Category: Independent News

TOP PICK With sardonic wit and incisive social critiques, David Sedaris has become one of America’s pre-eminent humor writers. The great skill with which he slices through cultural euphemisms and political correctness, proves that Sedaris is a master of satire and one of the most observant writers addressing the human condition today. Perhaps, his most…

MATT DENTON Friends Talli Kenny (left) and Abigal Campbell sit on Santa’s lap at the annual tree lighting held at Pier Village in Long Branch on Nov. 29.

By JENNIFER ORTIZ Staff Writer Kathy and Vince Cata, who have been foster parents to more than 20 children, pose for a Christmas photo with several of their adopted and current foster children. Going back 30 years, Kathy and Vince Cata wanted to have several children. While that did not happen the way they hoped…

By KAYLA J. MARSH Staff Writer A new network formed to provide support for individuals and families affected by addiction is offering hope. This form of hope will be translated through presentations and sharing sessions to convey the message that no one is alone in the struggle to cope with addiction. At the Family Addiction…

By KATHY CHANG Staff Writer From top: Parishioners re-enact scenes from the Bible during the 31st annual A Drive Through the Christmas Story at Sayre Woods Bible Church in Old Bridge on Nov. 27. Mark Scott portrays a centurion. Kenectti Unachukuv, left, and Dan Unachukuv pose as The Three Wise Men. PHOTOS BY SCOTT FRIEDMAN…

By KAYLA J. MARSH Staff Writer HOLMDEL – As hundreds of children begin new lives with their “forever families” following National Adoption Day events, they will also be able to begin their own personal “little libraries” thanks to the efforts of nonprofit Bridge of Books Foundation. The Bridge of Books Foundation, in partnership with the…

By KAYLA J. MARSH Staff Writer MIDDLETOWN – Township officials are getting into the holiday spirit early this year with a Christmas celebration that will offer the usual holiday cheer, while bringing to life a historic part of the township’s 350-year history. On Dec. 5 and 6, the Poricy Park Conservancy, located at 345 Oak…

HAZLET — Vin Gopal has been named one of 100 politically influential people in the “Power List” for 2015 in Politicker NJ. Born and raised in Monmouth County to an Indian American family, Gopal is a successful entrepreneur and business development professional who graduated from Penn State University with Bachelor of Arts in Political Science,…

MILESTONES Allison Elaine Frankie and Erik David Lekstrom Allison Elaine Frankie, daughter of Joseph and Valerie Frankie of Middletown, married Erik David Lekstrom, son of David and Brenda Lekstrom of Rochdale, Massachusetts, on Aug. 29, 2015, at the historic First Unitarian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts. The Rev. Jeffrey Hunt, cousin of the groom, officiated. The bride…