Tri-Town Opinion
No need for 287(g) program in Monmouth County
I grew up on a farm in Monmouth County and am a strong believer in that adage attributed to farmers: “If it ain’t broke...
Energy efficiency crucial for New Jersey’s future
By Michele S. Byers
Imagine two light bulbs side by side. One is a 12-watt LED bulb and the other is a traditional 60-watt incandescent...
Superintendent offers details about referendum
I want to take a moment to inform the public about FRHSD: Ensuring Excellence, a proposal to reinvest in the Freehold Regional High School...
Moritorium on development proposed in New Jersey
With traffic increasing at an alarming rate in New Jersey, with the loss of open space and farmland, with the quality of water and...
Massive bird losses should be ‘a rallying call to action’
By Michele S. Byers
Bird watchers all over New Jersey have been feeling something amiss.
"I see lots of backyard birds like cardinals and robins, but...
Director thanks local Fresh Air Fund host families
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Fresh Air Fund host families and volunteer leaders in central and southern New Jersey....
Get rid of the ‘bad apples’ of land conservation
By Michele S. Byers
Farmers have long known that one rotten apple is enough to spoil the whole bunch. In the land conservation business, a...
October celebrated as National Reading Group Month
October is National Reading Group Month and an excellent time to make the public aware of the number and variety of reading groups and...
Residents may be eligible for tax benefit
The Property Tax Benefit, which is often referred to as the “Homestead Benefit” is a chance for homeowners, many of whom are living on...
Phantom facts and figures hurt the public
It seems to me that our government, probably on orders from the president, is either omitting the real numbers relative to inflation or putting...
Resident endorses Nelson and Penna for freeholder
Monmouth County freeholders need board members with fresh perspectives. That is why I am voting for Moira Nelson and Michael Penna.
Mr. Penna is a...
Is your yard a ‘food desert’ of non-native plants?
By Michele S. Byers
Your yard may be your neighbors’ envy … beautifully landscaped and well maintained, but if it’s full of non-native plants, to...
Resident asks voters to reject referendum
After voters did not approve a Freehold Regional High School District referendum last year, I was not surprised they would try again, similar to...
Resident supports Penna, Nelson for freeholder
As a former public office holder, I often find myself engaged in conversation with friends, colleagues and even casual acquaintances about the state of...
New Jersey forests age like fine wine
By Michele S. Byers
Many things improve with age, like wines, cheeses, friendships, antiques and leather boots. How about forests?
It turns out that new research...
‘Vine That Ate the South’ comes north
By Michele S. Byers
You might think kudzu – jokingly referred to as “The Vine That Ate the South” – is an exotic sport, but...
Youth suicide a serious issue in Ocean County
While the opioid crisis continues to grab headlines, another public health
problem has quietly emerged in New Jersey and in Ocean County. Suicide has become...
Diamondback terrapins, our salt marsh turtles
By Michele S. Byers
Why did the turtle cross the road? On a mid-July day, a diamondback terrapin tried to cross busy 2nd Avenue in...
