Centers For Serving The Vulnerable

By Bob Vosseller

TOMS RIVER – National Health Center Week was kicked off in Toms River to raise awareness about the mission and accomplishments of America’s Federally Qualified Health Centers which provide free health care to all.

The event was held at Ocean Health Initiatives’ Toms River facility at 10 Stockton Drive and while the skies threatened rain, the sun came out just as the event was set to start.

This year’s NHCW theme is “Community Health Centers:

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TOMS RIVER – The homeless encampment located near high-tension wires moved after JCP&L’s parent company erected “no trespassing” signs on the part of the property it owns.

Chris Hoenig, a First Energy/JCP&L spokesperson, confi rmed that the signs were placed there on July 28. The homeless encampment was initially located on property partially owned by the municipality and First Energy.

One of the main access roads to the

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Continued From Page 1 its fi rst season. Since the episode’s taping last May, Beth had carried the knowledge of what lay ahead. Her unwavering devotion to her husband resulted in Beth traveling to England to witness the fi nal outcome in person.

Although the coveted fi rst place eluded Jerzey Jim in the end, one thing became evident. Jerzey Jim’s stature as a true champion remains undisputed among the nearly two dozen family members who gathered to view the show’s climatic fi nale. His shirt at the watch party boldly declared him the “People’s Champ.”

The event marked the third occasion that the group had convened for a watch party, hosted at the Berkeley residence of Farrell’s’ daughter and son-in-law, John and Amanda Carte. The initial gathering was an unforgettable moment, as an emotionally charged Jerzey Jim claimed victory in the show’s debut episode, with his yellow 1969 Dodge Charger popping a mesmerizing wheelie.

The second watch party, occurring just a week before the fi nale, resonated with the excitement of Jerzey Jim advancing to the fi nals. Jay Leno emerged that episode as a guest judge as Jim revealed his plan to transform a 1968 Volkswagen Van into a radiant purple hot rod.

Employing its ingenious “Inspirationator 5000,” the show’s creators allocated the challenge vehicles to each of the contenders. And, while Jerzey Jim confessed he hoped he’d be assigned to work on the 1978 Trans Am, his imagination went wild with what started as an older traditional vehicle.

Details became a critical part of the transition starting with something as small as transforming the recognizable VW logo into an HW to represent Hot Wheels. Jerzey Jim said he turned his work into a super fan van by adding a Corvette chassis to the rear. Taking one of the slowest vehicles and combining it with one of the fastest resulted in an amazing transformation.

Jerzey Jim couldn’t have been prouder when his creation roared onto the stage on the big screen. During the fi nale, Leno gave his opinion.

“I think it’s fascinating because when Hot Wheels came out it was all about power,” said Leno. “The engine was always the focal point. This is what I would have lusted after in high school because this is what you would have wanted to pull into the drive-in with a Friday night and rev the engine. It’s a Hot Wheels classic.”

In the inaugural episode, Jerzey Jim bared his soul, sharing the deep emotional bond he held with the yellow Dodge Charger. For the fi nal watch party, the man with the engaging personality adorned with his trademark bandana in yellow. However, it turns out that Jerzey Jim also had some connection to the VW van.

“When my kids were smaller, we had a Volkswagen van that we used as a camper van,” Jerzey Jim explained. “They lasted one hour before all four kids started to cry.”

Beth smiled as she added to the mem- ory from so many years ago. It turns out the van was parked right in the driveway. Any hopes Beth held for a moment of solitude swiftly dissolved, replaced by the urgent need to offer comfort to those around her.

To mark the significance of the finale, velvet red rope stanchions adorned the home’s entrance, leading the way to a grandiose big-screen TV. Adding a touch of cinematic magic, a popcorn machine heightened the ambiance to that of a genuine movie theater, while heartfelt speeches set the stage for the main event.

“The one thing I can say about this whole journey is that I am so proud of Jim,” said Beth. “I have never met anybody who felt so strong about a dream – and somehow it all came together.”

In a moving speech, Jerzey Jim’s sister Liz said their parents were looking down on them. She shared many special moments that united their family as “car people.”

Of the three fi nalists, the sole woman triumphed in the season fi nale with her Rally Resilience, a Nissan Skyline converted into a robust big-wheeled rally car. Arushi Garg won the $50,000 grand prize and the honor of having her car transformed into an official diecast Hot Wheels toy available for purchase.

“I told Hot Wheels it was never about the money for me,” said Jerzey Jim. “All I ever wanted was the diecast because it’s my legacy. I wanted my children and grandchildren to be able to walk into a store and see a car that I created from Hot Wheels.”

Social media came alive within moments after the winners were announced. Hundreds of people across the country said they disagreed with the judge’s selection and gave their accolades for Jerzey Jim’s great built.

Should Hot Wheels heed the voices of its dedicated fanbase, a glimmer of hope emerges for Jerzey Jim’s genuine aspirations. This potential holds the possibility of extending beyond Garg’s Skyline, encompassing two other new die-cast creations - Jerzey Jim’s VW van and Nick Harrison’s Trans Am.

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Continued From Page 1 camp is on land owned by Ocean County and Toms River Township.

“Safety is a JCP&L priority, and we remind the public to keep away from powerlines and energized electrical equipment and at least 30 feet away from all JCP&L infrastructure for their own safety and protection,” Hoenig told Jersey Shore Online.com.

To facilitate the placement of the “no trespassing” signs on their property, JCP&L received a police escort. Police Chief Mitch Little said that the company has also requested assistance from township police regarding the enforcement of no trespassing laws.

Minister Steve Brigham of Destiny’s Bridge and the organizer of the encampment revealed that 15 men and women continue to reside in the makeshift settlement, now moved to an undisclosed location on what is believed to be public property.

Together with other volunteers, Brigham and some of the inhabitants diligently worked to meet what they thought was the midnight deadline to relocate their belongings away from the powerlines.

“My son came down with one of his friends and helped,” Brigham said. “They’re very strong, energetic young men and they really helped out. It was harder on some of the others that were there, and they were exhausted.”

He added, “we moved everything that was valuable, but there were some things that were left behind.”

Brigham reported that almost half of the original community at the encampment chose to leave when offered temporary shelter in hotels. The belongings they left behind were not considered a priority during the relocation process and remain in the vicinity near the powerlines.

Among Brigham’s current worries is how to ensure a steady supply of essentials for those still at the encampment. To abide by trespassing laws, he has devised a plan to use a kayak to travel through the river within the area, allowing him to access and provide support to those in need without violating any regulations.

Thirteen individuals who continue to live in the makeshift settlement have retained legal counsel to ensure their rights are protected. Attorney Jeffrey J. Wild of Lowenstein Sandler, who serves as a Trustee of the New Jersey Coalition to End Homelessness, has been retained to advocate on their behalf.

In 2019, Wild successfully secured funds for members of another homeless community, established by Destiny’s Bridge in Howell, which were specifically allocated for relocation and temporary housing expenses.

According to Wild, he personally visited the encampment last week and was deeply disturbed by the conditions he witnessed. The outside temperature felt like nearly 110 degrees, making the situation incredibly challenging. Additionally, the presence of two women relying on oxygen added to the already precarious nature of their circumstances.

“These men and women would love not to have to fight to survive in the woods,” Wild asserted. “All of them would love to have adequate indoor housing.”

He added that since his clients have moved from the edge of the JCP&L property, they are not considered trespassers. Currently, they are situated on public land deep within a park, where they are causing no disturbances and are not bothering anyone.

“Under the United States Constitution and other parts of the law, they have the right to be there,” said Wild. “Governments cannot criminalize homelessness. It is cruel and unusual punishment to treat people as criminals just because they have no place to sleep but outdoors.”

“They have a right to live there if the government provides no other place,” Wild added. “Ocean County has consistently refused to provide a homeless shelter. So, it is a very unfortunate situation.”

Although the attorney mentioned his firm has used litigation to advocate for the homeless, he sees it as a last resort. His initial discussions with Toms River authorities have left him with the impression that they are of the mindset of helping people rather than prosecuting them.

During their initial visit to the camp, Toms River Police arrived in plain clothes with the purpose of escorting representatives from different organizations that Chief Little believed could provide valuable resources.

In collaboration with local authorities, a range of groups has stepped forward to offer assistance, including Just Believe, Inc., Bright Harbor Healthcare, Ocean County Board of Social Services, Affordable Housing Alliance, Mental Health Association, Ocean County Board of Senior Services, HABcore, and Soldier On.

“The problem we’re facing is that it is not a one size fits all,” offered Little. “You can’t just throw money at it. There are other issues involved and that’s why we had to try to get everybody we could get together to try to meet the needs of the people in there and get them services as quickly as possible.”

Little said he was particularly concerned about the rising temperatures and the impact it could have on those living outside. As assorted people took advantage of the access to medical and psychiatric attention, some original members of the encampment accepted housing offers. Of the group, 18 were placed in some kind of temporary housing situation, Little said. “But, again, it could be only a temporary solution, and they end up right back where they started, or in a different place. If they come back to the same place, at least they have a support (Camp - See Page 7) www.TallwoodsCareCenter.com

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Continued From Page 1 to the fi re station located on Birdsall Street once the transition becomes necessary.

Township Administrator Martin Lisella publicly thanked fi re officials for their offer to serve as the new home for the program.

“We’re talking about major dollars in repairs on the inside and outside of the building,” said Lisella. “I believe there’s also a problem with the well and the septic would also need to be replaced.”

Plans to tear down the structure have been in the works for months. However, Lisella emphasized that his foremost concern was securing an alternative venue for the special needs program. The initial option explored was the Barnegat Recreation Center, although it was subsequently excluded due to a range of factors.

Meredith Jackstadt, a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and the Special Needs Program Coordinator, highlighted one of the concerns regarding the recreation center. The room’s acoustics posed a challenge. Due to its dimensions, a pronounced echo is created that could potentially disrupt individuals with sensory sensitivities.

According to Jackstadt, another concern tied to utilizing the recreation center was the room’s potential to overwhelm program participants due to its size. The relocation to the fire station takes this into account.

Deputy Fire Chief Chris Velders provided assurances that the fi re company is fully dedicated to accommodating the program. He highlighted the fact that the fire station’s main room includes lowered ceilings and a streamlined design. Additionally, Velders mentioned the possibility of offering access to even smaller spaces within the fire station if the need arises.

Club For Special Needs

The core aspiration of the Meadowedge Social Club encapsulates its motto, “A Place Where Everyone Fits In.” This objective drives the club’s mission to create an inclusive haven through an array of activities, such as games, outings, and shared moments of joy.

For the last 17 years, the local government has provided use of the Meadowedge property for the initiative, which is fortified by funding sourced in part through the Recreational Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities Grant from the NJ Department of Community Affairs. The $20,000 annual grant has a $4,000 match by the municipality.

Presently, the program boasts active participation from 21 individuals, spanning from ages 24-55. A waiting list underscores the program’s popularity and impact.

Rhona Levy’s son, Myles, aged 55, has been an active participant in the Meadowedge program for ten years. The news of the building’s impending demolition raised legitimate worries for her, as she contemplated the potential ramifications for Myles and his continued engagement with the program.

“The program benefits Myles in so many ways,” shared Rhona. “That includes his mental health. Without a program, I’d probably have to take him for mental health help. He really enjoys his time there. For many of those there, they’re not a family, but it’s the closest thing they have to their high school experience.”

“I know the value of recreation,” Rhona continued. “And I know the panic I’d feel if I can’t find it for Myles.”

Jackstadt and local officials remain committed to ensuring that parents like Rhoma won’t have to worry that the program will suddenly disappear. Meanwhile, like many other things, COVID-19 changed the frequency of the meetings.

Pre-COVID, the center was open four nights a week and is now down to two nights. Staffi ng issues resulted in the continued limitations to the schedule.

A monthly calendar provides advance notice of the activities available to program participants. This month’s highlight includes an upcoming outing to a BlueClaws game. Last month, Lefty Tavern’s own Chef Ted and his assistants showcased the art of crafting homemade pasta, culminating in a delectable and satisfying meal. Some of the get-togethers are as simple as puzzle making, game nights, or relaxing by the outdoor firepit.

“When someone with a special need or any kind of disability graduates from high school, they lose their peer group,” Jackstadt said, echoing Rhona’s concerns. “It’s really hard as a parent to set up playdates for your adult child. It’s just not feasible, and life gets in the way.”

“This works as a place for adults with special needs to have peers and make friends,” continued Jackstadt. “They can do so with age appropriate activities with the correct supervision.”

About Meadowedge

According to the deed marking the transaction, Frederick and Naomi Gerken sold the 4.5-acre parcel situated at 550 East Bay Avenue for $1.255 million. Barnegat received a substantial portion of funding from the state’s Green Acres program, which means there are certain restrictions on the property’s use.

When news of the sale emerged in 2005, historical accounts indicated that the property had previously belonged to Captain William Cox, a prominent figure in Barnegat. Captain Cox had bestowed the home upon the Gerkens as a wedding present.

Reportedly, a developer offered to buy the Gerken property with plans to build garden apartments. The Barnegat family decided to take a lesser amount from the township as it felt it would be better suited as open space.

Interestingly, Naomi Gerken was the niece of MaryAnn Cox, who generously gifted her own historic residence to the township. Currently, the Cox House is under the ownership of Ocean County, which is actively engaged in its restoration efforts.

Former Barnegat Mayor John Novak was new to the town when he was appointed as the Meadowedge Commissioner. He suggested that purchase of the land was more related to the property itself rather than the existing structure.

“It’s in a flood-prone area,” said Novak. “It’s subject to the elements and time has taken its toll on the building.”

Adjacent to the Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, Meadowedge boasts a creek that

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