The HOWELL Times
Vol. 22 - No. 27
In This Week’s Edition
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
Local Filmmaker Provides Sequel To Holiday Favorite
December 14, 2024
5K Held For Mental Health In Memory Of Berkeley Officer
BREAKING NEWS @
Photo by Chris Lundy Participants at the 5th Annual Survivor Day 5K Run/Walk was held in Island Heights.
jerseyshoreonline.com
Community News Pages 8-11
Dr. Izzy Sound News Page 15
Inside The Law Page 17
Classifieds Page 18
Photo courtesy Valenti Vision Films A scene from “Ebenezer The Traveler” made by local filmmaker Joe Valenti. By Bob Vosseller JERSEY SHORE – Have you ever wondered what happened next for Ebenezer Scrooge after his epiphany about the spirit of Christmas and what matters most in life? A New Jersey filmmaker is exploring that premise with “Ebenezer The Traveler” a film that premiered on Apple+TV on December 6. It will also be available on Amazon Prime and over a dozen streaming services. Gravitas Ventures, an Anthem Sports & Entertainment Company has acquired U.S. and Canadian rights to Joe Valenti’s holiday drama which
he described as a charming family holiday film written by Leland R. Prater that stars Jerry Parisi, Amanda Rae Dodson, Leland R. Prater, Michael Bertolini, Austen Shane, Emily Jeanne Phillips, Christopher Brian Roach and Lou Martini Jr. The movie was directed, filmed, edited and produced by Valenti, a Toms River resident who heads Valenti Vision Films. Following the merriest Christmas day of Ebenezer Scrooge’s long and miserable life, the day after finds him much less merry, and instead much more dead. Reunited with his old partner Jacob Marley, a no (Filmmaker - See Page 4)
Cops: School Board Member Owned Child Porn By Chris Lundy FARMINGDALE – A member of the local school board who was also a crossing guard was charged with possession of child pornography, police said. William L. Shaffer, 47, was charged with one count of third-degree Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials. The district released a statement noting that as a crossing guard, he was employed by the town, not the school. The statement continued to say:
“Today we were advised of the arrest of one of the Farmingdale Board of Education board members. We want to assure our parents, students, staff and our school community that we are working very closely with law enforcement to guarantee that the safety and security of our students remains the highest priority. Although the individual is not an employee of the school district, measures have been taken so that the individual will not have any access to the school
premises while charges are pending. We trust the judicial process to address this matter appropriately and promptly and we hope to return to focusing on our primary mission of serving children.” It appears as though Shaffer’s name was already removed from the Board of Education webpage by the time the charges became public. His name is listed as a member in the roll call in the minutes of recent meetings. He attended (Member - See Page 5)
By Chris Lundy ISLAND HEIGHTS – It takes strength to be a police officer. It takes strength to put your life on the line as a first responder. It takes strength to ask for help. The 5th Annual Survivor Day 5K Run / Walk was held in Island Heights as a fundraiser to promote mental health awareness. The walk is held on the third Saturday in November, recognized as International Survivors Of Suicide Loss Day. This year’s race was dedicated to Berkeley Police Lt. Anthony “Butchie” Kurnel III. He was born and raised in Bayville. He was married with three children and a grandchild. “He was the cornerstone to his family and held such a bright presence in the community,” organizers said. “He was 55 years old when he lost his life to the silent killer of mental health and suicide.
His legacy will live on as we remember the countless lives he has touched, all the laughs we’ve had and all of the people he’s lent his hand out to help. We remember Butchie, not only for the challenges he faced, but for the joy he brought to everyone, his dedication to his family, and the care that he brought to every aspect of life.” On a brisk morning, a large group gathered to remember his legacy, and to bring attention to the need for people to address their mental health as they would any other health issue. The crowd symbolized that you are not alone. The run/walk provides momentum to the lives of those left behind, allowing them to move forward while remembering those they lost. “Sometimes, the people you wouldn’t think need help are the ones who do,” Be rkeley (Officer - See Page 5)
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