Upper Freehold sets up new veterans hot line
Township also wants vets to register in new database

UPPER FREEHOLD — Local veterans who need assistance have a new phone number to call for help.

Upper Freehold Township has established a veterans hot line, which is effective immediately. The number to call is 609-529- 0453, according to the Upper Freehold Township Veterans Committee.

The committee created the hot line to ensure all area veterans and their immediate dependents are always just a phone number away from assistance. The line will be staffed, with voice mail checked three times daily at 8 a.m., noon and 8 p.m. Calls will be replied to from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

The hot line is not intended for use in emergency situations, but can be used for questions and inquiries on benefits and programs. The hotline staff will also provide assistance with local programs and on-line services available to veterans and their dependants. Veterans can also ask for assistance with medical appointments and other necessities such as reasonable food shopping and pharmaceutical retrieval services.

The Upper Freehold Township Committee has also established a charter and vision for 2008-09. Along with the creation of the hotline, the committee is reviewing three plots of land for possible use as a garden to honor local residents who have served in the military. The committee also hopes to create a database of area veterans, dependents, and active duty members of the armed services.

Bruce Novozinsky, co-chair of the committee, said he foresees the garden being a township jewel.

"The garden will be a simple area of reflection and relaxation," Novozinsky said. "It will be small and intimate."

He said he secured pro-bono services from an architectural firm in Philadelphia, which is a primary garden architect for the Disney Corp., to help design the township's garden.

"This will be special," he said. "Now all we have to do is pay for it."

He said three community entities have offered to house the garden on their sites.

"This is a testimony to their patriotism, but whereas we want it above all dignified, we also want it to be a centerpiece of the township," he said.

Creating a database of local veterans will be more of a challenge than the garden, Novozinsky said,

"I can safely say that 70 plus percent of the township vets live in Four Seasons," he said. "Some hesitate to give up personal information because of unwanted solicitation for insurance, burial services, etc. It's sad, but it's true."

Novozinsky said he wants veterans to know that the purpose of the database is not commercial.

"It's for assistance, honoring and community history," he said. "As long as I am at the co-helm, not one name or address will be used for a solicitation of paid services, dues or donations. Not one. No excuses and no room for gray area. As the old military saying goes, 'not on my watch.' "

Novozinsky encouraged all area veterans to register for the database with Dick Kober at Rlkober40@aol.com or Richard Cardillo at thecardillos@gmail.com.

For more information, veterans and their dependants can contact Bruce Novozinsky at 609-529-0453 or visit www.greenmonstergolf. com/UFTVC.html.