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Monmouth Prepares for 250 th Birthday

By
Muriel J. Smith
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Monmouth
Monmouth NJ 250

“We’ll be ready. We’re going to get this done!” Monmouth Country Director Tom Arnone told a crowd of proud Americans and historians at a meeting at Hominy Hills Golf Course Wednesday night.

If the enthusiasm, agreement, energy and assurances Arnone’s promises would be carried out by all of them is any indication, Monmouth County will have the biggest, the best, and certainly the most proud celebration of any county in the nation in 2026, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the start of a new nation.

Dozens of history lovers, both professional and simply proud Americans, gathered for the meeting of MonmouthNJ250 called by its co-chairs Arnone and County Clerk Christine Hanlon. The meeting was called to keep municipalities and residents updated on the county plans and county cooperation for municipality plans for celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday.

Historians from all over the County representing municipalities, historical societies, business entities, the Sons and the Daughters of the American Revolution and more viewed some of the videos the county has already completed to encourage a county-wide celebration equal or excelled by none throughout 2026.

Arnone and Hanlon thanked the Monmouth County Park system and other organizations, as well as Ted Maturo, executive director of Monmouth NJ 250 for all the efforts that have been completed to date to ensure that the county where the longest battle of the Revolution, the Battle of Monmouth, was fought, includes every municipality or organization in highlighting so many varied significant incidents and occasions from 1776 that occurred within Monmouth County. The Battle of Monmouth has long been recognized as the turning point in the Revolution, even while numerous other battles were fought throughout Monmouth County pitting neighbor against neighbor, splitting families, and losing lives. Still, once the war was over, Arnone noted, the people of Monmouth County came back together and rebuilt the county culturally, agriculturally, and industriously, making it what it is today, the fifth most populous county in the state with more than 600,000 residents.

Both Arnone and Hanlon highlighted the many ways Monmouth County plans on celebrating, noting first of all their re-constructed MonmoouthNJ250 truck which will be available for parades, special events and other uses between now and 2026. Other plans for the 2026 year are traveling exhibits, coloring books, educational programs, contests, gala events including parades, videos and joint events with municipalities.

To ensure everyone is kept informed and invited to participate in every celebration, Arnone also pointed out that of the 53 municipalities in Monmouth County, 21 of them have already signed on to MonmouthNJ250 so they can take advantage of all the shared ideas and resources.  Hanlon also indicated the county is working with other organizations for a possible OPSail celebration similar to OPSail 76, when cadets sailing tall ships from numerous countries helped America celebrate its 20th birthday, with many of the ships and crew hosted by several Bayshore towns and Yacht Clubs.

Both cochairs praised the soon to be released coloring book that has been designed especially for Monmouthnj250 and will be available for y9ungsters but well worth reviewing by any adult.

Historian at the meeting also suggested RevolutionaryNJ.org and the American Battlefield Trust for other resources and information.

“We want everyone to enjoy a huge celebration throughout 2026,” Arnone said, “but we also want everyone, resident and visitor alike, to remember everything about this party for years after the party.”

To the applause and standing ovation of the group, Arnone reiterated “we’re going to get this done.”

Persons wishing further information or to sign up for the newsletter should visit MonmouthNJ250.org

What Goes Up … Helicopter Lands at North

By
Muriel J. Smith
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helicopter
Helicopter Makes Emergency Landing

An emergency helicopter landing on a baseball field at Middletown High School North this morning doubtlessly avoided a serious accident and showed the professionalism of local officials at both the township and school system

Middletown Police were notified by officials at Middletown High School North at around 9:30 this morning that a helicopter had made a landing on the school campus.

Responding Police found a commercial passenger helicopter had touched down on the field at the rear of the school, adjacent to Marvin Road.

The helicopter, operated by Zip Aviation of Caldwell had experienced an in-flight issue where an indicator light had come on.  There were no passengers on the helicopter, and the pilot, who is not being identified at this time, observed the field and determined it would be safe to make the emergency landing.

There were no students or faculty on the field or the surrounding areas.  Middletown Twp. Public Schools Superintendent Jessica Alfone said, “This incident is obviously an unusual one.  Our school’s faculty and staff acted swiftly to confirm that no students or other personnel were harmed.  The incident had no impact on class scheduling, and we are not anticipating any interference with dismissal or after school activities.  We are thankful that the pilot was not harmed.”

Chief of Police R. Craig Weber stated, “This incident demonstrates both the professionalism and close working relationship between the Middletown school district and our Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services and our collaborative effort to quickly respond to this unanticipated emergency.” Police notified the New Jersey State Police at the Regional Operations & Intelligence Center (NJ ROIC), who then notified the FAA and the NTSB.

 

Boom! There Goes the Nest at MAST

By
Muriel J. Smith
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0
Boom
Osprey Nest Removed

As all those avidly hoping for the reconstruction of Building 23 on Fort Hancock have seen, the osprey nest which has rested at the top of the lone standing wall of the dilapidated former army barracks for years, halting all progress and causing much controversy for years, is gone.

The nest, which for years has stalled progress on the anticipated indoor training facility for students at MAST, the Marine Academy of Science and Technology, was suddenly absent last Wednesday, according to visitors to Sandy Hook. The empty nest had been at the top of the last standing wall of the dilapidated building more than a week ago.  The day after it disappeared, a bright blue boom appeared on the side of the wall and has been there since.

Kelly Brazelton, business manager for the Monmouth County Vocational School district, confirmed the nest was removed at the direction of the school district. And the boom, also placed by the district, was put in place last Thursday and will remain there for a month or so.

MS Brazelton did not give any explanation for why the boom is on site or how the nest was removed.

The nest has been a critical part of the years long story of reconstruction of the former barracks into a training facility, classrooms and offices, together with bathrooms and showers for cadets at MAST, the Marine Academy of Science and Technology, all of whom are in the NJROTC program.

When plans were first begun for the building several years ago, construction was planned to begin in the spring of the year. However, the nest, which has been there for years, was inhabited by returning ospreys, whose nature it is to return to the previous year’s nest after each migration, building it larger each season. Environmental regulations ban the removal or disturbance of osprey nests so long as they are an active family, from eggs to flight, so plans were put on hold for reconstruction.  Following the nesting season, no action was taken by the district to remove the nest. Birds normally return by mid-March to their former site.

Last December, while the nest was still intact, the school district called for bids for construction, setting $15 million as the top cost allocated for construction.  No action was taken to remove the nest throughout the winter months.

The bids were opened in January when two bids for construction of the new facility were received. Both were rejected when they came in at over $18 million.

While the district is expected to modify its plans and submit new and presumably less expensive construction plans to continue its agreement with the National Park Service,  Ms. Brazelton reported there is nothing new on the construction plans at this time.

This month, the nest is gone and a boom at unknown cost is on site with no explanation of its purpose.

Booms are a piece of construction equipment that enables workers to climb and assess or inspect sites at the higher level. But when asked the purpose for the equipment remaining on site for a month or more, or its cost, Ms Brazelton responded “I am unable to answer some of your questions.”

Nor did VeniVidiScripto get any response from National Park Service superintendent for Gateway National Recreation Area Jen Nersessian in responses to the same questions.

Mayor Dick Stryker

By
Muriel J. Smith
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Mayor Dick Stryker

It was 52 years this year since Dick Stryker served his first term as Mayor. It was the first time Atlantic Highlands had elected its mayor for a four year term, and the new and very popular Mayor laid out his plans for the future during the borough reorganization in January.

They all reflected the importance he felt for family, family life, and raising the borough to the high standards he felt it should be.

Stryker was elected in November, 1971 along with Gerald Kelty and John Phair to their terms on Council, giving the Republicans a majority on the governing body.

Stryker wasted no time in setting out his eight priorities, the first of which was cleaning up the “People pollution” so “Atlantic Highlands will be known for more than the town to go to see a dirty movie.”

Stryker was critical of some of the films  shown at the First Avenue theater. But he also was concerned about a growing narcotics problem in town that was beginning to affect all towns, he said. So more of his priorities focused on making the narcotics board more effective and having it more in contact with the Monmouth County Narcotics Council.

Schools and the borough should work together, he also urged, and he was calling for the boards of education to work with the borough on school budgets. At the same time, Stryker wanted to introduce a new education program at the elementary school, one that would offer adult education after school hours primarily for parents.

As Chairman of the Harbor Commission and now as Mayor, Stryker wanted to abandon any ideas for a swimming pool at the municipal harbor, citing lack of space and too great an increase in traffic. He also wanted a survey of all the fire hydrants in the borough and a report on all problems so residents could feel more secure.

The GOP controlled municipal body also wanted to keep many of the same professionals who had been hired by Democrats, praising borough attorney Michael Barnacle, Borough administrator J. Leonard Clark, borough clerk Ruth Merker and borough court clerk Dorothy Davis among others.

That the Mayor was concerned about the showings at the Atlantic Theater was recognized in the ads for that were in  advertisements in the same newspapers carrying his message to clean up the “people pollution.”

On the screen on First Ave for the week was “The Stimulators,” with the promo “Never has the theater shown a film of such visual and sensual magnitude,” describing the movie as “ a fascinating story of love.” It was playing with a  second hit, “Touch Me,”  in color, along with warnings viewing was restricted to those 21 years of age and older.

Atlantic Highlands Garage Sale – May 4

By
Muriel J. Smith
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0
May 4
Town Wide Garage Sale May 4

The annual Town Wide Garage Sale for Atlantic Highlands will be held Saturday May 4, with Sunday May 5 the rain date for the 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. event.

Residents wishing to be included in the borough map for shoppers, can submit a $10 check payable to the Borough of Atlantic Highlands to  the doc-drop box at Borough Hall, prior to May 2. Check should be accompanied by a completed form available at borough hall to identify the types of items residents intend to sell at their address, ranging from appliances, furniture and decorations, through toys, jewelry, books, electronics and more.

USS New Jersey x 2 (BB-62 & SSN 796)

By
Muriel J. Smith
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0
New Jersey

Both Naval ships named after the State of New Jersey are making news this month as the newest is undergoing trials at sea and the older one is leaving the water for the first time in more than 30 years.

The submarine New Jersey (SSN-796) has been undergoing sea trials before her planned commissioning at NWS Earle in Leonardo on September 14.

“As a crew,” said Captain Steven A. Halle,” we did some of the most complicated operations that submariners see in their entire career. The crew performed remarkably, and the achievements were recognized by numerous senior officials.  Their hard work and sacrifice paid off and highlighted their amazing talent.”

The submarine spent two weeks at sea to test the boat’s systems and components.  Tests included submerging the submarine for the first time and conducting high-speed maneuvers while on the surface and submerged.

The boat will be in the shipyard for several weeks before heading back out to sea for its next set of tests, including an Operational Reactor Safeguard Exam (ORSE) and preliminary weapons testing.

On Thursday, March 21, Battleship New Jersey (BB-62) will depart for historic dry dock maintenance for the first time in more than three decades.  The Battleship, which is now a museum in Camden, will be guided by tugboats from McAllister Towing.  She will be turned around, headed south under the Walt Whitman Bridge enroute to the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard at Dry Dock #3, where the ship was built during the late 1930s and launched on December 7, 1942.

The dry dock project is vital for the Battleship’s longevity, and government, military and New Jersey residents has expressed strong feelings that the most decorated Battleship in U.S. history deserves a proper sendoff to celebrate her decades of service.

The public is invited to join and honor her legacy.

See battleshipnewjersey.org/drydock for details on Dry Dock Guided Tours, a Departure Celebration on the Pier, a cruise with the Battleship on the Spirit of Philadelphia and more!

Travel by Train – Palatka Has Great Employees

By
Muriel J. Smith
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0
Palatka
Travel by Train

Taking a relaxing and enjoyable train ride between Newark and Palatka Florida simply for the fun of the train ride is well worth the trip, but meeting a resident of the town immediately after arrival is even better.

Arriving in this city an hour’s train ride past Jacksonville in late morning, it was surprising to see there was no activity at the small, attractive and historic rail station, no cabs, no Ubers hanging around, no busses, no people.

Walking into the station I got a first glimpse at the Browning Railroad Museum housed there before being greeted by one of the two employees seated behind a glass window.

Both were cheery, welcoming and eager to see what they could to do help a stranger. When I said I was after a cab or directions to the Crystal Cove Hotel, the smiling and bubbly lady, who I quickly learned was Teresa, mentioned the hotel was out of town, there wasn’t a cab right there in the station, but not to worry….she would drive me there!.

And so she did. Enroute to the hotel some few miles outside of town, Teresa shared some information about Palatka, and also noted there were two other hotels in town…”for next time you visit.” Both had great views of the St. John’s River, she explained, and one was right on the river. Both had restaurants either attached or nearby.

I explained the Crystal Cove Hotel was also on the river and she agreed, adding with a smile, “but the one in town has a prettier view!”

Arriving at Crystal Cove, I thanked Teresa for the ride and told her I was only staying one night. She suggested we exchange phone numbers and she’d be happy to pick me up when I was ready to get to the station for my trip back on Amtrak.

Thanking her once again for her generous offer and her friendliness, I handed Teresa $20. “Oh no,” she exclaimed immediately, “that’s way too much. You can’t do that.” I persisted, saying it was well worth it to me and I appreciated her immediate help.

After a few minutes, Teresa grudgingly accepted with the provision “ok, this will do for today and tomorrow. So you can’t give me any more money tomorrow for the trip back to the station.”

We laughed, we said goodbye, I entered the hotel and Teresa went on her way.

As I was signing in, I asked the clerk where the restaurant was. Just over there a bit, she responded. Then she added, “but it’s closed.” But when I asked when it would be open for dinner she responded, “Oh, it’s closed for months for renovation.” When I said that was never mentioned to me when I requested restaurant information before reserving, she explained reservations are made through a different agency, booking online, and “maybe they did not know.”

That was enough to let me know things probably wouldn’t be getting any better for the next 24 hours.

I called Teresa on the phone and asked if she could come pick me up. Without a question, she readily agreed and was back at the hotel within 15 minutes.

Getting back in her car, I briefly explained I wouldn’t be staying here and asked for one of the two hotels in the city. She took me to the Quality Inn and waited to ensure I had room.

We laughed, I thanked her, gave her more cash saying I still understand the ‘credit’ for the next day’s trip to the station, and we both went on our way.

Teresa was right about several things. The Quality Inn indeed was right smack on the gorgeous St. John’s River, right near a magnificent bridge reminiscent of the Captain Azzolina Bridge in Highlands on a larger scale, and my room was directly facing the river and a wonderful view.

And the Beef O’Brady restaurant located in the hotel was a few steps away, its windows also opening out directly on the Riverview.

Thanks to Teresa, I knew the rest of my brief stay was going to be spectacular, restful, and fun.

Travel by Train to Palatka

Prayers on the Porch

By
Muriel J. Smith
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0
prayers on the porch
  We can all use a little Prayers on the Porch

The coming spring season brings daylight longer in the day, warmer evenings for outdoor enjoyment, and the Prayers on the Porch hour that in the few short years it has been active in Atlantic Highlands has already become a tradition.

Tuesday night’s first of the season Prayers in the Porch was in a delightful front porch setting overlooking a starlit sky, deep woods and peaceful nighttime sounds. It was also filled with comfortable rocking chairs and close to two dozen men and women who simply enjoy praying together, sharing friendship and meeting new people.

It isn’t religion that makes Prayers on the Porch so successful; it’s faith. Those who attend come from all different religions, some sit quietly and listen to the prayers of others, others offer thoughts or ideas for all to dwell on. Some might ask for prayers for a particular personal need, an ill relative or a deceased friend. Some want to concentrate on a particular virtue that might be difficult to achieve, like forgiving a friend or loving an enemy.

There isn’t any leader elected to ‘conduct’ the prayer session; everyone can stand or sit and say whatever he wants, or simply sit quietly and listen to others. Some might want to tell a story of what brought them to Prayers on the Porch, others might wonder why they met some obstacles on the way to arriving, but all were grateful to be there.

It was former Mayor Loretta Gluckstein who started the monthly Prayers on the Porch on her own spacious porch overlooking  Sandy Hook Bay, and since then, whether it is held in front of a church, on a lawn, or on Loretta’s or  another comfortable porch, be it at a house on top of the hill or near the water, it is an evening of joy, peace, contentment and a friendly gathering of friends, neighbors, and strangers who soon became friends.

Prayers on the Porch is a wonderful  idea for any town, it works beautifully in Atlantic Highlands. Each of those who attends is encouraged and invites others to join for the sheer pleasure of taking time from the stress and energy of the day to say thanks for the gifts of living in Atlantic Highlands, having friends, and having faith.

The next Prayers on the Porch will be April 9 at 6:30 p.m. With so many offers and invites to have it at their own porch, the April “Porch” location  has not yet been decided.  VeniVidiScripto will announce the location and the “Porch Prayers the first week of April.

We’re All Irish on St. Patrick’s Day

By
Muriel J. Smith
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0
Irish
Be Irish for the Month!

You don’t have to be Irish to enjoy all the wonderful things that happen around towns in Monmouth County simply because it’s nearing St. Patrick’s Day. The Irish just seem to feel having a bit of laughter and fun in their lives is as essential as the beverages they’re always accused of enjoying too much. Everyone can take advantage of the Irish desire to share that fun with everybody.

breakfast

Take the Irish Breakfast the Rev. Joseph Donnelly Council of the Knights of Columbus had at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Hall Sunday. Their monthly breakfasts are always something special, always at no cost, though donations are always accepted, and always prepared and served by a group of men who seem to enjoy everything they do for the residents of the Bayshore.

But for March, they put an Irish theme on the breakfast, and more than 100 persons turned out to show how much they loved it! In addition to that “Irish French Toast” there were the usual eggs, waffles, and meats, along with plenty of fresh fruit and juices. Kevin Connelly made some pretty outstanding Irish Soda Bread, and there was even clotted cream for the scones also on the menu. For the Irish breakfast, even the placements, napkins and plates were all shamrock filled and full of the map of Ireland. The Knights are a hard working group of men always eager to help those in need, but their breakfasts show they also know how to have a good time and engage everyone else in their fun and generosity.

Planning Board

Such will be the situation once again this Friday night when the Shore Casino hosts its annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration, complete with that terrific Irish band, the Irish Step Dancers, and kilt-wearing bagpipe players. With just a bit of persuading, owner Kathleen Sweeney will no doubt tell some stories about how St. Patrick’s Day is observed in Ireland, and some of the unique things she’s done on St. Patrick’s Day once she became a citizen here.

Call the Casino at 732-291-4300 now to make a reservation, or reserve on line at a link for the St. Patrick’s Day extravaganza

https://form.jotform.com/form/240556877645167

 

For Friday’s big event. Kevin Guerin  and his Round the House Band will be there to provide a night filled with music, but Daly’s Irish Step Dancers will also present a program proving how very talented and swift-moving they are.  Then there’s also the bagpipers with their own distinct sound and the Irish Buffet that only Kathleen’s Shore Casino can offer, with everything from Corned Beef and Cabbage to Irish Stew. There are even a few “American” dishes on the Buffet for those who don’t like to stray too far from the ordinary.

Doors open at 6:30 for the 7 p.m. event and cash bar. Get your own group together, call and make a reservation and see how great the luck of the Irish can be for a night’s entertainment and fun.

Travel by Train – Amtrak Newark to Palatka

By
Muriel J. Smith
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0
Amtrak
default
Amtrak:  New Jersey to Florida

With an opportunity to take a train ride, relax, enjoy scenery, cities and towns in no fewer than nine states and the District of Columbia, it was too good to pass up. So, armed with a couple of books of puzzles and some great reading materials, I opted to take Amtrak’s Silver Star from Newark to Florida. Just for the ride.

I stayed one night in the Sunshine State after traveling on the Star and headed back to New Jersey the following day on the Silver Meteor. Taking these two trains makes it possible to see every state you pass through in daylight.

The Silver Star makes its trip daily between New York’s Penn Station and Miami, but it stops at least once in each of the states it travels through. In New Jersey, it passes Metropark without stopping, but does stop in Trenton before heading into Philadelphia’s Penn Station.

It isn’t necessary to get a sleeping car for this trip; the seats are spacious, the tops slide back, and there are a couple of options for foot comfort that make both sitting up or sleeping comfortable. In addition to the large windows, there are connections so charging electronic equipment while traveling is easy and convenient.

Like all Amtrak long distance trains, the Silver Star does have a dining car, and it’s fun sitting down after picking up your food at the counter and meeting and chatting with other travelers. With Tampa a stop close to Disney, there are usually plenty of youngsters on the trip, although moms and grandmoms wearing Mickey Mouse ears and bright colored bows in their hair are not unusual either.

The Amtrak menu in the dining car is quick, simple, and available for pretty much all of the awakening hours along the 1,522 miles between New York and Miami. It ranges from variety specialties to sandwiches, fruit or cheese trays, hamburgers, soups, hot entrees, and breakfast breads, muffins, and cereals. Spirits of all kinds are also available, and apparently, Amtrak doesn’t care if you carry on your own supply of both food and beverage because lots of folks do.

Train travel forces you to relax and take things easy, even though the train is traveling around 80 miles an hour and the engineer is hard at work. If you’re not reading, working crossword or Sudoku puzzles or chatting with table or chair mates, it’s well worth it to take in the scenery. Several stops along the way, including Baltimore, Washington, and Richmond, passengers are invited to go out on the platform and stretch their legs or for smokers, take advantage of an opportunity light up, since it’s not allowed on Amtrak at all.

This time of year, it’s easy and enjoyable to see when and where the spring season is starting, judging from the buds starting to pop, or, late in the journey, the bulb flowers starting to bloom. It’s also neat to see the sophisticated cities and state capitals, including Raleigh in North Carolina, Columbia in South Carolina and Savannah in Georgia, be it in sunlight or after dark, filled with both street lights and plenty of activity.

It’s even nicer to see the charming little towns you travel through, some with homes so close to the tracks you wonder how residents can sleep through the road crossing whistles. There are always youngsters eager to wave as you pass, and railroad buffs trying to get that spectacular photo for their albums standing way too close to the tracks.

Choosing to travel Amtrak only so far as Palatka, Florida, it was about a 22 hour trip arriving an hour past Jacksonville, which is the first stop in Florida.

Palatka is the county seat of Putnam County, renowned more for its annual Azalea and Blue Crab Festivals than any real beauty in its layout. A town like many others that was once far more popular, it’s hard at work picking itself up and becoming more beautiful once again, filled with parks, and magnificent murals on no fewer than 30 buildings.

Amtrack

Arriving there shortly after 9 in the morning, it was surprising there were no cabs, no commuters waiting for other transportation, no busses in the area at the historic station.

But there was a charming, happy sounding lovely lady named Teresa working in the station. She was only too willing to help a traveler who did not know where she was going or how she was going to get there.

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