Friends turn out to pay tribute to beloved teen Scholarship fund in name of Carlee Wines benefits from 5K event BY KATHY BARATTA Staff Writer       Although a good turnout was expected at Sunday's 5K walk and run to honor the memory of Carlee Wines, the more than 2,000 people who registered for the event exceeded all of the organizers' expectations. The June 3 event was held at Manalapan High School, Church Lane, to help establ... More ... Fundraiser honors woman who sought to help others Friend recalls struggle Claudia Thomas had after 2004 accident BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer       Claudia Thomas spent most of her adult life helping others. Now a group of friends is helping to honor and celebrate Thomas' life and keep her spirit alive for everyone who knew her, and for those who did not. More ... Attorney plans to appeal convictions against Abate BY VICTORIA HURLEY-SCHUBERT Staff Writer       An appeal will be filed after the August sentencing of Frank G. Abate, the former executive director of the Western Monmouth Utilities Authority, Manalapan, challenging the jury's verdict in the federal trial. More ... SID budget totals $320,207       FREEHOLD - Administrators at the Freehold Center Partnership are constantly looking for ways to work on new projects without impacting the assessment for members of the town's Special Improvement District (SID), according to Jayne Carr, the partnership's executive director. More ... Council adopts $13 million municipal budget for 2007       FREEHOLD - The Borough Council has adopted a $13.2 million budget to fund the operation of the municipality in 2007. The budget was adopted on May 23. Officials expect to raise $7.1 million through the local tax levy, according to Borough Administrator Joseph Bellina. Accordin... More ... Legislators continue push for extra school funding Freehold Borough spending is below state's T&E standard BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer       FREEHOLD - Three state legislators are still working to secure the funds necessary to give Freehold Borough public school children a thorough and efficient (T&E) education. More ... Law will keep candidates off local cable channel BY VICTORIA HURLEY-SCHUBERT Staff Writer       MARLBORO - Residents will be seeing less of Mayor Robert Kleinberg on the local cable television channel 77, MCTV, over the next few months because of a municipal ordinance that prohibits candidates for political office from appearing on the channel. More ... Peter Noone to headline June 9 Manalapan Day BY KATHY BARATTA Staff Writer       MANALAPAN - An icon from the British Invasion of the 1960s will again hold court here in the colonies when Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone takes the stage at the annual Manalapan Day celebration. Herman's Hermits was among the British musical acts that crossed the Atlantic Ocea... More ... Municipal work gets go-ahead       FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP - The Township Committee has adopted as ordinance appropriating almost $5 million for improvements to roads and parks. Money will also be used to purchase vehicles and equipment, and for general municipal renovations. Road, sidewalk and curb improvements, and replacem... More ... Kol Am plans family fun day       FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP - With the commencement of summer, Congregation Kol Am is moving to the great outdoors to demonstrate its uniqueness among area synagogues. Created in 2002, Congregation Kol Am set out to create a warm, inclusive, literate Jewish community. More ... Roth will ask for look at symphony expenses Manalapan official irked that conductor did not attend meeting BY KATHY BARATTA Staff Writer       MANALAPAN - Deputy Mayor Michelle Roth told the News Transcript this week that she will request a forensic audit of the recreation trust fund account that has been funding the Manalapan Battleground Symphony. Roth said she will make the request at the Township Committee's June 13 m... More ... Educational foundation deems event a success       MARLBORO - The Marlboro Educational Foundation held its second annual restaurant tasting evening on April 30 at The Excelsior catering hall, Manalapan. More than 500 people attended the event which raised in excess of $50,000 for the foundation, according to a press release. More ... On Campus       Christine Grimaldi of Marlboro, who attends The George Washington University, Washington, D.C., will participate in the Ambassador Peter F. Secchia Gift of Discovery program, an all-expenses-paid educational and cultural initiative that sends Italian-American students to Italy. The program is... More ... Horse park ready to host Jersey Classic       The Jersey Classic Horse Show, scheduled for June 8, 9 and 10 at the Horse Park of New Jersey, Route 524, Upper Freehold Township, will benefit sharing Village Cancer Survivor Groups, Far Hills. Participants in sharing Village's "Driving For Surviving" pediatric oncology equestrian driv... More ... Congressman encourages teens to speak on Darfur BY ERIN STATTEL Correspondent       COLTS NECK - U.S. Congressman Chris Smith (R-N.J.) gave a presentation on the genocide in Darfur to students at Colts Neck High School on June 1. Smith had been invited to the school by senior Christina Assuncao, who was a recent recipient of the bronze and silver medals of the Congression... More ... Authorities claim illegal restaurant had returned Absentee owner and tenant charged for second time in a year BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer       FREEHOLD - A Wall Township police officer and a Freehold Borough resident have been hit with charges of code violations in connection with what authorities said is the operation of an illegal restaurant in a residence. The current charges mirror allegations that were lodged and uph... More ... Freehold lunch program marks 4th anniversary       FREEHOLD - This month, the Greater Freehold Area Open Door Lunch Program is celebrating its fourth anniversary serving meals to people in need in the community. More ... Budget public hearing scheduled for June 26 Howell spending plan checks in at $45M; includes 2 new cops BY MARK ROSMAN Staff Writer       HOWELL - The Township Council has introduced a $45 million municipal budget for 2007. A public hearing and possible vote on the adoption of the budget is scheduled for the council's June 26 meeting. The budget was introduced on May 29. More ... In the Arts       "A Trip to Broadway: Songs from Broadway's Greatest Musicals" will be performed by The Night on Broadway Company 2 p.m. June 10 at the Monmouth County Library Headquarters, 125 Symmes Drive, Manalapan. More ... Youths will investigate facets of law enforcement BY PATRICIA YOCZIS Correspondent       Monmouth County residents of high school age or older have a unique opportunity to explore the varied facets of law enforcement by participating in the 16th annual Sheriff Youth Week to be held July 16-20. The summer program, under the auspices of Monmouth County Sheriff Joseph W. Oxl... More ... In the Service       Army Spec. Pastor Paul M. Durano has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and received instruction and practice in basic combat skills... More ... Hotels Unlimited acquires Freehold Gardens hotel       FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP - Hotels Unlimited Inc., through an affiliated company, Freehold Lodging Realty, LLC, based out of East Windsor, has purchased the Freehold Gardens Hotel and Conference Center, Gibson Place, off Route 537. More ... On Campus       Christopher Konecny of Freehold, doctor of pharmacy, has graduated from the University of Connecticut, Storrs, Conn., completing the six-year PharmD program. During his six years, he has been honored with dean's list recognition, received the Louis Licamele Memorial Scholarship, the Henry A. More ... United Way of Monmouth benefits from golf outing       United Way of Monmouth County recently held its 11th annual Spring Tee-Off, co-sponsored by UBS Financial Services at the Metedeconk National Golf Club, Jackson. The day began with a buffet luncheon followed by a 1 p.m. shotgun start; 155 golfers participated in the outing. Two cars and... More ...       Mike Bono of Captain Flapjack and Abnormally Small Speedos keeps the beat during a music festival at Howell High School on May 22. More ... Fresh Air Fund seeks hosts       Summer vacation, a special time of year for all children, is not far away. Thanks to many families in and around Marlboro, Freehold and Manalapan and throughout 13 northeastern states and Canada, close to 5,000 New York City children from low-income neighborhoods enjoy a two-week vacation to ... More ... Bids sought for rec center work       MANALAPAN - Municipal officials have promptly taken the next step in getting an expansion project at the Manal-apan Recreation Center, Route 522, under way. The Township Committee recently approved the expenditure of $4.4 million to cover the Phase 1 work. The appropriation includes $4... More ...