Category: Independent News

  • Middletown Arts Center wins design award

    MIDDLETOWN – The Middletown Arts Center was recently recognized by the New Jersey Recreation and Park Association with an award for excellence in design. "We’re proud that New Jersey Recreation and Park Association shares our opinion that the Middletown Arts Center is a unique, versatile and accessible facility worthy of recognition," said Mayor Gerard P.…

  • Havens lets his heart, and audience, guide him

    Singer/guitarist known for opening Woodstock festival BY JESSICA SMITH Staff Writer Seeing Richie Havens in concert is like a box of chocolates … you never know what you’re going to get. Richie Havens From before the time when he played an epic-length opening at Woodstock back in 1969 up until now, the soulful-voiced guitarist lets…

  • Washington, Molly Pitcher help celebrate county’s birth

    CHRIS KELLY staff Revolutionary War icon Molly Pitcher, portrayed by Kim Hanley, describes her exploits during the Battle of Monmouth as Gen. George Washington, portrayed by John Lopes, listens. The two historical figures visited the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders meeting in Freehold Borough on March 13 to help kick off the county’s 325th birthday…

  • Town centers in plans for fort host towns

    Fort reuse vision calls for green industry, open space, housing BY JENNA O’DONNELL Staff Writer Three town centers linked by trails and public transportation are envisioned for three local towns following the closure of Fort Monmouth, according to plans unveiled last week.   The Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Planning Authority (FMERPA) retained the San Francisco-based…

  • Grant addresses shortage of health-care workers

    Brookdale and partners get $1.3M in funding to provide training BY JAMIE ROMM Staff Writer MIDDLETOWN – The health-care industry in Monmouth County will receive a boost thanks to a grant to Brookdale Community College. Brookdale was awarded more than $1.3 million in grant funding to address the critical shortage of health-care workers. The community…

  • Photo

    ERIC SUCAR staff Harlem Globetrotter “Hi Rise Brown” soars toward the basket before the sold-out crowd gathered at the Robert Collins Arena at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft March 18.

  • Photo

    CHRIS KELLY staff Aberdeen’s Ellis McCoy sings “The Wheels On the Bus” with Christopher Espinal, 5, Alex Esteban, 3, and Arianna Fuentes, 4, along with a group of youngsters at the Keyport Senior Center on March 13.

  • Matawan Fire Dept. has gone to the dogs

    BY ERIN O. STATTEL Staff Writer Matawan Deputy Clerk Karen Wynne issues “dog licenses” to the fire department’s new mascots. MATAWAN- The borough’s fallen firefighters have been memorialized through the fire department’s new mascots, who are already spreading goodwill and awareness in the community. Sparky the Fire Dog and Nozzle the Dog, the two new…

  • Scouts vie for victory in Pinewood Derby

    BY ERIN O. STATTEL Staff Writer A crowd watches scouts from Cub Scout Pack 66 in Matawan compete in the Pinewood Derby on March 14. MATAWAN- It was the fast and the furious of Pinewood cars at the Matawan MunicipalCommunityCenterwhenmembers of Cub Scout Pack 66 raced their handmade cars for a shot at a trophy.…