The MANCHESTER Times Vol. 29 - No. 42
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“Legendary” School Bus Driver Mourned By Community By Bob Vosseller MANCHESTER – Everyone who grew up in Manchester seems to have known Julius Bee better known simply as, “Mr. B” who died at the age of 89 on January 9 and left the community many wonderful memories. The Manchester Township School District posted a message that the school community “mourns the pass-
ing of Mr. Julius Bee, a universally loved and respected member of the school district’s Transportation Department for close to 50 years.” “Generations of Manchester students, colleagues, and residents knew Mr. Bee as a smiling, friendly, and comforting bus driver who safely transported students to and from school, day in and day out. He pro-
vided consistency as a friendly face for all of the students he transported, even Manchester’s student-athletes who he regularly transported to and from sports games around the state,” the statement added. The message also said that his “gentle nature, love of students and dedication to our Manchester community was (Legendary - See Page 9)
High School Hosts 55th Annual Tribute To Dr. Martin Luther King
Dr. Izzy Sound News Page 18
Inside The Law Page 21
Classifieds Photos By Bob Vosseller Members of the Manchester Township Schools combined middle school and high school Gospel Chorus perform during the 55th Annual Evening of Song and Celebration in Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Eric Lawson, the master of ceremonies, is joined by Manchester High School graduate and community leader/activist A’Liah Moore.
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By Bob Vosseller MANCHESTER – The dreams and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. were once again remembered and honored during a milestone celebration at the township’s high school. The celebratory program is believed to be one of the longest continually running tributes to the life of the civil rights leader in the state and among the longest in the country. The ceremonies began the year after Dr. King’s assassination and was coordinated by chorus founder, Queen Cannon, with the
support of the school district. Cannon was a teacher and guidance counselor in Manchester for 35 years and also served as an interim principal. Her nephew, Eric Lawson, has been the master of ceremonies at the event for a number of years. This year marked the 55th year and featured performances by the Manchester Gospel Chorus and a number of speakers and performers. High school principal Dennis Adams, who is also a pastor, presented the invocation. (Tribute - See Page 4)
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Photo by Steve Bates Julius Bee
Details Given For Park At Ciba-Geigy
Pages 10-15
Page 24
January 20, 2024
By Chris Lundy TOMS RIVER – Improvements will be made to the former Ciba-Geigy site and then its current owners will find a partner to take over its operation, according to a officials at a recent virtual meeting. The current owner, BASF, will preserve 1,000 acres of the site, while being allowed to develop or sell the remaining 255 acres, which is zoned industrial. Of the 1,000 acres to be preserved, about 375 acres will see ecological restoration projects, such as freshwater wetlands, restoration of riparian areas, flood plain and wetland enhancements, creation of upland grasslands, pollinator habitat, and an environmental education center. There will be a 130acre solar farm generating 27 megawatts. BASF will not be the owner or operator. Of
this, .5 will be provided to the community at a discounted rate. A little electricity will stay on site to run facilities, and the rest will be sold into the grid. A group of experts working for BASF said that the site will become a destination for birders and other nature-lovers. They discussed how this will be home to rare species such as the northern pine snake. Much time was given to explain the walkway, bird blinds, and platforms for people to experience nature. The construction will follow the Americans with Disabilities Act. The main entrance to the grounds will be off of Oak Ridge Parkway. The environmental education center will be close to that road, too. This building will detail Ciba’s legacy in the area. That building will have flex spaces for (Park - See Page 16)
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