ERIC SUCAR staff Spectators watch from the Promenade as sand sculptor Mark Chapman creates a tableau on the beach during the 17th annual Oceanfest celebration in Long Branch July Fourth. More photos, page 3. More ... Bridge advocates go to court to save span Sea Bright, Highlands, citizens group file appeals BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer       A citizens group, joined by the boroughs of Sea Bright and Highlands, has gone to court to block the state's plan to replace the historic bridge that links the two Shore communities. Two separate appeals were filed July 6 in the Appellate Division of state Superior Court in Freehold... More ... Housing authority, bldg. manager trade charges Conditions at Grauman Tower, $400K debt unresolved issues BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer       Long-disputed issues over upkeep and management of Grauman Towers took a turn last week as the Long Branch Housing Authority (LBHA) pulled out as manager of the senior complex. On July 3, LBHA Executive Director Tyrone Garrett announced that the authority would no longer provide ser... More ... Ocean Grove House Tour takes place July 20       The Ocean Grove Historical Society will hold its 39th annual house tour Friday, July 20. The self-guided walking tour within the picturesque Victorian community will include eight beautiful and/or historic homes as well as two of the town's well-known tent homes. More ... Oceanport homeowners oppose new rail station Boro's plans for reuse of fort land call for school, hotel BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer       An Oceanport homeowners group is opposing a tentative proposal to locate a new train station on the Fort Monmouth property that falls within the borough. Members of the Horseneck Point Property Owners Association are asking borough officials to scrap plans for a suggested train stat... More ... 'Green' bldg. sites wanted for open house       The Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) is seeking owners of "green," energy-efficient buildings to participate in a Green Buildings Open House Saturday, Oct. 6. The NESEA hosts the annual Green Buildings Open House in conjunction with the American Solar Energy Society's Na... More ... Funding secured for Garfield Court rebuild LB Housing Authority receives $4.4M for 140-unit project BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer       LONG BRANCH - The Long Branch Housing Authority (LBHA) was awarded funds last week to support its third affordable housing project in the city. On July 5, the LBHA learned that it will be receiving approximately $4.4 million to demolish and rebuild the 70-year-old Garfield Court co... More ...      Summer campers at Seashore Day Camp use a bucket cutout to make sand castles on the beach in Long Branch on July 5. More ... Pallone seeks inquiry into fort lease       U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-6) has called on the inspector general of the U.S. Department of Interior to investigate the three-year-old lease agreement between the National Park Service (NPS) and Sandy Hook Partners (SHP) involving the redevelopment of Fort Hancock. More ... Police bust man for lewdness       LONG BRANCH - A 10-month investigation into reported lewdness acts in Long Branch concluded last week with the arrest of a city man. The Long Branch Police Department arrested and charged Julio Filho Costa, 22, with six counts of lewdness on June 24. More ... Oceanfest      PHOTOSBYERIC SUCAR staff July Fourth in Long Branch is marked by Oceanfest, a beachfront celebration of Independence Day. Throngs filled the Promenade, where vendors plied the crowd with savory foods, and costumed characters, stilt walkers and musicians entertained. At top, Tyler Rivera, 7, Long Br... More ... Notes Around Town       Former Long Branch High School student Stephen M. Ellis received two awards at the National Capital Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. A 1998 graduate, Ellis was recognized in the Best Promotional Campaign category June 16 at a ceremony in Wa... More ... Creating bridges, one bead at a time Linda DeNicola My Take       There is so much need in Africa, and when I see mothers unable to feed their children it brings me to my knees. So I decided to do something. I decided to sell jewelry for a nonprofit called Bead For Life (BFA). When the box came in the mail, full of beautiful beaded jewelry... More ...