LauraLea and Tripp Fabulous switch it up to please crowd

After LauraLea and Tripp Fabulous played their first set at The Marlin in Beach Haven Saturday night, club-goers were already complimenting the band members on their “awesome” musical talent and “fantabulous” selection of songs. Though it’s clear the five-piece cover band exudes a natural ability to put on a gifted performance, the members said its their dedication to making sure “everyone in the room has a really good time“ that makes them so entertaining.

“Our style is to accommodate whatever the crowd in front us wants. We literally will change our set list,” said lead vocalist and guitarist LauraLea Taraskus.

Photo by Ryan Morrill
The band plays to a geared-up audience at
The Marlin in Beach Haven Saturday night.

Taraskus, who started the band 11 years ago, said she writes a fresh set list for every show after arriving at the venue and will even use hand signals while on stage to alert the other band members of mid-performance changes. The group prides itself on playing one song into the next, leaving no room for dead air during sets.

After individuals who were part of the LBI Bar Cycle Tour requested the band play Zac Brown Band’s “Chicken Fried,” the group altered Saturday evening’s line-up to include a few country-ish songs from Shania Twain’s “Man, I Feel Like a Woman” and Taylor Swift’s “I Knew You Were Trouble” to “Wagon Wheel” by Old Crow Medicine Show.

“We weren’t going to play any country. We were supposed to go right into Sublime after Blues Traveler,” said Taraskus, who claimed the lineup also had to accommodate her latest head cold because there were just some songs she would not be able to sing.

The band’s first set included other crowd-pleasing songs from Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” and “Lucky” by Daft Punk to “Ho Hey” by The Lumineers and Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin’.”

Although the band members, who are full-time musicians that hail fr

Photo by Ryan Morrill
Taraskus has been singing for
over 20 years.

om all over the tristate area, have only been playing together for a few months, Nate Hall, the group’s keyboardist and other vocalist, said the members’ individual talents are what make their gigs so captivating.

“Everybody can hold their own very well,“ he said. “They’re great musicians, and together we just have a really great time. Drama normally overshadows bands, but with us it’s just fun.”

The other band members include Mike Joy on bass, Jake Wiener on drums and guitarist Steve Miceli, who’s the only other original member left.

To help switch things up, the group also likes to play their own renditions of popular songs by adding slight twists. During Saturday’s performance, the band played different mash-ups by incorporating Daft Punk’s “Lucky” into Montell Jordan’s “This Is How We Do It.”  “Talk Dirty” by Jason Derulo was also played to the tune of Nelly’s “Hot in Herre.”

“People never expect it,” said Taraskus. “It takes a minute for people to catch on. We just do that for our own fun.”

Though the musicians said they love playing music for a living, Taraskus, who’s a single mom, acknowledged the gigs are a job.

“We can call ourselves musicians, but we’re selling booze. I hate to downplay it, but we’re selling booze, especially in the summertime. We’re selling a party,“ she said. “We want the bartenders to many money. We want the club to make money. We want everyone to make money so that we get asked to come back.”

Of course, living in the limelight has it perks.

“At the same time we can have fun with it. Playing music sure beats working for a living. My life is a full-on vacation,” said Taraskus. “I show up for work, I get to express myself creatively, I’m the center of attention, I get paid to be in bars and have fun. I hear a song on the radio – we learn it. It’s so fun to perform.”

Although she agreed the hours are tough and traveling can be tiring, Taraskus compared her career to a “lifetime of karaoke.”

“Think about how fun karaoke is. It’s so fun,“”she said. “We also get to take it and make it our own. We play it our own way. It’s not just learning words. It’s learning the whole song inside and out, learning what other song fits with it and throwing that in there, or going into it or out of it. It’s not work at all, not at all.”

— Kelley Anne Essinger


This article was published in The SandPaper.

Fines, penalties increased for texting or talking on hand-held phone while driving

Individuals in violation of New Jersey’s amended motor vehicles law aimed at the use of wireless telephones and electronic communications, which took effect July 1, will notice their wallets feel a little lighter. The amended law, authorized by Gov. Chris Christie on June 27, disallows the use of any hand-held device in a motor vehicle, even while stopped in traffic or at a traffic signal, and now calls for more expensive fines and heightened penalties for offenses.

The fine for a first offense has increased from $100 to between $200 and $400. A second offense will result in a fine between $400 and $600, and three or more offenses will result in a fine of $600 to $800. Each violation requires a mandatory court appearance.

For third or subsequent violations, three motor vehicle penalty points will also be charged. The court may also suspend the offender’s driving privileges for 90 days.

Photo via Google
Texting or talking on a hand-held phone while
driving is a primary offense in New Jersey.

“Nobody pays attention to the law anyway. Maybe now they’ll start doing it,” said Beach Haven Police Capt. Matt Greenwood. “You drive up and down the Boulevard all day long and see people talking on their phone and texting (while driving). It’s very common that people are violating this.”

According to the law, use of a wireless phone and any other hand-held communication device includes, but is not limited to, talking or listening to another person, texting, or sending and receiving electronic messages.

The newly amended law requires one-half of the fines collected to be paid to the state treasurer for allocation to the Motor Vehicle Commission for use in developing a public education program, which must include information on the dangers of texting while driving. The other half of the accumulated fines will be divided equally between the county and municipality in which the violation occurred.

“If you’re going to text, the best thing to do is pull off to the shoulder and turn off the vehicle. That’s where it should be done,” said Long Beach Township Police Lt. Paul Vereb.

He suggested turning on the vehicle’s four-way flashers for added safety.

“Do what you have to do so you’re not creating a hazard on the road,” he urged.

Many major studies have found that texting while driving is just as dangerous as driving drunk with a blood alcohol level twice the legal limit, Vereb added.

Between June 10 and July 9, Beach Haven officers ticketed 20 individuals for using hand-held communication devices while driving. Greenwood said that number of tickets in violation of the law is about average for Beach Haven during this time of year, as the population “skyrockets in the summer.”

However, that number does not include the number of issued warnings, said Lisa Schmied, a Beach Haven patrol officer for the past six years. On average, she said, the number of times Beach Haven patrol officers stop drivers in violation of the distracted driving law can rise into the double digits during a period of 24 hours.

Many summer visitors who live out of state are often unaware of the law in New Jersey, she said.

Pedestrians or bicyclists texting at intersections or when crossing roads also create potential hazards for themselves and drivers, especially in areas in Long Beach Township where people have to walk across five highway lanes, Vereb said. Though some drivers might immediately stop, other drivers who are using a cell phone might not have enough reaction time before braking.

“It’s part of the issues that we have,” said Vereb, who lost his brother, who was hit as a pedestrian by a car in 1987. “It’s amazing how some of the electronic technology that we have is making us really more unsafe when we’re out there walking or driving.”

According to the law, drivers are permitted to use a hands-free device if it does not interfere with standard safety equipment.

While Greenwood said he personally does not have a problem with people using a hands-free device to answer a call while driving, he said making a call usually requires individuals to pick up their phone. If they do not pull over, it is considered a violation of the law.

Vereb suggests staying off the phone altogether when operating a vehicle in heavy traffic areas.

“You don’t want your mind wandering,” he said. “You want all your attention on the traffic in front of you, especially in a high construction area like on the (Garden State) Parkway the way it is, or going over the Route 72 bridge. You want to make sure you’re there and you’re concentrating on what you’re doing.”

Vereb suggested setting up an app that sends an automated “I’m driving” alert to incoming calls or text messages.

Current law allows drivers to use a hand-held phone only to report an emergency to the proper authorities. The driver must keep one hand on the wheel at all times.

“It’s one thing if there’s an emergency, you’ve got an aggressive driver you’re trying to report, or there’s a car accident,” said Greenwood. “Call 911, get the police or medical personnel out there faster. But if you’re just talking to your family or friends, you shouldn’t be driving.”

Despite the new increased penalties, Schmied believes the violations will continue to occur.

“People are just so used to it. You have your phone with you all the time, and if it rings you’re going to either look or you’re going to pick it up, unfortunately – especially the younger kids, who might not know any better,” she said. “We get a lot of contractors here, too, that might not have the Bluetooth, and even though you tell them to get it, they’re answering calls from customers.”

On the other hand, Vereb said he believes the stricter penalties will ultimately encourage drivers to follow the law and put down their phones.

“As people get more and more fines, you’re going to have more people adhering to the law because they don’t want to get fined,” he said. “Through enforcement, you do see people following the laws.”

He likened the situation to the Click It or Ticket campaign that started in the 1990s, which has encouraged drivers and their passengers to routinely wear seatbelts, thus diminishing the number of fatal accidents attributed to the disregard of seatbelts.

Greenwood and Vereb said their patrol officers have been enforcing the hand-held device law since it was first enacted and will continue to do so.

As part of the federally funded Street Smart NJ program, a new public education, awareness and behavioral change campaign being piloted in five New Jersey communities, including Long Beach Township, the local division’s motorcycle and bicycle units are also closely watching pedestrians and drivers at intersections to make sure they are following the law, said Vereb.

“Our police department takes it very seriously, and we look at it as a major distraction,” he stated.

— Kelley Anne Essinger


This article was published in The SandPaper.

New signs detail state park rules at the High Bar Harbor dike

The High Bar Harbor dike is a beautiful place for people to relax and enjoy the area’s natural habitat. However, many individuals are unaware that the setting is a part of Barnegat Lighthouse State Park and that there are rules and regulations to abide by when visiting, said Cynthia Coritz, park superintendent.

According to Coritz, residents in the area have reported complaints about violations of state park rules, including swimming and the launching and landing of watercraft as well as the improper cleanup of dog droppings. A major part of the problem, Coritz said, is a lack of information.

Photo by Ryan Morrill
Terrapin Nesting Project volunteers Kathy Lacey
and Sarah Wadsworth check out the new park signs.

“People may not know, especially if they’re seasonal folk on Long Beach Island, that (the dike) is state property and that all the rules and regulations of other state properties apply to that area,” she said. “Unless people walk through the gated area, there are no signs to tell them what’s allowed and what’s not allowed. We need to make them aware of what the rules and regulations are. We’re trying to educate them and let them know what the policies are so that the activities (that aren’t allowed) won’t occur.”

To help rectify the situation, nearly 60 high school students attending the Harvey Cedars Bible Conference teamed up with members of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and State Park Service Tuesday and Wednesday mornings to set up nearly 20 state park boundary signs and also clean up litter in the area. The signs highlight the many different rules of the state property.

“What we also want to emphasize is that dogs have to be on a leash, at a maximum of 6 feet in length,” said Coritz.

Park officials are also trying to help protect the native wildlife there. A northern diamondback terrapin hatchery setup near the entrance of the property, which currently has more that 1,700 eggs, is of particular concern.

Kathy Lacey, who began the Terrapin Nesting Project primarily based out of High Bar Harbor in 2011, spoke with volunteers about the importance of adequately caring for this species of special concern. Making sure the terrapins have a safe place to lay their eggs during nesting season, which takes place between May and July, is critical to their survival.

“There is no natural place for the terrapins to nest anymore, and if we’re going to have any left, we need to provide a place for them to naturally incubate because they can’t incubate in the clay and stone substrate that are all over the house in the yards now,” said Lacey. “They don’t have any beach left. All of their bay beaches have been taken over.”

The dike is also full of raccoons, which dig up the terrapin nests and eat them, she said.

Dogs running loose could also potentially disturb the nesting process, added Cortiz.

The dike is a “nice place to walk your dog, or go for a walk, bird-watching, or take pictures of the lighthouse. We’re trying to balance that use with protecting the natural resources up there,” she said.

— Kelley Anne Essinger

This article was published in The SandPaper.

For A.J. Meerwald crewmember, life is about living 'day by day'

Rather than navigate through Little Egg Harbor’s complex channel system, the A.J. Meerwald schooner, which was scheduled to arrive in Beach Haven Friday, July 25, for public education programs, opted to use the easier-to-navigate Barnegat Inlet. The vessel has been docked near the lighthouse in Barnegat Light.

Changing with the tides is something Ceili Brennan, the Bayshore Discovery Project’s youngest deckhand educator aboard the A.J. Meerwald, has had to get used to since she began sailing on the authentically restored oyster schooner in March. She currently lives on the ship with eight other crewmembers.

Photo by Liam McKenna
Ceili Brennan is the youngest
deckhand educator aboard.

“I never know my schedule. I kind of just live day by day,” she said. “I love being on the ocean and living on a boat. A good community aspect comes from it naturally. You’re living in close quarters with other people for months at a time so you get to know people pretty well,” she added.

After graduating from college with a degree in biology and earth and environmental science just a year ago, the 23-year-old Brennan said she knew she wanted to work on a tall ship. She first learned about tall ships, which are sailing ships with high masts, when the Sea Education Association, the internationally recognized leader in undergraduate ocean education, hosted a program at her high school. Brennan grew up in Bergen County. As a kid, she spent her summers with family on Long Beach Island.

According to officials at the Bayshore Center at Bivalve, a nonprofit organization that owns and operates the A.J. Meerwald as a hands-on sailing classroom throughout the region, the vessel was one of hundreds of schooners built along South Jersey’s Delaware Bay shore before the decline of the shipbuilding industry, which coincided with the Great Depression. The A.J. Meerwald was designated as New Jersey’s official Tall Ship in 1998.

For the past four years, the A.J. Meerwald has been stopping at LBI during the summer season for public sails and deck tours. Before arriving in Barnegat Light last week for five days, the vessel spent about 3½ weeks in Jersey City. Ten campers ages 13 to 17 spent five days and four nights aboard the ship while it was anchored in the Raritan Bay. Before offloading in Barnegat Light, where the teens’ parents picked them up, they spent most of their time learning about nautical education, including knot tying and navigation, Brennan explained.

“It’s a good way to get a different perspective on a place you’ve known for a while or have vacationed to,” she said. “A lot of people probably haven’t seen LBI on the water from a giant tall ship.”

Wouter Zwart, Brennan’s friend and fellow deckhand educator, said he really enjoys the educational aspect of sailing on the A.J. Meerwald. This is the Arizona native’s second time sailing on a tall ship.

“I really believe in hands-on education, both as a teacher and a student,” he said. “Working on a ship is a lot about building on trust. You really rely on everyone since you’re working with dangerous stuff. And you have limited privacy. Sailing attracts unique, hard-working people who can put up with long work days.”

Brennan and her shipmates will continue sailing on the vessel in the New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware region until October, educating the public on the ecology of the region’s waterways as well as teaching basic seamanship skills and discussing the ship’s history.

“It’s fun being in different places all the time,” Brennan said. “I’m from New Jersey, but I haven’t been around New Jersey in a couple of years, so it’s kind of fun to get to know it again. I’ve explored a lot of new places.”

When the public is on board for an educational sail, Brennan helps raise the schooner’s sails and also helps lead the different educational stations. Topics of discussion range from water quality to oyster dissection. A 16-foot trawl that scoops up bottom-feeding fish such as crabs, horseshoe crabs and mussels is also used to educate the public.

“It’s kind of like college in that you’re living at work,” she said. “There’s no difference between home and work. Sometimes alarms go off. In that way it’s kind of like you’re always at work.

“I think the thing I miss the most is having a life that’s the same every day, where you have a routine. But at the same time, that’s the thing I’m trying to escape most,” she added. “That’s what I love most about being on a boat, not having to do the same thing every day. So it’s a trade-off.”

During days when she has off from working on the schooner, Brennan gets to tour around town. While on LBI, she plans to visit friends and family, including her grandparents who have a summer home in Surf City and her aunt and uncle who have a home in Harvey Cedars.

Spending time at the beach was also on the agenda before the ship moves to its next port of call in Atlantic City.

“We haven’t seen a real beach in a while. We’re excited to go swimming,” said Brennan. “We’re not allowed to swim off the boat for insurance reasons, so we’re really excited that there are beaches around here.”

— Kelley Anne Essinger

This article was published in The SandPaper.

Children's concert at Veterans Bicentennial Park in Beach Haven

Photo via Asbury Park Press
The concert will be held at the park gazebo,
located on Beach Avenue.

Children 6 months to 6 years old will get a chance to enjoy a concert just for them at Veterans Bicentennial Park, located on Beach Avenue between Engleside Avenue and Amber Street in Beach Haven, on Monday, July 28. Performed by Makin’ Music Rockin’ Rhythms of Media, Pa., the concert begins at 7 p.m. and will last about an hour.

The free event is part of the 39th annual Concerts on the Green, presented by the Beach Haven Community Arts Program – a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing and presenting events and arts programs for the benefit of local residents and visitors.

“We thought we’d like to do something special for just the really young kids,” said Brenda Griffin, vice president of Beach Haven CAP. “It’s really very interactive. They’ll do ‘Wheels On the Bus’ and have the kids clapping. They usually give them a little shaker instrument or something to participate with. It’s just a lot of fun for the kids,” she added.

The band started performing children’s music during the concert series about four years ago, “and it was a hit from the get-go,” Griffin said.

“It’s short, sweet and a lot of fun. Parents love it,” she added.

— Kelley Anne Essinger


This article was published in The SandPaper.

Public invited to day camp, sails on A.J. Meerwald schooner

Restored oyster schooner A.J. Meerwald arrived in Barnegat Light Friday, July 25. It was originally scheduled to dock in Beach Haven; all activities are now at the north end of Long Beach Island.

Photo by Ryan Morrill
The entirety of the ship is visible
68 feet below from the mast top.

New Jersey’s officially designated tall ship, which launched in 1928, was one of hundreds of schooners built along South Jersey’s Delaware Bay shore before the decline of the shipbuilding industry, which coincided with the Great Depression.

Today the vessel is owned and operated by the Bayshore Center at Bivalve, a nonprofit organization dedicated to motivating people to take care of the history, culture and environment of New Jersey’s bayshore region through education, preservation and example. The A.J. Meerwald is currently used as a hands-on sailing classroom throughout the area.

Public sails will be held Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.; as well as Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, 12:30 to 2 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.

Sailor for a Day Camp for children 10 to 16 years old will be held Wednesday, July 30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Passengers are also welcome to join the crew as the ship moves to its next port of call in Atlantic City Thursday, July 31. The vessel will leave Barnegat Light at 6 a.m. and arrive in Atlantic City by 4 p.m. Learn hands-on seamanship skills by helping the crew, or sit back and enjoy the ride. Return transportation is not included.

All sails will leave the dock from Sixth Street and the bay in Barnegat Light.

Tickets cost $30 to $45 for adults, $25 to $40 for seniors and $15 to $22 for children.

To purchase tickets, or for more information, call 856-785-2060 or visit bayshorecenter.org.

— Kelley Anne Essinger

This article was published in The SandPaper.

St. Francis Counseling Service offers sex abuse crises training program

Photo via Google
Sexual violence advocates are needed to help.

Individuals motivated to provide guidance, support and information to victims of sexual assault and abuse and who would like to volunteer as a confidential sexual violence advocate in the community are encouraged to apply for the St. Francis Counseling Service’s Sexual Assault and Abuse Training Program.

Training will begin Sept. 8 and will be held every Monday for 12 weeks at Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, from 6 to 9 p.m. A second training will also be held in January.

“Volunteer your time to provide survivors of sexual violence the support they need,” urged Erin Borysewicz, sexual assault/abuse prevention outreach coordinator at St Francis Counseling Service. “Our volunteers provide crisis intervention, information and support for survivors. We believe awareness will create action to combat sexual violence in Ocean County.”

After completing the training program, volunteers will be on-call to provide crisis intervention, information and referral services to sexual assault victims by phone and in person. In addition, advocates may also respond to a victim for accompaniment at one of four Ocean County hospitals, including Southern Ocean, Community, Kimball and Ocean medical centers, as well as the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and any police department within the county.

To pick up an application and schedule an interview, call 609-494-1554 or email Borysewicz at e.borysewicz@stfrancislbi.org.

— Kelley Anne Essinger

This article was published in The SandPaper.

'Beat the Heat' offers hot-weather resources for Ocean County seniors

Senior citizens living in Ocean County who are looking for a reprieve from the summer heat or who need helpful information to get them safely through the summer can find useful resources through “Beat the Heat,” an annual publication compiled by the Ocean County Office of Senior Services.

“With 160,000 seniors calling Ocean County home, it’s important they are prepared for the summer heat,” Ocean County Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari, who is chairman of Senior Services, stated in a press release. “Our Office of Seniors Services is providing a useful guide that touches on a number of topics so our seniors can have a safe, happy and healthy summer season.”

Photo via Google
'Beat the Heat' offers tips on keeping food
safe during hot weather.

“Beat the Heat” offers helpful tips for keeping cool during summer, provides listings of various outreach programs and includes information on where to access help regarding air conditioner and screen repairs.

The publication also lists locations and telephone numbers for many nutrition sites and outreach programs throughout Ocean County, which can be found in Long Beach, Stafford, Brick, Berkeley, Manchester and Toms River townships. Transportation is available for those who need it.

“Beat the Heat” offers tips on how to keep the body hydrated, including signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. It also suggests ways to keep cool and offers precautions to take on hot days, such as warm-weather food care tips and ways to avoid heat-related illnesses.

The publication includes information on caring for pets in hot weather, too.

“Many of our seniors have cats and dogs, and it’s important to make sure attention is paid to the needs of the animal to keep them safe and healthy during warm weather,” Vicari said.

“Beat the Heat” also provides information about the Ocean County Office of Emergency Management’s “We Care” program, which is available for anyone in need of help during an emergency.

“The summer season is a great time of year to get outdoors and enjoy all that Ocean County has to offer, but we also have to realize it’s important to know our limits when participating in warm-weather activities,” said Vicari.

The “Beat the Heat” pamphlet is available online at co.ocean.nj.us. For a copy of the publication, call the Office of Senior Services at 732-929-2091.

— Kelley Anne Essinger


This article was published in The SandPaper.

Filing deadline nears for Ocean County school board candidates

Photo via Ocean County Clerk's Office
Nominating petitions can be picked up
at the Ocean County Courthouse.

Ocean County Clerk Scott M. Colabella announced that candidates seeking school board seats have until 4 p.m. Monday, July 28, to file their nominating petitions at the Ocean County Clerk’s Office in order to have their name placed on the Nov. 4 General Election Ballot, a press release stated.

Nominating petitions for school board can be acquired in person at either the Ocean County Southern Service Center, 179 South Main St. in Manahawkin, or the Ocean County Courthouse, Election Services, Room 107, located at 118 Washington St. in Toms River. Normal office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

“The Office of the Ocean County Clerk is working to get the word out to the candidates about this important filing deadline,” said Ocean County Freeholder John P. Kelly, who serves as liaison to the Ocean County Clerk.

Colabella noted that all Ocean County school districts chose to move their school board elections from April to November. A new law signed by Gov. Christie earlier this year extended the petition filing deadline for school board candidates from the June Primary Election Day to the last Monday in July, to allow candidates more time.

A total of 64 school board seats will appear on the November ballot in various school districts throughout Ocean County. A complete listing of all candidates who file petitions will be available online at oceancountyclerk.com, shortly after the July 28 deadline.

Potential candidates in need of more information on the petition filing process may contact the Ocean County Clerk’s Election Office at 732-929-2153.

— Kelley Anne Essinger


This article was published in The SandPaper.

Trenton man charged in Stafford resident's overdose death

On Friday, July 18, Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Stafford Township Police Chief Joseph Giberson announced that Dahmir A. Jones, 23, of Trenton was arrested for the drug-induced death of Brendan Novak, 18, of Stafford Township. Jones is the eighth individual to be charged under the strict liability statute in Coronato’s effort to hold dealers accountable for drug-induced deaths in the county.

According to Ocean County overdose statistics, there have been 39 overdose deaths and 60 Narcan first aid reversals to date. In 2013 there were 71 overdose deaths between Jan. 1 and July 18.

Photo via Google
Packages of Fentanyl were found
during the investigation.

“We will relentlessly pursue those responsible for every overdose death in Ocean County, especially those who embellish their product with deadly additives,” Coronato said in a press release. “My office will do everything possible to help those stricken by drug addictions but will show no such kindness to dealers ignoring the tragic consequences of their actions. At this point it should be abundantly clear to drug dealers that Ocean County is not a wise place to do business.”

Stafford Township police found Novak unconscious and unresponsive in a residence in Ocean Acres June 21. He was pronounced dead later that day.

Detectives processing the scene found several empty wax packages with the “Hello Kitty” cartoon character stamped on top. According to officials, the packages were found to contain toxic doses of Fentanyl.

Jones, who has been incarcerated since his June 23 arrest on charges of possession of controlled dangerous substances and possession of CDS with intent to distribute, was served his arrest warrant for the criminal offense of drug-induced death, first-degree on Thursday, July 17, in Mercer County Jail. He remains at the jail in lieu of $250,000 cash bail.

“The members of the Stafford Township Police Department remain committed to working with Prosecutor Coronato and members of his staff to stem the tide of drug-induced deaths in Ocean County and will use every available resource to investigate, arrest and prosecute the dealers responsible for these deaths,” said police Capt. Thomas Dellane. “The best way to thwart the drug dealers is through community involvement. We encourage anyone with information on drug activities to contact the Stafford Township Police Detective Bureau at 609-597-8581. Citizens may also leave a message on our confidential TIP Hotline at 609-597-1189, extension 8477.”

— Kelley Anne Essinger

This article was published in The SandPaper.

Beach Haven Council gearing up for various projects around town

Two bond ordinances totaling over $1.6 million for various acquisitions as well as improvements to infrastructure and services in and for Beach Haven were adopted on first reading during a monthly town council meeting Monday, July 14.

The first ordinance would appropriate $1,212,500 for various capital improvements and acquisitions. Of the total cost, $821,000 would be issued in bonds or notes. If adopted on final reading, $400,000 would go toward a road improvement project on a portion of Coral Street, of which $250,000 would be funded through a grant from the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

Photo via Facebook
The town council is continuing to improve
the area after damage from Superstorm Sandy.

Following completion of bulkhead repairs, $55,000 would be used to pave the parking lot at the Emergency Operations Center. An estimated $150,000 would be used to pave a portion of the ends of ocean-side streets that were damaged in restoration projects due to Superstorm Sandy. Some $50,000 would go toward improving drainage, including related paving and other road improvements, and $75,000 would be used to fund the demolition of the existing vehicle fueling station at the Public Works yard on Amber Street as well as the construction of a new station across the street.

Various park improvements, including the installation and repair of fencing at Walsh Field and Nelson Avenue Park, would use $35,000; $150,000 would go toward the reconstruction of the Taylor Avenue park to convert the existing baseball diamond to a passive recreation area, of which about $100,000 of funds received from the Southern Ocean County Chamber of Commerce for use of the field during previous Chowderfests would be used to offset the cost.

Other costs are: $40,000 to purchase an aerial lift for use by the Public Works Department; $25,000 for the acquisition and installation of police communications and radios; another $50,000 for the acquisition and installation of license plate readers systems for police cars; $7,500 for the purchase of an enclosed trailer for police use at a police practice range; and $175,000 to help the Beach Haven Fire Co. purchase a new fire pump truck to replace the old truck that was destroyed during Sandy.

The second ordinance would appropriate $420,000 for various water system improvements. If adopted on final reading, $250,000 would go toward the replacement of the water main under a portion of Coral Street and $170,000 would be used to replace filters in the filtration building, located on Engleside Avenue, for the water system.

An ordinance amending an ordinance that regulates the parking of construction vehicles and/or equipment in the borough prior to and after working hours was adopted on final reading. Unless a vehicle is parked adjacent to the registered owner’s property, the ordinance prohibits construction vehicles with a gross vehicle weight in excess of 10,000 pounds, construction trailers (open or closed), or construction equipment from being parked on any public street within the town prior to 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m., as well as any time on Sunday. Fines increase with subsequent violations.

An ordinance amending an ordinance to allow the governing body to, by resolution, fix the charge to be levied for parts supplied by the Beach Haven Water Department and to charge for the testing of meters was also adopted on first reading. If adopted on final reading, the ordinance would also provide for the charges to be levied by the borough for the installation of meter pits, curb boxes and meters and for maintenance.

In regards to construction of a new borough hall, Borough Manager Richard Crane said he received word an hour prior to the meeting that if the town is accepted to receive Stronger NJ Neighborhood and Community Revitalization Program grant funding for the project, it would acquire 25 percent, or $875,000, of the $3.5 million officials applied for, due to building funding criteria. The remaining 75 percent would be funded via a low-interest loan, around 1 percent, stretched over 20 years.

“It’s not etched in stone. However, it’s looking very good that we can get that money,” said Crane. “I think it would be huge to have a brand-new building sitting there on the corner of Engleside and the Boulevard. It would really dress up our downtown great. We’re just keeping our fingers crossed that they keep going along and the funding gods look positively upon us.”

Although members of the public expressed interest in converting the former bank building on the corner of Sixth Street and the Boulevard into a municipal building, Crane said the former bank building suffered “a great deal of water damage” from the storm and that it would take “a tremendous amount of money, particularly since there’s a vault in there, to really rehab” it.

Councilwoman Nancy Taggart-Davis said the council has had discussions about using the former bank building as a municipal building but that the purchase price “is rather high.” It also sits below base-flood elevation, she said.

Crane also informed meeting participants that Jessie Jenkins, the town’s court administrator, will also be working with Harvey Cedars for about 300 hours a year. Jenkins’ salary and benefits will be shared equally by both towns, he said.

It was also noted during the meeting that the total sale for beach badges as of July 14 was $360,160, which is an increase of over $75,000 during the same time last year. It is also an increase of nearly $44,000 from 2012. Crane attributed the increase to the many more people who are back in their homes, as well as good weather and extra badge checkers.

The lifeguards have also been very busy, Crane said. So far they have made 65 water rescues, executed 35 preventive measures and also responded to 41 first aid and 11 EMS calls.

In response to a public complaint about people with open containers of alcohol on the beach, the council encouraged residents to contact the police if they see it happening because it is prohibited.

Mayor Robert Keeler announced a new social media campaign to help promote Beach Haven has recently launched with the help of Gauss Digital Marketing of Manahawkin. Online users can go to facebook.com/visitbeachhaven for more information about town news and events.

Within the next couple of weeks, the official town website at beachhaven-nj.gov is also expected to be updated with more specific information about town ordinances, businesses and other pertinent information, he said.

— Kelley Anne Essinger


This article was published in The SandPaper.

Bus tour will visit Beach Haven landmark sites in July and August

Like much of Long Beach Island, Beach Haven is chock full of exceptional history. The Long Beach Island Historical Association will rediscover times past through a “Discover the History of Beach Haven Through a Unique Bus Tour,” held Wednesdays July 16 and Aug. 13 from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Photo via LBI Views
Pieces of the Lucy Evelyn schooner, which caught fire
February 1972, can be seen at the wharf in Beach Haven.

Beach Haven historian Jeanette Lloyd will lead the excursion through the major streets of town, narrating historical information about the many different sites.

“I’ve gotten some very, very old photographs, and I’ve blown them up into posters, 18-by-24, so as we travel through historic Beach Haven we’ll be able to go back in time by looking at the photographs about what it used to be like back then. We have 24 of them,” explained Lloyd, who is also a trustee of the LBI Historical Association.

The tour will highlight some of the area’s notable locations, from Ostendorff’s Garage and Walsh’s Baseball Grandstand on Bay Avenue to the Public Wharf, Acme Hotel and Morrison’s Restaurant on Dock Road. The Seven Sisters Houses built by Floyd Cranmer will also be highlighted, as well as the Baldwin and Engleside hotels, John Crozier Cottages and the site of the schooner Lucy Evelyn, among others.

Seating on the Beach Haven School bus is limited to 45 people. Boarding will take place at the Long Beach Island Museum, located at Engleside and Beach avenues in Beach Haven, at 10:15 a.m.

Interested participants must reserve their spot on the bus by purchasing tickets at the LBI Museum, prior to the tour. Tickets cost $20 per person.

For more information, call 609-492-0700.

— Kelley Anne Essinger

This article was published in The SandPaper.

Ocean County freeholders urge summer visitors to put safety first

Summer is finally here, and residents and visitors are flocking to the area for fun in the sun. But while swimming at the beaches or in pools, riding bicycles and barbecuing on the grill are enjoyable activities everyone has been waiting for, it is important to remember that safety comes first.

Summer safety often begins in a person’s own back yard, Ocean County Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari said in a press release.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, six people drown in swimming pools every day. Young children are particularly at risk, the press release states.

Vicari, who is also liaison to the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs, said accidents often happen when adults are in close proximity.

“Tragically, many drownings occur when children get access to the pool during a short lapse in adult supervision,” he said. “Emergency officials recommend that if a child is noticed to be missing, always check the pool first.”

People swimming in the ocean or bay also need to be aware of potential hazards.

“First and foremost, never swim at an unguarded beach,” Vicari urged. “Even if the water looks calm, there may be rip currents that can quickly overpower the strongest swimmer.”

It is advisable for swimmers to paddle parallel to the beach if they are caught in a rip current. Individuals should never swim by themselves, especially when drinking alcohol. Children should always be supervised while in the water.

Freeholder Gerry P. Little, liaison to the Ocean County Health Department, said parents and guardians of children should also learn CPR in case of an emergency.

Safety is also important when traveling to the beach. Vicari urged drivers to slow down on the road and be aware of bicyclists. State law requires anyone under the age of 17 to wear a helmet while riding a bike.

“Share the road,” Vicari advised. “Both motorists and bicyclists need to work together to prevent tragedies.”

Other summertime dangers can lurk where they are least expected. Barbecue and picnic foods must be kept fresh and cold to circumvent the growth of potentially dangerous bacteria.

“Foods, even if left out in the sun for a short time, can spoil quickly and turn a fun-filled picnic into a sudden trip to the emergency room,” said Little. 

Long Beach Island Foundation hosts American Sign Language course through summer

Photo via Google
Course participants will learn the language by
studying its history and playing interactive games.

Communication in its many forms is key to understanding the area’s diverse social culture. The Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts and Sciences, located at 120 Long Beach Blvd. in Loveladies, will offer an American Sign Language class to interested participants on Fridays from July 11 to Aug. 15. Certified ASL instructor Katie Smith will lead the course from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

“Learning about ASL is not only about the language but understanding the people who use it daily in our society,” said Amy Carreño, director of public programs at the LBIF. “This class is a great opportunity to learn a new language and learn of the obstacles deaf people have overcome and the advances that they have made.”

The classes will cover the basics of ASL, from the alphabet to common vocabulary. Students will explore the depths of deaf culture by studying its rich history, watching ASL music videos and playing games.

Registration for the entire course costs $80 per person, or $70 with an LBIF membership. The daily fee is $20, or $15 for LBIF members.

For more information, visit lbifoundation.org or call 609-494-1241.

— Kelley Anne Essinger

This article was published in The SandPaper.