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Vicari: Continued From Page 1 in the State of New Jersey,” he added.

Vicari noted his nearly five decades of work serving the people of Ocean County. “I have dedicated much of my life to improving the quality of life of our senior citizens and our younger families alike. I first came to public office in 1979, when I was elected to the Dover Township Committee. I held office there until 1994, during which time I was also privileged to serve five years as mayor.”

During his long tenure, Vicari said he experienced Dover Township become Toms River Township and the Board of Chosen Freeholders morph into the Ocean County Board of Commissioners. “What hasn’t changed is my commitment to bringing our residents the best possible services at the most affordable cost.”

He noted that while serving in elected office, he dedicated himself to educating children. Vicari served as a teacher and principal in Toms River and superintendent in Berkeley.

Her served on the county’s Ciba-Geigy Advisory Committee in the 1980s and also served on committees which had him serve as liaison with the Ocean County Vocational Technical School District, the library system, and veterans services.

Vicari also served as chairman of Senior Services, expanded the county’s Meals on Wheels program and initiated new efforts to keep the county’s more than 200,000 seniors healthy. He also advocated for a new veterans clinic in Ocean County and worked with local environmental groups to protect the Barnegat Bay and preserve open space and protect the county’s beaches.

He worked with the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs aggressively targeting scammers who tried to victimize seniors and other residents.

Vicari expanded the County’s library system with new programs and branches and as technology changed the library kept in step with VHS tapes moving to DVD rentals and the introduction of eBook loans.

His seasonal Buy in Ocean County effort promoted local businesses and became a year-round effort that helped funnel customers to locally owned small shops and restaurants. He is credited as playing a key role in aiding tourism reach new levels. Tourism now generates $7 billion yearly into the local economy.

Under Vicari’s tenure, the county achieved, and continues to maintain, a highly coveted AAA Bond rating which is the highest rating available.

“Like everyone else, I’ve seen my share of good times and bad. Some of the worst times for us here in Ocean County were Superstorm Sandy and the COVID-19 pandemic. Our residents came through both disasters with resilience and fortitude. I truly believe Ocean County emerged stronger,” he said.

Vicari added, “the time has come for me to devote more time to my wife of 51 years, Joyce, my children and my two beautiful grandchildren. Anyone who volunteers for public service is often forced to divide their time between that service and their family. That’s a concession I’m no longer willing to make.”

The official thanked the “many outstanding individuals, from both parties that I have shared the dais with both as a committeeman and freeholder/commissioner. No elected official can do it alone. Public service requires teamwork, compromise and a willingness to hear opposing opinions.”

He also thanked the “many talented and dedicated professionals in Toms River Township and Ocean County’s government who have assisted me over the years. My tenure would not have been possible with the hard work of these outstanding men and women.”

“Rest assured that although I will not seek re-election, the people of Ocean County will always be in my thoughts and in my heart. It has been my privilege to serve you all,” Vicari said in conclusion.

Frontrunner Emerges In County Leadership Race

By Bob Vosseller

OCEAN COUNTY - With senior Ocean County Board of Commissioners member Joseph Vicari’s recent announcement that he would not be seeking re-election after nearly 40 years of service, candidates are starting to emerge to vie for his spot that will become vacant next year.

Developer and engineer Frank Sadeghi has entered the race for Ocean County Commissioner. He owns and runs multiple businesses in the area, including Morgan Engineering and Arya Properties. Arya properties is a developer that has made several small neighborhoods throughout the county. It is co-owned by former Toms River Councilman George Wittmann.

When former county GOP leader George Gilmore stepped down after charges of tax evasion, there was an election for leadership. Sadeghi, a Gilmore ally, lost to Frank Holman. After a Trump pardon, Gilmore returned to leading the GOP. There have been a few change-ups in local politics as Gilmore’s enemies have chosen not to run for re-election rather than face a primary battle.

Berkeley Councilman James Byrnes told The Berkeley Times that he is interested in screening for the county commissioner position. The New Jersey Globe reported that former Brick Councilman Michael Thulen has also announced his candidacy.

The Republican screening committee will have to choose who will get the party’s nomination. However, the committee members are likely to be (Frontrunner - See Page 23)

Frontrunner:

Continued From Page 22 chosen by Gilmore.

Sadeghi said, “I’d like to congratulate my friend of 35 years, Commissioner Vicari on his years of service to the residents of Ocean County and thank him and his family for their years of sacrifice in the name of public service. Commissioner Vicari has provided the Commissioner Board with needed stability since he joined. I wish Joe, Joyce and the entire Vicari family happiness as he transitions into the next chapter of his life.

“When I immigrated to the United States over 45 years ago, I found a country full of promise and hope,” Sa - deghi added. “I landed at John F. Kennedy Airport and didn’t speak a word of English. Despite all adversities, I was able to live the American Dream, start a family, and build a thriving business. There is no other place on Earth where this would all have been possible.”

“I’ve decided to run for County Commissioner so that I can give back to an area that has given so much to me and my family. Through our businesses, we have been fortunate to create several hundred jobs for people right here in Ocean County. I look forward to joining the other four members of the Board who are fighting for Ocean County’s residents to make sure Ocean County always remains the best place to live, work and raise a family in the entire state,” Sadeghi added.

Wildlife Rescue 911 – Mother Seton Regional High School

Renee A. Thomaier

Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

Typically, a wildlife rescue scenario is receiving a call, any hour - day or nightfrom a concerned person. If they’re lucky enough, they already know to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator (rehabber). They’re advised to transport the animal to the rehabber. There are times, however, when I performed the rescue myself as special skills are required. Don’t attempt rescue yourself before speaking with a licensed professional.

It was a warm summer afternoon when my phone rang. Like everyone else, wildlife rehabbers try to maintain a normal life and are often already caring for many animals. The woman on the phone explained there was a large bird who was having trouble flying. The bird was located at Mother Seton Regional High School in Clark, New Jersey. As I hung up the phone, so many things began running thru my mind. What kind of bird, was it a broken wing, a head injury, adult, or juvenile, and most importantly, where at the high school would I find this bird? The adrenaline starts pumping because you know the rescue could be dangerous for either the animal, for you, or both. Until you see the situation, planning the rescue cannot be done. I hopped in my car with my usual rescue supplies.

I arrived at the high school and was fortunate enough to quickly spot a red-tailed hawk, suffering from what appeared to be a broken wing, perched on the fence. Knowing that hawks have excellent eyesight, I positioned myself within a few feet of the bird, who continued to ‘watch me like a hawk.’ About five minutes passed, when he turned his head away from me. I quickly swung the net up, over and behind the bird, moving him to the ground, when I suddenly heard a woman on a motorcycle cheering. A sense of relief, I secured the hawk and transported him to the Raptor Trust for rehabilitation. Wildlife rescue begins with a concerned person making the effort to get the animal help. Without rescue, the odds of survival are very low.

To reach me please call 732-244-2768. It is illegal to possess or relocate wildlife for any reason without the proper state and/or federal permits. Violating New Jersey laws protecting wildlife, which include harm inflicted upon an animal, are subject to punishment.

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