The Nutcracker      DANIEL HULSHIZER staff Clara (CeCe Resto) dances by with the nutcracker she has received as a gift during a dress rehearsal Nov. 29 for the Performing Arts Ensemble's recent production of "The Nutcracker" at the Two River Theater in Red Bank. For more photos, see page 3. More ... Fernandes holds on to mayor's seat in recount Both candidates gain two votes; challenger keeps three-vote lead BY MELISSA KARSH Staff Writer       After a recount Dec. 4, the Sea Bright mayoral election night results were upheld, leaving longtime Democratic Councilwoman Maria Fernandes victorious over incumbent Mayor Jo-Ann Kalaka- Adams by three votes. More ... Vigil Friday in wake of shootings Menna calls for heightened security, community policing BY MELISSA KARSH Staff Writer       I n response to the recent violence on the Red Bank west side that left two men in critical condition, community members will come together Friday in a show of solidarity. The Rev. Terrence K. More ... Council joins effort to change law on Earle kids Boro wants Senate bill passed to reflect contract with Navy BY MELISSA KARSH Staff Writer       TINTON FALLS - The Borough Council has stepped up to join the Board of Education's campaign to save residents from paying more in taxes each year to educate children who do not reside in the borough. More ... Council drafts revised cell tower ordinance New rules would bar towers in residential areas, require buffers BY MELISSA KARSH Staff Writer       TINTON FALLS - After months of controversy surrounding the proposed placement of a cell tower on the property of a borough school, a new facet to the cell tower saga seemed to go unnoticed by residents at the Nov. 27 Borough Council meeting. More ... Council drafting recyclable bag regs BY MELISSA KARSH Staff Writer       RED BANK - The borough may join the ranks of other environmentally friendly cities like San Francisco by 2009 if the Borough Council approves a recyclable bag ordinance. Mayor Pasquale Menna removed the ordinance from the Nov. More ... Ansorge attorney wants to review videotape BY MELISSA KARSH Staff Writer       RED BANK - A Red Bank publisher's drunken-driving case edged forward Nov. 29 as she and her lawyer appeared in municipal court for a pretrial conference. "We're still waiting for the state to produce a videotape as well as some documents," said attorney Peter O' Mara Thursday. More ... Fort Monmouth given extension on reuse plan BY LINDA DeNICOLA Correspondent       Afederally mandated deadline for completion of a Fort Monmouth reuse plan has been extended just in the nick of time. More ... Gift supports pediatric brain cancer research       OCEANPORT - On what would have been their daughter Kortney's 11th birthday, Rich and Kristen Gillette gave a gift of $75,000 to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Nov. 27. More ...      ERIC SUCAR staff Johanna Lopez, 2, of Red Bank waves goodbye to Santa Claus at the end of the West Side Community Group's annual tree-lighting ceremony held at West Side Pocket Park in Red Bank Dec. 1. More ... Fire co. Christmas tree sale promotes fire safety       TINTON FALLS - Celebrating their 10th year of selling Christmas trees, wreaths, pine rope and grave blankets, Tinton Falls Fire Co. No. 1 is looking forward to another strong fundraising season. More ... Lunch Break holiday drive helps families in need       RED BANK - Lunch Break, a nonprofit that provides hot meals and other assistance to low-income families and individuals, is once again sponsoring its annual Adopt-a- Family program. Designed to benefit the less fortunate in the community during the holidays, the program has provided gifts and gr... More ... In the Service       Air Force Airman Cameron A. Ashe has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. A 2007 graduate of Monmouth Regional High School, Tinton Falls, she is the daughter of Charlotte Hardy of Colts Neck. More ...      Get in the holiday swing at Middletown Main Library where children, families and adults will be treated to joyous music and song at two special holiday concerts. On Sunday at 3 p.m. the 40-member Chorus of the Atlantic will sing traditional holiday songs in classic barbershop close harmony. Free tic... More ... Tidings of comfort and cheer       Now in its 15th season, Holiday Express is a traveling Christmas party, a from-the-heart troupe of musicians bringing music, friendship, help and hope to those often left out in the cold at this most special time of the year. More ... Photos      PHOTOS BY ERIC SUCAR staff Top: Santa Claus greets visitors at the West Side Community Group annual tree lighting held at West Side Pocket Park in Red Bank. Bottom: Zackary Forest, 9, recites his wish to Santa Claus during the tree lighting ceremony, which included caroling, hot chocolate and cookie... More ... Area youths appear in Dickens play in Red Bank       Eight local children will make their professional theatrical debuts this holiday season when they take the stage in Red Bank during the Two River Theater Company's world premiere production of Charles Dickens' "The Ghost's Bargain." Originally planned as a sixactor play, this story will now be tol... More ...