Archive for January, 2009

ELIZABETH—Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella announced a series of initiatives entitled “Keeping Union County Strong” that are designed to: position the county for economic growth, assist homeowners facing foreclosure and make the county a leader in environmental practices at Sunday’s annual reorganization meeting held in the Union County Courthouse. Mirabella, a resident of Fanwood, was... »

By Kathleen Rogers A massive stimulus package of nearly $600 billion holds promise for the economy, and could mean more federal spending on infrastructure and energy efficiency projects. An estimated $400 billion in that bill will repair lots of bridges and roads, but what will they all lead to? Nothing—unless we first start building... »

ELIZABETH—Elmora Youth League is holding registration for their 2009 Little League baseball and ASA Softball leagues this week. “January is registration month for the league,” said Ralph Abbate, league information officer. “The next few weeks are very busy for our volunteers, but we need to complete registrations in January to set up the league.”... »

TRENTON—A state agency charged with coordinating drug and alcohol addiction services has distributed more than $10 million a year in grant funds without a proper review, according to an audit released last month by the Office of the State Comptroller (OSC). The result, the audit shows, is that dollars intended for drug and alcohol... »

WESTFIELD—From TS to TV, Dave Tango never forgets where he’s from. Sure he’s a Jersey guy. But that isn’t the only thing that brought him and his cast mates to Westfield. The cast of Sci Fi’s hit show Ghost Hunters came out to support the 28,000 New Jersey children with Tourette Syndrome (TS). Dave... »

By Jason Alderman About the only upside when the cost of living increases is that every year the IRS readjusts personal tax exemptions, standard deduction amounts and retirement account contribution limits. It’s not like winning the lottery, but I’ll take all the good news I can get. Among the changes that might help your... »

By Diane Norek Harrison This is from my own research of the four towns in which I write the past. Feel free to add anything you see in this column or better yet send your own memories or past material from the towns. CLARK—Clark was once home to Drummond’s Pharmacy, Clark Drugs, Dell’s Pharmacy,... »

  By Michael S. Goldberger, film critic  Happily ensconced in the magical, mystical, love- and life-affirming world of Benjamin Button, you won’t want director David Fincher’s film to end. Even after two hours and thirty-nine minutes, when the tub of popcorn is depleted, the box of Goobers a memory and nary a drop is... »

LINDEN—Linden residents 50 or older may register for a senior citizen identification card on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2009, at the John T. Gregorio Recreation Center, 330 Helen Street, from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. The I.D. cards are necessary for identification on the city-operated senior citizen buses and in local stores participating in the Merchant... »

by Diane Norek Harrison SOUTH AMBOY—A South Amboy resident pointed out that the old brick building on the corner of First and Stockton streets still shows a K of P Hall plaque on the top center of the structure. It is not very readable, but can still be seen. It stands for Knights of... »

Decreased Driving Is a Factor STATE – New Jersey recorded far fewer crash fatalities in 2008 than any year on record, a AAA Mid-Atlantic review of State Police statistics found. There were fewer than 600 driver, passenger and other deaths in 2008. “It appears to be an historic low,” AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesman David Weinstein... »

New Life Begins New Year—She has a five year old big sister and she is the first baby born on New Year’s Day at Trinitas Regional Medical Center. Born at 5:42 a.m. on Jan. 1, Michelle Rauda is the daughter of Claudia Quezada and Dimas Rauda of Elizabeth. Baby Michelle weighed 5 pounds, 11... »

Continuing the Tradition – Sayreville Councilwoman Lisa Buchanan-Eicher was sworn into office on Jan. 1, but this wasn’t the first time went to Borough Hall for a swearing-in ceremony. Pictured above, Buchanan-Eicher held the bible for her Grandfather Ken Buchanan’s swearing in on Jan. 1, 1974. (Photo courtesy of Lisa Buchanan-Eicher) »

STATE—The New Jersey Dental Association (NJDA), in cooperation with the New Jersey Dental Hygienists’ Association, the New Jersey Dental Assistants’ Association and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Dental School (UMDNJ) will be hosting the 7th Annual Give Kids A Smile Program on Friday, Feb. 6, 2009 at more than... »

EDISON—The Edison Chamber of Commerce will host the 18th annual Edison State of the Town Address by Mayor Jun H. Choi.  The Jan. 27 event will be held at the New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center in the Raritan Center. The public forum starts at 7 p.m.  A ticketed cocktail reception runs from 5:30-7... »

“There is a Chinese curse which says “May he live in interesting times.” Like it or not, we live in interesting times.” — Robert F. Kennedy, 1966 Just one  day into 2009, it’s too early to tell how history will regard the previous year. One thing does seem safe to say: we are living... »