Perth Amboy is in its very first steps of creating a proposal to fix up Rudyk Park.

PERTH AMBOY -- Richard Alomar has a vision for Rudyk Park: Flee markets, barbecues, exercise stations. 

The 54-year-old Rutgers assistant professor in landscape architecture has been working on-and-off for three months with two others in the hopes of not only making the municipality's northeast side park bigger, but also making it more accessible. 

"This would be a great way to expand the park," Alomar said, pointing to diagrams of the proposed expansion of the area, which currently consists of a playground, a baseball and soccer field and basketball courts. 

For the second time Tuesday afternoon, city officials invited people to the Harbortown Club House to get their feedback on the proposed changes. 

An hour into the meeting, about 10 of the city's roughly 50,000 residents showed up to contribute their ideas. About 20 came out for the first meeting April 29, Alomar estimated. 

The city hopes to obtain two pieces of land just northeast of the park next to High Street. Residents could use the roughly 2.3 acres of open green space to walk, play frisbee and have barbecues and picnics, Alomar said. 

Designer behind NYC's High Line developing N.J. park expansion

Alomar is working on the project with Zenon Tech-Czarny, project manager at Rutgers Center for Urban Environmental Sustainability, and a junior undergraduate in the college's landscape architecture program who was not at the meeting.

Under their proposal, a more welcoming sign would be added so people know there is a park in the location near New Jersey Route 440's connection to Staten Island. Three to four exercise stations would be set up and there would be additional parking for about 75 vehicles.

The plans are fairly preliminary, said William Kurzenberger, program coordinator for the city's office of economic and community development. Denise Nickel, senior project manager for Middlesex County Improvement Authority, said it's too early to say how much the renovations would cost. 

In a statement emailed after the meeting, Mayor Wilda Diaz said she wants to ensure the city invests in its resident's health "by improving and expanding our recreational opportunities seasonally."

"Green space is highly valued in urban areas and essential to the quality of life for our families," she said.

Tim Ibe, recreation leader at the city's recreation department, said he hopes the space is also used for concerts, considering the city has "very limited live entertainment."

"If this is what they went with, I would definitely go to the park more," Ibe said, looking at the designs at the meeting. 

You can learn more about the project here. 

Luke Nozicka may be reached at lnozicka@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @lukenozicka. Find NJ.com on Facebook and Twitter.

Check out these yearbook photos of the biggest names and most influential figures to graduate from high school in New Jersey.

Every high school has its musicians, class clowns and drama club superstars.

But they don't all turn out to be celebrities like Bruce Springsteen, Jon Stewart and Susan Sarandon. 

From filmmakers and fashion designers to actors and athletes, New Jersey's high school graduates include a wealth of household names.

As thousands of high school seniors earn their diplomas and toss their caps this month, browse the gallery above to go see what some of New Jersey's biggest celebrities looked before they graduated from high school.  

The list includes a sampling of famous New Jersey graduates from different professions who are either still working or remain in the public sphere, but is far from all inclusive.

There are Academy Award winners, sports champions, an astronaut, a Supreme Court justice and even a certain governor who recently ran for president. 

And don't worry, Jon Bon Jovi, we didn't forget about the marching band.

 Adam Clark may be reached at adam_clark@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on twitter at @realAdamClark. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

NJ.com's 2016 boys lacrosse season in review.

NJ.com's 2016 boys lacrosse season in review.

Two brothers who arranged to "re-tag" stolen luxury cars and ship them overseas were sentenced to long prison terms Wednesday.

CAMDEN--The high-end cars--a Porsche Panamera stolen from Colts Neck, and two Mercedes-Benz S550s stolen weeks earlier in New York--had been packed tightly into a shipping container at a parking lot in Englewood.

The Porsche was sent in first, suspended inside the container so that the other two cars could fit underneath. Two of the vehicles carried altered identification numbers and fake Georgia titles. The third was listed on shipping documents as "personal effects." A few days later, the container was hoisted aboard a ship, bound for Hong Kong.

On Tuesday, two New Jersey brothers convicted of setting up the shipment were sentenced to long prison terms for their roles in a widespread scheme to send stolen luxury cars to customers overseas.

Andrew Clarke, 43 of Irvington, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler in Camden federal court to 25 years in prison. His brother Llewellyn, 42 of North Plainfield, received a 16-year sentence.

Both were convicted last year on four counts charging each with one count of conspiracy to transport stolen motor vehicles and transportation of stolen motor vehicles.

Why are more stolen cars disappearing overseas?

According to federal prosecutors, the brothers purchased high-end stolen cars from thieves operating in northern New Jersey and New York, recruiting others to "re-tag" the cars with fake vehicle identification numbers in an effort to mask the fact that they were hot. Forged title documents from Georgia and Arizona were also created to allow the vehicles to be shipped.

Authorities said when Llewellyn Clark's apartment was searched, they found additional fraudulent titles purportedly issued by the state of Georgia, one of which was blank and ready to be filled out.

Stolen cars valued at nearly $1 million were shipped from New Jersey to Hong Kong, while other vehicles were sent to Georgia, Maryland and elsewhere, where they were then re-sold, some to unsuspecting buyers, said U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman.

The ring was ultimately cracked by a federal task force led by Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations, officials said.

 

Ted Sherman may be reached at tsherman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TedShermanSL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

The nearly 400 students in the Class of 2016 walked out to a packed house at the Monmouth University MAC.

WEST LONG BRANCH -- The nearly 400 Middletown High School South graduates were urged on Wednesday to keep an open mind as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.

Donning dark blue caps and gowns, the graduates walked out to a packed Monmouth University MAC to the tune of "Pomp and Circumstance." Many of the graduates waved to their friends and family in attendance and showed off the unique designs on top of their caps. 

Co-Valedictorian Cailin Bini said she vowed to say "yes" to anything that scared her during high school. She encouraged her fellow peers to do the same in their future.

"Sometimes you need to push your boundaries back a little bit," Bini said. "I found that the very act in doing what you're afraid of eliminates the fear itself."

She said saying "yes" to everything not only maximized her high school experience, but it made her everyday life "more stimulating."

"The fastest roller coaster ride in the world - otherwise known as high school - was packed with many more twists and turns because of three simple letters: Y, E and S," Bini said.

Bini's co-Valedictorian, Sarah Maggipinto, said the personal challenges her fellow students faced in high school helped shaped who they are today. And there will be more challenges in the future, she said.

"It's how we will react to these setbacks in life that will determine our character," Maggipinto said.

She said school has been more than just receiving an education; it has been about persevering through the most difficult times.

"That is what the diplomas we receive today stand for," she said. "They do not just mean we accomplished a certain number of classes, or received certain grades. Our diplomas mean we have triumphed in the face of virtual adversity in all aspects of our lives." 

Alex Napoliello may be reached at anapoliello@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @alexnapoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Middletown High School North held its 2016 graduation ceremony Wednesday at the Monmouth University MAC.

WEST LONG BRANCH -- Just hours after their cross-town rivals sat in the same seats, nearly 400 Middletown High School North seniors earned their high school diplomas at the school's commencement ceremony at the Monmouth University MAC.

Principal Patricia Vari-Cartier reminded the Class of 2016 that the most important way to build strong relationships, even in the digital age, is through face-to-face communication.

"Nothing is more important to our overall well-being than up-close personal relationships with other people," Vari-Cartier said. "Keep in mind that a handshake, a hug or a face-to-face smile speaks volumes and will not cost you any of your data or minutes. ... Your device is just an interface, not a personal interaction."

In his Salutatorian's Presentation, Zachary Warde said high school was a time for many students to discover what talents they had, or what subjects they excelled in.

"As we travel down these paths we learned on our own, we came to realized that not all of our classmates would venture on the same roads or even in the same direction," Warde said. "We became more human as we came to recognize and respect the fact that no one person could traverse every path and that someone on a different path didn't make them any less or any greater than another person."

Valedictorian Joseph Breen urged his fellow classmates to face fear head-on and always persevere.

"Our high school journey ends today as our life journey continues," Breen said. "We're still going to have to work hard to succeed, we will always have obstacles in our lives. These are not problems, but important realities of life. High school has taught us how to deal with the challenges."

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Alex Napoliello may be reached at anapoliello@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @alexnapoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Manasquan High School graduated nearly 250 students on Wednesday night.

MANASQUAN - Mother Nature threw Manasquan High School a curveball last year when the school held its first graduation ceremony in more than 60 years outdoors.

This year, she offered up sunny skies and warm temperatures for the nearly 250 students who graduated from the high school on Wednesday evening.

Principal Rick Coppola said those students stood out from other classes during his nine years at Manasquan High School.

"There has never been a class that has embodied leadership and the spirit of our high school more than you," he said. "I wish you well in your future endeavors and I know that no matter where you go or what you do, you'll always be warriors."

Valedictorian Julia Hohenstein told her fellow classmates not to let the overall significance of their graduation get lost in all of the day's pomp, circumstance and cap decorations.

"Today is about more than glitter and glue and formalities. It is about us," she said. "Because what we have accomplished in the last four years, who we have become in the last four years, deserves to be celebrated."

However, Hohenstein told the graduates that she could not guarantee them that they would all enjoy wide-spread success after graduation, all remain friends in 20 years or that everything in their lives would go according to plan.

"The reality is, things rarely turn out as they are supposed to. After all, Steve Harvey was supposed to announce the right winner of the Miss. Universe pageant. And Miley Cyrus was supposed to marry Liam Hemsworth and live happily ever after in her innocent glory. No one saw the 'Wrecking Ball' coming. No one ever does," she said. "I cannot tell you what will happen and there is no point in telling you what is supposed to happen. ... That's the beauty of it all - the endless uncertainty, the infinite maybes. Sure it can be scary, but only if you let it. Potential is beautiful, and we are all brimming with it."

Superintendent Frank Kasyan told the graduates of the struggles that Abraham Lincoln endured during his journey from having a business fail in 1831 and then being defeated in his bid for state legislature in 1832 to being elected as the 16^th President of the United States in 1860.

"Passion and the persistence were the keys to achieving his dream," Kasyan said. "We all have within our reach the potential to do great things. The difference between the possible and the impossible is sometimes merely perception and attitude."

Board of Education President Tom Pellegrino told the students that while they may think they already know everything they need to know about life, that there is no education like experience.

"Tonight you are big fish in a little pond and we're here to celebrate your right of passage. As the ceremony suggests, however, tomorrow morning you will commence with the rest of your life. And believe me, the easy part is now over," said Pellegrino, who then shared some life lessons learned from legendary Manasquan football coach Victor Kubu, for whom the football field that the graduation ceremony was held on was named.

"He told us that there were no secrets to success and there are no guarantees in life, if wanted to be successful you had to work harder than the other guy. Showing up wasn't good enough," Pellegrino said. "You get better or you get worse, he'd say, you never stay the same. Every day is an opportunity to make yourself better... all it takes is a little effort. But the time we have to reach our goals and to achieve success is limited, and sometimes we have even less than we think. The clock is ticking."

Rob Spahr may be reached at rspahr@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TheRobSpahr. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

I confess that I have characterized kids growing up in the age of the smart phone as less creative than their parents; I was wrong.

Please straighten me out.

I was either completely out of the loop as a child, or "duck, duck goose" was just not a game played in South Jersey.

Recently, I watched children play "duck, duck goose" in an airport and I had to ask someone the object and rules of the game. The adult who kindly answered my questions clearly had played before.

I understood the "goose" part, but wasn't really sure about the need for "duck, duck." I was sure, however, that I never played this particular game as a child.

Oh for Pete's sake, I forgot the rules to this game too.Courtesy of shorpy.com 

The point is, though, it was nice to see these children playing a game that apparently was passed from one generation to another.

MORE: Vintage photos around New Jersey

I confess that I have characterized kids growing up in the age of the smart phone as less creative than their parents. Well, I was wrong. Now that it's summertime, I'm noticing kids outside playing the way we did in the '60s and '70s.

They are busy on the beach building sandcastles and jumping in the surf; they ride bikes, boards and scooters and play baseball, volleyball, four square and hopscotch.

Sometimes the names change. My son speaks of a game called "volley cheese" -- volleyball where the ball can bounce once before going back over the net. I told him we played the exact same game as kids, but his generation gets brownie points for creative naming; we called it (I'm so embarrassed) "one bounce."

So, I apologize en masse to all of today's youth for having employed the tired cliche of modern children doing nothing but texting and playing video games.

It's summertime - time for children and adults to have fun outdoors; here's a gallery of vintage photos from around New Jersey of folks doing just that. Make sure captions are enabled to see all the information for each photo.

Greg Hatala may be reached at ghatala@starledger.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find The Star-Ledger on Facebook.

Nearly 300 residents packed into the Middletown Public Library to express concern about potential towers.

MIDDLETOWN -- The Middletown Public Library meeting room is only supposed to hold 150 people. On Wednesday night, it fit approximately 300.

Monmouth County residents crowded inside the packed room to express concern about high-voltage power lines that Jersey Central Power & Light has proposed to run through Aberdeen, Matawan, Hazlet, Holmdel, Middleton and Red Bank.

The lines would range from 140 feet to 210 feet, with one tower every 500 feet, overlooking NJ Transit, baseball fields and elementary schools.

Committee members for Residents Against Giant Electric, or RAGE, spoke to the crowd about the potential dangers of the new lines.

The committee has only existed for three weeks, but it's garnered nearly 15 leaders, and hundreds of supporters who donned pins and buttons at Wednesday night's event to show support.

Supporters expressed concern about the lines, which they said could cause harm to young kids or older residents. There hasn't been any evidence to support that claim.

"But think about smoking in the 1970s," said Sal Aquino, od Middletown. "They said it wouldn't cause cancer."

Holmdel resident Richard Scotto-Lavino also came out to support the cause Wednesday night.

"I'm a guy who believes in doing the right thing and fighting the right fight, and this just isn't right," he said.

Check out who is first, second- and third-team all-state

Check out who is first, second- and third-team all-state

Who was honored in NJ.com's season in review?

Who was honored in NJ.com's season in review?

Looking to try a new place to eat? Or hit a retail store you've never been before? Here's a list of newcomers to the state's beach communities.

Part of the allure of summers at the Jersey Shore is the consistency: year after year families return to the same neighborhoods where they eat at the same restaurants, shop at the same stores and sunbathe at the same beaches.

But, like the coastline itself, the business community along the Jersey Shore is not static. 

5 things to expect at the Jersey Shore this summer

This summer marks the first season in business for dozens of restaurants, retail shops, hotels and ice cream stores from the Bayshore to Cape May. There's also new events making their debut this summer in several oceanfront towns.

Find out what's new this summer at your favorite Jersey Shore community.

CAPE MAY COUNTY | ATLANTIC COUNTY | OCEAN COUNTY | MONMOUTH COUNTY

CAPE MAY COUNTY

AVALON | CAPE MAY |  OCEAN CITY | SEA ISLE CITY | THE WILDWOODS

CAPE MAY

Peanut & Choobie: Dress up your little one at this new children's boutique near the Washington Street Mall.

Find it at 107 Liberty Way.

Happy Helpers Hostel: A new lodging option is now available for overnight stays in Cape May. 

Find it at 524 Washington Street or call (609) 770-3516.

RSK Doughnuts: Stock up on baked goods, including donuts, cinnamon buns, muffins and more.

Find it at 505 Carpenter Lane. 

A photo posted by Heather Donahue (@heatheraee) on May 14, 2016 at 8:51am PDT

Shamone:  The owners of George's Place offer up a new tapas place in Cape May this summer.

Find it at 421 Washington Street or call (609) 600-1846.

Sea Star Boutique: Established in the The West End Garage since 2008, the boutique opened a second location in Cape May this summer.

Find it at 108 Jackson Street or call (631) 484-9089.

The Boutiques at 221 Jackson: A "collection of artistic and unique shops" all in one location.

Find it at 221 Jackson Street or call (609) 884-1563.

Cape May Sweet House: This new roasted nut and candy business takes over the spot long occupied by Morrow's Nut House.

Find it at 321 Washington Street.

A photo posted by Cape May Sweet House (@sweethousecapemay) on Jun 10, 2016 at 9:27am PDT

South of Jackson: This retail shop that is new to the Washington Street Mall says "you'll find a little something for everyone."

Find it at 315 Washington Street or call (609) 854-4915.

La Dona Restaurante Mexicano: Try authentic Oaxacan cuisine at this new dining establishment.

Find it at 31 Perry Street or call (609) 884-5503.

Aloha Smoothie Company: Grab a smoothie, Acai bowls or fresh pressed juice at the new Cape May location.

Find it on Gurney Street or call (609) 600-2721.

AVALON

Seven Mile Sweets: Head inside the pink door to stock up on sweets at this new candy shop.

Find it at 205 26th Street or call (215) 771-3081.

Global Pursuit: The retail store that offers "everything you need for a casual seaside lifestyle" unveiled an Avalon location this summer. 

Find it at 260 21st Street.

Water Lily Boutique: Find women's apparel, accessories and home goods at this new boutique in Avalon.

Find it at 2513 Dune Drive or call (609) 368-5459.

The Spot: Stock up on surfing gear and men's, women's and children's clothing at Avalon's new surf boutique. 

Find it at 2538 Dune Drive or call (609) 961-3849. 

A photo posted by The Spot (@thespot_avalon) on May 20, 2016 at 1:28pm PDT

Duck Donuts: The national chain is opening its second New Jersey location in Avalon this summer. 

Find it at 3246 Dune Drive or call (609) 830-3202.

Icona Golden Inn: The longtime Avalon hotel got a major $15 million upgrade this year that included the addition of a wedding venue, pool and two new restaurants.

Find it at 7849 Dune Drive or call (609) 368-5155.

SEA ISLE CITY

Doc Magrogan's Oyster House: A seafood restaurant that also has locations in Philadelphia and Dover, Del., opened its doors this summer in the the Townsend's Inlet section of town. 

Find it at 8600 Landis Avenue or call (609) 478-6082.

Breezin' Up: A retail company with stores in beach resorts along the East Coast added a Sea Isle City location this year.

Find it at 4204 Landis Ave or call (609) 263-1748.

Anchored in Sea Isle City: A shop featuring clothing fit for the beach and nautical-themed gear adds to the city's list of retail options.

Find it at 4000 Pleasure Avenue or call (609) 225-3143.

A photo posted by Anchored In Sea Isle City (@anchoredinseaislecity) on Jun 7, 2016 at 6:36pm PDT

ShoreCade: Play Skeeball and plenty of other games at the city's newest boardwalk arcade. 

Find it at 3500 Boardwalk, Units 23 and 24.

Sundaze Ice Cream: Cool off on hot summer days at this new ice cream shop.

Find it at 3708 Landis Avenue or call (609) 263-0742.

Family Fun Nights: The city debuts a new, free weekly event on Fridays this summer with rotating themes including "Bingo Trivia Night" and "Country Line Dancing."

Held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on every Friday from June 24 to August 26 at Excursion Park. 

THE WILDWOODS

Backfin Blues Bar & Grill: Check out this new seafood restaurant, which features two bars, three dining areas and a "view from every table."

Find it at 517 W. Rio Grande Avenue in Wildwood or call (609) 522-0243.

The Wild Fox Cafe: This new cafe offers "coffees, juices, pastries, sandwiches and good vibes." 

Find it at 620 New Jersey Avenue in North Wildwood or call (609) 600-3613.

Fresh on Fifth: This new dining establishment is aiming to bring patrons healthy, tasty and fresh food.

Find it at 100 E 5th Avenue in North Wildwood or call (609) 305-5316.

Boardwalk Bucks Discount Ticket Store: A new addition to the boardwalk offers last minute deals and discounts at businesses throughout the Wildwoods.

Find it at 2304 Boardwalk or call (609) 849-8228.

OCEAN CITY

Atilis Gym: The newly-opened fitness center offers beachgoers a new place to stay in shape while visiting the Jersey Shore. 

Find it at 1214 West Avenue or call (609) 729-2050.

Cone Appetit: Meatball parmesan or chocolate and berries are among the options you can get served up in a baked bread cone at this new boardwalk establishment.

Find it at 1136 Boardwalk or call (609) 938-1417.

A photo posted by Cone Appetit (@cone_appetit) on Jun 4, 2016 at 4:25pm PDT

Shades of Ocean City: Find a new pair of sunglasses at this new addition to the Ocean City boardwalk.

Find it at 838 Boardwalk.

Aloha Soft Serve: This new ice cream shop serves up sundaes, water ice, milkshakes and dairy free DOLE Whip.

Find it at 1320 Boardwalk or call (855) 652-5642.

Starfish Cafe: Grab a coffee, smoothie, sandwich or salad at this new dining establishment.

Find it at 822 East 9th Street or call (609) 432-2686.

The Heart Casa: Find a selection of crystals, pendulums, Eastern & Western spirituality books and more at this newly-opened business.

Find it at 941 Asbury Avenue or call (609) 390-0003.

Hearth & Sole: Buy footwear, fashion and furnishings at this new retail shop.

Find it at 636 Asbury Avenue or call (609) 545-8562.

Encounters: This mirror and laser maze is a new attraction on the Ocean City boardwalk.

Find it at 8th Street and Boardwalk.

Drip N Scoop: Get your caffeine fix in the morning then head back in the evening for a sweet treat at this coffee and ice cream shop.

Find it at 960 Asbury Avenue or call (609) 938-6758.

Sandwich Bar: The Ocean City sandwich joint added a second location this summer. 

Find it at 955 Asbury Avenue or call (609) 938-4817.

Peace of Wood: "Art. Boards. Good Vibes." That's what this new shop plans to offer to Ocean City.

Find it at 1112 Asbury Avenue or call (609) 938-9068.

A photo posted by Peace Of Wood (@peaceofwoodocnj) on Apr 15, 2016 at 12:17pm PDT

Marco Polo: Enjoy "a taste of Venice" in Ocean City at this new restaurant from Italian-born chef Franco Raimondo.

Find it at 1151 Asbury Avenue or call (609) 399-1168.

Cafe Trattoria La Borgata: This new dining establishment says it combines the "freshest ingredients with the utmost passion for fine Italian dining."

Find it at 755 Asbury Avenue or call (609) 399-3399.

Livanna's Coffee House: At this new business serving up a variety of K-cup options, "You Select. You Brew. You Enjoy."

Find it at 1348 Asbury Avenue or call (610) 308-6542.

ATLANTIC COUNTY

ATLANTIC CITY | BRIGANTINE | MARGATE | VENTNOR 

MARGATE

Margate Burger and Food Truck: Grab a bite to eat from this newly-opened burger joint in a food truck shaped building.

Find it at 7903 Ventnor Avenue or call (609) 350-6525.

A photo posted by Margate Burger and Food Truck (@margateburger) on May 28, 2016 at 12:45pm PDT

VENTNOR

Summer Beach Concert Series: Every Wednesday this summer enjoy free live music on the beach from a diverse group of entertainers.

Find it at Newport beach or call (609) 365-9350.

Design Nation: Stop by this new business for custom-designed t-shirts or to fulfill any graphic design needs.

Find it at 5209 Atlantic Avenue or call (609) 350-6879.

ATLANTIC CITY

Borgata Outdoor Pool: The Atlantic City casino debuts a new outdoor pool and a new beer garden this summer.

Find it at 1 Borgata Way or call (609) 317-1000.

WAV Nightclub: The venue inside The Playground opened its doors in April with a packed crowd. 

Find it at 1 Atlantic Ocean or call (609) 225-9593.

A photo posted by WAV (@wavnightclub) on Jun 13, 2016 at 7:49pm PDT

BRIGANTINE

Sea Star: Check out this new beachwear, gift and surf shop.

Find it at 8th Street and Brigantine Boulevard.

Island Chicken Shack: Fill up on chicken, ribs or seafood at this new eatery.

Find it at Brigantine Towne Center or call (609) 266-2901.

OCEAN COUNTY

BARNEGAT LIGHT | LAVALLETTE | POINT PLEASANT | SEASIDE HEIGHTS | SHIP BOTTOM | 

SHIP BOTTOM

The Local Market and Kitchen: Sip on a cold brew coffee or grab a specialty sandwich from this new establishment on Long Beach Island.

Find it at 604 Central Avenue or call (609) 342-0061.

BARNEGAT LIGHT

Daymark: Dine on fresh seafood and sip on a cocktail at this new restaurant near the lighthouse.

Find it at 404 Broadway or call (609) 494-2100.

A photo posted by Daymark (@daymarklbi) on Jun 6, 2016 at 8:19pm PDT

SEASIDE HEIGHTS

The Shore Thing Pub: Catch live music and grab a bite to eat at this new business inside The Bamboo Bar.

Find it at 201 Boulevard or call (732) 830-3660.

LAVALLETTE

Lava Golf: Test our your putting skills at a new mini-golf course featuring obstacles like the Lavallette water tower and a sandcastle.

Find it at 602 Grand Central Avenue or call (732) 250-4944.

Patti's Kitchen: This new eatery is serving up breakfast and lunch seven days a week.

Find it at 3626 Route 35 or call (732) 250-1399.

POINT PLEASANT

Half Moon Point: This new restaurant from the people behind Harpoon Willy's is expected to open later this summer

Find it at 2154 Bridge Avenue.

MONMOUTH COUNTY

ASBURY PARK | BELMAR | LONG BRANCH | SEA BRIGHT | UNION BEACH 

BELMAR

Waves on Main: Dine on steaks, seafood, pasta, soups and more at this new "costal cuisine" restaurant that opened in October 2015.

Find it at 1000 Main Street or call (732) 681-7680.

ASBURY PARK

The Asbury Hotel: The first new hotel to open in the seaside resort in half a century features 110 rooms, an outdoor swimming pool and a rooftop garden.

Find it at 210 5th Avenue or call (732) 774-7100. 

A photo posted by The Asbury Hotel (@theasburyhotel) on Apr 28, 2016 at 9:35am PDT

LONG BRANCH

The boardwalk: The last of the state's Hurricane Sandy-damaged promenades reopened this spring. 

SEA BRIGHT

McLoone's Rum Runner: The popular waterfront restaurant opened its doors this summer, nearly four years after it was destroyed in Hurricane Sandy.

Find it at 816 Ocean Avenue or call (732) 842-2894.

UNION BEACH

JakeaBob's Bay: A tiny borough devastated by Hurricane Sandy welcomes back a waterfront institution this summer. 

Find it at 525 Front Street or call (732) 264-3730.

Erin O'Neill may be reached at eoneill@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @LedgerErin. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

The Joint Base Fire Department and New Jersey Forest Fire Service worked all night to bring the forest fire to 80 percent controlled

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST -- The forest fire that began Wednesday afternoon at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in Burlington County has spread to 220 acres and is 80 percent contained as of Thursday morning, base officials said.

Senior Airman Lauren Pitts said members of the Joint Base Fire Department and New Jersey Forest Fire Services worked all night to contain the blaze, which may have been sparked by training exercises.

Three residences in Pemberton Township were under mandatory evacuation on Wednesday night as firefighters worked to control the flames. Other homes were evacuated voluntarily as a precaution, she said.

Pitts said there are no additional planned evacuations at this time.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, Pitts said. 

Thomas Regan may be reached at tregan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Thomas_P_Regan. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Police believe the worker was on a scaffold that struck a high-voltage power line.

LONG BRANCH -- A construction worker fell 25 feet from a scaffold Wednesday morning after he was shocked by a power line, police said.

The victim, a 23-year-old Keansburg resident, was working on a building in the area of Ocean Boulevard and Ocean Terrace when the scaffold hit a high-voltage power line, Long Branch police said in a news release.

Police received multiple 911 calls around 9:15 a.m. from other workers on the construction site.

David Russek, a local resident who is a trained EMT and member of the Long Branch Fire Department, happened to be in the area and assisted the victim at the construction site.

The worker was conscious but had sustained serious injuries as a result of the fall, police said.

He was flown to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, and then transferred to the Burn Center at Saint Barnabas in Livingston.

Police did not know the victim's condition Wednesday evening. 

Alex Napoliello may be reached at anapoliello@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @alexnapoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

The raging Wall four-piece rocked wildly for a small crowd at the Meat Locker Wednesday

If you're one for irony, here's a goodie -- a band called Halogens unscrewed the lone lightbulb illuminating its stage and thrashed in the dark.

The New Jersey pop-punk outfit was brightened only by fans' cell phone flashlights -- 100 or so in the sweltering basement of Montclair's Meat Locker -- as it launched into an explosive cover of Modern Baseball's "Your Graduation."

A wild sing-along, mosh pit and stage diving ensued -- part and parcel for one of the local scene's more volatile acts.

The four-piece from Wall kept fans in a frenzy all night Wednesday with high-octane hooks driving their brutally honest lyrics -- the kind of stuff you can happily scream along to, but a closer listen leaves a knot in your stomach.

Since its 2011 inception, Halogens has built a strong local following through raucous basements and backyard shows. In January, the band joined the roster at Mayflower Collective, a DIY label based in Eatontown.

The small crowd packed the underground venue (literally and figuratively) known for its blankets of graffiti and band stickers. On a tiny stage at the far end of the building, Halogens started its set with the fervently fun "Run Around" from its self-titled EP released in January. Each of the band's choruses seem to coast not only on a trilling, intense guitar riff, but on an overtly emotive aesthetic.

From his denouncement of the existence of God to worries that his mother won't ever be proud of him, Zach Henry sings -- and screams -- with a palpable sense of anguish.

"Was I everything you needed in an idol?" he asked on "Olive Garden, Pt. 2." "Was I the best big brother that I could've been?" He soon lost himself in the band's raging finale.

Charlie Throckmorton on guitar, Tim Wuestneck on bass and George Saives on drums round out the Halogens lineup.

The group's Facebook page lists Blink-182, Brand New and Jersey indie rockers The Front Bottoms as inspirations; the band even displays the the same fun guitar chug as the Jersey rockers in "Ayudame!" A few fans commandeered the microphone for the song's final verse.

Wednesday's show was the halfway mark of Halogens' month-long tour with Jersey-based punks Corrina, Corrina. The band will travel the East Coast and on July 23, Halogens will play perhaps its biggest show yet when it opens for English rock band Moose Blood at GameChanger World in Howell.

Oh, and they never turned the light back on.

Sydney Shaw may be reached at sshaw@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @ShawshankSyd. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Nearly 600 students received high school diplomas at the school's commencement ceremony on Thursday.

HOWELL -- Nearly 600 Howell High School seniors received diplomas Thursday at the 2016 commencement ceremony.

With the threat of thunderstorms looming over their heads, the students, donning dark blue and silver caps and gowns, walked onto the football field for one last time.

Principal Jeremy Braverman praised the graduates for their achievements on athletic fields and in the classroom. Calling the class "extremely driven," he said more than 200 students were recognized by the National Honor Society.

Braverman urged the graduates to maintain that same passion in their future endeavors.

"Work hard, keep your dreams alive, and never forget Howell High School," he said.

The Class of 2016 valedictorian, Matthew Ryan Davis, said his fellow classmates should have no shame in giving themselves praise for their achievements.

"We may not all win an Olympic gold medal, become big time movie stars or be the president of the United States ... but we each have our own talents," Davis said. "We each have our own dreams. But just don't let those dreams remain in your bed. Wake up, brush your teeth, eat a nice breakfast and then go and make those dreams happen."

In her Salutatory Address, Hannah Jessica Sandler urged her fellow graduates not to fall victim to what they think society wants them to do.

"It doesn't matter what you do, whether you're a poet, a doctor, a scientist, a lawyer or a dancer," Sandler said. "Your best you will be your creative you."

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Alex Napoliello may be reached at anapoliello@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @alexnapoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Nearly 350 students graduated from Colts Neck High School on Thursday evening.

COLTS NECK - Nearly 350 students walked onto the football field at Colts Neck High School dressed in green and white caps and gowns on Thursday evening. A short time later, they walked off that same field as high school graduates.

Salutatorian Neha Kushwaha called the graduation ceremony "bittersweet", because she said she knew it would be the last time that all of the classmates would be together.

"No matter how different our high school experiences might have been, Colts Neck High School has been a common ground and even a second home to us," Kushwaha said.  "Although I can't speak to what each of you will take away from your time here at Colts Neck, I do believe that we as a class have learned so much from one another. I'm sure that we can all agree that the Class of 2016 has shown us what it means to be a stronger person, what it takes to push forward through adversity, what it means to work your absolute hardest to achieve your goals, how to be a better student and how to be a better friend."

Valedictorian Erica Lee encouraged her fellow graduates to pay attention to more than just social media, reality television shows and the latest exploits of the extended Kardashian family.

"There's nothing wrong with pop culture, but keep things in perspective. Don't feed your intellectual souls only with bubblegum for the mind," she said. "We have an obligation to continue learning and improving ourselves. Our time at Colts Neck High School has prepared us to do just that, and we should expect that for ourselves. There is so much to understand before we actualize our potential as contributing global citizens."

Lee told her fellow graduates that when they left the high school for the last time as a group on Thursday night, it would be the beginning of the next step of their lives as young adults.

"It will be the beginning of our opportunity to live and learn more independently. And it will be the beginning of our obligation to more actively contribute to society," she said. "There's so much to do. So many problems to solve, so many walls to be built and so many walls to be torn down. How and why you choose to contribute is of course up to you. But I hope you choose for the right reasons, because as a generation we're easily distracted."

Rob Spahr may be reached at rspahr@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TheRobSpahr. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Plans for Monmouth Park Racetrack's new restaurant were in the works since 2012. Watch video

OCEANPORT - Plans for building a new restaurant at historic Monmouth Park Racetrack have been in the works since 2012, but destruction from Hurricane Sandy temporarily delayed the project.

Nearly two years later, in 2014, ground was broken on the planned mid- to high-end restaurant, as well as a planned 7,500-seat amphitheater that was also subsequently put on hold.

But now, after another two years and more delays, the highly anticipated restaurant is finally set to open. 

Monmouth Park officials announced Thursday that Blu Grotto - which will feature conservatory dining, multi-tiered outdoor seating and a large beer garden - is scheduled to open on Saturday, July 2.

"Blu Grotto continues our commitment to building an expansive entertainment destination at one of New Jersey's most recognizable landmarks, Monmouth Park," Dennis Drazin, advisor to the racetrack's operators Darby Development LLC, said in a release.  "This new restaurant offers a unique dining experience as it offers views of the iconic picnic area and the top of the homestretch."

Blue Grotto's menu will offer adaptations of regional Italian favorites, hand-made pastas, fresh seafood and prime steak, coupled with an eclectic wine list and artisanal cocktails.

Some of the featured menu offerings from Chef James Corona - an award-winning chef, who previously served as executive chef at Doris & Ed's in Highlands and Bocca Restaurant in New York City - are expected to include an Italian style T-bone steak, Jersey scallops and Skuna Bay salmon, as well as a long list of raw bar offerings, appetizers, salads, soups and an antipasto misto that can suit parties of all sizes.

"It's been a wonderful experience bringing this new restaurant and menu to fruition," Thomas Barone, who will oversee Blue Grotto's operations, said in a release.  "With an intimate bar, a completely unique beverage program, one of a kind dining room and spacious patios, Blu Grotto has something for everyone, while providing unparalleled ambience and spectacular food."

Similar to the racetrack's Bluegrass Mini Golf courses, which opened in 2013, the restaurant will have its own entrance from Port-au-Peck Avenue and will initially be open six days a week - Tuesday through Sunday - for dinner, with an eventual expansion into lunch.

Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 732-571-7900 or via Open Table.  The restaurant's website - www.BluGrottoNJ.com - is not yet operational, but is expected to launch in the coming weeks.

Rob Spahr may be reached at rspahr@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TheRobSpahr. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

We want your stories about love and romance by the sea.

Every summer people from throughout the region pack into the 127 miles of New Jersey coastline bordering the Atlantic Ocean, giving single men and women plenty of opportunity to spark up a relationship amid a naturally romantic setting.

Many have left the sand and the sea over the years with tales of love -- both brief and abiding. There are the summer flings that quickly fade away as September approaches and beachgoers return home for work and school.

But there are also stories of relationships that started along the Jersey Shore and lasted long after the summer crowds dispersed, including marriages spanning 70 years.

N.J.'s 10 most romantic spots: Islands, parks, and one Passion Puddle

Other couples can trace their first meeting to the Jersey Shore, even though they failed to connect with one another until decades later. 

As summer loving gets into full swing in New Jersey, we're asking readers to share their own tales of romance at the beach. Use the form below to submit your Jersey Shore love stories, some of which we will later share on NJ.com. 

Erin O'Neill may be reached at eoneill@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @LedgerErin. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

It is the second time this month the panel ruled in Horizon's favor in the multi-front court fight.

TRENTON -- Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey does not have to share a confidential report that explains how the insurance giant selected hospitals for the cheapest tier in its controversial OMNIA plans, an appeals court has ruled.

Seven hospitals suing Horizon for excluding them from OMNIA's "tier 1" category fought to obtain an unredacted copy of a consultant's report that guided the company's choices. Horizon relegated these and 24 other hospitals to "tier 2" status which require OMNIA policy holders to pay more in order to use them. 

Tier 2 hospitals were not given the option to join tier 1. They have claimed the designation will do irreparable harm to their bottom line and reputations.

A three-member appellate panel sided with Horizon, and on Thursday overturned rulings by trial court judges. The hospitals were entitled to portions of but not the the full "McKinsey" report, so named for the company that produced it, the ruling said.

"We conclude that the information sought by St. Peter's and Capital is not relevant to the issues of contract interpretation that dominate this litigation, and that, even if relevant, the hospitals' asserted need for this discovery is outweighed by Horizon's greater need to preserve the confidentiality of its proprietary business information," according to Appellate Judge Michael Haas, writing for the appellate panel.

The hospitals suing Horizon are Capital Health System in Trenton and Hopewell; Centrastate in Freehold; Holy Name in Teaneck; JFK Medical Center in Edison; Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth and Valley Hospital in Ridgewood. Saint Peter's University Hospital in New Brunswick filed a separate but similar claim; the appeals court merged the cases for the purposes of deciding which documents must be produced in the discovery process.

11 things about Horizon's nasty OMNIA battle

The court also said Thursday Horizon could keep confidential its financial agreements with tier 1 hospitals, including 22 deemed "OMNIA Alliance partners" which will recoup a windfall from cost savings. The court ruled the information was not relevant to the lawsuits.

It is the second time this month the panel ruled in Horizon's favor in the multi-front court fight. On June 7, the court upheld the Christie administration's decision to approve the OMNIA health plans, concluding the state's review was not rushed, but rather "exhaustive and deliberate."

"The Appellate Court's ruling is another in a long line of wins for the consumers of New Jersey," said Robert A. Marino, Horizon's chairman and CEO of Horizon. "Horizon's goal is, and will always be, to provide high quality, affordable health coverage to New Jerseyans who are demanding, and who deserve, nothing less."

The two lawsuits filed will proceed. The hospitals are suing Horizon for violating their contracts which require the insurance company to give them 60 days notice before the launch of a new line of plans.

Steven M. Goldman, attorney for the Tier 2 hospital coalition, said he would appeal.

"Instead of being transparent with this information, Horizon has used legal tactics to obstruct two separate court orders to disclose important information about OMNIA - information detailing how New Jersey's largest nonprofit insurance company worked in secret with the state's largest hospital systems to craft the flawed OMNIA network," Goldman said.

Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanKLivio. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.