LAKEWOOD–Looking for something to do this weekend for dad on Father’s Day? The Ocean Signal has some exciting ideas including breakfast, dinner and a cruise along the historic Toms River waterfront.

by Frank Cipriani

I was enjoying a little online chat with my editor when he informed me that he had to go mow his lawn. He left the chat before I could warn him of the consequences of this antiquated and barbaric practice.

Turns out, that lawns were invented in France, the nation that brought us smelly cheese and creeping socialism, and so many other un-American practices, like atheism and dudes in tights. Lawns were invented so that, from a distance, castle keepers could see that enemies were approaching. In the mid-nineteenth century, Americans wanted to imitate the Frenchified landscaping which had, by then, taken hold in Scotland and England. The wet climate and more northerly latitudes made lawns a more organic choice in Europe than they were in the United States.

I’ve been reading the dire news from Europe about how the world economies are going south and how, because we are no longer independent of the global vicissitudes of the marketplace, we may experience a renewed economic crash, just like we did at the end of the Bush presidency. If we do, it will be thanks to our dependence on the Europeans, the same people who brought lawns (and smallpox) to North America.

And this time, there will be no bailout.

In other bad news, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts an above-active hurricane season. Not to say the sky is falling, but if it’s going to fall, it turns out the worst thing you could do is mow your lawn.

What does this mean for us here along the river? Will it mean empty grocery shelves, or more long lines for gas? Will it mean that we won’t be able to send our children to college or enjoy our retirement? Will I have to drive four hours north (again) to watch “Breaking Amish?”

I don’t think it will be quite as bad as all that, especially for those of us who practice “liberty gardening.”

Therefore, I humbly suggest that each and every one of you tear out your lawns.

Think about it – grass is useless. Lawn maintenance costs money and gives nothing in return but a boring monoculture of endless steppe and greenery which demands mowing, fertilizing and watering, reducing us all to meaningless serfdom when we could be inside inventing a new form of math, or some alternate form of energy, or even publishing a newspaper. Heartier plants seed themselves in this chemical-rich environment, and the homeowner is forced to counter with even stronger chemicals. More than 60 percent of all these chemicals never reach the roots of the grass, and instead are washed into Barnegat Bay, where they contribute to the rise of jellyfish populations and algae blooms and force a die-off of fish and shellfish in the bay and ocean.

Grass, it turns out, has two different processes by which to propagate. It can be seeded, or it can reproduce by runner. Most homeowners are restricted by law from propagating their grass by seed, although this is the best method by which to maintain a thick, drought-resistant lawn. This is why most lawns propagate through underground runners. In some areas, where the soil is clay and has poor drainage, allowing grasses to go to seed is a bad idea, but in our area, which is mostly sand, local varieties of turfgrass (not hybrids) can be bred to survive our specific conditions of blistering summers, periods of drought, and wet springs and autumns. The truth is, most of the turfgrass and perennial lawn grasses we grow here in Ocean County could not survive without continued care and mowing, an absurd waste of water, and accompanied by environmentally unfriendly blasts of chemicals.

So even if you insist on growing a lawn, you really shouldn’t mow it until after it has gone to seed. This way, at least, you’re reseeding with turfgrass which is best adapted to survive you very particular little biome. If you do decide to let your grass go to seed, you can do it in patches, allowing the part of your lawn with the worst conditions for growth to complete its life cycle. This assures that any grass that does manage to survive is the heartiest grass for your particular lawn. Then, cut it gradually, collect the seeds and scatter them throughout the rest of your lawn. The best times to do this are in the spring and fall.

Personally, I hate lawns, and have grown useful edible plants instead, much to the chagrin of my neighbors. This includes wild edibles like Evening Primrose, which I harvest in the spring and freeze. Milkweed, another wild edible, attracts butterflies, and can be eaten as a potherb. Its unopened flower buds can be cooked in two changes of water and served like broccoli, and the pods it produces can be pickled. I also allow mullein to grow in my yard. The tea helps relieve my asthma. This summer, I will be writing a series of articles dealing with these wonderful “volunteers” which demand so little and give back so much – these are the plants that can feed your family in economically challenging times.

So by the time the next disaster comes, be it environmental or economic, you’ll be able to stroll out into your yard and gather some useful plants that come to you, free of charge, and pretty much maintenance free as well. While those McMansion high-falutin’ neighbors of yours struggle to fill the pantry, you’ll be sitting pretty. See, grass isn’t good eating, so unless your neighbor happens to be a cow, when the next disaster that hits, you’ll be the envy of the neighborhood.

The next time you’re summoned to mow the lawn, just show this article to your well-meaning loved one or neighbor. Just say “no” to lawn mowing.  You’re not being lazy. You’re an American, baby, a Jersey Shore American, doing your patriotic duty by letting those so-called “weeds” help you declare your independence. you’re saying “no” to Euro-culture, and socialism, and smelly cheese.

And if your sissified neighbors complain? Just tell them it isn’t an overgrown lawn, it’s a strategic alternative food reserve system, and they can come over and graze when disaster hits. Their eyes will tear with gratitude. And if they don’t? Well, the town usually gives you ten days to mow before they levy fines.

The 38-year-old New Jersey native was driving northbound on Custer Road at approximately 11:40 am when he collided with a Jeep Grand Cherokee that was making the turn onto Custer Road, according to the Frisco Police Department. He was pronounced dead after being taken to Baylor Medical Center.

“The McKinney Police Department is saddened to report the death of Officer John Libby. ” said Sgt. Chad Barker, a spokesperson for the McKinney Police Department where Mr. Libby has worked since moving to Texas from New Jersey in 2007, “He has honorably served the citizens of McKinney for nearly six faithful years. John’s commitment to his family, community and fellow officers will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Libby family during this difficult time.”

Libby was hired by the Jackson Police Department in 2007 and graduated from the 77th class of the Ocean County Police Academy in February of 2002 as one of twelve new police officers hired by the township that year.

Jackson Police Officer Fred Meabe, who attended the police academy with Libby said,  ”John Libby was, is a good man, great father and was a respected officer. John was always a fun guy to be around,”

“I have so many memories and stories of John that I will always remember. I remember when he told me that he was moving to Texas to take a police job and, selfishly, I didn’t want him to go.”

Libby also worked for the Pine Beach Police Department. There are no drugs or alcohol suspected. No charges have been filed in this case at this time. The collision is still under investigation.

“He always cared for others, but no more than he did his wife Jen and their kids. John treasured family, and most importantly his. He went to the ends to make sure that they were always secure and taken care of, regardless of what he had to do,” Officer Meabe said.  ”He wanted nothing more than to become a police officer, and he was so proud of the fact that he made it. He is going to be a huge loss to the town of McKinney, to his friends in both New Jersey and Texas and more importantly, to his family. My prayers go out to them forever and always.”

Despite the governor’s statements that “every boardwalk up and down the Jersey Shore” would be open in time for this weekend, at least several inland boardwalk areas, including Ocean Gate and the marina boardwalk section in Beachwood, both on the Toms River, remained under partial reconstruction at press time.

MANCHESTER – On Monday, May 13th at approximately 5:18 pm, the Manchester Township Police received a 911 call reporting a 76 year old male unconscious and not breathing. Upon arrival of Emergency Services personnel, it was determined that the manner in which the victim was found was suspicious in nature.

The victim, Anthony “Tony” Verdicchio, age 76, was found in his home, located in the Pine Acres Manor Mobile Home Park in Manchester Township. Based on the preliminary investigation, law enforcement authorities believe that Mr. Verdicchio suffered head trauma and succumbed to his injuries. An autopsy is scheduled for 12:00 noon on Wednesday, May 15, 2013, to determine the exact cause and manner of Mr. Verdicchio’s death.

The victim was last seen on Sunday, May 12th, 2013, at the 9:00 am mass, at St. Paul Lutheran Church on Cable Avenue in Beachwood NJ. Law Enforcement Authorities are interested in speaking with anyone who may have spoken to, or seen, Mr. Verdicchio between 10am Sunday morning and 5pm Monday evening. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Manchester Township Police at 732-657-6111, the confidential tip line at www.manchesterpolicenj.com or the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-929-2027.

This investigation is currently being conducted by the Manchester Township Police, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department.

FILE PHOTO: Bishop Memorial Library, Washington Street. Erik Weber / Ocean Signal

The following was submitted by Ward 3 Councilman Jeffrey J. Carr and is published unedited per our letters policy.

It hardly seems it but, spring has arrived. Along with it comes yard work, Little League baseball and the Toms River Food Fest.  The Toms River Little League season got underway on April 6th.  It was a chilly Saturday morning but, much better than the rain filled event of last year. Mayor Kelaher and I were on hand at the TRLL fields to throw in the first pitch. Councilman Whittmann, Councilman Manforti and Councilwoman Maruca attended opening day at the TRELL complex.

This year’s Food Fest was held on Saturday, May 4th. The weather was nothing short of perfect. The event officially began at 12 noon but, the streets were already getting crowed by 11:30 am.  The event was kicked off by the Toms River High School North Marching Band parading down Washington Street.   That was followed by an invocation by Father Scott Schaeffer of St Joseph’s Church and the singing of the National Anthem by Lisa Evans, a Toms River South aluminous. There were 78 vendors in attendance and an abundance of food and drink.  There was a dunk tank sponsored by the fire department and lots of games and amusement rides for the kids. Four different bands played throughout the day and into the evening.  There was literally dancing in the streets.  Township Administrative Staff, Recreation Department,  Department of Public Works(recycling), Parks Buildings & Grounds, Mayors ADA Advisory Committee, Mayors Council for The developmental Disabled, Police Department and Safety and Fire Districts Bureau of Fire Prevention  were there to assist and answer any questions for our Township residents. It was estimated that over 25,000 people were in attendance.

Toms River prides itself in our efforts to be environmentally responsible and to promote recycling within the Township. In 2012 we received a recycling grant in the amount of $177,138.44. We were the fifth highest grant behind Newark ($299,903.76), Jersey City ($278,748.03), Paterson ($238,701.00), and Clifton ($222,103.44).  Based on our increased recycling tonnage (40,000 tons) we anticipate a higher grant for this year.

As far as the Clean Communities grant, the amount estimated to be received this year for Toms River is $168,296.83.  This puts us first in the County and third highest in the state behind Newark ($322,905.58) and Jersey City ($297,747.90).
Our Senior Center is always filled with some great activities available to our senior residents. I recently had the opportunity to attend an art show and tea party held at the senior center. Some wonderful art exhibits created by our senior residents were on display. Friday May 24th is our Health Fair and Picnic, free to all seniors. The time is 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Friday, May 31st is the Grand Opening of the Nutrition Site at the Toms River Senior Center. The festivities begin at 11:00 am.

On Saturday, June 1st, Toms River Youth Services will be holding a Kids’ Spring Cleaning Flea Market from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.  Our Youth Summer Camp will begin on June 24th. Family Carnival Day will be held on July 12th. There will be food, fun, game trailers and rides.

Our rebuilding process continues to receive our utmost attention.  The Land Use Committee continues to meet regularly to review our ordinances to ease the building process and to help rebuild using sound planning. The Council recently introduced new ordinances to better define and regulate setbacks and the construction of decks. The footings at the Lord House Lifeguard Station are complete and underground utilities are being installed.   The 3rd Avenue parking lot is scheduled to be completed on or about May 24th.  It will include new pavement, light poles and temporary restroom trailers. The number of parking spaces has been increased from 132 spaces to 150 spaces.  This cost of this work will be reimbursed by FEMA.  The boardwalk reconstruction continues to progress with pile driving being over 75% complete.  Other work underway or in the bidding process include repair of Township bulkheads and the first phase of Ortley roads.

Changes have also been instituted in our Building Department to ease the process of obtaining building permits. The department now opens at 7:30am. That is one hour earlier than usual. they are also open until 6:30pm on Wednesdays. Normal weekday closing time is 4:30pm. Inspections are performed Monday through Saturday. The Building Department staff has also worked some Sundays when the demand requires it.  Clerical staffing has been supplemented by hiring three additional permit clerks and one phone clerk. This equates to a 60% increase in clerical staff. The clerical staff also works overtime and on Saturdays to keep up with the volume. Other Township departments have also lent personnel during peak volume periods. The finance and tax offices have helped out with processing permits and certificates. The clerk’s office has handled all OPRA requests for permit documents. Administration has provided personnel to handle periods of high phone call volume, as well as unwavering support. This help was offered by other departments in the spirit of a true team effort.

Inspection and plan review staff has been increased with one full time inspector. We have also supplemented our inspection crew with personnel provided by the NJ DCA. This program, put in place immediately after the storm by the DCA, has been extremely beneficial to our residents. We had as many as 15 DCA inspectors helping us out immediately after the storm. As the demand fluctuates,  personnel is adjusted as necessary.

The department has issued 5,746 permits since 11/01/2012. That is an increase of 218% (2,634 permits) for the same period a year ago. To assist residents and their contractors, permit forms are now available for pick up at the Township’s Ortley Beach annex.

As summer approaches, we will continue our efforts to rebuild our Community.  While these continue to be difficult times for many, we must also continue to serve all of our residents. I encourage everyone to take advantage of the many wonderful things our Township has to offer. There are many youth activities and sports programs available to our children. The senior center provides daily activities to our senior residents. And whether it’s a picnic, reading a book or a walk along a trail, our parks are a wonderful way to spend some time with family and friends. I wish everyone a safe and fun filled summer.  As always, I encourage you to send me your thoughts and comments to JCarr@TomsRiverTownship.com.  And don’t forget to visit our website at www.tomsrivertownship.com for more information about your town.

The team, consisting of  Emily Golembiski of Little Egg Harbor, Jillian Hubbard of Toms River, Gillian Schriever of West Creek, Michael Signorelli of Toms River and Megan Tumpey of  Brick, will represent New Jersey in the 2013 North American Envirothon at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana in August.

The Ocean County students competed against 33 other teams on knowledge of natural resources-related topics, including soils, forestry, aquatics, wildlife ecology and a current environmental issue. This year’s theme was “Sustainable Rangeland Management: Achieving a Balance Between Traditional Agricultural Uses with Non-Agricultural Uses on Montana Rangelands.”

“For 20 years, New Jersey high school students have had the opportunity to participate in this valuable competition and learn more about the environment, natural resources and science,” said Secretary Fisher. “We hope they take advantage of the skills they learned and consider careers in agriculture and natural resources-related fields.”

Each of the MATES team members received $1,000 scholarships from the New Jersey Association of Conservation Districts, $2,000 scholarships from Richard Stockton State College and $1,000 scholarships from Applied and Health Sciences at Kean University.

Two 5-member teams of MATES students competed in last year’s Envirothon with all but one of those students graduating. The two MATES teams placed first and second in 2012. An almost entirely new set of 10 students made up this year’s two teams.

“I am very proud of the hard work and dedication put forth by our members,” said MATES Advisor Adam Sprague.  “It was quite an accomplishment considering it was the first year competing for nine out of the 10 team members. We now turn our attention to Montana which offers an exciting variety of challenges in terms of preparation for our students.”

The second-place team in this year’s Envirothon was West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North and third place was taken by High Tech High School, North Bergen.

The Envirothon is sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, State Soil Conservation Committee; New Jersey Association of Conservation Districts; the 15 Soil Conservation Districts; United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service; New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection; and Rutgers Cooperative Extension.

The 15 Soil Conservation Districts in New Jersey follow county boundaries and implement the New Jersey Soil and Sediment Control Act, which governs certain aspects of new development.  These semi-autonomous bodies are locally governed and play a strong role in the protection of New Jersey’s natural resources.

FILE PHOTO: Downtown Toms River by Erik Weber, dated March 17th, 2012. (c) Ocean Signal Media Group

The following was submitted by Ward 4 Councilman Alfonso Manforti and is published unedited per our letters policy.

While some say the only certainties in life are death and taxes, what happens after death is a matter of intense debate. What happens after you don’t pay your property taxes –that’s something else- a lien is sold at a municipal tax sale.
Historically the traditional tax sale process in NJ was slow and antiquated with very limited participation from the public while at the same time tying up township resources before and during the sale.
That was until recent changes to the tax sale law.
In yet another effort to move the township forward the governing body at the April 23, 2013 Township Council meeting unanimously passed a resolution authorizing the township tax collector to complete an application to participate in the electronic tax sale program.
In 2012 the Division of Local Government Services under N.J.S.A. 54:5-519.1, authorized electronic tax sales for the first time. The internet has helped increase sales of everything from automobiles to homes and anything in between.
With the passage of this timely and innovative resolution the township takes another positive step in the right direction for Toms River. By conducting the sale online we will reduce administrative costs and increase the efficiency of the tax sale. At the same time we will be increasing the bidding pool to include potential buyers from all over the country.
The sales are conducted by realauction.com which answers all questions concerning the online procedures and even provides online webinars to learn how to participate in the auction. The entire process from registration to bidding is done online in your favorite chair from the comfort of your home or office.
The first electronic tax sale in NJ was held in Red Bank on October 29th 2012. If that date sounds familiar it should. That was the morning Hurricane Sandy made landfall. The town had no power, no employees, and no computers yet the sale went off without problem and every lien sold, many at a premium, netting the town $600,000.