The BERKELEY Times Vol. 29 - No. 3
In This Week’s Edition
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Government Page 7
Community News Pages 8-24
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 16
Inside The Law Page 19
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Special Needs Prom Dazzles Kids Of All Ages By Chris Lundy BERKELEY– A prom is one of those rites of passage that most of us take for granted. However, there are a lot of kids who never join their peers at these dances. But that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t have the same opportunities as everyone else. A group of volunteers held a prom for special needs kids at the Bayville Firehouse on Route 9 recently. There were about 75 kids of all ages. Pretty dresses, sharp suits, and shoes made for dancing were the clothes of choice. Decorations made the fire hall come alive with fun and the kids loved every minute of it. Shanna Cermak and her husband started Mikey’s Mission, a nonprofit providing social and learning opportunities for special needs children. It’s named after their 11-year-old son who has autism. “It’s lifelong,” she said of
Photo courtesy Shanna Cermak Kids of all ages enjoyed the prom designed just for them. autism. “It can’t be cured. It can be therapied away. You have to make the change for them.” That’s why she and other volunteers created this prom. Taking an event most people associate with a huge, loud dance and
making it for them. There was a room set aside for kids who were sensitive to noise, for example. Previously, they had put together a Turkey Trot at Cattus Island County Park in Toms River. Last year, they
held a Valentine’s Dance. “This was by far the biggest activity and it was amazing,” she said. The Cer maks had met with Joe Chester, Don Rowley, and Chris Schick, who is the delegate for the Berkeley PBA. The PBA and Bayville Fire Department co-sponsored and brought in props, music, and more. Pies Place provided the food. “It was amazing,” Schick said. “I felt humbled to be a part of that.” Some of the kids were belting out to karaoke. The ones who were nonverbal blew kisses and gave air hugs. “I really look forward to it next year,” he said. How To Help If you want to get involved with Mikey’s Mission, visit Mikey’s Mission on Facebook. The best way to get in touch with the group is to email Mikeysmission1@gmail.com.
Seniors Facing Affordable Housing Crisis
Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Judy Noonan, the Confidential Aide to Manchester Mayor Robert Arace and Liaison for Senior Communities addresses the Ocean County Commissioners regarding senior affordable housing concerns.
By Stephanie Faughnan OCEAN COUNTY - As the cost of living continues to rise, an increasing number of seniors are burdened by exorbitant housing expenses that exceed their fixed incomes. This predicament has forced some to make difficult choices between paying for basic
necessities and keeping a roof over their heads. In a letter addressed to Governor Phil Murphy, Commissioner Director Joseph Vicari asked the state to make funds available for rental and housing assistance for older adults. “Your age friendly stores, offices and parks are of
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little use if our parents and grandparents can no longer afford to live in New Jersey,” wrote Vicari. “Perhaps some funds can be diverted from the Age-Friendly program to a senior housing initiative.” Ocean County is home to approximately 200,000 seniors, as determined by
July 1, 2023
Lifesaving Firefighter Mourned
Photo courtesy Mastapeter Memorial Home By Chris Lundy BERKELEY – Consistently risking his life for others, a young firefighter is being mourned after dying suddenly from a medical condition. Brian Joseph Letrent, of Bayville, was just 34 when he died on June 21. Bayville Fire Chief John McKay said he suffered a cardiac episode on his way home from work. He was able to pull over to the side of the Garden State Parkway and call police but he the Older American’s Act, which sets the age of 60 as the benchmark. Of that total, a significant number served the United States in at least one of its military branches. “We have 20,075 seniors who are over the age of 85,” shared Maria LaFace, Director of Ocean County Office of Senior Services. “Many are starting to outlive their savings.” At the most recent Ocean County Commissioners’
later succumbed. “He was a fireman with us for the last six years,” he said. “He was one of our top responders.” That means that he was one of the firefighters who were on the most calls. It’s clear he would have had a long and fruitful career with the fire company. He had been awarded the Medal of Gallantry for finding someone who was lost in a nearby creek, (Mourned - See Page 4)
meeting, Vicari noted there are 96 adult retirement communities within the county. He added that finding affordable housing for local seniors should not be just an Ocean County issue. After all, many who come to the shore area to spend their golden years migrate from other counties throughout the state. Vicari suggested that the surge of senior citizens moving to Ocean County (Housing - See Page 4)
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