Long Branch Event Celebrates Education

On May 17, more than 200 people came to Stella Maris Retreat Center for a Celebration of Education. The event honored Dr. Webster Trammell, Vice President for Development, Community, and Governmental Relations at Brookdale Community College, and Michael Salvatore, the Superintendant of Long Branch Schools, and raised almost $10,000 for the Long Branch Concordance (LBC). 

According to LBC President Jack Kearns, the funds will help defray the costs of the bilingual Parenting Programs hosted by the LBC.

In his remarks at the event, Kearns said, "We are so happy and humbled that these two wonderful men have allowed us to honor them.  They bring honor to all of Long Branch.  Not only do they serve the children and adults of the community.  Both also attended Monmouth University.  So we feel they represent all the wonderful educational opportunities available to the people of Long Branch and beyond."

In their remarks, both honorees mentioned the work of the LBC.  Dr. Trammell said he did not know much about the organization until he began to look into it.  "Then I was astounded at the amazing good they accomplish for the people of our city."

Mr. Salvatore noted that the LBC works closely with many other organizations in the area, and that, "All stand shoulder to shoulder, just like the people in this room, to help others."

The event included music from the Long Branch High School Jazz Ensemble, an a capella rendition of "God Bless America" by Ms. Kimberly Laureano, member of the school's ROTC, and some songs from the school's A Capella Choir. 

According to LBC's Executive Director Lisa Wilson, MSW, who also attended Monmouth University, the evening was a complete success.  "The honorees were wonderful, so more people than we expected came to help celebrate all they have accomplished. And Admiral Paul Gaffney, President of Monmounth University and a long time supporter of the LBC, joined us for the evening.  Plus the desserts were wonderful." 

The centerpieces, tomato plants in pots, were donated by Juliano Farms in Tinton Falls, and will be used in the LBC's Community Garden.  The coffee was donated by Readies Cafe in Red Bank.  Desserts were donated by Nahum's Bakery in Deal, the Culinary Education Center of Monmouth County, Frosted A & M Bakery of Manalapan, and Caputo's Bakery of Long Branch, Sodexo School Services with a special thanks to Mr. Paul Eschelbach and the Long Branch School Employees Association.  The Long Branch Police Explorers provided parking guidance.