March 2, 2023
SEASIDE PARK, NJ (OCEAN)–The Marine Mammal Stranding Center NOAA was assisted by Seaside Park Fire Department, Seaside Park Police Department and Seaside Park Public Works, Tri-Boro EMS, Seaside Heights Fire Department, New Jersey Fish & Wildlife, NJ Parks, with the removal of a dead wale from the M Street Beach this morning. The whale was spotted yesterday and washed ashore earlier today. A necropsy will be conducted in order to determine the cause of death.
Seaside Park Police Department are saddened to see the death of such a beautiful creature. Police ask that you please keep your distance and not disturb the whale so that the necropsy team can conduct their investigation.
Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) today issued the following statement in response to another dead whale that washed ashore in Seaside Park in his congressional district earlier this morning:
“At least 18 dead whales and dolphins have washed ashore or been sighted in our area in the past three months.
Anyone who lives at the Jersey Shore knows that these alarming deaths are unprecedented and likely indicative of a larger environmental problem.
How much longer will the Biden Administration and Governor Murphy continue to play politics and ignore the extensive calls from me, local residents, fishermen and other stakeholders for a thorough and transparent investigation into this blatant environmental crisis?
The letters I wrote to the Biden Administration weeks ago urging an immediate pause to all offshore wind activity until ecological safety can be assured continue to remain unanswered.
I will not let up until my constituents get the answers they deserve.”
Smith noted that he is speaking with his colleagues in Congress to advance his bill requiring an investigation into the environmental review process for the offshore wind projects.
“I have already spoken with Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman and Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodger,” said Smith. “Congress must pass my legislation—HR 1056—to require an independent investigation into the approval process and environmental impacts of these projects before it’s too late.”
“The scale and speed of these fast-tracked offshore wind developments—with thousands of turbines slated to be installed—calls into question whether due diligence was done to investigate their effect on the environment, fisheries, tourism, and other critical factors that make our Jersey Shore the unique treasure that it is,” said Smith, who spoke at the Save the Whales rally in Point Pleasant Beach last Sunday.
“The fact that these whale deaths are occurring concurrently with the ongoing sound surveys and the underwater noise generated by acoustic vessels—even before construction and pile driving begin—cannot be ignored,” Smith said.
Photos by: Ryan Mack Jersey Shore Fire Response
Another Dead Whale This Time Off Seaside Park, New Jersey
March 2, 2023
FREEHOLD, NJ – When Pastor Terrence K. Porter, senior minister of Pilgrim Baptist Church (PBC) of Red Bank spearheaded the church’s original “Warming Center,” the mission was simple: Offer a warm, comfortable shelter to homeless men in Monmouth County on Code Blue nights – when temperatures drop to 32 degrees or below.
The undertaking proved highly successful – it became the “go-to” warming center, serving an average of 21 guests on Code Blue nights. But when Pastor Porter and other community partners like the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation saw a greater community need, the Warming Center was rebranded to the JBJ & PBC Hope & Comfort Center, with the support of Monmouth ACTS and social services.
Here, men and women guests are provided with a safe, comfortable and secure location during Code Blue Nights, Code Red days and inclement weather. Through community partnerships including Charitable Pharmacy, Reentry of NJ and Red Bank Police Department, services offered to guests include: overnight lodging, laundry services, shower and clothing, hot meals, transportation, social service resources, physical health examination and mental health services.
Since November 2022, the Center has provided services to more than 600 guests – a testament to the community need as well as the successful collaborative undertaking.
“We’ve developed an effective community-based model that brings all the stakeholders together to provide services,” says Pastor Porter. “We see firsthand how we’re making a positive impact for our guests and hope and pray other communities will replicate our initiative.”
James, a guest at Hope & Comfort Center, says “I finally found a place where people really care about what happens to me!”
“What’s rewarding is that partnerships are developing into additional partnerships,” added Pastor Porter.
Case in point: Every Thursday evening on a Code Blue night, partner agency Monmouth CARES’ community group Empower Me helps guests access social services throughout Monmouth County, including obtaining personal documentation like birth certificates and driver’s licenses. Through a partnership with Parker Health Center, representatives provide physical exams and check guests’ vaccination status. “This has really paid dividends because once guests feel more comfortable they are open to receiving healthcare services,” adds Porter.
In one case, a man’s life was saved: a podiatrist offered services at the Center for two nights – guests were welcome to stay those nights as long as the podiatrist could examine their feet. As an incentive, guests would receive a free pair of boots. It was a great success as the podiatrist saw 95% of guests. What’s more, as a result of the exam, one guest with severe diabetes was rushed to the hospital. The guest is now a patient at Parker Health – a testament that the process is working.
“It is incredibly inspiring to witness the positive change that occurs when community leaders partner to help their neighbors in need,” said Commissioner Sue Kiley, liaison to the Department of Human Services of Monmouth County. “By joining forces and working toward the common goal of providing health and safety resources to those seeking help, everyone benefits and lives are saved.”
“The mission of Monmouth ACTS is to make meaningful connections and address the unmet needs of residents who are in search of services,” said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone. “This community collaboration is the perfect example of how important it is to support each other.”
To learn more about Monmouth ACTS, visit www.MonmouthACTS.org.
Service providers and supporters of the JBJ & PBC Hope & Comfort Center welcomed over 600 guests this 2022-2023 winter season.
Guests and service providers gather at the JBJ & PBC Hope & Comfort Center in Red Bank, N.J.
Dr. Jim McGuiness (far left) and Dr. Hal Orenstein (far right) of Parker Family Health Center, together with Pastor Terrence K. Porter of Pilgrim Baptist Church of Red Bank (middle left) and retired nurse Teena Lomack (middle right), greet and serve guests at the Hope & Comfort Center.
March 2, 2023
TOMS RIVER—Rep. Chris Smith (R-Manchester) today issued the following statement in response to another dead whale that washed ashore in Seaside Park in his congressional district earlier this morning:
“At least 18 dead whales and dolphins have washed ashore or been sighted in our area in the past three months.
Anyone who lives at the Jersey Shore knows that these alarming deaths are unprecedented and likely indicative of a larger environmental problem.
How much longer will the Biden Administration and Governor Murphy continue to play politics and ignore the extensive calls from me, local residents, fishermen and other stakeholders for a thorough and transparent investigation into this blatant environmental crisis?
The letters I wrote to the Biden Administration weeks ago urging an immediate pause to all offshore wind activity until ecological safety can be assured continue to remain unanswered.
I will not let up until my constituents get the answers they deserve.”
Smith noted that he is speaking with his colleagues in Congress to advance his bill requiring an investigation into the environmental review process for the offshore wind projects.
“I have already spoken with Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman and Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodger,” said Smith. “Congress must pass my legislation—HR 1056—to require an independent investigation into the approval process and environmental impacts of these projects before it’s too late.”
“The scale and speed of these fast-tracked offshore wind developments—with thousands of turbines slated to be installed—calls into question whether due diligence was done to investigate their effect on the environment, fisheries, tourism, and other critical factors that make our Jersey Shore the unique treasure that it is,” said Smith, who spoke at the Save the Whales rally in Point Pleasant Beach last Sunday.
“The fact that these whale deaths are occurring concurrently with the ongoing sound surveys and the underwater noise generated by acoustic vessels—even before construction and pile driving begin—cannot be ignored,” Smith said.
Another Dead Whale This Time Off Seaside Park, New Jersey
Photos from the dead whale off Seaside Park yesterday from Ryan Mack Jersey Shore Fire Response
March 2, 2023
TRENTON (Mercer) – A three-alarm fire early this morning (Thursday, March 2) gutted both sides of a three-story duplex in the 900 block of Greenwood Avenue. Alerted to the blaze about 5:15 a.m., firefighters arrived to find heavy fire showing from the rear of the duplex. Due to the volume of fire, second and third alarms were sounded in rapid succession. At one point a mayday was transmitted after an interior collapse occurred but all firefighters were able to be removed from the collapse area. There were no immediate reports of any serious injuries. While one side of the duplex was believed to be vacant, the Red Cross was requested to assist displaced residents from the other side. Signal 22, the city’s police and fire canteen unit, was also on scene.
This is a preliminary report. Additional details will be posted as they become available.
Photos by: Michael Ratcliffe
Photos by: Anthony Greco
March 2, 2023
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–The East Windsor Township Police Department initiated the following police reports through Wednesday, March 1, 2023.
Time/Date: 7:04 PM, 02/24/2023
The officer responded to the Motel 6 on Route 33 for an activated fire alarm. Investigation revealed that a motel patron was smoking and activated the alarm. The individual provided the officer with false information regarding her identity and was found to have an outstanding warrant for her arrest from another jurisdiction. The individual was also in possession of drugs, drug paraphernalia and weapons. The individual was placed under arrest and released pending court action.
Defendant: Danielle Piscak Howell, NJ 34 Years of Age
Charges:
Possession of Crack Cocaine Possession of Cocaine
Unlawful Possession of a Weapon Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Hindering Apprehension
Arresting Officer: Patrol Officer Michael Whalen
- DUI Location: Bolton Road
Time/Date: 1:37 AM, 02/25/2023
The officer conducted a motor vehicle stop after observing the vehicle driving carelessly on Lake Drive. The driver exhibited signs of impairment and was placed under arrest after failing field sobriety tests. The driver was later released pending court action.
Defendant: Hernan Corona Mejia Freehold, NJ 22 Years of Age
Charges:
DUI
Reckless Driving Careless Driving
Arresting Officer: Patrol Officer Michael Whalen
- DUI/Motor Vehicle Accident Location: Mercer Street
Time/Date: 8:23 PM, 02/25/2023
The officer responded to the area of Mercer Street and Hickory Corner Road for a motor vehicle accident. Investigation revealed that the driver responsible for the motor vehicle crash exhibited signs of impairment and was placed under arrest after failing field sobriety tests. The driver was later released pending court action.
Defendant: Isabel Vignone-Grogan Hightstown, NJ 48 Years of Age
Charges: DUI
Careless Driving Reckless Driving
Arresting Officer: Patrol Officer Michael Pidhorecki
- Assault/DUI/Motor Vehicle Accident Location: Route 33
Time/Date: 5:01 PM, 02/28/2023
The officer responded to Route 33 near the Motel 6 for a motor vehicle accident. Investigation revealed that the driver responsible for the motor vehicle crash exhibited signs impairment and was placed under arrest after failing field sobriety tests. The driver was later released pending court action. The other involved driver sustained non-life-threatening injuries as a result of the crash and was transported to the hospital for treatment.
Defendant: Sean Mundsinger Plainsboro, NJ 51 Years of Age
Charges:
Assault by Auto
DUI
Reckless Driving Careless Driving
Failure to Maintain Lane Expired Registration
Open Container in Vehicle
Failure to Exhibit Driver’s License
Arresting Officer: Patrol Officer Tyler Gehler
