CHRIS KELLY staff Matt Goldberg rocks out on the drums during the "Decorations Around the World" cultural festival held at the Grissom Elementary School in Old Bridge on Friday. More ... County buys 5 acres for $800K in O.B. Also doles out money for pathways around township BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       Two grants will help local officials preserve natural beauty in Old Bridge, while allowing more residents to enjoy it. The Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders presented the grants to officials at a ceremony Dec. 20. The larger one, at $800,000 in county open space funds, will allow the t... More ... Mayor, council thank Pollando, Buchanan Politics put aside as officials reflect on service to Sayreville BY MICHAEL ACKER Staff Writer       The governing body bid farewell this month to two Democrats who have played a major role on the Sayreville Borough Council in recent years. Thomas Pollando, a six-year council member and its current president, and Daniel Buchanan, finishing three years on the council, were both recognized Dec. 10... More ... Land purchase a no-go after rejection of offer Council sought to buy 3 acres on Washington Road BY MICHAEL ACKER Staff Writer       SAYREVILLE - The owner of a 3- acre lot on Washington Road rejected the borough's $231,000 offer to purchase the property. And in turn, the Borough Council decided on Dec. 17 not to pursue the purchase any further. The council made the offer to Manalapan Enterprises LLC, of East Brunswick, whic... More ... Middlesex County buys Old Bridge land for $2M Repubs say Dems arranged deal to fill gap in budget BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       OLD BRIDGE- Middlesex County officials are one step closer to building a 180-bed extended-care facility on a portion of the Crossroads redevelopment tract. The Township Council voted recently to approve the sale of 14.8 acres to the county for $2 million. More ... Spotswood welcomes alumni back from war BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer       Three Iraq War veterans are home for the holidays. The Spotswood High School alumni paid a visit to theHistory Club at their alma mater after school Dec. 20 to share stories about their experiences at war. "It's just so good to be home," Army National Guard Lt. Mike Lacertosa said. More ... Girl, 5, helped save mom after collapse BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       EAST BRUNSWICK - The actions of a quick-thinking 5-year-old girl led to her mother's rescue and the discovery of a dangerous underlying health problem. Sophia Sampsonwas able to help save her mother, Mercedeh, 35, a seemingly healthy mother of two and a teacher at East Brunswick High School, one... More ... Volunteers, donors brighten holiday for children in need       OLD BRIDGE - Township police held their 12th annual Cops for Kids holiday party Dec. 14 for children of local families in need. Though the organization sponsors other events, the invitation-only holiday party at the George Bush Senior Center is its most recognizable and consistent event. The gue... More ... Indoor paintball arena opens in Spotswood BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer       SPOTSWOOD - Paintball players no longer have to travel far away or even head into the woods. All Star Paintball Arena, which opened for business off Summerhill Road in November, is one of the state's few indoor facilities for the sport, whose popularity has been growing in recent years. More ... Off-duty officer arrests driver on DWI charge BY MICHAEL ACKER Staff Writer       An off-duty South River police officer arrested an alleged drunken driver who was driving his car in the wrong direction on a major highway. Police charged Dominik Mazurkiewicz, 26, of Wallington, Bergen County, with driving while intoxicated and use of force against law enforcement in the incide... More ... Golfers grin and 'bear' cold weather BY CHRIS MURINO Staff Writer       PLAINSBORO - About 40 people ignored the cold temperatures and rainy conditions to play golf for charity at The Meadows at Middlesex Golf Course in Plainsboro Dec. 14. Half of the proceeds from the Polar Bear Golf Challengewent to The First Tee ofMiddlesex and Somerset Counties, while the other ... More ...