The JACKSON Times Vol. 23 - No. 4
In This Week’s Edition
BREAKING NEWS @
jerseyshoreonline.com
Government Pages 6
Community News Pages 8-9
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 13
Classifieds Page 15
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
By Bob Vosseller JACKSON – It may have been a little cloudy and dark outside with a threatening storm but inside Jackson Mills Fire Station 54 it was a whole different story as the Jackson Commission for the Disabled/Handicapped held its annual prom night. Alex Janoczkin who serves as the Commission’s current co-chair said, “This year’s prom theme was ‘Under the Sea,’ and with the incredible storm that rolled through Jackson that evening, we almost found ourselves literally under the sea, but despite the challenging weather, the turnout was absolutely amazing, and the smiles throughout the night made every moment worthwhile.” “There is truly nothing more special than seeing the joy on the faces of our clients as they celebrate, make memories, and enjoy the surprises that make this event so magical,” he added. Janoczkin gave a very special shout out to DJ Robert Douriet of SoManyStylez Entertainment, a local business owner “who
Pirates, Giant Robots & Baby Sharks Bring Fun Under The Sea During Prom Night
Photo courtesy Commission for the Disabled/Handicapped Stacy Bisignano joins a pirate as part of this year’s Jackson Commission for the Disabled and Handicapped Prom Night event that featured the theme of “Under the Sea.” continues to go above and beyond for our clients. Robert and his entire family bring so much energy and excitement to this event every year. Along with providing fantastic music and an incredible photo booth, he surprised everyone with a giant robot guest appearance that was an instant hit.” “We are also incredibly grateful to Bartley Healthcare of Jackson and Jessica Marangio, who have truly become part of the Jackson Township Commission for the Disabled/ Handicapped family. Jessica helped create unforgettable moments by arranging special
Missing Podium Becomes Symbol For Larger Debate
By Bob Vosseller JACKSON– The township’s podium, used for when members of the public speak before the governing body, is still noticeably absent but it is set to return with a new microphone, according to officials. Not every municipality has a podium for residents to use but Jackson’s has become a symbol for those who feel their ability to speak at council meetings is under attack. Some residents have said that the removal of the podium, and the few times that the public portion of the meeting was cut short, were both done to silence dissent. Township officials, however, say that this is nothing more than a damaged podium that needs to be replaced. Resident Ray Cattonar is among those who is bothered by its absence (Missing Podium - See Page 5)
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
(Prom Night - See Page 4)
July 25, 2026
Court: Town Condemned Land Improperly By Bob Vosseller JACKSON – Four years after the idea was originally conceived by township officials, the New Jersey Supreme Court rendered a decision that will impact a plan involving open space preservation and which might also have state-wide implications. The court recently ruled that the township improperly used its eminent domain authority to seize privately owned land as part of a land swap with a private developer. It found Jackson officials had exceeded its legal authority and did not deal fairly with the property owners, Bellevue, Jackson, LLC and Getzel Bee, LLC. Mayor Jennifer Kuhn provided her reaction on the decision to The Jackson Times, saying, “the NJ Supreme Court issued a decision that former-Mayor (Michael) Reina and the prior administration had improperly utilized eminent domain to take two small parcels of land from a Lakewood-based LLC as part of a larger land swap deal dating back to 2022.” “To be clear: the court did not block or undo the larger land swap,” the mayor added noting the only portion affected by the decision “were parcels which combined amount to less than an acre of the overall property.” Council President Mordechai Burnstein told The Jackson Times, that the “only thing this decision does is block the condemnation of these two lots, less than an acre of overall tract. The Township had sought to take control of land via eminent domain as part of land swap to aid new school construction.” (Condemned Land - See Page 4)
County Tests AI Text Line For Senior Services By Stephanie Faughnan OCEAN COUNTY - Residents searching for food assistance, transportation, caregiving support or other services for older adults can help test a system designed to provide answers through a text message. Ocean County has introduced an artificial intelligence-powered text line that allows residents to ask questions about local aging resources at any time and receive
automated response. The system accepts questions in multiple languages, recognizes spelling errors and draws its answers from a controlled database of Ocean County information rather than searching the open internet. Residents are being invited to test the Age-Friendly Ocean County Pilot Text Line by texting 848-266-6981. Their questions (Senior Services See Page 7)
Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Ocean County Commissioner Robert Arace and Ocean County Office of Senior Services Director Marie LaFace stand together during the launch of the Age-Friendly Ocean County Multisector Plan for Aging at the Ocean County Library in Toms River.
Local News, Events & Advertising Solutions