The BERKELEY Times Vol. 30 - No. 39
In This Week’s Edition
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
Youth Celebrate Their Patriotism
Family In Need After Tragic Shooting
BREAKING NEWS @
jerseyshoreonline.com
Government Page 8
Community News Pages 9-13
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 14
Inside The Law Page 19
Photo by Chris Lundy Six local students won patriotic competitions organized by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9503. They were joined by VFW leaders and Mayor John Bacchione. By Chris Lundy BERKELEY – Six local students were honored for their patriotism and their skill in discussing democracy at a recent Township Council meeting. The Veterans of Foreign Wars run two competitions every year. The Voice Of Democracy is for speeches recorded by 9 th-12th grade students and the Patriot’s Pen is for essays by 6th-8th grade students. They are competing for scholarships. If they place, their work is then sent up to the next region for even larger prizes. The national first place winner for
Voice Of Democracy is a $35,000 college scholarship and the top national prize for Patriot’s Pen is $5,000. Post 9503 Commander James Ramnytz said that the speech topic for Voice Of Democracy was “Is America today our forefathers’ vision?” Ramnytz asked the audience to imagine what their answer would be for a heavy topic such as that, then realize that this question is asked to high school students. It’s a big ask but the children rose to the task.
Photo by Bob Vosseller Members of the Ocean County Vocational Technical School culinary program gather during the 28th Annual International Chefs’ Night Out and Gift Auction held at the RWJBarnabas Health Arena in Toms River.
By Alyssa Riccardi and Chris Lundy BERKELEY – A fundraiser has raised thousands of dollars to support a local husband and wife who were injured in a shooting. Tom and Jill Kwatkoski were victims of gun violence after they were both shot at their home by their neighbor. The couple are currently in the process of recovery. Tom and Jill and their four sons are now facing unimaginable challenges. “While the physical wounds will eventually heal, the emotional and financial toll on their family is significant, and their journey toward recovery is just beginning,” said Jill Stuart, the fundraiser organizer. Stuart explained that the two will need extensive medical treatment and therapy, all while they continue to care for their children. “Tom and Jill are always the first to help others, whether it’s supporting their community or raising their sons with love and care. Now, they need our help,” she said. A GoFundMe fundraiser has raised more than $22,000 in donations, which will go directly toward medical bills, daily expenses, and ensuring their children have what they need during this difficult time. “It will also help cover the unforeseen costs of recovery as they rebuild their lives,” Stuart added. To make a donation, visit gofundme.com/f/supportthe-kwatkoskis-a-family-in-crisis. On March 10, police received a 911 call regarding two gunshot victims at a home on Drake Drive in Berkeley Township. When officers arrived, they found Tom and Jill both suffering from a gunshot wound. (Family - See Page 4)
(Patriotism - See Page 14)
Chefs’ Night Out Puts OCVTS On The Menu For Success
By Bob Vosseller OCEAN COUNTY – Chefs’ Night Out featured delicious food and drink samplings from 60 local restaurants and vendors. With a 50/50 raffle valued at $10,000 and a gift auction, it served as the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Ocean County Foundation for Vocational Technical Education. OCVTS culinary students were out in force with several tables (Chefs’ Night Out - See Page 4)
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March 22, 2025
Congressman Faces Criticism At Rally
By Bob Vosseller JERSEY SHORE – Crowds protested recent actions by the Trump administration, and they wanted to know where their congressman stands on the issues. A head count from the two recent rallies noted more than 70 people, most of whom carried signs in front of Toms River Town Hall on Washington Street where Congressman Chris
Smith (R-4th) has a district office. The second rally was held this week. The protestors chanted slogans and spoke in opposition toward President Donald Trump’s policies concerning immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cuts of federal employees, removing medical insurance programs to U.S. citizens and cutting foreign aid (Criticism - See Page 5)
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