Azzolina: Mayor attacks my family Former legislator says he is target of Scharfenberger BY JAMIE ROMM Staff Writer       Former state Sen. Joseph Azzolina said he originally came to the Dec. 17 Middletown Township Committee meeting to complain about leaf collection, not to sound off at Mayor Gerard Scharfenberger. But after Scharfenberger's statements about fellow Committeeman Patrick Short, Azzolina had some choic... More ...       Pauline and Howard Drake, of Cliffwood, listen as jazz band trombonist Steve Johnson plays during a "Mid-Twentieth Century Christmas Celebration" held Dec. 15 at the Thomas Warne Museum in Old Bridge. More ... Bunyon assumes seat on Matawan council Lost election bid; named to seat vacated by Mullaney BY LORI ANNE OLIWA Correspondent       The last meeting of the year for the Matawan Borough Council was a changing of the guard. Democratic appointee Robert Bunyon was sworn in to office at the Dec. 18 meeting, and before the night was over, the council had to bid farewell to Councilwoman Debra Buragina. More ... Bridging the gap between the haves and have-nots Church outreach brings food, clothing and comfort to homeless BY LINDA DeNICOLA Correspondent       Robert Frost, in one of his poems, said, "Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in." Home is supposed to be a safe haven, but for some unfortunate people, home is just a word. They are homeless. More ... Sometimes real life is like a reality show Quick action by police officers saves infant's life BY JAMIE ROMM Staff Writer       MIDDLETOWN - When Mayor Gerard Scharfenberger was told the story of how speedy police action had saved a child, he could not believe the episode happened in real life. "When I first heard this story, it was something that could only happen on a TV show," Scharfenberger said. "It's remarkable wha... More ... Charity and love prevail at Keyport food pantry Ministerium helps families, seniors in northern Bayshore BY LORI ANNE OLIWA Correspondent       KEYPORT - About 20 steps from the sidewalk at 10 E. Front St. and through two bright red doors that stand as sentries, the Keyport Ministerium Food Pantry (KMFP) is a friendly yet stalwart reminder of the difficulties many families face, particularly at this time of year. More ... DEP acts to ensure public access to shore Written comments will be accepted until Feb. 15 BY MELISSA KARSH Staff Writer       Before coastal communities can seek shore protection or Green Acres funds from the state, they will have to comply with new public access rules for waterways as part of a Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) proposal released Dec. 17. More ... A cool couple       One of the many holiday light displays along the trail of the Holiday Light Spectacular at the PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, Dec. 20. More ...       The Holiday Light Spectacular at the PNC Bank Arts in Holmdel includes this Christmas tree. More ... Mid'town, county, state partner to preserve farm Farmland preservation, open space funds will keep McCormack Farm BY JAMIE ROMM Staff Writer       MIDDLETOWN- The public hearing on the acquisition and bond ordinance for the easement and development rights for McCormack Farm saw aMcCormack family member and the deputy mayor clarifying two separate issues. Before the two ordinances could be voted on at the Dec. 17 Township Committee meeting, ... More ... King of Kings celebrates season with new pastor       MIDDLETOWN - After five years of living in Montana, the Rev. Jackson Haas has moved closer to home where he led Christmas services at King of Kings Lutheran Church in Middletown for the first time. A native of New York state, Haas was formally installed as pastor on Nov. 11. More ... Woman awaits outcome of stalking legislation Marlboro resident has been target of stalker for a decade BY REBECCA MORTON Staff Writer       MARLBORO - While state legislators enjoyed their summer vacation, one Marlboro woman waited anxiously for the Legislature to reconvene and to continue debating a proposed law that would change the definition of stalking and toughen the penalties for individuals who are found guilty of committing ... More ... Czech leaves empty seat, big shoes to fill BY JAMIE ROMM Staff Writer       MIDDLETOWN - Robert Czech has been sitting at the table at the front of the main meeting room during meetings at town hall for the past seven and a half years as township administrator. At the Dec. 17 meeting of the Middletown Township Committee, Czech was there not as the administrator, but as ... More ... A common bond runs through their lives, art       Three accomplished Shore-area artists, brought together not only through their art but through the common bond of having their lives affected by cancer, are collaborating on "Deep Waters: Heart/Soul Triad," an exhibit of their work that will open at the Middletown Public Library Art Gallery Dec. 2... More ... IN THE ARTS       The annual January Invitational at the Art Alliance of Monmouth County gallery in Red Bank is "Artist Collaborative." All work submitted must be collaborative pieces created by two ormore artists working together. The exhibit will run from Jan. 5-30. An opening reception will be held Jan. 5, 6-8... More ... Calling all drawings BY MARIE MABER Correspondent       Draw. It's one of those verbs that has several meanings. As a noun it can be just as ambiguous. If you look the word draw up in a standard dictionary, and then again in a dictionary devoted to art terms, the word might begin to haunt you. More ...