The
SOUTHERN OCEAN Times Vol. 12 - No. 22
In This Week’s Edition
BREAKING NEWS @
jerseyshoreonline.com
Community News Pages 8-17
Dr. Izzy Sound News Page 18
Classifieds Page 21
Inside The Law Page 23
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The Man On The Blue Bike: Joe Pinto Remembered
By Stephanie Faughnan STAFFOR D - Joe Pinto was a familiar face in Stafford Township. Even if you didn’t know him, you knew his bike. The bright blue three-wheeler with its canopy and radio was as iconic as Joe himself, often parked outside the Stafford Diner. Joe passed away on November 15 at age 59. His death leaves a hole in the community, but his memory will live on through the stories people share. Regular visits to the Stafford Diner were a central part of Joe’s daily routine. He wasn’t just a diner regular; he was a fixture. Stafford Diner owner Maria Davlouros recalled J o e ’s u n w a v e r i n g helpfulness when he stopped in at least three times a day. “Ever ybody loved him,” she said. “He would pick up trash or
November 30, 2024
Superintendent On Leave After DUI Arrest By Stephanie Faughnan STAFFORD - George Chidiac, the Stafford Township School District superintendent, has voluntarily taken a paid leave of absence following his DUI arrest late last month. The decision, announced by Board of Education President Tammy Wagner during the November 18 board meeting, aims to ensure minimal disruption to the district. After a brief Executive Session at the start of the meeting, Wagner read a statement saying that the Board of Education had worked diligently alongside the superintendent to provide exceptional learning opportunities for the district’s children. She added that the board intended to provide a seamless educational (Superintendent - See Page 4)
Local Resident Takes Home $1M Lottery Prize
Photo courtesy Angela Randall Joe Pinto could often be seen riding around town. do whatever he could to help. We’re all going to miss him.” Known for his love for the Mets and both the Cowboys and Giants, Joe had a special connection with those around him. His charm extended to the diner staff, where he earned a reputation as a “ladies’ man.” The waitresses enjoyed his attention and the way (Joe Pinto - See Page 5)
Photo courtesy Angela Randall Ten years ago, the community rallied around Joe Pinto to present him with a new bike.
New VA Clinic Brings Care Closer To Home
Photo by Stephanie Faughnan VA Under Secretary for Health Shereef Elnahal, joined by Senator Cory Booker, Senator-elect Andy Kim, Congressman Chris Smith and other dignitaries cutting the ribbon for the new VA Center.
By Stephanie Faughnan TOMS RIVER – With palpable excitement, VA Under Secretary for Health Shereef Elnahal said it was great to be back home in New Jersey to celebrate the grand opening of the new VA Clinic on Hooper Avenue in Toms River. “I love this state and the tens of thousands of veterans who
are going to benefit from this clinic for generations to come,” he said. At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Elnahal joined a lineup of dignitaries addressing a crowd of more than 300 people gathered under a large tent outside the new clinic. The audience included veterans attending (VA Clinic - See Page 6)
Photo credit NJ Lottery Stacey Fiore celebrates her win. By Alyssa Riccardi BA R N EGAT – A Bar negat woman is celebrating a major payday after winning the $1 million Powerball prize. Stacey Fiore didn’t b el ie ve it a t f i r s t , when she went into the Quick Stop on Bay Avenue in Bar negat
and pulled a quick pick for her games. Fiore is a supervisor for the New York City’s MTA on Staten Island and her husband of 32 years, Greg Fiore, also works as a bus operator. She joked with her colleagues that if she won the prize, they wouldn’t (Lottery - See Page 20)
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