Highlands Road Work

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May 15, 2023

Road Work – You can put some of the blame on Covid, some on Monmouth County, some on lack of maintenance over the past hundred years. Maybe place some of the blame on the higher water table, or on the pace it takes to get permits and approvals for digging up a road and replacing sewer lines.

Whatever it is, Highlands residents and visitors can eliminate a lot of the stress about it by following all the updated messages online, all the road detour signs and on the Highlands borough official page to get through the next few months of sewer repairs.

The worst part of it is probably going to start within a couple of weeks and last through the summer. That’s when work will be taking place on Linden Avenue when that main artery coming into town by motorists traveling east will be closed during the day, weekdays only. For east bound motorists the only access to the lower Highlands will be at On the Hook turn, under the bridge and past Bahrs Restaurant.

The good news is it appears the mayor, council, administrator and certainly the police department are all on top of the action going on with the road work on a daily basis and working hard to keep the public informed.

For background, the borough is replacing sewer mains and laterals on Bay, Gravelly Point, Ocean, Central, Beach, Waterwitch, Linden, William Ralph and North streets, and the work is being done by low bidder Roman E&G. The $8.3 million cost of all this work is being funded in part through an American Rescue Fund grant together with a low-interest loan from the NJ Infrastructure Bank.

All the preparations, studies, application for funds and other paperwork were started in 2019. But is has all been slowed down for any number of reasons. Covid happened, creating problems in securing necessary workers and equipment, Roman itself faced a few issues in the supply chain, and then there was the County dictum, since Bay and Linden Avenues are county roads.

It appears whichever county officials oversee when roads can be repaired, doesn’t look at the inconvenience it costs local businesses or residents or even visitors. It appears that way since the County has a moratorium on working on county roads from December through March.

So even though Highlands, Roman and the necessary equipment was all set to go months ago, so most of the work could be completed before the summer season that brings in so many more people and so much more activity for local businesses, the work could not be started because of the County rule on tearing up its roads.

That means the work that could have been completed before the summer season that is so important to Highlands businesses really begins, will now be ongoing during the borough’s busiest time of year.

While Linden and Waterwitch avenues will certainly be impacted for motorists, there will be no problems through the end of the school year for those youngsters who walk to school. The crossing guards are as well informed and kept up to date on all the necessary precautions as always, and parents can be assured their children will continue to be safe walking to school.

While motorists and the business community should pay attention to the latest news on what’s happening, the current schedule for the next week calls for the mainline work continuing on Beach Blvd, once that’s done, the work crew will move on over to Waterwitch Avenue and start from the bottom, heading up the hill. At the same time, a lateral crew will start to install laterals on Central Avenue, and right now a mainline crew is installing an 18-inch pipe on North St. While all that is going on, deep wells are still being installed along Bay Avenue.

Borough Administrator Michael Muscillo continues to advise residents and visitors to pay attention to the latest updates, both online and on posted signage. since weather can impact the two-week schedules Roman puts out regularly to keep the public informed of which areas are impacted and how.

At the same time, the administrator is working with the contractor on revising schedules, with the plan for crews to be working longer hours Monday through Thursday, working towards limited disruptions Fridays through Sundays throughout the summer.

“Both our Administrator and Chief of Police are working on a daily basis with the contractor to ensure the least amount of disruption for everyone,” Mayor Carolyn Broullon said. “This is work that is essential to be completed and is really the first time any of these sewer lines have been replaced since they were first installed a century ago. The timing is making it particularly difficult for our businesses but that is out of our control,” she said.

Both the Mayor and Council Members commended residents for their patience in seeing the road work being completed, and urged their support of local businesses who may be adversely impacted by the road work and detours.

Atlantic Highlands Fire Department

By

Muriel J. Smith

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May 13, 2023

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Volunteer Fireman and Public Works Director James Phillips laid out a thorough and comprehensive in-depth presentation on the borough volunteer department’s present fire fighting apparatus, its age, life expectancy and needs to the Mayor and Council and the public at the council meeting Thursday night.

The presentation is near the beginning of the recording of the May11 council meeting on the borough’s official webpage, available under recordings at ahnj.com.

In a presentation that Phillips made in his dress firemen’s uniform, both on the wide screen he had earlier set up behind the council table on the dais, and in person, the firefighter first noted the number of volunteers, fire chief and former chiefs who were in the audience in support of the showing of their reasons why they are requesting action to consider a new fire truck. Phillips noted the department has been working on the specifications for many months, cited the number of fires calls the volunteers make in a year, together with all the other times they are called to assist with flooding, other hazards, traffic control and other areas where their assistance is requested. He noted the borough has always maintained a 4 rating, which is good he said for a small municipality, and identified each of the pieces of equipment that is used and for what emergencies.

Phillips also gave the age for each piece of equipment, and noted they range from 29 to 37 years; some were purchased used from other departments, and the borough’s ladder truck is the newest of all the equipment. However, he also pointed out that between ordering new equipment and having it delivered takes two to three years of building time, giving that as his reason for council to act soon on the request. The average age of the current department apparatus is 31 years.

The new equipment would be purchased by the borough rather than the fire department, he said, a change from the present ownership of the other equipment.

A new vehicle, properly maintained, could be in service for 30 years, he said as well as outlining all the study that has gone into the borough’s topography, new construction, water system, and other areas that impact the type of equipment that is best suited for the borough.

Acquisition of a municipally owned fire vehicle would also reduce insurance costs and would enhance the safety issues for firefighters, always an uppermost consideration.

The department has received quotes from 14 different manufacturers, he said, and has considered electric powered vehicles as well. However, the cost of electric vehicles the firemen deemed too expensive for the borough to purchase.

Phillips also used the opportunity to address the governing body and the public to express the need for more volunteer firemen and noted “it’s a lot of work” considering the numbers of drills, amount of training and volunteer workload, but urged all interested persons to contact him directly, or stop at the fire house, or contact any member.

The study done by the department also includes a variety of funding options he suggested to the governing body and said that if approved within a short time, delivery of a new vehicle would probably not happen until 2026.

The governing body congratulated and thanked Phillips for the comprehensive presentation and indicated it would consider the possibility of a purchase and have something to report on it at the next council meeting May 25.

Events Make Me Happy

By

Muriel J. Smith

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May 13, 2023

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With all this crazy, insane stuff and waste of time and money that is going on with the whole regionalization thing, let’s not forget some of the great things that are happening in Highlands and Atlantic Highlands these days. From Prayers on the Porch, the Police, events at the senior center and the library … these are just some of the things that make me happy

The Prayers on the Porch that was started by Mayor Loretta Gluckstein, not as an elected official, just as a caring friend and neighbor, and a few other prayerful people two years ago celebrated its second anniversary Tuesday night once again at that beautiful grass front on Ocean blvd. with many folks both new to the informal program as well as those who have attended from the beginning joining in prayer for continued success and so many other things. These people of all religions are showing how important prayer is, no matter what religion, and it is inspiring to see all draw together to shower praise on neighbors, thanksgiving for leadership and hope for the future of the borough, the state, and the nation, as well as the world. The group was especially mindful of mothers this Mothers Day weekend, be they young, afraid, scared, worried, older, ignored or loved, moms of deceased loved children, or every other woman who wishes to become a mom. I was particularly grateful for prayers for grandmas as well, and two generations of women who have offspring in the military. The next prayers on the porch will be June 6, another time we are sorely in need of prayer…..But all are invited.. prayers never heard anyone. This makes me happy

Also to be congratulated are all the great folks who put together the program at the Seniors Center Tuesday. Combine the talents of great men like Roy Dellosso, Gene Hennefy and Tommy Stone, couple them with the organization and support of the Monmouth County Sheriff’s office and the county office for the elderly and military, who put together the program, issued the evacuation care bags and brought employees to help explain and fill out the necessary paperwork, and you get the feeling the folks of Atlantic Highlands will be secure and protected should any emergency arrive. The bags with all the necessities for an emergent move or evacuation for everyone who attended the initial session at the Seniors Center are great. The staff and volunteers made sure information would be available for those seniors who are too infirm nor incapable of attending to be sure they would also be registered for special care in the event of an emergency. Great to see Councilwoman Eileen Cusick right in there asking all the necessary questions to be sure her seniors are taken care of. This makes me happy.

Also great to know the local Police will be keeping tabs on Ocean Boulevard. Arriving at the Prayers on the Porch on Ocean Boulevard just at the same time one of Sea Streaks boats was letting off its dozens of passengers, it was a shock to realize just how busy Ocean Boulevard to Grand Ave has become, and how so many of those commuter motorists are simply tearing up Ocean to hit Grand and move on to other destinations with no care for this borough’s residents . Feel certain the AH Police are keeping tabs on speeds, and careful driving, but surprised at the increase of traffic along the road. I can remember only a few months ago when folks complained about expanding parking for a few cars on the boulevard because it is a Scenic Drive, but are now experiencing city-like traffic at commuter hours tearing through their streets. Heck, parking along Ocean Boulevard would have been so much nicer, easier, quieter, and a salvation for some serious parking problems in town.

Love the programs offered for youngsters of all ages at the Atlantic Highlands library where such a variety is offered on a regular basis. Love using local talent to present them as well. Next Thursday’s visit (May 18) by the owner of Feed and Seed in Highlands, who also happens to the Highlands Mayor, Carolyn Broullon, will give kids some great ideas on their responsibilities as pet owners,. The mayor will give some tips on how to care for pets, regardless of whether they’re fish, hamsters, birds of dogs, and remind the kids there are specific responsibilities involved with pet ownership, something every parent will love having his youngster learn. That is the 3:15 program on May 18, and the following week at the same time, May 25, it will be veteran Bill Pointon talking about what it’s like to the in the US Coast Guard. This makes me happy

Also love that 34^th annual PBA Ball coming up at the Shore Casino May 26. Understand tickets are going fast, and the women putting together all those great auction ideas are outdoing themselves this year, thanks to their ingenuity and the generosity of local businesses and families. It’s not too late to donate your own auction item either. Call Judy Grasso at 732-539-2613 for information or drop gift donations off at her home on E. Highlands Avenue. Heck, they’d even have someone pick it up if you’d prefer.

Wonderful to see proceeds from the Ball will benefit the Police Explorers Post, which has come a long way since it was first started and is a terrific program for teens. This makes me happy

And in spite of all the road closing going on and planning to be continuing in Highlands, it’s worth the trip just to see how gorgeous The Girls Café looks for its summer season. Mikey has outdone himself this year in creating the outdoor dining space, and the Girls tell me there’s extra help coming in this week to be sure of quick service when all those tables are filled with happy diners. Looks like even the plants and flowers love the Girls Café.

Strauss Mansion Museum

By

Muriel J. Smith

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May 13, 2023

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Award winning editor and writer Steven Schwankert will open the Atlantic Highlands Historical Society’s Speaker Series Wednesday, May 17, at the Strauss Mansion Museum, Prospect Circle.

Schwankert will highlight the history of Simon Lake, a mechanical engineer and naval architect who was at the forefront in creating the first submarine, as well as many other models afterwards.

The first sub, Argonaut 1, is replicated at the Municipal Harbor and dates to the 1800s. Lake obtained more than 200 patents for his engineering inventions during his lifetime.

The lecture will begin at 7:30 and is open to all at no cost, though donations for preservation of the Strauss Mansion Museum and continuation of Society programs are always gratefully accepted.

Music at the Mansion also begins its seasonal program on Friday, May 19, when Nancy Scharff will present a variety of music ranging from Broadway show tunes, to both classical and popular songs. The soloist will also honor Armed Forces Day with a variety of patriotic tunes, encouraging audience participation.

This event also begins at 7:30 p.m. and is held outdoors on the Strauss Mansion Museum grounds. Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased now on the website at www.ahhistory.org/gift-shop or at the Museum the evening of the event. Attendees are invited to bring their own lawn chairs and liquid refreshments to celebrate the start of a new season of outdoor entertainment.

Though a local artist of renown, Scharff is also a soloist who has appeared at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center and has a talent that includes presentation of music in a variety of genres.

Guests to all events or visits to the Museum are always invited to bring a non-perishable item or baby product for donation to the Atlantic Highlands Food Pantry.

In addition to the Speaker Series and Music at the Mansion, , the June program of events for the Historical Society also includes Paranormal at the Mansion on June 24, with a limited number of tickets available for this unique event with paranormal investigators.

Noel

By

Muriel J. Smith

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May 12, 2023

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If you ask Noel the smiling personable operations manager and historian for the Twin Lights Historical Society, she doesn’t have to think for a nanosecond before bursting out with one of those friendly smiles, “I’ve just had the best of all worlds. I’ve done things I’ve only dreamed I would do.”

That outgoing and vivacious operations manager at the historic state site is Noel Dempsey, one of the Dempsey clan of Highlands that is synonymous with the Twin Lights and has been for generations before Noel. She has just taken it a few steps further and learned more about her family, her town, and the Twin Lights that wasn’t far from her own backyard when she was growing up in Highlands.

A graduate of Henry Hudson Regional school, Noel always felt a draw towards history. When she graduated from Rutgers University it was with a degree in history and English. She went to graduate School at New York University and earned her degree in Experimental humanities, which means she studied journalism, history, and English among other subjects, and she wrote her thesis on analyzing fiction!

The daughter of Peter and Holly Dempsey, Peter being one of the ten children of Mary and Earl who lived just below the Twin Lights on Highland avenue, Holly from not very far away in Leonardo, Noel learned about a possible state internship at the Twin Lights from her dad, who had spoken with a ranger who knew the Twin Lights had an opening for an intern. She applied, was accepted, and for more than a year has been fortunate enough to intern under Park Ranger and historian Nick Woods. From there she was offered and accepted the position with the Twin Light’s nonprofit historical society, the perfect opportunity for a young woman who yearns for a career that includes teaching others the unique and important history of the Garden State.

Noel looks back on her internship days under Wood as the best experience she could possibly have in learning history. “He is intense,” she smiled, recalling his dedication to perfection and ensuring all facts are well supported before approval for any project. “He knows so much history and is so willing to share it,” she said, “and can explain it in a way that you realize how important it is.” Now working for the Society with Wood as the historian for the state historic site, , she can capitalize on all he taught her during her internship, and she can use that knowledge to show and tell others the importance of the Twin Lights in the history of not only the borough, but the state and nation as well.

And talking to the thousands who come to the Twin Lights is what Noel likes best! “I love it when people ask me things, and want to learn more, “she said, “and I love it when they tell me their own stories about why they visit the Twin Lights and why it is important or fascinating in their own lives.”

During her internship, Noel also worked on several projects under Wood’s guidance, including creating the display for Schenk’s Tavern, a popular meeting place in Highlands in generations past. She also did considerable research and signage for the oil house, one of the other buildings at the state museum site, as well as research and signage work for Gallery 1, the portion of the museum which includes a lot of Highlands’ history.

‘’Nick also had me make a table,” she giggles, remembering the struggle she had in hammering, putting together, painting, and finishing the table. “I think that was my first and only table I’ll ever make,” she laughs.

Noel said surprisingly, she also learned many things about her own family she had not known. For instance, a relative from a couple of generations ahead of her, Clara Dempsey, was the president of the Twin Lights Historical Society during the 20^th century. Another relative even brought one of Clara’s photo albums with photos and stories that will now be part of the museum’s archives. Her siblings, cousins and other family members have also filled her in on family stories that include the Twin Lights and what it meant growing up beneath it as she herself did in the 21st century..

Archive work was also another challenge for Noel, though one she particularly loved. Prior to the Twin Lights internship, she had also interned with the New Brunswick archives where she got her first understanding of how that phase of historic preservation operates. A stickler for detail l herself, she is especially appreciative of Wood’s talent and dedication to perfection at this site.

Meeting, greeting and sharing stories with others is probably the best part of her job, Noel thinks, though she can’t find any part of it she doesn’t thoroughly enjoy. Volunteers impress her the most.

“I just so appreciate all the talent that each of these volunteers brings to the Twin Lights,” she said, “to think there are so many people who volunteer their time and talents out of love for the museum itself and history in general is so wonderful and so helpful to others. I’ve learned a lot about how difficult it is for non-profit groups to operate at the high standards they set for themselves, and it simply would not be possible without volunteers.”

On the other hand, volunteers appreciate the opportunity to use their talents, she agreed. As an example, the Twin Lights currently has close to 20 volunteers who rotate throughout the summer season or for some, year-round. Last month, when the Society held a Volunteers Day to honor them, the Society also invited anyone interested in volunteering to stop in and talk with volunteers and see what it’s like. “Apparently many were impressed by our great workers,” Noel beamed, “we met another eight people who want to volunteer here after undergoing training. And each one of them is going to be great, too!”

In meeting visitors, Noel likes to know what brought them to the lighthouse and has learned they have come from every continent…” well, I’m not sure of Antarctica,” she laughed, “and from every state in the Union. There are those visitors who come because they have a love for visiting lighthouses across the country; others come because they know some of the history or were here on a school trip as a youngster. Some come because they’ve seen the various logos and photos of the Twin Lights at businesses throughout downtown Highlands and are drawn to it. Still more see the “castle on the hill” when they visit Sandy Hook and seek it out themselves. Some come simply for the spectacular view from the front of the lighthouse, or for the opportunity to climb one or both towers. Some come simply because it’s a very pretty, peaceful and restful place. Some come because they are descendants or have heard stories about lighthouse keepers here and want to see it for themselves, or because they want to know the history of the Coast Guard and the lifesaving service that preceded it.

And yes, others come to plan their wedding ceremonies in the lighthouse or on the grounds overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

What is the hardest part of her job? Noel only takes a second to narrow that down as well. “There’s nothing hard about what I do, because it’s all fascinating and I love having something new to learn,” she said, “but the biggest challenge is not having enough hours in the day to do everything I want and learn everything I need to learn. I love having to always be learning something.”

In her future, Noel sees herself continuing to work at historic sites in New Jersey, learning more about herself and being in a position to share New Jersey history with others. She is an avid reader, though for relaxation, it isn’t history or biographies she reads. It’s fiction for relaxation. And she does this with her dog, Olive, a lab mix with a lot of energy that keeps her on her toes. “But I’m learning to knit, too!” she exclaims.

Now with grad school behind her, Noel admits she is looking for other hobbies that will let her relax but still learn.

She certainly gets exercise. Since she grew up below the lights and visited there often as a child, she can’t count the number of times she has climbed one or both towers. But these days, she’s up at least one of them every day. She loves the South Tower on a stormy night, or the North tower when the moon is full because as a photographer, “these are beautiful sights.”

And as for her experience at the Twin Lights, both as a state intern and later as a manager for a non-profit society: “It has changed my life., I never believed I can be in a field I only hoped that I could ever get in.”

The Reenactors

By

Muriel J. Smith

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May 12, 2023

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While some might say it is a strange way of spending a celebratory weekend, for me it was an amazing firsthand glimpse into Civil War history through the eyes of the reenactors.

Even more than that, it was an opportunity to be present for a reenactment of one of the most successful Confederate victories, though also one of the bloodiest battles of the war that changed the nation.

Because of the thoughtfulness of one historian, and the generosity and willingness to share the love and pride in their Virginia ancestors of a dozen other men, the reencators, all incredibly knowledgeable and determined, I literally got to experience seven of the 12 miles of General Stonewall Jackson’s Flank March of 1863.

Even better, while these men in their Civil War uniforms marched the seven miles through the Wilderness, their Southern gentility enabled me to cover the route with them in one of the two safety equipment trucks that always escorts them in reenactments such as this.

It was the Third unit of the Army of the Potomac under General Fighting Joe Hooker who had crossed the Rappahannock River, and headed into this battle, a battle which also marked the only time Hooker had been commander. General Robert E. Lee, a brilliant statistician and West Point graduate second in his class and later Superintendent, had General Stonewall Jackson and his troops attack the North in the Wilderness in Jackson’s Flank March wonderfully followed and mapped by the National Park Service.

The reenactors who so generously permitted me to ride along for their march over dirt roads, through lush forests and open fields, got together at the Chancellorsville Visitor Center on federal trust lands to begin the seven-mile march organized by Daniel Myers, a railroad conductor by profession and a reenactor for seven years, coming from Carolina County for this particular Flank March.

He does it, he explains calmly and sincerely, because “15 of my ancestors wore grey,” one of them was wounded and two more died. “Every citizen has to sacrifice,” he explained, then thought deeply for a moment before adding, “and those who start wars have to fight them.”

Sgt. Myers 12^th Virginia Company B was on the Flank March along with Company C. One of the reasons it was held on this particular date was to also honor the memory of General Micah Jenkins, the officer who was at Gen.Jackson’s side when both were hit by gunshot, in the darkness of night; Jackson lost his arm that night, and died from his wounds days later, but Jenkins, a graduate of the South Carolina Military Academy, now the Citadel in Charleston, SC, and first in his class, was killed May 6, 1863.

The 12^th Virginia Regiment was comprised of men primarily from the Petersburg area, though some came from other areas of southeastern Virginia. They fought with the Army of Northern Virginia after being organized shortly after the 1861 start of the War and participated in numerous conflicts including the Wilderness; they were involved in the months long Siege of Petersburg and the conclusion of the Appomattox Campaign, the final days of the war before General Lee surrendered to Grant at the Appomattox Court House in April 1865.

The reenactment also included men from Company H of the 44^th and Company I of the 47th Virginia Regiment .Like each of the men on the reenactment march, there is no anger over the war, more a remembrance of what their ancestors….and so many of these men know so much about their Civil War ancestry…. believed, fought for, and accepted. Several explained to me that the war was not necessarily fought over slavery; for some of the soldiers and their families fought to preserve the Union, others because their homes were burned or their families were in danger; some fought because their brothers, their fathers, their sons or their cousins were in it and they felt an obligation to be beside them as well.

If there is any one lesson, I learned from each of these very intense, dedicated, and Civil War schooled reenactors, it is their pride in their ancestry, the importance they each place on protecting the history of those who plowed the fields, hunted the lands or built the homes where they live and enjoy life today. They have a distinct purpose in reenacting those battles, skirmishes, marches, and other phases of the Civil war….it is to learn more, know more, and therefore appreciate more about what the 19^th century men and their families went through. They have learned how they fought, how they marched, the equipment they used, the skills they had and the importance they placed on protecting their homeland and continuing their pride in their ancestry.

Last week’s march, more than half of the Flank March’s 12 miles, included two rest stops, both done in military style, with the men properly stacking their rifles and resting while Sgt Myers continued with more statistics and information on what was going on in May of 1863. The march took approximately two and a half hours, including two rest stops., and a final discussion of the day’s events before most got together for a late lunch. Many also headed to another location to see another group of Civil War reenactors celebrating another phase of Civil War history complete with the women in 18^th century dress, the men in uniforms of varying companies. At that event, tents were lined up orderly for the overnight stay and other tents were set up out on the outskirts selling a variety of uniforms, hats and campaign memorabilia in a festive and social afternoon of American history.

Some soles didn’t make it. Private Holt’s brogan (shoe)

That the Civil War long before their own time has impacted these men of the 21^st century is not only understandable but admirable in their dedication to remembering a war that tore apart a country family by family. Their ancestors were indeed an intricate part of it…there were 108 different battles fought in Petersburg alone over a period of nine months; these men want to remember all the sacrifices of the war and want to pass on that history to their children and grandchildren so all will always remember how the nation founded just short of 100 years before survived disagreements and hostilities and moved forward.

As one of the younger participants in the 2023 Flank March explained when asked why he took a day to join with the others for the march said he was with the reenactors for a lecture on Petersburg some time ago and found it interesting. “So now I’m back,”: he said, “because I get to walk through history.”

For me, it was all of that and more. It was time to learn more from some of the reenactors on the march I accompanied, including Capt. Bill Russell, Shawn Johnson, Rick Miller and Jackson Canady from the 47^th regiment, Scott Ratliff from the 44^th, and Sgt. Myers and his men from the 12^th Regiment, Chris Dobrilovic-Holt, Joseph Williams, Levi Dunnington, Ben Barrett, Jimmy Fowler, Sam Watkins, Jody Maury, and the man that made it possible for me to be along for all the event, Randy Watkins, a walking encyclopedia when it comes to the Civil War.

Daniel Myers
Sgt Co B
12th Virginia Infantry

But that’s another story about the next day when he escorted and taught me through more 18^th century history in Virginia.

Commander Speaks

By

Muriel J. Smith

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May 10, 2023

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Commander Tracie Smith-Yeoman, USN (ret) will visit with children from kindergarten through high school Thursday afternoon at 3:30 at the library in Borough Hall in Atlantic Highlands Thursday, May 11.

Commander Smith-Yeoman, a native of Highlands and a graduate of the University of South Carolina, will chat with the youngsters, giving them an idea what it’s like to be in the Navy, what prompted her to join, and how growing up in the Bayshore influenced her decision. She’ll also speak on what her mission was in the Navy before her retirement, an unusual field for women in the Navy.

Commander Smith-Yeoman currently serves as the Senior Naval Science Instruction at MAST, the Marine Academy of Science and Technology on Sandy Hook.

The Navy veteran and Mater Dei High school graduate will also display pictures of “ships, submarines, jets and dolphins” during the afternoon presentation.

Learn more about MAST Here

Brickhouse Run

By

Muriel J. Smith

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May 10, 2023

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Any time you are in Petersburg, Virginia, do yourself a favor and visit The Brickhouse Run. After all, it’s down a cobbled street and located just below Rafferty’s Poultry Market. The crowds from 6 p.m. on let you know it is the in place in historic Old Towne, so get there early as well.

It was the first place to enjoy a Friday dinner that Claudia, the wonderful owner of the Ragland Mansion B&B, mentioned when I asked for suggestions. Once she said it was an old British Pub, located in a 190-year-old building, I was sold. I knew from the start it would be a great evening and learned 15 minutes after being seated that I was absolutely right for any number of reasons.

Claudia had driven me to the Pub a couple of miles from the Mansion where I was staying. She assured me she would be back to pick me up whenever I called. Public transportation is not so easy to find in this historic city, so an Amtrak rider appreciates the extra help from the innkeeper.

The Brickhouse Run is actually a bar on the street level with lots of happy faces and exciting beers on tap and wine in bottles. There’s even a local cask conditioned ale on a hand pump for those so inclined.

Choosing the small intimate dining room a few steps below, I felt guilty taking a table for four…. there were only eight or nine tables in the entire dining room, four being the smallest. But I settled in easily enough with some hors d’oeuvres and a glass of wine. Glancing around, I saw many of the other tables were already filled as well, when two men entered and took up another table.

That’s when a waitress came over to me and sheepishly asked if she could tell me something. Intrigued, I encouraged her, only to find out the two gentlemen also felt guilty taking a foursome for two seats. One had asked her to inquire of “the young lady in the corner” if they could join me. I laughed, explained I “wasn’t a young lady,” but absolutely was happy to have them join me for dinner.

And that’s how I met and enjoyed a wonderful dinner with Kevin and Dave. I’m not sure if his name is Dave or Dan, or something else beginning with a D. I didn’t hear it clearly and never bothered to check. For the sake of this column, it’s Dave.

Conversation flowed easily among the three of us, the two men explaining they had been friends from childhood and met once a year for GG&S…golf, golf and steak! Kevin, big, quieter than Dave, and good looking with an easy-going smile, was an Army veteran, disabled, and living in Virginia. As a veteran, he had access to all the plush golf courses the Department of Defense provides for our fighting men and women on many installations, so is generally the half of the golfing pair who makes the selection for the annual get together.

Dave, it turns out, is a New Jerseyan from Camden County, in the banking business by profession, and an outgoing, smiling, talkative gent who loves his wife, his children, the Garden State and his friend Kevin…to say nothing of the game of golf!

So over wine and beer…, none of us opted for any of the full range of other spirits the Brickhouse Run offers, we shared stories of what brought us to Petersburg, what we did at home, our families, and their accomplishments, as well as the state of the Union, the museums in Petersburg, the weather and just about anything else you can imagine. By the time dinner arrived, we were fast friends, I had seen photos of Dave’s two beautiful young daughters and learned something of Kevin’s work as an MP in the Army as well as his Iraq tours.

We pored over the menu which sounded English-Pub enough, what with its Bangers and Mash, Shepherd’s Pie, and fish and chips. But there was also a Petersburger and Trout Ploughman, as well as Irish rarebit and the Halibut Catch complete with Eggplant Napoleon.

We admired the photos of other eras on the walls, as well as the antique clock and the porcelain that were here and there around the room, now filled to overflowing. The fireplace and wooden beamed ceiling added to the charm, and our waitress, Christine, easily joined in the fun, laughter and conversation with us.

The evening went so fast, the conversation was so great, the food was delicious, and the evening ended with a lot more laughter, a lot of handshakes and thanks for a great evening, and we all left, to go our separate ways and look forward to new adventures for me, more golf talk, and plans for the next course for them.

And that’s when I learned, gentlemen, that they were, they picked up the tab for my dinner as well!

The Brickhouse Run is closed on Mondays, but I strongly suggest you try it another evening. Hopefully, you too can make new friends like Dave and Kevin.

Regionalization – Appeal?

By

Muriel J. Smith

-

May 9, 2023

0

Wait! an appeal may be in the cards! The attorneys stall and make money at the same time.

Whether there will ever be a regionalization of two or three towns, whether the taxpayers will ever be given a few million dollars for education from Sea Bright taxpayers, and whether Henry Hudson Regional school will remain a 7-12 school until forced into a regionalization at some time in the future are all still unknowns.

What is known and made clear…attorneys are making a lot of money in the process of stalling and preventing the public from having their own say in how they want their kids educated.

I’ve heard that at the 11^th hour, Cinco de Mayo, Friday, May 5, the Oceanport and Shore Regional Boards of Education appealed the decision the Commissioner had made more than a month before. That means they have re-instituted yet another legal action against a petition the state Commissioner of Education has not yet seen!

The refiling of their appeal could well mean that Atlantic Highlands Borough Council and the board of education will once again delay any decisions on whether the regionalization question can be on the November ballot so voters can decide what they want for their education dollars.

The petition originally filed by Oceanport and Shore Regional charged that Sea Bright, with no school or board of education of its own, has no right to disassociate itself from the Oceanport and Shore regional boards of education and create the possibility of joining a new tri-district K-12 with Highlands and Atlantic Highlands. Sea Bright had first initiated a new regionalization proposal when state law was unanimously approved several years ago specifically to enable regional and local schools to expand as a tax savings measure and improved education possibilities.

But the petition unanimously approved by the Highlands, Atlantic Highlands, Henry Hudson boards of education and the governing bodies of all three towns had not yet been filed with the Commissioner of Education when the Oceanport and Shore Regional boards appealed it. Therefore, without knowing what the petition was, the Commissioner could not take any action on a petition she had not yet received, so she rejected it.

She still has not yet received the petition. But that did not stop Shore Regional and Oceanport from appealing that decision at the 11^th hour. It would then seem logical that the Commissioner, once again, has no alternative but to once again deny an appeal of a petition she has not yet seen.

All of which spells more delay, more attorney involvement, and more tax dollars spent on delays and appeals of something that is not there.

Nor are the costs incurred simply by Highlands, Atlantic Highlands and Sea Bright. Since Oceanport and Shore Regional are regional districts, taxpayers in Monmouth Beach, West Long Branch, Oceanport and Sea Bright are also paying for all the attorneys involved in delaying tactics that thwarts the voters in their attempt to express their own opinion on what happens with their own tax dollars. And costs them tens of thousands of dollars they can never recoup in the process.

Meetings & Regionalization

By

Muriel J. Smith

-

May 9, 2023

0

The public’s right to know does not appear to be a major concern judging from the actions and lack of information offered in a timely fashion by municipal governing bodies and boards of education in Highlands and Atlantic Highlands.

There appears to be an awful lot going on about school regionalization as a major issue as well as the employ of the superintendent of the Henry Hudson tri-district. But at the same time, it does not look like many of the official boards involved in all this activity are sharing the news with the public.

That is not to cast a slur at either the Highlands or Atlantic Highlands governing bodies. They do not have an obligation to post meetings of the boards of education. Quite simply, they might not have been given all the information from the school boards. If the school boards have all the information on the meetings they have to attend, they apparently do not feel it important enough to post on their own board of education pages.

If you stay with it, this appears to be the situation today.

Atlantic Highlands Borough Council has announced and included on its agenda that it is going into executive session Thursday night at its regular meeting both to discuss regionalization as well as land acquisition. They also promote they make take action one or both of these matters during the regular meeting.

But they do not include in news or upcoming meetings on the borough’s official page that the very same night of their meeting, Henry Hudson regional Board of Education has scheduled a special meeting to discussion regionalization.

It isn’t on the Highlands borough page either.

However, if you look at the Highlands Borough official page, you will see yet another meeting in black and white. That is a special meeting of the Tri-District Boards of Education at 7 p.m. Wednesday May 24, in the school cafetorium. They are the only ones who have advertised that meeting.

The Henry Hudson District Board of Education page doesn’t announce that meeting. They do, however, announce their special meeting this Thursday, at 7 p.m. in the Cafetorium and apparently a meeting with all three boards of education.

The purpose cited for that meeting? So the boards can go into executive session to get some legal advice regarding the regionalization process, something, it seems, they would know long before now, or at least have been researching when all the discussion began so many months ago. The notice further advises they may actually take formal action after that meeting.

Keep in mind that is the same night as the regular Atlantic Highlands Borough Council meeting when they have announced they are going into executive session and may take action both on land acquisition and regionalization.

So could it be so that after all this time, all these delays, all those studies, all that money, and all those experts something is actually going to be getting done now?

Certainly sounds important enough that people would love to attend both meetings.

Highlands does not have information about the regionalization discussion by the school boards this week on its official page. Neither school board meeting is on the Atlantic Highlands Borough page at all. Nor are there any notices on the official board of education pages for either the Highlands or the Atlantic highlands boards of education who will be meeting at Henry Hudson.

So now look at the meeting that only Highlands Borough has chosen to publicize, the one that is set for May 24 at 7 p.m. in the cafetorium at Henry Hudson. Purpose of that meeting? Purpose of that meeting?

The superintendent’s evaluation.

Perhaps that has been lost in the shuffle of all the regionalization chatter, money spent, decisions delayed, more meetings held, and attorneys and mediator involved along with all three boards of education, mayors and council presidents of two towns and lots of highly paid specialists in law and finances.

But at the same time, it is drawing close to the timeline when the boards of education quite frankly have to decide whether they want to keep Dr. Beams on for another two, three or five years beginning next year when her contract expires June 30 of 2024. Or do they want to listen to the many parents who have cast some disparaging remarks about her, expressed in no uncertain terms they think she has failed as an educational leader, and don’t want to see her at the head of their educational program any longer?

Why does it all happen now when regionalization is such a key issue you say? Her contract isn’t even up until next year.

Blame that on state legislation.

According to the law in New Jersey, IF a superintendent is NOT going to be re-hired at the end of his or her term, the boards of education MUST advise the educator one full year IN ADVANCE that he or she is out by June 1 of the following year as spelled out in the contract everyone signed.

Presumably, that law was put into place to give a superintendent time to search around for another job. But by the same token, one wonders if that is fair to the taxpayers. Or the education of the children.

Could it be possible that an educator, annoyed at not being selected for excellence, might get a bit bitter and do a less than perfect or admirable job during that last year? After all, what would he or she have to lose by setting a slower, easier pace for himself, possibly even sloughing off a little bit on principle, or dedication.

It appears each of the boards comprised of elected officials have failed the public in some way in not keeping them aware at an early date of exactly what meetings are underway or getting underway.

It can only be hoped that with Atlantic Highlands and the boards of education both meeting in secret session to discuss regionalization, and the school board reaching out to get some legal advice at this late date, perhaps something is really happening on that issue.

Maybe, just maybe, it’s getting close to enabling the public in these two boroughs as well as their neighbor and friend across the Shrewsbury, Sea Bright, to have their say, be it yea or nay, to a K-12 tri town regionalization to save money and improve educational standards.

Veni Vidi Scripto

Veni Vidi Scripto

Veni Vidi Scripto

Veni Vidi Scripto

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