C ommunity n ew S 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.

Gator Store Donations/Ocean Gate Day

OCEAN GATE – Donate a toy/items to the “Gator Store” and be entered to win a prize! Items the students love: books, slime, games, outdoor activities, STEM project kits, art, supplies, bouncy balls, water bottles, card games, Rubix cubes, school supplies, etc.

Each item donated will receive one entry tickets to the raffle. A table will be set up with PTO at Ocean Gate Day, where donations can be dropped off. Items can also be dropped off at the school prior Ocean Day for a raffle ticket. Winner will be drawn at 3 p.m. Any questions, call 732-269-3023.

The Gator Store is a school-based store the students earn money (gator bucks) by displaying the 6 Pillars of Character: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship.

Ocean Gate Day will be on August 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

National Night Out

SOUTH TOMS RIVER – South Toms River Police department and South Toms River governing body proudly celebrate National Night Out on August 1 from 4 to 8 p.m. at South Toms River Elementary School. Parking available at the front of the school; Brandies lot will be closed to vehicle traffic.

There will be free giveaways from your local businesses and the first 500 attendees receive a reusable Wawa tote with raffle tickets.

Come out, meet your neighbors, first responders, elected officials and have a great night of fun.

Living Recovery Group

BAYVILLE – WALK Inc. believes everyone can benefit from a Life Recovery experience because we all have struggles in life, struggles with addictions, food, depression, anxiety, and relationships to name a few. You’ll be encouraged to see how others have found a new way of life with hope for the future through Life Recovery.

Living Recovery Group will be held every Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Living Water Community Church, 333 Rt 9 Unit B15, Bayville.

For More information, call 732-797-0575 or email admin@walkinc.org. To register, visit livingwatercma.breezechms.com/ form/11be24.

Homeless:

Continued From Page 5 enforcement.

Drawing from his recent visit to Portland, Oregon, where he witnessed the proliferation of homeless camps and makeshift shelters, Foley highlighted how such conditions can dramatically change the character of a city. He expressed support for the creation of the homelessness trust fund, emphasizing the need for well-resourced and integrated efforts to address the root causes of homelessness and provide effective solutions.

Many of the narratives focusing on homelessness highlight veterans, families, seniors, and those with mental illness in need. However, one speaker suggested another group faces severe challenges in finding affordable housing.

“It was almost 21 years ago when there was a forum held here on poverty in Ocean County,” said Paul C. Williams. “There was an individual who came before you and introduced himself and said he just finished seven and a half years in prison.”

“He had explained to you the interest he had in you not adding funding,” Williams continued. “But to take some of the funding that was being made available to deal with the issue of poverty and earmark that for the needs of the men and women who were returning back to the community.”

Williams identified himself as the individual who made that request two decades ago. Reflecting on his own experiences, Williams highlighted the opportunities present in the current initiative and emphasized the importance of 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 es- tablishing 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.”

Powered