Peer Leadership Camp Returns For Sixth Summer

BEACHWOOD – Incoming fifth grade students from the district’s 12 elementary schools were invited to participate in Toms River Regional Schools’ sixth annual Peer Leadership Program. This week-long program was held at Beachwood Elementary and focused on enhancing students’ leadership skills with a focus on selfcare, empathy, kindness, acceptance of others, and ability to communicate.

The camp serves as an opportunity to extend and build upon the various social and emotional offerings already embedded within our elementary schools’ curriculum and daily practices. The program features team building activities, keynote speeches from community partners, problem-solving challenges, and opportunities for self-reflection.

“It’s been extremely rewarding seeing this program grow into what it is now over the past six years,” shared program supervisor James Klass. “Seeing students from every one of our elementary schools learn from one another and morph into this cohort of leaders in such a short amount of time is nothing short of incredible. Our facilitators are passionate and dedicated teachers from across the district who make it all possible!”

This fantastic opportunity was made possible through funding from the Toms River Municipal Alliance. This year’s facilitators included Ms. Okuniewicz (South Toms River), Mrs. Cameron (Beachwood), Ms. Francis (Pine Beach), Mrs. Smith (West Dover), Mrs. Hanson (Cedar Grove), and Mrs. Walsh (Hooper Avenue). Partnerships included RWJBarnabas Health, Toms River Regional Schools Food Services Department, JBJ Soul Kitchen, Dementia Living Solutions, LeadU, and other health and wellness professionals from throughout the area.

This exceptional group of students will serve as leaders in various capacities within their home schools throughout the 2023-2024 school year.

Nature Walks At Double Trouble

BAYVILLE – Join a park naturalist for a 1-to-2-mile nature walk on August 5 at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m., August 6 at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. The event will be held for those ages 10 and up even in light drizzle but will be cancelled in the event of thunder. No pets are allowed.

Reservations not required – you can just show up. For additional information call 732-341-6662.

The Manchester Times welcomes your special announcements! Engagements, Weddings, Births, Birthday Wishes, etc. Please call 732-657-7344 for more details!

Police Department Thanks Local Family For Donation

BEACHWOOD – The Beachwood Police Department would like to express their sincere gratitude once again to Joanne Trust and her family.

In 2021, the Trust family insisted on paying for a K9 vest (bullet/stab) proof for K9 Ace when the Department first began the program.

On July 7, Joanne Trust delivered a donation in the amount of $500, matching the winnings from the 2023 Aftermath K9 Grant Opportunity.

“Thank you to the Trust family for your generous donation, as this donation will be used to support the department’s K9 program and ensure it remains operational. Your continued support & generosity to the program is unparalleled!” Beachwood Police said.

Church Youth Group

BAYVILLE – The Living Water Youth Group is for students in grades 6 to 12 and meets every Thursday night from 7 to 8 p.m.

Youth group is designed as a safe environment that challenges students to grow in their faith in practical ways, encourages them to reach out to their friends, and form friendships within the group that go beyond the walls of the church.

You and your friends won’t want to miss this night of fun! Invite a friend out with you! Living Water Community Church is located at 333 Route 9 Unit b15 in Bayville.

Living Recovery Group

BAYVILLE – WALK Inc. believes everyone can benefit from a Life Recovery experience because we all have struggles in life, struggles with addictions, food, depression, anxiety, and relationships to name a few. You’ll be encouraged to see how others have found a new way of life with hope for the future through Life Recovery.

Living Recovery Group will be held every Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Living Water Community Church, 333 Rt 9 Unit B15, Bayville. For information, call 732-797-0575 or email admin@walkinc.org. To register, visit livingwatercma.breezechms.com/form/11be24.