TheTOMS RIVER Times Vol. 19 - No. 52
In This Week’s Edition
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
Daughters Of American Revolution Honor Local Founder
Cinco De Mayo BREAKING NEWS @
jerseyshoreonline.com
Government Page 7
Community News Pages 9-15
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 16
Inside The Law Page 19
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
Photo by Stephanie Faughnan DAR member Carol Mahler, dressed in period-appropriate attire, reads the story of Joshua Huddy authored by Virginia Watson Reeve as current Regent Virginia “Ginny” Haines looks on. By Stephanie Faughnan TOMS RIVER - The Captain Joshua Huddy Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) recently rededicated a plaque honoring their organizing regent, Virginia Watson Reeve. The ceremony highlighted her dedication to the organization, her passion for history,
and her strong character. The rededication service was held at the Ocean County Historical Society Garden, where the plaque was relocated from its original site near Toms River Town Hall. It is engraved with the inscription “Captain Joshua Huddy Chapter DAR Honors Virginia Watson Reeve as Organizing Regent March 8,
1930.” Reeve’s two grandsons traveled substantial distances to attend the ceremony. David Younkers and his wife Karen made the trip from Richmond, Virginia. Robert “Mill” Younkers and his wife Lydia Ann came from Denver, Colorado, and were pleasantly surprised when their son and daughter-in-law also flew in from Denver for the occasion. The impetus for the plaque’s relocation came from Mill and Karen’s last trip to Toms River. Mill said they would stop by to visit the plaque dedicated to his grandmother as part of their ritual during their visits. When he noticed the plaque was loose, he contacted township authorities, who told him it was not their responsibility – even though it was on township property. Mill contacted the local DAR, who took charge, retrieved the plaque,
cleaned it up, and planted it in the historical society garden, where it was rededicated to her memory. Reeve, a descendant of Revolutionary War soldier Col. Theodore Sedgwick, was instrumental in establishing the Captain Joshua Huddy Chapter in 1930. She was also a founding Ocean County Historical Society member and a prolific writer on numerous topics. During the ceremony led by the chapter’s current Regent, Virginia “Ginny” Haines, speakers emphasized Reeve’s role in preserving local history, particularly her efforts to ensure Captain Joshua Huddy, a local hero, received proper recognition. “She wrote in 1950 that the Chapter name Captain Joshua Huddy was most fitting,” added DAR member Diane Varsa. “His downward defense of the blockhouse and (DAR - See Page 4)
Piney Author Fights Stereotypes, Shares Rich Local History
Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Bill Lewis’ shirt shows his collection of books with the latest “South Jersey Legends & Lore’s” cover displayed top left.
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By Stephanie Faughnan PINE BARRENS William “Bill” Lewis, 50, served as a Marine, studied hard at night to earn a degree with top honors, and works for the federal government. On top of all that, he’s authored four books, produced a documen-
tary film, and delivered guest lectures on several occasions. Lewis also just happens to be a third-generation Piney, a fact that might strike some as inconsistent with their image of a people quite proud of their deep-rooted lineage. The term “Piney” often
conjures up images of backwoods stereotypes or folklore characters. Lewis considers the word an unmistakable slur and has made it his mission to reclaim the narrative of the Piney identity. “We know with a stereotype there’s little to
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May 4, 2024
Petitioners Want Animal Shelter To Stay Under Town’s Control By Chris Lundy TOMS RIVER – As the governing body moved forward on leasing the Toms River Animal Shelter building to Ocean County, a group of residents are working to recall the ordinance. The ordinance allows the town to enter into a lease agreement with the county. If it is recalled it will be sent back to the Township Council. They will have to either remove it or put it to voters in November. Phillip Brilliant, one of the organizers of the recall, told The Toms
River Times they have just 20 days after the April 24 meeting to collect 3,079 signatures. This is according to the state law that governs the recall of ordinances. The petition must have at least 15% of the total votes cast in the last election during which members of the General Assembly were elected. This would have been November of 2023, when 20,523 votes were cast in Toms River. He is optimistic that they’ll reach 3,079. “There’s a lot of momentum for animals.” (Animal Shelter See Page 4)
No Tax Increase, But Questions Remain By Chris Lundy TOMS RIVER – Mayor Daniel Rodrick said his first budget in office will have no tax increase, but residents and officials are questioning it. The township collects taxes for the county, school district, and other taxing entities. This article just entails the municipal tax rate. The budget boasts a 0% tax increase without gimmicks, Rodrick said. Prior administrations used one-time fixes such as federal funds that weren’t available for
future years. He said that the budget was balanced by “reducing unnecessary positions and (unnecessary) spending.” The budget was read by title only at the most recent Township Council meeting. The next regular meeting of the council will have the full budget presentation, he said. May 22 at 7 p.m. is currently the next meeting date, however, the council has had a few special meetings this year. (Taxes - See Page 5)
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