Community Helps A er House Destroyed In Bias Crime

erosion has been observed in areas along Lake Horicon. He noted that the borough has received grants in the past for the initial bulkheading and asked if the borough could apply for another grant before trees are lost and roads are damaged.

Mayor Robbins asked Borough Clerk Maryanne Capasso to research grant possibilities adding he spoke recently with Dave Winton, the head of the Borough’s Public Works Department in regard to the loss of

(Lake - See Page 7)

By Chris Lundy and Bob Vosseller MANCHESTER –

Members community, including builders, contractors, neighbors and congregants from churches and synagogues are donating their time and resources to help Angel and Brenda Rivas, whose home was destroyed in what police say is an act of arson and a hate crime.

A construction crew came out with equipment

(Community - See Page 5)

Comcast Contract Under Review

By Bob Vosseller

MANCHESTER – A Comcast representative updated the public on the contract negotiation with the town while residents gave their opinion on the service.

Robert Clifton, the senior director for government affairs for Comcast, came out to a recent Township Council meeting to update people on services and on a direction for local officials to go. Clifton is also a member of the State Assembly, representing District 12. “Manchester Township is very unique in

New Jersey in that it has not one but two cable franchises with Comcast, one that covers Crestwood Village and one that covers the rest of the municipality. We ended the three-year mandatory process for the renewal,” Clifton said.

“The Crestwood Village agreement expired in August of 2021 and the township’s expired in March of this year,” he said.

“What we are seeking here is a consent ordinance, which is nothing more than a simple right of way agreement that allows us to run our

(Contract - See Page 4)

Direct Cremation

$1995

Includes: arrangement conference, removal from place of death, alternative container Batesville ccbmdfc, transfer to crematory, crematory fee

“We are dedicated to exceeding expectations and delivering a standard of service that is 100% guaranteed.”

Contract:

cover phone service which are other services offered.

cable plant along the municipal right of way. Most importantly it is not exclusive, which means that any cable provider could come to the municipality and seek the same rights that we are to offer service,” Clifton added. He noted that another cable vendor’s plan would have to be judged on its own merits. The COA (Certificate of Approval) is granted not by Manchester but by the Board of Public Utilities and “that is granted after your negotiations with a consent ordinance and it is sent to the BPU for their review.”

Once that document is adopted by the BPU, Comcast would have approval to serve the township but another issue is that this agreement only covers cable television service. It does not cover internet service and it doesn’t

Health:

Continued From Page 1

Continued From Page 1 school community has been a primary focus of the Manchester Township School District long before it was a trend. We take the health and well-being of our staff and students very seriously,” Superintendent John Berenato said.

“Supporting and aiming to improve the health and well-being of our students and staff is a large reason why our school community is a desired place to go to school and come to work. We are proud to continue keeping the social-emotional well-being of our students and staff at the forefront of all

Clifton said internet services are not regulated by the state or federal government but the phone companies are regulated under another division within the BPU “and is basically out of municipal consent.”

He added that there were four criteria involved to deny or renew the franchise: whether the firm was suppling the needs of the community, whether the current operator followed the terms of the agreement, does the company have the financial, legal and technical ability to provide those needs and is the renewal proposal realistic to providing current needs.

“After the current hearing ends we will send a draft ordinance with our terms in it for council review,” Clifton said. He noted that two items were not negotiable by the we do here in Manchester,” he added.

Director of Curriculum Diane Pedroza said, “our goal has always been to build a culture of resiliency, through incorporating social-emotional learning strategies to our classroom, and by extending social-emotional family events to our school community.” governing body and they included cable TV rates which are controlled by federal statute and the channel lineup because it is protected under the First Amendment.

“We strive to add to each teacher and parent’s toolbox of social-emotional mindfulness strategies, to provide students with their own toolbox of social-emotional mindfulness strategies, to provide tools for reflection and self-regulation exercises and to always continue professional development for our staff in areas of mindfulness,” Pedroza added.

Resident Frank Camposano asked about municipal channels and wondered if Comcast could provide the equipment needed to provide for that request.

Resident Nancy Riker said she was satisfied with the services that are offered but noted “everything is tied to the internet. The only thing I have a problem with is the cost. It is so expensive and we’re on fixed incomes”

Resident Gerard McCann recommended for the Council to “have other public meetings with the citizens to find out what their feelings are about the renewal of the Comcast contract. They can look at the last one which was for 10 years ago and that one was kind of excessive because there really isn’t a lot of competition on the western side of town. You either use them or you go without. It is almost a monopoly over there.”

Families in the district were invited to Manchester Township Elementary School for the SEL Family Night with Sarah Stevenson of Mindful Education Services. This group supports teachers through professional development, addressing social-emotional learning and character development.

According to administrators, Stevenson also supports township students in making positive and constructive decisions. The event proved a fun way for the school community to come together through an interactive workshop that included songs, movements, and more that continues to recognize and support students and their mental wellness.

Whiting resident Darrel Dorofy said, “We don’t have internet where I am. It feels like we have been forgotten. Everyone has sketchy satellite service. I think Comcast is our solution. If any of you guys can help spearhead that, it would be greatly appreciated.”

Resident Gail Apgar was told if she wanted to get her two Xfinity boxes, she would have to go to the Comcast office herself. She also noted that “since we are paying astronomical prices it can be bundled to what we want”

“I did go down to the office on Hooper Avenue (Toms River) to get my bill lowered by giving up my phone (service). No one there knew how to do that. Maybe some training to help them help us would be good,” Apgar added.

Later in the week, the district recognized those who provide support in the area of mental wellness for their students as well as district staff. In lieu of a standard professional development day, Staff Wellness Day featured kitten therapy provided by All Fur One Pet Rescue, visits from Thompson Healthcare with relaxation services such as acupuncture, chiropractic care.

Other stress relief activities included Guitar Hero, zumba, and yoga. They also made stress balls and baked desserts. It was noted that ‘stressed’ spelled backward is ‘desserts.’ Other bonding activities included cornhole, spikeball, volleyball, kickball and scavenger hunts.

Community

: Continued From Page 1 to clear the debris in the fi rst step toward the total rebuild of the home at 1932 First Avenue in Pine Lake Park.

“Brenda had graduated from Manchester Township High School. The couple are business owners in Beachwood and they have been with their parents to build a home and they were investing money into building that home and the completion date was supposed to be this fall and sadly that home was completely destroyed,” Mayor Robert Arace said during the latest council meeting.

He told residents that the family didn’t have the proper amount of insurance on the house under construction which is “fairly typical before the home is completed. They didn’t take out builder’s risk insurance. They are sadly out of $160,000.”

You can reach out to the mayor’s office to assist the effort and also visit the Go Fund Me page at gofundme.com/f/rebuild-rivaspine-lake-park?utm_campaign=p_nacp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_ link&utm_source=customer

The Lemonade Stand was also operational last weekend and was set up by resident Arielle Gluck who may do so again. “Boulder Petroleum owned by a resident in Manchester came out and started the clearing process. Folks volunteered to reframe the home and contribute lumber. We are trying to project manage this and see how our citizens can become involved in rebuilding it,” Mayor Arace said.

Local Man Charged

Manchester resident Ron Carr, 34, received 36 criminal counts of bias intimidation and arson for a hate crime spree, according to authorities. Carr allegedly destroyed the Rivas home and vandalized homes, fences and other property with Nazi symbolism.

Township police started receiving calls about the vandalism the night of June 6, learning of 14 homes that were targeted. In the early morning hours of June 7, the Rivas home caught fi re and a person seen in the area matched the one seen on security camera footage from other crimes.

Police arrested Carr when he was found shortly thereafter in the area of Commonwealth Boulevard and Larchmont Street. This wasn’t Carr’s first run-in with the law. In 2021, he told police he fell asleep at the wheel and crashed into a pole in Toms River. He later admitted to using methamphetamine.

No injuries were reported from the fire that destroyed the Rivas home and damaged three nearby with heat damage.

Officials Condemn Bias Crimes

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said, “this crime spree and the anti-Semitism that it expressed caused pain, destruction, shock and fear among the residents of Manchester Township. No community in the State of New Jersey should feel vulnerable or anxious in the face of acts of intolerance. No resident should feel their personal safety or their home is threatened by bigotry, persecution and violence.”

“This will not stand, and I commend the law enforcement professionals from the

Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, the Manchester Township Police Department, and the Division of Criminal Justice for their dogged pursuit of the suspect and this quick arrest,” he added.

“I am thankful no one was injured in these senseless acts of bigotry and hate. This type of behavior will not be tolerated in Ocean County and the seriousness of these charges reflect our unwavering commitment to prosecuting bias crimes to the fullest extent of the law,” said Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer.

The first-degree charges of Bias Intimidation carry a sentence of 10 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $200,000. The second-degree charge of Aggravated Arson carries a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. The Arson charge is a third-degree charge which can lead to a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.

The difference between Arson and Aggravated Arson is that Aggravated Arson was done specifically to put someone’s life in danger. Some of the Bias Intimidation charges were also third degree. The fourth-degree offenses of Criminal Mischief could lead to up to 18 months in state prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.

Mayor Arace told The Manchester Times “These actions have no place in our town, state, or country, and I will continue to advocate for unity. My administration values the concerns of all our residents and encourages you to share your thoughts on this matter. Together, we can work towards maintaining the distinct character of our town and creating a thriving community of which we can all be proud.”

“As your mayor, and neighbor, I am appalled by these actions and will not stand for such harm done to any of our residents. I fully condemn acts of vandalism in our town, but more specifically and emphatically, acts of vandalism fueled by hatred,” the mayor added.

Arace also noted the fact that this arson placed neighbors at high risk as forest fires continue to rise in frequency and strength. “I applaud our police force and fire department’s efforts to ensure our safety. I support the full prosecution of those responsible for these heinous crimes, as I would for any crimes alike.”

“I applaud the outstanding work of our dedicated patrol officers and the detectives who executed a thorough investigation. I am immensely proud of their efforts which led the apprehension of a suspect,” Township Police Chief Robert Dolan Jr. said.

Lake:

Continued From Page 1 beach sand at the lake. He said that Winton is receiving estimates for a retaining wall on the border of the beach. Mayor Robbins stated that the retaining wall will not only keep the sand from blowing into the street and parking lot but will also act as a bench.

In other news, Councilman Robert McCarthy reported that a tanker task drill went very well, adding there were no complaints from the residents or business owners and that there were many fi re companies that came from a distance to participate.

Resident Bruce Margeson questioned a resolution concerning whether there was an increase in the borough’s municipal service fee for mobile home parks. Capasso answered that she did not have last year’s municipal service fee for mobile home parks with her that night and would reach out to Margeson with those figures.

Permit Increase Questioned

Resident David Burton questioned the bor- ough’s Road Opening permit going from $75 to $350 adding that is an increase of 367%. Burton asked what the justification was for raising the fee to such a large amount in one year.

Mayor Robbins answered that the fee had not been raised for over 20 years. Burton replied that other municipalities that are relative to Lakehurst in size range from $35 to $100.

Councilwoman Patricia Hodges added that when the Ordinance Committee reviewed the ordinances, they looked at fees that have not been raised in quite some time and then looked at neighboring towns and the fees that they are collecting.

Mayor Robbins noted that Manchester Township is collecting $350 for a Road Opening Permit.

Capasso, the clerk, stated that the Borough Ordinance for Road Opening Permit states a fee of $100 is to be paid upon making an application for the permit and a fee of $250 for inspections.

Burton stated that the borough does not conduct an inspection of the gas line being installed nor are they qualified to inspect.

Mayor Robbins responded that the Ordinance Committee would be revisiting the Road Opening Permit Ordinance and the reason why there was an increase.

Green Tips

Councilwoman Hodges reported Amy Lowe, Clean Communities Coordinator, organized a Rain Barrel Workshop and a How

Bicyclist Struck A er Running Stop Sign

By Alyssa Riccardi

MANCHESTER – A 51-year-old bicyclist was injured after failing to stop at a stop sign and being hit by a car, police said.

According to police, 51-year-old Scott Sheets was traveling on an E-bike on Savannah Road at around 2:45 p.m. June 10. He failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of Tenth Avenue, colliding with a 2017 Nissan Rouge SUV which was travelling on Savannah Road.

Sheets was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River for his injuries and was listed in stable condition after the crash, police said.

“Although low speed electric bicycles are permitted to be operated on roadways under current New Jersey Law, there are restrictions and additional requirements based on the class of the electric bicycle. The Manchester Police would like to remind those members of the public that they must always wear a helmet, keep to the right, and obey all other motor vehicle laws,” to Compost Seminar along with Manchester that took place last month at the borough’s community center. She added that Lowe built a rain barrel with each participant who then got to bring it home.

Borough Master Composter Andrew Hodges gave a composter to each participant and demonstrated how to compost.

Manchester Police said. For more information on E-Bikes, visit njbikeped.org/new-law-legalized-e-bikesand-e-scooters-in-new-jersey.

At this time, the crash remains under investigation by Patrolman Keith Douglas of the Manchester Township Police Department Traffic Safety Unit.