Friends will rally for baby's family Infant underwent heart transplant in December BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer       Sandy Ennis wants people to know how thankful she is for an organ donation program that saved the life of her infant son, Christopher, in December. "I want people to be more educated about congenital heart disease and the importance of organ donation. That is the only reason why my ... More ... Ohio firm to check background of rec personnel Jackson Township Council moves forward on new law BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       Jackson Township Council members are moving forward with a plan to have a background check conducted on all part-time and seasonal recreation personnel. A resolution authorizing an agreement between Jackson and the National Center for Safety Initiatives (NCSI), Beachwood, Ohio, to p... More ... New owners excited about speedway Upper Freehold official partners with Princeton man to buy racetrack BY JANE MEGGITT Staff Writer       Last year, William Miscoski and his friend, Fred Vahlsing, were playing golf at the Cream Ridge Golf Club in Upper Freehold Township when Miscoski asked Vahlsing, "How would you like to own a racetrack?" At the time, Vahlsing said his wife would kill him, but just three days later h... More ... Board OKs special meeting to hear plan for 60 homes BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer       HOWELL - The Planning Board has agreed to schedule a special meeting to hear a developer's application for a 60-home development on property that is known locally as the Pinnacle tract. Attorney Lawrence Bathgate asked the board at its regular meeting on Feb. 1 to grant his client's ... More ... On Campus       Dominick DeVivo IV, son of Lisa and Dominick DeVivo III of Jackson, has received academic honors at Seton Hall University, South Orange, where he was named to the dean's list for the fall semester. He is an accounting major in the Stillman School of Business. More ... Programs offer assistance with payments for energy BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       JACKSON - Councilman Jason J. Gudaitis is informing residents who are in need of assistance in paying their energy bills that they may be eligible for help through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Applications must be filed before March 31. More ... Food challenge       Youngsters put their mealtime courage on the line when the Howell library recently hosted a version of "Food Fear Factor." The event's menu listed challenges such as "Simple Pimples," "Hairball Salad with Saliva Dressing," "Spam with Sauerkraut and Avacados," "Pus Smoothie," "Baby Clam Milk S... More ... Capt. suggests more care be taken with alarms BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       JACKSON - It is alarming to police how little is known by the general public about alarm systems, how the systems operate and the permit procedures that are required. Jackson police are now accepting permit applications for residential, commercial and apartment complex alarm systems.... More ... Library slates activities       HOWELL - The Friends of Howell Library have planned a weeklong celebration of special programs and activities to highlight the library during February. The February Friends Festival kicks off the week with the following schedule: + Feb. 18, 3 p.m. - the Howell High School a cappella s... More ... BlueClaws will host job fair       LAKEWOOD - The Lakewood BlueClaws will host their annual job fair on Feb. 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at FirstEnergy Park, New Hampshire and Cedar Bride avenues, in the BlueClaws Executive Conference Center. More ... Firefighters honored at Jan. dinner       PLUMSTED - Mayor Ronald Dancer installed officers of the New Egypt Fire Company and the fire company presented awards for special achievements at its annual installation dinner held at the firehouse Jan. 27. The evening began with an invocation from the fire company chaplin, past presi... More ... GMN takes 12 awards in national SNA contest       Greater Media Newspapers, Freehold Township, received 12 awards in the 2006 Suburban Newspapers of America contest, including a first place for sports writing, a second place for community service, and eight advertising and promotion awards. The contest is a highly competitive annual competit... More ... Six Flags will be reassessed       JACKSON - Two companies have submitted bids for the job of assessing the value of all property owned by Six Flags in the municipality. The appraised value of the land determines the amount of taxes that are paid by the owner of the popular theme park on Route 537 near Interstate 195. More ... Boots keep pedicures perfect in winter BY TALI ISRAELI Staff Writer       MARLBORO - While some boots are made for walking, these boots are made for pedicures. The launch of a new beauty product called Bootie Pies: Pedicure Boots for Posh Toes is the creation of sisters Pamela Karp, 32, Erika Whitman, 35, and Deanna Kipnes, 24. More ... Donations help United Way offer assistance at holidays       The United Way of Ocean County received numerous donations during the 2006 holiday season, enabling more than 500 children, seniors and families to enjoy a bounty of food, toys and gifts. More ... Battle of the Bands set for Saturday at JMHS       JACKSON - There will be heart-pounding drums, gripping guitars and maybe even a metallic meltdown for those who attend the first Battle of the Bands. Sponsored by the Jackson Educational Foundation, the Battle of the Bands will be held on Feb. 10 from 7-11 p.m. at the Jackson Memorial ... More ...