The Coaster

By TOM SHORTELL
The Ocean Township Youth Baseballs Babe Ruth Summer Program kicked off Monday night with opening ceremonies followed by games for the leagues 14 teams.
Michael Vernick, league president, opened the ceremony by speaking about the programs growth and its goal of helping its players grow, too.

The league is entering its third season and has expanded from two divisions with 75 kids to four divisions with 189.
Our main goal is pretty simple, Vernick said to the teams watching from the outfield grass. At the end of the year, we want every kid to be able to say they improved their baseball skills and had fun doing so.

Coaster Photo:
Caroline OToole is pictured with Krysta Folker of Belmar at OTooles Irish Pub in the Arcade at Convention Hall in Asbury Park. Besides having pub named after her, OToole is also the manager of the Stone Pony.

What are you doing to celebrate the 4th of July?
Tom & Sonja OBrien, Asbury Park

Were having the quintessential Jersey Shore experience barbecuing with friends, hanging at the Asbury beach and enjoying the fireworks.
The fireworks are great.
We would like to give gratitude to those who made independence possible.

Neptune Holds Rabies Clinic Coaster Photo: At a recent rabies clinic in Neptune Robert Beatty of Neptune and his dog Super X were being helped by township employees Chris Bedrosian, Joyce Wilder and Dawn Crozier.

By RICHARD VIRGILIO
As you enjoy our great area businesses with your family and friends this summer, heres Chapter 2 (the first, published last Fall, see TheCoaster.net) in the story of how some businesses got their names.

Lailas Latin Infused Cuisine
I was working for a big corporation when I learned my daughter was pregnant, sated Wanda Lamboy, co-owner with her partner Diane Contreras. At that time, I wanted two things: to be able to have lots of time with my grand daughter and own a restaurant. I quit my job and in May, 2007 we bought the restaurant and my granddaughter Laila, was born. We named the restaurant after my beautiful grand daughter who was the inspiration for me to follow my dream and leave the corporate world.

By JOANNE L. PAPAIANNI
One of the companies contracted to build the new Midtown Community School in Neptune is being sued by the state in connection with the widespread development of mold in the building.
The lawsuit asks for compensatory damages, pre and post judgement interests, attorney fees, court costs and any and all other relief the court deems appropriate.
The schools exterior walls had to be demolished and replaced due to mold.

Coaster Photos: Asbury Park High School graduates this week included (above) Erica Smith and Naywa Grayson. At left are Steve Raymond, Benjamin Napoleon and Eusebio Cordero.

By JOANNE L. PAPAIANNI

The Bradley Beach Police Department recently purchased a new K-9 police cruiser thanks to the generosity of one of the newest businesses in town.
The Dunkin Donuts on Main Street donated $10,000 to the police department for the new patrol car, which includes a kennel for Max, the departments police dog, and lettering on the side of the car reading Police Dog, Keep Away.
Police Officer William Major is Maxs handler and said his patrol car had to be towed away Saturday night after the rear suspension broke.