The BERKELEY Times Vol. 32 - No. 6
In This Week’s Edition
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
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Vendor Fair Helps Connect Veterans To Services
Local Woman’s $65K Loss Highlights Growing Scam Threat
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Government Page 6
Community News Pages 8-10
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 14
Inside The Law Page 16
By Colleen Sheehan BERKELEY - The Bayville Elks invited veterans to their lodge for an afternoon of entertainment, community, and support with lunch and a resource fair. There were seven tables set up at the event, providing veterans and their families with resources and services that they could have trouble finding. A tricky tray event was set up with over fifteen different baskets, that attendees could purchase tickets and enter to win. Ron Schwieters, Past Exalted Ruler and Co-Chair of the veterans committee said that the money raised goes back into the Photos by Colleen Sheehan veterans service fund, helping out active duty, retired, disabled, homeless and five Visitors were welcome to have lunch, listen to music, and learn about services at the veterans vendor fair. star veterans. “Even one little thing, if we can get them something they deserve but haven’t gotten, then significant because she was in the system as a the day is worthwhile.” veteran’s wife as well as a nurse by trade, and Jan Bernardino, leading knight and co-chair case manager. (Veterans Fair - See Page 4) of the veterans committee said this event is
Concealed Carry Permit Fees Partially Refunded
By Chris Lundy BERKELEY – At the most recent Township Council meeting, six residents were refunded $100 of their concealed carry gun permit fees. This stemmed from 2nd Amendment advocates who approached the governing body earlier this year, explaining how expensive these fees have become. They said the fees went above and beyond the cost of the paperwork and even the payment of the staff needed to do the work. These advocates have gone to several towns in Ocean County making the same request. Many have made changes allowing some kind of refund.
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Then, a few of the same people came to another meeting to check on the status of the refund ordinance, and were told it was going to be discussed and then voted on. The ordinance refunding the fees was passed within about three months of being approached by the gun advocates. “It’s the right thing to do,” Mayor John Bacchione said. According to state statute, applicants must pay $226, which includes a $50 fee to the state, $26 for a background check, and $150 for a municipal fee for reviewing and processing permits. The ordinance states that those who purchase or renew their concealed carry permits can be refunded $100 of the total. However, (Concealed Carry - See Page 5)
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By Stephanie Faughnan OCEAN COUNTY - A Berkeley Township woman had already lost $25,000 af ter allowing someone posing as a Microsoft representative to access her computer. Three days later, the scammers called again. This time, the caller claimed to be with Homeland Security and offered to help recover her money. She was instructed to withdraw $40,000 in cash, place it in a black box and meet an “agent” in the parking lot of Luigi’s Deli in South Toms River. She followed the inst r uctions and h a nd e d ove r t he mo ne y. W he n t he same person returned seeking another $19,000, Berkeley Township detectives and an investigator f rom the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office were waiting. They arrested a man whom Mastronardy described as a Chinese national living in Mexico. “He was putting money in a fund,” said Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy. “It was going to a Chinese gang.” Mastronardy shared the case as consumer protection officials from across New Jersey compared the frauds and questionable business practices they’ve encountered. Their accounts showed how quickly scams are evolving and why recovering money is often far more difficult than preventing losses. “This is happening every day as we’re s p e a k i ng he r e,” M a s t r on a rd y s a id . “There are people being victimized in our county, in our state.” The discussion took place at the Toms River Yacht Club, where representatives from nine counties and state officials gathered for the annual summer meeting of the County and Municipal Consumer Agencies. Other attendees included Ocean County Commissioner Director Frank Sadeghi, Commissioner Samuel Ellenbogen and Seaside Heights Police Chief Thomas Boyd. O ce a n Cou nt y Con s u me r A f fa i r s (Scam Threat - See Page 4)
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