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Return of July 4th celebration is East Brunswick’s ‘declaration’
By THOMAS CASTLES Staff Writer EAST BRUNSWICK — The township’s annual Fourth of July celebration is coming back with a bang this year. For the first time since East Brunswick’s 150th-anniversary celebration in 2010, the recreation department will host a fireworks exhibition during the Independence Day gathering at the Community Arts Center, 721 Cranbury Road.…
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Student of fire-ravaged school soars skyward
By KATHY CHANG Staff Writer Fifth-grader Gabby Martini, right, and James Monroe Elementary School teacher Amy Fuentes wave to nearby onlookers as Nick Mazzocchi pilots the hot-air balloon. The image of an American flag and the school sign in front of the fire-ravaged James Monroe Elementary School left a sense of “hope and happiness” for…
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Seven nonprofits merge to form Literacy New Jersey
By THOMAS CASTLES Staff Writer Seven literacy nonprofits across the state have joined forces to form Literacy New Jersey, an advocacy group that serves the 17 percent of New Jersey residents who are low-literate or functionally illiterate. According to Literacy New Jersey CEO Elizabeth Gloeggler, the merger was born out of a desire to make…
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Heroin crisis spurs antidote action
By GREG KENNELTY Staff Writer Alisa Martinez, a patrol officer in Ocean Township, holds up a spray dispenser for Narcan, which police in central New Jersey have begun using to reverse drug overdoses. STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER ERIC SUCAR Within 48 hours of Ocean Township receiving the heroin antidote Narcan, its police force saved the life of…
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Bulletin Board
– Applications available for sheriff’s academy The Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office will hold an eight-week Sheriff’s Civilian Academy beginning in September at the Middlesex County Police Training Center at North Patrol Road in Edison. The program is designed to educate Middlesex County residents on the various functions and duties of the sheriff’s office. The first…
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Basements: Big opportunities a few steps down
Finishing a basement can be a smart project, but keep personal enjoyment — not resale value, as a top priority By Erik J. Martin CTW Features I t’s often taken for granted and easy to overlook — literally. If you’re lucky enough to have a basement, however, it can be a bonus space blessing that,…
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Where to find a good deal
Inventory is tightening and home prices are rising, but there are deals to be had if you know where to look. By Madhusmita Bora CTW Features Until a few years ago, homebuying was synonymous with sweet deals and bargains galore. There was an abundance of inventory, and foreclosures and short sales served up homes at…
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Quick and quiet: What to know about pocket listings
You won’t always find every for-sale home on the MLS. Here are the pros and cons — for seller and buyers — of off-market listings. By Erik J. Martin CTW Features Contrary to popular belief, not every home sold through an agent or broker has to be posted on the Multiple Listing Service. Some sellers…
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The impact of PMI
Buyers who put down less than 20 percent are taking a hit when it comes to the cost of ownership The American Dream — at what cost? Affording a down payment and monthly mortgage bill can be difficult enough, but borrowers who put down less than 20 percent often are left with the additional monthly…
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