New Restrictions For Teen Drivers

 TRENTON – New laws aimed at increasing teen driver safety were signed into today by Gov. Jon S. Corzine. The measures implement top recommendations of the state’s Teen Driver Study Commission and increase restrictions placed on teen drivers.

“Kyleigh’s Law” requires drivers who hold a learner’s permit, examination permit or provisional driver’s license to display an MVC-issued decal on the vehicle they are driving to aid law enforcement personnel in distinguishing between provisional and fully licensed drivers.

The decals will be removable and transferrable and be required to be displayed before a driver with a permit or provisional license operates the vehicle.  Failure to display the decals will result in a $100 fine per offense.

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Police Arrest Avenel Teens For Playground Arson

WOODBRIDGE – Mayor John E. McCormac today announced that an 18 year-old adult and a 17 year-old juvenile from Avenel have been arrested by the Woodbridge Police Department and charged with intentionally setting fire to playground equipment at the 5th District Park and Playground located in the Avenel section of Woodbridge Township.  The April 13 fire caused more than $25,000 in damage to playground equipment and park facilities. 

 “I am gratified that the Woodbridge Police Department was able to make arrests within hours of the fire.  These arrests send a strong message to anyone who thinks that setting a fire and destroying thousands of dollars of playground equipment is simply vandalism.  We will seek the stiffest penalties possible, including restitution and community service,” said McCormac. “I would like to thank neighborhood residents – and the media – for their assistance and cooperation in helping the Woodbridge Police Department conduct a thorough and effective investigation.”

Two Avenel teens were arrested yesterday for allegedly setting the fire that destroyed $25,000 worth of playground equipment Monday night.

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Christie Trips Over Ethics Allegations

STATE – Republican gubernatorial candidate Christopher Christie, who built up a record as a corruption buster in seven years as the state’s top federal prosecutor, has found his own ethics called into question in recent weeks. The allegations could affect Christie’s chances to win the GOP nomination.

This year’s Republican primary contest is a classic match up between the conservative GOP ideologue Steve Lonegan, and Christie, the more liberal political insider who became a media darling during his tenure as a Bush administration appointee.

While serving as U.S. attorney, Christie appointed attorney Herbert Stern to monitor the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey to settle concerns over Medicare fraud; the contract was worth $3 million. Stern, two law partners and their wives recently gave Christie’s campaign $3,400 each, the maximum donation allowed by law. 

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Elizabeth Teen Honored By Boys & Girls Clubs Of Union County

ELIZABETH—Recently selected as the 2009 Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County Youth of the Year, 18-year-old Quinnetta Williams of Elizabeth is a true example of extraordinary youth. A member of the Elizabeth Boys & Girls Club, Williams will receive a $1,500 scholarship and will go on to compete against other members for the New Jersey Youth of the Year title in May.

(Pictured from left to right) judges Robert Genovese, attorney - Hehl and Hehl, president - BGCUC Board of Directors; Ana Galindo, agency principal, Allstate New Jersey Insurance Company and member BGCUC Board of Directors; Frank Valanzola, VP wealth management, Smith Barney and member BGCUC Board of Directors; Quinnetta Williams - Youth of the Year Winner; Geraldine Boone, Realtor – agent, Century 21 John C. Campbell Agency and member BGCUC Board of Directors; Robert LaCorte, president, Robert LaCorte & Associates.

The Youth of the Year program, which is administered by Boys & Girls Clubs of America recognizes outstanding effort and contributions by a member to their family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as having overcome personal challenges and obstacles.

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Edison Teen Wins Caring Award

EDISON—On the evening of Thursday, April 2, Avani Patel of Edison attended the Middlesex County Guidance Council’s 22nd Annual Recognition Program, where she received the Caring Award for outstanding service to our communities and those in need.

Caring Volunteer—Avani Patel of Edison, a senior at The Wardlaw-Hartridge School, is pictured with Kevin P. Farrell, Middlesex County Guidance Council President, and Shirlie Camp, Chairperson of the Caring Award, after receiving the Caring Award at the organization’s 22nd Annual Recognition Program on the evening of Thursday, April 2.

At Wardlaw-Hartridge, Patel serves as senior class president and peer leader to freshmen. As vice-president last year and president this year of Club Interact, she has participated in a number of community-based programs designed to reach out to those in need, including the Birthday Club, which makes cards and treats for those children affiliated with Naomi’s Way Transitional Housing Program in New Brunswick, designed to serve homeless mothers.

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Linden Athletic Hall Of Fame Enshrines Third Class

LINDEN—The third class of the Linden Athletic Hall of Fame will be enshrined at an induction dinner at Amicis III Ristorante, 1700 W. Elizabeth Avenue, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 26. To purchase tickets, call Santa Goleme at  (908) 486-8250 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.  Ticket cost $60 per person.

The inductees include:

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More On The Old Menlo Park Mall

 by Diane Norek Harrison

EDISON-I received an e-mail from Ted Pastusczak which reads: “Hi Diane, I just read your article from Jan. 30 on Menlo Park – great stuff.

“I remember when the mall opened in 1960 or so.  It had a Martin Paint store, Wallachs Men’s Shop, Archie Jacobson, Soundarama records, Canadians, and so forth.

“It also had two supermarkets – a Shop Rite and a Finest, and its own post office. 

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