The
SOUTHERN OCEAN Times Vol. 11 - No. 25
In This Week’s Edition
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
The Local Walmart Self-Checkout Event’s Holiday Miracle
BREAKING NEWS @
jerseyshoreonline.com
Community News Pages 8-12
Dr. Izzy Sound News Page 14
Inside The Law Page 17
Classifieds Page 19
Photos by Stephanie Faughnan After local resident Drew Delgado’s spoof Christmas party for Walmart checkout employees went viral, the couple created a giving event that will benefit area children and pets. (Right) Drew and Nicole Delgado oversaw the donation drive. By Stephanie Faughnan LACEY – Remember that viral Facebook event, the “Walmart Self-Checkout Employee Christmas Party?” The one that started as a sarcastic jab at receipt checks and exploded into a heartwarming gift drive for families and pets? The story of the event’s grand finale is a holiday
miracle with enough twists and turns to rival a malfunctioning self-checkout machine. It all began on November 26 when And r ew “ D r ew ” D elgado, a 31-year-old local resident, found himself fuming after a trip to the Lanoka Harbor Walmart store. What irked him was the seemingly not so random selection of
“Heroes Against Hate” Honored
By Stephanie Faughnan TOMS RIVER – The Jewish Federation of Ocean County recently hosted its annual “Heroes Against Hate” event to celebrate individuals committed to combatting the rising tide of antisemitism and hate in the community. An annual occurrence, this year’s event took on added significance due to increased attention to the Jewish community because of the war in Israel. Keith Krivitzky, the Managing Director of the Jewish Federation of Ocean County, served as the host for the event, held at the Jazmin Loft. (Heroes - See Page 5)
customers targeted for receipt checks, which included familiar faces like him. “I felt like I was profiled because I wear a
hoodie and have a lot of tattoos,” shared Delgado. “That day, there were probably seven or other people walking
December 23, 2023
Fundraiser Started After Tragic Crash By Chris Lundy LACEY – A fundraiser was started for the family of a teenager who died in a tragic car crash. Jayson Lee Cugliari was just 17 years old when he was in an accident on Lacey Road on December 9. The senior at Lacey Township High School was recently accepted to Stockton University. His obituary paints a picture of a caring young man with a bright future. “Jayson was smart and loved by so many. Every time he walked into a room; the atmosphere would brighten with his smile always lighting up the room. He was one of the friendliest people you would have ever met. Wherever he went, Jayson made friends.” He worked at the Goddard School in Forked River. Family members said the children loved “Mr. Jayson” because he was a trusted friend and a fascinating playmate. The fundraiser, organized by Patty Clark Brescia, notes that “Jayson also had a love for spending time with all of his family, friends and classmates. He was a well-rounded individual with interests in sports and a love for animals. “Jayson had the warmth of an old soul and boundless energy for shenanigans! He (Fundraiser - See Page 4)
(Miracle - See Page 4)
Longtime County Leader Vicari Bids Farewell To Public Office By Bob Vosseller OCEAN COUNTY – He’s been a f ixture in county politics for more than four decades and his name was conspicuously absent from the ballot this year in the slot of Ocean County Commissioner. Joseph H. Vicari, the longest serving freehold-
er/commissioner in the state, is saying farewell. He fi rst became freeholder in 1982. His sunset from public office however comes with many fond memories, some challenging times Photo By Bob Vosseller and a host of accomplish- Director of the Ocean County Board of ments. In his private life Commissioners Joseph H. Vicari reflects (Farewell - See Page 13) on his long career in public office.
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