Author: Claire Reed, Managing Editor
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Handpainted ornaments express the power of art during the holidays
By JENNIFER AMATO Staff Writer NORTH BRUNSWICK — Christmastime is an extra special time for Faith Alyson Maltese. About 26 years ago, Maltese’s sister Merrill would serve as the host to Christmas for family and friends, so Maltese would handpaint ornaments to give as “unique tokens of cheer” on Christmas Day. “My sister would give…
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Mendokers reopens just in time for the holidays
BY JENNIFER AMATO Staff Writer JAMESBURG – Less than two months after a famed local bakery announced its closure, Mendokers Quality Bakery has reopened just in time for the holiday rush. After more than eight decades in business, Mendokers announced its immediate closure on Oct. 23 via a Facebook message. “It is with [a] heavy…
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Candle sparks fire in Edison home
EDISON — A lit candle left unattended in a second floor bathroom apparently caused a fire at a Candy Court residence last week. There were no reported injuries as township firefighters battled freezing temperatures while bringing the house fire under control. The blaze started at 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 15, according to Fire Chief Brian…
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School boards association approves Marlboro proposal
By Peter Elacqua Staff Writer MARLBORO – The New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA) has passed a resolution that was submitted by the Marlboro K-8 School District Board of Education and calls for a change in the adjudication process for disputes involving pupils who require special education services. More than 140 representatives of New Jersey…
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Howell planners approve application for 60 homes
By Peter Elacqua Staff Writer HOWELL – The Planning Board has approved an application from Pinnacle Materials Inc. to construct 60 single-family homes on a 140-acre parcel that is bordered by West Farms Road, White Street and Tyrpak Road. The Pinnacle Materials plan was approved at the board’s Dec. 15 meeting with affirmative votes from…
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Fitzgerald leaving Colts Neck government for county post
By Peter Elacqua Staff Writer COLTS NECK – Michael Fitzgerald will step down from the Colts Neck Township Committee in January in order to accept the position of county counsel in Monmouth County. Fitzgerald’s resignation will be effective Jan. 8. Because Fitzgerald is a Republican, as are all five members of the town’s governing body,…
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Seniors puts up decorations for all to enjoy
BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer OLD BRIDGE — It’s the most wonderful time of the year. With a festive Santa’s hat and bright red sweater, Joan Brand, a resident at Carriage Pointe on – a 14-unit, 55-years-old and older senior housing complex on Route 516 – brings holiday cheer to her fellow neighbors by decorating their…
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Places To Be for Week of Dec. 19
High school athletic teams will have off to enjoy the Christmas weekend, Dec. 24-25, but before the players can attend the festive and family gatherings, there is a schedule of games later this week. On the boys’ basketball circuit … Dec. 22 is a busy day on the hardwood. Both Jackson high schools will entertain…
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Allentown High School students face drug charges
By Matthew Sockol Staff Writer Three Allentown High School students have been charged with drug offenses. On Dec. 14 at 1:10 p.m., troopers from the New Jersey State Police responded to a report of three male students being in possession of illegal substances at the high school, High Street, Allentown, according to state police Sgt.…
