Local 373 holds Easter event Where Angels Play
n BY NEIL VISTA
The sun was shining and children were smiling when Long
Beach Township Local 373 held its first Easter Egg Hunt at Lauren Rousseau’s Playground in Bayview Park on April 4.
Planned in just two short weeks, the hunt was an overwhelming success and positive event held at a location to
honor a true hero. Easter eggs, the ocean, children enjoying the
playground and even an appearance by the Easter Bunny made
for the perfect spring day just one day before Easter Sunday.
"It was amazing,” said Local 373 State Delegate Brendan Kerlin. “This is our first year and we had about 150 kids come out
and participate in the Easter Egg Hunt.”
The playground was dedicated one year ago and was built
with the help of Local 373 members as part of the “Where
Angels Play Foundation” project to create a tribute to victims of
the Newtown, Massachusetts school shooting. The Long Beach
Township playground was built in honor of teacher Lauren
Rousseau, one of six adults killed at Sandy Hook Elementary
School.
Kerlin and Local 373 thanked the Long Beach Township
Department of Public Works for setting up areas for the Easter
Egg Hunt for children of different ages.
Despite the windy conditions, the hunt was exactly what
community policing is all about, Kerlin said.
“It's important to get out there in our towns and show how
much we love the town we work in,” he added.
Kerlin said Rousseau's family members could not attend the
event, but was “happy and overwhelmed” when they learned
of the turnout and the happiness of the children who participated.
“Lauren's family was so appreciative that she is something
we continue to remember and honor," he said. d
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APRIL 2015
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