Community Corner
Manchester Interim Mayor, Council Member Win Election
A council meeting is set for Monday and comes on the heels of a fight that erupted on social media just before the election.

Hey, neighbors! Karen Wall here with the Monday edition of the Manchester Daily.
First, today's weather:
Sunny and milder. High: 63 Low: 37.
Here are the top stories today in Manchester:
Manchester Township's election results and the fight that erupted on social media just prior to the election will continue to garner attention in the coming days and weeks. According to unofficial tallies, Interim Mayor Robert Hudak was re-elected, defeating Rob Arace, 8,903 to 6,840. Councilwoman Michele Zolezi won election to the remainder of Hudak's council term, defeating Joseph T. Hankins 8,077 to 6,805.
But allegations by retired Police Chief Lisa Parker right before the election about morale issues, and sharp criticisms in response from Councilwoman Joan Brush stirred concerns among many about what has been happening in Town Hall, concerns that already had been raised by members of the Whiting Volunteer Fire Department.
In the Manchester Township Board of Education race, George J. Cervenak III received 5,997 votes, Mike Kelliher received 5,366, Sasiya Omilanowicz received 4,592 and Nicole Sahlin, 4,423. Two seats were up for election.
10th District, County Commissioner results
In the 10th Legislative District and Ocean County Board of Commissioners races, the Republicans easily won election.
Republican Jim Holzapfel was returned to the state Senate for the 10th District, receiving, 56,106, more than double the 25,116 received by Democrat Emma Mammano. Gregory McGuckin and John Catalano were re-elected to the Assembly seats, receiving 54,980 and 54,558 respectively. Democrat Mary "Sharon" Quilter received 24,615, and her running mate, Garitt "Tony" Kono, received 24,475.
For the Board of Commissioners, Gary Quinn was re-elected, receiving 139,353 votes. Barbara "Bobbi" Jo Crea, who was seeking her first term on the board, received 135,632. Republican Gerry Little is stepping down as of Dec. 31. Democrat Catherine Paura received 56,289, and her running mate, Philip Nufrio, received 55,249. Dan Valentine and Robert Canfield, who sought the seats as members of the Libertarian Party, received 2,357 and 2,105, respectively, and Green Party candidate Barry Bendar received 1,389.
Manchester headlines you may have missed last week:
- Route 37 Reopens After Gasoline Tanker Crash In Manchester
- Manchester Woman Charged With DWI In Route 9 Crash
- Beloved Manchester K9 Unit Dog Passes Away (943thepoint.com)
- Manchester Schools To Honor Local Veterans On Veterans Day
- OCPO: PENNSYLVANIA WOMAN CHARGED WITH TWO COUNTS OF MURDER TO REMAIN DETAINED PENDING TRIAL
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Manchester Patch Notebook
- Manchester Police: "We regret to inform you all that K-9 Storm passed away shortly after we posted his "radio sign off" farewell video on November 1, 2021 from canine health complications. Due to health issues, K-9 Storm has been at home with his handler, O..." (Facebook)
- Manchester Police: "On Wednesday, November 3, 2021, at approximately 2:58 am, officers from the Manchester Township Police Department responded to State Highway 37 near Mile Marker 1.5, to investigate a motor vehicle crash. It was reported that the crash in..." (Facebook)
- Manchester Police: "⚠️ROAD CLOSURE⚠️ We would just like to notify everyone that State Highway 37, between Commonwealth Boulevard and Buckingham Dr. will be closed in both directions for the foreseeable future due to a tanker fire from a motor vehicle crash ..." (Facebook)
- Manchester Police: "K-9 Storm is officially 10-7 (Off Radio) and we are fortunate that we were able to capture his last radio transmission on video (with special dog translation technology). Humorous and unexpectedly "tugging at your heartstrings" video asi..." (Facebook)
- Manchester Police: "For the first time ever, the Manchester Township Police Department will be participating in No-Shave November! This November, many of our officers will trade their razors for some beard balm for the remainder of the month. Most of our of..." (Facebook)
- Manchester Police: "Our thoughts are with the entire Lakewood Police Department, friends, and family of Police Captain Joseph Goertz, who passed away over the weekend. Rest in peace, Captain Goertz." (Facebook)
- Manchester Police: "⚠️🛣🦌🛣⚠️ Deer mating season, also known as the rut, is in full effect and deer involved motor vehicle accidents are on the up rise. The Manchester Township Police Department urges drivers to use extra caution and lower their speeds, es..." (Facebook)
- Manchester Township, NJ School District: "Congrats Hawks Gymnast Alycia! Going to States! #MTHawkPride" (Facebook)
- Lakehurst Police Department: "We are saddened by the news of the sudden passing of Chief Richard Chinery. Chief Chinery passed away November 1, 2021 at his home in Delaware. Richard Chinery was the first Police Chief for the Lakehurst Police Department serving the Bo..." (Facebook)
- Alzheimer's Association Greater New Jersey Chapter: "Today kicks off #NationalFamilyCaregiversMonth. Throughout the month, we'll celebrate the strength and dedication of dementia caregivers. Share a tribute in honor of a special caregiver in your life at alz.org/honor #ENDALZ" (Facebook)
- Alzheimer's Association Greater New Jersey Chapter: "We are just a phone call away. Caregivers and all those impacted by dementia can call our free 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 to speak confidentially with master's-level care consultants for decision-making support, crisis assistance & ed..." (Facebook)
- Alzheimer's Association Greater New Jersey Chapter: "Thank you to Van Dyk Health Health Care, for co-hosting a fabulous healthy living event with us on November 6th - Brain Health: What you need to know. What you can do. - We were 'safely hybrid' - some joined in person and others joined v..." (Facebook)
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You're officially in the loop for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update! If you're liking these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to follow along. You can send them this link to subscribe.
— Karen Wall
Have a news tip or suggestion? Email me at karen.wall@patch.com.
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