The
SOUTHERN OCEAN Times Vol. 11 - No. 48
In This Week’s Edition
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
June 1, 2024
People Entering Community Gardeners Upset As Workforce Mayor Throws Shade On Their Plans After Jail Share Success Stories
Photo courtesy Connie Toth A variety of herbs and vegetables are grown at the Stafford Community Garden. By Stephanie Faughnan SOUTHERN OCEAN COUNTY – A seed of an idea dismissed by Barnegat Light Mayor Kirk O. Larson has sprouted some deep-rooted concerns with gardening enthusiasts on the mainland side of the bridge. It all began when a couple of full-time residents approached local officials at their last borough meeting. Kevin Phillips and Michelle DiAntonio hoped authorities would allocate some public land to be used for a community garden. They also asked for a reliable water supply and spelled out the extent of their plans – including their aspirations to donate produce surplus to those in need. However, the mayor questioned past successes
of similar projects. Larson seemed to doubt the proposal could work – suggesting he didn’t see community gardens blossoming in Manahawkin. T h ree com mu n it y ga rdens have plot s throughout Stafford – with at least one growing some resentment towards the Barnegat Light mayor’s comments. Connie Toth said that 20-30 people participate in the Stafford Community Garden with Dr. (Gardeners - See Page 6)
By Stephanie Faughnan TOMS RIVER – A packed room of officials and communit y leaders gathered to witness the grand opening of NJ Reentry Corporation’s 24 Main Street location. While two former governors and the Ocean County Prosecutor addressed the crowd, the most impactful statements came from those not necessarily accustomed to the spotlight. A mong them was Rob Carter, the prog r a m’s Di re ct or of O p e r at ion s , who s e story underscored NJ Reentry’s vital role in transforming lives. Carter spoke candidly about the struggles of reintegrating into society after nine felony convictions and battling a severe addiction. Released from prison
Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Rob Carter, the program’s Director of Operations, shares his story of entering the workforce after his legal issues. over 17 years ago, he didn’t have a support system like the one now offered by NJ Reentry. Instead, Carter faced the uphill battle of trying (Success - See Page 5)
Getting Ready For Summer, Officials “Unlock The Ocean”
Photo by Bob Vosseller Lavallette Mayor Walter LaCicero (center) and Ocean County Commissioner Frank Sadeghi hold a large key that was used to unlock the Atlantic Ocean.
By Bob Vosseller LAVALLETTE – When you unlock something as large and valuable as the Atlantic Ocean, you need a big key and that is exactly what local government officials brought with them to the beach to kick off the summer season. The event showcased the
Philadelphia Avenue gazebo and shoreline of Lavallette. It included county and local public officials, students and staff of the Lavallette Elementar y School, US Navy Captain James B. Howell, commanding officer, Naval Support Activity Lakehurst and Deputy Commander of Joint Base
McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and several Navy sailors and residents. “It is a glorious day. I can’t tell you how proud I am that Lavallette was chosen as the location for the very fi rst open the ocean ceremony. Ocean County has 44 miles of beaches. We have one mile and we are very proud
of what we have here,” LaCicero said. The mayor added, “anyone who has traveled the world and been to many beaches knows that Ocean County beaches are second to none. The color of the sand, the texture, the softness combine to make this the (Summer - See Page 4)
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