The BRICK Times Vol. 25 - No. 13
In This Week’s Edition
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Government Page 6
Community News Page 9-12
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Inside The Law Page 20
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Teens Focus On Photography During Summer Class By J.R. Warnet Brick – Summertime is a great time to learn about the art of photography. Just ask former and current students of their instructor, Gabrielle Cetrulo Porter. The Brick Township Arts Council, which was founded by Porter in 2025, aims to instruct young teens in the arts. This summer’s program is focused on photography, teaching the students how to use a digital camera. “We launched the non-profit last year,” said Porter, who also serves as the council’s executive director. “I just moved to Brick Township in January of last year and I wanted to create a space where it connects the arts to all types of people. Starting with children, I thought it was the quickest and easiest way to get them involved with the arts.” Porter said that parents are always looking for a safe space for their kids to go to. With those kids being off for most of the summer, learning about photography with an actual camera is something they might be interested in. “I launched the photography course last summer and I partnered with the Brick Township Teen Center to hold all the workshops there,” she said. The Teen Center is in Civic Plaza, at 270 Chambers Bridge Road. Included in the first year’s workshop were the basics of a camera. Techniques like shutter speed and aperture were discussed during the four-week program. Photo by J.R. Warnet Porter, who works full-time for Brick TownGabrielle Cetrulo Porter, left, instructs Cora Landers, of ship, said the photography workshop was so (Summer Class - See Page 4)
Brick, how to view her photos.
Locals Hold Up Stop Sign To NJ’s Ideas To Change Route 35
Photo by Bob Vosseller This stretch of Route 35 North is a one-way street but that could change if a New Jersey Department of Transportation proposal moves forward.
By Bob Vosseller JERSEY SHORE - Hundreds of residents of Lavallette and the Ortley Beach section of Toms River came out to express their dislike of potential changes the state suggested to speed limits, parking, and even the direction of Route 35. The first hearing was held at Lavallette Borough Hall and the second-floor meeting room was packed. The second meeting was held later in the day at the Moose Club in Ortley Beach. The Ortley Beach Voters & Taxpayers Association (Route 35 - See Page 5)
August 1, 2026
Mayor Addresses Cuts To Recycling Center Hours
Photo by Judy Smestad-Nunn The township recycling center on Ridge Road will be closed most Saturdays. By Judy Smestad-Nunn BRICK - Why is the township recycling center cutting back on the hours it is open? Mayor Lisa Crate explained the cost-cutting measure during a recent Township Council meeting after she had received a number of calls and emails from residents. The recycling center, also known as “The Hill,” located on Ridge Road, has been open Monday-Saturday, but going forward it will be open Monday through Friday as usual, but only open one Saturday a month.
Crate said there’s a public impression that “we made this rash decision and…we didn’t have any thought put behind it and that there was no conversation and that Public Works is being targeted,” she said. “And that is not the case at all.” She said the administration had conversations over the course of several weeks based on the desire and need to be fiscally responsible. The mayor said that due to the continued “exponential rise” in the cost of everything from utilities to paper, the administration (Recycling Hours See Page 4)
Local Woman’s $65K Loss Highlights Growing Scam Threat
By Stephanie Faughnan OCEAN COUNTY - A Berkeley Township woman had already lost $25,000 after allowing someone posing as a Microsoft representative to access her computer. Three days later, the scammers called again. This time, the caller claimed to be with Homeland Security and offered to help recover her money. She was instructed to withdraw $40,000 in cash, place it in a black box and meet an “agent” in the parking lot of Luigi’s Deli in South Toms River. She followed the instructions and handed over the money. When the same person returned seeking another $19,000, Berkeley Township detectives and (Scam Threat - See Page 8)
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