When those enthusiastic singing students from the Highlands Elementary School get up to present their Christmas concert at the school auditorium on Tuesday, December 16 at 6:30 you can thank the enthusiasm and expertise of long-time instructor Denise Furda for their excellence and love for music.
Furda has been the music instructor at the Highlands school for 24 years and now also teaches in both Atlantic Highlands elementary and Henry Hudson, bringing lessons and excitement to fourth through seventh graders in instrument lessons, as well as general music lessons to the seventh-grade students.
At Highlands, Furda has a spring concert every June and the Christmas concert before the winter holiday, a special performance for many reasons. But it’s especially exciting, she said, since it is the first performance for beginner players, a challenging an exciting way experience. But, the teacher added with a smile, “people tend to love to hear the holiday songs every year, and that makes them special as well.”
Furda designs the Christmas Concert to always include at least one Christmas, one Chanukah and one winter song for each of the three groups that perform…the Combined Band, the Osprey Band and the Osprey Chorus. Fourth to sixth graders are invited to join the band and chorus, and this year is truly special, the teacher said, since “We have small groups working really hard to make this concert special.” She herself accompanies the students on the piano during the concert.
As part of the regular curriculum, students have at least one lesson with Furda each week, but all are expected to practice at home throughout the week. The students who are in the Osprey Band have an additional rehearsal together once a week, and the Osprey Chorus rehearses once a week after school.
Nor does it take coaxing or motivating the students to practice or enjoy classes, the teacher said. “Students like to show their progress at the concerts and to see their families watch them perform.”
To the question of why music is such an important part of the curriculum in elementary school besides simply learning something new, Furda noted the many excellent opportunities the subject offers.
“Music gives students a way to express themselves. They learn to work as a group to achieve a goal. I love that we begin instrument lessons in fourth grade because they develop a good foundation of music skills and knowledge before moving up to Henry Hudson and joining the Middle School Band.”
And what is the best part of the job for this very talented, devoted and patient teacher?
“The concerts are a fun part of my job!”
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In spite of his contract extending through 2027, Atlantic Highlands Borough Administrator Robert Ferragina spent his last day today, December 10 in the borough and will now pursue “an exciting new opportunity in the public sector that offers continued growth and challenge.”Good
Although Ferragina did not indicate what his new position is, or when he will start, he added he will always value the relationships built in Atlantic Highlands. He also expressed his “ gratitude to residents, staff, and the Governing Body for the opportunity to serve.”
Former Atlantic Highlands Mayor Loretta Gluckstein
The Long Branch native, who lives with his family in West Long Branch, was hired by former Mayor Loretta Gluckstein when former Administrator Adam Hubeny retired from the post. He has served more than four years, each marked with significant infrastructure improvements, financial initiatives, and increased public engagement, for the Borough, leaving a lasting impression on the community he served.
Asked to cite some of the major changes, improvements or challenges he has faced during the past four years, Ferragina highlighted numerous activities undertaken successfully by each of the borough’s departments under his supervision. In addition to major improvements to roads and municipal operations, streets were paved, parking lots were restriped, and LED lighting was installed at locations throughout the Borough and Harbor. Decorative lights were added to the historic Stone Bridge, the Upper Prospect Wall replacement was completed, and a state-of-the-art sign board, not yet lighted, was installed at Borough Hall, complementing the refurbished Harbor sign board. An auxiliary flagpole was also added at Borough Hall.
Some of the upgrades at the harbor included the installation of a backup generator and a boat lift, along with repainting of all buildings and the gazebo. A new gazebo was added at Railroad and Center Avenues, portions of Borough Hall and Sea Streak parking lots were repaved, and park and playground enhancements were completed using grant funding. This support came in part through the Borough’s investment in a grant-writing firm, which helped secure numerous awards.
In the Public Works Department, Ferragina noted critical equipment upgrades took place when outdated vehicles were sold at auction and replaced, not only for Public Works but for the water, police, and harbor departments as well. The DPW Yard received physical improvements including fresh paint, LED lighting, and enhanced workspace conditions for mechanics.
Technology and security advancements included Borough software upgrades from MSI to Edmunds, enhanced cybersecurity, new key fob systems, and upgraded security cameras. Collaboration with local utilities resulted in the replacement of leaning poles and the long-overdue removal of double poles throughout the Borough.
Ferragina worked closely with Atlantic Highlands Local PBA 242, calling the officers “arguably the finest officers in the state.,” He also worked with the Fire Department, council liaisons, and the CMFO to secure bonding for a new fire apparatus. His office also launched new employee support benefits, including annual health and wellness programs funded through grants, and portable supplemental life insurance for municipal workers.
Looking back, the administrator recalled the time early in his tenure when he responded to resident Josh Leinsdorf’s concerns about pedestrian safety at the Foodtown Plaza on First Avenue. Working with private property management, the Borough achieved the installation of new ADA-compliant sidewalks, improving access for seniors at Portland Pointe earlier this year. He also collaborated with former Parking Committee member Mark Fisher and the Police Department to create additional parking spaces throughout town. When he arrived, three collective bargaining agreements were unresolved; he worked with union representatives to complete all three.
During winter power outages, Ferragina spearheaded the initiative to use the Senior Center as a warming station, ensuring residents had a safe place to gather in frigid weather.
Getting to know local residents, particularly multi-generational families including the Rests, Hawleys, Whiteheads, and Fligors, was among the most meaningful experiences for this administrator. He is also proud he helped facilitate public discussion of major community topics.
A major long-term undertaking was securing more than $2 million in federal appropriations for Harbor bulkhead repairs, achieved in collaboration with Congressman Frank Pallone’s office. Work is anticipated to begin within the next two years.
Ferragina also partnered closely with County Commissioners and various county departments to maintain and improve county-owned assets including First Avenue, the Henry Hudson Trail, and Ocean Boulevard. He often highlighted Atlantic Highlands’ unique geography—home to the highest coastal elevation on the eastern seaboard outside of Maine and the largest municipal harbor on the East Coast.
Calling his departure “bittersweet,” Ferragina praised Borough staff, former and current elected officials, and colleagues who, he said, became close friends over the years. He expressed gratitude for the support of former Mayor Gluckstein and former Administrator Hubeny, who continued to serve as mentors during his tenure.
As far as advice for whoever will be assuming his position after this week, Ferragina emphasized that the role of Administrator requires more listening than speaking. He encouraged his successor to “truly value the hard work and longevity of the Borough’s dedicated employees,” noting that those two principles “have served me well.”
Ferragina earned a degree in history with a minor in Political Science from Keene State College, where he serves on the Alumni Association Board of Directors. He holds a Master of Arts in History from Monmouth University and a Master of Administrative Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University. During his career, he has also earned executive certifications in Nonprofit Fund Development from the University of Notre Dame, Public Sector Leadership from Cornell University, Negotiation Strategies from Yale School of Management, Leadership Development from U Penn’s Wharton School, Government Services from Rutgers University and Land Use Law and Planning from the Association of NJ Planning & Zoning Boards of Adjustment.
There is no doubt, that while Atlantic Highlands will always hold memories, experiences, education, and both hard work and pleasure, Ferragina will continue to remain active in community service, local boards, and civic organizations.
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While Highlands Mayor Carolyn Broullon welcomed the Supreme Court ruling on Sea Bright’s ability to proceed with regionalization plans with the Henry Hudson school district, Atlantic Highlands Mayor Lori Hohenleitner said there have been no updates for that borough’s governing body to consider so “it will not be under consideration until the new year.”
Highlands Mayor Carolyn Broullon
The mayor did say, however, she is sure she will be meeting with her counterparts in both Highlands and Sea Bright soon.
Atlantic Highlands NJ Mayor, Lori Hohenleitner
The Supreme Court of New Jersey, in its unanimous decision, ruled against the appeals sought by Oceanport and Shore Regional school districts and made it clear Sea Bright would be following state law and the state’s intentions for larger school districts by becoming part of the Henry Hudson district.
Henry Hudson Regional Tri District School Board Members
While the school board has to approve expanding the district, it is the boroughs who have to work out the financial means among themselves on how the millions of dollars for education in the district are divided among the three towns.
Broullon went a step further in supporting a regionalization which would expand the number of taxpayers paying the millions of dollars it costs to educate students in PreK through 12th grades by inviting the board of education to meet with the three towns “to bring this 60-year old idea to fruition.”
New Jersey Supreme Court
In a statement issued this week, in which she issued the invitation, the Highlands Mayor said “ we are so pleased to hear the New Jersey Supreme Court has decided that Sea Bright can be the master of their own destiny. Now is the time that Atlantic Highlands, Highlands and Sea Bright can finally come together to expand our Henry Hudson Regional School District. Our youth and our taxpayers need to embrace the synergy of our region as natural partners in moving forward toward better educational opportunities as well as tax savings for all. Let’s make it happen for all of us.”
On the other hand, while Mayor Hohenleitner said while she had seen the Supreme Court’s unanimous decision, she declined to explain why that decision is not an update and further information that Sea Bright has the right to act on its own on education matters.
Nor did the mayor reference the correspondence the Commissioner of Education Kevin Dehmer had sent last June which reviewed in detail actions to that point. In his letter, Commissioner Dehmer wrote
Commissioner of Education Kevin Dehmer
“On September 26, 2023, the registered voters of Atlantic Highlands and Highlands approved the referendum to form a new expanded all-purpose regional school district, now known as Henry Hudson, which was completed by July of last year, making Sea right’s application “ripe for consideration.”
A few months later, when the Commissioner reviewed Sea Bright’s application to become part of the district, and considered the Monmouth County Education Office’s recommendation for regionalization, he ruled Sea Bright had met the statutory criteria for withdrawal, providing there was an agreement with Henry Hudson to enable Sea Bright to join, and Sea Bright and Henry Hudson pass resolutions memorializing their agreement.
The Commissioner said it was then up to Sea Bright and Henry Hudson to resolve “any outstanding issues with respect to the tax apportionment.” Once that is completed, then the terms of the agreement can be presented to the taxpayers for their vote.
In seeing the approvals by both the Commissioner of Education and the Supreme Court, it would seem if the Atlantic Highlands Mayor and Council do not act quickly on this week’s Supreme Court ruling by negotiating a tax apportionment and allowing Sea Bright to join the Henry Hudson School district, they put the students and residents of their borough at significant risk.
What is now at stake is millions of new dollars which Sea Bright would bring to the school district with relatively few students opening both expanded education opportunities and reduced taxes for the residents. In addition, it most likely eliminates the risk of the Henry Hudson district being consumed inside the Middletown school district. Given Middletown’s current problem with schools in need of updates or demolition, increased taxes for educational purposes this year, and continuing to face financial increases for education in the future, there could ultimately be mounting consolidation pressures at the county and state level to incorporate one or more of the towns in a small Henry Hudson district into Middletown.
It is now up to the Mayor and Council of Atlantic Highlands to follow through on their promise to move forward with a referendum in 2026 which would finally allow the residents of all three towns to decide how their students are educated and how that will education is paid for. The clock is ticking.
Monmouth County’s Glenn Cashion has another book recently published and now available in time for the Christmas season. My Irish Heart
Glenn Cashion
“My Irish Heart,” the story of the author’s tribute to family, faith and the Irish spirit, gives the joys and sadness of an Irish spirit that came through generations from the green fields of County Kildare to the streets of Freehold. It is the story of Irish immigrants who dared to cross an ocean and build new lives during the Great Famine.
When Cashion, a long time historian, and member of the Monmouth County Historical Commission and local historical societies, wanted to preserve his family’s fascinating stories, he was amazed after all his research to discover the extraordinary tapestry that spanned more than 175 years beginning with the ancestors who helped grow an American town to his own and culminating in his own journey from small-town boy to international corporate executive.
Cashion uses candid reflections on baseball dreams, Marine Corps service, and ventures across Ukraine and Saudi Arabia, showing how his life was shaped by Catholic school values, a father he never knew, and a love story with his wife, Karen, that has endured more than five decades.
He recounts triumph and struggle — including his path to sobriety — while celebrating the bonds of family and the enduring power of home.
Published by RGC PUBLISHING and available in both hardcover or paperback, “My Irish Heart” has won acclaim from other local historians and local leaders, including Kevin Coyne, Freehold historian and highly recognized author of several books as well as being an adjunct professor at Columbia School of Journalism.
Former Mayor Nolan Higgins acclaimed the book as “a journey through the twists and turns of an ordinary man living an extraordinary life” and called the book “a must read.” Former Freehold Township Mayor and Howell High School principal Barbara McMorrow described Cashion as “ an eloquent chronicler” and Coyne noted that “Glenn portrays his family with candor and anecdotes that keep a reader turning pages.”
For more information or to get a signed copy of the book from the author, contact Cashion at gcashion@comcast.net. The book is dedicated to his Irish ancestors and is highly praised by modern day readers for its history, joy and honesty.
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Pennsylvania’s state Capitol building, in Harrisburg, makes it very clear from the moment you step inside that the Keystone state’s history and heritage are rooted in religious significance. Wherever you go in the Capitol you can see testimony of William Penn’s vision for the state and the emphasis he put on religion.
As a result, in addition to historic accuracy, magnificent sculptures and architecture, the Capitol is the site of numerous religious murals and no fewer than 40 Biblical references, all written along the walls and under the dome of the seat of government for the state.
It was the Speaker of the Pennsylvania House Isaac Norris who commissioned the original Liberty Bell, one of the most important symbols of the United States and its liberty. And the Speaker also dictated that a Biblical verse be inscribed on the Bell. “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land and unto all the inhabitants thereof” comes from Leviticus, 25:10 in the King James version of the Bible.
The Bell, which was ordered from the Whitechapel Foundry in London first rang in the State House to call lawmakers to meetings and to alert townspeople when there was news. It cracked when it was moved to Philadelphia and rung there for the first time.
But in Harrisburg, it was only one sign of the importance of religion to the citizens.
Edwin Austin Abbey
Edwin Austin Abbey was one of the most respected artists of the 19th century, recognized at a very early age as an illustrator of poetry and drama for Harper’s Weekly before he went to England to further a career as a history painter. Commissioned to decorate the Rotunda of the Capitol as well as the House and Senate chambers and the Supreme Court, Abbey painted the murals in his studio in England. He exhibited those murals that are in the Rotunda today at the University of London the year before they were shipped to Harrisburg and installed around the massive dome .
The Apotheosis of Pennsylvania
When Abbey died suddenly two years later, he had completed those murals and another three for the Houses chambers, leaving nine works of art in the Capitol. The Capitol architect then asked Violet Oakley, an acclaimed Pennsylvanian recognized for all her illustrations in the leading magazines of the day, to complete Abbey’s contract for more murals.
mural by Edward Austin Abbey depicting The Spirit of Light
The appointment also introduced a woman to the art form generally assumed to be male dominated, giving her the largest public commission ever given to a woman until that time.
Oakley completed Abbey’s contact for murals for the Senate and Supreme Court, creating a total of 43 murals in the Capitol, including a mural in the Governor’s Reception Room.
The Creation and Preservation of the Union
Inscribed under each of these murals throughout all the public rooms of the Capitol that the Biblica passages are on the walls and ceilings. Reading them it becomes obvious specific passages as well as specific murals were placed specifically to include lessons from the Bible in the thoughts and ideas of the legislators while they went about their work governing the state of Pennsylvania.
For instance, in the Governor’s reception room, a saying from Isaiah “He shall build my city and he shall let go my captives” is on one wall while “The voice of one crying in the wilderness” from Matthew is on another.
Some of the Senate Chamber Biblical passages include Psalms “and they knew assuredly that none ever trusted in the Lord and were confounded” and Ezekiel’s “Behold this is the law of the house and this know assuredly that looked and behold the glory of the Lord filled the house.”
Among the murals and Biblical readings in the House Chamber of the Capitol are John’s “You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free, “and, from Revelation, “He carried me away in a great and high mountain and showed me that great city.”
The Supreme Court rooms include not only the Ten Commandments as quoted in Exodus, but also the Beatitudes from Matthew…”Blessed are the meek, they shall inherit the earth.. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” as well as “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.”
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Henry Hudson Regional School senior Cole Harbison’s monthly report to the Board of Education last month included everything from awards at the Atlantic Highlands Grammar School and a trip to New for Highlands elementary school students to learn and appreciate more about the 9/11 disaster to National Honor Society awards at the high school.
The senior student makes monthly reports at each board meeting, all of which are included in the minutes as well as both the administrator’s, business administrator’s and board president’s reports. The principals of each school also give their reports during the meetings along with reports from each of the board committees.
Harbison’s report, however, focuses on daily and planned activities and recognizes the work of individual teachers , staff members and students. He presents his reports as student representatives under the guidance of Student Council Advisors Dawn DeSanto and Miranda Saaryian.
In reporting on his information from the Atlantic Highlands elementary school, Harbison noted Mrs. Bellantoni’s class took a first-place award in October in the Prodigy Math State Challenge, answering more than 20,000 questions correctly. He highlighted the work the students completed to accomplish the honor, and noted their success and enthusiasm earned a Prodigy package to the school and officially qualified it for the prodigy National Cup in May.
Also in Atlantic Highlands Tech Club, students planned, prepared and presented “All About Me” with multimedia slide decks, photos and videos to introduce themselves to their Tech Club-mates.
Students also organized a Veterans Day project with STARS Organization, led by Ms. Plaia and Mrs. Voorhees. To honor veterans, the groups hosted a Red, White, and Blue-Ribbon Fundraiser to support Community Hope: Hope for Veterans, an organization in New Jersey that provides housing, counseling, and other important support to veterans and their families.
Students, staff, and families were invited to purchase ribbons for $5 each to recognize a veteran. The ribbons were tied to the playground fence, and stars with veterans’ names were displayed on the school bulletin board as a tribute to those who served. The Student Council , thanks to the generosity of the school community, raised $515 it donated to Community Hope,” a means of enabling students to show gratitude and make a meaningful impact in support of veterans,” Harbison said.
In order to reduce food waste, the Student Council also conducted a one-day Food Audit in which they collected unopened items from breakfasts and lunches that were being thrown away. In just one day, students gathered over 150 items — including milk cartons, cheese sticks, fruit, and breads — totaling 52 pounds of food, all donated to the Food Pantry in Atlantic Highlands. To keep the program going, the PTO purchased a wire rack, cooler bags, two clear storage totes, and a mini storage fridge and set Boxes on every floor, so students can now place unopened breakfast items. The Student Council collects the food daily and stores it until the food pantry picks it up, weekly. It’s a great way to recycle food back into the community and shows how students can make a real difference Harbison said.
Mrs. Melissa Phair’s class led the school’s annual Election Day when the class engaged the entire school in the voting process, providing students with hands-on experience in civic engagement and decision-making. The Room was transformed into a lively polling station, the young election team of first and second graders took charge of everything from planning and setting up, to greeting voters and collecting ballots. Students and staff streamed in throughout the day to cast their votes for either Pajama Day or Decades Day. When the results were tallied, Pajama Day took the win! The tradition continues to remind everyone that participating in the community and making voices heard is something worth celebrating.
In Highlands, the 6th grade trip via Sea Streak ferry to New York enabled students to visit the 9/11 Memorial and deepen their connection to their unit on the novel Eleven by Tom Rogers. Prior to the trip, students participated in a live Zoom Q&A with the author, which helped bring the story and its themes to life.
As part of Feel-Good Friday, students at the Highlands Elementary School got a lesson from Mr. DiLorenzo on the importance and means of identifying and leaning on trusted adults in the school to help manage challenges and build resilience. In addition to the lesson, each class was paired with a buddy class. As an example. Harbison cited a 6th grade student pairing with Pre-K students, and 5th grade with 2nd grade throughout the school, to foster mentoring relationships and strengthen the school community.
For the annual Veterans Day Assembly, the National Elementary Honor Society organized a Veterans Day assembly at the Highlands School to honor and learn from local veterans. The program included a respectful flag-folding ceremony and a discussion about the meaning of Veterans Day. Students also had the opportunity to hear directly from veterans during a Q&A session.
The High School’s activities as reported by Harbison included Spirit Day, a national anti-bullying movement when all are encouraged to wear purple and pledge to take a stand against bullying and support LGBTQ+ youth. GSA member Irena Evelich participated in a virtual Pride 5K when she and Mrs. Boylan met at Popamora Point Highlands and made their way down and back the trail to Atlantic Highlands. Hudson alumnus Madison Boylan also participated with Allie Burgaletta from Middletown. Pride 5K was organized by USA Olympian Nikki Hiltz to raise money for Point of Pride.
The National Honor Society welcomed guest speakers from Grace Healthcare Services who gave a presentation on Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia and explained the on-profit organization’s collaboration through a service project in which members create Memory Books to help prompt memories for patients living with these conditions.
Advisors Dawn DeSanto and Sarah Fahmie announced eight students from the junior and senior classes were inducted into the William H. Barrett Chapter of the National Honor Society when President Blakely Smith presided over the candlelight ceremony and inducted Josie Corr, Alexander Estrada Diaz, Charles Grooters, Lake Gulian, Addison Krzycki, Aurora O’Neill, Sydney Pettigrew and Liliana Zertuche into the Society.
The HHRS Drama Club presented “Be More Chill” In November a musical that tells the story of Jeremy Heere, an awkward teenager who gets access to a supercomputer called a Squib meant to help him navigate high school with swagger, confidence, and pride.
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In spite of all the negativity, remarks and lack of information on those Facebook messages on the Highlands sites in recent weeks, only a small gathering of residents turned out for the Mayor and Council meeting, none opposing the approval of a financial agreement paving the way for future development of Scenic Highlands, the former Shadow Lawn Trailer Park property.
Residents who spoke during the public hearing were assured they would have more opportunity to voice their opinions and make suggestions at the Land Use Board public hearing which is also essential as the project advances to that stage in the overall development plans over the new year or more.
Only half a dozen local residents spoke during the 39-minute public hearing, no one opposing but rather questioning all aspects of the financial agreement which guarantees the borough millions of dollars over the 30-year period agreed upon in the ordinance.
The public hearing followed a comprehensive explanation of precisely what the ordinance includes, with presentations given by representatives of both financial firms which have been working with the borough over the past several years before the proposed project advanced to this stage. The construction and ownership firm has already invested approximately $20 million in soft costs which engineering and Geotechnical studies, and other research.
The ordinance unanimously approved by the governing body at this meeting is just one step in a long series of steps expected to be made over several years before actual construction can begin.
Planned for the site which formerly was the site of several dwellings and 100 trailer homes, is construction of a $150 million dollar building to include 99 one bedroom, 24 two bedroom and 25 three bedroom units for lease in addition to another eight one bedroom, 27 two bedroom and nine 3 bedroom affordable units to enable the borough to maintain its Mount Laurel state requirements. The proposed construction is estimated would house approximately 640 residents with an approximate 36 new students in the borough’s regional K-12 school district.
While a couple of residents questioned the impact of additional students in the school district, and the higher cost for educating that many more students, Mayor Carolyn Broullon pointed out the Highlands student population at the regional school district is currently more than 60 students fewer in the K-12 district than it was three years ago. Adding more students would not increase educational costs, she pointed out, since the borough pays half of the overall budget regardless of the number of students. With the addition of this rationality, she pointed out, the overall cost of education would simply come from a broader tax base, not added payments from local residents. “Highlands is a small community,” she responded to a resident,” and if anything, the many young families with young children moving into the borough is keeping it that way”
Several residents of Eastpointe, the adjacent 14-story high rise which was itself the subject of strong opposition more than half a century ago when it was built on one of the highest hills on the coast, expressed concern for their own homes should construction and dredging on the hill impact the stability of their complex. Broullon explained the financial agreement included in the ordinance under consideration at this meeting is just another in a long series of steps the builder, Urban Renewal Entity LLC, has to face before any construction can begin.
The builder must still present all plans, construction drawings and proposed ideas to not only Monmouth County, but state and federal officials as well , all of which must approve the package before construction can begin. The mayor pointed out the property, though set back from the road, is considered to have frontage on State Highway 36, which as it passes through Highlands, is also under Monmouth County ownership, making approvals by those entities necessary before final approval. Also necessary to be approved are technical and geological impacts.
Broullon also noted the setbacks for proposed construction are back from the steep slope area indicting no impact on that area. Work would include more than $2 million in ground improvements, she said. “This is challenging land,” she agreed, “and the builder must go through a lot of hoops before he gets his final approvals. This is just one step in the process to enable him to move forward.”
In addition to the overall 292 units, the owner is also planning 393 parking spaces, a community room and other amenities on the site. The builder would also include curbing and sidewalk on the Route 36 side of the road in front of the complex, as well as a designated path and an overlook area in the front of the property facing the Shrewsbury River and ocean for public use.
Under the financial agreement, if all else is approved, the company would pay a service fee rather than taxes over a 30-year period based on its own income from the apartments, moves necessary and encouraged under the state’s plans for construction on sites within communities termed necessary for redevelopment. The borough had secured that designation for the former trailer site, which had been vacant for several years, approximately four years ago.
In addition to Eastpointe residents who spoke at the meeting, one resident questioned the impact of the additional traffic more housing would produce, another questioned the impact on school taxes, which Bouillon explained, and one asked if there could be anything done to ensure residents of the rental, which would remain rentals for at least 30 years as opposed to condominium sales, would become a part of the community, rather than simply sleeping here and going to New York to spend their money. “How can we be sure of their investment in our town?” she asked.
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Santa Claus will be one of the honored guests at the monthly holiday breakfast sponsored by the Rev. Joseph J. Donnelly Council #11660 of the Knights of Columbus, along with members of the Highlands Fire Department and First Aid Squad who are also assisting with this month’s holiday festivities.
Open to all with no admission charge, the Breakfast, complete with holiday specialties, is offered at the Our lady of Perpetual Help gym, Miller Sreet Highlands, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30.
Also featured at the December breakfast will be a Christmas Raffle drawing with a limited number of tickets still available for purchase at the Breakfast up until 10 a.m.. The winner will be drawn during the Breakfast after the final accounting of all tickets purchased at the Breakfast.
The winner need not be present to win the Raffle.
Donations are always accepted to offset the cost of the Breakfast with Santa,
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An Ugly Sweater Contest, Christmas caroling, a Christmas concert, photos with Santa and crafts, decorating, and a bake sale are all being featured at the Christmas Market scheduled for Sunday, December 14, from 1 to 6 p.m. at the St. Agnes Church Hall.
The Christmas Market features unique gift items for sale by local crafters and professionals. The various booths at the Market will include hand crafted ornaments, ornaments with legends, knit and crochet gift items, hand and facial beauty items, gifts for dogs, local history books, and numerous items for Christmas gift giving.
The Christmas Market at St. Agnes is only one of many local shops offering unique and last-minute Christmas ideas.
With statistics showing that 80 per cent of Gen Z people are seeking out used items for purchase, Not 2 Shabby Market on Bay Avenue in Highlands is filled with all varieties of Christmas items, clothing, boots, books, jewelry and housewares in perfect and near-perfect condition. Purchases here are two-fold, inasmuch as this month a percentage of all sales is going to veterans groups in the Bayshore area. The shop is open Tuesdays through Saturdays throughout the day.
And any time you’re shopping in Highlands along Bay Avenue, stop in at the Farmacie Café, just a couple of shops east of their former location at Bay and Miller street. Not only are the cafes and desserts outstanding, but there are some unusual gift ideas in here as well.
Or if you don’t have time to stop for a relaxing coffee, stop at Gem’s or call in and order a sub. For the month of December, Gem’s is offering their gigantic subs with a 15 % discount, their own Christmas gift to all the customers who have showed how happy they are Gem’s is now a business in the middle of town.
At the other end of town on Waterwitch Avenue, both the florist now filled with all kinds of balsam and pine along with numerous plants and the Gourmet Market are well known for their excellence and unique offerings. But stopping in at the One Stop shop next door gives you even more ideas for unusual stocking stuffers and just plain fun items to purchase.
First Avenue in Atlantic Highlands has great shops as well, including Renaissance, with its many booths of used and fascinating items, here again with some booths benefiting the maintenance and upkeep of a local church.
Bungalow Road offers some unique items, as well as numerous items highlighting Leonardo, Atlantic Highlands and Highlands, and the Atlantic Highlands Arts Council has outstanding talent from local artists and artisans. Even First Cup Coffee on First Avenue has some unique items for Christmas giving. At the Route 3 Foodtown Mall, Bayshore Pharmacy is filled to overflowing with numerous gifts ranging in price from a lottery ticket to perfumes, cosmetics, clothing and decorative items.
And the St. Agnes Thrift Shoppe is open additional hours for the holiday season, from this week through December 20, the shop at Ave D and South Avenue is open Wednesdays through Saturdays.
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WinsThe New Jersey Supreme Court today put an end to the years of expensive and legal arguments brought by Oceanport and Shore Regional High School and has ruled unanimously that indeed Sea Bright does have the right to leave those school districts and join Henry Hudson Regional School district. The school regionalization for Pre-K to 12th grade that Sea right has been seeking for years is one step closer to reality.
The verified petition for the proposed creation of a PK-12 All-Purpose Regional School District by the Borough of Sea Bright was argued in October and decided today, December 8, 2025, with Supreme Court Justice Anne Patterson writing for the unanimous Court decision.
Supreme Court Justice Anne Patterson
This unanimous decision by the highest court in the state that supports what Highlands and Sea Bright have been saying for several years, now makes it possible for both the borough of Sea Bright and the Henry Hudson Regional School District, which itself was newly formed this year, to petition the Department of Education Commissioner to approve the expansion of the Hudson district to include Sea Bright, actions which follow through of the state’s comprehensive plan to save taxpayers money by creating larger regional school districts.
Highlands residents through a non-binding vote had already let both the Mayor and Council as well as the Henry Hudson Board of Education know they welcomed Sea Bright into the district and favored the larger school district. The Atlantic Highlands governing body had not polled its residents to determine their opinion, preferring to wait until all the legal battles brought by Oceanport and Shore Regional were resolved.
The Justices ruled, in this appeal brought by Oceanport and Shore Regional against lower court and Appellate Court decisions, the Court considered whether Sea Bright can withdraw from the two school districts currently serving its public-school students and join an all-purpose regional school district pursuant to state law N.J.S.A. 18A:13-47.11(a).
When the Legislature enacted that legislation, Sea Bright was exploring the possibility of withdrawing from the Oceanport School District where it had been merged for education of its kindergarten to eighth grade students, and the Shore Regional High School District, where it sent its ninth to twelfth grade students, to join the school districts of the Borough of Highlands and the Borough of Atlantic Highlands as well as Henry Hudson Regional High School in a proposed all-purpose regional school district.
Sea Bright adopted a resolution incorporating that proposal in June 2022.The districts from which Sea Bright sought to withdraw challenged their eligibility to take that action.
The two school districts maintained heir opposition to Sea Bright leaving, incurring heavy legal costs for taxpayers in continuing to fight what Sea Bright had maintained and proven in numerous meetings and courts.
At that time, the Commissioner of Education found the law empowers Sea Bright to seek to withdraw from the two school districts. The Appellate Division affirmed that determination and granted certification based on the plain language of the relevant statutes, namely, a municipality in Sea Bright’s position is a governing body authorized to pursue withdrawal from a school district to form or enlarge a regional school district.
Vito Gagliardi, Jr
Isabel Machado argued for Oceanport and Shore Regional High and Vito A. Gagliardi, Jr. and Kerri A. Wright argued the cause for Sea Bright.
Isabel Machado
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