Sandy Hook Is Open

Sandy Hook, the northernmost part of the Jersey Shore, reopened to the public this morning after being closed since Superstorm Sandy struck.

Noel Westerlind, SR of Leonardo was there and captured this amazing photo:

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Grow Monmouth, Tourism, Shared Services

By Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arone

• ·         As a way of continuing to encourage businesses to come to Monmouth County, my team and I are conducting ongoing Grow Monmouth presentations around the County.  In the past two weeks, we have completed presentations in Aberdeen and Bradley Beach.  Additionally, we are continuing work on the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.  This week we have had roundtable discussions on topics that were suggested by the public during prior meetings. We have begun sending welcome letters to all new businesses registered within the county.  In less than a month, we have sent just over 90 letters offering assistance through the Grow Monmouth Initiative.
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Benjamin H. Danskin, 1925-2013, Rest In Peace

BENJAMIN H. DANSKIN, 87, of WALL, passed away April 25, 2013, at Sunnyside Manor in Manasquan. Born and raised in Spring Lake, NJ, he was the son of the late Benjamin S. Danskin and Nora Elizabeth Jackson Danskin.

Mr. Danskin was the husband of the late Betty Joan Slockbower Danskin, of Wall. He was also predeceased by his brother James Clyde Danskin, sister-in-law Helen G. Danskin, and son-in-law Paul L. Stevens.

Ben Danskin was a key figure in government service, public advocacy, business development, and Republican politics in Monmouth County, New Jersey, for more than 57 years. He was appreciated for his dedication to and love of his community, respected for  decisive leadership, relied upon for his business savvy, and revered for his political acumen and absolute integrity. His gregarious character impacted everyone he encountered.

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Monmouth County Department Of Consumer Affairs Fight Sandy Scammers

Click photo for Consumer Affairs Brochure

The Monmouth County Department of Consumers Affairs has resolved $1.6 million in disputes since Superstorm Sandy, Freeholder Lillian Burry reported last night, according to NJ.com.

For the entire year of 2012, the department resolved only a little over $1 million in disputes.

Burry said the Department has taken a proactive approach to combatting fraud, answering calls related to price gouging, used cars sold with flood damage, fake charities and illegitimate contractors.

Earlier this year, the Department repeated warnings to consumers of home improvement and repair schemes in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

Earlier this month, the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs settled the first two Sandy-related price-gouging cases against gas stations for $46,000 – the division is in the process of investigating the over 2,000 price gouging complaints it received after the storm

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Greg’s List: Things to do in Monmouth County this weekend, April 26-28

By Greg Kelly

Friday, April 26

• Spring Lake Fashion Extravaganza! – MORE INFO

• Marriage Is Hazardous to Your Health at First Ave Playhouse (Atlantic Highlands) – MORE INFO

• Noir at NJ Repertory Theater (Long Branch) – MORE INFO

• Guys & Dolls at Spring Lake Community House – MORE INFO

• The Electric Baby at TRT (Red Bank) – MORE INFO

• Fit to Kill by Monmouth Players (Middletown) – MORE INFO

• Anything Goes at Count Basie Theatre (Red Bank) – MORE INFO

• Laughter on the 23rd Floor by Center Players (Freehold) – MORE INFO

• Steel Magnolias by Spotlight Players (Matawan) – MORE INFO

• Verdi’s Rigoletto at Monmouth U (WLB) – MORE INFO

• Denim Day (Hazlet) – MORE INFO

• Hoops for Hope Basketball Tourney (Lincroft) – MORE INFO

• Global Understanding 5k Run/Walk at Monmouth U (WLB) – MORE INFO

*     *     *

Saturday, April 27

• COA Beach Sweeps (County beaches) – MORE INFO

*Today Show and Comcast Cares (Highlands)- MORE INFO

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Monmouth SPCA Asks For Public Help In Burnt Dog Investigation

Chief Victor “Buddy” Amato of the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals (SPCA) is asking for help from the public in the investigation of a dog suspected of being burnt to death in Eatontown on Tuesday evening.

Eatontown firefighters responded to a report of smoke and possible fire in the wooded area behind the Country Club Apartments off Tinton Ave between 7:00pm and 7:30pm where they found the burning remains of what is believed to be a beagle.

The animal’s remains were taken to the Red Bank Animal Hospital were a necropsy will be performed to determine the cause of death.

Amato asks that anyone with any information about the dog call him at 732-312-7153.

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O’Scanlon: New Jersey Committed to Rebuilding from Sandy and Redeveloping Fort Monmouth

Assembly Republican Budget Officer Declan O’Scanlon, commended the New Jersey  Economic Development Authority for its commitment to Monmouth County’s efforts to rebuild after Superstorm Sandy and  redevelop Fort  Monmouth.

“We were knocked down by Sandy and the State has been there from the  beginning offering a helping hand to get businesses and families back on their  feet,” O’Scanlon, R-Monmouth, said. “From providing temporary housing units for  families to providing grants and loans to businesses that suffered damage, the  authority has been absolutely committed to our region and intends to place staff  in our communities – potentially at Fort Monmouth – to ensure easy access to grants  and assistance for business owners.”

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Monmouth’s “Rising Stars”

Gopal, Doherty and Nelson make Gannett’s ‘Other” List

Brian Nelson. Asbury Park Press Photo

In addition to the list of twelve ‘rising stars’ that Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande made on Sunday, Gannett published a list of 15 ‘up and comers’ to keep an eye on that includes three Monmouth players.

Democrats Vin Gopal, the 27 year old county chairman and Belmar Mayor Matt Doherty, 39 made the list.  Noticeably absent among Democrats were Marlboro Mayor Jonathon Hornik and Sea Bright Mayor Dina Long.

Gopal, from West Long Branch, ran for Assembly in the 11th District in 2011 before being elected county chairman in 2012.  It remains to be seen if the Monmouth Democratic party will become more competitive under Gopal’s leadership, but there is no question that he is developing a statewide portfolio of influence with his early support of Barbara Buono for the 2013 gubernatorial nomination, his non-stop fundraising schedule for candidates statewide and savvy media presence.  Gopal has ties to both Newark Mayor Cory Booker and Congressman Frank Pallone. How he navigates the anticipated 2014 battle between Booker and Pallone for the U.S. Senate nomination will be fascinating to watch.  MMM predicts that he will be seen as a supporter of the winner and an ally of the loser.

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The State of Tinton Falls

Mayor Michael Skudera’s State of the Borough Address, as prepared for delivery, April 16, 2013

Mayor Michael Skudera

Introduction

Good evening everyone and thank you for being here. Tonight, I will share the many accomplishments that have been collectively achieved and highlight our goals for 2013.

First, I would like to recognize the members of the governing body. Council President Baldwin,

Deputy Council President Pak, Councilwoman Fama, Councilman Larkin, and Councilman Schertz, it is an honor working with each of you as we move Tinton Falls forward.

I would like to thank the borough employees, who are the backbone of this town. I like to thank my team that works with me day-in-and-day-out: Borough Administrator Gerry Turning, Borough Attorney Brian Nelson,  Chief Financial Officer Steven Pfeffer , Director of Public Works Gary Gebele, Chief of Police John Scrivanic, Director of Information Technology Dan Romanov, Borough Engineer Dave Marks, and my assistant Liz Morris.

We live in a great town called Tinton Falls. It is an excellent place to raise a family, to work, and even to retire.

In fact, in 2012 Tinton Falls was named the Best Town to Retire in New Jersey by the Star Ledger.

Tinton Falls is a town – where people care. During the height of Superstorm Sandy, when power was out to large sections of the borough, over 250 volunteers answered our call for help. They went door-to-door to check on those without power, some of whom had no power themselves. These kind-hearted individuals shared food, firewood, and even ran errands for those in need.

Tinton Falls is a town – with a low crime rate. We are protected by a highly educated, professional and dedicated police department. When the horrible tragedy occurred at the Sandy Hook Elementary School, our police chief immediately worked with our schools to improve their security measures and protect our children.

Tinton Falls is a town – where our community comes together. Last year our Community Day event drew its highest attendance on record.

Tinton Falls is a town – that has active and growing recreational facilities. We have activities for all ages at every season.

Tinton Falls is a town – that has seen great progress over the past 4 years. Some of which include:

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Greg’s List: Things to do in Monmouth County this weekend—April 19-21

By Greg Kelly

Friday, April 19

• Marriage Is Hazardous to Your Health at First Ave Playhouse (Atlantic Highlands) – MORE INFO

• Noir at NJ Repertory Theater (Long Branch) – MORE INFO

• Guys & Dolls at Spring Lake Community House – MORE INFO

• Max Weinberg at The Stone Pony (Asbury Park) – MORE INFO

• Step Afrika! at Monmouth U (WLB) – MORE INFO

• Monty Python’s SPAMALOT at Algonguin Arts Theatre (Manasquan) – MORE INFO

• Ryan Beatty at Count Basie theatre (Red Bank) – MORE INFO

• The Electric Baby at TRT (Red Bank) – MORE INFO

• Asbury Park Bookfest Weekend – MORE INFO

• Spring Swap Meet & Auto Show at Raceway Park (Englishtown) – MORE INFO

• Tri-State Theatre Festival (Spring Lake) – MORE INFO

• Fit to Kill by Monmouth Players (Middletown) – MORE INFO

• Anything Goes at Count Basie Theatre (Red Bank) – MORE INFO

• Roger McGuinn Workshop & Guitar Circle at Monmouth U (WLB) – MORE INFO

• Simple Gifts Folk Concert (Atlantic Highlands) – MORE INFO

~~~

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