ERIC SUCAR staff Fiona Evans (l-r), Tienne Yu and Natalie Paone jump to the tune of "Jingle Bell Rock" during Jingle Bell Jump, a fundraiser for the Arthritis Foundation, held at Holmdel Preschool Center Dec. 5. More ... Special election in Matawan Jan. 15 Boro must pay for mayoral election after recount ends in tie BY LORI ANNE OLIWA Correspondent       In little more than one month, Matawan will experience something that many municipalities never will - a special election. "This doesn't happen too often," Matawan Borough Clerk Jean Montfort said. Montfort also said that officials in Freehold and Trenton are checking into the procedures. More ... Nut Swamp community dedicates new library BY MARIANNE KLIGMAN Correspondent       MIDDLETOWN - When Nut Swamp School Principal Anne Facendo first came to the elementary school more than one year ago, she recalled her first impression of the library as small and dark with dilapidated, hodgepodge shelving. This longtime literacy coach noticed that the books had seen better days... More ... Middletown mulls fairness of reval date Twp. hires tax expert in light of falling values BY JAMIE ROMM Staff Writer       MIDDLETOWN - With property values falling and a real estate slump, the Township Committee has retained special counsel to advise it whether to proceed with a property revaluation. Before the Middletown Township Committee workshop meeting on Dec. 3 could get down to official business, Deputy Mayo... More ... Photos      PHOTOS BY CHRIS KELLY staff Top: Travelers board a trolley Dec. 8 for the Keyport's Historical Society's Candlelight House Tour, which visits Victorian-era homes. Right: Dieter Abels explains some of the changes he has made to his house, which was one of the stops on the tour. More ... Twp. urges state to keep affordable housing regs Middletown says RCAs are effective way to provide housing BY JAMIE ROMM Staff Writer       MIDDLETOWN - The Township Committee is urging the state Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) to continue regulations that allow the transfer of affordable housing obligations between municipalities. COAH will meet Dec. 17 to discuss the state's affordable housing regulations, including the issu... More ...      CHRIS KELLY staff Families wait to board Middletown Parks and Recreation Department's Holiday Train Ride, an annual two-hour trip that includes visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, carolers and children's activities. More ... Clerk's office can provide help with passports       FREEHOLD - With just weeks to go before the busy holiday travel season and upgraded international travel identification restrictions set to take effect, Monmouth County Clerk M. Claire French is reminding residents that the Monmouth County Passport Office is available to help residents get their ... More ...      ERIC SUCAR staff Nicholas Spada, (l-r), Victoria Whittle, Kelly Lyons and Stephanie Daily jump to the tune of "Jingle Bell Rock" during a fundraiser for the Arthritis Foundation at Holmdel Preschool Center, Dec. 5. More ... For the Record       Local installer Jared Mathusek, who worked on the installation of the athletic field at Middletown High School North, is employed by Dartz & Matz, Moonachie. The company was incorrectly identified as Mathusek Inc. in an article in the Nov. 28 issue. More ... Middletown OKs $3.8M for Shadow Lake dredging BY JAMIE ROMM Staff Writer       MIDDLETOWN - About 40 people filled the tiny conference room at the Middletown Township Municipal building to witness the Township Committee's final vote on the Shadow Lake bond ordinance. The ordinance, which will appropriate $3.8 million for the dredging of Shadow Lake, passed with a 4-1 vote ... More ... Scenes of Christmas past       Anyone whose roots go back a few years in Red Bank remembers when artist Lloyd Garrison painted scenes of the town perched in his studio above Broad Street. Garrison's paintings depict Red Bank, Shrewsbury, Holmdel and Rahway from the early 1960s to the present day. More ... Freeholders approve open space grants County allots $2.3M-plus for municipal projects       FREEHOLD - The Board of Chosen Freeholders has approved grants totaling $2,301,000 from the 2007 Monmouth County Open Space Trust Fund to acquire, create or improve park facilities in 11 municipalities. "This program helps municipalities preserve open space and acquire and improve park land by s... More ... Postmasters: Send military mail out early this season       The United States Postal Service expects to handle more than 20 million pounds of military mail this holiday season. More ... Matawan police respond to accident at train station       MATAWAN - At approx. 7:33 p.m. on Dec. 6, the police department responded to a motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian. The fire department and first-aid squad, along with the Keyport First Aid Squad, responded and transported both victims to hospitals for treatment. More ... Adopt a Pet       Adoption fees: Adult dogs - $100; puppies up to 4 months - $140; adult cats - $60, or two for $90; kittens up to 4 months - $120; purebred adult dogs and cats - $150; purebred puppies and kittens - $180 (All fees include: spay/neuter, ear cleaning, nail clippers, More ... LNG group would block N.J. review of facility Clean Ocean Action wants state's status upheld BY MELISSA KARSH Staff Writer       SEA BRIGHT - A group of investors is appealing the U.S. Maritime Administration's (MARAD) decision to grant New Jersey review power on a proposal to build a liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage facility 19 miles off the coast. More ... Substitute faces charges after classroom incident BY KATHY BARATTA Staff Writer       MANALAPAN - A substitute teacher who was suspected of being intoxicated in a classroom was removed from the Pine Brook School, Pease Road, by police on Dec. 5 and was charged with endangering the welfare of the children for whom she was responsible. More ... The pied piper of book lovers Pat Squire's book talks draw a loyal following BY KATHY HALL Correspondent       When Pat Squire retired from teaching third grade in suburban Philadelphia, the energetic "60- something" signed up for water aerobics, joined a chorus, took a class in bird watching, volunteered as an after-school tutor, taught a Bible class, visited museums, spent time on long walks and short tr... More ... IN THE ARTS       Brookdale Community College invites area actors/singers to audition in December for "Pocket Musical" productions which open this spring. The "Pocket Musicals," each of which involve only twothree characters, are "Tick, Tick . . .Boom!" by Jonathan Larson; "Thrill Me: The Leopold & Loeb Story" by... More ... Art Forms wraps up Red Bank run       Art Forms gallery in Red Bank will be open only a few more weeks before it closes its doors on Monmouth Street Jan. 5. At that point, the gallery, which specializes in 21st century contemporary American art, will have a new address, online, at www.artformsgalleries.com. More ... Arcadian Chorale premieres lost cantata       For many, the delight of the holiday season lies in the surprises that it brings: festive decorations, special foods, and of course, presents. More ...