The BRICK Times Vol. 25 - No. 9
In This Week’s Edition
4th
of
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
“Shore To Give:” Volunteers Raise Money For Important Causes
July
BREAKING NEWS @
jerseyshoreonline.com
Government Page 7
Community News Page 10-13
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 16
Inside The Law Page 18
Photo by Judy Smestad-Nunn Shore to Give presented the leadership of Brick’s Disabled American Veterans Chapter 20 with a $7,500 check recently. By Judy Smestad-Nunn BRICK - “Shore to Give” is perfectly named since the non-profit group is made up of Ocean County healthcare professionals who raise money to support neighbors through charitable giving. With the current membership numbering 25, the group holds two main fundraisers a year, in the spring and fall, and partners with other small non-profit organizations. All the volunteers have day jobs as administrators at senior living facilities, in hospice care, in skilled nursing, in elder law and more.
One of the four founding board members, Loretta Shopene said “Shore To Give” was founded after they broke off from a larger for-profit organization who was not using all the funds raised by members and “what we were raising it for…it was disheartening to us,” she said during their most recent meeting, held on the first Tuesday morning of every month. “So we said we can’t just sit around and do nothing because what we do - we give back to the community. So we decided to put together a small group - we didn’t even know what we were doing - but we wanted (Shore To Give - See Page 4)
New Commander Installed At Joint Base US Air Force Photos By Jewaun McElroy U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Stefanovic addresses the crowd after taking command of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and the 87th Air Base Wing.
By Bob Vosseller LAKEHURST – The Joint Base now has a new leader following a recent Change of Command ceremony. U.S. Air Force Col. Michael D. Stefanovic assumed command of both Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and the 87th Air Base Wing, succeeding Col. Anthony L. Smith. The ceremony brought together service members, civilian employees, local officials and community partners to recognize Smith’s service and mark the formal transfer of leadership. (New Commander - See Page 4)
July 5, 2025
School Superintendent Honored By Bob Vosseller BRICK – Board of Education members noted Superintendent Thomas G. Farrell’s recent naming as Superintendent of the Year by the New Jersey Association of School Administrators Education and Research Foundation (NJASA). Richard Bozza, executive director of NJASA noted in an association produced video that Farrell was the 2025 Region III Superintendent of the Year. “Farrell’s journey started in the private sector but his passion for coaching and working with young people led him to education. He began as a business education teacher quickly rising through the ranks.” The superintendent has served as assistant athletic director, director of technology, assistant principal, high school principal and superintendent. Bozza described Farrell as a “proven strategic leader with a steadfast commitment to provide student centered instruction. He provides suppor tive and engaging learning environments that foster academic growth, interpersonal relationships and community involvement.” “Under his leadership, Brick schools have navigated through challenges, expanded pre-kindergarten and advocated for fair school aid f unding all while keeping students first. He believes great schools aren’t about big budgets or trendy programs. They are about people - especially the relationships between students and teachers,” Bozza said. Farrell said “students need an adult advocate who truly cares.” “Beyond his district he is making a difference too,” Bozza added. He noted that Farrell serves as president of the Ocean County Superintendents’ Roundtable. An NJASA member since 2013, he served on NJASA committees and is an adjunct professor at Monmouth University. Also noted during the recent Board of Education meeting was the retirement of administrator Susan McNamara who served as the director of Planning, Research (Superintendent - See Page 7)
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