Disgraced Ex-Mayor Attacks Officials: Interrupts council with complaints about South Amboy investment

James Failace

CARTERET — Ex-Mayor James Failace has emerged after six years of public silence, leveling personal attacks to stir up political support for candidates challenging allies of the current mayor in the weeks before the Nov. 4 election.

Failace, whose bid for re-election was defeated by Mayor Daniel Reiman in a 2002 landslide, made allegations during a recent Borough Council meeting concerning a real estate partnership formed in 2005 by Reiman, Middlesex County Freeholder Ronald Rios and Hank D’Orsi, the owner of H. D’Orsi Contractor.

Reiman said business venture, called HD Partnership, was formed in September 2005 to buy an abandoned gas station on South Pine Street in South Amboy for $240,000 and spent another $60,000 on remediation and environmental agency approvals. Each partner held a one-third interest in the project.

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Poll Shows Lance Has Small Lead Over Stender

STATE – A new Monmouth University/Gannett New Jersey poll shows that state Sen. Leonard Lance (R-Clinton Township) holds a small lead over Assemblywoman Linda Stender (D-Fanwood) in the race for the 7th District U.S. House seat that is currently held by Republican Mike Ferguson.

Among registered voters, Lance leads Stender 41 percent to 37; among likely voters, he leads 43 percent to 39. The poll, conducted from Sept. 30 through Oct. 2, has a margin of error of 4.4 percent for registered voters and 4.8 percent for likely voters.

“It’s a small lead well within the margin of error. This is by no means over yet,” said Patrick Murray, director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute.

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Elizabeth Girl Competes For Pageant Title

Sophie Litos

ELIZABETH—Sophie Litos of Elizabeth was recently selected to participate in Nationals’ 2008 Miss Pre-Teen Newark pageant competition on Oct. 18.

Litos will be competing, for her share of thousands of dollars in prizes and specialty gifts that will be distributed to contestants. She will be competing in the Miss Pre-Teen division, one of four divisions that will have young ladies (between the ages of seven and 19) competing in modeling routines which include casual wear and formal wear. Most important, Litos will display her personality and interviewing skills while interviewing with this year’s Newark judging panel. Personality is the number one aspect that each contestant is judged on during all phases of competition.

If Litos were to win the title of Miss Pre-Teen Newark, she would represent Newark and the surrounding communities at the Cities Of America National Competition that will take place in Orlando, Florida. Over $60,000 in prizes and awards will be presented at the national competition while each winner enjoys an expense paid trip to Florida.

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Linden Plans Halloween Activities

LINDEN—With the Halloween season just around the corner, the Linden Recreation Department and the 2008 Linden Halloween Committee are gearing up for the many activities they have planned for Linden’s young residents.  From the 59th annual Halloween Parade to the Pumpkin Painting and Poster Painting contest, a lot is planned that will be enjoyed by both young and old. 

The 59th Annual Halloween Parade will be held on Sunday, Oct. 26 at 2 p.m. The parade will feature children and adults in costume, decorated vehicles, bands, antique cars, floats and much more.  Last year, approximately 8,000 people attended the parade. 

If you would like to participate by marching as a group or individual, enter a float or a decorated vehicle, call the John T. Gregorio Recreation Center at 908-474-8627. In the event of rain, the parade will be held Monday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m.

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“Taste of Woodbridge” Promotes Local Cuisine, Causes

WOODBRIDGE – The 1st annual “Taste of Woodbridge” proves it’s possible to eat, drink, be merry. . . and support your local community non-profits.

The 17-vendor food and beverage showcase is set for Friday, Oct. 10 from 6-10 p.m. at Woodbridge Community Center, 600 Main Street.

All proceeds benefit the Woodbridge Township Environmental Commission, Woodbridge History Museum, Mayor’s Art Commission and the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign. 

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Fire Dept. Open House

LINDEN—The Linden Fire Department will be conducting an open house at the new Firehouse No. 2 at St. George Avenue and DeWitt Terrace on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

All Linden residents are welcome and are invited to meet their firefighters and tour their new firehouse.  Refreshments will be served.

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Spooks & Scholars: Haunted Higher Education In NJ

Ghosthunting New Jersey

CINCINNATI, Ohio—A visit to these haunted colleges and universities throughout the Garden State may not be for the faint of heart. L’Aura Hladik chronicles over thirty spooky New Jersey spots including libraries, restaurants, and hotels in her new book, “Ghosthunting New Jersey.”  A perfect companion for the adventurous student, Hladik’s book will give you chills—and may have you on the edge of your seat in class.

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