The
SOUTHERN OCEAN Times Vol. 12 - No. 21
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
Citizen Police Academy Gets Inside Look At Law Enforcement
In This Week’s Edition
November 23, 2024
Mayor Sets Tone For Stafford’s Future
By Stephanie Faughnan STAFFORD - When the new year rolls around, Robert “Bob” Henken will transition from a year as Stafford’s acting mayor to its officially elected one. Following his victory, Henken agreed to an interview to outline plans to address community concerns and set the tone for his term. Under Stafford’s form of government, the mayor holds executive authority over the municipality. However, Henken emphasized that he will continue collaborating closely with the council - whom he refers to as his “team” - in making critical decisions. Stafford’s entire governing body are Republicans. Next year’s council will include four returning members: Steven Esposito, Owen LaRocca, Lisa Mower, and Amy Otte. Christopher DarConte and Sergio Fossa will be serving their first terms
BREAKING NEWS @
jerseyshoreonline.com
Community News Pages 10-13
(Future - See Page 5)
Dr. Izzy Sound News Page 16
Inside The Law Page 19
Classifieds Page 21
Photo by Stephanie Faughnan A Firearms Training Simulator helped instruct citizens on use of force protocols. By Stephanie Faughnan BARNEGAT - A class of nearly two dozen eager “cadets” completed local law enforcement training recently. However, you won’t find these particular recruits responding to calls on the streets. Graduates from the 2024 Barnegat Police Department’s 10-week Citizen Police Academy ranged from young adults exploring law enforcement careers
to retirees interested in learning more about how local officers keep Barnegat safe. Led by Sgt. Richard Boyle and Officer Nicole Lentini, the program kicked off with a roll call and introductions. Chief Jason “Jay” Carroll praised his team for revitalizing the Citizen Police Academy, sidelined during the pandemic shutdowns. (Police - See Page 4)
Local Author’s Book Series Teaches Empathy For Neurodiverse Children
By Stephanie Faughnan TOMS RIVER - Alyssa Lego, a 22-year-old Boston College senior from Toms River, is on a mission to raise awareness about autism. Inspired by her brother Michael, who is nonverbal, Alyssa has dedicated time and creativity to telling stories that foster understand-
ing and empathy around neurodiversity. “My younger brother is 19 and on the autism spectrum,” Alyssa shared. “Michael is two and a half years younger than me, and growing up, I realized that he experienced a lot of ableism, discrimination, and bullying because of his disability.”
The 2021 Donovan Catholic graduate has already released four books in her “You Me Neurodiversity” series, each one helping children and adults better understand autism and its impacts. However, her journey to becoming an advocate began as a young teenager. Alyssa said that watch-
ing how others treated her brother forced her to grow into the protective big sister role from an early age. She found that she was particularly affected by how Michael was bullied. “When I was 13 or 14, I sat down with the woman who’d been my fourth-grade
Photo courtesy Robert Henken Acting Mayor Robert “Bob” Henken was officially elected as Stafford’s mayor in the November election.
Photo by Stephanie Faughnan Alyssa Lego displays the books she wrote.
(Author - See Page 6)
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