April 2019 JTOWN Magazine

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first thoughts... Spring has finally sprung and this month is a big one in Jackson as all of our spring sports are in full swing. Across Jackson, the trees and flowers are blooming and the gardens are sprouting. This month, there are several big events going on, including the annual Jackson Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony. Six Flags Great Adventure opens full time and the month ends as beach season begins. As you drive around Jackson and the winter potholes slowly get filled in as the season progresses, our town’s natural beauty begins to show as summer nears. There are plenty of places in town to take in the natural beauty, including Colliers Mills, Bunker Hill Bog Trail and the New Jersey Forest Resources Education Center. Spring is a great time to visit the NJ FREC, located between Don Connor Blvd. and East Veterans Highway. Check in at the welcome center and if you have a scout troop, they will provide guided tours for the scouts as they can explore Jackson’s pine forest, waterways and to dive into the past to see how Jackson residents of days gone by harvested maple syrup, gathered honey and cut down trees for timber and charcoal. JTOWN Magazine wishes all of our young athletes the best as their seasons continue through May!

Phil Stilton, Editor, JTOWN Magazine

Show Your Pride! Pictured Jackson Liberty jazz band. Send your news and photos to news@shorenewsnetwork.com to be featured in JTOWN Magazine!

What’s Inside: April in Review 2019 8 AT the library See what’s going on at the Jackson Branch of the Ocean County Library.

10 VINTAGE SHOPPE OPENS »»p. 8

Students open vintage clothing store at McAuliffe Middle School..

12 Weatherman DAN ZARROW Returns to HOlman NJ 101.5 Weatherman Dan Zarrow returns to Holman Elementary School to his roots to check out new weather station for students.

14 Council Facing another lawsuit »»p. 10

Another discrimination lawsuit has been filed against the township, this time against a town councilman.

28 JACKSON POLICE OFFICERS SAVE TEEN'S LIFE Township police officers save the life of teen at Jackson Roller Rink. »»p.12

32 GOP BACKS $6,000,000 MAN who RUNS Taxpayer FUNDED FIRM In light of the resignation of one of the most powerful political brokers in New Jersey, the Ocean County GOP has its eyes on pay to play listed firm owned by Jackson native.

39 IN OUR SCHOOLS Liberty Jazz Band wins championship. »»p.28 EMAIL NEWS@SHORENEWSNETWORK.COM with your Jackson News Tips! Call 732-333-3208 to find out how to advertise your business in next month’s JTOWN!

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EVENTS AT THE LIBRARY There are lots of great events happening this month at the Jackson branch of the Ocean County Library. Be sure to visit the library website online as pre-registration is required for many events.

JOB FAIR COMING TO THE JACKSON LIBRARY

The Jackson Branch of the Ocean County Library will host a job fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 11. Are you looking for a job? Connect with employers and businesses from diverse industries. Employment opportunities include office and administration, retail, healthcare, and more. This program is funded by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development Career Connections grant. The branch is located at 2 Jackson Drive. \Registration is required for this free event. To register, call the branch at 732-928-4400 or visit theoceancountylibrary.org/events. ■ May 11 Chromosome Paintings Exhibit In honor of National DNA Day on April 25th, the Ocean County Library Jackson Branch is hosting an exhibit entitled “Chromosome”. These paintings were created by local artist, Meg Ruisch, based on the results of her DNA testing. After she took a commercial DNA test, Ruisch discovered that she could download the raw genetic data and upload it to other sites and tools. One tool converted genetic code into colors, each representing a world reference population. The beautiful hues and what they symbolized inspired the artist to try many versions of this tool. Using a graphics program, she combined the results together, blending all the different ancestors’ origins into vibrant self-portraits of her heritage.

■ May 11 Jackson Job Fair Join local businesses ready to hire. Funded by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development Career Connections grant. ■ May 13 Mixed Media: Pen & Ink Cherry Blossom Trees Experiment with pen and ink to create a representation of cherry blossom trees. Ages 12 – 18. ■ May 13 Jackson Writers’ Group Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned veteran, the Jackson Writers’ Group will help you get your manuscript in shape. All genres welcome. Please bring several print copies of 3-5 pages of a work in progress for constructive critique. ■ May 15 Chocolate Chip Cookie Day Come make a variety of chocolate chip cookies. Please alert us to any allergies when registering. ■ May 17 Ocean County Library’s Homeschool Fair Featuring Keynote Speaker LaNissir James, Educational Consultant for HSLDA ■ May 17 Chinese Chicken Corn Soup: Cooking Demonstration Join us and celebrate Asian Pacific Heritage Month. Learn to make and taste ‘Chinese Chicken Corn Soup,’ a healthy and nutritious hot soup. Recipe provided. Please alert us of food allergies. Limited seating. ■ MAY 18 Jackson Police: A Look Back Join us as we celebrate National Police Week with local author and retired Deputy Chief of Police, Major Borden

■ May 20 Evening Film: Johnny English Strikes Again The new adventure begins when a cyberattack reveals the identities of all active undercover agents in Britain, leaving Johnny English as the secret service’s last hope. Called out of retirement, English dives headfirst into action with the mission to find the mastermind hacker. As a man with few skills and analogue methods, Johnny English must overcome the challenges of modern technology to make this mission a success. ■ May 21 Coloring for Adults: Asian Pacific Art Rediscover the joy of coloring as we celebrate Asian Pacific Heritage Month, and explore art from Asian Pacific cultures. Coloring sheets and art supply provided. ■ May 22 Alzheimer’s New Jersey Family Support Group Alzheimer’s New Jersey Family Support Groups are always free and open to the community. Support groups provide families and caregivers with the emotional support and education they need to better understand Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. ■ May 22 Superhero Storytime Come hear fun stories about superheroes. ■ May 23 Crafts for Adults with Special Challenges Join us for a fun craft and movie session! Participants are welcome to bring a bagged lunch. Caregivers must remain with the registered adult participant for the duration of the program. ■ May 24 Mindfulness Meditation: On Finding Yourself What does it mean to be human? Join us in this beautiful contemplative practice as we explore unveiling layers of conditioning through mindfulness and meditation. Open to novice and advanced practitioners. Comfortable clothes required. ■ May 24 OCL Puppet Show Players Present: How to be a T.Rex Sometimes being a regular human is a real drag. That’s why, when Sal grows up, she’s going to be a…Tyrannosaurs Rex! This puppet show is based on Ryan North’s How to Be a T. Rex. Check library website to ensure dates and availability of programs.

theoceancountylibrary.org | 2 Jackson Drive | (732) 928-4400



JTOWN NEWS

IN OUR SCHOOLS

Vintage Shoppe Opens At McAuliffe M.S.

by Jackson Schools Pride in Education. McAuliffe Middle School is now home to the very trendy Vintage Shoppe. The Vintage Shoppe, a thrift store that

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recently opened in the McAuliffe School Library, was the brainchild of physical education teacher Vicki Hay. With the help of librarian Lisa Crate, the dream came to life in the form of a fun, new ‘store’ where all

students are invited to shop. The Vintage Shoppe is a unique store because it allows students to shop for clothing and school items without the worry of not having enough money to make a purchase. Every single item of clothing in the store, whether it be a t-shirt, sweatshirt, jeans, sweater, winter coat or shoes is priced all the same: $1. Vicki Hay says of the Shoppe, “It was an idea of having a place for all the kids to go. We have so many different kids at our school, some who are needy and some who do not have an opportunity to have all the clothes they want. We tried to put something together that would help all of our kids at McAuliffe and make it a very cool place to shop.” “I like the idea not only for the kids who might need the opportunity to shop inexpensively, but also because it gives students at this level the opportunity to have some independence. As we all know, middle school (kids) in general like the idea of independence and being able to go and get things on their own,” Crate said, “The shop gives them that opportunity. It also gives them the opportunity to pick up some

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pencils or pens or notebooks, or anything they might need, at an inexpensive cost so they are prepared for class as well.” Principal Debra Phillips praised the teachers and students who spent time re-purposing a back room in the library into a retail space. “With new paint, new cabinets and clothing racks, with everything organized and labeled, it really was important to us that every student who wanted to shop there would be allowed to shop there. It is an open space for every child in the sixth, seventh and eighth grades to find something they might be interested in,” Phillips said. The Vintage Shop will be a permanent fixture as long as donations from the community, staff members and students keep being delivered. “We ask for gently used clothing and we look to make sure it is age and school appropriate. Whatever items we cannot use, we donate to another venue so they have the items for their programs,” Phillips said. Donations are accepted on a daily basis. All donations may be left in the large deck box located near the front entrance of the McAuliffe Middle School. Items should be left inside the box either before or after school hours.



JTOWN NEWS

IN OUR SCHOOLS

Weatherman Returns to Jackson by Jackson Education Association, Pride In Education.

Holman Elementary School students and staff are excited about sharing the news of a creative STEM initiative to the Jackson School District that provides students with a real-world example of how the study of science can turn into a fun and engaging career. Students and staff are using real-time data in the curriculum and project-based learning from Holman’s own WeatherSTEM weather station. The installation of this weather station puts the Holman Elementary School on WeatherBug.com and means Jackson now has a local weather point of data that feeds into national weather. Inspired by the weather station, Holman

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Elementary School contacted former Holman student and Jackson Memorial graduate, Meteorologist Dan Zarrow of NJ101.5. Mr. Dan Zarrow spoke to

students in grades K-5 about weather, meteorology, and how snow forms. Students and staff were blown away by his presentation and hope to have him back again soon.

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JEA Pride In Education Pride in Education is the quarterly newsletter published by the teachers of the Jackson Education Association. Years ago, the newsletter was printed and mailed to every student household in town, but budget cuts have eliminated the printing of the newsletter. Once each quarter, in conjunction with the JEA, JTOWN magazine publishes as much as the newsletter as we can to ensure the stories of the great deeds of our district teachers and faculty are told. You can read the entire newsletter on the Jackson School District website at www.jacksonsd.org and click on the newsletter on the main page.



JTOWN NEWS

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IN OUR SCHOOLS



JTOWN NEWS

IN OUR SCHOOLS

Dr. Seuss Night an Annual Success at Holman Elementary School

Holman Elementary School celebrated Read Across America with a week of fun activities. Crazy hat day, crazy sock day, dress-like-a-Dr. Seuss-character day, and the HOPE-PTA-sponsored Scholastic Book Fair— all of these events occurred during the week of February 25-March 1! The highlight of the week took place on the evening of Thursday, Febru-

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ary 28th when Holman held its annual “Dr. Seuss Read Across America Pajama Party.” Students and their families were invited back to school that night to listen to stories read by teachers and to watch a show of the Dr. Seuss book Horton Hatches the Egg performed by Holman staff members on stage.

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JTOWN NEWS

COMMUNITY CARING

Jackson Police Officer Recognized for Work with Veterans Support Services

In celebration of “Mental Health Awareness Month,” the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office congratulated Jackson Township Police Officer John Roth for receiving the “You Make a Difference Award” from the Mental Health Awareness Committee of Ocean County on May 1, 2019. Officer Roth a Marine Corps veteran, is one of the founders of Recalibrate, a peer support group for veterans with behavioral health needs. Recalibrate meets at 6:30p.m. every third Wednesday of the month, at the Mental Health Association of New Jersey site at 25 South Shore Drive in Toms River. Officer Roth also serves a volunteer mentor for OCPO’s Veteran Diversion Program.

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JTOWN NEWS

IN OUR TOWN

Jackson Police Officers Revive Teen After Fall at Jackson Skating Rink

Last month, Jackson police dispatch received a call at approximately 8:15pm that a 15 year old girl, later identified as Victoria Pyott, had fallen inside the Jackson Roller Skating Rink and was unconscious. Police Officers Anthony Riso, Cassiopeia De La Torre and Randall Trasky along with Sgt. Michael Grochowski were right around the corner from the call location and were on scene in less than a minute. Officers immediately surveyed the scene and the female to render aid when they discovered the female was not breathing and had no pulse. “During her fall, she broke her nose and cracked a tooth on the ground,” said Sergeant Fred Meabe. “Officers immediately jumped into action and started to perform CPR. After a few minutes a faint pulse was recovered but then lost again.

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Officers quickly reverted to their training and delivered a shock from their department Defibrillator. “ Multiple shocks were delivered to Victoria in conjunction with CPR being continuously administered to her in an effort to keep her alive. Jackson First Aid Squad arrived and began to treat her along with officers on scene. After several minutes a continuous pulse was retrieved. She was then transported to Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus by the first aid squad while be accompanied by MONOC paramedics. All parties involved were integral in the process of ensuring the best care for Victoria. She was transported to Monmouth Medical Center before being transported to the Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia where she is now well on her way to making a full recovery,

according to Meabe. “Speaking with Victoria’s father, Robert, he had stated that she suffers from a heart condition which required her to have a pace maker installed. Although the pace maker was not a factor in this incident, it did record that Victoria’s heart rate shot up to 280 bpm where a usual heart rate is around 80 bpm,” Meabe said. “Because of her heart rate shooting up so high, it led to her going into cardiac arrest before finally having a heart attack.” Victoria’s mother, Marlene, stated that the doctors said the officers and first aid personnel who delivered CPR did it “Perfectly” and were a huge reason why Victoria is alive and with us today. Victoria has now been outfitted with an upgraded pacemaker which also has a defibrillator should an event

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like this ever occur again. “We are proud to say Victoria is back to leading a full life, and while still under care,” Meabe said. “[She] should still have a great summer which is what any 15 year old should be looking forward to. Additionally we were advised that since the incident, Victoria has already been back at the Jackson Roller Skating Rink as she is showing no fear! Way to go Victoria!” Meabe said the Jackson Police Department usually does not report on incidents like this for a multitude of reasons. “But we also don’t come across incidents like this normally as well. Speaking with the family,” Meabe said. “They were so happy and willing to share their story and thank the officers who saved their daughter’s life. We want to take the time to thank the Pyott family for allowing this story to come to light as well as thank our officers, our volunteers at the Jackson First Aid squad, the Jackson Skating Rink personnel who were so quick to section off the incident location and even go as far as to hold up blankets so the officers could work in seclusion and for the family.” Sgt Meabe thanked the Jackson Township Council for allotting the funds to purchase items such as defibrillators and other necessary lifesaving equipment. “Please be reminded that if you ever need assistance for any reason, we are only a phone call away and as always we want to thank the supportive residents that we are so lucky to have,” he said.





JTOWN NEWS

GOVERNMENT NEWS

Jackson Native Who Earns $6,000,000 in Taxpayer Funded Contracts Seeking to Take Over Ocean County Republican Party

by Phil Stilton TRENTON-A New Jersey Election Commission report filed by Frank B. Holman, III with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission shows that the leading

candidate for Ocean County GOP Chairman received $6,304,466.68 in public contracts in 2018. According to “Pay to Play” records on file with the State New Jersey dating back to 2013, Holman’s firm earned over $28,000,000 in public funds, while donating $578,000 to political candidates in the municipalities where his firm receives politically appointed accounting contracts. The 144 page document provided by the State Election Commission’s “Pay to Play” “referee” database shows Hol-

man’s political and financial influence across the state of New Jersey. A search on the state’s pay to play database of Holman’s opponent, Frank Sadeghi, owner of Morgan Engineering of Island Heights yielded no results, confirming Sadeghi’s campaign claim that he does not receive public contracts. Sadeghi pledged that should he win the May 15th election, he would not seek public contracts. When asked about the huge sums of money Holman’s firm earns as a result of his current political activity, Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholder Virginia Haines said the party’s leadership isn’t concerned, because that’s how it’s always been. “Nobody seemed too worried about that,” Haines said. “The thought never came into account because that’s just the way it’s been through the years.” Holman Frenia Allison, P.C. – Political Contributions 2018 – $97,910.00 2017 – $114,655.00 2016 – $93,320.00 2015 – $87,910.00 2014 – $92,090.00

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2013 – $95,925.00 Holman Frenia Allison, P.C. – Payouts 2018 – $6,304,466.68 2017 – $6,741,551.30 2016 – $6,072,093.95 2015 – $5,628,837.9 2014 – $5,634,599.76 2013 – $4,640,079.50

An Internet meme has been circulating, depicting Holman as the “$6 Million Dollar Man”, based off the popular 1970’s television show.

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JTOWN NEWS

GOVERNMENT NEWS

Holman Frenia Firm Funded New Jersey’s 2018 Blue Wave that aided in the slate’s victory was none other than the trio of Robyn Gedrich (Bernie Sanders’ Tinder Girl), Mitch Seim (Former Lakewood Democrat County Committeeman) and Marta Harrison (former Lakewood Mayor). They are the same financial contributions to the ASBURY PARK-Another Democrat political investigation into the political “Pallone Team” of Long Branch, operatives that have orchescontributions of Holman Frenia according to the New Jersey trated successful campaigns Allison, where Ocean County Election Commission’s “Pay to against Republicans in Ocean Play” database. GOP Chairman front-runner County, taking over the Toms The contribution aided the Frank B. Holman III serves as River and Brick school boards. partner in the firm uncovered complete victory of the Long The team also was responsible more contributions to influen- Branch mayoral and commit- for the complete sweep of tee seats by Democrats. tial Democrats at the Jersey the Brick Township mayor and According to Team Pallone’s council to Democrats and the Shore. website, the support group In 2018, the firm made taking of three seats in Toms

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River by Democrats in 2017. In 2018, that slate was stopped in Ocean County while trying to take over the Jackson Township mayoral and council seats. Holman’s firm made a $500 donation to the campaign last February, while small and well within their right, raises questions about Holman’s ability to serve as the Republican Chairman of Ocean County on one hand, while his firm openly and actively supports Democrat political campaigns in the other hand. Holman’s firm last year was also awarded an $89,000 contract from the City of Long Branch in the May election aftermath for accounting and auditing services.



JTOWN NEWS

GOVERNMENT

Establishment Republicans Resorting to Bullying Tactics Against Public Employees Frank B. Holman (L) and Frank Sadeghi (R) running for GOP chairman election. Reports that establishment Republicans in Holman camp bullying employees.

TOMS RIVER-The Ocean County Republican Party elite today officially endorsed Frank B. Holman, an accountant and partner of Holman Frenia Allison in the May 15th Republican county committee election to elect a new chairman after the resignation of longtime chairman George Gilmore. The official endorsement was delivered this week on OCGOP letterhead bearing the signatures of 18 of the county’s top elected officials and party elite, urging the 900-member body to vote along with them for Holman, whose firm receives over $6,000,000 annually in politically appointed public contracts statewide. Holman’s firm is listed in New Jersey’s election “pay to play” database. The letter was signed by Interim Chairman George Buckelew; Vice Chairwoman Barbara Lanuto; County Clerk Scott Colabella; Senator Robert Singer; Surrogate Jeffery Moran; Sheriff Michael Mastronardy; Senators James Holzapfel and Christopher Connors; Freeholders Virginia Haines, Joseph Vicari, Jeffery Little, Jack Kelly and Gary Quinn; Assemblymen David Wolfe, Gregory McGuckin; Ronald Dancer and Dianne Gove. The letter urged rank and file Republicans to get behind their anointed choice, which was

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made without the consultation of party chairs, mayors or local councilpersons. “Governor Murphy and the New Jersey Democrats are convinced, that the strongest and most important Republican County Organization in the state, is in disarray and about to collapse,” the letter said. “It is of the utmost importance that all Ocean County Republicans quickly unite behind a new Chairperson to lead us forward.” The letter urged, “Now is not the time to show weakness or division.” The letter suggested that the 900-member body should fall in line with party leaders. Many rank and file Republicans are concerned about the choice presented by the elders, including Holman’s nearly $28,000,000 in public contracts across Ocean County and the state. Democrats often railed former Chairman George Gilmore over his public contracts which peaked out at just $2.4 million annually. Many feel the continuation of a new “patronage” driven party boss could further weaken the party’s future. Others are upset that the party has engaged in aggressive tactics to push rank and file elected officials into line behind their choice. In a mailer sent out by Sadeghi, the claims of intimidation

and harassment were echoed. An internet meme circulating showing OC Chairman candidate Frank Holman as the “Six Million Dollar Man”. “It is being alleged that a single freeholder and two state legislators are threatening the jobs of local mayors, council members and municipal chairs if they don’t support their handpicked candidate,” Sadeghi said. Sadeghi said the establishment elite of the party are employing the same tactics the National GOP used to try to suppress President Donald J. Trump. “Sound familiar? If true these are the same establishment tactics used to try and deny President Trump our party’s nomination in 2016,” he said. “It failed then, and it will fail now.” Critics and insiders have criticized Holman’s excessive wealth amassed through political patronage appointments and over $6,000,000 of revenue documented in New Jersey’s official state “Pay to Play” database. Sadeghi’s firm does not engage in business that would be deemed “pay to play” under New Jersey election law. Many insiders have dubbed Holman as the “Six Million Dollar Man”, a reference to a 1970’s era television show in which actor Lee Majors played a role of Colonel Steve Austin, injured in a crash, but after a

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six million dollar makeover, he became the “bionic man” with super speed and reflexes. That makeover cost the government $6,000,000 in the television. In Holman’s case, the reference is about his firm’s annual intake of government revenue of over $6,000,000 annually. Sadeghi said voters should use their own conscious when voting on May 15th. “As a member of the county committee, you – and only you – have the power to elect our next chair,” Sadeghi said. “Don’t be intimidated and don’t allow yourself to be bullied or threatened. No one can tell you what to do or how to vote.” Sadeghi pledged that if elected chairman, he would not accept any government contracts for his business, he would support the presidency of Donald J. Trump, he would work to make the Republican party more inclusive and host monthly meetings with Republicans to get their input to drive the future of the county party. According to David Wildstein, editor of the New Jersey Globe, former Chairman George Gilmore is supporting Holman and the establishment pick. Insiders have reported to Shore News Network the actions of several high-level elected officials using tactics of intimidation, even threatening elected officials who also hold public jobs within the county, some shared recordings of those calls with Shore News Network. No officials or committee members would go on the public record to discuss their conversations out of fear of retribution from the party elite.





JTOWN NEWS

BAND NEWS

Liberty Jazz Band Wins State Championship

This month, the Jackson Liberty Jazz Band earned the title of Cavalcade of Bands 2019 NJ State Champions. The regional event took place at Shawnee H.S. on Saturday April 6th. 14 bands performed that night and Jackson Liberty was awarded Best Overall band. Not only did they come in 1st, but they received superior ratings and took the award for Best Trumpet and Trombone Section in the State. Anthony Demateis, a junior at the school and a trumpet player was awarded with being one of the best soloists in the state. When the jazz season began in February, the group didn’t know what to expect for the year. After winning the first competition they attended, they went on to win every single

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competition thereafter scooping up awards along the way for best sections and soloists. Anthony Demateis, a Junior in the band, has won seven best soloist awards just this season. He explains, “Earning best soloist awards throughout the season and at the state festival is the most rewarding feeling I have ever experienced in my life and I am very excited to see what happens next year.” Louis Santos, drummer for the band and Senior member states, “I feel that our dedication and passion to the band really shows in our season’s success.” Scott Katona, the band’s director says, “This year’s success is attributed to the kids. We have a great group that wants to learn and do well and they did just that.”

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JTOWN NEWS

ENTERTAINMENT

Exciting Events on Schedule for Six Flags Great Adventure

Six Flags hosts its annual Fast Tracks and Food Trucks festival that showcases delectable cuisine from around the world, as well as craft beer on tap. The festival is free with theme park admission and food options are available for an additional fee. Guests can enjoy various dishes such as gourmet Italian street food, empanadas and Cuban sandwiches, or authentic gyros, Belgian waffles with a French touch and much more. The 18 food trucks are located in Movietown May 4 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and May 5 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Seating and live entertainment is available inside the Movietown Arena. Discounted daily theme park tickets are available for purchase online at www.sixflags.com/greatadventure Mother’s Day – May 12 Six Flags invites mothers to enjoy their day at the World’s Ultimate Thrill Park. Moms can experience a fulfilling Mother’s Day with family and friends by enjoying the record-breaking coasters, adorable animals and tasty treats available throughout the park. WONDER WOMAN Lasso of Truth Member Appreciation Event – May 18 Six Flags Members can celebrate the launch of WONDER WOMAN Lasso of Truth with an exclusive Member Appreciation Event. Members will ride this world record breaker before it opens to the public May 23. All Gold Plus, Plati-

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and safety patrol. Middle School STEM Day – The STEM event is geared toward Middle School students who will focus on STEM activities. There is a new middle school STEM workbook with in-park activities. Students can download the new, free workbook here: https://www.sixflags.com/ greatadventure/special-events/ educational-event/middle-schoolstem-day Business & Marketing Education Day – Six Flags invites middle and high school students to learn about business by showing them the marketing tactics of a theme park. There will be a business and marketing presentation at 11:00 a.m. at the Showcase Theatre. Following the presentation, the num, Diamond and Diamond Elite park will announce the winner Members will have the opportunity of the business and marketing to ride the world’s tallest pendulum challenge. The challenge asks ride all day, and meet WONDER students to design a business plan WOMAN at various times between for concerts, sporting events or 11 am and 5 pm. The event will marketing non-profits. This activity include double points for Memis done in advance of the trip and bership rewards, a limited-edition helps participants gain insight into WONDER WOMAN Lasso of Truth a future career. pin, free snacks, and a dance party with the Member DJ during the WONDER WOMAN Lasso of launch party. Truth Opens to the Public – Catholic Youth Rally & Matt May 23 Maher Concert – May 19 The world’s tallest pendulum Six Flags welcomes its guests for ride, WONDER WOMAN Lasso of a day of praise in the park May 19. Truth, opens to the public May 23. A program will run in the Showcase Towering at a staggering 17 stories Theater from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. A tall, this jaw-dropping, spinning mass will be held in the Northern disk reaches speeds up to 75 miles Star Arena at 5 p.m. Following the per hour as it spins and swings to mass, guests are welcome to stay breathtaking heights. as Christian music artist, songwriter Highlights include: and worship leader Matt Maher Massive, 17-story pendulum that performs in concert. Doors will swings back and forth; open at 6:30 p.m. for all other 40 riders propelled in counterconcert attendees. clockwise circles as the ride swings May 22 (Private event – continuously; Memberships, Season Passes Speeds of nearly 75 miles per and regular day tickets are not hour. valid) Memorial Day Weekend – Students will experience an May 25 to 27 exclusive education day May 22. As summer quickly approaches, The safari will open at 9:00 a.m., Six Flags offers special ways to celand the theme park will open at ebrate the Memorial Day weekend: 10 a.m. Exclusive Education day Garden State Comic Fest: Great allows students to observe class- Adventure Edition – May 25 & room principles at work in real-life 26 settings from the Six Flags staff Six Flags teams up with Garden who work in the field each day. State Comic Fest for another funPrograms include physics, STEM, filled mini-con May 25 and 26 from business and marketing, biology 12 to 7 p.m. The comic fest takes

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place in the Metropolis section of the park. There will be comic book and toy vendors as well as artists doing sketches for fans of all ages. Children 12 and under are permitted in costume (Fright Fest makeup and costume rules apply). John Wesley Shipp who played THE FLASH on the original TV series and currently plays Henry Allen and Jay Garrick on the CW Network’s version will join Comic Fest for meet and greets, autographs and photos both days of the event. Charlie Schlatter who voices THE FLASH in THE LEGO Movie will also join Comic Fest both Saturday and Sunday. Comic Fest is free with theme park admission.

LA X 96.3 Memorial Day SummerFest Feat. Jowell y Randy – May 27 Six Flags teams up with 96.3 LA X for Memorial Day SummerFest May 27. The concert begins at 5 p.m. and is free with active Membership, Season Pass or theme park admission and features Jowell y Randy, Lyanno, Shino Aguakate and Brea Frank. Jowell y Randy have solidified their place as Latin music superstars with international success and collaborations with popular names in both Latin and urban music genres . Puerto Rican singer Lyanno fuses R&B and hip hop. Aguakate is a well-known comic and urban artist now working as a beloved radio personality in New York. Frank, also known as “The Voice of the People” in the Dominican Republic, serves as an influential figure on the island’s airwaves as a DJ, TV host and philanthropist. Together, this comedic duo hosts “La Gozadera,” — comedic approach to the latest music, entertainment and pop culture.





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