Senior Scene: Crosio Leads Annual Charge To Help Brick's Special Children

The senior citizens of our community are many in numbers, and they do not all reside in senior citizen developments. Many scattered around Brick continue to go the extra mile to help citizens in need – including some of the youngest among us.

John Crosio, of the Herbertsville section, does more than his share where helping others is concerned.

Crosio, an officer and member of Epiphany Council Knights of Columbus 8160, currently chairs that organization's Special Olympics program. The program enables the Epiphany Council to give many of the township's special needs children recreation and activities that they might not otherwise be able to experience. Through fundraising efforts held year-round, the council usually holds its primary Special Olympics event each July in cooperation with Camp Beadleston, a summer program for disabled children, and plans other activities for the children of the camp.

This year, the planned activities include a trip to Ocean County College's planetarium, a day of bowling, and a track and field day during which all of the participants receive a t-shirt, cap, and a delicious and healthy lunch.

When the track and field “competition” is completed, each child receives a commemorative medal that is usually presented individually to each child by Mayor Acropolis.

Crosio and his brother Knights spend countless hours soliciting contributions from Brick's major businesses, representing the council's most significant fundraising effort each year. Crosio is also personally responsible for planning the bowling day, the trip to the planetarium, and the track and field events.

As it does most years, the council will take an entire weekend this April 2-3 for the purpose of "shaking the cans" outside local stores to raise money for the event.

Editor's Note: Those interested in donating to the Special Olympics can contact John Crosio at 908-910-7819.