The BERKELEY Times Vol. 30 - No. 18
In This Week’s Edition
BREAKING NEWS @
jerseyshoreonline.com
Community News Pages 10-14
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 18
Inside The Law Page 20
Classifieds Pages 25
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October 26, 2024
Church Celebrates 100 Years A Vet Describes where people lived year-round. “The words of Christ need to be part of our community,” he said, “especially in this time of adversity and sometimes anger.” In 2007, Ocean Gate and Bayville’s churches joined together to become Faith Community. On July 14, 2022, a fire broke out. The building was saved, fortunately. Some original floorboards had to be replaced. Some of that original wood was fashioned into six crosses and given Photo by Chris Lundy to people who were important to Crosses were made from floorboards of the church that had to be removed the church. One of these went to after the fire. The crosses were given to people who helped the church. the grandson of the family that By Chris Lundy Gate. A small building was built on donated the land. Police Officer Vincent Pelino, OCEAN GATE – The faithful packed Point Pleasant Avenue, but they soon who was the first on the scene of into the Ocean Gate United Methodist outgrew that. Church to celebrate its history – espeProperty was acquired at the cor- the fire, received a cross as well. “Thanks to you, we’re all here cially the challenges that were overcome ner of East Bayview Avenue and – on its 100th anniversary. Asbury Avenue. The cornerstone of today,” Pastor ChangYong Shin The small building was full – standing the church was laid on July 27, 1924. told him. Fire Chief Larry Murray also room only – filing into the hall and outA century later, the church’s leadside. Despite the wet weather, everyone ers welcomed everyone to a special received a cross on behalf of his wanted to come out and be a part of the ceremony to look back on the past. department’s swift efforts. There was a display of photos church’s esteemed history. Attendees joined the choir in song, Before there was a church, there was a and there was a formal prayer of of the damage from the fire. You community. They gathered at the Grant dedication. Special guests included wouldn’t know there had been one, homestead for Sunday School in 1909. local elected officials and District since the church today is sturdy Rev. Oliver from the Island Heights Superintendent Rev. Ronell Howard. and strong. Methodist Church would row his boat Charlie Soper, who used to be a pas- Pastor Phil Salerno said that the across the Toms River to teach. The tor for the church, said he watched church is more than just a building; Methodist Conference gave Oliver $200 the borough change from being a it’s about having a place to build as seed money to start a church in Ocean rental community to being a town relationships that can change lives.
His Calling To Advocate For Other Veterans
By Stephanie Faughnan OCEAN COUNTY - With more than 35,000 former service members, Ocean County has a larger veteran population than any other New Jersey county. Men and women who have served in conflicts across generations face unique challenges in civilian life. Phil Zimmerman, Director/Service Officer of the Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau, leads the local fight for their rights. Zimmerman’s own personal journey makes him an advocate who truly understands the struggles faced by those who have worn the uniform. His own case file is several inches thick, representing years of bureaucratic battles and personal hardship. It’s also a symbol of Zimmerman’s commitment to fighting for veterans who face their own challenges, whether they are dealing with the complexities of healthcare, disability claims, or the emotional scars of service. “I know what it feels like to be lost, to not know where to turn,” Zimmerman said. “That’s why I’m here - to make sure no veteran feels like they’re alone in this.” One Soldier’s Journey Zimmerman’s path to championing veteran causes began with his own service (Veterans - See Page 4)
Aging Drivers: A Delicate Conversation By Stephanie Faughnan OCEAN COUNTY – The roads are getting older in Ocean County. According to Maria LaFace, Director of Ocean County Senior Services, the Older Americans Act defines a senior as anyone aged 60 or older. Ocean County has around 200,000 seniors, approximately 29.6% of the county’s total population. At 628 square miles, Ocean County’s residents depend heavily on driving to get around. The growing number of seniors
behind the wheel has some advocating for age-based retesting for drivers. Others insist that age is just a number. At least one expert seems to agree. Dr. Lauren Snedeker, an assistant professor and Director for the Aging and Health Certificate Program at the Rutgers School of Social Work, emphasized the importance of addressing ageism in discussions about elderly drivers. “It’s really important to recognize how ageism is so pervasive in this world,”
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Snedeker cautioned. “We really need to make sure that we’re not approaching or considering the decision (to stop someone from driving) simply because of age.” The Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA) last reviewed state laws regarding mature drivers in March 2024. Currently, 37 states and the District of Columbia have established special provisions for older drivers. These provisions may include increased renewal (Aging Drivers - See Page 5)
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Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Phil Zimmerman, Director/ Service Officer of the Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau, proudly shows a hand-crafted gift a veteran gave him.
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