Home Care In Sea Girt, NJ

GOLD COAST TOWNS— After more than a decade of students growing up in a school world dominated by Chromebooks, tablets and typing assignments, New Jersey is bringing back a skill that many adults still remember learning in elementary school: cursive handwriting.

In his final hours in office, Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill into law, requiring all New Jersey school districts to provide cursive instruction beginning in the 2026–2027 school year.

Murphy framed the move as both practical and timely, tying it to New Jersey’s place in American history.

“The return to including cursive instruction is especially meaningful as New Jersey celebrates the upcoming 250th anniversary of our country's founding – giving our students the skills they need to read our nation's founding documents and complete tasks like opening a bank account or signing a check, in addition to offering cognitive benefits,” Murphy said.

Local schools preparing for a statewide shift: For school leaders across the Gold Coast, the new mandate is less about nostalgia and more about implementation — how to teach cursive in today’s classrooms without losing ground on already packed academic priorities.

The law aims for students to be able to read and write cursive by the end of fifth grade, including tasks like correctly spacing words and writing full sentences legibly.

We reached out to the five public elementary school leaders across the Gold Coast to get insight into how they feel about the cursive law Gov. Murphy implemented, where they stand today, and what, if anything, they need to do to meet the 2026-2027 school year.

Sea Girt Elementary School (SGES) Superintendent & Principal: Rick Papera

Q: Do you already teach cursive? “We do — we never stepped away from it. We teach cursive in second grade and reinforce it in third.”

Q: What’s the main value of cursive for students today? “Technology has reduced the practical need — most people only use cursive to sign their name. But it still has value for fine-motor skills, attention and focus. I see it as another tool in a child’s toolbox.”

Q: How do you think families and teachers will react to the requirement? “For us, it won’t be a big shift. Cursive has been a regular part of the learning experience here.”

Manasquan Elementary School (MES) Principal: Megan Manetta

Q: Do you already teach cursive? “Yes, we already teach cursive writing as a part of our grade 3 Fundations curriculum. Fundations is a multi-sensory and systematic phonics, spelling, and handwriting program used in grades K-3.” Q: What’s the main value of cursive for students today? “Current research lets us know that students benefit from handwriting notes and other class activities more so than on the computer. In addition to signatures, students will benefit long-term from having an efficient method for handwriting, and cursive allows students to write more quickly and efficiently if they are fluent.” Q: How do you think families and teachers will react to the requirement? “Reactions are mixed to this law, as many adults praise a return to what they see as an essential skill while others think it is not needed in our modern world of technology. As we have discussed the potential benefits to students cognitively, our staff is on board and ready to support this instruction.”

Spring Lake Heights Elementary School Assistant VP/Dir of Curriculum: Danielle Holler

Q: Do you already teach cursive? We have been teaching cursive writing in second grade, but we understand the reality of it not being used very often.

Q: What’s the main value of cursive for students today? We embrace the research that supports the physical and cognitive benefits of handwriting, and we try to find a balance between typing and writing in all of our grades. We will make adjustments to comply with the new law and find evidence-based resources that meet our needs.

Spring Lake H.W. Mountz Superintendent/SBA: Stephen LaValva

Do you already teach cursive at H.W.Mountz? Yes. Instruction in cursive has always been a part of the 4th grade experience at the H.W. Mountz School.

When will it be introduced, and in which grades? The state mandate released last week and requires that students in grades 3, 4, and 5 receive cursive instruction. The district is currently reviewing the new guidance and, as with any new or revised standard, will take time to work with educators to determine an appropriate and thoughtful plan for implementation in grades 3 and 5 ( in addition to 4) before identifying specific timelines or instructional details.

What would it take to add cursive? Adding something new always means careful planning—making sure teachers have the time, tools, and support they need, and that students are learning in a way that feels intentional rather than rushed or squeezed in. One of the biggest challenges is finding space in a very full school day.

Why does cursive matter? Cursive can help build fine-motor skills, improve writing flow, and support focus. It also further develops students' ability to read handwritten and historical texts in addition to fostering the development of their own signature—something that feels both practical and personal.

How are families and teachers feeling about this? We’re hearing interest and curiosity from families, while teachers are considering the juggling of time to make room for instruction. The district remains committed to moving forward in a way that’s intentional, balanced, and best for kids.

Brielle Elementary School (BES) Superintendent & Principal: Stacie Poelstra

Do you already teach cursive at BES? Yes, we teach cursive in grade 3 as part of our word study program (Fundations). Instruction in cursive is integrated into our daily lessons, and our students enjoy learning this skill.

Why does cursive matter? We appreciate that instruction in cursive works in conjunction with our word study curriculum, integrating the development of both fine motor and literacy skills for our students.

Handwriting has been linked in academic research to fine-motor skill development in younger grades. Advocates of the law say cursive encourages muscle memory and coordination by requiring students to connect letters in a continuous motion.

With the law taking effect at the start of the 2026–2027 school year, districts have time to plan curriculum updates, align expectations across grades, and determine what materials or teacher supports are needed.

SEA GIRT, N.J. — New Jersey is in the midst of a strong and rapidly rising flu season, with health officials reporting higher case counts than usual for this time of year and the state’s first pediatric flu death of the season.

At the January Sea Girt Council meeting, member of council and practicing nurse Diane Anthony said, “There is a Dept. of Health through the Jersey Shore Regional Health Commission (JSRHC) who are warning people again about the influenza virus that's out there. It has not gone away, nor has COVID. The number of Influenza-A cases hasn't been this high since 1997. Fortunately, the hospitalization rates are not that high yet. However, there are people that are getting very sick, so please be diligent about trying to stay well and take care of yourself. If you are sick, stay home, both children that are in school but also adults going to work.”

According to public health surveillance and recent reporting, influenza cases in New Jersey have spiked sharply in the weeks following the winter holidays, mirroring trends seen across the Northeast and nationwide. A growing number of residents — children and adults alike — are seeking medical care for flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough and respiratory distress.

A new version of the influenza virus, known as subclade K of influenza A (H3N2), is believed to be driving the surge, contributing to widespread transmission and a prolonged flu season. Experts say this variant is spreading rapidly although early evidence does not suggest it causes more severe illness than other seasonal strains.

Tragic milestone for the season: The New Jersey Department of Health confirmed the state’s first pediatric flu death of the 2025–26 season, involving a child under age 5 from North Jersey who had no known underlying health conditions. Acting Health Commissioner Jeff Brown extended condolences to the family and reiterated the seriousness of this season.

Health officials continue to remind residents that the annual flu vaccination remains the best defense against influenza and its potentially serious complications. Vaccines for the 2025–26 season are formulated to protect against the most common circulating strains, including H3N2 viruses.

What to watch for:

As the season develops, public health and medical professionals are closely monitoring flu trends to guide vaccination and treatment recommendations.

Stay Connected with Local News That Matters! Never miss a story! Sign up for the TAPinto Gold Coast e-newsletter and get the latest local sports, community updates, and breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.

FREE & HyperlocalExclusive News & UpdatesDelivered Right to You

Sea Girt NJ moves to formally partner with Jersey Shore Dream Center to fight food insecurity and diaper need. Learn how you can join the effort.

SEA GIRT, NJ — As the season of giving approaches, the Sea Girt Council has taken steps toward a formal partnership with the Jersey Shore Dream Center (JSDC), a Neptune-based nonprofit that provides direct support to families facing food insecurity, baby and diaper needs, and other unmet basic necessities throughout the Jersey Shore region.

Representatives from the Jersey Shore Dream Center appeared before the council to outline the organization’s mission and programs, as officials confirmed they are preparing a resolution to formally recognize and support the nonprofit, with introduction expected at the January council meeting.

Founded in 2012, the Jersey Shore Dream Center was created to address gaps in services not fully covered by existing nonprofits. Pastor Isaac Friedel explained that the organization’s focus has always been on identifying unmet needs within local communities and responding in practical, targeted ways.

“We exist to find the needs that fall through the cracks,” Friedel said. “Sometimes that’s right here along the Jersey Shore, sometimes it’s just inland, but it’s always about people in our own backyard who may be blending in or too proud to ask for help.”

One of the Dream Center’s largest initiatives is its Mobile Food Pantry, which delivers groceries directly to communities with limited access to traditional food pantries. Rather than duplicating existing services, JSDC identified locations such as motels, rooming houses, and trailer parks where transportation barriers prevent residents from reaching food banks.

Today, the Mobile Food Pantry serves nearly 30 sites weekly, distributing approximately 20 tons of food each month and helping feed about 45,000 people annually. According to Friedel, the organization surpassed $1.5 million worth of food donations last year alone.

Another core program is the Baby Pantry, which addresses diaper insecurity — a growing issue across New Jersey. JSDC currently provides free diapers and baby supplies to more than 200 families, distributing roughly 20,000 diapers each month. Despite those efforts, demand continues to outpace supply, with 50 to 60 families currently on a waiting list.

“Diapers are one of the hardest items to secure,” Friedel said. “They don’t expire, so stores don’t donate them. We spend between $4,000 and $5,000 each month beyond our partner donations just purchasing diapers so families don’t have to choose between paying rent, utilities, or buying baby essentials.”

In addition to food and baby assistance, the Jersey Shore Dream Center launched an Adopt-A-Block initiative in the summer of 2024, expanding its focus to consistent, relationship-based outreach. Through the program, volunteers commit to serving the same block in Asbury Park every Saturday, delivering groceries, toiletries, clothing, and other essentials directly to residents.

Friedel described Adopt-A-Block as transformative, noting that the program emphasizes dignity, trust, and consistency. “We’re not just delivering supplies — we’re delivering hope,” he said, adding that regular presence has sparked meaningful change and strengthened community ties.

Friedel shared a recent encounter that underscored the impact of the Dream Center’s work. While stopping at a convenience store in Spring Lake Heights, a woman noticed his Dream Center hat and thanked him. “Because of your giving, I’ve been able to stay in my home,” she told him. Friedel said the woman was deeply grateful and overjoyed, a reminder that many of those being helped live just next door to communities like Sea Girt. “Our focus has always been the Jersey Shore and the people right in our backyard,” he said. “Often, they’re blending in, or they’re too proud to ask for help, but the need is there and too often overlooked.”

Council members asked how families with babies are referred to the Dream Center and how assistance is distributed. Friedel explained that the Baby Pantry operates on a referral basis through local hospitals such as Jersey Shore Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center, as well as trusted nonprofit partners. Every family is verified through income documentation to ensure assistance reaches those below the poverty line.

Councilman Tom Downey asked about fundraising strategies and how towns can help. Friedel said education and awareness are critical, particularly around diaper need, which is often overlooked compared to food insecurity. He noted that community-led diaper drives, school partnerships, and municipal involvement can significantly expand the organization’s reach. To learn more about the Jersey Shore Dream Center, click HERE

Councilman Zackin asked how residents and organizations can donate. Friedel said monetary donations are most efficient, allowing JSDC to purchase diapers at discounted rates, but emphasized that in-kind donations — especially diapers sizes 4, 5, and 6, wipes, and baby food — are urgently needed.

Council President Diane Anthony asked whether the Dream Center envisioned a long-term partnership with Sea Girt.

“I would be honored,” Friedel said. “This is my community. I grew up nearby, and the Jersey Shore is home. Right now, the need we’re seeing is nearly eight times greater than what we’re able to serve. We can’t responsibly expand unless our supply and partnerships grow alongside that demand. Our ask of the Sea Girt community is simple but meaningful: help us support our neighbors, especially families with babies. If Sea Girt could rally around one or two major diaper and wipes drives each year, it would directly help us close one of the most urgent gaps we see and allow families to stay housed, stable, and cared for.”

Following the presentation, the mayor and governing body agreed to move forward with a resolution formalizing Sea Girt’s support of the Jersey Shore Dream Center. Officials said the measure will help raise awareness, encourage community involvement, and provide a framework for ongoing collaboration between the borough and the nonprofit.

During the month of January, the town and representatives from the JSDC will iron out a plan to launch the diaper and wipes drive across the town and communicate it back to the town.

Sea Girt would become one of several Shore towns actively partnering with the Dream Center — a step officials said reflects both the scale of need in the region and the borough’s commitment to supporting neighbors beyond municipal boundaries.

Sea Girt NJ moves to formally partner with Jersey Shore Dream Center to fight food insecurity and diaper need. Learn how you can join the effort.

SEA GIRT, NJ — As the season of giving approaches, the Sea Girt Council has taken steps toward a formal partnership with the Jersey Shore Dream Center (JSDC), a Neptune-based nonprofit that provides direct support to families facing food insecurity, baby and diaper needs, and other unmet basic necessities throughout the Jersey Shore region.

Representatives from the Jersey Shore Dream Center appeared before the council to outline the organization’s mission and programs, as officials confirmed they are preparing a resolution to formally recognize and support the nonprofit, with introduction expected at the January council meeting.

Founded in 2012, the Jersey Shore Dream Center was created to address gaps in services not fully covered by existing nonprofits. Pastor Isaac Friedel explained that the organization’s focus has always been on identifying unmet needs within local communities and responding in practical, targeted ways.

“We exist to find the needs that fall through the cracks,” Friedel said. “Sometimes that’s right here along the Jersey Shore, sometimes it’s just inland, but it’s always about people in our own backyard who may be blending in or too proud to ask for help.”

One of the Dream Center’s largest initiatives is its Mobile Food Pantry, which delivers groceries directly to communities with limited access to traditional food pantries. Rather than duplicating existing services, JSDC identified locations such as motels, rooming houses, and trailer parks where transportation barriers prevent residents from reaching food banks.

Today, the Mobile Food Pantry serves nearly 30 sites weekly, distributing approximately 20 tons of food each month and helping feed about 45,000 people annually. According to Friedel, the organization surpassed $1.5 million worth of food donations last year alone.

Another core program is the Baby Pantry, which addresses diaper insecurity — a growing issue across New Jersey. JSDC currently provides free diapers and baby supplies to more than 200 families, distributing roughly 20,000 diapers each month. Despite those efforts, demand continues to outpace supply, with 50 to 60 families currently on a waiting list.

“Diapers are one of the hardest items to secure,” Friedel said. “They don’t expire, so stores don’t donate them. We spend between $4,000 and $5,000 each month beyond our partner donations just purchasing diapers so families don’t have to choose between paying rent, utilities, or buying baby essentials.”

In addition to food and baby assistance, the Jersey Shore Dream Center launched an Adopt-A-Block initiative in the summer of 2024, expanding its focus to consistent, relationship-based outreach. Through the program, volunteers commit to serving the same block in Asbury Park every Saturday, delivering groceries, toiletries, clothing, and other essentials directly to residents.

Friedel described Adopt-A-Block as transformative, noting that the program emphasizes dignity, trust, and consistency. “We’re not just delivering supplies — we’re delivering hope,” he said, adding that regular presence has sparked meaningful change and strengthened community ties.

Friedel shared a recent encounter that underscored the impact of the Dream Center’s work. While stopping at a convenience store in Spring Lake Heights, a woman noticed his Dream Center hat and thanked him. “Because of your giving, I’ve been able to stay in my home,” she told him. Friedel said the woman was deeply grateful and overjoyed, a reminder that many of those being helped live just next door to communities like Sea Girt. “Our focus has always been the Jersey Shore and the people right in our backyard,” he said. “Often, they’re blending in, or they’re too proud to ask for help, but the need is there and too often overlooked.”

Council members asked how families with babies are referred to the Dream Center and how assistance is distributed. Friedel explained that the Baby Pantry operates on a referral basis through local hospitals such as Jersey Shore Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center, as well as trusted nonprofit partners. Every family is verified through income documentation to ensure assistance reaches those below the poverty line.

Councilman Tom Downey asked about fundraising strategies and how towns can help. Friedel said education and awareness are critical, particularly around diaper need, which is often overlooked compared to food insecurity. He noted that community-led diaper drives, school partnerships, and municipal involvement can significantly expand the organization’s reach. To learn more about the Jersey Shore Dream Center, click HERE

Councilman Zackin asked how residents and organizations can donate. Friedel said monetary donations are most efficient, allowing JSDC to purchase diapers at discounted rates, but emphasized that in-kind donations — especially diapers sizes 4, 5, and 6, wipes, and baby food — are urgently needed.

Council President Diane Anthony asked whether the Dream Center envisioned a long-term partnership with Sea Girt.

“I would be honored,” Friedel said. “This is my community. I grew up nearby, and the Jersey Shore is home. Right now, the need we’re seeing is nearly eight times greater than what we’re able to serve. We can’t responsibly expand unless our supply and partnerships grow alongside that demand. Our ask of the Sea Girt community is simple but meaningful: help us support our neighbors, especially families with babies. If Sea Girt could rally around one or two major diaper and wipes drives each year, it would directly help us close one of the most urgent gaps we see and allow families to stay housed, stable, and cared for.”

Following the presentation, the mayor and governing body agreed to move forward with a resolution formalizing Sea Girt’s support of the Jersey Shore Dream Center. Officials said the measure will help raise awareness, encourage community involvement, and provide a framework for ongoing collaboration between the borough and the nonprofit.

During the month of January, the town and representatives from the JSDC will iron out a plan to launch the diaper and wipes drive across the town and communicate it back to the town.

Sea Girt would become one of several Shore towns actively partnering with the Dream Center — a step officials said reflects both the scale of need in the region and the borough’s commitment to supporting neighbors beyond municipal boundaries.

Sea Girt NJ moves to formally partner with Jersey Shore Dream Center to fight food insecurity and diaper need. Learn how you can join the effort.

SEA GIRT, NJ — As the season of giving approaches, the Sea Girt Council has taken steps toward a formal partnership with the Jersey Shore Dream Center (JSDC), a Neptune-based nonprofit that provides direct support to families facing food insecurity, baby and diaper needs, and other unmet basic necessities throughout the Jersey Shore region.

Representatives from the Jersey Shore Dream Center appeared before the council to outline the organization’s mission and programs, as officials confirmed they are preparing a resolution to formally recognize and support the nonprofit, with introduction expected at the January council meeting.

Founded in 2012, the Jersey Shore Dream Center was created to address gaps in services not fully covered by existing nonprofits. Pastor Isaac Friedel explained that the organization’s focus has always been on identifying unmet needs within local communities and responding in practical, targeted ways.

“We exist to find the needs that fall through the cracks,” Friedel said. “Sometimes that’s right here along the Jersey Shore, sometimes it’s just inland, but it’s always about people in our own backyard who may be blending in or too proud to ask for help.”

One of the Dream Center’s largest initiatives is its Mobile Food Pantry, which delivers groceries directly to communities with limited access to traditional food pantries. Rather than duplicating existing services, JSDC identified locations such as motels, rooming houses, and trailer parks where transportation barriers prevent residents from reaching food banks.

Today, the Mobile Food Pantry serves nearly 30 sites weekly, distributing approximately 20 tons of food each month and helping feed about 45,000 people annually. According to Friedel, the organization surpassed $1.5 million worth of food donations last year alone.

Another core program is the Baby Pantry, which addresses diaper insecurity — a growing issue across New Jersey. JSDC currently provides free diapers and baby supplies to more than 200 families, distributing roughly 20,000 diapers each month. Despite those efforts, demand continues to outpace supply, with 50 to 60 families currently on a waiting list.

“Diapers are one of the hardest items to secure,” Friedel said. “They don’t expire, so stores don’t donate them. We spend between $4,000 and $5,000 each month beyond our partner donations just purchasing diapers so families don’t have to choose between paying rent, utilities, or buying baby essentials.”

In addition to food and baby assistance, the Jersey Shore Dream Center launched an Adopt-A-Block initiative in the summer of 2024, expanding its focus to consistent, relationship-based outreach. Through the program, volunteers commit to serving the same block in Asbury Park every Saturday, delivering groceries, toiletries, clothing, and other essentials directly to residents.

Friedel described Adopt-A-Block as transformative, noting that the program emphasizes dignity, trust, and consistency. “We’re not just delivering supplies — we’re delivering hope,” he said, adding that regular presence has sparked meaningful change and strengthened community ties.

Friedel shared a recent encounter that underscored the impact of the Dream Center’s work. While stopping at a convenience store in Spring Lake Heights, a woman noticed his Dream Center hat and thanked him. “Because of your giving, I’ve been able to stay in my home,” she told him. Friedel said the woman was deeply grateful and overjoyed, a reminder that many of those being helped live just next door to communities like Sea Girt. “Our focus has always been the Jersey Shore and the people right in our backyard,” he said. “Often, they’re blending in, or they’re too proud to ask for help, but the need is there and too often overlooked.”

Council members asked how families with babies are referred to the Dream Center and how assistance is distributed. Friedel explained that the Baby Pantry operates on a referral basis through local hospitals such as Jersey Shore Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center, as well as trusted nonprofit partners. Every family is verified through income documentation to ensure assistance reaches those below the poverty line.

Councilman Tom Downey asked about fundraising strategies and how towns can help. Friedel said education and awareness are critical, particularly around diaper need, which is often overlooked compared to food insecurity. He noted that community-led diaper drives, school partnerships, and municipal involvement can significantly expand the organization’s reach. To learn more about the Jersey Shore Dream Center, click HERE

Councilman Zackin asked how residents and organizations can donate. Friedel said monetary donations are most efficient, allowing JSDC to purchase diapers at discounted rates, but emphasized that in-kind donations — especially diapers sizes 4, 5, and 6, wipes, and baby food — are urgently needed.

Council President Diane Anthony asked whether the Dream Center envisioned a long-term partnership with Sea Girt.

“I would be honored,” Friedel said. “This is my community. I grew up nearby, and the Jersey Shore is home. Right now, the need we’re seeing is nearly eight times greater than what we’re able to serve. We can’t responsibly expand unless our supply and partnerships grow alongside that demand. Our ask of the Sea Girt community is simple but meaningful: help us support our neighbors, especially families with babies. If Sea Girt could rally around one or two major diaper and wipes drives each year, it would directly help us close one of the most urgent gaps we see and allow families to stay housed, stable, and cared for.”

Following the presentation, the mayor and governing body agreed to move forward with a resolution formalizing Sea Girt’s support of the Jersey Shore Dream Center. Officials said the measure will help raise awareness, encourage community involvement, and provide a framework for ongoing collaboration between the borough and the nonprofit.

During the month of January, the town and representatives from the JSDC will iron out a plan to launch the diaper and wipes drive across the town and communicate it back to the town.

Sea Girt would become one of several Shore towns actively partnering with the Dream Center — a step officials said reflects both the scale of need in the region and the borough’s commitment to supporting neighbors beyond municipal boundaries.