1 Option: Vote By Mail

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October 3, 2023

Vote By Mail

Monmouth County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon reminds residents they can vote by mail, which is an available option for all registered voters in Monmouth County, and that mail-in ballots for the November 7 General Election are now available.

“Voting by mail provides a convenient, private, and secure way to vote early,” said Hanlon. “Voters can vote by mail for any reason and can be assured that all properly cast mail-in ballots will be counted and included in the election totals.”

To vote by mail, voters must first complete a Vote by Mail Ballot Application which is available from the County Clerk’s Elections Website at MonmouthCountyVotes.com, on the County Clerk’s Monmouth County Votes Mobile App. It is also available at the County Clerk’s Elections Office or from the Municipal Clerk of your hometown.

Applications to Vote by Mail that are sent by U.S. Mail must be received by the County Clerk’s Office seven days before an election. For the Nov. 7 General Election, the date is Tuesday, October 31.

Voters may also apply in-person at the County Clerk’s Elections Office located at 300 Halls Mill Road in Freehold up until 3 p.m. the day before the election. When applying in person, voters can obtain and cast their mail-in ballots early.

Voters may return their ballots to the County Board of Elections for counting in-person at the Board of Elections Office at 300 Halls Mill Road, by mail, or via one of the County’s ballot drop box locations.

Simple instructions for completing and returning Vote by Mail ballots are included in the ballot package.

Vote by mail is one of three available options for voting in the 2023 General Election. The other two options are early in person voting at one of the County’s 10 designated locations from Oct. 28 to Nov. 5, and the traditional option of voting in person on November 7 Election Day at your assigned polling location.

Voters with additional questions regarding Voting by Mail should call the County Clerk’s Elections Office at 732-431-7790 or email to ClerkofElections@co.monmouth.nj.us.

For more information, visit the county website at MonmouthCountyVotes.com or download the free Monmouth County Votes Mobile App.

160 NOT on the Agenda

By

Muriel J. Smith

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October 2, 2023

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160 First Avenue NOT on the Agenda

Continuation of the variance application for the proposed apartment complex at 160 First Avenue will not be held at Thursday’s meeting of the Atlantic Highlands Planning Board.

Councilman Brian Dougherty, council representative to the planning board, said Kalian, owners of the property, have submitted changes to the original plans reducing the number of apartments from 30 to 25, thereby requiring fewer variances. However, following the last hearing on the matter, the architect is making more changes, he said, and is not prepared to present them at the October 5 meeting.

Hopefully, the councilman continued, a date for the continuation of the application for the complex, which includes demolishing Mike’s Sub Shop and the liquor store adjacent to it and building the second tallest building in the borough at East Garfield Avenue, will be announced at Thursday’s meeting

Happy as a Clam

By

Muriel J. Smith

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October 2, 2023

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What makes me Happy

Having such great friends with great personalities, high values and people who are hardworking but also know how to relax and have fun makes me happy every day and this week was no exception.

When a wonderful friend, Mary Beth Hodgkiss was celebrating a significant birthday, her friend Kerry threw her a fantastic party at Murphy’s Tavern in Rumson. Not only did I meet an awful lot of great new folks I never knew before, but found Murphy’s the unique and fun place I’ve always heard it was. But actually, visiting there is even a lot more fun than hearing about it, but that’s another story for another day.

A fascinating history dating to Prohibition and alive and well in a great neighborhood even today. Mary Beth is that worker at the Little Silver School the kids all love at lunch time and you can tell she loves her work because of the stories she shares about all those kids she shares part of her day with.

The second presentation of the Joshua Huddy story known as the Asgill Affair was also outstanding, with new players involved in the presentation at the Highlands Community Center.

More cheers to Council President Joann Olszewski for the incredible amount of research she’s done to ensure the presentation is authentic and absolutely factual. It was great to see local residents, both new and old, take a new pride and affection for their hometown after hearing some of the vital roles it’s played in American history.

Sounds like there’s going to be some search into more stories about James Fenimore Cooper’s Waterwitch and the house where he lived that burned..but the remaining huge fireplace has its own story to tell.

Seeing all those wonderful folks at the Leonardo High School’s reunion was terrific as well. Former Chief Bob Letts is always a treat to see, as are other retired Middletown police officers Irv Beaver and Lt. George Freibott.

Also wonderful to meet up with Ruth MacDonald who was one of those stalwarts at The Courier that managed to get that weekly out every Wednesday night no matter what was breaking at the last minute. Ruth and I had a few minutes to talk over some of our Courier days together.

And it’s fun sitting home reading John King’s newest book about highlands. John makes it clear, as do the stories themselves, this one is definitely NOT a history book, just a compilation of a couple of hundred little stories about people, places, and things in Highlands over the years.

John identifies himself as a Storyteller, and that he is. His presentation of the book at the Highlands Historical Society meeting at the Twin Lights made the stories even more fun because of his presentation. Many of the stories are from the old Highlands Star, some are on birds, bees and bugs, and some are on famous names in the borough. You can e-mail John about them at ka21fwbdj@gmail.com.

And the Shrewsbury Historical Society certainly knows how to throw a party. Their Autumn Harvest Party was at the home of Betsy Schmalz Shaheen and Tim Shaheen in the historic Buttonwood section of Shrewsbury. Besides the elegance yet hominess of the home, the stately trees and wonderful lawns around the house, the history of the entire Buttonwood is fascinating in itself. The Shaheens are sensational hosts and as much fun as they are gracious hosts. Society president Don Burden, probably one of the hardest working and knowledgeable society presidents around and his wife, Mary Lea are some team to have working together in a historic society. Anyone had a question during the afternoon was many times answered with, “gee, I don’t know, but ask Don, he’ll know.” And he always did which is one of the reasons he was so great not only as the borough’s mayor but also as a County History Commissioner as well.

And if you attend Mass at either St. Agnes or Our Lady of Perpetual Help church, try going there to hear one of Father Gene’s homilies. He blends just the right amount of modern hints for how to live life well with a great sense of humor that makes it okay to laugh or giggle once in a while in church.

These are just to list some of the things that made me so happy this week. What a way to bring in October, coupled with plenty of sunshine and a great forecast, it doesn’t get much better that that!

There’s a news story behind each of these things that keep me happy, so continue to look at VeniVidiScripto for all the details tomorrow and onward.

Helen Marchetti Park Proposed

By

Muriel J. Smith

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October 2, 2023

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Mayor Helen Marchetti Park

The public hearing on an ordinance to rename the Center Avenue park as Helen Marchetti park will be held at the October 12 meeting of the Mayor and Council, after being introduced as the last meeting by Councilman Brian Dougherty and unanimously approved.

Dougherty, who has been a next-door neighbor of the former Mayor for many years, introduced the ordinance and noted the park is on the same street and two blocks away from where the nonagenarian lived her entire life with the exception of a few years.

Dougherty noted Mrs. Marchetti was born in the house and was always “the fiercest defender of Atlantic Highlands” and noted that “no one ever loved Atlantic Highlands more than Helen Marchetti.”

The former Mayor, the first woman to serve as mayor of the Borough, died Sept. 19 at the age of 98.

A Busy Chamber

By

Muriel J. Smith

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October 1, 2023

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The Chamber has a busy October

October is Membership Month at the Eastern Monmouth Area Chamber of Commerce, the organization that has been supporting local area businesses for 95 years.

In celebration the anniversary this month, EMACC has issued an invitation to four networking events in October to keep businesses and the public more aware of what EMACC is all about.

Each event fee is $19.28 celebrating the founding year of the Chamber. Interested persons and companies can discover the benefits of Chamber membership and meet the members of the EMACC community and Board of Directors.

Jennifer Eckhoff, Executive Director of EMACC, encourages and welcomes meetings with the EMACC community who can assist a business in expanding its business connections . “We look forward to meeting you in October as we network and grow together. Now is the time to join a Chamber with 95 years of history and success supporting the eastern Monmouth County business community.,” the director said.

New members who join between October 1 and October 31, 2023 will receive three free membership months, and complimentary administration fee. In addition, the first ten new EMACC members will receive a RADIO CAMPAIGN from THE BOSS 107.1 valued at over $2,050. For more details, visit EMACC.org

Upcoming networking events for this month include the October 11 Business Networking Breakfast at River Café at 8am – 9:30am . Topic is “Forge Relationships and Fuel Business Growth Networking Event” sponsored by David M. Muldowney, Jr. CPA. Registration for the event is available at Business Networking Breakfast

On October 14, the Women In Business and Health & Wellness Family Fun Fun/Walk will be held at

Thompson Park, Lincroft with a 9 am registration and / 10 am start in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month! The Alternative Board (TAB) is the sponsor of this event with the charity benefactor the Monmouth Medical Center Jacqueline M. Wilentz Comprehensive Breast Center.

Register to attend is at Women In Business + Health & Wellness Event

Oct. 19, EMACC’s Next Generation Networking Event will be at No Limits Café, and an opportunity to network and celebrate EMACC’s Next Generation Charity Organization for 2023!

The 4pm – 7pm. Event is sponsored by Casale Jewelers and Provident Bank.

Register to attend at EMACC’s Next Generation Event

Oct. 24, 2023: The Business After Hours Networking Event will be at Monmouth Day Care Center from 6 pm to 8 pm. Through October 24, Nissan City of Red Bank and EMACC will host a toy drive for children ages 3 months to 5 years to benefit Monmouth Day Care Center

Mater Dei Mass

By

Muriel J. Smith

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October 1, 2023

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Mater Dei Mass of Remembrance

” The older we get, the more we forget,” the Reverend Stanley Lukaszewski told graduates, friends and family of Mater Dei High School during the annual Mass if Remembrance for deceased administration, faculty and graduates of the former New Monmouth High School Saturday.

Better known as Father Stas, who served as associate pastor of St. Mary’s Church 38 years ago, the retied priest was celebrant and homilist during the Mass of Remembrance which honored staff and alumni from the years 1965 through 2015.

Father said the questions is more “Will we be forgotten?” as he recalled all those listed in the necrology who have “influenced our lives,” from the founder of the high school, Monsignor Robert T. Bulman through teachers, friends, and classmates, in many cases two generations of the same families.

Remembering amusing and happy stories about some of the teachers who have been on the faculty at Mater Dei, Father Stas recalled how they “touched our lives” and reminded all at the mass that “we must remember to remember” them.

Mari Campanella Kovach, class of 1978, and committee members Cathy Daniels, class of 1979 and Tom Dooley, the first graduating class of 1965, plan the annual even each year after it was started by the late Thomas C. “TC” Murray, a popular history teacher at Mater Dei for many years.

Alumnae participated in all facets of the mass, with Steven McCarthy, Class of 1974 and Christopher Begley, class of 1978 offering the readings, Kovach offering the Prayer of the faithful, and Maureen Delepine the parent of several Mater Dei graduates, Norma Delepine, class of 1975, and MaryAnn Tomasello Zimmerman, Class of 1972, presenting the gifts during Mass.

McCarthy, Begley and Susan Moore Elliott, class of 1979, served as Eucharistic ministers.

Prior to mass, Jim Shaw, class of 1976, provided bag pipe music in front of St. Mary’s for arriving guests. Kerrin McCarthy Regan, lass of 2011 was cantor and Daniels, Maria Miele Skribner, class of 1983, Annmarie Golding McCarthy, class of 1980, Judy Grandinetti Vogt, class of 1976 and Mary Caruso Corr, Class of 1978, all served on the hospitality.

Refreshments were served following mass to enable guests to continue to renew friendships and thank others for the influence they have had on their lives.

Before the Mass ended, the complete list of all administrators and alumni who are on the Necrology list were read by John Anderson, Ellen Cox, Dr. Ken Dugan and Tom Dooley, class of 1965, Steve Muscarella, Class of 1968, Begley, Pat Ryan class of 1982, and Daniels, as well as parent Muriel J. Smith, whose daughter, Kathy was in the class of 1974.

After Monsignor Bulman, late administrators at Mater Dei, remembered at the mass were the founding principal, Mother Bede, followed by principals the Reverend William, Lynch, S.J. John V. Lonergan, Sister Mary Hugh, Frank Poleski and Frank Outwater, assistant principal as well as 107 other former faculty members in addition to the alumni.

Gregg Reidy, class of 1994, was the only alumni who died in the September 11, 2011 attack on the country.

Families wishing to have the others who are deceased and graduated from Maer Dei included in the necrology for future remembrances are invited to contact Kovach at mari.kovach@GTSLLC.com

Climbs Changed

By

Muriel J. Smith

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September 29, 2023

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Date Changed!

The first of the two Night Climbs of the Twin Lights has been changed from tomorrow, Friday, September 29, to Saturday, September 30.

Sponsored by the Twin Lights Society, the climbs are being offered from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday night, to take advantage of the vantage point to se the sun setting and the moon rising from either or both of the towers at the Twin Lights in Highlands. The event, which includes a $5 charge for climbing the tower, is a fund-raising event for the Historical Society.

Predictions of continued rain and heavy clouds for Friday night make it more advantageous to postpone the full moon event until the following night, when it is expected the moon will be more visible in the evening hours to see .

There will also be another Night Climb Full Moon sighting offered by the Twin Lights Society for the full moon on Saturday, October 28, also from 4 to 8 p.m.

For more information, visit the Twin Lights Historical Society site at https://www.twinlightslighthouse.org/site

It’s All in the Details.

By

Muriel J. Smith

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September 28, 2023

4

It’s all in the details.

Whether voters were for or against regionalization without Sea Bright is not really what will make the difference since Tuesday’s election. It’s what is going to happen next. It’s all in the details.

And every voter in both Highlands and Atlantic Highlands should always be reminded, whether he or she likes it nor…. they all let 20 percent….one out of every five…..voters in their town make the decision. It’s all in the details.

So if you voted and are not happy with the results, keep following the issue and be informed in future votes.

If you voted and are happy with the results, accept the blame when teacher contracts start to be negotiated and taxes go up….without Sea Bright’s money coming in. It’s all in the details.

Teachers in all three schools will be under a new contract which of course is based on the highest contract right now…no teacher can be, nor should be, expected to work at less income simply because of an election. It’s all in the details.

If you did not vote at all, don’t complain, don’t cheer…just remember you chose to let one out of every five of your neighbors make the choice for you. It’s all in the details.

Was there misinformation put out there by the Friends of Regionalization? Of course there was. Even the Commissioner of Education made it clear that it simply is not true that the K-12 regionalization had to be approved before Sea Bright could join.

The law passed earlier this year was specifically written and passed just so towns like Sea Bright could be involved in a regionalization. So those door hangers put out by the Friends didn’t quote correct information either because they were not informed or they intentionally printed a lie.

Was literature and the urge to vote YES distributed to parents dropping off kids at school passed out to them Tuesday morning? Sure it was.

Isn’t that against school board policy to allow any electioneering on school property?

The statement that “the students will not notice any difference” is kind of silly in itself. If they won’t see any differences, why make a change and say it’s for educational purposes?

If you can share educators at all levels and lots of other things now, why couldn’t the school boards simply agree to share even more? And why has it not been done in the past? It’s all in the details.

Many people are wondering whether it was intentional or accidental that the wall printing behind the superintendent when she is being interviewed before a TV camera was visible and not very complimentary… Rather unprofessional and shocking for someone who apparently takes such care in being sure every last detail is perfect. It’s all in the details.

Did the Commissioner of Education interfere with the election? It certainly appears so.

She sent a letter which was made highly public saying she dismissed Oceanport’s complaint against Sea Bright leaving their district.

Why did she not announce that last July?

Why wait until hours before the election to announce it at a time when many people had already voted? Would knowing that have made any difference in the vote?

No one will ever know.

But Oceanport, and Shore Regional, still have their appeal of that complaint in front of the appellate court. So what do you think? Is an appellate judge going to go against the Commissioner’s decision and say the lawsuit against Sea Bright can continue?

Do you think the Appellate Judge will make it seem, if he upholds the complaint against Sea Bright, that the Commissioner of Education of the State of New Jersey was simply erratic or whimsical?

The vote is over. It has been expensive, time consuming, divisive.

Once the vote is determined to be official, everyone should work together to make it worth everything it has cost. Hopefully, Sea Bright will still want to join the new regional district.

Hopefully, the two feasibility studies already completed and recommending a Sea Bright/Highlands/Atlantic Highlands regionalization “as quickly as possible” will still be used.

Hopefully, none of this has to wait until the new Board approved Tuesday takes over, which won’t be until July of 2024.

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James T. Clancy Medal of Honor Recipient

By

Muriel J. Smith

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September 28, 2023

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James T. Clancy Medal of Honor Recipient

James T. Clancy was presented with the Congressional Medal of Honor by President Andrew Johnson for his bravery and actions during the Battle of Vaughan Road in Virginia.

But later research shows that there is no apparent proof it was actually James T. Clancy who shot the Confederate General, the action which many believe contributed greatly to the Union victory at that site.

All the same, Sgt. Clancy bought bravely during the Civil War and went on to help as a civilian during Cuba’s War for Independence.

Captain James T. Clancy is also one of the 312 Medal of Honor recipients listed as Lost in History…those recipients whose burial places remain unknown. The Congressional Medal of Honor Society continues its search for information concerning these burial places and invites anyone with any information to contact them to aid in their search.

Clancy was born in 1833 in Albany, New York but joined the First New Jersey Cavalry when he was 30 in October 1863. He joined the Army at Camden, so New Jersey is credited with his residency.

The following year, serving with C Company of the Cavalry, he is credited with killing Confederate Brigadier General John Dunovant, the leader of the Confederate cavalry that was charging the front line of a fortified Union position. The Union cavalry, under the command of Brig. General Henry Dvies, was fighting on foot, and slaying the General of the opposing force led the Confederates in disarray, and a delay in their continued attacks. That gave Gen. Davies time to love his men to a better position and the ultimate Union victory at Vaughan Road.

The following year, President Johnson awarded the soldier the Medal.

Sgt. Clancy was commissioned as an officer and mustered out with his regiment in July 1865. He then went to Cuba working with the United States giving military aid to Cuba during its first War of Independence, the Ten Years War. He died in Medios Cuba in December 1870, and his burial site is unknown.

During the 20^th century, Historian Richard J. Sommers reached a conclusion through his research that there is doubt about Clancy’s firing the fatal shot. There is evidence he said that shows the claim of that action was a fabrication of Sgt. Clancy’s regiment’s commanding officer, Major Myron Beaumon, in his efforts to glorify his unit and thence himself.

He is nonetheless deserving of the honor, was commissioned a Captain after the war and continued to provide aid to neighboring Cuba during their war with Spain.

Captain Clancy’s Medal of Honor reads:

Shot the Confederate Brig. Gen. John Dunovant dead during a charge, thus confusing the enemy and greatly aiding in his repulse.

More Articles on New Jersey Medal of Honor Recipients HERE

YES

By

Muriel J. Smith

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September 26, 2023

0

With about a one out of every five registered voters casting ballots at the polls, both Highlands and Atlantic Highlands by overwhelming majorities both voted to enable their three school districts to combine into one.

Although not all mail in ballots and provisional ballots will not be counted for several more days, the affirmative votes on the ballot in both boroughs show the majority of voters favor the idea of enabling Highlands and Atlantic Highlands boards of education to be eliminated and the Henry Hudson Regional school district will be a K-12 school district with one nine member board of education.

There will be more to report once the vote is complete and declared official.

Veni Vidi Scripto

Veni Vidi Scripto

Veni Vidi Scripto

Veni Vidi Scripto

1 Option: Vote By Mail

Vote By Mail

160 NOT on the Agenda

160 First Avenue NOT on the Agenda

Happy as a Clam

What makes me Happy

Helen Marchetti Park Proposed

Mayor Helen Marchetti Park

A Busy Chamber

The Chamber has a busy October

Mater Dei Mass

Mater Dei Mass of Remembrance

Climbs Changed

Date Changed!

It’s All in the Details.

It’s all in the details.

James T. Clancy Medal of Honor Recipient

James T. Clancy Medal of Honor Recipient

YES

Veni Vidi Scripto

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