Congratulations to the Jackson School District on completing the renovations to the JMHS Clayton Kitchen. It looks nearly as appetizing as the food that the dedicated food services staff serves every school day. This is the first of two kitchen renovations at JMHS that were approved by the school board at the September 20th, 2011 meeting.
Both kitchens were built during the original construction in 1964 and up until this week they were just about unchanged. The total project is slated to cost $1.39 million and is being funded completely through food service revenues. Can't wait to see the Reider Kitchen when the new school year starts.
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At the May 8th council meeting discussion once again focused on recreation. Councilman Kafton expressed his opinion for an external audit of the division during his comments. Taking liberty with certain aspects of the current situation, he was interrupted by Council President Bressi who reaffirmed the process underway will provide satisfactory answers to all. (Read More)
Once again the students and staff of our school district have produced a program that left most in awe of their talent and creativity. The dishes presented by Jackson's culinary students tasted great. They also looked good enough to make it on the menu of some of the shore's hottest eateries.
Student talent was not just at the stoves and chopping blocks. The presentation was taped for future airing on the township's TV channel (Cablevision Ch. 77) and the school district's own Jackson Television website. Not to be left out, the graphic design students created and printed the invitations, signs and even the award certificates.
Below you will find a reprint of the school district's publication on this event.
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As reported by the County, in the first five years of an agreement between Ocean County and the United States Navy, more than 2,000 acres of land around the military base now known as Joint Base – McGuire, Dix, Lakehurst, has been preserved as open space. (Read More)
Statement on CBAC Review of Jackson Recreation
May 8, 2012
The Jackson Citizens Budget Advisory Committee (CBAC) has been asked by Council to address concerns raised by a former employee relating to recreation programs in our community. The CBAC, whose members are appointed by Council, has historically acted as a non-partisan, volunteer group to review issues relating to the Budget and Township finances and the independence of their recommendations and analysis has never come into question before today.
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AMC Networks, May 04, 2012
Court Denies Dish Network's Last Pre-Trial Appeal in Voom HD Lawsuit, Upholding Ruling that Dish Destroyed Evidence
As DISH’s Latest Appeal Is Denied, It Threatens to Drop AMC Networks Channels From Its System
New York, NY, May 4, 2012 – As a result of a new ruling in the ongoing VOOM HD/DISH litigation, the case will now be set for trial. In the latest ruling, filed on Thursday, April 26, 2012, the Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court denied DISH’s application to further appeal a prior trial court decision sanctioning it for bad-faith destruction of evidence in the case. (Read More)
Jackson officials may now be able to put two months of controversy behind them with Resolution 194R-12, tentatively proposed for reading and approval at the May 8th council meeting. Calling for a "pilot program" adding a 7th week to the township recreational summer camp program, it establishes a $75 increase in the program's fee bringing the total to $400.
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Yesterday in Trenton, Senate President Steve Sweeney proposed for introduction S-1914. This bill would require new user fees for the provision of traditional municipal services to be included within the 2% municipal and county property tax levy cap. User fees for traditional county services and traditional school services would not be included in any cap calculations. (Read More)
In a report received today from the Jackson Municipal Utility Authority, it was revealed that the current salaries of the Jackson Township Municpal Utility Commissioners is $24,500. This is modest compared to the cost of employee benefits which are $90,000 a year. Equally surprising is that only four individuals make up most of these costs.
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In a press release issued today by council members Kafton and Revere they have once again turned a township issue into political capital. In just a few short paragraphs the duo managed to undermine the spirit of volunteerism Jackson has embraced, question the integrity of the volunteer committees, and belittle dedicated township employees.
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Jackson Township “Slam Dunks The Junk” During Annual Spring Clean Communities Campaign
On Saturday, April 21st. over 500 participants belonging to 42 non-profit Jackson Township based organizations participated in the annual Spring Clean- up sponsored by NJ Clean Communities. All of the participating organizations must present proof of non-profit status in order to earn funds for their organizations.
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New York lands the Enterprise
As the shuttle fleet approached retirement NASA made it known they would make available Discovery, Atlantic and Endeavour, the last three working shuttles and Enterprise, the trailblazing concept vehicle that cleared the way. The placement would be to Museums that could provide an environmentally-controlled indoor exhibit space and be able to afford the estimated $28.8 million needed to prepare the orbiter and transport it for display (the actual price was $42 million). (Read More) 
Child pornography in Jackson again
 In the past few days an all too familiar headline has run in local papers and online sites as child pornography has again captivated our discussions. Few issues can raise the ire of a community quicker, or stir emotions as deep in our souls. And rightfully so. It seems that not a day goes by without a neighbor, public servant or once respected member of the community being accused and charged with a crime against children.
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As the economic downturn grew into a recession the revenues of governments fell leaving many municipalities to adopt user fees as as an alternative way to deliver some services.
Cutbacks on federal programs and reduced state revenues have had a deep impact on states and municipalities which as a rule, are not permitted to bank savings for future use. This makes their budgets especially sensitive to revenue interruptions. Understanding that the average taxpayer faces the same predicament many governments have turned to user fees, hoping to minimize the impact of taxes.
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Twelve Jackson Memorial High School student athletes signed letters of intent this spring to participate in their sport at the college level.
"This is one of the largest groups of students we've had and it really showcases the talent and dedication of our students and coaches,'' said Athletic Director John Lamela. "Not only are they going on to continue their athletic careers, but they are all making great educational choices and taking with them the quality education and sportsmanship they learned right here.''
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One World Trade Center will showcase region's tallest broadcast facility
NEW YORK, March 6, 2012: One World Trade Center, soon to stand as the Western Hemisphere’s tallest building, is planning to add broadcasting to its summit.
As part of an arrangement now being finalized with The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, The Durst Organization would oversee construction and operation of a new, state-of-the- art broadcast facility atop the tower. The installation would offer television and FM radio broadcast capabilities.
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Fee increases remain on hold
At the April 24th council meeting the central issue continued to be the proposed changes of recreation fees. The first question of the session came from resident Cathy Genovese who asked if the new fees had been enacted despite not yet being approved by the governing body. She offered a supporting document showing a grandchild's registration had increased from last year. (Read More) 
A new battle is heating up in the wake of the continued testing of the 2001 Open Public Records Act. OPRA is a road paved with good intentions. It is a great equalizer, granting fair access to public records, just for the asking. For eleven years citizens, journalists, bloggers and professionals have requested thousands of documents to better understand the inner workings of government, discover truth, or just satisfy curiosity. (Read More)
As has been reported in numerous publications across the state, Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen) has reintroduced two bills designed to overhaul New Jersey’s Open Public Meetings Act and Open Public Records Act, in an effort to improve open government and transparency. “The public has a reasonable expectation to transparency from government, and while New Jersey has, in the past, led the charge nationally in adopting public records and meeting laws, it’s time that we update and expand those laws to stay ahead of new trends in technology,” Weinberg said. (Read More)
Please join us for a fun filled evening! Doors open at 4PM. Tickets will be called at 7PM. You DO NOT need to be present to win! Some of our prizes include bicycles, Coach, and a lottery tree! If you will be joining us for the evening, admission tickets are $15 per person. (Read More) 
Over the past decades, Jackson Township has acquired considerable amounts of land for use as recreational failities, open space and parkland. There are also numerous county and state parks available to residents. You will find a place to meet your every desire. You will find preserved open space for self paced walks in the renoun Pine Barrens forest as well as improved facilities offering accomodations for a myriad of sports activities. (Read More) 
The hard fought and long anticipated LED street lighting project in Jackson Township took a major step forward today with the delivery of a purchase order to JCP&L for the first 100 replacement fixtures. JCP&L has already taken delivery of these devices from the manufacturer and expects to begin replacement (Read More)
LOCAL PROPERTY TAXES AND
NEW JERSEY STATE GOVERNMENT
(Copy of the 2012 brochure as a PDF)
Many factors determine the level of public services and the amount of property taxes that you pay in your community. And many of those factors are beyond the control of local elected officials. For example, the amount of property tax relief funding that the State redistributes to your municipality directly affects your bill. When your property tax bill goes up and municipal services don't meet your needs, your State Legislators and the Governor can help by making sure that the State is providing your home town with adequate financial aid. Municipal property tax relief funding, as promised by State law, can help to pay for the local services you need and can keep your property taxes from going up—again.
We need to remember that "excessive" spending is not always—or even often—the root cause of rising property taxes. There are numerous mandates, regulations, and other state and federal actions that impact property taxes. (Read More)
RECREATION - a municipal service
 One of the responsibilities of municipal government is to provide open space and parks for the recreational use of residents. Traditionally these are parks, fields, lakes and streams where citizens can throw a frisbee, picnic, jog, fish, or use their boat. Often these facilities are used for large gatherings such as concerts and seasonal festivals. The municipality may provide some form of equipment or infrastructure to enhance the experience. The most common examples would be playgrounds and restroom facilities that have broad appeal to the community.
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The Jackson Record has established a totally neutral platform for all residents of Jackson Township to come together and share information, thoughts and ideas.
We will provide space to any valid group or organization, sports club, league or civic group to promote events and celebrate accomplishments. We will also provide space for the expression of personal opinions and productive discussions.
It is our intent to also embrace the creative elements in our community and we welcome contributions of short stories and life experiences. Plenty of room for fiction, non fiction and science fiction as well.
Just email us at editor@jacksonrecord.com with a brief description of your intent and contact information and we will get you set up.
Submissions can also be made more casually under the Services tab where you can submit an article, event, classified or yellow pages listing.
A number of NJ towns have taken measures to protect local businesses from interference, classifying it as a "breach of the peace" enabling offenders to be charged with "disorderly conduct". These charges can stem from direct interference as well as Internet postings.
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FROM PLASTIC BUCKETS to old lawn furniture, rigid plastics are the latest addition to Ocean County's recycling stable.
Following a pilot program in Lakewood Township where 13 tons of rigid plastics were collected in only three months, the county has decided to begin accepting the material at both the Northern Recycling Center in Lakewood and the Southern Recycling Center in Stafford Township, said Freeholder James F. Lacey. (Read More)
A SHORT HISTORY OF PROPERTY TAX IN NEW JERSEY
Our local property tax goes back to the colonial period. In 1670, a levy of one half penny per acre of land was imposed for the support of the central government. Until the middle of the 19th Century, property taxes were levied on real estate and certain personal property at arbitrary rates within certain limits, referred to as “certainties.”
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OCEAN COUNTY'S popular document shredding program will be tearing into 20 towns beginning in late April. (Read More)
It’s been over a month since Trayvon Martin was shot. The person who shot him was George Zimmerman. Those are the facts.
There are numerous facts that are not known yet. But unfortunately, George Zimmerman is “guilty” of murder as he has now been tried in the court of public opinion. That public opinion has unfortunately been fueled by some media reports that have been irresponsible—and have violated the rule of Journalism 101.
Protests continue for those seeking justice in the Martin case, with thousands marching in Florida this past weekend.
The media frenzy over this story—ironically on a case that went unreported for three weeks—has even been under scrutiny by others in the media. (read more).
Now that some of the smoke has cleared from last month's nationwide fervor over Lean Finley Textured Beef (LFTB), it may be time to take a look at a healthy alternative. Bison, sometimes called the American buffalo, is naturally flavorful and tender. It is a lean red meat described by many as the most flavorful meat they have ever tasted, with a sweeter and richer flavor than beef. Bison is similar in texture and can be prepared much the same as beef. (Read More)
The Jackson Memorial High School Marching Band has been chosen as one of only twenty-two bands world-wide to participate in the Tournament of Roses Parade. Our students are excited and honored to represent the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States.
Please help us reach our goal of sending all 200+ band members on this once-in-a-lifetime trip! We are working with local businesses for a win/win event. (Read More) Image: Michelle Meiklejohn / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
America is a fat country. Each year magazines rate the fattest cities in America and include photos of morbidly obese residents chowing down. Obesity has become acceptable in our society. Significantly overweight people are featured in nearly every sophomoric comedy, consuming all, and doing so without a second thought. (Read More)
Over the past few weeks the much maligned beef industry has been the target of journalistic sensationalism and Internet hysteria. The subject has been the simple, naturally occurring ammonia gas, and it's use in safeguarding our food supply.
Ammonia gas makes up the smallest portion of our atmosphere, yet it is invaluable in our daily life. It is used in cleaning products and furniture production, and it has industrial and laboratory uses. But the most valuable use found for ammonia is as an antimicrobial that safeguards food production worldwide. (Read More)
In 1907, Capt. Edward John Smith was inspecting ship construction at The Harland and Wolff shipyard. As he gazed over the myriad of workers scurrying about on the behemoth he said "I cannot imagine any condition (Read More)
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