Paul Goldfinger, Editor@ Blogfinger.net
In 2018 we ran a four part post about the turmoil at the Neptune Senior Center. At that time the longstanding director Brian Butch was dismissed and replaced by Randy Bishop. The matter was controversial, but attempts to reinstate the original director failed.
Now we have received word from a Neptune senior that there is trouble, right here in River City. We have no details at this time, but some fragments are floating about like flotsam, or even jetsam, in Wesley Lake.
The key words are: Brian Butch, Randy Bishop, firings, banishing of citizens, citizens leaving, harassment, trespassing, mediation hearings, Monmouth County Court, intimidation, police, Municipal Judge, and confrontations, and this is just the tip of an iceberg trying to surface in Neptune Township.
This is a quote from our source who is a resident of Neptune Township. “People have left or were fired including Alison Bovie the activities director, GiGi Johnson, and secretary Carina Santos.”
“I believe that anyone connected to Brian Butch was told to leave or were fired. This is now everyone is being treated.”
I don’t know if Blogfinger will be interested in reporting on this matter, but if any high intensity news is available, please share it with us. Email Blogfinger@verizon.net. Meanwhile we are left with some tantalizing morsels to consider.
To become the director of a senior center, one would expect a Master of Social Work degree with a specialization in Gerontology. Bishop’s only qualification is that he is a senior citizen.
Oh, I forgot, Bishop was Mayor of Neptune Township a couple of times and on the Neptune Township Committee for about 20 years. Thus, his five Democratic friends in power gave him this job. Now, if he gets rid of former staff and brings his own people in, he can do nothing (like he did as Mayor/Committeeman) because the new hires will be beholden to him. He is probably getting tired of actually going to the center and wants it to be a truly “no show” job.
I guess we should give the old guy a break. After all, he served us so well all those years. Doesn’t he deserve a pension?
Old age is approached slowly. (personally advice)
For Neptune Twp. “powerbrokers,” the Senior Center must rethink its traditional view of old age as solely a time of loss and decline.
Instead, the aging process must be seen as a developmental force bringing unique strengths, creativity and opportunity.
A simple first step: change its name.
Editor’s note: Radar. We need more out-of-the box thinkers like you.—PG
RADAR: I was hoping for the Nobel, but Obama got there first. Your comment is on the money. Thanks for the advice. I tried adding zest to my life, but I think I hurt myself.
I will keep an eye on the situation, but my team of investigative reporters are currently in Paris studying the unrest there among delightful coeds at the Sorbonne. They all have yellow Blogfinger vests to wear.
June 13, 2018, we gratefully acknowledged Blogfinger deserved the Pulitzer—if not the Nobel –for documenting and spreading critical community and cultural needs of Ocean Grove. Why at this time ? The unusual change in leadership of the Senior Center was exposed.
Others asked what were the qualifications of the position. Some responded:
political appointment.
If current rumors blossom, it may be a good opportunity to evaluate the entire effort. Viewing the current newsletter of the center, only bright, lively activities
are a holiday luncheon and the fitness program. Programming focuses mostly
on ailments. It is tough enough growing old. But where is the joy of living–music, art, culture, learning, and sharing life’s experiences ?
We are living longer. We have a zest for life. .