The MANCHESTER Times Vol. 30 - No. 47
In This Week’s Edition
MICROMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
JERSEYSHOREONLINE.COM
Sensory Room To Provide Focus And Calm
By Bob Vosseller MANCHESTER – Ribbon cuttings for new parks are always a special occasion but the one involving Mayor Joseph Hankins and AristaCare staff, featured a ceremony that took place inside. The grand opening for Nostalgia Park concerned a new sensory room that clients of the Aristicare Facility can enjoy and provides a tranquil environment featuring stuffed animals, baby dolls, squeezable rubber creatures and a ceiling that resembles the sky with a few fluffy white clouds. Among the staff present for
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Community News Pages 8-13
Dr. Izzy Sound News
(Calm - See Page 4)
Page 16
Photos by Bob Vosseller (Top) Staff members gather af ter Mayor Joseph Hankins cut the ribbon of Artisticare Manchester’s Sensory Room. (Middle) Dolls provide emotional and creative outlets. (Bottom) The room engages all the senses.
Inside The Law Page 19
Classifieds Page 21
Haines Leaving After Decades In Government By Stephanie Faughnan TOMS R I V ER – Ocean County Commissioner Virginia “Ginny” Haines has come a long way since she first stepped into county government as a secretary to then-Freeholder John C. Bartlett Jr. in 1980. After a distinguished career spanning multiple levels of government, Haines has decid-
ed not to run for re-election, marking the end of an era in Ocean County politics. In an interview, Haines, 78, said that she had been considering another run for office. However, she ultimately decided it was time to make room for a new generation of leaders. Haines gave notice of her (Haines - See Page 14)
Jersey Shore Online Archive Photo Commissioner Virginia Haines is not running for re-election.
February 22, 2025
Police Announce Hiring And Promotions Of Officers
Photo courtesy Manchester Township Manchester Mayor Joseph Hankins, standing at far right, joins newly promoted officers and newly hired officers following a ceremony held at the Municipal Complex Civic Center. By Bob Vosseller MANCHESTER – The Township Police Department recently announced the promotion of Detective
Adam Emmons to sergeant, the lateral transfer of Patrolman Michael Steffen to detective, and the hiring (Police - See Page 5)
Manchester Mayor Recognizes Township CFO By Bob Vosseller MANCHESTER – Mayor Joseph Hankins recently recognized the township’s Chief Financial Officer Diane Lapp for her decade of service and commitment to disclosure reporting for municipal bonds. Lapp, who also serves as the director of fi nance, was recently honored with the prestigious Award of Excellence Certificate that notes her well-deserved recognition and expresses his gratitude for her contributions to the community’s fi nancial health. “Our commitment to continuing disclosure reporting has positively impacted our town and contributed to the broader municipal market by fostering trust and ensuring accountability,” the mayor said. “By adhering to the highest standards of financial transparency, we have built strong relationships with investors, stakeholders, and (Mayor - See Page 5)
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