Murphy Runs for Mayor

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April 5, 2023

Councilman Jim Murphy, when asked what you have accomplished as a councilman? will chuckle and say, facetiously “I attend every meeting.”

Sounds like a cliché and not very contributory, but the councilman adds that when you think about it, it speaks of his dedication and commitment.

And there is no doubt of James Murphy’s commitment to Atlantic Highlands.

The councilman now serving his second term , is on the ballot in November seeking the mayoral post, vying to be the borough’s highest elected official, primarily because he thinks he’ll be good at it, will help the borough residents, and will listen to the people.

It’s also been a dream of his since he was a kid that one day he could be mayor of his hometown.

Home it is, as Murphy is the third generation of his family settled here, and is bringing his children up to appreciate the warmth, beauty, and neighborliness of the same town where he grew up.

It was Murphy’s grandparents who first discovered the borough, having arrived in this country from Ireland and eventually finding a home on Bay Avenue…” the same home where my dad sill lives,” and only two blocks away from where he lives. “When we find and appreciate something good, we don’t even have to move far,” Murphy grins.

The Murphy’s had three children, a son and two daughters ranging in age from 8 to 14, and they both believe that raising children means, between teaching them commitment and high standards, responsibility and taking the time to help others and become involved.

With his wife Molly president of the local Board of Education, and himself a councilman among other volunteer positions, the parents show their children what they mean by commitment. In spite of his hours dedicated to municipal work, Murphy never misses one of the sports, school or recreational activities of his children.

Having faith and a strong belief in God, Murphy wants to be sure his children don’t fail in that respect as he feels he did when he was a teenager. But here he thanks Henry Hudson coach and physical education instructor Vinnie Whitehead, the long time teacher at Hudson who was one of his instructors there. “He was Coach Whitehead then,” Murphy recalls, “and he had a great Fellowship of Athletes when I was at Hudson. He coached basketball and cross country teams, and were the Iron 7,” he recalls. But taking time to thank God for sports ability and having friends and commitments were also part of Whitehead’s influence, and Murphy credits him, along with his parents with keeping him on the right path. Today, Murphy is an active parishioner at St. Agnes Church, and is an usher at the noon mass every Sunday. “If it weren’t for Coach Whitehead, I would never be as close as I am to God,” he said.

Murphy also served two years on the board of education before being elected to council, and there, as now, he believed in attending every meeting, keeping abreast of everything going on, but not ever seeking change for the sake of change. He believes his work in researching ideas before voting in order to be fully informed is a commitment that helps the borough and ensures that things are kept in check. He quotes Presidents Reagan’s belief that “as government expands, liberties contract,” and cites that as the reason why he does not advocate introducing new rules, regulations, or unnecessary restrictions on the public.

Murphy keeps in touch with the employees of the Public Works Department and the other committees he serves on as councilman, “but I don’t overdo it. They know what they’re doing, they don’t need any interference from me. Why would I try to change anything that’s already working so well? I just want to do right for the community. “I trust my people on the ground,” he said, “and they know I’m here and they can call me if I can help them.”

Nor does the councilman shy away from the added responsibilities of mayor in representing the borough. “I know I have value,” he said confidently, “and I know things need to be done. But I believe in transparency, in listening to the people.” He believes the current council should be more open than it is, and should not discuss so much in executive session rather than sharing information and seeking input from the residents. He also believes in negotiating for what is best in the long run for the residents and the future of the borough.

Looking towards the November election with running mates Whitehead, his former coach, and Ellen O’Dwyer, an Army veteran Murphy feels the three of them can work well together and enhance the town even more. .”All three of us are parents, and our children are our priorities,” he explained, noting that with that priority and desire to raise children in a small town environment, working together on council will be an asset.

Seeing himself as strong but quiet, Murphy thinks his leadership will be an asset in bringing residents together even with different opinions and priorities. He thinks he can bring a measure of compassion to meetings, knows he will not talk down to any residents, and believes that demeanor is important when representing the borough.

My strengths, the sales manager for mortgage sales and Stockton State College graduate explained, in addition to his love for the town and his desire to ensure it is a perfect town in which to bring up families, ”are in organization, running effective meetings, and always having an agenda to work on.”

Schoolhouse Tour

By

Muriel J. Smith

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April 5, 2023

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A first of its kind Historic Schoolhouse tour will be offered on Sunday, April 16, for motorists who want to learn more information and visit six different schools built in the western portion of Monmouth County during a 100-year period beginning in 1847.

The opportunity for the self-drive tour to each of the sites is the brainchild of Maureen O’Connor Leach, a member of the Monmouth County Historical Commission and a leader who is involved in a number of other historical organizations and activities throughout Monmouth County.

“There is a lot of history here,” Leach said, “and these six schools tell a story that is both fascinating and important in knowing more about why and how each of the schools was built.”

Included on this self-drive tour are the 1812 Montrose School in Colts Neck, the 1915 Court Street School in Freehold Borough, the 1847 West Freehold School, the 1862 Georgia Road School, the 1855 Old Ardena School in Howell, and the 1855 Blansingburg School in Wall.

Visitors may start their tour at any of the schools between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and visit as many as they wish at their own pace. Docents will be present at each facility to give further information and history on that particular site. Maps and information on the schools will be available at each site as well, in both hard copy and with QR code.

The Commissioner pointed out the opportunity this tour offers, since some of these schools are seldom open, and visitors can travel at your own pace and cover them in one day. Due to the diligent work of several historic societies all of these buildings have been carefully restored and display many period artifacts including vintage desks, class attendance list and photographs from bygone eras, as well as original architectural details. These edifices remain as testament to the importance our forebears placed on the need for education in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The historic interpreters will be on hand to share how each school played a part in the story of the development of education in our area.

More information on the history of the schools and a map with details of the self-drive tour is attached.Schools descriptions (1)

Past events

The New Jersey Shipwreck Symposium

By

Muriel J. Smith

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April 5, 2023

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The New Jersey Shipwreck Symposium, titled Chambers, Submarines, Schooners and Sunken Treasures , will be presented at the InfoAge Science and History Museums in Wall on Saturday, April 29, from 2 to 6 p..m. by the NJHDA, the Historical Divers Association of New Jersey.

The symposium will be hosted by Mike Lavitt and will also include an auction of ship and treasure prints, including one of the Titantic.

Presentations will be made by Dan Lieb, president of the NJHDA, who will speak on Hyberbaric Chamberfs at the Museum, Cdr. Timothy R. Dring USNR (ret), speaking on Salvage and Rescue from the Deep, Lee Cox, Jr. of Dolan Research, Inc., presenting “Three Remnants from South Jersey’s Prolific Oyster Industry, and Master SCUBA diver trainer and explorer Joe Fiorentino speaking on Shipwreck Treasures of Nova Scotia.

The $30 fee, discounted to $25 for NJHDA members, also includes a 50-50, refreshments and the silent auction, which also includes, in addition to the Titanic print, two prints of the Sandy Hook Lighthouse as well as other items ranging in value from $30 to $200.

Reservations and further information about the Symposium are available at 732-456-5045 or email at info@njhda.org. TIckets can be paid on the website at http://www.njhda.org or by check to NJHDA and mailed to 107 Wilson Rd., Neptune, NJ 07753.

The InfoAge museum is located at 2201 Marconi Rd., Wall.

Sergeant John Joseph Sadowski

By

Muriel J. Smith

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April 5, 2023

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^{It was almost five years from the day Sergeant John Joseph Sadowski was killed by enemy fire in France until his body was brought back to his Perth Amboy home for a re-burial in Saint Stephen’s Cemetery in Keasby cemetery with full military honors.}

^{Sadowski, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Sadowski, was born Dec. 8, 1917 and raised in Perth Amboy, achieving honors as an}^{athlete during his high school years. He enlisted in the army in May 1943. By January 1944, he was a 26 year old sergeant and tank commander serving with Company A , 37th Tank Battalion of the 4th Armored Division. He was killed while putting his life in danger in attempts to save a fellow soldier who could not escape a burning tank under fire.}

^{A copper plant worker in Perth Amboy before enlisting in the Army, Sadowski was one of six sons and two daughters of John and Stella Sadowski. The entire family was at Ft. George G. Meade base in Maryland on April 21, 1945, when his Medal of Honor was presented to his father. This was the first time such a ceremony had been held at that base, and the family was invited to review the 7th regiment complement of soldiers, tanks, jeeps and half-tracks following the presentation. The hero’s Medal of Honor citation was signed by the late President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and in presenting the Medal to Sgt. Sadowski’s father Major General Francis Melon said it was one of the last official acts of the President before he died April 12.}

^{The Rev. Zenon Lesnowski, pastor of St. Stephen’s Church and the family’s pastor, offered the funeral mass and gave the eulogy, Mayor John Delaney was present, and Governor Driscoll ordered flags throughout the state flown at half staff and declared it Sgt. John Joseph Sadowski Day in New Jersey. His body was taken by military caisson from the church to the cemetery, in a solemn procession that included veterans and others honoring the fallen soldier.}

^{Three years after her son’s burial in the United States, Sgt. Sadowski’s mother, Stella, now a Gold Star Mother, officially became a citizen of the United States, along with other new citizens, taking her pledge of allegiance to the country for whom her son had given his life.}

^{Sgt. Sadowski’s Citation reads:}

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty at Valhey, France. On the afternoon of 14 September 1944, Sgt. Sadowski as a tank commander was advancing with the lead elements of Combat Command A, 4th Armored Division, through an intensely severe barrage of enemy fire from the streets and buildings of the town of Valhey. As Sgt. Sadowski’s tank advanced through the hail of fire, it was struck by a shell from an 88-mm gun fired at a range of 20 yards. The tank was disabled and burst into flames. The suddenness of the enemy attack caused confusion and hesitation among the crews of the remaining tanks of our forces. Sgt. Sadowski immediately ordered his crew to dismount and take cover in the adjoining buildings. After his crew had dismounted, Sgt. Sadowski discovered that one member of the crew, the bow gunner, had been unable to leave the tank. Although the tank was being subjected to a withering hail of enemy small-arms, bazooka, grenade, and mortar fire from the streets and from the windows of adjacent buildings, Sgt. Sadowski unhesitatingly returned to his tank and endeavored to pry up the bow gunner’s hatch. While engaged in this attempt to rescue his comrade from the burning tank, he was cut down by a stream of machine-gun fire which resulted in his death. The gallant and noble sacrifice of his life in the aid of his comrade, undertaken in the face of almost certain death, so inspired the remainder of the tank crews that they pressed forward with greater ferocity and completely destroyed the enemy forces in this town without further loss to themselves. The heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Sgt. Sadowski, which resulted in his death, inspired the remainder of his forces to press forward to victory and reflect the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.

The Sadowski Field House at Fort Knox, Kentucky is named in his honor as well as Sadowski Field at Fort Hood, Texas. A monument bearing his name was erected on the Garden State Parkway in Perth Amboy by the Society of Polish Combatants (Stowarzyszenie Polskich Kombatantow), Post 40.

In 1999, the citizens of Valhey, France, also erected a monument honoring Sgt. Sadowski. In September, 2009, ceremonies were held at the monument recognizing 65 years since Sgt. Sadowski’s death. Colonel James Leach, who knew Sadowski personally and was the commander of Company B, of the same 37th Tank Battalion at the time of Sgt. Sadowski’s death, was a speaker at the ceremony.

Other New Jersey Recipients of the Medal of Honor

Matawan Historic Churches

By

Muriel J. Smith

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April 4, 2023

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The Matawan Historical Society is opening its spring season with a tour of the historic churches of the borough on Sunday, April 23, at 1:30 p.m. For the first time, the Society is teaming up with the several churches in Matawan to highlight the history of each and the reasons why so many congregations chose Matawan for their home in the “New World.

Established in 1686, the borough was first formed by many seeking religious freedom from the Church of England, leading to an assortment of church groups. The event will begin at the First Presbyterian Church of Matawan at 883 Route 34, and will also include live music, and an introductory ‘live-action’ presentation. The tour will then continue to visit the other historic buildings in a tour anticipated to be about two hours. Although the program is offered at no cost, attendees must provide their own transportation between sites, all located within a two mile radius. All are invited to attend and join the tour and meet the welcoming congregations at each of the different churches.

More History on VeniVidiScripto

What is going on here?

By

Muriel J. Smith

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April 4, 2023

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“What is going on here?” “Is this the type of environment we want our young people growing up in? Is our town changing so quickly?

These were the questions asked not once, but twice, by Edward Kenney, a comparatively new resident of Atlantic Highlands who moved here with his wife and young children two years ago because he felt it was a beautiful, safe town in which to bring up his children.

So when there was a heroin drug bust not far from his home, he told the elected officials “it was damn scary,” and expressed his appreciation of the local police department for being so vigilant in making arrests. But it was still scary, he told the elected officials.

But that incident, together with hearing of recent car thefts, prompted the new resident to ask council what they’re doing about it.

One Councilman, James Murphy, acknowledged his letter and wrote back and told him that. But he did not answer his questions.

The rest of council did not even bother to let this new family in town know they received a letter expressing some concern.

So Mr. Kenney appeared at the meeting, well dressed, well spoken, and still concerned. He even read his letter to Council at the meeting. That prompted some explanations, even an acknowledgement from Councilman Jon Crowley that he did get the letter. But he did not see any questions. So Mr. Kenney told him what his questions were.

Mr. Kenney is correct in asking “What is going on here?” His concern is over increased crime, no matter where and what kind. His concern is that the town is too small and should not be the site for a cannabis business. That, he believes, is too much of a change for a town so lovely.

But many others are asking the same questions. What exactly is going on in Atlantic Highlands?

Residents were told for weeks they could not ask questions at meetings. Now they can, but it took a lot of talking to get that to happen. One resident was chided publicly for turning around to see if a particular person was present, an issue so important and so apparently disruptive to the meeting that not only the mayor, but also the borough attorney, chided her for such a terrible action.

What is going on here?

Minutes later, when that same resident was still speaking and wondered whether someone else was in the audience, a councilwoman told her to “turn around and ask him yourself.”

What is going on here?

The question of school regionalization is still not being presented to the public so they can vote on it.. It seemed to be all agreed many months ago, with only the duration of years that the percentage of those millions of dollars coming in from Sea Bright’s joining would be split. Highlands did not like that Atlantic Highlands wanted it to be “in perpetuity” rather than reviewed every five or ten years.

Now, it’s taking more meetings, more lawyers, more discussions, a mediator, a lot of mistakes by professionals and time delays and it seems that now it isn’t even the question they are talking about settling. Nor does it seem they even have matching figures on both sides over which they will be mediating. Or if they will ever get to it.

What is going on here?

Teachers in years past have taught in the local schools for decades, but now it seems many of them, a large percentage, are retiring early or simply getting out and looking someplace else .

What is going on here?

Parents are afraid to go public with their fears and complaints against the school administration, afraid if they complain publicly something even worse than their children’s education will suffer.

What is going on here?

A school administrator tells a state official she represents three entirely different boroughs, yet all three boroughs said it was not so.

What is going on here?

A million dollar building is built at the harbor, leased to tenants, the contractor paid, and still there does not seem to be any certificate of occupancy or any verification from inspectors that everything is up to snuff. So the borough is now suing the builder, but not saying anything about the fact that the Borough paid in full for the work and they’ve been collecting full rent from these tenants in spite of the dangerous condition that has existed for more than two years.

What is going on here?

Council is great on promoting Black History or Gay Pride, or Irish American or Native American heritage but they do not change the night of a planning board meeting when it falls on the one night of the most solemn time of the year for many Christians who are drawn to church services at the same time as the meeting.

What is going on here?

Mr. Kenney’s questions are well founded.

Is this the type of environment we want our young people growing up in? Is our town changing so quickly?

This is what Mr. Kenney wrote, and read, to the governing body.,

Dear Mayor and the Council of Atlantic Highlands,

I moved with my wife and family to Atlantic Highlands a little over two years ago and we have always said how glad we are that we made the move. However, recently we have become concerned with the increasing crime in Atlantic Highlands. We don’t want to see it escalate or it won’t feel like the same safe town we love.

About two weeks ago we heard of a heroin bust on 4th Ave, just four blocks from where we live, part of a stakeout that caught out-of-town drug dealers in Atlantic Highlands. Thank God our police are so vigilant and caught these miserable individuals with their drugs. But the fact that it happened in Atlantic Highlands is damn scary.

There have also been increasing car thefts in the area too. It’s a topic that my neighbors and I talk about often. My wife and I have been much more careful about locking our cars at night. That’s something we didn’t worry about when we first moved here. Is our town changing that quickly?

We have also heard about the possibility of a marijuana shop opening in Atlantic Highlands. What is going on here? My wife and I have two young sons. Is this the environment that we want our young people growing up in?

We feel like the face of Atlantic Highlands is changing, and not for the better.

We’d like to know how the town council is supporting our police to make sure that the town remains safe and protects its citizens. We believe the council is a key influencing body for the town and that the direction the town goes is a responsibility that the council needs to be able to steer so that Atlantic Highlands remains the lovely town it has always been known as.

Thanks for your time and attention,

Ed Kenney

Master Gardener

By

Muriel J. Smith

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April 4, 2023

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Native plants, from the mundane to the exotic, along with a few tips on which to plant where, and which animals like what, were all included in an information packed discussion by Master Gardener Irene Wanat Sunday before a standing room only crowd in the Atlantic Highlands Arts Council display center at 54 First Avenue.

Wanat, a former teacher with more than 35 years of extensive gardening knowledge, is an active Rutgers certified Master Gardener for both Monmouth and Ocean counties and has been gardening educator for the Monmouth County Park System for more than 20 years.

In the program at the Arts Council sponsored by the Wild about Atlantic Highlands local group, Wanat is known not only for her history and background knowledge on all that grows, but also keeping up-to-date with newest information through research, conferences and symposiums. She also has considerable hands-on experience in selecting both new and traditional plants for all kinds of sales at quality nurseries for Master Gardener fundraising events.

Wanat has a knack for presenting a plethora of information in entertaining, easy-to-understand discussions, using both humor and a slide presentation to highlight the variety of native plants that occur in the area and why and how they grow naturally, adapting to the variety of local soils, as well as rainfall, climate, insects and diseases, ensuring they are both environmentally and ecologically friendly.

In selecting plants, the master gardener noted the importance of conducting surveys of possible spots over a two week period prior to planting to consider how much sun is available, the differences in moist, wet and dry soils and the presences of animals, birds and insects that may be attracted to, or drawn away from certain varieties of plants, flowers and trees.

She encouraged photo taking of her video displays to ensure interested persons received all the information they wanted, and answered questions on perennials and ornamental grasses as well as identifying numerous flowers that attract birds and butterflies.

Wanat also distributed information from Rutgers Agricultural Experiment Station about native plants that thrive in different environments and are not visited or destroyed by deer or rabbits, common in the area.

Citing historical knowledge of the gardening world, Wanat also noted that many of the names of plants are not Latin, but rather identified by the name of the person who identified or studied them.

The speaker also suggested names of specific gardens interested persons should visit, including Mt Cuba Center in Hockessin, Delaware as well as several gardens in New York. She also cited a number of books and authors for those wanting more in depth knowledge of gardening.

Local Gardener and co-originator of Wild about Atlantic Highlands Marilyn Scherfen introduced the speaker as well as other members of the founding group, and noted the organization’s planned activities for Earth Day in the borough. She also displayed colorful and personalized signs created by local artist Morgan Spicer as gifts or purchase for personal gardens.

For more information on Wild about Atlantic Highlands, visit their facebook page here . For more information on the Master Gardeners Helpline, visit mgarden@co.monmouth.nj.us

The Atlantic Highlands Wildlife

By

Muriel J. Smith

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April 3, 2023

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They’ve done it! It’s official. Atlantic Highlands is now qualified as a Certified Wildlife Habitat. And if the truth be known, it was the majority of council who helped get the goal of Wild About Atlantic Highlands over the top!

Local environmentalist and former librarian Marilyn Scherfen spoke at last week’s meeting of the Mayor and Council, urging all persons who love gardens and the town to visit the National Wildlife Federation website to learn more about what it takes to have a yard, garden, apartment roof top, kitchen deck or many other sites certified as a Wildlife Habitat. She pointed out that there are currently 90 sites already registered in the borough, and reaching 100 is all the Wild About Atlantic Highlands team needs to have the town itself certified.

Councilwoman Eileen Cusick had already registered her garden, she said, and added she was urging her neighbors, friends “and everybody else in Atlantic Highlands ” do to the same. Cusick spoke at the council meeting about the ease of having an outdoor piece of land certified and also expressed the hope the goal of 100 residences could be reached in April.

Some members of council took her up on it, checked out what was needed, found their properties included and exceeded the necessary standards and immediately filed the $20 and the paperwork to have their gardens certified.

“But we’re not stopping here,” an enthusiastic team of Elaine Egidio and Scherfen said after an event Sunday focusing on native plants and held at the Arts Council. “We have the 100 we need for certification, coupled with the other requirements we also had to meet to ensure certification. Our aim was to have the borough certified in time for Earth Day this month. We’ve done it, thanks to everybody and we’re delighted.”

Scherfen said there were a dozen or so sites in the borough that were already certified before the Wild about Atlantic Highlands group formed and became active just over a year ago, March 6, 2022. By March 31, last week, after council members signed up, they were at 99 members. Then by April 1, two other residents also telephoned in their news, and the goal was met to celebrate the beginning of April in style.

“We will have some kind of formal announcement and some celebration over this achievement,” Scherfen said, “but for now, we just want to invite more residents to join this idea of gardening for wildlife, providing all that is needed for birds and butterflies to survive and help keep the borough looking beautiful.”

Noting that gardening for wildlife does make a difference, Egidio pointed out that by adding native plants, water and shelter for birds to lay eggs and stay safe, any garden or outdoor space can be transformed into a welcoming place for birds and butterflies. Since the borough’s natural landscape is composed of wildflowers, shrubs, trees and native plants that provide habitat for wildlife, a wildlife habitat can make a lasting difference by providing resources and helping wildlife survive, thrive and reproduce during a time of declining wildlife.

Anyone interested in finding out more about certification can contact visit http://www.nwf.org/

Regionalization: Delay Due to Experts

By

Muriel J. Smith

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April 1, 2023

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Delay due to experts – When it comes to the subject of regionalization, it appears Highlands Mayor Carolyn Broullon is more concerned about hearing from the public and keeping her constituents informed than the tight lipped governing body in the neighboring town of Atlantic Highlands.

It also appears that the neighboring mayor and council in Atlantic Highlands retained an “expert” financial consultant who does not even know the names of the towns, or the schools in the boroughs. The “Experts” approved contract, which was signed by the Borough Administrator confuses who is hiring his firm … Highlands or Atlantic Highlands.

This is the contract where his firm would be reviewing the financial structure and impact of the proposed regionalization in order to enable the two towns to come up with a cost sharing agreement to let the regionalization question get on the November ballot.

After Atlantic Highlands cancelled the planned mediation set for March 30 because their financial “expert” had a family medical emergency, and set another date for April 21, Mayor Broullon called a special meeting in Highlands for April 12 at 6 p.m. “to inform and update residents and individuals of recent filings involving the Regionalization of Highlands, Atlantic Highlands and Sea Bright in a K-12 school district. Attendees will be given an opportunity to give their input on the Regionalization“.

It is still NOT definite the meeting Atlantic Highlands scheduled for March 30, then put off until April 21 will actually take place. Their financial expert has yet to confirm that he can be present then either.

After several months of trying to get more information on school regionalization from Atlantic Highlands officials, this VeniVidiScripto journalist filed an OPRA with the Atlantic Highlands Borough Clerk to see the contract between Robert Benecke, the financial expert, and the borough. A request responded to with the usual accommodating cooperation of the borough clerk.

The OPRA-ed information turned up several facts:

The contract was submitted by Benecke on behalf of his firm Beneke Economics on Oct. 3, 2022 and included his “team” of experts, specifically mentioning Chelsea Gleis and “two Ph.D holders State University of California and Economics Princeton“.
The proposal was apparently e-mailed to the borough’s labor attorney, Matthew Giacobbe in response to his request for the proposal. The three page document was signed electronically by Beneke;
It was agreed to and approved by Borough Administrator Robert Feragina on Oct. 7, 2023;

With 2023 not yet occurring, it appears to be an error overlooked by then borough attorney Jason Sena;

It was approved by resolution 2022-152 at a regular council meeting Oct. 13, 2022 with Sena in attendance. Official records do not show either an executive meeting or a discussion at the Oct. 13 meeting before action was taken.
The resolution for approval on Oct. 13, 2022, was introduced by Councilman James Murphy, again with Sena in attendance, and seconded by Brian Dougherty, and unanimously approved with all council members present.

Murphy recuses himself from matters concerning regionalization since his wife is president of the Atlantic Highlands Board of Education. In spite of always recusing himself in regionalization matters, neither the Mayor nor anyone on council objected when Murphy offered this resolution. Additionally the Borough Attorney, Jason Sena, failed to comment on Murphy’s motion and subsequent vote to approve a contract for the $6,000 payment for no more than 40 hours of the consultant’s service.

The administrator’s Oct. 7 signature on the document, with or without the 2023 error, appears to bind the borough to that agreement … some SIX days BEFORE the Council Resolution,
The experts agreement said the areas of work included “to prepare a financial structure and impact analysis (report) on the proposed consolidation of the Highlands Elementary, Atlantic Highlands Elementary and the Henry Hudson Regional High School districts as well as the possible consolidation of Sea Bright schools.”
The contract Beneke sent, and Ferragina approved, reads “Prepare a financial structure and impact analysis (report) on the proposed consolidation of the Highlands Regional, Atlantic Highlands, and the Henry Hudson Regional school districts as well as the possible consolidation of Sea Bright schools…”
It does not appear that Mr. Benecke was aware, when he signed and sent the contract, of the towns, the number of schools, and where they are located, or the districts involved.
Mr. Benecke’s approved contract continues to read “if we are selected, Highlands will be well served with objective state of the art services and advice…..”

Apparently, Mr. Beneke did not realize it was Atlantic Highlands with whom he was signing a contract, not Highlands..

The signed Oct. 3 contract continues that Beneke “thoroughly understands the scope of services, regionalization, school consolidation and the arising fiscal impacts…”

Again, the contract refers to the interested parties as Highlands Regional, Atlantic Highlands and Henry Hudson Regional, speaks of the Sea Bright schools and how “Highlands will be well served by his services.”

In explaining why he was qualified for the job, Mr. Beneke included several paragraphs of his background experience, noting he has “worked on many transactions from a structuring viewpoint….”

There are no references to any experience dealing with any regionalization issues or conducting any studies of two or three towns sharing any costs in a regional school proposal.

The contract sent Oct. 3 also said the work would be completed within two weeks of signing the contract.

In indicating Beneke would be the financial consultant at the mediation, the Atlantic Highlands Council did not pass, or even discuss publicly or hold any executive session whether this requires an amended contract with the consultant to appear at mediation sessions with Highlands. Nor did the resolution approved at the Council table six days after it was approved by the administrator make any reference to any work other than “examining debt, expenses, impacts of levies and tax rates, providing guidance, and preparing an assessment distribution and fiscal plan,” unless ” other financial work as necessary” includes mediation discussions with the Highlands financial consultant in a formal mediation within the same $6,000 contract.

However, at the March 9 Borough Council meeting, when attorney Matthew Giacobbe appeared via ZOOM and explained the mediation process in more detail, he said he had asked Beneke “to assist us.” It appears from further statements by Giacobbe that Beneke has either never communicated any of the results of his study of last October or he has not pursued the study yet.

The attorney did say the numbers in the Porzio and Kean regionalization reports “are not exact,” prompting former Councilaman and financial analyist Michael Harmon to urge that the numbers be in place before mediation.

Harmon also expressed surprise that this has not been accomplished and agreement of numbers is apparently still not in place just over two weeks before a scheduled mediation.

Since both Harmon and Sea Bright councilman Erwin Bieber had earlier presented numerous figures and calculations in reports before the governing body, Councilman Jon Crowley said they would forward those reports to Beneke as well., Giacobbe said “we want to have him look at it” as he has been doing..

When asked at the March 23 meeting why the March 30 meeting had to be cancelled because of Mr. Beneke’s family emergency, rather than have someone else, like Ms. Gleis present in his stead, Councilwoman Lori Hohenleitner said at the meeting “we only want to have the best expert and that’s who we feel is the best expert.”

Mr. Ferragina confirmed for VeniVidiScripto Friday, March 28, that Mr. Beneke, the financial expert for the borough, has not yet been confirmed for attendance at the April 21 meeting.

Sinatra Night

By

Muriel J. Smith

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April 1, 2023

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Robert Anthony, more famously known as Broccoli Rob will be back once again to entertain crowds at the Sinatra Night Dinner and Comedy event sponsored by the Knights of Columbus on Saturday, April 29. He’ll be accompanied by the modern day Eric DeLauro, renowned Sinatra Tribute Artist .

Because of the number of reservations coming in for this fun and music filled night, reservations are urged as soon as possible.

Sinatra Night, sponsored by the Rev. Joseph J. Donnelly Council #11660 will be held at the Charles J. Hesse Parish Center at 55 South Avenue, Atlantic Highlands, with dinner being catered by Taliercio’s Gourmet Deli of Middletown.

The $40 admission for the spring time event includes the buffet dinner, including dessert, soft beverages with an invitation to bring your own spirited drinks, as well as a chance on a flat screen TV during a drawing at the event.

Further information and reservations can be made by e-mailing Knights Chairman of the Event and Grand Knight of the Council, Mike Napolitano at mikenap1962@gmail.com, or calling for information at 862-368-0801. Checks can also be made out to KofC #11660 and mailed to 180 Navesink Ave., Highlands, NJ 07732.

Proceeds from Sinatra Night benefit the Our Lady of Perpetual Help St Agnes Parish Assistance Fund which offers all kinds of assistance to local residents in need.

Veni Vidi Scripto

Veni Vidi Scripto

Veni Vidi Scripto

Veni Vidi Scripto

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