Day: April 20, 2022

Hamilton, Hamilton, Mercer County

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton Raises Awareness on Adult Hearing Loss in Recognition of Better Hearing & Speech Month

RWJ Balance & Hearing Center on the Hospital Campus To Offer Free Hearing Screenings to the Public On Tuesday, May 10

April 20, 2022

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Hamilton, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, is recognizing Better Hearing and Speech Month this May by raising awareness for hearing loss in adults and encouraging hearing screenings. Free screening will be available at the RWJ Balance & Hearing Center, on RWJ University Hospital Hamilton’s campus, Tuesday, May 10, 2022, from 1-3 p.m. Register by calling 609-245-7390.

According to the National Institute on Aging, hearing loss affects approximately one-third of adults 65 to 74 years of age, and nearly half of those older than 75 have difficulty hearing. Despite that, only about 20% of individuals who might benefit from treatment seek help.

“There is an unfortunate stigma around hearing loss and treatment options, especially hearing aids, but hearing loss is a common medical condition,” said Dr. Lorraine Sgarlato, Au.D., Senior Audiologist at RWJ Balance & Hearing Center. “Adults with hearing loss are at higher risk of developing certain health conditions such as social isolation, depression, anxiety, falls, cognitive decline and even dementia. It’s important that adults 50-60 years of age get screened for hearing loss, and anyone 61 and older receive diagnostic testing annually. We are encouraging individuals to get screened this May during Better Hearing and Speech Month and are making hearing screenings more accessible through our free public event on May 10th.”

“I had hearing aids from other places, and they didn’t work properly. I thought maybe this is just how it works, but my nephew kept encouraging me to go to the RWJ Balance & Hearing Center at RWJUH Hamilton and see Dr. Sgarlato,” said Judith McCallister, 79, patient of the RWJ Balance & Hearing Center. “I was immediately put at ease from my first appointment, and after a couple follow up visits, my new hearing aids were working properly. I absolutely am feeling different and more independent. My phone is through my hearing aids, and I even stream TV through my hearing aids. At 79 years young I’ve got some tips, and I can tell you, you don’t know unless you try.”

Treatment options for hearing loss in adults include hearing aids, special training, certain medicines, and surgery, with many options and hearing aid types to fit all patients’ lifestyles and financial situations. The RWJ Balance & Hearing Center offers a 30-day full refund on hearing aids which allows patients to find the right match and fit at no cost until they are fully satisfied with a hearing device.

Questions adults should ask themselves about their hearing in order to evaluate if they need a hearing evaluation should include:

  • Do you have dizziness, pain, or ringing in your ears?
  • Do people around you often seem to mumble?
  • Do you often need to ask people to repeat themselves?
  • Do others complain about you turning up the TV volume too high?
  • Do you have trouble following a conversation when more than one person is talking?
  • Do you have trouble hearing on the phone?
  • Do you have to listen carefully or put in extra effort to understand a conversation?
  • Do you have trouble hearing in noisy environments, such as restaurants?

Regardless of age if you answered yes to any of the above questions, you should consider scheduling a hearing evaluation. The RWJ Balance & Hearing Center, located at 2 Hamilton Health Place Hamilton Township, NJ, will be hosting free hearing screenings during Better Hearing and Speech Month on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 from 1- 3 p.m. with additional events taking place on Tuesday, June 14 and Tuesday, July 12. Screenings are open to the public. To register for screenings or to schedule an appointment call 609-245-7390.

To learn more about RWJUH Hamilton visit: http://www.rwjbh.org/Hamilton. For more information about community education programs and Better Health Programs (65+) offered by RWJUH Hamilton, visit rwjbh.org/events or call 609-584-5900.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com
State of NJ

U.S. Attorney Sellinger Announces Anti-Hate Crime Outreach, “United Against Hate” Initiative in New Jersey

April 20, 2022

NEWARK, N.J. – U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today his office’s participation in a first of its kind, anti-hate crime outreach program entitled United Against Hate, which seeks to directly connect federal, state, and local law enforcement with traditionally marginalized communities in order to build trust and encourage the reporting of hate crimes and hate incidents.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division joined U.S. Attorney Sellinger, Acting New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, and FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence Reilly to announce their federal and state partnership on this new initiative. After they spoke to an audience of community leaders, civil rights advocates, and community members, subject matter experts from their offices engaged in a presentation and direct discussions with community leaders and advocates about taking steps to identify, report, and prevent hate crimes and incidents.

“Hate crimes and discrimination are antithetical to the core principles underlying our democracy,” U.S. Attorney Sellinger said. “No one should ever be subject to acts of discrimination or hate because of where they are from, what they look like, whom they love, or how they worship. In response to a dramatic increase in hate crimes and hate incidents, we are launching the United Against Hate Initiative in New Jersey. Combatting hate crimes, hate incidents, and discrimination is core to our mission, and through dynamic outreach and prevention efforts, we are eager to take steps to combat hate beyond prosecution.”

“The U.S. Department of Justice continues to marshal all resources at its disposal to hold people who engage in unlawful, bias-motivated acts of hate accountable,” Assistant Attorney General Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division said. “Through United Against Hate, we are bringing together the Justice Department, local law enforcement, and community leaders to strengthen our overall efforts to combat hate crimes and prevent hate incidents. Our communities, schools, workplaces and homes are all safer when we stand unified in the fight against hate.”

“The ripple effect of hate crimes is felt hundreds, even thousands of miles away,” FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Reilly said. “People who identify with those victims see themselves and wonder ‘will it happen here?’ and ‘Will I be next?’ The Constitution of the United States grants us many freedoms. When any one of those freedoms – or any other constitutional right – is threatened or violated, we have to respond. And when I say ‘we,’ I’m not speaking just as a member of the FBI. I’m speaking as a member of the community. Because if we don’t respond, we risk the erosion of our very identity as a nation. That’s why the FBI embarked on a hate crimes awareness campaign last year. We want people to call us if they have witnessed or been subjected to a hate crime.”

“The numbers are clear. Hate and bias are at an all-time high across our nation and in New Jersey,” Acting Attorney General Platkin said. “One of the strongest tools we have at our disposal is the collaboration between government and community stakeholders. That is why I am proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with federal and state partners who share the same commitment and urgency to stem the tide of hate.”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey was chosen as one of three districts, out of 94 districts in the nation, to advance the United Against Hate outreach initiative. The U.S. Attorney’s Office plans to engage with communities across New Jersey to deepen connections with those communities, further hate crimes prevention efforts, and encourage more people to report hate crimes and hate incidents.

Last month, U.S. Attorney Sellinger announced the creation of a Civil Rights Division within the U.S. Attorney’s Office. This new division, which enforces both civil and criminal civil rights laws, will engage with local community members, advocacy groups, and other federal and state agencies to protect civil rights. The division will lead the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s efforts in implementing the United Against Hate initiative.

Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations through the https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/civil-rights-enforcement or may call the U.S. Attorney’s Civil Rights Hotline at (855) 281-3339.

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Jackson, Lakewood, Manchester, Ocean County

Manchester Man Charged with Federal Hate Crimes for a Series of Violent Assaults on Members of the Orthodox Jewish Community in and Around Lakewood

April 20, 2022

TRENTON, N.J. – An Ocean County, New Jersey, man was charged with federal hate crimes for a series of violent assaults on members of the Orthodox Jewish community in and around Lakewood, New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey and Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division announced today.

Dion Marsh, 27, of Manchester, New Jersey, is charged with four counts of violating the federal Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act and one count of carjacking. With respect to the hate crimes violations, Marsh is charged with willfully causing bodily injury to four victims, and attempting to kill and cause injuries with dangerous weapons to three of them, all because they were Jewish. Marsh is in custody on related state charges and will make his initial appearance on the federal charges on a date to be determined.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

At 1:18 p.m. on April 8, 2022, Marsh forced a visibly identifiable Orthodox Jewish man out of his car in Lakewood, assaulting and injuring him in the process. Marsh took control of the man’s car and drove away. A surveillance video in the area captured Marsh arriving in the area prior to the carjacking and assault.

At 6:06 p.m., Marsh was in Lakewood driving a different car when he deliberately struck another visibly identifiable Orthodox Jewish man with the vehicle, attempting to kill the victim and causing him to suffer several broken bones.

At 6:55 p.m., Marsh, once again driving the vehicle that he had stolen from the first victim, attempted to kill another visibly identifiable Orthodox Jewish man. Marsh used the stolen vehicle to deliberately strike the man, who was walking in Lakewood. Marsh got out of the vehicle and stabbed the man in the chest with a knife, causing the victim to suffer a stab wound and other injuries.

At 8:23 p.m., Marsh, still driving the vehicle that he had stolen from the first victim, used it to deliberately strike another visibly identifiable Orthodox Jewish man who was walking in nearby Jackson Township, New Jersey, attempting to kill the man and causing him to suffer several broken bones and internal injuries.

At 12:00 a.m. on April 9, 2022, law enforcement officers arrested Marsh at his residence.

The three hate crimes violations charging Marsh with attempting to kill those victims each carry a statutory maximum term of life in prison and a $250,000 fine. The hate crime violation charging Marsh with assaulting the other victim carries a statutory maximum term of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The carjacking charge carries a statutory maximum term of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of the FBI, Newark Division, Red Bank Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch Jr.; officers of the Lakewood Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Gregory H. Meyer; officers of the Jackson Township Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Matthew Kunz; officers of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy; prosecutors and detectives of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, and officers of the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Superintendent Col. Patrick J. Callahan, with the investigation leading to the charges.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Joseph Gribko of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Civil Rights Division.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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Manchester Man Charged with Attempted Murder, Carjacking, Bias Intimidation, Possession of a Weapon in Lakewood
Dion Marsh, 27, of Manchester Township

Dion Marsh, 27, of Manchester, New Jersey, is charged with four counts of violating the federal Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act and one count of carjacking. With respect to the hate crimes violations, Marsh is charged with willfully causing bodily injury to four victims, and attempting to kill and cause injuries with dangerous weapons to three of them, all because they were Jewish.

marsh.complaintDownload
Allentown, Allentown, Freehold, Monmouth County

Two Teens Killed and 3 Other Teens Injured in Tragic Route 9 Crash

A 15-year-old from Allentown High School and a 17-year-old from Freehold Regional High School District were pronounced deceased.

April 20, 2022

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–A single-car crash has claimed the life of two passengers in Freehold Township Tuesday evening, announced Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey.

On Tuesday April 19, 2022, at approximately 10:38 p.m., the Freehold Township Police Department responded to a report of an overturned vehicle. The subsequent investigation revealed that a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu, driven by a 17-year-old male from Howell, was travelling southbound on Route 9, in the vicinity of 3468 Rt. 9, when the vehicle changed lanes and the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing the vehicle to spin out. The vehicle ran off the road to the right side, striking a curb and several concrete bollards. The vehicle then rolled over and came to a final stop in front of 3468 Rt. 9.

As a result of the crash, two of the vehicle’s passengers, a 15-year-old male from Allentown, and a 17-year-old male from Manalapan, were pronounced deceased. The driver and two remaining passengers were taken to a local hospital. The driver and one passenger, a 15-year-old Manalapan girl, were treated for minor injuries and subsequently released; one other passenger, a 17-year-old Allentown male, remains held pending medical observation.

The crash remains under investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Monmouth County SCART and Freehold Township Police Department.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information to assist the investigative team is urged to contact Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Brian Boryszewski at 800-533-7443, or Freehold Township Police Department Officer Alexander Fay at 732-462-7908.

Dear UFRSD Community,

This morning, we received news of a tragic accident. Last night, one of our Allentown High School students was killed in a car accident. We also know that another student from an area high school was also killed. There were three survivors of the accident, one of which was from AHS.

News like this is the worst type of news for anyone to hear. Today, we are thinking of the parents, siblings and family of all families involved. Any support we can offer our families, we will.

In the meantime, we know that this can be an enormous challenge for students to process and understand; at times, it’s even hard for adults to comprehend a tragedy like this. Therefore, today and tomorrow, we are offering counseling services to students and staff. Today, we will have counselors available from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. and tomorrow (Thursday) from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. at Allentown High School (go to the main entrance).

If anyone needs any special help and support, please reach out directly to Mrs. Embley at embleyc@ufrsd.net.

The UFRSD will do whatever we can to support our students, staff and the families involved in this accident. We will keep everyone updated as information becomes available.

My best,

Mark Guterl

Superintendent of Schools