News Transcript - Manalapan

2023

Arnone, DiRocco to serve county leadership roles in 2023

Monmouth County Commissioner Thomas A. Arnone and Commissioner Nick DiRocco were appointed as director and deputy director, respectively, at the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners’ 2023 organization meeting held on Jan. 5 at Biotechnology High School, Freehold Township.

“It is truly an honor to be given the opportunity to serve as a Monmouth County commissioner for my fifth term and to be elected by my colleagues to continue in my role as director,” Arnone was quoted as saying in a press release.

“I am grateful my colleagues have appointed me to continue serving in this role. However, this is a team position and I look forward to serving alongside a great hardworking group of individuals to continue to provide a high quality of living to the residents of Monmouth County.

“Monmouth County is truly the best place to live, work and visit. I look forward to continuing to oversee my departments and divisions,” Arnone said.

“It is an honor and a privilege to begin my second term as a member of the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners and I would like to thank the residents of our great county for the opportunity to serve,” said DiRocco.

“As we begin a new year, I am looking forward to working alongside my colleagues to sharpen our focus on serving our residents in a highly effective and efficient manner so we can keep Monmouth County safe, prosperous and beautiful,” he said.

Prior to the selection of the board leadership, Arnone and Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden were sworn in to office by Superior Court Judge Joseph Oxley, and DiRocco was sworn in by Superior Court Judge

Gregory L. Acquaviva.

Arnone was sworn in to his fifth three-year term as a county commissioner and DiRocco was sworn in to his second three-year term. Golden was sworn in to his fifth three-year term

as sheriff, according to the press release.

“It is an honor to have been reelected to a fifth term as sheriff and I thank the residents for their continued support,” said Golden. “It’s my

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privilege and duty to serve all who live, work or visit this great county, in the safest, most effective and efficient manner for another three years.

“Together with the Board of County Commissioners, we will continue to work on combating crime and strengthen our shared services and safety initiatives so Monmouth County remains one of the top counties in New Jersey,” he said.

The members of the Board of County Commissioners provided remarks about their roles within the county.

“Our community college, Brookdale Community College, has ranked in the top 3% of community colleges and one person I would like to recognize is Dr. David Stout,” Commissioner Lillian G. Burry said. “He was recently named to the top 25 most influential college presidents and we are very fortune to have him.”

“We have advanced in our programs and services beyond other counties and we have built a strong portfolio of services. This platform will be the ground we build on in 2023,” said Commissioner Susan M. Kiley.

“We have passionate employees and volunteers. We continue to find new ways to reach those residents who need our help. As a forward-thinking organization, Monmouth County will charge into 2023 with resolve. We have a tremendous base of services created here because of forward thinking,” Kiley said.

“It has truly been an honor for me to serve in a capacity of public service,” Commissioner Ross F. Licitra said. “I am delighted to be entering my third year as a commissioner. There is much to accomplish and I promise to continue to serve the residents to the best of my ability.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF MONMOUTH COUNTY

Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone speaks during the Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners’ 2023 organization meeting after he was sworn in for his fifth term as a commissioner and was re-elected commissioner director for 2023.

MANALAPAN POLICE BEAT

The Manalapan Police Department has reported the following incidents which recently occurred in the community:

On Dec. 21 at 2:29 p.m., a Howell resident reported that an unknown individual stole a chainsaw valued at $300 from a location on Turtle Hollow Drive in Manalapan. Patrolman Michael DeCristofaro took the report.

On Dec. 23 at 3:20 a.m., a Manalapan resident reported unknown individuals attempted to gain entry to vehicles that were parked at a Kipling Way residence. No entry was made as the vehicles were locked. Patrolman Peter Pagano took the report.

On Dec. 23 at 6:02 a.m., a Manalapan resident reported that at 4:30 a.m., unknown individuals stole an unlocked vehicle that had the key fob inside from the driveway of an Old Queens Boulevard residence. The vehicle was valued at approximately $48,000.

On Dec. 23 at 9 a.m., a Manalapan resident reported that at 3:30 a.m.,

unknown individuals gained entry to three unlocked vehicles that were parked at a Beth Drive residence. No items were reported to be missing. Officer Jennie Letts took the report.

On Dec. 23 at 9:21 a.m., a Manalapan resident reported that at 3:30 a.m., unknown individuals attempted to enter a vehicle that was parked at a Beth Drive residence, however, the vehicle was locked and no entry was made. Officer Jennie Letts took the report.

On Dec. 23 at 10:04 a.m., a Manalapan resident reported that at 3 a.m., unknown individuals entered unlocked vehicles that were parked at a Whitman Boulevard residence. There were no items reported missing from the vehicles. Patrolman Christopher Capuzzo took the report.

On Dec. 23 at 10:33 a.m., a Manalapan resident reported that at 3 a.m., unknown individuals entered unlocked vehicles that were parked at a Whitman Boulevard residence. There were no items reported missing from the vehicles.

On Dec. 23 at 11:06 a.m., a Manalapan resident reported that at 2:30 a.m., unknown individuals entered two unlocked vehicles that were parked in the driveway of a Thoreau Drive residence and removed items valued at $20. Patrolman Christopher Capuzzo took the report.

On Dec. 23 at 12:30 p.m., a Manalapan resident reported that at 3:30 a.m., unknown individuals entered an unlocked vehicle while it was parked in the driveway of a Danielle Drive residence. No items were reported to be missing from the vehicle. Patrolman Michael DeCristofaro took the report.

On Dec. 24 at 10:07 a.m., employees of Eyechic, 55 Route 9, Manalapan, reported that on Dec. 22 at 12:30 p.m., an unknown individual shoplifted approximately $6,500 worth of merchandise from the business and fled the area.

On Dec. 26 at 4:33 p.m., Patrolman James Guarino conducted a motor vehicle stop on Route 33 for motor vehicle violations. The driver of the vehicle, identified as a 30-year-old male resident of Manalapan, was found to be driving while intoxicated. The driver was arrested and transported to police headquarters where he was processed and released after being issued summonses.

On Dec. 27 at 1:09 p.m., two 20-yearold Freehold residents reported sustaining minor injuries after being assaulted while at a business on High Bridge Road. Police said a 40-year-old male resident of East Orange was subsequently placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters where he was processed and released

ON CAMPUS

after being issued summonses for simple assault and criminal mischief. Patrolman Peter Pagano was the arresting officer.

On Dec. 27 at 2:12 p.m., a Manalapan resident reported that an unknown individual defrauded the victim in the amount of $35,000 via the internet.

On Dec. 30 at 5:45 p.m., employees of P.C. Richard & Son, 55 Route 9 South, Manalapan, reported that an unknown individual shoplifted $200 worth of merchandise from the business and fled the area operating a Red Ford Fiesta. Patrolman Everett McNulty handled the report.

On Dec. 30 at 6:04 p.m., Patrolman Edward Burns responded to the area of Tennent and Taylors Mills roads to investigate a report of a motor vehicle crash. Police said a 43-year-old female resident of Princeton Junction was found to be driving while intoxicated. The driver was arrested, transported to police headquarters, processed and released after being issued summonses.

On Jan. 2 at 11:03 a.m., a Manalapan resident reported that two unknown men attempted to open two vehicles that were parked in the driveway of a Sandpiper Drive residence. Both vehicles were locked and no items were removed. Patrolman Jeff Emslie handled the report.

On Jan. 2 at 1:39 p.m., a Manalapan resident reported that an unknown individual defrauded the victim in the amount of $4,000 via the internet. Patrolman Mantas Stanionis handled the report.

Morganville resident Nicole Taieb has been applying the tools of science, education and conservation to become a leader in the conservation community. Taieb has concluded a master’s course of study with a Master of Arts in biology from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, through Project Dragonfly. Since joining the Global Field Program master’s in 2019, Taieb has traveled to Baja and the Amazon and conducted various projects. Taieb works as a zookeeper at the Staten Island Zoo in New York.

The following area residents were recently inducted into Psi Chi, the Psychology National Honor Society, at Quinnipiac University, Hamden, Conn. – Jennifer McCue of Freehold and Angela Arizzo of Marlboro. Psi Chi was founded in 1929 with a mission to encourage excellence in scholarship and advance the science of psychology.

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N.J. recorded environmental highlights in 2022

The year 2022 will go down in history as one defined by many challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic dragged into its third year, the war in Ukraine destabilized world security and finances, and record heat, droughts and storms again brought home the reality of a changing climate. New Jersey, like everywhere else, shared the pain.

Despite these difficulties, this state we’re in made encouraging progress in 2022 on environmental protection, conservation and outdoor recreation.

Highlights include reduced plastic pollution, a partial ban on pesticides that harm bees and other pollinators, a task force studying ways to boost protections for public forests, work to implement the Environmental Justice Act, steps to advance clean offshore wind and solar energy, and more.

•

Plastic bag ban –

gas emissions while providing critical habitat for wildlife, outdoor recreation, and clean air and water.

Yet the vast majority of New Jersey’s public forests are not adequately protected against inappropriate logging, over-browsing by deer and invasive species. In 2022, a Forest Stewardship Task Force was established to develop recommendations to the state Legislature to better protect and manage public forests.

• More offshore wind and solar energy – A key part of New Jersey’s climate action plan is a transition from fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy.

2022, but still need to be adopted as soon as possible.

• Warehouse development – In 2022, New Jersey continued to see significant development of massive warehouses in many parts of the state, threatening prime farmland and communities already overburdened by pollution.

The State Planning Commission issued voluntary guidelines to help municipalities plan for warehouse development, but the state and municipalities are still lacking the tools needed to deal with this challenge.

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In May, New Jersey’s ban on single-use plastic shopping bags went into effect. Thanks to the state’s 2020 Plastic Pollution Reduction Act, shoppers were required for the first time to supply their own reusable bags.

By the end of the first year, New Jersey will have avoided using an estimated 3.44 billion plastic bags and 68 million paper bags, preventing tons of waste from going into landfills and waterways.

• Protecting pollinators – In 2022, Gov. Phil Murphy signed the Save the Bees bill, which limits neonicotinoid pesticide applications in non-agricultural settings like gardens, lawns and golf courses.

“Neonics” don’t just kill insect pests; they also wipe out beneficial insects, including butterflies, wild native bees and domesticated honeybees. In turn, bird populations decline because of the loss of food sources.

While the new law is a positive step, neonics are still allowed in New Jersey for agricultural uses.

• Forest Task Force – Forests and other lands sequester and store about 9% of New Jersey’s annual greenhouse

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities took a step forward in 2022 by implementing a new utility-scale solar program that will result in more clean energy while bringing down the costs of solar incentives and ensuring sound siting to protect important farmland soils and forests.

• “Outside Together” – New Jersey began working on the new Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, which will set strategies for open space and recreation for the next five years and is required to maintain eligibility for funding from the National Park Service.

• Black Heritage Trail – A new state law signed in 2022 will establish a Black Heritage Trail linking landmarks, heritage sites, museums and attractions highlighting moments of political, military, artistic, cultural and social importance in the state’s Black history.

Despite this progress, New Jersey still has plenty of work to do on environmental and conservation issues:

• Environmental Justice Law – For years, New Jersey’s poor, urban, black and brown communities have borne the brunt of environmental contamination.

In 2020, Gov. Murphy signed the landmark Environmental Justice Act to help protect overburdened communities. Rules implementing the act were introduced in the summer of

• Fixing state parks – In 2022, a partnership of conservation organizations – including New Jersey Conservation Foundation – launched the “Fix Our Parks” campaign highlighting the need for more funding and stronger enforcement to protect New Jersey’s state park system.

A report commissioned by the Pinelands Preservation Alliance found that state parks are underfunded, understaffed and facing threats from illegal off-road vehicle use and dumping. The Governor and Legislature should make increased funding a priority in the upcoming budget.

• Flood prevention – In 2022, the state Department of Environmental Protection published draft rules to better protect communities from flooding from extreme storms, like the remnants of Hurricane Ida in 2021. The public comment period ends on Feb. 3.

If adopted as written, the new rules will raise flood plain elevations by 2 feet, making it harder to build in areas near rivers and streams, protecting lives and property.

To learn more about the inland flood rules or to make a comment, go to https://dep.nj.gov/inland-floodprotection-rule/

Please continue to make your voices heard in 2023 on the need for our elected officials to address these pressing issues.

Tom Gilbert is a co-executive director of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, Far Hills.

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Volume 135, Number 3

• TOM GILBERT

Manalapan Environmental Commission to host bluebird workshop Jan. 21

MANALAPAN — The Manalapan Environmental Commission is partnering with the New Jersey Bluebird Society to provide a free workshop about Eastern Bluebirds on Jan. 21 from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Manalapan Community Center, 114 Route 33 West.

The workshop is open to all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult, according to a press release.

Mayor Susan Cohen said, “We are excited to offer this event which will teach about some of the ways people can help to conserve nature in our area.”

Participants in the workshop will learn about the lifestyle and habitat of Eastern Bluebirds and how to attract them to their yard. There will be a demonstration of how to build bluebird houses with a list of supplies and instructions provided.

“Bluebirds select their nesting sites in March, so January and February are the perfect time to begin preparing for their arrival by putting up a nesting box,” Environmental Commissioner Shaun Armhold said.

The workshop will also explain how anyone can become a citizen scientist by helping to monitor bluebird houses in their own yard or on trails in New Jersey, according to the press release.

In addition to being a pretty bird to observe, bluebirds serve an important ecological role by helping to control

DATEBOOK

insect populations. For this reason, Native Americans and early American farmers built and hung nesting places for bluebirds.

Homeowners can apply the same pest control tactic today and attract bluebirds to their yard as a natural means of controlling mosquitos and other insects, according to the press release.

Township Committeeman Barry Jacobson said, “The workshop will explain the environmental challenges bluebirds face and the conservation strategies being used to address them.”

Seeing a bluebird is considered a sign of hope, joy and good things to come across many cultures.

However, it became much harder to spot a bluebird in the middle of the 20th century when there was a rapid decline in the population of the bluebird which went from being a common species to a threatened species.

A grassroots effort by citizen scientists and birders successfully increased the bluebird’s numbers and saved them from possible extinction, according to the press release.

Jenine Tankoos, chairwoman of the Manalapan Environmental Commission, said, “The Jan. 21 workshop will share some great family projects and show how residents can be a part of the exciting conservation success story of the Eastern Bluebird.”

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that this meeting notice supersedes all other meeting notices announced prior to January 4, 2023.

NOTICE IS ALSO HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Education of the Marlboro Township Public School District has scheduled its Regular Monthly Meetings for the third Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted, at Marlboro Memorial Middle School, 71 Nolan Road, Morganville, New Jersey 07751.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the Board of Education of the Marlboro Township Public School District hereby announces that the Committee of the Whole agenda sessions will be held on the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted, at Marlboro Memorial Middle School, 71 Nolan Road, Morganville, New Jersey 07751.

The Board’s meeting schedule for January 3, 2023 to January 2, 2024, is indicated below: Month

• Samaritan Center operates a food pantry to provide supplementary food for those in need in Manalapan, Marlboro, Morganville, Englishtown and Millstone Township. For information, call 732-446-1142 and make an appointment. Donations of funds and food are gratefully accepted to support the operation of the center.

• New Jersey Blood Services, a division of New York Blood Center, is conducting blood drives which are open to the public. The following blood drives are scheduled: Jan. 31, Freehold Raceway Mall, 3710 Route 9, Freehold Township, 12:30-6:30 p.m.; Feb. 8, Marlboro Jewish Center, Congregation Ohev Shalom, Marlboro, 3-9 p.m.; Feb. 20, Freehold Raceway Mall, 3710 Route 9, Freehold Township, 12:30-6:30 p.m. To donate blood or for information about how to organize a blood drive, call 1-800-933-2566 or visit www.nybloodcenter.org

• The Monmouth County Park System will present a Nature Lecture Series: All About Brook Trout – The State Fish of New Jersey on Jan. 20 from 7-8 p.m. at the Freneau Woods Park Visitor Center, Aberdeen Township. A park system naturalist will speak about the history and ecology of brook trout and the issues they face. Free. Details: 732-842-4000.

Items for the Datebook may be sent to news@thenewstranscript.com. Please send items at least two weeks prior to a scheduled event.

January 2, 2024 Reorganization #1st Tuesday of the month *3rd Tuesday of the month **4th Tuesday of the month

Workshop Meetings will be scheduled to discuss specific topics, e.g., budget information, curriculum and professional development matters, etc. The Board also reserves the right to act on the calling of an executive or private session within the guidelines of Chapter 232, P. L. 1975.

Meeting dates and locations are subject to further change. JANUARY 6, 2023

VINCENT CARAVELLO

BOARD SECRETARY

Tinton Falls officials pick redeveloper for Fort Monmouth property

TINTON FALLS — Municipal officials have designated an affiliate of Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health as the redeveloper of a former Fort Monmouth parcel in Tinton Falls, with the intent of developing a medical facility on the property.

During a recent meeting, members of the Borough Council passed a resolution which designates Monmouth Medical Center Inc., an affiliate and assignee of Robert Wood Johnson Barnabas Health, as the redeveloper of the former Meyer Center property. The resolution authorizes the entry of a redevelopment agreement with Tinton Falls.

The former Meyer Center property is on the former Fort Monmouth property. It is approximately 36 acres in size, according to the resolution. According to the redevelopment

agreement, Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, will construct a 150,000-square-foot cancer center and ambulatory care pavilion on the Meyer Center property in the first phase of the redevelopment. The facility will provide oncology services, imaging, radiation and an ambulatory surgery center.

For the second phase of redevelopment, Monmouth Medical Center has the option to construct a 568,900-square-foot acute care hospital with 250 licensed beds; a 206,770-square-foot clinical and support building; a 112,864-squarefoot medical office building; a 34,000-square-foot central utility plant; and a 404,000-square-foot structured parking facility on the property.

Alternatively, the second phase may

have 20 acres of publicly accessible open space; stone dust walking trails connecting different site components, including the cancer center, parking lots and gazebos; sculpture space; at least two gazebos; and landscaped open areas and plantings on the property.

Monmouth Medical Center will make a lump sum payment of $750,000 for the first phase of improvements.

If Monmouth Medical Center administrators choose to construct additional medical facilities for the second phase, another $750,000 payment will be made.

The former Meyer Center property was designated as an area in need of redevelopment by Tinton Falls officials in 2012.

The borough’s closing date to assign a redeveloper, under the terms

of an agreement with the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority, was Dec. 30, 2022, according to the resolution.

In May, Monmouth Medical Center administrators formally applied to Tinton Falls to be designated as the property’s redeveloper.

In June, the medical center’s representatives conducted a presentation regarding the redevelopment project during a special meeting of the Borough Council.

In August, council members conditionally designated Monmouth Medical Center as the redeveloper of the property.

In October, Planning Board members granted preliminary and final site plan approval to the redevelopment project, according to the resolution.

Monmouth state senator introduces legislation to fight car thefts

State Sen. Vin Gopal (D-Monmouth) has announced the introduction of legislation, S-3385, that would, if passed in the Assembly and Senate and signed into law, target repeat offenders by establishing a “rebuttable presumption” of pretrial detention for the crime of carjacking, and for the crimes of car theft and burglary where the defendant has a prior conviction or prior pending charge for one of those crimes.

The provisions of the bill would remain in effect for one year after enactment and then expire, as a temporary means of addressing the recent surge in auto thefts, according to a press release provided by the New Jersey Senate Democrats.

After expiration, courts would be required to report to the Legislature and the governor on the number of individuals detained under the bill, according to the press release.

“This is a decisive and targeted action to counter auto thefts and related crimes by allowing law enforcement to detain repeat offenders,” Gopal said. “The surge in auto thefts over the past two years threatens the property and safety of New Jersey residents and places an added strain on law enforcement.

“These crimes are especially disturbing because they are so close to home. Criminals are burglarizing

houses for key fobs, stealing cars right out of people’s driveways and using the vehicles to commit other crimes.

“Simply stated, we can’t continue to stand by and wait for things to get better. This menace continues to threaten life, home and property across our state, and places added strain on law enforcement. It’s time to act,” Gopal said.

More than 14,300 vehicles had been stolen in New Jersey through November, up 9% from the same point in 2021 and up 41% from a record low in 2020, according to the press release.

Gopal also authored a series of additional measures to combat motor vehicle thefts, including bills to toughen penalties for car thefts, for repeat offenders and for the illegal use of master keys:

• S-3389 – Establishes crimes of theft of motor vehicle and receiving stolen motor vehicle as separate statutory provisions; provides extended sentences for certain persistent offenders.

This bill establishes theft of a motor vehicle and receiving a stolen vehicle as separate offenses, which will facilitate the tracking of motor vehicle theft crimes and help crack down on persistent offenders with extended terms.

• S-3390 – Expands criminal penalties related to illegal use of motor vehicle master key.

This bill amends current law to make it a fourth degree crime for a person to knowingly possess for an unlawful purpose a key fob that operates a vehicle owned by another person or possess a computer program commonly used to start a motor vehicle without an ignition key or key fob.

• S-3028 – Increases penalties imposed on juveniles and adults convicted of motor vehicle theft and related crimes. Strengthens penalties for adults and juveniles who commit auto theft crimes and establishes mandatory minimum sentences for adults who recruit juveniles to commit auto theft.

• S-3222 – Prohibits towing companies from requiring the owner of a stolen motor vehicle to pay a fee to release the vehicle from a storage facility so long as the owner provides a copy of the stolen vehicle police report to the towing company.

On Dec. 19, the Senate Judiciary Committee released S-3389, S-3390 and S-3028 to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee for consideration.

Members of the Senate Judiciary Committee also voted out additional legislation that was sponsored by

Sen. Richard Codey, Sen. Paul Sarlo, Sen. Joseph Lagana and Gopal. The Democrats are the majority party in the state Senate.

Measures that were advanced on Dec. 19 were the following:

• S-3006 would increase penalties for repeat convictions of certain motor vehicle related crimes; and also increase penalties for the leader of any auto theft trafficking network that conspires with persons under the age of 17 to steal cars.

• S-2283 and S-2284 would increase penalties for carjacking and for theft of a motor vehicle, and also upgrade motor vehicle theft to a second degree crime.

• S-3345 would upgrade the crime for a leader of an auto theft trafficking network, while also establishing a second degree crime of participant in auto theft trafficking network.

• S-3296 would require a vehicle’s identification number to be stamped on catalytic converters of motor vehicles.

Catalytic converters, which are emissions control devices, have been a primary target of auto theft rings due to the valuable metals they contain.

All the approved bills, except for S-3296, will go to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee for consideration.

Leger, Mangini lead Braves to 66-63 victory over Allentown

By STEVEN BASSIN Staff Writer

MANALAPAN — After losing consecutive games to Shore Conference A North Division rivals Freehold Township High School and Christian Brothers Academy, the Manalapan High School boys basketball team found its groove again in its next two games.

The Braves stopped their two-game losing skid with a 68-57 victory over Red Bank Regional High School of Little Silver on Jan. 13.

They kept the winning momentum going when they hosted Allentown High School on Jan. 14 in Manalapan. Junior Anthony Leger and senior Zach Mangini led the way to a 66-63 victory as the Braves improved to 7-6 in the 2022-23 season.

“When we play our game and everyone is playing their role, we can be a scary team,” Leger said after the victory over Allentown. “We had a really big win against Red Bank Regional and we beat a really good, scrappy Allentown team. We can go a long way up from here.”

Against Allentown , Mangini provided a spark off the bench. Late in the first quarter he converted a threepoint play to give the Braves a 13-8 lead over the Redbirds.

In the second quarter, Mangini hit two three-point field goals to help Manalapan take a 29-19 lead at halftime.

“I’m just trying to come off the bench and help my team,” he said. “My teammates held down the fort to start and I just came in to do my job.”

Midway through the third quarter, Mangini connected on his third threepoint field goal of the game to extend the lead to 36-26. He finished with a season-high 18 points in the contest.

Leger put his stamp on the game by taking control in the third quarter.

The junior guard found his stroke from beyond the arc as connected on three of his game-high four threepoint field goals to lift Manalapan to a 53-36 lead with 1:33 to play in the quarter.

Leger scored 15 of his game-high 22 points in the third quarter. He has scored 20 or more points in four of Manalapan’s last six games.

“The ball was falling. I’m an allaround player. It’s not just making three-pointers. I also like getting my teammates involved,” said Leger, who transferred from Mater Dei Prep in Middletown and leads the team in scoring at more than 14 points per game.

Leger said he believed he could make an impact at Manalapan right away, stating, “I knew there was something here. I felt like we had the right players and coaches where I could make an impact. I think we can shock a lot of people.”

Manalapan took a 53-41 lead into the fourth quarter, but the Redbirds from rural western Monmouth County battled back and trailed 62-60 with :44 to play.

Mangini was fouled after Allentown had closed the gap to two points and he made two free throws for a 64-60 lead with :20 to play.

Allentown’s Ray Gooley, who finished with 21 points, delivered a threepoint play for the Redbirds to make it 64-63 with :10 to play.

After Gooley’s basket, the Redbirds fouled senior Dylan Sullivan and he came up clutch by knocking down both shots from the charity stripe to make it 66-63.

Allentown had a final chance to tie the game and force overtime, but Leger did a good job closing out Gooley on a three-point attempt and his shot missed the rim.

“Sometimes the ball bounces your way when you need it,” first-year coach Matt Conklin said. “(Dylan Sullivan) is one of the guys we want at the line and for him to make those free throws was great. We got a great close on (Gooley’s) shot at the other end and thankfully it didn’t fall.”

Senior Kassan Scott scored nine points in the paint for Manalapan and Jake Buchman added eight points in the victory.

Following the wins over Red Bank

Regional and Allentown, Manalapan will gear up for a week of rivalry contests against Howell High School, Freehold High School and Marlboro High School.

The first of those three games will be at home on Jan. 17 against Howell.

STEVEN BASSIN/STAFF

“Everybody on our schedule is tough. We are not going to back down from anyone. We are trying to get better every day and to qualify for the Shore Conference Tournament,” Conklin said.

Manalapan High School’s Anthony Leger drives through a pair of Allentown High School defenders to score a layup during the Braves’ 66-63 victory over the Redbirds on Jan. 14 in Manalapan. Leger led all scorers with 22 points.

A resident of Englishtown has admitted producing multiple videos depicting him sexually assaulting a minor, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced on Dec. 6.

Christian Importuna, 27, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Peter G. Sheridan to one count of an indictment charging him with production of child pornography, according to a press release from the United States Attorney District of New Jersey.

According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court, in

March 2020, Importuna produced at least two videos that showed him sexually assaulting a pre-pubescent female child.

The videos came to the attention of law enforcement on March 24, 2020 when Importuna attempted to trade images of child pornography with an undercover law enforcement official on an internet-based application.

Law enforcement officials initially linked the videos to Importuna through business records indicating they were sent from his Englishtown residence. The investigation further

linked Importuna to the production of the images through physical identifiers that were visible in the subject videos.

According to the press release, the charge of production of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for April 17.

The Monmouth County Park System is seeking entries into its Creative Arts Festival. This juried art show and

sale is open to artists and fine crafters of every medium.

Those interested in entering are invited to submit images for consideration. The application fee is $15 per person. Rules and entry form are available at www.MonmouthCountyParks.com, according to a press release.

Accepted artists will have a 10-foot x 10-foot booth space to display and sell their original work for a fee. Indoor and outdoor spaces are available. The entry deadline is March 10.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that bid proposals will be received from Bidders classified under N.J.S.A. 27:7-35.2 via the Internet until 10:00:59 A.M. on 1/19/23 downloaded, and publicly opened and read, in the CONFERENCE ROOM-A, 1st Floor F & A Building, New Jersey Department of Transportation, 1035 Parkway Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08625; for:

Bridge Preventive Maintenance Contract 2022-2, Thirty-Seven (37) Bridges, Routes NJ 12, NJ 27, NJ 31, NJ 34, NJ 36 and US 130, Clinton, Colts Neck, Cranbury, Delaware, East Amwell, East Windsor, Ewing, Franklin, Hamilton, Hazlet, Hopewell, Howell, Kingwood, Middletown, North Brunswick, Old Bridge, Princeton, Raritan, Robbinsville, South Brunswick, Wall, and Woodbridge Townships, Glen Gardner, Hampton, Matawan, Metuchen, Pennington, and Union Beach Boroughs; Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth and Somerset Counties

Federal Project No: NHP-0040(315)

DP No: 22451

Bidders are required to comply with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Specifically, the contractor, sub recipient or subcontractor shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, or sex in the performance of this contract. The contractor shall carry out applicable requirements of 49 C.F.R. Part 26 in the award and administration of DOT-assisted contracts. Failure by the contractor to carry out these requirements is a material breach of this contract, which may result in the termination of this contract or such other remedy as the recipient deems appropriate.

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:32-44, contractor must submit the Department of Treasury, Division of Revenue Business Registration of the contractor and any named subcontractors prior to contract award or authorization.

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 34:11-56.51, contractors must be registered with the New Jersey Department of Labor, Division of Wage and hour Compliance at the time of bid.

The Department, in accordance with Title VI Civil Rights Act of 1964, 78 Stat. 252 U.S.C., 49 C.F.R., Parts 21 and 23 issued pursuant to such Act, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 will afford minority business enterprises full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not discriminate against any bidder on the grounds of race, color, sex, national origin, or handicap in the project award.

Plans, specifications, any addenda to the specifications, and bidding information for the proposed work are available at Bid Express website www.bidx.com You must subscribe to use this service. To subscribe, follow the instructions on the web site. Fees apply to downloading documents and plans and bidding access. The fee schedule is available on the web site. All fees are directly payable to Bid Express.

Plans, specifications, any addenda to the specifications, and bidding information may be inspected (BUT NOT OBTAINED) by contracting organizations at our various Design Field Offices at the following locations:

200 Stierli Court One Executive Campus Rt. 70 West Mt. Arlington, NJ 07856 Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 Phone: 973-601-6690 Phone: 856-486-6623

New Jersey Department of Transportation Division of Procurement Bureau of Construction Services 1035 Parkway Avenue PO Box 600 Trenton, NJ 08625

Letters to the editor and Your Turn guest columns may be sent via email to news@thenewstranscript.com. Letters should be limited to 250 words. Your Turn guest columns about issues of local interest should be limited to 700 words. All submissions may be edited for length, grammar and content.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that bid proposals will be received from Bidders classified under N.J.S.A. 27:7-35.2 via the Internet until 10:00:59 A.M. on 1/19/23, downloaded, and publicly opened and read, in the CONFERENCE ROOM-A, 1st Floor F & A Building, New Jersey Department of Transportation, 1035 Parkway Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08625; for:

Maintenance Pavement Markings Contract, Central – 2023, Various Locations, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Somerset and Warren (South of Route 57) Counties

100% State Funded DP No: 23449

Bidders are required to comply with the requirements of N.J.S.A. 10:5-31 (P.L 1975, c. 127); N.J.A.C. 17:27.

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.19, contractors must provide a Certification and Disclosure of Political Contribution Form prior to contract award.

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 52:32-44, contractor must submit the Department of Treasury, Division of Revenue Business Registration of the contractor and any named subcontractors prior to contract award or authorization.

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 34:11-56.51, contractors must be registered with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Division of Wage and Hour Compliance at the time of bid.

Plans, specifications, and bidding information for the proposed work are available at Bid Express website www.bidx.com You must subscribe to use this service. To subscribe, follow the instructions on the web site. Fees apply to downloading documents and plans and bidding access. The fee schedule is available on the web site. All fees are directly payable to Bid Express. Plans, specifications, and bidding information may be inspected (BUT NOT OBTAINED) by contracting organizations at our Design Field Offices at the following locations:

200 Stierli Court One Executive Campus Rt. 70 West Mt. Arlington, NJ 07856 Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 Phone: 973-601-6690 Phone: 856-486-6623

New Jersey Department of Transportation Division of Procurement

Bureau of Construction Services 1035 Parkway Avenue PO Box 600 Trenton, NJ 08625

Jackson Sun & News Transcript Manalapan January 4, 11, 18 2023 Fee:$ 382.20

The Creative Arts Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 13 at Thompson Park, Lincroft. The festival will feature fine art and craft vendors, live music, creative activities and food vendors.

Thompson Park is home to the park system’s Creative Arts Center, which hosts fine arts and craft classes throughout the year, including ceramics, pottery, jewelry and painting.

To learn more about the Creative Arts Festival, call 732-842-4000, ext. 3343.

The Monmouth County Park System invites local gardeners to take part in National Seed Swap Day from 10-11 a.m. Jan. 28 at the Freneau Woods Park Visitor Center, Aberdeen Township.

Vegetable, annual, perennial and native seeds are welcome (no invasive species).

Place your seeds in a sealed envelope or bag, labeled with the plant name, year collected and where it was bought or collected from. A minimum of five seeds is required per item, according to a press release.

Throughout January, deliver seed submissions to the Huber Woods Environmental Center, Brown’s Dock Road, Middletown. Dropping off prior to Swap Day is strongly recommended, but not required. Those dropping off seed will receive a ticket to bring on Swap Day.

All seed swappers will take home a native wildflower seed freebie. For more information about National Seed Swap Day, call 732-872-2670.

Letters to the editor may be sent via email to news@thenewstranscript.com. All submissions may be edited for length, content, grammar and libelous statements.

(Never known to fail). O most Beautiful Flower of Mt. Carmel,

prayer for three consecutive days. You must publish it, and it will be granted to

1Renewal by Andersen of New Jersey/Metro NY,

and Long Island are independently owned and operated affiliates. Offer expires 1/31/23. Cannot be combined with prior purchases, other offers or coupons. Offer not available in all areas. Discount applied by retailer representative at time of

and applies to minimum purchase of 6 or more windows and/or entry or patio doors as part of Instant Rewards Plan which requires purchase during initial visit to qualify. Entry door discount applies to the purchase of one complete, installed ProVia front entry/storm door system with sidelights or transom, and glass door panel. No payments and deferred interest for 12 months available, subject to qualifying credit approval. Not all customers may qualify. Higher rates apply for customer with lower credit ratings. Interest is billed during the promotional period but all interest is waived if the purchase amount is paid before the expiration of the promotional period. Financing for GreenSky® consumer loan programs is provided by federally insured, federal and state chartered financial institutions without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender or familial status. Financing not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Renewal by Andersen retailers are independently owned and operated retailers, and are neither brokers nor lenders. All financing is provided by third-party lenders unaffiliated with Renewal by Andersen retailers, under terms and conditions arranged directly between the customer and such lender, which are subject to credit requirements. Renewal by Andersen retailers do not assist with, counsel or negotiate financing, other than providing customers an introduction to lenders interested in financing. Savings comparison is based on the purchase of a single unit at regular list price. See your local Renewal by Andersen location for details. NJ Consumer Affairs License #: 13VH01541700. NYC Consumer Affairs License #: 1244514. Nassau Consumer Affairs License #: H0810150000. Suffolk Consumer Affairs License #: 43991-H. NYC 1307704. Rockland County License #: H-11942-07-00-00. Putnam County Consumer Affairs License #51220. Lic # HIC.0667292 (CT) Lic # WC-35743-H22 (NY). “Renewal by Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are marks of Andersen Corporation. ©2023 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. ©2023 Lead Surge LLC. All rights reserved.