The BRICK Times Vol. 25 - No. 2
In This Week’s Edition
BREAKING NEWS @
jerseyshoreonline.com
Government Page 7
Community News Page 9-14
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 18
Inside The Law Page 24
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
May 17, 2025
Local Man Shares Journey New Public Works Battling Rare Disorder Building Planned
it spread into Keith’s respiratory system and eventually his brain. As a result, Keith was unable to breathe on his own and had to be transferred to the Neuro ICU at JFK Medical Center in Edison where he was intubated and placed on a ventilator. Due to not being able to swallow, he was also placed on a feeding tube. Treatment consisted of several rou nd s of plasmapheresis, plasma Photo courtesy Keith Rella exchanges to remove Keith Rella (rear, center) alongside staff from Riverview Medical Center antibodies that attack the peripheral nerves, as in Red Bank. well as immunoglobulin By Alyssa Riccardi therapy, where healthy antibodies are given BRICK – A Brick Township native is sharing through the vein and block the damaging antihis story on how kindness saved his life while bodies that contribute to GBS. fighting a rare neurological disorder. For many months, these treatments did not Keith Rella was living a normal life as a show positive results. Keith eventually regained husband and father when he suddenly began to the ability to move his head and speak, and was experience arm weakness. On April 2, 2024, transferred to Kessler Rehabilitation Center in Keith went to Riverview Medical Center in Red East Orange to undergo intensive therapy with Bank and was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre the hopes to swallow, breathe, and move again. syndrome. GBS is a rare neurological disorder GBS continued to attack Keith’s brain and he where the body’s immune system attacks the was transferred to the ICU at Saint Barnabas nerves. in Livingston, where he spent several months. Within just a few days the condition had proFor a period of time he was unable to speak. gressed rapidly, as Keith lost the ability to use Since he had very little ability to move, his only his arms and legs. Despite the early detection, (Rare Disorder - See Page 4)
Sheriff Discusses Law Enforcement With Trump
Photo courtesy The White House President Donald Trump signed Executive Orders to crack down on sanctuary cities and strengthen America’s law enforcement, backed by members of the National Sheriffs Association.
By Chris Lundy TOMS RIVER - Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy visited the White House recently as part of a trip with the National Sheriffs Association. The sheriffs were in Washington, D.C. to discuss security and other matters related to police work with President Donald Trump. The National Sheriffs’ Association is a professional association that provides information and education about such topics as police training, court security, and acquiring grants. Mastronardy is on the board of the Association, (Trump - See Page 4)
Photo by Judy Smestad-Nunn The new DPW building will be built on the current parking lot. Then the old one will be demolished and that area will become a parking lot. By Judy Smestad-Nunn BRICK - A multi-year, multi-million dollar renovation of the Department of Public Works site will begin shortly since the governing body voted to budget $2.2 million for phase 1 of the DPW Master Site Plan. It includes the removal of two underground fuel storage tanks that have met their life expectancy, plus all the site work and new building design. According to township Business Administrator Joanne Bergin, in order to ensure compliance with CAFRA (Coastal Area Facility Review Act, a NJ law that regulates major development in the coastal area), the Master Site Plan includes infrastructure improvements such as the construction of new storage facilities, two new above ground fuel tanks and fuel station, a new salt dome, a vehicle wash facility, storm drainage improvements, more office space, sidewalk interconnection with green (Public Works - See Page 4)
Village For Veterans Breaks Ground In Ocean County By Chris Lundy BERKELEY – Usually, gatherings for veterans are somber occasions. Memorial Day. Veterans Day. September 11. The groundbreaking of a veterans village in Bayville was a celebration. Hundreds of people came from miles around, with police directing traffic on busy Route 9. The future home of 124 units for veterans will have the official address of 359 Atlantic City Boulevard. Visitors were greeted with loud country music as Faith Community Church across the street played patriotic songs on bells. Veteran organizations and politicians made the rounds before the presentation made (Veterans Village - See Page 5)
LOCAL NEWS, EVENTS & ADVERTISING SOLUTIONS