Berkeley Township’s Top News Stories Of 2021

BERKELEY, NJ — As 2021 comes to a close, Berkeley and much of the world are looking forward to the new year.

Before the new year begins, take a look back on some of Berkeley Patch’s top stories from 2021:

The New Pies Place Pays Tribute To Bayville's History

The name Pies Place may sound familiar to longtime Bayville residents. That was the name of the first pizzeria in Bayville on the corner of Route 9 and Harbor Inn Road. A pizzeria that opened in the spring was named after the original Pies Place.

Lifeguard Honored At Candlelight Vigil In South Seaside Park

Hundreds of people surrounded the family and friends of Keith Pinto of Toms River as they mourned his death and remembered his life.

New Principal Appointed At Central Regional High School

Central Regional's former assistant principal, Irene Marousis, became the high school's new principal in September.

Bayville Family Transforms Basement Into An Indoor Skate Park

A single piece of wood has evolved into a miniature skate park in the basement of a Bayville home. Angelo DeVito has worked in construction for 25 years, overseeing many home renovation projects, though this was his first attempt at building a skate ramp.

'The Drew Barrymore Show' To Feature Bayville Salon

Hair Fantasy in Bayville has been offering free makeovers to people who have fallen on hard times this past year, and Drew Barrymore took notice. Owner Michele Fury and stylists from the salon were interviewed during a segment of "The Drew Barrymore Show" over the summer.

Beach Metal Detecting Turns Up Central Regional Class Ring

A 1980 class ring from Central Regional was discovered earlier this year by a New York City woman. Lois Eastlund came across the ring in her late father's belongings. His hobby was metal detecting, as he rose every morning to comb local beaches in North Carolina and New Jersey.

Central Regional Wrestler Continues Family Legacy At Lakewood HS

Jayla Hahn's wrestling season at Central Regional was almost cut short due to COVID, until Lakewood High School took her under their wing.

Berkeley Police Chief Retires After 26 Years Of Service

Police Chief Karin DiMichele retired from the Berkeley Township Police Department in August after 26 years of service. DiMichele left behind a trail of accomplishments and historical firsts for Berkeley.

Berkeley Rescue Squad Divers Clean Up Cedar Creek

Divers filled three boats with trash from Cedar Creek during the Berkeley Township Underwater Search and Rescue Squad's annual cleanup in June.

New Bayville Store Helps Special Needs Adults Learn Job Skills

A new Bayville store that sells bath bombs and microgreens also serves as a pre-vocational training center for adults with special needs where they learn money handling, communication skills, and how to follow recipes to make the store's products.