Let's set the record straight regarding the recent article titled "Snowstorm conditions bother some" in the March 2 Examiner concerning the so-called mistreatment of public works employees in Upper Freehold Township. It should be noted that this article is part of a campaign to smear me and oppose my efforts to clean up an ongoing situation in the Department of Public Works. As stated in the article, Mr. Abrams, one of the complaining residents, is the father-in-law of Ron Springsteen. Mr. Springsteen has led the effort to discredit my work and to create problems which I am trying to resolve. I cannot comment on the other aspects of this situation as it is the subject of an investigation.

Major snowstorms such as this one are considered emergency situations. Public works employees are expected to work as necessary to provide safe road conditions for the public as soon as possible during a snowstorm. They should understand that during emergency situations, normal access to food and rest may be somewhat limited, but there was no mistreatment of workers, who were not denied either food or the opportunity to sleep. In fact, at one point during the night, I sent everyone back to the Public Works Department to rest and sleep because conditions became unsafe. On Sunday evening I sent one employee home to rest after he was involved in two incidents. The township provides a trailer with cots specifically for employees to rest in during storms. I have never been advised by any employee that this trailer was in any way unsuitable for this purpose. Food was provided by the township for several meals, and employees were free to purchase food for later reimbursement by the township.

It should also be noted that in spite of the fact that the public works is currently short two employees, roads were cleared in a timely fashion. For the record, there were no accidents in Upper Freehold Township as a result of this storm. The township does have a road-clearing plan in place, which was followed. Residents should understand that roads are cleared during and after a snowstorm on a priority basis. Major roads and intersections are first, then secondary roads, and finally development roads, but our goal is to minimize inconvenience to all residents.

John Haines

CPWM

Public Works Department

Upper Freehold Township

Web site lists information on sex offenders

Did you ever wonder if a sex offender lives in your neighborhood or near your child's school? Now you can find out, thanks to the Web site www.familywatchdog.us that was featured on the Fox News Bill O'Reilly report. The site lists offenders, maps, mug shots, miles from your house, and offense. This is a must site for families, and our elected officials.

David Egli

Clarksburg

Residents grateful recycling problem is resolved

This letter is sent in appreciation to Jim Pickering for helping us with our recycling problem. For over a year, Freehold Cartage has been missing our recycling pickups each month. It has not happened every month, but enough to cause a problem.

Jim Pickering and Maria from his office were very helpful, and getting the problem solved took many phone calls, on his part and mine. We are in Zone 5, and hopefully, this problem is solved now. Kudos to Jim and Maria!

Patty and Owen O'Neill

Millstone

Girl Scouts' 'Thinking Day' event deemed a success

On March 4, the Millstone Township Service Unit of Girl Scouts held an event called World Thinking Day '06. World Thinking Day is a Girl Scout international learning event that brings awareness and gives thanks to "sister" Scouts globally. This was the largest and most time-consuming event for Millstone Township's Girl Scouts and their leaders for the year. As service unit manager along with Kathy Manickas, I would like to thank everyone who took part in this wonderful event. The girls, the leaders and the parents who helped should all know how appreciative Kathy and I are. We would also like to thank the World Thinking Day Committee, the Service Unit team, Jennifer Kohlhepp along with the photographer and the Examiner, Kelly McAllister, who represented Monmouth Council of Girl Scouts, the Millstone Senior Citizens, Mayor Nancy Grbelja, Mr. Stephen Sico and Ms. Vella for attending and taking time to support our girls. This event and the people who attended left a wonderful impression on the girls.

Diana R. Kohlhepp

manager

Millstone Township Girl Scout Service Unit

Couple thanks foundation for its gift to their son

This letter is written to publicly thank the Give Back Foundation for the gift of the mobile positioning unit to our son who is multiply handicapped. It will provide him with the means for getting outside to various locations within the borough as well as to his brother's baseball games.

We want to thank those who support the Give Back Foundation as well as the foundation's officers and directors who give freely of their time. The board of directors and officers include the following people: Executive Director Ivan Olinsky, Director/President Michele Lawrence, Director/Vice President Ronald Dunster, Director Frank P. Armenante, Director Linda Gustenhoven Patterson, Director John Bonavita, Treasurer Nancy Nitahara, and Secretary Dolores George.

We are fortunate to live in a community where groups such as the Give Back Foundation exist. The Give Back Foundation helps those with needs due to life-altering circumstances in Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth, Middlesex and Ocean counties.

For those who are interested in the foundation and its work, we would suggest that they contact the Give Back Foundation at P.O. Box 535 in Allentown, 08501.

Jane and Greg Westfall

Allentown

Perrineville Jewish Center grateful for donation

Perrineville Jewish Center is thrilled to be a recipient, along with the Protestant and Catholic churches in Millstone, of a contribution from the proceeds of the Millstone Gala in the amount of $12,000.

Be assured that the money we received will be put to good use. We will be celebrating our hundredth anniversary this year. Our members are all trying to bring our congregation into the 21st century without losing the charm of being a rural synagogue with a long and distinguished history.

Thanks to the efforts of two of our teenage Hebrew school graduates, we have entered the Internet era with our wonderful Web site. You can find us at http://www.pjcmillstone.com.

We plan to use this generous gift primarily for the refurbishing of our Hebrew school facility. The money will also be used to fund an annual educational trip for our Hebrew school children, beginning with a trip to the Jewish Museum in New York City. There are so many wonderful things we can now plan.

We are a friendly traditional, but non-Orthodox, synagogue. Our dues are quite low compared to similar synagogues in the area, and $12,000 is a lot of money for us. We are always interested in welcoming new members to our wonderful congregation. We have mixed seating, encourage participation by children, and welcome all.

Thank you Millstone Gala Committee.

Wendy Heifetz

president

Perrineville Jewish Center

Millstone