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June 9, 2021

TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Colonel Patrick J. Callahan and Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced today that Juan A. Fernandez II, 18, of Towaco, N.J., has been charged with vehicular homicide as a result of a boating crash in Toms River that killed Corey T. Molinari, 19, of Whippany, N.J. and injured 4 others.

On Sunday, June 13, at approximately 1:13 a.m., troopers from the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau responded to Antiqua Avenue for the report of a serious vessel crash in Barnegat Bay. Upon their arrival, officers from the Toms River Police Department and local first responders were on scene treating the injured. Four occupants were treated for non-life-threatening injuries, and Corey Molinari was airlifted to Jersey Shore Medical Center where he later succumbed to his injuries.

As result of the investigation led by the Troop “C” Criminal Investigation Office, along with the NJSP Crime Scene Investigations Unit and investigators from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, detectives determined that Juan Fernandez II was operating a 2014 Bennington Pontoon boat in the Barnegat Bay when he struck Intracoastal Waterway Marker #26 head on. After the crash, he was able to navigate the vessel to Antiqua Avenue where he met Toms River police and first responders. Initially, Fernandez claimed that there were a total of six occupants on the vessel, but through various investigative means, detectives later determined that there were a total of nine occupants on the vessel prior to the crash, three who were let off just prior to the collision. At the time of the crash, two occupants were ejected.

As a result of a toxicology report on blood obtained from Fernandez on the morning of the crash and information obtained as a result of the investigation, the New Jersey State Police working in cooperation with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office charged Juan A. Fernandez II with Vehicular Homicide (2nd Degree), Strict Liability Vehicular Homicide (3rd Degree), and Hindering (Third Degree).

Juan A. Fernandez II was arrested in Boonton, N.J. on Wednesday, September 8. He was taken to NJSP Tuckerton Station where he was processed and then later lodged at the Ocean County Jail pending a bail detention hearing.

The case is being prosecuted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.

Charges are mere accusations, and the accused is considered innocent until proven guilty.

Related MidJersey.News story here:

19 Year Old From Whippany, NJ Killed In Boating Accident; 5 Others Injured When Pontoon Boat Strikes Marker

File photos from Jersey Shore Fire Response “According to NJ State Police Sgt. Alejandro Goez of the Pubic Information Unit the boating accident was reported around 1:30 a.m. near the Thomas A. Mathis Bridge – Route 37 Bridge. The pontoon boat struck a marker and Corey Molinari, 19, of Whippany, NJ sustained serious injuries. He was airlifted to Jersey Shore Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
There were five other people onboard, two of which were ejected. Four sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and one sustained moderate injuries.” — MidJersey.News story on June 14

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September 11, 2021

WEST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–The West Windsor Township 9/11 “20th Anniversary” Ceremony was held at the Twin Ponds Memorial at the Ronald R. Rogers Arboretum, intersection of Clarksville and Princeton-Hightstown Road this evening.

Photos by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News

Photos by: Brian McCarthy OnScene News

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January 7, 2021

TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on January 6, 2021, Jonathan Price, 43, of Manahawkin, and Scott Cowan, 58, of Demarest, were indicted by an Ocean County Grand Jury for eighteen counts of Theft by Failure to Make Required Disposition of Property (Funds) Received in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-9.

An extensive investigation by Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crimes Unit revealed that Price and Cowan established the now-defunct Price Home Group, LLC, in February 2013 in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. From March of 2013 through March of 2016, Price Home Group entered into contracts with thirty-one homeowners in multiple towns throughout Ocean and Atlantic Counties to repair Sandy-ravaged homes or elevate their homes to protect them from future storms. The investigation revealed that despite having received considerable compensation in excess of two-million dollars from these individuals, Price and Cowan performed little to no work on the victims’ homes, and instead misappropriated the monies for their own personal use. Price and Cowan were arrested and charged on May 29, 2019.

“These two defendants preyed upon numerous homeowners who were at the lowest, most vulnerable points of their lives following the devastation of Superstorm Sandy. They took advantage of people who were utterly helpless, who trusted that the defendants would help them get them back into their homes as quickly as possible,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated. “Rather than honor their contractual obligations, these defendants betrayed the victims’ trust in favor of their own unjust enrichment, and now they will be made to answer for their unscrupulous behavior,” Prosecutor Billhimer concluded.

Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the Stafford Township Police Department, Little Egg Harbor Police Department, Toms River Township Police Department, Long Beach Township Police Department, Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs, and the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, for assisting the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crimes Unit in conducting this very extensive and thorough investigation.

The public and media are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Jonathan Price, 43, of Manahawkin, and Scott Cowan, 58, of Demarest, were indicted by an Ocean County Grand Jury for eighteen counts of Theft by Failure to Make Required Disposition of Property (Funds) Received in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-9.

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September 11, 2021

WRIGHTSTOWN, NJ (BURLINGTON)– The 36th New Jersey Mission of Honor ceremony was held at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Wrightstown, N.J., on Sept. 9, 2021. The cremains of World War II U.S. Army veteran Edward T. Hopkins, World War II U.S. Army veteran Steven L. Horvath and his Margaret, World War II U.S. Army veteran Henry J. Korzeniewski, World War II U.S. Army veteran Philip W. Lehn, Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Frederick Sawade Jr., Cold War era U.S. Army veteran William Stern, and Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Paul G. Strongin, were honored during the ceremony.

Some of these cremains had gone unclaimed for as long as 45 years. NJMOH’s mission is to identify, retrieve, and intern the cremated remains of veterans forgotten in New Jersey funeral homes. 

U.S. Army and Air Force Honor Guard members carry American Flags and urns containing the cremains of a veteran during the 36th New Jersey Mission of Honor (NJMOH) ceremony at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Wrightstown, N.J., Sept. 9, 2021. The cremains of World War II U.S. Army veteran Edward T. Hopkins, World War II U.S. Army veteran Steven L. Horvath and his Margaret, World War II U.S. Army veteran Henry J. Korzeniewski, World War II U.S. Army veteran Philip W. Lehn, Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Frederick Sawade Jr., Cold War era U.S. Army veteran William Stern, and Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Paul G. Strongin, were honored during the ceremony. Some of these cremains had gone unclaimed for as long as 45 years. NJMOH’s mission is to identify, retrieve, and intern the cremated remains of veterans forgotten in New Jersey funeral homes. (New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs photo by Mark C. Olsen) U.S. Army and Air Force Honor Guard members carry American Flags and urns containing the cremains of a veteran during the 36th New Jersey Mission of Honor (NJMOH) ceremony at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Wrightstown, N.J., Sept. 9, 2021. The cremains of World War II U.S. Army veteran Edward T. Hopkins, World War II U.S. Army veteran Steven L. Horvath and his Margaret, World War II U.S. Army veteran Henry J. Korzeniewski, World War II U.S. Army veteran Philip W. Lehn, Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Frederick Sawade Jr., Cold War era U.S. Army veteran William Stern, and Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Paul G. Strongin, were honored during the ceremony. Some of these cremains had gone unclaimed for as long as 45 years. NJMOH’s mission is to identify, retrieve, and intern the cremated remains of veterans forgotten in New Jersey funeral homes. (New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs photo by Mark C. Olsen) U.S. Army Pfc. Jeremy B. Peguero, right, 1-114th Infantry Regiment, places an urn containing the cremains of a veteran while Sgt. Aldo A. Posas, Joint Force Headquarters, both with the New Jersey Army National Guard, waits to place an American flag in front of it during the 36th New Jersey Mission of Honor (NJMOH) ceremony at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Wrightstown, N.J., Sept. 9, 2021. The cremains of World War II U.S. Army veteran Edward T. Hopkins, World War II U.S. Army veteran Steven L. Horvath and his Margaret, World War II U.S. Army veteran Henry J. Korzeniewski, World War II U.S. Army veteran Philip W. Lehn, Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Frederick Sawade Jr., Cold War era U.S. Army veteran William Stern, and Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Paul G. Strongin, were honored during the ceremony. Some of these cremains had gone unclaimed for as long as 45 years. NJMOH’s mission is to identify, retrieve, and intern the cremated remains of veterans forgotten in New Jersey funeral homes. (New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs photo by Mark C. Olsen) U.S. Army Sgt. Aldo A. Posas, left, Joint Force Headquarters, places an American flag in front of an urn containing the cremains of a veteran while Pfc. Jeremy B. Peguero, 1-114th Infantry Regiment, both with the New Jersey Army National Guard, stands at attention during the 36th New Jersey Mission of Honor (NJMOH) ceremony at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Wrightstown, N.J., Sept. 9, 2021. The cremains of World War II U.S. Army veteran Edward T. Hopkins, World War II U.S. Army veteran Steven L. Horvath and his Margaret, World War II U.S. Army veteran Henry J. Korzeniewski, World War II U.S. Army veteran Philip W. Lehn, Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Frederick Sawade Jr., Cold War era U.S. Army veteran William Stern, and Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Paul G. Strongin, were honored during the ceremony. Some of these cremains had gone unclaimed for as long as 45 years. NJMOH’s mission is to identify, retrieve, and intern the cremated remains of veterans forgotten in New Jersey funeral homes. (New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs photo by Mark C. Olsen) U.S. Army Pfc. Jeremy B. Peguero, 1-114th Infantry Regiment, New Jersey Army National Guard, carries an urn containing the cremains of a veteran during the 36th New Jersey Mission of Honor (NJMOH) ceremony at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Wrightstown, N.J., Sept. 9, 2021. The cremains of World War II U.S. Army veteran Edward T. Hopkins, World War II U.S. Army veteran Steven L. Horvath and his Margaret, World War II U.S. Army veteran Henry J. Korzeniewski, World War II U.S. Army veteran Philip W. Lehn, Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Frederick Sawade Jr., Cold War era U.S. Army veteran William Stern, and Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Paul G. Strongin, were honored during the ceremony. Some of these cremains had gone unclaimed for as long as 45 years. NJMOH’s mission is to identify, retrieve, and intern the cremated remains of veterans forgotten in New Jersey funeral homes. (New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs photo by Mark C. Olsen) U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Airman 1st Class Bertha E. Paul-Odionhin, places an urn containing the cremains of a veteran while Senior Airman Jai A. Williams, both with the 87th Air Base Wing Honor Guard, waits to place an American flag in front of it during the 36th New Jersey Mission of Honor (NJMOH) ceremony at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Wrightstown, N.J., Sept. 9, 2021. The cremains of World War II U.S. Army veteran Edward T. Hopkins, World War II U.S. Army veteran Steven L. Horvath and his Margaret, World War II U.S. Army veteran Henry J. Korzeniewski, World War II U.S. Army veteran Philip W. Lehn, Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Frederick Sawade Jr., Cold War era U.S. Army veteran William Stern, and Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Paul G. Strongin, were honored during the ceremony. Some of these cremains had gone unclaimed for as long as 45 years. NJMOH’s mission is to identify, retrieve, and intern the cremated remains of veterans forgotten in New Jersey funeral homes. (New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs photo by Mark C. Olsen) U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jai A. Williams, left, places an American flag in front of an urn containing the cremains of a veteran while Airman 1st Class Bertha E. Paul-Odionhin, both with the 87th Air Base Wing Honor Guard, stands at attention during the 36th New Jersey Mission of Honor (NJMOH) ceremony at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Wrightstown, N.J., Sept. 9, 2021. The cremains of World War II U.S. Army veteran Edward T. Hopkins, World War II U.S. Army veteran Steven L. Horvath and his Margaret, World War II U.S. Army veteran Henry J. Korzeniewski, World War II U.S. Army veteran Philip W. Lehn, Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Frederick Sawade Jr., Cold War era U.S. Army veteran William Stern, and Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Paul G. Strongin, were honored during the ceremony. Some of these cremains had gone unclaimed for as long as 45 years. NJMOH’s mission is to identify, retrieve, and intern the cremated remains of veterans forgotten in New Jersey funeral homes. (New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs photo by Mark C. Olsen) U.S. Army and Air Force Honor Guard members carry American Flags and urns containing the cremains of a veteran during the 36th New Jersey Mission of Honor (NJMOH) ceremony at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Wrightstown, N.J., Sept. 9, 2021. The cremains of World War II U.S. Army veteran Edward T. Hopkins, World War II U.S. Army veteran Steven L. Horvath and his Margaret, World War II U.S. Army veteran Henry J. Korzeniewski, World War II U.S. Army veteran Philip W. Lehn, Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Frederick Sawade Jr., Cold War era U.S. Army veteran William Stern, and Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Paul G. Strongin, were honored during the ceremony. Some of these cremains had gone unclaimed for as long as 45 years. NJMOH’s mission is to identify, retrieve, and intern the cremated remains of veterans forgotten in New Jersey funeral homes. (New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs photo by Mark C. Olsen) U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Airman 1st Class Bertha E. Paul-Odionhin, places an urn containing the cremains of a veteran while Senior Airman Jai A. Williams, both with the 87th Air Base Wing Honor Guard, waits to place an American flag in front of it during the 36th New Jersey Mission of Honor (NJMOH) ceremony at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Wrightstown, N.J., Sept. 9, 2021. The cremains of World War II U.S. Army veteran Edward T. Hopkins, World War II U.S. Army veteran Steven L. Horvath and his Margaret, World War II U.S. Army veteran Henry J. Korzeniewski, World War II U.S. Army veteran Philip W. Lehn, Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Frederick Sawade Jr., Cold War era U.S. Army veteran William Stern, and Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Paul G. Strongin, were honored during the ceremony. Some of these cremains had gone unclaimed for as long as 45 years. NJMOH’s mission is to identify, retrieve, and intern the cremated remains of veterans forgotten in New Jersey funeral homes. (New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs photo by Mark C. Olsen) U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jai A. Williams, left, and Airman 1st Class Bertha E. Paul-Odionhin, both with the 87th Air Base Wing Honor Guard render honors during the 36th New Jersey Mission of Honor (NJMOH) ceremony at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Wrightstown, N.J., Sept. 9, 2021. The cremains of World War II U.S. Army veteran Edward T. Hopkins, World War II U.S. Army veteran Steven L. Horvath and his Margaret, World War II U.S. Army veteran Henry J. Korzeniewski, World War II U.S. Army veteran Philip W. Lehn, Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Frederick Sawade Jr., Cold War era U.S. Army veteran William Stern, and Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Paul G. Strongin, were honored during the ceremony. Some of these cremains had gone unclaimed for as long as 45 years. NJMOH’s mission is to identify, retrieve, and intern the cremated remains of veterans forgotten in New Jersey funeral homes. (New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs photo by Mark C. Olsen) U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Bertha E. Paul-Odionhin, 87th Air Base Wing Honor Guard, places an urn containing the cremains of a veteran during the 36th New Jersey Mission of Honor (NJMOH) ceremony at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Wrightstown, N.J., Sept. 9, 2021. The cremains of World War II U.S. Army veteran Edward T. Hopkins, World War II U.S. Army veteran Steven L. Horvath and his Margaret, World War II U.S. Army veteran Henry J. Korzeniewski, World War II U.S. Army veteran Philip W. Lehn, Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Frederick Sawade Jr., Cold War era U.S. Army veteran William Stern, and Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Paul G. Strongin, were honored during the ceremony. Some of these cremains had gone unclaimed for as long as 45 years. NJMOH’s mission is to identify, retrieve, and intern the cremated remains of veterans forgotten in New Jersey funeral homes. (New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs photo by Mark C. Olsen) U.S. Army Sgt. Aldo A. Posas, left, Joint Force Headquarters, and Pfc. Jeremy B. Peguero, 1-114th Infantry Regiment, both with the New Jersey Army National Guard, unfurl the American flag during the 36th New Jersey Mission of Honor ceremony at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Wrightstown, N.J., Sept. 9, 2021. The cremains of World War II U.S. Army veteran Edward T. Hopkins, World War II U.S. Army veteran Steven L. Horvath and his Margaret, World War II U.S. Army veteran Henry J. Korzeniewski, World War II U.S. Army veteran Philip W. Lehn, Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Frederick Sawade Jr., Cold War era U.S. Army veteran William Stern, and Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Paul G. Strongin, were honored during the ceremony. Some of these cremains had gone unclaimed for as long as 45 years. NJMOH’s mission is to identify, retrieve, and intern the cremated remains of veterans forgotten in New Jersey funeral homes. (New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs photo by Mark C. Olsen) U.S. Army Sgt. Aldo A. Posas, left, Joint Force Headquarters, tucks the American flag while Pfc. Jeremy B. Peguero, 1-114th Infantry Regiment, both with the New Jersey Army National Guard, holds it during the 36th New Jersey Mission of Honor ceremony at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Wrightstown, N.J., Sept. 9, 2021. The cremains of World War II U.S. Army veteran Edward T. Hopkins, World War II U.S. Army veteran Steven L. Horvath and his Margaret, World War II U.S. Army veteran Henry J. Korzeniewski, World War II U.S. Army veteran Philip W. Lehn, Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Frederick Sawade Jr., Cold War era U.S. Army veteran William Stern, and Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Paul G. Strongin, were honored during the ceremony. Some of these cremains had gone unclaimed for as long as 45 years. NJMOH’s mission is to identify, retrieve, and intern the cremated remains of veterans forgotten in New Jersey funeral homes. (New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs photo by Mark C. Olsen) U.S. Army Pfc. Jeremy B. Peguero, 1-114th Infantry Regiment, salutes the American Flag held by Sgt. Aldo A. Posas, Joint Force Headquarters, both with the New Jersey Army National Guard, during the 36th New Jersey Mission of Honor ceremony at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Wrightstown, N.J., Sept. 9, 2021. The cremains of World War II U.S. Army veteran Edward T. Hopkins, World War II U.S. Army veteran Steven L. Horvath and his Margaret, World War II U.S. Army veteran Henry J. Korzeniewski, World War II U.S. Army veteran Philip W. Lehn, Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Frederick Sawade Jr., Cold War era U.S. Army veteran William Stern, and Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran Paul G. Strongin, were honored during the ceremony. Some of these cremains had gone unclaimed for as long as 45 years. NJMOH’s mission is to identify, retrieve, and intern the cremated remains of veterans forgotten in New Jersey funeral homes. (New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs photo by Mark C. Olsen)

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September 9, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Revenues generated from a mutual holding company, now Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, should go toward reducing health insurance costs for policyholders and not lining the pockets of executives. Assemblyman Ron Dancer has introduced a constitutional amendment that, if passed, would ensure policyholders catch a financial break, not just executives who are already well-paid. “With record enrollment, profits and bonuses, we must ensure that revenues go toward reducing skyrocketing health insurance premiums,” Dancer (R-Ocean) said. Dancer expressed concerns that overall compensation for Horizon executives climbed 20 percent last year, with out-going Chairman Kevin Conlin’s compensation rising to more than $5.1 million for 2020. His bonus for 2020 — $3.9 million, up from $3.4 million in 2019 — was determined by independent board members, according to Politico.com. Other executives have seen bonuses climb six figures as well. 

Dancer’s amendment (ACR207) would ask voters if state assessments paid by Horizon should be dedicated to lowering health insurance costs. If passed, Horizon’s payments to the state of an initial $600 million, and 17 subsequent annual assessments of up to $650 million, would be dedicated to reducing policyholders’ insurance costs. The existing law requiring those assessments does not dedicate the funds. 

Horizon, presently the state’s only health service corporation, applied with the Department of Banking and Insurance to reorganize as a nonprofit mutual holding company on Feb. 4, 2020. That change would allow Horizon to invest billions into health care businesses across New Jersey and save it nearly $50 million annually in taxes.

 Horizon’s revenue jumped 7% to $12.3 billion, driven by Medicare plan enrollments that swelled membership from 3.5 million to 3.7 million enrollees. 

Meanwhile, insurance premiums are expected to rise an average of 4.4%, according to the Society for Human Resource Management. Employees pay an average premium of $1,745 after employer contributions. Independent health insurance plans can cost families thousands per month. Horizon did refund individual policyholders an average $367 a person back in February when projected 2019 health care costs came in lower than expected.

“The average person will never see a pay increase of more than 20% in a year and will never see a bonus in the millions of dollars. Horizon’s mission statement talks about affordability for its members, a statement I heartily endorse,” Dancer added. “There’s no good reason executives and policyholders can’t share the wealth.”

The Senate version, sponsored by Senator Samuel Thompson (R-Ocean), was introduced in June.

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September 11, 2021

MONROE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Around 1:00 p.m. Monroe Township fire companies were dispatched to a house fire in the 1st Block of Sherry Lane. A column of smoke could be seen in the sky and a 2nd alarm was called around 1:04 p.m. Upon arrival firefighters reported having a large amount of fire showing on the second floor and extending to the attic. Three lines were pulled and in operation to knock down the fire according to radio reports. Jamesburg, Hightstown, East Windsor and Plainsboro were dispatched for mutual aid and a fire coordinator was called to the scene. Firefighters reported the bulk of the fire knocked down around 1:16 p.m. and an ALS unit was called for smoke inhalation.

No further information is available at this time.

Photos by: Steven Kadir

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Canine Costume Contests, a Leisurely Walk, Hay Rides, Live Music,  Games, Activities, Food, Vendors and more will Highlight Festival

September 9, 2021

UPPER FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–Celebrate the joys of autumn—with or without your canine companion—and help raise funds for senior dogs at Marty’s Place’s Howl-o-Ween Family Fest.

The dog-friendly festival will be celebrated at Marty’s Place, located at 118 Route 526 in Upper Freehold, on Saturday, October 23 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. (Rain date is Sunday, October 24.)  Highlights will include canine costume contests, a fun leisurely walk, hay rides, pet photo booth, K-9 police dog demonstrations, sanctuary tours, live music from the SunDog Band, vendors, food trucks, basket and 50/50 cash raffles, and other fall-inspired games, challenges and activities for children, adults and canines.

“This is our largest fundraiser of the year, and we’re so glad that we can gather again in-person to celebrate our four-legged friends and help raise much-needed funds to help senior dogs,” said Doreen Jakubcak, founder and executive director of Marty’s Place. “Senior dogs are the least likely to be rescued or adopted from shelters and are most at risk of being euthanized. We want to continue to help as many as older dogs as we can and the proceeds from this event will allow us to save more seniors.”

Adults, children and dogs are welcome to dress in costume (if your pooch enjoys dressing up) and participate in a variety of fun costume contests. Prizes will be awarded in several categories including: best and scariest costumes, dog / owner duo costume, and best overall.

Admission for the event is $5 for adults; children under six are free. All proceeds will benefit the senior dogs cared for by Marty’s Place.

Sponsors supporting Marty’s Place and the event include:  Arya Properties LLC, Crossroads Realty, Golden Grange Kennels, Heartland Veterinary and Boarding, HomeLight, Sandra M. Iammatteo, Esq., Nancy Karpf, Morgan Engineering LLC, Viacomp Inc., and Pamela White.

About Marty’s Place Senior Dog Sanctuary

Inspired by a senior dog adoptee named Marty and the plight of other aging canines with nowhere to safely and comfortably live out their “golden” years, Marty’s Place Senior Dog Sanctuary was founded in 2015. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization provides a permanent and protected environment for dogs aged seven and older when their owners or other animal rescue/shelters can no longer care for them. 

While adoption may be an option for some residents, when it isn’t, Marty’s Place provides senior dogs a loving home for life in a cage-free, family-like environment with full, personalized attention given to their needs for the rest of their lives.

Situated on 25 acres, the 8,000-square-foot facility in Upper Freehold, N.J., also offers a swim program for its residents and non-resident dogs of all ages in its indoor, saltwater pool.  

For more information visit:  www.martysplace.org or call 609-259-1278.

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September 12, 2021

TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–At approximately 6:00 a.m. Trenton Police, TEMS, and Capital Health Paramedics responded to the area of the 100 Block of Bayard Street between Whittaker Avenue and Hudson Street. Trenton Police say that one individual was shot and is listed in stable condition. Police report the investigation is ongoing. No further information is available at this time.

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Fed. funds will help fire dept. expand emergency response services for growing town

September 9, 2021

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–The Robbinsville Township Fire Department will receive a federal grant totaling $1,349,440 from the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program to hire four new full-time firefighters, said Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) today.

            “The firefighters and first responders at the Robbinsville Township Fire Department put their lives on the line every day to protect their neighbors when emergencies strike and help ensure overall safety and well-being,” said Rep. Smith, a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. “This substantial federal grant will enable the town to expand its fire crew and to continue providing quick and effective emergency response services to those in harm’s way who need immediate help as the Robbinsville community continues to grow.”

            “Mayor Fried, Fire Chief Schaffener and all those serving at the Robbinsville Township Fire Department are to be congratulated for their steadfast commitment to the town and their tenacity in applying for and earning this significant federal grant,” Smith said.

            Supported by Smith, the Robbinsville Township Fire Department applied for the SAFER grant earlier this year, competing against thousands of other fire departments around the country seeking federal assistance to expand and improve their life-saving operations.

            “Without the direct support of our application and the overall program support of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program by Congressman Smith, our department would be faced with difficult realities regarding the safety of our firefighters and residents,” said Robbinsville Fire Chief Dan Schaffener. “The addition of four firefighters will provide an enhanced level of staffing to our growing community, while reducing risk in order to better meet the present and future needs of Robbinsville residents.”

            The SAFER funds awarded to Robbinsville will cover all of the costs—including salaries and benefits—associated with hiring the new firefighters over three years, increasing the town’s fire crew from 17 to 21 firefighters.

            “Grant support such as this via SAFER will enable our firefighters to meet the needs of our ever-expanding community,” said Robbinsville Mayor Dave Fried. “Rep. Smith has been a longtime advocate for not only our Fire Department, but for all of Robbinsville Township in the form of important legislation and unwavering support. The benefits of this award for our Fire Department and local residents, and the help it provides to our municipal budget over the next three years, is immeasurable.”

            Administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency, the SAFER grant program supports fire departments with staffing and deployment capabilities, including hiring more firefighters; retaining or recruiting volunteer firefighters; and increasing response capabilities to fires and other emergencies in the local community.

            “The Robbinsville Township Fire Department is extremely thankful to Congressman Chris Smith and his staff for their assistance and support during the application process,” said Fire Chief Dan Schaffener. 

            Since 2002, the Robbinsville Township Fire Department/Township of Robbinsville has received $3,090,401 in federal funding to assist the mission of protecting its residents, according to municipal officials.

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September 11, 2021

PRINCETON, NJ (MERCER)—Princeton held a dedication for a new memorial and a 9/11 ceremony at noon today. The Princeton 9/11 Committee dedicated a permanent memorial containing an 8-foot piece of steel recovered from the World Trade Center. The Princeton 9/11 Memorial is located in front of the Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad at 2 Mount Lucas Road.