Vol. 144, No. 11 Saturday, March 12, 2005 5 0 c e n t s Middlesex gets funds for field work NEW BRUNSWICK — The Middlesex Borough Mayor of their residents.” dren of all ages will directly vibrant waterfront facility,” he Middlesex County Board of Ronald Dobies at a recent free­ Middlesex will use the benefit from your contribu­ said. “Soon the residents will Chosen Freeholders presented holders’ meeting. $240,000 grant from the county tion.” once again be able to walk two checks totaling $1.24 mil­ “My freeholder colleagues to complete the restoration of Sayreville will use the grant along the waterfront, go fishing lion from the county’s Open and I are committed to preserv­ one soccer field and the addi­ funds to improve River Road or crabbing, launch watercraft Space and Recreation and ing open space and expanding tion of a second soccer field at Waterfront Park by adding boat and enjoy the valuable Farmland and Historic the recreational opportunities Mountain View Park. Work ramps, floating docks and path­ resources the Raritan River has Preservation Trust Fund to help for all our residents,” said should be completed by this ways, improving existing docks to offer.” two municipalities improve and Freeholder Director David B. summer. and completing related work. The improvements to the develop recreational facilities Crabiel. “The projects being “On behalf of the residents of O’Brien said he is grateful to park are estimated to cost $3 for their residents. done in Sayreville and Middlesex borough, I thank the the freeholders for their dona­ million. Sayreville has secured A check for $1 million was pre­ Middlesex Borough fall right in board of chosen freeholders for tion. $1.1 million in State Green sented to Sayreville Mayor line with our goal for the Open helping us meet the needs of “This donation will allow the Acres funds and a $1 million Kennedy O’Brien and a check Space and Recreation Program our residents,” Dobies said. borough of Sayreville give a Neptune Urban Renewal con­ Champ Again for $240,000 was presented to and increase the quality of life “Our soccer programs and chil­ much needed uplift to a once tribution. Bound Brook’s Andrew Flanagan captured his third Region 5 championship Saturday, one of six area Patriotic singing stars at mall A.R.M.S wrestlers to win titles. For results see Page B1. By TAKESHA PETTUS leader Staff Writer BRIDGEWATER — Tears fell from Stacy greets Gever’s eyes as she walked off stage after performing “The Star Spangled Banner” at president the Bridgewater By JIM WHITE Commons Mall Staff Writer Saturday. Wrapped up in the president’s “I guess I could have done worse,” said Gever. arms, Ronnie Micciulla felt like she Gever, like 99 other contestants, all competed at the could have fainted. mall to win the chance to sing the National Anthem Her dream to meet President Bush during games played this season at the Commerce came true last Friday morning on Bank Ballpark, the home of the Somerset Patriots base­ the tarmac at Newark Liberty ball team. International Airport, where he Each year, representatives from the ballpark have stepped off Air Force One before Try Your Luck held contests to find the best singers in the area to per- traveling to Westfield — a stop “Lucky Stiff,” presented by the Middlesex High School Performing Arts Department, will be held this weekend. The show is based on the novel Financial contributions are needed “The Man Who Broke the 3ank at Monte Carlo" by Operation: Shoebox New Jersey 2005, in partnership with Michael Butterworth. American Recreational Military Services is seeking cash dona­ For more, see Page A3. tions in support of their ongoing effort to supply American forces overseas with a steady supply of personal items, toi­ letries and snacks. ARMS is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization under the Internal Revenue Service code. All contributions are tax- deductible. All contributions are dedicated to the purchase of supplies and costs of shipping. ARMS/Operation: Shoebox New Jersey 2005 is an all-volunteer operation. Depending on weight, it costs between $8 and $15 to ship each box overseas. Checks should be made out to ARMS, with the instructions “Operation Shoebox NJ 2005” written on the memo line. Checks should be mailed to: GEORGE PACCIELLOTSTAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Operation: Shoebox New Jersey 2005, do The Chronicle, 44 Veterans Memorial Drive East, Amanda Levy, 8, sings “The Star-Spangled Banner” during a Somerville, N.J. 08876. competition held Saturday at Bridgewater Commons by the This weekend financial and product contributions for OPSHBX can be dropped off during the Somerset Patriots to select area residents to sing the National St. Patrick’s Day parade in Somerville on Sunday, at Commerce Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater Anthem at games played at Commerce Bank Ballpark in during the opening day of ticket sales and at two area supermarkets, A&P Supermarket in Bridgewater. Warren and Shop Rite Supermarket in Bound Brook. For more, see Page A5. Fashion show benefits autism research Playing dress up By AMY S. BOBROWSKI Models grooved in light colors Natalie Peyramaure has a lot of Staff Writer and fabrics to island style -clothing to care for. As GREEN BROOK — Fire music. Checkered patterned wardrobe supervisor for the Big eaters, Shaman interpretive gingham made repeat appear­ Apple Circus, it is her job to dancers and zombie-like mod­ ances in flounce pants, check every seam and super­ els aren’t typical fashion show miniskirts, dresses, halter tops vise the preparation of every icons, but all were part of The and even on men’s jackets. Its piece of clothing. Page B2. Imbolc Manifesto show held light-weight, almost sheer recently at The Willows appearance make gingham and Restaurant. these clothes ideal for a vaca­ ■ IH T H H H Proceeds went to autism tion in the Caribbean, a day at research. the beach, a family picnic or a “It’s not a fashion show,” said night at the disco, said Garden Auction designer Dee J. Gonzalez, of Gonzalez. The Piscataway Garden Metamorphosis LLC, based in Gonzalez developed the new Independent Woman lingerie Club will hold its annual Dunellen. “It’s a show with fashion. The purpose is to line for the My Intimate World auction at 7 p.m. Thursday entertain, and my fashions are collections. The styles highlight at the Senior Citizen the main stars.” the beauty of the plus size Center, 700 Buena Vista The show was produced by woman. Satin and silk as well Ave., behind Kennedy Gonzalez along with Theodore as chiffon and marabou were Library. Garris and Alexandra Hanna of staple fabrics of the collection. The auction will include a My Intimate World, also based “It’s a very classy and elegant variety of items, preferably in Dunellen. line. It’s sophisticated, but garden-related. All are invit­ Highlights included the Luna there’s a wide variety of colors, ed. For more information, Wear line of Gothic inspired not just black,” said My call (732) 287-4685. clothing. Most outfits featured Intimate World Marketing a camouflage pattern, chain Director Alexandra Hanna. link accessories and dark “Beauty comes in every boots. A tall, elegant model shape and every size,” said ■ H u m wore a camouflage evening Gonzalez of his models and the plus size line. “Beauty is beau­ C om m entary....................A -4 dress with a beaded waste as she strutted down the catwalk ty. It’s as simple as that.” with a dark, piercing stare. The weekend-long show C om m unity Life ..............B -2 Gonzalez’s Orisha Wear is a raised more than $1,000 for casual clothing line inspired by that National Alliance for Desstynee Renee Vegllante shows off a fantasy-filled spring dress during the The Imbotc Manifesto S p o rts.................................B-1 his Puerto Rican background. Autism Research. show Saturday, March 12, 2005 The Chronicle Patriotic singing stars Operation: Shoebox New Jersey 2005 Continued from page A1 back to try out this year after not making the cut last Drop-off sites: form the anthem. This is the year. The list of designated drop­ Brook Attic Treasures, 319 Route Park Bar & Grill, 261 Route second year that the contest “But that didn’t stop me,” off sites continues to expand, Girl Scouts of Rolling Hills 22 East, Sansone Plaza, 46 East (intersection of has been held at a mall, and said Page who is an aspiring but more are needed: Council, 1171 Route 28, Green Brook Routes 46 & 31), Buttzville this year contestants vied singer. North Branch AAA Vac, 1515 Route 22 Tramontin Harley for 12 available spots. Each Page said singing in front Somerset County Raritan Valley Community West, Watchung Square Mall, Davidson, Exit 12, Route 80 of the winners will be given of a crowd of 4,000 is some­ College Theater and Student Watchung Hope Interchange, Hope the chance to sing at one of thing he has always dreamed The Chronicle office, 44 Activities office, Route 28, Borough Hall, Route 22 and the 70 games held at the about. Veterans Memorial Drive North Branch Grove Street, Somerville Morris County ballpark for the 2005 season. “I just always wanted to East, Somerville Learning Express Toys, 315 Gladstone Cleaners, 258 In addition, each of the par­ sing at a game,” said Page. Commerce Bank Ballpark, Route 206, Hillsborough Main St., Peapack-Gladstone Legends Harley Davidson, ticipants will receive a free Shoppers at the mall 1 Patriots Way, Bridgewater Test Sports Club, 1982 North Branch Post Office, 1895 Route 46 West, ticket to a Somerset Patriots Saturday were able to watch The 250th Signal Battalion, Washington Valley Road, Route 22, North Branch Ledgewood ballgame this season.