The
SOUTHERN OCEAN Times Vol. 11 - No. 44
In This Week’s Edition
Cinco De Mayo BREAKING NEWS @
jerseyshoreonline.com
Community News Pages 8-15
Dr. Izzy Sound News Page 16
Inside The Law Page 19
Classifieds Page 22
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
May 4, 2024
Students Prep Piney Author Fights Stereotypes, For Prom With Shares Rich Local History ‘Arrive Alive’ Experience
By Stephanie Faughnan PINE BARRENS – William “Bill” Lewis, 50, served as a Marine, studied hard at night to earn a degree with top honors, and works for the federal government. On top of all that, he’s authored four books, produced a documentary film, and delivered guest lectures on several occasions. Lewis also just happens to be a third-generation Piney, a fact that might strike some as inconsistent with their image of a people quite proud of their deep-rooted lineage. The term “Piney” often conjures up images of backwoods stereotypes or folklore characters. Lewis considers the word an unmistakable slur and has made it his mission to reclaim
Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Barnegat High School juniors Riley Fitzpatrick and Venorah Speller show the “tickets” they received after a ride in the simulator. Photo by Stephanie Faughnan William “Bill” Lewis displays the first of his books – “New Jersey’s Lost Piney Culture.” the narrative of the Piney identity. “We know with a stereotype there’s little to no truth,” said Lewis. “We’re just labeling people because they’re different, and we don’t
understand them.” The spark for Lewis’ first book, “New Jersey’s Lost Piney Culture,” ignited during a seemingly ordinary encou nter. A n avid birder, Lewis was hik-
ing in Florida when he met a couple from Indiana. The gentleman, sporting a Wharton State Forest hat, asked Lewis if he’d ever heard of the (Author - See Page 4)
Daughters Of American Revolution Honor Local Founder
By Stephanie Faughnan TOMS RIVER – The Captain Joshua Huddy Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) recently rededicated a plaque honoring their organizing regent, Virginia Watson Reeve. The ceremony highlighted her dedication to the organization, her passion for history, and her strong character. The rededication service was held
at the Ocean County Historical Society Garden, where the plaque was relocated from its original site near Toms River Town Hall. It is engraved with the inscription “Captain Joshua Huddy Chapter DAR Honors Virginia Watson Reeve as Organizing Regent March 8, 1930.” Reeve’s two grandsons traveled substantial distances to attend the (DAR - See Page 5)
Photo by Stephanie Faughnan DAR member Carol Mahler reads the story of Joshua Huddy authored by Virginia Watson Reeve as current Regent Virginia “Ginny” Haines looks on.
By Stephanie Faughnan BARNEGAT – Before Barnegat High School juniors hit the prom dance floor, they had the chance to make a critical pit stop at an “Arrive Alive” program. While picking the perfect prom outfit is a priority, this year’s pre-prom prep went beyond the traditional glitz and glamour. School officials and the Barnegat Police Department teamed up to help prepare the junior prom goers for a safe and memorable night. All 11th-grade physical education classes were allowed to engage with a distracted driving simulator provided by UNITE’s Arrive Alive Tour. Under the guidance of Jalen Burress, a program representative who resonated with the students, they embarked on a virtual journey behind the wheel. “Frank (BHS Vice Principal) Pannullo actually found the organization, and we reached out to them,” said Barnegat Police Officer Brian Weber, the high school’s School Resource Officer. “We set this up specifically for junior students as we do Project Crash for the seniors. We’re trying to hit the kids up a little bit earlier so they know the consequences that could come from these types of situations.” The simulator, resembling a police car, allowed the students to experience the challenges of driving under the influence or while distracted by a cell phone. With sensors monitoring their every move and VR headsets enveloping their vision, they navigated through simulated scenarios filled with danger. Classmates watched the situations unfold on a monitor set up outside the car. (Students - See Page 6)
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