Category: Independent Opinion

  • Support for Samaritan Center greatly appreciated

    Samaritan Center board and staff would like to thank the Domestic Violence Crisis Team of Manalapan for the wonderful donation check and gift certificates. We are so fortunate to have the support of our crisis team to aid the victims of domestic violence. This group of dedicated people not only helps those who come into…

  • ‘Yesteryear’ is reader’s favorite feature in Independent

    I wanted to say a long overdue thank you for the "Yesteryear" column. This unusual feature is my favorite. I’ve continued studying history long after my own school career was history, but I always find something informative in "Yesteryear." Reading it gives a different perspective on the area as well as the people and customs…

  • Obituaries

    Greater Media Newspapers prints obituaries as a free community service, at no charge to the families of the deceased or to the funeral homes that provide the information. JANET TREMBLEY, 55, of Union Beach died Nov. 1 at Bayshore Community Hospital, Holmdel. Born in Long Branch, she resided in Keyport before moving to Union Beach…

  • Township tainted by lawsuits

    A sexual harassment lawsuit was filed last week against Middletown Mayor Patrick Parkinson, Middletown Township and the Township Committee by Township Clerk Rosa Garcia. At the same time, four Middletown Township police officers have filed a hostile work environment lawsuit against the township, the township’s Police Department, Police Chief John Pollinger, Deputy Police Chief Joseph…

  • Vote against Hook distresses Friends of Clearwater

    It is with disappointment we read last week’s vote by the Two Rivers Council of Mayors that they are endorsing the massive rehabilitation development plan for Sandy Hook. Monmouth County Friends of Clearwater opposes the current proposal. While we have no objection to their disagreeing with our position, we wish an organization with a differing…

  • Chief makes suggestions for police superintendent

    The embarrassing tenure of Joseph Santiago as New Jersey State Police Superintendent has come to its inevitable conclusion. It is now time for Gov. James. E. McGreevey to stop the politicization of the New Jersey State Police that began with Santiago’s nomination. It is hopeful any political payback to Newark Mayor Sharpe James was satisfied…

  • Mayor gives point-by-point response to letter-writer

    This is in response to a letter titled "Maffiore will save money for Hazlet Township residents" that appeared in the Oct. 16 issue of the Independent. As mayor of Hazlet Township, I am appalled at the comments and inaccuracies mentioned throughout Rich Kohler’s letter. I would like to respond to each point individually. In the…

  • The Arc extends thanks to parents, family members

    The majority of persons in New Jersey with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities reside with family members. November has been designated National Family Caregivers Month. During November, The Arc of Monmouth wishes to acknowledge and thank parents, siblings and other relatives who care for a person with developmental disabilities in their home. These family…

  • Supporters of Habitat come through for organization

    On Oct. 13, Freehold Area Habitat for Humanity held its third annual "Motorcycle Ride for Affordable Housing." Although the weather was not the best, we still had many participants, and through their support we raised more than $13,000 — a figure which far surpassed last year’s total. Our thanks go out to all the motorcyclists…