MISSION OF HONOR
JTOWN NEWS
Forgotten Jackson Veterans Find Final Resting Place at VA Cemetary
by Phil Stilton Five servicemen who fought for America had been long forgotten after their deaths have finally been given a proper burial at Brigadier General Doyle Cemetery in Wrightstown. Their remains have been stored at the George S. Hassler Funeral home, some since the early 1980’s. Their burials were made possible through an organization called the New Jersey Mission of Honor. NJ Mission of Honor’s mission is to locate, identify and inter orphaned and abandoned cremains, accomplishing it through the joint efforts of various veterans organizations in order to provide honor and respect to those who have
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served this country in time of peace and conflict.
Through the efforts of the NJ Mission of Honor over 293 veteran’s cremains have been reunited with their families and 213 Forgotten veterans have been honored and interred - a total of 506 veterans finally resting in peace. The Jackson Marine Corps League, Jackson VFW Post and Jackson American Legion joined the Hassler Funeral Home and the Mission of Honor. Freeholder Gerry P, Little was also in attendance at the ceremony. The ceremony, held on September 13th was the 30th mission performed by the Mission of Honor. The ceremony honored, int total, 9 veterans who served in various branches through World War I, World War II, Korea, and Peacetime. After the ceremony, a motorcade escorted the veterans’ remains to Wrightstown. Photos by George S. Hassler Funeral Home.
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IN OUR TOWN
JTOWN NEWS
Jackson Township to Host 11th Annual Wounded Warrior Parade on October 13th by Samantha Novak
Department, Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Companies, This year marks the 11th An- Jackson Township First Aid nual Wounded Warrior event squads, Motorcycle groups, as well as many other grateful hosted by the Central Jersey individuals volunteering to Rifle and Pistol Club locatshow support for these brave ed on South Stump Tavern Road in Jackson. Mayor Mike soldiers. The escort should Reina has hosted the Annual leave the Justice Complex around 9:30 am. Mayor Reina Wounded Warrior parade/ escort each year since taking is looking forward to spending office in 2008. On Saturday time again this year alongside these courageous men and October 13, 2018, starting at approximately 9:00am, these women. veterans will be assembling at Residents, organizations and clubs can line up from the the Justice Complex in Jackson, as they prepare for their Justice Complex on West Vetride over to the Central Jersey erans Highway to the Central Jersey Rifle and Pistol Club as Rifle and Pistol Club. The a sign of support and to honor Warriors will be escorted by our Heroes. “The freedoms we the Jackson Township Police
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enjoy as Americans have been purchased and maintained at a high price throughout our history. We owe a great debt to those who have served in defense of our nation. For many, their sacrifice has ended in permanent injury. It has been a true honor to ride alongside these heroes each year as we escort them. Showing your support will only take a few minutes out of your day but will provide a lasting memory for these heroes,” stated Mayor Reina. The support from the community has been excellent and we look forward to this event each and every year. Spectators will be asked to
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safely park their cars along the roads, wave flags and show their support as the parade passes by. Any agency, club or group wishing to take part in this wonderful show of support should contact Mayor Reina’s office at 732-928-1200 ext.1211. All Wounded Warriors and Veterans from any War who are interested in attending should email Al Dolce at njgunfun@gmail.com. Mayor Reina is asking everyone to help make this a memorable day for all our Wounded Warriors by having as many people as possible participate by lining up on the travel route on October 13th.
NEVER FORGET
JTOWN NEWS
NEVER FORGET 9-11 SURVIVORS, VICTIMS OR THEIR FAMILIES by Art Gallagher A Part of me would like to forget September 11, 2001. It was a horrible day, parts of which I can remember like it happened last week. The phone call from my assistant asking if I’d heard about the plane crashing into the World Trade Center. The meeting where we didn’t discuss our work but were listening to the radio reports of the incident when the second plane hit. The horror when we realized that our country was under attack. The tearful phone call from my father who feared for a family member who worked in downtown Manhattan. The crowd that gathered in my Highlands backyard watching the smoke in the distance and
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the ferry boats docking with soot covered strangers. Phones stopped working. Sending my employees home early. The look on my wife’s face. That horrible day was followed by a terrible several
months during which I saw and smelt the smoke rising from ground zero. I remember the funeral processions, many without hearses, that drove past my Belford office for months on their way to and from St. Mary’s Chapel in New Monmouth. I remember the yellow ribbons on neighbors’ homes that seemingly never came down. I remember the emotional jolt I had during those months when I traveled outside of the area… to St. Louis, to Florida and even to South Jersey…how life was somehow still normal for the people I was interacting with in those places. The terrorist attacks were something they saw on TV. Compared to people who lost a parent, a spouse, or a close friend, my September 11 and ensuing months were unpleasant, not horrific. Compared to the people who were in lower Manhattan and survived while witnessing others jump from the towers, my day was just a bad day. Compared to the people who helped others get out of the towers, my day was a headache. Compared to the first
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responders who survived but witnessed the deaths of their brethren, my September 11 was just another day. Today let’s celebrate the resiliency and strength of the widows and widowers who raised their children over the last 16 years. Who created new families and joy while never forgetting their loved ones lost. Let’s celebrate the children who lost a parent that day and are now young adults starting their own families and careers. Let’s appreciate the people who have built new careers and companies while dealing with survivors’ guilt. Let’s pray for and support the people, adults and children, who have not recovered heroically, but who are still struggling. Part of me would like to forget that day. The memories feel disruptive. For some people, our friends and neighbors, the memories of that day are constant and unforgettable. TSeptember 11th is for them. Art Gallagher is the editor of More Monmouth Musings and a guest contributor for Shore News Network and JTOWN Magazine.
JTOWN NEWS
NEVER FORGET
Freeholders Remember 9-11 Victims Ocean County Freeholders and Constitutional Officers were joined by Congressman Tom MacArthur in placing wreaths at Ocean County’s Sept. 11 Memorial at the Ocean County Administration Complex in downtown Toms River during the County’s annual Sept. 11 Remembrance Ceremony. Ocean County Freeholder Director Gerry P. Little, Freeholder Virginia E. Haines, Surrogate Jeffrey Moran, Clerk Scott Colabella, Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy came together with Congressman MacArthur in remembering the events of the day and the 21 Ocean County residents that died in the attacks on the World Trade Center. They were among the almost 3,000 people killed as a result of attacks on the Trade Center, the Pentagon and Flight 93. A wreath also was placed at the nearby War on Terror monument, which lists the names of Ocean County residents who made the ultimate sacrifice while fighting the War on Terror. The Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Color Guard presented the colors and Sheriff’s Investigator Nicole Tamburro performed the Star Spangled Banner and God Bless America during the event.
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JTOWN NEWS
POLICE & FIRE
Live Shooter, Killer Training at McAuliffe M.S. The training was overseen by the training cadres of the Jackson, Lakewood and Manchester Police Departments with the assistance of several students who also participated in the various scenarios that the officers of the three agencies, as well as members of the Jackson School Security staff went through during the day long training. Training started with class instruction on the history of past incidents, proper response, and also included instruction on emergency medical response and combat On Wednesday August 29, “active killer” is used because tourniquet application. Officers 2018 the Jackson Police Deit may not always be a gun then went through instruction partment, with the cooperation that is involved in these acts, on tactical considerations and of the Board of Education, it could be a knife or other then a scenario which simulatconducted active shooter/killer types of weapons that our ed a response to an in-progtraining at the Christa McAu- officers have to be prepared to ress incident. liffe Middle School. The term respond to.
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POLICE & FIRE
JTOWN NEWS
Police Department Thanks Sunrise Assisted Living for Show of Support
he Jackson Police Department would like to thank Sunrise of Jackson Senior Living on North Countyline Road for extending the invitation to our officers to attend their annual first responders breakfast on Spetember 18th. We appreciate and thank you for your support of the agency and all of our town’s first responders.
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Jackson Station 55 Hosts Annual 9-11 Memorial Service Jackson’s Station 55 hosted their annual 9-11 memorial service with 343 American flags representing each of the 343 firefighters who lost their lives in New York City.
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COMMUNITY CARING
JTOWN NEWS
Girl Who Ran Lemonade Stand to Help Police Department Receives Special Day
This past summer, Jackson Police officers learned that Delaney Drury was supporting the department by selling lemonade in front of her house to raise money for the agency. The department showed their appreciation for the young Jackson girl this past week. “To show our appreciation for Delaney and her family’s support of our officers, P.O. Vincent Rubio organized a pizza party that Delaney and members of her family were invited to yesterday at police headquarters,” the department said. “She got to spend time with several of
our officers as they stopped in to visit with and thank her and have some pizza.” Delaney was presented with some items to commemorate the occasion, including a shirt signed by our officers and a Jackson Police challenge coin. She also presented Chief Kunz with a money order for the money which she raised with her lemonade stand that will be turned over to town hall to be put to use for the department. Guiseppe’s Pizza supplied the pizzas for Delaney’s party at police headquarters.
BUSINESS
JTOWN NEWS
Pine Belt Chevy Create Parking Spots for Veterans Pine Belt Chevy in Lakewood this week showed its appreciation for America’s veterans by adding veterans parking spots in their sales and service parking lots. In all, four spots have been designated for veterans parking. “I saw it at a restaurant up north and loved the idea,” said General Manager Dan Ariel. “I took a picture of it and had them do it. “We always support veterans and it’s the least we can do.” Ariel said Pine Belt Chevrolet in Lakewood also offers 15% off parts and service plus employee pricing on cars to veterans when purchasing.
FAQ: How Do I Submit News to JTOWN Magazine? JTOWN Magazine is YOUR magazine and most of our news is submitted by residents, township groups, charities and sports teams. Anyone can get published in JTOWN Magazine! Simply email your news submission and photos to news@shorenewsnetwork.com or visit our website at www.shorenewsnetwork.com and click on “Report News”. We look forward to hearing from you!
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ELECTION NEWS
ELECTION 2018
“Admonished” and “Corrupt” Senator Menendez Blocks Marine Veteran from Town Parade serving as a U.S. Senator, representing New Jersey. Hugin’s campaign as well as the float company were given confirmation to participate in the parade, but later learned that apparently desperate, career politician Bob Menendez’s campaign had intervened to prevent Hugin and his campaign’s involvement. Although Menendez’s corruption trial ended in a hung jury, he was severely admonished by his peers in the U.S. Senate. Marine Corps veteran, and “A person would have to be His cohort in the corruption former infantry officer said really petty to feel threatened trial, Salomon Melgen was found guilty and sentenced to embattle U.S. Senator Robert by his political opponent Menendez (D-NJ) was behind being in the same parade, but prison. Melgen, according to court his removal from a New Jersey apparently Bob Menendez parade this weekend. is,” said Hugin. “I would never records provided MenenBob Hugin, a retired Marine stoop to that level and it’s un- dez with a lavish lifestyle in Corps officer said he was fortunate that someone who notified this weekend that has been in Washington for 25 he was not welcomed at the years — and Hudson County Dominican Parade of Hudson politics for more than 40 years County because he is running — would be threatened by for office against Menendez, his opponent participating in a who narrowly skirted politparade.” ical corruption charges and Hugin has often criticized was even accused by federal Menendez for what he claims prosecutors of having sex with is a long history of political teenage prostitutes. corruption and scandals while
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return for political favors from Menendez. During the trial, federal prosecutors argued that Melgen treated Menendez to underage hookers, but charges were never filed after the hung jury decision. “This is another sad example of an out-of-touch career politician who’s afraid of having people in their community informed about Bob Menendez’s disgraceful record,” said Kenneth Gonzalez, Union City resident. Hugin attended the annual John Basilone Parade in Raritan in honor of the heroism of U.S. Marine and Medal of Honor recipient John Basilone. Basilone was killed during the Battle of Iwo Jima.
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ELECTION NEWS
ELECTION 2018
State Democrats Want North Jersey Money To Fund Jackson Campaign TOMS RIVER-State level Democrats are arguing over infusing the Jackson Township election with money from North Jersey Democrat Leader Vin Gopal. In the latest rift within the party, Monmouth County State Senator Vin Gopal penned a letter to Ocean County Democratic Party Chairman Wyatt Earp. In the letter, Gopal demands Earp not use the $10,000 cash donation he made to support the candidacy of Democratic Freeholder candidate Teddy Price who recently supported Bob Hugin for Senate and not Robert Menendez. In the letter, Gopal states that he used his “Senate account” to fund Democrats in Ocean County. Gopal instead wants his $10,000 donation to be used to support Democrats in Jackson Township. “As you know, I recently made a contribution of $10,000 from my Senate account to support the Ocean Democrats’ 2018 campaign Efforts,” Gopal wrote. “I am writing to ask for your consideration to not use any of that support, or support from any of your donors, towards the campaign of Freeholder candidate Teddy Price. Please use that financial support towards only electing Democrats at the municipal level this year.” Gopal would rather his $10,000 Senate donation be used in municipal elections in Jackson Township and Stafford Township where New Jersey Democrats are seeking to take control from Republicans, according to sources within the Democratic party in Ocean County. Infighting continues with Ocean County Democrat Party
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between hardline progressives and moderate Democrats Prior to Price’s support of Hugin for Senate, Gopal was silent on those charges and withheld the information he had on Price. Instead, he chose to sink his own party’s nominee and move his chips to black, in hopes that he can fund the takeovers of Jackson Township and Stafford Township this November. “I urge you to utilize this funding to support candidates your residents can be proud of,” Gopal demanded from the Ocean County chairman. “I implore you to utilize this donation solely to support local candidates. We must focus our efforts on developing strong leadership at the local level. Thank you for your consideration in this very important matter.” “Senator Menendez was charged in an 18 count indictment including bribery, corruption and making false statements,” Price said. “He got off with a hung jury, but the Senator was reprimanded by the bipartisan ethics committee. Yet Mr. Gopal isn’t concerned about the Senator’s unethical behavior while in office.” Right now township Republicans are facing a ticket that includes Tracie Yostpille, Brandon Rose and Paul Sarti. Over the summer, Sarti hosted a fund raiser and meet and greet at his home with Democrat Josh Welle, who had branded Jackson Township residents as racist. At this point it is not known if the team received Gopal’s $10,000 contribution since the ticket has not yet filed their election finance reports.
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ELECTION NEWS
ELECTION 2018
Martin: Governor Phil Murphy Wrong on Marijuana & Undocumented Immigrants
by Scott Martin, Councilman, Jackson Twp. Governor Murphy’s recent moves to legalize marijuana & provide additional financial assistance to undocumented immigrants is a slap in the face of New Jersey residents who are still outraged from an increase in taxes and severe reductions in school aid after school board budgets were passed. Jackson Students lost over 1.3 Million Dollars. Let me be clear I fully support legalizing marijuana for medical use. It is clear it is beneficial to those who are afflicted
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with cancer and other chronic medical conditions. As parents we fight every day trying to keep alcohol and drugs away from our children and now the Governor wants to make it easier for everyone to purchase marijuana and he cites the increase in revenue as his primary reason. As a Councilman and more importantly as a parent I am sickened by this. To legalize marijuana for everyone so the Governor can turn around and use the revenue it generates for undocumented immigrants is wrong. People who use marijuana often experience Anxiety, paranoia, Loss of coordination & inhibitions. Using marijuana on a regular basis can lead to an Increased risk of respiratory diseases associated with smoking, including cancer. Teens who smoke marijuana often see a decrease in memory and learning abilities and a decrease in motivation in areas such as study, work or concentration. (Partnership for
a Drug-Free NJ). Citing an increase in revenue as a reason to legalize marijuana and then establishing policies which provide college financial aid to undocumented immigrants to the tune of $425 Million is wrong. Establishing a legal defense fund ($2.1 Million) for undocumented immigrants facing deportation is similarly wrong. The Governor has also declared we will be a sanctuary state. There’s no telling what this will cost you the Jackson Residents and all of New Jersey. In establishing these policies now the Governor is hoping we will forget this come next
year’s election when the NJ Legislature is up. All New Jersey residents need to come together in 2019 and send the Governor and anyone who supports these outrageous policies and vote them out of office, so a new legislature can reverse these polices which are bad for all of New Jersey. Councilman Scott Martin, a New Jersey Governor Phil Republican is running for Murphy. re-election this November.
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ELECTION NEWS
ELECTION 2018
Reina Slams Murphy on Gas Tax Hike, Last Minute School Funding Cut
Reina and the township declared. “This cut came following the district’s finalization of its budget and staffing for the 2018-2019 school year which was complete in May.” Jackson Township by New Jersey state standards and guidelines is considered a wealthy community and receives less money back on its school taxes than many of the Jackson Township taxpayers states urban communities. “The reduction in state aid will continue to pay more will undoubtedly result in in school taxes than other the loss of quality teachers districts around the state, but and program available to our will now receive even less students,” Reina said. state aid in the recent bud=The township claims the get passed by Governor Phil failure to rescind this reducMurphy. tion in state aid will result in Mayor Michael Reina said today that the state aid cut is a devastating $17.5 million not fair to students and fami- impact on Jackson Township lies living in Jackson Township. In total, between 2018 and “RIGHT NOW, THE BIG2019, Jackson will lose $2.3 GEST THREAT TO JACKmillion dollars, leaving the SON TOWNSHIP IS THE members of the board of edADMINISTRATION OF ucation ina position to adjust their budgets to compensate. GOVERNOR PHIL MUR“Governor Murphy’s adminis- PHY AND THE TRENTON tration reallocated State school DEMOCRATS,” funding on July 1, 2018, resulting in a reduction of State -MICHAEL REINA, Aid to the Jackson Township MAYOR, JACKSON, NJ School District of $1.3 million each year for 2018 and 2019,”
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to move Jackson forward on projects such as the Adventure Sports and Entertainment complex and hotels adjacent to Six Flags Great Adventure, he’s worried about the climate in Trenton and how the Murphy administration could work to derail the progress made. “Right now, the biggest threat to Jackson Township is the administration of Governor Phil Murphy and the Trenton Democrats,” Reina said. Reina residents by 2024 and it is also criticized the recent gas the desire of the governing tax hike announced by Goverbody to oppose the reduction nor Murphy and the impact it school funding allocation to will have on Jackson residents, the Jackson Township School who mostly travel long disDistrict by Governor Murphy. tances each day to work. Reina said that while his administration is busy trying
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in our schools
jackson school news
High School Marching Bands Perform at Miss America Parade
Jackson Liberty News by Kristy Cipolla The Jackson Liberty Lion Band proudly represented their school and town as they marched down the famous Atlantic City boardwalk in this year’s Miss America Parade. All 52 Miss America contestants were present, but the band proudly lead Miss Tennessee and Miss Texas down the parade route, with onlookers cheering, clapping and singing along to the band’s
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“Patriotic Parade Medley”. Under the direction of Scott Katona, all 95 band members practiced hard over the summer, not only for the Miss America Parade but to learn and perfect their upcoming marching band show. Coming off last year’s status of NJ State Champions, this group’s work ethic and determination is high. The group will be performing in 10 competitions throughout the state and participating in
4 parades, some out of state. They also perform at halftime for the school’s football games. For more information on the Liberty band, you can visit their facebook page or website, www.libertylionband. com. Jackson Memorial News by Marybeth Learn
Marching Band participated in the annual Miss America, “Show Us Your Shoes” Parade on the historic Atlantic City boardwalk. This beloved Atlantic City tradition provides a spirit of celebration for the Miss America contestants to show off their state with fabulous outfits and of course, one of a kind, amazing shoes!
Ready to begin the 2018 marching season, Jackson Memorial High School Jaguar
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(Continued on Page 40)
JACKSON SPORTS Lady Jags Win OCT Tennis Championship
Kaitlyn O’Connor shutout third-seeded Cameron Durante of Toms River North at first singles, 6-0, 6-0. At second singles, top-seeded Hannah O’Connor beat third-seeded Mara Stapleton of Donovan Catholic, 6-0, 6-0 as well. Adriana Ugarte, the top-seed, also defeated Donovan Catholic’s second-seeded Ava Cahill, 6-2, 6-0, in the third singles final. Jackson Memorial recorded a win at first doubles as top-seeded Brandi Rado and Liz Pandolpho topped second-seeded Alexa Rosenboom and Sophia Martinez of Toms River North, 6-2, 6-3. Submit your sports news to news@shorenewsnetwork.com.
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Right behind the lead banner, the band excited the crowd with their signature sound. The rain and wind did not dampen the spirits of this dedicated band. Their performance of “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon and “On Broadway” by George Benson got the parade watchers on their feet. After an extraordinary 2017 season, winning both US Bands Group VI-A New Jersey State and National Championships titles, the band has been working hard to prepare
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for this upcoming competition season. Since last January, the percussion section has been rehearsing for this year’s show. Likewise, the ensemble and color guard started their rehearsals in the spring. The intense heat of this summer did not deter these dedicated, hardworking students from attending a two-week long band camp. Band camp ended with a Parent Preview Performance of the much anticipated debut of the show entitled, “The Circle”. The show is featuring selections from the
Broadway musical, “The Lion King”. The stunning, unforgettable music and brilliant artistry of this year’s band show excited the crowd. The passion and love for music and performing arts that these students have was felt by all. The band’s season runs from September to November 3rd, which is the US Bands National Championship Competition in Allentown, PA. Their season begins on September 15th at Brick Township High School. New this year, the marching band will be competing in Annapolis, Maryland at the Marine Corps Invitational on September 29th. It will be held at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on the campus of the United States Naval Academy. It is truly an honor to be accepted to compete at this event. The stadium serves as a memorial and is dedicated to the service men and women of the Navy and the Marine Corps.
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A sure way to see the band this season is to save the date; Saturday, October 6, 2018. The marching band will host its own home competition, “A Showcase of Champions”. It is a great night of music and visual artistry by sixteen of the best marching programs across state of New Jersey. The event takes place on Saturday, October 6th, at Jack Munley Field, on the campus of Jackson Memorial High School. The Jackson Memorial Jaguar Marching Band is under the direction of Jason Diaz and Eric Ficarra.
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