Brick Puts Focus On Town's Youth

BRICK, NJ -- How do you keep kids out of trouble and away from dangerous behaviors including drugs? By giving them positive things to do.

With that goal in mind, Brick Township officials are focusing on a number of initiatives to get kids involved in town. Tops among them is Mayor John Ducey’s Teen Advisory Council, which has taken the lead in suggesting events, from reviving teen dances to a township-wide birthday celebration that is set for this weekend.

“It is well established that providing young people with healthy activities and pursuits is a key element in keeping them from negative behaviors,” Ducey said. “In a short period of time the Teen Advisory Committee has become a great supplement to the township’s recreational programs.”

The teen initiatives are overseen by Enspirited Projects, owned and operated by Brick resident Colleen Finnegan and her business partner, Robert Bradshaw.

“We also believe all kids should have a voice in their town. Teaching them this when they are young helps them grow into citizens that can contribute positively to their town as they become adults,” Finnegan said. “It’s such an important step to take when you want the future of your community to be vibrant and successful.”

The Brick Teen Advisory Committee creates events and opportunities that engage the younger members of the community. Upcoming projects include a mix of revamped programs from years ago and brand new creative initiatives.

On Friday, Feb. 19, the club is co-hosting a Middle School Valentine’s Day Dance with BMAC, the Brick Municipal Alliance Committee, at the Brick Civic Plaza, 270 Chambersbridge Road. The event will include a photo booth, an “ask a high schooler” station, a dance-off with the Brick Dragon and Brick Memorial Mustang, and donated snacks by Chipotle! The event is free but you must register on the Brick Recreation website: www.parksandrecreation.bricktownship.net

The next day, Saturday, Feb. 20 from noon to 2 p.m. will be the first ever Brick Birthday Party. Suggested by elementary-age resident Olivia Elliot, the party will celebrate the day Brick became a town.

The Brick Birthday Party is free and will be held at the Civic Plaza, with games, activities, and a giant birthday card for all to sign.

Performances include local kids presented by Idol Time Academy, Lake Riviera Middle School’s Voices from the Lake chorus, Broadway Bound Theater School and Standing Ovations Dance Studio. There will also be a book reading by children’s book writer, Susan Zucconi. Families with kids of all ages are invited to come out and celebrate with us!

The teen committee has also been working with specially selected high school students on a “Brick United” campaign. This campaign was created to ease tensions in the decades old rivalry between both the township’s two high schools.

“The primary message of the campaign is that at the end of the day, we are all from the same town and should show a united front to the outside world,“ Finnegan said.

The Brick United Campaign currently includes an apparel line and a YouTube series, of which two videos already have been released.

These high school students also regularly meet with the mayor as part of his Brick Teen Advisory Committee, giving him regular thoughts and suggestions as representatives of their age group.

To follow programs, check out the Brick United Clothing Line and see the YouTube videos, like BRICK YOUTH on Facebook. For additional information, questions, or to get involved, email Finnegan, the program adviser,  at colleen@enspiritedprojects.org.