Toms River, NJ|News|
'Believe In Love' At The 3rd Annual Toms River Pride Festival
The Pride Festival will have live performances indoors and out, vendors and much more.

First things first: My email is karen.wall@patch.com and I welcome your questions, concerns and news tips. I do my best to answer all reader emails. My family moved to the Jersey Shore in August 1979 and I have lived here for most of the years since. I'm a Brick Township High School graduate and have a bachelor's degree in journalism from Michigan State University. I spent 20 years at the Asbury Park Press, including four years as the editor of Hook, Line & Sinker. I was the editor of The Fisherman magazine before going to part-time work for a few years to meet family needs. While some speak French or Spanish, I am fluent in town councils and school boards, fisheries issues (and yes, I bait my own hook) and love sports, especially local sports.
The Pride Festival will have live performances indoors and out, vendors and much more.

Two people were flown to Jersey Shore University Medical Center; the third suffered minor injuries, police said.
The return of the summer beach season brings risks to those who swim in the ocean. Here's how to stay safe in 2021.
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While some towns have scrapped plans for Memorial Day this year, other municipalities are planning some big events. Here's the list.
Modeled on the "Shark Tank" show, the Sink or Swim competition challenges students to come up with a product or service and a business plan.
The Memorial Day tradition in Manchester is part of a history of the commemoration of America's war dead that dates back nearly 160 years.
The Memorial Day tradition in Toms River is part of a history of the commemoration of America's war dead that dates back nearly 160 years.
The Memorial Day tradition in Brick is part of a history of the commemoration of America's war dead that dates back nearly 160 years.
"It is time to once again let us do what we were elected to do ... run our districts," Brick school officials said in a letter to Murphy.
Authorities said the closure is for a crash investigation.
Gov. Murphy clarified his position on requiring masks in NJ schools in the fall, saying high school students may be exempt from the rule.
Applications for the 2021 youth police academy are available now; middle school students are eligible.
A second incident led to shoplifting charges after police discovered more than $750 in items taken from Home Depot, Brick police said.
The Toms River school board urged Gov. Murphy to remove the mask mandate; he said it has to be done "safely and responsibly."
Employers will no longer be required to accommodate remote work, Gov. Murphy said. Here's what other changes are being made for child care.
While one officer talked with her, a second snuck up behind her and grabbed the knife, officials said.
The plan to lower the speed limit is the result of a study by Ocean County officials and came at the request of residents, the town said.
Kenneth Seda is one of four people seeking the two Republican nominations for Ocean County Commissioner.
Barbara "Bobbi" Jo Crea is one of four people seeking the two Republican nominations for Ocean County Commissioner.