Tri-Town News

Photo

11/19/2009

Autumn Varca of Howell gives a treat to Casey, a 6-year-old Jack Russell terrier, during a visit from author Jane Lovascio to Barnes and Noble, Freehold, on Nov. 12. Lovascio is the author of the Casey and Bella children's book series and she brought the real Casey and Bella to Freehold to inspire more children to write. Earlier this year, Autumn was credited as a co-author of "Casey and Bella Go Green" after winning the grand prize in a national book writing contest for third- and fourth-graders held by Lovascio.

Warehouse, retail use receive OK

BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer — 11/19/2009

The Jackson Planning Board has approved the construction of a shopping center and warehouse on Route 571 near the intersection of Route 537. The applicant proposing this project was Sakoutis Builders/Commodore Plaza. Major site plan approval was granted by the Planning Board in October.

Planners give nod to apartments

BY LAUREN CIRAULO Staff Writer — 11/19/2009

Aplan to build 220 rental apartments on a former Route 9 egg farm in Howell was given the green light by the Howell Planning Board at a recent meeting.

Veterans honored in Plumsted

BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer — 11/19/2009

PLUMSTED — Children who attend the Dr. Gerald H. Woehr Elementary School in New Egypt are certainly learning their history. A special Veterans Day program organized by art teacher Rita Williams in honor of all veterans was held at the school on Nov. 11 and attended by students, staff members and veterans.

Ordinance will create Jackson ethics committee

BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer — 11/19/2009

JACKSON — The Township Council has introduced an ordinance that will, if adopted, create an Ethics Review Committee. The ordinance was introduced on Nov. 10. A public hearing has been scheduled for Nov. 24, at which time the council may vote to adopt the ordinance.

Reina, Bressi sworn in as mayor, councilman

BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer — 11/19/2009

JACKSON — With his left hand on a bible and his right hand raised, Jackson's mayor was sworn into office by Municipal Clerk Anne Marie Eden to continue serving in that position through June 30, 2010.

Public can learn about swine flu

11/19/2009

JACKSON — A seminar that will inform members of the public about the risks of the H1N1 (swine flu) strain will be held in the Jackson municipal building, 95 West Veterans Highway, at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 30. Residents will be informed about measures they can take to prevent the virus from infecting themselves and their family members.

N.J. voters say yes to open space initiative

11/19/2009

The pipeline for the purchase of open space — with the goal of preventing that land from being developed — remains open in the Garden State. On Election Day, Nov. 3, a majority of people who went to the polls, by a count of 52 percent to 48 percent, voted to continue funding to the state's preservation programs.

U.S. Census Bureau opens office in Freehold Township

BY ALAN DRUCKER Correspondent — 11/19/2009

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP — With Census Day, April 1, 2010, less than five months away, preparation is under way to ensure that every person residing in the United States is counted. On Nov. 13, census officials and community leaders celebrated the opening of a new office in the Monmouth Executive Center at 100 Willowbrook Road.

New Egypt resident crowned Jr. Miss N.J.

11/19/2009

PLUMSTED — New Egypt Middle School seventh-grader Ciara Nicole Phares, 13, was crowned Jr. Miss New Jersey USA 2009-10 at the East Coast USA New Jersey Open State Pageant held Oct. 18 at the Hilton in East Brunswick. The pageant is open to girls and women of all ages.

Donations sought for ROTC gift auction

11/19/2009

Donations are being sought for a gift auction currently being planned for Feb. 20 to raise funds for the Jackson Memorial High School Air Force Junior ROTC. Funds raised will go toward financing a college scholarship program, equipping drill, color guard and academic teams and supporting after-school activities and trips.

Bands to rock Pony, aid Samaritan Center

11/19/2009

Greater Media wants to fuel the holiday spirit by providing good music and a way to help the hungry at Greater Media's Good Samaritan Holiday Bash to be held Dec. 13 at the Stone Pony, 913 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park.

Jackson lights the menorah on Dec. 14

11/19/2009

Jackson's fourth annual Hanukkah menorah lighting will be held 4:30-6 p.m. Dec. 14 at the municipal building, 95 West Veterans Highway. The event is free and open to the public. Kosher holiday refreshments will be served in the meeting room of town hall at 4:30 p.m.

Datebook

11/19/2009

• A holiday night shopping event will be held at New Egypt High School, Evergreen Road, Plumsted, from 7-10 p.m. Nov. 20. Admission: $3 for adults, $2 for students. • A psychic night hosted by the Central Jersey Italian American Club will begin at 7 p.m. Nov. 20 in its clubhouse at 36 Cpl. Luigi Marciante Jr. Memorial Drive, Jackson.

Marching bands unite to feed the hungry

11/19/2009

Jackson Liberty High School and Jackson Memorial High School marching bands are joining together to remember those in need of food on Thanksgiving. They are asking everyone who attends the Thanksgiving Day football game, Nov. 25 at 6 p.m. at Jackson Liberty High School, to bring a donation for the Jackson Food Pantry.

Irwin Service Center collects for Open Door

11/19/2009

Irwin Service Center, 4000 Route 9 south in Freehold, is collecting food for the Open Door on Throckmorton Street in Freehold during November. Every item donated will earn $1 off your service bill. Items in need at the food bank are: hot cereal, rice, tuna fish, coffee, tea, canned soup, jelly, snacks, as well as other nonperishable food items.

Georgian Ct. presents fall & holiday music

11/19/2009

Georgian Court University, Lakewood, announced that the fall 2009 music schedule will include a variety of instrumental and vocal music genres. The Faculty & Student Recital will be held 7 p.m. Nov. 22 at the Dorothy Marron University Community Chapel.

Plumsted Twp. Senior Outreach plans lunch

11/19/2009

Plumsted Township Senior Outreach Services (SOS) will host its second annual Winter Luncheon from noon to 2 p.m. Jan. 13, at the SOS community room located at 121 Evergreen Road in New Egypt. The cost to attend is $8 and seats are very limited. Details and registration: 609-758- 2241, ext 111. Register by Dec. 9.

Kafton thanks friends who lent support

11/19/2009

Thanks to all of my friends and supporters for your tireless efforts while working on behalf of myself and Howard Tilis. Your time, energy and commitment inspired both of us and we will always be grateful for that.

Community continues to support food pantry

11/19/2009

The Jackson Women of Today wish to extend our sincere thanks to the residents of Jackson who generously contributed nonperishable food items, money and most of all their time to help us prepare for the upcoming holiday season.

Thanks to all who made Her Night Out a success at Avanti Day Resort

11/19/2009

Avanti Day Resort's "Her Night Out" campaign on Oct. 19 was a huge success. We were able to raise $2,350, which was donated to CancerCare, the National Breast Cancer Foundation, and to our featured guest, Tina Tinervia. Tina and her 6-year-old daughter, Ashlee, enjoyed their girls' night out, while bringing attention to Tina's fight against cancer.

New councilman pledges to represent all residents of Jackson

11/19/2009

On Nov. 3 I was fortunate enough to be elected to serve on the Jackson Township Council. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the residents of Jackson for participating in one of the most important freedoms we share.

Cartoon

11/19/2009

Come out & 'Share the Joy'

Guest Column • Mike Moran — 11/19/2009

On Nov. 20-21 starting at 5 a.m. Friday and running through Saturday evening, a wonderful event is about to unfold at our shore community. One of the significant notes of this joyous community effort is that it is the 10th anniversary of sharing, giving and love.

Lost in cyberspace

Around Town • AMY ROSEN — 11/19/2009

Sometimes I feel as if I am hanging by the tips of my fingers trying to keep up with technology in the 21st century. I would like to think I am pretty savvy, but who can keep up with all of the new developments? My 15-year-old son and his friends, that's who.

Navy must kill plan for civilian housing

In the News • MARK ROSMAN — 11/19/2009

Ithink I am known as a person who tries to see all sides of a story. After almost three decades as a professional journalist, I can state with certainty that there are at least two sides to every story, and usually more than that.

To cook a turkey — first find the darned giblets

Coda • GREG BEAN — 11/19/2009

In our family, there are lots of stories we like to tell around the Thanksgiving table. Most of them are funny — to us — and most of them involve disasters, some going back generations.

Steven Gaudious Jr.

11/19/2009

Mr. Gaudious, 29, of Long Branch, died Nov. 13, 2009, at home. He was a tile setter with Local No. 7 Tile and Marble Union. He is survived by his father and stepmother, Steven and Patti Gaudious of Long Branch; his mother, Nancy Gaudious of Anthony, Fla.

Samuel Griffis Karn

11/19/2009

Mr. Karn, 87, of Holmdel, died Nov. 10, 2009, at Bayshore Community Hospital, Holmdel. He was a claims adjuster and claims manager at LibertyMutual Insurance Co., South Plainfield, from 1947 until his retirement in 1985. During retirement, he was a stockman at Dearborn Farms, Holmdel, from 1985 to 2001. Mr.

Leslie Van Pelt

11/19/2009

Mr. Van Pelt, 81, of Middletown, died Nov. 5, 2009, at home. He was the owner of Van Pelt Upholstery, Red Bank. He was predeceased by a son, Chipper Van Pelt. Mr.

Yvonne W. Kaufman

11/19/2009

Mrs. Kaufman, 91, of Eatontown, died Oct. 4, 2009, at Brandywine Assisted Living at the Sycamore, Shrewsbury. She resided in Pennsylvania prior to relocating to Lakewood in 1990, and Eatontown in 1996. She was a copywriter and program director at WVSC Radio Station, Somerset, Pa, for 24 years. She also hosted the show "Club News and Such," retiring in 1977.

Mary E. Whelan

11/19/2009

Mrs. Whelan, 55, of Middletown, died Oct. 30, 2009, in Middletown. She was a teacher's aide at Ocean Avenue School, Middletown, for 14 years and was also employed at the bakery department at Foodtown, Port Monmouth section of Middletown, for three years.

Joan Z. Fisher

11/19/2009

Mrs. Fisher, 75, of Long Branch, died Nov. 9, 2009, at St. Barnabas Hospice and Palliative Care Center, Long Branch. She was a crossing guard for the city of Long Branch the past 19 years. She was predeceased by two sisters, Lillian Andolino and Lorraine Fiore; and two grandsons, Sean Fisher and Michael Topham. She is survived by her husband, John L.

William McCormick

11/19/2009

Mr. McCormick, 89, of Holmdel, died Nov. 2, 2009, at home. He was an exempt member of the Holmdel Fire Company No. 1, and the Holmdel Fire Police. Mr. McCormick was predeceased by a son-in-law, George Meissner.

Pupils' performance helps district evaluate its efforts

BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer — 11/19/2009

JACKSON — Audience members at a recent meeting of the Jackson Board of Education heard the annual State of the Schools report presented by school district administrators. Board President Barbara Fiero said, "The information presented this evening should give us confidence as to how we are working to identify and address our students' needs.

Jaguars claim CJ IV soccer championship

BY WAYNE WITKOWSKI Staff Writer — 11/19/2009

Playing the No. 1 team in the state might make some coaches apprehensive, but Jackson Memorial High School girls soccer coach Drew Gibson was not hesitant about his team tackling the challenge of playing Lenape High School in the NJSIAA Group IV state tournament semifinals on Nov. 17.

Sky Blue FC

11/19/2009

Women's Professional Soccer champion Sky Blue FC will hold open tryouts on Dec. 15-16 and on Jan. 5-6 at the Robbinsville Field House, 153 Manor Way, Robbinsville. Tryouts are intended for college seniors or players who have completed their college eligibility. All participants must be at least 18 years old. Each session of the open tryouts will run from 1-5:30 p.m.

Howell tops Montgomery, 41-18, in grid playoffs

BY TIM MORRIS Staff Writer — 11/19/2009

The Howell High School Rebels made it look ridiculously easy. Scoring the first six times they had the football on drives of 80, 74, 64, 70, 35 and 69 yards, the Rebels defeated the Montgomery High School Cougars, 41-18, on Nov. 16 in the first round of the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV state playoffs in Howell.

Business Briefs

11/19/2009

Sapphire Tans (formerly Hollywood Tans) will be holding its annual food drive from Nov. 21 through Dec. 31. All items collected will be donated to the Freehold Open Door Food Pantry and the Howell Emergency Food Pantry. Find "wish lists" by visiting www.SapphireTans.com. Bring in a food item on Saturdays and Sundays during the food drive and receive a free tan upgrade.