The BRICK Times Vol. 25 - No. 4
In This Week’s Edition
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Laurelton Art Society Celebrates 45th Anniversary
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Government Page 7
Community News Page 8-12
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 14
Inside The Law Page 17
Photos courtesy Trisha Monto Autore 1st place winner Melinda Saminsky with her piece “Pavarotti and the Ghost of Mozart.” By Alyssa Riccardi BRICK – Brick Township’s very own Laurelton Art Society marked 45 years, celebrating its history of local artists. Decades ago, a small group of artists met at an art store, which was located on the former Laurelton Circle in 1979. Oil painter and instructor Felicia Nowicki and her daughter Joanne Zezula incor-
porated the group in 1980 as the Laurelton Art Society (LAS). Trisha Monto Autore, the Society’s President, said the group had a dream to continue the heritage of Brick Township artists, which dates back to Clara Stroud Colvin and meeting of artists in her Herbertsville Road studio on September 18, 1939. “Felicia’s small group of artists were dedicated to provide a means for those who share an interest in art to meet, share ideas and techniques, and promote a public interest in the visual arts as an artist or art appreciator,” Trisha said. The Society originally met at Brick High School where they offered free monthly demonstrations of art in various mediums and workshops, which were open to the general public. Now 45 years later, the organization continues to inspire, educate, and entertain a diverse audience in 2-D and 3-D visual arts with free monthly demonstrations. LAS meet the second Saturday of the month at the first Baptist Church of Laurelton Ivy Hall, 1832 Route 88 in Brick. The general meeting is at 1:30 p.m. followed by informative demonstrations from 2 to 4 p.m. The general public is encouraged to join September through June. Every April, the Society hosts their “Festival of Art,” a members-only juried exhibit held at the Brick Library. The month-long celebration offers free watercolor workshops taught by professional instructors. The festival then concludes with a meet the artist reception and (Art Society - See Page 4)
May 31, 2025
Disabled Veterans Find Help, Camaraderie By Judy Smestad-Nunn BRICK - There is an organization dedicated to helping disabled veterans live their best lives by ensuring they can access the full range of benefits to which they are entitled, by keeping them informed about any new laws in Congress, and by providing the camaraderie and understanding that comes from having similar experiences. Disabled American Veterans (DAV) has a chapter in Brick and a building at 1810 Lanes Mill Road. Chapter 20 has some 300-400 members and meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. Members, who must be a disabled from their time in the military, pay a one-time, life membership dues of $350. DAV was founded by Judge Robert S. Marx in 1920. Marx was an Army captain and WW1 veteran who recognized the need for a veterans’ organization to support those who had returned with injuries and disabilities. Brick’s chapter commander, Mike Lawrence, spent 21 years in the Navy and has endured knee surgeries and has back issues that stem from his time in the military. “If you’ve ever spent any time on a Navy ship you’re gonna have some problems,” said Lawrence, who runs the DAV meetings and sets the agenda. “If there’s any veteran out there who needs help, that’s what we’re here for - we’re looking (Veterans - See Page 4)
County Fights To Protect Seniors From Federal Cuts By Stephanie Faughnan BERKELEY - Facing potential federal funding cuts, Ocean County officials and senior advocates are sounding the alarm about what’s at stake for one of the state’s largest elderly populations. Maria LaFace, Director of Ocean County Senior Services, led a public hearing at the Bayville VFW during Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Older Americans Month to gather testimony and warn of Maria LaFace, Director of Ocean County Senior Services, sweeping changes under consideration at the federal level. speaks at the VFW in Bayville, highlighting the need to protect Many of those in attendance were community providers programs that support the county’s growing senior population. who assist seniors.
Older Americans Act Ending? At the heart of LaFace’s concern is the Older Americans Act (OAA), a landmark piece of legislation passed in 1965 as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s “Great Society” initiative. The Act provides federal funding for services that help older adults remain in their homes and communities - programs like Meals on Wheels, home health aides, transportation, caregiver support, and legal aid. “They understood that Social Security was available for retirees and they assumed at that point that would (Seniors - See Page 5)
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