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Bahrs – Oldest Business in Highlands and Still # 1

By
Muriel J. Smith
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Bahrs Restaurant
Photo's Courtesy of Bahrs Restaurant and the Cosgrove Family
Bahrs … Nothing Else Need to be Said

Bahrs Restaurant is the oldest still operating business in the borough of Highlands and has a fascinating history that highlights how determination, hard work, and  creativity played vital roles in the establishment of a restaurant known throughout the state and beyond.

The fourth generation of the Bahrs family still owns and operates the restaurant which actually  started out as a beached houseboat on the site where it is still located.

Becky Cosgrove, wife of  Jay, the fourth generation owners, is a terrific historian of the restaurant’s story and shares information on how boathouses along the Shrewsbury River were not as appreciated or desired as the one John and Florence Bahrs salvaged, repaired, and restored to a fascinating hotel and restaurant that has been the site for a Super Bowl ad as well as featured in one of the seasons of a tv series.  Daily, its setting, view and outstanding menu continue to be draws  for people seeking great seafood and other dishes along with history.

According to Becky, who also backs up all her research with photos and postcards,  in the very early years of the 20th century,  all around the country, whether at the tip of 14th Street in New York or in Sausalito California, people were living on houseboats.

Word had gotten out how inexpensive a vacation could be to camp in this manner. In 1904, the Shrewsbury River was reported to be popular and possessed proportionally more houseboats than any other section of water fascinated by New Yorkers in the summertime. In fact so many people were enjoying their houseboats that the board of Health was urged to investigate the situation.

First two generations of Bahrs Restaurant
Photo Courtesy of Bahrs Restaurant and the Cosgrove Family

Apparently, houseboaters were neither neat with their garbage or sewage refuse.  Sometimes houseboats were removed from their anchorage forcibly for other reasons as well. In July of 1903, the Commandant at Sandy Hook ordered the removal of houseboats from the reservation on Plum Island and beach opposite Parkertown. The campers were accused of sneaking over to Parkertown clamming boats at midnight and stealing their clams and other articles of value.  One of these early houseboats was beached over in Parkertown, which was an early name for Highlands because of the numerous members of the Parker family who lived there.

John and Florence Bahrs came from Newark where they had a business but were lured by the charm of Highlands. So they moved to town, and opened a boat rental business on Cedar St where they cooked clam chowder for those who rented the boats. When they saw this beached boathouse not far away, they investigated and decided to take one more leap of ambition. They  purchased it in 1917 and the beach under it, bringing along their rental boats to operate from their new location.

With the size of the houseboat, they could also open a hotel and the hard working Bahrs added to their clam chowder cooking to offer more meals to the boarders. They charged $2.50 a night for room and board  at the two story building, now a far cry from the shabby, unkempt houseboats in the river.

The couple’s four children, John, Al, Ken and Ruth, all worked in the family business and saw the restaurant grow from its abandoned beached start to the iconic restaurant it is today, still serving that clam chowder and every other seafood favorite and more. Over the years the business expanded, tables and chairs under umbrellas along with a bar were added outside along the water for summer enjoyment, and the business flourishes.

But the beached houseboat is still very much a part of Bahrs restaurant. It’s part of both the main dining room and the entry to the restaurant.

 

Rare Super Blue Moon

By
Muriel J. Smith
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Super Blue Moon
Super Blue Moon

To be absolutely accurate, it’s not only a full moon, it’s not only a blue moon, it is also a super moon.

So the moon you see in the sky tomorrow night is really a Super Blue Moon!

Blue Moons, which means the moon that appears twice in the same month, something that happens every couple of years are not really blue. It’s simply a term that has been around since the 1940s talking about the second full moon in the same month.

But tomorrow night, Aug. 30, the full moon that occurred after the Sturgeon Moon on Aug. 1, is not only a Blue Moon, it’s a Super Moon. That means it is occurring during the moon’s perigee, the time it is closest to the earth. That also happened for the Sturgeon, so this year we have experienced two full super moons in the same month.

When the moon is closest to the earth, it is about 1 per cent closer than it is when it is at its apogee, the furthest from the earth. It is still the same size, it’s just that it appears brighter and larger since it is closer.

The best time to view the Super Blue Moon is right after sunset, when the moon is rising over the horizon. At that time, it will appear to be a deep orange in color.

Saturn will also be visible near the moon. That will be the bright planet to the upper right of the moon. Looking at it closely over time, it will appear to be moving clockwise around the moon.

The Super Blue Moon of August is actually closest to earth at noon when it is 221,942 miles from earth.  It turns full at precisely 9:36 p.m. nine hours later.

Here in the Bayshore, it’s the Sept. 29 full moon that is drawing a lot of attention. That will be the moon when the Twin Lights Historical Society is hosting visitors to the state museum, the Twin Lights, between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. to climb the towers of the historic lighthouse and view the rising moon from a new height. Tickets at $5 will be available at the Museum that night for walks up to the top of the lighthouses for a view of the September full moon.

The program will be repeated on Oct. 28, the full moon of October.  Visit the Twin Lights Historical Museum for further information on the moon climbs and other activities at the state museum in Highlands.

 

3 rd Annual Oktoberfest at OLPH-St. Agnes

By
Muriel J. Smith
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0
Knights of Columbus Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest

Because of the popular demand, tickets are on sale now for the third Annual Oktoberfest and Comedy Night featuring Uncle Floyd and Broccoli Rob on Saturday, Oct. 21 at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help School Hall, Miller St. Highlands.

Featuring an Oktoberfest Buffet Dinner including everything from Bavarian style pretzels to Knockwurst and sauerkraut among other specialties, Uncle Floyd will be back on stage with all the comedy that has made him a legend in New Jersey.

Uncle Floyd

Master of Ceremonies will be Robert Anthony, better known as Broccoli Rob in numerous theaters and cafes.

The event, which is sponsored by the Rev. Joseph J. Donnelly Council 11660 of the Knights of Columbus, is supported by Bahrs Landing, Black Forest Bratwurst Company and Belford Brewing Company for your dining pleasure at the full table buffet from pretzels to full course meats and vegetables and a variety of desserts and beverages.

Tickets are $40 each and include a craft beer tasting together with dinner, entertainment, a free ticket for a flat screen tv drawing, and more.

Tickets are available now by sending a check payable to the KOC#11660 and mailed to 180 Navesink Avenue, Highlands, NJ,. 07732.

Knights Council Grand Knight Michael Napolitano, who traditionally hosts and is chair of this event, noted that the return engagement of both Uncle Floyd and Broccoli Rob is by popular demand.

“We were happy they accepted our invitation to come back another year,” the Grand Knight said, “this has traditionally been a sell-out crowd and is a great event for families. As usual, we are expecting a large crowd so I would urge responding early for ticket requests.”

All proceeds from the event go towards the numerous charitable organizations and activities sponsored locally by the Knights Council.

Blackfriars Playhouse – Taming of the Shrew

By
Muriel J. Smith
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0
Blackfriars Playhouse
  Taming of the Shrew at the Blackfriars Playhouse

It definitely was not in my plans when I decided to take a few days of relaxation traveling by train to Staunton Virginia. But once there, it was too great an opportunity to pass up.

I went to see a Shakespearean play!

Walking from my hotel to the center of the historic district of this city in the Shenandoah Valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains, I passed a closed door on a building that had signs promoting a Summer Shakespeare Spectacular! That’s when I learned about the Folio400 celebration, honoring the 400th anniversary of the first printing of Shakespeare’s work.

The play, one of three different plays by the Bard on stage in Staunton this summer, was being performed at the Blackfriars Playhouse.

While I was reading all the information, Sue, who is employed at the theater, opened the door to say Hi and welcome me to the city…. Virginians are like that, known for their friendliness and hospitality. The Blackfriars Playhouse is special, she said, explaining it is the only re-creation in the world of Shakespeare’s original indoor theater.

“Why don’t you see for yourself,” she said, explaining the play was going on that night and there were no seats, but there were a couple of seats for the following night.

She invited me into the lobby for more conversation and told me something about the theater itself.

The Blackfriars Playhouse building in Staunton is a reproduction of the original Blackfriars Théâtre where Shakespeare charged three times as much for tickets to his plays as he did for outdoor seating. Originally a 13th century monastery, the buildings and gardens were split off and sold when Henry VIII did away with the Catholic Church in the 16th century. One of those buildings was converted into the Blackfriars Playhouse which was in business til lost in the Great Fire of London in the 17th century.

In Staunton, the Blackfriars Playhouse is a replica based on archaeological excavations, deeds, and drawings, including the stage. Sue explained all the seats in the theater surround the stage, the actors interact with the audience as they come to the stage from all directions, and there are even a dozen seats directly on the stage, six on each side. She made it all sound unique and interesting enough to plunk down $60 for a seat at the next night’s performance.

What’s more, Sue said with continued enthusiasm, come an hour early; there’s a lounge upstairs where you can have a glass of wine and some snacks.

As it happened, there was one seat left on the stage, so I opted for that to be up front and close for the entire experience.

The play on stage that night seemed rather appropriate for a female journalist like me.  The Taming of the Shrew should be a delight to see!

Arriving early the next evening, I did go upstairs to the lounge, where Julia was busy entertaining guests, laughing, pouring wine and continuing that Virginia charm. A graduate of nearby Mary Baldwin College, she is working on her second master’s degree, studying Shakespeare, theater, and fulfilling her love for the Bard she had since first learning about him in third grade. Sure, she’s a Shakespearean actress, has even played a role in The Taming of the Shrew, but even when not in the play, she works at the Playhouse just to be around the thrill and magic of Shakespeare casts.

My seat was indeed directly on the stage, and the actors indeed interacted with the audience in magnetic and compelling ways. Coming up from the audience aisle in front, an actor would reach out his hand for me to help me get on stage. Or would tremble sitting at my feet or next to me when Petruchio got too persistent, or Katherina could not be wooed and wed.

Here I was, not having read Shakespeare since Julius Ceasar in high school several decades ago and was right in the middle of a professional reenactment of one of his greatest works!

The Blackfriars Playhouse … Memories you can’t forget.

The play was two hours long, with a 15-minute intermission, another trip to the upstairs lounge and more captivating conversation with Julia and a couple from Michigan also enjoying glasses of wine, meeting new people and talking about the excellence of the cast, the humor of the dialogue, the beguiling presentation we were all witnessing.

And when it was over, Sue at the Blackfriars Playhouse box office was happy to hear how exciting it was not only to see Taming of the Shrew but indeed to have one of the best seats in the house. As she had indicated the day before when we first met, it would only take her a few minutes to close up the theater before heading home. And on the way, she would take me back to the Blackburn Inn where I was spending another night before heading back to New Jersey on the next afternoon’s Amtrak Cardinal.

Taming the Shrew? Perhaps not possible! Being entertained in Shakespeare’s way of showing how it should be done? Blackfriars Playhouse … An experience that will live forever.

Joshua Huddy – The Past Came to Life!

By
Muriel J. Smith
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1
Joshua Huddy
Joshua Huddy

“The past came to life!” Said Mayor Carolyn Broullon as 50 or more local residents crowded into the Farmacie to hear detailed letters from the time of Joshua Huddy’s hanging death read by members of the Highlands Historical Society.

The unique event, the first of its kind, was coordinated, arranged, and researched by historian Joanne Olszewski, who is also president of the Borough Council, and included readings by Broullon and explanations and details by Olszewski.

The event was held at the Farmacie, the gift shop and café at the historic four corners of Bay Ave and Miller St. and followed a presentation by historical Walter Gunther on why those four corners are historic, their impact on the entire community and what buildings and activities were on the site in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Gunther, who has a vast collection of photographs from the era, spoke on Bedle’s Drug Store, a business where the Farmacie is currently located that was a family-owned business for nearly 100 years, one of three pharmacies in the borough in the 20th century.

He highlighted the working relationship between Doc Opferman, a physician and former borough mayor, with the Pharmacy, as well as spoke on the hotel, A&P and bakery that were once popular businesses on the three corners surrounding the Farmacie.

Goldstein, Gunther, and historians Rick Gefkin and Muriel Smith joined other members Linda Gunther, and Eileen Schiff and the Mayor in presenting the letters of George Washington, Thomas Paine, and other correspondence between Washington, French leaders and Capt. Charles Asgill, the British captain chosen by lot to be hung in retaliation for Huddy’s hanging in what is now Huddy Park in the Waterwitch section of the Borough.

From left, Society President Sheila Goldstein, Mayor Carolyn Broullon, Council President Joanne Olszewski, Walter Gunther, Eileen Schiff, Ric Gefkin, Linda Gunther and Muriel Smith, all readers in The Huddy Presentation at the Farmacie

Olszewski, who has done extensive research on the patriot and leader of the Monmouth County Men who were patriots defending the country during the Revolution, set the pace and background for the hour long presentation which captivate the standing room only crowd.

“It was an honor to read Thomas Paine’s 1872 letter condemning the barbarous and unjust act of hanging Joshua Huddy,” Broullon said to applause and thanks after the presentation.  Both long time and native residents as well as new residents in the borough expressed delight at knowing so many details about the patriot from Colts Neck. Joshua Huddy was captured in the house he owned there and also owned the restaurant which is now The Colts Neck Inn.

Olszewski read the details of each of the events leading up to the series of letters, enabling guests to understand the importance of each of the 13 letters, the Monmouth Manifesto and placard attached to Huddy at the time of his hanging, as well as the Judge Advocate’s position on choosing lots that put Asgill’s life in danger.

Following the presentation, the Farmacie provided wines and other beverages as well as trays of desserts to enable guests to linger and discuss various aspects of the presentation. Farmacie owners and staff members also spoke with the guests about the more specific history of the building construction and why it was important to them to preserve as much as possible.

“I literally had shivers running up my spine,” said one resident who said she learned so much from the presentation and felt more associated with Joshua Huddy, the patriot who lost his life in Highlands. Others said they felt a new pride in the borough for its place in the Revolution, and others signed up to be members of the historical Society.

The unusual event is one in a series of unique opportunities the Society is offering within the next few weeks. Saturday, Aug. 26, there is a Victorian tea co-sponsored by this Society and the Atlantic Highlands Historic Society in that borough’s historic and Victorian Strauss Mansion, with both societies benefiting from the proceeds.  On September 8, the Highlands Society is running a bus trip to the Maritime Museum at Long Beach Island, and other plans are in place to celebrate the 250th birthday of the nation in 2026.

The Joshua Huddy presentation ended with guests and letter readers joining together in reciting a 1782 poem by William H. Fischer, “They Never Scairt Josh Huddy.” The poem was published in The Patriotic Poems of New Jersey and was edited by William Clinton Armstrong for the Sons of the American Revolution in 1906.

Last night, the past came to life as Council President Jo-Anne Olszewski and members of the Historical Society read aloud the story as well as letters penned denouncing the murder of Captain Joshua Huddy on the corner of what is now Waterwitch and Shore Drive.

 

1 Church Amongst A Town of Churches

By
Muriel J. Smith
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0
Church Window
  A Church Amongst A Town of Churches

Staunton, Virginia, in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, is a city of some 25,000 residents, a lot of history from Native American connections through both the Revolution and the Civil wars, and many unique types of architecture, some even from pre-Civil War days. While there were no major or large battles fought in Staunton during the Civil War, General Sherman did set a few matches enroute to Georgia, so many homes were burned to the ground, yet still others survive today.

But it is also a town of churches. There are at least 80 churches, synagogues and temples in Staunton, representing all religions from Mennonite  and AME, to Roman Catholic and 7th Day Adventists.

But the one that draws the most attention for several different reasons is the spectacular Trinity Episcopal Church, located on West Beverly Street in one of the city’s six the historic districts. The church is the site of private guided tours as well as a trolley stop in the district. Self-guided tours can take hours, especially if you happen to stop in when an orchestra is preparing for a concert.

Actually, this is the third building on the site, the first church being built in 1763 and the second, the first to be called Trinity Church, was completed in 1830. The present building, located a bit northeast of the first Trinity Church, was built in 1855 with several additions through the years until 1923. The building remains the oldest church in continuous use in Staunton.

The history of the parish is best reflected in its windows….12 of them are Tiffany windows, created by the Louis Comfort Tiffany Company of New York between the late 1800s through 1933. The glass-maker was impressed by medieval glass after a trip to Europe and was convinced that it was the impurities in pot metal and no use of paint that created uneven thickness in glass and richness to the colors. His various designs in Trinity Church show the distinctive characteristics that make Tiffany glass different from any other.

Regardless of any knowledge of types of techniques Tiffany used to create his windows, they are magnificent to see. The Ascension Windows, created in 1897, were the first Tiffany windows at the church and are located above the altar, three separate windows created by Tiffany’s lead designer Frederick Wilson and copyrighted as well.

The last Tiffany window installed at Trinity is the Madonna and Child window, installed in 1936 and typical of the darker colors that seem to stand out again deeper colored landscaping scenes.

In between, a pair of Easter Morn windows installed in 1904 show Christ’s tomb on Easter morning and were memorial gifts for a couple were were members of the church.  The Beloved Physician is Tiffany’s

1909 depiction of Luke the Physician surrounded by a field of lilies. In sharp contrast is Tiffany’s Benedicite Window from 1903 which contains no people at all but rather a palette of a variety of glasses from plating and acid-etched to flashed. A favorite of many is the Archangel Michael in the adjacent window, part of Tiffany’s Warrior Angel series but with Michael in chain mail and leg armor.

In addition to the dozen Tiffany windows, the church has no fewer than two dozen other stained glass windows by Sharp and Steele, Whippel , and the Lamb studios, all recognized as leading stained glass makers in the world.

A tour also includes the Trinity Organ, made by the Staunton firm of Taylor & Boody and featuring 37 stops and more than 2,500 pipes on three manuals. The organ itself was designed and created by hand, from timber cut locally even with some black walnut the gift of church members. There are carvings above the organ pipes of area songbirds., the Carolina wren, as well as sparrows, a cardinal and some mockingbirds.

Located high up over the pews and in the back of the church, the church’s ceiling had to be raised and the flooring replaced with solid hardwood to improve the acoustics for the singing congregation.

Visiting Trinity Church on a visit that began with a desire to visit Woodrow Wilson’s birth place added one more layer of sheer enjoyment to a quick visit to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Sail on the Breathtaking AJ Meerwald

By
Muriel J. Smith
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0
AJ Meerwald
Sailing on the historic Schooner AJ Meerwald
A dockside reception today will welcome the AJ Meerwald to the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Harbor from 4:30-6pm.
Light  hors d’oeuvres  and beverages will be served as visitors view the $1.3 million restoration of the famed ship.
The Meerwald will run public sails from today through Sunday August 27
AJ Meerwald
The crew from Meerwald  will meet passengers at the gazebo and guide passengers down to the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club dock for the reception and a welcome from Executive Director, Jessica Yorke at 5:15 PM with deck tours  from 5:45 PM until closing.
Persons interested in more information on the ship’s visit can contact Teri Watson  giving@bayshorecenter.org
More on Sailing?  Click HERE

3 rd Annual Beach Bash!

By
Muriel J. Smith
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0
Beach Bash
Beach Bash at the Hook

The third annual Beach Bash sponsored by the Sandy Hook Foundation will be held at Beach E on Saturday, Sept. 9. Rain date is Sunday, Sept. 10.

The annual Beach Bash event will begin at noon, with music starting at 1 p.m. and performances by 10-String, Guns for Hire and the Carl Gentry Band.

Early bird tickets are available now with prices going up on Sept. 3.

In addition to music, a Beer and Wine Garden is presented by Red Horse of Rumson, and food trucks by Maui Bowl Acai, Mystic Lobster Roll and Sabrett Cart. There will also be a limited quantity of both styles and sizes of Beach Bass tee shirts available for sale.

Individuals must provide proof of ticket purchase upon entry either on a mobile device or a printed receipt. Children under 5 are free.

Ticket purchasers will have a hand stamp required for re-entry.  Access to Beach E is through the main, or middle chute only.   In the event of weather cancellation on both dates, ticket cost donations will be redirected as a tax-deductible donation to the Foundation, whose mission is to preserve and protect Sandy Hook’s natural and cultural resources.

Access to the Beer Garden will require proof of ID which must be presented at the entrance to the beverage area. A separate wristband will be issued. Parking will be at Lot E until full, with handicap spaces available, then directed to Lot D, followed by Lot C.

Beach Bash Ticket holders are welcome to bring their own picnic, however, no alcoholic beverages may be brought into the park or consumed on the beach.    Guests and their belongings are subject to search upon entry or re-entry.  Baby strollers, beach chairs, blankets, towels and umbrellas are allowed.  Fun, fantastic live music, and dancing are allowed and encouraged!

For further information and ticket sales, email info@sandyhooknj.org

Want to see another great event in the area?  Click HERE

 

1 Great Museum, Trip, and Historical Society

By
Muriel J. Smith
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0
NJ Maritime Museum
Motor Trip to the Museum

The Highlands Historical Society is planning a motor trip to the NJ Maritime Museum on Sept. 8 and reservations are being taken now for the day long trip to Ocean County.

Regarded as New Jersey’s premier Maritime Museum, the elegant several storied building has the finest collection of china and other artifacts from the Titanic, brought up by some of Highlands own divers.

With a collection of artifacts from a number of New Jersey sea wreck sites as well as numerous other maritime memorabilia.   Started by Deb Whitcraft and Bob Yates, the collection started when Whitcraft started collecting information and items pertaining to the state’s maritime history. She opened the doors to the public in 2007, built with private funds.

Located on Long Beach Island, the Museum is a registered non-profit entity and deed restricted to remain that forever. It operates entirely on donations and is staffed by volunteers.

The Highlands trip on Friday, Sept 8 is $45 per person, including both entry and transportation.

For further information, visit @historicalHighlands, or call 732-500-6823 for further information.

19 th Annual Ms Race a Success!

By
Muriel J. Smith
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0
MS Race
JeffSmithPhoto.Net 732-236-1368/ jeffsmithphoto@gmail.com
Ms Race

The Atlantic Highlands, Raritan and Keyport Yacht Club members took the top awards in the Non-Spinnaker and Spinnaker divisions of the annual MS Race sponsored by the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club as a major fund-raising event for 180 Turning Lives Around.

The 19th annual MS Race, for woman sailors only, was held Aug 19, for the benefit of the non-profit New Jersey organization dedicated to protecting victims of domestic abuse and to help them rebuild their lives.

JeffSmithPhoto.Net 732-236-1368/ jeffsmithphoto@gmail.com

This year’s theme was ‘Women Wind Warriors’ and the sailors  in Sandy Hook Bay proved themselves to be not only Woman Wind Warriors but determined, dedicated competitors in an event that hones sailing skills and builds self-confidence on the water.

There were 13 racers from the New Jersey Bayshore area including Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club members, in two classes, Traditional Non-Spinnaker and Spinnaker divisions.

Placing first in the Traditional Non-Spinnaker competition was Saint of Circumstance under Diane Kropfl from the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club, sailing her Tartan 3700. Second place went to Laura Dunn Grodewald in Eduam, C&C MK V from the Raritan Club. Sue Mulholland, in a Sabre S34, the Celtic Star, placed third representing Keyport Yacht Club.

Atlantic Highlands club racers took both first and second places in the Spinnaker Division, with A Better Hair Day under Elaine Haher placing first, and Aviator with Karen Harris second. The ladies sailed a J24 and J109 in the competition.

Before the race, Elaine Haher, past AHYC Commodore, seasoned J/24 race captain and now four-time winner of the Ms. Race, shared instructive racing tips at the race morning Captain’s meeting, along with details of the Pursuit Race start times, race courses, marks, tides and weather conditions.

On the water, the Ms. Race teams, each with their own start time for the race, did last minute maneuvering with Brian Gillen officiating the race on Hawk Moon.

The officiating crew got the race off to a good start on time for the 7.0 nautical miles course around the Bay. Friends, families and guests gathered on spectator boats to monitor the race’s progress, shoot photos and cheer on the racers.

JeffSmithPhoto.Net
732-236-1368/ jeffsmithphoto@gmail.com

Ted Gassman on Dog House was the Press Boat, and Rear and Past Commodore Jack Flannery hosted Allison Scaduto, Ocean is Female Platinum sponsor, on Lucky Girl.

Rick Kolber, 180 board member and also a Platinum Sponsor, was on the water on his Brig two-masted sailboat hosting guests watching and photographing the event.

The day started with westerly winds at 12 to 14 knots gusting to 17 beneath a sunny sky, making a fine day for racing.

Following a good start, the Women Wind Warriors steadily made their way around the course with a record 13 sailboats!

When it was over, it was exuberant captains and crew who made their way to the clubhouse in the Municipal Yacht Harbor for the Awards Ceremony and party, featuring music by DJ Bill Sabanski, a Silent Auction, a Chance Auction, and a 50/50. The captains and crews, along with families and friends enjoyed light appetizers and desserts, along with a Ms. Race themed cake.

Presentations were officiated by Ms. Race Co-chairs Emily Smith and Diane Kropfl and Race Committee Co-chair Karen Harris, joined by 180 Special Events Community Engagement Coordinator Caitlin Tamayo to present the Ms. Race trophies. Guests also expressed appreciation to Yacht Club Vice Commodore Joe Patsco for recognizing this remarkable club racing event and its support for 180.

The early evening event also featured a fundraiser with generous donations from sponsors and club members. A Better Hair Day won Vote for Your Favorite Sailboat with the most donations.

Members, guests and sailors all agreed in addition to the successful day for the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club and its guests, it was a day that  added substantially to the funds the Yacht Club has raised this year for 180.

Sponsors and donors generously donated more than $20,000 for this year’s event to date, with time still open to accept donations on behalf of the MS Race.

In its 19 years of supporting 180 Turning Lives Around, the MS Race has raised and donated more than  q quarter of a million dollars to the non-profit organization.

Sponsors included OisF The Ocean is Female as a Platinum Event Sponsor for the fourth year in a row.  Other Platinum level sponsors this year include Stillwell-Hansen and Carol Stillwell, 180 Board Members, Rick Kolber, 180 Board Member, and longtime supporters Aleen and Stephen Colitz and Marion Bartholomew, another appreciated  longtime supporter.

Premium and event sponsors included Club members Janice Miller and Frank Gaudio, the Fortiers and Atlantic Highlands Sailing Education Program, the Sciortino Family, Laura and Sam Oncea, Marion Atwater and Don Smith and returning sponsors, Lockwood Boat Works..

Other sponsors this year are Peapack Private Wealth Management and new sponsors Wendy Crowther Law Office, Leonardo Jewelers, HFA Certified Public Accountants and Martin-Ottaway.

The Club also expressed thanks to the Lusty Lobster and Chiafullo’s in Highlands for their appetizers

All  donors are acknowledged along with the complete roster of sponsors in the Ms. Race Sponsor Guide available at the yacht club and online at 2023 Ms. Race Sponsor Guide.

Clubs and guests praised the MS Race organizing committee who created this year’s successful Ms. Race Event, Jean Evertsen, Elaine Haher, Karen Harris, Janice Miller, LuAnn Rathemacher, Barbara Nevius, Marion Bartholomew, Bill Sabanski, and Linda Goldberg along with 180 members, Caitlin Tamayo, Randi Zamkotowicz and Amanda Finn.

“We would also like to extend a sincere thank you to all the club members who once again donated so very generously to this year’s Ms. Race, “said the co-chairs. “In the hectic days leading up to the race, we may have missed some folks who contributed.  If so, please let us know so we can ensure your donation is accounted for and we can recognize you appropriately.”

Photographers for this year’s Ms. Race and Awards Ceremony included Rob Kneller, Jeff Smith and Ivy Dash. . Visit the MS Race at ahyc.net for articles and photos and view photos from the photography staff.

“Thanks to all, this is more than a sailboat race, it is about confidence and self-reliance,. “said cochairs Kropfl and Smith   Those wishing to donate to 180 Turning Lives Round can visit.

2023 Ms. Race Turning Lives Around Donation Link.

Competitors in the 19th annual MS Race were Jen Begley, Stephanie Biles, Paula DelCoro, Laura Dunn Grodewald, Diane Kropfl, with helmsman Barbara Nevius, Nitzan Levy, Sue Mulholland, Laura Oncea, Terry Sculac and Kathy Puschaver and Katelyn Waters in the traditional non-spinnaker cruising competition, and  Elaine Haher, Karen Harris and Kim Sinatra in the Spinnaker competition

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It is difficult to tell whether the Atlantic Highlands...

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