Chamber Honors

The parking lot at Woodlake County Club in Lakewood was filled at lunch time Wednesday….not with golfers but rather those attending a special luncheon hosted by the Toms River-Ocean County Chamber of Commerce to honor Nina Anuario and the Toms River Police Department. They were recipients of the Pinnacle Leadership Philanthropic Awards for continued involvement and service to the community as both were previously saluted as Distinguished Citizens and Organizations of the year.

Anuario is a Senior Vice President for OceanFirst Bank and her list of organizations served and previous honors would take more time then I have. The Jackson Township resident is a tireless worker for many causes, including the Ocean County Vocational-Technical School and she also finds time to spend with her four grandchildren. Nina’s group of supporters at the luncheon include her 87-year old mother, husband, one of her son’s(with grandson) and a large contingent from her OceanFirst Bank family.

There were plenty of Toms River’s finest on hand as well with chief Mike Mastronardy receiving the award on behalf of his department. Mastronardy, who started out as a patrolman and has risen to the rank of chief, spoke about the quality of the people in his department and said he learned a long time ago you hire good people and let them do their job. One of the most respected chiefs in the state; he also praised Toms River officials for recognizing the importance of investing in the future of the police department. Former Mayor Paul Brush and new Mayor Tom Kelaher, along with Councilwoman Maria Maruca were among those in attendance to show their support for the chief and his department as was Seaside Heights Police Chief Thomas Boyd.

As always Chamber President Lucy Greene and her staff did a marvelous job organizing the luncheon with the help of Chairman Jim DeAngelis.
They have also announced the honorees for their 45th Annual Reception and Dinner which will be held on April 24th at Eagle Ridge Golf Club. “Distinguished Citizens of the Year” are Senators Andy Ciesla and Robert Singer along with the recently-retired Len Connors. The Salvation Army, Ocean County Citadel will be honored as “Organization of the Year” and
Former Toms River Mayor Paul Brush will receive the first “Community Service Award.”