Homeless:

Continued From Page 4 providing resources and services to prevent recidivism and protect the community.

As the president and founder of Project Heuristic, Williams implored the commissioners to recognize the dire needs of individuals in this specific subgroup of the homeless population, many of whom are grappling with addiction and trauma.

Various other homelessness advocates expressed their gratitude or listened attentively to learn more about the homelessness trust fund. Each commissioner acknowledged Crea’s efforts, recognizing her pivotal role in the fund’s creation.

An atmosphere of hope, emotion, and positivity followed the unanimous approval of the ordinance. Crea, who diligently took notes during the commentary, absorbed the sentiments shared and appeared quite moved.

The State of New Jersey enacted the “County Homelessness Trust Fund Act” in 2009, granting county governments the authority to create county homelessness prevention trust funds. This legislation enabled county-operated programs to effectively address the needs of homeless individuals and families. The counties that have preceded Ocean County in establishing Homelessness Trust Funds are Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Hudson, Mercer, Middlesex, Passaic, Somerset, and Union.

The increase in fees for recorded instruments takes effect on September 1, 2023, and could raise anywhere from $275,000 to $390,000 annually. The funds collected will be dedicated to ongoing homelessness and housing instability programs, as well as the acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation of housing projects for homeless individuals or families.

With a population of over 650,000 people, Ocean County currently has approximately ten percent of its residents living in poverty. The dire situation affects all age groups, with children accounting for fifteen percent of those in poverty and seniors making up seven percent.

“The fund is not the final answer in helping our citizens,” Crea acknowledged. “But it’s an important step to assist in our ongoing efforts to help our residents.”

Vocal Canvas Podcast Reveals Cast And Crew

EAST BRUNSWICK – The East Brunswick Public Library, in an exciting partnership with NextGen Acting and Playhouse 22, is eager to reveal the forthcoming podcast series, Vocal Canvas.

At the intersection of community theatre and voice over, Vocal Canvas is a captivating five-part podcast journey that delves into the Five Characteristics of Voice: Volume, Pitch, Pace, Diction, and Resonance. Each installment will focus on individual voice aspects through the creative works of our local community.

The series is orchestrated by the homegrown talent, Dennis Connors. With dozens of community theatre and professional credits in NJ, and as the founder of NextGen Acting, Connors is renowned for pioneering voice over lessons and on-camera acting techniques in East Brunswick, NJ. NextGen Acting’s dedication to cultivating talent and stimulating creativity is well-known, offering an array of Voice Over Classes for all ages and skill levels. Adding to the magic behind the series are community writers Jon Heron, Fred Dennehy, and Emily Conklin. Joining them in production are Melissa Hozik from The East Brunswick Public Library and Adam Neary from Playhouse 22, vital players in turning the series from a vision to reality.

Vocal Canvas showcases a medley of local talents in its cast, mirroring the vibrant voice over community that resembles community theatre communities.

Among the talents are Tara Frye, Lindsay Minuski, Joanna de la Cruz, Dorothy Gallop, Jania Bibighaus, Mike Bode, Trenice Brockington, Serena Marie Smith, Sydney McGahee, Alex Luckenbaugh, Ashley Teel, Michael Costa, Hugo Zazzarini, Brandon Allentoff, Esperanza Pacheco, Meghan Stefek, Joe Wissner, Sally O’Sullivan, Thomas Rooney, Kristen Port, JD Dominique, Monica Shah, Marisa Knipfer,

Emily Rosetti, Jaclyn Angstreich, Aaron Ratzan, Laura Dalston, Asia Johnson, and Chris Guell.

“We are beyond excited to present such a gifted cast and creative team for Vocal Canvas,” Connors expressed. “The anticipation is high, and we’re eager to share this unique exploration of voice to our audience.”

Production for Vocal Canvas is underway, with public release planned for late summer. Stay tuned by following updates on the websites of East Brunswick Public Library, Playhouse 22, and NextGen Acting.