Atlantic Highlands voters will be casting ballots in two new locations this year, after being advised the Hesse Building will not be available.
However, Borough Clerk Michelle Clark has said the new sites are posted on the borough’s webpage, on Facebook and in notices hanging in Borough Hall, in addition to being put on the electronic sign board outside Borough Hall. Further, the clerk said, the borough will send out postcards advising all voters on the new addresses before the June primary elections.
Voters will also be assured they know in which district they vote, and to which polling place they can cast ballots, since the borough clerk will also assure the streets for each district will be clearly marked on every voter’s sample ballot.
Instead of all four districts having polling at the Hesse Building, which has been the borough’s system since 2020, districts 1 and 4 will vote this year at the Senior Center at the Municipal Yacht Harbor and districts two and three will vote at the First Aid Building, 10 East Highland Ave. Voters can check in which district they are to vote prior to going to the polls by calling the Monmouth County Board of Elections t 732-431-7000.; however, all the streets will be posted on the sample ballots.
The clerk said it was necessary to change the voting places since the Hesse Building, owned by Our Lady of Perpetual Help St Agnes Church, is not available, according to the church administrator. The school has been rented out for us so both the school and gym, which is in the Hesse Building; according to church administration, the state will not allow voting to be there, according to information the borough office received from the church office.
At the time of publishing this story., no one from the church administration has responded to a request for information on which state office is banning the polling places at the Hesse Center, and for what reason
There are 3903 registered voters in Atlantic Highlands.
A special Open House Celebration will introduce the new Medicare accredited program for Diabetes self-management at Bayshore Pharmacy Card and Gift Shop, Bayshore Plaza, Atlantic Highlands, on Thursday, May 7.
The program is the newest of several health management programs introduced by Richard Stryker, owner and head pharmacist at Bayshore Pharmacy, an indication of the family-owned pharmacy’s dedication both to newest advances in the health field and preservation of the hometown pharmacy advantages.
The Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support Program, known as DSMES, will be introduced at the Open House May 7 between 11:30 and 1 p.m.. The celebration will include education on the personalized approach offered at Bayshore for blood sugar management nutrition and technology, enabling those with diabetes to learn more active, more healthy lives.
A live glucometer demonstration will be at the May 7 celebration, along with light refreshments, and an opportunity to meet and greet with the educational professionals involved in designing and promoting the program. Those in attendance at the Open House will also be given priority for upcoming classes.
To ensure availability at the Open House, interested persons can register by e-mailing JStryker@BayshorePharmacy.com by May 1.
Wild About Atlantic Highlands is inviting all to visit the Atlantic Highlands Art Council, 54 First Avenue to learn how to deal with mosquitos.
Rich Salls will present a free program on a pesticide-free mosquito control system that is both easy and safe. His presentation will be held Saturday, April 25, at 10.m. at the Arts Council and all are urged to attend to learn safe and harmless ways of getting rid of mosquitoes in the yard without harming pollinators.
The Council will also have five Mosquito Doom Kits to give way at the event.
MARGARITA The Highlands Business Partnership is sponsoring its 5th Annual Fiesta de Mayo Cantina Crawl Saturday, May 2 from 12:00 PM to 5:00 enabling residents and guests to the borough the opportunity to participate in the Best Margarita in Highlands contest..
Tickets are $45 and include entry into the crowd-favorite Margarita Contest, where eight local restaurants will shake things up in a friendly competition for the title of Best Margarita in Highlands. Participants will enjoy eight 6-oz. margarita samples and have the chance to vote for their favorite.
The crawl features 13 stops throughout town, including eight margarita locations, with the remaining stops serving exclusive food and drink specials, shopping discounts, and fun surprise samplings along the way.
Bringing even more energy to the day, Academia de Mariachi Nuevo Amanecer will fill Highlands with the vibrant sights and sounds of Mexico with festive performances at participating venues.
Tickets are available in advance online at highlandsnj.com or at event check-in at Huddy Park (Bay & Waterwitch Ave., 329 Bay Ave. for GPS) between 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM. At check-in, participants will receive a wristband and event map guiding them to all 13 participating locations.
The Fiesta de Mayo Cantina Crawl is a rain-or-shine event, and tickets are non-refundable.
The event is made possible thanks to the support of participating establishments and generous sponsors including 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 Restaurant & Bar, The Proving Ground Waterfront Dining, The Seafarer, Valley Bank, and WRAT 95.9 FM.
Celebrating its fifth year of honoring military and active duty military veterans with a day of fishing out in Sandy Hook Bay, the Fins for Freedom volunteers are offering the opportunity for all to help honor the men and women who have served in the armed forces on Saturday, May 16.Mike Mavrinac of Middletown, who heads Fins for Freedom along with Jake Campi of West Long Branch and Dan Brady of Tinton Falls, announced that in addition to the breakfast, lunch, accolades from many who come to observe and a full day of fishing from private boats, Fins for Freedom plans on presenting each of its veteran participants with a Basket of gifts, one more way to show appreciation for their time in service.Brady said anyone interested in donating items for the basket, which could range from bottles of cheer, gift certificates, books to gamesto fishing gear and more, can contact any of the officers or visit their page at Fins for Freedom.org or call 908-433-5330.“We invite everyone to show their appreciation for our military,” Mavrinac continued. “ In addition to gifts for the gift baskets, we encourage any boater with a craft 26 feet or larger who wants to offer his vessel and captaincy for a day’s adventure to register his vessel with Fins for Freedom as soon as possible.Brady, who serves as treasurer of the non-profit organization, which was formed specifically to provide the day of fishing from privately owned craft, noted that more than 80 military members and veterans have signed on for the trips. The organization has set a goal of reaching 100 military members for the event, and is in need of more fishing boats to enable that to happen.”Anyone with a vessel 26 or larger who wants to be part of this great event can contact Brady or any member of Fins for Freedom or register their vessel at finsforfreedom.org“From experienced fishermen who never get the chance to go out in a private fishing vessel to retired sailors who have never fished since childhood, the day with other military celebrating on the water is a never to be forgotten event,” Mavrinac continued . “We simply want to give back to those who have given so much for us. That’s why we are a non-profit organization; it all goes back to our military.”The day culminates with a dinner in which the military and veterans can share their stories not only of their day but of their experience as active or retired men and women of all the military forces.“Our Gift Baskets, and our aim is to have one basket for every veteran on our trip,” Brady continued, “are really Honor Baskets rather than gift baskets, since they will be given to those who are serving and living veterans, simply to show our appreciation . That’s what it’s all about.”“This is our 5-year anniversary and boy , have we come a long way from meeting in the parking lot at Atlantic Highlands Municipal Harbor and opening up our own pockets to get around 6 boats with 24 service members participating,” Brady said enthusiastically. “ We have grown it each year to our current capacity limit at On The Deck where our dinners are held . Once something goes into the Casino building we hope to grow with the available space that may open up for us there,” he said hopefully..The Fins for Freedom event is open to ANY active duty (including reserves) or veteran that has served our country. The only requirements are that they be able to swim and be able to walk down the piers unassisted. Fins for Freedom ensures there is a vessel that will take wheelchairs, but capacity is limited.Twenty-six foot is the minimum size for vessels in the fleet for Fins for Freedom Day, since vessels of that size and greater have some type of a bathroom facility and more stability that smaller boats.Once again NJROTC cadets from MAST, the Marine Academy of Science and Technology at Sandy Hook will be on the scene throughout the day, assisting veterans with sign-ups in the morning, helping to distribute gifts, serve meals, and taking the opportunity to learn from their guests about some of their military careers.The Atlantic Highlands Harbor Commission also contributes towards the success of the cay, offering the Senior Center for morning sign-up and breakfast at no cost, as well as ease in parking and pickup for passengers at the ends of the long piers, or where needed for handicap assistance.With the event just one month away, Campi, who has his own boat on the pier and will be hosting a group on the fishing trip, said as of today “we have 67 service members signed up with some slots still available. Twenty 20 boats have committed for the day with a goal of 30 to 35. “We have the funds for the event, but will gladly accept donations toward next year,” he said. “What we are in need of is door prizes for our Honor Baskets. Our goal is to put something in every servicemembers hand at the end of the day besides those fish I feel certain they are going to catch.”Persons interested in donating to the Honor Baskets can do so in “honor” of their own family member serving or who has served. “We will put that right into the hands of a service member or veteran who will greatly appreciate that gift being paid forward,” Campi said. “ We will announce the “Honorees” name, branch and rank for the room to hear. That will enable us to honor even more veterans, those who are not able to be with us for the event.”
Tickets There are still a limited number of seats available for Saturday’s Country Hoedown Party featuring Mobile DJs & Country Line Dance Instructors Lisa & Billy of BTK Entertainment calling the tunes at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Gym Saturday, April 2 between 6 and 9 p.m..
The event is sponsored by the Rev. Joseph Donnelly Council of the Knights of Columbus and features, in addition to country music, square dancing and dance instructors a hot and cold country style dinner and dessert buffet.
Past Grand Knight Dan Halpin is Chairman of the event. Parking is available in the lot with an entrance on Highland Avenue
Tickets are $35 each with discounts for larger groups, and include an admission prize along with a chance to win a Flat Screen TV, to be drawn and awarded that evening.
Doors will open at 5 p.m. Admission for ages 12 and under is available and infants are free of charge.
Tickets can be purchased by visiting http://HighlandsKofC11660.Org by calling/texting (732) 915- 2104 or by E-mail to Danhal960@gmail.com.
Celebrating its fifth year of honoring military and active duty military veterans with a day of fishing out in Sandy Hook Bay, the Fins for Freedom volunteers are offering the opportunity for all to help honor the men and women who have served in the armed forces on Saturday, May 16.Mike Mavrinac of Middletown, who heads Fins for Freedom along with Jake Campi of West Long Branch and Dan Brady of Tinton Falls, announced that in addition to the breakfast, lunch, accolades from many who come to observe and a full day of fishing from private boats, Fins for Freedom plans on presenting each of its veteran participants with a Basket of gifts, one more way to show appreciation for their time in service.Brady said anyone interested in donating items for the basket, which could range from bottles of cheer, gift certificates, books to gamesto fishing gear and more, can contact any of the officers or visit their page at Fins for Freedom.org or call 908-433-5330.“We invite everyone to show their appreciation for our military,” Mavrinac continued. “ In addition to gifts for the gift baskets, we encourage any boater with a craft 26 feet or larger who wants to offer his vessel and captaincy for a day’s adventure to register his vessel with Fins for Freedom as soon as possible.Brady, who serves as treasurer of the non-profit organization, which was formed specifically to provide the day of fishing from privately owned craft, noted that more than 80 military members and veterans have signed on for the trips. The organization has set a goal of reaching 100 military members for the event, and is in need of more fishing boats to enable that to happen.”Anyone with a vessel 26 or larger who wants to be part of this great event can contact Brady or any member of Fins for Freedom or register their vessel at finsforfreedom.org“From experienced fishermen who never get the chance to go out in a private fishing vessel to retired sailors who have never fished since childhood, the day with other military celebrating on the water is a never to be forgotten event,” Mavrinac continued . “We simply want to give back to those who have given so much for us. That’s why we are a non-profit organization; it all goes back to our military.”The day culminates with a dinner in which the military and veterans can share their stories not only of their day but of their experience as active or retired men and women of all the military forces.“Our Gift Baskets, and our aim is to have one basket for every veteran on our trip,” Brady continued, “are really Honor Baskets rather than gift baskets, since they will be given to those who are serving and living veterans, simply to show our appreciation . That’s what it’s all about.”“This is our 5-year anniversary and boy , have we come a long way from meeting in the parking lot at Atlantic Highlands Municipal Harbor and opening up our own pockets to get around 6 boats with 24 service members participating,” Brady said enthusiastically. “ We have grown it each year to our current capacity limit at On The Deck where our dinners are held . Once something goes into the Casino building we hope to grow with the available space that may open up for us there,” he said hopefully..The Fins for Freedom event is open to ANY active duty (including reserves) or veteran that has served our country. The only requirements are that they be able to swim and be able to walk down the piers unassisted. Fins for Freedom ensures there is a vessel that will take wheelchairs, but capacity is limited.Twenty-six foot is the minimum size for vessels in the fleet for Fins for Freedom Day, since vessels of that size and greater have some type of a bathroom facility and more stability that smaller boats.Once again NJROTC cadets from MAST, the Marine Academy of Science and Technology at Sandy Hook will be on the scene throughout the day, assisting veterans with sign-ups in the morning, helping to distribute gifts, serve meals, and taking the opportunity to learn from their guests about some of their military careers.The Atlantic Highlands Harbor Commission also contributes towards the success of the cay, offering the Senior Center for morning sign-up and breakfast at no cost, as well as ease in parking and pickup for passengers at the ends of the long piers, or where needed for handicap assistance.With the event just one month away, Campi, who has his own boat on the pier and will be hosting a group on the fishing trip, said as of today “we have 67 service members signed up with some slots still available. Twenty 20 boats have committed for the day with a goal of 30 to 35. “We have the funds for the event, but will gladly accept donations toward next year,” he said. “What we are in need of is door prizes for our Honor Baskets. Our goal is to put something in every servicemembers hand at the end of the day besides those fish I feel certain they are going to catch.”Persons interested in donating to the Honor Baskets can do so in “honor” of their own family member serving or who has served. “We will put that right into the hands of a service member or veteran who will greatly appreciate that gift being paid forward,” Campi said. “ We will announce the “Honorees” name, branch and rank for the room to hear. That will enable us to honor even more veterans, those who are not able to be with us for the event.”
Celebrating its fifth year of honoring military and active duty military veterans with a day of fishing out in Sandy Hook Bay, the Fins for Freedom volunteers are offering the opportunity for all to help honor the men and women who have served in the armed forces on Saturday, May 16.
Mike Mavrinac of Middletown, who heads Fins for Freedom along with Jake Campi of West Long Branch and Dan Brady of Tinton Falls, announced that in addition to the breakfast, lunch, accolades from many who come to observe and a full day of fishing from private boats, Fins for Freedom plans on presenting each of its veteran participants with a Basket of gifts, one more way to show appreciation for their time in service.
Brady said anyone interested in donating items for the basket, which could range from bottles of cheer, gift certificates, books to games to fishing gear and more, can contact any of the officers or visit their page at Fins for Freedom.org or call 908-433-5330.
“We invite everyone to show their appreciation for our military,” Mavrinac continued. “ In addition to gifts for the gift baskets, we encourage any boater with a craft 26 feet or larger who wants to offer his vessel and captaincy for a day’s adventure to register his vessel with Fins for Freedom as soon as possible.
Brady, who serves as treasurer of the non-profit organization, which was formed specifically to provide the day of fishing from privately owned craft, noted that more than 80 military members and veterans have signed on for the trips. The organization has set a goal of reaching 100 military members for the event, and is in need of more fishing boats to enable that to happen.”
Anyone with a vessel 26 or larger who wants to be part of this great event can contact Brady or any member of Fins for Freedom or register their vessel at finsforfreedom.org
“From experienced fishermen who never get the chance to go out in a private fishing vessel to retired sailors who have never fished since childhood, the day with other military celebrating on the water is a never to be forgotten event,” Mavrinac continued . “We simply want to give back to those who have given so much for us. That’s why we are a non-profit organization; it all goes back to our military.”
The day culminates with a dinner in which the military and veterans can share their stories not only of their day but of their experience as active or retired men and women of all the military forces.
“Our Gift Baskets, and our aim is to have one basket for every veteran on our trip,” Brady continued, “are really Honor Baskets rather than gift baskets, since they will be given to those who are serving and living veterans, simply to show our appreciation . That’s what it’s all about.”
“This is our 5-year anniversary and boy , have we come a long way from meeting in the parking lot at Atlantic Highlands Municipal Harbor and opening up our own pockets to get around 6 boats with 24 service members participating,” Brady said enthusiastically. “ We have grown it each year to our current capacity limit at On The Deck where our dinners are held . Once something goes into the Casino building we hope to grow with the available space that may open up for us there,” he said hopefully..
The Fins for Freedom event is open to ANY active duty (including reserves) or veteran that has served our country. The only requirements are that they be able to swim and be able to walk down the piers unassisted. Fins for Freedom ensures there is a vessel that will take wheelchairs, but capacity is limited.
Twenty-six foot is the minimum size for vessels in the fleet for Fins for Freedom Day, since vessels of that size and greater have some type of a bathroom facility and more stability that smaller boats.
Once again NJROTC cadets from MAST, the Marine Academy of Science and Technology at Sandy Hook will be on the scene throughout the day, assisting veterans with sign-ups in the morning, helping to distribute gifts, serve meals, and taking the opportunity to learn from their guests about some of their military careers.
The Atlantic Highlands Harbor Commission also contributes towards the success of the cay, offering the Senior Center for morning sign-up and breakfast at no cost, as well as ease in parking and pickup for passengers at the ends of the long piers, or where needed for handicap assistance.
With the event just one month away, Campi, who has his own boat on the pier and will be hosting a group on the fishing trip, said as of today “we have 67 service members signed up with some slots still available. Twenty 20 boats have committed for the day with a goal of 30 to 35. “We have the funds for the event, but will gladly accept donations toward next year,” he said. “What we are in need of is door prizes for our Honor Baskets. Our goal is to put something in every service members hand at the end of the day besides those fish I feel certain they are going to catch.”
Persons interested in donating to the Honor Baskets can do so in “honor” of their own family member serving or who has served. “We will put that right into the hands of a service member or veteran who will greatly appreciate that gift being paid forward,” Campi said. “ We will announce the “Honorees” name, branch and rank for the room to hear. That will enable us to honor even more veterans, those who are not able to be with us for the event.
John Zeveny, a graduate of the Marine Academy of Science and Technology (MAST), Class of 2023, returned to visit students and share his experiences on becoming a commercial pilot. Mr. Zeveny is a native of Middletown Township, New Jersey, and is currently a junior at Georgia Tech. He is expected to graduate in December 2027.
Mr. Zeveny attended the Commander Naval Air Forces (CNAF) Private Pilot Scholarship Flight Academy Program in the summer after he graduated MAST. This highly competitive eight-week program trains students on air and ground aviation subjects to obtain their private pilot license. This upcoming summer MAST’s new Battalion Command Master Chief, Cadet Senior Chief Petty Officer Olivia Schmocker, will also attend this program.
Last summer Mr. Zeveny worked as a flight simulator intern at Delta Air Lines where he helped run simulator tours for anyone affiliated with Delta. At Georgia Tech, Mr. Zeveny is majoring in Aerospace Engineering and is currently pursuing his commercial pilot license. He hopes to work for Delta Air Lines or United Airlines after graduation.
Through his flight school training and his internship with Delta Air Lines, Mr. Zeveny visited many different places including Japan, South Korea, and Scotland. He also participated in “jump seating” where he was privy to intricate flight deck procedures that are generally very restricted.
Currently Mr. Zeveny is working on his instrument rating which includes additional training and tests. The instrument rating teaches pilots to rely solely on cockpit instruments rather than outside visual references. This allows the pilot to fly in and through clouds. Flying in the clouds can be very disorienting. Pilots can lose visibility and suffer vertigo or other vestibular issues. A pilot’s ability to overcome the stress they experience during this aspect of flight is essential in the development of competent aviators.
Mr. Zeveny says that the most important thing when becoming a pilot is dedication. Proficiency is lost without practice; you need to consistently keep up with your training. He also encourages prospective pilots to “stop and smell the roses.” Flying is one of the most amazing and freeing experiences a human being can experience.
Written by Cadet Lieutenant Junior Grade Laila Caramanica, a senior- class of 2026, hometown Oakhurst.
Four generations of the Butler Family who have been part of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help St Agnes Parish for nearly a quarter of a century, were honored as the Family of the Month by the Knights of Columbus, Rev. Joseph A. Donnelly council 11660at ceremonies Sunday at the OLPH gym.Grand Knight Kevin McKenna and Knights Council Family Director Michael Burke presented the matriarch of the family, Jean Butler with a gift during the ceremonies which followed the 9:30 mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. Four generations of the Butler Family who have been part of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help St Agnes Parish for nearly a quarter of a century, were honored as the Family of the Month by the Knights of Columbus, Rev. Joseph A. Donnelly council 11660at ceremonies Sunday at the OLPH gym.Grand Knight Kevin McKenna and Knights Council Family Director Michael Burke presented the matriarch of the family, Jean Butler with a gift during the ceremonies which followed the 9:30 mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. Four generations of the Butler Family who have been part of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help St Agnes Parish for nearly a quarter of a century, were honored as the Family of the Month by the Knights of Columbus, Rev. Joseph A. Donnelly council 11660at ceremonies Sunday at the OLPH gym.Grand Knight Kevin McKenna and Knights Council Family Director Michael Burke presented the matriarch of the family, Jean Butler with a gift during the ceremonies which followed the 9:30 mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church.
Cadet Senior Chief Petty Officer Nicholas Amey assumed the position of Battalion Commander of the NJROTC unit at MAST, the Marine Academy of Science and Technology, at their annual Change of Command ceremony recently. He succeeds Cadet Commander Nicholas Billows of Ocean, who was commander as a member of the Class of 2026.
Cadet Senior Chief Petty Officer Nicholas Amey
Also assuming leadership positions at the Change of Command Ceremony are Cadet Lt. Nia Suresh Battalion Executive Office, succeeding Cadet Lt. Commander Andrew Viggiano both of Ocean, and Cadet Senior Chief Petty Officr Olivia Schmocker of Colts Neck, who is taking over as Battalion Commander Master Chief from Cadet Chief Petty Officer Argie Loucopoulos of Middletown
All three cadet officers are rising seniors at MAST The unit held its annual battalion promotion ceremony this week when all cadets receive their new assignments for the next school year.
As Battalion Commander, Cadet Amey will be responsible for the well-being of the entire unit, a demanding yet necessary position. Regardless of the numerous responsibilities, the change of command symbolizes the commitment Cadet Amey has made to his fellow NJROTC cadets.
Amey was the Gold Color Guard Commander for the past year before assuming command for the 2026-2027 school year. A resident of Keansburg, he also currently serves as Co-Secretary of the MAST Key Club and is a member of the MAST National Honor Society. Following graduation next year, he plans to pursue a career as an officer in the United States Army or Marine Corps.
Cadet Lieutenant Suresh served as Assistant Drill Commander this year before accepting the Battalion Executive Officer post for next year. As Battalion Executive Officer, also known as the Deputy Battalion Commander, she will oversee all Department Heads and junior cadet officers and in the event the Battalion Commander is unable to perform his duties it will be her responsibility to assume control of the battalion. Cadet Suresh currently also volunteers with both Monmouth Medical Center and West Long Branch Emergency Medical Services. She is also a member of the National Honor Society. The cadet plans to pursue a career in medicine with an end goal of attending medical school and becoming either an emergency room doctor or a cancer researcher.
Cadet Master Chief Petty Officer Argie Loucopoulos served this year as the Headquarters Platoon 1 Guide. As the new Battalion Command Master Chief, Cadet Schmocker is the highest ranked enlisted cadet, and works closely with the enlisted cadet leadership. She will serve an integral part of the battalion leadership, bridging the gap between enlisted cadets and cadet officers. Cadet Schmocker is a Key Club Officer, a member of the National Honor Society, and an active volunteer at her church. She has also been selected to attend a highly competitive program this summer – the Commander Naval Air Forces Private Pilot Scholarship Flight Academy Program. Cadet Schmocker plans to major in aerospace engineering and become an aviator in the Navy.
All eyes are on the MAST Battalion’s new leadership, but the current senior class is not done yet. Over the next few months the process of a full transfer of command and turn over will begin. This requires communication and coordination between the Class of 2026 and the Class of 2027. The transition will be complete within the next three months, , and the battalion will begin anew, ready to welcome rising freshman cadets in September.
The MAST community expressed the appreciation and thanks of all to the Class of 2026 for their service and their outstanding leadership. Staff and cadets wish continued success in all their endeavors to the graduates!
The incoming leadership in the Class of 2027 also reminded and urged all upcoming leaders to “trust yourselves and lead by example through kindness and respect. “ They also pointed out to the entire MAST NJROTC, that “over the past year you have continued to improve and never settled for average or good enough. You strove for excellence! It is now your responsibility to accept the challenge and keep climbing to reach your true potential. : The new leadership trio indicated they are “excited to see what you do next year, and we are confident that you will achieve great things! Bravo Zulu!”
Written By Cadet Lieutenant Junior Grade Laila Caramanica, Oakhurst
Four generations of the Butler Family who have been part of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help St Agnes Parish for nearly a quarter of a century, were honored as the Family of the Month by the Knights of Columbus, Rev. Joseph A. Donnelly council 11660at ceremonies Sunday at the OLPH gym.
Grand Knight Kevin McKenna and Knights Council Family Director Michael Burke presented the matriarch of the family, Jean Butler with a gift during the ceremonies which followed the 9:30 mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church.
The Butler family was established in the parish in 1959 when Jean and the late John Burke were married at St. Agnes Church. The couple were married for 59 years until John’s death in 2018, but the family has carried on the traditions and lessons both parents taught them throughout their lives.
The Butlers had eight children, five daughters and three sons, all of whom attended St. Agnes School and all received their early sacraments of Baptism, Holy Eucharist and Confirmation in St. Agnes.
Later in life, all five daughters followed their mother’s pattern and taught CCD in the parish, with Katherine also becoming a Eucharistic minister like her mother.
For 20 years, Jean’s husband John was also groundskeeper at both St. Agnes Church and St. Agnes school and with his wife was also engaged in several other ministries in the parish.
The family is well known throughout the parish and the community for their dedication to their religion, as well as their tireless efforts to help anyone in need.
In addition to the numerous acts of charity each of the family members has done throughout the years, and passing the need to help others on to each generation, family members recall their parents were involved in numerous community and parish activities, from PTA and Rosary Altar Society to Renew and Marriage Encounter for married couples, including Jean singing in the church choir for more than 60 years.
Daughter Eileen Bolognese continues to teach arts and crafts to parish children as well as hand making rosary beads which are always given to anyone requesting them and were distributed by the Knights at the recent St. Patrick’s Day parade in Highlands. Her sister, the late Jeanie Butler Corey and her husband, Vince raised their two sons in the parish community, where she also taught CCD, coached basketball at the parochial school and volunteered for the highly successful parish picnic every summer.
The family continues to grow and carry on the Butler family traditions, with Jean now grandmother to 20 and great grandmother to three.
In making the presentations with Grand Knight McKenna, Burke pointed out the Knights, as an international organization, have always been dedicated to the development of strong vibrant families. It is in support of this mission as well as to create an even greater awareness of the many outstanding families within the Diocese as well as the parish, the Supreme Council instituted the Family of the Month Program in 1978.
“ The Reverend Joseph J. Donnelly 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.,” Burke noted. Each month a parish family is cited as the Family of the Month and the certificate acknowledging the honor is presented at the monthly breakfast the knights also host and offer to everyone in the community.
“ The Reverend Joseph J. Donnelly 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.,” Burke noted. Each month a parish family is cited as the Family of the Month and the certificate acknowledging the honor is presented at the monthly breakfast the knights also host and offer to everyone in the community.“ The Reverend Joseph J. Donnelly 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.,” Burke noted. Each month a parish family is cited as the Family of the Month and the certificate acknowledging the honor is presented at the monthly breakfast the knights also host and offer to everyone in the community.
Although Savannah has more than its share of ghosts, bootleggers, gangsters, pirates and mystery, as well as its incredible colleges for art and design and its precisely and beautifully laid out town squares, clearly its attention to faith and the practice and freedom of religions is exemplified in two resounding magnificent houses of worship, the Congregation Mickve Israel synagogue and the St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic cathedral, the main church of the Savannah diocese.
St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic cathedral
The two buildings and their congregations trace their roots in Savannah back to the 1700s, both built in the Gothic Revival style, both listed on the National Register of Historic Places and both major contributing members of the Savannah Historic District with their own museums and tours so visitors can recognize and appreciate the impact both religions have had in the South.
Some of the most unusual features about Mickve Temple are in its architecture. Designed by New York’s Henry Harrison in the 1800s, an architect who also designed the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Garden City, New York, Mickve is built in a cruciform, or cross-shaped design and its tower topped with an open gazebo designed to enable an overall view of the city. The tower is also designed by what appears to be an Islamic-inspired cupola.
In addition to telling the story of how the Jewish people helped settle Savannah with James Oglethorpe, Mickve Israel is also home to a collection of Torahs and other scrolls including a Torah rescued from destroyed European Jewish communities during the Holocaust and other scrolls from 1733 brought from Europe by the founding congregation .
Some of the scrolls show the Sephardic heritage of the Jews that came from Spain and Portugal to this nation, the group of Jewish immigrants who came in 1733 and helped establish Mickve as the third oldest congregation in the United States. The Sephardic, Spanish and Portuguese Jews, had originally fled to London fleeing the Spanish Inquisition of ten years earlier, then sailed to America on the William and Sarah, and workedwithJames Oglethorpe to found Svannah.
They brought with them a Sefer Torah, the religious scroll containing the entire text of the Five Books of Moses, hand-written in original Hebrew and rolled around two ornate wooden shafts, attached to either end of the scroll. That scroll is still on display at Mickve and used on special occasions.
The first Catholic immigrants also came during the 18th century, many fleeing turmoil in both Haiti and France and towards the end of the 1700s, formed their first parish and named it St. Jean-Baptiste. As the parish grew, a small brick church was built and by the mid-1850s, the Diocese of Savannah was created. Damaged by hurricane, the church, now known as a cathedral, since it is the primary church of the diocese, was devastated by fire in 1898, with only the exterior walls and two spires preserved. It took 14 years to rebuild and restore.
In 2012, there was concern over cracks discovered in the steeples of the Cathedral, apparently caused the previous year by an earthquake more than 500 miles away in Washington. The quake apparently . Some suspect the damage was caused by an August 2011 earthquake, centered 500 miles away near Washington, DC, which had also rocked the upper levels of office buildings in the downtown area. The cathedral’s magnificent rose window was also damaged to some degree, and restoration of both cost more than one and a half million dollars.
Last year, the Diocese of Savannah celebrated its 175th anniversary with special events and hundreds of both Catholics and non-Catholics joining in the celebration of history.
Mickve Temple congregation was established in 1735, but seven years later, when Spanish troops invaded Georgia, many abandoned the temple, fearing being burned at the stake, while others stayed in hiding and worshiped at private homes. When they returned years later, they reestablished the congregation before the start of the Revolution.
The Congregation has the letter from President George Washington thanking the congregation for their congratulations to him on becoming President, and noting ” May the same wonder-working Deity, who long since delivered the Hebrews from their Egyptian Oppressors and planted them in the promised land – whose providential agency has lately been conspicuous in establishing these United States as an independent nation – still continue to water them with the dews of heaven and to make the inhabitants of every denomination participate in the temporal and spiritual blessings of that people whose God is Jehovah.”
At St. John the Baptiste Cathedral, where dozens of murals and stained glass windows tell the stories of Saints important to the Irish who built the Church, the 14 incredibly detailed Stations of the Cross were all created by a team of artisans…but the face of Christ, which appears in each of the Stations, were all done by the same artist.
Both places of worship offer museums and gift shops that not only highlight and explain the importance of their own religion’s histories in the formation of the United States, but also the role they have played in Georgia, Savannah specifically. Both show how the Jewish and Catholic communities blended their cultures to ensure freedom of religion in spite of war and diverse beliefs in many areas, and how both continue to come together to ensure preservation of history and an invitation to practice faith,
