The MANCHESTER Times Vol. 30 - No. 2
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
Groups Fighting Forest Fires Before They Even Start
In This Week’s Edition
No New Deal For Energy Aggregation Program
BREAKING NEWS @
jerseyshoreonline.com
Community News Pages 10-15
Dr. Izzy Sound News Page 18
Inside The Law Page 21
Classifieds Page 25
Photos by Bob Vosseller A prescribed burn demonstration in Whiting showed how the Forest Fire Service uses such burns as a mitigation tool to reduce the buildup of forest debris that fuel wildfires. By Bob Vosseller MANCHESTER – It has been a year since a fast-moving wildfire that spread to 2,500 acres forced a mandatory evacuation of about 170 homes and other structures in Manchester and Lakehurst. That event was on the minds of members of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Forest Fire Ser vice who joined representa-
tives of Joint Base Mc- controlled manner so next forest fire. It is Guire-Dix-Lakehurst that the debris won’t also used to maintain and guests at a recent be around to fuel the (Fires - See Page 4) event when they promoted their alliance to combat wildfi res in the area. Part of this event was a prescribed bur n demonstration. A prescribed burn is when Forest Fire Ser vices staff New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection burn away for- Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette describes efforts est debris in a to combat forest fires before they begin.
BlueClaws 2024 Season Now At Bat By Bob Vosseller JERSEY SHORE – Spring is in the air and opening night for the Jersey Shore BlueClaws had the minor league baseball team in full action at the ShoreTown Ballpark in Lakewood for another exciting season. The BlueClaws are a Minor League Baseball team of the South Atlantic League and the High-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. They faced off
against the Aberdeen IronBirds in a home game on April 5. A few days earlier, BlueClaws General Manager Bob McLane and Vice President of Communications Greg Giombarrese hosted a pre-season kickoff event to showcase what was in store for fans and visitors this spring and summer. Tours were conducted for visitors throughout the day and (BlueClaws - See Page 17)
VETERAN &
FIRST RESPONDER
DISCOUNTS OFFERED
Photo by Bob Vosseller The ShoreTown Ballpark awaits its opening night unveiling prior to the BlueClaws first game of the season.
Carmona ~ Bolen Home for Funerals, LLC Michael J. Defonzo Jr., Manager • NJ Lic #4075
April 13, 2024
By Bob Vosseller MANCHESTER – Township officials recently met for a special afternoon meeting concerning the community’s Energy Aggregation Program. The end result was that the status quo will remain in place. Mayor Robert Arace stated recently that in “remaining sensitive to the everyday budgeting concerns of our residents as we all navigate uncertain economic times.
I recognize that any opportunity to realize savings adds up.” “ T h e Tow n s h i p Council and I have heard frequently from many residents that they appreciated the reduced energy bills thanks to the Manchester Community Energy Aggregation Program. The previous energy aggregation contract expired last December,” the mayor said. Mayor Arace added, (Energy - See Page 4)
Homelessness Task Force Taking Shape
By Stephanie Faughnan TOMS RIVER – The Ocean County Board of Commissioners recently appointed the first round of Ocean County Homelessness Trust Fund task force members. Government officials and representatives from five local non-profit organizations make up the first round of individuals whose first order of business will be to establish by-laws with the assistance of county counsel for approval by the Commissioner Board. The initial wave of three-year appointments to the task force includes Barbara “Bobbi Jo” Crea, Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, liaison to the Homelessness Trust Fund. Also among the appointees are Tracy Maksel, Director of the Ocean County Department of Human Services, and Maria LaFace, Director of the Ocean County Office (Task Force - See Page 5)
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