ERIC SUCAR staff Howell High School sophomore Komal Thaakar performs an Indian dance for an audience at the school's International Festival. Students from all grades took part in music, dance and various ethnic cuisines. For the story, see page 3. More ... Book drive aims to help African youths Goetz students preparing to ship books to Botswana BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       Students and staff members at the Carl W. Goetz Middle School in Jackson aren't just talking about doing something to help children in Africa, they are actively involved in improving the lives of youngsters who can use a little help. "The students and staff in our building are curre... More ... Plumsted officials working on school budget review       PLUMSTED - Administrators from the Plumsted school district informed municipal officials on May 2 that the school district had received $822,000 in federal impact aid just prior to a March 28 public hearing and adoption of the 2007-08 school budget. More ... The treadmill that never stops - it's motherhood Amy Rosen Around Town       When I was growing up, my mother stayed home and my father worked. I depended on my mom to wake me up in the morning, give me breakfast and drive me to and from school. She even picked me up for lunch, took me home, had a hot lunch waiting - which I ate while watching my favorite TV show, ... More ... McGuire Air Force Base to host annual open house BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       They'll be flying high, those magnificent men and women in their flying machines, as the McGuire Air Force Base 2007 Air Expo and Open House gets set to roll off the runway. McGuire Air Force Base is on Wrightstown-Cookstown Road (Route 616), in Wrightstown, Burlington County. The ope... More ... In the       Actors from near and far are invited to audition for the Strand Theater Ensemble's July production of "Noises Off." Auditions will be held May 14 and 15 at 7 p.m. at the Strand Theater, 400 Clifton Ave., Lakewood. Five men and four women are being sought to perform. Actors should be ready... More ... May 2007 - Bring cachet to the flowerpot       Go tti K elley Green Scene A gardener's Mecca is indeed the time in spring and early summer when pale leaves break through the soil and you envision carpets of color soon to appear. On my way to the garden beds, armed with a wheelbarrow, shovel and clippers, robins wait patien... More ... Future business leaders run successful film fest BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       JACKSON - Students at Jackson Memorial High School enjoyed the first student film festival on April 20 at the high school. Students were allowed to submit five-minute films in competition. "The students competed for prizes, including the coveted Audience Choice Award," said Nina Iwas... More ... Resident attempts to save oak tree BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer       HOWELL - There is an oak tree on Squankum-Yellowbrook Road that has lived for more than 200 years. The tree has endured countless ice storms, nor'easters, and bustling residential growth in the community. More ... College planetarium upgrade gets jump-start County picks up tab for renovations; groups will fund new equipment BY PATRICIA A. MILLER Staff Writer       TOMS RIVER - So what would Ocean County College planetarium director Gloria Villalobos say to the phony philanthropist who pledged $2.5 million last year to help keep the facility open? "I don't know if words would be appropriate," Villalobos said with a grimace. "I don't have the ... More ... New recreation director excited to be in Howell BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer       HOWELL - Bryan Haltigan, a 34-year-old native of Brooklyn, N.Y., is Howell's new parks and recreation director. Haltigan, who holds a master's degree in physical education and athletics administration from Springfield College, said he plans to revive the department. More ... Teen faces drug charges       JACKSON - A 17-year-old Jackson boy with suspected ties to the Bloods street gang was arrested by police on April 29. In a press release, Sgt. Steven Las-kiewicz reported that at 12:55 p.m. that day, Police Officer Eric Prosniewski stopped a 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse for a speeding... More ... First-class mail stamp price to rise to 41 cents       New postage rates go into effect on Monday, May 14, including a 2-cent increase in the price of a first-class mail stamp. Post offices nationwide are now selling the new 41-cent stamps and also 1- and 2-cent stamps for customers who still have a supply of 39-cent stamps, according to th... More ... Additional Oyster Creek hearing set for May 31 BY PATRICIA A. MILLER Staff Writer       The federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission has left the door open for two more public hearings on the relicensing application of the Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station in Lacey Township. More ...