C ommunity n E w S 51st Annual LBI Commemorative 18 Mile Run Fundraiser

LONG BEACH – The 51st anniversary 18 Mile Race starts at 10 a.m. in Holgate, the 12K starts at 10:05 a.m. in Holgate on October 8.

The course is a straight, flat, point-topoint run heading North on Long Beach Boulevard. Air temperature in October on LBI is approximately 65 degrees, winds generally coming from the South.

Applications are available at the Front Desk of St. Francis Community Center and a printable version online at stfranciscenterlbi.org.

Final registration and race-packet pickup will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. on October 7 and from 7 to 9 a.m. on October 8.

If possible, register by September 15 to help accurately order the proper amount of t-shirt sizes and medals for all of our participants. Registering early is a huge help!

The funds raised from this year’s race go directly towards improving programs here at the St. Francis Community Center!

Looking to take part in the 18 Mile Run weekend festivities but not quite ready to take on the full 18 miles? In addition to our normally hosted 18 Mile Run, there will be a separate 12K (about 7.5 mile) fundraiser that will take place from the start line and head directly to the St. Francis Center for the finish line! This event is perfect for those interested in testing themselves at a race distance longer than a usual 5K or someone looking for a fitness walk that offers water stations and race course supervision

Entry Fees:

18 Mile Run: $80

18 Mile Run - USATF-NJ Members: $70

12K Run/Walk: $60

Every participant will receive a race T-shirt, commemorative medal and to-go food and refreshment bag. For more information visit runsignup.com/Race/NJ/ LongBeachTownship/18milerun.

LBT Cardboard Boat Regatta

LONG BEACH – Save the date for Long Beach Township’s 1st ever Cardboard Boat Regatta on September 9 at 10 a.m. at Bayview Park. Open to ages 7 and up.

Categories:

Multi-paddler ages 7 to 12 (child(ren) plus parent/guardian)

Multi-paddler 13 to 17 (two or more paddlers)

Multi-paddler 18 and up (adult two or more paddlers)

Prizes for winners in each category, for best sink, and for most creative boat. Registration, regulations, and waivers are online: longbeachtownship.com/event/ cardboard-boat-regatta. For more information, email Gina at rlotito@longbeachtownship.com or call 609-361-6697.

Fishing Flea Market

MANAHAWKIN – The Manahawkin Elks Lodge presents their Fishing Flea Market on September 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 520 Hilliard Boulevard, Manahawkin.

Enjoy over 30 vendors that includes fishing, food and beverages. For more information, call 609-597-1107 or contact kngwal@aol.com.

International Overdose Awareness Day

Manahawkin.

MANAHAWKIN – Sea Change Recovery

Community Organization invites you to International Overdose Awareness Day on August 27 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Ocean Acres Community Center, 489 Nautilus Drive,

They will share about their Not One More campaign, educate about Narcan, hold a candlelight vigil and more. RSVP to: hello@SeaChangeRCO.org.

Crisis Hotline Volunteers Needed!

NEW JERSEY – Crisis Hotline Volunteers needed for CONTACT of Ocean & Monmouth Counties’ training beginning September 19 twice a week every Tuesday & Thursday for six weeks from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Training will be held in person at St. Luke’s Roman Catholic Church, 1674 Old Freehold Road, Toms River. CONTACT is a 24-hour crisis intervention hotline that also provides information and referral to community resources. All calls are free, confidential and anonymous. Training is free. Become a voice to those in distress. Make a difference in your community! Call 732240-6104 or email contact@contactoceanmonmouth.org for additional information and registration. the population has dramatically increased. “The biggest issue is EMS is not a required service in the State of New Jersey,” shared Geoghegan. “It’s not covered by your tax dollars. Towns must provide police protection or contract with the state police or another town, but they’re not required to provide fire or sanitation either.”

Package includes: Removal from hospital or facility within 25 miles of funeral home, all funeral home service fees, and required cremation container MCDDT-01. Package excludes residential removal fee and Crematory charges.

Package includes: 2-Hr Memorial Visitation (during regular business hours) a complimentary select Urn, removal from Hospital or Facility with-in 25 miles of Funeral Home, all Funeral Home service fees, required cremation container MCDDT-01. Package excludes residential removal fee and Crematory charges.

Geoghegan said that in the past, two separate first aid squads existed in the beach area. However, they closed due to a lack of membership and public support from the community. Again, not enough people were either interested in or able to volunteer.

“There is absolutely EMS service available to the barrier islands, just like there’s fire service 24/7,” emphasized Geoghegan.

The problem may well be a delay, some - thing Geoghegan suggested happens in every community. For example, ambulance workers can be tied up on a lift assist when a call comes in of a more critical nature.

The gravity of the situation has reached a point where many towns have entertained the idea of employing paid EMS workers. Nonetheless, even paid ambulance services are encountering challenges in recruiting personnel. Conversations among Ocean County officials about establishing a re - gional EMS team have been ongoing for a while now.

“We are looking at the numbers,” Deputy Director of the Commissioners Gary Quinn acknowledged. “We are looking at three units, one over in the barrier islands, one in the southern end of the county, and one in the central part. At least, we’d be giving some relief for some of these towns that just can’t service these calls when they come in.”

Quinn said that the emphasis includes finding the right people, providing comprehensive training, and ensuring their compensation is sufficient to prevent workers from seeking higher-paying alternatives elsewhere.

“At the end of the day, if we can prevent the loss of one human life,” continued Quinn. “I don’t care what the cost is – it’s something we need to do.”

Ocean County Irish Festival

MANAHAWKIN – The 7th Annual Ocean County Irish Festival will be held on September 9 at Manahawkin Lake Park, 86 North Main Street. Join for a full day of celebrating Irish heritage with food, games, step-dancing and Irish music featuring their very own Ocean County Pipes and Drums Band. For more information and updates, visit oceancountyirishfestival.com.

Hooked On Fishing Not Drugs

STAFFORD – Join the Stafford Police Department for this annual fun-filled evening of fishing by the lake! August 28 at 5:30 p.m. at Manahawkin Lake - North Lakeshore Drive.

This free event is open to all children 15 years of age and younger. Refreshments will be provided. Those 12 years old and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Prizes awarded by age group. All fishing is restricted to the shore. Due to insurance rules, no boats. Participants must bring own fishing equipment.

Registration deadline is August 25. Visit staffordnj.gov/DocumentCenter/ View/5738/2023-HOFNOD for signup sheet. Forms can be emailed to jmcbrien@ staffordnj.gov.

For more information, contact Jennifer McBrien at 609-597-1000, ext. 8573

Upcoming Blood Drive

STAFFORD – Stafford Township EMS is hosting another blood drive on August 24 from 1:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Stafford Squad Break Room, 365 E. Bay Avenue, Manahawkin.

To schedule an appointment, contact Joe Giberson at 609-548-6996 or joegiberson@ yahoo.com.

Donor guidelines: weight at least 110 lbs.; bring ID; east a meal before donation; drink plenty of water before and after donation.