Tri-Town News

Walter D. Miller Jr.

11/27/2008

Photo

11/20/2008

New Egypt High School's Langston Lacroix tries to break free from the grasp of an Asbury Park High School defender during an NJSIAA Central Jersey Group I state sectional playoff game between the Warriors and the Blue Bishops on Nov. 15. New Egypt's visit to the Jersey Shore ended with a 14-0 loss to Asbury Park. The game was played at Memorial Field in Neptune.

Seda steps down as mayor

BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer — 11/20/2008

JACKSON � Mark Seda has finally thrown the towel into the ring. After announcing in August that he would step down from his position as Jackson�s mayor on Oct. 17 and then letting that date come and go, Seda resigned

Jackson begins to build budget

BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer — 11/20/2008

Although Jackson residents will not be asked to vote on the 2009-10 school year budget until April, the Jackson Board of Education and the Jackson School District's administrators have already started the process of building a budget for the coming school year.

Residents concerned about cell tower

BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer — 11/20/2008

The prospect of having a new cellular communications tower near their homes is upsetting to some Howell residents.

Speakers honor veterans' service

BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer — 11/20/2008

Some of the community's older adults turned out at the Jackson Senior Center on Nov. 10 to pay tribute to veterans of the armed forces who have served the United States. Nov. 11 was Veterans Day, a holiday that honors all individuals who have worn the uniform of a United States military branch.

Two teens are improving

11/20/2008

JACKSON — A Jackson teenager who was injured in a Nov. 6 motor vehicle accident in Freehold Township is improving, as is the young man from Manalapan who was operating the vehicle. Jackson Memorial High School student Morgan Tomkiewicz, 18, was a passenger in a 2009 Mazda sport utility vehicle being driven by Raymond Fernandez, 18, of Manalapan.

Students taking initial steps to learn Chinese

BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer — 11/20/2008

Someday Marlboro High School sophomore Eden Lunde, 15, hopes to communicate with her friends in Mandarin Chinese. Eden, who only speaks English right now, has enrolled in the Freehold Regional High School District's first year of Mandarin Chinese classes.

Council to vote on salaries

BY MARK ROSMAN Staff Writer — 11/20/2008

JACKSON - The Jackson Township Council is expected to adopt salary ranges for township officials and employees at its Nov. 25 meeting. The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the municipal building, West Veterans Highway.

New Egypt firehouse to host rabies clinic

11/20/2008

PLUMSTED — The Township Committee will provide a free rabies clinic for dogs and cats on Dec. 5 at the New Egypt firehouse, 59 Main St., from 6-8 p.m. There is parking available at the rear of the firehouse. Mayor Ron Dancer said, "We are very appreciative of our local firemen providing this location for the convenience of the public.

Device would help find missing persons

BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer — 11/20/2008

JACKSON — Police are now able to track and locate missing persons with the help of an electronic bracelet.

Recall notice gains OK from clerk

BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer — 11/20/2008

JACKSON — The municipal clerk has approved a notice of intent to recall Mayor Mark Seda. "I did approve the notice of intent to recall the mayor on Nov. 13," Township Clerk Ann Marie Eden told the Tri-Town News on Nov. 17. "I advised Mayor Seda and he has five days to provide an acknowledgement.

County continues effort to rehabilitate dwellings

11/20/2008

Ocean County officials will continue to help residents in need keep up the maintenance on their homes through the county's housing rehabilitation program.

Event benefits Dottie's House

11/20/2008

More than 500 participants, spectators and volunteers gathered at Island Beach State Park on Oct. 12 in celebration of the first triathlon to benefit Dottie's House. The triathlon, which also featured a duathlon, had a total of 363 participants and raised more than $16,000 for the organization, according to a press release.

State Youth Orchestra to play in Colts Neck

BY PATRICIA YOCZIS Correspondent — 11/20/2008

An afternoon of delightful classical music is the promise of the New Jersey State Youth Orchestra (NJSYO) as its members present a benefit concert at St. Mary's Church, Route 34 and Phalanx Road, Colts Neck, at 4 p.m. Dec. 7.

Talking 'Porno' with Kevin Smith

BY SHARON LEFF Staff Writer — 11/20/2008

Although he hails from New Jersey, writer-director Kevin Smith attracted fans from across the country to his Nov. 7 question-and-answer session at the Count Basie Theatre, Red Bank.

Holiday drive to help children in Uganda

11/20/2008

The American Red Cross-Jersey Coast Chapter and Sylvia's Children, a Holmdel-based nonprofit charity organization that seeks to help African orphans, have teamed up to raise money this upcoming holiday season for the Mbiriizi Advanced Primary School in Masaka, Uganda, which consists of 1,000 children between the ages of 4 and 14, of which 267 youngsters are orphans.

Business owners learn how to pursue military contracts

11/20/2008

More than 300 business owners and managers turned the Mancini Room at the Toms River library into a standing-room-only venue when the Ocean County Board of Freeholders hosted a "doing business with the military" workshop. Attendees at the Oct.

Board hears report on violence & vandalism

BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer — 11/20/2008

JACKSON — Board of Education members were briefed on the incidents of violence and vandalism that occurred in Jackson schools during the 2007-08 school year at a recent meeting. Walter Jensen, the district's director of security and attendance coordinator, made the presentation on Oct. 14.

'Golda Meir' comes to tea

11/20/2008

In observance of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel, the Lakewood Historical Society will go international with a visit from Golda Meir — well, not quite. Celebrity impersonator Rene Goodwin will bring the first female prime minister of Israel to life for an audience at "Afternoon Tea at the Museum." The event will be held at noon Nov.

Support group meets in Howell

11/20/2008

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in which one person chooses to assert power and control over an intimate partner or household member. It is a destructive learned behavior that negatively affects all family members; it is also against the law. Survivors of domestic violence often feel embarrassed, hopeless and very much alone.

N.J. horse industry dealt another blow

BY JANE MEGGITT Staff Writer — 11/20/2008

On Election Day, Nov. 4, Maryland voters approved video lottery terminals (VLTs) for racetracks, adding another nearby state to the roster of those around New Jersey with slot machines at their tracks. Delaware, Pennsylvania and New York already offer VLTs at their racetracks.

Judge to rule on training facility

BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer — 11/20/2008

HOWELL — The future of the proposed Monmouth County Athletic Center (dubbed the MAC) is now in the hands of a judge. Attorneys representing the developer and the Howell Zoning Board of Adjustment made their arguments before state Superior Court Judge Lawrence Lawson in Freehold on Nov. 6.

Holiday pies offered at Sunrise of Jackson

11/20/2008

JACKSON — Sunrise Assisted Living of Jackson, 390 North County Line Road, is offering fresh, preservative-free Delicious Orchard pies for the holidays without having to travel out of Jackson. The cost for each 9-inch pie is $13. Two dollars per pie will be donated to the Alzheimer's Association.

Jackson church to offer music, living Nativity

11/20/2008

JACKSON — The Jackson United Methodist Church, 68 Bennetts Mills Road, will present family-friendly Christian music on the third Saturday of each month at 7 p.m. (music starts at 7:30 p.m.). A free-will offering is the only charge to attend.

Learn to make holiday cookies

11/20/2008

LAKEWOOD — The Lakewood Community School will host a holiday cookie baking class 7-9:30 p.m. Dec. 2-3 at Lakewood High School, 855 Somerset Ave. Enjoy hands-on instruction and take home recipes and a tin of cookies. (Participants must bring a cookie tin.) Registration is currently in progress. The fee to attend the class is $15.

Howell offers teens ski/snowboard club

11/20/2008

HOWELL — Registration is being accepted for a ski/snowboard club for youths in grades seven through 12 who reside in Howell. The partially supervised program will feature trips to a variety of ski/snowboard resorts. The cost to register is $100 ($125 after Nov. 21). Additional fees will be charged to cover the cost of each trip.

Cattus Island to offer December programs

11/20/2008

Cattus Island County Park, 1170 Cattus Island Blvd., Toms River, will offer the following free programs on Saturdays and Sundays during the month of December: • Join a naturalist at the bird feeding station in the exhibit room to view hungry migrant and resident birds, 10:30-11 a.m. Questions are welcome regarding the best way to set up a feeding station at home.

Datebook

11/20/2008

• An open house with the theme "Pampering the Caregiver" will be held Nov. 22 at Sunrise Senior Living of Jackson, 390 North County Line Road. Massages and cosmetic vendors will be available. Tour the facility. RSVP the day before the event at 732-928-5600.

Christmas story set on church grounds

11/20/2008

The 25th annual A Drive Through the Christmas Story, an outdoor display of 10 life-size Bible scenes including live costumed characters, animals and holiday music, will be presented 7:30-9:30 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and 5-9:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 28-Dec. 7, on the circular grounds of Sayre Woods Bible Church, Route 9 south, Old Bridge.

Kimball Mega Raffle tickets on sale now

11/20/2008

LAKEWOOD — Kimball Medical Center Foundation is selling tickets for a new 50/50 raffle, the 2009 Mega Raffle. Mega Raffle tickets are on sale now through April 30 for $100 each. A maximum of 1,500 tickets will be sold. The grand prize, if all tickets are purchased, will be $75,000. The actual prize will depend on the total number of tickets sold.

Holiday pies offered at Sunrise of Jackson

11/20/2008

Sunrise Assisted Living of Jackson, 390 North County Line Road, is offering fresh, preservative-free Delicious Orchard pies for the holiday without having to travel out of Jackson. The cost for each 9-inch pie is $13. Two dollars per pie will be donated to the Alzheimer's Association. Flavors include apple, pumpkin, mincemeat, cherry and pecan. Pies must be ordered by Dec.

Redouble efforts for peacekeepers in Darfur

11/20/2008

The crisis in Darfur, Sudan, has been devastating, and civilians — particularly women and girls — are suffering from the violence. Armed combatants in Darfur — including Sudanese government forces, the pro-government Janjawid militia and rebel groups — have subjected women and girls to sexual violence and other brutal assaults.

Need for food donations is up at Thanksgiving

11/20/2008

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, many of us are planning what we are going to eat for Thanksgiving dinner. However, there are also many Monmouth County residents who are not planning a big dinner on Thanksgiving Day. They are worrying about putting food on the table for their families each and every day.

MADD calls attention to drunken driving during the holiday season

11/20/2008

As we approach the upcoming holiday season, Mothers Against Drunk Driving New Jersey along with Mothers Against Drunk Driving locations nationwide is once again launching our holiday crackdown campaign. This campaign runs from the day before Thanksgiving through New Year's Day.

Sign's fine print makes pizza purchase a real problem

11/20/2008

Irecently noticed several roadside signs in Jackson. They read: Limited Time Only. 2 Large Pizzas, $15.95. Unlimited Toppings, $1 Each. I was able to read all of that very clearly from my car. Also on that sign was a large picture of a cute Italian cartoon guy with a pizza in his hand. Unbeknownst to me, there was also writing underneath.

For the Record

11/20/2008

The size of the assault zone runway that has been constructed at Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst is 90 feet wide and 3,500 feet in length. The dimensions of the assault zone runway were incorrect in a Nov.

A story to remember

In the News • MARK ROSMAN — 11/20/2008

One of the most difficult tasks this job presents is writing articles about children who are battling serious diseases, or about young people who lose their life in a tragedy. The articles that describe the challenges these individuals and their families are facing tug at the heartstrings.

Mom's chili goes to the nutrition lab

Are We There Yet? • LORI CLINCH — 11/20/2008

Although I decided about 10 minutes into parenthood that I'd never be a contender for mother of the year, I've given it my best shot. I've done a good job of snapping and pointing at the right times. I have settled arguments with the wisdom of Solomon and mastered phrases as brilliant as "Because I said so" and "I don't care who did it first.

Veterans Day had special significance this year

Coda • GREG BEAN — 11/20/2008

On Nov. 11, my wife and I attended the annual Veterans Day observance at Veterans Park at the East Brunswick Municipal Complex. I've attended many of these observances over the years as a reporter and observer, but this year was different.

A target-rich environment for columnists these days

Red State/ Blue State • DAVE SIMPSON & GREG BEAN — 11/20/2008

Dear Greg: I'm still chuckling amiably about the way you ended a post-election e-mail to me, which I think we should share with our readers. (I'm determined to remain amiable these days, takingwhat comes my way with Falstaffian good humor.

William T. Schue

11/20/2008

N.E. football goes down in playoffs

BY MIKE WHITE Staff Writer — 11/20/2008

New Egypt High School football coach Tom Farrell had done his homework prior to last Saturday's playoff game against Asbury Park. All Farrell wanted to do was be within a touchdown heading in to the final 12 minutes. The Warriors executed the game plan to perfection.

RU wrestling looking to make big gains under Goodale

BY DOUG McKENZIE Correspondent — 11/20/2008

After coming on strong late last season (winning seven of its last nine matches to finish 7-5 on the year), the Rutgers University wrestling team is ready to take its success to the next level. Now in their second year under head coach Scott Goodale, the Scarlet Knights have entered the season amid some lofty expectations. And for good reason, too.

Freshmen contribute to Rutgers' season-opening victories

BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer — 11/20/2008

The Rutgers University women's basketball team showed why there's so much optimism surrounding the program with its 86-59 season-opening victory over St. Joseph's University on Friday evening.

Blues continue to rule down the shore

Fish On • RON NUZZOLO — 11/20/2008

Hungry schools of blues from 5 to 15 pounds are dominating the shoreline. Despite some wet weather, find the birds and jig away. Anglers from Point Pleasant all the way to Long Beach Island are chasing the birds and pounding away at hungry blues and the occasional striped bass. Blues blitzed the beaches for as far as the eye can see early in the week.