The JACKSON Times Vol. 21 - No. 33
In This Week’s Edition
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Valentine’s Day Party Brings Heart To The Holiday
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Community News Pages 7-9
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 12
Classifieds Page 15
Inside The Law
Photo By Bob Vosseller Enjoying refreshments were attendees of this year’s Jackson Township Commission for the Disabled Valentine’s Day Party held at the township community center. By Bob Vosseller JACKSON – The Township’s Commission for the Disabled and Handicapped enjoyed Valentine’s Day a little earlier this year but that made it all the more fun. Last weekend a Valentine’s Day event was held and Commission representative Karen Lundgren noted that “between a great season finale of our Challenger Basketball program, with Coach Don Connor, and an incredible Valentine’s Party at the Senior Center we could not be more thrilled.”
Suely Fries, the co-chair of the Commission previously told The Jackson Times “we are the only agency in town that offers something in terms of recreation and leisure for people with special needs. With Jackson being so big and – in some ways, remote – it can be a pain to drive 20 or 30 minutes for something, so we do what we can with the budget we have because it all comes down to money at the end of the day.” Fries noted that the Commission receives “an (Valentine’s - See Page 2)
School Board Educates Public On Redistricting By Bob Vosseller JACKSON - Members of the public had another opportunity to share their concerns, ask questions and learn more information related to the school district’s restructuring/ redistricting plan during the latest Board of Education meeting. Superintendent Nicole Pormilli stated the Board wouldn’t be voting on the matter during this meeting but would during its February 19 session. “The Board will consider public input and any existing data they request. The reason why we are doing this is to continue to have our strong academic programs, that we have an updated curriculum, a wide variety of electives for our students and a plethora of extracurricular programs.” She noted that some questions might not be able to be answered until “we start the process of bringing people together and uniting our staff and our students in committee work such as what will the middle school details be or the 5-6 grade schedule be.” Last month the district announced that Goetz Middle School will close. The grade levels at the two high schools will be realigned, leaving only one as a four year high school. Pormilli reminded residents, “these are big changes that are being recommended and there is a lot of empathy for that, we understand it,” the superintendent said. “We are one community and we are trying to chart a path forward for everybody and create wonderful opportunities for our students.”
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Survey On Homeless Discussed By Bob Vosseller PLUMSTED – Township officials recently responded to a letter to the governing body requesting further information about a homeless survey being conducted in the community. Also discussed during a recent Township Committee meeting was the possibility of an Ocean County satellite office. The non-profit agency Monarch Housing Associates has been tasked with conducting a survey about the homeless population in areas of Ocean County. They had requested use of a township office, Committeeman James Hagelstein said.
The survey concerns learning if there are homeless in town, the circumstances that led to their being homeless and how to help them. However, there is no truth to the rumor that they are creating a homeless shelter in town, he said. “I heard some online chatter about it. All of it was unfounded,” Hagelstein added. He said, “if you are curious, you can Google Monarch Services Ocean County. It goes into every detail about the homeless, what their situation is. What the (Survey- See Page 6)
February 15, 2025
(School Board - See Page 4)
Vo-Tech Open House Showcases Hands-On Training By Stephanie Faughnan TOMS RIVER - For years, Ocean County Vocational Technical School (OCVTS) students and staff have been the strongest advocates for the school’s programs, and this year’s Open House was no exception. The event’s success was driven by the direct engagement between visitors and the students and instructors who brought the benefits of Career and Technical Education (CTE) to life. Attendees experienced firsthand the enthusiasm, expertise, and hands-on learning that appear to define OCVTS.
School authorities noted that 1,786 individuals signed in to the Open House across its six campuses - Toms River, Brick, Jackson, Waretown, Little Egg Harbor, and Ocean County College. The event’s overwhelming turnout highlighted a growing appreciation for training in high-demand careers. The Toms River campus alone provided a glimpse into the dynamic, real-world learning environments awaiting prospective students. The Electrical Studies classroom featured a framed structure alongside demonstration (Vo-Tech - See Page 2)
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