ERIC SUCAR staff Youngsters who are spending their days away from school enjoying the Marlboro summer recreation program cooled themselves off in a pool at the Marlboro Aquatic Center, Vanderburg Road, on July 11. More ... Locals take case against waste to nation's capital Environmental study of Route 33 property could be next step BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer       Annmarie Howley is not giving up. Even though the deck seems to be stacked against her, even though the powers that be seem to have thwarted her efforts, she and her friends will press on. More ... Children invited to casting call       FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP - Pamela Roth, a former Manalapan resident who now runs the Youth Commercial Division at Don Buchwald and Associates, New York, a full-service talent agency specializing in television, film, commercials and voice-overs will hold an open casting call on July 20 from 5-10 p.m... More ... Relay continues cancer fight       FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP - A child wearing an oversize T-shirt down to his ankles, couples walking arm in arm, a woman sporting a bandanna where her hair used to be, all walking for a common cause - they walked because they or someone they know battled cancer. More ... Punch card will be used for bulk waste drop-off BY REBECCA MORTON Staff Writer       MARLBORO - A new way of handling the drop-off of bulk items is on the books in Marlboro. By a vote of 4-0 at its July 12 meeting, the Township Council adopted changes which will result in residents being permitted to buy a punch card that will be good for five uses at the recycling c... More ... Birdsall tapped for work on municipal projects BY MARK ROSMAN Staff Writer       MARLBORO - The Township Council recently awarded a series of contracts to Birdsall Engineering, of Eatontown. The contract covers the following services, according to a resolution approved by the council: • Engineering services under the title of Redevelopment Project Manager f... More ... Finances get perfect review       FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP - Mayor Dorothy H. Avallone announced that the Township Committee will adopt, by resolution, the 2006 audit. According to a press release from Freehold Township, municipalities are required by the state to have all of their financial records reviewed on an annual bas... More ... Freehold landmark slated to become a hotel again Guest rooms, banquet space, day spa in plans for American Hotel BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer       FREEHOLD - Steve Goldberg took on a challenge of epic proportions when he said yes to purchasing one of Freehold Borough's most beloved historic landmarks. Stepping up to the plate and taking a giant leap of faith, Goldberg, of Manalapan, purchased the deteriorating American Hotel ... More ... Park graffiti irks resident BY REBECCA MORTON Staff Writer       MARLBORO - A four-letter expletive and scribbles covered the playground equipment and a sign at Hawkins Road Park. Resident Scott Rothschild was in the park, off Union Hill Road, with his 4-year-old son and discovered the graffiti on July 3. More ... Italian-American festival set       FREEHOLD - The Italian American Association of Monmouth County will hold its first Italian-American Festival at Freehold Raceway, Route 33 (Park Avenue), from July 18-21 from 6-11 p.m. each night. Featured will be rides, games, Italian novelties, 50-50 raffles, a raffle for a cruise, f... More ... Family stays positive in face of challenges Manalapan residents want others to know about rare disease BY AMY ROSEN Staff Writer       MANALAPAN - The Reinish family is much like any other family in Manalapan. Jim works as a manager of business and financial services for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey during the day and tutors students for the SAT test on weekends and most evenings. More ... Marlboro board will hear plan for office building BY REBECCA MORTON Staff Writer       MARLBORO - The Planning Board will consider an application that proposes the construction of an office/warehouse building at the intersection of Amboy and Tennent roads. The plan filed by Ambten Road Associates is expected to be heard at the board's meeting on Aug. 1 at 8 p.m. More ... Worship center's summer mission heads for Ecuador BY REBECCA MORTON Staff Writer       MARLBORO - When asked how their summer went, some members of the Monmouth Worship Center, Route 79, will be able to discuss their adventures in Ecuador. A total of 34 parishioners - adults and youths - will spend more than a week on a missionary trip interacting with citizens in the capi... More ... In the Arts       Dr. Richard Fernicola, author of "Twelve Days of Terror," about the 1916 Matawan Creek shark attack, will be the honored guest at the second annual SharkFest, July 21, 4-9 p.m., at the Matawan Community Center and Terhune Park, Broad and South streets, Matawan. The rain date is July 22. More ... Photography, ceramics at the Gallery on Grant       A dual exhibit of photography by Judith Mamiye and ceramics by Susan Perl is at the Gallery on Grant at the Jewish Community Center in Deal. More ... County fair welcomes back the Raptor Project       Ever wanted to meet an owl like Hedwig from Harry Potter or perhaps wanted to see eye to eye with an eagle? Now your opportunity awaits at 2007 Monmouth County Fair. The Raptor Project (Birds of Prey) returns to this year's attraction's lineup. More ... A memorable moment Englishtown family celebrates mom's 100th birthday BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer       ENGLISHTOWN - Friends and family members gathered recently to celebrate the 100 years of life experienced by Johanna Zwarun. Zwarun turned 100 on June 23, and a party was held in her honor at the home of her daughter, Judy, and son-in-law, Englishtown Borough Council-man Harry Sode... More ... Township seeks damages from atty. on land deal Manalapan lawsuit claims contamination went undetected BY KATHY BARATTA Staff Writer       MANALAPAN - The township has brought a civil complaint against former Township Attorney Stuart Moskovitz. The suit claims that Moskovitz breached his responsibility to Manalapan when he drew up the contract of sale for the township's purchase of two properties that were acquired in... More ... Schools, town take first steps on shared services BY KATHY BARATTA Staff Writer       MANALAPAN - Recognizing that in the end it is taxpayers who pay both tax bills, school district and municipal officials met last week in order to effect a proposal of shared services that aim to lessen the stress on taxpayers. More ... Bank robbery remains under investigation BY REBECCA MORTON Staff Writer       MARLBORO - Police are continuing to search for a woman who robbed a Route 79 bank on the afternoon of July 9. According to information provided by the Marlboro Police Department, the robbery was committed by a white female in her early 20s, with dirty blond hair, about 5 feet 4 i... More ... Rite Aid hearing date changed       MANALAPAN - The Zoning Board of Adjustment is expected to open a hearing at 8 p.m. Aug. 2 for a proposed Rite Aid pharmacy at the corner of Route 33 east and Sweetmans Lane on the south side of the township. The application's original hearing date of July 19 was changed at the request ... More ... New bids sought for rec site       MANALAPAN - For the second time in as many months, the township will seek bids for the construction of new playing fields at the Manalapan Recreation Center, Route 522. The Township Committee recently approved the expenditure of $4.4 million to cover the Phase 1 work. The appropriation... More ... Planners consider preschool proposal BY KATHY BARATTA Staff Writer       MANALAPAN - An application that proposes the construction of a preschool across the street from an adult community will again be heard by the Planning Board on July 26, at which time a vote to grant preliminary approval may be taken. Planning Board member Steven Pine has recused hims... More ... New panel will promote Freehold to the world BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer       FREEHOLD - A new committee will sing Freehold Borough's praises and focus on getting others to hear that song. The Community Information Committee will establish a public perception that Freehold Borough is a vibrant and diverse town to visit, conduct business in and reside, accordin... More ... SharkFest set for Saturday       Matawan will host the second annual SharkFest from 4-9 p.m. July 21 at the Matawan Community Center and Ter-hune Park, Broad and South streets. The day will begin with a 3 p.m. memorial service at Rose Hill Cemetery at the graves of Lester Stillwell and Watson Stanley Fisher, who both lost th... More ...