Around the Jersey shore “New Jersey’s Lost Piney Culture,” By William J. Lewis

TOMS RIVER – Join the Ocean County Historical Society on February 5th at 2 p.m. for “New Jersey’s Lost Piney Culture,” by William J. Lewis.

Deep within the heart of the New Jersey Pine Barrens, the Piney people have built a vibrant culture and industry from working the natural landscape around them. Foraging skills learned from the local Lenapes were passed down through generations of Piney families who gathered many of the same wild floral products that became staples of the Philadelphia and New York dried flower markets. Important figures such as John Richardson have sought to lift the Pineys from rural poverty by recording and marketing their craftsmanship. As the state government sought to preserve the Pine Barrens and develop the region, Piney culture was frequently threatened and stigmatized. Author and advocate William J. Lewis charts the history of the Pineys, what being a Piney means today and their legacy among the beauty of the Pine Barrens. William J. Lewis is a lifetime resident of the New Jersey Pine Barrens, as were multiple generations of his family before him. He shares his Piney adventures on social media networks under “Piney Tribe.” He preaches exploration without exploitation and to teach our children to be tomorrow’s environmental stewards. After proudly serving as a U.S. Marine, William went on to graduate from Rider University; he founded an environmental nonprofit to get kids outdoors and has served in leadership roles for both governmental and New Jersey nonprofit organizations. His travel mileage stretches across the globe from many locations in the United States to the Horn of Africa, which has helped in enriching his perspective of our New Jersey Pine Barrens. To register for this free program, send your name, zip code, email address, and the date of the program to oceancountyhistory. zoom@gmail.com.

V.F.W. Post 10185 News

By Past Post Commander James Egan

BERKELEY - The meetings of Silver/Holiday V.F.W. Post 10185 will be held on the first Thursday of each month at 1 p.m. in the Clubhouse at 145 Westbrook Drive, Silver Ridge Park West. We meet in the daytime, so you do not have to drive at night. To join our post, just bring a copy of your Discharge (DD-214) to our meeting and you’ll received a hardy welcome and refreshments before the meeting. If you need a ride to the meeting or want more information without any obligation call Past Post Commander James Egan at 732-341-4905.

Remember if you hear of any Post member passing away or being in the hospital, call any Officer and let him know.

Thursday, February 2nd is Groundhog Day.

Wednesday, February 8th, the Boy Scouts of America was founded in 1910. VFW 10185 is a proud supported of The Boy Scouts of America.

Sunday, February 12th, is Lincoln’s Birthday.

Tuesday, February 14th, is Valentine’s Day. Do not forget your loved ones.

Monday, February 20th, is President’s Day and Washington’s observed.

Wednesday, February 22nd, is Ash Wednesday No District meeting in February

The VFW would like you to drop your old and faded flags off at either H. C. S. Clubhouse (Main Building), S. R. P. W., S. R. P. N., S. R. P. E., and Holiday City Berkeley Clubhouses.

Fly the flag every day, weather permitting.

God bless America and God bless our troops.

Lakehurst Borough Historical Society Chili Cookoff

LAKEHURST – The Lakehurst Borough Historical Society is holding the annual Soup~R~Bowl of Chili Challenge on January 28 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Lakehurst Community Center across from the museum in Old St. John’s Church on Center Street.

Area clubs and organizations make soups and chili and compete for the trophies of People’s Choice. Some of the groups joining the challenge and defending their title this year are, the First Aid, Police, Fleet Reserve, Arista Care Cooking Club, and our own Historical Society. If your club or or- ganization would like to join in, please notify Kathy by January 23.

The donation is $5 a ticket, children under 3 years admitted free. A gift basket auction and 50/50 add to the festivities.

All proceeds benefit the Lakehurst Borough Historical Society Museum. Tickets are available at the museum, Colonial Bouquet flower shop on Union Ave., and at the door. The doors open at 3 p.m. Come out and spend a cold afternoon with friends and great warm food! For more information call Kathy at 908-839-7388.

Photo Of The Week

Photo Of The Week

The Jersey Shore is known for its delicacies. There are thousands of places around to get a great meal. This Common Loon was recently spotted near the Barnegat Light - house enjoying crabs. (Photo by Denise Maynard) Want to see your photos in our papers? Email them to photos@jerseyshoreonline.com and you may win a prize!

Break The Bleak Of Winter

BRICK – Are you down because of the dreary, cold, dank days of winter? Then join Angelic Health Speakers Bureau is offering Having a Bright Heart in the Bleak Midwinter February 17 1:30 p.m. Presented by Angelic Health spiritual care staff, the program will focus on embracing time for reflection, suggestions for spiritual comfort in aging, overcom - ing the blues during winter feelings of isolation. Light lunch to be provided. Registration required by February 10 by calling 732-451-6185, or email nkinnevy@angelichospice.net. All sessions will be held at Town Square at the Jersey Shore Adult Day Care and Enrichment Center Laurel Square Plaza 1930 Route 88, Brick.