JEFF GRANIT staff Chris Chalcraft, 13, of the Main Street Theatre Co., reads a portion of "Rumpelstiltskin" to children at the Old Bridge Public Library July 10. Cast members, dressed in costume, made appearances at the Sayreville and Old Bridge libraries in preparation for a run of shows at the tro... More ... Officials blame state for looming tax hike Despite cuts, O.B. faces more expenses, loss of revenues BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       As Old Bridge homeowners receive their tax bills reflecting this year's $15 increase in the municipal tax portion, they may have to brace themselves for nearly seven times that amount for 2009. Taxpayers can expect an average increase of $93 for 2009 if current budget numbers do not change, Mayor... More ... New law would crack down on illegal tenancy Officials suspect some landlords are ducking fair share of taxes BY MICHAEL ACKER Staff Writer       S ayreville officials are hoping to address problems with illegal tenancy and the improper resale of homes in town. They have proposed a program that would require all property owners, except those with owneroccupied, one- or two-family homes, to register with the borough and obtain a certificate... More ... Independence Day fun      Clockwise from above: Peggy Dunphy, of Old Bridge, decides to hold off on a couple of the toppings as she and Kay Hart make their way through the ice cream bar during an Independence Day program at the Old Bridge Senior Center July 3. Matt Apploff, 16, and Ryan McGill, 13, both of Old Bridge, perfor... More ... Players, buddies sought for fall soccer program Teens, adults can sign on to help kids with disabilities BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       OLD BRIDGE - Area teens who are kicking around ideas for what to do with their Saturdays this fall can reach for goals while hanging out with newfound buddies in the "Just 4 Kixs" program. "We just want some kids who are sensitive, have a big heart, and want to help out," program founder Karen M... More ... Developer may get more units at Crossway Creek Builder would move planned homes farther from nearby properties BY MICHAEL ACKER Staff Writer       SAYREVILLE - Borough officials are recommending that the Crossway Creek redevelopment plan be changed to allow 96 housing units, an increase of 13 homes. Crossway Creek would be a townhouse community located just east of the Garden State Parkway, near Prusakoski Boulevard and Gondek Drive. More ... Two charged in graffiti spree       OLD BRIDGE - Two Monroe men have been arrested on charges of committing numerous acts of graffiti in the township. The Old Bridge Police Department arrested Thomas Stephan, 26, on the morning of July 8 after he turned himself in to police. He was released on his own recognizance. More ...      CHRIS KELLY staff Maryann Minnella styles the hair of Barbara Turso-Dembowski, of South Amboy, during a cut-a-thon June 29 at The Hair Shop, Washington Road, Sayreville. Employees volunteered their time to benefit the Lustgarten Foundation of Pancreatic Cancer Research. More ... County develops plan for disaster mitigation Public input sought at meeting set for July 23 at fire academy       SAYREVILLE - The Middlesex County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) will hold a public meeting to discuss plans being developed to help reduce the impact of any future natural or manmade disasters, such as flooding, high winds, dam failure or chemical spills. More ... Palma to sing classics for local theater troupe Local prodigy will take stage Saturday at Garden Friends BY BRIAN DONAHUE Staff Writer       SAYREVILLE - Patsy Palma will give something back to the theater company that gave him his start when he takes the stage Saturday for "A Night of Classics." The show is a benefit for the Main Street Theatre Co., based in Parlin, and will help pay the costs of funding its productions, from copyri... More ... Music and ice cream served up for a cause Amber Blues show will benefit rebuilding in New Orleans BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       MILLTOWN - Amber Blues will show some love for the birthplace of jazz when they perform in the borough Saturday. More ... Transplant patients get support Circle of Life provides camaraderie to people in unique circumstances BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer       People who are waiting for an organ transplant and those who have received one now have the opportunity to join a special support group at CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township. Transplants may be for any organ that is transplanted, including, but not limited to, heart, liver, pancreas, ... More ... Gillette gets board OK for offices, warehouse BY MICHAEL ACKER Staff Writer       SAYREVILLE - A 10-acre site on Cheesequake Road is the approved location of two office and warehouse structures. Gillette Enterprises Inc. received unanimous Planning Board approval last month for two single-story buildings - one that would be 11,000 square feet; the other 61,000 square feet. More ... Local volunteers help Biloxi rebuilding effort Series of fundraisers will allow group to help hurricane victims BY MARY ANNE ROSS Correspondent       SOUTH RIVER - The idea of laboring outdoors in the sweltering heat of Biloxi, Miss., might not sound appealing to some, but they are obviously not members of the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church Youth Club. Children and adults in the group made the trip to assist in the Hurricane Katrina rebuilding... More ...