STOP THE EXCUSES START THE HEALING!

April 4th, 2023 4-6pm

Chiefs: Continued From Page 1

Griffin of Berkeley were part of an exhibit honoring Black fire chiefs at the New Jersey Fire Museum & Fallen Firefighter Memorial.

Copeland, along with being a life member and fi re chief of Ridgeway from 1978 to 1990, was also a District 7 forest fi re warden.

He was drafted into the Army in 1963 serving active duty for two years and in the National Guard for 18 years. Copeland was employed by Toms River Chemical (Ciba Geigy Corp.) and is retired and living in the Carolinas.

Griffin, who died in 1994, served as Manitou fi re chief from 1959 to 1976. He was also a talented artist. He created many hand-painted signs and did the lettering on many fi re trucks in the area.

According to the website of the Manitou Park Volunteer Fire Company, “with only seven fi refighters remaining in 1967, township officials suggested Chief Griffin disband the fi re company and the township would use the firehouse to store road department equipment.”

Instead of giving in to the township, Chief Griffin went out to recruit new members anywhere they could be found. “A man doesn’t care what color a fi reman is when his house is burning” was the slogan Griffin used to recruit new members.

The membership grew as men were joining from the surrounding areas. This proved to be the turning point in the history of the Manitou Park Volunteer Fire Company. At a time where most fi re companies were resisting state directives to integrate, blacks and whites were working together fighting fi res for the Fire Company.

The New Jersey Fire Museum & Fallen Firefighter Memorial Museum is located at 4 Polhemustown Road in Allentown. It opened this new exhibit in honor of Black History Month recognizing the accomplishments and honoring the service of several Black fi re chiefs throughout New Jersey.

Dave W. Horsnall, the president of the New Jersey Fire Museum & Fallen Firefighters Memorial said, “we are hopeful this will be just the start as we intend to build and grow this exhibit so that it may become an example of the museum’s commitment and dedication to honor all those that wear the uniform and serve as the chief of their department.”

Manchester Councilman Joseph Hankins, also a fi refighter, attended the event and stated, “I had a great time at the New Jersey Fire Museum. Many chiefs, departments, and most importantly family came together to recognize some of the Black fi re chiefs of New Jersey exhibit.”

There Hankins met State Trooper RJ Frank Copeland, the grandson of the former Ridgeway Fire Chief who is currently living out of state and could not be present at the exhibit.

Online Pre-Registration Open 2023-2024 Lakehurst School Year

LAKEHURST – If your child will be three or four years old by October 1, 2023, he/she will be eligible to apply to our Preschool Program which starts in September 2023.

If your child will be five years old by October 1, 2023, he/she will be eligible to attend kindergarten in September 2023. This year Lakehurst School District has enhanced registration, by starting the pro- cess virtually. Simply visit: fridayparent portal.com/lakehurst/preregistration. Once you have completed the on-line pre-registration, and downloaded all appropriate forms, click on the highlighted “Schedule a Registration Intake Meeting” to make an appointment with the registrar. Online Pre-Registration for Preschool and Kindergarten children opens, immediately for the 2023-2024 school.

Crestwood Village 1 Dance

WHITING – Crestwood Village 1 will be hosting a dance on March 17 from 6 to 10 p.m. Music by DJ Louie. Set-ups included; BYOB and anything you would like to eat at your table.

Doors open at 5:45 p.m. and close 7 p.m.

Ragtimers Lunch And Show Crestwood Village VI

WHITING – The Women’s Club of Deerfield Hall is again presenting the Ragtimers on April 22 at the clubhouse 6 Congasia Road, Whiting. Lunch is 12 to 1 p.m.; Show is 1 to www.TallwoodsCareCenter.com

Tickets are $10, 412 at the door. On sale at Crestwood Village 1 Auditorium on Tuesdays mornings from 9 to 11 a.m. Tables can be reserved when tickets are purchased in blocks of eight. No refunds unless dance is cancelled. 2 p.m. Cost $17. Sandwich of your choice to pick from, tossed salad, dessert and beverage. Reservations for tables of eight or more taken. Tickets on sale now call Rosie at 732-503-3043.

Local Residents Earn Award From WGU

OCEAN COUNTY – The following local residents have earned an Award of Excellence at Western Governors University. The award is given to students who perform at a superior level in their coursework.

Theresa McNally of Jackson has earned an

Award of Excellence at Western Governors University College of Health Professions.

Lyndsey Smith of Mc Guire Air Force Base has earned an Award of Excellence at Western Governors University Teachers College.