Marciante will be named superintendent of schools John Marciante Jr. has worked in district for the past four years BY KATHY BARATTA Staff Writer       On July 1, John Marciante Jr. will become the new superintendent of schools in the Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District. Marciante, 53, is presently the assistant to the superintendent for pupil personnel services. He will succeed Maureen Lally, who will retire from the di... More ...       Matthew Fung, 9, dips his brush into a bowl of paint as he works on his painting skills during the second annual Asian Heritage Festival held May 5 at Manalapan High School. The event was presented by the Manalapan Arts Council. More ... Costco warehouse store gains OK in Marlboro Regal Cinemas will be demolished on Route 9 property BY VICTORIA HURLEY-SCHUBERT Staff Writer       Shoppers will no longer have to drive to Freehold or Old Bridge to buy their bulk goods with the construction of a warehouse club at the Regal Cinemas site in Marlboro. A Costco membership shopping club received unanimous approval from the Marlboro Planning Board on May 2 and will b... More ... Caring for the environment       The Lake Topanemus Preservation Society recently sponsored a cleanup at Lake Topanemus, Pond Road, Freehold Township. Volunteers got the park ready for a new season of activities. In photo above, Kate Clancy, 7, (front) and Elizabeth Jasko, 9, clear trash from the woods. Top right, Stephen Ma... More ... Freehold Twp. budget checks in at $38.4M BY ELANA ARON Correspondent       FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP - The Township Committee has presented its municipal budget for 2007. The operating budget totals $38.4 million, which is under cap and within the statutorily permitted amount to be raised in taxes. Property owners will pay a total tax levy of $12.4 million (approxi... More ... Officials prepare to name new member of committee BY KATHY BARATTA Staff Writer       MANALAPAN - Republican Municipal Chairman Stephen McEnery said the local Republican organization has submitted the names of three candidates for the Township Committee to consider appointing to complete an unexpired term. The three candidates are Susan Cohen, of Bonnie Drive, Susan H... More ... On Campus       Joelle L. DiNardi, a junior at Colgate University, Hamilton, N.Y., is among 15 students spending the spring semester in Dijon, France, with Bernadette Lintz, associate professor of romance languages and literature. DiNardi is the daughter of Janet and Joseph DiNardi of Freehold. She is concen... More ... Child advocacy center to rise on county site       FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP - It was many years in the making, but a ground-breaking ceremony was held April 5 for the new Monmouth County Child Advocacy Center. The center, to be built on the county's campus off Kozloski Road, next to the agriculture building and across from the Monmouth County... More ... Local tax levy exceeds $15M in 2007 budget Manalapan committee prepares to introduce municipal spending plan BY KATHY BARATTA Staff Writer       MANALAPAN - A 2007 municipal budget totaling $29.5 million is expected to be introduced at tonight's meeting of the Township Committee. Only a scant handful of citizens showed up for a final discussion of the budget on May 2. It was revealed at last week's meeting that municipal of... More ... Manalapan luring report investigated BY KATHY BARATTA Staff Writer       MANALAPAN - Police are investigating an alleged attempted luring incident that reportedly occurred May 1. According to Manalapan police Lt. Lloyd Drucker, police were contacted by a resident who was concerned about an alleged incident involving her 10-year old daughter. More ... Arc Resources Unlimited opens art gallery at mall       Arc Resources Unlimited celebrated the opening of an art gallery at the Freehold Raceway Mall, Freehold Township, on April 18. More ... On Campus       Christina S. Anastos, daughter of Ruby Anastos of Manalapan, and a junior at Colgate University, Hamilton, N.Y., is among 15 students spending the spring semester in Geneva, Switzerland, with Anne Pitcher, professor of political science. Anastos is concentrating in political science at Colgat... More ... 'Fiddler' comes to Manalapan       MANALAPAN - The classic Broadway musical "Fiddler on the Roof" will be presented by students of the Manalapan Englishtown Middle School, Millhurst Road, at 7 p.m. May 16-18. Tickets will be available at the door. More ... Monmouth officials thank volunteers in park system       COLTS NECK - The contribution of 141 volunteers to open space, parks and recreation in Monmouth County was celebrated at a luncheon recently at the Hominy Hill Golf Center. More ... Judges encourage students to learn about legal system BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer       The Superior Court of New Jersey, Monmouth Vicinage and the Monmouth Bar Association conducted their annual Law Day ceremony on May 1 at the Hall of Records on East Main Street, Freehold. The Monmouth Vicinage, like communities across the nation, commemorated Law Day using this year'... More ... Club celebrates 10 years of public speaking help       Almost 75 people feted the Freehold Phrasers Toastmasters Club at a special dinner meeting held on April 18 at the Freehold Gardens Hotel and Conference Center, Freehold Township, in recognition of the club's 10th anniversary. The event was officially opened by the presentation of color... More ... In the Service       Air Force Airman Sean B. Poyner has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio. During the six weeks of training, the airman studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies; performed drill and ceremony marches, and received... More ... Resident makes plea to save old oak tree BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer       HOWELL - There is an oak tree on Squankum-Yellowbrook Road that has lived for more than 200 years. The tree has endured countless ice storms, nor'easters, and bustling residential growth in the community. More ... Council introduces $13M municipal budget for 2007 BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer       FREEHOLD - The Borough Council has introduced a $13 million budget to fund the operation of the municipality in 2007. A public hearing and adoption of the spending plan has been scheduled for May 23 at 5:30 p.m. Officials expect to raise $7.1 million (approximately 55 percent of the ... More ... Scouts collect food for pantry       Since 1910, the Boy Scouts of America has focused on important issues facing American youth. Despite the numerous community service initiatives and service projects available through volunteer and faith-based organizations, there is always more that can be done for those in need. More ... Down memory lane       Planning continued in the fall of 1992 for the ongoing renaissance of Freehold Borough and three of the leaders in that effort, (l-r) Court Jester owner Jeff Jones, business advocate Kathy Shaw and Ballew Jewelers owner John Ballew, gathered on Main Street to review plans for the downtown's r... More ... Freehold will host pair of antique festivals       The Freehold Center Partnership is inviting antiques dealers and collectors to participate in its 10th annual Spring AntiqueFest/Art Show on May 20 (rain date, May 27) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on West Main Street between Court and Throckmorton streets. More ... Police investigating Howell bank heist       HOWELL - The New Friendship branch of PNC Bank in the Friendship Mall, Route 9 south, was robbed by a single individual on May 1 at 4:45 p.m. Police said the suspect was wearing a black-striped motorcycle helmet with a face shield. More ... Freehold prepares to sell one-time police station BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer       FREEHOLD - A building that formerly housed the Freehold Borough Police Department can be had for the right price. A notice for a Request for Proposals (RFP) has been issued by borough officials for the sale of the building and property at the corner of Hudson and Bennett streets. Bid... More ... Council introduces $32.5M operating budget for 2007 BY VICTORIA HURLEY-SCHUBERT Staff Writer       MARLBORO - Residents will see a 1-cent increase in the municipal tax rate this year if the Township Council approves a $32.5 million budget that was introduced on May 3. The budget carries a local tax levy of $17 million. Public comment on the spending plan will be taken on June 28 a... More ... On Campus       Tami D. Lieberman, daughter of Sherry and Michael Lieberman of Marl-boro, has been named to the dean's list for the fall semester in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences at North-western University, Evanston, Ill. Lieberman is a 2005 graduate of the medical sciences program at Freehold B... More ... Howell twins answer call to serve America Mark & Tony DeFeo seeing action in Iraq with U.S. Marines BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer       HOWELL - Twin brothers Tony DeFeo and Mark DeFeo of Howell are serving their country as they continue to fight in Iraq as U.S. Marines. More ... Newspaper group boasts banner year for awards Latest tally is 28 awards in state press contest       It was an exceptionally good year for Greater Media Newspapers, when the New Jersey Press Association awarded the group 28 awards for writing, photography, advertising and circulation excellence in its Better Newspaper Contest for 2006. More ... Council considers change to police dept. staffing BY VICTORIA HURLEY-SCHUBERT Staff Writer       MARLBORO - Police department administrators are looking to anticipate future staffing needs and create a table of organization for hiring purposes. More ... On Campus       Rachel Epstein of Englishtown has been named to the dean's list for the fall semester at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore. Epstein is a 2006 graduate of Rutgers Preparatory School, Somerset. Kelsey Higley of Manalapan has been named to the dean's list for the fall semester at M... More ... Code restricts sex shops to freestanding buildings BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer       HOWELL - In an effort to stop more sexually oriented businesses from setting up shop in the community, the Township Council has introduced an ordinance to define and regulate this type of establishment. The ordinance was introduced on April 24. A public hearing and possible vote on t... More ... Roth to be named chief in Freehold       FREEHOLD - Police Capt. Mitch Roth was expected to be promoted to chief of the Freehold Borough Police Department on Monday by the Borough Council. The promotion and swearing in of Roth as the department's new chief appeared on Monday's council meeting agenda. The evening meeting took ... More ... On Campus       Noel Thomas Kavanagh of Marl-boro was recognized during the annual honors convocation at Averett University, Danville, Va. The convocation recognizes students for their accomplishments during the academic year. Kavanagh was named a Virginia Teacher of Promise during the ceremony. He is pursui... More ... In the Arts       Jazz lovers can get in the groove 8 p.m. May 16 when The Midiri Brothers perform "Remembering Artie" as part of the MidWeek Jazz Series at the Ocean County College (OCC) Fine Arts Center, Main Campus, College Drive, Toms River. More ... In the Arts       Nova Scotia-born jazz vibraphonist Warren Chiasson will perform in concert with the Warren Chiasson Quartet 2 p.m. May 20 at the Monmouth County Library Headquarters, 125 Symmes Drive, Manalapan. Originally a member of the George Shearing Quintet, Chiasson is known throughout the world... More ... In the Arts       Actors from near and far are invited to audition for the Strand Theater Ensemble's July production of "Noises Off." Auditions will be held May 14 and 15 at 7 p.m. at the Strand Theater, 400 Clifton Ave., Lakewood. Five men and four women are being sought to perform. Actors should be ready to... More ... In the Arts       The Manalapan Battleground Symphony, sponsored by Manalapan Parks and Recreation, will present its Spring Concert May 12, 7:30 p.m., at the First Presbyterian Church, 118 W. Main Street, at the corner of Main and Brinkerhoff Avenue, in Freehold. This spring concert will be conducted by its sy... More ... Counties applaud state support for MOM line       Citing the critical need for transit investments to be made in Ocean and Monmouth counties, officials in both counties praised the recent action of NJ Transit in providing additional funding to study a proposed passenger rail line. "The action by the NJ Transit Board of Directors to pro... More ... First-class mail stamp price to rise to 41 cents       New postage rates go into effect on Monday, May 14, including a 2-cent increase in the price of a first-class mail stamp. Post offices nationwide are now selling the new 41-cent stamps and also 1- and 2-cent stamps for customers who still have a supply of 39-cent stamps, according to a ... More ... Air Force base plans open house       They'll be flying high, those magnificent men and women in their flying machines, as the McGuire Air Force Base 2007 Air Expo and Open House gets set to roll off the runway. McGuire Air Force Base is on Wrightstown-Cookstown Road (Route 616), in Wrightstown, Burlington County. The... More ... Students' photographs featured at Brookdale       The environment is a powerful motivator, and one that a special group of students tap into each year to discover something about the world around them and also something about themselves. It also helps them express how they feel about what they have learned. More ... County authority helps utility realize savings       FREEHOLD - The Monmouth County Improvement Authority (MCIA) completed the most complex financing in its 21-year history on April 18 with the refunding of $56.6 million in bonds from six previous Fixed-Rate Pooled Government Loan Program financings. The refunding generated an aggregate saving... More ...