http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507 Copyright 2008 The Independent en-us Wed, 7 May 2008 5:32:46 EST 05/07/2008 Front Page http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/001.html <br clear=all><img src="http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/001p1_sm.jpg" align=left >ERIC SUCAR staff A fourth-grade student at Middletown Village School tries his hand at an exercise station during the Round Robin Shuttle Preparation Program presented by Buehler Challenger & Science Center at the school April 29. <br clear=all> 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/001.html 05/07/2008 Front Page http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/002.html <br clear=all><img src="http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/002p1_sm.jpg" align=left > One of the last remnants of Hazlet's history is in the process of being developed, a matter that concerns residents. The land known as the Stone Road Meadows spans over 50 acres, but the 4.59-acre VanMater property at the corner of Stone Road and Poole Avenue is under development by Devino and Jackiewicz LLC, the owner of the historic Van Mater farmstead.<br clear=all> BY JAMIE ROMM Staff Writer 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/002.html 05/07/2008 Front Page http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/003.html <br clear=all><img src="http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/003p1_sm.jpg" align=left > Members won't be frolicking in the sun at the Strathmore Bath and Tennis Club in Aberdeen this summer, because the club likely won't be open. "No, we won't be able to open the club this summer," said Frank Ward, who is in the process of purchasing the pool club.<br clear=all> BY ERIN O. STATTEL Staff Writer 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/003.html 05/07/2008 Front Page http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/004.html <br clear=all><img src="http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/004p1_sm.jpg" align=left > ABERDEEN - The world-renowned tapestry dedicated to the memory of AIDS victims has made its way to town. As part of a special weekend devoted to social action, sections of the internationally celebrated AIDS Memorial Quilt, a 54-ton, handmade tapestry that is a memorial to more than 90,000 individuals lost to AIDS, was on view at Temple Shalom May 1 to May 4.<br clear=all> BY ERIN O. STATTEL Staff Writer 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/004.html 05/07/2008 Front Page http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/005.html HOLMDEL - Board of Education members re-elected the current board president and vice president at the April 30 meeting. Frank Luccarelli and Mary Hartnett were re-elected to the positions of board president and board vice president, respectively. BY ERIN O. STATTEL Staff Writer 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/005.html 05/07/2008 Front Page http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/006.html HAZLET - While HazletFights may not be on the same level as the movie "Fight Club," it is getting the attention of the Hazlet Police Department. The latest video sensation on YouTube, HazletFights, the member name of the person posting the video and previous videos, shows two teenage boys fist fighting in Veterans Park and has had more than 1,300 hits. BY JAMIE ROMM Staff Writer 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/006.html 05/07/2008 Front Page http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/007.html HOLMDEL- The TownshipCommittee introduced the 2008 municipal budget last week. At the May 1 committee meeting, a $20 million budget was introduced and explained by TownshipAuditor Robert Oliwa. According to the budget overview, the total 2008 current fund budget appropriations are $19,905,795 and the amount to be raised by taxation for local tax purposes is $10,074,973. BY ERIN O. STATTEL Staff Writer 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/007.html 05/07/2008 Front Page http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/008.html HOLMDEL - The Township Committee has set hearings to investigate allegations against theHolmdel Fire Department chief. Closed hearings are scheduled for May 13 and 20 at 7 p.m. in the main meeting room at Town Hall. BY ERIN O. STATTEL Staff Writer 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/008.html 05/07/2008 Front Page http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/009.html MIDDLETOWN - Officials from 10 towns in the Bayshore area have joined together to keep their towns safe in the case of a natural hazard emergency. BY JAMIE ROMM Staff Writer 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/009.html 05/07/2008 Front Page http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/011.html <br clear=all><img src="http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/011p1_sm.jpg" align=left > MIDDLETOWN - The door of AssemblywomanAmyHandlin's (R-13) district office would open and close every few minutes as residents came in and told the same story. From 2 to 7 p.m. onMay 1, during a petition drive initiated by Handlin, the personal anecdotes were similar.<br clear=all> BY JAMIE ROMM Staff Writer 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/011.html 05/07/2008 Front Page http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/017.html TheMonmouth CountyArts Councilwill hold its 2008Art inEducation Showcase and Awards Presentation at theMiddletownArt Center, Thursday,May 15, 6-9 p.m. The annual awards program recognizes creative arts programming, talented faculty and arts infused schools in Monmouth County. 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/017.html 05/07/2008 Front Page http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/018.html <br clear=all><img src="http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/018p1_sm.jpg" align=left > Familiar places and local landmarks are waiting to be revisited in an art exhibit of watercolor paintings by local artist Linn&#233; Grant. "Places We All Have Been" will run through May 10 at the Monmouth Beach Cultural Center at 128 Ocean Ave.<br clear=all> 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/018.html 05/07/2008 Front Page http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/019.html <br clear=all><img src="http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/019p1_sm.jpg" align=left > Soar Productions will present the Neil Simon comedy "Barefoot in the Park" May 9-24 in Union Beach. Simon's light domestic comedy revolves around newlyweds adjusting tomarried life. Performances are Friday and Saturday, May 9-24, at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, May 18, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $18, $15 for seniors and students. For reservations, call (732) 471-8268.<br clear=all> Compiled by Gloria Stravelli Designed by Eileen Russell Gerber 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/019.html 05/07/2008 Front Page http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/020.html <br clear=all><img src="http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/020p1_sm.jpg" align=left > The New JerseyWatercolor Society is holding its 2008 Annual All-Member Show May 3-28 at the Guild of CreativeArt, 620 Broad St., Shrewsbury. The NJWCS was formed in 1938, and members are professional artist who produce watercolors of exceptional quality. The opening reception is Saturday, May 17, 4-6 p.m. and is free to the public.<br clear=all> 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/020.html 05/07/2008 Front Page http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/023.html The pleasures we derive from gardening as grown-ups must have, I am quite sure, their origins in our earliest years. I clearly remember helping my father to seed radishes, on my knees, with a tape measure to plant the seeds with strict military precision. When finally seeds sprouted and the first glimpse of red appeared below the green leaves, I was enthralled. 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/023.html 05/07/2008 Front Page http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/024.html <br clear=all><img src="http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/024p1_sm.jpg" align=left > Old Bridge Public Library, Route 516 and Cottrell Road, will host an interactive program, "Relief From Panic & Anxiety," with hypnotherapist and stress management expert Rosemary Conte, May 13 at 7:30 p.m. The event is free, but registration is required and may be done by calling at (732) 721-5600, ext. 5033.<br clear=all> 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/024.html 05/07/2008 Front Page http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/025.html <br clear=all><img src="http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/025p1_sm.jpg" align=left > SANDY HOOK - Local ocean advocacy group Clean Ocean Action (COA) released data April 24 from the 2007 Beach Sweeps that reveals volunteers removed a record number of pieces of debris per person, and one of the highest recorded number of total items collected.<br clear=all> 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/025.html 05/07/2008 Front Page http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/027.html Agroup of Assembly members from Monmouth County is claiming that the decision to close Fort Monmouth was based on false and misleading information. Six Assembly members are asking for further investigation into the decisionmaking process regarding the closure of Fort Monmouth and are calling on Gov. Jon S. Corzine and U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie to intervene. 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/027.html 05/07/2008 Front Page http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/028.html <br clear=all><img src="http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/028p1_sm.jpg" align=left >ERIC SUCAR staff A student tries out the exercise station during the Buehler Challenger & Science Center's Round Robin Shuttle Preparation Program held in the Village Elementary School auditorium in Middletown on April 29. <br clear=all> 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/028.html 05/07/2008 Front Page http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/029.html <br clear=all><img src="http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/029p1_sm.jpg" align=left > MATAWAN - On Saturday, May 10, First Baptist Church ofMatawan will host local bluegrass band String Fever as a fundraiser for the annual Youth Group missions trip. The concert will be held in the main church building at 232Main St. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the band will begin playing at 7 p.m.<br clear=all> 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/front_page/029.html 05/07/2008 Bulletin Board http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/bulletin_board/010.html Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore has announced that early-bird registration for Girl Scouts is now under way. Parents registering daughters for the 2008-09 Girl Scout year as an early bird receive extra benefits and save money. Girls are eligible for a 50 percent discount on one of several fall programs, and an early-bird patch. 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/bulletin_board/010.html 05/07/2008 Bulletin Board http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/bulletin_board/026.html 2nd Floor, a program of 180, Turning Lives Around, Hazlet, is seeking volunteers for its youth helpline for children and adolescents in New Jersey. Volunteers will take calls from youth needing help with peer relationships, substance abuse, family difficulties and other problems faced on a daily basis. 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/bulletin_board/026.html 05/07/2008 Bulletin Board http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/bulletin_board/030.html Project Paul is now taking registration for its third annual golf outing June 19 at Bamm Hollow Country Club, Lincroft section of Middletown. All proceeds benefit the nonprofit, which operates a food pantry in Monmouth County and a thrift shop in Keansburg. The event will feature lunch, open bar and hors d'oeuvres reception, a dinner buffet with cash bar and a 50/50. 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/bulletin_board/030.html 05/07/2008 Letters http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/letters/012.html In response to a letter to the editor from a bitter-sounding doomsayer, Al Solana, calling Hazlet the "Soprano Township of New Jersey" and renaming our town "Taxlet" (April 23), came Vincent Solomeno's myopic haze of praise for Hazlet's Democrats (April 30). While Mr. Solana complains of inept spending, Mr. 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/letters/012.html 05/07/2008 Letters http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/letters/013.html Recently the residents of the Bayshore were informed of proposed changes to the flood map provided by FEMA. Under the proposed new designations, hundreds of homeowners, including over 1,800 in Middletown Township alone, will be forced to obtain flood insurance as a separate insurance coverage. 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/letters/013.html 05/07/2008 Letters http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/letters/014.html In reading the article about the traffic light at the corner of Church Street and Kings Highway in the historical district, my reaction was "Here we go again!" The corner is a serious safety hazard, and a traffic light is long overdue. 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/letters/014.html 05/07/2008 Letters http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/letters/016.html The Earle Naval Weapons Station property stretches from Raritan Bay to a couple of miles north of Lakewood and close to Route 9. The tracks cross the Jersey coast commuter line just south of Middletown station. It's unlikely the navy will close Earle as I'm sure they still want this location near New York and its access to transportation the harbor affords them. 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/letters/016.html 05/07/2008 Editorials http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/editorials/015.html <br clear=all><img src="http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/editorials/015p1_sm.jpg" align=left > Some days I come to work, click on my computer, and I can actually feel The Force flowing into me from my keyboard. That's the way it's been for more than a week, as readers responded to my Sears challenge.<br clear=all> GREG BEAN 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/editorials/015.html 05/07/2008 Editorials http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/editorials/021.html A political discussion between Red State conservative Dave Simpson - a former reporter, editor, publisher and columnist - and Greg Bean, Blue Stater and executive editor of Greater Media Newspapers. Let us know what you think. DAVE SIMPSON & GREG BEAN 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/editorials/021.html 05/07/2008 Obituaries http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/obituaries/031.html Mrs. Doatch, 68, of Hazlet, died April 26, 2008, at Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank. She was a manger in the bakery department at Pathmark, Sayreville, for 25 years, and a baker at Dearborn Farms, Holmdel, for 10 years. She as predeceased by her husband,William Doatch Sr.; and a brother, Paul Garland. She is survived by a son, William Doatch Jr. 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/obituaries/031.html 05/07/2008 Obituaries http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/obituaries/032.html Mrs. Sardella, 89, of Hazlet, died April 27, 2008, at Bayshore Health Care, Holmdel. She was a retired seamstress. She was predeceased by her husband, John B. Sardella in 1996. She is survived by a daughter, Margaret Wright of Hazlet; six siblings, Guistino Rosato, Susan Bialoblocki, Albert Rosato, Henry Rosato, Julius Rosato and Daniel Rosato Jr. 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/obituaries/032.html 05/07/2008 Obituaries http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/obituaries/033.html Mr. Hudock, 58, of Laurence Harbor, died April 15, 2008, at Raritan Bay Medical Center, Old Bridge. He was a lab technician at Benjamin Moore Paint Company, Newark, for 35 years, retiring in 1998. 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/obituaries/033.html 05/07/2008 Obituaries http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/obituaries/034.html Mr. Hyer, 86, of Union Beach, died April 28, 2008, at Bayshore Community Hospital, Holmdel. He was a retired tool and die maker at Lectro Products, Tennent. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jessie L. Beaman Hyer; two daughters, Barbara Cafro and Esther Lewert, both of Keyport; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/obituaries/034.html 05/07/2008 Obituaries http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/obituaries/035.html Mr. McClement, 67, of Rumson, died April 26, 2008, at Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank. He was a mason and member of International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, Local 5, for more than 40 years. He was predeceased by a brother, Sandy. 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/obituaries/035.html 05/07/2008 Obituaries http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/obituaries/036.html Mrs. O'Brien, 90, of Hazlet, died April 28, 2008, at home. She was predeceased by a daughter Florence Rockafellow in 1983; and her husband, William O'Brien in 1991. She is survived by a daughter,Alice Gonzalez of Hazlet; a son, Harry Clickner ofMiddletown; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A funeral liturgy was celebrated at St. 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/obituaries/036.html 05/07/2008 Obituaries http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/obituaries/037.html Mrs. Brogan, 73, of Holmdel, died April 29, 2008, at home. She was predeceased by a grandson, Matthew Guastamacchia in 2005. She is survived by two daughters, Susan Brogan of Holmdel, and Sharon Brogan of Highlands; a brother, John McKenna of the Fords section of Woodbridge; a sister, Cecelia Endler of Houston; and two grandsons. Interment was at St. 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/obituaries/037.html 05/07/2008 Obituaries http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/obituaries/038.html Mrs. Olsen, 79, of Holmdel, died April 29, 2008, at Arnold Walter Nursing Home, Holmdel. She was predeceased by her husband, Donald Olsen in 1995. She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Bob Wile of the Port Monmouth section of Middletown; a son, Gary Olsen of Belmar; a sister, Ann Vaccarello of Staten Island, N.Y.; and six grandchildren. 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/obituaries/038.html 05/07/2008 Obituaries http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/obituaries/039.html Mrs. Owens, 81, of Holmdel, died April 29, 2008, at Bayshore Community Hospital, Holmdel. She resided in Old Bridge prior to relocating to Holmdel four years ago. She was a retired nurse's aide with Visiting Homemakers of Middlesex County. She was predeceased by her husband, Luther Owens. 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/obituaries/039.html 05/07/2008 Obituaries http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/obituaries/040.html Mrs. Gwizdak, 85, of Sayreville, died May 3, 2008, at Summerhill Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Old Bridge. She resided in the Cliffwood section of Aberdeen, prior to relocating to Sayreville in 1946. She was employed at Sunshine Biscuit Company, Sayreville, for 20 years, retiring 23 years ago. 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/obituaries/040.html 05/07/2008 Sports http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/sports/041.html <br clear=all><img src="http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/sports/041p1_sm.jpg" align=left >Holmdel's Lindsey Gagliardi tries to slip in between a slew of Jackson Liberty defenders during the first half of a game at Holmdel High School on May 2. ERIC SUCAR staff <br clear=all> 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/sports/041.html 05/07/2008 Sports http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/sports/042.html The first thing Bo Scannapieco wanted to know when he got off the bus was which way the wind was blowing. Scannapieco was bringing one of his most prolific Brookdale Community College offenses to the Region XIX softball tournament played at Cape May Court House last weekend, and he knew his hitters' effectiveness would depend on Mother Nature. BY TIM MORRIS Staff Writer 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/sports/042.html 05/07/2008 Sports http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/sports/043.html For those of you who simply can't wait for the high school baseball and softball postseason tournaments to begin, this should be a good week for you. While the NJSIAA state and Shore Conference tournaments are still a couple of weeks away, the cutoffs for those tournaments are rapidly approaching, with teams scrambling to qualify through a series of must-win games. BY DOUG McKENZIE Staff Writer 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/sports/043.html 05/07/2008 Sports http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/sports/044.html You might say that the Brookdale Community College baseball team powered its way to another Garden State Athletic Conference championship. Johnny Johnson's Jersey Blues used a .384 batting average to slug their way to a 16-2 conference mark in 2008 and the top seed for the Region XIX tournament. Overall, the team finished the regular season 31-11 and ranked No. BY TIM MORRIS Staff Writer 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/sports/044.html 05/07/2008 Sports http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/sports/045.html Matawan/Aberdeen Pop Warner has added registration dates. The registration dates for cheerleaders and football players are: Wednesday evening, May 14 and June 8, from 6 to 9 p.m., and Saturday, June 21, from 9 a.m. to noon. All registrations will take place at Matawan Regional High School in the gym. 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/sports/045.html 05/07/2008 Sports http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/sports/046.html The Mater Dei High School baseball team has gotten used to playing close games, and coach Pat Riddell noted that a few more hits could easily have impacted his team's 5-9 record. "Our pitching has been outstanding and we've played well defensively, the coach said. "It's just that we're not hitting with any consistency. BY WARREN RAPPLEYEA Staff Writer 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/sports/046.html 05/07/2008 Sports http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/sports/047.html With the qualification deadline for the NJISAA Central Jersey Group II and Shore Conference tournaments looming on Friday, the Raritan High School softball team needs two victories in its three games this week to get into both tourneys. BY WARREN RAPPLEYEA Staff Writer 05/07/2008 http://independent.gmnews.com/news/2008/0507/sports/047.html