Penguin Plungers Raise $2,300 for Regional Day School

Participants plunged into Harry Wright Lake to raise money for the RDS prom and graduation luncheon.

The community came out to support Regional Day School at the Second Annual Penguin Plunge.  Participants braved the icy waters of Harry Wright Lake in Whiting, raising $2300 to be used toward the RDS prom on May 24 and a luncheon for this year’s graduates and their families after the graduation ceremony on June 6. RDS Principal Lisa Michallis said that these are two memorable events for students. The event was organized by the Manchester Township Municipal Alliance. Plungers included district and school staff, parents, students, police officers and other community members.  The day was relatively warm - in the high 50's - but the water was a chilly 49 degrees! "It was a wonderful day for the Second Annual Penguin Plunge!" said Mrs. …

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Manchester Municipal Alliance Seeking New Coordinator

Marianne Borthwick will leave the position after 10 years of service

Manchester's Municipal Alliance, an anti-drug coalition made up of local government, police and school officials, will need a new coordinator after Marianne Borthwick leaves the post she has held for the past 10 years.  "She's played a key role and has been an outstanding proponent of the kids," said Chief of Police Brian Klimakowski, who is spearheading the search for a replacement. Borthwick will leave the position effective Dec. 31. The chief will accept letters of interest and resumes through email until Friday, Nov. 30. Klimakowski said that he is hoping to find a replacement from the community who will bring the same "drive and continue to make the program a success." The has a mission to spread drug and alcohol awareness prevention…

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A Look Ahead

'Trick or Trunk' Set for Friday

Decorating contest will begin at 7 p.m. at Manchester Township High School

The annual "Trick of Trunk" Halloween decorating contest returns to Manchester Township High School on Friday.  Sponsored by the township's Municipal Alliance and Department of Recreation, the 7 p.m. event invites participants to decorate the trunks of their vehicles. A $50 cash prize will be awarded for the best trunk, according to organizers.  Residents can also catch a hayride from the MTHS main entrance to the parking lot where the contest will be held. Entry to the event is $2. A rain date of Saturday, Oct. 20 has been set. The National Weather Service predicts that Friday night will be partly cloudy with a low near 52 degrees. Organizers said that trunks are still needed. For more information, contact Marianne Borthwick at 732-657-…

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Municipal Alliance Prepares for First Penguin Plunge Fundraiser

Plans for first-ever Penguin Plunge fundraiser event on April 1 are underway

Manchester residents who want to support a worthy cause can do their part by braving the cold and taking a dip in Harry Wright Lake in April.  The inaugural Penguin Plunge — sponsored by the township's Municipal Alliance — will serve as a fundraiser to benefit the special needs students of Regional Day School, enabling them to have both a prom and graduation ceremony. Alliance coordinator Marianne Borthwick updated the group and those in attendance on the progress being made for the inaugural plunge, subtitled “Penguins With A Purpose,” during its regular February meeting. “We have all the necessary approvals (to host the event), now all we need to do is have people sign up to participate,” Borthwick said. “We’re going to try and limit the…

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Municipal Alliance Has Focus On Friday's Hayride And 'Trick Or Trunk'

Organization makes final plans for Halloween event on Oct. 28

In a brief regular meeting held Tuesday night, members of the Manchester Township Municipal Alliance discussed last-minute planning and preparation for their Halloween Hayride and ”Trick or Trunk” event on Friday, Oct. 28, at Manchester Township High School. Along with the hayride, “Trick or Trunk” is a contest held in the high school parking lot featuring vehicle trunks decorated with Halloween themes. A raindate has been set for the following day, Saturday, Oct. 29. Though it was previously discussed that one grand prize of $50 cash will be awarded to a winner, coordinator Marianne Borthwick said that it was very likely that a pair of $50 cash prizes would be awarded instead to two winners. “So many people have called me about being …

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Five Things

Oct. 25: Special Education Presentation, Municipal Alliance Meeting and Library Glee Club

Five things to know in and around Manchester today

1. A presentation by SPAN, the Statewide Parent Advocacy Network, at Regional Day School from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. will address basic rights in special education. The registration deadline is Oct. 24. 2. The Manchester Municipal Alliance is set to meet at the township's civic center in the municipal complex on Colonial Drive at 7 p.m. Volunteers are always welcome. Call 732-657-8121, ext. 3901 for more information. 3. The Glee Club presented by Youth Stages will visit Manchester's branch of the Ocean County Library at 6:30 p.m. Children in grades 7-12 are invited to attend the interactive performance. Call 732-657-7600 for more information. 4. Representatives from the Ocean County Office of Senior Services will be at the County …

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Five Things

Sept. 29: Municipal Alliance Rescheduled Meeting, Chris Smith Press Conference and Library Programs

Five things to know in and around Manchester today

1. Manchester's Municipal Alliance will meet at 7 p.m. The group's regular Tuesday meeting was rescheduled from Tuesday. Volunteers are always welcome. Call 732-657-8121, ext. 3901 for more information. 2. Zumba for Kids begins at 6:30 p.m. at Manchester's branch of the Ocean County Library. The program is for children ages 9-13. Call 732-657-7600 for more information. 3. Congressman Chris Smith will hold a press conference at his Whiting office in the Whiting Town Center, Suite 88A, at 11 a.m. to speak about the Combating Autism Reauthorization Act of 2011. 4. The library will also hold a Henna tattoo craft program from 6:30 to 8 p.m. for children in grades 7-12. Permission slips are required and can be picked up at the children's desk.  …

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UPDATE: Manchester Municipal Alliance Will Meet Sept. 29

Alliance usually meets on the last Tuesday of each month

Five Things

Sept. 27: Municipal Alliance Meeting, Hawks Tennis and Senior Balance Program

Five things to know in and around Manchester today

1. The Manchester Municipal Alliance is set to meet at the township's civic center in the municipal complex on Colonial Drive at 7 p.m. Volunteers are always welcome. Call 732-657-8121, ext. 3901 for more information. 2. The Hawks girls tennis team will host Raritan at 3:45 p.m. 3. The Ocean County Board of Social Services will be at the Community Connection in the Ocean County Mall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to talk to eligible residents about assistance programs. Call 732-288-7777 for more information. 4. The Better Balance for Seniors program at Manchester's branch of the Ocean County Library will run from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Balance exercises and techniques will be demonstrated. For more information, call 732-657-7600. 5. Also at the library…

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