TheTOMS RIVER Times Vol. 20 - No. 25
In This Week’s Edition
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
A Vet Describes His Calling To Advocate For Other Veterans 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.”
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One Soldier’s Journey Zimmerman’s path to championing veteran causes began with his own service in the U.S. Navy. From 1980 to 1986, he served as a cryptologic technician, specializing in Arabic and Farsi languages. Zimmerman’s linguistic talPhoto by Stephanie Faughnan ents and dedication earned Phil Zimmerman, Director/ Service Officer of the Ocean County Veterans him the distinction as the Service Bureau, proudly shows a hand-crafted gift a veteran gave him. Navy’s top Farsi linguist. Zimmerman shared some of County Veterans Service Bureau, his performance reviews that By Stephanie Faughnan OCEAN COUNTY - With more leads the local fight for their rights. consistently praised his work than 35,000 former service mem- Zimmerman’s own personal jour- ethic. However, despite his bers, Ocean County has a larger vet- ney makes him an advocate who stellar record, Zimmerman’s eran population than any other New truly understands the struggles promising career was cut short Jersey county. Men and women who faced by those who have worn the by a grave injustice. “I did not leave of my own have served in conflicts across gen- uniform. His own case file is several erations face unique challenges in inches thick, representing years of volition,” said Zimmerman. civilian life. Phil Zimmerman, Di- bureaucratic battles and personal “Unfortunately, prior to ‘Don’t (Veterans - See Page 4) rector/Service Officer of the Ocean hardship. It’s also a symbol of
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,” 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
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(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 frequency, restrictions on online or mailed renewals, vision tests, road tests, or reduced or waived renewal fees. States like Illinois and New Hampshire require road tests for drivers 75 and older, while Florida mandates vision tests for drivers over 80. “New Jersey law does not require any driver (Aging Drivers - See Page 7)
October 26, 2024
2 Vie For Council Seat
By Chris Lundy TOMS RIVER – While most of the town is concerned with the presidential election, there’s another vote to be had on November 5 that might get lost in the shuffle. Republican Bill Byrne and Democrat Zach Dougherty are competing for the Ward 2 council seat. The winner will only have a year on the Township Council, and will have to run next year if they want to keep the spot. This is because the Ward 2 council member was Daniel Rodrick, who stepped up from that seat when he won the mayor’s race last year. Both candidates were given questions about their backgrounds and experience. They were also asked what the biggest problem facing the town was and what they will do to solve it. They were also asked if there’s anything new that they’d want to start in Toms River. The answers are provided below, gently edited for such things as spelling. Direct attacks on their opponent were removed. Zach Dougherty Zach Dougherty is an Administrative Staff Assistant with the League of Women Voters of New Jersey. “Due to the nonpartisan policy of LWV-NJ, I transitioned from my role as a community organizer and government affairs agent to an administrative position as a result of my partisan candidacy.” “I have worked for both houses of the United States Congress and the New Jersey State Legislature. I also spearheaded the creation of the New Jersey Legislative Youth Council, an official government forum for the state’s youth to advise the legislature. “I’m an Eagle Scout and assistant scoutmaster with Toms River Boy Scout Troop 59, as well as the assistant roundtable commissioner for the Northern Lights District of the Jersey Shore Boy Scout Council. I’m an educational mentor for Envision’s National Youth Leadership Forum and I volunteer as a local AP Government tutor. I previously worked as a student coordinator for the Toms River Police Department’s TR UNITED community outreach program. I’ve coached several Toms River High School PLE teams for Ocean County’s mock trial competitions. Additionally, I volunteered as a Big Brother with Big (Council Seat - See Page 5)
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