Astrology:

Continued From Page 1 that lie lightyears beyond.

The Astronomical Society of the Toms River Area (ASTRA) is an organization of amateur astronomers and celestial enthusiasts who hold their monthly meetings at the Robert J. Novins Planetarium on the campus of Ocean County College in Toms River. The group convenes once a month for their scheduled meeting to share their common interest and discuss club business. But, they also hold frequent “star parties” wherein club members and newcomers from the general public gather in the evening to gaze upon the wonders in the night sky.

Founded in 1977, the group has risen from its humble beginnings to 74 members with several hundred followers on their Facebook page. The club is led by Jim Webster, who has been with the organization for seven years, now serving in his second term as club president.

An avid sky watcher since he was a child growing up in Brooklyn, Webster also combines his love of photography to capture images of the night sky, particularly the grandeur of the Milky Way galaxy.

“I was a kid,” Webster recalls of his childhood in Brooklyn, “and I had a telescope pointing out my tenement window. But unfortunately, you can’t really see too much there.” His interest in stargazing waned, but it was rekindled thanks to another of his hobbies.

“I took photography up,” Webster says, “and started doing some nice Milky Way pictures.” By this time, he had moved to New Jersey and stumbled upon the ASTRA club. “I was like, ‘yeah let me go check out the astronomy group here’ and I ended up joining. So, I’ve been involved with them now about six or seven years.”

Closely tied with Webster’s love of astrophotography is his involvement with the International Dark Sky Association (IDA). As part of their mission, the IDA seeks to reduce light pollution by encouraging research, educating the public, and looking to influence lawmakers at all levels of government.

The concerns of Webster’s IDA group are well founded. Besides being a nuisance, according to the National Science Foundation’s website, Globe at Night, light pollution interferes with astronomical research, disrupts ecosystems, and wastes energy. As reported last year by National Public Radio, a recent study done at Northwestern University showed that just a small amount of light during nighttime sleep may have adverse effects on both cardiovascular and metabolic health.

Finding rural, dark sky locations in the country’s most densely populated state may be something of a challenge, but it is not impossible. As one may expect, the best locations for astronomical pursuits tend to be rural areas, which makes open fields in state forests or parks ideal for such activities. These tend to be where ASTRA holds their “star parties,” and club members gladly welcome members of the public to join them in their pursuit. The star parties are held at local area parks such as Island Beach State Park, Cattus Island, and Jakes Branch County Park. April is of particular note for the group, as they will be participating in the Cattus Island Nature Festival.

The club encourages novices to join such events, if not the club itself, without any expectation of prior experience or knowledge of the hobby. In fact, experience levels among ASTRA club members varies from novice to advanced, with the only requirement for members being an interest in astronomy and space science. Just like anyone playing music or pursuing photography, the learning curve has to start somewhere.

For those who may want to join but would feel more comfortable having some knowledge of the subject, New Jersey has six observatories spread around the state. While two are housed within the campuses of the state’s two most prominent universities, there are four others in Cranford, Galloway, High Bridge and Paterson. In addition, New Jersey boasts two planetariums, located in Jersey City and Newark.

The ASTRA group actively seeks guest speakers to discuss techniques in astrophotography, equipment and telescopes, and even upcoming astrological events of interest. The recent February ASTRA meeting featured a lecture conducted remotely by Dr. Eileen T. Meyer, an astrophysicist at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

“I think interest groups are actually going pretty strong in the age of the internet,” says Meyer regarding groups like ASTRA. “It makes it easier to find people with similar interests and hobbies. And these groups not only meet and talk amongst each other, but often spread word about outreach activities. So, they’re good to partner with if you’re a researcher interested in talking to the public.”

Following Meyer’s presentation, club member Vic Palmieri gave two talks on scientific topics that featured interactive demonstrations.

Of course, hobbies that involve the natural world are critically dependent upon the cooperation of nature. With a hobby like astronomy, weather conditions are important.

Webster will monitor as many as five different weather reports in advance of the club’s scheduled star party events, because unless there is a clear sky, viewing the infinite reaches of space becomes impossible. Also critical to ensuring optimum conditions are the phases of the moon.

“The new moon is ideal for us,” explained Webster, “especially for the astrophotographers. But if we’re doing star parties, having the moon, too, is a good subject matter for the public, as well.”

Astronomical events have been at the forefront of the news lately, with the recent celestial visit of Comet 2022 E3 (ZTF), colloquially called the Green Comet, which has not passed our solar system in some 50,000 years. In addition, the recent unveiling of the first photographs of a black hole in May, 2022 have increased the public’s interest in astronomical pursuits.

For those who are curious about the pastime, but either do not currently own a telescope or are unsure about whether or not to make the financial outlay for such equipment, the ASTRA club has a telescope loan program whereby club members may borrow such equipment for up to a month at a time.

The club meets on the second Friday of each month, and those who wish to become members may join for yearly dues of $20 annually. The next club meeting is scheduled for March 10, with a star party slated for March 25 at Jakes Branch Park. Additional information about the club, its meeting times and calendar events may be found on their website, astra-nj.com

From Page to social media to bully her further. A video circulated showing a group of girls physically attacking her in a school hallway. She was dead by her own hands the following morning.

People who never met Adriana remain heartbroken by her shortened life. Adriana’s death has also sparked the spotlight on bullying and the way schools address it.

Toms River Superintendent Michael Citta told parents they are also heartbroken over what happened and explained how the district is responding.

“Our building administrators, counselors, teachers and support staff have been traveling from classroom to classroom to offer an ear, have a discussion, and talk about resources in our schools, district, and community that can provide support for any traumatic or everyday situation. It is extremely important that our students and families know we are here to listen and support them. In fact, being truly heard is the first step toward healing,” he said.

“Our guidance counselors have always remained a resource for students, but please know that now more than ever, our counselors will be readily available to meet with students upon request. If you feel that your child is in need of additional support or assistance, please contact your child’s school,” he said.

A few years ago, the district established a web page with available resources, including Youth Counseling Program in partnership with Ocean County YMCA. This page is often updated with new information and is now featured on the district’s home page.

“We will continue to consult with our various committees dedicated to health and wellness such as our Mental Health Committee, School Safety Teams, Super Safe and Drug-Free Committee, SCIP committees, and other school-based cohorts that are composed of school leaders, teachers, parents, community members, and students in order to review existing district policies related to Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB), cell phone use, student code of conduct, and policies related to school culture and climate,” he said.

In Southern Ocean County, the superintendents of the Barnegat, Lacey, and Pinelands school districts all sent letters that began with an expression of sadness for a life ended too young. Each also provided parents with available resources and assurances that their districts considered safety a priority.

Barnegat Superintendent Dr. Brian Latwis stressed the importance of students understanding mental health and wellness resources made available throughout the community. Each of the principals overseeing grades K-12 relayed a message to students about how to ask for help.

“Students need to know that our schools are filled with caring adults who are ready to help any child in need,” wrote Latwis. “We also ask that you reiterate that message at home and encourage open conversations with your child/ children.”

Barnegat school administrators also facilitated age appropriate assemblies with the students in each school. They reviewed the Code of Conduct, discussed appropriate cell phone usage, cyberbullying, and social media.

According to Latwis, each of the individual schools runs a School Safety/ Climate team that works to identify and address patterns of harassment, intimidation, or bullying of students. The committees include the principal, at least one teacher, the school’s Anti-Bullying Specialist, a parent and anyone else designated by the principal.

Lacey Superintendent Dr. Vanessa R. Pereira’s letter to parents informed them that the middle school and high school principals delivered a message about where students could find help when faced with challenges in and out of school. The focus for all grade levels was on the district’s resolve to listen to students in need.

“We are currently forming a steering committee comprised of school leaders, teachers, parents, community members, and students to review existing district policies related to Harassment, Intim - idation, and Bullying; cell phone use; student code of conduct; as well as policies that relate to culture and climate,” wrote Pereira. “The purpose of this committee will also serve to collaborate on programs and presentations that will best serve to educate our students and families on bullying prevention, strategies for using social media responsibly, and the importance of kindness.”

Pinelands Regional’s Superintendent Dr. Melissa McCooley emphasized the district’s position on bullying within the school. Parents were encouraged to speak with their children about the ramifications of bullying, fighting, and the use of cellphones and social media.

“We have zero tolerance for fighting and the recording of it,” McCooley shared. “The administration takes a hard stance on this. Students that attack other students are immediately charged with assault. Students caught recording other students are suspended.”

Students who attend Pinelands schools have the advantage of regularly scheduled campaigns bringing awareness to everything from suicide prevention to other aspects of mental health.

All three districts have Harassment Intimidation Bullying (HIB) policies in place. Additionally, the schools designate anti-bullying coordinators and anti-bullying specialists.

Student resource officers who are members of the local police department

(Bullying - See Page 6) are in each of the high schools. The administrators stressed how important it was for their students to feel safe – and return home unharmed.

The grief of what happened to young Adriana weighs heavily on all of them – as school leaders and parents. No one wants to dwell on how the unthinkable could hit home.

Members of the community have already begun to offer their help. The same day that Central Regional High School had their school board meeting, the Lacey Board of Education had their own.

Pereira began the meeting with a call for a moment of silence. All bowed their heads in remembrance of the teenager who died in a neighboring town.

Allison Hollister was one of the moms present at the Lacey meeting and spoke during the public session. Hollister said she wants to do all she can to make a difference – and has even volunteered to sit on the steering committee. She questioned whether the community as a whole has done enough or if they would now.

“Do you hear the students at Central crying for help?” asked Hollister. “Do you see them outside protesting? Have you seen the videos of the daily fights?” Hollister recalled a program set up by the PTA that she found helpful in giving people insight about bullying. Dianne Grossman lost her 12-year-old daughter Mallory to suicide after the young cheerleader suffered through bullying at school. Dianne’s frank presentation as the head of Mallory’s Army is one that’s due back locally soon.

“Setting up stronger standards for bullying is another step,” Hollister added. “Making bullies accountable for their actions is yet another.”

It may come down to children recognizing the consequences of their actions and behavior. Sadly, some victims are

Shopping:

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Bullying: Continued From Page 5 some of her residents have expressed concerns about the purchase. “We hope this change goes well.”

The locations are throughout Berkeley, Toms River, and Brick. They include Holiday City Plaza 1, 2, and 3; Rite Aid on Mule Road and Plaza Drive; Holiday City Medical Center at Plaza Drive; the Wells Fargo Bank on Jamaica Boulevard and Plaza Drive; the Social Security Administration building on St. Catherine’s Boulevard; the closed PNC Bank on Wranglebrook Road; and the Bellcrest Plaza on Fischer Boulevard. The lone Brick location is the Yorktowne Plaza on Hooper Avenue and Yorktowne Boulevard.

Most of the units in the shopping too afraid to talk because they feel they have no voice.

A Blue Ribbon Committee

The news of young Adriana’s death hit some harder than might be expected. Fred Rubenstein was once the president of the Barnegat Board of Education. He also served his country as a Vietnam vet and performed a number of rescue tasks after the planes hit the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

Despite witnessing his share of tragedies during his seven decades on earth, Rubenstein’s voice noticeably shook as he spoke about Adriana.

“Something needs to be done – NOW,” Rubenstein insisted. “I’m calling for every district and their boards of education to implant a blue ribbon committee that will have access to between three and five years of records.

“The school would have to redact the names of minors or others,” continued Rubenstein. “The committee would review incidents and see what the districts did in the way of notifying authorities, parents, and any remedial action taken.”

The purpose of convening a blue ribbon committee would be to make it apolitical and free of anyone’s agenda. Rubenstein suggested police chiefs could appoint someone as well as a member of the PTA. Another committee member could be someone from the community.

A step back to review how the past was handled could ultimately become a step forward in combatting bullying. An analysis of what happened with reported incidents might help strengthen existing policies.

“There needs to be deterrents when there are violations of law,” Rubenstein stressed. “The school district does not have absolute sovereignty – it’s up to the police when it comes to enforcement of existing laws.

“We’ve lost a child here,” said Rubenstein. “If this doesn’t wake us up, we’re doomed to repeat it.”

Chris Lundy contributed to this story centers have tenants already. There are a number of banks and small, independent medical offices. There are also delis, diners and restaurants, as well as salons, attorneys, and convenience stores. The Toms River location on Fischer has more regional names like RWJBarnabas and national chains like Dollar Tree and Planet Fitness.

The Asbury Park Press reported that the $46 million sale was between Edele Hovnanian, president of the H. Hovnanian Family Foundation, and Ocean County Equities, LLC, owned by Joe Kotler.

This newspaper reached out to Hovnanian, Kotler and Alan Cafiero, senior managing director of investments at Marcus and Millichap, who was one of the people representing Hovnanian and who found the buyer. These requests for comment were not returned.