With weather fluctuations being as they are this month, and common in most areas, it’s a good time to think of the benefits of foods that are good to eat as well as good for health. Think of recipes that include both honey and ginger.
Ginger is a flowering plant that comes from Asia, but it’s the root of the plant that contains all the sweet and savory tastes that make a difference in everything from meat dishes to cookies or breads. It’s related to turmeric another beneficial cousin, and can be used fresh, dried or in liquids. It’s especially helpful in fighting coughs and colds, has a lot of magnesium and calcium along with some Vitamin C which means it helps with arthritis and definitely leg cramps or knee problem as well.
Honey is that perfect food, the only one that never goes bad, that substance produced by bees that can be used either by itself or in recipes of any kind. It’s particularly great for youngsters over two or three years of age in suppressing coughs and healing sore throats. Besides being in marinades, try stirring honey into coffee or tea instead of sugar, mix it in yogurt cereal, or oatmeal for a more natural sweetener or even serve it on top of peanut butter on toasted bread.
Or simply try this recipe for Honey and Ginger Chicken wings, thighs or legs.
Ingredients
1 Tbs. ginger
1/3 Cup honey
¼ Cup soy sauce
3 cloves garlic
1 Tbs. butter
2 lbs. chicken pieces.
Place dry chicken pieces in air fryer basket at 400 degrees for 20 minutes, turning halfway. When finished, place chicken I bowl.
While chicken is in air fryer, if using fresh ginger, peel ginger and grate. Combine all ingredients except chicken in saucepan. Simmer until butter melts and mixture is syrupy, about 4 minutes.
Toss chicken in bowl with ginger glaze till al is covered. , put them in a bowl and toss with the ginger honey glaze. Top with sesame seeds, poppy seeds or chopped peanuts.
Highlands Mayor Carolyn Broullon is once again inviting local resident to become more informed about their community and holding a public discussion on the concept design for the Depuration plant on Fifth Street.
The Borough has a New Jersey Asset Activation Planning Grant award, and as part of that grant is inviting discussion on both the concept design and the feasibility study for the clam plant on Wednesday, February 5 at 7 p.m. The discussion will be held at Borough Hall, Navesink Avenue and all are invited to attend.
Included in the discussion will be the history of the clamming industry and its impact on the borough and its residents, as well as a history of the plant itself.
The open meeting will also give residents an opportunity to learn how clams are purified through a series of steps that take it from being harvested out of the Shrewsbury River through their transportation to docks, cleaning both with water and UV treatments, as well as testing, packaging and the final steps to the customer for purchase.
The discussion will also lead to future possibilities for the industry and its impact on the borough.
The monthly Breakfast sponsored by the Rev. Joseph Donnelly Council of the Knights of Columbus will have a Valentine’s Day theme Sunday, when the Council presents its extraordinary buffet of eggs, pancakes, pastries, beverages and more at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School Gym, Miller Street, Highlands, Sunday, February 9.
The Knights invite all to attend their monthly breakfast, which is held from “8:30 a.m. until noon and offered at no cost, though donations are always welcome and accepted.
Any proceeds from the breakfast assist the knights in any of their several missions that aid those in need.
Grand Knight Ian McGinniss also extends an invitation to all men interested in knowing more about the Knights,the largest organization of catholic men in the world and founded by the Rev. Michael J. McGivney in Connecticut.
Julianna Werdann on the right and instructor Dawn DeSanto
Julianna Werdann. She sits with confidence, professionalism, and an obvious interest in her work at the table with the Henry Hudson Regional Board of Education members and their professionals at every regular meeting. She gives her monthly report in a loud, clear voice, enthusing over particular highlights the students have achieved and inviting questions or requests for further information.
She is Julianna Werdann, a Highlands resident and senior at Henry Hudson who has volunteered to give the student representative report at every meeting.
Julianna has been presenting her reports to the board and the public at every meeting in recent months, all prepared under the guidance of her teacher counselors for the project, Dawn DeSanto, an English teacher who coordinates the reports as part of her position as co-advisor for the student council, a position she shares with Jessica Merrigan from the Highlands School.
Julianna Werdann on right with English Teacher Dawn DeSanto
Describing the student position as “the voice of the great things going on in the schools, Henry Hudson Principal Kevin McCarthy is a strong proponent of the Student Representatives Report portion of the regular board meeting for many reasons.
“The most valuable part of the program is student participation in our community engagement,” he said. In addition to being the voice of school events, “The representative holds a position that allows him or her to learn about the inner workings of our school system and how decisions are made, not just in the traditional education sense, but as part of it.”
Julianna holds commitment to her position well. When she applied, she met all the requirements of the student selected to be the representative. To ensure she had and would maintain the interest in her added role to her regular school and educational responsibilities, Julianna campaigned and proved herself to be of the caliber that could be treated and trusted as a member of the leadership team. It also gave her the opportunity to become a reliable contributor to the overall school experience and an advocate for all programs and students, the principal explained.
In her role as student representative, once Julianna receives all the input from professionals in the broad spectrum of events and activities at the schools, Julianna compiles it in coordination with her counselors, prepares it and readies herself for each board meeting. She gives the first of the reports given monthly at all board meetings, preceding both the Superintendent’s and business administrator’s reports as well as the board president’s report. Her report also comes before any presentations or recognition’s by the board, and before the public has an opportunity to express opinions.
This month, Julianna’s report was three pages long, and covered a variety of activities that show the broad experience and interest the students have from music and art to sports, honors, forensics and social studies.
She alerts the board to upcoming events that involve students, including auditions of Atlantic Highlands school students and a Meet and Greet with the Count Basie theater team that is directing the production of Shrek, Jr. She told the board about the talented Highlands Elementary school students who are in rehearsals for the Bayshore Honors Band. She spoke on the upcoming performance set for Feb. 5 at Henry Hudson as well as how the Highlands Elementary worked with the Highlands Recreation Department for a community Toy Swap.
Julianna detailed the Henry Hudson Forensic Science and Criminal Law students’ work to find evidence to use at a trial and the steps they took to uncover evidence. She explained how that class works in conjunction with the Criminal Law class preparing for a mock trial after analyzing all the evidence and prepping witnesses. She hinted the date for the mock trail will be announced once the case is ready for the hearing.
Julianna included a report on the success of the annual Poetry Out Loud Competition, and announced the names of the top finalists, and the fact that Evelynn Knoxx, who took first place, will be going to represent the school at the Regional Competition Feb 12. at Ocean County College.
With continued pride in all the good things she had to report, Julianna cited the two students accepted into the Garden State Film Festival next month, and that the First Annual Film Festival will be held at Henry Hudson in March inviting everyone to attend to watch “some amazing films from the talent students and staff from Henry Hudson.”
Julianna’s comprehensive report goes into the projects the 9th grade history class has completed that better enable student to understand World War I and what soldiers went through along the Western Front in France. The students created trench, she explained, then next she cited how the innovative teacher, Mr. Corneliusen, even tapped into the students’ creative and writing abilities by having them write a letter home from a soldier, describing his life in the trench.
She also noted with pride the many other activities members of the National Honor and Nation Junior honor societies do in addition to maintaining those high marks and gave examples of how their efforts are helping in many different areas of the community.
When she finishes her report, Julianna sits back, smiles, indicates her readiness and willingness to answer any questions, then thanks the board and the residents for their attention, and leaves the table. Board members and those in attendance express their appreciation, knowing she has completed her mission not only to keep everyone updated on the activities and events involving students at all three schools in the district, but has done it in a professional style.
A Blood Drive sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Reverend Joseph J. Donnelly Council #11660 will be held Wednesday, February. 5 at the Charles Hesse Parish Hall on South Avenue, Atlantic Highlands.
The Drive will be held from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and appointments are recommended for donors in order to facilitate their schedules.
Donors are encouraged to eat a meal before donation and encouraged to drink plenty of water both before and after blood donations.
All donors must weigh no less than 110 pounds and are required to bring proper ID in order to make their donation.
The Missing Man Table, a symbolic ceremony and memorial for all those military Missing in Action or Prisoners of War, was presented solemnly and with an emotional and traditional ceremony at the recent Navy Ball held by the cadets at MAST the Marine Academy of Science and Technology at Sandy Hook. Empty Seat
Cadets conducted the ceremony in the middle of the dance floor at Forsgate Farms Country Club in full dress uniform at the ball, which included a series of MAST NJROTC traditions.
Following the military ceremonies, cadets who wanted to change into more fashionable civilian dress left for clothes changes in private rooms at the Club before returning for the buffet dinner and dancing throughout the rest of the evening.
Following a formal Receiving Line welcome and social hour, the Class of 2025 marched into the ballroom to the applause of the student body and other guests. The students were received after passing under the Sword Bridge detailed by c/CDR Thomas Clark, c/LCDR Carter Braun, c/LT. Alexandra Preston, c/LT Ella Marin, c/ENS Vivian Moore, c/LT Olivia Palutis, c/MPO Charlotte McKeon, c/LT Gregory Elkanovich, c/LT Russell Karshmer and c/LT Robert Yurkus.
C/ENS Claire Swansson gave a series of safety remarks and reminder before Master of Ceremonies c/CPO Capricia DeStefano welcomed guests once again, thanked the Naval Ball, Assistant Master of Ceremonies c/PO2 Cassara Yannarelli, and the Committee who worked with her as chairpersons c/LTJG Vivian Moore, c/LT Karshmer and c/LT Sarah Flynn. DeStefano then called for attention to a single table in the middle of the dance floor.
The small round table was set as the focal point of the ceremony. Bare at the beginning of the presentation, the ceremony was completed when the table was set for one, symbolizing the isolation of the absent service member because of being missing in action or a prisoner of war.
Silence fell over the crowd of more than 300 students, guests and chaperones as the nine cadets, in full dress uniform, marched into the room and took their places facing the table.
As one of the senior cadets explained the significance of each action, each of eight other senior cadets marched to the table, placed their symbolic item on the table, stepped back, saluted the missing soldier, then marched back to the cadet row.
While each of the cadets was born after the Vietnam War, it was evident they felt the solemnity and thoughtfulness of the somber ritual and were happy and proud to bring the presentation to the crowd.
Seniors at MAST who participated in this year’s ceremony were Carter Braun of Atlantic Highlands, Vivian Moore and Russell Karshmer of Highlands, Thomas Clark, Little Silver, Battalion Personnel Officer Ella Marin, Union Beach, Sarah Flynn, Keansburg, Gregory Elkanovich of Millstone, Charlotte McKeon of Manasquan and Olivia Palutis of Ocean.
As the ceremony preceded before the hushed crowd, the students explain the table in the ceremony is round – to show everlasting concern for the missing guest; the cloth is white – symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to serve.
A single red rose was placed, reminiscent of the lives of these Americans and their loved ones and friends who keep the faith, while seeking answers, the cadet explained. A yellow ribbon symbolizes continued uncertainty, hope for their return and determination to account for them.
A slice of lemon was placed to remind guests of the bitter fate of the missing men, captured or missing in a foreign land. A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears of the missing and their families and a lighted candle reflects hope for their return.
A Bible represents the strength gained through faith to sustain all present and those lost from a country founded as one Nation under God. The wine glass paced on the table was set inverted to symbolize the inability of the missing man to share a toast.
With the table set, the students, after having placed their gift, saluting the memory of the fallen, and returning to their seats, a chair was placed at the table, inverted and empty to remind all of the missing in action or prisoners of war that were all honored by MAST cadets but absent from their own annual celebration.
Other traditional ceremonies at the event include toasts to the Commander in Chief and all secretaries of each of the branches of service, more welcomes from MAST principal Earl Moore and a cake cutting ceremony celebrating the Navy Birthday on October 13, 1775, when the Continental Navy was created.
Cadets also praised and honored Commander Tracie Smith Yeoman, United States Navy (Ret), Senior Naval Science Instructor for the past 13 years at MAST. Commander Smith Yeoman retired last month, and students and faculty presented her with a number of gifts recognizing their appreciation for her excellence while heading the NJROTC program.
Commander Tracie Smith Yeoman, United States Navy (Ret)
No replacement has been named for Commander Smith Yeoman to date, with the NJRTOC program under the leadership of Naval Science Instructors Senior Chief Michael Vaccarella, now acting senior naval science instructor, and Chief William Fetherman, the two naval science instructors who have worked with Smith-Yeomen during her tenure.
Rumors that Calico the Clown is being sold are simply not true.
What is true is more is in store for the iconic figure visible on Route 35 near Kings Highway in Middletown for more than half a century.
That’s a report from Joseph Azzolina, executive vice-president of Food Circus Super Markets, Inc., and son of the late state Senator and former Navy Captain who first had the concept and courage to erect the Clown in front of the first Foodtown Supermarket.
It is not surprising that an Azzolina would have the idea for something unique and prized by the public. It was the beginning of change on the face of the historic township, with new construction and an influx of residents drawn to the benefits of living in Monmouth County.
It was the current vice president’s grandfather, John, who opened a small shop in Highlands and toted fresh meats and vegetables on the train from New York to sell to local families in Highlands. And it was Captain Azzolina who came back from the Navy to convert that small shop on Miller Street to the first supermarket in the Bayshore.
The Food Basket on Bay Avenue was the first store in the area that introduced freezer compartments, a butcher and shelves of other necessities all in one store to provide to a growing population.
When that Food Basket expanded and became the Foodtown complex with headquarters in Middletown, it seemed only natural that Azzolina would include something iconic and memorable to spread the message.
With the Middletown store, which was converted into the company’s major liquor store several years ago, closing its doors this week to move larger quarters further north on Route 35, and with the property undergoing legal battles with the township, questions arose as what would happen to the clown.
“We’re working to get the clown on the national landmark register,” Azzolina said this week in highlighting some of the history of the massive steel interior structure on a concrete base foundation.
Azzolina’s efforts are being met with pleasure and gratitude from those interested in preserving the history of Middletown from all eras. “Calico has stood as a sentry over Middletown for nearly 70 years and is a well-loved icon that adds to the town’s character. Securing its place for future generations is the right thing to do,” said Tom Valenti, president of the Middletown Historical Society.
While work is underway to secure the national registry designation, there may also be other opportunities to secure the clown’s future through architectural or monument preservation opportunities as well.
Both the Historical Society and Azzolina welcome any information or assistance in preserving the clown before it is lost forever. Should it be placed on the national registry, if it were to be moved, there would have to be a specific location for it to be moved, re-installed and ensured its historic preservation is maintained.
Currently, the structure holds a certification of eligibility from the New Jersey Historic Preservation Office, indicating that it meets Criterion C for inclusion in both New Jersey and National Register of Historic Places.
The sign and Clown were first built in front of 835 Highway 35, in the mid 20th century, a time when the character of development along the state highway was becoming increasingly commercial, with a burst of commercial and retail development happening after the Foodtown store was built, the post office added on the same property and Calico, the Food Circus Clown prominent by 1956.
Historic descriptions cite the sign as an example of mid-20th-century roadside commercial architecture, the paneled “Calico, Food Circus Clown” smiling beneath a banner announcing the business.
The Logo Clown was designed in 1955 by Leslie Worth Thomas of Road-Ad Service in Asbury Park, the original company now known as SignAd. The company has been a leader in the sign industry throughout the state, including icons at Palace Amusements in Asbury Park, marquees for the Walter Reade theater chain, banking institutions and numerous other businesses. It was purchased by the Azzolina Land Corporation firm of the Azzolina family in September 1955 and installed in December of the same year.
The top section of the structure is 14 by 23 feet in size and originally read FOOD CIRCUS with an animated chasing bulb arrow at the bottom of the display running in towards the new grocery store. The Clown itself stands 22 feet high by 10 feet wide and at one time rotated. Both are made from galvanized sheet steel, stainless steel and porcelain enamel and finished with galvanized steel sheets.
Calico the Clown Calico the Clown Calico the Clown Calico the Clown Calico the Clown Calico the Clown Calico the Clown Calico the Clown
The Henry Hudson Regional Board of Education congratulated and honored students and staff members at their recent meeting, a monthly event when personnel selected by their teachers or administrators are cited for excellence in a variety of categories ranging from excellence in educating to kindness and getting homework done early.
Ryder Foust was the Highlands school Student of the Month at the presentations, and recognized, for among other attributes, having respect for classmates and teachers alike. Jillian Petner’s homework perfection and personality earned her the Student of the Month award for Atlantic Highlands School and Santiago Flores took the award for Henry Hudson Regional School.
Also honored from Henry Hudson for excellence were Joseph Newell as the athlete of the month and Jack Carlstrom as the Artist of the month.
Staff members honored for excellence include Denna Cook from Highlands and Andrew Wolff from Atlantic Highlands schools, both physical education instructors at their respective schools. Joan Manigrasso was honored as the staff member of the month from Henry Hudson, with her excellence in having students understand concepts in math as an outstanding attribute.
The board also recognized that staff members Cariann Meyer from the Highlands School and Thomas Bodnar from Henry Hudson both have achieved tenure, Ms Meyer as ESL instructor and Bodnar as computer specialist.
In addition to adding color to any dish, being able to be a part of any luncheon or dinner whether served hot or cold, beets have so many other benefits of their own. They are the roots of the vegetable, it is true, but even their leaves and stems are great when made part of any soup mix.
Beets are best known for all the good their do for those with cardiovascular and health problems. That’s because they enhance blood flow, make arteries feel and serve better, and even reduce LDL cholesterol.
Health and beauty both! Yes! And add their delicious taste for one more thing that sets beets apart.
Like pretty much all vegetables, beets are low in calories, and high in more nutrients than you can name in a couple of minutes. They’re versatile…try them in salads, soups , a side dish, so much more. Even beet juice is sensational and still chock full of everything that helps ensure better health. Think of beets even for those with arthritis. And they’re loaded with fiber. That means they’re a huge help in controlling blood sugar, helping with weight problems, and lowering cholesterol. They’re studying the possibility it is also helpful with colon cancer, bowel disease and heart disease.
Beets come all ways and even canned they’re still full of all the health benefits. Try slicing them in a salad or blend some mashed beets into your hummus if you like the pink look.
If there is a downside to beets? Well, there could be, if there’s a problem with kidney stones. All those oxalates won’t tell those stones any good, so it’s wise to sample beets in moderation if that’s the case.
But just once, try this beet recipe, and then serve the dish either fresh from the oven, or cool the finished product and over a salad. Either way, it’s a tasty treat
Peel and cut 3 beets into ½” cubes. Toss beets in plastic bag with 1 Tablespoon olive oil and sea salt.
Spread onto baking sheet in an even layer. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the beets are soft to the touch, stirring once halfway through.
While beets are roasting, combine vinegar and honey in a small bowl.
After 30 minutes, when beets are soft to the touch, remove from the oven and drizzle the honey/vinegar mixture over the beets on the baking sheet, then stir until all the beets are evenly coated.
Return to the oven for 10 minutes until honey mixture coats the beets, stirring once halfway through.
Remove from the oven and serve warm or store and serve later over your favorite salads.
The appointments of Gregory Gradel and Lindsey Olson as new members of the Board of Directors of The Eastern Monmouth Area Chamber of Commerce was announced this week, bringing the number of board members to 24.
Gradel of Murphy Business Sales and Olson of New Jersey American Water both have significant experience in operational management and providing strategic input for growth and development opportunities. “Greg and Lindsey will bring a great perspective to EMACC,” said Chairwoman Marie Noglows. “We are excited to have their strong business background and resources to grow and support our Chamber and its members.”
Gradel, a serial entrepreneur, hands-on operations manager, licensed realtor and franchise expert, has over 25 years franchising experience in the business services, retail and food service industries. He is a former Certified Public Accountant, Certified Franchise Executive, and has owned multiple small businesses achieving national recognition for sustained operational and marketing excellence. He currently is a Business Broker with Murphy Business Sales, assisting business owners through the process of packaging and marketing their businesses for sale, and sourcing qualified buyers to close the sale.
Olson, a Senior Director of Operations with New Jersey American Water oversees the Monmouth and Ocean County operations including Water Treatment, Transmission and Distribution, Field Services and Wastewater Collections. He is responsible for directing the management, development and operation of the Coastal North water system. Lindsey manages a team of 180 union and management personnel who are responsible for providing water and wastewater collection to approximately 400,000 people in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.
EMACC plays an essential role in the health of the business community regionally and statewide. The Chamber serves Eatontown, Fair Have, Little Silver, Middletown, Monmouth Beach, Oceanport, Red Bank, Rumson, Sea Bright, Shrewsbury and Tinton Falls and welcomes new members. Interested persons can secure more information by calling (732) 741-0055 or sending an email to info@EMACC.org.
