The BERKELEY Times Vol. 31 - No. 25
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
Veterans Park Becomes Winter Wonderland
In This Week’s Edition
December 13, 2025
County Kicks Off Holiday Season With Tree Lighting
BREAKING NEWS @
jerseyshoreonline.com
Government Page 7
Community News
Photo by Chris Lundy
Santa and Mrs. Claus were welcomed with cheers.
Pages 8-11
By Chris Lundy BERKELEY – On a cold, clear evening, Veter a ns Pa rk wa s transformed into a Winter Wonderland with twinkling lights, happy songs, and warm snacks. A considerable amount of work went into making a holiday event for more than 100 residents
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 14
Inside The Law Page 20
to enjoy. A trackless train took children around the park, past light-up and blow-up decorations of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. A large tent was set up for vendors. Heaters kept it pretty comfortable, so people could talk to local businesses
“The Last Secretary Of Education” Visits Local School
By Andrew Rice J ER SEY SHOR E - Secretary of Education Linda McMahon made an appearance at Cedar Drive Middle School in Colts Neck as par t of the nationwide “History Rocks!” tour, which aims to promote civics
and American history education. The visit is tied to the America 250 Civics Education Coalition, a partnership involving the U.S. Department of Education and dozens of national organizations, including the America First Policy
Institute, Turning Point USA, Hillsdale College, Moms for Liberty, and others. The Colts Neck Board of Education, and in particular, President Angelique Volpe, is credited with reaching out early, which helped
like home improvement contractors. There were also a number of artisans who were selling their own crafts, honey, and other goods. Badges were even on sale for the township’s beaches. Food trucks sold specialties like zeppole and kettle corn, and you could also stop by the
snack shack at the park. These amenities started at 3 p.m., while everyone knew the tree lighting itself was to take place at 6 p.m. As the evening got close to this event, the Central Regional High School choir took to the stage and sang renditions of (Park - See Page 4)
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By Stephanie Faughnan TOMS RIVER - The final numbers rang out in a joyful countdown: Ten. Nine. Eight, building up all the way down to One. Children’s voices rose above the cold December air. And then, in a sudden burst of light, Ocean County’s towering Christmas tree sprang to life, glowing against the early winter sky as applause rippled through the crowd. The annual Ocean County Tree Lighting Ceremony was held at the county Administration (Tree Lighting - See Page 5)
New Play About Baseball, The Perfect Gift By Local Writer
By Chris Lundy BRICK – The Christmas season is often filled with comedy and drama, and a debut play being performed locally is no different. “The Christmas Cardinal” explores relationships between friends and family, set against the backdrop of an epic baseball-themed pilgrimage. Corey Crawford, a Toms River native, has been acting, directing, and writing for Brick’s Guild Theatreworks for many years. He explained to
(Secretary - See Page 4)
Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Ocean County’s 28-foot Norway spruce glows with 6,000 LED lights after the ceremonial countdown during the county’s annual Christmas tree lighting.
(Baseball - See Page 5)
Photo courtesy Corey Crawford The costumes of the characters suggest the baseball theme.
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