ERIC SUCAR staff Katherine Castro, 12, slaps the handcuffs on "bad guy" Tom Boylan, 14, during one of the scenarios that was played out at the Freehold Borough Youth Police Academy. For more on this special summer activity for youngsters, see the story by staff writer Clare Marie Celano on page 3. More ... Tough times hit first aid fundraising Squad's representatives say responses are down; concerned about future BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer       All is takes is 6 cents a day. Members of the Freehold First Aid and Emergency Squad say that just pennies a day from each family in Freehold Borough and Freehold Township would cover the annual budget the squad needs to maintain the organization properly and safely. More ... Academy paints picture of law enforcement work Program includes drills, police scenarios and physical training BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer       After several years of no movement on his idea, Freehold Borough Patrolman Keith Bailey's plan to offer a youth police academy came to life this summer and 25 young people are glad it did. Preparation for the six-day program began a year ago, according to Freehold Borough police Sgt. Andrew DeMut... More ... Insurance company grant provides fire co. equipment       MANALAPAN — Thanks to the collaboration of a local businessman who lives in Manalapan and the Fireman's Fund Insurance Company (FFI), the Gordons Corner Fire Company will be receiving a grant that will provide for some of the newest and most effective turnout gear a fireman can get. More ... Litigation reported settled BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer       FREEHOLD — A lawsuit filed against the Freehold Center Partnership, the Freehold Borough Special Improvement District (SID) and Freehold Borough by two property owners is reported to have been settled. Carl Steinberg, who owns the Carlton Station commercial property at 2 Monmouth Ave., just... More ... Strong rain overwhelms area's drainage system Freehold Borough Council announces plans for repair work BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer       FREEHOLD — Denise and Jack Shea were having a family party at their home on Broadway (Route 79) on the afternoon of July 27, but a torrential downpour that raced through their neighborhood changed all that in a matter of minutes. More ... Propriety of election called into question Marlboro Players fill three positions on board; one vacant BY REBECCA MORTON Staff Writer       MARLBORO — A recent election for the Marlboro Players Board of Directors resulted in three of the four open positions being filled. Although by some people's account no ballots were cast, Neil Goldstein was named first vice president, Melanie Schmutter was named treasurer and Steve Zucker w... More ... Freehold to host gospel concert BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer       FREEHOLD — Rock and roll will give way to gospel in this week's concert at the Monmouth County Hall of Records Annex parking lot. The Freehold Center Partnership's weekly summer show usually features a rock band, but this week visitors to the borough will find something new from 7:30-9:30 p... More ... Bulldogs are ready to make friends BY REBECCA MORTON Staff Writer       MARLBORO — Adorable "sourmug" pooches will be taking over the Marlboro Recreation Community Center, Wyncrest Road, on Aug. 17 when the Bulldog Club of New Jersey (BCNJ) hosts its annual match show. Bulldog owners, potential owners and members of the public are invited to watch these pups st... More ... Food and fun at camp      ERIC SUCAR staff Campers Naseem Gates (l) and Nysir DeJesus move along the food line during a barbecue held at Kateri Day Camp, Marlboro, a program of Collier Youth Services, on Aug. 8. The annual event is hosted and underwritten by Princeton Financial Systems, a State Street company. Corporate volu... More ... Zoning board gives OK for BJ's Wholesale Club BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer       HOWELL — The Zoning Board of Adjustment has granted Tropicana Commercial Center a use variance that will permit the construction of BJ's Wholesale Club and other stores at Route 9 north and Lanes Mill Road. The board approved the variance on July 21. More ... Company will build addition to warehouse Buffer zone, noise were among concerns expressed by residents BY REBECCA MORTON Staff Writer       MARLBORO — Operators of the EFCO plant on Vanderburg Road will be building a 53,100-square-foot addition to their existing building after receiving Planning Board approval for the project on July 16. The warehouse is in a light industrial (LI) zone on a 41-acre parcel. More ... Mustangs put their best foot forward during meet and greet Goal is to show adoption potential of formerly wild horses BY JANE MEGGITT Staff Writer       The spirit of the West was alive and well recently at Rick's Saddle Shop. Members of the American Mustang and Burro Association brought their formerly wild horses out for a meet and greet to show the public what pleasant riding animals they can become. More ... Board approves addition for Woodhull House Older residence in rear of building to be razed during construction BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer       FREEHOLD — The approval of an addition to the Woodhull House office building on West Main Street means that an existing twoand a-half-story wooden frame dwelling behind it will be demolished. The home to be demolished fronts on Broad Street. More ... Wine tasting will benefit MS center       CentraState Healthcare Foundation will present its seventh annual multiple sclerosis fundraiser, "An Evening in the Vineyards," from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 5, at the Star and Barry Tobias Ambulatory Campus, 901 W. Main Street, Freehold Township. More ... Monmouth towns can join new Revolutionary byway BY ERIN O. STATTEL Staff Writer       Monmouth County officials have invited 16 communities to participate in the development of a Revolutionary War scenic byway. More ... In the Service       Army Reserve Pfc. Kathleen Pesina, the daughter of Sandi and Greg Meehan of Howell, has been mobilized and activated for deployment overseas to a forward operating base in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, which is the official name given to military operations involving members of the U.S. More ... Music club members perform in Italy       The Northeastern American Art Troupe, an affiliate of the Cecilian Music Club of Freehold, took an unprecedented journey to Rome and Venice July 4-8 to attend the 2008 International Children's Cultural and Art Festival, sponsored by the Soong Ching Ling Foundation of Italy. More ... Indictment alleges business owner defrauded U.S. gov't.       AWall Township businessman and two of his companies were indicted on July 16 by a federal grand jury sitting in Trenton on mail fraud and false statement charges for allegedly defrauding the U.S. Department of Defense in connection with approximately $80,000 worth of parts for weapons and combat s... More ... Large shark is reborn Milltown taxidermist restores 73-year-old behemoth for museum BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       MILLTOWN — David B. Schwendeman recently found out that size does matter. The third-generation taxidermist restored a 32-foot whale shark to its full, large-as-life glory along with a team he assembled, helping to reverse the clock for the 73-year-old weatherworn fish specimen. It is the la... More ...