The BRICK Times Vol. 24 - No. 34
In This Week’s Edition
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
Food Angels Return, Serving Hope And Hot Meals
BREAKING NEWS @
jerseyshoreonline.com
Government Page 6
Community News Page 8-13
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 14
Inside The Law Page 21
Photo by Stephanie Faughnan More than 60 people showed up at Town Square when they learned that the Food Angels were back. By Stephanie Faughnan LAKEWOOD – The Food Angels returned to Lakewood Town Square on December 16, greeted by a crowd eager for their warmth, compassion, and hot meals. The team served a hearty beef barley casserole, the dish originally planned for their canceled December 1 visit, alongside their usual spread
of food, clothing, and other essential items. For many in need, it was a moment of relief and celebration. The return marked the end of a frustrating hiatus caused by a dispute with Lakewood Township that temporarily disrupted the work of Food Angels and other charitable groups, including Destiny’s Bridge, Spirit of Truth World Vision Outreach, and Lifting the Fallen Ministries. The groups had faced restrictions on their efforts to feed and clothe the unhoused on public property, sparking legal action that ultimately reaffirmed their rights to free speech, public assembly, and charitable ministry. Suzy Raabe, who co-founded Food Angels, first had an inkling that something was wrong on November 17 when the Food Angels were busy serving food and giving out clothes. “A police officer came up to me and asked if I had a permit,” said Raabe. “We’ve been doing this for years and never had a problem.” Raabe subsequently spoke to (Food Angels - See Page 4)
Wreaths Placed To Remember Veterans
Photo courtesy Brick Township Volunteers lay wreaths at Gravelly Graveyard to remember those who served.
By Alyssa Riccardi BRICK – Wreaths Across America’s mission is to “Remember, Honor and Teach.” Throughout the year, the organization works in multiple ways to show veterans and their families that the community will “never forget.” The remembrance wreaths are laid in memory of those who have served in the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines. The initiative not only happens every December at Arlington National
Ceremony, but also at more than 4,000 additional participating locations across the country. In Brick Township, the Brick Historic Preservation Commission hosted two ceremonies on December 14: Gravelly Graveyard on Fairview Avenue, and at the Osbornville Protestant Church at 588 Mantoloking Road. 2024 marked the 6th year that Wreaths Across America Ceremony was held at Gravelly Graveyard. The graveyard, which is also known as Old Woolley (Wreaths - See Page 7)
December 28, 2024
Open Space, Recreation Being Planned By Judy Smestad-Nunn BRICK - Officials laid out an updated draft to the Master Plan that sets forth a path for future management of open space preservation and recreation development for the township. The special public meeting before the township Planning Board was presented by Brick’s Municipal Planner Tara Paxton and Planning Analyst Vincent Palmieri. The first plan for open space and recreation was drafted in 2000, and as a result of that plan and the adoption of the township’s open space preservation tax around the same time - when residents voted for .1 cent per $100 dollars of valuation tax - the township became eligible for Green Acres funding. Green Acres is a NJ Department of Environmental Protection program funded through public and private partners that makes grant funds available to municipalities, counties and non-profits for the preservation of open space and for the development (Open Space - See Page 5)
Crea Reflects On Her Time As Commissioner While her time as a commissioner was brief, her career in public service spans decades. Crea ser ved four terms on the Little Egg Harbor Township Committee and was mayor in 2006, 20 07, 2019, a nd Photo courtesy Ocean County 2020. Transitioning to county-level serBarbara Jo Crea vice brought new By Stephanie Faughnan challenges, but Crea TOMS RIVER – In just one embraced them with term as an Ocean County Comdetermination. missioner, Barbara “Bobbi” Jo “When I was electCrea leaves with some comed to this position, I mendable accomplishments. promised to treat it During this past year, Crea as a full-time job, served as the board’s director, a and I did just that,” role traditionally held by senior (Crea - See Page 4) members.
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