Pot in the Park

By

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February 16, 2023

Last week’s Land Use Board meeting reminded me of something when Diane McCoy, a resident speaking during the public portion of the hearing for a Pot business, asked about the meaning of the word School which had been mentioned no fewer than three times during the expert testimony.

Remember back in the late 1990s when President Bill Clinton explained to a Grand Jury investigating the Monica Lewinsky affair “It depends on what the meaning of the word ‘is’ is. If the—if he—if ‘is’ means is and never has been, that is not—that is one thing. If it means there is none, that was a completely true statement. “

No problem for the Highlands Land Use Board, they resolved any definitions easily and quickly enough after some discussion.

Problem

But they never addressed the word: Park.

That could prove to be a bigger problem with the approval of the variance requests for a Pot retail store.

At the meeting last week the Honorable Plant testified its wish to open at 123 Bay Avenue property adjacent to the former St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, now New Life Christian Church.

1,000 Feet

One of the experts noted in his testimony the proposed retail business is not located within 1,000 feet of a school. One questions whether attending church services isn’t a learning experience on its own. But aside from that, Sunday School classes and sessions before regular church services have been taught at New Life. Covid restrictions switched those classes to virtual, but they are still a part of the church program.

All agreed conditions to permit a Pot retailer include it cannot be within 1,000 feet of a school. The expert pointed out the term “school” was not defined in the Ordinance. But he added that the ordinance was rooted in the State criminal code N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7 (Distribution on or within 1,000 feet of a school property). He further stated that N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7 defined “school” as “any school property used for school purposes which is owned by or leased to any elementary or secondary school or school board.” The expert continued that the criminal statute mimicked the Federal statute. He stated that the Redevelopment Plan also made a distinction between “school” and uses that may use the word “school”, such as a dance school which were not schools.

He concluded that the Redevelopment Plan intended the term “school” to be defined similarly to the criminal code and not a colloquial meaning of “school.”

So it was settled at that point until Ms. McCoy asked if Catholic schools were considered “schools” under the definition of the criminal statute because they were run by the Catholic Diocese, not a board of education.

Resolution

The adopted resolution says though neither the conditional use ordinance nor the Borough Code define “school”, this board defines the term in this context as an institution for the teaching of children and would certainly include both public and private Schools.

Still, the Board found that the instruction provided at the nearby church falls outside the scope of the term regardless. The board made it clear this distinction “ should not diminish the value of such instruction, but it is not contemplated within the term as used in this Ordinance.”

And so the issue was settled.

Park

However, not addressed was the location, approximately 500 feet of the proposed cannabis facility, a beautiful pocket park , Cornwall Square, on the corner of Cornwall St.

This is a park lovingly created by and cared for by the Highlands Garden Club. There are a few benches there, some attractive signs promoting local business, paved walkways, and pots and gardens being prepared for spring plantings and more beauty.

And the borough has an ordinance which was not addressed at the meeting.

That is the Drug-Free School Zone and a Drug-Free Public Zone Map. It was paid for and created April 27, 1998, by Schoor DePalma, the municipal engineer at the time. That map shows the Cornwall Square Park and identifies it clearly as such.

Can the Council amend the code and eliminate Drug-free Public Zone? Most assuredly. Will they? One does not know.

But in the meantime, the Land Use Board took unanimous action opening a door for a cannabis retail license in violation of what certainly appears to be the borough’s definition of a Park located within 500 feet of the planned location of a cannabis facility.

Mother Teresa Recording

By

Muriel J. Smith

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February 16, 2023

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While the theater meeting to accommodate a large crowd when presented with information on proposed uses for the Mother Theresa property was a great idea and well run, in retrospect there are several negatives with the program.

It appears, even though this was a legally advertised special meeting of the Mayor and Council, and the borough clerk was apparently taking minutes which will be available sometime in the future, something was definitely missing.

No Recording

There is no recording of the three hour long meeting packed with questions and answers.

No recording of a meeting, although it is the routine of the governing body to record every one of its open meetings.

Presumably, and I am no techie expect, the council, when meeting in the meeting room which is also the municipal courtroom, uses the court recording system for its meetings. It’s understandable that equipment can’t be upped and moved someplace else.

But let’s be reasonable. Is that the only possible way this meeting could have been recorded? The Borough administrator could not have spent a few borough bucks for a handheld recorder?

Nobody could have simply opened his phone and begun the recording? There could be no possible solution on how to let ALL the taxpayers have the opportunity to hear everything that went on in that meeting they could not attend?

No Notice

For that matter, would it not have been courteous to announce at the beginning of the meeting that it would not be recorded? Could not that information have been included in the legal advertisement? Couldn’t something have been done in advance of such an important meeting so that individuals who just might not be able to grasp every word could bring their own recorder and listen to the recording again to ensure they got all the facts correctly? Is the public wrong to ASSUME the governing body will record just as they always do?

There is no doubt the borough clerk is first class, efficient, capable, and pretty close to perfect. But to expect her to take down every person who spoke, every comment made, every detail of information given to the public is not only unfair, but totally unreasonable in the 21^st century. Especially since the solution is so easy and so cheap.

Crowley

Which brings up another question. Was Councilman Jon Crowley really in attendance virtually? Crowley did not respond at the roll call. Councilman Crowley was not in the audience . Mr. Crowley did not speak during the public portion. Yet Jon Crowley said on Facebook he was there. What will the minutes show on the attendance of the councilman?

Great Meeting … Many Questions

By

Muriel J. Smith

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February 15, 2023

6

It was a great meeting, but still many questions. If we lived in a perfect world, all meetings and information centers would go like the other night’s meeting of the Atlantic Highlands governing body at the movie theater.

Unlike last year when they presented the original redevelopment plan for the Mother Teresa school property, no one was as forthcoming with facts, information , explanations and discussion as last night.

The 3 R’s

And residents made it clear that Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle should be the Three Rs for the council to strongly consider when dealing with the school property.

While senior housing is definitely still a strong desire and need for the borough, the idea of Open Space and a public park in the center of town are great ideas as well. Perhaps even a park for recreation and relaxation and preservation of the former Mantell house as a historic site or museum are possibilities.

There were many ideas floated in the meeting, and a brilliant and very patient planner with impressive credentials ready to listen and seemingly willing to do what it takes to make swift changes if that’s what the governing body wants.

Conflict

Mayor Gluckstein recusing herself from any discussion probably would not make any difference in a final vote in the long run. But so wise and generous of her to do so to avoid any possible appearance of any conflict. She well deserves, and Council member Hohenleitner gave it to her, praise for a generous and wise decision.

The people Speak

Ladies like Marilyn Scherfern and Elaine Egidio should also be listened to, considering all their efforts and hard work in getting a town-wide enthusiasm for becoming a wildlife refuge. While both are long time..make that life…residents of the borough, they have both seen a lot of change and want to try and preserve as much of its small town beauty and camaraderie that makes it so special.

The Mayors Speak

The fact two former mayors were present, well versed on everything and eager to give their opinions is another example of how fortunate the borough is to have leaders who not only lead the town but love it enough to continue to be involved. I’m convinced that both Mayors Dick Stryker and Bob Schoeffling would have also been there and having their say if they could.

Former Mayor Harmon has long since been a staunch advocate of preserving land for its beauty and resources, and his ideas last night were also outstanding. Open Space in the heart of town keeps the town settled, comfortable, and beautiful, to say nothing of all its environmental benefits.

Questions

Perhaps it isn’t in the purvey of the planner, but it seems to me, if he says it’s cost prohibitive to reconstruct the school, he should have had some facts and figures to back it up. He should have known the cost of demolition if they looked into that part, yet he said he had no idea, it was above his paygrade. Then how did he come to the conclusion that demolition and rebuild is cheaper?

If the borough is considering approving anything that permits demolition, let’s hope there will be some studies done on the impact to the environment the location, and the nearby houses before that’s underway. An awful lot of dust and more will be floating in the environment and the residents need protection from that as well.

It’s interesting the planner didn’t give any information on the impact more residences would have on the area in view of the McConnell tract construction which will add more houses already.

Hope

Let’s hope the council listens to a recording of last night’s meeting again, reads any letters they have or are receiving, take everyone’s ideas into consideration and perhaps tweaks the proposed redevelopment plan enough to lean a little bit on the side of the majority of residents.

Praise

Praise goes to council and the administrator, to say nothing of the theater, for the location of last night’s meeting. Free popcorn and drinks aside, it was a great presentation with fabulous explanations, plenty of room, comfortable seating, an attentive audience both eager to hear and so willing to listen to information they haven’t had explained that well before. Even reserving a second theater should there be overflow was thinking in advance and appreciated by everyone who attended.

Another Dead Whale

By

Muriel J. Smith

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February 15, 2023

1

Two weeks after urging top Biden Administration officials to immediately suspend all offshore wind projects over growing concerns about recent whale deaths, Rep. Chris Smith today renewed his call for a moratorium after another , the ninth, dead whale in two months washed ashore in Manasquan Monday

“The Biden Administration and Governor Murphy continue to ignore the resounding calls for an investigation to address the historic surge of dead whales while offshore wind development ramps up off our beaches, “ the Congressman said.

“Local elected officials, environmental leaders and commercial and recreational fishermen are among the strong coalition who continue to raise concerns about the unprecedented spike in whale deaths and the broader impact of offshore wind projects on the marine environment. As I said in my Jan 30 letters to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, conclusive evidence disproving the link between offshore wind development and whale deaths is sufficient to require a pause until assurances can be made to the public that the environmental and maritime safety of these projects has been properly reviewed,” Smith said .

“How many more whales have to die before there is a serious and thorough investigation into the cause of these deaths?” he asked.

Smith has been a longtime advocate for marine wildlife and the broader environmental and economic viability of the Jersey Shore. He has consistently opposed offshore drilling and coauthored legislation in 2019 to ban seismic airgun testing to protect highly endangered North Atlantic right whales and other marine life in the Atlantic Ocean.

Eye Health – Carrots

By

Muriel J. Smith

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February 15, 2023

0

With their well-deserved reputations for being such a great vegetable to aid in eye health, and the fact that in today’s market with prices soaring on so many foods, carrots deserve to be recognized for all they provide on a regular basis. They are also very versatile, as delicious in soups and stews as they are in breads and salads, cookies, cakes and more.

Try this Carrot Raisin Salad, or better yet, substitute dried cranberries for the raisins and gain even more eye-healthy foods. It’s even great without the pineapple, but that does add an extra zing.

Then, while you’re in the kitchen preparing good things to eat, whip up some of these honey roasted carrots and put in the refrigerator ready to be baked at some other time in the near future. Or bake them once they’re prepared, and store the finished product in the freezer for future enjoyment.

Carrots – They’re not just for bunnies!

Carrot Raisin Salad

Ingredients

4½ cups shredded carrots

1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple, undrained

¾ cup raisins

½ cup sugar

½ cup mayonnaise

1 ½ tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Combine carrots, pineapple with juice, raisins, sugar, mayonnaise, and lemon juice in a large bowl; mix well.

Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving for flavors to blend for best results.

Honey Roasted Carrots

Five ingredients does it on this great side dish

Carrots: any size, any shape, easier if all are about the same size to ensure even baking. All carrots must be peeled. Bagged baby carrots make this even easier to prepare.

Honey: to caramelize on the carrots in the oven for a heavenly flavor.

Olive Oi: Rich flavor

Spices: Not really Pepper to taste, sea salt if you must

Ingredients

8 medium peeled carrots or about the equivalent for this amount of honey, in baby or sliced carrots..

3 tablespoons olive oil

¼ cup honey

Pepper, salt to taste

In a baking dish, drizzle the carrots with the olive oil and mix to ensure all are covered completely.

Drizzle the honey on top, season and mix until all are well coated.

Place whole carrots in a baking dish, and drizzle with olive oil. Mix until carrots are completely covered with oil.

Drizzle honey over top, then season with salt and pepper; mix until evenly coated.

Bake in preheated oven until carrots are just tender, about 30 minutes.

That’s it!

If storing in the refrigerator, keep in an airtight container and use within four days. Reheat in the microwave.

If you’re keeping in the freezer, place baked carrots in zippered freezer bag and use without three months. They tend to get a little softer over time.

Other Eye Healthy Recipes

Cranberries

Cajun Shrimp

Reds, Yellows, Oranges

or read all the stories regarding my macular degeneration here

Mother Teresa Meeting

By

Muriel J. Smith

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February 14, 2023

0

The Public

Close to 150 residents sat quietly, attentively and listened closely to comprehensive information and many options for the Mother Teresa School property during a three hour meeting last night.

The Council

As a result, Borough Council members are considering all the input received during the meeting and inviting more comments via letters or e-mail before presenting their Redevelopment plan ordinance for approval at future council meetings.

The Venue

The meeting was held at the theater on First Avenue to ensure sufficient seating capacity and visual and audio capabilities. It was made clear several times during the evening that the purpose of the meeting was to gain input and as well as give information about a proposed Redevelopment plan and was not about acquisition of the property.

The Mayor

However, Mayor Loretta Gluckstein has recused herself from any participation inasmuch as she is employed by the Catholic Diocese of Trenton, the owner of the former parochial school property which is the only tract affected by the proposed new plan. She was present at the meeting along with the residents and all council members except Councilman Jon Crowley.

The Planner

Francis Reiner, a principal in the architectural and planning firm of DMR Architects, of Hasbrouck Heights, a 30-year old firm that offers professional services for architecturally significant, aesthetically pleasing and fiscally responsible design and construction projects, noted his firm first became involved the Mother Teresa Project last year and has reviewed the plans presented from another planner to Council earlier. However, he also explained in reviewing those plans he found the conclusions of that firm in keeping with his own findings.

The Plan

The Architect also pointed out that his presentation and Redevelopment plan is the one the borough would be considering for introduction, review by the planning board, and final action by the governing body after at least two more public hearings in which the public can be heard.

Mr. Reiner also made it clear the borough has not purchased, nor is it under contract, to purchase the approximate four acres of the church-owned site, which includes the Mother Teresa school, Saint Agnes Thrift Shop, once the Mantell home, and the Hesse Parish Center which is connected to the school.

He noted that without a redevelopment plan, any purchaser of the Mother Teresa property, which is up for sale, would follow current residential zone regulations. One of the proposals under the redevelopment plan being discussed would be for construction of nine houses, the same density as is currently allowed, he said.

The planner presented several ideas which would be effective and permitted on the tract under the proposed redevelopment plan, including demolition of Mother Teresa school, and thrift shop and immediate renovations to the Parish Center totaling approximately $800,000 for continued use as a meeting and activities center.

The Board

Mr. Reiner also pointed out that currently any variances request for construction in the R1 zone would go to the planning board; once a redevelopment plan is approved, any variance, and they would be limited, would go to the Mayor and Council, not the zoning board.

He cited as benefits to the borough the creation of more valuation and design control of new construction.

The Alternatives

Other possibilities for the Mother Teresa property could include 21 lots without much open space, town houses on 20X 100 foot lots, 24 units with the elimination of the parish center and thrift shop, or 48 units in townhouses, no open space but with the parish center.

The Architect said his studies have concluded that rehabilitation of the school and its conversion to any use would be cost prohibitive and more economical for a builder to tear it down and rebuild new. He did not indicate either the cost of renovations nor the cost of demolition, saying it was not part of the study.

The Consensus

While no residents at the meeting appeared to think additional housing should be included in the redevelopment plan, many had ideas for open space, protection of the environment, a park with several uses, promoting the borough’s current efforts recently launched to have the borough certified as a National Wildlife Federation Community Wildlife Habitat.

The Questions

Residents questioned the possibility Reiner mentioned of a new road in the four acres and questioned its impact on the Avenue D traffic, in light of already heavier use on that corridor because of Sea Steak customers.

Others questioned more specifics on why the Mother Teresa school should be demolished rather than renovated for senior housing, which is needed in a town where the only senior complex currently has a waiting list.

Mr. Reiner said it would be possible for the council to include an over 55 restriction in its plan.

The Objections

Several at the meeting objected to the ‘cookie cutter’ appearance if only three different types of housing would be allowed under the plan and also questioned the lot size included.

Residents citing the need for preservation of the thrift shop for historical reasons, more diverse open space, wildlife habitats, and development for senior housing received applause for their recommendations. Reiner said another suggestion, repurposing the school for classes for a variety of programs for children and adults, was not considered in their study.

The Mayors

Two former mayors, Michael Harmon, and Randi LeGrice both spoke during the meeting, with LeGrice urging attention be paid to traffic problems, realization of the number of cyclists and the need for over 55 housing.

Harmon cited the number of catholic schools which have been closed in recent years, naming several in the immediate Bayshore area, including Holy Family in Union Beach, now the site of multi-apartment housing, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Highlands as well as Mater Dei in New Monmouth. He also noted that “our towns are losing Open Space” and his belief the ultimate goal could be preservation of the entire parcel. The former Mayor talked about being visionary beyond development, and noted looking at a long term investment in preservation could be made possible through extensive grants available for Open Space. He said it has been more than two decades since the borough has added any open space for use.

Valentine’s Day at the Library

By

Muriel J. Smith

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February 14, 2023

0

With the variety of activities, fun, creativity and so much more for kids today … This is not your Father’s library. Take Valentines. This week the kids celebrate Valentine’s Day in a big fashion.

In addition to all their drawings and creative works all around the library, the bookmarks they created and which are available at no charge at the front desk, and the number of kids that always seem to be in there doing something or other, the kids wrote why they love this library for Valentine’s Day. Stop in and look at the arrangements of love notes about the library and its employees that tell why kids in Highlands and Atlantic Highlands are frequently sitting in this very comfortable and very homey atmosphere.

A few kids, like Roman, Loren and Gwen signed their love notes, but all of them say just about the same thing: they love the library because of “the great projects,” or the Elmo books,” or the fact there are “so many books.” Of course some like it as one youngster said simply because “I learn stuff!” or story time, or the computer access, or, like Howard, simply wrote because “I like it.”

Many like the library especially for Ms. Lauren, the children’s librarian who sings, jumps, exercises and dances with them both before and after story time. And some like it for other reasons, as Gwen said. Why does she like the library in Borough Hall? Because, as she wrote, “it makes me connect!” Be that connecting with people, other friends, knowledge, or something else, Gwen’s statement certainly sums it all up.

The newest book club taking advantage of all that’s offered right here on First Avenue is the recently formed OLPH St Agnes Book Club. Retired educator Joe Bullwinkle was the driving force behind this club, and all are invited to join and gather on the first Monday of every month to talk about the latest selections.

As Joe said, even if you haven’t read the book, stop in for some light refreshments, great friendship, and hear some discussion of the book; who knows, it might entice you to pick it up and read it sometime yourself. Their selections are certainly varied, so far they’ve run the gamut from the autobiography of former tv star Bishop Fulton J. Sheehan to Chika, the story of a youngster brought to the United States from her orphanage in her own country for necessary surgery. It did not save her life, as you learn in the very beginning, but she certainly captured hearts in the process.

This month’s selection is Faith Still Moves Mountains, Harris Faulkner’s series of short true stories about how faith of all kinds has made the difference in life and death situations. Even if you’re not a Fox News follower, Harris is a great story teller and a woman of great faith.

Next on tap after Faulkner’s book is another great one, Rome Sweet Home, with the Hahns, husband and wife, telling their story about how they changed their lives.

The club meets next on March 6 at 7 p.m. in the basement of St Agnes Church. Stop in, meet some new folks and bring your own ideas for books to read in the future.

Medal of Honor Thomas T. Fallon

By

Muriel J. Smith

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February 13, 2023

0

Private Thomas T. Fallon

Private Thomas T. Fallon, a native of County Galway, Ireland was born Aug. 12, 1837, and emigrated to the United States when he was 22 years old. Two years later, in 1861, at the start of the Civil War, he enlisted in Company K of the 37^th New York “Irish Rifles”.

His war time service spanned more than 20 different engagements in at least three different units of the military.

Medal of Honor

His first encounter was during the campaign that led to the first Battle of Bull Run. But it was the following year, at the Battle of Williamsburg, when fighting on the skirmish line, he showed the mettle that led to his receiving the Medal of Honor.

Records show that Fallon was one of ten men who advanced on the enemy; six of them lost their lives. He was cited sometime later at another battle at Fair Oaks, where he reportedly had left hospitalization to rejoin the fighting.

Then again later, at Richmond, Fallon was dispatched as a spy to report on the movement of the Confederate artillery at Charles City Crossroads. At Big Shanty, Georgia he once again was leading a company against a Confederate earthworks that had taken 29 prisoners. It was here that Fallon captured an enemy officer, hitting him with his rifle and dragging him away. He declined the 30-day furlough he was offered as a reward for that deed.

But it was at that first battle at Williamsburg for which Fallon was cited for the Medal though other battles are also mentioned. Major-General Philip Kearney, also a New Jerseyan, witnessed that event and made it his mission to ensure each of the ten men involved, Fallon included, be honored for their actions.

General Kearney

Because of General Kearney’s apparent high regard for the Irishman, Fallon also served in Battery K of the 4^th US Artillery, serving as the Second Battle of Bull Run as well as Fredericksburg. He was discharged May 1, 1863, the end of his enlistment. However, a few months later, Fallon, discontent with sitting at home while the war waged on, re-enlisted, and was a Sergeant in the 35^th NJ Infantry in 1863. During that service, his regiment joined the Army of the Tennessee when he led the charges against the Confederate works and captured the officer, along with taking 28 Rebels prisoner.

Although honored immediately by General Kearney, Fallon did not receive his Medal of Honor until 1891 when he was among the approximate 500 other Civil War veterans honored for their bravery during the Civil War. He received the Medal without ceremony or pomp… it was sent to him by the War Department through the mail to home at 16 Mechanic Street, Freehold, NJ.

Freehold

Sgt. Fallon has a long history in Freehold and generations of his family still reside there and honor him on a regular basis. The Medal recipient is buried in St. Rose of Lima Cemetery in Freehold, and his Medal of Honor remains with his descendants and has been on display at the Monmouth County Historical Association. Fallon was married to Catharine Fallon and had two children, Mary and Florence.

Major-General Kearney’s stature represents New Jersey in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol, one of the two statues representing New Jersey at the Capitol.

Sgt. Fallon’s Medal of Honor, for heroic service June 14-15, 1864,notes it is for his action at Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Big Shanty, Virginia and Georgia, USA. It reads:

At Williamsburg, Va., assisted in driving rebel skirmishers to their main line. Participated in action, at Fair Oaks, Va., though excused from duty because of disability. In a charge with his company at Big Shanty, Ga., was the first man on the enemy’s works.

Sgt. Fallon died in Freehold Aug. 23, 1916.

Other Medal of Honor Recipients

Watters

Hay

Thorne

Regionalization: The Superintendent

By

Muriel J. Smith

-

February 13, 2023

1

Oceanport Resident Tara Beams

“The superintendent is the sole EMPLOYEE of the Board of Education … I feel all three Boards of Education are totally forgetting who is really in charge when it comes to overseeing the superintendent’s position.”

Those words came from Sue Thomas, a Highlands resident. A smart lady. A woman who has made an investment in the town she obviously loves.

I couldn’t agree with her more.

The superintendent is the sole EMPLOYEE of the Board of Education. Well, she said SOLE employee, and I don’t really agree with that. Aren’t all the teachers, administrators, employees in the schools the employees of their Boards of Education? I realize most answer to the Superintendent, but ultimately, isn’t it the board office that signs their checks?

But I agree with everything else Sue Thomas has said….”She answers to them in her oversight of the operations of all three schools. “

…The Board of Education should not feel that they answer to the superintendent.

… They must be held accountable to the citizens of the communities from which they were elected!

Sue then used a lot of other adjectives and phrases to talk about the impact the superintendent has had on the boards…..”overpower, over assert, personal benefits, loss of staff, required to be faithful to the voters, faithful to the students educationally and financially….

Then the all important one… “I would expect any employee to RECUSE oneself when advising …when personal property taxes are involved.”

And that, Sue Thomas, is where the three boards of education have failed most miserably. And, as I have pointed out, so also have the borough councils of both towns.

Frightening as that is, even more worrisome to me than all of this, is the number of phone calls and messages I have been receiving in recent weeks. Communications from people I do not know, some of whom don’t even like my VeniVidiScripto. But they read it, they tell me, “because that’s the only place we can get any news on what’s going on with the regionalization thing.”

Some of these calls and messages are telling me some terrible things about the Superintendent. She screams and yells, a few said. She doesn’t even know the kids, others have said. She doesn’t listen to anybody’s ideas. She’s just after power. She loves to show who’s boss. She belittles teachers, she corrects people in public. You don’t know her but she’s mean. Plain mean.

The readers and callers are right. I don’t know the Superintendent. I’ve met her a couple of times, I have seen her at meetings, I’ve e-mailed her. In all instances, she has been courteous, polite, and always quickly answered my e-mails fully and completely.

But I’m not involved in the school at all. In recent years, I’ve only been at Henry Hudson for meetings. Even more rarely, have I been in either of the elementary schools, though I’m not sure Dr. Beams is at the Highlands elementary as much as she is in Atlantic Highlands.

So, before I take on the boards of education and ask them their opinion of their own duties, if they have ever questioned whether the superintendent is in conflict and if they have, shouldn’t they tell the public, I want to ask you, the public a question. I’d like to see your response before I pursue whether any of the other stories I’m hearing on a regular basis are true.

Write e-mail, let me know on Facebook, write a letter to me to my home in Atlantic Highlands, or e-mail me at murieljs1@aol.com. and answer my question:

If you know the superintendent of schools for the Tri-District, or if you have had any affiliation with her in the schools, would you please describe her work ethic or actions in one adjective?

Some of the stories I have heard are so frightening I do see the need to investigate further. Board members know about that, they just don’t do anything.

So I am offering the opportunity for anyone, everyone, to tell me everything I have heard is simply not true. I ask for an adjective, however, feel free to go into detail. I can assure you of anonymity if that’s your wish. My reputation for that is decades long.

With your responses, I might have some new and more probing questions to ask the members of the boards of education. With the hope they will answer.

“I would expect the elected members of these Boards to take these factors into serious consideration when evaluating and rehiring any employee.” That quote is another from Sue Thomas, not I.

Julia Norton Hartshorne

By

Muriel J. Smith

-

February 12, 2023

0

Coming up this week is another one of several great programs locally for everyone interested in local history and wanting to know more about names and legends that are very special to the area … Julia Norton Hartshorne

On Thursday, Feb. 16, at 7 p.m. Monmouth County Historical Association’s Director of Collections Bernadette Rogoff will present a virtual program displaying the actual wardrobe of Julia Norton Hartshorne, of the Monmouth County building Hartshorne family

In 1868, Julia Norton Hartshorne ordered a brand new wardrobe to take advantage of the latest style trends. Her husband, Benjamin Minturn Hartshorne, was born and raised in Monmouth County and ran a successful steamboat company along the West Coast. The couple and their three children traveled from their home in San Francisco for an extended summer visit with Benjamin’s family in Middletown. Upon returning, Julia fell ill and died in February 1869. Benjamin packed away all of Julia’s things and returned with his children to Monmouth County.

Through the generosity of Hartshorne family descendants, Julia’s wardrobe is now part of the Association’s historic textile collection. Rogoff will introduce the public to Julia and explore her style and personality with this virtual fashion show of the 19^th century.

For more information and to register for this virtual event, visit MonmouthHistory.org.

Veni Vidi Scripto

Veni Vidi Scripto

Veni Vidi Scripto

Veni Vidi Scripto

Problem

1,000 Feet

Resolution

Park

No Recording

No Notice

Crowley

The 3 R’s

Conflict

The people Speak

The Mayors Speak

Questions

Hope

Praise

Carrot Raisin Salad

Honey Roasted Carrots

The Public

The Council

The Venue

The Mayor

The Planner

The Plan

The Board

The Alternatives

The Consensus

The Questions

The Objections

The Mayors

Private Thomas T. Fallon

Medal of Honor

General Kearney

Freehold

Veni Vidi Scripto

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