CHRIS KELLY staff Jamaal Harris, Jackson, looks fierce during a bow demonstration at the fourth annual Martial Arts with Hearts benefit for The New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community held Jan. 27 at Brookdale Community College's Collins Arena in Lincroft. More ... Handlin to host public forum on PNC issues Assemblywoman will renew effort to pass underage drinking bill BY ERIN O. STATTEL Staff Writer       In preparation for this year's concert series at the PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel, AssemblywomanAmy Handlin (R- 13) is taking matters into her own hands. "Looking ahead to the 2008 concert season, the community, and parents in particular need an opportunity to voice their concerns and receive fe... More ... Commission wants Schwebel reinstated Cty. Human Relations Commission criticizes township's stance BY JAMIE ROMM Staff Writer       The Middletown Township Human Rights Commission (HRC) has drafted a resolution seeking the reappointment of Carolyn Schwebel, its former chairwoman. At the commission's Jan. 24 meeting, members drafted a unanimous resolution in support of the reappointment of Schwebel to the commission, which she... More ... A beacon of light on the bay Camp Happiness boosts quality of life for visually impaired BY LORI ANNE OLIWA Correspondent       MIDDLETOWN- Most visitors toCamp Happiness cannot actually see the light but will eagerly tell anyone that the place is blessedwith amillion rays of light and serves as an oasis of caring, kindness and camaraderie to those who need it. More ... Rezoning of Hazlet tract is controversial Planning Board will review new measure before public hearing BY JAMIE ROMM Staff Writer       MIDDLETOWN - The Township Committee has introduced a controversial amendment to zoning ordinances that creates a new zone for townhouse development. The ordinance creating a Medium Density Residential Transition (MDRT) zone and amending the zoning map was introduced at the Jan. 15. More ... Photos      CHRIS KELLY staff Puppeteer Uwe Spillman presents a performance by Der Kiepenkasper, a traditional German puppet theater, at the German School of Monmouth County Jan. 27. More ... Aberdeen upgrades emergency notice system BY ERIN O. STATTEL Staff Writer       ABERDEEN - The high-speed CodeRED telephone notification system has come to Aberdeen and will assist township personnel in distributing importantmessages to residents. "This new platform offers many advantages over the existing system - first and foremost, extremely fast notification," said Abe... More ... Bringing the cup home for Greg Community rallies around young athlete with rare cancer       MIDDLETOWN- GregHickman, a 14- year-old Middletown resident, has played sports and enjoyed the outdoors his entire young life. Roller hockey was especially an important part of his childhood. Since the age of 5, Greg has been a member of a MYAA's (MiddletownYouthAthleticAssociation) roller hockey ... More ... Legislators: Corzine balances budget on backs of commuters Some fear toll increases may divert truck traffic to local roads BY CHRIS GAETANO Staff Writer       Twelfth District Republican legislators Sen. Jennifer Beck, Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande and Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon last week called on Gov. Jon Corzine to produce a budget which is not reliant on his controversial toll road plan. More ... Ordinance would limit parking on Edgewater Dr. Public can comment at Feb. 11 meeting at 7:30 p.m. BY ERIN O. STATTEL Staff Writer       MATAWAN - A new ordinance regarding parking on Edgewater Drive was introduced at the Jan. 22 Borough Council meeting and will limit street parking to the eastern side of the road. According to the ordinance, parking on the western side of Edgewater Drive from Route 34 to Westerly Place will be r... More ... Matawan mayor calls for dialogue Buccellato lists priorities, wants budget scrutiny BY ERIN O. STATTEL Staff Writer       MATAWAN - The Jan. 22 Borough Council meeting opened with Sen. Joseph Kyrillos (R-13) swearing in newly elected Republican Mayor Paul Buccellato. "I am delighted for Mr. Buccellato," Kyrillos said. "Paul is a dedicated and very able public servant. He will be good for Matawan. More ... Police warn of car burglaries       MIDDLETOWN - The Middletown Police Department is urging residents to take precautions by locking vehicles parked overnight, due to an increase in car burglaries occurring in the township in recent days. Since Jan. 21, reports of as many as 15 cars being burglarized have been filed in the Port Mo... More ... Call for EyeSights 2008       The call for submittals is open for EyeSights 2008, the fifth annual Open Juried Photography Show and Exhibit presented by the Guild of CreativeArt in Shrewsbury. This year's expanded competition will award prizes in color and black & white categories and is open to both members and nonmembers. More ... When railroads crisscrossed Monmouth County A brief history in photographs of riding the rails BY LINDA DeNICOLA Correspondent       You don't have to be a railroad enthusiast to appreciate "Railroads ofMonmouth County." With a modicum of imagination and romanticism, readers are ready to ride the rails along with Tom Gallo and William B. Longo, the editors of the train lore book that is part of the "Images of Rail" series publ... More ... UNICO fundraiser to benefit local woman       The Lincroft Chapter of UNICO, an ItalianAmerican service organization, will host a benefit for Middletown resident Jean Gaeta, who is undergoing treatment for mesothelioma, Feb. 2 from 5 p.m. to closing at Ninette's Italian restaurant and pizzeria, 908 Shrewsbury Ave. More ... Mentors sought during National Mentoring Month       January is NationalMentoringMonth, a time when nonprofit and governmental agencies across the country redouble efforts to connect young people with the mentors so urgently needed. More ... YMCA kicks off Strong Kids Campaign       MIDDLETOWN - The Community YMCA will kick off its annual Strong Kids campaign on Thursday, Feb. 7, to raise funds for YMCA program scholarships for children and families in Monmouth County. The event will be an evening of inspiration and information led by campaign chairs James Staveley of Eaton... More ...