A Christmas Party which was held on Dec. 16 in the Post hall of the Brick Township Memorial Post No. 348 of the American Legion, located at 822 Mantoloking Road, for the veterans residing in the local health facilities, was a huge success!
Veterans from The Burnt Tavern Rehab Center, Laurelton Village in Brick, and Green Acres Manor in Toms River were feted at a Christmas party hosted by the Post and the Post Auxiliary.
The party’s success can be credited to the sounds of the Sea Notes, also known as Bill Forte and Trina Clifton. Their terrific music really created a wonderful party atmosphere.
The highlight of the afternoon was when Santa Claus (Don Lodino) took time out from his busy schedule to greet the vets and their guests and presented them with gifts provided through the Veterans Fund.
Santa’s personal touch in greeting each and every one personally really made them feel like kids again. Thanks so much Santa.
Rose Spitz made certain each gift recipient had a Polaroid picture to take back with them. Commander Bob LaRocca did a fine job as the maitre’d — with an assist from Pat Sammon, Cindy Durant, Ray Kirsch, Mike Brady, Sol Hunter, Diane Lodino, Tillie Shaw and Dolores Rutski.
Last, but certainly not least, was the well-received buffet prepared by Chris. The vets came in with a great appetite and did justice to all the different foods skillfully prepared.
Our hats off to Chris!
Needless to say, it was a very happy bunch that left with the spirit of Christmas in their hearts and their stomachs.
Our next project will be "Valentines for Vets," which was a huge success in 2002 and was well received in the health facilities in Ocean County. More than 2,000 were received.
The elementary school children did a great job last year, thanks to Andy Spear’s input.
Help will be needed to put together the Valentine packets once the Valentines are received at the Post early in February 2003.
John J. Mozart
Veterans Services Chairman
Brick