A Legacy Takes Root: Ocean County Celebrates Arbor Day
Arbor Day was celebrated on the lawn of the historic Ocean County Courthouse in Downtown Toms River, where students, community members, and county leaders gathered to mark the occasion with the dedication of a Liberty Tree in honor of America’s 250th Anniversary.
Recognizing Women Leading Change
The Ocean County Advisory Commission on the Status of Women brought the month of March – Women’s History Month – to a close by honoring the achievements of women, in particular, Donna Velardi and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), who was named the 2026 Women’s Advocate of the Year.
From Recruits to Officers: Honoring Class 123
Ocean County Police Academy Basic Police Recruit Class No. 123 was recognized on March 3 during a graduation ceremony at the RWJBarnabas Health Arena at Toms River High School North, following the successful completion of five months of intensive training under the guidance of Ocean County Sheriff Michael G. Mastronardy.
A Taste of Success: Chef’s Night Out 2026
More than 50 local restaurants and vendors came together on March 2 at the RWJBarnabas Health Arena for the Ocean County Vocational Technical Schools’ Chef’s Night Out, an evening celebrating culinary talent, community partnership and workforce development.
Rising to Serve
After completing the rigorous training required to serve their communities, 25 recruits received their respective volunteer fire company badge during graduation ceremonies on February 9 at Lacey High School.