ArounD the JerSey Shore

NJ’s Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver Dies At 71

By Alyssa Riccardi

NEW JERSEY – Sheila Oliver, who was the first Black woman to be Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly and the second lieutenant governor in New Jersey history, has died at age 71.

The news comes after Oliver was reported to be in the hospital Monday for an undisclosed medical issue.

She was filling in as acting governor while Gov. Phil Murphy was out of the state on a family vacation in Italy.

16 years and was only the second Black woman to lead any state legislature.

“Tammy and I, and our children, are incredibly saddened and distraught to learn of the passing of our dear friend, colleague, and partner in government, Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver,” Murphy said in a statement.

Stop & Shop has shown Helping Hands,” said Michelle Youngs, assistant director of Student Life at Ocean County College.

“Being chosen to be part of the Community Bag Program will not only provide us with more funds to stock the pantry, but it will bring more awareness to our program.

Established in 2018, Helping Hands Food Pantry assists Ocean County College and Kean Ocean students with non-academic support to help them succeed. In addition to snacks, drinks, and meals, Helping Hands also provides resources for fi nancial assistance, referrals for housing support, and much more to students in need. Learn more about Helping Hands by visiting go.ocean. edu/helpinghands.

For more information on the Stop & Shop Community Bag Program, visit stopand shop.2givelocal.com.

Back To School Spectacular And Donation Drive

TOMS RIVER –Ocean County Mall will be hosting a Back-to-School Spectacular from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on August 20.

There will be music, activities, giveaways and more. Ocean County Mall is making Back to School shopping fun! Now through August 20, Ocean County Mall will be collecting school supplies to donate to local schools and teachers for the upcoming school year.

Donations may be dropped off at the mall management office (located in between Macy’s and Gamestop) Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Any donations to be made at a different time may be coordinated with the Ocean County Mall Management team.

United For Impact Wine Event

RED BANK – Save the date for the United For Impact Wine Event, October 5 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Navesink Country Club, 50 Luff burrow Lane, Red Bank.

Enjoy exquisite wines paired with delicious food to benefit the critical work of United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties. More information to follow.

Memorial Garden For Pets

WHITING – Memorial Garden for Pets is now available for the cremains of your beloved pets at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 180

Route 539, Whiting. Call the Church Office at 732-350-2121 on Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for details.

“It is with incredible sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of the Honorable Sheila Y. Oliver, Lieutenant Governor of the State of New Jersey. She was not only a distinguished public servant but also our cherished daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and hero,” the Oliver family said in a statement released by Gov. Phil Murphy.

“Sheila Y. Oliver leaves behind a legacy of dedication, service, and inspiration. We will remember her commitment to the people of New Jersey and her tireless efforts to uplift the community.”

Oliver was a part of the Assembly for

“When I selected her to be my running mate in 2017, Lieutenant Governor Oliver was already a trailblazer in every sense of the word. She had already made history as the first Black woman to serve as Speaker of the General Assembly, and just the second Black woman in the nation’s history to lead a house of a state legislature. I knew then that her decades of public service made her the ideal partner for me to lead the State of New Jersey. It was the best decision I ever made,” Murphy said.

“She brought a unique and invaluable perspective to our public policy discourse and served as an inspiration to millions of women and girls everywhere, especially young women of color,” Murphy added.