Woodbridge Sentinel

Wbg. gains partners in green initiative

BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer — 11/18/2009

Woodbridge Township is getting an additional boost in its quest to implement a Green Technology Incubator business park in the Sewaren section of the township. Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) and Citi Foundation announced on Nov. 9 that they are partnering with the township on the project.

McCormac takes spot on Christie's transition team

BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer — 11/18/2009

Gov.-elect Chris Christie, a former federal prosecutor for New Jersey, has chosen Woodbridge Township Mayor John E. McCormac as part of his 10- member transition team before he takes office on Jan. 19. Despite party differences, McCormac, who has been a Democrat all his life, said he gladly accepted Christie's offer on Nov. 5.

Photo

11/18/2009

JEFF GRANIT staff Union High School's Femi Emanuel (l) breaks up a pass intended for Woodbridge High School's Keith Hughes in the first round of the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 2 Group IV playoffs on Nov. 14 in Union. Woodbridge defeated top-seeded Union, 23-14. See Sports.

Music legend starts program to help local teen

BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer — 11/18/2009

Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora is coming back to his hometown to give back. He has launched the "You Can Go Home" program to help Woodbridge High School graduate Kelly Mahon, who has been undergoing treatment for a brain tumor, come home for the holidays. The launch of "You Can Go Home" is inspired by Bon Jovi's song "Who Says You Can't Go Home," which Sambora co-wrote.

Former cop sentenced to 12-year prison term

BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer — 11/18/2009

NEW BRUNSWICK — A former Woodbridge Township police officer was sentenced last week to a total of 12 years in prison for sexually assaulting a boy in the 1990s when the boy was a teenager, and for taking inappropriate photos of a teenage girl between the fall of 2004 and May 2005 in Colonia.

Borough Hall windows sustain damage

BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer — 11/18/2009

METUCHEN — More borough property was found damaged after it was reported that two police vehicles had been damaged two weeks ago. "Three windows on Borough Hall were found damaged on the Main Street side on Nov. 10 … it is not known when the damage occurred," said Patrolman David Liantonio.

Search for teen robbery suspect is on

11/18/2009

WOODBRIDGE — Police are looking for a teenager, described as 5 feet 8 inches tall and having a thin build, who allegedly robbed a 37-year-old township man at gunpoint. The victim was standing at the corner of North Williams and Second streets when the suspect rode up on a bike and robbed him of approximately $7, according to police.

Freeholder incumbents withstand GOP challenge

11/18/2009

Three Democrat incumbents won new terms on the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders on Nov. 3, but their Republican challengers made a stronger showing at the polls than they have in years. H. James Polos and Ronald G. Rios were reelected to three-year terms, garnering 86,201 and 84,464 votes, respectively, edging out Republicans Lynda Woods Cleary and Richard F.

Teacher arrested for alleged relationship with 14-year-old

BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer — 11/18/2009

WOODBRIDGE — An Iselin Middle School eighth-grade English teacher was arrested last week for allegedly having sexual relations with a 14-year-old female student three years ago. James I. Clancy, 35, of Crampton Avenue in Woodbridge proper, was arrested at Woodbridge Police headquarters on Nov.

Cartridge World comes to Metuchen

BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer — 11/18/2009

METUCHEN — After immigrating to this country three years ago from his native India, Michael Guido was in search of a career where he could use his vast amount of expertise in many areas. "Previously I was involved in the pharmaceutical industry, and I also have experience with production and planning," Guido said.

County food pantry seeing higher demand

BY JANE MEGGITT Staff Writer — 11/18/2009

The difficult economy and resulting job losses are forcing more people to turn to local food pantries to feed themselves and their families. As the holiday season approaches, all of the local food banks can use donations and many also need volunteers to help provide services.

Food and blanket drive in Woodbridge

11/18/2009

The Trinity Episcopal Church Food & Blanket Winter Drive sponsored by Vincent Forgione and All Wyred Up, of Colonia, will support the food pantry and soup kitchen at the church. Trinity blankets are available to be purchased at $50 each.

Holy Family events on Nov. 22 and Dec. 13

11/18/2009

Holy Family Church, 213 Pershing Ave., Carteret, will be offering solemn sung vespers and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament in celebration of the Solemnity of Christ the King at 7 p.m. Nov. 22. At 7 p.m. Dec. 13, the parish will offer an Advent service of lessons and carols in the church at 132 Emerson St., Carteret.

Dinner meeting set for legal association

11/18/2009

The monthly dinner meeting of the Middlesex Legal Professionals Association (MLPA) will be held at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Hampton Inn, Route 9, Woodbridge. The cost is $27 and includes a complete dinner (plus tax and tip), which will be served at approximately 6 p.m.

Interfaith thanksgiving service Nov. 22

11/18/2009

South Brunswick Area Clergy Association, Kendall Park section of South Brunswick, has announced the annual interfaith thanksgiving service, "Listening to God — Listening to Each Other," will be held at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 22 at Six Mile Reformed Church, 3037 Route 27, Franklin Park.

Christmas story set on church grounds

11/18/2009

The 26th annual A Drive Through the Christmas Story, an outdoor display of 10 life-size Bible scenes including live costumed characters, animals and holiday music, will be presented 7:30-9:30 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and 5-9:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 27-Dec. 6, on the circular grounds of Sayre Woods Bible Church, Route 9 south, Old Bridge.

Granny's Cellar craft show set in Sp'wood

11/18/2009

The Church of the Immaculate Conception, Spotswood, will host its annual Granny's Cellar Holiday Craft Show 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Nov. 28 and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 29 at Immaculate Conception School, Manalapan Road, Spotswood. The event will feature approximately 75 crafters displaying and selling handcrafted merchandise.

School seeks vendors for Holiday Bazaar

11/18/2009

Madison Park School, Harvard Road, Parlin section of Old Bridge, is looking for vendors for its annual Holiday Bazaar set for 5:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 4. Table-rental cost is $20. Space is limited. For more information and to reserve, call Julie at 732-588-5548 or email jul7478 @optonline.net.

Volunteers receive $1,000 awards of merit

11/18/2009

PSEG, Newark, honored exemplary employee volunteers at a luncheon in mid-November at its headquarters. The company awarded 16 New Jersey nonprofits a total of $34,000 in recognition of the work of employees who donate their time and energy to philanthropic organizations throughout the Garden State.

Historical association to meet Nov. 23

11/18/2009

The Historical Association of Woodbridge Township will honor President Abraham Lincoln with a "history live" presentation by the American Historical Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 23 at the Woodbridge Main Library in the lower level meeting room.

Crafters sought for Holiday Bazaar

11/18/2009

The East Brunswick Friends of the Library is seeking arts-and-crafts vendors for its first Holiday Bazaar set for 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 5 at the library, Jean Walling Civic Center. Rental cost is $30 per table. In addition, each vendor will be asked to donate one item of his or her choice (minimum retail value, $20) for a raffle to be held at the bazaar.

Billiards game fundraiser Nov. 28

11/18/2009

The Woodbridge Seniors Billiards Club and the Woodbridge Police and Firefighters with face off in a charity game 1-4 p.m. Nov. 28 at the Woodbridge Community Center. All players and spectators are asked to bring an unwrapped gift, and all gifts collected will be given to families in need.

Toys for Tots benefit Nov. 21 at Center Bar

11/18/2009

There will be a Toys for Tots benefit at the Center Bar, 46 Marion Ave., Port Reading, 8 p.m.-midnight Nov. 21. It will feature live music by the Woodbridge based classic rock band The Saloonatics. Attendees are asked to bring an unwrapped toy or donation for Toys for Tots.

Crafters sought for Dec. 5 show at church

11/18/2009

The Elizabeth Circle of Spotswood Reformed Church is seeking crafters and vendors for its Craft Show set for 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 5 at the church, 429 Main St. Rental cost is $20 per table. Snacks will be available. For more information and to reserve, call the church at 732-251-9277. Space is limited.

Christmas trees, gifts sought for military

11/18/2009

Crossroads Assembly of God Church, 7 Main St., Englishtown, is seek donations of artificial Christmas trees, lights, ornaments and decorations, tinsel and garland as part of its "Operation Christmas Tree!" drive. The donations will be delivered via military sleds to the troops overseas and to military families in New Jersey.

Participants sought for conservation unit

11/18/2009

Volunteers are sought for the Middlesex County Conservation Corps, whose mission is "to protect and preserve natural areas from misuse, polluters and the forces of nature" at the almost 7,000 acres of open space owned and maintained by Middlesex County.

Resident wants to see pair reappointed

11/18/2009

The municipal council is the elected governing body representing Woodbridge Township residents. By municipal ordinance, the council has the obligation to appoint Zoning Board members. Zoning Board decisions affect everyone's quality of life, since the board has the authority to make ordinance exceptions and allow what's ordinarily prohibited in a zone.

Holt, Pallone have done their duty

11/18/2009

AARP thanks Reps. Rush Holt and Frank Pallone for their votes in favor of better health care for every New Jerseyan. With the passage of the Affordable Health Care for America Act (HR-3962), we are one step closer to a stronger Medicare for seniors and future generations, and stable, affordable health care options for all Americans.

Drivers, beware, during deer-mating season

11/18/2009

Motorists, beware: Amorous animals will soon be bolting to and fro in and out of traffic, looking for love. In fact, deer-mating season will peak soon — beginning in late October, throughout November and into December. Deer are on the prowl, with only love on their minds.

Cartoon

11/18/2009

Two different shoes? It's high fashion

11/18/2009

It is one thing for a man to dress and leave the house. For a woman, it is quite another. Men like to grab a shirt and britches, pull them on, and then pat themselves on the back for a job well done. There's no consideration for latest trends or outfit repeats. Much less fat days and wondering why the heck the dryer shrunk their jeans.

Navy must kill plan for civilian housing

11/18/2009

Ithink I am known as a person who tries to see all sides of a story. After almost three decades as a professional journalist, I can state with certainty that there are at least two sides to every story, and usually more than that. But I do not think there is a second side, or a third side, to a story that has been in the local news for more than a year.

To cook a turkey — first find the darned giblets

11/18/2009

In our family, there are lots of stories we like to tell around the Thanksgiving table. Most of them are funny — to us — and most of them involve disasters, some going back generations.

Woodbridge football pulls huge upset in first round of playoffs

BY SHAWN LAYTON Staff Writer — 11/18/2009

When the Woodbridge High School football team opened the season with four straight losses, head coach Brian Russo told his team it needed to take a playoff approach and treat every game as a must-win situation. His approach has paid off: the team defeated Union for its fifth straight victory. This time, the playoff approach was appropriate, because the No.

Barrons run past Union

11/18/2009

Above: Woodbridge High School's Johnny Mayi is brought down by a Union High School defender during the first round of the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 2, Group 4 playoffs on Nov. 14 in Union. Woodbridge went on to win the game by a score of 23-14. Below right: Woodbridge High School's Tiyon Conyers is tackled by Union's Isaiah Lee. Below left: Woodbridge High School's Tiyon Conyers breaks for extra yards as he goes past Union's Stephon Scullawl.