Recalling police, firemen, first aid volunteers, Coast Guard, all military and park service rangers they are indeed answering a call from the Gospel to protect and serve others, the Reverend Steve Sansever gave a resounding homily at the 23rd annual Blue Mass celebration at St. Agnes Church Wednesday night.
The priest, who is pastor of three church and located at St. James Church in Pennington, is himself, a retired police officer from Jersey City who entered the priesthood after his wife died and he retired from the police.
He was guest speaker at the mass con-celebrated by himself, Our Lady of Perpetual Help St. Agnes pastor Father Jarlath Quinn and pastoral assistant, Father Thomas Malavarapu honoring all the men and women of law enforcement, firefights, emergency medical services, the Coast Guard an the National Park Service at Fort Hancock/Sandy Hook from Atlantic Highlands Highlands, Middletown and the Sandy Hook community.
The Blue Mass has been an annual tradition in many catholic churches since the Rev. Thomas Dade initiated the Catholic Police and Firemen’s Society while at St. Patrick’s Church Washington, DC. It has been in the local parish for 23 years when first started by John Flynn and the Rev. Joseph Donnelly council of the Knights of Columbus.
Patrick Trophy Volunteer Pipes and Drums processed the honorees into St. Agnes at the start of the ceremony, with the Middletown Fire Department Cadet Color Guard presenting colors. Courtney Grogan, musical director for at the parish, presented the musical program for the evening, and BM3 Tyson Prince, USCG, led the group in the pledge of allegiance.
The 4th Degree Color Corps of the Knights of Columbus led the liturgical procession followed by a welcome from Father Quinn and opening prayers of the mass by Father Sansever. Debby Appello, chaplain for the Atlantic Highlands fire department ladies auxiliary, and Sgt. Travis Soden, of the Atlantic Highlands Police Department did the readings for the mass and Deputy Middletown Fire Chief Daniel Kelly read the intercessions.
Prior to the second reading., Sgt. Soden thanked everyone for attending and honoring the groups . He also noted it was inspiring to see so many gathered in prayer for their safety and thanks for their work and added that throughout the world there is do doubt “we need more prayer.”
Children of some of the Blue Mass participants presented gifts during the liturgy, including a life preserver, fire helmet and other protective gear of those being honored.
Both the St. Agnes Choir and the Pipes and Drums Corps offered musical background during communion and communion mediation portions of the mass.
At the end of mass, the three priests blessed the commemorative pins that were given to each of the attendees before the Pipes and Drums presented musical renditions and the recessional.
Following mass, all attended a dinner reception in the church hall beneath the church.
If you believe in angels, I just met one who saved me a lot of trouble, frustration, time, and aggravation.
If you don’t believe in angels, and if you might know this woman, please give her a huge thank you for me.
If you don’t know her, or know anyone who knows her, then do a really nice deed for someone else so hers can be passed on.
It happened at Monmouth Medical Center Tuesday, October 7. I had to be in the radiology department for a procedure around 1 p.m.
Not having driven to Monmouth in a while, I had to navigate my way through the credit card check in at the garage, go up three decks til I found an empty parking space, walk to the elevator to bring me back down to the entrance to the main office, register at the main desk, then take the escalator up to the second floor, pass Bob Stanley’s photo at the end of the corridor, make left then a right and head into the radiology waiting room.
I went to the window to advise the clerk I was on time for my appointment and sat down to wait the few minutes before I knew I would be called. I noticed two men also sitting there waiting, otherwise, the room was empty.
The registrar at another window called me and asked for my driver’s license for ID. That’s when I realized I did not have my wallet with me, complete with license, credit cards, and other important personal cards. I asked if she would call security for me, inasmuch as I knew I had either lost it, dropped it, or left it in my unlocked car after entering the parking garage.
Nope, she couldn’t call Security, go back to the other window, she advised. Nope, she couldn’t call either, she advised, but she offered the suggestion I could retrace my steps then come back and wait until the radiologist had another opening.
While I wondered why the only way I could get security was to retrace those steps back down to the main desk, a tall blond woman in light colored slacks and top came up next to me and offered to go to my car for me. I thanked her but explained I’d rather get Security involved immediately in case I dropped it along the way.
She said she would go to security, then to my car. I thanked her, told her where the car was and the license number and she was gone. A minute later, the radiologist came up to bring me in for the procedure.
While I was in the care room waiting for him to complete preparations, the employee who could not call security for me came in with my wallet, explaining the woman had found it on the front seat of my car. Of course she could not give me her name, she said, so I asked her to give her my profuse thanks and said I would see her when I left.
The procedure completed, I left. I did not see her in the waiting room. I left without expressing my deep gratitude and wondering who she was.
Was she an angel? To me she was. Was she still sitting there when I left? I didn’t see her. Did I get her name? Not at all.
If you have any idea, perhaps you could pass on my thanks and let her know how appreciative I am. If not, perhaps you too think it was an angel who was in the right place at the right time for a reason. If that’s so, express my thanks as I am doing…going out of my way to do something special for another stranger.
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The Atlantic Highlands Harbor Commission has set October 31 as the date when all requests for a proposed use of the former Shore Casino restaurant and catering facility are to be received for review.
The RFP, which is posted on the borough’s official website ahnj.com under Harbor bids (Direct Link Below), also indicates the bids are to be submitted to the Harbor Commission office at the yacht Harbor by noon on October 31, and will be opened at Borough Hall on First Avenue at 1 p.m.
Bids will then be reviewed during November and decided on December 9 by the lease committee comprised of Harbor Commissioners Michael Curry and James Krauss.
The execution date for the five-year bid lease to begin and the commencement date for beginning operations of catering or events facility are both to be decided once the bid is awarded.
While the bid indicates it is for the 20,500 square-foot premises which have been the Shore Casino for more than half a century, it lists as amenities an AV system, place for storing garbage and parking, though it does not indicate how many parking spaces would be included. A recent temporary lease of parking spaces in the busy harbor enabled the leasee to close off the area near the tennis courts though that is not specifically spelled out in this newest bid.
Although the governing body took no formal action on the disposition of the lease with the Shore Casino, the RFP for the new tenant specifies the Mayor and Council has the right to reject all bids should the top bidder not be accepted.
The proposal is for a five-year term for the leases with the option to renew by mutual consent of the Commission and the lease.
“Charlie founded Turning Point USA when he was around 18 — it was aimed at empowering students, giving them a platform, a voice. From my view, as a high school student, that part is important. So many of us feel like our opinions don’t matter yet — that we’re still “learning,” still “finding our place.” Charlie tried to challenge that. He turned his early opinions into activism. Whether or not you agreed with everything he said, you couldn’t deny he believed young people mattered. What can we, as high schoolers, take from Charlie’s life?
Photo Courtesy of Former Council Member Brian Boms
These were the expressions of a teen-aged student following the gathering of an estimated more than 100 people in Veterans Park in Atlantic Highlands Tuesday night memorializing political activist Charlie Kirk on what would have been his 32nd birthday. Kirk, the founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, was murdered last month when shot during a gathering in Orem, Utah, and speaking on mass shootings.
Former Atlantic Highlands Council Member Brian Boms
The Atlantic Highlands memorial was organized by former Councilman Brian Boms and included music, prayers, Bible readings, a pledge of allegiance, the National Anthem and one rude and unfortunate interruption of a teenager in the midst of her talk about Kirk and the lessons he taught young people.
Boms opened the gathering by asking all to remember the three pillars Kirk used as the foundation of his encouragement to young people who wished to fulfill their obligation to take part in forming the country they wish to live in: courage, faith as a foundation, and responsibility.
Photo Courtesy of Former Council Member Brian Boms
“Charlie didn’t shy away from hard conversations,” Boms said, in speaking of his courage, “He ventured into places where many were silent…. made arguments, challenged norms, questioned assumptions.” He was not always popular, Boms said, “but he was always rooted in what he believed was true.”
Boms noted that those who knew the popular activist spoke of his dedication to his Christian faith and how it shaped his worldview, his compassion and the way he saw others. “He saw beyond politics to what he believed was eternal; beyond division to what could bind people together.”
Photo Courtesy of Former Council Member Brian Boms
Kirk believed in young people, Boms continued, “ In students on college campuses, in young leaders who might be unsure, or afraid, or intimidated. He believed they could and should be part of the conversation—and part of the solution. He invested in them.”
Boms who said he had secured a permit for the gathering from the borough office within hours after submitting his request for use of the park for 90 minutes, led the Pledge of Allegiance with Mike Burke singing the National Anthem. Others who participated actively before the crowd include Phil Spatola who read a poem he had written and former Councilman James Murphy who read an e-mail he had received from a resident unable to be there, as well as comments of his own on the importance of Kirk as a public figure.
Morgan Spicer
Local resident Morgan Spicer also spoke, her accent on peace, unity and the need to put an end to political violence across the nation. Resident Paul Barbado also read a poem on the importance of hugs He urged those in attendance to turn to the person next to them and exchange hugs or some sign of friendship and camaraderie, a suggestion that was well received and activated.
Former Mayor Loretta Gluckstein
Former Mayor Loretta Gluckstein also participated in the program, quoting a series of passages from the Bible referring to peace and unity before leading the group in a prayer. Sherri Piazza and Burke led the group in singing “Let there be peace on earth” as a closing of the hour-long program before the gathering departed the park.
Local Resident Cameron Fish
The only discordant incident during the evening of prayer and song was while the teenager was speaking and local resident Cameron Fish exited a nearby bar, wandered down to the gathering in the park screaming Kirk was a loser, a racist and other remarks. Although momentarily shaken, the teen continued her speech, and police convinced Fish to be silent and leave the area.
“ I get it that people may oppose his beliefs, perhaps because many have never listened to more than a snippet of his talks and never heard his full message,” Boms said, “ but to act in that manner while a student is trying to find her own voice and the courage to express herself at a memorial service which clearly was emphasizing unity was totally classless.”
Photo Courtesy of Former Council Member Brian Boms
Ironically, Boms noted, Fish’s rude interruption of a young person’s message in expressing herself was just what Kirk’s messages were all about. “If you believe something — in fairness, in justice, in what matters — find your voice. Debate, listen, learn. Don’t shrink from disagreement, but don’t let fear silence you either. There’s a time, place and more courteous manner in which this individual could have shown his distaste for what was going on in a public park,” the former councilman said.
As one speaker said at the gathering, “ In a world that often seems divided, Charlie taught us that our differences are not barriers, but gateways to deeper understanding. He showed us that it’s not only okay to discuss our varying perspectives, but that it’s essential. Through his advocacy, he has demonstrated that engaging in dialogue about our differences can lead to growth, empathy, and, ultimately, unity. “
Although none of the present Council were present at the gathering, all of whom had been invited to attend and participate, Boms confirmed that Mayor Lori Hohenleitner and several of the council members had sent responses, noting they had previous plans and would not be able to attend.
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Charlie Kirk Charlie Kirk Charlie Kirk Charlie Kirk Charlie Kirk
Approximately 100 veterans of several wars and all branches of service were honored at the Fourth Annual Veteran Appreciation Lunch hosted by the Middletown Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution last week in Holmdel.
Right rifle: Cadet Rucha Karam of Manalapan Ensign: Cadet Sierra Olmeda of Middletown Navy flag: Cadet Luke Franco of Lincroft Unit flag: Cadet John Cizin of Hazlet Left rifle: Cadet Saaya Kalaria of Freehold
DAR Middletown Chapter Regent Michele Donnelly welcomed the group and their families to an event filled with appreciation, pomp, circumstance, and an honor guard provided by MAST, the Marine Academy of Science and Technology at Fort Hancock.
Assembly members Gerry Schrfenberger and Vicky Flynn once again congratulated the MAST honor guard for their excellence and dedication at the annual DAR Veterans Appreciation luncheon.
Donnelly introduced several officials present at the lunch to honor the veterans, including Holmdel Mayor Brian Foster, and Assembly members Gerry Sharfenberger and Vicky Flynn, both of whom attend numerous DAR functions honoring both living veterans and at gravesides maintained by the DAR.
Julia McAulay of Holmdel High School sang the National Anthem as the MAST Honor Guard presented the American flag.
Dputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs VIncent Solomeno, himself a graduate of MAST,met with the MAST Honor Guard at the DAR ceremony honoring veterans
Vincent Solomen, the NJ Deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs also spoke, showing his appreciation to veterans and the numerous ways each of the services serves the country in both war and peacetime.
Regent Donnelly, in welcoming everyone to the event, traced the DAR history back to its founding in 1890, a non-political women’s service organization whose mission includes both education for veterans and patriotism, She also invited any women who could prove direct lineal descendant from a Revolutionary War patriot to join the DAR.
Noting next year’s 250th anniversary, Donnelly told the guests of honor “Our ancestors were the very first veterans of this country and so you all have a special place in our hearts as today’s veterans who have carried that legacy of democracy and freedom forward.”
“Our chapter is relatively young,” the regent said, “but it was founded on a desire to serve our community, especially our local veterans.” The annual luncheon is just one way members should their appreciation and thanks, she said.
Donnelly also thanked all the sponsors that worked with the DAR to make the catered buffet lunch and afternoon activities possible, including the Blue Claws Charities, Circle Hyundai, Drs. Joseph Cauda and James Brock, Roar Properties and Buhler Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram. She also thanked Girl Scout Troop 96330 the Holmdem Dance Team,and the many who have send cards and appreciation for the veterans.
Colonel Pablo Torres, the commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 49 at Fort Dix, was guest speaker for the program.
Colonel Torres, a highly decorated Marine and a graduate of the US Naval Academy at Annapolis, was designated a naval aviator in 2003 and reported to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron 303 for initial training in the AH-1W before being assigned with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 367. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from August 2004 to April 2005, August 2006 to February 2007, and April 2008 to November 2008 before taking the Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course in 2007.
After the three combat tours with HMLA-367, Colonel Torres was assigned to 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO) and served as the Air Officer for Supporting Arms Liaison Team (SALT) Alpha where he was designated the subject matter expert for all aviation fires. He also deployed again in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, screened with Naval Special Warfare Development Group (NSWDG) and volunteered to deploy with a Naval Special Warfare unit in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
After graduating from the Command and Staff College in Quantico, VA where he earned a Master of Military Studies, Colonel Torres reported to Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 29 and was later assigned to HMLA-167. While there, he served as the Assistant Operations Officer, Operations Officer, and Executive Officer. In 2015, Colonel Torres deployed to Okinawa, Japan in support of Unit Deployment Program (UDP) 16.1.
After serving at Headquarters Marine Corps he then reported to MAG-29 and worked in the Department of Safety and Standardization.
In June 2018, Colonel Torres was assigned command of HMLA-167. He led the squadron during multiple exercises and the in-stride conversion of the AH-1Z. The squadron supported every assigned frag during his command and maintained a mishap-free record.
His personal ward include the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with one gold star, Air Medal-Individual Action, Air Medal-Strike Flight Numeral 10, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with combat distinguishing device.
During the luncheon, Ernest Diorio, David Drummond and Rich Gough were presented with Distinguished Citizen Awards for their accomplishments and dedication. A Leatherneck Pipes and Drums provided further entertainment and honor for the veterans during the ceremony.
Tuesday, October 14 marks what would have been the 32nd birthday of the late Charlie Kirk.
There will be a memorial ceremony held in Veteran’s Park, across the street from the Atlantic Highlands Borough Hall, on Tuesday evening beginning at 6:30.
All are welcome to attend.
The Memorial Service is one of many being planned across the United States after both the US Senate and House last month approved resolutions to honor Kirk on his birthday.
In the Senate, Florida Senator Rick Scott introduced a resolution to make October 14, 2025, a National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk. The resolution cited the activist as a “good man, devout husband, father and friend.” Scott said Kirk’s life was shaped by his faith and the idea that in America, debate and discussion are crucial to the betterment of our country. “ He believed in God, the American dream, the value of family, and the principles of our great nation,” the Senator said.
The resolution received unanimous consent and did not require a full vote in the Senate.
In the House, several lawmakers introduced resolutions to honor Kirk and condemn political violence. Earlier, House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed a resolution to honor “the life and legacy of our friend Charlie Kirk” had also passed in the House
While neither Resolution established October 14 as a national holiday, both encouraged educational institutions, civic organizations and citizens across the country to hold appropriate programs, activities, prayer and ceremonies to promote civic engagement and the principles of faith, liberty, and democracy similar to what Kirk advocated.
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Atlantic Highlands Council candidate Justin Thomas is clear and outspoken on his primary goals for the borough once he is elected in November to fill one of the two council seats up for election.
Thomas, who currently is serving on the Henry Hudson Regional Board of Education, would step down from that board if elected. He is running as a republican with Laura Hesse, a native of the borough whose business is also located here.
The two hope to take the places of current Democrat council members Vito Colasurdo and Eileen Cusick, neither of whom is running for a other term. If elected they would change the governing body from all Democrat to a Democrat mayor and four Democrat council members and two Republican. Cusick is stepping back from political life at least for awhile and Colasurdo is seeking office as a Monmouth County commissioner.
But Thomas has set specific goals he would work toward, in addition to many other areas they feel needs improvement or updating.
“My primary goals for the town are to assist with ways to help generate revenue and drive down costs where applicable, especially if it meets the strategic direction that our community wants to move in,” the candidate said.
Towards these goals, Thomas wants to align “with residents and taxpayers on ‘Strategic Development’ In his opinion, he feels new businesses and homes can bring in income for the town; but he continues to note, “there is less and less land for new development in town. There are always new and fresh ideas of what can be added, but what truly meets the identity of our town and what can be constructed in different zones is a key focus for me,” he said.
Thomas also conceded that there are “a lot of areas and different policies that I would like to better understand in their entirety. I think there is a lot of opportunity for innovative ideas for town events, collaboration with our businesses, Green Economy/Eco Friendly Initiatives, and more.”
A pragmatist, Thomas also points out “The only thing constant in life is change.” As proof, he continues “ As Atlantic Highlands becomes more and more appealing to people from all over it can be challenging to preserve some of the small-town characteristics and quintessential things that make Atlantic Highlands such a special place.”
It is because of that, he said, that “being part of the strategic direction of the town is one of the most important things for me. Understanding what our residents and community wants is critical, but there are usually alternative, efficient, and equitable ways to implement most things depending on the subject. As innovative ideas and opportunities increase I don’t think we as residents should lose sight of why people moved here in the first place. I am definitely looking forward to meeting, connecting, and serving our community!”
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It took Mayor Carolyn Broullon a bit more time than she would have liked to get to know all her neighbors because of her own work schedule.
But the Mayor said, “I’m proud that now we’re not just neighbors but good friends.”
The Mayor has told her story many times, how she discovered Highlands, why she first got on council, why she started a business here, and how she worked her way into the mayoral position as a “newcomer” who simply fell in love with the century old town.
“I discovered Highlands in 2002 while looking for a vacation home,’ she starts, launching into her personal time of discovery. “After a few months, I realized what an amazing town this is and so I got rid of my New York City apartment to live here full time.” It was because she continued to work in Manhattan and wasn’t around for 12 hours on workdays that it took so long to get to know her neighbors.
Then came Hurricane Sandy, she said, noting that she and many of those neighbors now friends. “were either living out of town or simply couldn’t make it up the hill to go to council meetings.” Not one to take things easy, she said “my wife, Donica, and I signed up for a free uStream.tv account, bought a USB microphone and started streaming the meetings from our Mac laptop. We felt it was important for those displaced to have a way to see the council meetings, to participate in our future.”
At the end of the summer of 2013, a group of residents came together to try to help the town move forward by re-introducing non-partisan elections to Highlands. “We met as strangers with different ideas and party affiliations but banded together to make our town more than just Democrats and Republicans,” she said. “After knocking on doors and educating residents on how non-partisan elections work, we successfully changed how we elect our council people in Highlands. This is now a direct process in which political party leaders do not choose who is on the ballot, Highlanders do.”
The mayor feels her own professional background has prepared her well to serve the borough and its residents. She has worked in market research since 1992, coordinating international fieldwork, conducting focus groups, and managing staff. She started in research at Data Development, now known as Radius Global Market Research [one of the largest independent market research firms in the US], then on to Research International, now a part of TNS in the WPP Group [one of the top five market research firms in the world]. She then had her own research business and became Vice President at Gazelle Global.
That was in 2006. Throughout the time, Broullon said she has honed a number of skills along the way that help her in her mayoral position. These include budgeting, staff management, contract negotiations, and conflict resolution. “Most of all,” she added, “ my training has given me the tools to listen to people and transform those thoughts and ideas into action.”
Eight years ago Broullon and Donica embarked on a new venture, purchasing the former A&P building on Miller Street and Bay Avenue, extensively renovating it to its 1940s décor and opened Feed & Seed, a pet food, supply, and general store in 2017. Two years later, she left Gazelle Global and again started her own research consulting company .
“My education,” she admits, includes “one of the most important things I learned from 12 years of Catholic school was patience. After graduating from Notre Dame Academy, I took a year off to just be. I went on to get my bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in marketing from the City University of New York, Sunnyside campus. Although I worked full time and took classes full time on nights and weekends, I managed to graduate with many terms on the Dean’s List.”
Broullon is aiming to continue the improvements she has made in the borough through the successful application for numerous grants, through her practice of seeking the opinion of the residents either informally or at formal sessions where she encourages questions and provides professionals with answers, and in the open door policy at Feed and Seed where residents feel comfortable and welcome in stopping in to ask questions or give opinions.
And she’s not shy about showing her sense of humor and pride in her family name. “ Broullon is pronounced brew-yawn. Just think: You brew coffee, so you don’t yawn.”
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She might be a candidate herself, but you don’t see any reference to herself in the plentitude of press releases she send out to be sure the public is informed there is indeed an election and everyone should vote in it!
The press releases let you know everything from how to vote, when the deadlines are and even how you can check your own mail in ballot just to be sure it actually arrived and is being counted. The following is her latest press release. A former practicing attorney, and a great lover of Monmouth County history, Ms Hanlon obviously enjoys keeping people informed.
Monmouth County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon is reminding Monmouth County voters who choose to vote by mail in the 2025 Primary Election that they can sign up for the County’s enhanced ballot tracking notification system. The County’s ballot tracking system, BallotTrax, was launched five years ago by Hanlon and the Monmouth County Board of Elections to notify voters regarding the status of their mail-in ballots.
Voters who sign up for Monmouth County BallotTrax will receive alerts when their ballot has been received by the County Board of Elections and again after the ballot has been counted. Users of this free service can opt to enable notifications by text message, phone or email. Monmouth County vote-by-mail voters may sign up to receive BallotTrax notifications at MonmouthCountyBallotTrax.com.
“We are proud to be the first and only County in the state to provide this free, enhanced notification system for our residents who vote by mail,” said Clerk Hanlon. “Transparency in our elections is very important, and this service helps provide peace of mind to our voters.”
BallotTrax alerts voters of the status of their ballots rather than requiring voters to continually log into the system for updates. Voters can also check the status of their ballots via New Jersey’s ballot tracking system, which does not provide notifications, by visiting https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/vote-track-my-ballot.shtml.
For questions about the returning of mail-in ballots for counting, please contact the County Board of Elections at 732-431-7802. For questions about the issuance of mail-in ballots, please contact the County Clerk’s Election Office at 732-431-7790.
For more information about elections in Monmouth County, visit the County Clerk’s Elections website at MonmouthCountyVotes.com or download our free mobile app, Monmouth County Votes.
The Monmouth County Clerk serves as the Clerk of Elections, one of three independent offices that oversee different aspects of the elections process in Monmouth County. The Office of the Monmouth County Clerk is comprised of five divisions handling elections, property recordings, archives, passports and records management. The County Clerk’s Office also provides resident, veteran and Gold Star Family identification cards to eligible county residents, administers oaths to notaries and public officials and performs wedding ceremonies. The Monmouth County Clerk is a constitutional and administrative officer elected to a five-year term by the voters of Monmouth County. Christine Giordano Hanlon, Esq. was elected Monmouth County Clerk in November 2015 and was re-elected to a second term in November 2020.
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How does it get from a man standing on a public sidewalk wearing a handmade sign that expresses his own opinion, to the Mayor of a town well known for its friendliness, beauty and great restaurants and other businesses shouting an obscenity in response to a stranger saying hello, Lori?
And how does it get from reporting on these very factual events to being cut off from certain Facebook pages because the administrators of those pages don’t like the facts…or the truthful reporting of them?
How does it get from reporting on these very factual events to Jeanne L sending Veni Vidi Scripto an overly aggressive PM? (Which I appreciate, it is her Right)
For those who read an article all the way through before forming an opinion, or swear, or shut it out or just call the writer nasty names, read this chronology and see how this once …and really still…beautiful town has now been enveloped in anger and yes, divisiveness.
Or, put another way; why would anyone think that publishing the facts would lead to divisive action?(Another activity which is protected by the First Amendment)
It is better to try to hide bad things until they crop up far worse?
Doesn’t curing a problem begin with knowing what the problem is?
Or do people really want to be left believing only one side of any issue?
Let’s start with the sign carrying man on the street. Parents said their kids couldn’t sleep at night, were scared all day, the crossing guard was involved, the police were involved, school administration was involved….that’s all news.
Further news is that the man was simply exercising his rights to free speech and the mayor agreed not only did he have that right but she would protect it.
Then there was some talk about a group coming into the Harbor in September. Not so much news, since they have been coming here for a few years, these people who fly American flags, on top of their vehicles or from the windows, sing, wave to strangers on the street, enjoy the beauty of Atlantic Highlands and probably spend a few bucks at local restaurants or bars before they leave.
But all of a sudden there were things to talk about…stories this group of people of all ages, coming in with their families and pets, were really the Proud Boys, a terrorist group known in many countries. No one knows where the story started, but it was there…the Proud Boys were coming to Atlantic Highlands.
That’s news.
That apparently started an entire plethora of actions and activities. The police Chief was involved, he had to answer to his mayor and council members, he had to check to be sure the town was safe. He assured everyone who had contacted him that everything was under control, no need to fear, no need for special permits, no need to do anything. He would be sure traffic moved safely and orderly along First Avenue.
That’s news.
But then there were e-mails and texts about a parking lot at the Harbor having a no parking sign closing it off, this on a weekend in a borough owned park at the harbor. One explanation was the signs were posted because the lot was being leased by a private company starting Monday and they had to be sure no one parked there overnight and did not leave in time for the Monday morning arrival of the lease.
Then there was the awful e-mail to the police chief saying “would there be any reason why we couldn’t keep the gazebo lot locked in the Harbor tomorrow (Sunday, the day before the lease started) until our visitors depart? If they can’t park, maybe they won’t stick around.”
Atlantic Highlands Councilman Brian Dougherty
If they can’t park, maybe they won’t stick around.” Not a very friendly question from an elected official in a very friendly town.
That’s News
That started a list of texts and other communications among elected officials and paid employees.
That’s News
But the Garden State Deplorables came in. They came in their cars waving flags, their kids laughing and waving out windows as they came down First Avenue, some with Charlie Kirk’s picture, or name, or prayers for him, some with crosses of Christ on the cross. Some came on motorcycles, some also decorated with American flags or Charlie signs.
They gathered at the harbor where a lot of local residents, including former elected officials from mayor to council members were there waiting for them, ready to shake hands renew friendships, join in the prayers, talks and speeches about Charlie Kirk and his way of encouraging young people to vote.
That’s News
But then, the story changes. It was not all love and remembrance; the mayor was there.
Driving her own car.
Several visitors to town said she was stalking them….if she was not, as she said, they certainly felt that she was.
Some say she plowed right through the middle of their gathering, rather than take a road around.
The Mayor challenged that opinion at the public meeting, she denied stalking, and she reminded everyone she is the Mayor, she does visit the Harbor every day, and although she had been out of town most of the day until that point, she did want to go to the harbor as she always did.
That’s News
Atlantic Highlands Mayor Lori Hohenleitner
But it was when one of the pickup truck drivers called out “Hi Laurie,” that this very professional and intelligent lady who loves the town she represents, apparently forgot she was mayor, forgot she was a lady, forgot it was a happy, peaceful gathering, and forgot these were strangers in her town. Instead of a simple wave and pass, she chose to shout out a most unladylike obscenity to him, (another protected right). One that provoked him to shout out “That’s nice. You’ll never win again!
That’s News
At the public meeting when all of these events unfolded , the Mayor at first said she had no regrets for anything she did that day but later apologized and said she regretted her obscenity.
That’s News
So Veni Vidi Scripto covers all these actions and events. And knowing all rights in the United States of America are protected under that first very important amendment to the Constitution , including the right to free speech, the articles were read by thousands.
And missed by hundreds more.
Why?
Because the very people who proclaim everyone has the right to free speech, except if they are carrying a sign on a public street or writing the truth about things that happen in Atlantic Highlands, are administrators of Facebook pages, those lines of communication allegedly open to everyone with an opinion. Those administrators make VeniVidiScripto stories “pending” or simply block them. Wipe out their right to free speech. Simply because they do not like the truth being told.
That’s News
All of that aside, it does still make me proud that in spite of all this folderol which started with an older out-of-shape male resident of the borough carrying a handmade sign on a public street that allegedly scared kids on their way to school and led to the highest elected official in town telling a visitor to F….Off that so many, including the entire staff of VeniVidiScripto have given and continue to give so much to the United States and do their part and more in protecting this great country on land, in the air, and even under the sea.
Even for the people who don’t practice, encourage or allow free speech.
We would all be better served if we remember what the Supreme Court has opined on the issue:
Justice Brennan’s assertion that “the Government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea itself offensive or disagreeable” in Texas v. Johnson, Justice Holmes’s sentiment that free speech is for the thought we hate, and Justice Kennedy’s view that “First Amendment freedoms are most in danger when the government seeks to control thought”
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