The MANCHESTER Times Vol. 29 - No. 50
In This Week’s Edition
BREAKING NEWS @
jerseyshoreonline.com
Community News Pages 12-18
Dr. Izzy Sound News Page 20
Inside The Law Page 23
Classifieds Page 27
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
Ireland Inspired Teacher’s New Book
By Bob Vosseller MANCHESTER – There may be some similarities between township high school journalism teacher Jill Ocone and the lead character of her new book “Enduring the Waves” but there are more differences. Ocone, of Point Pleasant, shared her thoughts with The Manchester Times about the writing process and how the discipline of being a veteran teacher helped her unravel the plot of her book. She was also inspired by her trips to Ireland which serves as the backdrop of the book. The novel concerns Kel ly Ly n c h , w h o is Water v ille H ig h School’s newest English teacher. She befriends fellow educator and James Joyce enthusiast Shannon Moran. While Kelly grapples with deep scars from her past, she struggles to balance her active life as a teacher and her stagnant marriage (Book - See Page 4)
By Bob Vosseller OCEAN COUNTY – Despite the gray sky and a slight chill in the air the Seaside Heights Boulevard turned green at this year’s Ocean County Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. For two years in a row the parade had been postponed until April due to inclement weather. This year’s event was rain or shine and
stepped off the traditional green lined road as planned. The parade featured various Irish-American clubs, drum and pipe bands, high school bands, f loats and civic organizations. Many came out early to secure a parking spot and to fi nd seating along the Boulevard. (Parade - See Page 11)
VETERAN &
FIRST RESPONDER
DISCOUNTS OFFERED
Lawmakers Update Seniors On ANCHOR
By Bob Vosseller MANCHESTER – Late and missing checks to seniors from the state ANCHOR program was among the subjects discussed during last week’s Manchester Township Coordinating Council. The Coordinating Council is made up of representatives of the township’s senior developments and often features special guests. This meeting included 9th District lawmakers Senator Carmen Amato, Jr., Assemblyman Brian Rumpf and Assemblyman Greg Myhre who came out to the Crestwood V Village Clubhouse in Whiting. Attendees were provided with an overview on new eligibility limits for the Senior Freeze Property Tax Reimbursement Program. Many seniors expressed that they were seriously concerned about their financial security. “Understanding this, our delegation reassured everyone that we remain committed as a delegation to property tax relief and reducing the size of the state bureaucracy as an effective means to reduce the state’s cost-of-living burden,” the lawmakers told The Manchester Times in a joint statement. “We also informed attendees that our delegation had recently written to the State Treasurer calling for ANCHOR benefits to be issued to taxpayers in a more expedited fashion. In our letter to State Treasurer Maher Muoio,
Photo courtesy Jill Ocone Author and Manchester English/journalism teacher Jill Ocone does some research for her book in Dublin.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade Takes A Step Through Seaside
March 16, 2024
(Anchor - See Page 5)
Students Taste Success During Chef’s Night Out
By Stephanie Faughnan LACEY – Another year, another sold-out crowd for Ocean County Vocational Technical School’s (OCVTS) 27th Annual Chef’s Night Out. Held at the Lacey Elks Lodge, the event served up far more than a feast for the senses. “Chef’s Night is held yearly as a fundraiser to raise money for scholarships, tools, and equipment for (Students - See Page 7)
Carmona ~ Bolen Home for Funerals, LLC Michael J. Defonzo Jr., Manager • NJ Lic #4075
Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Students prepared and served appetizers, entrees, and desserts.
Cremation with Memorial Package $1900
Package includes: 2-Hr Memorial Visitation (during regular business hours: M-F ONLY, 9am-4pm) a complimentary Urn, removal from Hospital or Facility with-in 25 miles of Funeral Home, all Funeral Home service fees, required cremation container MCDDT-01.
Package excludes residential removal fee and Crematory charges.
TOMS RIVER • 732-349-1922 Traditional Funerals • Cremations • Memorials • Pre-Planning | www.carmonabolenfh.com WHITING • 732-350-0003