TheTOMS RIVER Times Vol. 19 - No. 21
In This Week’s Edition
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
New Children’s Specialized Hospital Officially Opens
Mayoral Candidates Discuss Toms River’s Future
BREAKING NEWS @
jerseyshoreonline.com
Community News Pages 10-13
Photo by Bob Vosseller Children’s Specialized Hospital staff, the Vargas and Frazier families cut the ribbon on the new building.
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 16
Inside The Law Page 18
Classifieds Pages 21
By Bob Vosseller TOMS RIVER – It was a celebration trifecta at the Children’s Specialized Hospital (CSH) noting its official opening, the conclusion of a special fundraising campaign that exceeded its mark and the dedication of a special display for retired Major League Baseball player Todd Frazier.
While the new hospital has been operating for a few months now, this marked the grand opening for the new outpatient center at 1251 Route 37 West. Fred Tewell, who serves as chair of the CSH Board of Trustees, noted “this site has allowed us to both increase access and enhance convenience – we’ll see more patients this year
than last in Toms River and patients/families can receive all services in one convenient location instead of sometimes having to travel to two different sites.” “In 2022, between the two original Toms River Outpatient facilities, CSH provided services to approximately 5,500 unique patients. In 2023,
September 30, 2023
we anticipate seeing over 6,000 unique patients at this new Toms River West facilitywhichhasallowedus to reach 500 more patients and families who need our services which is quite incredible,” he added. Services offered at the site include developmental and behavioral pediatrics, (Ribbon Cutting See Page 4)
with a thriving downtown, By Chris Lundy TOMS RIVER – The improved commercial two mayoral candidates storefronts along Route were asked to explain 37 and improved services their points of view on townwide to our residents. important topics to vot- One thing that was apparent ers, and in the coming during the pandemic, our weeks, this newspaper will residents want more local options for shopping, recreaddress each one. In the first part of this se- ation and nightlife. Over the ries, Councilman Daniel next four years, we need to Rodrick, a Republican, and invest in improving opporBen Giovine, a Democrat, tunities for small businesswere asked about where es to thrive in Toms River. they see Toms River in four The economy continues to years. They were told to shift under our feet and we provide 300-500 words on as a community need to thetopic.Theirresponsesare ensure we have a resilient as follows, gently edited for local economy for whatsuch things as grammar and ever comes next. punctuation. Direct attacks “I have spoken a lot on the other candidate were during this campaign about looking outward deleted. Answers are being pre- to what works in area sented in alphabetical communities and if Toms River can incororder. porate those ideas. Toms River needs to be more Ben Giovine “The Toms River I en- aggressive in pursuing vision in four years is one (Mayoral - See Page 5)
Non-Profit To Aid Homeless At and addressing cell phone By Stephanie Faughnan New Headquarters needs, among other forms TOMS RIVER - Paul
Photo by Stephanie Faughnan After the ribbon cutting, the Just Believe team stopped to pose for a photograph.
Hulse, founder and CEO of the Just Believe organization, stood before a gathering of well-wishers as he cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the organization’s new headquarters. With enthusiasm and a sense of purpose, Hulse recounted the inspiring journey that led to
the momentous occasion. “Four years ago, we started Just Believe with a hope and a dream,” said Hulse. “It was something I’ve always wanted – to help the homeless here in Ocean County.” Hulse credited Pastor Paul Gifford as a significant inspiration in his
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mission, recounting their collaboration on the Code Blue program in the basement of a Toms River church. The organization has grown in a number of ways since its inception. The establishment of a thrift store in a shopping center located at 734 NJ-37 in Toms River has proven
to be multi-faceted in its of support. “It’s been such an amazimpact. It not only generates funds for projects but ing journey,” Hulse shared. also offers employment “We’ve helped a lot of peoopportunities and valu- ple here in Ocean County able training. Just Believe out of homelessness, guidhas played a pivotal role ing them through addiction in assisting individuals problems, hard times, and with back rent, securing mental health challenges. motel accommodations, We think outside the box facilitating car repairs, (Homeless - See Page 4)
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