The
SOUTHERN OCEAN Times Vol. 11 - No. 5
In This Week’s Edition
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
Buddy Benches Coming To Barnegat Schools This Fall
August 5, 2023
Stafford Pride Day Organizers See Rainbow as Sign of Hope
BREAKING NEWS @
jerseyshoreonline.com
Photo By Stephanie Faughnan Little Charlotte was present along with her mom during the first Stafford in the Park event held at Manahawkin Lake Park
Community News Pages 8-11
Dr. Izzy Sound News Page 13
Inside The Law Page 18
Classifieds Page 16
Photo courtesy Bob Schwanke Anthony De Franco, who initiated the Buddy Bench project, sits with Michele Cucinotta of Barnegat Schools, who helped spur it into action. By Stephanie Faughnan BARNEGAT – As some students return to school this September, they are in for a heartwarming surprise – the addition of buddy benches to their playgrounds. A Buddy Bench is more than just a seat on the playground; it symbolizes an open invitation for
children who may feel isolated or in need of a friend. By sitting on the Buddy Bench, kids communicate that they would welcome a companion, while others are encouraged to show kindness and reach out to those seeking friendship. Local adult and student volun-
teers took on the project brought forth by the remarkable Anthony De Franco, aged 35. De Franco joined the community in 2021 and has since become an inspiration, making significant strides in fostering positive interactions and ensuring his voice is heard. (Benches - See Page 6)
Gamers Learn To Master Dungeons & Slay Dragons By Bob Vosseller OCEAN COUNTY – In an age of virtual reality, artificial intelligence and more computer games than you can shake a controller at, an Photo by Bob Vosseller enduring gaming favorite Dungeons & Dragons books provide vast information for cam- requires only the power of paigns of the game and are available to take out at the Ocean your own imagination. Dungeons & Dragons creCounty Library.
ated a phenomenon in the 1970s, breathing life (and fire) into the genre of fantasy through a polyhedral dice and a game coordinator called a “Dungeon Master.” On the heels of the hit film, “Dungeons & Dragons Honor Among Thieves” that was (Dragons - See Page 4)
By Stephanie Faughnan STAFFORD – Threats of stormy weather forced Stafford Pride Day organizers to cancel events on two separate occasions last month but the event’s third date seemed to work out like a charm – a lucky one at that. As the LGBTQ+ community and allies eagerly awaited the celebration of love and acceptance, a seemingly fortuitous rainbow (Pride- See Page 4)
EXPERTS:
Watch Out For Clinging Jellyfish
By Alyssa Riccardi JERSEY SHORE – Officials are warning New Jersey swimmers about the potential dangers of clinging jellyfish that have been found in the Shore area this summer. According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, clinging jellyfish are a small jellyfish capable of inflicting an extremely painful sting. Officials said they are present in bays and estuarine waters (Jellyfish - See Page 12)
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