The BERKELEY Times Vol. 30 - No. 11
In This Week’s Edition
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Officials Support elks’ veterans fair: a festive way to help heroes Meals On Wheels After Cuts
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Government Page 8
Community News Pages 9-13
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 14
Inside The Law Page 17
August 31, 2024
Photos by Chris Lundy (Left) Live music kept the party going outside. (Right) Cornhole and other activities made the Veterans Fair feel like a family barbecue. By Chris Lundy BERKELEY - “How can I help?” That was the common question asked at a recent Veterans Fair held at the Bayville Elks. It was a festive atmosphere, with a buffet, band, Chinese auction and cornhole games. Behind the fun, there was a serious purpose. Vet e r a n s a nd t hei r loved ones were able to check out several vendors selected with the population in mind. For example, Hacken-
sack Meridian Health nurses performed wellness screenings. The Ocean County Health Department was providing referrals to services. Catherine Galesky, an outreach specialist with Community’s Hope For Veterans, said that the organization has residency programs for veterans in need. “A veteran or their loved one can reach out via email or their hotline. We meet you
where you are,” she said. There’s a brief screening to make sure you meet income levels. That said, she wants veterans to apply any-
way even if they think they make too much. “If you have served in the military and are at risk of losing your (Veterans Fair See Page 4)
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Deadline Pushed Back For School Board Rep Scores of veterans were able to learn about services available to them in a festive atmosphere.
Larry’s Home Breaks Ground, Offering Support To Veterans In Need Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Just Believe members, government officials, and community leaders unite with hard hats and shovels during the ceremonial groundbreaking of Larry’s Home, a new transitional housing facility for veterans in Little Egg Harbor.
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By Chris Lundy BERKELEY – In an era where food insecurity is a growing problem, Meals on Wheels is facing severe cuts and local officials are offering their support. The House Appropriations Committee bill for Fiscal Year 2025 cut funding for home-delivered and congregate nutrition programs by $37 million on top of an $8 million cut made in April. There are more than 5,000 community-based senior nutrition programs impacted by this, but locally, Meals on Wheels is likely the most active. “The House Appropriations bill falls drastically short of the federal funding needed to continue to provide the critical supports seniors depend on for lifesaving services,” said a joint statement from Ellie Hollander, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels America
By Stephanie Faughnan LITTLE EGG HARBOR - A groundbreaking ceremony was held to mark the start of construction on Larry’s Home, a transitional housing facility for Ocean County male veterans struggling with addiction. The event drew nearly a hundred people, including government officials, veterans, and
community members. The project, spearheaded by the non-profit organization Just Believe, Inc., is a testament to the power of community and the unwavering dedication to helping those in need. Larry’s Home is named in honor of Lawrence “Larry” Robertiello, a beloved friend of (Larry's Home - See Page 5)
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By Chris Lundy Beachwood – The deadline to apply for the Beachwood representative on the Toms River Board of Education has been moved to 4 p.m. on September 10. This was announced at the most recent Board of Education meeting. An application packet is available at TRSchools.org. Beachwood’s representative on the Toms River Board of Education, Melissa Morrison, has resigned but did so after the deadline for her seat to be on the ballot in November. Whoever is chosen will fi ll the spot through December of 2025. Those who applied already don’t need to apply again, officials said. However, if there was a deficiency in their original application, they can correct that when they re-apply. The Board has nine members. Toms River has six representatives. Beachwood, Pine (Board Rep - See Page 5)
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