The HOWELL Times
Vol. 22 - No. 15
In This Week’s Edition
BREAKING NEWS @
jerseyshoreonline.com
Community News Pages 8-11
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 15
Inside The Law Page 17
Classifieds Pages 18
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
Fulfill Celebrates 40 Years Of Compassion
By Liz Ciocher MONMOUTH COUNTY – The Foodbank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, redubbed Fulfill several years ago, is coming on 40 years of activism in the community. Fulfill takes a lot of steps in helping secure food and end hunger in this part of New Jersey, including running food pantries, soup kitchens and many other programs. Millions of meals have been provided to those in need through the help of Fulfill. “The charitable food distribution network provides a really important, vital service. Food’s a survival need. Something you cannot go without. If you believe that people shouldn’t be hungry, food banks have a really important role to play,” said Triada Stampas, president and CEO of Fulfill. Stampas, whose original interest in food drives peaked from a
Photos courtesy Fulfill (Above) At “pop the trunk” events, people can pull up and get food and supplies they need. (Below) Food is donated and then distributed through Fulfill. background in public policy, has worked with three different food banks in the tri-state area. Prior to working with Fulfill, she spent 10 years with the food bank of New York City. Fulfill has two main locations across Monmouth and Ocean county, residing in Neptune and Toms River. Neptune is the organization’s main facility, while expansion to Toms River
helps cover more ground following Superstorm Sandy in 2012. To celebrate their 40th anniversary, Fulfill is
hosting two events: a gala as well as a community day that are open to the public. (Fulfill - See Page 4)
Animal Advocates Want More TNVR Programs Photo courtesy Popcorn Park Zoo Asiago is just 3 months old and was found outside. He loves goofing around with his siblings but on his own, he’s a little scared. He would blossom well with his littermates or in a home with another cat or kitten.
By Chris Lundy MONMOUTH COUNTY – There are so many benefits to a trap, neuter, vaccinate and release program that animal advocates want to see the entire region blanketed with them. The idea is that volunteers trap outside cats. The animals are taken to a vet where they are spayed or neutered, and then vaccinated against common diseases. If the animal is
friendly to humans, it can be put up for adoption. However, if it has been feral for too long, it will be released back into the wild – healthy and without the ability to make any more kittens. Brian Hackett, the director of government and community relations for the Associated Humane Societies (AHS), said that in New Jersey, it’s (Animal - See Page 5)
September 14, 2024
New Domestic Violence Unit Launced
By Alyssa Riccardi MONMOUTH COUNTY – The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office has launched their new, specialized Domestic Violence Unit. The unit, headquartered in Freehold Township, will focus on investigations and prosecutions of incidents of intimate partner violence. This refers specifically to abuse or aggression occurring during or after a romantic relationship. This could involve current or former spouses or dating partners. “It is our firm expectation that this new unit will thoroughly reinvent how such cases are handled in Monmouth County, making all such prosecutions far more efficient and effective,” Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago said. “Incidents of domestic violence represent by far the most common type of the several thousand indictable crimes our office prosecutes every year, and each and every case features a wide range of unique challenges facing the dedicated men and women who strive to bring these perpetrators to justice.” Separate and distinct from the Family and Juvenile Unit, the new unit will feature a staff of six and will be led by veteran Assistant Prosecutor Stephanie Dugan, who will supervise a second Assistant Prosecutor. Additionally, two detectives will be specifically assigned to the unit along with a dedicated support staff. The team will work with partner agencies including the Monmouth County Abuse Intervention Program, Hazlet-based 180 Turning Lives Around, and the Asbury Park-based Community Affairs and Resource Center as well as the Mercy Center. “The unit will operate similarly to MCPO’s existing investigative units, providing logistical and on-the-ground support to local agencies on their cases in matters such as taking victim statements and interviewing witnesses,” the prosecutor’s office said. The goal is to help victims stuck in the cycle of domestic violence free themselves. In some cases, the unit hopes to achieve the ability to prosecute even in the absence of direct trial testimony, allowing victims to avoid the trauma of reliving the crimes. (Unit - See Page 4)
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