Contract – To Renew or Not To Renew … That is the Question

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May 22, 2023

Oceanport Resident Tara Beams

With the contract among the three boards of education in Highlands and Atlantic Highlands with Superintendent Tara Beams set to expire June 30 of next year, several special board meetings are on the agenda this week.

It is anticipated that in evaluating the performance of the superintendent during the two years she has headed the educational program in the three schools, board members will review the state Department of Education assessment from the 2021-2022 school year, the last for which state figures are available. Those figures show all three schools are either average or below average in English language and mathematics subjects. Figures also show a high rate of absenteeism among students at Henry Hudson Regional School and below or at average absenteeism at the two elementary schools.

The expiration of the superintendent’s three-year contract next year and the need to notify her before June 30 of this year if they do not plan to offer a contract renewal comes at a busy time in the two boroughs. The mayors and council of the two boroughs and the Sea Bright Mayor and Council voted unanimously last week to submit a resolution to the Department of Education to put the question of including all three boroughs’ students in PreK-12 into one regional school district, in an effort to save funds and improve educational standards and opportunities.

The Highlands Board of Education is meeting in special session tonight at 8 p.m. at the school for the purpose of acting on the evaluation of Superintendent Dr. Tara Beams.

The three boards of education in the tri-district, Henry Hudson Regional, Highlands and Atlantic Highlands, are scheduled to meet in executive session Thursday night at 7 p.m. at Henry Hudson School for the purpose of evaluating the superintendent, however, no action is expected to be taken.

The Atlantic Highlands School Board has no date posted for any special meetings prior to Thursday at Henry Hudson.

Under terms of her contract, the boards are required to hold an evaluation at least once a year of the superintendent. However, since her current contract expires June 30 of next year, this year’s evaluation is essential in considering whether she should be offered another contract in 2024.

Under state law, if a board does not intend to renew a contract with a superintendent, notice must be given at least one year in advance of expiration of the present contract.

Currently Dr. Beams’ contract calls for the $180,000 annual salary approved when she was hired, with a 2 per cent increase each of the next two years. In addition, the contract authorizes her to have 12 sick days, two family days for sickness, five days for family bereavement, 20 days’ vacation, three personal days and all holidays in a 260-day week year. She is also entitled to a cell phone, mileage, and insurance and health benefits as well as professional membership fees and other items.

At the same time, Henry Hudson’s student attendance report in the State Department of Education’s assessment for the 2021-2022 school year, shows students are in a high risk of failure in education because of a 40.1 per cent absenteeism, more than twice as high as the state average of 18.1 per cent. The absenteeism rates in the elementary schools are better in the two elementary schools, with Atlantic Highlands absenteeism lower than the state average, and Highlands just at the 18 per cent state average.

Henry Hudson students scored 58.1 percent in English and Language arts subjects in the state report, approximately mid-way in the 49 to 70 percent that qualifies as average across the state. Henry Hudson students scored just above the 36 per cent state average for math with a 38.7 per cent average.

The teacher to student ratio at Henry Hudson is 8-1, with the average teacher staying with the district approximately 11 years.

According to the NJ School Performance report, taxpayers paid $22, 432.00 per student at Henry Hudson Regional school in federal, state and local taxes for the education of the 297 students registered in the 2021-22 school year.

In Atlantic Highlands, it cost taxpayers $14,588 for each of the 265 students in Pre K through 6. Students attended school for far more days than the average, with only 8.9 percent absenteeism.

In the Highlands school, where students scored below average in English and average in mathematics among its 178 students, taxpayers paid $19,302 per student. The rate of absenteeism was at the same 18 percent as the state average.

Since Dr. Beams became superintendent at least 22 per cent of the staff in the three schools have either retired or resigned, including two principals, the supervisor of Special services, and more than 30 other teachers or other employees.

Harold Cassidy and Robert George

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Muriel J. Smith

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May 20, 2023

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Interested persons are urged to arrive early to ensure seating at Sunday’s presentation at Saint Agnes Church when two national leaders, Robert George and Harold Cassidy, in the rights of women and children will hold a public conversation on The Dobbs Decision.

Professor Robert George, Director of the James Madison Program at Princeton University, and Harold Cassidy, a leading attorney nationally on women’s rights, will also be live streamed during the 90-minute presentation, drawing another 750,000 viewers online for a program which will also be filmed and available around the nation in the future.

In an interview this week, Cassidy, who is formally from Atlantic Highlands, said the program, “The Dobbs Decision and the Past, Present and Future of the Pro-life Cause” is being held in his former parish for many reasons, but the one important to him is because “St. Agnes Church holds a special place in my heart.”

Cassidy said the program will also include a brief video as well as some historic still shots focusing on the conversation between him and Dr. George, recognized as the leading natural law theorist in the world.

Cassidy himself has gained a reputation for protecting the lives of women in matters of abortion, citing numerous cases where women who have had abortions without being properly advised of all the adverse consequences of the procedure have suffered severe depression and ultimately suicide in the wake of their actions.

The attorney guided the writing of the South Dakota legislation in 2005 which sets the rules for counseling laws, and now compels providers to tell women they are taking the life of a whole, separate, living human being before they undergo abortion procedures.

With large crowds from throughout the state anticipated at Sunday’s program at St. Agnes, Cassidy confirmed there will be overflow seating available should the church reach capacity.

The attorney, who has been married 53 years and with his wife, Randee, has four children, and nine grandchildren, grew up in Atlantic Highlands after the family moved here in 1953. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School in South Amboy, traveling daily by train to school before he graduated in 1966.

During the interview, Cassidy spoke of the numerous cases, files, briefs and arguments during the 19-year battle he and other attorneys waged in court before famed boxer Reuban Hurricane Carter was freed from prison after 19 years serving for murders he did not commit. Cassidy said he met once again with the fighter shortly before his death in Canada where Carter had taken up residence and become a citizen. Carter autographed his newer book for Cassidy at the time, enclosing some personal sentiments for Cassidy’s persistence and determination.

Speaking on depression as a result of abortions by some women, Cassidy recalled a matter he handled in tine 1980s involving Riverview Hospital and a woman who was released from care against major opposition and the women committed suicide shortly after by hanging herself.

The attorney will highlight his belief in the four specific rights of women, the manner in which women have been forced into abortion, and other areas lesser covered in the media but would be national scandals if detailed to their full extent.

Cassidy also praised fellow conversationalists Sunday Dr. Robert George, whose books and legal papers have covered Conjugal unions, marriage, natural law, contemporary ethics and civil liberties.

Following the presentation, the speakers will answer questions from the audience before a soloist present a musical ending for the program and attendees are invited for refreshments downstairs in the church hall.

CareOne at Middletown

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Muriel J. Smith

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May 20, 2023

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Care One at King James is now officially CareOne at Middletown following ribbon cutting ceremonies last week at the Route 36 facility, the first of its kind in the Bayshore area when it was built more than 50 years ago.

CareOne at Middletown Administrator Jimmie King, using a giant size pair of scissors, participated in the ribbon cutting ceremonies together with Middletown Township Committeewoman Kimberly Krat and CareOne administrators.

CareOne is the largest skilled nursing facility in the state, with more than 50 locations both within the Garden State and in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.

Changing the name to CareOne at Middletown is in keeping with the names of most of the other facilities, including CareOne at Holmdel.

The original King James by whom the building was built, the late Kingdon Westerlind and former Atlantic Highlands Mayor James R. Snyder, will continue to be honored with the naming of the main dining room and recreational facility within the building now the King James Dining Room. The two men were part owners of King Construction company which also built numerous other large complexes in New Jersey.

Following the ribbon cutting ceremonies, held at the main entrance to the facility, residents and guests were invited to tour the facility including the enclosed outdoor area which is a popular place for games, entertainment and other activities during the spring, summer and fall seasons, and enjoyed refreshments prepared by the facility’s award-winning culinary team, as well as a live DJ for entertainment.

Also present for the day’s activities were the facility’s therapy dog Rider, and its miniature therapy pony, Roxy.

CareOne at Middletown has been recognized in the past because of the longtime services of its employees, with many of them serving more than 20 years as nurses, aides, or maintenance workers or culinary staff, totaling more than 500 years of service at the 55-year-old facility. Many staff members are relatives or long-time neighbors and friends of many of the residents.

Lillian Burry

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Muriel J. Smith

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May 19, 2023

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If Lillian Burry was told the rules wouldn’t allow it, she calmly said, “Change the rules.”

If she was told it was a great idea, she responded, “It’s more than a great idea. Just do it.”

And State Senator Vin Gopal said he had been “trying to beat Lillian for years!” Then decided the best thing to do was to join her.

These and so many other comments on the qualities of Monmouth County Commissioner Lillian Burry…determined, indefatigable, tenacious, patriotic, …were included in everyone’s description when the Lillian G. Burry Women’s Wing was formally dedicated Thursday, May 18 at the Gordon H. Mansfield Veterans Community on Essex Road, Tinton Falls.

Built by Soldier On and the Winn Companies, the 70-apartment complex is a home for homeless veterans with a separate ten-unit wing of the development named in Burry’s honor for “her unwavering civic spirit, patriotism and perseverance in creating the Village.

Former LT. Governor Kim Guadagno, several former Assemblymen including Serena DiMaso, members of the County Board of Commissioners and local municipal leaders and an overflow crowd of other political and civic leaders as well as family and friends overflowed the tent for the outdoor ceremony honoring the Commissioner with many telling of how she overcame numerous obstacles and was instrumental in acquiring both the land and the funding to create a first of its kind facility for veterans.

Jessica Rohr, Director of Public Affairs and Outreach for Congressman Chris Smith, who was in Washington and unable to attend the ceremony, presented a framed statement of the Congressional Record in which Smith also praised the tenacity and untiring efforts of Burry, not only for Soldier ON but also for every opportunity help veterans or active-duty military.

David Ginsberg, senior vice president for Winn Development served as master of ceremonies and introduced the half dozen speakers who praised and thanked the commissioner. Former state Commissioner of Community Affairs Chuck Richman said the facility would never have been possible without the driving force of Commissioner Burry, a theme carried out by Gopal, William Wollinger, Chief Asset Officer for the firm, and Bruce Buckley, CEO and President of Soldier On.

Carol Jones, an Army veteran originally from Montclair, and a current resident of the Women’s Wing, told guests how the facility has been a saving force in her life. Admitting to making poor mistakes during her years after the Army, Jones thanked Mrs. Burry for her determination and her dedication towards helping the men and women who have protected the nation.

It was Bruck Buckley who drew the most affectionate applause and laughter of all of Mrs. Burry’s talents when he gave a list of “non-quotes…_ things you would never hear Lillian Burry say. Buckley said Burry would never been known to say, “It can’t be done!” or “I give up!”

He noted the importance of the Veterans Village and quoting from the national anthem that America is the home of the free and the land of the brace, the nation also has the obligation of providing a suitable home for the brave.

In acknowledging all the applause, commendations, compliments, and gifts presented during the ceremony, Burry said the work was not hers, but praised Buckley and all the other men and women who fought with her to secure the funding and the land as well as cut through all the red tape necessary to construct the first of its kind facility after her husband, retired Coast Guard Captain Don Burry, had seen an article about housing for veterans in need.

A reception and a tour of the facility followed the ceremony.

Smith Opposes Fees

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Muriel J. Smith

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May 19, 2023

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Local resident Kevin Smith drew applause, laughter and a few shocked faces at his language when he appeared virtually at last Thursday night’s meeting of the Mayor and Council to recommend Council not set high fees for film permits in the borough.

The ordinance had not been introduced yet when Councilman Jon Crowley asked that both Smith and another speaker be heard first during the first public comment session of the meeting “because they have been waiting an hour.”

Introduced by a majority vote later in the meeting, with only Councilman James Murphy dissenting, the ordinance will be advertised within ten days and have a public hearing at the May 25 meeting of the Mayor and Council.

But Smith, who gave his address as First Avenue over the theater he owns, assured the governing body he “could be help you raise funds at the theater” for the fire truck the borough is considering purchasing.

During an approximate seven-minute session which began with his greeting the governing body with “Hi, Kids,” a phrase he used a couple more times during his chat, Smith said the “issue of permits came up and it had come to his attention the borough was considering a permit that would cost $4,000 for a film maker to film in the borough.

Calling the issue “short-sighted,” the Highlands native explained he has “shot all over” and stressed his recommendation the permit fee be lower is “not self-serving” since he would pay whatever the borough sets. But he pointed out that such a high fee would have any film makers “go to Highlands or Sea Bright…” rather than stay in beautiful Atlantic Highlands.”

Rather, Smith pointed out to council, “the kids,” as he called them, should think of the additional people, both work crews for filmmaking and others the lower fees would draw into town to spend “their filthy lucre” in the restaurants, even the hardware store. “That’s where the real money comes in,” he said, adding that a $4,000 permit would send people away,” urging council to be “less short-sighted.”

The filmmaker admitted film crews mean bringing in “riff raff,” which he has worked with, but added “do what you will, Kids.”

During the first two minutes of Smith’s conversation before getting to “why we’re here,” Smith, who graduated from Our Lady of Perpetual Help and Henry Hudson Regional schools, told a story which ended with his telling his son “no f….king way” when talking about movie trends today. He traced the history of the Atlantic Highlands theater he purchased in September from former Mayor Fred Rast back more than 100 years, saying he though “we could chit chat” a bit before speaking about the yet to be introduced proposed code he was opposing.

Dillon Preston, a coordinator whose business is on Hennessey Blvd. also spoke during the public portion opposing the high permit fee and saying that would make Atlantic Highlands the most expensive place for filmmakers and recommended it not be set.

Crowley explained the proposed ordinance does not set a $4,000 fee, but rather a schedule of fees that would range from $100 a day for a basic TV, digital or motion picture film for a period no more than two consecutive weeks, to $500 a day for major motion pictures filming entirely on public property. There would be no fees for filming on private property. According to the ordinance which was introduced later in the meeting.

Murphy voted against the introduction, preferring to spend more time reviewing some of the information presented by Smith, Preston and others during the meeting.

Regionalization On the Ballot

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Muriel J. Smith

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May 18, 2023

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All three Mayors and Councils unanimously approved enabling the voters of Highlands, Atlantic Highlands and Sea Bright to vote on whether they want to save millions of dollars and provide better education in a K-12 school district regionalization encompassing all three boroughs.

Action took place at a joint meeting of the three councils held at the Hesse Center in Atlantic Highlands, after Robert Benneke, financial analyst for Atlantic Highlands, explained in detail how an expanded Henry Hudson Regional School district can save taxpayers, conservatively $3.176 million dollars and offer greater educational opportunities for preK-12 students.

Benneke who had conducted financial research in addition to the regionalization study that the Porzio group had done for Highlands and Sea Bright, said he definitely recommended that the boroughs go forward with the plan to put the question on the ballot. Porzio attorneys have been recommended the plan since they completed their studies and review lasts year.

Vito Gagliardi and Kerri Wright, the Porzio attorneys who have done extensive studies on regionalization and are regarded as the experts in the field, said they anticipate the petition as approved by the three towns should be in the hands of the Commissioner of Education within a couple of days. Gagliardi also said since the plans the exact and precise reason why the Legislature passed the new law aiding in expanding school districts for educational and financial benefits, he does not see any problem with the Commissioner approving it in time to get it on the November ballot for the voters to make the decision. However, even if that is not possible, Gagliardi said voters could have another opportunity for a special election in January or March, and if approved, the expanded regional school program could be in place for the 2024 school year.

The regionalization question to be presented to the voters in Highlands and Atlantic Highlands is:

Shall the Boards of Education of the Highlands School District, Atlantic Highlands School District and Henry Hudson Regional School district join together to convert Henry Hudson Regional into an all-purpose PK-12 regional school district and, if authorized by the Commissioner and voters in Sea Bright, to add Sea Bright as a constituent member of the newly expanded PK-12 regional school district, with the annual and special appropriations for a three-town district to be apportioned on the following basis:

In the event Sea Bright does join the regional, following a five-year period with the transitional allocation approved by the Commissioner of Education and beginning in the sixth year of Sea Bright’s joinder, 15 per cent on each municipality’s equalized valuation as provided by state law and 85 per cent on the proportional number of pupils enrolled from each municipality on the 15^th day of October of the prebudget year?

The question to be presented to the Sea Bright voters, since they are not already a part of the regional school district reads:

Upon approval by the voters of Atlantic Highlands and Highlands to convert the Henry Hudson Regional School District to a PK-12 regional school district, shall Sea Bright join the Henry Hudson PK-12 Regional School District, with the annual and special appropriations for the newly expanded three-constituent PK-12 regional school district to be apportioned upon the following basis:

Following a five-year period with the transitional allocation approved by the Commissioner of Education and beginning in the sixth year of Sea Bright’s joinder, 15 percent on each municipality’s equalized valuation as provided by state law and 85 percent on the proportional number of pupils enrolled from each municipality on the 15^th day of October of the prebudget year?

The regionalization question requires a yes vote from the majority of voters in each of the three boroughs to approve the expanded regional school district.

Should Highlands and Atlantic Highlands approve it, and Sea Bright vote it down, the Henry Hudson District would be expanded to encompass a PK-12 school district in Highlands and Atlantic Highlands without Sea Bright.

Should either Highland or Atlantic Highlands cast a majority of votes against the question, then the school system would remain status quo, there would be no change from the present three boards in the two boroughs, and Sea Bright would continue in its present status with Oceanport and Shore Regional districts.

“I’m thrilled that the voters will now have the chance to vote,” said Mayor Loretta Gluckstein, “that’s what we’ve wanted all along and I’m happy to see we all agree.”

“I’m excited,” said Highlands Mayor Carolyn Broullon,” there has been so much work and so much study that went into this and it all shows both financial savings and better education, a win-win situation.” However, she cautioned, “we cannot rest on our laurels now. We have to be sure the voters know what is at stake, know about the benefits, and know they have to go to the polls to vote and make it happen.”

Gagliardi, who helped write the legislation that enables districts to expand said he was happy with the outcome of this meeting and feels confident the public will become informed and see all the benefits. “There is no question this is a great program,” he said, echoing Benneke’s words, “and I am happy to see the voters will get to voice their opinions.”

None of the professionals appeared concerned about the possibility of Oceanport and Shore Regional once again appealing the regionalization decision of Sea Bright joining an expanded school district. The Commissioner had dismissed their first complaint, and they filed a second before the Appellate Court even before this petition was presented to the Commissioner. But Benneke said considering the law created for the purposes of expanding regionalization, it is highly improbable the Court would uphold the appeal, since it would have to be proven the move for Sea Bright to leave Oceanport and Shore Regional school districts would have to be arbitrary, capricious or unreasonable, “and none of these exist here,” he said.

Should the three boroughs approve the expanded regional system, a new nine-member Board of Education would replace the three boards currently in place in Highlands and Atlantic Highlands. That board would be selected by the superintendent of Education under the state Department of Education with members of the new board appointed to one-, two- or three-year staggered terms. Four members each would represent Highlands and Atlantic Highlands and a ninth member would be selected to represent Sea Bright on the new board.

Regionalization: It’s All About the Money

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Muriel J. Smith

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May 18, 2023

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It looks like Highlands, Atlantic Highlands and Sea Bright borough officials anticipate a very large crowd coming out tonight at 7 p.m. to hear what’s going on with the yet more discussion on school regionalization. Hopefully, it’s all about the money.

The meeting is not being held in any one of the three borough halls; it will be held at the Charles Hesse Building in Atlantic Highlands, the former Mother Theresa School on South Ave.

If it’s a discussion of regionalization, that means attorneys and experts will most likely be there, and that means yet more money is being spent on a question that was so close to being settled last year and just needed agreement on figures.

Hopefully, tonight’s meeting will show there is an agreement on the money issues, and finally, finally, the elected officials will let the people who put them in office have the right to get this on the ballot so they can vote themselves.

But why is all this necessary? Why not simply fill in the amount of money they have hopefully agreed on and get the petition to the state Commissioner of Education. That’s all she needs to look it over, realize the savings to taxpayers and benefits to education, and say the people can have it on the ballot in November. She well knows the Legislature UNANIMOUSLY approved regionalization such as this so it would be hard to believe she would say it is not a good idea.

What else do the three governing bodies think has to be explained to the people? By this time, the people in Oceanport, Monmouth Beach and West Long Branch also should realize the tens of thousands of dollars … a ton of money, their boards have wasted in trying to block what the Legislature has put in place. They should be asking why their boards of education tried to appeal a petition before it was even a petition. Does that make any sense? Not at all, it was just very costly to taxpayers. When will it stop? Would they really waste more thousands of dollars once the petition is actually before the Commissioner?

Parents of kids in any of the schools in Highlands and Atlantic Highlands should be at tonight’s meeting to ask questions, to see why such a meeting is necessary, why the powers that be think it is going to be so well attended it is necessary to move it to larger quarters. Persons running for elected office in November should be at the meeting and voice their own opinions loud and clear on how they feel about regionalization. If they are against it, those wannabe elected officials should be asked how NOT letting the people vote on the question is helpful, cost saving, or good for any of the towns. It’s a shame one of the mayoral candidates recuses himself from any vote on school issues; his conflict of interest could certainly have been handled in a better way so the public would know how he stands. There does not seem to be any doubt, however, how his running mates; both certainly seem to think the public has the right to vote and both know a lot about education issues and regionalization.

If the public does not come out to the meeting, hear what’s being said and voice their own opinion, then they cannot come back later on to complain things were not done their way.

Education is front and center these days, as it should be. With regionalization hopefully going to be on the ballot in November, that would be at least one issue aside.

But the following Thursday, it’s the boards of education turn to have another big issue under discussion. They are meeting in executive session for the purpose of conducting the superintendent’s evaluation. It is discussion only and no action at that time. But it does make me wonder about the depth of the discussions they will be having.

Presumably they are considering whether they are offering another contract to the superintendent or whether they will let her know next month they do not choose to offer her a renewal of the contract she has had for the past two years.

Latest news, though not announced and not confirmed by the principal, is that Daniel Layton, principal of the Highlands Public School will be announcing soon that he is leaving the school district to accept a position a bit further south in Monmouth County.

That would add him to the 35 or so other teachers, supervisors and principals that have left in the two years since the current superintendent has been in charge.

The Edison school district, where the superintendent was for her last contract before coming here, remains mum on why it did not offer her a renewal after she signed her first contract there. Or for that matter, why other school districts before that never signed contractual renewal contracts with her. Possibly it is she who has wanted to move on to more challenging positions and advance her experience. But they are questions that should be asked and answered if a true evaluation is being made.

Board members should also ask why so many parents have complained about the superintendent, how many faculty members are unhappy working in the districts, and why so many parents who complain are fearful of having their names known.

It is board members, not the public, who vote on contracts. But the boards’ obligation is to respond to the wishes of the public they represent and who put them in the position to make those decisions. The public should be sure to let their elected officials know how they feel at the time of action, not only at the polls at the time of their next election.

Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization

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Muriel J. Smith

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May 17, 2023

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You are invited to join an important nationwide live stream this Sunday, May 21 at 1:30 PM Eastern (10:30 AM Pacific), featuring top pro-life legal experts Professor Robert P. George and Harold J. Cassidy, J.D. as they reveal strategies to save more lives and accelerate the end of abortion in post-Roe America. “The Dobbs Decision and the Past, Present and Future of the Pro-Life Cause”

Here are your participation details …

Live stream: “The Dobbs Decision and the Past, Present, and Future of the Pro-Life Cause”
Date: Sunday, May 21
Time: 1:30 PM Eastern (10:30 AM Pacific)

Register to attend for FREE at: https://www.webcastsuccess.com/pastpresentfuture

During the Live Stream, You’ll Discover:

EXPOSED! The shocking truth behind the abortion industry’s deadly and deceptive tactics that threaten women and children
The transformative strategy revolutionizing the pro-life movement by uncovering the true rights of mothers and their children
Insider insights and game-changing revelations on past, present, and future tactics with the power to reshape America’s stance on abortion
The legal principles poised to advance future development of the law, forging a more just and compassionate society for all
Potent persuasion: how to win the public debate over abortion and deliver effective messaging that influences hearts and minds for life
Keys to maximizing progress and achieving greater impact in your life-saving activities — to avoid wasting time, effort, or money
And much, much more!

New Jersey Residents, please attend “The Dobbs Decision and the Past, Present and Future of the Pro-Life Cause” live at OLPH-Saint Agnes Church, Atlantic Highlands New Jersey

Register to attend for FREE at: https://www.webcastsuccess.com/pastpresentfuture

Your Expert Presenters:

PROF. ROBERT P. GEORGE: A world-renowned natural law theorist, Professor Robert P. George serves as the McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence and Director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University. With numerous published works, prestigious awards, and a history of service on U.S. commissions, Professor George is an intellectual force in the pro-life movement, advocating for civil liberties and public morality.

HAROLD J. CASSIDY, J.D.: A renowned trial attorney with decades of experience, Harold J. Cassidy has litigated groundbreaking cases in criminal law, medical-legal, and civil rights. Known as the leading attorney in defending the rights of pregnant mothers, Mr. Cassidy has influenced the development of pro-life discourse with his innovative legal strategies, focusing on protecting mothers’ rights and the trauma resulting from coerced or uninformed abortions.

Don’t Wait! Register Now

You won’t want to miss this rare opportunity to learn from two visionary leaders — Professor Robert P. George and Harold J. Cassidy, J.D. — whose insights will profoundly impact the future of pro-life efforts. The livestream happens Sunday, May 21 at 1:30 PM Eastern. Register for“The Dobbs Decision and the Past, Present and Future of the Pro-Life Cause” now to secure your spot before it’s too late … and be a part of history in the making: https://www.webcastsuccess.com/pastpresentfuture

Councils to Meet on Tri-District Regionalization

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Muriel J. Smith

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May 17, 2023

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They are saying formal action may be taken, so it is important for residents to attend the special meeting of the Mayors and Councils of Highlands, Atlantic Highlands and Sea Bright on the Tri-District Regionalization that is being held Thursday evening, May 18 at 7 p.m. at the Hesse Parish Center, South Avenue, Atlantic Highlands.

The meeting was called by the three boroughs citing Tri-District regionalization as the reason and noting in their announcement on the borough page that action may be taken.

While Sea Bright has also posted the meeting on its page, Highlands Borough has not yet posted it.

The Highlands page is the only municipal page posting the Henry Hudson Regional Board of Education special meeting for the following Wednesday, May 24. That meeting will be in the Henry Hudson cafetorium and is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., with the three boards in Highlands and Atlantic Highlands expected to go into executive session for the purpose of conducting the superintendent’s evaluation. No formal action will be taken. The superintendent’s contract expires in June, 2024, however, if it is not being renewed, it is necessary under state laws to give the superintendent one year’s notice of such intention.

Past stories on Regionalization

Vote

Dime

Petition

Staff Sergeant Connor

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Muriel J. Smith

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May 16, 2023

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Staff Sergeant Connor served first in the US Marine Corps in 1952 after enlisting in South Orange and undergoing recruit training at Parris Island, SC. Spencer Connor served as a fire team leader and radioman in the Third Platoon, Company B., First Battalion, 5^th Marines, 1^st Marine Division in Korea.

He had attended elementary and high schools in Orange and was born here Sept. 4, 1932.

After serving in Korea during that conflict, where he was a fire team leader and radioman in the third Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 5^th Marines, Staff Sergeant Connor returned home safely in October 1953, as a corporal. Again serving as platoon guide, he was also assigned as a squad leader at Camp Lejeune until he was released from active duty in February 1955.

But that was not enough for a Marine who wanted to assist his country. While on inactive duty, he was with the Ready Reserve with the 4^th and 1st Marine Corps Reserve and Recruitment District, as well as with the 7^th Rifle Company of the Reserves at Lake Denmark in Dover, NJ.

In May 1961, when Staff Sergeant Connor was discharged from the Reserves, he re-enlisted in the regular Marine Corps and was almost immediately promoted to sergeant. Again, he was a platoon guide, this time with Casual Company, Headquarters Battalion, and with Company A, School Demonstration Troops at Quantico, Virginia’s Marine Corps Schools.

Transferred to the West Coast in July 1962, he was with the 5^th Marines, 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton when his unit was sent overseas in November 1963. They were then redesignated as Company F, Second Battalion, 3^rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division. Connor was a staff sergeant when the unit was once again sent overseas and became part of the 3^rd Marine Division.

While overseas, the Marine was transferred to Company F 2^nd Battalion, once again serving as Platoon Guide, later Platoon Sergeant for the first Marine Division this time in the Republic of Vietnam. It was during this tour that Staff Sgt. Connor was wounded in action, Feb. 25, 1966. He was transferred to the hospital ship the USS Repose and died aboard the ship March 8, 1966.

Sgt. Connor is one of 297 Marines who have been recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor since it was first awarded for service during the Civil War and authorized by President Abraham Lincoln in December 1861. It is the Navy and Marine designed Medal of Honor that is presented to Marines, the first military decorations formally authorized by the US government as a badge of valor. The Medal for the Army and Voluntary Forces Medal was authorized the following July, also by Lincoln, and is presented “in the name of the Congress of the United States.”

Staff Sgt. Connor is one of 57 Marines who have received the Medal for gallantry and heroism in Vietnam.

Sgt. Connor’s Medal of Honor was presented to his family posthumously by President Lyndon B. Johnson in the Rose Garden at the White House, on May 2, 1967.

Sgt. Connor is buried in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California.

His Medal of Honor reads:

CITATION

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against enemy Viet Cong forces at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Leading his platoon on a search-and-destroy operation in an area made particularly hazardous by extensive cave and tunnel complexes, Staff Sergeant Connor maneuvered his unit aggressively forward under intermittent enemy small-arms fire. Exhibiting particular alertness and keen observation, he spotted an enemy spider hole emplacement approximately 15 meters to his front. He pulled the pin from a fragmentation grenade intending to charge the hole boldly and drop the missile into its depths. Upon pulling the pin he realized that the firing mechanism was faulty, and that even as he held the safety device firmly in place, the fuse charge was already activated. With only precious seconds to decide, he further realized that he could not cover the distance to the small opening of the spider hole in sufficient time, and that to hurl the deadly bomb in any direction would result in death or injury to some of his comrades tactically deployed near him. Manifesting extraordinary gallantry and with utter disregard for his personal safety, he chose to hold the grenade against his body in order to absorb the terrific explosion and spare his comrades. His act of extreme valor and selflessness in the face of virtually certain death, although leaving him mortally wounded, spared many of his fellow Marines from death or injury. His gallant action in giving his life in the cause of freedom reflects the highest credit upon the Marine Corps and the Armed Forces of the United States.

Other New Jersey Recipients of the Medal of Honor