Milestones Wilson–Chavez       Tara Marie Chavez, daughter of Patricia and Dean R. Chavez of Long Branch, was married Oct. 14, 2006, to David Wilson, son of Barbara and Keith Wilson of Matthews, N.C. The Rev. Ian Trammell performed the ceremony at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church, Long Branch, where the bride wa... More ... Stork Club       CentraState Healthcare System, Freehold Township, announced the following local births: Dolores and Aaron Pollak, a daughter on Oct. 26; Kari and Greg Denton, a son on Oct. 31; and Kristyn and George Turturro, a son on Oct. 31, all of Tinton Falls. More ... Council accepts Trotta’s resignation with regret Boro administrator for two decades lauded by colleagues BY LAYLI WHYTE Staff Writer       EATONTOWN — As the year comes to a close, an era in borough history will also come to an end as Michael Trotta, borough administrator for the past 21 years, has tendered his resignation due to poor health. Council President Theodore Lewis moved to accept Trotta’s resignation with re... More ... Boro has first certified emergency response team BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer       WEST LONG BRANCH –– After several years of planning, West Long Branch has established its own Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). At the Dec. 21 municipal meeting, 17 borough residents received their CERT certificates, becoming the first emergency response team in the borough’s ... More ... Court approves complaint amendment in fort suit BY LIZ SHEEHAN Correspondent       Save Sandy Hook (SSH), a grassroots local organization founded to block the commercial development of historic Fort Hancock, has been given the green light to proceed with an amended complaint aimed at overturning a 60-year lease granted by the National Park Service to James Wassel, a Rumso... More ... Council asked to comment on beachfront projects BY LIZ SHEEHAN Correspondent       SEA BRIGHT — Borough Council members have been asked to review and make suggestions about a proposal for improving beachfront facilities and extending the existing boardwalk. At the council meeting Dec. More ... Boro family donates playground BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer       WEST LONG BRANCH –– A local family will be donating playground equipment to the borough to be installed at one of the community parks. Matthew and Carrie Sniffen, of Norwood Avenue, announced at the Dec. 20 council meeting that they will purchase a $13,000 playground set for Sorrentin... More ... Sale of fair housing obligations challenged Group says transfer of fair share housing unfair BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer       The Long Branch Housing Authority (LBHA) is ringing in the new year with the opening of its new public housing complex. The 40-unit Seaview Manor complex at the corner of Seaview and Ellis avenues will be ready for occupancy before the end of the month, LBHA Executive Director Tyron... More ... Notes       “While I Was Gone” by Sue Miller will be discussed by the Adult Book Club of the Ocean Township Branch of the Monmouth County Library, 701 Deal Road, on Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. The novel, an Oprah Book Club selection, is a study in familial crime and punishment. Books are available to be borrowed f... More ... 2006 in photos      CHRISKELLY staff “Futbol” fever grips the crowd at Por Do Sol, Long Branch, watching the Brazilian National Soccer team compete against Ghana in the second round of the World Cup tournament in June. More ... People Who Make a Difference Sitting down and breaking bread together Volunteers share monthly dinner with group home residents BY LAYLI WHYTE Staff Writer       RED BANK — It isn’t just the holidays that bring out the spirit of goodwill for a group of employees at K. Hovnanian corporate headquarters. Jane Hurd, the company’s vice president of auditing services, has been organizing monthly dinners with the residents of the HABcore group home... More ... CHRIS KELLY staff       Long Branch’s Aleta Burley (c) volunteers at the Second Baptist Church on Liberty Street for a Christmas dinner on Dec. 23. More ... NAACP asks police, churches to address gang violence Long Branch reacts to fourth murder in four months BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer       In the wake of the fourth homicide in Long Branch in the past four months, community leaders are calling on local law enforcement and faith-based organizations for answers and help. The Greater Long Branch NAACP President Lorenzo “Bill” Dangler said at a press conference Tuesday tha... More ... Culinary program open in L.B.       The Culinary Education Center of Monmouth County (CEC), in Asbury Park, is a student-centered culinary program open to all county high school students in their junior and senior years. The CEC is a collaborative effort between Brookdale Community College and the Monmouth County Vocatio... More ... Police seek suspects in robbery of youth       The Culinary Education Center of Monmouth County (CEC), in Asbury Park, is a student-centered culinary program open to all county high school students in their junior and senior years. The CEC is a collaborative effort between Brookdale Community College and the Monmouth County Vocatio... More ...