Shellfishing ‘1 inch from extinction’      The shellfishing industry that is trying to exist in the Raritan and Sandy Hook bays is about one inch from extinction for all the wrong reasons. During good times, the $7 million payroll it generates pays for a lot of mortgages, car payments and kids. More ... Arts center turning into re­construction project      Have you seen the Banfield building which is on Church Street in Middletown? They have taken the roof off, the walls are exposed, and it looks like the building is being dismantled. More ... St. Mary’s Church thanks supporters of ‘Pasta Fest’ dinner      On June 29, St. Mary’s Church, Keyport, held a "Pasta Fest" dinner to raise funds for a new sidewalk which we need desperately. More ... Resident feels town center plan pre­sents vision and legacy      A vision and a legacy for Middletown. That is an apt and honest description of the marvel that is the town center. More ... Supporters of veterans group’s poppy campaign thanked      Each year, during the Memorial Day week the Veterans of Foreign Wars distributes poppies and accepts donations from the public. More ... Professor commends Holmdel offi­cials for budget choice      After reading the recent article in the Independent, I commend the Holmdel Township Committee’s approval of our town budget, with an increase of 3.4 cents (9 percent) as opposed to last year’s increase of 5. More ... Resident praises Fink for successful grant writing      Holmdel Township Committee members Serena DiMaso and Terence Wall recently published a letter lauding township personnel for working hard on grant applications that bring in funding for community planning and open space preservation. More ... Residents thanked for supporting fireworks display      The Hazlet Recreation Commission would like to thank the residents for their support of our annual fireworks display. We pay for this display entirely through fund-raising and donations. More ...