Category: Independent News

  • At Holmdel church, a prayer for peace in Cairo

    St. Mina community worships despite threats BY JACQUELINE HLAVENKA Staff Writer Members of St. Mina Coptic Orthodox Church in Holmdel continued to attend worship services despite threats from al Qaeda. The local Coptic community is praying for peace and hoping for a smooth transition as Egypt’s balance of power has shifted to military rule. In…

  • Treasures of the Jersey Shore

    Belmar offers an array of things to do Introduction to new feature: New Jersey has an abundance of places where visitors and residents alike can enjoy their leisure time. The towns along the shore have a magical draw and sparkle like gems when the sunshine hits the waves, making them true treasures. It doesn’t have…

  • Tempers flare in Mid’twn over library funding

    Twp. says surplus funds needed to offset $4M in tax appeal refunds BY ANDREW DAVISON Staff Writer Township officials and residents wait their turn at the microphone during a contentious meeting at the Middletown Township Public Library on the township’s request for funds from the library’s surplus. Below: Mayor Anthony Fiore speaks at the Feb.…

  • in the arts 

    Plein air artist exhibits “Bright Rhythms” A n exhibit of paintings by plein air artist Patricia Flaherty is at Holmdel Town Hall through Feb. 28. “Bright Rhythms” reflects the lush landscapes and serene colors reflected in the outdoor paintings. “The colors of nature inspire me, and the movement of lines in the landscape inspires me…

  • Public forum planned on Lucent redevelopment

    Discussions ongoing on future of building, 472-acre site BY JACQUELINE HLAVENKA Staff Writer HOLMDEL— In response to concerns from residents, township officials assured the community that progress is being made on the redevelopment of the 472- acre Alcatel Lucent property and that public hearings will be held in the near future. The Township Committee discussed…

  • Holmdel anticipates layoffs, possible furloughs

    Twp. Committee waiting for budget figures from CFO BY JACQUELINE HLAVENKA Staff Writer HOLMDEL— The township has filed a preliminary plan with the state’s Civil Service Commission that calls for the layoffs of 11 township employees. In an interview last week, Interim Township Administrator Raymond Wilson said the layoff plan, submitted at the end of…

  • Contract awarded for Port Monmouth flood project

    Pallone: $3M beach replenishment will also mitigate flooding BY ANDREW DAVISON Staff Writer MIDDLETOWN — Relief may be on the horizon for Port Monmouth’s waterlogged residents through a local and federal project. After months of delays, the Township Committee awarded the Port Monmouth drainage improvements project to a contractor at its Feb. 7 meeting. The…

  • ‘Evil Clown’ part of Food Circus heritage

    MIDDLETOWN — Food Circus Super Markets celebrated its 55th anniversary Jan. 18 with a public gathering at the company’s iconic trademark clown located on Route 35 in Middletown. The Food Circus name was born with the grand opening of a new grocery store in Middletown on Jan. 18, 1956. With the advent of the company…

  • Boro combines depts. to achieve savings

    One supervisor will oversee three areas BY JACQUELINE HLAVENKA Staff Writer MATAWAN — The Borough Council unanimously approved an ordinance on Feb. 15 to consolidate its public works, water and sewer departments into one unit . The move to merge the three municipal departments will generate a cost savings of approximately $90,000 due to the…