Photos by Jack Flaherty

Long Branch — To spot Mayor Adam Schneider strolling along the Long Branch boardwalk in 80 degree heat in a suit, onlookers had to think, something big is going on. And there was.

Long Branch Mayor Adam Schneider talks about how he made his decision to cross party lines and endorse Govenor Christie in the next election.

Even more miraculous than the suit, Schneider, a die-hard proud Democrat, was about to announce his endorsement for Republican Chris Christie in his second bid for Governor of New Jersey.

The Governor, too, was strolling along the boardwalk through Pier Village, shaking hands, saying hello and making his way to the podium where the announcement was about be made.
Before introducing the Governor, Schneider told the crowd how he came to his decision. “The governor had just taken on house Republicans for not passing the Sandy Aid Bill. And as the mayor of an oceanfront community who needed that help, I really appreciated it.”
After Sandy Schneider was in a meeting with Chris Stark, a member of Christie’s staff. Adam told him he was so impressed with how Christie handled the response of the Republicans and told Stark that he might even vote for him. “And Chris wrote it down,” Adam said. “And I knew knew a meeting would take place between me and the Governor.
Schneider didn’t take the decision to back Christie lightly and put the idea out there slowly before he made up his mind to endorse him. Some hard-core Democrats disagreed with Schneider and some said, “What are you waiting for?”
Schneider had called 30 or 45  Democrats and also made a call to Christie’s opponent, Democratic Senator Barbara Buono. “Buono wasn’t happy but she understood,” Schneider said. And then a press conference was set up.
“What this state needs now is somebody who doesn’t care about the next job, he cares about doing this job well. He’s not concerned with what the national Republicans think, he cares about what the people in New Jersey need,” Adam said to a round of applause. “He doesn’t care if I’m a Democrat, he cares that I’m a Mayor that represents 40,000 people.
“Here I stand, a mayor just a couple of day short of 23 years, a Democrat who proudly voted for Barack Obama.” That comment drew boos from the crowd. Schneider chided those people and said that this is about party lines that don’t always matter. It’s about getting the job done. “So I’m happy and proud to endorse for Governor, Governor Chris Christie.”
“I want to thank Adam very much,” Christie said as he approached the podium, and added that it was not an easy thing for Adam to do.
Christie said the fact is, after Sandy hit no one cared if the person helping them rebuild their business or their home, beaches  reopen their schools, clear the highways, turn on their power was a Republican or Democrat. “What they cared about was, could they get the job done for them that they were paying the them to do. And I take this endorsement from Adam as an endorsement for a job that we all did together to restore and rebuild our state and help our citizens recover, and that’s why it’s such a great day to be in Long Branch.
“My future is here in the state of New Jersey. I love being your governor and I want to be governor for another four years.”
Christie said he wasn’t asking anybody to switch political parties, but to vote for the best people. He told the crowd that by looking around at the beautiful things in Long Branch they can see all the great things that can be done by working together.
Christie said that nobody finds it easy to step across party lines, but they are encouraged to do so.
He said sarcastically that he loves people who criticize when you do so yet at the same time say they want bipartisanship.
Christie said that his government will bring everybody together who’s willing to work together. And for those people who want to criticize a mayor like Adam or me for reaching across the aisle, here’s my simple message to them, “You are yesterday and we are tomorrow.”

Monmouth Beach Superintendent Brian Farrell introduces Governor Chris Christie.

By Patty Booth O’Neill
Monmouth Beach — Governor Chris Christie visited Monmouth Beach Elementary school on Wednesday to congratulate the community, faculty and students on their success in getting the school back to working order after the devastation caused by Superstorm Sandy.

Mayor Susan Howard, members of the Board of Education,  Senator Joe Kyrillos and other dignitaries were on hand along with members of the press.
“I’m not here to take credit today,” Christie told the small group at the press conference. “It’s not my credit to take — it’s yours — it’s your commitment to children and community on getting them back to school.” He said the credit goes to teachers, parents and the leaders of the town. And he was impressed with the role social media played in getting the town donations and supplies. He also said schools in other districts, such as West Long Branch, Shore Regional and Oceanport did an amazing job making displaced Monmouth Beach students feel at home and welcome.

Chris Christie takes questions from the press

“I’d just like to say Governor, thank you for your leadership and urging us to pull our boots up and get back to work,” BOE member Paul Sgro said at the beginning of the conference.
There are five school still closed in New Jersey and Christie vowed they will all be opened by September. “But don’t think for one minute I’ve forgotten about people still out of their homes,” he said. “I think about them every day.”
Christie said that homeowners were diligent in applying for grants to rebuild or elevate their homes. He said that, in comparison businesses were slow in seeking financial assistance. He said that the money available has nothing to do with SBA (Small Business Association). He encouraged businesses damaged by Sandy to go to the EDA (New Jersey Economic Development Authority) and apply for a grant or loan. “There’s a lot of paperwork, but they don’t have the same criteria as SBA, and there is still a lot of money left,” he said.
The Monmouth Beach seventh-grade class was the backdrop for the Governor as he spoke to the room. They were commended for how well behaved and quiet they were during Christie’s talk and he acknowledged that having eighth graders was a lot easier to handle than the third graders he had just visited at Union Beach Memorial School that morning, another school that had opened up that week.
Christie fielded questions by the press — some he answered and some he brushed off as a waste of his time. The League of Municipalities? He said they are corrupt and can go out of businesses for all he cared. “When I receive their report I will throw it in the garbage,” he said.
That week The LINK News had asked the public in ‘Facing the Question’ their opinion about Chris Christie for president. The response was favorable towards the Governor. The LINK  asked him what he thought about that and what his aspirations were for the presidency.
“I don’t pay attention to poles. I’m popular right now, but who knows what’s going to happen down the road,” he answered. “I love my job in New Jersey and I don’t have any plans on running in 2016. After that it depends on how Mary Pat and my family feels about it. Are they ready for that lifestyle.”
But the Governor’s appearance on the Jimmy Fallon show that very night had people talking again about his true aspirations towards the presidency.
When asked if any other Democrats were going to come out and endorse him, he said he hoped so. “But I hope they will work for my campaign, not just offer their words.”
Someone asked Christie why small schools like Monmouth Beach don’t get as much money as larger schools, which sent him on a diatribe about Abbot Districts and the Supreme Court. “The Supreme Court is blind when they send money to inner city schools and not all schools,” Christie said. He said that the Supreme Court thinks that it will make students better, but, he said, it’s not true. “Seven lawyers in black robes trying to make decisions on education frightens me. Monmouth Beach should be yelling and screaming at the State Senate,” he said.
Christie also said he was not worried about the upcoming hurricane season, “because there’s nothing I can do about it.” Then he joked that he was hoping it depended on Karma and how you gave at the office last year. He felt that New Jersey had given enough already. “I’m hoping that hurricanes will miss us this year. They can fizzle out, go out to sea or hit someplace else, just not on us.” He said that New Jersey won’t be ready dune-wise. “But I can’t worry about things I can’t control, he said.
Monmouth Beach Mayor Susan Howard thanked the Governor for all his help since Sandy. “I would like to thank you for your leadership and your staff. No matter when I called, if it was on a Saturday, 10:00 at night they answered the phone,” she said. “Thank you.”

Governor Christie thanks the seventh grade class for their time, and praised them for being so quiet. After his press conference he toured the school.

FiOS 1 News reporter surrounded by happy students

Members of the MB Board of Ed — Kirk Ruoff, Sandi Gardner, Dianne Bolsch, Brian McAndrew, Dave Roberts, Jennifer DiLorenzo; Business, Administrator and Board Secretary Dennis Kotch; Curriculum and Instruction Director Bruce Preston; new SRHS Super Thomas Farrell; SRHS Principal Vincent DalliCardillo, and representatives from the Wolf Hill School in Oceanport, the Betty McElmon Elementary in West Long Branch the Frank Antonides School in West Long Branch, where our children had been relocated to after Sandy were on hand to be thanked and recognized.

Supterintendent Brian Farrell cuts the ribbon to open the school while Board of Ed VP Kirk Ruoff and PTO President Homeria Walter assist

Politicians Senator Joe Kyrillos, Assemblywoman Amy Handlin and Freeholder Serena DiMaso and many members of the media made their presence and support clear.
Board VP Kirk Ruoff thanked outgoing Super/Principal Brian Farrell for dealing with the events of Sandy so smoothly and introduced our new school leader, Michael Ettore, who spoke to the room about how much he is looking forward to the new school year and getting to know everyone, especially the students.

The SRHS Chorus perform for the kids as well as the band

PTO President Homeira Walter spoke of the wonderful donation efforts done by past students, sister schools and members of the community with school supplies, fundraisers and cash donations from around the country. Colorful posters hung around the room from many of those schools welcoming our children back.
Parents were then asked to take their younger children back to their classrooms (mortifying for any of them above fourth grade) so that they could get back to their normal schedule.
Although there were a few complaints in the eighth grade hall about not getting new lockers, a bent basketball hoop pole thanks to a backing up fire truck and a handful of tearful kindergarteners clinging on to their parents, it was evident that students, parents, teachers and staff were all thrilled to be back in the school. Welcome Home Students of Monmouth Beach!

Walter O’Neill LINKsports Brian Cullen and his son Mitchel (left), Oceanport Police Officer and special Wiffle Ball pitcher Mike Fagliarone, and Bobby Turner and his son Ryan during the trophy presentation as the 2013 winning team.

“The large crowd at Wolf Hill got to enjoy a morning filled with exciting games, complete with diving catches and fence clearing homeruns,” said Turner. Throughout the morning the students, dads and spectators had the opportunity to enjoy a feast as many local businesses donated food. “Caputo’s Bakery gave us an assortment of danishes and muffins, bagels from Fanagle the Bagel, and pizza from Enzo’s Deli and three six foot subs from the Oceanport PBA.”
As temperatures reached 95 degrees on Saturday, the players cooled off with Italian Ices donated by Gracie and the Dudes and an Ice Cream Truck filled with frozen treats all paid for by the Oceanport PBA. In all 30 teams competed for the coveted Wiffle Ball Trophy.

Walter O’Neill LINKsports Oceanport first grader Jake Barnwell makes contact on a pitch during the 2013 Oceanport PTO 5th Annual Father-Son Wiffle Ball Tournament held at Wolf Hill Elementary School on Saturday.

The winning team consisted of third graders Mitchell Cullen and Ryan Turner. Of course their dads, Brian Cullen and Bobby Turner played a small role in the victory. “The PTO would like to thank all who volunteered and participated in this “Friend” draiser. It was a fun day by all and a great way for the community to come together,” said Turner.

Walter O’Neill LINKsports Ocean Township freshman catcher Veronica Woehr is just a split second late on the tag at home plate .

“It was a disappointing conclusion to an otherwise successful season,” said Mark Frankel, head coach of the Spartans. “We loaded the bases with one out in the fourth and loaded the bases with two outs in the fifth but were unable to come with a timely hit.”
Nottingham beat the Spartans 4-0 and advanced to the finals were they lost 6-5 to top seed Wall Township.

Walter O’Neill LINKsports In her wind up is Ocean Township senior Ginna Kinhofer during the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group 3 semifinals against Nottingham last week. Ocean lost the game 4-0, and Kinhofer ends her career with a 47-26 record in the circle.

Frankel said that the lack of hitting when needed and a couple of defensive lapses in the field, opened the door for Nottingham to take advantage and plating one run in the second and one run in the third innings. “They put us away with two runs in the seventh,” said Frankel. “Overall it was a rewarding season. Led by the pitching and hitting of Gianna Kinhofer and the hitting of Jenna Ambrosio, we advanced further in the Monmouth County, Shore Conference Tournament and the State Tournament than we have in quite a while.”
Kinhofer ends her career as a Spartan pitcher with a 47-26 record. This year she had her best record going 19-7 in the circle. At the plate she finished with 136 lifetime hits and 16 homeruns, ten this year and six last season. Her career batting average ended up at .449, and has a total of 106 RBI’s.

Walter O’Neill LINKsports Jenna Ambrosio (5) a senior at Ocean Township had more at plate appearances this season than any other Spartan with 88. She finished the season with 30 hits and a career .382 batting average. Here she makes contact during the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group 3 semifinals against Nottingham.

The most appearances at the plate this season for the Spartans was Ambrosio with 88. She finished the season with 30 hits, 18 singles, nine doubles, one triple and two homeruns. She had 14 RBI’s this year and finishes her career as a Spartan with a .383 batting average.
“Obviously Ginna and Jenna will be difficult to replace,” said Frankel. “We return several veterans in 2014, hope that some of the junior varsity players and freshman can make the transition to varsity ball and are optimistic that a couple of eighth graders might make the leap to varsity as freshman.”

The B2B (business to business) and B2C (business to consumer) event was free to attend and offered many tantalizing facets, including networking with hundreds of people, culinary sampling of the sweet and savory kind, sampling of locally made wine, chair massages, $6,000 in door prizes including a $2500 on-air advertising package with 95.9 The WRAT and $2,500 online advertising package with 94.3 The Point, a free Facebook for Business seminar and free on-site private business counseling by S.C.O.R.E.
“In addition to the size of Expo, one of the major draws of the event is the location. It is both conveniently located within minutes of 6 major highways and the window lined ballrooms overlook the Jumping Brook Golf Course making it both bright and picturesque,” stated Expo Chair/GOTCC Secretary Kim Rise Somerville of Two River Community Bank. “We again were the largest Expo of its kind in Monmouth County,” she added. Both exhibitors and guests come from as far as Denville, Barnegat and Bridgewater to do business with businesses and consumers in this area.
Those interested in sponsoring or exhibiting next year can mark their calendars – the GOTCC’s 26th annual event next year will be held on Wednesday, May 14th, again at Jumping Brook Country Club.
Expo’s sponsors included event host Greater Media Radio/95.9 The RAT, Ansell, Grimm & Aaron, Foodfit Ultimate Weight Management, Monmouth Medical Center, Gold Coast Cadillac, The Asbury Park Press/NJ Press Media, Clearview Cinema Middlebrook Galleria, The Today Paper, Robert Hazelrigg – The Graphics Guy, The Coaster, TownSquare Media – 94.3 The Point, FASTSIGNS of Ocean, Trinity Worldwide Technologies, JAMM Printing, Two River Community Bank, New Jersey Natural Gas, Central Jersey Bank, Northwestern Mutual, TD Bank, Seaview Orthopaedic & Medical Associates and Super Foodtown of Ocean.
Culinary sampling was done by Babur Garden of Ocean, Buona Sera Palazzo (sister of Red Bank’s Buona Sera), Café Christopher/Marcotte Catering of Eatonton, Chef Michael’s Café/Catering of Wall, Dove Chocolate Discoveries Independent Dove Chocolatier Julie Cangilosi, Piccola Italia of Ocean, Sweet Surrender Desserts & Specialty Items of Wall and Takara Japanese Steak House of Ocean. Wine tasting was providing by Grape Beginnings Hands-On Winery of Eatontown.
For additional information about the GOTCC and their upcoming events please visit their Website, call or email them at www.gotcc.org, 732.660.1888 or gotcc@gotcc.org.

The Link News will have a full story on this vote on Tuesday, June 11, 2013.