Jersey Shore Magazine

J e r s e y s h o r e • F A L L / H O L I D A Y 2 0 1 7 62 JERSEY SHORE PROFILE THE JAY AND LINDA GRUNIN FOUNDATION, continued from page 60 A mural at 207 Main Street in Toms River, created through the Engage Toms River Community Mural Project program. Jill Ocone The Elevate Toms River Program Don't let the name fool you— everyone at the Jersey Shore benefits from the "Elevate Toms River" program. One example is their sponsorship of the Toms River Artists Community's Art in the Park festival held at Toms River's Huddy Park over the past three summers. The festival features displays and performances from more than forty Jersey Shore artists. Musical and poetry performances compliment showcases of glass, pottery, photog- raphy, jewelry, oil, acrylic, charcoal, mixed media, digital, and print works. Elevate Toms River also proudly unveiled the Protectors of Freedom Monument at Toms River's Bey Lea Park in June 2017. Jay Grunin said, the "Protectors of Freedom was a project that had been in my mind for a number of years. Being a part of a community that's home to one of the largest veteran populations in the country, it was obvious that we had to do something to pay them proper tribute. Together with Brian Hanlon, master sculptor and founder of Hanlon Sculpture Studio, we were able to bring to life something that we believe will help educate and com- memorate simultaneously," The monument created by Hanlon reflects every conflict from 1917 to present. His figures represent and honor those who served in World Wars I and II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Middle East conflict. The five larger than life sculptures are surrounded by beautiful flowers and landscaping with the American Flag and the flags of each branch of the United States Armed Forces standing tall and proud behind the figures. The walkway leading up to the mon- ument has signs explaining the story of each figure, creating an atmo- sphere of reverence. Grunin contin- ued, "We hope that visitors feel a sense of pride and patriotism when they visit the monument. Whether it's a class of elementary school kids, or one of our great veterans organi- zations around the area, or a visiting family here for the weekend to enjoy our beaches, we know that the story of how we've been protected and will continue to be protected by our brave military will resonate." Another program sponsored by Elevate Toms River is the annual Salute to Ocean County, a cel- ebration of arts and heritage. The 2018 Salute to Ocean County Documentary provides an oppor- tunity for three Ocean County high school student videographers to work with three professional media consultants, funded by the Foundation, to create a video docu- mentary of one of the three Salute to Ocean County award winners. (The awards include the John C. Bartlett, Jr. Government Service Award; the Lifetime Achievement Award in the Arts in Ocean County; and the Pauline S. Miller Lifetime Achievement Award for Ocean County History.) The awards eve- ning also includes performances by students who were Critiqued for Excellence at the Ocean County Teen Arts Festival. The Foundation awards up to $10,000. for the top performances as judged by the Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Commission. Elevate Toms River also sponsors the annual Jersey Shore Makersfest and gave a grant of more than $180,000. to the Toms River Regional Schools through the Principals' Innovation Challenge. The Impact Toms River Program "Impact Toms River Partners" (organizations the Foundation has

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