Independent

Photo

11/20/2008

JEFF GRANIT staff Matawan Regional High School Key Club members Deirdre Glynn (r), Tarek Mosey (l-r) and Ken Liau help load groceries collected during the club's food drive for donation to food pantries at local churches on Nov. 14. Story, page 3.

Middletown BOE preps for full-day pre-K

BY JAMIE ROMM Staff Writer — 11/20/2008

The Middletown School District unveiled plans for full-day preschool for eligible students in the 2009-10 year and plans to expand to full-day kindergarten in the future. Tracey Maccia, assistant superintendent of pupil services and educational research, gave an hour-long presentation to a group of parents who filled the library at High School North on Nov. 12.

CBA recalls a 'gregarious and thoughtful man'

BY JAMIE ROMM Staff Writer — 11/20/2008

The man whom many credit with making Christian Brothers Academy what it is today, Brother Andrew O'Gara, died on Nov. 8. Brother O'Gara, FSC, 80, passed away at the community residence at Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft.

Students rally to make food drive a success

BY ERIN O. STATTEL Staff Writer — 11/20/2008

Local food pantries are reporting empty shelves as donations dwindle during the current economic climate, but the annual food drive at Matawan Regional High School was the best it's ever been, organizers said. "I have been doing this food drive for 10 years," said Key Club adviser Linda Weissman. "This year it is just overwhelming.

Gallo resigns from Aberdeen council

BY ERIN O. STATTEL Staff Writer — 11/20/2008

ABDERDEEN — After the unanticipated resignation of a councilwoman, the Aberdeen Township Council will have the task of filling the vacant seat on the dais. Councilwoman Janice Gallo, a Democrat, submitted a letter of resignation Nov. 8, the former councilwoman said last week.

Matawan police hold toy drive

11/20/2008

Matawan Borough Police Department PBA Local 179 is holding its annual Toy and Food Drive. The drive will support Matawanarea families in need during the holiday season. Toys should be new, in the box and unwrapped. The department is accepting toys for all ages.

Bill shifts legal costs to corrupt public employees

11/20/2008

MIDDLETOWN — Taxpayers would no longer foot the bill for legal costs for corrupt public employees if a bill proposed by Assemblywoman Amy Handlin (R-13th District) becomes law. Assembly Bill 289, sponsored by Handlin, was released by the Assembly State Government Committee on Nov. 13.

Elimination of supervisor post causes controversy

BY ERIN O. STATTEL Staff Writer — 11/20/2008

ABERDEEN — Accusations of misogyny and testimony from frustrated parents divided the audience in the cafeteria of the Matawan-Aberdeen Middle School at the Nov. 17 Board of Education meeting.

Please pass the turkey!

11/20/2008

The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties is in need of food donations for the upcoming holidays. Because of the economic downturn, passing the turkey this year will be a struggle for many families. The FoodBank will serve an estimated 10,000 families with all the ingredients for a holiday meal this Thanksgiving and holiday season.

Budget team factors in troubled economy

BY JAMIE ROMM Staff Writer — 11/20/2008

MIDDLETOWN — Township Administrator Anthony Mercantante is in his first year as township administrator and has an economy in turmoil to deal with as he enters his first budget process.

Help 'rains' down on families for holidays

BY JAMIE ROMM Staff Writer — 11/20/2008

HAZLET — While everyone hopes for fair weather on Thanksgiving Day, there is one thing for sure in the Bayshore area: the forecast calls for RAINE. RAINE — Reaching All in Need Everyday — is a nonprofit organization established to help families in the Bayshore community primarily during the holiday season.

Parents fight for vaccination choice

BY JENNIFER KOHLHEPP Staff Writer — 11/20/2008

When the hundreds of protesters in front of the statehouse Oct. 16 applauded a speaker, 7- year-old Alex Wurmser started screaming. Alex, who was diagnosed with autism after receiving a series of what are considered routine vaccinations, is easily startled by loud noises.

NOTES

11/20/2008

The nonprofit Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) Foundation will host a yard sale 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 20 and 21 at 2 Cherry Hill Road, Holmdel. The group provides support services to SJS victims and families. The sale will feature clothing, holiday decorations, toys and other items. There will be a $1 bag sale Nov. 21.

First Presbyterian hosts annual boychoir concert

11/20/2008

MATAWAN — For the 19th consecutive year, the Resident Training Choir of the American Boychoir will present a Christmas concert at the First Presbyterian Church of Matawan on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 4 p.m.

In the Arts

11/20/2008

Broadway veteran Rick Skye will bring his internationally acclaimed show "A Slice O' Minnelli" to Tim McCloone's Supper Club 8 p.m. Nov. 20. More than an impersonation, this outrageous show traces Liza's legendary career. The club is located at 1200 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park. Entertainment charge is $20, reservations requested.

His and Hers: Fire and Water

BY MARIE MABER Correspondent — 11/20/2008

Fire and water; clay and photography; hard form and pure illusion — as a pair, these connote art's continuum. Both of these art forms and several others will be on view at the Brookdale Community College CVA Gallery as the works of husband/ wife artists Erik Johanson and Sandy Johanson come together in their first joint retrospective.

Local arts program offers hope, support

BY DANIEL HOWLEY Staff Writer — 11/20/2008

For area residents living with cancer, in remission or caring for a loved one with the disease, there is a therapeutic arts program designed to offer hope and emotional support. Located fittingly on Hope Road, the North Jersey Shore Chapter of The Wellness Community offers Monmouth County residents several social programs, including "Paint and Play.

November: Frosty reception

Green Scene — 11/20/2008

The first snow has fallen, unexpectedly so, and it is time to put your garden to bed. Simple housekeeping is of essence. Start with the hand tools that served you well all season. Inspect them, clean them, wipe them with oil and hang them up.

High school's 30-year reunion Nov. 29

11/20/2008

The 30-year high school reunion of St. Mary's South Amboy class of 1978 will be held 1-6 p.m. Nov. 29 at The Blue Rock Cafe, 522 Amboy Ave. Keyport. Price is $45 per person. The event will include an open bar, buffet and entertainment.

Paper-shredding event in Holmdel Nov. 22

11/20/2008

Monmouth County Freeholders and Holmdel Township will offer a paper-shredding event 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 22 at Holmdel Public Works, 14 Crawfords Corner Road. All paper will be shredded on location at the free service for county residents. Metals and binder clips must be removed, and attendees shouldn't bring more than 100 pounds of paper per person.

Red Cross says thanks for volunteer contributions

11/20/2008

As the CEO for the American Red Cross Jersey Coast Chapter, I have the opportunity to witness the strength of the human spirit each day. As we prepare to celebrate the Thanksgiving season, the American Red Cross would like to say thank you to everyone whose contribution of time, money or blood has helped us help others in their time of need.

Critic should pick up 'The Art of Language'

11/20/2008

Mr. Art Perri has publicly criticized the MARSD administration and athletic department for having a football game on Halloween night. He claims there was traffic and the safety of the trick-or-treaters was at risk. At Back to School Night, I recalled Mr. Perri was promoting a community enter to keep kids off the street and out of trouble.

Veterans convey heartfelt message to Holmdel, Middletown

11/20/2008

During the weekend preceding Veterans Day, Middletown had the honor and privilege of hosting several officers of the 82nd Airborne Division representing units that were "adopted" by Middletown and neighboring Holmdel. These brave soldiers had the opportunity to meet hundreds of residents in both towns and attend numerous events including the Middletown Veterans Day parade.

Sockol, Mausner thank Holmdel supporters

11/20/2008

We want to take a moment to thank the thousands of friends, both new and old, who embraced our candidacy for Holmdel Township Committee and offered their support over the past year.

STARS program will be unfair to many students

11/20/2008

I'm writing about proposed legislation (Bill A3373) which has been referred to the Appropriation Committee of the New Jersey Legislature. It concerns the NJ STARS I and II scholarship program. I am a 4.0 student who is paying for college herself. I was planning on using my NJ STARS II scholarship to transfer to Montclair State University for fall 2009.

2NDFLOOR youth helpline needs for volunteers

11/20/2008

Volunteers are needed to answer phones at 2NDFLOOR, a youth helpline available for young people to call any time of the day or night about anything on their minds. It is available to children and young adults between the ages of 10 and 24.

Election has shown that our future is now

11/20/2008

TV election coverage showed — visually — the diversity of the American people, and New Jersey led the way. We are the most diverse state in the country and quickly becoming more so. The demographers tell us, as New Jersey goes, so goes the nation.

Community asked to help needy at Thanksgiving

11/20/2008

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, many of us are planning what we are going to eat for Thanksgiving Day dinner. However, there are also many Monmouth County residents who are not planning a big dinner on Thanksgiving Day. They are worrying about putting food on the table for their families each and every day.

Veterans Day had special significance this year

Coda • GREG BEAN — 11/20/2008

On Nov. 11, my wife and I attended the annual Veterans Day observance at Veterans Park at the East Brunswick Municipal Complex. I've attended many of these observances over the years as a reporter and observer, but this year was different.

A target-rich environment for columnists these days

Red State/ Blue State • DAVE SIMPSON & GREG BEAN — 11/20/2008

Dear Greg: I'm still chuckling amiably about the way you ended a post-election e-mail to me, which I think we should share with our readers. (I'm determined to remain amiable these days, takingwhat comes my way with Falstaffian good humor.

Geraldine L. Saberon

11/20/2008

Mrs. Saberon, 73, of the Port Monmouth section of Middletown, died Nov. 3, 2008, at home. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Bernard; five sons, Bernard of Manchester, N.H., Gerald and George, both of Brick, Max of Morris, N.Y., and Mark of Port Monmouth; two daughters, Saring O'Neill of Warminster, Pa.

Helen L. Jankowski

11/20/2008

Miss Jankowski, 92, of Aberdeen, died Nov. 7, 2008, at Raritan Bay Medical Center, Old Bridge. She was a retired bar manager at Walt's Tavern, Aberdeen, for several years. She was predeceased by two brothers, Walter and Joseph; and three sisters, Emma, Mary and Josephine. She is survived by several nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St.

Richard Reisig III

11/20/2008

Mr. Reisig, 53, of Aberdeen, died Oct. 11, 2008, at Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank. He resided in Keyport prior to relocating to Aberdeen. He was a baker at Salsons Bakery, Metuchen, for several years. He was predeceased by his parents, Richard and Esther Oberg Reisig; and a sister, Margaret Tyner.

Jean F. Boyd

11/20/2008

Mrs. Boyd, 84, of the Shadow Lake section of Middletown, died Nov. 12, 2008, at home. She resided in Fair Haven, and Florida, prior to relocating to Shadow Lake. She was a secretary in the guidance office of Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School, Rumson. She was predeceased by her husband, Tyra in 1998 and daughter, Nancy.

Gerard J. Matton

11/20/2008

Mr. Matton, 57, a resident of Manalapan for 27 years, died Sept. 26, 2008, at CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township. Born in Red Bank, he had formerly resided in Middletown and Leonardo. Mr. Matton was a compounder for IFF, Union Beach, for 38 years until his retirement in 2006. Surviving are his wife, Phyllis C.

Holmdel field hockey falls in group final

BY WARREN RAPPLEYEA Staff Writer — 11/20/2008

After setting a new team record for wins, the Holmdel High School field hockey team fell on Sunday to Wall, 1-0, in the finals of the NJSIAA Group III tournament. Nevertheless, the Hornets had a brilliant season — and with eight starters back for next year, more team records may be on the horizon.

Mid South prepares for Friday night showdown

BY DOUG McKENZIE Correspondent — 11/20/2008

When the Middletown South and Ocean Township football teams take the field tomorrow night in Middletown, there will be more at stake than just a shot at a state title. While there is not a traditionally intense rivalry between the two teams, the Eagles and Spartans have found themselves squaring off in some important spots in recent years.

The agony of defeat

11/20/2008

JEFF GRANIT staff St. John Vianney Caitlyn Hackman (back) walks off the field dejected after the Lancers were defeated 2-0 by Red Bank Catholic in the NJSIAA Non-Public South A final at Holmdel High School on Nov. 13.

Walsh first, CBA 2nd At state x-c meet

11/20/2008

Don Bosco Prep won the heavyweight of cross country races on Sunday. The NJSIAA Non-Public A Championship pitted Don Bosco Prep, the topranked team in the Northeast Region against No. 5 Christian Brothers Academy.

Trying to get around

11/20/2008

JEFF GRANIT staff Christian Brothers Academy's Timothy Brennan (12) gains control of the ball from St. Augustine's Ryan McFadden in the NJSIAA Non-Public South A final at Holmdel High School on Nov. 13. CBA was defeated by a score of 1-0.

Mid South field hockey completes 16-5 season

BY WARREN RAPPLEYEA Staff Writer — 11/20/2008

The Middletown High School South field hockey team completed a strong campaign by reaching the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 2 Group IV semifinals before bowing to a powerful Bridgewater- Raritan squad, 6-0. The Lions finished up at 16-5 and brought home the Shore Conference's Class A North crown, thanks to an opportunistic and balanced scoring attack.