Physical Therpy For Injuries and Pain in Marlboro, NJ

MARLBORO, NJ — Michael Ballone is now superintendent of the Marlboro Township Public School District, the school board announced, citing his deep knowledge of the district and his rapport with students, staff and the community.

Ballone has been serving the district as acting superintendent since May of this year. Before that, he was assistant superintendent, a position he assumed in 2019.

As a supervisor of several content areas, then director of curriculum and instruction, Ballone developed a "thorough knowledge of the school district and deep understanding ofits staff and stakeholders," the board said.

And his interaction with students and the community was another factor in the board's choice: "Having been a student teacher, then teacher of English Language Arts, Mr. Ballone demonstrated a rapport with students and the community that is a hallmark of his tenure in the district," the board said.

The board is especially pleased to promote from within, said Board President Christina Russotto.

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

Ballone's ability to "foster trust through his transparent and collaborative decision making, along with his familiarity and expertise in all areas of our wonderful school district, made this decision apparent,” she said.

Ballone was named to the top spot at the Sept. 26 regular board meeting. The board is working on the terms of a tentative contract, which will be finalized at a public meeting in the near future, the district said.

He became acting superintendent upon the resignation of Superintendent Eric Hibbs in May, who is now superintendent of the Washington Township district, Gloucester County, according to the district website.

“I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Board of Education for entrusting me with this next step," Ballone said of his new role at "MTPS," Marlboro Township Public Schools.

"It is an important role, for it is the ultimate vantage point from which to view the district and its future. I am deeply committed to the values of MTPS, and I am eager to move forward collaboratively with the Board of Ed, teachers, staff, students, parents and guardians, and the larger Marlboro community to continue advancing the district's goals," he said.

He also thanked his colleagues throughout the district for their encouragement.

"Your phone calls, emails, conversations, and positive thoughts have been welcomed and appreciated along the journey," Ballone said.

He said that the "firm base that already exists in MTPS makes us ready to launch into new heights of achievement and success in the future. I am excited to lead the district in providing the highest quality education for all of our students and in supporting the professional growth and development of our dedicated staff.”

Marlboro Township Public School District serves approximately 4,500 students in the district, ranging from preschool through grade 8. In 2022, Frank Defino Central Elementary School in the district was recognized as one of the 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools in the Exemplary High Performing School category from the U.S. Department of Education.

MARLBORO, NJ — Dora Zanet is one of seven candidates seeking three full-term seats on the Marlboro Board of Education in the Nov. 7 school election.

She and Cheryl Scuorzo are running under the designation "Education Not Indoctrination," and are joined by candidate Craig Marshall, a former school board member, running under the designation "Advocating Family Values." Zanet is seeking her first term on the board.

Zanet, a resident of Marlboro for 26 years, has a link to more campaign information at https://2023boe.com/.

Other candidates in the election are listed below, with links to more information.

No current incumbents filed to run for re-election to the school board.

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

In these profiles, candidates provide voters with background about themselves and their positions on the issues, as they see them.

Zanet said she hopes to join the Board of Education to offer "a commitment to quality education, and an opportunity to address community concerns, ensuring that our schools remain free of politics."

Read more from Dora Zanet:

Background:

Candidates were asked to provide their professional or volunteer information, school board experience and personal background.

I have three sons who have successfully graduated from the Marlboro school district and continued to higher education, two of which returned to live in Marlboro, now with families of their own.

I have been an active part of this community, volunteering in the schools my sons attended as well as Saint Gabriel’s Church. I have taught religious education grades 2-8 and then 1st grade for seven years, including online instruction during COVID. I am still an active volunteer instructing the children’s Liturgy on Sunday.

I have developed and instructed a Mommy and Me at Busy Bear Nursery School (currently called Little Leapers) as well as Ivy League. I volunteered to develop and instructed a Mommy and Me for Saint Gabriel’s Church (Jesus’ Tiny Disciples) that was active until COVID restrictions were instituted. In earlier years I coordinated the children’s First Communion, and coordinated Christmas pageants with my first-grade religious education students.

Top issues:

Candidates were asked about the important issues in their district, and how the school board can address them.

I would like to continue to serve my community by joining the Marlboro Board of Education. With commitment to quality education, and an opportunity to address community concerns, ensuring that our schools remain free of politics.

I am hopeful that together with the present members - whose dedication is second to none - that the needs of our community are met, and most importantly our students will have the best educational experience.

Policy 5756:

Candidates were asked if they wanted to comment on state Policy 5756, which provides guidance regarding transgender students, including communication with parents. Some districts in the state are repealing or amending the policy.

Policy 5756 is currently a topic of high priority at the present time, with parents on both ends concerned for what is in the best interest of the children.

No child should feel unsafe, inept, and awkward in their school environment, and teachers should not be obligated to keep separate files for a child who chooses a gender identity that does not conform with their birth record.

Keeping in mind we are a K-8 school district, a child must be 18 to vote, 18 to have a tattoo without parental consent, and 21 to drink. I feel safe to say that those same children are incapable of making such a life altering decision without parental knowledge and involvement.

There are protocols in place for children with bullying issues, failing grades and a host of other issues. Our teachers, administrators and staff are well informed on how to proceed should such issues arise. The welfare of a child is always first and foremost and is delicately handled by the proper channels to insure the best out come for the family.

A gender crisis would be given the same attention and treatment and follow the same protocols. As our needs develop, we will prepare by continuing to educate the teachers, administrators and staff accordingly.

The duties and functions of the Board of Education go beyond the scope of this one policy; all policy, budget management, pressing issues and concerns of Marlboro stakeholders will be priorities to be addressed with the utmost diligence to ensure the continued excellence Marlboro schools offer.

Marlboro Township Board of Education (Full term; vote for three):

Freehold Regional High School District:

Representing Marlboro: Michael Messinger (vote for one, no contest)

MARLBORO-COLTS NECK, NJ — Visits and pictures with Santa are treasured traditions for many -Marlboro and Colts Neck families. For them, there’s nothing quite like seeing jolly old St. Nick live and in person.

In the Marlboro-Colts Neck area, kids can catch up with Santa at these events:

Marlboro

Dec. 10: Noon to 3 p.m. "Photos with Santa" event at Marlboro Fire Department. Free and festive event at 5 N. Main St. has food, music hot drinks and fire trucks - as well as Santa! If you'd like Santa to surprise your child with a gift, simply wrap it and label it with your child's name. Drop off the gift at 5 N. Main St., Marlboro, 07746 on Dec. 4 (8-9 p.m.), Dec. 9 (9-10 a.m.), Dec. 10: (9 a.m.-12 p.m.) If you have any further questions please do not hesitate sending us a FB message.

Colts Neck

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

Dec. 2: The 2023 Annual Tree Lighting will be held on Saturday, December 2 at Town Hall. The program begins at 4:30 p.m., featuring a selection of holiday tunes by the Colts Neck Brass Ensemble. The festivities continue with a sing a long, dance performances, the lighting of the tree, along with candy canes for children and hot chocolate and doughnuts for all. The highlight of the program will feature a special appearance of Santa Claus, who will visit with each child.

Dec. 3: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Colts Neck Historical Preservation Committee presents a Country Christmas at the Montrose Schoolhouse. Seasonal refreshments, and holiday music by the Mike Wells Trio will fill the historic one-room schoolhouse, the corner of Montrose Road and Cedar Drive. Chairperson, Monmouth County Commissioner Lillian Burry will read "The Night Before Christmas" to the children and adults alike. Santa Claus will take time out from his busy schedule to pose for free photos. The Christmas tree inside the school will be festooned with decorations appropriate to the period.

Dec. 16 and 17: 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. seatings, Breakfast with Santa, Colts Neck Fire Company #2, 50 Conover Road. There will be a 50/50 raffle and second and third place prizes. Tickets on sale. Just click here.

Holmdel

Dec. 17, 18: Noon to 3 p.m. Come to Historic Longstreet Farm, 44 Longstreet Road, Holmdel, and enjoy an old-fashioned Victorian Christmas. Children can visit with Santa, then take a walk to the farmhouse and have a cup of cider. Be sure to bring your camera. Free event.

Wall

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. 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.

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.

MARLBORO, NJ — There are 15 more acres added to the inventory of preserved open space in Marlboro, in the Beacon Hill section of Morganville, Mayor Jon Hornik announced.

Working with funding from the state, county and a contribution from the township's open space fund, Blocks 132, Lots 20.08 and 27 are now preserved, the township said.

“The objective of the township’s open space program is to take as much property off-line from development, as cost effectively as possible,” said Hornik. “With land values in Marlboro so high, this acquisition is a bargain by any measure, and protects more property from development.”

The parcels were on a family farm, located adjacent to an existing 34-acre preserved parcel located between Haven Way and Harrington Terrace, the township said.

The township used grants from the Green Acres Preservation Planning Incentive Grant and from a new Monmouth County Land Preservation Incentive Program, the township said.

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

The total acquisition price is $750,000, with $333,750 coming from the State of New Jersey and $312,500 from Monmouth County. The township’s share of $104,000 for this acquisition was raised through its existing dedicated 1-cent open space tax, the township said in a news release.

“This project required the cooperation of the State of New Jersey and Monmouth County. It showcases what can be accomplished when different levels of government act in pursuit of the same goal—in this case to preserve open space,” Hornik said.

In 2021, the Marlboro Agricultural and Open Space Committee recommended this property to be preserved. Shital Rajan, chairperson of the Open Space Committee wrote to the mayor: “By preserving this land as open space, it will add to the greenway and wildlife corridor and allow access to the ridge with the scenic views of the Sourland Mountains, Raritan Bay and New York City.”

Hornik acknowledged the efforts of the Marlboro Agricultural and Open Space Committee: "I continue to be grateful to these dedicated volunteers who help us protect precious acres from development. I want to extend my thanks and congratulations once again to the committee members for helping deliver another of 15 acres of preserved land,” he said.

The Agricultural Advisory Committee is comprised of Chairwoman Heidi Rajan and Elmer Geran. The Open Space Committee includes Chairman Capt. Shital Rajan and members Raymond Gloede, Jillian Sherman, Francine Owitz and James Dwyer.

Monmouth County Board of Commissioners Director Thomas Arnone commented on the project: “We are always excited to continue our partnership with our local municipalities. This Marlboro acquisition will add preserved land continuing the great quality of life for our residents.”

County Commissioner Ross Licitra, also a Marlboro resident, said: “The Monmouth County Board of Commissioners is thrilled to be working in partnership with Marlboro Township on a joint venture preserving the (farm) within the township. Anytime open space is preserved is always a benefit for the community and of course our wildlife.”

Hornik said the new acquisition is part of the township's long-range planning:

"This acquisition meets another important program objective, which is to expand existing open space areas. Residents today, and for generations to come will now have the opportunity enjoy nearly 50 acres of passive recreation area,” Hornik said.

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Asher Kantor has been a volunteer with the Robertsville Volunteer Fire Company for over five years.

The Communication Solutions Group, Community Contributor

Helping to protect his community and seeing how people unite for others in times of trouble is one of the most satisfying aspects of being in the fire service for Asher Kantor.

He first learned about Robertsville Volunteer Fire Company whilst volunteering with Marlboro First Aid as an EMT. A couple of his fellow EMTs were also volunteers at Robertsville Volunteer Fire Company, and after accompanying them on a trip to the fire station, Asher decided to join.

Five-and-a-half-years later, Asher is now a seasoned volunteer firefighter, serving as the fire company’s Second Lieutenant, Vice President and a member on several committees.

“The best part about being a volunteer is knowing you are part of the big picture, working alongside the EMS, police and the other local fire companies to keep Marlboro Township safe,” he said. “There have been many skills I have gained volunteering with the fire department that I have been able to translate to other aspects of life. I have strengthened my leadership skills and I have been able to stay calm in stressful situations on and off of the fireground.”

Asher describes the atmosphere of the fire company as quite unique, one where members operate similar to a family business. They get the job done, and at the end of the day, they are always there for one another.

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

“Being a volunteer firefighter is one of the best decisions anyone can make. When you join, you fall in love with it and find ways to make it work with your already busy schedule. All of our members work, go to school and have kids, yet we still make the time to do what we love,” said Asher.

Robertsville Volunteer Fire Company operates as a 100% volunteer organization, committed to providing a quick response time and the highest level of emergency services to the community. No experience is required to join, and training and gear will be provided for free.

Learn more about how you can start making a difference in the community, visit www.fightrobertsvillefires.org/join-us/ to join.