Monmouth County News Briefs, Sept. 28

United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties (UWMOC) has kicked off its 10th annual Warmest Wishes Coat Drive for local preschool, elementary and middle school children in need.

UWMOC is collecting new winter coats in toddler sizes 3T to 4T and children’s sizes Extra Small to Extra Large to be distributed to more than 50 schools throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties. The collection will run through Nov. 1, according to a press release.

“We began the Warmest Wishes Coat Drive in 2012 in response to our community’s need for winter outerwear due to the surge of families struggling from the effects of Superstorm Sandy,” said Lori-Anne McLane, president and CEO of United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

“Now in its 10th year, we hope to continue to grow the drive and meet our goal of keeping 4,000 local kids warm this winter. As more and more families continue to experience financial difficulty, basic essentials such as coats are needed now more than ever,” McLane said.

The Warmest Wishes Coat Drive works with United Way’s Community Impact initiatives in education, financial stability and health. Since the inception of the annual drive, UWMOC has distributed more than 13,500 coats to local children in need, according to the press release.

Coats can be purchased online and shipped directly to United Way, or arrangements can be made for donations to be dropped off at United Way’s office in Wall Township. Monetary donations can also be made online for UWMOC staff to purchase coats; every $25 gift is equal to one new children’s coat, according to the press release.

Donation boxes for new coats will also be available at Investors Bank locations throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties. To find a branch, visit investorsbank.com

For more information about the Warmest Wishes Coat Drive, visit uwmoc.org/WarmestWishes

 

Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft, celebrated a special occasion on Sept. 17 – the Installation Mass of the fourth president in school history, R. Ross Fales.

The Mass was celebrated by Father John Folchetti at St. Leo the Great, Lincroft, with
Brothers, trustees, faculty members, students, family and friends in attendance, according to a press release.

Brother Robert Shaefer, Provincial of the Brothers’ District of Eastern North America, guided
Fales in reciting the presidential oath of office and presented him with a medallion engraved with the school seal.

CBA’s new president is no stranger to the academy, as Fales has been an administrator
since 2006 and most recently served as the school’s ninth principal for seven years. During
his time at CBA, he has also been the associate principal for student affairs and dean of
students, as well as a member of the science faculty, according to the press release.

In his role as president, Fales is the academy’s “institution builder,” serving as the chief
administrator.

CBA is an independent, Catholic, college preparatory school for young men. The school was founded in 1959 and taught in the Lasallian tradition.

 

A Howell resident who ran an illegal gambling business has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for filing a false tax return, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Steven Bryce, 52, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Anne E. Thompson to Count Five of an indictment charging him with subscribing to a false tax return. U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi imposed the sentence on Sept. 20 in Trenton federal court, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

According to documents filed in the case and statements made in court, in 2013, Bryce operated an illegal gambling business.

On July 14, 2014, Bryce filed with the IRS U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, Form 1040, for calendar year 2013 on behalf of himself and his spouse, which falsely stated they had total income of $112,899.

The 2013 tax return was not true and correct: Bryce received significant income from his gambling business and, as a result, had income substantially in excess of the amount he reported.

As part of his plea agreement, Bryce agreed to pay full restitution of $338,885 to the IRS for tax losses resulting from false tax returns filed by Bryce for calendar years 2011 to 2016.

In addition to the prison term and restitution, Quraishi sentenced Bryce to one year of supervised release and a $50,000 fine, according to the press release.

 

Brookdale Community College will hold a Fall Open House on Oct. 23 beginning at 1 p.m. on the Lincroft campus. Prospective students and their families can become acquainted with Brookdale’s opportunities and pathways to success.

The day will start with a welcome from President David M. Stout in the Collins Arena (parking lot 6).

Guests will then be guided across campus to explore 70-plus academic programs, meet the faculty, learn about financial aid and scholarship opportunities, meet Brookdale’s university partners and gain information about transfer opportunities to completing a bachelor’s degree, according to a press release.

The Student Life Center will be open for exploring student-centered programs and services, including a new Wellness Center and the 45 clubs available at Brookdale.

For more information, call 732-224-1857. RSVP at https://brookdalecc.elluciancrmrecruit.com/Apply/Events/EventDetails?eventId=2235912a-f41e-ed11-8a03-0edd24c1bbab