Holmdel bids farewell to a 'true patriot' Fallen Green Beret awarded Bronze Star, Purple Heart BY ERIN O. STATTEL Staff Writer       Though sometimes overshadowed by the constant news headlines surrounding the conflict in Iraq, the presence of American troops in Afghanistan is still very much a reality. On March 22, that reality hit home when one of Holmdel's own was killed in action. More ... Residents applaud as zoning change rejected Hazlet committee votes down high density zone BY JAMIE ROMM Staff Writer       For the past two months, Jack Shaw has been speaking in front of the Township Committee, pleading for members to do the right thing and vote down the controversial rezoning of a 4-acre tract on Poole Avenue. On March 25, the committee showed Shaw and the other residents who filled the main room i... More ... Advocates aim to protect 'genius of Saarinen' Design charrettes for Bell Labs site set for April 11-13 BY ERIN O. STATTEL Staff Writer       Members of a coalition dedicated to preserving the Bell Labs site in Holmdel met last week on a wooded tract across from the historic site, then made their way tentatively onto the property before being stopped by security guards. More ... Middletown slams state housing quota Resolution tells state affordable housing rules need to be changed BY JAMIE ROMM Staff Writer       MIDDLETOWN - The Township Committee is unhappy with the Council on Affordable Housing and is letting the state agency know about it. The committee's request for a hiatus from COAH's proposed third-round rules and from the Fair Housing Act came in the form of a resolution adopted by committee mem... More ... Mat. proposes 13% budget increase       MATAWAN - The Borough Council introduced a $9,692,419 municipal budget, a 13 percent increase over last year. According to Chief Financial Officer Monica Antista, the budget introduced March 18 calls for a tax levy of $6,376,999, which would increase the tax rate by 7.2 cents per $100 of assesse... More ... Woman, parrot are fine after house blaze BY JAMIE ROMM Staff Writer       MIDDLETOWN- Running into a burning building to rescue someone is something firefighters do every day. William Kacen did that last Wednesday, except he's not a firefighter, at least not yet. Kacen, 36, a probationary firefighter, is a private contractor who was working in the area of a house fire... More ... 3 suspects arrested in bar burglary       MATAWAN - An Old Bridge Township man and two Old Bridge juveniles were arrested March 16 and charged with burglary, theft and criminal trespass, according to a press release from the borough police department. At approximately 1:20 a.m., Sgt. More ... Middletown takes gov't to the people Twp. OEM discusses plans for emergencies BY JAMIE ROMM Staff Writer       MIDDLETOWN - The traveling road show known as the Middletown Neighborhood Meeting made its second stop at the senior center at Croydon Hall last week, where township officials fielded many of the same concerns voiced at the first meeting. More ... Correction       The Aberdeen Township proposed budget for 2008 would increase taxes by 10 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. The owner of a home assessed at $150,000 would pay $149 more a year in municipal taxes. An article in the March 26 issue incorrectly reported the increase would be monthly. More ... Middletown Arts Center wins design award       MIDDLETOWN - The Middletown Arts Center was recently recognized by the New Jersey Recreation and Park Association with an award for excellence in design. "We're proud that New Jersey Recreation and Park Association shares our opinion that the Middletown Arts Center is a unique, versatile and acc... More ... Havens lets his heart, and audience, guide him Singer/guitarist known for opening Woodstock festival BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       Seeing Richie Havens in concert is like a box of chocolates ... you never know what you're going to get. From before the time when he played an epic-length opening at Woodstock back in 1969 up until now, the soulful-voiced guitarist lets the moment, and the audience, guide his performances. More ... Washington, Molly Pitcher help celebrate county's birth       FREEHOLD - Monmouth County kicked off its 325th birthday celebration on March 13 with two very special guest appearances: Gen. George Washington and Molly Pitcher. The county's actual birthday was March 7, 1683, when an Act of the Provincial General Assembly divided the Province of East Jersey i... More ... Town centers in plans for fort host towns Fort reuse vision calls for green industry, open space, housing BY JENNA O'DONNELL Staff Writer       Three town centers linked by trails and public transportation are envisioned for three local towns following the closure of Fort Monmouth, according to plans unveiled last week. The Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Planning Authority (FMERPA) retained the San Francisco-based consulting firm ... More ... Grant addresses shortage of health-care workers Brookdale and partners get $1.3M in funding to provide training BY JAMIE ROMM Staff Writer       MIDDLETOWN - The health-care industry in Monmouth County will receive a boost thanks to a grant to Brookdale Community College. Brookdale was awarded more than $1.3 million in grant funding to address the critical shortage of health-care workers. More ... Homeless cats find foster care with senior citizens BY PATRICIA YOCZIS Correspondent       Eileen McDonnell wants to help senior citizens and retirees with limited income to experience the joy and companionship of a pet cat. With no cost for veterinary fees and help with food and litter if needed, McDonnell can partner a suitable cat with a senior who is willing to act as a foster care... More ... 'Talkin' Jazz' in Red Bank       In recognition of National Jazz Month, the Jazz Arts Project is presenting "Talkin' Jazz" every Sunday at 2 p.m. throughout April at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank. The free jazz-lovers lecture series is being hosted and moderated by Joe Muccioli, artistic director of the Red Bankbased Jazz ... More ... Alliance sponsors BOE candidates night       The Holmdel Democratic Alliance for Good Government will host the current candidates for Holmdel's Board of Education at their next meeting, Friday, April 4, 7:30 p.m. at the Holmdel Community Center. The forum is open to the community. More ... Middletown Alliance goes 'green'       MIDDLETOWN - The Middletown Municipal Alliance for the Prevention of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse announced the launch of a new fundraiser that promises to make the township a little greener. More ... Stalking bill on hold as focus turns to budget Proposed legislation awaits hearing from Senate committee BY REBECCA MORTON Staff Writer       Every day is a time of waiting for one Marlboro woman. She continues to endure the harassment dealt to her by aman who has stalked her on and off for 10 years. At the same time, she waits with sinking hopes for the state Senate to hear legislation that would help protect her and others whose lives... More ...      ERIC SUCAR staff Kendall Szpakowski, 9, of Middletown, puts the finishing touches on her kite during a kite-making program held at Longstreet Farm in Holmdel on Saturday, March 29. More ... Dearborn goes 'green' in more than produce       HOLMDEL - Dearborn Market, known for it's fresh green produce since 1925, is "going green" in several new ways, ranging from recycling plastic plant pots to offering a seminar on composting. Already under way is the recycling of all greenhouse plastic pots, flats and other plastic garden-related... More ... Run/walk honors county parks booster       MIDDLETOWN - Join the Friends of the Monmouth County Parks on April 27 as they honor the memory of one of their most fervent supporters, Donna K. Lane, in a memorial run/walk. The 5K run/walk will begin at 9 a.m. at Thompson Park in Lincroft. There is a $35 registration fee, which includes a T-s... More ... Four locals charged in alleged mortgage scheme       On March 13, detectives from the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office arrested four individuals as a result of an investigation into a mortgage fraud scheme they say cost mortgage lenders over $4 million in bad loans. More ...