Homeless face struggle for survival Minister continues mission to serve forgotten residents BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer       Over the entrance to a trail leading into the woods was a Mexican flag that swayed above the heads of people who were about to go into those woods. A couple of feet back were colorful, tattered and torn tents left vacant by the day laborers who live in them. More ... Jackson planners deny 2,531-home development Unanswered questions about density cited as reason for denial BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       Members of the Jackson Planning Board turned thumbs down Monday on the Leigh Realty Company's plan build Jackson Mews, a development of 2,531 homes spread over 600 acres on West Commodore Boulevard. More ... Monmouth gets high bond rating       The nation's three major bond-rating agencies, Fitch, Moody's and Standard & Poor's, recently announced that Monmouth County will be retaining its triple-A status. Only a small percentage of counties throughout the United States have been granted AAA ratings, the highest rating, according to Mark... More ... Accident claims lives of three young women BY DAVE BENJAMIN & MARK ROSMAN Staff Writers       JACKSON - The lives of three young women ended tragically on Sept. 11 when they died of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. The two-car crash occurred shortly before 4:30 p.m. Sept. 10 on East Veterans Highway near Van Hiseville Road. More ... Plumsted gets set to start 4-H club for local youths       PLUMSTED - 4-H is one of the largest youth development programs in the nation with more than six million young people ages 5 to 19 and more than 500,000 youth and adult volunteers. The Township Committee is partnering with Ocean County's 4-H staff to establish a Plumsted Township 4-H Club for lo... More ... Entries sought for film festival       The sixth annual Garden State Film Festival has issued a worldwide "Call for Entries" from independent filmmakers, according to Diane Raver, cofounder/ executive director. The deadline for submissions is Dec. 1. Filmmakers wishing to submit their films for consideration should refer to the festiv... More ... Master gardeners produce 2008 gardening calendar       The Barnegat Bay National Estuary Program awarded a Public Education and Outreach Minigrant in the amount of $5,834 to the Master Gardener Association of Ocean County Inc. The grant program is designed to motivate people to participate in protecting and restoring the land and water in the Barnegat... More ... Applicant reviews plans for traffic improvements No decision yet on Grawtown Estates plan for 493 homes BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       JACKSON - Traffic information associated with the proposed construction of the Grawtown Estates residential subdivision took center stage at the Sept. 10 meeting of the Planning Board. Orleans Home Builders, Bensalem, Pa. More ... IN THE ARTS       The Novins Planetarium, Ocean County College, main campus, College Drive, Toms River has announced its fall schedule. "Story Time Under the Stars" brings storybooks to life. Giant-sized pictures float among the stars to accompany tales. Children will enjoy the stories while learning about the st... More ... Jackson still working out affordable housing details BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       JACKSON - An amendment to the affordable housing portion of the township's master plan is in the works. "Jackson must prepare an amendment to its master plan, specifically amending its housing element," said attorney John F. Russo Jr., who represents Jackson on affordable housing issues. More ... Autism-related bills now law       Six autism related bills sponsored by state Sen. Ellen Karcher (D-Monmouth and Mercer) were signed into law by Gov. Jon Corzine last week. "A diagnosis of autism or developmental disability presents real challenges for parents and caregivers," Karcher said. More ... Raceway Mall has new stores       FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP - Freehold Raceway Mall has announced that on Nov. 8, Ann Taylor, Chico's, Coldwater Creek and White House Black Market will debut in the center's new 100,000-square-foot lifestyle expansion when it opens this fall. More ... Council lauds community for supporting food pantry BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       JACKSON - Township Council members have presented the Jackson Food Pantry with a donation of more than $600 in cash. "Council members and residents are helping this volunteer organization to buy perishable food items for the upcoming holidays," council President Ann Updegrave said. More ... Applicant proposes retail center on West Farms Road property BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer       HOWELL - Concerned residents filled the meeting room at town hall on Sept. 6 to hear a proposal before the Planning Board for Howell Bergman Plaza, a proposed retail shopping center. More ... Medieval times      The Renaissance Faire returned to Lakewood's Pine Park on Sept. 15-16 and thrilled visitors with events and activities that brought the Middle Ages to life. The annual event is a fundraiser for the Lakewood Lions Club. Above, Sir Michael of Ananopolis, Michael Elderkin of Canada, is knocked from his... More ... Jackson's Brooklyn Club members take trip 'home' Sightseers revisit hometown museum, reconnect with past BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       More than 90 members of the Four Seasons Metedeconk Lakes Brooklyn Club in Jackson boarded two buses on the morning of Sept. 6 to visit their old stomping grounds in Brooklyn, N.Y. "The Brooklyn Club began as a whim," said Paul Winkler, who founded the club with residents Jack McNicholas and Dave... More ... Former official questions council's pick of mediator BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       JACKSON - A former mayor wants to know why the firm of former state Superior Court Judge Eugene D. Serpentelli, has been hired as a mediator by the township. Michael Kafton, who served on Jackson's former Township Committee, said at the Sept. More ... Web site has info about emergency preparedness       With almost 600,000 people calling Ocean County home, it is important that they have the right information to help them through an emergency. "Today we are launching a new Web site that will help our residents and visitors navigate the steps needed to be taken before, during and after an emergenc... More ...