COVID, Celebrations: Barnegat, Manahawkin's Top Stories Of 2020

BARNEGAT, NJ — As 2020 comes to a close, Barnegat, Manahawkin and much of the world are looking forward to the new year.

Throughout 2020, the community saw death, illness, job loss and school closures. But sometimes the community came together, as people celebrated birthdays from a safe distance and business owners crafted new ways to serve their customers.

Here are some of Patch's top stories of 2020 in Barnegat and Manahawkin:

Stafford Neighbors Save Girl's Birthday With Bash From A Distance

With the coronavirus forcing social distancing, several households partied with Makenzie as she went on a neighborhood walk.

Manahawkin Brewery Brings Outdoor Drinks To Winter With 'Igloos'

New Jersey restaurants have faced a harsh year because of the coronavirus pandemic, and winter weather could further limit their options. One Manahawkin establishment found a way to help them get around that: "igloos."

Authorities Continue Monitoring Bear On Loose In Manahawkin

Beth Phillips, a shift manager at McDonald's, walked to the drive-thru area one morning in June to get a drink. She saw a black object running toward the restaurant in the side parking lot. It was a bear in a Manahawkin parking lot. Fellow shift manager Izen Small filmed the creature, who became a local viral sensation.

Close To Closure, Barnegat Coffee Shop Rises And Remodels

Delights Artisan Café has closed. But the family business will keep their dream alive with the upcoming Delights Coffee and Bake Shop.

Barnegat School Welcomes Back Students With Parody Rap Video

Schools needed to make extensive preparations for the upcoming year. For Russell O. Brackman Middle School, that also meant producing a rap video. Principal Shannon Smith posted the video, "Back Again," which welcomed students back for the first day of in-person learning.

Long Line Forms Before 5 A.M. At Manahawkin MVC

A Lacey resident got there early and left four hours later. By then, he says a line of more than 100 formed behind him.

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