Challenge Day Promotes Positive School Culture Nonpro t Tackles A ordable Housing Crisis

By Stephanie Faughnan

BARNEGAT – An invitation to join Challenge Day at the local high school earlier this month attracted 100 student participants – most uncertain about what the day would entail. Six hours after the event’s conclusion, the group’s overwhelming feedback was a collective expression of appreciation and gratitude. Challenge Day is a program designed

(School - See Page 4)

Beach Sweep Rescheduled To April 15

By Bob Vosseller

OCEAN COUNTY –

Area beaches were set to be cleaned as part of the annual Beach Sweep but an April Fool’s Day prank by Mother Nature had them be washed instead.

Clean Ocean Action had scheduled sweeps throughout the area on April 1 but now they have been rescheduled for April 15. Information on them can be found at cleanoceanaction.org/beach-sweeps. Another is scheduled for October 21.

On the morning of April 1, volunteers arrived at Ortley Beach and started to set up for the day. They decided the mission would continue on, at least in Ortley Beach. They were joined by some dedicated volunteers who ignored the rain.

Their unofficial mascot, a pig named Hamlet, came with Beach Captain Crystal DeCaro and her dog Aurora.

“Rain or shine we’re going to make it happen,” she said.

“Clean Ocean Action has a spring sweep and (Beach - See Page 6)

By Stephanie Faughnan

OCEAN COUNTY – A local nonprofit is nearing its third decade in working to provide affordable housing options in today’s challenging market. Homes Now Inc. is an affordable housing administrator and developer, headquartered in Brick. The group strives to bring hope to individuals and families facing housing crises. The organization’s late founder, Carol A. Wolfe, was seen as a visionary who worked to help those

(Housing - See Page 5)