Category: Independent News

  • Middletown introduces pay-to-play ordinance

    Public hearing expected to take place Aug. 20 BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer BY DAN NEWMANStaff Writer “We’ve been looking at how other townships had organized their pay-to-play ordinances, and so we’re glad that it’s our turn to get things done.” – Gerard Scharfenberger Mayor MIDDLETOWN – After watching many other local towns introduce and…

  • From the Vault

    Four doctors at Holmdel’s Bayshore Hospital who reattached the leg of patient Arthur Slover, of Union Beach, discuss the procedures used to save the patient’s life and leg. From left to right are general surgeons Sergio Villa and Franklin Hernando, orthopedic surgeon Marshall Allegra and anesthesia director Armand Bedikian. The photo appeared in December 1989.

  • Patience runs Short over no votes and abstentions

    Lone Democrat says he won’t be rushed into uninformed decisions BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer BY DAN NEWMANStaff Writer MIDDLETOWN – While Patrick Short may be considered by some as the loyal opposition, the township’s mayor considers him to be more of a royal pain. Seven months after becoming the first Democrat in several years…

  • Shark attacks recalled as a story of heroism

    SharkFest a day of perspective, education and entertainment BY LAUREN PIRO Correspondent BY LAUREN PIROCorrespondent SCOTT PILLING staff Matawan Mayor Mary Aufseeser lays a wreath on the grave of 24-year-old Stanley Fisher, who was killed by a shark while trying to save 12-year-old Lester Stillwell in Matawan Creek in July 1916. MATAWAN – Terhune Park…

  • Backyard water gardens open for tour Saturday

    BY LAUREN PIRO Correspondent BY LAUREN PIROCorrespondent FILE PHOTO Several area property owners will open their yards to the public for charity as part of this weekend’s Parade of Ponds, sponsored by Grounds Keeper Inc., of Matawan. MATAWAN – Area residents need not go far this weekend to experience the beauty of nature. It may…

  • Young musicians get their ACTS together at benefit

    BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer BY DAN NEWMANStaff Writer PHOTOS BY CHRIS KELLY staff Above, Mike Terpak, 12, Union Beach, rocks out on guitar as he performs “Rock ‘n’ Roll, Part 2” during the second annual Absolute Community Talent Show at St. John’s Church, Hazlet, July 22. Left, Holmdel’s Max Phillips, 9, performs “Clocks” at…

  • Photo

    ERIC SUCAR staff Eleven-year-old Jackson Lawrence, of Matawan, gets behind the wheel of a 1985 Chevrolet El Camino truck during Aberdeen’s Doo-Wop Night, held Thursday as part of the town’s 150th’s birthday celebration.

  • Merla will face sentencing Oct. 23

    Eight corruption probe targets to learn fates over 3-day span BY KAREN E. BOWES Staff Writer BY KAREN E. BOWESStaff Writer John Merla Two and a half years after being arrested in an undercover FBI sting, former Keyport Mayor John Merla has been issued a sentencing date of Oct. 23. On Thursday, the United States…

  • Director of sacred music has found lifelong love

    BY PATRICIA YOCZIS Correspondent BY PATRICIA YOCZISCorrespondent Steven A. Russell, of Matawan, the director of sacred music at St. Thomas More Church, Manalapan, and Mari-Jo Policastro perform together as Polymania, a musical performance of piano for four hands. Steven A. Russell pursues music in all its forms from church liturgy to instrumental music and all…