Column as submitted by Toms River Council President Maurice Hill: The New Year — 2013 — will be a very challenging one for Toms River in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. We still have debris cleaning (at one point in the operation we were removing over 17,000 cubic yards of debris per day), sand removal, screening and beach and dune replenishment, coordination with utilities as they repair their infrastructure and finally repair of the Township roads and bulkheads. As our Town and residents start to rebuild we are faced with two main issues- how do we pay for the repair of the damage done by …

Column as submitted by Congressman Jon Runyan of New Jersey's 3rd Legislative District: It has been just over a month since Hurricane Sandy made landfall in New Jersey and caused billions of dollars of damage to our state and communities. I wanted to take the time to keep you up to date on all the work that has been done behind the scenes by myself and the entire New Jersey Delegation. Below is a letter I sent to every elected official in New Jersey's 3rd Congressional District. It details much of the work that has been done to aid those individuals and families that have been affected by the…

Column as submitted by Toms River Councilman Jeff Carr: On October 23rd the Council met for the last time before Hurricane Sandy. Little did anyone know what we would be faced with in the weeks to follow.   The meeting started, as it usually does, with honoring resolutions and presentations.   Vaughn Fortuna was recognized for his achievement of obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout. There were several presentations focusing on Veterans Day including readings by the winning students in the Veterans Day essay contest. Several Police officers received promotions and were recognized along with their…

State senators will hear from local officials on how Hurricane Sandy affected the region and what in their opinions are needed to rebuild the infrastructure for future storms. The senate budget panel will convene for its first meeting, scheduled 11 a.m. Monday Nov. 26 in Toms River town hall. Local mayors and police chiefs as well as office of emergency management personnel are among those the senate budget panel will be listening to, in order to "better educate lawmakers in their efforts to ensure the rebuilding process leaves the state in a stronger position to face future storms," …

An announcement as released by the Special Olympics New Jersey: In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, we hope that everyone is now safe and meeting the many challenges they face with help and support from friends and family. Our thoughts are with all of those who experienced a loss of any kind and we wish everyone the very best in the weeks and months ahead.Special Olympics New Jersey is moving forward with the organization and planning of the 20th Annual Seaside Heights Polar Bear Plunge. While we will face challenges with the location of this year’s event, we are prepared to make the necessary …

New Jersey Education Assocation has created a fund to help its members restore classrooms and schools so students can get back to school and back to normal as soon as possible. The NJEA Hurricane Sandy Back to School Fund will be used to support member volunteer efforts in New Jersey’s hardest-hit communities and schools.  NJEA president Barbara Keshishian issued the following statement: “We are devastated by the reports we are hearing and the images we are seeing in many of our school districts.  While most schools are slowly returning to normal operation, there are dozens and perhaps …

The Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention urges residents to continue to listen to the latest updates for returning power to your homes. Here are some safety tips to consider Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to your power company Carefully assess the damage around the exterior of your home for structural damage Stay out of the building if you smell gas, or floodwaters remain around the structure Take pictures of the damage, both of your home and its contents for insurance purposes If you are uncertain of the integrity of your home, have it inspected by a…

Column as submitted by Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention: Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention reminds residents using potable generators to make sure they follow the manufactures instructions in the proper use and storage of generators. The proper placement of the generator is extremely important. Generators emit carbon monoxide fumes and can build up rapidly in an enclosed area . Generators need to be placed outside and away from the home with the exhaust fumes away from windows and doors and vents. Gasoline should also be placed away from the home in an approved container. A qualified …

Message from Toms River Superintendent of Schools Frank Roselli: Dear Members of our Regional School Community, As most of you know by now, the Toms River Regional Schools, along with many other schools throughout the state, have been significantly impacted by the recent hurricane, so much so that the circumstances have necessitated the closing of our schools for this week. We will, however, return to school, Monday, November 12, 2012. At this time, many of our schools are still experiencing a loss of power, as well as the loss of heat, telephone and computers. With each new day, we see …

Column as submitted by Toms River Mayor Thomas Kelaher: I  want to remind all Toms River residents that plans are currently underway for barrier island residents to get back into their homes as soon as feasibly possible.   I don't know that our residents fully understand the devastation that Hurricane Sandy has had on our beach community. Ortley Beach is known as Ground Zero.   I think our residents need to mentally prepare themselves for what they'll see.  Landmarks are not there anymore.  Parking lots have had their asphalt ripped apart and literally thrown to the other side of the street…

Column as submitted by Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention: The Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention is asking residents that are putting storm damaged items out for trash collection to please keep debris as neat and orderly as possible. Some streets are being restricted for emergency vehicle access by debris that encroaches into the roadway.  Also be mindful when placing debris at the curbside, to not block fire hydrants and to keep debris at least five feet from any fire hydrant. The Bureau further reminds residents to make sure that they have operable smoke and carbon monoxide detectors …

The following information as submitted by Mayor Tom Kelaher's office overnight: TOMS RIVER TOWNSHIP- While Town Hall is closed due to lack of power, officials are working around the clock to aid residents.  Toms River Township Mayor Thomas F. Kelaher has made a list of immediate priorities for the residents affected by the storm.  Mayor Kelaher will send out periodic updates, so please check the website often. FEMA Kelaher says, “My number one priority is to have all residents who have damage to their homes, contact FEMA as soon as possible, starting right now. The Federal Emergency …

Column as submitted by Bob Yaiser of Toms River Fire Prevention Bureau: Daylight savings time ends November 4, so set clocks back 1 hour. Change your clocks, change your batteries. The Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention reminds residents of the importance of changing their smoke and carbon monoxide alarm batteries when changing their clocks. This precaution along with monthly testing of these life saving devices cuts the risk of perishing in a fire. The Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention urges our residents to seek assistance if you require help in the installation or have any questions …

Statement as released from Barbara Keshishian, President, New Jersey Education Association: New Jersey is a national leader in the investments we make in K-12 public education, with great teachers and support professionals who prepare our kids so they are well equipped for college.   Unfortunately, the state has not continued that investment in higher education. A high quality education provides an opportunity for every child to succeed, and by making this investment we are laying the foundation for a bold new workforce that will be prepared for the jobs of the future. NJEA is encouraging its…

Column as submitted by state Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin: Governor Christie and I are strongly committed to ensuring there is excellent public access to our ocean beaches, bays and rivers in New Jersey. We view this as a fundamental right for everyone in our state. As millions of residents and visitors know, New Jersey already has wonderful access to our 127 miles of beaches and shoreline, with a multitude of different experiences to suit many tastes and needs. To further enhance Shore access and help redevelop urban waterfronts, the Department of …

Column as submitted by the office of Rep. Jon Runyan: As you may know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Many view this month as a time to commemorate their own recovery or that of someone close to them. For others we remember and mourn the loss of a loved one. For all of us, however, this month offers a chance to reflect on the advances we have made in fighting this disease, and reminds us that there is still a great deal of work to be done. The National Cancer Institute has determined breast cancer to be the second most common type of cancer among women in the United States, with …

The following is a Letter to the Editor submitted by New Jersey Health and Senior Services Commissioner Mary E. O'Dowd: Dear Editor, Hospitals depend on a ready supply of blood every day to perform surgery and treat trauma victims. Thanks to the generous support of New Jersey businesses and their employees, we made great strides in increasing New Jersey’s blood supply this summer. Our 2012 Summer Workplace Blood Drive Campaign, called The Need for Blood Doesn’t Take a Vacation,was hosted by the NJ Workplace Blood Donor Coalition, which represents some of New Jersey’s biggest employers. …

Column as submitted by Robert Yaiser, Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention: The Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention reminds residents that last year over 2500 Americans lost their lives to the devastation of fire. In most cases, the home did not have a working smoke detector. A sounding alarm gives you the extra seconds you need to get out of your home safely.  Children in Preschool and up are capable of following a simple fire drill. Yet many families do not have a detailed escape plan from their home, and those that do usually do not practice them. We encourage families to draw a basic …

Column as submitted by Toms River Council President Maurice "Mo" Hill:     The Toms River Capital Budget provides long term financing via bonds to fund equipment and construction projects that have a projected life expectancy of between 10-20 years.  The cost is spread over the useful life of the equipment.  If the total cost of the equipment or project were paid as part of the annual municipal budget the cost would be prohibitive.       Over the past few years the Township has undertaken numerous capital projects such as the indoor ice rink at Winding River Park, sport turf fields with …

Assembly Republicans Gregory McGuckin, Scott T. Rumana and Donna Simon, have prepared legislation for introduction on Monday that the sponsors say will aid ratepayers during weather emergencies, sent a letter to Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee Chairman Upendra Chivukula to launch a bipartisan effort to protect ratepayers. Dear Chairman Chivukula: Thank you for making ratepayers a priority at the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee. We are glad you share our concern for the ratepayers who were stranded without power for several days after last year’s …