Jon Bon Jovi Soul Kitchen fundraiser a “Sauce-success”

John Bongiovi recently held a second successful charity event supporting the JBL Soul Kitchen in Red Bank, a charity started by his son, rock star Jon Bon Jovi.

Bongiovi did this in a dinner which showcased the Bongiovi Brand of sauces, the company founded by him (dad) and his two other sons, Matt and Anthony Bongiovi.

Proud dad Bongiovi was on hand preparing a great dinner for about 70 guests that night. The menu was designed to showcase his three varieties of sauce.

John Bongiovi with his rock star son Jon Bon Jovi and Long Branch Chef Lou Morreale, at a fundraiser for the JBJ Soul Kitchen in Red Bank.

On hand were Long Branch chef Lou Morreale and his wife Jamie, longtime friends of the Bonjiovi family, and several volunteers, who all pitched in to help the cause.

Brookdale Community College Culinary School, Mulberry Street Catering, and Arbor Terrace of Middletown also lent their chefs and staff for the evening. Bongiovi said Ken Scaggs and Laura and Richard Saker of the Saker ShopRite’s also supported the Soul Kitchen event.

Bongiovi Brand sauces use only fresh ingredients, and are based on family recipes. After years of being told by many people, including celebrities he served, that he should jar his recipe, John did, determined to preserve the fresh homemade taste.

“In reality, it’s a fresh made sauce with quality ingredients, preserved in a jar for everyone to enjoy. Don’t let the jar fool you,” said Bongiovi.

JBL Soul Kitchen was founded by Jon Bon Jovi, who changed the spelling of his family name when he went into the music business. His vision of the Soul Kitchen is to have a restaurant to serve all people, no matter their financial situation, good healthy meals.

“Our vision here at Soul Kitchen is to serve healthy, delicious, and when possible organic meals. At the Soul Kitchen you will notice there are no prices on the menu and you might have been seated with someone you don’t know,” states the website. “Customers pay the minimum donation or volunteer in some way to earn a voucher for a meal.”

For more information on the sauce please visit bongiovibrand.com

To support the Soul Kitchen please visit jblsoulkitchen.org

Woman arrested with a knife outside Long Branch Middle School

Long Branch – Wednesday afternoon as High School students were dismissing police responded to the area between the High School and Middle School campus on a report of a woman yelling who possibly could have been armed with a knife.

“At approximately 2:05 pm the Long Branch Police received a call from the Middle School regarding a woman with a knife near the school,” said Jason Roebuck, Director of Public Safety for the City of Long Branch. Officers are normally on routine patrol of the schools during arrival and dismissal so they quickly responded. “Immediately they were directed to the woman by alert staff members of the school. The school staff members kept the woman in sight the entire time, and quickly called police.”

Roebuck stated that Officer Lance Fanning was the first responding patrolman. “The woman, is identified as Robin Ann Brooks, and she was holding a small folding knife, which was hidden in her boot when Officer Fanning arrived,” said Roebuck.

Officers questioned Brooks, who they say live in Long Branch, and then placed her under arrest. “She was charged with Possession of Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and Criminal Trespass,” added Roebuck. Brooks was processed at Long Branch Police headquarters and then released on a summons and checked into the Crisis Unit at Monmouth Medical Center.

“At no time were any students in danger during this event, and because of the alert and quick response by the school employees and the police department, this crisis were handled quickly and professionally,” said Roebuck. “The Long Branch Board of Education and the City of Long Branch Department of Public Safety will continue to work together and train together to ensure the safety of the students and staff of our district.”

Long Branch Public Schools sent out a “robo-call” to all parents of Middle and High School student’s yesterday afternoon informing them of an incident occurring on the campus which was quickly handled by the Long Branch Police Department. If the parents had additional questions they were advised to contact the principals of the schools.

Long Branch Middle School where a woman was arrested on December 4 for possession of a knife.

Water Main Break in Ocean Township

Ocean Township Police Department Important Notice to township residents: November 28, 2013 at 7:00am

WATER MAIN BREAK in the area of Wickapecko Drive & Park Blvd. Crews are out responding and working to repair the damage.

Water Main Break in Ocean Township

Ocean promotions and new officers

Ocean Township — The Ocean Township Police Department has announced the promotion of Officer Timothy P. Macom and Detective Patrick C. Martin to the ranks of sergeant. In addition, it has appointed Kyle J. Kane as a probationary police officer.


Sergeant Macom began his career with the Englishtown Police Department in 1996. He was hired by the department as a police officer in September 1998. Prior to his promotion, Sgt. Macom had been assigned to the Traffic Bureau since January 2007. Sgt, Macom is currently assigned to the Patrol Bureau.

Sergeant Martin began his career with the Township of Ocean Police Department in May of 1999 as a parking enforcement officer and then as a Special Law Enforcement Officer I. In April 2000, Sgt. Martin was hired as a regular, full time police officer. In October 2005, he was assigned to the Criminal Investigation Bureau as a detective. He held that position until his recent promotion. Sgt. Martin is currently assigned to the Patrol Bureau.

Officer Kane is a graduate from Rowan University where he earned his bachelor’s degree. Officer Kane has served as a Special Law Enforcement Officer II with the Point Pleasant Beach Police Department in 2011 as well as a full time regular police officer with the Roxbury Township Police Department in 2012. Officer Kane is currently in field training and is assigned to the patrol bureau.

‘Jersey Rising’ a new talk show for the ‘locals’

A crowd of fans gathered at The Channel Club on Tuesday night to meet the cast and crew of the Jersey Shore’s newest tv show, “Jersey Rising”. They were also treated to a sneak preview of the first show which is now airing on tv, or you can view it on Youtube.

Frank Dicopoulos and wife Teja Anderson, (4th and 5th from left) are hosts of “Jersey Rising” an informative, entertaining talk show about the Jersey Shore. To watch the first episode you can go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Giamor3bzh8&feature=youtu.be or tune in to channel 190.

The guests are real, funny, informative and the show was extremely entertaining with politicians, chefs, musicians, wildlife rehabilitater, even advice from physicians and much more.

“Jersey Rising” is a one-hour talk show hosted by Frank Dicopoulos (formerly “Frank Cooper” from CBS’s “Guiding Light ” soap opera for over 22 years) and Teja Anderson (successful TV/Film and commercial actress and writer for “The Link” newspaper).
There is great chemistry and electricity between the hosts, who are as different, diverse, and as opinionated as the day is long.

Which makes for great television!

Best part is, they have been happily married for over 23 years, have two fantastic children, and have lived at the Jersey Shore for over 14 years).
They both are extremely active in the community. Teja is involved with the “Monmouth Conservation Foundation”, Monmouth Beach’s, Beautification Committee and Ladies Auxiliary, Wildlife rehabilitation and numerous charities and fundraisers. Frank, tries to be supportive in all her endeavors.

Unfortunately, as well as many other New Jersey residents, they were affected by “Superstorm Sandy”. Frank, Teja, and NJ Discover, are committed to helping with the build back of the Jersey Shore and New Jersey by bringing awareness to people, businesses, various initiatives, charities, diversities, and history that make this State so great!
New Jersey will once again “Rise” above adversity — Jersey Strong”.

Air dates and times are the month of November; Comcast channel 190 on Thursday nights 9PM-10PM and Saturday mornings 9AM-10AM
or anytime with this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Giamor3bzh8&feature=youtu.be

Talk discusses challenges to marine life and resources

Tony MacDonald, director of Monmouth University’s Urban Coast Institute, will discuss the 21st century’s commercial and environmental challenges to coastal and global marine life and resources at 6:30 p.m., Monday, Nov. 25 at Brookdale Community College, Lincroft.
He is speaking at the joint membership meeting of the college’s Environmental Club, the Jersey Shore (Monmouth) Group of the NJ Sierra Club, and the N.J. Friends of Clearwater. The meeting is open to the public.

The threats include increased drilling for oil and natural gas in the Arctic and on the Continental Shelves, continued over-fishing, increased cruise ships and other recreational uses, larger container ships and expanded port facilities to serve them, new shipping routes opening in the Arctic, and continued population growth and pollution along coastal areas.

The Urban Coast Institute, created in 2005 by Monmouth University, serves as a forum for research, education, and collaboration in developing and implementing science-based policies and programs that support healthy, productive, and resilient coastal ecosystems and communities.

Before coming to Monmouth University, MacDonald was executive director of the Coastal States Organization (CSO) from 1998-2005. The CSO, based in Washington, DC, represents the interests of the governors of the United States’ 35 coastal states and territories on coastal and ocean policy matters.

Prior to joining CSO, he was special counsel and director of Environmental Affairs at the American Association of Port Authorities, where he represented the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) at the International Maritime Organization on negotiations on the London Convention. MacDonald has also practiced law with a private firm in Washington, DC working on environmental and legislative issues, and served as the Washington, DC environmental legislative representative for the mayor of New York City.
MacDonald’s presentation is hosted by Brookdale’s Environmental Club to encourage students to be involved in statewide and national debates on the importance of strong environmental protections. At the Lincroft meeting, a pizza and subs buffet begins at 6:00 p.m. and the presentation begins at 6:30 p.m.

Man charged with multiple burglaries

Ocean Township — A Neptune man has been charged with burglary after a search by police officers and a K9 partner.

According to the Ocean Township Police Department, on Monday, Oct. 28, at approximately 2:48 p.m., police responded to a residence on Sunset Avenue on a reported burglary.

The caller reported that her teenage son was home when he initially heard a knock on the front door. Shortly thereafter the teen heard a loud noise from the rear of the residence and was confronted in the hallway by an intruder who had forcibly entered the home. The intruder fled the home and was seen leaving the area on a bicycle. 

As patrols arrived, a perimeter was set up and a K9 from Tinton Falls Police Department responded and began a track. A short time later the bicycle was found abandoned.

Officer Kathleen DeLanoy observed a taxi in the area whose sole passenger resembled the description of the intruder. An investigation revealed that the occupant of the taxi, later identified as Nicholas Zimerla, 27, of Neptune, was positively identified as the individual who broke into the Sunset Avenue residence.

During the investigation, police say they learned Zimerla was responsible for three other residential burglaries in Wanamassa on this date.

Zimerla was arrested and charged with four counts of burglary, three counts of theft, three counts of criminal mischief and one count of possession of a Prescription Legend Drug (hydrocodone). Bail was set by Judge  Timothy McGoughran at $95,000. Zimerla was transferred to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution to await a future court hearing.

Officers involved in the investigation include Ptl. John Piantanida, Timothy Macom, Kathleen DeLanoy, Randy Slawsky, Matthew Guido, Sgt. Brendan Bruther, Detective Sgt. John Green, Detective Michael Legg and Tinton Falls K9 Officer Christopher Whalen and his K9 partner “Justice.”

Anyone that may have information or witnessed any suspicious activity are asked to contact the Ocean Township Police Detective Bureau at 732-531-1800.

Old Timer’s Night at Port Au Peck Firehouse

Oceanport — The annual “Old Timer’s Night” was held recently at the Port Au Peck Firehouse in Oceanport. All past members were invited to the firehouse for dinner and to witness the awards ceremony. 

Honorary Members present were: Mayor Clement V. Sommers and William E. Wilson, Esq.; special guests: Police Chief Daniel W. Barcus, Fire Chiefs Kenneth T. Carroll, 1st Asst. Joseph Wolf, and 2nd Asst. Patrick J. Shaffery, Jr.; First Aid Squad Captain Fred Fillipone; President of the Hook and Ladder, Ex-Chief Thomas J. Crochet and Captain Michael Patterson; and Port Au Peck’s active, working members.

Borough governing body members Ex-Chief Mayor Michael J. Mahon; and Council members, Ex-Chief Gerald R. Bertekap Jr., Ex-Chief Richard A. Gallo Jr., and Ex-Chief William Johnson were also present.

Presentation of Company awards was made by Fire Company President Bill McNish. Council members Gallo and Bertekap presented Borough of Oceanport Certificates of Appreciation signed by the mayor.

Those members receiving Certificates of Service were: Ex-Chief James E. Slattery and Robert C. Simmons, for 40 years of service. Ex-Chief John F. Gallo and Robert A. Patterson for 35 years of Service. Paul V. Terwilliger, Jr. for 20 years and James C. Mazzei for 10 years of service

Those receiving service awards for 5 years of service were: Phillip V. Gallo, Steven P. Gallo, Kenneth C. Carroll, and Robert J Morley III.
Matt Brown received a plaque and a Life Membership card for 25 years of service.

Ex-Chief Buddy Brocklebank was recognized for 48 years of active service as a fireman of Port Au Peck Fire Company.

Ex-Chief John Gallo did his usual good job preparing the food for the event. Ex Chief Al De Santis Sr., was the master of ceremony for the evening.

The lesson of Sandy: be prepared

By Aaron Levine

Where were you on October 29, 2012? I am sure most people living in the northeast can give a precise answer to that question and can respond with vivid details. We all have a story!

My story is not one of horror, but of reflection on what I did and what I can do better next time. Truth be told, I hope that we do not have a next time, but if we do, I want to be prepared and in a position to help my family, friends and neighbors.

Aaron Levine

As a professional insurance agent, I have a duty to take care of my clients and customers if they ever need help with their insurance from any type of loss. The loss does not have to be from a natural disaster, although that is what we are reflecting on. A loss can happen from many other sources, such as fire, tornado, earthquake or even an accident.   When a client or a friend has a loss, I hope that they have certain documents in order, to best help the adjuster and get settlements as quickly as possible.

There are certain things that individuals and business owners can do in order to make sure that they are ready for an unpredictable disaster. Being ready and having a plan is the most important thing you can do and then we can hope that it never has to be put into effect.

As agents, we have reflected on our procedures and what we could have done better and will continue to refine those skills, because there is nothing more important to us than our customers and their families. Yes, we are in the business to write claim checks, but we wish we wouldn’t have to. FEMA has very comprehensive information regarding natural disaster and it should be mandatory for everyone to do their part to mitigate risk and avoid losses.

We have seen some businesses close and others never re-open.  It is sad that people lost everything, because they did not have proper insurance protection from flooding or wind storm. We understand that the FEMA National Flood Insurance policy does not cover full replacement cost or earth movement, but the coverage that it does afford is better than no coverage at all. The NFIP has undergone some major changes and will continue to do so through 2014 when full actuarial rates will come into play. This will mean higher premiums, but hopefully the system won’t be totally broke at that point.

Regardless of the insurance vehicle and the frustrations revolving around it, the importance is what we can all do differently the next time a disaster is imminent.

FEMA resources, such as READY.gov have disaster ready plans for homeowners and business owners. Do you have an inventory of your belongings? Do you have an emergency generator? Do you have a place to move items in flood danger? Do you have an emergency kit ready incase the power is out for days? What about your neighbors, are they ready? Do you have their evacuation plan?

These little things can make a huge difference. I understand that they are not going to rebuild your house, but it can keep you safe.

Now that the one year anniversary is upon us, I hope that we are all a little smarter and more prepared for this in the future.

The moral of the story is, to be ready and be safe.

Aaron Levine is with the
LG Insurance Group,
a full service boutique Insurance agency located in Long Branch. For more infomation visit www.alevinegroup.com



Sandy Long Term Recovery Group meeting Nov. 16

Sandy Long Term Recovery Group meeting Nov. 16

Long Branch — Are you still struggling after Superstorm Sandy? Don’t know where to turn for assistance?

Long Branch Covenant Church is hosting the Monmouth County Long-Term Recovery Group (MCLTGR) at the church on Saturday November 16, at 10 a.m. The program is open to Long Branch residents. 

The MCLTGR can help when you have exhausted all other financial resources.  They will come to your home and assess for the needs/services listed below:

1) Provide Disaster Case Management. The case manager will connect you with essential disaster recovery resources and stay with you throughout the process.

2) Replace essential items such as appliances and home furnishings.

3) Assist with clean-up and home repair work.

4) Foster and support spiritual and emotional well-being.

5) Restore homeowners’ primary residence to a safe, sanitary, secure and functional condition.

6) Address applicable unmet needs.

If you are in still need of assistance or have questions, please contact Mike Ellis at 908-489-4492 to be placed on the residence evaluation list for this November 16 event.