The BERKELEY Times Vol. 30 - No. 23
In This Week’s Edition
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Community News Pages 8-12
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Paws And Claus Host Holiday-Themed Fundraiser
By Chris Lundy BERKELEY – Santa Claus had a great job one recent Saturday. He got to sit in his chair at Veterans Park and meet dogs all day. A line of people brought their pets to meet him and get their pictures taken. They also had the opportunity to meet Mrs. Claus and the Grinch. You might see these photos soon, since most of them are going to wind up on Christmas cards. Meanwhile, Christmas music played while the dogs sniffed about, meeting each other and making friends. Everyone was enjoying an unseasonably warm day at the park. The idea was pulled off by the Central Regional High School Paws and Claws Club. “They partner with a rescue every year,” said their advisor, science teacher Jennifer Haines. This year it is All Fur One in Toms River. The students have been walking the dogs and socializing the cats there. They will look up their wish list and buy items with money raised through events like this. The club charged $5 if you wanted to take the photo with your own camera. For $10, the photo would be taken by a student in the Photography Club. A 4x6 was printed and placed in a frame for you to take home. If you wanted to spoil your dog or cat, there were specially made T-R-E-A-T-S for sale, as well as knit clothing for them. Most of the pets who came were dogs.
Photo by Chris Lundy Ethan posed perfectly for his photo with Santa. Haines said cats and a snake also got their pictures taken. “The students see where the money is going, and choose how to spend it,” she said. It also teaches students how to make a difference in the world. For the next fundraiser, the club will be selling coupon books. If you were wondering if the dogs were on the naughty or nice list? Don’t worry. All the dogs were good boys and girls.
New VA Clinic Brings Care Closer To Home By Stephanie Faughnan TOMS RIVER – With palpable excitement, VA Under Secretary for Health Shereef Elnahal said it was great to be back home in New Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Jersey to celebrate the grand openVA Under Secretary for Health Shereef Elnahal, joined by Senator Cory Booker, Senator-elect ing of the new VA Clinic on Hooper Andy Kim, Congressman Chris Smith and Avenue in Toms River. “I love this state and the tens of other dignitaries cutting the ribbon for the new thousands of veterans who are going VA Center.
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to benefit from this clinic for generations to come,” he said. At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Elnahal joined a lineup of dignitaries addressing a crowd of more than 300 people gathered under a large tent outside the new clinic. The audience included veterans attending (VA Clinic - See Page 4)
November 30, 2024
Local Volunteers Help Those In Need
Photo courtesy Chris Melvin Sr. Coats and other necessities were handed out by members of Lakewood Police, Cobra One Motorcycle club of South Toms River and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity (Iota Chi Sigma Chapter/Jersey Shore Sigmas). By Chris Lundy SOUTH TOMS RIVER – Community organizers reached across Ocean County to help others have a warm and safe winter. A coat drive launched by Lakewood Police, Unity Pride, Calvary Lighthouse Church, Jersey Shore Sigmas, NJ Rise, and Cobra One Motorcycle club of South Toms River collected coats, sweaters, socks, hats, gloves and thermals to later give out to those who need them. “As a member of my fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity (Iota Chi Sigma Chapter/ Jersey Shore Sigmas) - we firmly believe in our principles - Brotherhood Scholarship, and Service and our Motto - Culture for Service, Service for Humanity,” said Robert Taylor, who is also active in Manitou Park with his group called Community Pride. “So this event, this coat drive here is something that we need to do ... providing for those in need.” Taylor added, “It’s not always about where you’re from, never about the color or pigmentation of one’s skin ... to me, to us, it’s about who needs assistance, no matter where you (Volunteers - See Page 4)
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