The BRICK Times Vol. 25 - No. 5
In This Week’s Edition
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Residents “Think Green, Save Green” At Annual Fair Palmieri exBy Alyssa Riccardi pl a i n e d h ow BRICK – Despite the Township is rain in the forecast, currently workresidents came out to ing on and dethe annual Green Fair veloping more to learn new initiatives green initiatives. and make a difference “We actually environmentally. wrote our comThe 13th annual Green munity energy Fair was held outdoors plan, which is at the at the Bob Anstett initiative based Cultural Arts Center and it’s actually located on Herbertsa list of incenville Road. The goal of tives, and there’s the event is to celebrate t i mel i ne s on environmental stewPhoto by Alyssa Riccardi when we will ardship, sustainability, conservation, and The Brick Garden Club gave out free herbs to residents be able to implement them. green living in Brick. at the Fair. It could be new Every year, the Fair has a soft theme that many of the vendors follow. charging stations or it could be electrifying our fleet, This year, the theme was “Think Green, Save Green” things of that nature, so that’s what we’re really trying which highlighted simple, budget-friendly ways to to push for,” Palmieri said. Some local businesses, nonprofits, and organilive sustainably and make a positive impact on the zations that participated in this year’s Green Fair planet and your wallet. Vin Palmieri, Brick Township Environmental Com- included the Brick MUA, Brick Township Shade mission Secretary, said a main feature of this year’s Tree Commission, Save Barnegat Bay and more. event was showcasing the Township’s Economic The event housed nearly 40 vendors, a new one being Rewild New Jersey Community Cooperative (RNDevelopment Plan through NJDCA. “The DCA are here today gathering input from the JCC) – a platform building a grassroots movement community and also conducting some surveys as for state-wide community rewilding. “New Jersey is borderline a space that is most at well, and giving some presentations,” Palmieri noted. “In addition, we also have the Buy In Brick program risk for losing its wild spirit, both with people and here and we want to have as many residents be able with land,” RNJCC Founder Francesca Mundrick (Annual Fair - See Page 4) to sign up in conjunction with that.”
June 7, 2025
Apartments Voted Down By Judy Smestad-Nunn BRICK - An application for high density housing on five acres of wooded land at 100 Drum Point Road was unanimously voted down by the Board of Adjustment at a special meeting. It was standing room only during the meeting, which was attended by residents opposed to the plan that included nine, three-story townhouses with 48 three-bedroom units, and one apartment building containing 12 affordable rental units. This was the fifth hearing for the application, which started in October 2024. The applicant, 100 Drum Point LLC, owned by members of the Ramani family and by James DiOrio, presented their case during the first three meetings, led by local attorney John Jackson and various professionals who touted the benefits of the project. The last two meetings were opened to the public for questions and comments. At the final May 29th hearing, some 40 residents spoke in five minute increments, all in opposition to the plan. The first to speak was William Henel, who is a member of BOSS (Brick Open Space Savers), a citizens advisory committee dedicated to evaluating properties for potential acquisition to support open space preservation. He said he was speaking as a concerned citizen. Henel said the project was wrong for the (Apartments - See Page 5)
Dance Floor Lights Up For Special Prom
By Stephanie Faughnan TOMS RIVER - The glitter balls were spinning. The disco lights swirled purple and blue. And while some danced on their feet, others grooved from their chairs - because nothing was going to stop this crowd from getting their boogie on. Sixteen young residents at Children’s Specialized Hospital’s Long Term Care Center in Toms River experienced the night of a lifetime at their very own prom. Dressed to the nines in glamorous gowns and dapper suits, the children - most of whom are medically fragile and non-verbal - shined with excitement Photo by Stephanie Faughnan as music pulsed through the air and the beat of joy took over Recreational therapist Marissa Farnkoph connects the room. with one of the young prom goers as they dance to “Let’s get those strollers rocking!” called out one staff member, sparking a spontaneous swirl of wheelchairs to the rhythm of the music.
the music. The dance floor came alive - not with slick moves and dramatic dips - but with the energy of love, laughter, and support. Prom night at Children’s Specialized is no ordinary event. It’s part of a tradition at the RWJBarnabas Health facility, which offers long-term care for some of the most complex pediatric cases in New Jersey. Many of the residents require round-the-clock medical care and can’t live at home or in traditional community settings. Still, for this one magical evening, the long-term care center transformed into a celebration hall filled with dancing, music, glitter, and heartfelt connection. “We say medically fragile to indicate the children need ongoing medical or respiratory care,” explained Carolyn Franzoso, Manager of Long-Term Care, Clinical Therapies. (Prom - See Page 4)
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