Stephanie Faughnan

New Jersey

Freelance Journalist at Jersey Shore Online

News Reporter and Columnist at Freelance

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Articles

Ocean County Salutes Its Cultural Champions

1 week ago | jerseyshoreonline.com | Stephanie Faughnan

TOMS RIVER – The energy in the room was electric for the 2025 “Salute to Ocean County: A Celebration of Arts and Heritage,” a vibrant tribute to the area’s creative spirit, held at Ocean County College. Presented by the Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Commission in collaboration with the college, the annual event recognized more than artistic talent – it celebrated the stories, history, and individuals who help preserve and promote the region’s cultural identity.
Lacey School Budget Gets 9.58% Tax Hike

1 week ago | jerseyshoreonline.com | Stephanie Faughnan

LACEY – After months of debate, shifting numbers, and emotional appeals from parents, staff, and residents, the Lacey Township Board of Education voted June 4 to approve a final budget for the 2025-2026 school year that includes a 9.58 percent increase to the tax levy. The decision, made during a tense and lengthy board meeting, follows weeks of confusion and revisions that left many taxpayers struggling to understand the impact on their household budgets.
Despite Spadea Loss, Gilmore Celebrates Ocean County GOP Wins

2 weeks ago | jerseyshoreonline.com | Stephanie Faughnan

OCEAN COUNTY – Just after Jack Ciattarelli decisively won the Republican nomination for governor, Ocean County GOP Chairman George Gilmore acknowledged the outcome – even though the county organization had thrown its weight behind former media host Bill Spadea. “He hasn’t asked me to campaign for him yet,” Gilmore said when asked if he would support Ciattarelli moving forward. “I expect to be talking with Jack at some point in time.
Barnegat’s First Pride Festival Draws Over 1,000

2 weeks ago | jerseyshoreonline.com | Stephanie Faughnan

BARNEGAT – The forecast the night before called for tornadoes. An anonymous social media threat warned of “target practice.” Even the DJ canceled at the last minute. But none of it could stop the very first Barnegat Pride Festival from dazzling the town with color, music, and joy on a patch of grass where the old Edwards School once stood. By 11:30 a.m. on May 31, Main Street had transformed into a vibrant and inclusive celebration of community spirit.
Dance Floor Lights Up For Special Prom In Ocean County

2 weeks ago | jerseyshoreonline.com | Stephanie Faughnan

TOMS RIVER – The glitter balls were spinning. The disco lights swirled purple and blue. And while some danced on their feet, others grooved from their chairs – because nothing was going to stop this crowd from getting their boogie on. Sixteen young residents at Children’s Specialized Hospital’s Long Term Care Center in Toms River experienced the night of a lifetime at their very own prom.
Staff Cut, Taxes Rise For Little Egg Schools

3 weeks ago | jerseyshoreonline.com | Stephanie Faughnan

LITTLE EGG HARBOR – Despite a 32.6 percent school tax increase in Little Egg Harbor for the upcoming school year, four school district employees were recently informed they would be losing their jobs. Among those facing the cuts is Jack Eng, a maintenance worker who has served the district for seven years. At the most recent Board of Education meeting, Eng stood before the board and community members to deliver an emotional plea.
Ocean County Fights To Protect Seniors From Federal Cuts

3 weeks ago | jerseyshoreonline.com | Stephanie Faughnan

BERKELEY – Facing potential federal funding cuts, Ocean County officials and senior advocates are sounding the alarm about what’s at stake for one of the state’s largest elderly populations. Maria LaFace, Director of Ocean County Senior Services, led a public hearing at the Bayville VFW during Older Americans Month to gather testimony and warn of sweeping changes under consideration at the federal level. Many of those in attendance were community providers who assist seniors.
No Decision On Toms River Homeless Shelter Case

3 weeks ago | jerseyshoreonline.com | Stephanie Faughnan

TOMS RIVER – Tensions ran high on May 22 as the Toms River Zoning Board of Adjustment announced it would delay its decision on a controversial proposal to add a 17-bed homeless shelter at Christ Episcopal Church. After more than two hours of emotional public comment, the board adjourned the meeting without a vote, prompting audible sighs of frustration from residents.
Rent Leveling Ordinance Gets Temporary Lifeline

4 weeks ago | jerseyshoreonline.com | Stephanie Faughnan

BARNEGAT – For residents of Brighton at Barnegat and Pinewood Estates, the Barnegat Township Committee’s decision to extend its rent leveling ordinance through December 31, 2025, brought a sense of temporary relief – but also deep uncertainty. The two communities have over 600 residents, many of whom are seniors on fixed incomes. “We’re basically trapped,” said one Pinewood Estates resident who asked not to be named. “We own the homes, but if rents skyrocket, our only choice is to pay or leave.
Preserving Lacey’s Past: Inside The Museum That Tells The Story

1 month ago | jerseyshoreonline.com | Stephanie Faughnan

LACEY – If you’re heading down Route 9 in Forked River, you might drive right past one of Lacey Township’s greatest treasures without even realizing it. But tucked inside an old schoolhouse built in 1860, the Lacey Historical Society Museum holds more than artifacts – it holds the soul of the town. The building itself – restored in 1996 – is one of the few remaining historical structures in Lacey.

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