An Evening of Unity, Appreciation, and Community
Lakewood Community Coalition recently hosted its fourth quarterly meeting at the Strand Theater, 400 Clifton Avenue, Lakewood, featuring keynote speaker Reverend William Simmons, Assistant Pastor at Sixth Street Baptist Church, Lakewood. The event was co-chaired by Captain Steve Allaire and Dr. Cori Scotti.
Reverend Simmons presented a powerful message on the “Say Hello” campaign, an initiative launched in collaboration with Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer Human Relations Commission. This campaign emphasizes the importance of fostering meaningful conversations and genuine community connections.
Speaking on behalf of Prosecutor Billhimer, Michael Colwell highlighted the importance of the “Say Hello” campaign and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Lakewood Community Coalition for its outstanding contributions to the community. He commended Lakewood for its continued efforts to make a positive difference.
One of the highlights of the evening was when Lakewood Police Chief Gregory H. Meyer announced winners in the drawing of lucky tickets for the much-anticipated “Harvest Baskets.” These beautifully decorated baskets, crafted by June D’Elia, were generously donated by Herbert Cellar, Tommy Calabro of Twin City Jewelers, and Nick’s Farm Market. Food was provided by Iron Recovery and Wellness.
Chief Meyer also presented a retirement plaque to Sergeant Kenneth Burdge, honoring his 30 years of dedicated service. The farewell celebrated his contributions and commitment to the community.
The Lakewood Community Coalition extended its gratitude to the Strand Theater for hosting the fourth quarterly event at its beautiful venue, which provided the perfect backdrop for this inspiring evening.
Distinguished guests included Ocean County Freeholder Virginia Haines, and Ocean County College President Dr. Pamela Monaco, whose presence underscored the collaborative spirit of the gathering.
LPD Community Resource Unit Team members, including Sgt. Kenneth Burdge, Community Resource Officers Jason Yahr, Kevin Bell, Jeffrey Emmons, and Joseph Soriano shared their quarterly statistics and highlighted the positive impact of their outreach efforts. Additional acknowledgment goes to D/Sgt. Jeannette Shimonovich, and Sgt. Peter LaRosa for their contributions to the team and the community. *Special thanks to Patrick Sample from Traffic Safety.
Organizations that attended and are part of the Lakewood Community Coalition are Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish of Lakewood; St. Vincent De Paul; Attorney General’s Office, Yolanda Melville; Ocean County Prosecutors Office; Ocean County Sheriff’s Office; Lakewood Fire Department; Rabbi Charles Pinter; NJ OHSP; Iron Recovery and Wellness; WellPoint; National Chaplains Association; Andrei Jackamets, Photographer; Sixth Street Baptist Church; Just Believe; Vida City Church; St. John’s AME Zion Church; Ocean County College, Dr. Pamela Monaco; Lakewood EMS; Arrive Together; Bright Harbor; Ocean County Fire Marshall; NJSP Operation Rise; Solutions To End Poverty Soon; Habcore AHA; Food Angels; Hope Sheds Light; Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus; Community Non-profit; Family Promise Jersey Shore; All Saints Episcopal Church; Ocean County Health Department; Ocean Academy Charter School, Valerie Smith; OHI, Warren Sherard; and Lakewood Board of Education, Moshe Bender.
(Photos courtesy of Yaakov Wenger and Jeannette Shimonovich) Photo #1 CRO Jeffrey Emmons; D/Sgt. Jeannette Shimonovich; Dr. Cori Scotti; Chief Gregory H. Meyer; Captain Steve Allaire; CRO Jason Yahr Back row: CRO Joseph Soriano; CRO Kevin Bell; Sgt. Peter LaRosa; Sgt. Kenneth Burdge.
Photo #2 CRO Jeffrey Emmons; CRO Joseph Soriano; Chief Gregory H. Meyer; Sgt. Kenneth Burdge; Captain Steve Allaire; CRO Jason Yahr; D/Sgt. Jeannette Shimonovich Rear: CRO Kevin Bell; Sgt. Peter LarRosa