The
SOUTHERN OCEAN Times Vol. 11 - No. 50
In This Week’s Edition
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
The Sights And Sounds Of Stafford’s Founders Day
June 15, 2024
Exploring Stafford’s 18th Century Origins To Modern Day
BREAKING NEWS @
jerseyshoreonline.com
Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Gravesite of Silas Crane, who served as a private in the Revolutionary War and died in 1829.
Community News Pages 8-13
Dr. Izzy Sound News Page 16
Inside The Law Page 19
Classifieds Page 22
Photos by Stephanie Faughnan The Southern Regional marching band performed for spectators. By Stephanie Faughnan STAFFORD – On most days, the screech of sirens and the sight of flashing lights might spark alarm. But locals know there’s no need for concern if it’s the second Saturday in June. It’s the start of the annual Founders Day celebration, ushered in by a hometown parade that has become a beloved tradition. (Founders Day - See Page 14)
Classic cars made their way down the avenue during the parade.
By Stephanie Faughnan STAFFORD – As the local community recently celebrated its 275th anniversary, a look back reveals a fascinating histor y inter t wined with the Jersey Shore. In the 1700s, the region was part of Shrewsbury Township in Monmouth County. It was then that settlers with European roots arrived and laid
the foundation for what would become Stafford Township. Stafford Recreation Di rector Jason Hazelton said his family has lived in the township for nine or ten generations. Hazelton’s commitment to bringing the best to residents a nd g uests demonstrates the long-standing pride that comes (Origins - See Page 4)
Students Perform Musical For Charity
By Judy Smestad-Nunn OCEAN COUNTY – “SpongeBob The Musical” is being staged as never before, featuring 21 actors aged 10 to 19 and directed by Brick Memorial High School senior Ashley Burroughs. Not only is it a production entirely run by teenagers, but proceeds from the show will benefit the Morgan Marie Michael Foundation, a non-profit charity that supports individuals on the autism spectrum with a mission of enhancing their lives and fostering a world of acceptance
and inclusion. The musical is being produced under the auspices of Chaos (Comedy, Humor And Other Stuff) Theatre Company, founded about three years ago by Toms River resident Armand Marino. “Ashley Burroughs, who is also the musical director, is so enthusiastic and talented,” said Marino in a phone interview. He attends and observes the SpongeBob rehearsals once or twice a week. Most of the Chaos Theatre Productions donate their proceeds to various charities,
he added, although there are costs associated with the production. For example, the rights for the SpongeBob musical cost $1,760, plus $300 for rehearsal music tracks and $500 for the stage music tracks, plus there is theater insurance and other costs which are managed by Marino and his wife Robyn. “SpongeBob The Musical” is a stage musical based on the Nickelodeon animated series “SpongeBob SquarePants.” The show is about SpongeBob and his friends (Musical - See Page 5)
Photo by Judy Smestad-Nunn Students practice “SpongeBob The Musical” at United Christ Church in Toms River.
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