They came barefoot or in sneakers. They wore everything from shorts and slacks to dresses and bathing suits. They brought potato and macaroni salads, deviled eggs and baked beans, meats and more. And all kinds of sweets for dessert.
They were all related, dozens of them, plus the Mayor, who is a neighbor, and a few friends.
The sun was shining, the breeze was cool, and the tide was coming in. It was the perfect day, time and place to say a final goodbye with a smile and rose petals for the beloved Florence Hartsgrove Gauthier, Gram to everyone.
It was Saturday afternoon and the family and a chaplain had just said their final prayers and goodbyes to Gram at Bayview Cemetery where there was a brief ceremony as the family presented her cremains for burial.
Then four generations of the family gathered at the Miller St. Beach, locally known as Gram’s Beach, for a final farewell , youngsters had sand pails filled with rose petals, and guests each took petals and tossed them in the water, along with a prayer for Florence and the family.
Some of the petals were picked up on waves and headed straight out to open water; others washed back up on the beach, only go out again on the next wave. Still other petals attached themselves to bare toes in the water, before finally letting go and heading out.
Then grandson David topped off the waterside memories by diving in and swimming out for a final goodbye to his grandmother and a look back at the Highlands she loved.
“This was what Gram would have wanted,” explained one of her five daughters, Lee Limberger. “She always said she loved parties on the beach. This beach. And when she was in the hospital before she died, we told her when she got home, there would be a party on the beach. She smiled as broadly as she could in her final illness and said, ‘oh, that will be great. I’ll be there.’ “
Both at the cemetery and at Gram’s Beach, all of the family had different stories to tell, different memories to share, all about the love and care of the matriarch of the large generational family and her love for the beach next to her home. Mayor Carol Broullon, who knew Gram as her next door neighbor, was there with the family to share their pain in losing her but their joy in all their memories. At 100 years of age, Mrs. Gauthier was the oldest living native of Highlands at the time of her death, and was honored with a resolution by the Mayor and Council which the mayor read and presented at last month’s council meeting.
Last year, she wrote the forward to a book about Highlands residents who made a difference, “The ABCs of Highlands.” In her foreword Florence described Highlands as “a special place to grow up and raise the next generations.” She noted that while Highlands “has changed with the times, it will always provide happy memories for those lucky enough to grow up here.”
Gram died in April of natural causes, surrounded by her family then as she was Saturday, Her obituary described her door as always open, the coffee pot always on, her love for Bingo games, adventures to Atlantic City and scratch offs. It explained how she “loved spending time at the beach whether it be putting her feet in the water, scanning the beach with a metal detector or taking rides through Sandy Hook.”
That is why the final memorial ceremony was held at the Miller St. beach everyone knows as Gram’s Beach.
In addition to her five daughters, Gram is survived by 13 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, and four great great-grandchildren, along with scores of cousins, nieces and nephews.
“Give us five Tuesday evenings,” said musical director, Craig J. Page, “and we’ll give you the skills you need to experience all the fun of solo or group singing.”
Craig was addressing his comments to anyone who wants to be part of a thrilling new musical experience, wants to sing a cappella and loves harmony. Page is director of the Chorus of the Atlantic.
He was referring to a special course, READY SET SING that he teaches at a private Monmouth County school and is inviting both beginning and experienced singers to join at no charge, but with advance registration. Registration should be made immediately; the course is limited to ten men.
The next series of free “Ready, Set, Sing!” classes are Tuesday evenings, from 7:30 p.m.to– 9:00 PM beginning September 27 and going through weekly until October 25, 2022, at the Red Bank Middle School Auditorium, 101 Harding Road.
“You don’t need to read music,” Page explained. “We’ll teach you everything you need to know to sing richly and resonantly and produce ear-pleasing harmony. You’ll soon be enjoying the ringing of beautiful a cappella chords, the company of a great bunch of fellow singers, and the thrill of performing for enthusiastic audiences.”
The Chorus of the Atlantic is the singing voice of the Red Bank Area Chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society and is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to bring four-part a cappella harmony to the local community through regular performances and educational events. The chorus consists of men representing a wide range of musical backgrounds, from novice to trained professionals, and performs under the direction of Page. The Chorus of the Atlantic rehearses at 7:30 PM on Tuesdays at the Red Bank Middle School.
“It seems to me you’re driving me out of town, so just release me from my lease and I’ll go elsewhere,” a frustrated Harold Smith told the Mayor and Council at last week’s meeting.
Smith, who runs TowBOAT/U.S and has been a tenant at the Municipal Yacht Harbor since 1998, is understandably upset. He has been seeking to have the building contractor fix the five major problems that have existed since the new $1.3 million building at the harbor was completed 20 months ago. Smith moved into the top floor of the building, renting approximately 350 square feet of space with incredible broad sweeping views of the harbor, the piers, and the water beyond.
But inside the building, there are a series of problems that have not yet been addressed by Kappa Construction, the firm who built the building in 2019. Nor have either the Harbor Commission to whom Smith pays rent, nor the Mayor and Council, to whom he turned when nothing was getting accomplished, done much to correct his situation.
Smith told the council there are five primary problems which need to be addressed and corrected. In spite of some of them reportedly being repaired, it isn’t so, Smith said. As an example, one of the complaints was about the front door closure. Sometimes it closes, sometimes it closes halfway, sometimes not at all. There have been a couple of attempts to secure it properly, but once the weather changes, or something else happens, the door is back to working occasionally. Simply replacing it would be the more efficient solution.
Then there is loose siding on the building exterior. Smith said that after Thursday’s meeting, Councilman Brian Boms came to his office, reviewed the problem and immediately took action.
While the loose siding and front door appear to be minor problems, there are more serious results than both of them, a visit to the building will show.
Although less than two years old, the entrance to the building at street level frequently gets water in heavy rain. And always has. That is evidenced in the amount of rust along the stair railings, the metal around the elevator shaft, as well as the metal structure within the shaft area the elevator slides on.
Smith had pointed out that standing water has also caused mold buildup in several different places. This week he took samples from one or two areas where mold is evident and is giving them to the borough administrator as further proof of his concerns for the building and the health and safety of all who use it. The mold tests, although not professional but available for use by any building owner, definitely show a rapid and unhealthy growth of mold.
The water conditions in the building have also left a malodorous entry in the building. That has been reduced somewhat, Smith said, although the air has been dry so he could not be positive. What could be seen, however, in the area beneath the stairs where water stands for a while in heavy rainfalls, someone had ‘repaired’ or eliminated the smell simply by scattering sawdust or cat litter.
As attractive and neat as the TowBOAT/U.S. office is, a far more dangerous and invisible construction error exists and could be fatal at some point. Building codes mandate that all gas fired equipment must have a shutoff valve easily and readily available close by in the event of a gas leak or serious gas problem. The air conditioners in this office as well as the State Police, are all gas-fired. But the shut off valves are nowhere to be seen. For TowBOAT/U.S., the valve is out the door, down a flight of steps and located somewhere at another level.
Nowhere near anyone in an office with a gas leak has access to the shut off valve.
Smith said the plumbing inspector apparently did not notice or think it was unusual, or for some other reason did not address the situation before the building was approved. But when he visited more recently and saw it, he agreed it appeared to be in violation of the building code and hopefully that matter is being addressed sometime this month.
These are the five main problems in the building, Smith said, the lack of accessible shutoff valves in his office and the State Police office, the front entrance leaks, the front door closure and the loose siding that still exists even after the falling piece has been replaced.
It’s not that Smith is an impatient man, far from it. Nor is he unreasonable.
When he first moved into the harbor in 1998, he operated from a trailer in the yard until a building was constructed. He moved into that building, and was there when it was destroyed during Hurricane Sandy. After Sandy, he moved into a trailer once again where he spent the next eight years, paying rent to the harbor while the borough and FEMA argued over funding to replace the building.
Kappa Construction Co. a local firm that has done many municipal building jobs in the area, including the Sea Bright municipal buildings and the currently under construction Highlands Borough Hall, was low bidder and built the current building with Smith moving in in January 2020.
Smith told the Mayor and Council he wanted to be released from his lease he just recently renewed, since his many pleas to the Harbor Commission have included many promises the situation would be corrected but little actual repairs.
He said “you’re running me out of town” by failing to bring the building up to standard and explained all about the sewage gas that emanates in several places in the building, the cheater valve that is still in place in the bathrooms, and the lack of respect he feels he received from at least one Harbor employee when he attended a meeting of that commission. He noted that he has been promised as far back as January of this year by the Commission that the issues would be or have been corrected. It still has not happened.
Smith, who told Council he spends upwards of $80,000 a year in the harbor between his lease and fuel purchases, also has a reputation for being helpful and adept at his job. Harbor users have praised how he worked above and beyond after Hurricane Sandy helping to get sunken boats raised and the harbor back into working order and the excellent quality of his work and his attention to customers .
A check of the minutes of the Jan. 11, 2022, confirmed Smith’s Statement and concerns were discussed but have not been properly addressed since problems still exist.
Under the Assistant manager report the minutes say “FEMA has agreed to revisit the overages on the TowBoat building project and the manger gave specific details, saying “the vent issues in the building bathrooms have been corrected and there should be no further odor issues in the building.”
Borough Administrator Robert Ferragina also said this week “The borough has been in constant communication with the contractor to remedy any/all issues and complaints. It is our intention to be proactive as we value all of our tenants in the harbor.”
While Council took no action on his request to be released from his lease if corrections are not made, Smith said he is hopeful things will be corrected in full this week and he will be able to continue to work in his office in safety and comfort.
I‘m not usually in praise of the Highlands Mayor, but I have to admit she takes criticism or suggestions gracefully and recognizes them as business and sincere interest, not personal. Every politician does not.
But she was outspoken, sure of herself, and full of information at last night‘s special Highlands council meeting and wanted to make it known that something, politics, conflicts, whatever, has taken away from settling the regionalization question simply on the basis of what should be settled: the best education for the kids at the best price for everybody involved.
And the attorneys for Highlands and Sea Bright are so different, and so much more knowledgeable and willing to inform the people, than the labor attorney hired by Atlantic Highlands to do the same thing.
It’s not the time to question why Atlantic Highlands would hire and rely on a labor attorney in such a vital issue for the borough; by contrast, it’s impressive to see the background and hear the knowledge and experience of the Highlands/Sea Bright attorney when it comes to discussing such a major issue for both towns and Atlantic Highlands. Heck, they’re the ones involved in the new law, they’re the ones with any experience in the field.
Shouldn’t everyone be listening to them rather than the attorney who had to come late to his meeting, explain more than once he’s a labor attorney, doesn’t know math, and leaves a meeting because he had to dash off to some other meeting for some other town somewhere?
It’s understandable the Highlands/Sea Bright attorneys did not want to go into specifics on some of the questions they were asked…why show their hand if they’re going into mediation? But at least they listened, and it’s my guess they are going to use some of the arguments that were presented to them.
It’s a meeting too many residents of Highlands missed, and I do wonder why…
Is it because people are bored with regionalization?
Is it because they trust their governing body so much they don’t need to listen to what’s going on?
Is it because they simply don’t understand what it’s all about or the ramifications of not regionalizing?
I don’t know, but given the notice they had, the message that went out that it was an important meeting, it was disappointing and surprising to see there was not a standing room only audience.
But then, the same thing happened in Atlantic Highlands. The room was packed for the Cannabis issue, but once that was set aside, the crowd left, many to go to a local bar to talk about the strategy to come, But few stayed to hear what was going on about regionalization.
Could it possibly be because there are so many new people in both towns, people who don’t know the pride, the history, the way they’ve done business for generations in these towns and are now bringing a new way of doing things to both towns?
Old or new, showing a distinct lack of interest is not the way to improve any town. Even if you don’t want to be involved in actually doing something for your hometown, at least make an effort to find out what the towns elected people are doing for you.
Taking the bull by the horns and mincing no words, Mayor Carolyn Broullon said what everybody else has avoided saying clearly: the question of regionalization for either two or three communities is definitely not going to be given to the voters in the November election.
The mayor and attorneys from the Porzio firm which represents both Highlands and Sea Bright also made it clear however, there are still options in December, January and March when the residents of this borough, Atlantic Highlands and Sea Bright would be able to vote on whether they want to form a K-12 regional district, with the two larger communities deciding on whether or not they want to include Sea Bright… It depends on the mediation among the towns not yet scheduled.
All of this was made clear during a 90 minute special meeting of the Mayor and Council this evening, that called in May to give residents an update on what all hoped would be a comprehensive plan for a K-12 district with sufficient information to let the voters decide if that is what they want. Each of the towns had agreed to an initial meeting on introduction of the proposal, and a meeting closer to the November election to keep voters informed of any updates.
The question planned for the ballot was whether the two elementary schools in Highlands and Atlantic Highlands together with the 7-12 regional Henry Hudson School should be combined in a single district with one board of education as one option, and whether Sea Bright should be included as a third community in the regional district as a second option.
However, even though all three boards of education in the two boroughs…Sea Bright does not have a board of education since it is part of two other school districts…agreed to resolutions putting the question on the ballot, as did the three boroughs, all of whom have to agree in order for the question to be posted, the boroughs of Highlands and Atlantic Highlands differed on the cost sharing that would come from Sea Bright being included. With Highlands receiving a large portion of the funds Sea Bright would bring into the new district, in order to have Atlantic highlands agree, Highlands council agreed to share the added income 50-50 with Atlantic Highlands, and considered the matter finished and ready for the November ballot.
However, in a last minute meeting with their attorney, Matt Giacobbe, who identifies himself as a labor, not an education or finance attorney, and without advance notice to Mayor Broullon or the Highlands Council, Atlantic Highlands council said they would settle for not less than the 50-50 cost sharing in perpetuity, not to be discussed every year, but to remain forever. Although Mayor Broullon had agreed to a timed agreement to get the question on the ballot, she would not agree to a binding, non-ending agreement.
At last night’s meeting former Sea Bright Councilman Charlie Rooney praised the mayor and explained what happened to his borough when they many years ago agreed to “in perpetuity,” a non-ending agreement.
“I remember my father, who was on Sea Bright council at the time, coming home one night,” Rooney told the governing body., “ and he said “the board of education has ripped the heart of the town; they closed our school.” Rooney explained the borough had agreed, in perpetuity, when they became part of the Shore Regional and Oceanport school districts in 1962, but never realized that their school, years later, would be closed rather than fund the estimated $60,000 needed for repairs “Forever is not a good word,” Rooney told the council.
Last week, the Atlantic Highlands council authorized its attorney to contact the Monmouth County Superintendent of Schools to ask him to mediate the differences between the towns. Broullon said last night they have not yet heard any more about whether the Commissioner would mediate or when or where it would be. Nor did the attorney nor Council know who would be involved in the mediation.
Broullon could not give Atlantic Highlands resident Mark Fisher a definitive answer on why the school boards should be involved in the mediation at all, inasmuch as they already approved the resolution calling for the K-12 district plans, and the only difference at present is a monetary issue between governing bodies representing their local tax payers.
Vito Gagliardi and Kerry Wright, attorneys with the Porzio firm which represents Highlands and Sea Bright, both listened to a series of questions from an Atlantic Highlands resident, declining to answer several and explaining they do not intend to identify their strategy prior to entering the mediation. However, they did say that the new regional district voters would all share the debt currently owed by the Atlantic Highlands elementary school, and Highlands would continue to maintain the roads, sidewalks, public works obligations, police and emergency services and other costs Highlands taxpayers incur in municipal taxes in addition to their share of the overall school budget. They also indicated that while “permanent” is not a word included in the resolution adopted last week by Atlantic Highlands, council there has made it clear they would not approve any ballot question without that agreement in perpetuity.
Porzio had also indicated that under the new law, any modifications can be made at varying times agreed upon, from one year to any number of years in order to recognize changes in each of the communities and in fairness to the public in all communities.
Broullon said the question is by means ended, and all are still working together towards a ballot question with the additional options of dates. “We can all be fair, we cannot be equal” she said, “but we should be talking about the students, education and tax savings.” She pointed how each of the communities is in better financial condition now, with assessed valuations in all three towns rising considerably in the past year. Atlantic Highlands has assessments of more than one billion dollars, she said, and an assessed valuation that has risen 10 per cent, while Highlands has a valuation of $892 million, a 14 per cent increase over the previous year.
“Highlands has been doing great,” she said, adding it still has more improvements and valuations to look forward to, citing the plans for Bay Avenue rehabilitation, and the negotiations still ongoing for the former Shadow Lawn Trailer park. “We can talk about the good stuff,” she said, about the 400 units possible on the former trailer park site below Mount Mitchill, where 15 per cent would be affordable housing. “Let’s talk kids and savings, and not pay attention to the noise in the background. We’ve made great strides, we’ve never come this far before, we’ve never been this close.”
The mayor and attorneys from the Porzio firm which represents both Highlands and Sea Bright also made it clear however, there are still options in December, January and March when the residents of this borough, Atlantic Highlands and Sea Bright would be able to vote on whether they want to form a K-12 regional district, with the two larger communities deciding on whether or not they want to include Sea Bright. It depends on the mediation among the towns not yet scheduled.
Porzio had also indicated that under the new law, any modifications can be made at varying times agreed upon, from one year to any number of years in order to recognize changes in each of the communities and in fairness to the public in all communities.
Broullon said the question is by no means ended, and all are still working together towards a ballot question with the additional options of dates. “We can all be fair, we cannot be equal” she said, “but we should be talking about the students, education and tax savings.” She pointed how each of the communities is in better financial condition now, with assessed valuations in all three towns rising considerably in the past year. Atlantic Highlands has assessments of more than one billion dollars, she said, and an assessed valuation that has risen 10 per cent, while Highlands has a valuation of $892 million, a 14 per cent increase over the previous year.
“Highlands has been doing great,” she said, adding it still has more improvements and valuations to look forward to, citing the plans for Bay Avenue rehabilitation, and the negotiations still ongoing for the former Shadow Lawn Trailer park. “We can talk about the good stuff,” she said, about the 400 units possible on the former trailer park site below Mount Mitchill, where 15 per cent would be affordable housing. “Let’s talk kids and savings, and not pay attention to the noise in the background. We’ve made great strides, we’ve never come this far before, we’ve never been this close.”
There are so many things that make me happy, sometimes it’s difficult to narrow it down to two or three things in one day. And today is one of those days. For starters, I had a terrific lunch with five of the greatest folks I see on ZOOM one or two days a week, and over a great meal at Tommy’s in Freehold….aren’t all of Tommy’s restaurants pretty terrific?…we talked about everything from what we do when we see each other those couple of times a week and why we volunteer to do it to each of our varying degrees of savvy on the computer and ZOOM. Always relaxing, always a lot of fun, always great people.
Then shortly after I got home, one wonderful neighbor…and it seems every one of my neighbors is pretty wonderful, knocked on the door to tell me he had a great day of offshore fishing and would I like some yellow fin tuna! Not only did he deliver it, and have it beautifully fileted, but also took the time to tell me how he caught it, how many the foursome who went 30 miles offshore to fish caught, and how much he loves Atlantic Highlands. Nor was I the only neighbor he shared so generously with. I heard some more laughter and great thanks coming from across the street as well.
Also stopped in the General Store on Route 537 in Colts Neck and chatted with owner Mary Pahira. It had been a while since I was there, and it was fascinating to see what an incredibly historic yet modern and up to date store/deli/luncheonette/breakfast room/jewelry store and so much more it is. Look for that story on VeniVidiScripto soon because there was so much to see, so much charm and such great food, I have to do a feature on it. If you’re over that way, stop in, the store is open seven days a week, don’t think Mary ever sleeps! And she’s got some great employees who have the same charm and kindness she has.
Five library Science students received Conover Withol Scholarships presented by the Middletown Township Public Library (MTPL) at its Board of Trustees Meeting held at the library on New Monmouth Road last month.
The future librarians receiving the Conover Withol Scholarships are Bridgitte Carrol, Amanda Ferrante, Moira Whittington, Nathalie Vallovera and Anna Wells.
The scholarship committee, which reviewed 12 candidates for the scholarship this year, recommended that scholarships be awarded to the five candidates in 2022.
The Scholarship was created in 1972 to honor and remember Edith B. Conover and Karl F. Wihtol, both long-time residents of Middletown Township and dedicated friends of the Library. Since its inception, the Fund has awarded 54 scholarships to qualified individuals, many of whom have become quite active in the information field.
For additional information or to learn more about all the programs and activities offered at the library, contact Jenna O’Donnell at jodonnell@mplmain.mtpl.org.
Libraries are always places of learning and researching. But in Atlantic Highlands, that learning and searching starts very young in the form of fun, games and a great children’s librarian who is innovative and energetic.
Lauren Garcia keeps a busy schedule at the library located in the Borough Hall building on First Ave. And each of the activities is filled to overflowing with youngsters who like everything about the Monmouth County Library, Atlantic Highlands Branch.
There are four different age group activities that occur Wednesdays and Thursdays which have proven popular over the past summer months. Wednesdays include a baby program for ages 10 months to 2 years at 9:30, , and a toddler program for ages 2 to 3 years at 10:15. Both are programs enjoyed by the parents and caregivers as much as the little ones themselves. Now, with school coming back in session, Thursdays at 3:15 will have be after school Story time for grades K and up as well as a preschool program for ages 3 to 5 beginning at 4 p.m.
Through it all, Lauren commands attention and expects her youngsters, each of whom is a favorite and rather special to her, to follow the rules and be attentive. She’ll giggle and smile though in saying that the children must be well behaved and supervised, then adds, “But I will never turn someone away from a Story time.”
The enthusiastic librarian notes “I’d love to mention I’m having some super exciting programs in September and October,” she says with a grin, eager to outline that on Sept. 15, she is beginning a martial arts program and a few weeks after that, on October 6, Neill Hartley will give a one man performance of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. “ Not the unusual programs you find in libraries, but exciting events that keep the little ones, and followers of all ages, to visit what used to be silent walls as of books between quiet corridors.
There are a number of events and special books to celebrate Halloween as well, the librarian explained, with pumpkin painting beginning Tuesday, Oct. 25 and continuing through Thursday, October 27 a special event that promises to be colorful as well as festive.
While the library always has “regulars,, families that traditionally are present for specific programs or events, summers also bring visitors from New York, or visitors to local families who also appreciate the opportunity to visit the local library. Visiting guests are as welcome to participate in the programs as the regular visitors, Garcia explained, as are all the you9ngsters who might not be able to visit the library as often during the fall and winter months when other activities and schedules cut back on their time to relax with books, tapes, films and games.
A number of books or authors get to be popular among younger readers every season, and this year, both boys and girls seem to enjoy Big Nate, Dog Man, Keeper of Lost Cities and Rick Riordan series as well as Percy Jack, Magnus Chase, and the Kane Chronicles. Harry Potter and the Warriors series are still popular for the school set. Younger readers still enjoy Mo Willems, Paw Patrol, Peppa Pig, superhero books, Star Wars and Disney books.
Nor is there any single author that tops the list. The children all enjoy reading Mo Willems, Dan Pilkey, Rick Riordan, Ross Burach, and J.K. Rowling all remain favorites.
The children’s librarian, besides bringing so much joy to young readers and doers, gets so much joy out of her work herself. “I love being able to help a child pick out a book and hit the mark of what they like,” she said. “If a child takes the book I’ve recommended out again and again, I think that’s a huge win. I also love teaching different phrases in different languages in Storytime and love it when kids greet or say goodbye to me in Japanese.” It’s hard to tell who has the much fun at these library activities, the adult or the youngster. Or the parents sitting quietly along the sidelines and enjoy the repartee.
While families usually come together during the summer, once school starts children often walk over to the library after school for programs or to hang out and use the computers.
The library offers mild competition as well, much to the enjoyment of its visitors. Lauren often has guessing games during the younger story times sessions, and thanks to the donation of games from a patron, there are also checkers, chess, memory games, Strategy, Candyland and other popular favorites the youngsters seek out themselves and use while they are in the library.
The library-going youngsters seem to prefer books to hold in their hands over computer reading, though there are other youngsters who come in to play some games on the computers or order books about video games.
A graduate of Monmouth University with a B.A. in Communication with a focus in Journalism from Monmouth University and a Master of Information from Rutgers University, Lauren started in this branch of the County Library in 2019. She had a job as a reporter for a paper on the Jersey Shore but then went to the library at Avon By the Sea when she liked that work better than journalism. When she started with the Monmouth County Library system, she worked at first in adult reference before switching to the children’s department, saying “where I am quite the happy clam.”
If there is anything she could add to the program within the library, Lauren said it would be bringing back tween and young adult programs. She urges anyone interested or with ideas for a club or program that could be included in the library’s program, “I’d love to hear about it so that we can work to getting our community more involved in the library!” Her longtime dream is the idea of children growing up in the library, not stopping after they become too old for Story time, but continuing to enjoy all the library has to offer for all ages.
The Librarian encourages all to join a library, and points out that in Atlantic Highlands, anyone who lives here can simply stop in, sign up and get a library card that gives them access to not only this branch but all the branches of the County-wide system. Children signing up should be accompanied by an adult the first time to ensure paperwork is taken care of accurately, quickly and with parental permission, but after that, “you can always find youngsters in our library. It’s in the heart of town and everyone is always welcome.”
Congressman Chris Smith was at Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook Sunday to once again participate in the Memorial Ceremony for all those lost in the 9-11 attack 21 years ago.
“We remember today the excruciating shock, pain and horror suffered by those who were murdered—147 from Monmouth County alone—and the anguish felt by their families and friends both then and now.
We honor the innocent victims—hard working Americans pursuing the American dream with hope, tenacity and resolve.
We honor all their loved ones including children some of whom never knew mom or dad—never had memories at the ball field or sharing a pizza or a day at the beach.
We honor the first responders who demonstrated uncommon bravery by running up the stairs of burning buildings to rescue and protect.
Many first responders lost their lives that day—and many more have passed away in the two decades since due to massive exposure to toxic particulates and dirty air. Many have cancer, PTSD and other deleterious consequences.
We honor all of these brave Americans at this 9/11 memorial ceremony, and knowing that the perpetrators of violence and terrorism never take a holiday—nor can we.
According to the International Crisis Group there are 73 serious conflicts and crises around the world today including Ukraine. The Taliban owns Afghanistan.
We’ve got to leave our kids and grand kids a safer, more peaceful world.
So, as we remember the victims of 9/11, may each of us seriously recommit to prayer and works to ensure that violence in all of its ugly manifestations including terrorism be mitigated and ultimately defeated.”
Freeholder Lillian Burry was not able to attend the 9-11 Memorial at Mount Mitchill yesterday morning, the first time ever she has missed it. So for those who missed hearing her reading the poem she wrote for the occasion, as well as for the Colts Neck Memorial:
We Remember Them
In the opening of buds and in the warmth of summer,
