24 of the new state-of-the-art aircraft at the base starting in 2021. “The decision by the Presi-
lion to the local economy each year,” Vicari said. “Basing these new aircraft here is not only vital to our national defense, but to our local regional economy as well.” The Freeholders also thanked Ocean County’s Congressional Delegation for its efforts to bring the new aircraft to the Joint Base. “Congressmen Chris Smith, Tom MacArthur and Frank LoBiondo work tirelessly to protect the base because they ity from any future base-closunderstand how vital Mcing efforts,” said Freeholder Guire-Dix-Lakehurst is to the John P. Kelly, Director of Law security of our nation,” Little and Public Safety. said. Kelly spearheaded the Freeholder Deputy Director county’s successful campaign John C. Bartlett Jr. said the to protect the facility from county has also worked closeCongressional base closing initiatives in 1995 and 2005. Kelly noted there were good reasons to base these new planes at the Joint Base. “The base is already home to the older KC-135 and KC-10 tankers, which are both being phased out,” Kelly said. “The men and women here have the knowledge and expertise to work with this new generation of aircraft.” The Freeholders passed a resolution in early 2017 encouraging the Department of Defense to station the new planes at the Joint Base.
ly with the military by purchasing natural land around the base and protecting it from residential and commercial development. “We’re doing our part to prevent encroachment close to the base, which has been a factor in other base closings around the country.” Freeholder Virginia E. Haines said the Joint Base is the nearest airbase to Europe and an ideal location for the deployment of forces overseas and to the Middle East.” “Our Joint Base has a long history of maintaining our forces around the world. These tankers will see that important mission continues for decades to come.”
Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari, liaison to the Ocean County Military Support Committee, said the decision would also help the local economy. dent to station these brand “The Joint Base is the second new aircraft here at the Joint largest employer in the state Base will help protect the facil- and contributes nearly $7 bil-
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SPORTS
JTOWN NEWS
Ocean County Forms Film and Television Advisory Commission to Spur Growth
Noting the many benefits Ocean County could derive from promoting and proactively pursuing film industry projects, the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders has created a new film and television advisory commission. “This industry has proven lucrative for many other states that have consistently offered tax incentives,” said Ocean County Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari, who serves as liaison to Tourism and Business Development. “Ocean County has many attributes to offer the film industry and we are hoping to get its attention. This would provide Ocean County with economic benefits including helping to boost tourism.” With the reinstatement of what is now called the Garden State Film and Digital Media Jobs Act, which was signed by Gov. Phil Murphy on July 3, the Freeholders took action on July 19 to replace the Film Advisory Committee established in 1979 with the new advisory commission. “The Ocean County Film and Television Advisory Commission will advise, serve as liaison and collaborate with the current New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Development Com-
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mission to effectively promote and proactively pursue film industry projects to take place in Ocean County,” Vicari said. “This would contribute to economic growth, create job opportunities and elevate the visibility of Ocean County.” According to the state, the Garden State Film and Digital Media Jobs Act, provides film and television production companies with business tax and gross income tax credits for certain expenses incurred while filming in New Jersey. The legislation will encourage production companies to locate in New Jersey, spurring economic growth and industry development. Vicari said the County’s commission will seek feature films, independent films, high quality television, and digital series, which can be a great benefit to the State and the local areas. “Film crews, producers, and all the staffing that goes with this would fill hotels and restaurants,” he said. “They would tap into and support local services and attractions and elevate the visibility of our tourism destinations. “This is a great opportunity to present our diverse culture and landscape and showcase our
attributes on a county website that is specifically designed to target and attract filmmakers,” he said. At the request of Freeholder
Vicari, the Freeholder Board also approved the appointments of the commission members. “They were chosen based on their experience working with film and television crews, their expertise on Ocean County and ability to represent the various areas of the County,” Vicari said. “They are all volunteers.” Ocean County Commission members are Tim Hart, Ocean County Historian; Toby Wolf, Director of Marketing, Jenkinson’s Boardwalk; Michael Redpath, Executive Director of Seaside Heights Business Improvement District; Liz Santoro, Director of Sales at Mainland Holiday Inn, Manahawkin, and Dana Lancellotti, Division Director, Ocean County Tourism and Business Development.
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JTOWN NEWS The Jackson Township PBA 168 hosted another successful National Night Out in August. Here are photos from the event published by the Jackson Police Department.
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NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
POLICE & FIRE NEWS
JTOWN NEWS
Cody MacPhearson’s Suspected Murderer Indicted
Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato announced the six count indictment of Alan McGinnis, 27, of Pemberton for the Murder of Cody MacPherson whose remains were discovered in the Colliers Mills Wildlife Management Area this past March. A copy of the Indictment is attached. On September 24th 2017, Pemberton Township Police Detectives filed a missing person report for Cody
MacPherson (DOB 07/15/1997) who recently moved to Browns Mills from Portage, Indiana. On March 19, 2018, at 1:32 p.m., the Jackson Township Police Department received a call from Richard Byrne, a District Warden with the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. Warden Byrne was conducting a controlled burn in the area between 433 and 483 South Stump Tavern Road in the Colliers Mills Wildlife Management Area. Warden Byrne was preparing the area for the burn when he observed human remains under logs close to the area of the burn. He then moved closer and noticed what he believed to be a human skull. Warden Byrne then contacted his supervisor via radio and requested a suppression team to respond to put out the burn in the area to preserve the evidence. Detectives from the New Jersey State Police Homicide Unit were contacted, and Detective Shaun Clark was assigned to work the investigation with the Major Crime Homicide Unit of the Ocean County
Prosecutor’s Office. Initial identification was made showing that the remains found were most likely those of Cody MacPherson, the missing person out of Burlington County. On March 20, 2018, at 10:00 a.m., a Post Mortem Examination was conducted at Community Medical Center’s in Toms River NJ. The Forensic Pathologist assigned was Dr. Dante Ragasa, who received assistance from Anna Delaney, a Forensic Anthropologist, and Dr. Stewart Alexander, a Forensic Odonatologist. Subsequent to the examination, Dr. Ragasa ruled the cause of death to be a stab wound to the left abdomen and the manner of death to be homicide. Dr. Alexander took photographs and X-rays of the teeth, and determined that all dental work observed was consistent with the records obtained for the missing person, Cody MacPherson. On April 17, 2018, D/Sgt. Joseph Itri of the NJSP was contacted by Anna Delaney, a Forensic Anthropologist, who informed him that the NJSP
Laboratory positively identified the remains found in Jackson Township to be those of Cody MacPherson by DNA analysis. On April 21st 2018 at approximately 0600 hours, two residential search warrants were executed in Pemberton Township and Jackson Township. The investigation revealed that during the early hours of September 24, 2017, Alan McGinnis of Pemberton, NJ allegedly stabbed Cody MacPherson multiple times at the residence of 234 Pardee Blvd in Pemberton Township, NJ. McGinnis then used a vehicle available at the residence to transport the victim in the trunk to the Colliers Mills Wildlife Management Area on South Stump Tavern Road in Jackson. McGinnis later traveled back to Pemberton where the scene was cleaned of visible blood and other evidence of the murder. Approximately one week later, the suspect returned to the site in which he disposed of the victim to destroy evidence associated with the crime.
COMMUNITY CARING
JTOWN NEWS
Jackson Kids Open Lemonade Stand to Raise Money for Lung Cancer Research Eight neighborhood friends from Jackson (Casey Fioretti, Kendall Fioretti, Abigail Falxarano, Sophia Falzarano, Aniella Ingenito, Mia Ingenito, Brianna Sirico and Katelyn Cullen) got together on August 18th to host their 2nd Annual Lemonade Stand for Lung Cancer. Casey and Kendall Fioretti lost two of their grandfathers to lung cancer this past year. When their mother’s father was diagnosed in 2015 with Stage 4 Lung Cancer, she
teamed up with the Lung Cancer Research Foundation to bring their “Free To Breathe Walk” event to the Jersey Shore. The event is a great way for those affected by a lung cancer diagnosis to come together for a great cause and show community support. In an effort to raise their own money for their team, the girls hosted their lemonade stand and invited family and friends from all over. The community came out in support of their efforts and the girls raised
over $600 to date. The Free to Breathe Walk at the Jersey Shore will be held this year on October 20th in Asbury Park, NJ. If you are interested in participating the link to register is: www.freetobreathe.org/jerseyshore If you would like more information on how you can sponsor, volunteer or participate in the event please email Jessica Fioretti at jessfioretti@hotmail.com.
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JTOWN NEWS
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NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
IN OUR SCHOOLS
JTOWN NEWS
Jackson kindergartener’s Christmas artwork receives national recognition their God-given artistic talents to proclaim the “Good News of Jesus’ Birth.” Penelope’s eye for art is recognized by her parents, who said, “Penelope sees beauty in reading, music, dance and especially art.” “One of her favorite art projects is creating story books with detailed illustrations of its characters, usually in the shape of hearts, in a fun and often comical adventure,” Marian Michael said, noting her daughter’s favorite art medium is Sharpies and that she is “very much fascinated” with Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa painting. “Penelope finds the painting both mysterious and intriguing. Her dream is to see the painting in person at the Louvre museum in Paris.” For the St. Aloysius School community, Penelope’s winning entry is a source of pride on a number of levels, especially since the school
By Mary Stadnyk, The Monitor An early Christmas present came by way of a national award for Penelope Michael. The kindergarten student in St. Aloysius School, Jackson, recently learned that she was one of 24 students nationwide to have her artwork chosen as a winner in the annual Missionary Childhood Association’s Christmas Artwork Contest. She also found out that her winning entry, which depicts an angel glowing in a yellow dress with arms wide open against a brilliant blue sky, will be on display during the Advent and Christmas seasons in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington. “Penelope was beaming with joy when she found out she was chosen,” said Penelope’s parents, Joseph and Marian Michael. “We are very thankful and blessed her artwork was selected.” Marian Michael added that the family is eagerly anticipating visiting the Shrine on Dec. 7 when they will attend a Mass and luncheon and all winners will receive
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a plaque honoring their achievements. In addition, all winning artwork will be available as shareable digital greetings beginning the first week of Advent. The history of the MCA Christmas Artwork Contest traces its roots to 1916 when the MCA produced the first Catholic Christmas seals in America to raise awareness of and support for the evangelizing work of the Church in the missions. MCA used children’s artwork on these seals since 1933. In 2005, MCA then introduced Christmas cards featuring the winning artwork in its annual contest. In all, 24 national winners are chosen with one grand prize winner from grades four through eight featured as the National Directors Christmas Card. Maryanne Roman, MCA co-coordinator in the Trenton Diocesan Mission Office, noted how, every year, the Missionary Childhood Association National Office, located in New York City, sponsors a Christmas Artwork Contest for students in grades kindergarten through eight in Catholic schools, parish religious education programs and home school programs in which they are invited to share
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regularly participates in the MCA Christmas Artwork contest and has had student winners in the past. “Our students participate in this contest for two reasons: to celebrate the Birth of Christ through artist expression and to share their God-given talent by supporting the work of the Missionary Childhood Association,” said Toni McEwan, art teacher in St. Aloysius School. “MCA focuses on children helping children through mission education, sacrifice and service. It’s a creative way for our students to share the Good News and to put their faith into action.” “It was a joy to watch Penelope create this work as she shared her enthusiasm celebrating the season. We are blessed to have had so many winners throughout the years. It’s a beautiful way to share our talents while supporting the great work of MCA,” said McEwan.
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