SCOTT FRIEDMAN Woodbridge resident Russell Fischer prepares to portray Jimmy Smith while Maggie Siegrist, Piscataway, prepares for the role of Ruth in "Thoroughly Modern Millie," presented by the Middlesex County Department of Parks and Recreation in its 45th anniversary season of Plays-in-the-Park ... More ... Vets raise concern over lowering of POW/MIA flag Mayor issues apology and vows to more closely follow flag etiquette BY TOM CAIAZZA Staff Writer       Several veterans groups protested the raising of the flag of India on Aug. 15 because it required the lowering of the POW/MIA flag from a municipal flagpole dedicated to veterans. "It's like sacred land to the veterans," said Gary Thomas, commander of American Legion Post 324 in Edison. "Taking i... More ... Township names street in honor of 9/11 victim Local man remembered as 'a great man and a great hero' BY TOM CAIAZZA Staff Writer       EDISON - Family and friends of Edward T. Strauss gathered Saturday morning on the street where he used to live. The township honored Strauss that morning in a fashion usually reserved for veterans of American wars - they named a street after him. More ... Two dead, dozens arrested at Ozzfest State bans alcohol in the parking lot at PNC Bank Arts Center BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer       Following the deaths of two people and the arrest of more than 80 others at Thursday's Ozzfest concert, the tap was turned off on alcohol consumption in the parking lot of the PNC Bank Arts Center. Starting with Friday night's Velvet Revolver show, alcohol has been banned for tailgaters regardles... More ... Local stone carver creating 9/11 police memorial Franco Minervini completing project for police foundation BY PATRICIA YOCZIS Correspondent       When Franco Minervini was a young boy in his hometown of Molfetta, Italy, he helped his grandfather, Michael, who was a stone carver. Little did he know then that he would continue his family's tradition of stone carving. "I didn't think I had any tal ent," said Minervini, whose studio has been i... More ... 'Millie' marks close of Plays-in-the-Park season Woodbridge native had male lead in play's 10-day run BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer       EDISON - As Middlesex County's Plays-in-the-Park celebrates its 45th anniversary, the cast of "Thoroughly Modern Millie" closed out the park's final outside play of the 2007 season. The show, which ran in the park Aug. 8-18, brought crowds of people with their lawn chairs to Roosevelt Park in E... More ... Town hall meeting covers risks of teen Rx drug abuse MCC, one of 10 in nation to get grant, to hold meeting BY TOM CAIAZZA Staff Writer       EDISON - Nearly one in five teens admitted to abusing prescription drugs in 2005 - more than any other illegal drug except one. More ... Exhibit traces history of comic book superheroes Montclair Art Museum hosts one-of-a-kind tribute to genre BY MARK ROSMAN Staff Writer       The American cultural phenomenon known as the comic book is getting the royal treatment at the Mont-clair Art Museum, Montclair, Essex County. Fans of this genre of entertainment will be coming from near and far between now and Jan. 13, 2008, to see a one-of-a-kind exhibition, "Reflecting Culture:... More ... Bakery with French name captures joie de vivre La Bonbonniere has been a staple of county for 55 years BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer       WOODBRIDGE - Production at the La Bonbonniere Bake Shoppe starts bustling by 11 at night, and customers can get a whiff of the baked goods galore by 6 in the morning. The bake shop, which is on Route 27 in Edison, with its fitting French name has been in business since 1952. More ... Congressman announces toy safety legislation Rep. Ferguson seeks third-party inspection of overseas toys BY TOM CAIAZZA Staff Writer       EDISON - In response to the announcement of a massive recall from the world's largest toy manufacturer, Mattel Inc., on Aug. 14, Congressman Mike Ferguson (R-7) announced legislation that would boost the country's diligence when importing possibly toxic or unsafe toys from overseas. More ... Officials: No progress on bringing ballpark Marketplace idea lost momentum; Rt. 33 panel stopped meeting BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       MONROE - Despite township officials' efforts to cover all bases in planning for a ballpark complex on Route 33, bringing the project to fruition has proven to be a whole other ballgame. "At some point, it just didn't make any sense," said Township Council President Gerald Tamburro. "The ballpark... More ... Shapin' up      PHOTOS BY CHRIS KELLY staff Above: Joe Eber of Plainfield leads a tai chi program at Roosevelt Park on Aug. 18. At right: Dawn Menendez, Rahway, follows along with Eber during the program. More ... Family touched to learn of late father's heroics South Brunswick man's father pulled sailors to safety in WWII BY MARY ANNE ROSS Correspondent       Bill Daniels never knew his dad was a war hero. Nine months ago, he was browsing through a box of his mother's old photos and papers when he came across a letter of commendation addressed to his father, Walter C. Danilewicz. The letter, signed by Rear Adm. Stanley V. Parker of the U.S. More ...