Letters
Remarks directed against choice of words, not against letter writer

I am writing in response to Marilyn Morgan’s letter to the editor (“Writer Defends Statements Made on Coach Issue,” Sentinel, Oct. 27), in which she says that I owe her an apology for my remarks in my “Your Turn” guest column (“Resignation Sparks Display of Bigotry,” Sentinel, Oct. 20) about her earlier criticism of the citizens who protested the unlawful practice of group prayer by the high school football team (“Thinks Parents Had No Business Complaining About Coach,” Sentinel, Oct. 13).

In reading over all three letters, I see that, just as Ms. Morgan expressed her opinions, I expressed my own. I was offended by her characterization of the concerned parents as “just another example of the people in this town who ruin everything with their constant complaining and tattling” and her claim that it was “none of their business.” On the contrary, it is everyone’s responsibility to protect the rights of all members of our community. If even one team member felt uncomfortable or intimidated by the prayer sessions, it is enough to question the practice.

My remarks were not directed against Ms. Morgan personally, but against her choice of words. I was quite frankly shocked and felt as though those who spoke up against the prayer sessions were being verbally attacked, which is why I reacted as I did, and I see no reason to apologize.

I do not have a “chip on (my) shoulder,” as Ms. Morgan declares. I have always felt grateful to live in East Brunswick, a community in which people of all backgrounds and faiths are respected and appreciated. This is why I was so appalled by the letters that implied that we have no right to protest traditions that we find troublesome.

On the other hand, I would like to praise George Kelly’s letter to the editor (“Blaming Messenger Is Unfortunate, Diversionary Tactic,” Sentinel, Oct. 27), in which he so eloquently defended the members of the community who protested the group prayer sessions. I believe he succeeded in expressing the real issue, which is that we all have the right, and the responsibility, to voice our opinions about our town.

Nancy Scharff

East Brunswick

Panel, players earn raves for production

Congratulations to the Jamesburg Historical Association for hosting the Halloween extravaganza “Haunted Lakeview” at the Buckelew mansion on Sunday evening, Oct. 30. It was great to see the large amount of residents, both young and old, take part in the spirit of the Halloween holiday.

The members of the Lakeview Players, the historical association’s talented in-house theatre group made up of area high school and college-age students, were outstanding in their roles throughout the spooky presentation.

I’ve attended other Jamesburg Historical Association activities before, but this was by far the best of all.

Thanks to the Jamesburg Historical Association and to the Lakeview Players for another great community production.

Barbara Carpenter

member

Jamesburg Borough Council

Thanks go to churches, walkers, supporters

The South River Crop Walk, held on Sept. 25, donated $2,000 to Church World Service.

A note of thanks is extended to the various churches, walkers and sponsors who participated in this community endeavor to fight world hunger.

Thanks are also expressed to the South River Police Department for its assistance in making this a safe event.

Joann Devlin

Holy Trinity

Episcopal Church

South River

Hopes issue is resolved before school loses good coach

I am writing in response to all the letters written in regard to Coach Marcus Borden.

I am amazed at the whole situation. What is this coach guilty of? Asking God for help and mentoring children. Coach Borden is a dedicated professional who has put his heart and soul into our children, and he is now under scrutiny because of prayer.

On 9/11, how many people started praying when we realized we were under attack and watched the devastation unfold before our eyes? I know I did and still do every day, and I do not see any reason why prayer is such a bad thing. We, as a society, need a lot of faith.

I hope and pray for a quick resolution to this whole situation, or we just might lose a great coach. We actually need more caring individuals like him.

Stephanie Methner

East Brunswick