The HOWELL Times
Vol. 22 - No. 29
In This Week’s Edition
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
Classic To Hear Final Buzzer
Photos courtesy Leigh Shaffer (Left) Scout groups and other volunteers presented wreaths on veterans’ graves at Cedar Lawn/Southard Cemetery. (Above) Evergreen Cemetery was one of many Howell cemeteries involved in the organization.
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Community News Pages 8-10
Page 13
Classifieds Page 16
Inside The Law Page 17
December 28, 2024
Wreaths Across America WOBM Christmas Celebrates Local Heroes
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By Liz Ciocher HOWELL – Wreaths Across A mer ica , a nationwide non-profit organization that honors the burial sites of veterans, made its way to Howell and Farmingdale with its annual ceremonies. The Howell Heritage and Historical Society, the Farmingdale Historical Society and the Farmingdale Evergreen Cemetery Committee brought the organiza-
tion to Howell by conducting wreath-laying ceremonies on the graves of veterans at Cedar Lawn/Southard Cemetery, Evergreen Cemeter y, Adelphia Cemetery and Ardena Baptist Cemetery. According to Leigh Shaffer, president of the Farmingdale Historical Society and vice president of the Howell Heritage and Historical Society, there were over 800 Howell veteran
burial sites that we re pre se nt e d with wreaths. As part of the ceremonies, the names of the int e r red vet e r a n s were read aloud in honor of their memor y. These readings were also done at Abner Thorp Cemetery, Brewer Cemetery, Lower Squankum Burial Ground and Jerseyville Cemetery. The wreaths were sponsored by volunteer donations that were $17 a wreath. Volunteers, families of veterans, surviving veterans, active military
Food Angels Return, Serving Hope And Hot Meals
By Stephanie Faughnan L A K E WO OD – T h e Food Angels returned to Lakewood Town Square on December 16, greeted by a crowd eager for their warmth, compassion, and hot meals. The team served a hearty beef barley casserole, the dish originally planned for their canceled
December 1 visit, alongside their usual spread of food, clothing, and other essential items. For many in need, it was a moment of relief and celebration. The return marked the end of a frustrating hiatus caused by a dispute with Lakewood Township that temporarily disrupted the work of Food
and all members of the public were welcomed in attendance of the ceremonies. “It’s a lot of people i nvolved and it’s a wonderful thing,” said Shaffer. “The whole thing is very special.” In addition to the presentation of the wreaths and ceremonial name readings, a solo performance of the Star Spangled Banner was heard. Bugling and a flag presentation from local Boy Scouts were also conducted as part of the ceremony. This year was the eighth annual Wreaths (Wreaths - See Page 4)
Angels and other charitable groups, including Destiny’s Bridge, Spirit of Truth World Vision Outreach, and Lifting the Fallen Ministries. The groups had faced restrictions on their efforts to feed and clothe the unhoused on Photo by Stephanie Faughnan public property, sparking More than 60 people showed up at legal action that ultimately Town Square when they learned (Angels - See Page 6) that the Food Angels were back.
By Chris Christopher JERSEY SHORE – It’s the end of an era. The final jumpers, final layups, final points, final rebounds, final assists, final steals and final blocked shots will take place this month in the 40th annual WOBM Christmas Classic, a boys and girls high school basketball event in Toms River. “The decision (to conclude the Classic) was mine and mine alone,” Classic director Kevin Williams said on Facebook. “I am technically retired from Townsquare Media/WOBM (an FM radio station) and as many know I am working for Jersey Mike’s Subs in marketing. Forty years of giving up Christmas week is enough, especially with two grandkids who live out of the area. My wife and I want to spend more time with them during the holidays and putting together this tournament is pretty much an all-year task, which I no longer wish to do. “Maybe somebody will come along and try and run a similar tournament and I wish them well. It won’t be under WOBM as my superiors realize that I handle all aspects and there is nobody who could carry this on. I appreciate them allowing this to be the swan song. All good things do come to an end. The WOBM Christmas Classic has been a good thing for players, coaches and fans for 40 years. I hope we go out with a bang ... and a few tears.” Former Toms River North player Mike Ritacco said he is disappointed to learn of the demise of the Classic, which began play at Ocean County College. Ocean County’s previous major Christmas tournament was the Southern Regional Holiday Roundball Festival. “Terrible decision!,” said Ritacco, who played in the Classic from 1992-96 and was an All-Classic selection. “This is a tourney for the ages! It was the highlight of the beginning of the season. It was an incredible experience that I will never forget. Crowd was great. Small venue at OCC so it was really loud and unique. I would be happy to support the tradition continuing.” Central Regional boys coach Mike Clemente played in the Classic for his father, coach (WOBM - See Page 7)
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