Battle Of The Zones Game Continues Summer Fun Grant Will Help Pay For Park Walkway

By Chris Lundy

BERKELEY – The creation of a walkway around Veterans Park took another step forward now that the township has received a grant from the State Department of Community Affairs for $81,000.

Earlier this year, township officials applied for $125,000. The award of $81,000 was recently reported.

Mayor Carmen Amato said that the township had applied for the grant for a few years but won it this year.

People walk along the roadways and that’s not as safe as if they had a designated trail. He estimated that 100,000 people or more visit the park every year.

By Chris Lundy

BEACHWOOD

–

The year is 2023. A quiet town has been ripped apart into factions battling a never-ending war for dominance.

The field: Birch & Surf Park. The combatants: The residents of the borough of Beachwood. The stakes: bragging rights for a year.

For the third year in a row, a group of volunteers have organized a softball competition.

There are four teams: Zone A, B, C, and D. This is how Beachwood’s Public Works breaks up the garbage and recycling collection days.

On a Beachwood chat page in 2021, a resident bid everyone good night, but only to Zone

A, because that’s the only zone that matters. This being Jersey, that line did not go without people stepping up for their own zones. This escalated into a softball game to determine which zone ruled. Years later, and that comment is still the reason that people are coming together. The air was heavy with humidity on the day of the tournament.

Dogs were welcome to sit on the sidelines. Sometimes, designated runners would go through the bases if a hitter wasn’t able to. This year also had a Home Run Derby.

When it came to the Battle of the Zones, the only shots fi red were in

(Game - See Page 5)

“We want to get people off the road,” he said. Part of the payment will come from the grant and some of it will be from the township’s bonding ordinance, where they borrow large sums of money to do various projects.

Councilman Angelo Guadagno said he was happy to hear about this coming to fruition. A few years back, he and other officials walked the park to figure out where the path would go. He said he would also like to see it have solar-powered lighting.

Councilman James Byrnes said that another town built a walkway that had sections donated to the military. He suggested that there could be areas dedicated to local police officers who have passed away.

(Grant - See Page 5)

Behind Every Face Is A Story In Newly Discovered Homeless Camp

By Stephanie Faughnan TOMS RIVER – A clandestine

homeless encamp- has managed to defy discovery since last October, catching local authorities completely off guard.

The revelation came to light during a recent weekend summer sunset patrol by diligent members of the

Ocean County Air Support Squadron (OASS). From the vantage point of their small aircraft, volunteers took a double take as they gazed down upon the landscape below.

Amidst an area nestled near high tension wires, rows of tents and people moving about revealed a hidden world that had successfully eluded scrutiny for eight months.

Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy oversees OASS, which serves as the county law enforcement agency’s air wing.

Utilizing their own aircraft, skilled pilots conduct surveillance over waterways,

DIRECT roads, and wooded regions. Through the submission of photographs, any unusual discoveries are diligently documented.

Mastronardy credited the sharp-eyed team with discovering the hidden encampment, which had been alluded to in a social media

(Homeless - See Page 4)

$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.”

Homeless:

Continued From Page 1 post that same day. Upon identifying the setup, Toms River Police were notified of the situation.

Local authorities dispatched a targeted group to the camp to engage with them and evaluate their situations. While some expressed resistance to what they perceived as outsider intervention, others hoped to find alternatives to their current living conditions.

In the wake of county officials taking proactive steps to create a homelessness trust fund and task force, the urgency for support became all the more evident.

Homelessness Advocacy

Setting up a community of tents to address shelter isn’t exactly a novel concept for Minister Steve Brigham of Destiny’s Bridge. At the start of the millennium, Brigham began by providing for the needy by offering food and essentials. However, an encounter with a man who asked Brigham for rent money resulted in a more comprehensive approach.

After providing the man with a tent and camping gear, Brigham settled him in Jackson. Two weeks later, the man expressed difficulties fi nding work and a lack of nearby food pantries. Responding to the man’s concerns, Brigham agreed to relocate him and later extended assistance to other homeless individuals he learned were in need.

So began the story of Lakewood’s Tent City, which was ultimately dismantled by authorities. Its occupants received some compensation as others moved on to Howell to another homeless community. Township officials in Howell promised to help them, and then sold that property to a developer, who kicked them off.

The most recently discovered homeless encampment set up by Brigham stands out due to the ages and health of many of its residents, who are living without the comfort of conventional support systems.

In a social media post earlier this month, Brigham gave the fi rst names of nineteen individuals ranging from ages 28-78 with requests for clothing donations. He also told the story of someone who advocated for a homeless shelter within Ocean County a decade ago for others. Lynn fell upon hard times and came to the encampment as she had nowhere else to live.

Tragically, just two weeks after settling in the camp, Lynn called one of her newfound friends to say she wasn’t feeling well. The next call was from one of Lynn’s family members, informing them that she had passed away in the hospital due to a heart attack.

Brigham easily admits he has little faith in the government. He expressed his concerns regarding the risk of removing people from the tent community in a more recent social media post.

“This treatment of homeless seniors by local and county government is utterly inhumane and honestly, downright shameful,” Brigham said. “While resources are scarce, affordable housing is unavailable, and the wealthy are more concerned about their property values than human lives, the very least government officials ought to do is allow community organizations like ours to assist the poor without interference, in whatever way we are able.”

“It’s like putting a Band-Aid on the whole thing,” Brigham said when interviewed.

“Sure, people will get put up in a hotel for a couple of days or even a couple of weeks. But families don’t always get to stay together. And they can’t bring their animals with them. They’re back on the streets in no time.”

Among the team assembled for the first visit by Toms River Police were plain clothes officers, the Board of Social Services, social workers, and volunteer representatives from organizations such as Just Believe, Inc. Paul Hulse, is CEO of Just Believe, which runs a Code Blue shelter in Toms River when temperatures drop below freezing points. Hulse said he thought there was a need for his group’s services after reading Brigham’s fi rst post.

“We are also privately funded through private grants from the state, county, and Toms River,” shared Hulse. “We also receive support from a number of private businesses.”

Hulse said his organization works with various non-profits to secure assistance. The list of affiliates includes mental health professionals, veteran groups, and affordable housing entities.

Who Are They?

Before word got out that authorities knew of the camp’s existence, Brigham had already agreed to allow this reporter to visit the camp. However, the scheduled appointment was moved up by a few days in a matter of minutes.

“I just got a call from people over at the camp,” Brigham shared. “The police were there with a bunch of people. They’re planning on coming back tomorrow.”

Brigham’s tone made it difficult to discern whether he was aggravated by the perceived invasion or even a bit worried - or perhaps a mix of both emotions. Nevertheless, the decision was an easy one and the appointment was scheduled for early the next morning.

Along the unpaved and twisty road through untamed nature, a sense of secrecy enveloped the surroundings. It was early morning and as the camp came into view, the only living creatures around were a playful flock of different colored chickens. Everyone else was tucked away in the tents lining two sides, creating a pathway winding through the heart of the camp.

“No roosters,” offered Brigham. “They make too much noise. The chickens are good for getting rid of the tics.”

Brigham fi rst pointed to some water jugs that he fills regularly and then sighed as he looked at the pile of black garbage bags. He commented on the inevitability of garbage and a throw away society.

The unmistakable upset in Brigham’s voice was palpable as he began moving from tent to tent to check on those he considered part of his ministry. He explained that they each had a chance to share their stories if they wished. Despite the option of anonymity, a surprising number willingly posed for quick portraits, unreservedly offering their full names to accompany their narratives.

Bill Honeker, 63, originally from Brick, emerged from his tent, ready to provide Brigham with the details of the previous day. His bare torso revealed a chiseled sixpack, only marred by a surgical scar from a liver transplant. Fred, a sweet boxer, stood faithfully next to his master.

Honeker said he rides his bicycle to the gym regularly to work out and then showers after he’s done there. Meanwhile, a great deal of Honeker’s Social Security benefits goes to paying for his medication.

“Between food and my medication, there’s nothing left to pay for rent,” shared Honeker.

A former dock builder and plumber, Honeker said he once owned his own home, a boat, and a truck. He lost it all after a bad breakup with a girl he was supposed to marry.

“They told us yesterday that they’re trying to get everybody out of here as soon as they can,” Honeker said. “They want to level everything out and get everyone in temporary placement.”

Honeker was visibly upset as he recalled the time he and Fred were separated when Honeker landed in a temporary shelter in Asbury Park.

“Steve helped me out and I got reunited with my dog,” Honeker said.

“I’ve been here since November.”

Originally from Beachwood, 55-yearold Victoria O’Connor suffered a brain aneurysm that left her paralyzed on her right side. She laughed when asked

(Homeless - See Page 14)

Game: Continued From Page 1 the form of smack talk.

It was all fun and games. For example, a pitcher psyched out one batter to get a strike off him. The hitter nailed the second pitch and brought someone home. The hitter felt ambitious and tried to run for another base but got tagged by the pitcher. Then, they high-fived each other after the play.

A good play was congratulated no matter what team it was. If something bad happened, everyone laughed together.

In the fi rst Battle of the Zones, Zone C was victorious. In 2022, Zone B took the title. This year, Zone A rose to the top. Perhaps next year is Zone D’s turn.

Other Nearby Events

The Battle of the Zones is one of many family events taking place in Bayville, Beachwood, and Ocean Gate during the second half of summer.

Grant:

Continued From Page 1

New Clerk

In other news, Karen Stallings was appointed to the position of Township Clerk and Registrar of Vital Statistics for a three-year term ending June 30, 2026. She was promoted from her position as deputy clerk.

The Soulsational wellness festival will take place at Veterans Park in Bayville on July 29 starting at 11 a.m.

The open air market will have goods and services, food trucks, and more. It’s a family friendly event with activities for all. There is free admission with free music and demonstrations.

Monday evenings, also at Birch & Surf Park, are part of the weekly Community Family Nights from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

A limited amount of free t-shirts are available for kids. There’s also weekly bingo, crafts, prizes, games, a basketball challenge and more. For information, contact groma@comcast.net

Ocean Gate Day starts at 9 a.m. on August 12. It’s a free-to-attend festival with vendors around the area of Wildwood Pavilion. At noon, there is the famous Cardboard Boat Race where people build boats out of cardboard and tape and see how they fare in the river.

Stop by the race webpage at oceangatepolicedepartment.org/cardboard-boat-race

Former clerk Beverly Carle retired this year after 28 years of service, 21 of them as township clerk.

Generator And Elevator

The township awarded a contract to Scalfo Electric for $77,000 to install a generator at the Holiday City Community Center. It was one of two larger-ticket items at a recent Township Council meeting. The township will also be rehabilitating to register for the boat race, or stop down at Ocean Gate PD to pick up a registration form.

The 7th annual Beachwood Community Day will be held at Birch & Surf Park on August 26 from 12 to 4 p.m. There will be vendors, giveaways, games, inflatables, pony rides, petting zoo, live music, food and more.

Summer Concerts

Wednesday, August 23, beginning at 5 p.m. at Veterans Park in Bayville, will be the annual “Night Out Against Crime and Night of Two Headliners,” Mayor Carmen Amato said. “The Berkeley Township Police Department will be on hand along with our township fi rst aid squads, township fi re departments and other public safety agencies to greet residents and show the different types of equipment that they utilize. All of these public safety agencies will have their vehicles and equipment on display, as well. Our DARE Program will also be there with games and prizes for the the elevator in Town Hall for $133,786. children to enjoy.”

Amato said the elevator is from the 1970s.

Byrnes, who is a member of the State’s Elevator, Escalator And Moving Walkway Mechanics Licensing Board, helped negotiate this project.

Township Engineer John LeCompte said Byrnes’ help probably saved the township $100,000.

The fi rst headliner will be at 6 p.m. Gerard Esposito celebrates the music from Broadway to Vegas, followed by Garden State Radio, a pop and rock band playing hits from the 80s, 90s and today. “This band will thrill the audience with the music from Pat Benatar to Katy Perry; from Michael Jackson to Journey and many more,” Amato said.

The final performances of the free summer concert series will be on Saturday, September 9 for Berkeley Township Community Pride Day. Community Pride Day runs from 2 - 9 p.m. and recognizes the original Founder’s Day and anniversary of the town. There will be a circle of vendors, crafters, and local service groups with tables selling food and showcasing their products and services.

At 5 p.m., the township will recognize the 22nd Anniversary of the September 11th attacks and will host a 9/11 Memorial and Remembrance Ceremony. All are encouraged to join the ceremony at the memorial near the stage.

The fi rst show will be Stiletto & the Saxman at 6 p.m. “This entertaining act delivers a great show singing hits of doo-wop, the Rat Pack, popular standards and more.” At 7:30 p.m., The Infernos Band will come on, described as “America’s #1 Show Band and the area’s premier live performance group singing four decades of music.”

Fireworks will close out the show at 9 p.m. Refreshments are always sold by local non-profit groups and organizations that use these concerts as their fundraisers.