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Twin Lights Engagement

By
Muriel J. Smith
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Twin Lights

If Patti Swick weren’t such a fireball of energy and enthusiasm, her fiancé Dan Feehan could have proposed exactly the way he wanted….in one of the towers of the Twin Lights.

As it is, the Twin Lights State Historic Site and its beautiful grounds are so important to this couple that they drove to Highlands from their Linden home specifically to have their engagement photos taken here.

It all started more than 10 years ago when Patti started working at a deli and catering business near her home in Linden. Dan was already working there, and almost instantly, the pair felt a connection of friendship. Even when Dan bought the deli and catering company, the two became friends and started dating. That was nine years ago.

Driving to various places along the shore, Dan and Patti found themselves always drawn to the Twin Lights. There was something about it that held their attention and charm. So much so that when Dan knew he wanted to marry Patti, he planned to bring her to their favorite place, climb one of the towers, and propose to her at the top, looking out over the Atlantic Ocean .

But Patti, who has undergraduate and graduate degrees from Kean University, Dominican University and Georgian Court University and is a third grade teacher, is obviously a woman on the go. Busy with her career as well as other activities, such as serving as Vice President of the Kean University Alumni Association as well as being active in other organizations and school groups, she saved time for Dan and herself to still drive down the shore. In the meantime, Dan sold his successful deli business and is currently a restaurant consultant and managing his own catering business.

The date was set for January 8 of last year for Dan to propose. He wanted to ask that all important question at the top of the Twin Lights. He and Patti were going to a friend’s baby’s Baptism and thought they could stop at Nicholas Creamery for ice cream and after that,  visit the Twin Lights.

But Patti was too tired and wanted to go directly home instead.

Back at home, Patti’s grandfather was outside by the car. He lives with Patti and Dan, and Dan, concerned he was outside, ushered him into the house. Patti went next door to get her dog from her mom’s house to bring him back home.

Back in the house, with Grandpa settled and the dog lying quietly, it was a very excited and by now frustrated Dan who asked his beloved if she could just stand still for 30 seconds. And as Pati tells it,  “I turned around and he was down on bended knee next to our couch. It was the most perfect proposal because it was just us in our home with no interruptions. “

So the engagement did not take place at the top of the Twin Lights as Dan had hoped. But because the site was so important to them both, they drove back down to take photos both inside and outside the museum, as well as a few overlooking Sandy Hook and the ocean. “It was the perfect engagement shoot. We had the fortune of being able to climb both towers and actually used one of them in our engagement shoot.”

The wedding is set for October 13 of this year at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church in Linden, where Patti and Dan both attended the grammar school, although it was years apart. The reception will be at the Palace at Somerset Park.

For now, while Patti is sorry her active lifestyle didn’t allow for Dan to carry out his engagement plans at the site they both love, she explains “ Dan is an extremely selfless person, helping whoever needs it and putting others’ needs before himself. He never questioned when my Grandpa became sick and needed to move in with us, doing whatever he could to help out. He has such a big heart and he never fails to make me laugh. While I’m a very type A person, he is more laid back and never fails to ground me when I take on too much or just need support.”

Dan, on the other hand, understands why his own plan for proposal could not happen. He says he is primarily attracted to Patti because she is “ compassionate, caring, and resolute.” He likes how Patti  “has  always been by my side, even when I didn’t ask for help or wasn’t looking for it. I love her sense of humor, even her bad puns, which are a constant.”  And he loves that once she starts a project, she sees it through until the end. Quite simply, he smiles, “she makes sure everyone is taken care of.”

 

As for the Twin Lights?. It will always be a special place for both of them, and a reminder every time they climb a tower or enjoy a picnic lunch on the front lawn or pick up a gift or souvenir in the gift shop, “it has always been a very special place in both their hearts.”

 

The Twin Lights grounds are open every day from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM for visits, whether or not an engagement or wedding is planned.

Check our website for building and tower climb hours www.twinlightslighthouse.org call (732) 872-1814 or follow the Twin Lights Historical Society on Facebook.

 

The Twin Lights State Historic Site is owned and operated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Parks, Forestry & Historic Sites (“NJ Parks”). Nick Wood, RIS-History, the full time NJ Parks Curator at the site, offers private tours by appointment for a small fee (so worth it!). Nicholas.Wood@dep.nj.gov.

 

The Twin Lights Historical Society is the officially recognized friends group for NJ Parks at the Twin Lights.  The role and purpose of the society at the site is to support and assist NJ Parks in its operations and exhibit development through financial support as well as volunteer services at the site. The Society invests all donations, memberships and proceeds from the Twin Lights Museum Store to improve visitor experience and online public relations, including new exhibits, paid internships for local high school and college students, as well as special projects.

 

 

 

 

The Mayor and Her Mom-A Story of Love

By
Muriel J. Smith
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Mayor

Former Atlantic Highlands Mayor Loretta Gluckstein thanked the dozens of borough workers, volunteers, friends, and everyone who make the borough the wonderful hometown it is for everyone.

But she touched more hearts when she brought broad attention to Alzheimer’s Disease, a brain disorder that only gets worse other time.

Mrs. Gluckstein pulled no punches in telling the audience at Thursday’s regular meeting of the Mayor and Council that the disease, which is characterized by changes in the brain, causes the brain to shrink and brain cells to eventually die and is the most common cause of dementia; it is  a gradual decline in memory, thinking, behavior and social skills.

The former mayor did not talk about the 6.5 million people in the United States over 65 years of age who live with Alzheimer’s disease. Nor did she talk about the 75 million people worldwide with dementia, of whom up to 70% are estimated to have Alzheimer’s disease.

Nor did the mayor talk about how the disease eventually progresses to serious memory problems and loss of any ability to perform everyday tasks, the lack of treatment or cures for it, or that complications can result in death.

Instead, Mayor Loretta Gluckstein reminded the crowd who were thanking her for her service to the borough as mayor and in numerous other areas, about the personal impact a person with Alzheimer’s has on everyone else.

For Loretta Gluckstein, it was a love story.

She explained on the few times she has missed official meetings it was because she was home with her mother, a nonagenarian who lives with the Glucksteins in their home on Ocean Blvd. She reminded residents they have often seen her mother with her at official or social functions as well. She said her mom has Alzheimer’s. Then she explained that in spite of anything she has done for the town or any of the organizations she has been in or continues to help,  she has a greater duty, and that is to take care of her mother.

As much as she has taken on that duty willingly and happily, Mrs. Gluckstein went on to say she has a great desire to help her mother because she herself had a wonderful childhood and her mother was then, and remains,  very special to her.

But then she switched her main point for a minute to accent her husband Steve and told the audience just how much she loves him.

Whether it was to reiterate reasons for her own long happy marriage or to let the audience in on something secret, the former mayor continued, “I love him dearly. Because if you see me and my mother is not with me, then he is.” He is the caregiver who spends so much time with her mother, she explained, her voice choking with emotion.

Both Steve Gluckstein and Loretta’s mother were in the front row of the audience at borough hall, he with his arm holding his mother-in-law close to his side. The husband who never attended any of his wife’s meetings as mayor epitomized what she was telling her friends and neighbors at the public meeting.

Loretta Gluckstein will continue to spend more time caring for her mom now that she is no longer in political office. But she also reminded the crowd before they erupted in a standing ovation for her, “I must give back to my mom and for her, I must do all I can do for anyone who has Alzheimer’s disease.”

 

   A number of conditions can result in memory loss or other dementia symptoms. Some of those conditions can be treated. If you are concerned about your memory or other thinking skills, talk to your health care professional.

If you are concerned about thinking skills you observe in a family member or friend, talk about your concerns and ask about going together to talk to a health care professional.

 

Boyscout Receives Recognition of Pope

By
Muriel J. Smith
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Boyscout

It probably came as a great honor but no surprise to Boyscout and now Eagle Scout Anthony Martignetti when he received congratulations from the office of His Holiness, Pope Francis on his accomplishment in the Boy Scouts. The son of Tara and the late Anthony Martignetti, Jr. Anthony is a frequent acolyte at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and a 2022 graduate of Henry Hudson Regional School.  He is also the stepson of Tim Sheridan and the family lives on Highland Avenue in Highlands.

Anthony was one of the three Troop 22 boy scouts who was honored at the Eagle Court of Honor at OLPH school auditorium last week and received numerous letters of congratulations, not only from the Apostolic Nuncio for Pope Francis, but also from the Attorney General, Governor Murphy, House Speaker Kevin Speaker, US Attorney Philip Sellinger, the National Park Service  and officers and officials  of the US Air Force  and the US Space Force, the National Boy Scouts of America  and the National Eagle Scout Association, to name some of the letters contained in the report each Eagle included at the ceremony.

Anthony chose to improve an open-air courtyard at Care One at Middletown Care Center on Route 36 in Middletown as his project where he created new planters and filled them with perennial flowers to enhance the area residents enjoy daily during good weather.

He credits his team of eight scouts who worked with him on the project, including Kevin Connelly, Jr., another scout who was honored at the Eagle Court of Honor for his own work, for completing the project. One of the requirements in achieving the Eagle Scout award is to not only plan, research and carry out a project, but also to lead a team of scouts in completing all the work it involves, an example of the Eagle’s leadership skills.

The Eagle Scout said the most difficult part of the overall project was researching the types of woods to be used for optimum endurance and the proper perennial plants so residents would be able to enjoy them. He chose the nursing home simply because “I thought it would be a good place to put it,” knowing it would be an attraction that would keep residents relaxed and happy.

Anthony noted that staff at Care One were highly cooperative throughout the time he was planning and working on the project and expressed thanks to them for their appreciation of the work he did.

Anthony’s uncle, Alan Resch, presented the Eagle Award to his nephew during the ceremony. Anthony credited his uncle  and his mother as his mentors in achieving his goal.

Aside from the congratulations and honors last month at the Court of Honor when Anthony received the highest award in Boy Scouting, the scout earlier in the year also put to life saving use other training he received in scouting.

While at a private pool party with family and friends, Anthony noticed a man fall in the water. As others rushed to get him out, the man was in obvious distress, turning blue and unable to breathe. Anthony immediately started CPR, working on the man until an EMT unit arrived on the scene. Others at the event noted it was obvious it was Anthony’s quick actions that saved the fallen man’s life.

Wind Projects Cancelled

By
Muriel J. Smith
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0
Government
Congressman Chris Smith

“Now that taxpayers are getting an honest look, the offshore wind projects off the Monmouth County coastline simply don’t measure up to hype,” said Congressman Chris Smith this week, regarding the news that two firms have cancelled their contracts for the project.

Smith said both BP and Equinor have cancelled their contract for the Empire Wind 2 project two months after Orsted rejected the subsidized proposal approved by Governor Murphy.

“The promise of benefits and jobs was always over-hyped and predicated on the backs of taxpayers,” said Smith, in expressing pleasure over the contract cancellations.

Despite the clear indication that these projects are economically unsustainable and pose serious dangers to our marine environment and national security, President Biden and Governor Murphy have rejected calls for objective studies, doubled down and insisted that these projects must continue—no matter the huge taxpayer subsidies they require and the credible predictions of big increases to ratepayers, Smith said in a press release issued yesterday.

“It’s long past time for Biden and Murphy to stop recklessly pushing these unsound and improperly vetted projects and trying to prop them up by irresponsibly throwing billions of US taxpayer dollars at these foreign corporations,” the Congressman added..

Smsith said the cancellation of the contracts marks a victory for concerned residents, environmentalists and commercial and recreational fishermen and added:” we must continue  to fight and put an end to ocean wind development off our beautiful shore. Enough is enough.”

 

3 Generations of Eagle Scouts

By
Muriel J. Smith
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0
  3 Eagles

There were three generations of pride filling the Our Lady of Perpetual Help School auditorium when Michael Marchetti received his Eagle Scout Award at the Court of Honor recently.  Both his father, Dr. Michael Marchetti, and his grandfather, Dr. Carl Marchetti knew what it took for Michael to receive the highest award in scouting.  Both the scout’s father and grandfather had also earned their Eagle Scout awards when they were teenagers.

Michael, the son of Dr. Michael and Suzanne Marchetti, graduated from Henry Hudson last year and is currently attending Brookdale College studying business. The family lives on Beach Blvd. in Highlands, and Michael sought inspiration from Highlands Mayor Carol Broullon in selecting the project he would do to earn the Eagle citation.

The mayor suggested Michael re-create the World War II monument on Route 36 across the street from OLPH and the new Borough Hall, and he took on the suggestion with enthusiasm and energy.

As part of the project, Michael had to refurbish, shine and mount the plaque that honors the 13 residents of Highlands who lost their lives during World War II. As part of the requirements listed for earning the Eagle award, Michael also had to oversee a team of ten young men to assist with the project, once he had planned and coordinated it. The scout also had to research history on each of the men named on the plaque and turned to borough historian Walter Guenther as a resource. That resource gave him more inspiration and more appreciation of heroes from an earlier era, he said.

During last week’s Court of Honor, Dr. Carl Marchetti, Michael’s 89-year-old grandfather, who lives in Farmingdale, recalled he was 14 when he was a Boy Scout in Troop 33 in Jersey City. The doctor, who retired in 1982 after 22 years as senior vice president of Jersey Shore Medical Center, and private practice in Neptune as an OB-GYN doctor, estimated he has delivered at least 4,000 babies during his medical career, but nothing is making him prouder than his grandson’s achievement.

“I’m glad to be his grandfather,” he said with admiration, “and I’m glad he made the decision himself to work hard to achieve this. It shows his dedication both in time and effort.”

Dr. Michael Marchetti, who is also troop leader of Troop 22, agreed, adding he is “proud of everything Michael is doing, and he did it this project well.” The physician practiced in the emergency room at Bayshore Hospital for 25 years and now practices in urgent care at Robert Wood Johnson in Hillsborough, in addition to serving first as assistant troop leader for nearly ten years and troop master for the past five. He admits that it was his father that got him involved in scouting and he is happy he has been able to do the same for his son.

In her letter of congratulations to the scout, Mayor Broullon thanked him for his work and noted “it makes me proud every time I walk or drive by and see the monument,” recognizing that he has transformed “an old monument to new glory.” She also noted the thanks and appreciation of both the local American Legion Post 143 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6902 and reminded Michael “you have made the borough proud.”

Police Chief Rob Burton, in congratulating the Eagle Scout, commended him for the 24 badges he earned during his scouting years and told him his outstanding work on this project will continue to inspire him in the years ahead.  Atlantic Highlands Police Chief Scott Reinert also sent his congratulations and belief that “you can do anything you set your mind to…”

MAST Building Delay … Again

By
Muriel J. Smith
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MAST Buildings
Yet Another Delay

Although January 17 was announced as the date to open sealed bids for a construction manager for the proposed renovation and restoration of the historic barracks on Fort Hancock for use by the Marine Academy of Science and Technology (MAST), the date has now been moved one week later until January 24.

The new date is not advertised on the Monmouth County Vocational School Board of Education website, nor was it announced to everyone who attended the pre-bid meeting on December 20.

However, a legal is posted on the webpage of the architect seeking the bids, Kellenyi, Johnson Wagner, architects of Red Bank, explains that “The original Bid Opening Date & Time of 1:00 PM on January 17, 2024 has been revised and extended.

Sealed bids will now be received at the Business Office of the Monmouth County Vocational School District, Board of Education Office, 4000 Kozloski Road (in the Agriculture Building), Freehold, NJ 07728 up to 1:00 PM (prevailing time), on Wednesday January 24, 2024, then opened and read aloud.

Such proposals to receive consideration by the Monmouth County Vocational School District, are to be submitted in strict compliance with the Public-School Contract Law, NJSA 18A:18A-1, et.seq.”

No reason was given why the date announced at the pre bid meeting has been changed, nor does the legal notice on the architect’s webpage indicate where the legal notice of the change was posted.

It would appear that with the bid opening date delayed a full week, the dates for reviewing the bid documents, awarding the contract, distributing contracts for review and signature as well as the notice to proceed would also be delayed by a week.

The overall project duration was listed as taking 420 days from the notice to proceed, including 54 days to update and finalize contract documents and submit plans for permit and initiate submittals.

Although the original announcement of the Prebid meeting was listed as mandatory, that error was corrected in the legal advertisement for the meeting, which indicated it was recommended, not mandated, to attend that meeting. At least two bidders attended that meeting last month.

The one-week delay and any subsequent delays could impact the actual construction of Building 23, now primarily in a dilapidated condition, since it could impact whether work would start on the reconstruction in the advertised time frame.

Both past history and a current statement from the architect indicate that if the ospreys, a large sea bird that has a nest atop one standing wall of Building 23, return and prepare their nest for new eggs prior to construction, work is halted until the eggs hatch and fly the nest.

That was the reason for the delay of construction three years ago and plans have remained dormant until now.  Kellenyi said at the pre bid meeting last month he is hopeful that activity at the site would drive the returning ospreys to find another location.

Nor has either the architect, the Monmouth County Vocational School Board of Education nor the National Park Service responded to any question as to why the nest cannot simply be removed any time before the ospreys are expected back from migration, generally mid to late March. Nor have any of the principals involved responded to queries why it is so necessary to protect the nest now, with plans approved and contracts signed to renovate the building which includes removing the nest so work can proceed.

The building is planned to be renovated to provide the first indoor drill and practice facility for the NJROTC cadets, which includes every student at MAST. The building is also scheduled to include classrooms, office space, bathrooms , lockers and showers for the cadets. Currently, the cadets conduct their drills on Pershing Field, the open field immediately in front of Building 23 ad have no showers or locker facilities for end of drill exercises.

The new legal notice on the Kellenyi Johnson Wagner webpage, which includes the requirements necessary for bidders and the regulations each must meet was authorized by Monmouth County Vocational School District/Business Administrator/Board Secretary Kelly A. Brazelton.

Murphy & O’Dwyer Name Names in Court Docs

By
Muriel J. Smith
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Murphy
Murphy and O’Dwyer Going for Broke

While Facebook and Twitter are alive with dozens of comments from known Democrats and others in Atlantic Highlands critical of their action, the petition  filed by  Councilman James T. Murphy and Ellen O’Dwyer to verify the November election for Mayor and Council member contains no fewer than 20 names of persons they fear could be illegally cast ballots.

“This matter is a pending litigation,” said both Murphy and O’Dwyer when contacted for comment. “As such, we do not have many comments to give.”

Both former candidates have also said they themselves, as well as “ other residents in the Borough are concerned that some of the votes may be inaccurate.  We owe it to all the residents of Atlantic Highlands to explore this matter and seek the truth. Our efforts are simply to confirm the democratic process is being followed.”

Following the election and a December 12 recount requested by Murphy and O’Dwyer, who lost the mayoral and council seats respectively to Lori Hohenleitner and Alyson Forbes, the recount ordered by Superior Court Judge Kathleen A. Sheedy showed that Hohenleitner had five more votes than Murphy and Forbes had 12 more votes than O’Dwyer. Both victors were sworn in at reorganization Jan. 1 and have taken office as elected officials.

Murphy and O’Dwyer then contested the vote certification, charging that “illegal votes were received” and also “legal votes were improperly rejected.”

It is that allegation the two Republicans presented to the court for a court judgement in their favor, the next step after the recount and recheck ordered by the court.

In calling for judgment, both Murphy and O’Dwyer asked the court to either enter judgements revoking and invalidating the certificates of election for Hohenleitner and Forbes and enter judgements certifying Murphy and O’Dwyer for the positions.

In the alternative, the duo asked that a special election be ordered for the offices of mayor and one council seat and and other relief the court finds equitable and just.

No date has been set for that court decision.

Represented by Matthew C. Moench of the law firm of Kin Moench and Collins, LLP, the civil action specifically names at least 22 persons whom Murphy and O’Dwyer feel did not meet residency requirements and therefore should not have their votes counted in Atlantic Highlands. The names run from A to Z in the alphabet, and include several names with addresses both in Atlantic Highlands and in the same apartment complex in Brooklyn.  In some cases, telephone numbers for the Atlantic Highlands address have been disconnected; in other cases, calls go to an answering device and have not been returned.

Among the 19 persons named in the legal action the Republicans feel do not meet residency requirements, addresses include persons whose addresses are given on Third Avenue, E. Mount Ave., Harbor View Drive, Bayside Drive and Cross avenue, among others.

In addition, there are three names cited in the legal action of persons the former candidates believe are not the signatures of the persons named based on their signatures on record. In these cases, the litigants are asking that the ballots be rejected because of the lack of comparison and the possibility the named voter did note fill out his or her own ballot.

Murphy and O’Dwyer are also questioning if at least one voter who cast a ballot for them did not have the ballot counted since the vote was a write-in rather than adjacent to the names printed on the ballot.

It is for their belief that some ballots have been accepted by non-residents, signature mismatches, and questions on the write-in votes that Murphy and O’Dwyer believe “the results of the election do not reflect the will of the voters” and therefore the results should be vacated.

Related Stories

Hohenleitner Asking for $$

Hohenleitner Sworn in

Judge to Decide

Hohenleitner It Is!

Recount!

3 Eagles Honored

By
Muriel J. Smith
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0
Eagles
3 Eagles 1 Troop

Three Boy scouts from Troop 22 were honored at their Court of Honor Saturday, January 6 and congratulated by approximately 100 guests on the occasion of their reception of the Eagle Scout Award, the highest award in Boy Scouting.

The three, Michael Marchetti, Kevin Connelly, Jr. and Anthony Martignetti are all graduates of Henry Hudson Regional School and had earned their Eagle awards during the Covid crisis but were unable to be honored because of Covid restrictions.

Two other Troop 22 scouts, Jack Foy and Kyle Otterbine, both of Middletown, also earned their Eagle awards several years ago. Neither was able to be honored at this week’s ceremony. Foy is employed by the Middletown Township Police Department and Otterbine is in the United States Marine Corps currently serving in California.

Kevin Connelly, Sr., the father one the Eagle receiving his award, gave the opening prayer at the Court of Honor held in Our Lady of Perpetual Help School auditorium, after the Senior Patrol leader Sean Weinperl and Color Corp presented the colors and formed an honor guard.

Dr. Michael Marchetti is troop master for Troop 22, and presented the award to his son, Michael. Assistant Troop Leader Thomas Welch, who is also Eagle Advisor and Order of the Arrow Troop advisor, presented the award to Connelly, and Alan Resch presented the award to his nephew, Anthony.

Each of the three Eagles gave presentations on their projects which had to be completed in order to achieve the Eagle honor. Assistant Scoutmaster Gerald Thompson outlined for the crowd gathered for the ceremony each level of scouting honor had to be achieved and held for a specific length of time before a scout could even attempt to achieve the highest honor.

In addition to letters of commendation from Highlands Mayor Carolyn Broullon, who was present for the ceremony along with Council President Joann Olszewski, the three Eagles at the ceremony also received presentations for the American Legion, the Third Degree Knights of Columbus of the Rev. Joseph Donnelly Council and the Knights’ 4th Degree Bishop McFaul Assembly 646.

Those awards were presented by Sir Knight Michael Napolitan and Sire Knight John Flynn, with Heath Bertini, vice commander of the American Legion Post 346 of Neptune presenting the Legion award. James DeRugeriis, R., Deputy Grand Knight of the Vincent T. Lombardi Council 6552 of the Knights of Columbus, New Monmouth also made a presentation to the honorees, along with Louise E. Welch, president of the Vincent T. Lombardi Columbiettes 6552. Mrs. Welch is also the mother of an Eagle Scout, the assistant scoutmaster.

The troop meets regularly at OLPH and at the Robert Wilson Community Center in Highlands and is sponsored by the Navesink Fire Hook and Ladder Company. The volunteer fire company also presented certificates of achievement to each of the Eagle Scouts with the presentation made by Scott Sieh

The troop consists of approximately 20 young men between the ages of 13 and 17 and is open for membership to local youths.

The Eagle Scout Committee for the event included Assistant Scoutmaster Welch, Mrs. Welch, Dr. Marchetti, Susan Marchetti and Tara Schneider.

Refreshments were served following the ceremony and retirement of colors.

 

Editor’s Note: Because each of the honorees has a fascinating history of his own, it was not possible to include each of their achievements in the Eagle Court of Honor story. Look for future articles on Marchetti, Connelly and Martignetti soon.)    

He Calls Me Redeemed

By
Muriel J. Smith
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0
He Calls Me Redeemed
   He Calls Me Redeemed

You might say Arman Kaymakcian has had a taste of just about every kind of life possible.  He was born in New Jersey, but his parents were Italian and Armenian. He had a terrific childhood filled with adventure, fun, and love…until he was ten.

That’s when the sexual abuse by someone close to the family began and his life changed.

First it was going through adolescence and teen years with ongoing abuse. Then it was trying to cut himself off from everybody. Then the solace in drugs, the need to sell them to use them. Then it was the problems in high school that made him drop out and look to make a living through odd jobs.

Arman found the talent as a carpet installer he had learned from his father could get him a job to let him pay the rent for his own apartment.

He found a place in Neptune, convenient to a crowd that would buy his drugs and enable him to try, and become addicted to prescription drugs, cocaine, PCP, ecstasy and then finally heroin.

From there it went to the hopeless times, the suicidal thoughts…and the coincidence that wasn’t really a coincidence. Everything happens for a reason.

Arman picked up a Bible and read Psalm 88. That was enough to get him, first down on his knees then in a psych ward at Monmouth Medial Center, help for his body and prayers on his lips to save his life.

That’s when the new chapters of his life began.

That Psalm 88 starts with “Lord, you are the God who saves me,” then admits, like Arman, “I  am overwhelmed with troubles and my life draws near to death.”  It continues “ You have put me in the lowest pit, in the darkest depths… Your wrath lies heavily on me;….you have overwhelmed me with all your waves.”    But it ends with “I call to you, Lord, every day…..I cry to you for help, Lord…
The full story of Arman is included in his biography and first book, “He Calls Me Redeemed,” in which he explores his past at the intersection of faith, addiction, abuse, family, culture, and death. The book is a blend of how the cultures of his heritage clashed with his Jersey Shore life style and how while he looked up to and revered his father, he had no idea of his father’s own tragic secret until  he recognized how his father’s personal struggles were a precursor of his own life that hit rock bottom.

A heart wrenching story. Its excellence comes from the author’s ability to lay out the harsh cold facts as they were and are. The book ends on a happy note knowing Arman has overcome a past that will forever haunt him, a lifetime of struggling against the crime and wretchedness he had thrown himself into, and finally the joys and happiness, to say nothing of security and a future that he enjoys because of his own ability to fight his own evils.

Arman cleverly channels the various parts of his life into separate ‘rooms’ in his life house, each room filled with the horror, sadness, frustrations, grief, religion, history or love found in each corner of that particular room.

The book is truly one of hope, faith, and belief in one’s self. Now married with two children, Arman lives in the Colts Neck area and regularly attends the Community Church in the township, grateful he indeed has overcome demons. Finally achieved his high school diploma, attended Brookdale College and has a job he’s held down for more than ten years.

He’s also working on a couple more books, one a short novel, the other a book of poetry.

“He Calls Me Redeemed” by Arman Kaymakcian is available on Amazon and in local book stores.

Hohenleitner Disappointed, Seeks $$ to Fight

By
Muriel J. Smith
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0
Hohenleitner
Hohenleitner Election Still Questioned

“It’s very disappointing that we are all being put through this. We will keep moving forward keeping the community at the center of our work,” said Mayor Lori Hohenleitner today in response to questions concerning the action filed by Councilman James Murphy regarding the election results last November.

Murphy, the lone Republican on the governing body, who was defeated by Hohenleitner for the mayoral post by six votes following a recount last month, then filed action in Superior Court challenging the outcome of the election on the grounds of improper votes in some cases. Murphy questioned the addresses of some voters as well as other matters, according to the Monmouth County Board of Elections. Both Borough Clerk Michele Clark and Monmouth County Clerk Christine Hanlon are named in the litigation.

Hohenleitner and Forbes are being represented by Scott Salmon, with Jardim, Neisner & Susser, P.C who have officers in Tinton Falls and Florham Park. The firm has represented candidates running for political office as well as provided representation to elected officials surrounding political campaigns and the election process.

Hohenleitner noted that borough attorney Marguerite Schaffer is representing Ms. Clark at borough expense, and former borough attorney Jason Sena, who also serves on the Shrewsbury Borough Council and is a special attorney for Atlantic Highlands,  is representing County Clerk Hanlon in the matter brought by Murphy.

Hohenleitner and Forbes, who with Crowley were on ActBlue Charities, Inc. for election campaign funds, also have a place on the fundraising platform for donations to raise funds for their attorney in this legal action.

According to Wikipedia,  ActBlue Charities Inc. is an American political action committee and fundraising platform established serving left-leaning and Democratic nonprofits and politicians. Its Republican counterpart is WinRed.

Although not identifying it as a Go Fund Me page, the mayor confirmed “we have an Act Blue page for campaign fundraising that is now collecting funds to pay for this frivolous contest.” The mayor continued that the action was “brought against myself and Alyson Forbes by Jimmy Murphy and Ellen O’Dwyer.” Councilman Jon Cowley is not involved, she said, other than as an interested party.

Murphy was not immediately available for a comment for this story.

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Shamrock Shenanigans Coming to Highlands

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Sharon Shutzer and a Kind Word

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Sharon Maybe I have such a warm spot for...

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