The Middletown Township Public Library (MTPL) just released a new history video about the life of Vince Lombardi and his ties to the township in which he is buried.
In “Vince Lombardi: The Man Behind the Legend”, MTPL staff explore the life of Lombardi outside of his fabled coaching career, with a focus on his association with Middletown Township.
The video, narrated by MTPL reference librarian Kate Hammond and written and directed by public information staffer Walter Johnson, looks at Lombardi’s marriage, his personality and how he dealt with others through interviews, research, biographical sources and archived news clippings.
Viewers will see the house in Fair Haven where Lombardi once lived, the school that his children attended and hear from Ed Cardoza, Superintendent of Mount Olive Cemetery on Chapel Hill Road near Route 35 where Lombardi is buried.
Produced by MTPL staff, this video will be the first in an “Around Our Town” series about Middletown history and landmarks. Those interested in viewing “Vince Lombardi: The Man Behind the Legend” are encouraged to visit the library’s YouTube channel, linked at mtpl.org.
For further information, contact Jenna O’Donnell at jodonnell@mplmain.mtpl.org or visit the library located at 55 New Monmouth Road.
In fitting manner, coming so close to Halloween, the Atlantic Highlands Historical Society is concluding its Speaker Series for this year, which featured shipwrecks, on the topic of Ghost Ships.
Wednesday, Oct. 19, Society member Alice Kupper will present ghostly apparitions and stories of local and well known ghost ships at the Strauss Museum Mansion beginning at 7:30 p.m. The mansion is located at 27 Prospect Circle and the public is invited to attend.
There is no charge for the event, though donations are always acceptable and all are invited to bring a non-perishable food item or a baby product for the Atlantic Highlands Food Pantry.
Kupper’s talk will likely include stories about the legendary Flying Dutchman, a fabled ship dating back to the 17th century and doomed to sail the seven seas forever. She may disclose the story of what seeing a light on the Dutchman means for the future.
The speaker may also address the true story of the Mary Celeste, an 1800s brigantine that was found disabled and adrift near the Azores, with everything on the ship intact, including supplies, not with no human being aboard. The mystery has not yet been solved on what happened to the entire crew, none of whom has ever heard or seen again.
Kupper will most likely also address the area’s own Ghost ship that has been seen on the Navesink River.
ATL. HIGHLANDS – More delay, more confusion and more expense to the taxpayer was announced at Thursday’s meeting of the Mayor and Council when Council unanimously passed a resolution authorizing a financial advisor for independent financial advice before the question on regionalization for the school districts can make it to the ballot.
In response to questions from local resident Mark Fisher, borough administrator Robert Ferragina explained each of the municipalities involved must appoint a person or firm to, according to their resolution, to “prepare a financial structure and impact analysis on the proposed consolidation, examining the consolidation of debt, operating expenses and the impact of the regionalization on respective tax levies and tax rates that will be examined. The contractor will also provide guidance on municipal, school budget and possibly country tax impacts, along with student impacts,” though it is not clear what impacts tax levies and financial structures may be placed specifically on students.
The contractor will also prepare a statutory tax assessment distribution and fiscal plan “and other financial work as necessary.”
The borough retained Beneke Economics, and its members, Roert Benecke F.A., CMFO and Chelsea Gleis, P.P. to complete the work based on their qualifications, experience, compensation “and other factors and criteria.” According to the resolution, fees will be $150 per hour for the work, not to exceed $6,000, or 40 hours. There is no time set for when the work has to be completed.
“This is an excellent move,” said Councilman Crowley when the question came up of whether the added expense is mandated or suggested.
“It makes sense, in my opinion, “ said Highlands Mayor Carolyn Broullon, when questioned after the meeting if Highlands would go along with the recommendation. “ For Atlantic Highlands to have a financial person representing Atlantic Highlands for financial mediation and not a labor attorney.”
Atlantic Highlands has retained Matthew Giacobbe as their attorney for the regionalization matter. Giacobbe has said more than once said at public meetings or on ZOOM when he was unable to attend a meeting that he is a labor attorney, not a financial attorney.
Broullon said Highlands will nonetheless go along with the recommendation and Steve Cea of the Porzio firm will represent both Highlands and Sea Bright in the preparation of whatever structure and analysis are needed for the mediation.
The Porzio firm is the firm both those boroughs contracted for the original study and all the financial investigations and considerations. The Mayor noted that while she does not have his hourly rate their contract with Porzio includes all the professionals they used for the study.
The Highlands Mayor also added that she believes the current two studies should have been enough.
“It is ridiculous that we are fighting over future savings that we don’t know how much that savings will be,” Broullon continued. “ All of the financial experts projections were wrong for 2022 equalized value of all three Boroughs. That should have taught everyone involved that we need to set a funding formula, then adjust it as needed until we lock into a 10 year formula.”
Broullon pointed out that the new law allows for a financial person involved during the mediation, “ but again, only Highlands and Sea Bright are talking about this, it’s maddening, honestly. This should have all been done in August. “
It was not clear whether the new firm retained by Atlantic Highlands, Beneke Economics, can refer to any of the financial information previously obtained by experts for the boroughs and the schools in their comprehensive feasibility reports paving the way for the vote on regionalizing. Nor was it clear why the information provided in these reports, studies financed by Sea Bright and Highlands as well as the Tri-District, are not sufficient to proceed with mediation.
At the Atlantic Highlands council meeting , upon further questioning by Fisher, Ferragina said the contract is necessary since each borough, under the state regionalization law, should retain a finance expert before mediation can be started. Borough Attorney Jason Sena said the attorneys from both Highlands and Sea Bright have agreed to the new directive and will be recommending it to their governing bodies. The attorney for this borough on the regionalization question, Matthew Giacobbe was not present at the meeting.
No mediator has been named to resolve the issues between Atlantic Highlands and the other two towns so there is no date for when the question of a preK-12 regional district can be voted on in Sea Bright, Highlands and this borough.
Broullon exasperated by the continual delays and lack of action on a question many officials and residents anticipated would be on the November ballot so the residents could decide if they wanted regionalization, recalled that the entire planning, financial ramifications and keeping the public informed of the process blew up the process when Giacobbe sent Highlands an agreement that was either “take it or leave it, , share 50-50 between the towns forever or get out of it if Atlantic Highlands agrees. To this end, Sea Bright is currently in a bad deal they can’t get out of, the Highlands Mayor continued, adding “But I refuse to do that to Highlands. I do not understand why the neighboring Council thought we would ever agree to those terms.”
Minutes after Marty Hawley was named Employee of the Month by Mayor Loretta Gluckstein and received the praise, congratulations and applause of the governing body and all in the audience, he was put to work!
In one of the light-hearted moments during last week’s meeting of the Mayor and Council, Hawley was named for the recognition for the month of October in the tradition Mayor Gluckstein started earlier this year in order to give special recognition to leading borough employees for a month of recognition.
In presenting the award to Hawley, the mayor noted he has been superintendent of the water and sewer department since 1997, citing all the licenses he has pursued and holds, as well as serving as fire marshal. She called him “a walking encyclopedia of everything about the business of the town and that his family for generations is synonymous with Atlantic Highlands” because of their commitment and volunteerism in a variety of causes and commissions of the borough. She cited how Hawley has also raised his children to be involved and volunteer and once again thanked him profusely for his dedication to his job and the borough.
No sooner had the praise, congratulations, thanks and applause ended than Borough Administrator Rob Ferragina jokingly suggested that “while you are here” he could talk about the hydrant flushing scheduled for this month.
Hawley reported the fire hydrants throughout the borough will be flushed between Oct. 17 and 21 from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. When Ferragina then half in jest asked if anyone had any questions for the superintendent, Regina Keelan immediately raised her hand with a question “for this great man.” Hawley is Ms. Kellan’s brother, and she wanted to know what residents should do if their clothes get soiled in the wash because of the hydrant flushing.
Without batting an eye, and addressing her with as much solemnity and knowledge that he gives every resident, Hawley told his sister that if she or any other residents have laundry problems, they should contact the water and sewer department and there is a specially designed detergent the borough will provide to residents that would will eliminate any laundry problem resulting from the hydrant flushing. In the meantime, he warned her, don’t launder with hot water, to which Councilman Brian Boms added, nor put them in the dryer.”
The governing body also recognized Ferragina who was celebrating a birthday this week as well as his first year anniversary as borough administrator.
In other business at the meeting, council also approved amending the salary ordinance for officials and employees after no one spoke during the public hearing, awarded a contract for mooring tackle and Helix inspection at the harbor, and appointed Mark Allen as a DPW employee at the harbor.
Council also put off, at the request of Councilman Brian Dougherty, discussion on the EV Charger plans, pending further information from another source for a more complete and comprehensive discussion.
It also postponed official recognition of the appointment of Ptl. Jonathan Elmer as a sergeant to give the officer sufficient time to enable friends and family to be notified of the promotion and be able to attend the swearing in ceremony on Oct. 27.
So once again the question of the Mother Teresa School purchase came up at the Atlantic Highlands Council meeting. It’s been a question the borough has been tossing back and forth, discussing, doing whatever with, for nine years now. And still the public doesn’t get any answers.
Mark Fisher is not only a resident who loves his town, but also likes to know what’s going on with it. He occasionally makes recommendations, volunteers in many different areas, and always keeps on top of things. So when council members tell him at one meeting something’s going to happen at another, he’s right there at the next meeting to see if they’re keeping their word.
Sometimes they do. Sometimes, not so much…
And if two or three months later, they still haven’t done what they said, well, then, he’s still back at that council meeting asking what’s happening.
But on the question of Mother Teresa School, it sounded like Councilwoman Lori Hohenleitner got tired of the questions. She came across as being exasperated at Mr. Fisher, or anyone else, daring to ask their elected officials exactly what is going in in the town where they pay taxes and pay attention. So she very sweetly said to Mr. Fisher, “Have you asked the church?” Mr. Fisher responded he doesn’t go to that church, to which the councilwoman responded, “you’re only asking us,” and suggested maybe the church isn’t bound by the same rules as council is and if he wanted to know more, perhaps he should ask them.
So Mr. Fisher sat down, the elected officials not only not giving him any help but then one of them suggesting he take it upon himself to seek out other sources because the governing body that represents him wasn’t going to do a thing to keep him informed at this time.
Mr. Fisher doesn’t belong to that church… But I do.
So, the following morning, I set out to get information and within ten minutes got more information from “the church” than Mr. Fisher could get from the people who collect his taxes.
It seems “the church” is getting a little tired of negotiations, meetings, visits, or whatever as well. So, it seems “the church” is giving the borough an ultimatum…you have 30 days in which to make up your minds and make a decision..
“The Church” also advised me that the former Andy Richards residence, currently the St. Agnes Thrift Shop, is not part of the deal if the borough acquires the property. “The Church” wants to keep that building for whatever purpose. But it sounds like perhaps the Hesse Building is part of the deal between “the Church” and the borough, and that piece of property would be going with the school purchase.
There were meetings, the borough administrator and engineers have been on the site, “the Church” told me and supposedly pretty soon “the Church” understands the borough is going to have a special meeting to tell the folks what’s going on.
I don’t know whether all this is accurate. I didn’t talk to “the church” attorneys. I just talked to “the Church.”
But “the Church” was helpful, happy to answer my questions, and happy to keep a church member informed.
The eighth annual Veterans Breakfast and celebration started by the daughter of a Highlands veteran will take place this year from 9 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday Nov. 4th at Henry Hudson Regional School
Maryann Fiel began the effort to honor local veterans and their families and to thank them for their service to the country patterned after the idea started by History Teacher Mrs. Clark at Henry Hudson many years ago.
Fiel remembers in the early 1990s sitting in the bleachers in the gym watching as the school honored all the local veterans. “It was something my dad, John Coberg, talked about and appreciated so much, “ she recalls now as she adds the number of volunteers and organizations that have made it possible.
Coberg, as a veteran, was also a borough employee and well known for his cheery personality and dedication to his work in the Public Works Department.
It is the generosity of residents and businesses that have made it possible to offer more than just a tribute and a breakfast, Fiel continued. The event is co-sponsored by the PTOs of the three schools in Highlands and Atlantic Highlands.
Bayshore Recycling is making it possible for all veterans attending to receive a free t-shirt as well as gift bags and cards organized by the Hudson Key Club and advisors Diane Distasio and Paige Davis. The Highlands Business Partnership is also providing gift baskets that will be raffled off without cost for all attendees.
Veterans are encouraged to attend the event with their families.
The Nov. 4th program includes the United States Army color guards, music by the Henry Hudson Pep Band and a running slideshow with service pictures of local veterans. The entire breakfast is provided through both in kind and monetary donations as well as grants. The HHRS Education Association writes a grant that covers a portion of the breakfast and each PTO provides a donation to help cover expenditures.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for our three schools to work together to honor our local veterans and their families, “ Fiel continued.
“For the past eight years that I have been organizing this event, it truly brings me so much joy. As happens to most things, the assembly Mrs. Clark started and my dad enjoyed so much faded as teachers retired and the event became outdated. When my children began school at Highlands Elementary I approached the administration and asked if they would support bringing the event again, this time including a hot breakfast and opportunities for our students to get involved.”
Nor is it a simple little breakfast for veterans and their families. The menu includes fresh fruit, French toast, pancakes, eggs, sausage and bacon, bagels and pastries.
“This is such a wonderful event, and it’s only possible because of the amazing business and organizations in our towns in the Henry Hudson district,” the chair concluded.
Donors for the event include Bayshore Recycling, Montecalvo Disposal Services, Inc., Highlands Business Association, HHRS Education, Angry Tomatoes, Bahrs restaurant, Balloon Bar, Bay Avenue Bakery, the Proving Ground, Atlantic Bagel Co., Quick Chek, Fresh, The Girls Café, Katz Confectionary, Lusty Lobster, Jersey Shore Apparel, Wawa, Dunkin Doughnuts of Atlantic Highlands and the Henry Hudson Tri-District Education Foundation.
Veterans are urged to send service photos of themselves for the video as well as contact Fiel to registers attendance and number of family members attending.
Emails should be sent to the chairman at Maryac224@ICloud.com.
The annual Blue Mass honoring the police, fire, EMS and military first responders in the Bayshore area will be at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at St. Agnes Church. All are encouraged to attend to honor the volunteers who respond to all emergencies and needs at Sandy Hook, Highlands, Atlantic Highlands and Middletown.
The Rev. Jarlath Quinn, pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help-St. Agnes parish has urged every one to attend the mass and show their gratitude for the volunteer efforts of men and women who respond to so many needs and offer assistance whenever needed.
The Atlantic Highlands Mayor and Council adopted a resolution at their meeting last week recognizing and showing support for all volunteers, considering recent events that had the effect of reducing applications to both local and state police departments. The resolution said “we believe it is important to now renew our support for these brave men and women who risk their lives to protect us, …and the Mayor and Council wish to affirm and express our clear and unwavering support for them now and in the future by recognizing them at the Annual Blue Mass Service “ Wednesday night.
The resolution also recognizes this Wednesday, Oct. 17, as Blue Mass Day in the Borough and reiterate its support and thanks for all responders serving the community.
The Mayor and Council in Atlantic Highlands unanimously passed a very nice resolution at its meeting last week urging everyone to attend the Blue Mass Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at St. Agnes and saying how much they appreciate everything all the first responders in the Bayshore and at Sandy Hook do for the borough.
And I’m certain they do, because everyone in the Bayshore knows how fantastic each of our organizations is, and how much we all appreciate the fact these volunteers keep us safe, many times putting their own lives at risk. Many of us shudder to think what would happen if we did not have these fantastic men and women living right there among us.
But it will be interesting to see whether the Mayor and Council are so grateful that they will make a donation towards the celebratory supper that follows the mass at the Shore Casino.
I wonder about that since, before the resolution was passed last week, a resident at the meeting stood up and asked the governing body if they were going to donate as well. He reminded each of the council members how grateful we all are, and urged them to include in the resolution or even pass another one including a monetary donation towards the event at the Casino.
All he got was a thank you for his comments. Not a single member of the governing body asked that the resolution be changed, offered another one, or said thanks to the speaker, himself a long time volunteer on a local fire department. Nobody gave him any assurance they would do something before Wednesday. Or even after Wednesday to help with next year’s. Or any time.
Hopefully, because they’re all caring and intelligent member of council, because I am certain they sincerely appreciate all these volunteer efforts, each member wants to make a donation of his own and do it without fanfare or publicity. Possibly council just couldn’t think fast enough with so many other things on the agenda, to suggest a change right then.
Myself, because I believe in the heartfelt gratitude of each of the elected officials, I feel certain they will do something.
Heavens knows the Shore Casino goes overboard in its generosity to anything involving the police or volunteers in any town in the Bayshore. I’m sure this year is no different.
Each of the volunteer organizations and the PBAs also contributed heavily to the celebration that’s supposed to honor them, not one they should be paying for. But they all donate, including every single fire company in Middletown’s 11 fire companies.
The Mayor and Council are generous to others it is well known. It was just last week that they had their annual supper, at the Shore Casino, for the boat owners who rent spaces at the Harbor. Presumably, this event is to thank them for keeping their boats here, and to encourage them to rent space again next year.
The tab for that event is picked up by the Harbor Commission. It’s still a little fuzzy to me what are the rights, duties and obligations of the Harbor Commission and how they are different from the governing body when it comes to the Harbor. Either way, they’re still part of the governing body for some things, anyway, and they can spend money on a party for people doing business with them.
So if something like that can be done for out-of-town and local people alike who choose to make use of the magnificent facilities of the Yacht Harbor, then surely the borough can do something for the men and women who get up in the middle of the night to save a boat on fire, or assist at a car crash, or take a veteran or a child to the hospital for lifesaving care.
Students from MAST, the Marine Academy of Science and Technology, took first and second place awards in the Monmouth County Inaugural Archives and History Day Photography contest.
Emily Passaro, a sophomore, and Abby Hesterhagen, a junior, both at MAST, took first and second ribbons, respectively, for their entries. Emily photographed the historical monument in the Monmouth County Court’s front yard, and Abby photographed the historic Sandy Hook Lighthouse in the evening. The contest was open to all teenagers living in or attending school in Monmouth County.
Emily is from Freehold, and Abby from Atlantic Highlands.
Theme of this year’s Archives Day contest highlights the more than 300 years of history that has given Monmouth County residents countless individuals and events to commemorate with monuments and markers, many of which are hiding in plain sight in the middle of our communities.
County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon presented the awards at the Monmouth County Archives and History Day held in the Monmouth County Library in Manalapan Oct. 11.
