Jean Mikle

1 week ago | mycentraljersey.com | Jean Mikle |Christopher Cann

TOMS RIVER – A New Jersey mayor accused singer Jon Bon Jovi's community restaurant and local county commissioners of turning a library into a "day shelter and soup kitchen."Toms River Mayor Daniel Rodrick took aim at commissioners and nonprofits, including the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, out of concern about a growing number of homeless men drawn to the Ocean County Library. The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Kitchen community restaurant opened in February inside the library's Toms River branch.

1 week ago | app.com | Jean Mikle

Toms River residents debated a proposed homeless shelter at Christ Episcopal Church. Opponents cited concerns about property values, safety and the shelter attracting more homeless people. Supporters emphasized the growing need for homeless services. TOMS RIVER -- More than 150 people came to Toms River's zoning board meeting Thursday night, and the majority had a clear message for the board: they don't want an overnight shelter for the homeless in their neighborhood.

2 weeks ago | usatoday.com | Jean Mikle |Christopher Cann

TOMS RIVER – A New Jersey mayor accused singer Jon Bon Jovi's community restaurant and local county commissioners of turning a library into a "day shelter and soup kitchen."Toms River Mayor Daniel Rodrick took aim at commissioners and nonprofits, including the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, out of concern about a growing number of homeless men drawn to the Ocean County Library. The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Kitchen community restaurant opened in February inside the library's Toms River branch.

2 weeks ago | app.com | Jean Mikle

Six-minute readFulfill, a New Jersey food bank, must replace 150,000 pounds of food due to federal aid cuts. The Trump administration cut over $1 billion in funding for food assistance programs. Demand for food assistance remains high following the COVID-19 pandemic. NEPTUNE -- Triada Stampas is facing a problem she could not have foreseen even a couple of months ago: the loss of 150,000 pounds of food the organization expected to receive from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

2 weeks ago | app.com | Jean Mikle

Two-minute readToms River's egg hunt will feature 20,000 eggs at Castle Park on Saturday, April 12, with designated fields for different age groups and a low-sensory option. Berkeley Township's egg hunt is also scheduled for Saturday, April 12 at 1 p.m. in Veterans Park, with prizes for various age groups and children with special needs. Seaside Heights will hold its annual Palm Sunday Egg Hunt on the beach on April 13, from 1 to 2 p.m., with a new format to ensure fair prize distribution.