Reason for phone cutoff clarified      MANALAPAN — A Verizon executive has clarified why telephone service to the Manalapan Police Department was cut off for parts of July 19-20. More ...      CHRIS KELLY staff Doug Young of Howell finds an interesting way to stroll around the 11th annual St. Gabriel's carnival on July 20. The carnival, which benefits programs in the parish, was held on the grounds of St. Gabriel's Church, Route 79, Marlboro, last week. More ... Majority in Manalapan gives nod to land deal Committee's 3-1 vote adopts law for $1.4M purchase of property BY KATHY BARATTA Staff Writer       A dd another piece of property to Manalapan's holdings. In a 3-1 vote with one abstention, the Manalapan Township Committee on July 16 adopted an ordinance to buy a 25-acre tract that lies west of the Manalapan Recreation Center and borders Englishtown. More ... Verizon on hot seat again as phone service shut off Manalapan officials irked by recurrence of same problem BY KATHY BARATTA Staff Writer       For the second time in as many months the Manalapan Police Department had its telephone service cut off for several hours. More ... Group helps to build a better community World Changers volunteers work on Freehold properties BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer       Working in the heat of the July sun for a week, painting houses, repairing roofs and removing aging porches may not seem like the ideal summer vacation, but a group of young people from all over the country seem to believe it is, and they even paid to do it. More ... Teen deemed not responsible for causing fatal '07 accident       On July 18, state Superior Court Judge Anthony J. Mellaci Jr., sitting in Freehold, found William Brennessel, 19, of Freehold Township, not guilty of reckless driving and cleared the teenager of responsibility in an accident that left three teenagers and one woman fatally injured, according to att... More ... Foundation commits first acts of kindness Graeme Preston's family wants to help others in memory of youth BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer       FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP - The spirit of 12-year-old Graeme Preston has woven a tapestry around his family, his friends and those who never even met him. This design has a name - the Graeme Preston Foundation for Life. Graeme and his friend, Kevin Clawson, 13, were both struck by a van on Bar Harbor R... More ... Board gives nod to contract BY KATHY BARATTA Staff Writer       ENGLISHTOWN - Members of the Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District Board of Education voted unanimously on July 15 to sign a memorandum of agreement on a new contract with the Manalapan-Englishtown Education Association (MEEA). More ... Accident claims local woman BY KATHY BARATTA Staff Writer       MANALAPAN - Driving too fast during a rainstorm is what authorities have determined was the cause of an accident that killed Freehold Township resident Barbara A. Foley. According to Manalapan police Capt. Louis Moreto, an investigation of the July 14 accident that occurred at 8:46 a.m. More ... Council gives final nod to town's spending plan BY REBECCA MORTON Staff Writer       MARLBORO - By a vote of 3-1, the Township Council adopted a $34 million municipal budget for 2008 on July 17. Council members Rosa Tragni, Frank LaRocca and Randi Marder voted to adopt the budget. Council Vice President Steve Rosenthal voted no on the budget's adoption. Rosenthal said his objec... More ... Intersection eyed for possible work       COLTS NECK - Responding to a request from Colts Neck officials, Monmouth County engineers have begun studying the traffic patterns and alignment of Crine Road, where it intersects Dutch Lane Road and Heulitt Road, to see what can be done to improve safety at the intersection. More ... Jewish Federation installs new officers       The annual meeting of the Jewish Federation of Monmouth County emphasized new approaches to meeting the needs of local and overseas Jewish communities as well as the installation of a new executive board and board of directors. More ... CentraState hits fundraising goal       FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP - Nearly 700 individuals, organizations and companies have donated more than $10.8 million to the CentraState Healthcare Foundation, which recently announced the completion of a 30-month capital campaign. The final gift was from Duncan Thecker, Colts Neck, of $500,000, to fund... More ... Terrorist's victim to speak at temple       MARLBORO - Congregation Ohev Shalom, Marlboro Jewish Center, School Road West, will host a special program about Israel for the community at 7:30 p.m. July 29. Steve Averbach will be the special guest speaker for "A Message of Hope." Averbach, a former resident of West Long Branch, was the victi... More ... Foundation honors students       COLTS NECK - The Colts Neck Education Foundation recently recognized several students in the community. According to a press release from the foundation, Allison Doughty and Kathlyn Herrick are two young ladies who left their mark at Colts Neck High School. More ... Soccer marathon will honor youth's memory Opatut Park will be site of special event on Aug. 23 BY ANDREW DAVISON Staff Writer       FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP - Just as loss can echo throughout a community, so too can hope. On Aug. 23, hope will sound like cleats on grass, the breathing of athletes exerting themselves, the smack of laces on leather, and the enthusiastic cheers of victory. More ... 'Freehold Idol' seeks entrants       The Freehold Center Partnership has announced the continuation of "Freehold Idol," a contest based on the TV talent show "American Idol." In an endeavor to nurture potential pop icons of the future, every Wednesday evening, commencing at 7 p.m. in the gazebo on Main Street, is the chance to hear ... More ... Science curriculum undergoes revision BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer       FREEHOLD - The study of forensic science has attracted a great deal of attention in the wake of successful televisions shows such as "CSI," "Criminal Minds" and "NCIS." Now the study, or at least an introduction to the study, of forensic science will make its way into the classrooms of the Freeh... More ... Affordable housing law stops transfer of homes       Gov. Jon S. Corzine has signed legislation that will reform affordable housing laws in New Jersey and, proponents claim, increase housing opportunities for low-income and middle-income families throughout the state. More ... Tavern gets a face-lift      AMY ROSEN After the property sat dormant for many years, activity is present at the site of the former Millhurst Tavern, Route 33 east, Manalapan. Property owner Spiro Vlahos, of Vlahos Construction, Millstone Township, is converting the former roadside bar into a 2,500-square-foot office building. ... More ... Howell council adopts $43.8M budget for 2008 BY MARK ROSMAN Staff Writer       HOWELL - A municipal budget for 2008 that totals $43.8 million was recently adopted by the Township Council. The total budget is down $1 million from Howell's 2007 spending plan, which amounted to $44.8 million. More ... Officer honored for heroism BY REBECCA MORTON Staff Writer       MARLBORO - In recognition of his heroic rescue of a woman from a burning vehicle, Marlboro Police Officer Gerald Arminio has been presented with the Marlboro Police Department's Lifesaving Award. Arminio was honored during the Township Council's July 17 meeting, receiving recognition from munici... More ... Israeli guests enjoying N.J. summer of peace Rocket attacks are a daily fact of life back home in Sderot BY REBECCA MORTON Staff Writer       The warm summer sun shining as children take part in outdoor activities is something that some people may take for granted. For 10 girls from Israel who are currently visiting Monmouth County, experiencing summer fun is something they are doing for the first time in a long while. More ... Water company given OK for new building BY REBECCA MORTON Staff Writer       MARLBORO - The Gordon's Corner Water Co. will soon have a new home on Vanderburg Road after receiving approval for the facility from the Planning Board. The company's application for a 10,200- square-foot, one-story building with a basement and an 1,800-square-foot detached garage was approved a... More ... FoodBank puts out call for help       FREEHOLD - As the economy continues to struggle, the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties is experiencing a 15 percent decline in food donations. To help reverse that trend, Monmouth County Freeholder Barbara J. McMorrow has joined the FoodBank in publicizing the need for help. More ... Green roofs, walls becoming latest trends BY GOTTI KELLEY Correspondent       It's not what you think and, no, you did not forget to scrape off the moss up there. Green roofs and walls are all the rage and are appearing in ever-greater numbers on "green" houses, corporate headquarters and public buildings. More ... All systems are 'go' as home goes green Marlboro couple adds Acadia system and solar panels BY REBECCA MORTON Staff Writer       Phyllis and Seymour Garr have decided to lead a green lifestyle and in the process are saving a lot of another type of green. More ...