CHRIS KELLY staff Howell High School freshman Justin Zimmerman and junior Shannon Williams, both members of Rebel Yell, sing along with Holiday Express member Maureen McCrink of Highlands, at the third annual tree lighting at Pier Village in Long Branch Nov. 24. More ... Ocean Township adopts tree-removal restrictions Ordinance calls for residents to obtain permits to cut trees BY DANIEL HOWLEY Staff Writer       The Ocean Township Council adopted regulations last week to determine how many and what types of trees residents can cut down on their private properties. The council voted unanimously at the Nov. 19 municipal meeting to pass its "Soil and Tree Removal Ordinance of the Township of Ocean. More ... Unger asks city to take action on beach club Resolution calls for city to seek funds to save Takanassee BY CHRISTINE VARNO Staff Writer       The Long Branch City Council was expected to discuss a proposal Tuesday night to support the acquisition of the historic Takanassee Beach Club property. More ... Construction to begin at SPCA facility in Eatontown Project calls for a 4,500- square-foot addition to Wall Street building       EATONTOWN - Construction for a multimillion dollar face-lift at the Monmouth County SPCA building in Eatontown was expected to start this week. A groundbreaking ceremony was planned to be held at the Wall Street SPCA facility yesterday and plans call for upgrades and renovations to be complete w... More ... Eatontown seeks funds to expand public parks Plans call for borough to connect Wolcott and Wampum parks BY DANIEL HOWLEY Staff Writer       EATONTOWN - The Borough Council agreed last week to seek funding to purchase a tract of property in order to join two municipal parks. The council adopted a resolution at the Nov. More ... Sponsors needed for Operation Sleighbells       Family and Children's Services (FCS) of Long Branch is seeking sponsors for its annual "Operation Sleighbells" holiday gift program. The program started in 1909 as a way to give area children a brighter holiday season and through the years the project has grown with more than 2,000 children recei... More ... Borough police address unruly acts of juveniles Monmouth Beach could enforce curfew ordinance to curb behavior of youth       MONMOUTH BEACH - The borough chief of police said he is seeking help from parents in the borough to control the disruptive behavior of juveniles. If reports of vandalism and other unruly acts of conduct generated from groups of juveniles in the borough continue, a curfew may be the answer, Polic... More ... Chen delivers speech on eminent domain abuse State public advocate calls for reforms of blight designation laws       State Public Advocate Ronald K. Chen discussed eminent domain abuse at two events this month, including the League of Municipalities conference held in Atlantic City. Chen and his department have been investigating the use of eminent domain for private redevelopment throughout New Jersey towns, i... More ... In the holiday spirit      CHRIS KELLY staff Highlands resident Michael Gribborek performs with Holiday Express at the third annual tree lighting at Pier Village in Long Branch Nov. 24. More ... NJDEP receives grant for water conservation       The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in partnership with Rutgers Cooperative Research and Extension, has received a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to develop a model communitybased water conservation education program. More ... Police seize heroin valued at $40K       EATONTOWN - A random license plate check last week by a borough police officer resulted in the arrest of three women and a drug seizure valued at $40,000, according to police reports. Patrolman Antonio Amodio was driving east on Highway 36 Nov. 19 at 9:56 p.m. More ...      CHRIS KELLY staff Runners participate in the Roadrunners Club Thanksgiving Sunday 10K and 3-mile fun run and walk at Pier Village in Long Branch on Nov. 25 to benefit hepatitis C awareness and research. More ... Baubles, bangles, all things bright and shiny Tiffany & Co. takes its place on Broad St. in Red Bank BY CARA SCHULTZ Correspondent       Brilliant diamonds, lustrous sterling silver and gleaming gold jewelry are designed to dazzle even the most blasé shopper who peruses the display cases at the newly opened Tiffany & Co. at 105 Broad St. The arrival of the iconic jeweler is considered by many to be a coup that solidifies the ... More ...