Woodbridge Sentinel

Woodbridge firehouse to install solar panels

BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer — 11/04/2009

The Woodbridge firehouse on School Street is the latest building in the township to go solar. "Given the extraordinary costs of today's energy, the installation of solar panels at township buildings makes economic sense, while at the same time, preserves and protects our environment," said Mayor John E. McCormac.

Incumbents retain their seats on Woodbridge Twp. Council

BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer — 11/04/2009

All five incumbent ward councilmen were re-elected to the Township Council on Tuesday.

Woodbridge wins Sustainability Award

BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer — 11/04/2009

Because of its green efforts, Woodbridge Township won the first-ever Sustainable Jersey Champion Award. The award recognizes municipalities that have scored the most points in the Sustainable Jersey certification program in three population categories — small (0- 5,000), medium (5,000 to 50,000) and large (50,000-plus).

Fire Training Excerise

11/04/2009

SCOTT FRIEDMAN Darren Holland works the expanded ladder during a fire training exercise organized by the Avenel Fire Department. The exercise was held at the Pride Solvents business in Avenel on Oct. 31. More photos, page 3.

Practice makes perfect

11/04/2009

Above: Tyrone Finhold (r) and Johnny Runkel work the hose during the expanded fire training exercise organized by the Avenel Fire Department. The exercise was held at the Pride Solvents business in Avenel on Oct. 31. Right: Firefighters enter a building simulated to be burning during the fire training exercise.

Tasty treats to make their way to soldiers' tummies

BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer — 11/04/2009

Home-baked cookies for the upcoming holidays will soon be on their way to military men and women serving overseas. Ronald G. Davie, past commandant of American Legion T. Nulty Post 471, announced the Operation Cookie Drop program on Oct.

Kristallnacht anniversary event coming to Wbg.

BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer — 11/04/2009

WOODBRIDGE — As the 71st anniversary of Kristallnacht approaches, members of the St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Port Reading say they want to reflect. "A lot of people know little about what the Holocaust is. Some don't even know the word 'Kristallnacht,' " said Sue Ringwood, director of Adult Faith Formation at the parish.

Gettin' their groove on

11/04/2009

ERIC SUCAR staff Seniors of all ages take part in a dance during the Senior Masquerade Ball held at the Woodbridge Community Center on October 29. The masquerade ball included costumes, treats, and dancing.

Dancin' to the hits

11/04/2009

PHOTOS BY ERIC SUCAR staff Left: Marilyn (l) and Ed Merke of Woodbridge share a dance together during the Woodbridge YMCA's annual Senior Masquerade Ball held at the Woodbridge Community Center on Oct. 29. The ball included costumes, treats and dancing. Above: Seniors of all ages take part in a dance.

U.S. Marine Corps to celebrate birthday this weekend

BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer — 11/04/2009

The Avenel Detachment of the United States Marine Corps (USMC) will hold its annual Marine Corps Birthday Ball at the Forge Inn on Nov. 7. The U.S. Marine Corps will be celebrating its 234th birthday this year. The annual birthday celebration dates back to Nov. 1, 1921, when Jon A.

Grimlock Manor provides thrills and chills to public

BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer — 11/04/2009

Even with the poor weather on Halloween night, many people in search of a thrill came out to see the haunted attractions at Grimlock Manor on the grounds of the Metuchen First Aid Squad squad. The idea was the brainchild of Jason DiOrio, a Fords resident, who has a hankering for anything and everything related to the last day of October.

Free knitting classes offered at library

11/04/2009

The Sewaren library, 546 West Ave., Sewaren, holds free knitting classes on the first Saturday of each month at 2 p.m. Attendees should bring their own yarn (Lion Brand — Jiffy recommended).

Woodbridge Elks host semi-weekly flea mkt.

11/04/2009

The Woodbridge Elks Lodge No. 2116 holds a flea market with over 60 vendors every Tuesday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (weather permitting) at the Woodbridge Elks, 665 Rahway Ave. (across from the Trinity Church). For more information, call 732-634-2123.

Volunteer needed for butterfly garden

11/04/2009

The Sewaren Free Public Library, 546 West Ave., Sewaren, is looking for someone who loves to garden and has some spare time to volunteer to take over the upkeep and maintenance of the butterfly garden. If interested, please call the library at 732-634-7571.

Tickets available for Elks lottery

11/04/2009

New Brunswick Elks Lodge No. 324 is sponsoring a Mega 50/50 Lottery through Dec. 12. The Elks' share of the proceeds will go to charities representing veterans and children with disabilities. The winning ticket will be drawn at 9 p.m. Dec. 12 at the lodge, 40 Livingston Ave. Winner need not be present.

Guys and Dolls' coming to E.B. stage

11/04/2009

Playhouse 22 will present its production of "Guys and Dolls" 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. on Sundays, through Nov. 22, at the East Brunswick Community Arts Center, 721 Cranbury Road. The musical stars Christopher Pica as Sky Masterson, Debbie Lingel as Sarah Brown, Michael Sundburg as Nathan Detroit and Jen Hanselman as Adelaide.

School to host vendor shopping fair Nov. 12

11/04/2009

Ford Avenue School No. 14 PTO will present a "Ladies Night Out" vendor shopping and craft fair 7-9 p.m. Nov. 12, in the school's all-purpose room, 186 Main St., Fords. Proceeds from the fair will fund student activities throughout the 2009-10 school year, such as assemblies and field trips.

Colonia Hadassah meeting Nov. 17

11/04/2009

Colonia Hadassah's membership recognition meeting will be held Nov. 17, at 7:30 p.m. at Temple Neve Shalom, 250 Grove Ave., Metuchen. Guest speaker Ilse Loeb will present a program on "Hidden Children of the Holocaust," including a film.

Nominees sought for SWMHS Hall of Fame

11/04/2009

The Sayreville War Memorial High School (SWMHS) Hall of Fame Committee is seeking nominations from the public for the school's 2010 annual awards program. Nominees must be graduates of SWMHS who have made outstanding contributions to their profession, community or organization.

Free knitting classes offered at library

11/04/2009

The Sewaren library, 546 West Ave., Sewaren, holds free knitting classes on the first Saturday of each month at 2 p.m. Attendees should bring their own yarn (Lion Brand — Jiffy recommended). Size 10 knitting needles are required, and attendees may either bring their own or purchase them at the library. All levels of experience are welcome.

Auditions planned for 'Catch Me if You Can'

11/04/2009

The Main Street Theatre Company will conduct auditions for its upcoming production of "Catch Me if You Can" 7-9 p.m. Nov. 9 and 10 at the Main Street Theatre, 3018 Bordentown Ave., Parlin section of Sayreville. Callbacks and special appointments are set for Nov. 11.

Submission deadline Nov. 13 for SBA awards

11/04/2009

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Newark, is seeking nominees for various awards to be given during National Small Business Week May 23-29. Deadline for submissions is Nov. 13.

B'nai B'rith couples will meet for dinner

11/04/2009

The B'nai B'rith Ketubah Married Couples Unit (age 40-plus) will meet for dinner at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 15 at Ria-Mar, 25 Whitehead Ave., South River. The cost of the dinner will be divided evenly among those attending; bar bill will be separate. Prospective members are welcome.

Tickets available for Lions Doo-Wop Show

11/04/2009

The Milltown Lions Club will hold a Doo-Wop Show, featuring the group Remember When, 7:30-10 p.m. Nov. 14 at American Legion Post No. 25, JFK Boulevard, Milltown. Donation is $20 and includes the show, snacks and dancing. There will be a cash bar. The benefit will raise funds for the visually impaired. For tickets, call 732-239-7600.

MCC Saturday hours slated for Nov. 7

11/04/2009

Middlesex County College (MCC), Edison, has announced Saturday hours 8:30 a.m.- noon Nov. 7 at the enrollment center, financial aid, bursar's office, the testing center, admissions, the registrar's office, student activities, academic advisement and the bookstore.

Rutgers Hope for the Warriors 5K Nov. 7

11/04/2009

Rutgers Army ROTC will host a 5K run/walk for the Hope for the Warriors Foundation at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 7 at Grove 4 at Johnson Park, Piscataway. Hope for the Warriors seeks to ensure that the sacrifices of wounded and fallen warriors and their families are never forgotten nor their needs unmet.

Jewish Experience' lecture Nov. 9

11/04/2009

The American Jewish Experience Lecture Series, presented by the Jewish Historical Society of Central Jersey, completes its 12th consecutive year with a lecture by Ruth Marcus Patt titled "The Jewish Experience in California." The lecture will be held Nov. 9, at 10 a.m. at the Monroe Township Jewish Center, 11 Cornell Drive, Monroe Township.

Senior Citizens Club activities schedule

11/04/2009

The Colonia Senior Citizens Club, 250 Inman Ave., Colonia, will host the following activities: Nov. 5, "Retirement Stinks" at The Fiesta in Wood-Ridge; the cost is $63. Nov. 17, a Thanksgiving luncheon. Dec. 15, Christmas dinner-dance at Ariana's Grand, 800 Rahway Ave., Woodbridge.

Veterans Day services Nov. 11 in Avenel

11/04/2009

The Avenel Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7164 will hold its annual Veterans Day services Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. at 60 ParkAve., Avenel. The general public is encouraged to attend. There will be light refreshments following the services. For more information, call 732-636-9615.

Chicken barbecue to be held at church

11/04/2009

The Woodbridge United Methodist Church, 69 Main St., Woodbridge, will hold a chicken barbecue at the church hall on Nov. 7 from 4 to 7 p.m. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for children under age 12. For information, call 732-225-0580 or 732-634- 0559.

Holiday craft fair to take place Nov. 7

11/04/2009

The Woodbridge Hills Active Adult Community will host a holiday craft fair at the clubhouse on Route 1 south, Iselin,, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A variety of vendors will be on hand. For more information, call 732-283-7075.

Elks essay contest for fifth-graders

11/04/2009

The Woodbridge Elks Lodge No. 2116, 665 Rahway Ave., Woodbridge, is sponsoring an essay contest for all fifth-graders in Woodbridge Township. This year's theme is "The American Dream — What Is It?" Essay must be no more than 250 words, typed or printed legibly, and submitted to the lodge on or before Jan. 10. Include your full name and school.

Barron Arts Center announces schedule

11/04/2009

The Barron Arts Center, 582 Rahway Ave., Woodbridge, has announced its upcoming dates for PoetsWednesday. All readings of featured poets begin at 8 p.m. The readings are free, and everyone is welcome to attend. Refreshments will be served courtesy of Wegmans Food Market in Woodbridge.

Tricky Tray' to be held Nov. 6 in Iselin

11/04/2009

The "Tricky Tray" at St. Cecelia School, 45 Wilus Way, Iselin, will be held Nov. 6, just in time for some holiday shopping. This year's theme is "At the Hop." The doors open for entry at 5 p.m., prepackaged ticket bundle sales begin at 5:30 p.m., and the auction starts at 8 p.m.

Clothing drive at Wbg. church Nov. 7

11/04/2009

The First Presbyterian Church of Woodbridge, 600 Rahway Ave., Woodbridge, will host a fall used clothing drive Nov. 7, from a.m. to noon. Volunteers will be collecting clean, used clothing, linens, bedding, shoes, stuffed animals, etc. Donations help benefit the church and the children in many ways.

Resident wants lower taxes or a rebate

11/04/2009

Mayor John E. McCormac's essay titled "Automated Trash Collection Program Save Money & Improves Efficiency" in the October 2009 edition of The Woodbridge News was well written. In the section titled "Easy," he described how each household will receive "two standardized 95-gallon collection containers.

Global education is a growing problem

11/04/2009

Global education is a vastly growing problem in countries outside of our own. According to sources such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, one out of every five children in developing countries between the ages of 6 and 11 are not in school, 70 percent of whom are females.

Mayor showed sensitivity to the Orthodox Jewish community

11/04/2009

I was deeply pained to read the allegations in your editorial of Oct. 21, which accused Mayor Jun Choi of racial and religious insensitivity. As a senior official of an Orthodox Jewish congregation in Edison of 250 families, it is our experience that nothing is further from the truth.

Detection methods in pancreatic cancer vital

11/04/2009

With the recent passing of prominent American figures such as actor Patrick Swayze and NCAA President Myles Brand, pancreatic cancer has been in the national spotlight, yet many people don't realize the severity of the disease and the urgent need for early detection methods and effective treatment options.

Clinch clan in the flu's clinches

11/04/2009

Although it's only mid-fall, we Clinches have already had our flu season. We weren't willing victims, I'll give you that!

Political Cartoon

11/04/2009

Another race where we picked the lesser evil

11/04/2009

In my home state of Wyoming at the dawn of the 20th century, there was a surfeit of what were politely referred to as "bachelor cowboys." It wasn't that these old boys didn't like women; in fact, they loved them, every chance they got.

Joseph Decibus

11/04/2009

Mr. Decibus, 86, of Spotswood, formerly of Woodbridge, died Oct. 10, 2009, in Raritan Bay Medical Center, Old Bridge division. His wife, Joyce Bray Decibus, died in 1996.

Thomas A. Dunn Jr.

11/04/2009

Mr. Dunn, 47, of East Brunswick, died Oct. 9, 2009, at home. He was employed as a patientcare technician at Saint Peter's University Hospital, New Brunswick, where he worked for 15 years. His mother, Patricia Cheche Dunn, died in 1992. Surviving are his wife, Kathleen M. Horgan Dunn; two daughters, Meghan and Colleen; his father, Thomas A. Dunn Sr.

Lynne Lavigne

11/04/2009

Mrs. Lavigne, 57, of the Lincroft section of Middletown, died Oct. 27, 2009. She was a reference librarian at Middletown Township Public Library and a member of the New Jersey Library Association. She previously was a reference librarian at Woodbridge Township Public Library.

Anna May Howley Stark

11/04/2009

Mrs. Stark, 94, of Holmdel, died Oct. 27, 2009, at Bayshore Health Care Center, Holmdel. She resided in the Avenel section of Woodbridge prior to relocating to Holmdel. She is survived by several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Interment was at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Parlin. Arrangements were by Gundrum Service Home for Funerals, South Amboy.

Carlo Zalewski

11/04/2009

Mr. Zalewski, 65, of Hazlet, died Oct. 27, 2009, at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick. He resided in Middletown for 40 years, prior to relocating to Hazlet six months ago. He was a truck driver for 30 years, retiring in 2008. He was predeceased by his father, Milton Zalewski.

Grace Knox

11/04/2009

Mrs. Knox, of Metuchen, died Sept. 29, 2009, at the home of her niece in Metuchen. She was a lifelong resident of Metuchen. Mrs. Knox worked for Macy's until her retirement and was very active in the family-owned business, Knox Tavern, until it was sold in 2003. She was predeceased by her brothers, James, William and Nicholas; and sisters, Loretta Collins and Mary Cotton.

Sylvia Betty Natowitz

11/04/2009

Mrs. Natowitz, 87, of Matawan, died Sept. 24, 2009, at Raritan Bay Medical Center. She was born in New York City. Mrs. Natowitz lived in Metuchen from 1951 until 1973, then in Cranbury until 1982, and in Tucson, Ariz., before returning to New Jersey in 2007. She was predeceased by her husband, Norman Natowitz, and a daughter, Ellen Sue Goodenough.

Simon T. Volek

11/04/2009

Mr. Volek, 73, of the Kendall Park section of South Brunswick, died Oct. 18, 2009, in Saint Peter's University Hospital, New Brunswick. He was employed at A & P Supermarkets for 55 years, retiring in 2001. Mr. Volek was predeceased by his wife, Carol Ann Chartier Volek; and a brother, Kenneth Volek. Surviving are four daughters and three sons-in-law, Theresa M.

Conrad Eugene Peterson

11/04/2009

Mr. Peterson, 90, of Freehold and formerly of Colonia, died Oct. 15, 2009, at CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township. A veteran of World War II, Mr. Peterson was a carpenter and builder, starting a business with his brothers. He was recently honored for his years of service by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 4374 of Freehold, where he was a former post commander.

Carmine A. Nesta

11/04/2009

Mr. Nesta, 83, of Silvermead, Freehold Township, and formerly of Iselin, died Oct. 18, 2009, at CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and a member of the Disabled American Veterans. Mr. Nesta retired as the supervisor of distribution for Purolator, Rahway, in 1984.

Keeping a close eye on things

11/04/2009

ERIC SUCAR staff JFK's Colleen Jones follows the ball during her school's match against Monroe High School on Oct. 29. The Mustangs defeated Monroe in three games.

JFK football pitches shutout against Carteret

BY SHAWN LAYTON Staff Writer — 11/04/2009

The John F. Kennedy High School football team reached the .500 mark for the season after a 13-0 victory over Carteret. Despite some untimely firsthalf turnovers, Kennedy kept its poise and played outstanding defense to improve to 4-4 on the year.

Ground game key to Bishop Ahr win

BY SHAWN LAYTON Staff Writer — 11/04/2009

The modus operandi for the Bishop Ahr High School football team this season has been to take what the defense gives it. The team's 40-34 victory over North Brunswick High School over the weekend was just another example. "We only threw the ball five or six times because we were able to run the ball so well," Bishop Ahr head coach Ron Hilliard said.

Deinzer leads way for Metuchen over McCarrick

BY SHAWN LAYTON Staff Writer — 11/04/2009

The Metuchen High School football team attacked Cardinal McCarrick High School on the ground to win its fourth straight and improve to 6-2 on the season. The Bulldogs amassed over 250 yards on the ground to run away with a 35-0 victory over McCarrick.

Sports Shorts

11/04/2009

The Metuchen Pop Warner Pee Wee football team pounded the Clark Crusaders, 13-0, Oct. 25 and earned the chance to become champions. Third-seed Metuchen was handed its first loss by the second-seeded Crusaders in September, and they were ready for another tough game.