Edison/Metuchen Sentinel

Photo

05/07/2008

MATT DENTON Stephen Schwartz, a New Jersey architect, points out the Western Wall in the finished Lego model of a 400-square-foot re-creation of Old Jerusalem at the Temple Emanu-el in Edison on Sunday. The event was one of several education activities to commemorate Israel's 60th anniversary.

Edison man charged with murdering his brother

BY CHRIS GAETANO Staff Writer — 05/07/2008

An Edison resident has been charged with murdering his brother after police found the victim's body lying face down in the driveway of the suspect's home. According to Middlesex County Prosecutor Bruce J.

Metuchen reinstates lieutenant rank in police

BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer — 05/07/2008

After a decade without a lieutenant position, Metuchen Police Chief James Keane hopes to implement the high-ranking position as soon as possible. "This lieutenant position is so important and is definitely needed in our department," he said. "I believe it is going to increase our effectiveness and reduce liabilities.

Metuchen resident's exhibit to showcase female artists

BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer — 05/07/2008

Joan Arbeiter said that as an undergraduate art student at Rutgers University Douglass College in 1959, she was clueless about how much women artists were segregated from male artists. "It was an all-women's college; however, there were no women teachers," she said.

First Baptist Church in Metuchen turns 100

BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer — 05/07/2008

METUCHEN - The congregants of the First Baptist Church of Metuchen are continuing what their predecessors started 100 years ago. "The vision has always been to reach the next generation and train them in the word of God," said the Rev. James G. Miller, who became the first assistant pastor of the church in 1974 and then accepted the call to be the church's pastor in 1977.

Raconteur gearing up for major festival

BY JAY BODAS Correspondent — 05/07/2008

METUCHEN - Literary enthusiasts, be ready, because the Raconteur Festival is coming to town. "You shouldn't miss the opportunity to see a man eating a light bulb in downtown Metuchen, or a woman swallowing razor blades," said Raconteur Bookstore owner Alex Dawson, who is organizing the May 10 event.

New police leaders report smooth transition

BY CHRIS GAETANO Staff Writer — 05/07/2008

EDISON - One month after the passage of a pair of controversial ordinances that drastically reorganized the command structure of the Edison Police Department, Thomas Bryan, the department's new deputy chief, and Brian Collier, the new police director, have reported a smooth adjustment.

PBA, police command clash over scheduling

BY CHRIS GAETANO Staff Writer — 05/07/2008

EDISON - A dispute over changes to the police schedule has flared up between the Edison Policemen's Benevolent Association (PBA), the local police union, and the command staff, headed by newly appointed Deputy Chief Thomas Bryan and Police Director Brian Collier.

Council approves $4M for capital improvements

BY CHRIS GAETANO Staff Writer — 05/07/2008

EDISON - The Township Council unanimously approved an ordinance that would borrow about $4million to fund various capital improvement projects throughout the township, during its meeting on April 28. The ordinance allows the issuing of $3,870,000 in bonds to cover $4,068,000 in appropriations.

Township seeking to fill ethics board vacancy

BY CHRIS GAETANO Staff Writer — 05/07/2008

EDISON- Arecently created vacancy has left the Edison Township Ethics Board searching for a replacement. It is the hope of the Township Council, members of which will interview and ultimately approve the candidate, that such a person can be found within the next few weeks.

Teen charged in break-in

BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer — 05/07/2008

METUCHEN - Police arrested and charged a 15-year-old Metuchen male with burglary, theft and criminal mischief at a LakeAvenue residence onApril 14. The incident occurred between 7:45 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., police said.

Edison AARP slates trips to A.C., Cape May, more

05/07/2008

Tickets for the Edison AARP Chapter No. 3446's Installation Luncheon on June 16 at the Victorian Manor are now for sale. Contact Rose at (732) 738-8014 for more information. The chapter will sponsor a day trip May 13 to the Tropicana Casino in Atlantic City, and a trip to the Hunterdon Playhouse is set for June 2.

Convertibles sought for local Memorial Day parade

05/07/2008

On Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, Metuchen will continue its tradition with one of the area's longest-established Memorial Day parades. The parade will begin at 10 a.m., rain or shine. A brief ceremony will be held at Memorial Park at the conclusion of the parade.

Robyn Helzner Trio to perform tribute to Israel

05/07/2008

Neve Shalom,Metuchen, will host a performance of the RobynHelzner Trio onMay 18 at 7 p.m. The trio will be celebrating Israeli music in a special tribute to the 60th anniversary of the State of Israel. The concert will benefit the work of the Susy Schwartz Memorial Scholarship, to give youths a "Passport to Israel.

Arts society to display members' works monthly

05/07/2008

The Edison Arts Society, Raritan Center Business Park, 340 Raritan Center Parkway, has initiated an ongoing gallery of member artists. A variety of individual work is represented, changing monthly.

Strongman contest to benefit leukemia society

05/07/2008

LIFT Strong Fundraiser, to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, will be held at noon May 10 at the Underground Strength Gymnasium, 160 Talmadge Road, Edison. Local athletes from Middlesex County, including high school and college athletes, will participate in a strongman contest.

Parents group to sponsor clothing drive May 10

05/07/2008

The J.P. Stevens Choir and Orchestra Parents Association is sponsoring a clothing drive at the high school on Grove Avenue, Edison, on May 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Useable clothing, shoes and accessories including handbags, belts, scarves, and hats, as well as soft household items such as bedding, curtains, tablecloths and towels, and stuffed animals.

Support group offered weekly in Edison

05/07/2008

The Jewish Family and Vocational Service of Middlesex County, 515 Plainfield Ave., Suite 201, Edison, offers a support group for newly separated or divorced adults at 7:30 p.m. every Wednesday. For more information, call (732) 777-1940.

St. Joe's 13th annual golf classic set for May 19

05/07/2008

St. Joseph High School, 145 Plainfield Ave., Metuchen, will celebrate the 13th anniversary of the Brother Bernardine, S.C., Memorial Golf Classic on May 19 at the Forsgate Country Club, Monroe. Ernie Feist of Monroe Township, a 1976 graduate of St. Joe's, is general chairman.

Thrift store open at Methodist church

05/07/2008

The Thrift Store at Wesley United Methodist Church, 5053WoodbridgeAve., Edison, is open Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The store features knick-kncaks, toys jewelry and clothing for adults and children.

Neve Shalom to hold Shabbat services, concert

05/07/2008

Neve Shalom, 250 Grove Ave., Metuchen, will honor those who have been members of Neve Shalom for 18 or more years at its annual Chai Shabbat on May 16 at 8 p.m. An Oneg Shabbat will follow. Families wishing to share memories or special pictures of their years at Neve Shalom may contact Keith Boxer at (732) 662-9237 or boxerrealtor@optonline.net.

Food items sought for JFVS food pantry

05/07/2008

The food pantry at Jewish Family and Vocations Service provides food packages and vouchers to members of the community in need. In order to keep the food pantry well stocked, the pantry is requesting donations from the community.

Used bike collection slated for May 10

05/07/2008

Pedals for Progress (P4P) is conducting a used bike collection sponsored by the Metuchen Rotary Cub and the First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen at the First Presbyterian Church Social Center, 270Woodbridge Ave., Metuchen, on May 10 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Seminar on cervical, breast cancer at library

05/07/2008

The Edison Main Library, 340 Plainfield Ave, will host a seminar titled "Breast and Cervical Cancer: What You Should Know About Screening and Diagnosis" on May 14 at 7 p.m.

Garden club to hold sale, monthly meeting

05/07/2008

Terra Nova Garden Club of Edison will hold its annual garage sale fundraiser May 10 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 50 Livingston Ave., Edison. All proceeds will benefit the club's Edison/JFK High School scholarship fund. The next meeting will be held at 6:45 p.m. May 28 at the North Edison Library.

'In the Shadow of My Son' at JFK May 19

05/07/2008

JFKMedical Center will host a play for the community titled "In the Shadow of My Son." The play, written, adapted and directed by Nadine Bernard, is in commemoration of new mothers who face postpartum depression.

Edison Springfest car show slated for May 10

05/07/2008

The 22nd annual SpringfestAntique and Classic Car Show, hosted by the Edison First Aid Squad No. 2, will be held May 4, with a rain date of Saturday, May 10. The public is invited to view the rare and customized show cars and trucks on display from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Owners of show cars who have not already registered are encouraged to arrive before 10 a.m.

InterCap project will be good for Edison

05/07/2008

At the close of your article of April 23, 2008, you allowed Mr. Anthony Russomanno to launch into a diatribe against InterCap and imply that he had the support of the residents of Edison. As a resident of Edison for nearly 12 years, I can say that at no point has Mr. Russomanno represented me nor has he sought my opinion on this or any other matter.

Corzine should be removed for nepotism

05/07/2008

Ifind that the state of New Jersey has not lived up to its responsibility of "New Jersey first" when giving out contracts in no-bid (auto parts). And now with the NYU Child Study Center getting the bid when N.J. schools are just as qualified to receive the contract, it seems collusion-like in nature with friends of the governor.

Middlesex name comes from Old English

05/07/2008

Regarding Taj Ahmad's letter urging lawmakers to change the county's name to Middle County, it is an Old English term referring to the area in England populated by the Middle Saxons as opposed to the South Saxons (Sussex) or the East Saxons (Essex).

Owners warned to keep pets safe from thieves

05/07/2008

Members of the Domestic Companion Animal Council have seen an alarming rise in dog thefts in recent months and warn pet owners to be vigilant. In the first three months of 2008, the American Kennel Club has tracked more than 30 thefts from news and customer reports, versus only 10 for all of 2007.

Throng of readers responds to Sears service challenge

GREG BEAN — 05/07/2008

Some days I come to work, click on my computer, and I can actually feel The Force flowing into me from my keyboard. That's the way it's been for more than a week, as readers responded to my Sears challenge.

For some, it's down to the lesser of two weasels

DAVE SIMPSON & GREG BEAN — 05/07/2008

A political discussion between Red State conservative Dave Simpson - a former reporter, editor, publisher and columnist - and Greg Bean, Blue Stater and executive editor of GreaterMedia Newspapers. Let us know what you think.

Rose Sacino Mondi

05/07/2008

Mrs.Mondi, 84, of theMonmouth Junction section of South Brunswick, died May 3, 2008, at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick. She was predeceased by her husband, VincentMondi, in 2006; and a sister, Angie Barbara, in 2005. She is survived by sons, Vincent Mondi Jr.

Clare Brogan

05/07/2008

Mrs. Brogan, 73, of Holmdel, diedApril 29, 2008, at home. She was predeceased by a grandson, Matthew Guastamacchia in 2005. She is survived by two daughters, Susan Brogan of Holmdel, and Sharon Brogan of Highlands; a brother, John McKenna of the Fords section ofWoodbridge; a sister, Cecelia Endler of Houston; and two grandsons. Interment was at St.

Eileen A. Owens

05/07/2008

Mrs. Owens, 81, of Holmdel, died April 29, 2008, at Bayshore Community Hospital, Holmdel. She resided in Old Bridge prior to relocating to Holmdel four years ago. She was a retired nurse's aide with Visiting Homemakers ofMiddlesex County. She was predeceased by her husband, Luther Owens.

Carol Ann Kish Mandia

05/07/2008

Mrs. Mandia, 60, of Monroe, died April 14, 2008, in Overlook Hospital, Summit. She was a rental agent for Colony House, New Brunswick. She was predeceased by her father, William Kish, and by two brothers, William Jr. and Richard. Surviving are her mother, Leona Kish of Monroe; a son, Joseph A. Bodnar of the Kendall Park section of South Brunswick; and two grandchildren.

Winding up for the big pitch

05/07/2008

Bishop Ahr pitcher Colleen Hayes winds up a winner as South River High School played at Bishop Ahr on May 3. Ahr won the game by a score of 12-0.

BGA baseball close to clinching piece of GMC Blue Division

BY SHAWN LAYTON Staff Writer — 05/07/2008

The Bishop Ahr High School baseball team improved to 10-1 in the Greater Middlesex Conference Blue Division with a 14-2 win over South River on Saturday. A win over Highland Park in a yet-tobe determinedmakeup gamewould give the Trojans a share of the division title with JFK. The two teams split their regular-season match-ups, with each team winning in extra innings.

JFK looking to continue splendid season

BY SHAWN LAYTON Staff Writer — 05/07/2008

After settling for a second place to Spotswood the past five seasons, the John F. Kennedy High School baseball teamis back on top.Kennedy heads into this week guaranteed at least a share of the GreaterMiddlesexConferenceBlueDivision with BishopAhr.

Edison baseball heading into postseason

BY SHAWN LAYTON Staff Writer — 05/07/2008

After a 6-4 win over division rival J.P. Stevens High School, the Edison High School baseball team improved to 13-3 on the season and will be one of the favored teams to win the GreaterMiddlesex Conference Tournament, which gets under way this week. The win also put the Eagles in a first-place tie with Stevens in the Red Division standings.

Corica's no-hitter paces JFK to big softball win

BY SHAWN LAYTON Staff Writer — 05/07/2008

One run in the first inningwould prove to be plenty of run support for Heather Corica and the John F. Kennedy High School softball team in a 5-0 win over North Brunswick last week. A lone run proved to be more than enough for theMustangs as Coricawould go the distance without allowing a single hit.