Mayor makes safety first order of business McCormac takes oath, appoints full-time emergency coordinator BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer      Mayor John E. McCormac began his term with appointments meant to make Woodbridge safer. More ...      Girl Scout Troop 501 from Iselin parades as reindeer during the annual Woodbridge Center Santa Claus arrival party at the Woodbridge Center Mall. From l-r, Judy Sapolnick, Michelle Sapolnick [waving], Jaime Hoke (c) and Katelyn Poisler. For more pictures, see page 5. More ... Senate Pres. Codey swears in new mayor Former governor said McCormac was an asset to state as treasurer BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer      John E. McCormac, who was sworn in as mayor last week, made a promise to Woodbridge residents to be open and accessible. More ... New rail cars accommodate more riders and comfortably Multilevel commuter train cars to be in operation mid-Dec BY TOM CAIAZZA Staff Writer      The commute to New York-Penn Station may become just a little easier for riders of the Northeast Corridor this December. More ... Man beaten with bat after insults traded BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer      WOODBRIDGE - A 39-year-old Neptune man was arrested for striking another man with a bat outside the Reo Diner last week. More ... Start up the season!      Above: Makayla Heaberg represents the new year during the annual parade celebrating the arrival of Santa Claus at Woodbridge Center on Thursday. Right: Santa and Mrs. Claus wave to children of all ages during the festivities that mark the start of the holiday shopping season at the mall. More ... Challenger teams offer fun alt. for disabled kids BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer      WOODBRIDGE - Nine-year-old Alexandria "Alex" Wright raised her arms and used all of her 4-foot-2-inch frame to yell "Ready, Go" to kick off the Challenger cheer at one of the Pop Warner football games recently. More ... Roanoke St. apartment burglarized      WOODBRIDGE - Police are investigating a burglary to a Roanoke Street apartment last week. More ... Cops: Armed robbery attempt thwarted outside 7-Eleven Suspicious behavior, clothing tipped off police officer BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer      WOODBRIDGE - Police foiled an attempted armed robbery to a 7-Eleven in Avenel last week. More ... Colonia FD to remove historic fire boxes BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer      WOODBRIDGE - After a bad rainstorm a few weeks ago, the Colonia Volunteer Chemical Hook and Ladder Fire Department made the decision to remove the 153 historic fire call boxes that are found on many streets in Colonia. More ... Local YMCAs may benefit from legislation Tax-exempt orgs may not have to pay new 'Health Club Tax' BY JAY BODAS Staff Writer      A recent 7 percent "health club tax" imposed on membership fees on all health and fitness clubs in the state would be enough to make you sweat. More ... Purse, car stolen at nightclub      WOODBRIDGE - A 25-year-old Prospect Avenue woman was enjoying a night out at a nightclub when her purse was stolen during a bar fight. More ... Twelve-year-old donates hair to Locks of Love BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer      METUCHEN - Twelve-year-old Patricia "Trish" Franklin was nervous the day before her big haircut at All About U Salon & Spa last week. More ...