Buddy Benches Coming To Barnegat Schools This Fall

Stafford Pride Day Organizers See Rainbow as Sign of Hope

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Anthony

By Stephanie Faughnan

BARNEGAT – As some students return to school this September, they are in for a heartwarming surprise – the addition of buddy benches to their playgrounds.

A Buddy Bench is more than just a seat on the playground; it symbolizes an open invitation for children who may feel isolated or in need of a friend. By sitting on the Buddy Bench, kids communicate that they would welcome a companion, while others are encouraged to show kindness and reach out to those seeking friendship.

Local adult and student volun- teers took on the project brought forth by the remarkable Anthony De Franco, aged 35. De Franco joined the community in 2021 and has since become an inspiration, making significant strides in fostering positive interactions and ensuring his voice is heard.

(Benches - See Page 6)

Gamers Learn To Master Dungeons & Slay Dragons

By Bob Vosseller OCEAN COUNTY

– In an age of virtual reality, artificial intelligence and more computer games than you can shake a controller at, an enduring gaming favorite requires only the power of your own imagination.

Dungeons & Dragons cre- ated a phenomenon in the 1970s, breathing life (and fi re) into the genre of fantasy through a polyhedral dice and a game coordinator called a “Dungeon Master.”

On the heels of the hit film, “Dungeons & Dragons Honor Among Thieves” that was (Dragons - See Page 4)

By Stephanie Faughnan

STAFFORD – Threats of stormy weather forced Stafford Pride Day organizers to cancel events on two separate occasions last month but the event’s third date seemed to work out like a charm – a lucky one at that.

As the LGBTQ+ community and allies eagerly awaited the celebration of love and acceptance, a seemingly fortuitous rainbow

(Pride- See Page 4)