Category: Independent Opinion

  • Extend economic relief to Social Security beneficiaries

    For the first time since 1975, Social Security beneficiaries will not receive a Cost of LivingAdjustment (COLA) this year. For over three decades, millions of Americans have counted on these annual increases to help make ends meet. Particularly in this economic climate, having this extra protection is even more critical for the financial security of…

  • An environmental ‘to do’ list for the new governor

    Guest Column • Michelle S. Byers The new year brought a new governor: Chris Christie, the 55th elected governor of this state we’re in. Economic and fiscal challenges will no doubt grab headlines and absorb much of the governor’s focus. Knowing that a healthy economy goes hand in hand with a healthy environment, here are…

  • Banks are worried overdraft cash stream will dry up

    Coda • GREG BEAN A young man of my acquaintance is fortunate to still be employed in this dismal economy, but like many young people on his own, he lives paycheck to paycheck. And sometimes, as it gets close to payday, he runs a little short for a sandwich at lunch or a few bucks…

  • Even in snowstorms, EMS volunteers are there to help

    It’s been said that volunteer EMS [emergency medical services] is like oxygen: most people don’t realize they need it until they don’t have it. Unless they required medical assistance during the last three snowstorms, most New Jerseyans likely were blissfully unaware their local volunteer ambulance crews remained staffed and ready to respond to calls. Forgoing…

  • Thorne students learn real-world skills

    Vocational training for special-needs students, thrift store added BY JACQUELINE HLAVENKA Staff Writer The spirit of the Random Acts of Kindness program — celebrating community service, learning and charitable giving — lives on at Thorne Middle School in Middletown. Top: Eighth-graders Tom Waller (l-r) and Anna Matuszak get experience using a paper-shredder during the ceremonial…

  • On Campus

    West Virginia University, Morgantown, W. Va., announced the following local students named to the dean’s list for the fall semester: Brian Cash, Matawan; Melissa Chirlin, Matawan; Kirsten Hines, Lincroft section of Middletown; Kevin Hughes, Aberdeen; Michelle Lovato, Lincroft; Khristina Manzoli, Middletown; Jennifer Medina, Keyport; and Frank Stancampiano, Middletown. Joseph Assini, of Matawan, was named to…

  • Carol E. (Holden) Fratello

    Mrs. Fratello, 60, of Union Beach, died Feb. 15, 2010, at home. She had resided in Cliffwood Beach before moving to Union Beach two years ago. Mrs. Fratello was a homemaker. Her parents, Lawrence and Sophie Baker Holden, and a sister, Barbara Jean Holden, predeceased her. Surviving are her husband, Anthony Fratello; her children, Gina…

  • Bernadette M. McLoughlin

    Ms. McLoughlin, 52, of Middletown, died Feb. 16, 2010, in Red Bank. She was a member and worked at The Arc of Monmouth for 25 years, retiring in 1996. Ms. McLoughlin was a member at Guiding Light in Neptune and a communicant of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, New Monmouth. Surviving are her parents, Raymond and…