SCOTT FRIEDMAN Moussia Zaklikovsky, 7, of Monroe, makes her way through the crowd on the shoulders of her uncle, Shmuly Altein, during "Purim in the Shtetl" festivities presented by the Chabad Jewish Center of Monroe Sunday at the Jamesburg Elks Lodge. More ... Monroe looks to enact new ethical standards Pucci says proposals will bring transparency to twp. government BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       Monroe Township officials are looking to enact seven new ordinances in an effort to bring higher ethical standards to the local government. The ordinances, introduced Monday by the Township Council, were written using guidelines put forth by an ethics panel appointed by Mayor Richar... More ... Students to present revitalization ideas Public's input sought on what J'burg could look like some day BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       For months, a team of graduate students from Rutgers University has been studying Jamesburg to see how it can be revitalized. Next week, the general public will have the chance to see what the students have come up with in what the Jamesburg Revitalization Coalition is billing as th... More ... Three brothers nabbed in car thefts, break-ins Borough residents charged in Jan.-Feb. crime spree BY BRIAN DONAHUE Staff Writer       SPOTSWOOD - Police have arrested three brothers who live in town in connection with the recent rash of motor vehicle thefts and burglaries in the borough. Anthony J. Prisco, 40, Christopher P. Prisco, 32, and James S. Prisco, 29, were charged following a five-week police investigat... More ... Board rules against residency challenge Member tells colleagues she lives in the home she sold to daughter BY MICHAEL ACKER Staff Writer       MONROE - The Board of Education resolved Monday that one of its members can remain on the board and seek re-election in spite of a resident's claim that her primary residence is outside the township. More ... Taxes steady despite park, facility projects 2007 improvements include more ballfields and new senior center BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       MONROE - Residents will not face an increase in municipal taxes this year. Mayor Richard Pucci issued his 2007 budget message Monday, stating that the owner of the average-assessed home in the township will continue to pay $981 in municipal taxes, which is the same as the past two ... More ... Spotswood wants in on open space funds BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       SPOTSWOOD - A county open space fund that residents pay into has yet to buy much that would benefit borough residents within their own community. Mayor Barry Zagnit said that even though Spotswood residents have paid about $1.13 million since 1996 into the Middlesex County Open Space... More ... Donors sought for Society Hill blood drive       The Blood Center of New Jersey will sponsor a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 10 in the Society Hill Clubhouse, 400 Thames Drive, Old Bridge. All donors will receive a free cholesterol test. A free continental breakfast, cookies and treats, coffee, tea and juice will be serv... More ... Local rock cover band is goin' to the chapel BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       EAST BRUNSWICK - - It's not often you see a rock band play in a church. But for the liberal religious community that is The Unitarian Society, an upcoming concert is just another way of celebrating life's diversity. The Tices Lane church will host a performance by the band Glass Plan... More ... Purim event      SCOTT FRIEDMAN David Grossman, of Monroe, discusses his experience in the Normandy invasion in World War II during Sunday's Purim event sponsored by the Chabad Jewish Center of Monroe. The "Purim in the Shtetl" event was held at the Jamesburg Elks Lodge and re-created a scene reminiscent of a small ... More ... Homes get new values after townwide reval Residents' new share of property taxes will be revealed this summer BY BRIAN DONAHUE Staff Writer       HELMETTA - Borough homes have new assessed values based on a townwide revaluation completed last year. And as a result, many of them will see a change in their share of the property tax burden. Tax bills generated this June or July will reflect the new assessed values as well... More ... Stars and stripes      Colin Joyce, of Boy Scout Troop 223, of East Brunswick, refurbished and decorated a retired U.S. postal mail box, converting it into an official flag drop station. Residents can now discard used and worn American flags at the township's recycling center, Dunhams Corner Road, and they will be officia... More ...