Community Bulletin Board
June programs and events at Brick Library

The Brick Branch of the Ocean County Library, 301 Chambers Bridge Road, has announced it's schedule of free events and programs for the month of June. Registration is required unless otherwise noted. Contact (732) 477-4513 or www.oceancountylibrary.org for registration and details.

+ June 1, 10 a.m., Arline Wasserman's Book Discussion.

+ June 2, 2 p.m., Bernie Duffy's Book Discussion.

+ June 7, 11 a.m., Friends of Brick Library meeting.

+ June 7, 7 p.m., "Heart of the Order," by Angelo Saverino will be discussed by Saverino himself. The book details Saverino's career as a sports agent and his nurturing in a strict Sicilian family.

+ June 10, 11:30 a.m., Brick Film Club.

+ June 12, 7 p.m., Mother/Daughter Book Club.

+ June 12, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Representatives from the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance will be in the lobby of the library to answer questions.

+ June 13, 6 p.m., Brick Popcorn Bookworm Club, ages 6 and up.

+ June 17, 2:30 p.m., "Duo Baval," the gypsy duo of Milena Dawidowicz (violin) and Elena Panova (piano) will perform music of Eastern European gypsies from Hungary, Romania, Russia, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Slovenia.

+ June 19, 10:30 a.m., "Sing and Dance an Animal Song" for ages 2-5.

+ June 19, 2 p.m., Knitting Around Knitting Club for all skill levels.

+ June 20, 9 a.m., June 20 - Free blood pressure screening.

+ June 20, 10:30 a.m., "Pets Who Would Love a Home" - representatives from Jersey Shore Animal Center will tell real stories about healing injured puppies and helping abandoned kitties.

+ June 21, 7 p.m., PJ Storytime - bedtime stories for children and families.

+ June 24, 2:30 p.m., "Animals in Chinese" for children and families.

+ June 26, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., "Identity Theft - It Could Happen to You" will be presented by the public affairs staff of the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance.

+ June 27, 10:30 a.m., 4H Presents: Precious Pets. Members of the 4H Precious Pets Club will show how they care for their pets and help kids work on a craft. For children and families.

+ June 28, 2:30 p.m., Small Animal Show and Tell for ages 6 and up.

+ June 29, 2:30 p.m., Summer Reading Kick-Off Party for children and families.

+ June 30, 2 p.m., Family Film Friday. Films for the whole family will be shown every other Friday throughout the summer.

South Jersey Canoe and Kayak Classic June 3

The South Jersey Canoe and Kayak Classic will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain or shine) June 3 at Ocean County Park, Route 88, Lakewood. The event will feature over 100 models of canoes and kayaks for visitors to test out. There will also be clinics and demonstrations, displays by manufacturers and paddling clubs, accessories, games, food and more. Details: (609) 971-3085.

Brick man recognized for military service

Jerome "Jerry" Baker recently stood in the French Consulate Office in New York City with eight other American veterans from World War II to receive the Legion of Honor, France's highest honor for soldiers.

Baker, 91, of Brick Township, was also recognized by the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders for his military service.

"We are so very proud of our veterans," said Freeholder Director Gerry P. Little, who serves as liaison to the Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau. "Today we honor a man who survived Utah Beach, the Liberation of France and the Battle of the Bulge.

"What a privilege it is to have him here to personally extend our congratulations and gratitude," Little said.

Baker has been awarded numerous medals and certificates for his exemplary military service to his country.

He was drafted into the Army June 10, 1943, and he trained at Fort Dix and in England before he crossed the English Channel and participated in the storming of Utah Beach at Normandy on D-Day.

"Ocean County is home to 68,000 veterans, most of whom served during World War II," Little said. "We are so proud of our 'Greatest Generation.' "

The Legion of Honor award was created in 1802 by Napoleon to acknowledge services of great merit to France. The Legion of Honor is France's oldest and highest military and civilian decoration.

Local student receives national honor

The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) announced that Brick Memorial High School student Scott M. Stoppiello, of Brick, has been selected for membership.

The society recognizes top scholars in the nation and invites only those students who have achieved superior academic excellence.

The announcement was made by NSHSS founder and chairman Claes Nobel, senior member of the Nobel Prize family.

Membership in NSHSS entitles qualified students to enjoy a wide variety of benefits including scholarship opportunities, academic competitions, free events, member-only resources, publications, participation in programs offered by educational partners, online forums, personalized recognition items, and publicity honors.

Ocean County Mayor's Scholars chosen

Twenty Ocean County High School seniors have been selected as Mayors' Scholars according to David Siddons, Island Heights Mayor and President of the Ocean County Mayors' Association. For the past 15 years the Mayors' Association has presented scholarships to high school seniors throughout the county who have demonstrated both exceptional personal academic and community achievement. The students were honored and presented with $ 1,000 scholarship awards at the Ocean County Superintendents' "Student Recognition Breakfast" on May 25,.

Among the students selected this year were Christian Oliveira, Brick Memorial High School; Georgette Chryssanthakopoulos, Brick Township High School; Hao Sun, Jackson Memorial High School; Rachel Schneider, Lakewood High School; William Loundy, Monsignor Donovan High School; Kaitlin Dickert; New Egypt High School; and John Brew Cain IV, Megan Pielli, Tiffanie Cheung, and Connor McBride, all of Ocean County Vocational Technical School.

Parks department trip

to see Mets vs. Phillies

The Ocean County Department of Parks & Recreation will sponsor a bus trip to see the New York Mets play the Philadelphia Phillies at the new Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. The bus will depart from the front gate of Ocean County Park, Route 88, Lakewood, Aug. 15 at 4 p.m. and return at approximately midnight. The fee of $48 includes transportation and reserved seating in section 235.

To register, send a check made payable to County of Ocean to: Ocean County Parks and Recreation, 1198 Bandon Road, Toms River 08753. Details: (877) 627-2757 or visit www.oceancountyparks.org.

Osbornville Baptist to host church English Tea

The Osbornville Baptist Church, Brick, will host its fifth annual English Tea June 24 at 1 p.m. at the Pioneer Hose Fire House, 312 Drum Point Road, Brick. The day will feature entertainment, prizes and traditional English fare including pots of tea, soup, sandwiches, scones and dessert served on tables set with linens and china.

There will also be a "Hat Stroll" and prizes. Hats and gloves are encouraged, but not required. Red hats are welcome.

Tickets are $17.50 per person.

Reservations must be made by June 19. Call (732) 477-5187 or (732) 477-0324.