Irish Eyes The March council meeting in Atlantic Highlands has always been a treat to meeting attendees since Councilman Brian Dougherty has been on council.
Atlantic Highlands Councilman Brian Dougherty
One never hears much about the councilman’s professional career, but suffice it to say, he’s a terrific singer.
In order to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, and to let residents know it isn’t all business and hard work at the Council table, Mayor Lori Hohenleitner introduced the councilman for his annual treat.
Dougherty then distributed copies of the chorus urging the entire audience to join in singing Irish Eyes are Smiling after he sang the first verse.
And they were! As were the eyes of every other nationality as the Mayor and Council celebrated and proclaimed March Irish American Month. And all applauded as Councilman Dougherty’s musical tones rang clear as he sang
There’s a tear in your eye and I’m wondering why,
For it never should be there at all;
With such pow’r in your smile, sure a stone you’d beguile,
So there’s never a tear-drop should fall;
When your sweet lilting laughter’s like some fairy song,
And your eyes twinkle bright as can be;
You should laugh all the while and all other times, smile,
And now smile a smile for me.
The Mayor, who herself has been honored along with another family member for her Irish heritage, read the proclamation honoring Mach as Irish American Heritage Month in Atlantic Highlands.
Council and members of the audience also observed a moment of silence along with the pledge of allegiance at the beginning of the meeting honoring the military members who have lost their lives in the recent war in Iran.
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If there was ever a book, ever an author, who can write history and immediately absorb a reader’s complete attention, it’s Eric Jay Dolin and his soon to be released historic story, The Wreck of the Mentor.
Never having read Dolin before, a reader is apt to leave this one eager to seek out some of his others, from “” to Black Flags, Blue Water: The Epic History of America’s Most Notorious Pirates.” to Brilliant Beacons: A History of the American Lighthouse.” Or more.
But the Mentor is a captivating, true, full of detail story of a 19th century shipwreck of a whaling ship that sailed out of New Bedford Harbor in Massachusetts bringing investors as well as sailors to wealth in the Pacific ocean. That was until May, 1832, when the ship struck a reef off Palau Island in the Pacific during a heavy storm. That’s where the story actually begins.
There were 11 crewmen who survived the wreck, managed to get to the island and began to suffer not only from lack of supplies but a chain of events that changed their lives forever, that of the sailing industry, the town of New Bedford, the whaling industry itself, the impact of a growing America on another culture, and ends describing what happens when cultures unbeknown to each other live in a world together.
Dolin does more than research and write a book you can’t put down. With so many characters about whom he goes into detail as to personality, ability and individual treatment of and reaction to disaster and change, he identifies his cast of characters in the first five pages of the book, identifying them by their position as seaman, able or green hand…. steward, steerer, or cook, residents of the island of Palau, be they relatives, children beachcombers or more, or crew members of other ships involved in the story. He also lists other key players from John Quincy Adams and ship captains and commodores to authors, writers and even a castaway. It doesn’t take much to refer to the list to ensure you keep all characters in the right place.
To be sure the reader knows of the accuracy and research of every part of the story, Dolin also includes plenty of footnotes, easy to read without interrupting the flow of the story, more notes at the end of the book to ensure the reader knows the author did not simply pick up a detail or two, but rather double-checked himself for accuracy.
Best of all, there are more than 100 black and white photos scattered throughout the 226 pages so even those without imagination can see the true picture of a an island native, or a ship of the 19th century.
The book isn’t necessarily pretty … but neither is life. There are tribal wars, plenty of fighting with axes, clubs, spears and anything else handy, and the crushing stories of how survival is won. Even when it’s painful, a reader cannot stop reading until he has seen what happens next.
Dolin makes history thrilling!
The book is bound to be a smashing hit once it hits the shelves in June, so those who love maritime stories, history, heroes and cowards, love and culture should put their orders in now for the June release.
Oh, yes, of course there is a naval rescue! It’s a true story.
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Wreck Wreck Wreck Wreck Wreck
The book is bound to be a smashing hit once it hits the shelves in June, so those who love maritime stories, history, heroes and cowards, love and culture should put their orders in now for the June release.
Oh, yes, of course there is a naval rescue! It’s a true story.
The Atlantic Highlands Mayor and Council will have a busy meeting Monday evening, including the possibility of establishing a brand-new Arts and Culture Commission as well as public hearings on two ordinances which will most likely be approved regardless of any comments in the public hearings.
Council also plans to introduce ordinances to increase water rates as well as to approve a bond ordinance to make various sewer and water department improvements.
Council also plans to adopt an ordinance, following a public hearing, which would eliminate the current Design Review Committee and replace it with a newly established Arts and Culture Commission.
The new commission would be in charge of all arts and culture activities planned and coordinated by the borough except for holiday arts and cultural events which would remain with the Recreation Committee. Some residents had questioned at an earlier meeting why these matters would not come under the recreation committee. A copy of the proposed ordinance appears in full on the borough page, under the agenda for Monday’s meeting.
Councilman Brian Gorsegner published his own opinions on the proposed Commission on his Facebook page, noting one of the many factors in is decision to be a council member last year was his desire to “ get a commission passed that would help make Atlantic Highlands the artistic hub and community that I knew it could be.” That, he said, came from his “knowledge of, and excitement about the topic from knowing of all the work of the local Art Council which is headed by his wife as president, Amanda Gorsegner.
A brand new Arts and Culture Commission, Gorsegner said on Facebook, “ will be essential and vital to the blossoming of not only public art in town, but also helping to serve under served children in the community obtain art supplies, bringing more live music and cultural events to town, providing classes and seminars, and much more. “
He expressed thanks to his wife “for being at the forefront of this for years, and to Councilman Brian Dougherty for doing the heavy lifting of the writing of the ordinance (he’s been a part of many! This is the first I’ve taken part in and was awesome to watch the process in action.” He also praised “Mayor Lori Hohenleitner who has always been a huge advocate for the arts, Councilman Jon Crowley for all he’s done for the arts in town, the rest of the council for their endless support, the AH Arts Council for their tireless efforts, and the many others who have been rooting hard for this for a long time.”
The councilman said arts have been important to him since he was a children and now believes that in light of all the turmoil in the world, it is even more important “that we are providing a beautiful, vibrant, welcoming, and inclusive tapestry for Atlantic Highlands.” He urged residents to attend the meeting to show their support for the new commission.
At last week’s planning board meeting, planning board attorney Michael Steib detailed the state regulations on the Fair Housing issues and noted the planners and the council had a limited time in which to approve specific regulations in order to meet state requirements. Steib, in response to questions from the planners, also pointed out the lack of success of any of the 20 or so municipalities across the state among the 400 affected who challenged the regulations and pointed out the borough has little if any opportunity to challenge the state mandates.
The planners voted to ensure the Housing regulations remain in conformance with the Master Plan in meeting the obligations for 48 units, the same as it had been in the past. The ordinances were unanimously approved with a recommendation to the governing body to adopt both at Monday’s meeting in order to meet deadlines. Adoption of the codes protect the borough for another ten years in meeting its housing obligations.
In other business, Council, after more than four years, is expected to resolve the litigation with Kappa Construction over the failed construction of the Marine Police building at the Harbor.
The ordinances to raise water rates and a bond issue for water and sewer repairs would be introduced, but no further action taken until public hearings at next month’s meeting.
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Shenanigans With the Bayshore area’s biggest and best St. Patrick’s Parade on schedule for Saturday at 2 p.m. along Bay Avenue, it’s terrific to see how all the organizations in town are working so well together to ensure the crowds anticipated to gather just about anywhere along the route will be happy.
Highlands Mayor Carolyn Broullon
The Mayor, Carolyn Broullon, who is certainly proud of her town and its residents, will be the Grand Marshall leading it off…along with those spectacular NJROTC cadets from MAST, who are always a part of this celebration, there are too many bands, bagpipes, drum and bugle corps and other musical routes in the line of march along with Henry Hudson’s own Admirals who are simply spectacular all the time. And look for those adorable Highlands School youngsters s well!.
But while everyone already knows the Business Partnership goes above and beyond to ensure the best in the line of march, look at all the other organizations to make this a very special day. Of course, there are all the businesses and even the Food Pantry at Our Lady of Perpetual Help who will all bring smiles to your faces and applause to your hands as they march, but the Highlands Police do a sensational job of ensuring as much parking as they can make available while still keeping the roads clear for traffic for parade goers.
At Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, the regular Saturday afternoon mass at 4 is being moved to St. Agnes Church in Atlantic Highlands for this one time event, just to ensure anyone in town for the parade can also leave early enough to get to St. Agnes for either that or the 5:15 mass which is the regular mass at that church.
But every business in town does its share and all of it with a huge smile. Look for each of the restaurants and bars to have special drinks, music, entertainment, or just plain friendly space to help you stick around and enjoy more of Highlands. Check out Gem’s, that ever popular Bagel restaurant and shop on Bay Avenue. They’re offering special deals for breakfast, late or early before the parade, as well as Take 0ut orders for friends and family. And yes, there will be green bagels, or course!
The fire police will be out on the streets assisting the police with traffic and parking control, and of course the Highlands First Aid is always ready for any emergency.
So what makes St. Patrick’s Day and celebrations among all peoples so popular? It’s probably not because he drove the snakes out of the Emerald Isle. Nor is it because he used the shamrock to teach pagans among Christs and the three persons of the Trinity. It could be because since the 1800s, nearly 10 million people have emigrated from that beautiful little island, with most of them coming here, or nearby Canada. And we all know the Irish are a talkative, bragging., happy lot…and indeed do enjoy their pint or two on occasion.
So maybe that’s it. Perhaps it’s the charm of the Irish, their penchant to enjoy good times and to share fun and laughter with everyone that makes their patron saint’s day special occasion.
Doesn’t make any difference what the cause. St. Patrick’s Day celebrated this Saturday sounds like a wonderful time to be in Highlands, enjoy music, charm, laughter, fun, a pint of something good to drink, and appreciate a town where all the businesses, government, church and organizations can get together, put the cares of the world aside for a few minutes, and appreciate how fortunate we all area to live in the Bayshore.
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Sharon Maybe I have such a warm spot for Freehold council members because I knew most of them when I lived there several years back for few years. Politics was never the important thing for them, it seemed just doing the right thing and wanting to help people no matter what they needed were the things to do.
They didn’t really care what party you were, they just assumed that as elected officials they always had to do the right thing. People like council president Jeff Friedman just wanted to work hard to do whatever he could to make Freehold better, more fun, just as friendly … and that was even before he got on Council!. And of course Annette Jordan brought with her to the council table all the wonderful dedication of all the Hawley family of Atlantic Highlands.
But truly, if there is any single backbone, any single dedicated person on this council who just simply can’t stop doing the right thing, being thoughtful or remembering old friends, it’s that wonderful lady, Sharon Shutzer.
Everybody knows Sharon!. Everybody can see her smile from a mile away it so lights up an area. Everybody knows how she loves her hometown; heck, she was born in Freehold and dedicated just about her entire adult life to working for it in some way or other.
She’s served on just about every committee the town ever has had, as well as on the board of education. And right, now she’s still on council, was its president three different times, and been serving since, well, the 20th century!
Yet she continues to be present for every event, every youngster’s birthday party, every Eagle Scout honor, simply everywhere where she is invited and folks want to see her. She’s active in her church, the First United Methodist, where she is also well beloved and hard working; former students from Toms River still remember the 8th grade teacher who always took the time to hear their problems or help them solve an issue. And she is up and running with her every duty as councilwoman.
For many years that I know about, Sharon has always said she does all these things, is all these things, believes all these things, because her parents always taught her the value of giving back and never taking more than you give.
I’m reminded this week about how very thoughtful, kind and generous she is, though I have not seen her in many months, and then only at a large gathering when we did not have time to chat.
But Sharon Shutzer takes time for anything she thinks will make someone else happy. And that’s what she did this week when she saw a brief article I had written in a weekly magazine we both enjoy.
With my name and byline, it wasn’t difficult for Sharon to identify me. And she probably did laugh and feel good seeing an old friend be in the spotlight in such a well circulated magazine.
But Sharon didn’t just read and enjoy, Sharon did the “Sharon thing.” She sat down and wrote me a letter just to tell me what a pleasant surprise it was FOR HER to see my little article. “I was thrilled when I saw your smiling face and read your words,” she wrote, then said how good it felt to connect again through my shared words.
Wow!
Thanks Sharon. You’ve just identified one of the reasons why I love to write. It’s when shared words can bring out more shared words, happy memories and appreciation of a thoughtful friend, that is all so much nicer and delightful to accept rather than the vitriolic rancor that those who disagree with my thinking so often spew out.
They write to make themselves feel good. Or important.
You write simply to share friendship, fun and kindness.
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If there’s any one group in Highlands that goes out of its way to make everyone in the Bayshore feel warm, friendly, and loved, it’s the Rev. Joseph Donnelly Council of the Knights of Columbus. The Council, part of the international organization of Catholic men, was started years ago at Our Lady of Perpetual Help and has grown in leaps and bounds since then. The Knights don’t restrict their kindness and goodness simply to those who go to church, or are Catholic … they reach out to help others, to invite others to events, and in general, just to try and make life a little better for everyone.
This Sunday’s Breakfast, a special on the second Sunday of every month, was the perfect example. Anyone who attends these monthly events knows that Tom Snow and his dedicated crew in the kitchen put out the best eggs, meats, and everything else, while the entire Council turns out to serve, set up, clean up, and get a huge amount of help from the Columbiettes, the woman’s auxiliary to the Council.
But St. Patrick, especially for the Irish, puts an extra shamrock or sparkle in the air.
Knight Kevin Connelly is head of the planning for the monthly breakfasts, and he involved his entire family in spending a few hours at OLPH Saturday afternoon to decorate the hall for the Sunday event.
Of course Sunday morning there was Irish music, scones, “Irish Toast” Irish soda Bread, an Irish flavoring for coffee to accompany all the regular pastries, fruits and everything else for breakfast. The Leusen family was elected as the Family of the month and honored for how they greet life and the rest of the world every day.
But the Breakfasts decorations were akin to a major St. Patrick’s Day event in color, beauty and perfection.
Each of the tables was topped with very Irish tablecloths and matching napkins … charming prints, not simply green and white … and included green beads, gold and silver coins, even miniature buckets filled with mints that proclaimed the blessings of being Irish. There were tee shirts on Knights proclaiming the wonders of the Irish, and downright friendship, laughter, and meeting new friends all around.
In truth, that’s what these breakfasts have come to be. It isn’t people who go to Mass every Sunday, it isn’t Knights who give up their own time to present a wonderful event for others; it isn’t folks from town to come up simply for a great meal, it isn’t the Columbiettes, most of whom are wives of Knights who are there to help in every way they can to make it a special event for attendees; it isn’t even the great food that always comes out of that kitchen.
It’s simply an informal time for friends and strangers to get together, to meet each other, to thank the Knights for a meal they enjoy whether they give a donation for it or not. And it takes all of those folks doing all they are doing to make it that happy morning it always is.
The next breakfast is April 12 That’s the Sunday after Easter. But early reports from the Knights indicate it’s OK to celebrate that glorious feast even a week later, so Easter will be the theme of the décor, and we suspect, lots of colored eggs and Easter bunnies will be on the scene.
And keep in mind breakfasts aren’t the whole thing these Knights do with perfection. Look for more news on their weather-delayed but nonetheless spectacular and memorable celebration not only of the borough’s 125th birthday but also of the day the Pledge of Allegiance was recited publicly for the first time. The event happened at the Twin Lights and the Knights plan on keeping that memory very much appreciated and alive in observances next month.
And look for more information on their Country Hoedown. That one is set for April 25, and tickets are already selling out quickly for that. There will be a buffet dinner, a dessert table, plenty of soft beverages and an invitation to bring your own specialties, plenty of music, a dance caller and even lessons to enjoy a Hoedown properly, and yes, even some prizes. All for $35 a head. Check out some of the local businesses that help the Knights make this all possible at such a reasonable price, and plan on having an evening of fun, camaraderie, great food and community spirit. Call 732-915-2104 to ticket reservations or more information.
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Approximately 120 marching units, including bagpipers, marching bands community organizations and elaborately decorated floats will be featured in the Highlands Business Partnership’s 21st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade Saturday, March 21, at 2:00 PM.
Highlands Mayor Carolyn Broullon
The highly popular community tradition will have Highlands Mayor Carolyn Broullon as Grand Marshal as well inclusion of a patriotic tribute recognizing the 250th anniversary of the United States, adding an extra layer of celebration to the day’s festivities.
The parade will begin at Huddy Park and continue along Bay Avenue, bringing festive energy and Irish spirit to the heart of town.
Grand Marshal Broullon, a devoted community leader, first discovered Highlands in 2002 while searching for a vacation home. She fell in love with the town, gave up her New York City apartment, and moved here full-time, building lasting friendships and a lifelong dedication to the community.
Education has been a cornerstone of the mayor’s journey. After twelve years of Catholic school, she graduated from Notre Dame Academy, earned her bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in marketing from CUNY Sunnyside, and achieved multiple terms on the Dean’s List while working full-time.
Before public office, Broullon enjoyed a decades-long career in market research, managing international projects, running her own consulting business, and serving as Vice President at a global research firm — honing skills in budgeting, negotiation, problem-solving, and listening that she brings to her work as mayor.
In 2013, she helped reintroduce non-partisan elections in Highlands and later served on the Borough Council. In 2017, she and her spouse Danica opened Feed & Seed, a local business supporting Highlands and the downtown area.
Elected mayor by a single vote in 2019, Broullon made history as the first openly gay mayor in Monmouth County. Since then, she has led Highlands through revitalization, flood mitigation, and community-focused growth, securing millions in grants to strengthen parks, sidewalks, and infrastructure. The Highlands Business Partnership proudly recognizes her as Grand Marshal to celebrate her dedication to the community as she leads the 21st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade down Bay Avenue.
The parade will also feature the Highlands Business Partnership’s annual “Competition of Floats,” where Highlands businesses and organizations will compete for trophies in the categories of Best of Show, Prettiest, and Most Original, along with an award for Best Apparatus.
Participants representing military, political, civic, church, and community organizations will march in the parade. The Henry Hudson Regional Marching Band and Cheerleaders, with more than 100 members, will perform. A special highlight of this year’s parade will be the return of the Baltimore All-Stars Marching Unit, a nationally recognized performance group known for its high-energy routines, precision marching, and vibrant showmanship. Having marched in Highlands before and quickly becoming a crowd favorite, the Baltimore All-Stars bring an exciting blend of music, movement, and pageantry that is sure to thrill spectators once again.
The parade will also feature numerous pipe and drum bands, including the Monmouth County Police & Fire Pipes & Drums, Highlands’ own Solas Ana Mara Pipe Band, Lia Fail Pipes & Drums, Middlesex County Police & Fire Pipes and Drums, Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh Pipes and Drums, Essex County Emerald Society Police & Fire Pipes and Drums, Union County Police & Fire Pipes & Drums, Staten Island Pipes & Drums, and Patrick Torphy Pipes and Drums.
Among the many community groups and organizations in the line of march, the Food Pantry at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church will be in the line of march for the first time. Parade goers are urged to seek out the “Food Basket of fruits and vegetables” which will highlight how the church pantry aims to help all residents of the community. For the second consecutive year, the Pantry won the People’s Choice aware in the annual Chili Contest the Partnership sponsors in advance of the Parade.
Parade-goers are strongly encouraged to arrive early to ensure access to Highlands, ample time for parking, and the best views of the floats, marching bands, and pipe bands, as well as the opportunity to enjoy nearby restaurants and entertainment before the streets fill with spectators.
The regularly scheduled 4 p.m. Saturday evening mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on Route 36 has been moved to St.. Agnes Church, Atlantic Highlands for March 21, to avoid the crowds and ensure parishioners and guests have ample parking for mass.
Don’t miss the Highlands Business Partnership’s “Lucky Pot of Gold” 50/50 Raffle and support the non-profit Highlands Business Partnership by purchasing a ticket, as all proceeds help “pay the pipers.” The winner need not be present for the drawing.
This parade is made possible by the Highlands Business Partnership and its generous sponsors: Monmouth County Tourism, Montecalvo/Bayshore Family of Companies, Bahrs Landing, Bridge Marina, Farmacie by the French Market, Dovetail Vintage Rentals, Gateway Marina, The Honorable Plant, Hufnagel Tree Service, In the Garden, Off the Hook, Proving Ground, Seafarer, Valley Bank, WRAT 95.9, PKF O’Connor Davies Accountants and Advisors, Collier Engineering and Design, and Little Haven AirBnb.
Thomas and Stacey Leusen and their children were honored as the Family of the Month by the Rev. Joseph Donnelly Council 11660 of the Nights of Columbus for March, Grand Knight Kevin McKenna announced.
The couple were honored both at the 9:30 mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and the masses at St. Agnes Church in Atlantic Highlands Sunday, as well as at the monthly breakfast sponsored by the Knights at OLPH school hall.
“Thomas and Stacey Leusen have been attending mass every Sunday at our parish for over 12 years now,” McKenna told the congregation at mass. “Over those dozen years they have baptized all three of their children in our Catholic faith. Their children have all made their First Holy Communion here and their son TJ and older daughter Sam have also been confirmed here. Harper the youngest daughter is planning to be confirmed here in about two years,” he continued.
McKenna also praised the Leusen’s son TJ who was the acolyte serving the 9:30 mass in which his parents were honored. TJ regularly serves as an acolyte at the 10:45 Sunday mass at St. Agnes.
“As Knights of Columbus we have always been dedicated to the development of strong vibrant families,” the Grand Knight explained. Noting that in support of that mission, as well as to create an even greater awareness of the many outstanding families in the diocese the Supreme Council of the Knights instituted the Family of the Month Program in 1978.
“The local council recognizes families who outwardly exhibit strong ties of love and faith, exemplifying Catholic family values by attending mass each week throughout the year, while making contributions to their parish and surrounding community,” McKenna said, in introducing the Leusen family.
As they do each month, the Knights presented an award and a gift of appreciation to the Family of the Month at their monthly breakfast.
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Leusen
Thomas and Stacey Leusen and her children were honored as the Family of the Month by the Rev. Joseph Donnelly Council 11660 of the Nights of Columbus for March, Grand Knight Kevin McKenna announced.
The couple were honored both at the 9:30 mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and the masses at St. Agnes Church in Atlantic Highlands Sunday, as well as at the monthly breakfast sponsored by the Knights at OLPH school hall.
“Thomas and Stacey Leusen have been attending mass every Sunday at our parish for over 12 years now,” McKenna told the congregation at mass. “Over those dozen years they have baptized all three of their children in our Catholic faith. Their children have all made their First Holy Communion here and their son TJ and older daughter Sam have also been confirmed here. Harper the youngest daughter is planning to be confirmed here in about two years,” he continued.
McKenna also praised the Leusen’s son TJ who was the acolyte serving the 9:30 mass in which his parents were honored. TJ regularly serves as an acolyte at the 10:45 Sunday mass at St. Agnes.
“As Knights of Columbus we have always been dedicated to the development of strong vibrant families,” the Grand Knight explained. Noting that in support of that mission, as well as to create an even greater awareness of the many outstanding families in the diocese the Supreme Council of the Knights instituted the Family of the Month Program in 1978.
“The local council recognizes families who outwardly exhibit strong ties of love and faith, exemplifying Catholic family values by attending mass each week throughout the year, while making contributions to their parish and surrounding community,” McKenna said, in introducing the Leusen family.
As they do each month, the Knights presented an award and a gift of appreciation to the Family of the Month at their monthly breakfast.
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Withdrawn The Atlantic Highlands Planning Board approved 11 of the 14 applications for variances it received during 2025, with none denied, two dismissed and one which was pending at the end of the year. All of the applications were for bulk variances in the residential zone and only one was a major subdivision application.
The report was unanimously approved by the board as last week’s meeting, after having members’ review of the annual report which the attorney submitted in January.
In submitting the report, board attorney Michael Steib noted the number of applications showed a continuing downward trend by it decrease of three applications from the previous year and nine less than 2022, attributing the decrease possibly to the effect of inflation.
The number of applications approved, however, is in large part to the board’s integration with applicants providing them with sufficient information and feedback to enable the applicant to modify applications during the public hearings when it appeared approval seemed unlikely at presented.
Similarly, applications were likely dismissed or withdrawn, he said, when approval appeared unlikely. Some applications were for variance approval for residential home additions that required a variance, but still maintained pre-existing nonconforming setbacks and most were minor in nature.
“There continues to be interest in constructing new and improving existing residential homes,” Steib said in the report, adding “but a decrease in developing commercial properties, consistent with recent years.”
The only bulk variance sought and approved was for the Kalian property at 14 East Garfield Avenue which approved dividing an existing near-acre property into four single family residential lots, a reduction of one lot from the original application request.
The two applications which were dismissed were for 12 Bayside Drive, when the applicant requested the application be withdrawn as he was in the process of revising plans and had not decided to mover forward at this time. The second application withdrawn was for a deck on the second floor of a garage at 99 Center Avenue to replace an existing porch. That matter had had a number of hearings and postponements but withdrawn at the request of the applicant rather than continuing with another hearing.
The application pending at the end of the year was for property at 22 Prospect Circle where the applicant sought to subdivide existing lots and construct a new single family home and retaining an existing home. There had been several postponements to that hearing at the time Steib’s report was complete that continued through the March meeting.
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Withdrawn Withdrawn Withdrawn
“There continues to be interest in constructing new and improving existing residential homes,” Steib said in the report, adding “but a decrease in developing commercial properties, consistent with recent years.”The only bulk variance sought and approved was for the Kalian property at 14 East Garfield Avenue which approved dividing an existing near-acre property into four single family residential lots, a reduction of one lot from the original application request.The two applications which were dismissed were for 12 Bayside Drive, when the applicant requested the application be withdrawn as he was in the process of revising plans and had not decided to mover forward at this time. The second application withdrawn was for a deck on the second floor of a garage at 99 Center Avenue to replace an existing porch. That matter had had a number of hearings and postponements but withdrawn at the request of the applicant rather than continuing with another hearing.The application pending at the end of the year was for property at 22 Prospect Circle where the applicant sought to subdivide existing lots and construct a new single family home and retaining an existing home. There had been several postponements to that hearing at the time Steib’s report was complete that continued through the March meeting.“There continues to be interest in constructing new and improving existing residential homes,” Steib said in the report, adding “but a decrease in developing commercial properties, consistent with recent years.”The only bulk variance sought and approved was for the Kalian property at 14 East Garfield Avenue which approved dividing an existing near-acre property into four single family residential lots, a reduction of one lot from the original application request.The two applications which were dismissed were for 12 Bayside Drive, when the applicant requested the application be withdrawn as he was in the process of revising plans and had not decided to mover forward at this time. The second application withdrawn was for a deck on the second floor of a garage at 99 Center Avenue to replace an existing porch. That matter had had a number of hearings and postponements but withdrawn at the request of the applicant rather than continuing with another hearing.The application pending at the end of the year was for property at 22 Prospect Circle where the applicant sought to subdivide existing lots and construct a new single family home and retaining an existing home. There had been several postponements to that hearing at the time Steib’s report was complete that continued through the March meeting.
L-R, Captain R. Geske USMC, Cadet Z. Whitehead, Captain W. Greenleaf, First Sergeant S. Burroughs
Written by Laila Caramanica
NJROTC Cadet Seaman Apprentice Zachary Whitehead of Middletown, a freshman at MAST, the Marine Academy of Science and Technology, took first place in the Highlands VFW Post 6902’s Voice of Democracy audio-essay competition.
L-R, Captain R. Geske USMC, Cadet Z. Whitehead, Captain W. Greenleaf, First Sergeant S. Burroughs
Cadet Whitehead’s essay focused on how he strives to show his patriotism and support for our country, particularly to honor veterans like his grandfather.
Cadet Whitehead has taken an active role in remembering our veterans in his volunteer work by cleaning the Little Drummer Boy Cemetery in Middletown. The cemetery dates to the Revolutionary War, but it has since become largely neglected and forgotten. Also known as the Herbert-Cuttrell Burial Ground, the cemetery is located at 40 Old Country Road in Middletown. The site dates to 1771 when James Herbert Sr and his wife Mary Vandeventer obtained 40 acres here, alongside the Waycake (Waackaack) Path, from her father Peter Vandeventer. The headstone of James Herbert, Sr states he was a Revolutionary War veteran who died May 4, 1834 at the age of 87 years.
Seeing this important marker of American history and patriotism, Cadet Whitehead was inspired to clean and fix it up, remembering and honoring the many souls who were laid to rest there.
Cadet Whitehead also wrote about his involvement in the MAST NJROTC program, his interest in applying to one of the United States federal service academies, and his desire to serve as a military officer. An active member of the NJROTC program, Cadet Whitehead competes at drill competitions as a member of freshman color guard.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the US, which sponsors the Voice of Democracy audio essay contest and Youth Scholarship program, has been supporting veterans since 1899.
The VFW is composed of veterans from active duty, the National Guard, and reserve forces who served honorably in a war, campaign, or expedition on foreign soil or in hostile waters.
Their mission is to foster camaraderie among U.S. veterans of overseas conflicts; to serve veterans, the military, and communities; and to advocate on behalf of all veterans. Their efforts include supporting the establishment of departments within the government to care for both current service members and veterans, fighting for legal compensation for veterans exposed to toxins such as Agent Orange, and advocating for veterans suffering from related disorders and illnesses, like Gulf War Syndrome.
The VFW has also been the driving force behind the development of the national cemetery system, and called for government accountability for issues affecting veterans, active service members, and their families. They are also behind many of the fundraising efforts for military memorials to those who served, such as the Women in Military Service Memorial, and particularly those to who made the ultimate sacrifice, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
The VFW established the annual Voice of Democracy essay contest in 1947, encouraging 9th to 12th grade students throughout the US to respond to a yearly prompt related in some way to military service, patriotism, and advocacy.
This competition has inspired countless high school students across America over the decades to get involved, often helping under served veteran communities. It also encourages these students to think about what patriotism and service mean to them, and how they show these attributes. After earning first place at the local level, Cadet Whitehead will advance to compete at the District and State levels. If he goes on to place at Nationals, he could be awarded a scholarship of up to $35,000.
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