Middletown's van Riemsdyk a star on the rise Former CBA star selected second in NHL draft BY DOUG McKENZIE Staff Writer       Mike Reynolds knows potential when he sees it.As the head coach of the state power Christian Brothers Academy ice hockey team and as a former scout, Reynolds can spot a special player at a young age. How young? How about 4 years old? More ... Abuse often borne out of hunger for control Experts say leaving relationships safely takes planning BY JENNIFER AMATO Staff Writer       Domestic violence will affect one out of four women in their lifetimes.In 2005, the state domestic violence hotline received 1,192 crisis and 1,397 non-crisis calls in Monmouth County, 1,470 crisis and 1,843 non-crisis calls in Middlesex County, 844 crisis and 964 non-crisis calls in Ocea... More ... Group trains counselors for victims of domestic violence Women Aware Inc. seeking volunteers to help victims BY JESSICA ALFREY Correspondent       Domestic violence is generally a problem dealt with by local police departments. But thanks to Women Aware Inc., an average citizen can learn to become a crisis counselor and help victims decide how to best help themselves. More ... Women broke free from prisons at home       Editor's note: The following are the stories of three area victims of domestic violence. The names of the victims and others mentioned in their accounts have been changed to guard their identities. Their situations are recounted at times in graphic detail. More ... If you need help:       The following are some of the area organizations that provide confidential counseling, assistance and resources for victims of domestic violence and their families: 180 Turning Lives Around Monmouth County, Hazlet (732) 264-4111 or (888) 843-9262 More ... New bridge connects Marlboro to Aberdeen Former span was a narrow structure that dated back to 1910 BY JOHN SUTTON Correspondent       ABERDEEN - Local and county officials gathered June 28 for a ribbon- cutting to dedicate a newly reconstructed bridge connecting Aberdeen and Marlboro at Wilson Avenue and Ticetown Road over the Matawan Brook. The old bridge had been closed since December. More ... Fishermen want stop sign back, bulkhead improved BY KAREN E. BOWES Staff Writer       MIDDLETOWN - A fisherman who lives near the Belford ferry terminal says his life has been ruined by the removal of a stop sign and the deteriorating bulkhead. On June 28, Richard Isaksen, a fisherman with the Belford Seafood Co-op, told the Monmouth County Freeholders that the remova... More ... Heavy arrests continue at arts center tailgate Some 50 underage drinkers charged at last week's The Fray concert BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer       HOLMDEL - The party that is the PNC Bank Arts Center continued last week, this time to the tune of over 50 arrests, mostly for underage drinking charges. More ... Aberdeen: Inflatable pools must be emptied or fenced BY JOHN SUTTON Correspondent       ABERDEEN - The township Building Department has notified residents with inflatable swimming pools that can hold at least 2 feet of water that these pools require barriers around them in accordance with state laws. More ... Uncooperative weather      Top: Partygoers pack up their belongings and volunteers cover up their equipment before they get caught in the inclement weather in the distance during a beach party at Ideal Beach in North Middletown on Thursday, June 28. Right: Three-year-old Jada Simon attempts to bury her 5-year-old brother, Dea... More ... County pay-to-play ban postponed until the fall Members of public express skepticism, disappointment BY KAREN E. BOWES Staff Writer       MIDDLETOWN - For one last wild summer, it'll be politics as usual for pay-to-play in Monmouth County. On June 28, the Monmouth County Freeholders announced the controversial practice will continue until at least Sept. 1, the date they plan to enact "the toughest pay-to-play" law in... More ... Monk: Removing sign will incur 'wrath of God' Vows he'd go to jail before obeying Middletown ordinance BY KAREN E. BOWES Staff Writer       MIDDLETOWN - A self-described Greek Orthodox monk is willing to go to jail rather than remove a lawn sign that declares his suburban home a monastery. More ... Officials unsure why dead fish washed ashore BY KAREN E. BOWES Staff Writer       KEYPORT - Explanations are varied as to why hundreds of dead bunker fish washed up recently on the borough's beaches. On June 22, Borough Administrator Pete Valesi said he spoke to Capt. Joe Meyer from the state's Marine Fishery Service. Valesi said that Meyer assured him the proble... More ... Police say gang activity remains on rise in N.J. BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer       MIDDLETOWN - At least one high-ranking state police official recently stated that gang activity in New Jersey is on the rise and is not only confined to urban areas. This was part of Sgt. Ron Hampton's message during his presentation as part of the New Jersey Gang Summit 2007 Focus ... More ... Two area residents ordained as deacons       Thomas J. DiCanio, Holmdel, and Glen Leo Mendonca, Middletown, were both ordained as permanent deacons for service in the Diocese of Trenton by Bishop John M. Smith at St. Mary of Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. DiCanio is a member of St. Catharine's Roman Catholic Church, Holmdel, and h... More ... RBC student center approved by Zoning Board 30K-square-foot building will house gym, classrooms BY LAYLI WHYTE Correspondent       RED BANK - After nearly eight months of ongoing, though sporadic testimony, the application to construct a Student Center on Red Bank Catholic High School (RBC) property was finally approved by the borough Zoning Board the week of June 18. More ... From the Vault      Coach Joseph Oxley conducts an offensive pattern drill with players on the Raritan High School Rockets on Sept. 18, 1985. Running with the ball is No. 16, Jim Santa Maria. More ... Group seeks pledge from Corzine on toll road sale BY TOM CAIAZZA Staff Writer       A public interest research group has called on Gov. Jon Corzine to pledge not to sell the state's toll roads if the deal does not adhere to a series of monetization principles. More ...