SCOTT FRIEDMAN The Diamond family of East Brunswick, including mom Robin, dad Eric, Abby, 5, and Jillian, 7, take part in the Arthritis Foundation Walk at Monroe Township High School Saturday. Monroe's Karen and Katie Lassiter organized the event, whose theme was "Kids Get Arthritis Too." More ... Council shaves off most of school tax increase Suggested cuts range from staffing to legal services BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       East Brunswick Township Council members cut 5 cents off the proposed school tax rate increase, saying the move was the hardest decision they've had to make. The council voted unanimously Monday night to eliminate most of this year's school tax hike after voters defeated the 2008-09 budget in the ... More ... Fire chief gave town 35 years of service Former volunteer firefighter who became career chief dies at 64 BY MICHAEL ACKER Staff Writer       Friends, family and residents of Monroe Township as a whole are mourning the loss of a longtime fire chief who dedicated himself to his community for 35 years. James J. Beebe, chief and administrator for Monroe Township Fire District 3, died Saturday at Saint Peter's University Hospital in New Br... More ... Union pitches in to get school its own ballfield Fundraisers, donated labor make long-sought field a reality at ICC BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       SPOTSWOOD - What do the Yankees, the Mets and the Immaculate Conception Bulldogs have in common? All will be playing on brand-new fields in the coming year. More ... E.B.'s Home Depot store to close; clearance begins       EAST BRUNSWICK - The Home Depot store at Route 18 and Racetrack Road is one of 15 "underperforming" locations that the hardware retail chain will close in the coming months. The Atlanta-based company announced the closings last week when it unveiled a new strategic plan for squarefootage growth. More ... Borden seeks rehearing in federal appeals court Attorney says April ruling unfairly creates 'two classes of coaches' BY BRIAN DONAHUE Staff Writer       EAST BRUNSWICK - The attorney for high school football coach Marcus Borden is asking an appeals court to rehear the case, saying its opinion is flawed. Ronald J. Riccio filed a petition to request a rehearing by the full U.S. Third Circuit Court ofAppeals, as he seeks to overturn the unanimous d... More ... Vet starts practice after seeing need in local area Hornstein has worked at animal hospitals in E. Bruns., Englewood       MONROE - Dr. Steven E. Hornstein jokes that it's "a long, complicated story" as to why he decided to go into veterinary medicine. "I was 5 years of age, and I went to the veterinarian with my parents, and I decided right then and there that's what I wanted to do with my life. I've never changed ... More ... 'Kids Get Arthritis Too'      PHOTOS BY SCOTT FRIEDMAN Top to bottom: Karen Lassiter and daughter Katie, 10, of Monroe, talk with participants at the Arthritis Foundation Walk at Monroe Township High School Saturday. The mother-anddaughter team organized the event to raise money and awareness of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Do... More ... Residents warn council, cuts will affect education BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       EAST BRUNSWICK - Teachers, parents and other residents took turns voicing opposition to the Township Council's school budget cuts Monday before the governing body voted unanimously to reduce the tax rate increase by more than 70 percent. More ... Monroe council cuts school tab by $515K Insurance costs, training for teachers among items reduced BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       MONROE - The Township Council voted Monday to adopt a trimmed-down version of the defeated school budget, with cuts that will not impact students, according to officials. The school board was scheduled to vote on the amended budget last night, after press time for this issue. More ... Municipal budget changes could lower tax increase After shaving school tab, E.B. council looks at municipal cuts BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       EAST BRUNSWICK- Despite protests fromsome officials, the Township Council is considering cuts to lower this year's proposed 14-cent municipal tax rate hike. The council discussed the move last week, as it also weighed cuts to the defeated school budget, which called for its own tax rate hike. More ... J'burg officials expected to make budget decision BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       JAMESBURG - The Borough Council planned tomeet earlier this week to discuss what to do with the defeated school budget, though officials could not say whether they would cut the proposed 10-cent tax rate increase. On April 15, voters rejected the Board of Education's 2008-09 school budget, whic... More ... E. Bruns. gets windfall of arts & crafts supplies BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       EAST BRUNSWICK - The township was the beneficiary of an unusual gift recently, courtesy of a local business that is leaving town. The Township Council passed a resolution last week accepting about $200,000 worth of merchandise from Michele Ltd., which had stored the goods in a warehouse at 28 Ke... More ... Animal charm      PHOTOS BY JEFF GRANIT staff Clockwise from top: John Tarrant, owner of Outragehisss Pets, holds up a lizard for the children to see. Jared Prager, 6, of East Brunswick, takes a picture of a large bullfrog during an exotic animals show April 23 at the East Brunswick library. The program was designed ... More ... Local woman to serve role in apartment association       Old Bridge resident Mariya Lomberg has been named project and administrative assistant for the New Jersey Apartment Association (NJAA). The Monroe Township-based group is a statewide organization of apartment owners, managers, builders and those involved in allied industries designed to advance a... More ... The Arc is gearing up for benefit walk BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer       NORTH BRUNSWICK - According to its leaders, The Arc of Middlesex helps people with various disabilities live out their hopes and dreams. "Each person has their own personal goals and objectives," said Shari White, assistant executive director at TheArc concentrating in the service and needs of th... More ... Fundraisers       May 9 • A Night at the Races Gift Auction, to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and 3-year-oldAnthony Silvestri of Old Bridge and others who are battling cystic fibrosis, a progressive and lifethreatening lung and gastrointestinal disease, doors open at 7 p.m., post time is 7:30 p.m... More ... Local officials blast state for keeping utility fees BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       SPOTSWOOD- For borough officials, a simple letter from the New Jersey State League of Municipalities represents another example of how the state's actions are undercutting local governments. Council President Curtis Stollen mentioned the letter during the April 21 Borough Council meeting, as it r... More ... 'Wandering Golfer' lands at Monroe country club       MONROE - Golf enthusiasts may recognize Gia Bocra, the new instructor at Forsgate Country Club. After all, she's spent the past year crisscrossing the globe, accompanied by television cameras all along the way, and has been featured in numerous golf magazines and programs over the years. More ... Trio charged in shoplifting at three stores on Route 18       EAST BRUNSWICK - Police nabbed three suspects on Route 18 last week after they allegedly shoplifted at Linens 'N Things. Police arrested Khyon Brandon, 33, Ann L. Williams 34, and Naima R. Scott, 31, all of Philadelphia, Pa., on charges of being in possession of stolen property on April 24. More ... Police arrest man after pursuit       MONROE - Police chased and arrested a township man who allegedly wielded a knife at the Banyan Plaza in Clearbrook on April 27. Police were called to the plaza on a report of a white man wearing a red shirt and black shorts with a knife, which police later determined to be a kitchen knife. Famil... More ...