Author: Claire Reed, Managing Editor

  • Pallone opposes proposed parking hike at Sandy Hook

    Pallone opposes proposed parking hike at Sandy Hook

    By STEVEN VIERA Staff Writer At an open house event held on Aug. 31 at the Sandy Hook Chapel, Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. (D-Monmouth, Middlesex) objected to a potential increase of parking and camping fees at Sandy Hook National Park. “I am opposed to the proposed fee increase, which would dramatically increase the fees from…

  • Beauty is more than just skin deep when body becomes ultimate canvas

    Beauty is more than just skin deep when body becomes ultimate canvas

    By JENNIFER AMATO Staff Writer A woman who had a mastectomy had such terrible scarring that she was unable to have reconstructive surgery afterward. She decided to instead get a tattoo of flowers, a butterfly and a ladybug to make herself less self-conscious about her initial surgery. “It gave her renewed vigor to be proud of…

  • School counselors go the distance for students

    By KATHY CHANG Staff Writer School counselors wear many hats — from being the go-to person for advice in determining the path beyond high school to the shoulder to cry on when tragedy strikes. “The role of counselors in the school district is very critical,” said Jim Lukach, executive director of the New Jersey School…

  • Staff set to welcome back pupils in Manalapan-Englishtown

    Staff set to welcome back pupils in Manalapan-Englishtown

    By Clare Marie Celano Correspondent The student population in the Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District will remain constant from 2015-16 at slightly more than 5,000 pupils during the 2016-17 school year. Students in the K-8 district returned to class on Sept. 6 Superintendent of Schools John J. Marciante Jr. said 2016-17 marks the third year of…

  • Metuchen woman indicted for murder

    Metuchen woman indicted for murder

    BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer METUCHEN — A Middlesex County grand jury has indicted a 44-year-old Metuchen woman for attempting to murder a man by poisoning him during an incident in May, according to Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey. The man, whose identity is being withheld, was hospitalized, but since has recovered. Theresa Freis was charged on Aug.…

  • Metuchen Library announces Spanish Book Club schedule

    Metuchen Library announces Spanish Book Club schedule

    The Metuchen Library announces the fall schedule for the Spanish Book Club. The book club meets on the first Wednesday of each month from 7-8:45 p.m. in the Metuchen Library. The first book discussion will take place on Sept. 7. Book discussion titles from October to December are as follows: * October: “La ciudad de…

  • ‘Spoontember’ initiative, gyms to help replenish supplies at county food bank

    ‘Spoontember’ initiative, gyms to help replenish supplies at county food bank

    In honor of Hunger Action Month, the Middlesex County food bank has for the first time recruited several local gyms to pump up donations by holding on-site food drives throughout September. “Food donations taper off in the summertime; that’s just the stark reality, but this season’s donations have been exceptionally lean,” said Jennifer Apostol, project…

  • Ask the expert: Options for elder care

    Ask the expert: Options for elder care

    Mary S. from Colts Neck asks: “My mother is currently living at home by herself. She’s recently become more forgetful and isn’t spending as much time with her friends as she used to. I’m also afraid of her falling. How do I figure out the best move for mom?” Brie Gallo from Allaire Rehab and…

  • Inaugural Breast Intentions National Pink Lemonade Day a sweet success

    Inaugural Breast Intentions National Pink Lemonade Day a sweet success

    On the steaming hot day of July 23, Breast Intentions, a charity that offers financial and logistical support to families suffering a breast cancer diagnosis, hosted its first National Pink Lemonade Day to raise awareness of its mission. While many organizations exist for research and cure of the disease, Breast Intentions focuses solely on addressing…