Making What is a monetary bargain for parents and a joy and recipe for excitement, fun and fond memories for children this summer thrives and continues to offer innovative programs as the Atlantic Highlands Recreation’s summer camp continues its five day a week program through mid-August.

Camp Director Meg Fisher is taking Summer Camp by storm as she serves as Camp Director for the borough program for the first time. But she comes into the position well-armed with both experience and education, both of which are obvious in the daily schedules for the children in the program ranging from kindergarten through fifth grade. The program, held both indoors and outdoors at the Elementary School plus off premises outings runs Monday through Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon for six weeks, with registration $200 per child for Atlantic Highlands residents.

Meg has been involved with summer camps for most of her life, she laughs. Recalling she started as a Counselor-in-training and worked her way up through a variety of leadership roles over the years. She also holds an undergraduate degree in education and psychology and a master’s degree in educational leadership. Meg also completed additional post master’s training in educational therapy. She has worked as an elementary school teacher, an educational therapist and a camp leader before coming into this program. Meg serves on the Borough’s Recreation Department as a resident of the borough.

As Director, Meg oversee all aspects of the camp, from planning activities, supervising staff, communicating with families to ensuring camper safety, coordinating special events, and managing the day-to-day operation of the program.

She’s confident she can handle it all with the same professionalism she has always given to her work, she said. As an example, as Director of Staff for a camp in Washington, D.C, she had more than 3,000 campers. She has also worked with Girl Scouts of Greater New York helping support eight Urban Day Camp sites throughout the city. But she was more excited to head the program hers since she is a resident of the borough, and with fewer than 175 youngsters, she gets to know every child by name and treat them as the neighbors they are.

“We can create a close-knit camp community and offer experiences that simply aren’t possible in a very large program,” the director said. “ Just last weekend, I ran into several camp families while walking around town with my son. That’s something really special.”

The program includes ten counselors and another seven Counselors-in-Training (CITs), ranging from rising high school freshmen through college students. Counselors are paid Borough employees, while CITs receive a weekly stipend. Before camp begins, every one of the staff completes orientation, CPR and First Aid training, safety training, and background checks for staff who are 18 and older.

Meg heads the full team of 19 employees who work with the children during Summer Camp including Assistant Director Casey Forbes whom Meg describes as “ fantastic.” Casey has been a staff member for camp for six years, the second in her family to hold the position, and she had been a camper herself before that . “She is truly an invaluable resource for our community,” Meg brags, “ she is studying Education at the University of Delaware. The team work extremely closely in heading the team of counselors and in-training co9unsellors ensuring a program which enables every student to be guaranteed of all the assistance or additional help they may need.

“We spend a lot of time helping our staff become leaders, not just counselors.,” Peg explained,, as reasons for the success of Summer Camp. “ I hope to be a reference and mentor for them as they continue their education and careers. If they leave camp with stronger leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills—and they had fun doing it—then I feel we’ve been successful.”

While a lot of her ideas for the varieties of offerings the camp has comes from her background in education, Meg credits “some of the best ideas come from the campers themselves.” But because she also loves I also love partnering with local businesses and community members so the children can have additional experiences, she also has set another goal for herself and the program: My goal is for everyone—campers, staff, parents, and the community—to wake up thinking, “I wonder what my favorite part of camp is going to be today?”  It’s the “weird, silly, “campy” moments that are as important as the structured activities. “ Camp gives children permission to be playful in ways they might not experience during the school year, and I think those unexpected moments often become the memories they keep forever,” she said.

As an example,. Just this week during this Summer Camp there was a trip to Fair Mountain Coffee Roasters on W. Garfield Avenue, …which also involves the Atlantic Highlands Police helping the groups cross the street safely in their walk….. to see how coffee beans are ground, and the different types of beans used in making coffees. Owner of Julio’s Restaurant is making two visits to the school to help the campers and explain what it takes to own their own business as well as how to make pizza dough. “they’ll be able to take home the dough they’ve made,” Meg says with fervor,” It’s been wonderful seeing the community embrace the camp this summer. Highlander Bicycle Co is also coming in to let the children know what they do, perhaps ensure their know all the safety habits of having bikes, and so much more. We are trying to have something “cool” every day!

In talking with Meg, it’s hard to tell who enjoys the summer program the most. She especially likes watching campers build confidence, make new friends, and discover new interests. She also loves creating opportunities where we can say “yes.” to a camper’s idea—as long as it’s safe, moments she believes the campers remember most. Her biggest challenge is balancing all the logistics while making sure every single child feels seen, included, and has a great experience.

Once the summer program ends next month, Meg she will return to her educational therapy practice, EduMindedLearning. In that program, she works one-on-one and in small groups with students with learning differences, ADHD, dyslexia, and executive functioning challenges. She also runs a “Back to School Jumpstart” program that helps students get organized, complete summer work, build study strategies, and begin the school year feeling confident and prepared before school opens in September. Throughout the school year she still maintains her own private practice full time,, helping students become more confident, independent learners by teaching them how to learn—not just what to learn. “Watching students realize they can succeed is one of the most rewarding parts of my work,” she said.

On the home front, in spite of hectic and busy schedules, Meg thrives of the love and attention of husband Patrick and son Cal and candidly admits she could not do it with them. She and her husband both own their own businesses, she laughs, adding” that’s a blessing, but does come with challenges for sure!” Still, she continues, “We have a lot of fun as a family.”

“One of my goals has been to make camp about more than just keeping children busy,” this busy and zealous educator said. “I want campers to leave each day having learned something new, built confidence, made friends, and felt connected to the Atlantic Highlands community. That’s why we’ve partnered with local businesses, invited community experts and created experiences that campers will remember long after summer ends. I hope children leave camp with new skills, great memories, and an even greater appreciation for the town they call home.”

There’s every indication she has accomplished all of that and so much more.

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Just when you thought the Atlantic Highlands summer camp couldn’t get any better, the kids took a short walk to Fair Mountain Coffee Roasters and learned more than they thought possible about coffee.

It was a joint venture of local businessman Steven Almante, owner of Fair Mountain Coffee Roasters , on First Avenue, the local Police Department who ensured a safe walking journey from the elementary school to the West Garfield Avenue entrance to Coffee Roasters, and Camp Director Meg Fisher and her staff who escorted the youngsters in groups of 20 to 30 to learn from Almonte, an expert on coffee as well as an animated teacher of the science behind growing.

The youngsters got to see and hold the actual coffee beans used in roasting, and see and hear the huge spotlessly clean ovens in which they’re ground and roasted. They learned the process of why the little green seeds that are the coffee beans turn brown, sniffed how they smell, and viewed the massive map on the wall that showed where the coffees come from, places ranging from Central and South America Africa and Indonesia where the name Java for coffee originated honoring the island from whence coffee has been grown.

Almante pointed out on the map the areas from where the many varieties of high-quality coffee beans are exported for Fair Mountain Coffee Roasters, highlighting not only the distance the beans have come but also their means of transportation by ship and truck. The campers saw the live coffee tree in the shop which Almante said gets red blossoms that can also be eaten, but stressed it is the seeds of the tree that make coffee.

In response to animated questions from the campers, the shop owner cited the similarities between tea bags and loose coffee in creating taste and color, displayed the barrels in which the ground coffee is kept before being packed in the white bags for purchase by the pound, and pointed out the green leaves of the coffee plant are from the energy of the sun.

Almante also let the campers select one of four different black and white pictures he had made of people and places relative to Fair Mountain Coffee Roasters and encouraged them each to take them home and color them. Once finished, he told them they could come back with their colored picture and their parent and guardian and give him back the coloring. In return, he promised them, he would treat their parent to a cup of coffee and the youngster to a cup of the shop’s very special hot chocolate.

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Rainy day is loved by almost everyone I know. I especially am fond of rainy days. While I hold several special memories of rainy days and rainy season, there is one such memory that is very close to my heart. My Experience of a Rainy Day It was a cloudy morning. We could hear the sound of thunder and lightning since mid night and heavy rain was expected during the day. It was the kind of day we all long for and going to school is the last thing we would like to do on such a day. Playing in the rain with my siblings and friends from neighbours, rowing boats and eating yummy pakodas made by my mother is what I love to do on such a day. However, it was a week day and we had to go to the school. So, despite the beautiful cloudy sky and the cool breeze, we did what we did on a usual week day. We got ready, packed our school bags, had our breakfast and headed to the car with our mother who drops us to school every day. We witnessed slight drizzle from the car window. I so wanted to open the window but did not for the fear it would wet my uniform and school bag. As we drove, I noticed my mother taking a different route. It was not the one we usually took. I thought she may have taken this route to avoid water clogging or road block.However, I soon saw that we were going in a completely different direction and before I could ask my mother about it, I saw her parking the car near our preferred picnic spot. I looked at her and my siblings sitting at the back seat and a wide smile lit on our faces. We were super thrilled. This was the best thing to have happened to me in a long while.We got drenched in the rain, rowed boats and played football. When it began to rain heavily, we took shelter in the beautiful gazebo located at the picnic spot. We also had delicious foods that were being sold there. The view from the gazebo was simply awesome. We sat there looking at the rain-drenched flowers and trees as we sipped hot coffee and ate delicious foods. Conclusion It was one of the best days of my life. I thank my mom for giving us such a wonderful rainy day memory to cherish forever

Activities and awards  for the Atlantic Highlands Police Department and the hiring of a highly qualified police officer were all on the agenda at this week’s meeting of the Mayor and Council. Patrolman

Patrolman Davi Cunha  was recognized for the traffic enforcement award presented by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for his traffic enforcement efforts in the 2025 calendar year where he stopped the most vehicles and made the most DWI arrests for the department  for that year.  The officer also received MADD’s highest honor in 2023. He was also cited for the  Recognition of Excellence Award Certificate from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) at their annual NJ Law Enforcement Recognition Event.

John DeSeno of Belmar was sworn in as a probationary officer for one year, filling a vacancy left by the retirement of Sergeant  Elmer earlier this year. DeSteno, was sworn in by Council President Brian Dougherty while his finance Amanda held the Bible and his father, Robert DeSteno stood by.

The officer was born in Ridgewood, raised in Rutherford where he attended Rutherford High School before earning an undergraduate degree in law and justice studies from Rowan University. He then attended Drexel University and earned a master’s degree in legal studies from its Thomas R. Kline School of Law. He served on the Englishtown Police Department in 2025 after serving as a Class II Special Officer with both the Deal and Fir Haven fire departments.  Patrolman DeSteno has completed full police academy training and holds a Class A Police Training Commission certification.

Council representative Jon Crowley also reported every officer in the department worked on the Fourth of July fireworks and Sail 250 events which brought crowds and increased traffic to the borough, Several of the officers had attended the OEM meeting which preceded the events, to ensure a complete review of operations for the activities.  Crowley also noted that officers from the Monmouth County Sheriff’s office, Highlands, Keansburg and Middletown also attended the OEM meeting continuing the police procedures of cooperative efforts.

Class II Special Officers Ian Porter and Michael Alvator, both worked every night of the fireman’s fair and also assisted with Harbor Traffic on July 3^rd due to the Sail 250 Event, Crowley said, in praising the officers for their dedication and excellence in their duties.

MADD is a nationwide  volunteer group whose mission is to end drunk and drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes, as well as prevent underage drinking and other drug use.  Towards this end, they are working towards a collective change by sharing the responsibility of protecting one another from harm. MADD praises  anti-drunk driving technology, and leads prevention efforts across all communities across the country supporting advocates for stricter laws. Since their founding, they’ve served as a lifeline for thousands of victims and survivors, and drunk driving fatalities have been cut in half.

Crowley’s report also showed there were 19 accidents during June requiring police attention.

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Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Suggestions and advice for summer cookouts, home grilling, and summer storms were all part of Fire Chief Christopher Vasto’s report, Councilman Jose Pujols reported to the Mayor and Council at its last meeting

Vasto also reported the department responded to 16 calls for service during June, including response to fire alarms, motor vehicle accidents, emergency and mutual aid requests and investigations.

While Vasto termed the number of calls “moderate,” he noted volunteer firemen nonetheless dedicate numerous additional ours to training, apparatus maintenance, equipment inspections and station readiness in order to keep the department at its high level of excellence.

New members are also needed and welcome, he continued, inviting all men and women 18 years or older to apply to the borough for membership, and encouraging those between the ages of 14 and 17 to apply as junior firefighters. No experience is necessary, the chief said, and all training, equipment and uniforms are provided at no cost.

With families enjoying outdoor grilling and events, Chief Vasto also noted no cooking should be left unattended and a lid should always be close by a grease fire in order to smother it since water should never be used on a grease fire. Vasto also noted many preventable fires occur during warm weather months with the frequency of strong thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, localized flooding, lightning, and damaging wind gusts.

To ensure more protection, residents should secure outdoor furniture, umbrellas, grills, and loose objects before storms arrive, turn around, rather than drive through flooded roadways, stay indoors during thunderstorms and avoid trees or open areas when it is necessary to be outdoors, keep flashlights, fresh batteries, and a method to receive weather alerts if power is lost and report downed power lines immediately while always assuming they are energized.

The Chief also noted a recent Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recall involving certain smoke and carbon monoxide detectors sold exclusively through Amazon.

The Treatlife Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors was recalled last month, Pujols said, after it was determined the alarms may fail to activate during a fire, creating a serious life safety hazard. The recalled units were sold through Amazon between November 2025 and April 2026. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Residents who purchased smoke or combination smoke/CO alarms online should verify the manufacturer and model number, check www.cpsc.gov to determine if their detector is included in the recall, and replace any recalled detector immediately with a UL- or ETL-listed smoke alarm.

All smoke and carbon monoxide alarms should be tested monthly. And fire alarms ten years old or older, even if they appear to function properly should be replaced.

In his report, Pujols noted a noted the department appreciates the continued support of the Mayor and Council, and its members are committed to protecting the Borough through emergency response, training, public education, and community service.

vasto vasto vasto vasto

Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Nothing Their Place and Saint Agnes/Mother Teresa School once gain came in during the public portion of this week’s meeting of the Atlantic Highlands Mayor and Council, with council indicating they do not know whether the non-profit organization is yet open for business at the former now closed catholic school.

Nor is it true that parishioners negative opinions about selling the building to the borough is so, responded Mayor Lori Hohenleitner, so far as she has heard either from the many parishioners with whom she has spoken nor with the Catholic Diocese of Trenton with whom the borough had been conducting the possible sale of the property for recreational and public use.

In response to a question during the public portion of the meeting, Borough Administrator Caleb Stratton assured the resident he would find out the current status of Their Place, which had reportedly invited interested people to attend an Open House in June to visit the proposed use of a portion of the building as rooms for the non-profit’s program that aids adults and children with mental and physical health difficulties.

Mayor Hohenleitner’s remarks came in the wake of resident Joshua Leinsdorf telling the governing body he was at Saint Agnes/Mother Teresa recently when a woman came up to him and said the school was not sold to the borough “because parishioners objected.” Leinsdorf said the woman, whom he did not identify, said people remarked on how much they loved the building, the memories they had for generations, and they did not want to get rid of it. She also said it was the parishioners’ opinion that like “abortion and other things” leasing the building Their Place was part of their mission because it was “taking care of people in trouble.,”

Mayor Hohenleitner explained that in the years the borough has been conducting meetings with the Bishop, attorneys and the Diocese of Trenton, opinions of parishioners never came up at any meetings. She also said in speaking with many residents who are parishioners, they did not even know the non-profit nor the intention to lease the building to it. “That’s one person’s characterization,” the mayor told Leinsdorf, ”it’s never anything I ever got.”

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Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.