The
SOUTHERN OCEAN Times Vol. 8 - No. 18
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
Popcorn Park Zoo Holds Blessing Of Animals
In This Week’s Edition
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Community News
Dr. Izzy’s Sound News Page 16
-Photos by Bob Vosseller (Above) Reverend John Cardello blesses a giant tortoise during the Blessing of the Animals at the Popcorn Park Zoo. He is joined by zookeeper John Bergmann. (Right) Rev. John Cardello blesses Olea, Lori Sansone’s hearing assistance dog. By Bob Vosseller LACEY – Barking, purring, oinking and other sou nds were heard recently during the annual blessing of the animals held at the
Inside The Law Page 19
Fun Page Page 23
Popcorn Park Zoo. The ceremony is held each year in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment. Reverend John Car-
(Neighborhood - See Page 4)
dello, who has served as the chaplain for the
Ocean County Humane
(Animals - See Page 4)
Barnegat Schools Prepare For Five Days In-Person Learning
By Alyssa Riccardi BARNEGAT – The Barnegat School District is proceeding towards more in-person schooling by increasing it to five days per week. Starting November 16, Phase 2 of reopening will begin where students will attend a halfday five days per week.
The district sent out a survey to the community to address their thoughts of the Phase 2 reopening plan. According to Superintendent Dr. Brian Latwis, 62.4 percent of households want five-day, in-person learning; 17.8 percent want a full virtual option; and 19.6 percent
want to continue with the hybrid model. “Unfortunately, at this time full-day instruction with approximately 80% of the student body in school is not possible due to safety concerns surrounding student lunch and recess at the elementary level,” Latwis said. “However,
Barnegat Starting Neighborhood Policing Program
By Alyssa Riccardi BARNEGAT – The Barnegat Police Department have announced their new neighborhood policing program. In 2018, Barnegat achieved the lowest crime rate in Ocean County, they said. The town still sustains a crime rate that is as much as 75 percent lower than the crime rates of the 90s, with continuing this achievement through 2019 and 2020. The department declared they will be starting the Neighborhood Policing Program because they want to continue to improve communication and collaboration with the community. In a post the department released, they described how in the old days, residents knew who their police officers were without the barrier of automobiles. They stated how officers knew the neighborhood and knew the residents, and residents were comfortable approaching officers whenever there’s a problem. Back then officers were able to identify hyper-local problems and solve them before
BREAKING NEWS @
Pages 8-10
October 24, 2020
as a district we will continue to look for viable solutions to overcome these roadblocks and return to normal, full-day instruction. For now, lunch will be grab and go at the end of the day.” The Barnegat Board of Education must approve the proposal before Phase 2 is confi rmed.
Phase 2 will consist of students having in-person learning for half the day and the other half will be a blend of virtual learning and independent work. For parents and students who do not want in-person learning, the fully remote option will still remain available.
Two Vie For Seat On Lacey Committee
By Bob Vosseller LACEY – Two candidates are vying for one, three-year term on the Township Committee in November. During this year’s general election on November 3 Lacey voters will have the choice of re-electing Republican incumbent Nicholas Juliano or electing Democratic challenger Bill Stemmle. Stemmle said, “I’ve lived in Lacey Township for 38 years, where I raised my three chil-
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dren and have three grandchildren. I retired at the end of 2011 from a 37-year career as a supervisor with the Ocean County Board Of Social Services where I supervised employees and managed several programs helping our most in-need citizens.” “I am running for Township Committee because I feel that one party rule in our town is inherently f lawed and only minimizes debate which is needed (Seat - See Page 9)