Sun, surf and smiles as Life Rolls On
Day of surfing for people with spinal cord injuries
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Beachgoers flocked to the Jersey Shore this weekend, but none enjoyed themselves as much as a group who gathered on the beachfront to catch a wave, some for the first time.
Volunteers are watchful as Keaghlan Strauss, Toms River, rides a wave during the Life Rolls On Foundation's "They Will Surf Again" event held at the Long Branch oceanfront June 28.
The Life Rolls On Foundation held its second annual "They Will Surf Again" [TWSA] event at Pier Village in Long Branch on June 28, and according to a post-event press release, more than 25 participants and 200 volunteers gathered to make a day of surfing possible for people with spinal cord injuries.
"Injured athletes from around the country gathered together for a day of surfing. Some have not surfed since their injury, some have never surfed, some surf all the time despite their varying mobility," according to the Life Rolls On website.
Event organizer Joe Levy said the early part of the day is the hardest, while everything gets easier once the participants hit the water.
Joe Cali, Hazlet, is all smiles after riding a wave during "They Will Surf Again," an event held to allow people with spinal cord injuries to experience the exhilaration of surfing.
"Registration is the hardest part," Levy said in an interview on the beach. "We are now over that hurdle.
"Once they get out on the waves, the day moves fast."
California-based Life Rolls On has held TWSA events across the country, including in California, North Carolina, Florida, Virginia and New Jersey.
This is the 24th event held since 2004 and the second consecutive year the program is taking place in Long Branch.
TWSA is the flagship event for LRO, but the foundation has also held several golf events this year as well as its first ski event in California.
Levy was in charge of organizing the participants as well as the nearly 200 volunteers.
He organized the surfers and volunteers into teams identified by the color of their wetsuits and also assigned the volunteers land roles or water roles.
"Everybody has a role," Levy said. "There are five to seven roles per team, from water to land."
With the organization of the event out of the way, safety remained the most important issue.
"Safety is a main concern in an event like this," Levy said, while addressing the crowd of volunteers.
"We use what they call training surfboards," volunteer Vincent Blais, Old Bridge, said. "They have soft bottoms, so in case someone gets hit with one, they won't really hurt."
The water-based teams were split into three levels: deep water where the surfers start, midway, and shallow.
Some of the volunteers explained the roles of the deep-water positions.
"There are two people pushing from behind," Tony Aufiero, Wall, said. "I am one of the ones guiding the board from the sides."
"The deep-water part is pretty challenging," Noel Fitzpatrick, Belmar, said. "I am swimming around making sure everyone on the team and everyone surfing is all right.
"The tide is low and the water is very shallow," added Fitzpatrick, who works as a surfing instructor in Ocean Grove.
While the deep-water portion is certainly challenging, Old Bridge resident Jennifer Kieliszewski explained that the shallow end is challenging too.
"The most important part is the transfer and the position on the board," Kieliszewski said. "The positioning on the board of the surfer is what I mostly look at. It's important to make sure they are on the board right and to make sure their heads aren't in the water."
While the volunteers are crucial for TWSA, the day really is about the participants. what I mostly look at. It's important to make sure they are on the board right and to make sure their heads aren't in the water."
While the volunteers are crucial for TWSA, the day really is about the participants.
For Ian James, Neptune, TWSA is a chance to reclaim his surfing days.
James, who was injured while serving in the U.S. Air Force, was very grateful for the chance to get in the water.
"It's phenomenal," James said. "These people went out of their way to help. I'm looking forward to surfing. There is a beautiful break out there today."
Just the experience of being on the beach among a large group of people was a positive for him.
"It's nice for people to get out of the house, to get out of the hospital bed and socialize like this," James said. "It's good for everybody."
He thanked everyone involved in the day.
"The sponsors, the volunteers, the participants, it's all great," James said.
"I want to give a huge thank you to everyone," he said, adding, "I am really, really appreciative of this opportunity."
James' words rang true with Justin Ubel, who had just come out of the water and was having sunscreen applied.
"I love it, it's beautiful out there," Ubel said. "I just want to thank everyone for doing this."
Many participants were once experienced surfers, but less experienced surfers still were able to enjoy the day.
Malik Jones, Newark, was one of the firsttime surfers to join in the fun.
"I've been once already," Jones said. "There's a first time for everything.
"It was calm out there," he said. "It's peaceful out there. I'd definitely come back next year."
Jaclyn Daya, Old Bridge, another first-time surfer, was looking forward to getting in the water.
"I am excited for my first time surfing," Daya said. "I used to love being in the water.
"We have great weather," Daya added. "I am looking forward to getting out there."
Most of the participants and volunteers agreed that the event has grown dramatically since last year.
"I came last year," Tyler Ryan, of Montgomery, N.Y., said. "It's really fun, it's different. Last year was a lot smaller."
"It's a lot better than last year," John Harris, Doylestown, Pa., said.
Ryan said he is hoping that these events continue.
"It's a great organization," Ryan said. "I hope they continue to hold events like this."
While the surfers all said they immensely enjoyed being in the water, at least one parent admitted she might not have shared the same sentiment at first.
For Tom Pisano, Milford, TWSA represents a chance to regain his athletic past, but for his mother, Maureen, it was a stressful day last year.
"This is his second year," Maureen said. "It has been very enjoyable this year.
"Last year I was a nervous wreck," Maureen added. "Now I know what to expect."
For Tom, who was injured while skiing, the day is a chance to again regain his athleticism and be out in the sun.
"It's good, it's a nice day," Tom said. "It's good to get some sun.
"This is one of the best things I've done since I got hurt two and a half years ago."
"He just loves doing these things," his mother said. "He is very athletic."
While June set rainfall records, the sun was shining on TWSA.
"Looks like we've been blessed with good weather again," Levy said. "After five and a half weeks of rain, it looks like the rain disappeared for a TWSA event.
"We are very grateful for the weather," he said. "It's the perfect beach day."
"I expected it to rain," Ryan said.
"It's great that we got some good weather," Aufiero said.
According to two young local volunteers, it was a good day to be out on the waves.
"[The water is] about 70 degrees," Jack Collins, Shrewsbury, said. "Decent waves, it's not bad.
"They are about 3 feet high," Collins continued, adding, "from your knee to your waist, in surfing terms."
His friend Bennett Moss heard about the event from his mother and was happy to be involved.
"It's really great," Moss said. "Everyone comes together."
"Seeing them catch the wave makes you feel good about yourself," Collins added.
While anyone can volunteer with Life Rolls On, some volunteers had a connection through their work in the occupational therapy field.
"I try to help out wherever I can," Brittany Beckmann said. "I work at an exercise rehab place, so that is how I found out about this.
"This is my first time here," she added. "I think it's amazing."
Beckmann went on to say that the day was well worth the work put in.
"I've never been a part of anything like this before," Beckmann said.
"Seeing all the excitement and enthusiasm on their faces is the best part," Beckmann said. "It's been so much fun."
Teresa Ciullo and Liz Wolff work as therapists in Hoboken, and some of their patients made their way down to the beach for They Will Surf Again.
"It's awesome being able to do this," Wolff said.
"Where we work, there are a lot of patients here," Ciullo said. "It is kind of like a reunion."
The way the surfing is structured, four participants go out for about 45 minutes at a time and all will go out multiple times throughout the day.
"I went on about eight or nine runs while I was out there before," Pisano said.
"Last year I went out there about eight times," Ubel added.
For the volunteers, the reward of being involved is in the joy being able to surf brings to the participants.
"Seeing the smiles on people's faces is the best part," Blais said. "You can't wipe the smiles off their faces."
"Seeing their faces, I love it," Aufiero agreed. "I really do."
"It's a lot of fun," Kieliszewski said. "This is my first one; it's cool seeing them out there."
According to Levy, funding for the event comes from sponsors, donations and grants.
The day also included a raffle for a surfboard, a surf plate, a fishing rod, massage gift certificates and T-shirts.
Life Rolls On will hold another TWSA event in New Jersey on Sept. 27 in Cape May.
For more information or to volunteer, visit the website at www.liferollson.org.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com..
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Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Skudera team takes office in Tinton Falls
Skudera team takes office in Tinton Falls
Law director, engineer appointments challenged
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
An overflow crowd filled the Tinton Falls Borough Council chambers July 1 to witness the swearing in of a new mayor and two council members who won election in an upset victory over the previous administration.
Michael Skudera takes the oath of office on July 1 in Tinton Falls.
Spectators cheered when Michael Skudera took the oath as mayor and NancyAnne Fama and Scott Larkin were sworn to seats on the council.
But the reorganization meeting was not without controversy over several appointments proposed by the new mayor, particularly those of the director of law and the borough engineer, which drew heat from two holdover council members.
Councilman Andrew Mayer criticized Skudera's proposal to appoint attorney Brian M. Nelson as director of law in place of James Berube, who served in the position for the previous four years.
"Personally I'd like to see Jim Berube continue," Mayer said. "Jim has over 30 years of experience. He has served us well the last four years.
"He knows all the nooks and crannies of all the issues we need to address," he continued. "I'd really like to see Jim Berube be considered for this position."
One of Mayer's main issues with the appointment was the difference in experience of the two attorneys.
"Nothing against Brian," Mayer said. "He has some good background; he's just beginning. Jim has extensive background.
"I don't really understand why we want to change course right now as far as our borough attorney," Mayer added. "It's going to be a real steep learning curve for Brian. It's going to take a lot of time and research to get up to speed on all these issues."
Another issue for Mayer was Nelson's work with neighboring municipalities.
Nelson, of Menna, Supko & Nelson in Red Bank, is a law partner of Pasquale Menna, current mayor of Red Bank and serves as township attorney for Middletown.
Mayer said the potential for conflicts is a concern.
"If we have issues with our neighboring towns, there are potential conflicts of interest with neighboring towns that I would prefer not to see," he said.
Mayer revealed that he filed a complaint with the Government Records Council. He claimed that Nelson provided Skudera with advice for more than a month and that he made campaign contributions.
However, Borough Administrator W. Bryan Dempsey said that because Nelson was appointed as a borough employee, the pay-to-play rules don't apply.
"That wouldn't apply here whether it is Mr. Nelson or someone else, that individual is going to be an employee," Dempsey said. "If they received a professional contract, then that would be an issue."
Dempsey explained in an interview Monday that Nelson is considered a salaried borough employee and that the pay-toplay rules do not apply.
"It wouldn't apply here," Dempsey said. "He gets a set fee whether he works 1,000 hours or 2,000 hours. It's not like he can bill us a retainer."
Nelson also claimed that the $5,000 in question was not a contribution to Skudera, but appeared to be payment Nelson received for work he did representing the Monmouth County Republicans.
After Mayer continued to press the issue, he was met with impatience from the crowd.
"Move on!" and "Who cares?" were some shouts from the crowd.
After a few gavel raps and a few more comments from the crowd, a vote was taken.
Mayer and incumbent Councilman Duane Morrill, who was named council president, voted against Nelson's appointment, while the remaining incumbent Gary Baldwin voted for the appointment.
"I do respect the mayor's authority to make this appointment," said Baldwin, who was not physically present, but voted via speakerphone.
"Although I am in full support of Brian's appointment," newly appointed Councilwoman Nancy Ann Fama said. "I am so glad that Jim Berube has been a great asset to the town. His integrity and character is above reproach."
After the appointment of Nelson, it was announced that Berube would still be on board as a special counsel until the end of the year. That appointment received a unanimous 5-0 vote.
"Frankly, keeping Jim Berube as a special counsel serves my desires to have him available to be in the leadership through these difficult issues facing us," Baldwin said.
"It is imperative to me and my council to keep this man available to us," he added.
Another appointment that met with resistance was that of David M. Marks, of T &M Associates, as engineer in place of Alan Hilla Jr., of Birdsall Engineering.
When some council members said they knew very little about Marks, he presented biographical information that included five years of residency, 11 years of service for T&M and his current service as engineer for the boroughs of Atlantic Highlands and Rumson.
He also listed several projects he has been involved with in Tinton Falls.
"I've actually worked on a number of projects here in town under T&M Associates," he said. "The Sycamore Avenue soccer complex is one of the projects I designed. I was also involved in the West Park football complex."
Another concern of some council members was how much his services would cost.
"I believe the top rate was around $120 an hour, which I believe was in line with previous engineers," Marks said.
"The rates remain the same," Dempsey added.
Marks' appointment was also a 3-2 vote, with Morrill and Mayer voting against.
The final contended
vote was for public safety director, a position for which Skudera nominated Dempsey over current director John N. Bucciero.
"Personally I'd like to see John Bucciero carry on that position," Mayer said. "He's done an outstanding job the last couple of years."
"I also think Mr. Bucciero has done a phenomenal job during his 10 years here," Morrill said.
The two council members once again voted against the appointment, which once again passed with the other three council members voting in favor.
However, the appointments were not all controversial.
By unanimous votes, Dempsey remained director of administration and Stephen Pfeffer remained as director of audits, accounts and control.
The director of building and development position, which, according to Borough Clerk Karen Mount-Taylor, has been vacant for 12 years, remains vacant while Bucciero will continue as director of public works.
However, Bucciero's days as director may, in fact, be numbered as he wasn't reappointed, but rather no one else was appointed to the position.
"I do not have any date in mind," Skudera said. "I'd like to leave it as is until an appointment is determined."
Baldwin will hand over the reigns as council president to Morrill.
"It's been a real good experience for me and it's been my pleasure to guide the council during this year," Baldwin said before the vote. "And tonight I'm real pleased to turn it over to whomever the council decides to guide it for the next year."
Morrill was then nominated and appointed as president.
"I would like to thank you for your dedication and your service to the town," Morrill said. "I only hope I could do half as well as you did sir."
Skudera also made appointments to the planning board. Frank Lodato, Fred Lomangino, Scott Trocchia will join Skudera and Baldwin on the board. Nicole Alfano will serve as an alternate member.
Officials in attendance included former state Assemblyman Joseph Azzolina, Monmouth County Freeholder Lillian Burry, and 12th District legislators Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon, Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande and Sen. Jennifer Beck.
"Mike is no stranger to public service," Burry said after swearing in Skudera earlier in the night. "He's been there, he's done it, but now he has a chance to do it even better.
"He's got challenges ahead of him," Burry added. "We have what is happening at the ammunition depot with the housing situation. We have the Fort Monmouth economic revitalization and we have the fact that New Jersey has reduced its municipal aid.
"He has the energy, the intelligence, the drive and, of course, the support of a lot of good people."
For Skudera, the day was a chance for him to move forward from a long, drawnout campaign season.
"I just want to thank each of you for your support in my run as mayor," Skudera said. "The campaign season was a long season, and now it's over."
"I look forward to putting our differences aside and to be able to work together for the residents of Tinton Falls."
Azzolina, who is president of Food Circus Supermarkets where she is employed, administered the oath of office to Fama.
"I think she will do an excellent job as councilwoman at Tinton Falls," Azzolina said.
"She knows how to deal with the unions, negotiate," Azzolina added. "Any problems you can think of she's great at it."
Larkin was sworn in by Mount-Taylor.
The night concluded with O'Scanlon and Casagrande congratulating the elected officials.
"We are here to say congratulations," Casagrande said. "We looking forward to working with you to meet those challenges."
"In the name of brevity congratulations to all," O'Scanlon said.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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Law director, engineer appointments challenged
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
An overflow crowd filled the Tinton Falls Borough Council chambers July 1 to witness the swearing in of a new mayor and two council members who won election in an upset victory over the previous administration.
Michael Skudera takes the oath of office on July 1 in Tinton Falls.
Spectators cheered when Michael Skudera took the oath as mayor and NancyAnne Fama and Scott Larkin were sworn to seats on the council.
But the reorganization meeting was not without controversy over several appointments proposed by the new mayor, particularly those of the director of law and the borough engineer, which drew heat from two holdover council members.
Councilman Andrew Mayer criticized Skudera's proposal to appoint attorney Brian M. Nelson as director of law in place of James Berube, who served in the position for the previous four years.
"Personally I'd like to see Jim Berube continue," Mayer said. "Jim has over 30 years of experience. He has served us well the last four years.
"He knows all the nooks and crannies of all the issues we need to address," he continued. "I'd really like to see Jim Berube be considered for this position."
One of Mayer's main issues with the appointment was the difference in experience of the two attorneys.
"Nothing against Brian," Mayer said. "He has some good background; he's just beginning. Jim has extensive background.
"I don't really understand why we want to change course right now as far as our borough attorney," Mayer added. "It's going to be a real steep learning curve for Brian. It's going to take a lot of time and research to get up to speed on all these issues."
Another issue for Mayer was Nelson's work with neighboring municipalities.
Nelson, of Menna, Supko & Nelson in Red Bank, is a law partner of Pasquale Menna, current mayor of Red Bank and serves as township attorney for Middletown.
Mayer said the potential for conflicts is a concern.
"If we have issues with our neighboring towns, there are potential conflicts of interest with neighboring towns that I would prefer not to see," he said.
Mayer revealed that he filed a complaint with the Government Records Council. He claimed that Nelson provided Skudera with advice for more than a month and that he made campaign contributions.
However, Borough Administrator W. Bryan Dempsey said that because Nelson was appointed as a borough employee, the pay-to-play rules don't apply.
"That wouldn't apply here whether it is Mr. Nelson or someone else, that individual is going to be an employee," Dempsey said. "If they received a professional contract, then that would be an issue."
Dempsey explained in an interview Monday that Nelson is considered a salaried borough employee and that the pay-toplay rules do not apply.
"It wouldn't apply here," Dempsey said. "He gets a set fee whether he works 1,000 hours or 2,000 hours. It's not like he can bill us a retainer."
Nelson also claimed that the $5,000 in question was not a contribution to Skudera, but appeared to be payment Nelson received for work he did representing the Monmouth County Republicans.
After Mayer continued to press the issue, he was met with impatience from the crowd.
"Move on!" and "Who cares?" were some shouts from the crowd.
After a few gavel raps and a few more comments from the crowd, a vote was taken.
Mayer and incumbent Councilman Duane Morrill, who was named council president, voted against Nelson's appointment, while the remaining incumbent Gary Baldwin voted for the appointment.
"I do respect the mayor's authority to make this appointment," said Baldwin, who was not physically present, but voted via speakerphone.
"Although I am in full support of Brian's appointment," newly appointed Councilwoman Nancy Ann Fama said. "I am so glad that Jim Berube has been a great asset to the town. His integrity and character is above reproach."
After the appointment of Nelson, it was announced that Berube would still be on board as a special counsel until the end of the year. That appointment received a unanimous 5-0 vote.
"Frankly, keeping Jim Berube as a special counsel serves my desires to have him available to be in the leadership through these difficult issues facing us," Baldwin said.
"It is imperative to me and my council to keep this man available to us," he added.
Another appointment that met with resistance was that of David M. Marks, of T &M Associates, as engineer in place of Alan Hilla Jr., of Birdsall Engineering.
When some council members said they knew very little about Marks, he presented biographical information that included five years of residency, 11 years of service for T&M and his current service as engineer for the boroughs of Atlantic Highlands and Rumson.
He also listed several projects he has been involved with in Tinton Falls.
"I've actually worked on a number of projects here in town under T&M Associates," he said. "The Sycamore Avenue soccer complex is one of the projects I designed. I was also involved in the West Park football complex."
Another concern of some council members was how much his services would cost.
"I believe the top rate was around $120 an hour, which I believe was in line with previous engineers," Marks said.
"The rates remain the same," Dempsey added.
Marks' appointment was also a 3-2 vote, with Morrill and Mayer voting against.
The final contended
vote was for public safety director, a position for which Skudera nominated Dempsey over current director John N. Bucciero.
"Personally I'd like to see John Bucciero carry on that position," Mayer said. "He's done an outstanding job the last couple of years."
"I also think Mr. Bucciero has done a phenomenal job during his 10 years here," Morrill said.
The two council members once again voted against the appointment, which once again passed with the other three council members voting in favor.
However, the appointments were not all controversial.
By unanimous votes, Dempsey remained director of administration and Stephen Pfeffer remained as director of audits, accounts and control.
The director of building and development position, which, according to Borough Clerk Karen Mount-Taylor, has been vacant for 12 years, remains vacant while Bucciero will continue as director of public works.
However, Bucciero's days as director may, in fact, be numbered as he wasn't reappointed, but rather no one else was appointed to the position.
"I do not have any date in mind," Skudera said. "I'd like to leave it as is until an appointment is determined."
Baldwin will hand over the reigns as council president to Morrill.
"It's been a real good experience for me and it's been my pleasure to guide the council during this year," Baldwin said before the vote. "And tonight I'm real pleased to turn it over to whomever the council decides to guide it for the next year."
Morrill was then nominated and appointed as president.
"I would like to thank you for your dedication and your service to the town," Morrill said. "I only hope I could do half as well as you did sir."
Skudera also made appointments to the planning board. Frank Lodato, Fred Lomangino, Scott Trocchia will join Skudera and Baldwin on the board. Nicole Alfano will serve as an alternate member.
Officials in attendance included former state Assemblyman Joseph Azzolina, Monmouth County Freeholder Lillian Burry, and 12th District legislators Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon, Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande and Sen. Jennifer Beck.
"Mike is no stranger to public service," Burry said after swearing in Skudera earlier in the night. "He's been there, he's done it, but now he has a chance to do it even better.
"He's got challenges ahead of him," Burry added. "We have what is happening at the ammunition depot with the housing situation. We have the Fort Monmouth economic revitalization and we have the fact that New Jersey has reduced its municipal aid.
"He has the energy, the intelligence, the drive and, of course, the support of a lot of good people."
For Skudera, the day was a chance for him to move forward from a long, drawnout campaign season.
"I just want to thank each of you for your support in my run as mayor," Skudera said. "The campaign season was a long season, and now it's over."
"I look forward to putting our differences aside and to be able to work together for the residents of Tinton Falls."
Azzolina, who is president of Food Circus Supermarkets where she is employed, administered the oath of office to Fama.
"I think she will do an excellent job as councilwoman at Tinton Falls," Azzolina said.
"She knows how to deal with the unions, negotiate," Azzolina added. "Any problems you can think of she's great at it."
Larkin was sworn in by Mount-Taylor.
The night concluded with O'Scanlon and Casagrande congratulating the elected officials.
"We are here to say congratulations," Casagrande said. "We looking forward to working with you to meet those challenges."
"In the name of brevity congratulations to all," O'Scanlon said.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Click here to enlarge
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Sun, surf and smiles as Life Rolls On
Sun, surf and smiles as Life Rolls On
Day of surfing for people with spinal cord injuries
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Beachgoers flocked to the Jersey Shore this weekend, but none enjoyed themselves as much as a group who gathered on the beachfront to catch a wave, some for the first time.
CHRIS KELLY staff Volunteers are watchful as Keaghlan Strauss, Toms River, rides a wave during the Life Rolls On Foundation's "They Will Surf Again" event held at the Long Branch oceanfront June 28.
The Life Rolls On Foundation held its second annual "They Will Surf Again" [TWSA] event at Pier Village in Long Branch on June 28, and according to a post-event press release, more than 25 participants and 200 volunteers gathered to make a day of surfing possible for people with spinal cord injuries.
"Injured athletes from around the country gathered together for a day of surfing. Some have not surfed since their injury, some have never surfed, some surf all the time despite their varying mobility," according to the Life Rolls On website.
Event organizer Joe Levy said the early part of the day is the hardest, while everything gets easier once the participants hit the water.
"Registration is the hardest part," Levy said in an interview on the beach. "We are now over that hurdle.
"Once they get out on the waves, the day moves fast."
California-based Life Rolls On has held TWSA events across the country, including in California, North Carolina, Florida, Virginia and New Jersey.
This is the 24th event held since 2004 and the second consecutive year the program is taking place in Long Branch.
TWSA is the flagship event for LRO, but the foundation has also held several golf events this year as well as its first ski event in California.
Levy was in charge of organizing the participants as well as the nearly 200 volunteers.
He organized the surfers and volunteers into teams identified by the color of their wetsuits and also assigned the volunteers land roles or water roles.
"Everybody has a role," Levy said. "There are five to seven roles per team, from water to land."
With the organization of the event out of the way, safety remained the most important issue.
"Safety is a main concern in an event like this," Levy said, while addressing the crowd of volunteers.
"We use what they call training surfboards," volunteer Vincent Blais, Old Bridge, said. "They have soft bottoms, so in case someone gets hit with one, they won't really hurt."
The water-based teams were split into three levels: deep water where the surfers start, midway, and shallow.
Some of the volunteers explained the roles of the deep-water positions.
"There are two people pushing from behind," Tony Aufiero, Wall, said. "I am one of the ones guiding the board from the sides."
"The deep-water part is pretty challenging," Noel Fitzpatrick, Belmar, said. "I am swimming around making sure everyone on the team and everyone surfing is all right.
"The tide is low and the water is very shallow," added Fitzpatrick, who works as a surfing instructor in Ocean Grove.
While the deep-water portion is certainly challenging, Old Bridge resident Jennifer Kieliszewski explained that the shallow end is challenging too.
"The most important part is the transfer and the position on the board," Kieliszewski said. "The positioning on the board of the surfer is what I mostly look at. It's important to make sure they are on the board right and to make sure their heads aren't in the water."
While the volunteers are crucial for TWSA, the day really is about the participants.
For Ian James, Neptune, TWSA is a chance to reclaim his surfing days.
James, who was injured while serving in the U.S. Air Force, was very grateful for the chance to get in the water.
"It's phenomenal," James said. "These people went out of their way to help. I'm looking forward to surfing. There is a beautiful break out there today."
Just the experience of being on the beach among a large group of people was a positive for him.
"It's nice for people to get out of the house, to get out of the hospital bed and socialize like this," James said. "It's good for everybody."
He thanked everyone involved in the day.
"The sponsors, the volunteers, the participants, it's all great," James said.
"I want to give a huge thank you to everyone," he said, adding, "I am really, really appreciative of this opportunity."
James' words rang true with Justin Ubel, who had just come out of the water and was having sunscreen applied.
"I love it, it's beautiful out there," Ubel said. "I just want to thank everyone for doing this." Many participants were once experienced surfers, but less experienced surfers still were able to enjoy the day.
Malik Jones, Newark, was one of the firsttime surfers to join in the fun.
"I've been once already," Jones said. "There's a first time for everything.
"It was calm out there," he said. "It's peaceful out there. I'd definitely come back next year."
Jaclyn Daya, Old Bridge, another firsttime surfer, was looking forward to getting in the water.
"I am excited for my first time surfing," Daya said. "I used to love being in the water.
"We have great weather," Daya added. "I am looking forward to getting out there."
Most of the participants and volunteers agreed that the event has grown dramatically since last year.
"I came last year," Tyler Ryan, of Montgomery, N.Y., said. "It's really fun, it's different. Last year was a lot smaller."
"It's a lot better than last year," John Harris, Doylestown, Pa., said.
Ryan said he is hoping that these events continue.
"It's a great organization," Ryan said. "I hope they continue to hold events like this."
While the surfers all said they immensely enjoyed being in the water, at least one parent admitted she might not have shared the same sentiment at first.
For Tom Pisano, Milford, TWSA represents a chance to regain his athletic past, but for his mother, Maureen, it was a stressful day last year.
"This is his second year," Maureen said. "It has been very enjoyable this year.
"Last year I was a nervous wreck," Maureen added. "Now I know what to expect."
For Tom, who was injured while skiing, the day is a chance to again regain his athleticism and be out in the sun.
"It's good, it's a nice day," Tom said. "It's good to get some sun.
"This is one of the best things I've done since I got hurt two and a half years ago."
"He just loves doing these things," his mother said. "He is very athletic."
While June set rainfall records, the sun was shining on TWSA.
"Looks like we've been blessed with good weather again," Levy said. "After five and a half weeks of rain, it looks like the rain disappeared for a TWSA event.
"We are very grateful for the weather," he said. "It's the perfect beach day."
"I expected it to rain," Ryan said.
"It's great that we got some good weather," Aufiero said.
According to two young local volunteers, it was a good day to be out on the waves.
"[The water is] about 70 degrees," Jack Collins, Shrewsbury, said. "Decent waves, it's not bad.
"They are about 3 feet high," Collins continued, adding, "from your knee to your waist, in surfing terms."
His friend Bennett Moss heard about the event from his mother and was happy to be involved.
"It's really great," Moss said. "Everyone comes together."
"Seeing them catch the wave makes you feel good about yourself," Collins added.
While anyone can volunteer with Life Rolls On, some volunteers had a connection through their work in the occupational therapy field.
"I try to help out wherever I can," Brittany Beckmann said. "I work at an exercise rehab place, so that is how I found out about this.
"This is my first time here," she added. "I think it's amazing."
Beckmann went on to say that the day was well worth the work put in.
"I've never been a part of anything like this before," Beckmann said.
"Seeing all the excitement and enthusiasm on their faces is the best part," Beckmann said. "It's been so much fun."
Teresa Ciullo and Liz Wolff work as therapists in Hoboken, and some of their patients made their way down to the beach for They Will Surf Again.
"It's awesome being able to do this," Wolff said.
"Where we work, there are a lot of patients here," Ciullo said. "It is kind of like a reunion."
The way the surfing is structured, four participants go out for about 45 minutes at a time and all will go out multiple times throughout the day.
"I went on about eight or nine runs while I was out there before," Pisano said.
"Last year I went out there about eight times," Ubel added.
For the volunteers, the reward of being involved is in the joy being able to surf brings to the participants.
"Seeing the smiles on people's faces is the best part," Blais said. "You can't wipe the smiles off their faces."
"Seeing their faces, I love it," Aufiero agreed. "I really do."
"It's a lot of fun," Kieliszewski said. "This is my first one; it's cool seeing them out there."
According to Levy, funding for the event comes from sponsors, donations and grants.
The day also included a raffle for a surfboard, a surf plate, a fishing rod, massage gift certificates and T-shirts.
Life Rolls On will hold another TWSA event in New Jersey on Sept. 27 in Cape May.
For more information or to volunteer, visit the website at www.liferollson.org.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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Day of surfing for people with spinal cord injuries
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Beachgoers flocked to the Jersey Shore this weekend, but none enjoyed themselves as much as a group who gathered on the beachfront to catch a wave, some for the first time.
CHRIS KELLY staff Volunteers are watchful as Keaghlan Strauss, Toms River, rides a wave during the Life Rolls On Foundation's "They Will Surf Again" event held at the Long Branch oceanfront June 28.
The Life Rolls On Foundation held its second annual "They Will Surf Again" [TWSA] event at Pier Village in Long Branch on June 28, and according to a post-event press release, more than 25 participants and 200 volunteers gathered to make a day of surfing possible for people with spinal cord injuries.
"Injured athletes from around the country gathered together for a day of surfing. Some have not surfed since their injury, some have never surfed, some surf all the time despite their varying mobility," according to the Life Rolls On website.
Event organizer Joe Levy said the early part of the day is the hardest, while everything gets easier once the participants hit the water.
"Registration is the hardest part," Levy said in an interview on the beach. "We are now over that hurdle.
"Once they get out on the waves, the day moves fast."
California-based Life Rolls On has held TWSA events across the country, including in California, North Carolina, Florida, Virginia and New Jersey.
This is the 24th event held since 2004 and the second consecutive year the program is taking place in Long Branch.
TWSA is the flagship event for LRO, but the foundation has also held several golf events this year as well as its first ski event in California.
Levy was in charge of organizing the participants as well as the nearly 200 volunteers.
He organized the surfers and volunteers into teams identified by the color of their wetsuits and also assigned the volunteers land roles or water roles.
"Everybody has a role," Levy said. "There are five to seven roles per team, from water to land."
With the organization of the event out of the way, safety remained the most important issue.
"Safety is a main concern in an event like this," Levy said, while addressing the crowd of volunteers.
"We use what they call training surfboards," volunteer Vincent Blais, Old Bridge, said. "They have soft bottoms, so in case someone gets hit with one, they won't really hurt."
The water-based teams were split into three levels: deep water where the surfers start, midway, and shallow.
Some of the volunteers explained the roles of the deep-water positions.
"There are two people pushing from behind," Tony Aufiero, Wall, said. "I am one of the ones guiding the board from the sides."
"The deep-water part is pretty challenging," Noel Fitzpatrick, Belmar, said. "I am swimming around making sure everyone on the team and everyone surfing is all right.
"The tide is low and the water is very shallow," added Fitzpatrick, who works as a surfing instructor in Ocean Grove.
While the deep-water portion is certainly challenging, Old Bridge resident Jennifer Kieliszewski explained that the shallow end is challenging too.
"The most important part is the transfer and the position on the board," Kieliszewski said. "The positioning on the board of the surfer is what I mostly look at. It's important to make sure they are on the board right and to make sure their heads aren't in the water."
While the volunteers are crucial for TWSA, the day really is about the participants.
For Ian James, Neptune, TWSA is a chance to reclaim his surfing days.
James, who was injured while serving in the U.S. Air Force, was very grateful for the chance to get in the water.
"It's phenomenal," James said. "These people went out of their way to help. I'm looking forward to surfing. There is a beautiful break out there today."
Just the experience of being on the beach among a large group of people was a positive for him.
"It's nice for people to get out of the house, to get out of the hospital bed and socialize like this," James said. "It's good for everybody."
He thanked everyone involved in the day.
"The sponsors, the volunteers, the participants, it's all great," James said.
"I want to give a huge thank you to everyone," he said, adding, "I am really, really appreciative of this opportunity."
James' words rang true with Justin Ubel, who had just come out of the water and was having sunscreen applied.
"I love it, it's beautiful out there," Ubel said. "I just want to thank everyone for doing this." Many participants were once experienced surfers, but less experienced surfers still were able to enjoy the day.
Malik Jones, Newark, was one of the firsttime surfers to join in the fun.
"I've been once already," Jones said. "There's a first time for everything.
"It was calm out there," he said. "It's peaceful out there. I'd definitely come back next year."
Jaclyn Daya, Old Bridge, another firsttime surfer, was looking forward to getting in the water.
"I am excited for my first time surfing," Daya said. "I used to love being in the water.
"We have great weather," Daya added. "I am looking forward to getting out there."
Most of the participants and volunteers agreed that the event has grown dramatically since last year.
"I came last year," Tyler Ryan, of Montgomery, N.Y., said. "It's really fun, it's different. Last year was a lot smaller."
"It's a lot better than last year," John Harris, Doylestown, Pa., said.
Ryan said he is hoping that these events continue.
"It's a great organization," Ryan said. "I hope they continue to hold events like this."
While the surfers all said they immensely enjoyed being in the water, at least one parent admitted she might not have shared the same sentiment at first.
For Tom Pisano, Milford, TWSA represents a chance to regain his athletic past, but for his mother, Maureen, it was a stressful day last year.
"This is his second year," Maureen said. "It has been very enjoyable this year.
"Last year I was a nervous wreck," Maureen added. "Now I know what to expect."
For Tom, who was injured while skiing, the day is a chance to again regain his athleticism and be out in the sun.
"It's good, it's a nice day," Tom said. "It's good to get some sun.
"This is one of the best things I've done since I got hurt two and a half years ago."
"He just loves doing these things," his mother said. "He is very athletic."
While June set rainfall records, the sun was shining on TWSA.
"Looks like we've been blessed with good weather again," Levy said. "After five and a half weeks of rain, it looks like the rain disappeared for a TWSA event.
"We are very grateful for the weather," he said. "It's the perfect beach day."
"I expected it to rain," Ryan said.
"It's great that we got some good weather," Aufiero said.
According to two young local volunteers, it was a good day to be out on the waves.
"[The water is] about 70 degrees," Jack Collins, Shrewsbury, said. "Decent waves, it's not bad.
"They are about 3 feet high," Collins continued, adding, "from your knee to your waist, in surfing terms."
His friend Bennett Moss heard about the event from his mother and was happy to be involved.
"It's really great," Moss said. "Everyone comes together."
"Seeing them catch the wave makes you feel good about yourself," Collins added.
While anyone can volunteer with Life Rolls On, some volunteers had a connection through their work in the occupational therapy field.
"I try to help out wherever I can," Brittany Beckmann said. "I work at an exercise rehab place, so that is how I found out about this.
"This is my first time here," she added. "I think it's amazing."
Beckmann went on to say that the day was well worth the work put in.
"I've never been a part of anything like this before," Beckmann said.
"Seeing all the excitement and enthusiasm on their faces is the best part," Beckmann said. "It's been so much fun."
Teresa Ciullo and Liz Wolff work as therapists in Hoboken, and some of their patients made their way down to the beach for They Will Surf Again.
"It's awesome being able to do this," Wolff said.
"Where we work, there are a lot of patients here," Ciullo said. "It is kind of like a reunion."
The way the surfing is structured, four participants go out for about 45 minutes at a time and all will go out multiple times throughout the day.
"I went on about eight or nine runs while I was out there before," Pisano said.
"Last year I went out there about eight times," Ubel added.
For the volunteers, the reward of being involved is in the joy being able to surf brings to the participants.
"Seeing the smiles on people's faces is the best part," Blais said. "You can't wipe the smiles off their faces."
"Seeing their faces, I love it," Aufiero agreed. "I really do."
"It's a lot of fun," Kieliszewski said. "This is my first one; it's cool seeing them out there."
According to Levy, funding for the event comes from sponsors, donations and grants.
The day also included a raffle for a surfboard, a surf plate, a fishing rod, massage gift certificates and T-shirts.
Life Rolls On will hold another TWSA event in New Jersey on Sept. 27 in Cape May.
For more information or to volunteer, visit the website at www.liferollson.org.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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Monday, September 21, 2009
Site sought for third Takanassee building
Site sought for third Takanassee building
Port Huron house will become a museum
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Agroup interested in preserving the historic Takanassee buildings in Long Branch met last week to find a new location for the third and smallest of the buildings.
PHOTOS BY ERIC SUCAR staff Above: Councilman Brian Unger [second from right] leads a tour of people interested in preservation of the Port Huron house in Long Branch on July 2. Left: The tour included a walk through of the interior of the structure, which is slated to be relocated prior to the redevelopment of the site.
Long Branch Councilman Brian Unger led a group through the Port Huron house as well as the Captain's House on the Takanassee Beach Club site in the Elberon section of the city on July 2.
The group of about 20 interested individuals also looked at the lot adjacent to the Church of the Seven Presidents as a potential site for the relocation of the Port Huron house.
The former Takanassee Beach Club site on Ocean Avenue was originally U. S. Lifesaving Station No. 5.
Developer Isaac Chera, principal of Takanassee Developers, purchased the property for just under $18 million from members of the Peters family, who were split on the sale of the historic site.
Chera was issued a Coastal Area Facility Review Act (CAFRA) permit by the state Department of Environmental Protection to construct a luxury condominium project on the oceanfront site.
He cannot proceed with the project until he complies with the conditions listed in the CAFRA permit, which include preserving the three historic buildings on the site.
Plans call for one of the structures, the boathouse, to be preserved on-site and become part of the new development, and for the others to be relocated and restored off site.
A county official has confirmed that the county will move the Captain's House to Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, which is county-owned.
The Port Huron building, a former residence, is the structure whose fate remains uncertain.
"You all know the idea was that we need a home for this structure," Unger told the group.
Last week's tour was organized by Unger and was attended by people from several local organizations, including the Long Branch Historical Association, lawyers for the developer of the Takanassee property, members of the Long Branch governing body, and the Atlantic Maritime and Surfing Museum.
Unger explained the different sites being looked at and noted that one option would be part of the tour.
"Graciously, we were given permission to look at a site today adjacent to the Church of the Presidents," said Unger, adding to the locations of the two other sites being looked at.
"For the record, the other two sites being considered are Hoey Park and Manahasset Creek Park," Unger said.
One of the topics that came up at the tour was the possibility of securing grant money for moving the structure.
James Foley, of the Long Branch HistoricalMuseumAssociation, said that initial grant money might possibly snowball into bigger grants.
"The historical commission does have a preservation grant for nonprofit buildings," Foley said. "It's rather a modest program. Others have used it to get greater grants elsewhere."
Unger also mentioned that he spoke with Rep. Frank Pallone (D-12th District) and is confident funding can be secured for the move.
"He [Pallone] feels confident that we can obtain federal funding for renovation and rehabilitation in the next federal fiscal year," Unger said.
One idea discussed at a recent city council and historical association meetings is turning the Port Huron house into a museum.
"The idea of the museum focuses would be part a surfing museum, part a maritime museum and part a Takanassee museum," Unger explained. "So by combining these three maritime uses, it could be a very interesting resource for the community."
The circa-1900 Port Huron building is a 2 1.2-story, 3,446- square-foot, shingle-style structure. Originally built as a single-family residence, it has been divided into three apartment units and is in fair condition after being vacant for several years.
Some tour participants expressed optimism about the future of the Port Huron House.
"It's a great building; it should be preserved," Joe Reale of the Long Branch Historical Association said. "I'm sure something can be worked out so we can move it and restore it."
But for some members of the preservation community, the ideal solution is to not have to move the buildings at all.
"We want this building to stay here," Dr. Richard Fernicola, LBHMA, said. "I'd like all three buildings to stay here."
Fernicola went on to say that if that is not possible, keeping all the buildings in Long Branch is important.
"But honestly finding a place here in Long Branch would just be fantastic," Fernicola said.
The tour proceeded to the Church of the Seven Presidents, which is the second to last property in Elberon before the border of Deal, on the southbound side of Ocean Ave.
With the lot already expected to house the Captain's House, relocating a second building to the site may be a long shot. However, the opportunity is something that will be looked at.
"We think that it is a unique opportunity to have two museums on the same site," Foley said. "There appears to be plenty of room to house the building."
Foley went on to say that finding the appropriate funding is an important issue.
"Now the most important thing is to find the money to do it," Foley said. "To move it, to renovate it, to prepare the site."
While the building may lose some historical significance with the move, if it is relocated south to Elberon, there is some historical significance already on-site.
"What's cool is that we are at the corner of Garfield and Lincoln," Fernicola said.
The work needed to be done to the building is mainly securing a foundation.
"There is site preparation that needs to be done and a foundation for it to be housed on," Reale said.
"There is some basic geo-tech," Lawrence Jacobs, attorney for the developer, said. "Then determining whether the foundation would be a basic slab foundation or a crawl space foundation.
"Port Huron is a little different since its original intent was a residence," he added. "It's a different type of structure."
Jacobs went on to say that wholesale changes should not be made to any of the buildings.
"The idea is recreational facility," Jacobs said, "and also to mimic the historical integrity of the building."
Jacobs, who is with Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer, Woodbridge, also said the idea of bringing the Port Huron House next to the church is an idea that has previously been considered.
"There is more then enough space on this lot for the Port Huron [building]," Fernicola said. "What if that is something that would be proposed?"
"Let me know and we can talk," Jacobs said addressing the group.
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Port Huron house will become a museum
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Agroup interested in preserving the historic Takanassee buildings in Long Branch met last week to find a new location for the third and smallest of the buildings.
PHOTOS BY ERIC SUCAR staff Above: Councilman Brian Unger [second from right] leads a tour of people interested in preservation of the Port Huron house in Long Branch on July 2. Left: The tour included a walk through of the interior of the structure, which is slated to be relocated prior to the redevelopment of the site.
Long Branch Councilman Brian Unger led a group through the Port Huron house as well as the Captain's House on the Takanassee Beach Club site in the Elberon section of the city on July 2.
The group of about 20 interested individuals also looked at the lot adjacent to the Church of the Seven Presidents as a potential site for the relocation of the Port Huron house.
The former Takanassee Beach Club site on Ocean Avenue was originally U. S. Lifesaving Station No. 5.
Developer Isaac Chera, principal of Takanassee Developers, purchased the property for just under $18 million from members of the Peters family, who were split on the sale of the historic site.
Chera was issued a Coastal Area Facility Review Act (CAFRA) permit by the state Department of Environmental Protection to construct a luxury condominium project on the oceanfront site.
He cannot proceed with the project until he complies with the conditions listed in the CAFRA permit, which include preserving the three historic buildings on the site.
Plans call for one of the structures, the boathouse, to be preserved on-site and become part of the new development, and for the others to be relocated and restored off site.
A county official has confirmed that the county will move the Captain's House to Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park, which is county-owned.
The Port Huron building, a former residence, is the structure whose fate remains uncertain.
"You all know the idea was that we need a home for this structure," Unger told the group.
Last week's tour was organized by Unger and was attended by people from several local organizations, including the Long Branch Historical Association, lawyers for the developer of the Takanassee property, members of the Long Branch governing body, and the Atlantic Maritime and Surfing Museum.
Unger explained the different sites being looked at and noted that one option would be part of the tour.
"Graciously, we were given permission to look at a site today adjacent to the Church of the Presidents," said Unger, adding to the locations of the two other sites being looked at.
"For the record, the other two sites being considered are Hoey Park and Manahasset Creek Park," Unger said.
One of the topics that came up at the tour was the possibility of securing grant money for moving the structure.
James Foley, of the Long Branch HistoricalMuseumAssociation, said that initial grant money might possibly snowball into bigger grants.
"The historical commission does have a preservation grant for nonprofit buildings," Foley said. "It's rather a modest program. Others have used it to get greater grants elsewhere."
Unger also mentioned that he spoke with Rep. Frank Pallone (D-12th District) and is confident funding can be secured for the move.
"He [Pallone] feels confident that we can obtain federal funding for renovation and rehabilitation in the next federal fiscal year," Unger said.
One idea discussed at a recent city council and historical association meetings is turning the Port Huron house into a museum.
"The idea of the museum focuses would be part a surfing museum, part a maritime museum and part a Takanassee museum," Unger explained. "So by combining these three maritime uses, it could be a very interesting resource for the community."
The circa-1900 Port Huron building is a 2 1.2-story, 3,446- square-foot, shingle-style structure. Originally built as a single-family residence, it has been divided into three apartment units and is in fair condition after being vacant for several years.
Some tour participants expressed optimism about the future of the Port Huron House.
"It's a great building; it should be preserved," Joe Reale of the Long Branch Historical Association said. "I'm sure something can be worked out so we can move it and restore it."
But for some members of the preservation community, the ideal solution is to not have to move the buildings at all.
"We want this building to stay here," Dr. Richard Fernicola, LBHMA, said. "I'd like all three buildings to stay here."
Fernicola went on to say that if that is not possible, keeping all the buildings in Long Branch is important.
"But honestly finding a place here in Long Branch would just be fantastic," Fernicola said.
The tour proceeded to the Church of the Seven Presidents, which is the second to last property in Elberon before the border of Deal, on the southbound side of Ocean Ave.
With the lot already expected to house the Captain's House, relocating a second building to the site may be a long shot. However, the opportunity is something that will be looked at.
"We think that it is a unique opportunity to have two museums on the same site," Foley said. "There appears to be plenty of room to house the building."
Foley went on to say that finding the appropriate funding is an important issue.
"Now the most important thing is to find the money to do it," Foley said. "To move it, to renovate it, to prepare the site."
While the building may lose some historical significance with the move, if it is relocated south to Elberon, there is some historical significance already on-site.
"What's cool is that we are at the corner of Garfield and Lincoln," Fernicola said.
The work needed to be done to the building is mainly securing a foundation.
"There is site preparation that needs to be done and a foundation for it to be housed on," Reale said.
"There is some basic geo-tech," Lawrence Jacobs, attorney for the developer, said. "Then determining whether the foundation would be a basic slab foundation or a crawl space foundation.
"Port Huron is a little different since its original intent was a residence," he added. "It's a different type of structure."
Jacobs went on to say that wholesale changes should not be made to any of the buildings.
"The idea is recreational facility," Jacobs said, "and also to mimic the historical integrity of the building."
Jacobs, who is with Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer, Woodbridge, also said the idea of bringing the Port Huron House next to the church is an idea that has previously been considered.
"There is more then enough space on this lot for the Port Huron [building]," Fernicola said. "What if that is something that would be proposed?"
"Let me know and we can talk," Jacobs said addressing the group.
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Council meeting broadcasts debated
Council meeting broadcasts debated
Mayor says benefits of televising sessions unclear
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
LONG BRANCH — With talks underway for a new cable contract between Long Branch and Comcast, one Long Branch councilman wants the negotiations to include an agreement to broadcast City Council meetings.
Councilman Brian Unger last week sent a letter to the mayor, city administrator, city attorney and fellow council members urging them to include this provision in the negotiations with Comcast.
Unger has been pushing for this since at least May 2008. Since that time, Unger said he has done some research and found out that the cost to run the fiber optics from the municipal building to the channel 20 studio at Monmouth University would be a onetime fee of $15,000, which he said is an estimate from a Comcast representative.
Also, according to Unger, the fees for the broadcasts would be nominal and there is a proposal in place to have the meetings taped for free.
"The [school] superintendent [Joseph Ferraina] said he can make it a school civics project," Unger said. "At least nine months a year they can tape the meetings for free."
For Unger the benefits of taping the meetings go beyond the initial costs.
"It's about the ability for the taxpayers to see the government at work," Unger said. "It will increase public participation in government."
Unger is looking at other municipalities and governing bodies as examples of how this could work.
"Television is a hot medium," Unger said. "Other municipalities, such as Newark, are broadcasting their meetings.
"The U.S. House of Representatives even broadcasts their meetings," he added.
However, Long Branch Mayor Adam Schneider isn't so sure it would be a good idea to broadcast the meetings.
"I have mixed feelings about it," Schneider said.
According to Schneider, most of the debate and work done by the council is done at the workshop meeting, which is held prior to the council meeting.
"Most of the work goes on in the workshop meeting," Schneider said. "That is where most of the debate [within the administration] goes on.
"That is where we decide whether or not to proceed with certain issues," he added.
Schneider also cited costs as a concern, especially during this economic downturn.
"I really don't know how much money it will cost or where it will come from," Schneider said.
According to Schneider, there is no money in the budget allocated to broadcasting meetings and it is not possible to allocate funds to cover the costs until at least November.
In addition to concerns about where the funding will come from, according to Schneider, Long Branch is poorly equipped to start broadcasting meetings.
"We don't know who is going to tape the meetings," Schneider said. "We also don't own the cameras or any of the equipment needed."
However, Unger stated in a letter sent to the administration last week that the school district may be equipped to handle the broadcasts.
"The superintendent … has offered to utilize school system cameras they have already purchased and senior TV production students to videotape our meetings at no additional cost to the city," Unger stated in the letter.
"My understanding is that the students could receive course credit for their work experience in producing real television news."
Public behavior at the meetings is also a concern for Schneider, who cited some offensive comments made by some members of the public throughout the years.
"Many statements made during these meetings are absurd," Schneider said.
While Schneider has some concerns, he said that does not preventing anyone from taping the meetings on their own.
"If volunteers want to tape the meetings they can do that now," Schneider said.
However, Schneider acknowledged that in the end it is not really up to him.
"But my little cop-out is that it is not my decision," Schneider said. "It is not my meeting, it's the council's meeting."
Long Branch has had a contract with Comcast for the past 15 years. The existing contract will be up Sept. 19, and negotiations with the city are expected to start soon, according to a Comcast spokesman.
In March the council held a special meeting to discuss the cable contract renewal. During the meeting and in subsequent council meetings, members of the public have spoken in favor of broadcasting the meetings.
Unger said he does not see competition between Comcast and Verizon, which is installing fiber optics all across the state, as much of a problem.
"I don't think there is much of a chance that a contract with Comcast won't be done," Unger said.
While he expects the city to sign on with Comcast, residents still have the opportunity to choose Verizon. However, Unger said he has been assured that if the council meetings are ever on Comcast, they will also be broadcast on Verizon.
"Verizon has said that they would broadcast the network," Unger said. "So both companies would air city council meetings."
One benefit to broadcasting the council meetings for Unger would be the opportunity to put the meetings on the Internet as well as on TV.
"Also the meetings can be put on the Internet within 24 hours," Unger said. "We can archive all the meetings.
"You can even order copies," he added.
Another idea Unger mentioned was that the public could email questions for the administration to answer during the meetings.
"Residents can email questions to the council during the meetings," Unger said. "It doesn't have to be unregulated. The council president or maybe the city clerk can pick which questions to address."
For Unger, this is something that is bound to happen at some point in the near future.
"It may not happen this year," Unger said. "It may not happen the next year, but it will happen eventually.
"This is inevitable," he said. "There is no way we can hold this back."
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com
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Mayor says benefits of televising sessions unclear
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
LONG BRANCH — With talks underway for a new cable contract between Long Branch and Comcast, one Long Branch councilman wants the negotiations to include an agreement to broadcast City Council meetings.
Councilman Brian Unger last week sent a letter to the mayor, city administrator, city attorney and fellow council members urging them to include this provision in the negotiations with Comcast.
Unger has been pushing for this since at least May 2008. Since that time, Unger said he has done some research and found out that the cost to run the fiber optics from the municipal building to the channel 20 studio at Monmouth University would be a onetime fee of $15,000, which he said is an estimate from a Comcast representative.
Also, according to Unger, the fees for the broadcasts would be nominal and there is a proposal in place to have the meetings taped for free.
"The [school] superintendent [Joseph Ferraina] said he can make it a school civics project," Unger said. "At least nine months a year they can tape the meetings for free."
For Unger the benefits of taping the meetings go beyond the initial costs.
"It's about the ability for the taxpayers to see the government at work," Unger said. "It will increase public participation in government."
Unger is looking at other municipalities and governing bodies as examples of how this could work.
"Television is a hot medium," Unger said. "Other municipalities, such as Newark, are broadcasting their meetings.
"The U.S. House of Representatives even broadcasts their meetings," he added.
However, Long Branch Mayor Adam Schneider isn't so sure it would be a good idea to broadcast the meetings.
"I have mixed feelings about it," Schneider said.
According to Schneider, most of the debate and work done by the council is done at the workshop meeting, which is held prior to the council meeting.
"Most of the work goes on in the workshop meeting," Schneider said. "That is where most of the debate [within the administration] goes on.
"That is where we decide whether or not to proceed with certain issues," he added.
Schneider also cited costs as a concern, especially during this economic downturn.
"I really don't know how much money it will cost or where it will come from," Schneider said.
According to Schneider, there is no money in the budget allocated to broadcasting meetings and it is not possible to allocate funds to cover the costs until at least November.
In addition to concerns about where the funding will come from, according to Schneider, Long Branch is poorly equipped to start broadcasting meetings.
"We don't know who is going to tape the meetings," Schneider said. "We also don't own the cameras or any of the equipment needed."
However, Unger stated in a letter sent to the administration last week that the school district may be equipped to handle the broadcasts.
"The superintendent … has offered to utilize school system cameras they have already purchased and senior TV production students to videotape our meetings at no additional cost to the city," Unger stated in the letter.
"My understanding is that the students could receive course credit for their work experience in producing real television news."
Public behavior at the meetings is also a concern for Schneider, who cited some offensive comments made by some members of the public throughout the years.
"Many statements made during these meetings are absurd," Schneider said.
While Schneider has some concerns, he said that does not preventing anyone from taping the meetings on their own.
"If volunteers want to tape the meetings they can do that now," Schneider said.
However, Schneider acknowledged that in the end it is not really up to him.
"But my little cop-out is that it is not my decision," Schneider said. "It is not my meeting, it's the council's meeting."
Long Branch has had a contract with Comcast for the past 15 years. The existing contract will be up Sept. 19, and negotiations with the city are expected to start soon, according to a Comcast spokesman.
In March the council held a special meeting to discuss the cable contract renewal. During the meeting and in subsequent council meetings, members of the public have spoken in favor of broadcasting the meetings.
Unger said he does not see competition between Comcast and Verizon, which is installing fiber optics all across the state, as much of a problem.
"I don't think there is much of a chance that a contract with Comcast won't be done," Unger said.
While he expects the city to sign on with Comcast, residents still have the opportunity to choose Verizon. However, Unger said he has been assured that if the council meetings are ever on Comcast, they will also be broadcast on Verizon.
"Verizon has said that they would broadcast the network," Unger said. "So both companies would air city council meetings."
One benefit to broadcasting the council meetings for Unger would be the opportunity to put the meetings on the Internet as well as on TV.
"Also the meetings can be put on the Internet within 24 hours," Unger said. "We can archive all the meetings.
"You can even order copies," he added.
Another idea Unger mentioned was that the public could email questions for the administration to answer during the meetings.
"Residents can email questions to the council during the meetings," Unger said. "It doesn't have to be unregulated. The council president or maybe the city clerk can pick which questions to address."
For Unger, this is something that is bound to happen at some point in the near future.
"It may not happen this year," Unger said. "It may not happen the next year, but it will happen eventually.
"This is inevitable," he said. "There is no way we can hold this back."
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com
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Thursday, September 3, 2009
Arc's Work Opportunity Center funding cut
Arc's Work Opportunity Center funding is cut
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Too old for school but too young to retire. That's the situation faced by individuals served by The Arc of Monmouth's Work Opportunity Center (WOC) in Long Branch.
CHRIS KELLY staff Joe Carbin was one of The Arc clients who went to Trenton to protest funding cuts to the Work Opportunity Center, where he is employed.
The WOC in Long Branch is one of many work centers that have had their funding cut due to the state's current economy slowdown.
Funding for the center's $750,000 budget has been cut by $73,000, and $440,000 has been cut from its transportation funding.
"Seventy-three thousand dollars is a lot of money to get cut," WOC Director of Vocational Services Linda Porter said last week. "All of the 160 people who attend this program do not drive. Over the 22 years that I have worked in this program, we have only had a handful of people served that could drive."
Porter said funding for WOC and similar centers across the state comes from the Division of Developmental Disabilities and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services of the N.J. Department of Human Services.
According to Porter, $1.8 million has been cut from employment centers across the state.
On April 30, six members of WOC's Self-Advocacy Group, a group made up of individuals served by The Arc, traveled to Trenton to attend a rally held to protest the cuts in funding.
Mary Jane Torrez and Joe Carbin were members of the group who attended the rally with Porter.
"We yelled out 'Save our jobs,' " Torrez, 23, said.
"A lot of people were rallying," said Carbin, 25, who is currently employed three days a week at Fort Monmouth. "Some speakers were talking about cutbacks."
Porter said the reaction to the rally was positive. Although Gov. Jon Corzine was not present during the rally, David J. Socolow, commissioner of the New Jersey Labor and Workforce Department, was.
"The governor wasn't there," Porter said, "but everyone was sympathetic to our situation.
"These are young, healthy people," Porter added. "They want to work; they have the right to work."
The Arc of Monmouth, based in Tinton Falls, is a nonprofit organization providing services and support for individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities and for their families, according to the website.
In 2007, The Arc of Monmouth served 1,015 persons with cognitive disabilities, 54 with cerebral palsy, two with epilepsy and 71 with autism. The Arc's recreation department provided services to 710 people, 382 received transportation, 148 received supported employment services, and 437 received medically related services, the site continues.
The WOC provides diagnostic services to individuals with developmental disabilities.
A written report is generated that highlights areas of strength as well as areas that may need additional training. Community job samplings are conducted in this service.
This training assists individuals with developmental disabilities to develop the vocational skills and social behaviors necessary for successful employment. Areas of concern that are identified in the vocational evaluation are addressed through counseling, vocational training and additional job samplings, according to The Arc website.
Porter said the WOC, which serves approximately 160 adults daily, allows businesses to subcontract certain jobs including hand assembly, hand packaging, shrink wrapping, heat sealing, bulk mailing, mail preparation, and delivery to the post office.
In addition, WOC workers assemble and deliver customized health care kits to hospitals and state correctional facilities in New Jersey. WOC also services New York City and the surrounding boroughs as well as Philadelphia and the surrounding towns.
WOC Contract Packaging and Fulfillment provides businesses with timesaving production assembly, freeing the businesses' employees to perform other tasks and help meet customer deadlines.
But since the economic downturn, the work has been coming in at a lower volume.
"Our orders are down," Porter said. "There is not enough extra work. We are not getting our regular orders anymore."
"We haven't had a lot of work in the summer," Carbin said. "Things have been kind of slow."
While the orders coming into the WOC have slowed down, Porter and the advocates have tried other ways to keep busy during the day.
The group has led informative sessions on a range of topics, including swine flu, bullying, interview skills, and other day-today skills.
"For the last four months, we have had little or no work," Porter said. "We try to use the time to train them in other skills, like using public transportation, using vending machines and using the phone."
"We have talked about swine flu," Carbin said. "Washing your hands and keeping yourself clean.
"We talked about what to do when a bully comes up to you," Carbin said, "how to react when someone comes and pushes you around.
"Should you walk away?" Carbin added. "What should you do?"
One of the more practical lessons was the job sampling and practice interviews.
Porter said that some of the advocates were able to work with local businesses for a day to get a feel for the work world.
The interview practice paid off for Torrez, who interviewed for a position with McDonald's a few weeks earlier.
"I just looked him in the eyes and talked loudly," said Torrez, who has yet to hear whether she got the job. "It made me feel more comfortable."
With the cuts being in effect July 1, there is some worry about what is going to happen at WOC.
"I don't expect us to close our building," Porter said.
While Porter dismissed the notion of closing the WOC full time, she did say that employees will be given furloughs and will work fewer hours.
"I have cut the hours of staff by a halfhour daily, [which accounts] for 1.33 days per month," Porter said in an interview. "Less staff means reduced attention to each person served to meet their vocational goals."
Another option may be to close the building for a week at a time.
WOC currently employs 22 full-time employees, but that number was 25.
"I have two positions that I cannot fill," Porter said. "The money simply isn't there.
"I am looking to hire a part-time secretary," Porter said, adding, "That was once a full-time position."
Porter said the WOC gives young men and women an opportunity and a chance to mature. She does not view the WOC as a permanent place for anyone.
Carbin and Torrez agree and see themselves elsewhere 10 years from now.
"Maybe one day I'd try to have my own business," Carbin said. "No, I don't want to be here all my life. I can get out in the community and go out on my own."
"I want to be married with children," Torrez said. "Maybe work for a day care center."
The WOC is located at 395 Warburton Place in Long Branch and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. More information about The Arc or WOC can be found on the website http://www.arcofmonmouth. org.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
Too old for school but too young to retire. That's the situation faced by individuals served by The Arc of Monmouth's Work Opportunity Center (WOC) in Long Branch.
CHRIS KELLY staff Joe Carbin was one of The Arc clients who went to Trenton to protest funding cuts to the Work Opportunity Center, where he is employed.
The WOC in Long Branch is one of many work centers that have had their funding cut due to the state's current economy slowdown.
Funding for the center's $750,000 budget has been cut by $73,000, and $440,000 has been cut from its transportation funding.
"Seventy-three thousand dollars is a lot of money to get cut," WOC Director of Vocational Services Linda Porter said last week. "All of the 160 people who attend this program do not drive. Over the 22 years that I have worked in this program, we have only had a handful of people served that could drive."
Porter said funding for WOC and similar centers across the state comes from the Division of Developmental Disabilities and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services of the N.J. Department of Human Services.
According to Porter, $1.8 million has been cut from employment centers across the state.
On April 30, six members of WOC's Self-Advocacy Group, a group made up of individuals served by The Arc, traveled to Trenton to attend a rally held to protest the cuts in funding.
Mary Jane Torrez and Joe Carbin were members of the group who attended the rally with Porter.
"We yelled out 'Save our jobs,' " Torrez, 23, said.
"A lot of people were rallying," said Carbin, 25, who is currently employed three days a week at Fort Monmouth. "Some speakers were talking about cutbacks."
Porter said the reaction to the rally was positive. Although Gov. Jon Corzine was not present during the rally, David J. Socolow, commissioner of the New Jersey Labor and Workforce Department, was.
"The governor wasn't there," Porter said, "but everyone was sympathetic to our situation.
"These are young, healthy people," Porter added. "They want to work; they have the right to work."
The Arc of Monmouth, based in Tinton Falls, is a nonprofit organization providing services and support for individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities and for their families, according to the website.
In 2007, The Arc of Monmouth served 1,015 persons with cognitive disabilities, 54 with cerebral palsy, two with epilepsy and 71 with autism. The Arc's recreation department provided services to 710 people, 382 received transportation, 148 received supported employment services, and 437 received medically related services, the site continues.
The WOC provides diagnostic services to individuals with developmental disabilities.
A written report is generated that highlights areas of strength as well as areas that may need additional training. Community job samplings are conducted in this service.
This training assists individuals with developmental disabilities to develop the vocational skills and social behaviors necessary for successful employment. Areas of concern that are identified in the vocational evaluation are addressed through counseling, vocational training and additional job samplings, according to The Arc website.
Porter said the WOC, which serves approximately 160 adults daily, allows businesses to subcontract certain jobs including hand assembly, hand packaging, shrink wrapping, heat sealing, bulk mailing, mail preparation, and delivery to the post office.
In addition, WOC workers assemble and deliver customized health care kits to hospitals and state correctional facilities in New Jersey. WOC also services New York City and the surrounding boroughs as well as Philadelphia and the surrounding towns.
WOC Contract Packaging and Fulfillment provides businesses with timesaving production assembly, freeing the businesses' employees to perform other tasks and help meet customer deadlines.
But since the economic downturn, the work has been coming in at a lower volume.
"Our orders are down," Porter said. "There is not enough extra work. We are not getting our regular orders anymore."
"We haven't had a lot of work in the summer," Carbin said. "Things have been kind of slow."
While the orders coming into the WOC have slowed down, Porter and the advocates have tried other ways to keep busy during the day.
The group has led informative sessions on a range of topics, including swine flu, bullying, interview skills, and other day-today skills.
"For the last four months, we have had little or no work," Porter said. "We try to use the time to train them in other skills, like using public transportation, using vending machines and using the phone."
"We have talked about swine flu," Carbin said. "Washing your hands and keeping yourself clean.
"We talked about what to do when a bully comes up to you," Carbin said, "how to react when someone comes and pushes you around.
"Should you walk away?" Carbin added. "What should you do?"
One of the more practical lessons was the job sampling and practice interviews.
Porter said that some of the advocates were able to work with local businesses for a day to get a feel for the work world.
The interview practice paid off for Torrez, who interviewed for a position with McDonald's a few weeks earlier.
"I just looked him in the eyes and talked loudly," said Torrez, who has yet to hear whether she got the job. "It made me feel more comfortable."
With the cuts being in effect July 1, there is some worry about what is going to happen at WOC.
"I don't expect us to close our building," Porter said.
While Porter dismissed the notion of closing the WOC full time, she did say that employees will be given furloughs and will work fewer hours.
"I have cut the hours of staff by a halfhour daily, [which accounts] for 1.33 days per month," Porter said in an interview. "Less staff means reduced attention to each person served to meet their vocational goals."
Another option may be to close the building for a week at a time.
WOC currently employs 22 full-time employees, but that number was 25.
"I have two positions that I cannot fill," Porter said. "The money simply isn't there.
"I am looking to hire a part-time secretary," Porter said, adding, "That was once a full-time position."
Porter said the WOC gives young men and women an opportunity and a chance to mature. She does not view the WOC as a permanent place for anyone.
Carbin and Torrez agree and see themselves elsewhere 10 years from now.
"Maybe one day I'd try to have my own business," Carbin said. "No, I don't want to be here all my life. I can get out in the community and go out on my own."
"I want to be married with children," Torrez said. "Maybe work for a day care center."
The WOC is located at 395 Warburton Place in Long Branch and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. More information about The Arc or WOC can be found on the website http://www.arcofmonmouth. org.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Tinton Falls plans a community garden
Tinton Falls plans a community garden
Public meeting on garden set for July 9 at 7 p.m.
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
TINTON FALLS — The seeds for a community garden are being planted in Tinton Falls, where planning got underway last week.
The borough's Environmental Commission held an exploratory meeting on June 16 at Borough Hall to discuss the possibility of creating a community garden at the historic Crawford House on Tinton Avenue
Environmental Commission Chairman Jonathon Cohen, commission member Jeffrey King, Historic Preservation Commission Chairwoman Stacey Slowinski, and Councilman Andy Mayer were among those who attended the meeting.
Cohen said the Crawford House, which is borough property, is the proposed site for a community garden, adding that other sites may follow.
"We could be doing it at more than one place," Cohen said.
The June 16 meeting was a brainstorming session at which resident Teresa Maltz was unofficially named to lead the community garden committee, which for the time being is an ad-hoc committee.
"It won't be a formal committee," Cohen said. "It is just an activity we are going to do."
Many different ideas for the type of community garden were discussed during the meeting.
"It can have different purposes," Maltz said. "You can have a historical garden, you can have a victory garden or you can have a kid's garden.
"You can have a combination of them all," Maltz added.
The group's tentative plan is to meet once or twice a month over the summer and have a formal plan in place in time for the annual Tinton Falls Community Day, which is scheduled for Sept. 26.
"So maybe by Community Day we can have a vision and plan laid out," Mayer said.
One of the main reasons the group wants to pursue the idea is that the community garden could become a meeting place within the borough.
"Basically, it's a place where people gather," Maltz said. "It will bring the community together.
"We have a lot of ball fields in this town but we don't really have a place where we can gather and have an intergenerational component," she added. "We need to have something that's going to bring us together."
Another idea discussed at the meeting was the possibility of holding farmer's markets at the Crawford House during the summer to try to drum up some revenues to get the community garden started.
"We can have a couple of weekends of farmer's markets at the Crawford House," Cohen said. "The profits from that could help offset the costs."
"A little seed money," Mayer added.
Maltz cited the website, www.communitygarden. org, as a helpful tool in getting started with the community garden.
She listed nine steps the website advised groups to take in order to start the community garden.
These include: form a planning committee; choose a site; plan and develop the site; organize a garden; secure insurance; set up a new gardening organization; organizational considerations/by-laws; how to manage the garden; troubleshooting.
A possible problem that was discussed was how to deal with animals that would be attracted to the garden to forage.
"I think we have to have a critter situation," Slowinski said. "There are serious groundhogs and I'm sure there are deer. So we have to have some critter strategies."
Cohen acknowledged that it may be too late to harvest this year and that the summer will be spent more likely as a planning time for next year's growing season.
The next meeting, which will be open to the public, is currently scheduled for July 9 at 7 p.m. at the Crawford House on Tinton Avenue.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
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Public meeting on garden set for July 9 at 7 p.m.
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
TINTON FALLS — The seeds for a community garden are being planted in Tinton Falls, where planning got underway last week.
The borough's Environmental Commission held an exploratory meeting on June 16 at Borough Hall to discuss the possibility of creating a community garden at the historic Crawford House on Tinton Avenue
Environmental Commission Chairman Jonathon Cohen, commission member Jeffrey King, Historic Preservation Commission Chairwoman Stacey Slowinski, and Councilman Andy Mayer were among those who attended the meeting.
Cohen said the Crawford House, which is borough property, is the proposed site for a community garden, adding that other sites may follow.
"We could be doing it at more than one place," Cohen said.
The June 16 meeting was a brainstorming session at which resident Teresa Maltz was unofficially named to lead the community garden committee, which for the time being is an ad-hoc committee.
"It won't be a formal committee," Cohen said. "It is just an activity we are going to do."
Many different ideas for the type of community garden were discussed during the meeting.
"It can have different purposes," Maltz said. "You can have a historical garden, you can have a victory garden or you can have a kid's garden.
"You can have a combination of them all," Maltz added.
The group's tentative plan is to meet once or twice a month over the summer and have a formal plan in place in time for the annual Tinton Falls Community Day, which is scheduled for Sept. 26.
"So maybe by Community Day we can have a vision and plan laid out," Mayer said.
One of the main reasons the group wants to pursue the idea is that the community garden could become a meeting place within the borough.
"Basically, it's a place where people gather," Maltz said. "It will bring the community together.
"We have a lot of ball fields in this town but we don't really have a place where we can gather and have an intergenerational component," she added. "We need to have something that's going to bring us together."
Another idea discussed at the meeting was the possibility of holding farmer's markets at the Crawford House during the summer to try to drum up some revenues to get the community garden started.
"We can have a couple of weekends of farmer's markets at the Crawford House," Cohen said. "The profits from that could help offset the costs."
"A little seed money," Mayer added.
Maltz cited the website, www.communitygarden. org, as a helpful tool in getting started with the community garden.
She listed nine steps the website advised groups to take in order to start the community garden.
These include: form a planning committee; choose a site; plan and develop the site; organize a garden; secure insurance; set up a new gardening organization; organizational considerations/by-laws; how to manage the garden; troubleshooting.
A possible problem that was discussed was how to deal with animals that would be attracted to the garden to forage.
"I think we have to have a critter situation," Slowinski said. "There are serious groundhogs and I'm sure there are deer. So we have to have some critter strategies."
Cohen acknowledged that it may be too late to harvest this year and that the summer will be spent more likely as a planning time for next year's growing season.
The next meeting, which will be open to the public, is currently scheduled for July 9 at 7 p.m. at the Crawford House on Tinton Avenue.
Contact Kenny Walter at
kwalter@gmnews.com.
Click here to enlarge
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