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Avoid Surgery and Reduce Pain with

Advanced Knee Pain Treatment in Wall, NJ

Are you experiencing knee pain symptoms such as popping, clicking, bone-on-bone grinding, achiness, or sharp stabs? You're not alone in this journey. Knee pain affects nearly 25% of adults in the United States, causing discomfort, swelling, and chronic pain that can hinder everyday activities like childcare, walking, and exercise. Shockingly, recent statistics from The American Academy of Family Physicians indicate a 65% increase in diagnosed knee pain cases.

In a world where invasive surgeries and prescription painkillers are often the default solutions, it's crucial to explore the effective non-invasive options that are available. These alternative treatments provide relief without the associated risks of surgery.

Today, many doctors still recommend invasive surgeries and prescription painkillers rather than exploring non-invasive options. While those treatments are needed in some circumstances, there are alternative treatments available that can help you overcome knee pain without needing to go under the knife.

NJ Sports Spine and Wellness' advanced knee pain treatment in Wall, NJ gives men and women suffering from knee pain hope. Instead of relying on surgery, our team of doctors and physical therapists use non-invasive, highly effective treatments to help heal prevalent conditions such as:

Arthritis

Soft tissue injury

ACL tears

MCL tears

Patella dislocation

Misalignment of the kneecap

Patella tendonitis

Jumper's knee

Osgood Schlatter's Disease

Knee

With the right treatment,

many people can reduce their pain and improve their function, allowing them to return to normal daily activities. Plus, by taking preventative measures and seeking prompt care from our team, it's possible to reduce your risk of developing chronic knee pain and other painful knee conditions. If you've been searching for a non-invasive way to eliminate knee pain and get back to an active life, your journey to recovery starts here.

Let's take a closer look at some of the knee pain treatments available at NJ Sports Spine and Wellness, which all serve as great alternatives to knee replacement surgery.

Physical Therapy:

Optimizing Musculoskeletal Health with Conservative Care

The field of Physical Therapy (PT) aims to rehabilitate individuals who have experienced injury, illness, or disability by restoring their mobility and function. Physical therapists cater to patients of various ages and capabilities, ranging from young athletes to senior citizens, in order to help them surpass physical limitations and improve their standard of living with advanced knee pain treatment in Wall, NJ.

At NJ Sports Spine and Wellness, our physical therapy program was founded on a patient-centric philosophy, where physical therapists work closely with patients to get a deep understanding of their goals, preferences, and capabilities. In doing so, they can create a tailor-made treatment strategy to address their unique knee pain with the goal of avoiding a knee replacement. Treatment may involve exercises that are therapeutic in nature and can include:

  • Joint mobilizations
  • Soft tissue mobilization using cupping
  • Graston technique
  • Soft tissue massage
  • Stretching of associated muscle groups

Joint Mobilization for Knee Pain

This unique knee pain solution involves physical therapists using skilled manual therapy techniques to help improve your joint range of motion while simultaneously reducing your knee pain.

During joint mobilization, a physical therapist applies targeted pressures or forces to a joint in specific directions to improve its mobility. The intensity of the force applied can vary, and it is adjusted based on the patient's comfort level. Joint mobilization is generally pain-free.

STM

Soft Tissue Mobilization (STM)

Soft Tissue Mobilization is a manual therapy technique that involves stretching and applying deep pressure to rigid muscle tissue. This helps to relax muscle tension and move fluids that are trapped in the tissues that cause pain and inflammation. This effective form of physical therapy is often used as an advanced knee pain treatment in Wall, NJ for treating knee strains, knee sprains, knee pain, and more.

Graston

The Graston Technique

The Graston Technique involves the use of handheld instruments to identify and break up scar tissue through specialized massage. During a Graston Technique session, physical therapists use convex and concave tools for cross-friction massage, which involves rubbing or brushing against the grain of the scar tissue. This process re-introduces small amounts of trauma to the affected area. In some cases, this process temporarily causes inflammation, which can actually boost the amount and rate of blood flow in the knee. This process helps initiate and promote the healing process so you can get back to a normal life.

Massage

Soft Tissue Massage

Soft tissue massage is a less intense form of massage than it's deep-tissue relative. Instead of focusing on slow and firm strokes to reach the deep layers of muscles and tissues, this massage technique uses a variety of pressures, depths, and durations. Soft tissue massage is helpful in alleviating different types of knee aches, pains, and injuries. Soft tissue massages can also help reduce stress, improve circulation, and promote relaxation.

Advanced Mechanics and Technology:

The Future of Knee Pain Therapy

While knee pain is a common symptom that affects millions of Americans every year, no two cases of knee pain are ever exactly alike. Some types of knee injuries require non-traditional solutions. At New Jersey Sports Spine and Wellness, we offer a range of treatments that leverage mechanics and technology to help patients recover from injuries while treating inflammation and pain as well as resolve the root cause of the pain.

AlterAlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmill

The AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmill is equipped with NASA Differential Air Pressure (DAP) technology, which is a precise air calibration system that uses the user's actual body weight to enhance rehabilitation and training. By utilizing a pressurized air chamber, the AlterG allows patients and athletes to move without any pain or restrictions.

This advanced knee pain treatment in Wall, NJ uniformly reduces gravitational load and body weight up to 80% in precise 1% increments. The results can be incredible, with patients reporting benefits such as:

  • Restoring and building of knee strength
  • Restored range of motion in the knee
  • Better balance
  • Improved knee function
  • More

What Makes the AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmill So Effective?

The AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmill can monitor various metrics such as speed, gait pattern, stride length, and weight distribution. With real-time feedback and video monitoring, your rehabilitation team can promptly and accurately identify issues and pain points or monitor your progress throughout your knee pain rehabilitation journey.

One of the key benefits of this cutting-edge equipment is that it replicates natural walking and movement patterns without the artificial feel that hydrotherapy or harnesses create. This makes it an excellent choice for faster recovery after knee injuries or surgeries, as it allows for early mobilization while also preserving strength. Furthermore, it is ideal for sports recovery as athletes can use it for physical conditioning maintenance.

Advanced Knee Pain Treatment Wall, NJ
Advanced Knee Pain Treatment Wall, NJ

Low-Level Laser Therapy

Our advanced treatment modalities for knee pain include laser therapy, which harnesses the revolutionary power of light through photobiomodulation (PBM). LiteCureâ„¢ low-level laser therapy is available for acute and chronic types of knee pain and can be hugely beneficial when coupled with physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic care, and sports recovery care.

Understanding Photobiomodulation (PBM)

PBM is a medical treatment that harnesses the power of light to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities. The photons from the light penetrate deep into the tissue and interact with mitochondria, which results in a boost in energy production. This interaction sets off a biological chain reaction that increases cellular metabolism. Utilizing low-level light therapy has been shown to:

  • Alleviate knee pain
  • Speed up tissue healing
  • Promote overall health and wellness
  • Expedite knee pain injury recovery
Advanced Knee Pain Treatment Wall, NJ

Exclusive Access to

Pain Management Professionals

At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, we know that every patient requires a personalized approach to chronic knee pain and condition management. Sometimes, our patients need access to pain management professionals, who can offer relief in conjunction with physical therapy and other solutions like low-level laser therapy.

Two of the most common services we offer for pain management includes acupuncture which can assist in avoiding knee replacement surgery.

Acupuncture is a common treatment for knee pain that involves inserting thin needles into specific points in your knee. This ancient Chinese medicine has gained popularity in Western culture due to its effectiveness in treating various conditions with minimal side effects.

Acupuncture works by stimulating the nervous system to release various biochemicals, including endorphins and other neurotransmitters. The release of these chemicals helps to reduce inflammation, decrease pain perception, and improve overall blood circulation.

Multiple studies have shown that acupuncture can be effective in treating knee pain caused by a variety of conditions, including osteoarthritis and injuries related to physical activity like running. Acupuncture can also help reduce inflammation, improve muscle function, and decrease pain perception, making it a viable treatment on its own or as an addition to traditional treatment methods like physical therapy.

When undergoing acupuncture, a professional acupuncturist will insert thin needles into specific acupoints on the skin. These needles are left in place for roughly 20 to 30 minutes and may be gently stimulated for an enhanced effect. Patients might experience a slight tingle or warmth at the needle insertion site, but overall, acupuncture is considered a painless procedure.

Acupuncture has been a trusted and effective treatment option for thousands of years. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes acupuncture as a legitimate form of healthcare, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has even funded research studies to explore its efficacy for a range of medical conditions. To learn more about acupuncture for knee pain, contact NJSSW today.

Advanced Knee Pain Treatment Wall, NJ

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a common treatment for knee pain that involves inserting thin needles into specific points in your knee. This ancient Chinese medicine has gained popularity in Western culture due to its effectiveness in treating various conditions with minimal side effects.

Acupuncture works by stimulating the nervous system to release various biochemicals, including endorphins and other neurotransmitters. The release of these chemicals helps to reduce inflammation, decrease pain perception, and improve overall blood circulation.

Multiple studies have shown that acupuncture can be effective in treating knee pain caused by a variety of conditions, including osteoarthritis and injuries related to physical activity like running. Acupuncture can also help reduce inflammation, improve muscle function, and decrease pain perception, making it a viable treatment on its own or as an addition to traditional treatment methods like physical therapy.

Advanced Knee Pain Treatment Wall, NJ

What Happens During Acupuncture Therapy for Knee Pain?

When undergoing acupuncture, a professional acupuncturist will insert thin needles into specific acupoints on the skin. These needles are left in place for roughly 20 to 30 minutes and may be gently stimulated for an enhanced effect. Patients might experience a slight tingle or warmth at the needle insertion site, but overall, acupuncture is considered a painless procedure.

Advanced Knee Pain Treatment Wall, NJ

Is Acupuncture Actually Effective for Knee Pain?

Acupuncture has been a trusted and effective treatment option for thousands of years. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes acupuncture as a legitimate form of healthcare, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has even funded research studies to explore its efficacy for a range of medical conditions. To learn more about acupuncture for knee pain, contact NJSSW today.

Avoid Knee Replacements with Advanced Knee Pain Treatment in Wall, NJ

Advanced Knee Pain Treatment Wall, NJ

When it comes to knee pain therapies and treatments, getting a knee replacement should be last on your list. Why put your body through such trauma if you haven't tried other non-invasive treatment options? Whether you're an athlete trying to work through a knee injury or you're over 65 and are dealing with osteoarthritis, NJ Sports Spine and Wellness can help.

It all starts with an introductory consultation at our office in Matawan or Marlboro. During your first visit, we'll talk to you about your knee pain symptoms, the goals you have in mind, and the advanced knee pain treatments available to you at our practice. From there, it's only a matter of time before you get back to a healthy, active lifestyle.

Every day you wait can worsen your knee condition. Contact us today and let our team help get you on the road to recovery and life with painful knees.

Latest News in Wall, NJ

Child Forced Into Closet By Wall Teacher, Lawsuit Says

Wall Board of Education, music teachers sued by parents of a 4th-grade girl who, they allege, was put in a drum closet for laughing.|Updated Mon, Oct 30, 2023 at 2:39 pm ETThe incident involving the fourth-grade girl took place April 8, 2022, when, the suit alleges, the student's instrumental music class teacher isolated her in a drum closet for two to three minutes because she was "allegedly laughing," said attorney Austin Tobin, representing the family and the student.Edward and Azuree Albanese, parents of ...

Wall Board of Education, music teachers sued by parents of a 4th-grade girl who, they allege, was put in a drum closet for laughing.

|Updated Mon, Oct 30, 2023 at 2:39 pm ET

The incident involving the fourth-grade girl took place April 8, 2022, when, the suit alleges, the student's instrumental music class teacher isolated her in a drum closet for two to three minutes because she was "allegedly laughing," said attorney Austin Tobin, representing the family and the student.

Edward and Azuree Albanese, parents of the student, are suing the Wall Board of Education and teacher Jessica Berube and another teacher, Adrienne Foutz, according to the complaint filed Oct. 13.

Find out what's happening in Wallwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"School is a place for students to not only learn an academic curriculum, but should also serve as an environment for children to cultivate confidence and engage in meaningful social interaction. It is therefore incumbent upon teachers, administrators, and staff to facilitate a positive and inclusive social setting where students feel safe at all times," the suit sets forth.

Tobin said that, in this case, the Wall administration and teachers "completely and utterly abdicated these responsibilities."

The suit alleges that the board "has still, to this day, failed to (1) conduct an appropriate investigation into the April 8, 2022 incident or (2) take any meaningful remedial action with respect to same."

The suit alleges these incidents:

According to the suit, the parents of the student were never contacted directly by a school employee at any point in time on April 8, 2022, or after to advise that the incident took place.

"In fact, (the) parents only became aware of same the following day at a softball game at which time they were informed of same from a parent whose child was in (the) class."

According to the complaint, after learning of the April 8, 2022 incident, Mrs. Albanese complained to the principal of Central Elementary School, Jill Antoniello via email and telephone on April 9, 2022. At that time, Antoniello stated that Foutz had denied that the girl was put in the closet in Berube’s classroom.

Albanese also informed her daughter's 4th-grade teacher of the incident and told her that it had been difficult to convince the girl to return to school due to the aftermath of the incident.

The suit also recounts the emotional reaction of the student after the incident:

After the incident, the girl "was continuously humiliated and embarrassed at school, as students constantly asked (her) if she was, in fact, put inside the classroom closet. As a result, the girl experienced "a mental health crisis at school on May 10, 2022, necessitating immediate intervention by the school guidance counselor, Lauren Young," according to the lawsuit. The suit did not specify the nature of the crisis.

The girl "continues to experience severe emotional distress and trauma as a result of the April 8, 2022 incident. She experiences periods of anxiousness, has no longer wanted to attend Central Elementary School for periods of time, and exhibits diminished self-esteem and symptoms of depression," the suit says.

The suit says that the school and teachers involved "were, clearly and unequivocally, grossly negligent and reckless in permitting (the student) to be subjected to such unlawful conduct. Fortunately, New Jersey law provides redress for victims of such conduct."

Tobin said neither he nor the parents have had a response or legal answer on the matter from the district. The district, as a public entity, was given notice of the complaint, as required by law, six months before the filing of the suit, he noted.

The district did not immediately respond to Patch with a response.

Tobin is an attorney with McOmber McOmber & Luber, with several offices, including one in Red Bank.

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Where To See Santa In The Wall Area This Christmas Season

WALL, NJ — Visits and pictures with Santa are treasured traditions for many Wall-area families. For them, there’s nothing quite like seeing jolly old St. Nick live and in person.In Wall, kids can catch up with Santa at these events:Dec. 2, 3 weekends through Dec. 16, 17: New Jersey Museum of Transportation presents the Christmas Express with Santa, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Fare is $7 for all. is Located at Allaire State Park on Route 524, Wall...

WALL, NJ — Visits and pictures with Santa are treasured traditions for many Wall-area families. For them, there’s nothing quite like seeing jolly old St. Nick live and in person.

In Wall, kids can catch up with Santa at these events:

Dec. 2, 3 weekends through Dec. 16, 17: New Jersey Museum of Transportation presents the Christmas Express with Santa, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. Fare is $7 for all. is Located at Allaire State Park on Route 524, Wall. Click the museum's Facebook site for details.

Dec. 8: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. (rain date Dec. 11) Wall Municipal Building, 2700 Allaire Road, Wall 07719. Annual Holiday Tree Lighting, with craft making, giveaways for the kids, dessert, performances and more. Plus a special visit from Santa Claus.

Dec. 10, 17: Historic Allaire Village - Christmas at Allaire from 12 noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays, Dec. 10 and 17. See the Village transformed into an enchanting showcase of holiday cheer. Visit includes a surprise visit by Santa Claus. Tickets can be purchased in advance for just $8 per person (children 2 and under admitted for free) or at the door (if available) for $10 (children 2 and under admitted for free). Advanced purchase is highly recommended. See the Village event website for more details.

Find out what's happening in Wallwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Dec. 13: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Wall Municipal Building (downstairs), 2700 Allaire Road, Wall 07719. Cookies with Santa; Wall residents only, $5 per child, meet Santa, take photos. Register on Community Pass. Youth Center is at 732-681-1375.

And you can find other chances to meet with Santa:

Freehold Raceway Mall, 3710 Route 9, Freehold Township offers "Experience the Magic of Santa." Children can visit Santa’s winter wonderland at the Lower Level, Zara Court. A visit with Santa is always free and photo packages are available for purchase.

Here's how to go about making an appointment: Pre-Booking your visit is recommended to help reduce wait time and it's easy.

There are also special holiday events:

Santa Cares: In partnership with Autism Speaks, the mall has reserved a time for special sensory-friendly Santa experiences. Sunday, Dec. 3 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Pet Night: Bring your favorite pets to see Santa and support the Humane Society with any photo experience on Mondays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Dec. 4. Please enter and exit via the lower level entrance by Old Navy just prior to, and immediately after, your Santa visit.

Check the mall website for other shopping tips and to learn about partnership of the mall and the United Way of Monmouth & Ocean Counties for winter coat donations.

Monmouth Mall: Eatontown, Routes 35 and 36; Santa is now located in the common area opposite Macy's. You can make reservations here for this holiday tradition and see the full schedule. There is also an opportunity for photos for your pet. See the "Santa Paws" site to book a reservation.

Magic of Lights, PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, through Dec. 30. Sundays to Thursday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Fridays to Saturdays, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Enjoy visits with Santa at Toyota Holiday Village.

Santa at American Dream: Here are the hours: https://www.americandream.com/photos-with-santa# They also offer pet photos with Santa Sundays: Dec. 3, 10 and 17 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Payout To Wall HS Principal Disclosed; Search On For Replacement

WALL, NJ — As the Wall Board of Education begins the search for a new Wall High School principal, details are emerging about how the principal who has been on leave since spring 2022 is being compensated.Wall High School Principal Rosaleen Sirchio has been on a paid leave since a senior class trip to Disney World in March 2022. The district has not specified the reason for the leave, and the district has not explained any details regarding the trip.Sirchio, 54, will remain on paid leave and will receive her $200,763 salar...

WALL, NJ — As the Wall Board of Education begins the search for a new Wall High School principal, details are emerging about how the principal who has been on leave since spring 2022 is being compensated.

Wall High School Principal Rosaleen Sirchio has been on a paid leave since a senior class trip to Disney World in March 2022. The district has not specified the reason for the leave, and the district has not explained any details regarding the trip.

Sirchio, 54, will remain on paid leave and will receive her $200,763 salary until the end of the calendar year, according to a separation agreement obtained by app.com through a public records request. The board will place her on a leave of absence from Jan. 1 to June 30, 2024, according to the media report, during which Sirchio will receive an additional $99,116 payment for accumulated unused sick days, personal days and floating holidays before retiring.

Board President Christine Steitz cited privacy concerns when discussing personnel matters and did not confirm details to Patch about the separation agreement.

"When representing the staff and students of the district, The Board of Education must be mindful to respect the privacy of individuals related to confidential matters and refrain from direct commentary. All members of the Wall Schools community should be secure in the knowledge that their right to privacy will be honored," Steitz said.

Find out what's happening in Wallwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"In the case of any staff member’s departure, it is important to acknowledge that the Board appreciates positive contributions made to our students’ success and our best wishes for future endeavors."

Regarding the search for a new Wall High School principal, she said "At this time, the district, including parent and student representatives, is interviewing candidates to fulfill the permanent position of principal at Wall High School.

Dr. Peter Righi has been acting principal of Wall High School, while Sirchio remains on a paid leave. Righi's appointment was announced at a meeting of the Wall Township Board of Education on Oct. 18, 2022.

Superintendent Tracy Handerhan, who had worked with Righi previously, including when he was superintendent of the Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School District, had also been serving as the interim principal at the high school prior to his appointment.

"The search to secure an outstanding candidate is a top priority. We are focused on the future of our high school community, while acknowledging we are building on the foundation set by previous and current staff members who have served our students with outstanding effort and pride," Steitz said.

She said "our new leader will join the district team focusing on initiatives to continually broaden the academic, social and emotional strengths of our kids as they grow into young adulthood. We hope our stakeholders will join the board and the district leadership and embrace the opportunity to support these ongoing ambitions for growth."

Sirchio's administrative leave came about after a senior class to trip to Disney World in March 2022. Sirchio's salary at that time was $194,809, according to a past Patch article.

After that trip, Erin Embom, then the Wall Intermediate School principal, was also placed on administrative leave. But in June 22, the school board approved her returning to the district as principal of the Wall Primary School, a K to 5 school, and also being its curriculum director. That move combines two positions, the former board president noted at the time. Embon's salary for the positions was $173,261.

Ex-NJ Resident Wins 'Revenge Porn' Suit Against Former Math Teacher

Nude photos Kaitlyn Cannon sent to a boyfriend while in college were lost, but later posted on a porn site by Wall math teacher, jury finds.OCEAN COUNTY, NJ — A former Wall High School student has successfully sued an ex-Wall math teacher for posting to a porn website her nude and semi-nude photos she sent to a boyfriend years before.Kaitlyn Cannon was awarded $10,000 after a civil trial in Ocean County Superior Court, her lawyer said.The jury before Judge Valter Must in Toms River in a 6-1 verdict awarded the co...

Nude photos Kaitlyn Cannon sent to a boyfriend while in college were lost, but later posted on a porn site by Wall math teacher, jury finds.

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ — A former Wall High School student has successfully sued an ex-Wall math teacher for posting to a porn website her nude and semi-nude photos she sent to a boyfriend years before.

Kaitlyn Cannon was awarded $10,000 after a civil trial in Ocean County Superior Court, her lawyer said.

The jury before Judge Valter Must in Toms River in a 6-1 verdict awarded the compensatory damages against her former teacher, Christopher Doyle, who has since resigned from Wall and teaches in another district. Cannon is now 29.

And while the award was not large, one of her attorneys said it vindicated her.

"Kaitlyn will have to monitor the internet for the rest of her life. She will be in therapy the rest of her life," one of her attorneys in the case, Cali Madia, said. The lead attorney was Daniel Szalkiewicz of New York, Madia said.

The suit against Doyle, whom Madia said lived in Ocean County but has since moved to Burlington County, came about when a friend of Cannon's alerted her in 2018 that her photos were on an online porn site that uses non-consensual photos of women. Her photos were sent by phone to her now former boyfriend years before while in college, Madia said.

Her boyfriend had told her that he had lost his phone, and Madia said from texts and interaction between the two it was clear that was the case.

According to documents filed in the lawsuit, "a couple of photos depicted only Cannon's face, several others showed her exposed breasts, genitals, naked buttocks, or in only her undergarments."

The civil suit was filed in 2019, Madia said, when her attorneys were able to track Doyle's IP address from Optimum Cable, used to access the website.

"Upon learning the name of the individual who had posted her intimate images online for the world to see, Cannon realized that the person responsible was a teacher at her high school. She never sent Mr. Doyle her images, did not consent to him sharing them online," the suit said.

Also, that the images were posted "on a board devoted to images of young women associated with the Town of Wall confirms that he was aware of (Cannon's) identity when he posted the images and wanted others to know her true identity as well." the suit said.

The suit said Cannon's attorneys notified the website on March 29, 2018, that the images were posted without her consent. The images were removed on April 4, 2018, the suit noted.

Doyle's attorney, James Uliano of West Long Branch, was not immediately available to comment Thursday on the outcome of the case. But Uliano did comment to NJ.com that the jury found Doyle did not inflict emotional distress on Cannon and declined to award punitive damages.

Doyle resigned from his position in Wall when faced with the allegations, Madia said. Cannon had long since been out of the district when the posting happened.

Madia said the entire incident has changed the direction of Cannon's life.

Cannon began her career working as a television producer for an educational network, she said.

Now Cannon, who lives in another state, has become a licensed social worker, specializing in helping people who have been victimized on the internet.

"There is a dearth of resources," in that area, Madia said.

Civil law has changed too, in such cases since the case was filed.

Madia said it was "a little surprising" that punitive damages were not found against Doyle.

But as of October 2022, a new law requires juries who award compensatory damages to also award a minimum of $150,000 in punitive damages for the plaintiff, Madia said. She said juries can also award more than that to deter such activities.

With No Candidates Filed, Write-Ins Key To Wall School Board Election

WALL, NJ — The Wall Township Board of Education has three terms expiring this December, but no one has filed petitions to run for the spots in the November election, according to county records.So the school board election is in sort of a wait-and-see mode, pending write-in candidates entered on Election Day, observers of the board say. Write-in candidates just need to be registered voters, they say.According to the Monmouth County clerk of elections office at the ...

WALL, NJ — The Wall Township Board of Education has three terms expiring this December, but no one has filed petitions to run for the spots in the November election, according to county records.

So the school board election is in sort of a wait-and-see mode, pending write-in candidates entered on Election Day, observers of the board say. Write-in candidates just need to be registered voters, they say.

According to the Monmouth County clerk of elections office at the MonmouthCountyVotes.com site, no one has filed petitions for the board positions as of the July 31 deadline. "No petition filed" was cited as of Aug. 10 for the three spots on the Wall school board on the county website.

Current members Kristen Hodnett, Christopher San Filippo and Kenneth Wondrack are all members of the board with terms ending at the end of 2023, according to the district website.

San Filippo, who will have served two terms over six years as of December, was able to be reached Thursday. He said he has many other obligations with coaching and his family. But he "fulfilled his obligation" to the board, having completed his terms, he said.

Find out what's happening in Wallwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

He said he hopes write-ins will step up, and said some might prefer that sort of campaign compared with collecting the many signatures needed for a petition. He said campaigns might also develop through social media sites.

The New Jersey School Boards Association, a nonpartisan organization that serves its school board membership, provided guidance on state law on the general situation in which no candidates file for office.

The NJSBA is a state-created federation of boards of education. It provides mandated governance training to the board members, its website states.

The following laws would apply, according to Thomas Parmalee, manager of communications/publications for the New Jersey School Boards Association:

The school boards association provided more explanation of the write-in process.

Regarding potential write-in candidates, Parmalee said that some write-in candidates may be known, and some others may not. There is no obligation for a write-in candidate to campaign.

"It is possible for a write-in candidate to promote they are running by writing letters to the editor, posting signs or otherwise letting citizens know they would like their name to be written in for an elected office," he said.

He said the county clerk would, as usual, have to certify the results of the election. Assuming the results are certified, and if the write in candidate(s) accept the position – and as long as they meet the statutory requirements to serve on a board of education – they would be elected to the board, he said.

In 2022, candidates filed for all the open terms, but there was no contest in the election.

Being a board member hasn't been easy here - or in many other districts with many national issues played out in Board of Education meetings.

In Wall, the district experienced controversy with a hazing incident disclosed in September and October of 2021, a matter investigated by the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office. There were certain suspensions and re-instatements and realignments of administrative staff in connection to that and, separately, in connection to a senior class trip to Disneyworld, as you can see summarized in a past Patch article.

But there were accomplishments by the board, as well.

It saw a major referendum approved by voters for improvements to the district's schools. The board also filled the Wall High School principal spot with an acting principal who is an experienced administrator. (The principal is still on paid leave in the Disneyworld issue.)

The December referendum had two questions:

Question 1 proposed $53 million in bonds. This question passed by 1,915 votes to 1,039 votes, in unofficial results. This measure would fund widespread roof and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) repairs, electrical and mechanical system upgrades, and restroom modernizations. It also includes renovations to several instructional classrooms and the Wall High School auditorium.

Question 2 proposed $13.5 million in bonds. This question passed by 1,715 votes to 1,225 votes, in unofficial results. This bond will fund more specifically located HVAC, electrical, and site upgrades; window replacements; art room renovations; and upgrades to expand use of Wall High School’s athletic facilities, the district has said.

Passage of the referendum also brought in millions of state aid to the district.

You can read about the referendum in a past Patch article: Wall School Bonding Questions Are Approved In Unofficial Results.

The district also, on its website, has photos of work being done this summer as a result of the referendum on the roof of Wall High School and other projects at Allenwood School. You can read financial summaries there, too. The site does not provide a written progress report as yet.

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