She's Got Issues

This week's guest is Chief Mitch Little, Toms River Police Department.  He has been serving as Chief for 9 years and as a Police Officer for 37 years. Chief Little believes the involvement of the community is the best way to a successful police department. Some of the programs in place are having students as leaders within the intermediate and high schools in order to help with bulling, drug use, and discrimination. Having police officers present at the school also opens the door to communication and trust. 

This week's guest is Chief Mitch Little, Toms River Police Department.  The Toms River Police Foundation raises funds for the youth of the town, such as police camp, providing sports equipment, incentives for students to do well in school and obey the rules of the law such as bicycle helmet wearing and good grades.  A golf outing will be held in early May to help offset the cost of the Police Foundation's programs, along with music festivals and National Night Out. For more information, you can visit Tomsriverpolice.org. 

This week's guest is Liz Seaman, Director of Development for the Jersey Shore Dream Center located in Neptune.  They're a nonprofit organization whose mission is to give hope to the hopeless, food to the hungry, clothing to the needy and freedom in Jesus to those who are bound by addiction and life controlling issues.  Founded in 1994, the Dream Center is a volunteer driven organization finding and filling the needs of over 80,000 individuals and families each month. They do this through mobile hunger relief and medical programs, residential rehabilitation programs for adults, a shelter for victims of human trafficking, transitional housing for homeless families, foster care intervention programs, job skills training and basic education and Bible studies.  Another program is the Baby pantry, which provides diapers, wipes, and gently used clothing and toys for families who qualify.   For more information or to donate, please visit jerseyshoredreamcenter.org.

This week's guest is Christian Kane, Founder of The Toms River Field of Dreams. The Toms River  Field Of Dreams is a project with a mission to encourage and engage the communities of Monmouth and Ocean Counties focusing on those with special needs.  It provides opportunities for individuals of all ages and all abilities to engage, explore and socialize together.  The Field of Dreams features a walking path with rehabilitative stations, a temperature controlled pavilion, state of the art all-inclusive playground, quiet corner, complimentary snack shack, courts for basketball, bocce and shuffleboard, a baseball field and rehabilitative fitness stations. For more information on hours of operation and events, visit tomsriverfieldofdreams.com.

This week, our guest is Drew Paglia, co founder of 5Help.org.  The mission of 5 Help is supporting organizations that are in need.  5 Help has raised over $350,000 to help first responders, seniors, veterans and most recently the orphans of Ukraine.  By asking donors to help by giving $5 at a time, 5 Help feels this is a way to help others, all while making sure people who are struggling can afford their donation.

This week, our guest is Drew Paglia, co founder of 5Help.org.  The mission of 5 Help is supporting organizations that are in need.  5 Help has raised over $350,000 to help first responders, seniors, veterans and most recently the orphans of Ukraine.  By asking donors to help by giving $5 at a time, 5 Help feels this is a way to help others, all while making sure people who are struggling can afford their donation.

This week's guest is Tracy Shiffman, Supervisor of Community Recreation for the Monmouth County Park Systems.  They offer hundreds of programs for both children and adults throughout the year.  During the summer months, some of the programs include Art Camps, Recreation Area Sports Camps, Theatre, Boating, Fishing, Camping and Golf.  She discusses outdoor adventures program, ziplining, kayaking, photography exhibits, the Monmouth County Fair and drop-in activities, as well as hundreds of miles of hiking trails, even the beaches.  There are a number of opportunities to work a seasonal job, or to become a volunteer within the park system.   For more information, visit monmouthcountyparks.com.

This week's guest is Tracy Shiffman, Supervisor of Community Recreation for the Monmouth County Park Systems.  They offer hundreds of programs for both children and adults throughout the year.  During the summer months, some of the programs include Art Camps, Recreation Area Sports Camps, Theatre, Boating, Fishing, Camping and Golf.  She discusses outdoor adventures program, ziplining, kayaking, photography exhibits, the Monmouth County Fair and drop-in activities, as well as hundreds of miles of hiking trails, even the beaches.  There are a number of opportunities to work a seasonal job, or to become a volunteer within the park system.   For more information, visit monmouthcountyparks.com.

This week's guest is Angelo Valente, Executive Director for The Partnership For a Drug Free New Jersey, as well as Brad Billhimer, Ocean County Prosecutor.  Partnership for a Drug Free NJ was created in was created in 1992 as a substance abuse prevention alliance to localize, strengthen, and deepen initiatives, drug free assistance and parent education throughout the state. All programs are available free of charge to the residents of New Jersey.  They are teaming up with the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office to combat the opioid epidemic in Ocean County.  Since the pandemic, there has been an increase of opioid use in Ocean County.

This week's guest is Angelo Valente, Executive Director for The Partnership For a Drug Free New Jersey and Brad Billhimer, Ocean County Prosecutor.  There is a program designed to offer $500 scholarships to medical providers such as doctors, dentists and nurse practitioners to teach them the dangers of prescribing opioids for pain relief in such cases as wisdom tooth removal, knee replacemen, and other medical procedures.  High school students can participate in a program called Your Song, Your Voice; Shout Down Drugs New Jersey.  It's a competition where high school students create songs to raise awareness on the dangers of drugs.  It takes place on May 12th.  For more information, please visit drugfreenj.org.  

This week our guest is Major Steve Dittmer of the Salvation Army of Ocean County in Toms River.  Major Dittmer, along with his wife, have been leading the Salvation Army for many.  He will be retiring in May.   Its mission is to serve those in need with food, shelter, clothing, addiction services and more.  They feed an average of 156,000 underserved people each day.  In addition to addressing the immediate symptoms of food insecurity, their programs are designed to help identify and treat its root cause. This approach focuses on meeting the physical, mental and spiritual needs of each person and helps move many from hungry to fully healed.

This week our guest is Major Steve Dittmer of the Salvation Army of Ocean County.  The Salvation Army is beginning its plans to renovate and add to its existing building located on Route 37 in Toms River.  This will allow them to provide more services such as additional music programs and programs for Seniors.   There is also a gala coming up in May for which sponsorships are available.  Everyone is invited to attend.  For tickets and more information, please visit salvationarmynj.org.

This week, our guest is Gwen Anderson.  Gwen's son Jason is in need of a kidney and is waiting on a transplant list for a donor.  Jason lives on Monmouth county with his Mom and Dad.  He was adopted at birth and his mom noticed he wasn't gaining weight.  At eighteen months old, doctors discovered Jason was in kidney failure with chronic kidney disease.  If you were to meet Jason, you would never know he has health issues.  However, he has to take two injections and over twenty pills a day. 

This week, our guest is Gwen Anderson.  Gwen's son is in need of a kidney and is waiting on a transplant list for a donor.  If Jason gets a living donor, the chances of it working immediately are very strong. There are certain criteria that must be met in order for a donor to qualify. For more information, please visit "Jason and the Super Kidney Adventure" on Facebook.

This week, our guest is Dennis Addesso, co-founder and president of Ma Deuce Deuce.  Ma Deuce Deuce is a non-profit organization founded in 2016 by three former marines who felt there was a need for fellow Veterans to receive help for PTSD, TBI and depression.  Dennis knew that 22 veteran suicides per day was not acceptable and needed to help.  MA22 helps Jersey Shore Veterans with programs, events and services. The mission of Ma Deuce Deuce is to provide information and education regarding the network of services available to military Veterans at no cost.

We're back with guest Dennis Addesso, co-founder and president of Ma Deuce Deuce. It's a non-profit organization founded by three former marines who felt there was a need for fellow Veterans to receive help for PTSD, TBI and depression.  Each year, they hold a Ruck-It to raise funds to help offset the costs of these programs.  Ma Deuce Deuce partners with other Veteran organizations in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.  If you would like to volunteer, donate or know more about Ma Deuce Deuce, please visit MA22.org.  

This week our guest is Kristine Novakowski, Executive Director for Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity.  They're now accepting homeowner applications.  NOHFH works towards the vision of building strength, self-reliance and stability in partnership with families in need of decent and affordable housing. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. The vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

This week our guest is Kristine Novakowski, Executive Director for Northern Ocean Habitat for Humanity.  Habitat for Humanity ReStores are nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers staffed by volunteers that sell new and gently used furniture, appliances, home accessories and more to the public at a fraction of the retail price. NOHFH also provides funds to help Veterans with home improvement projects, as well as widows of Veterans.  For more information on homeownership, visit northernoceanhabitat.org or call 732-818-9500.

We're back with Bert Brooks, Creative Services Manager for Easter Seals New Jersey.  Annually, over 9,000 people in our state with developmental disabilities, mental illness and other special receive services designed to help them work toward achieving independence and full community integration.  The recent pandemic has caused isolation and loneliness for many people. Easter Seals is implementing a program for trips and socialization this spring. For more information visit eastersealsnj.org.   

This week our guest is Bert Brooks. Bert is the Creative Services Manager for Easter Seals New Jersey.  Easter Seals helps needs of people with disabilities and their families.  The purpose of Easter Seals is to change the way the world defines and views disabilities by making profound and positive changes and differences. They provide opportunities to live, work and play in the communities.

This week, our guest is Charlie Bacon, Treasurer for the Brick Morning Rotary.  They meet Wednesday mornings at the Brick Diner to discuss various fundraising events in order to help the community.   The Brick Morning Rotary, along with Wingman Planning located in Manasquan, founded The Shore Movement. This initiative invites businesses throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties to place 55 gallon bins inside their facilities for the community to donate food. When the bins are filled, a Rotarian will pick up the food to bring to area food banks who are currently experiencing a 22 percent increase in food distribution. For more information, or to have your business become part of this program, please visit theshoremovement.org.  

This week, our guest is Charlie Bacon, Treasurer for the Brick Morning Rotary.  They meet Wednesday mornings at the Brick Diner to discuss various fundraising events in order to help the community.   The Brick Morning Rotary, along with Wingman Planning located in Manasquan, founded The Shore Movement. This initiative invites businesses throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties to place 55 gallon bins inside their facilities for the community to donate food. When the bins are filled, a Rotarian will pick up the food to bring to area food banks who are currently experiencing a 22 percent increase in food distribution. For more information, or to have your business become part of this program, please visit theshoremovement.org.  

This week, we have Triada Stampas. Triada is the new CEO of Fulfill, formerly known as the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Fulfill has many programs to change lives within the communities and provide help with food insecurity.  Ending hunger in the community is a challenge, and Fulfill is currently distributing twenty-two percent more food to those in need since the pandemic.   They also provide food for many area food pantries across Monmouth and Ocean counties as well as mobile pop-up food distribution sites.

This week's guest is Triada Stampas. Triada is the new CEO of Fulfill, formerly known as the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Fulfill has many programs to change lives within the communities and provide help with food insecurity.  Folks can also receive help with SNAP, healthcare and financial assistance from the Community Resource Center.  For more information, or to become a volunteer for Fulfill, please visit Fulfillnj.org. 

This week's guest is Rene Stone, founder and president of the nonprofit organization Serenity Stables: From Combat to Calm.  Serenity Stables began in 2015 when Rene purchased 16 acres of land in order to bring Equine Therapy to Veterans with PTS. The mission of Serenity Stables is to provide equine therapy that supports psychological health and improved quality of life to service members, veterans and their families. 

This week's guest is Rene Stone, founder and president of the nonprofit organization Serenity Stables: From Combat to Calm.  Currently, Serenity Stables has hosted over 2,000 veterans. They work with licensed clinical counselors and horse professionals who work side by side with veterans and horses to address individual treatment goals.   For information on how to volunteer, donate or help someone you know who is a veteran, please visit serenitystablesfcc.org. 

This week's guest is Cliff Baker, President and Founder of A Need We Feed.  A Need We Feed is a non-profit prganization founded October 29th, 2012.  When Hurricane Sandy devastated the Jersey Shore, Cliff decided he wanted to help feed hundreds of first responders and military personnel assigned to restore our area.  Since that time, A Need We Feed has grown from a basic foundational organization to a registered 501C3 nonprofit that prepares, packages and delivers over 11,000 hot meals a year to Veterans, children, seniors, and families in need.  They also collect over 12,000 dollars in toys during the Christmas toy drive, along with Easter baskets and a full Easter dinner in Spring.

  This week's guest is Cliff Baker, President and Founder of A Need We Feed.  When Hurricane Sandy devastated the Jersey Shore, Cliff decided he wanted to help feed hundreds of first responders and military personnel assigned to restore our area.  A Need We Feed will hold a Pro Athlete Meet and Greet fundraiser at Spicy Cantina Restaurant on the Boardwalk in Seaside Heights Sunday February 6th.  There will be appearances by Frankie Edgar, Todd Frazier, Irving Fryar, Mark Gastineau, Christie Rampone, and Stephen Baker.   For more information or to volunteer or donate, please visit aneedwefeed.org.

This week, our guest is Mike Ferraro, President of the nonprofit organization Bridging The Gap. Mike is a former Command Chief Master Sargent in the US Air Force. Bridging The Gap for Veterans is led by military veterans who fully understand the career transition experience. They open the doors to Veteran Friendly Employers.  They hold job expos as well, where area businesses can attend along with Veterans and their spouses for job interviews in order to make the transition from serving in the armed forces to a successful career. Some areas include Business, IT, Construction and the Hospitality Industry. 

This week, our guest is Mike Ferraro, President of the nonprofit organization Bridging The Gap. Bridging The Gap supports Military Support Dogs for Veterans who need them. They participate in the Hometown Hero Program, which recognizes a Veteran or First Responder who deserves recognition for the work they do. They receive a three-hundred-dollar gift certificate along with other prizes. Bridging the Gap also partners with Coastal Habitat for Humanity to assist in helping with home repairs for Veterans.  Funding for this nonprofit is helped through sales of their coffee, called the Coffee Platton. For more information, please visit bridgingthegap.vet. 

This week, we are joined by Mike D'Altrui, Sea Girt 5K Director and Kim Sambade, Director of Development and Volunteer Services for Coastal Habitat for Humanity.  Mike and Kim have joined to dedicate this year's Patriot Polar Bear Plunge to raise funds for L.I.F.T. which stands for Local Initiative For Troops, the Veteran Repair Program.  This year, Coastal Habitat for Humanity has been repairing homes for local veterans in need, in addition to new home builds for area families. 

We are back with Mike D'Altrui, Sea Girt 5K Director and Kim Sambade, Director of Development and Volunteer Services for Coastal Habitat for Humanity.  Mike and Kim have joined to dedicate this year's Patriot Polar Bear Plunge to raise funds for L.I.F.T. This year's plunge is also in honor of highly decorated and respected NJ State Trooper and National Guardsman Juan Fajardo, who unfortunately passed away this November in a tragic motorcycle accident. The event will take place on Sea Girt Beach on February 5th at 10:a.m. with an after party following at Harrigan's Pub. Registration and donations and sponsorship opportunities can be found on the Sea Girt 5K website, or by emailing ksambade@coastalhabitat.org, or call 732-898-4094. 

This week our guest is Emma Lipnicky, CEO and Founder of the nonprofit Livlikeaunicorn.org.  The idea came from Emma and her husband Brian's daughter Olivia, who sadly passed on November 6th 2019 from pediatric cancer after discovering a tumor on her spine which eventually spread.   The mission of Liv Like A Unicorn is to raise awareness and to help fund advancements in pediatric brain and spinal cord tumor research. The statistics of pediatric cancer research are grim, with only four percent of monies raised going towards pediatric research.  Two percent of monies go towards brain tumor research. Liv Like A Unicorn has so far raised over 300,000 dollars towards specific research.

This week our guest is Emma Lipnicky, CEO and Founder of the nonprofit Livlikeaunicorn.org.  They also raise funds for personal traveling expenses for families whose children need to receive out of state treatment, and provide Unicorn Boxes to keep children occupied during treatment.   For more information or to volunteer, please visit Livlikeaunicorn.org.

This week our guest is Paul Kinitra, Mayor of Point Pleasant Beach. Mayor Kanitra has been in office for two years, right before the Covid pandemic began. Previously he served on the town council. Mayor Kinitra grew up in Point Pleasant and attended school there. He works in Washing DC as well. Mayor Kinitra and his council pride themselves on the accessibility they offer the residents of Point Pleasant Beach if they have concerns or issues. 

This week our guest is Paul Kinitra, Mayor of Point Pleasant Beach.  Point Pleasant Beach is a vibrant year-round community with award winning restaurants and shops. There's also a growing Arts scene, recently the residents came out to paint murals and update the famous wall in the town. The town also boasts family friendly beaches and boardwalk. Year-round events also take place, as well as bring back the Outboard Motor Classic which draws thousands of spectators. 

We're back with Dena Glynn, Director of Community Outreach and Public Relations for the nonprofit agency Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey in Toms River.  With over 1200 volunteers, they serve over 2,000 residents and over 30,000 hours of free services a year. Some services include rides to and from doctor appointments, hospitals, food shopping, Alzheimer's respite care for caregivers, dentist and visits to the homebound. Meals are also provided for home bound seniors.   For more information or to become a volunteer, please visit caregivervolunteers.org. 

This week's guest is Dena Glynn, Director of Community Outreach and Public Relations for the nonprofit agency Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey in Toms River.  They serve residents of Monmouth and Ocean County over the age of 60.   Caregiver Volunteers mission is dedicated to providing free supportive services to the frail, elderly, and the homebound as well as those who do not drive. This enables them to live independently and with dignity in their own homes. 

This week's guest is Geralyn Fraggetta Drury, Executive Director for Freehold Open Door, a nonprofit organization who reaches out to the community in need.  The food pantry is only part of Open Door.  They also provide rental and utility assistance to keep people in their homes, They have an after-school program that helps assist elementary students with homework as well as a scholarship program for later years. Other programs assist with Birthday gifts, Holiday gifts, Senior treats as well as deliveries to homebound clients.  For more information or to become a volunteer for Freehold Area Open Door, please visit faopendoor.org.

This week's guest is Paul Hulse, CEO and founder of Just Believe, Inc.  Just Believe is a nonprofit organization founded in August of 2019 to provide comprehensive homeless assistance to residents of Toms River and surrounding areas. They address the mental, emotional, and spiritual needs of the homeless. They also deliver meals to area folks, find permanent housing solutions for people living on the streets, help individuals with addiction and other mental health challenges. 

Paul Hulse, CEO and founder of Just Believe, Inc is this week's guest.  Just Believe is a nonprofit organization founded in August of 2019 to provide comprehensive homeless assistance to residents of Toms River and surrounding areas.  Just Believe has opened a Thrift Store which helps with funding for their programs. You can donate gently used clothing, small appliances, decor and various household items to the second hand store.  For volunteer information or for any services concerning Just Believe, please visit Justbelieveinc.org. 

This week's guest is Tim Zeiss, Director of Development and Marketing for Ocean's Harbor House in Toms River.  Ocean's Harbor House is a safe haven for young people facing trauma resulting in living in damaging home environments.  For 32 years, Ocean's Harbor House has addressed these needs of runaway and homeless youth ages ten through 21.  The youth come to Ocean's Harbor House having endured many types of unsafe experiences, causing them to adopt many unhealthy behavior patterns.

We're back with Tim Zeiss, Director of Development and Marketing for Ocean's Harbor House in Toms River.  Ocean's Harbor House is a safe haven for young people facing trauma resulting in living in damaging home environments.  They help these youth heal and provide a variety of programs such as shelter, support, a structured environment, education, and a healthy focus on their futures.  Over the years, ocean's Harbor House has helped tens of thousands of children and their families with the help of the skill and dedication of staff, volunteers, and community leaders. ocean's Harbor House serves children in both Monmouth and Ocean Counties, as well as other states. There is currently a Holiday wish list available online at Oceansharborhouse.org, as well as volunteer opportunities. 

This week's guest is Kim Guadagno, the new Executive Director for Mercy Center of New Jersey, located in Asbury Park.  Mercy Center began when the Sisters of Mercy, founded in 1831 in Dublin Ireland to serve the poor, purchased and renovated 1106 Main Street, Asbury Park and incorporated under the title of Mercy Center.  The building has been completely renovated and now has a large food pantry, kitche , offices and group meetings.  Mercy Center provides many programs and services, most notably an all-girls Christian School for grades 5-8, Community Victim and Witness Advocacy Program, Emergency Services to help with rent, utilities, food and clothing, and education.  For more information, please visit Mercycenternj.org. 

This week's guest is Kim Guadagno, the new Executive Director for Mercy Center of New Jersey, located in Asbury Park.  Mercy Center began when the Sisters of Mercy, founded in 1831 in Dublin Ireland to serve the poor, purchased and renovated 1106 Main Street, Asbury Park and incorporated under the title of Mercy Center.  The building has been completely renovated and now has a large food pantry, kitche , offices and group meetings.  Mercy Center provides many programs and services, most notably an all-girls Christian School for grades 5-8, Community Victim and Witness Advocacy Program, Emergency Services to help with rent, utilities, food and clothing, and education.  For more information, please visit Mercycenternj.org. 

This week, our guest is PJ Gambardella, Police Officer for the Toms River Police Department.  PJ is the new director for the 22nd annual 2021 Jingle Bells 5K Run of Toms River, presented by the Toms River Police Department.  The race consists of a 5K race, a one-mile fun run and a walk and kiddie dash.  The race will be held on Sunday December 5th, along a flat course through downtown Toms River and scenic neighborhoods. Proceeds from the race will help fund scholarships for the Toms River Police Foundation to benefit local high school students as well as a spotlight organization "A Need We Feed."  Online registration only available online, and sponsorships are also available. For more information, or to sign up, please visit trpolcefpoundation.org.

This week, our guest is PJ Gambardella, Police Officer for the Toms River Police Department.  PJ is the new director for the 22nd annual 2021 Jingle Bells 5K Run of Toms River, presented by the Toms River Police Department.  The race consists of a 5K race, a one-mile fun run and a walk and kiddie dash.  The race will be held on Sunday December 5th, along a flat course through downtown Toms River and scenic neighborhoods. Proceeds from the race will help fund scholarships for the Toms River Police Foundation to benefit local high school students as well as a spotlight organization "A Need We Feed."  Online registration only available online, and sponsorships are also available. For more information, or to sign up, please visit trpolcefpoundation.org.

This week guests are Patty Elphick and Christine Jagerburger from the United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties.  The United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties has a mission to bridge the gaps to education, financial stability and health for every person in the community.  The vision is a community where everyone achieves their greatest potential through a quality education, income stability and healthy lives. 

This week guests are Patty Elphick and Christine Jagerburger from the United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties.  The United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties has a mission to bridge the gaps to education, financial stability and health for every person in the community.   The UWMOC is holding their annual "Warmest Wishes" campaign. The goal this year is to collect three thousand winter coats for children in need within the community. They are partnering with other area agencies and asking the public to donate to this coat drive, which runs through Giving Tuesday November 30th. For more information on how to donate, or to become a volunteer, please visit uwmoc.org. 

This week, our guest is Major Steve Ditmer of the Salvation Army of Ocean County located in Toms River.  The Salvation Army exists to meet the needs of people wherever and whenever they can.  There are currently over twenty-five branches of the Salvation Army across New Jersey.  The Salvation Army of Ocean County location serves as a soup kitchen, food pantry and take out facility to serve the residents.  Although the facility serves those in need throughout the year, the holiday season of Thanksgiving and Christmas is a busy time of year.  This year Major Steve along with his wife Carol who are the Commanding Officers, will oversee the collection of food items needed for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Volunteers make up boxes which are then distributed to families. Drop offs can be made at the location located on Route 37 east in Toms River. 

This week, our guest is Major Steve Ditmer of the Salvation Army of Ocean County located in Toms River.  The Salvation Army exists to meet the needs of people wherever and whenever they can.  There are currently over twenty-five branches of the Salvation Army across New Jersey.  The Salvation Army of Ocean County location serves as a soup kitchen, food pantry and take out facility to serve the residents.  Although the facility serves those in need throughout the year, the holiday season of Thanksgiving and Christmas is a busy time of year.  This year Major Steve along with his wife Carol who are the Commanding Officers, will oversee the collection of food items needed for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Volunteers make up boxes which are then distributed to families. Drop offs can be made at the location located on Route 37 east in Toms River.