TIMES
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS, INC.
THE BRICK
Vol. 15 - No. 16
Your FREE Weekly Hometown Newspaper | Serving Brick and Lakewood Townships
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– Photo by Catherine Galioto Soldiers of the 61st New York Volunteer Regiment fire their rifles in the field next to the Havens Museum property. BRICK – The Brick Township Historical Society held its Annual Civil War Encampment on its Havens Homestead Museum property, featuring the 61st New York Volunteer Regiment recently. The soldiers camped out and showed their marching and firing skills. For more photos, see page 15 or visit micromediapubs.com.
LOCAL COMIC BACK ON AMERICA’S GOT TALENT By Jennifer Peacock The local government has one comic’s back. On behalf of Manchester Mayor Kenneth Palmer and the entire Manchester Tow nship Council, President James Vaccaro wrote a letter to “America’s Got Talent” contestant, Whiting resident Julia Scotti, wishing the comic luck on her upcoming appearances. As of press time, Scotti was still in the running on the nationally broadcast show that runs on NBC Tuesday and Wednesday nights. The show, judged by Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, and Mel B with host Nick Cannon, is in its 11th season. (Comic - See Page 4)
Inside This Week’s Edition
Business Directory ........................... 22 Classifieds ........................................ 21 Community News ......................... 8-12 Dr. Izzy’s Sound News..................... 16 Fun Page ......................................... 23 Government ...................................... 7 Inside The Law ................................ 18 Letters to the Editor ........................... 6 Wolfgang ........................................ 27 WWW.MICROMEDIAPUBS.COM
August 13, 2016
BOE Approves Teachers’ Pay Scale Amid Heated Debate
By Judy Smestad-Nunn BRICK – Should newly-hired teachers with experience earn more than teachers with no experience hired just out of college? A lengthy and sometimes heated discussion about this issue transpired between the school administration, Board of Education members and the public during the recent Board of Education meeting before a vote was held on new appointments. In Brick, the salary guide for teachers has 21 steps that range from $51,565 for a new teacher with a bachelor’s degree, to $90,010 after 21 years of teaching. (Teachers are paid additionally for advanced degrees and after 30-plus years of employment). Two of the new teachers were hired at step 3 ($52,760) and one new teacher was hired at step 9 with a master’s degree ($60,070). (Teachers - See Page 4)
Foundation Creates “Best Day” At Brick Beach
By Judy Smestad-Nunn BRICK – Kevin and Stacie Skolnik of Sayreville brought their twins, Brendan and Sawyer, 6, who are both autistic, to Brick Beach 3 recently. Trained volunteers, including some lifeguards, would help them enjoy something the family previously struggled with – waves of the ocean and activities such as surfi ng, boogie boards and more. “They love the water and the waves, but we can’t handle them in the surf,” said Kevin. The annual Best Day Foundation event gave children and young adults with special needs the chance to surf, boogie board, and interact with volunteers during beach games and activities at Brick Beach 3 recently. Growing from 10 participants in 2008, the days held statewide now serve 45 participants with more than a hundred volunteers to give them assistance in enjoying beach activities through the Best Day Foundation. “It’s great so far, they’re having fun. I wish
there were more events like this,” said Stacie Skolnik. “These days are our Christmas, when they get the joy, the smiles and the happiness,” she said. Kerry Weeks of Staten Island brought
her daughter, Emily, 10, who was recently diagnosed with autism, to Brick Beach 3, to enjoy alongside her daughter Kayla, 14, who was working as a volunteer. (Beach - See Page 5)
–Photo by Judy Smestad-Nunn The Best Day Foundation gave special needs children a day in the surf.
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