Hoping for reel improvement at co-op Discussions under way on how to revitalize Belford fishing hub BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer       Following years of talking about and thinking of ways to improve the Belford Seafood Cooperative, the ball may have finally begun to roll. More ...       Children of the Jersey Shore Chinese School dressed as piglets made a presentation of the "Picking Turnip Song" during the celebrations of the Chinese New Year at Holmdel High School on Saturday. See related story, pages 28 and 29. More ... Class helps immigrants bridge cultural divides 'Urgent' need cited for volunteers to help with English program BY TAMMY MCKILLIP Correspondent       KEYPORT - While ordinances in many townships are being drafted to crack down on an ever-increasing undocumented immigrant population, officials and local volunteers in Keyport are looking for ways to better the lives of their town's immigrant community. More ... Merla's name will stay on plaque at boro hall       KEYPORT - Councilman George Walling's suggestion to remove former Mayor Merla's name from the plaque outside borough hall was ultimately rejected last week. On Feb. 6, Walling confirmed that it would cost approximately $2,000 to remove and replace the 2004 plaque that bears the name of... More ... Holy spirits: Merlas convert church to pub Seek council's blessing to serve alcohol at business, to be called Trinity BY KAREN E. BOWES Staff Writer       KEYPORT - From God's house to steakhouse, a former church has been transformed into an eclectic downtown eatery. Trinity, 84 Broad St., is scheduled to open for business in the next four to six weeks, according to owner Charles Merla, brother of former Mayor John Merla. On Feb. More ... Aberdeen turns 150 Yearlong celebration being planned for the twp.'s sesquicentennial BY KAREN E. BOWES Staff Writer       ABERDEEN - This year is Aberdeen's 150th birthday and the township plans on celebrating all year long. This month, children are invited to participate in an essay contest, the details of which will be announced on Feb. 20. On Sunday, April 29, the real partying begins with a birthd... More ... Bill sparks debate over health vs. parents' rights Some fear mandating cancer vaccine for girls may promote promiscuity BY CHRIS GAETANO Staff Writer       A new bill before the state Assembly would require all girls entering the seventh grade to be immunized against the virus responsible for most cervical cancers and genital warts. Proponents argue that the vaccine can save countless lives, but opponents say it removes parents' rights to be... More ... So far, efforts to find ads for water tower a wash Officials have been trying to sell space to pay for paint job BY KAREN E. BOWES Staff Writer       KEYPORT - Once an advocate of using advertising as a way to pay for repainting the borough's water tower, Mayor Robert Bergen now says the idea is stalled. Councilman Joseph Sheridan inquired about its status at the Feb. 6 meeting. More ... MCAC Juried Art Show winners       More than 400 entries from a broad spectrum of local, regional and national artists were received for the 28th Annual Monmouth County Arts Council (MCAC) Juried Art Show & Sale. Ninety-one works in a variety of mediums including paintings, works on paper, 3-D works, mixed-media and phot... More ... Council funds pier inspection       KEYPORT - About $20,000 is needed to inspect the new municipal pier, according to Borough Administrator Peter Valesi. Valesi, who also serves as the borough's director of engineering, asked the council for the extra funding on Feb. 6. Back in 2004, the cost of the pier was set at $850,... More ... Stamp honors Fitzgerald in Black History Month       MIDDLETOWN - To help mark Black History Month, which is celebrated in February, Monmouth County Freeholder Lillian G. Burry participated in a stamp dedication ceremony held recently at Brookdale Community College, Lincroft, to welcome the late Ella Fitzgerald into the United States Postal Se... More ... From the Vault       This photo of Lillian Burry appeared in a 1974 issue of the Daily Register. In the 1970s, Burry was the first woman elected to the Matawan Borough Council. Over three decades later in 2005, Burry, now a resident of Colts Neck, became a member of the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders... More ... Trio of siblings excited about roles in BCC play       MIDDLETOWN - Three siblings who have been cast in Brookdale Community College's first African-American production said they feel privileged to be a part of history. Brookdale's Performing Arts Center (PAC) will pay tribute to February as Black History Month with the powerful drama of a... More ... Celebrating the Year of the Pig Teachers explain the stories/customs behind Chinese New Year BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer       As the second new moon arrives, the Chinese get ready to welcome a new year. Chinese New Year is one of the biggest holidays for the Asian population in the Central Jersey area, and its celebration has become more popular as the Chinese population has grown in recent years. More ... Four-way stop coming to Middletown intersection       MIDDLETOWN - Described as a place that has had "many near-accidents and some actual accidents," the intersection of Port Monmouth Road and Bray Avenue is one step closer to being a lot safer. At last week's Township Committee meeting, an ordinance was introduced that would eventually ... More ... On Campus       Steven J. Oddo, Hazlet, has been named to the dean's list for the fall semester at Monmouth University, West Long Branch, where he is majoring in political science. A graduate of Raritan High School, Hazlet, he is the son of Angela and Ben Oddo. More ...