JACKSON – Jackson officials acknowledged Breast Cancer Awareness and Older Americans Month during a recent Township Council meeting.
The meeting also saw the passage of an ordinance amending the township’s construction codes to make them more uniform.
Township Administrator Helene Schlegel read a proclamation regarding the “Paint the Town Pink” campaign calling for mammograms and promoting early breast cancer detection.
The “Paint the Town Pink” campaign is a Hackensack Meridian Health event. Kylie Stanger, a Jackson resident and Meridian representative, accepted the proclamation and spoke about the cause during the meeting.
Stanger noted that one in every eight women will develop breast cancer within her lifetime. This year, it’s estimated that there will be 8,550 new cases of breast cancer among women in the Garden State.
“We are making headway in bringing greater awareness of the issue and (Paint the Town Pink) is becoming a bigger event each year,” Stanger said.
It was also noted that early detection is a woman’s best defense against breast cancer. With early detection, the five-year survival rate is almost 100 percent.
According to educational material provided by Stanger, a well-woman visit is a yearly checkup with a doctor where a woman can discuss her health and preventative screenings.
Councilman Scott Martin reiterated that early detection was key in catching the disease early and increases the chances that it can be treated with a successful result.
“Unfortunately, a number of my family suffered from breast cancer. This is very important,” Councilwoman Ann M. Updegrave said concerning the campaign.
“My grandmother was diagnosed with it,” Council Vice Preisdent Rob Nixon said. “Meridian Health has been a great partner with the community.”
Council Vice President Kenneth Bressi said the event stresses “the importance of early detection.”
Older Americans Month was also recognized during the evening through a proclamation.
Martin noted that many seniors in the township “contribute to our town.”
Oliva said that she feels there is unsightly material and overrun vines near her residence that need to be cleared.
During the session the council introduced on first reading an ordinance authorizing a perpetual sewer easement to the Jackson Township Municipal Utilities Authority. Another ordinance approved on first reading authorized the execution of a lease agreement with Ocean County Modelers Inc.
Also approved was a resolution involving a shared services agreement between the township and the Jackson Township Board of Education to provide two school resource officers for the district for the 2018-19 school year.
A contract award between the township and Shore Top Construction for pavement repairs at various roadways in the community was also approved by council. The total contract price is in the amount of $166,388.
Township Clerk Ann Marie Eden reminded residents that the nomination petitions for mayor and township council were due on June 4. “They can be picked up by anyone wishing to participate,” Eden said. The Nov. 6 general election will feature an election of mayor and council members.
