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Highlands is Going to Pot … and Nobody Cares

By
Muriel J. Smith
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Highlands Pot

Hey my friends in Highlands! Hey, all you Highlands taxpayers I don’t even know! Hey! All you Highlands residents who complain about stuff but never do anything about it.

Wake up!

You just might be in big trouble!

You just might have taxes you can’t afford pretty soon. For those of us that lived in Highlands before it was fashionable … We already can’t afford the taxes

And for sure you don’t even know where all your tax money is going !  Don’t you even care?

I care.

I care a lot…

But I don’t live in Highlands anymore. The politicians ruined it … and residents who have sat idly by enabled them to ruin it.

I lived in Highlands for over for 40 years … I had a home there, I raised my children there, I loved it there… and I was  forced to find someplace else to live after my husband died, I couldn’t afford to come back to Highlands. Can you believe that? So I moved to Atlantic Highlands, but forever, I have left my heart in Highlands.

But I’m tired of fighting for all you residents who don’t seem to care about anything.

Let me explain.  I like your Mayor. Indeed, I don’t always agree with her. But I respect her because she’s smart, she’s got great ideas, she gets things done. But she doesn’t always tell you everything.

That’s not her fault. You don’t even ask. You don’t even go to meetings to find out what’s going on. And I can also blame you for my not being able to go to meetings, too.

You see, just about every town I know has ZOOM. So people who couldn’t get to meetings, whether it’s because they are disabled, have no babysitter or any other reason, can still be active participate in their town.

Not Highlands.

Do you even know that two nights ago the Highlands Council voted to approve three cannabis dispensaries in town?  THREE, yes, that’s right. Only one Councilman, Mr. Melnyk, voted against two or three, not sure.  Everybody else approved them. I’m not sure of Mr. Melnyk’s vote or even the reason for it each of the three  times. That’s because since I couldn’t go to the meeting, I wanted to at least hear it. I had read the agenda online, one very positive action of the borough clerk. But when I got to hear the recording, the background nose, rustling of papers, and poor audio system at the Community Center made it almost impossible to hear every word. In some places, I could ‘t hear any words at all.

It ceases to be the fault of the Mayor and Council if nobody in town gives a good darn about whether they know what’s going on or not.

I couldn’t tell how many people were at the council meeting; they don’t announce it. And you can’t see it on the recording. But I know only two people gave opinions at the meeting.  So approval of THREE cannabis dispensaries were  okayed by a major vote.  Is that what everyone in town wants?

Had you attended the meeting, I’m sure the Mayor would have told you, as she told the one questioning resident. Of course there won’t be THREE cannabis dispensaries in town.  And the borough doesn’t make the final decision either, that’s up to the state. But just in case, three are in the running and nobody but the one resident who asked a couple of questions even knew it was happening at a meeting that probably would have been well attended, or ZOOMed if the borough offered that option.

It takes reading the resolution, or attending the meeting to know that in the end only one of those three will actually be successful in opening a business in Highlands. And that the borough will also approve it once the state has said the first of three is ok to go. Don’t know how the borough will decide which one if the state sends all three approvals together.

Now the Mayor, like I said, is really smart and really cares for the town. I think she wants people to know what’s going on. But it isn’t up to her to make sure you go to meetings. Or read the resolutions attached to the agenda a day before the meeting.

You, the taxpayer, have to do something on your own.

Ok, that’s one thing, and even those opposed to a dispensary will get used to it, once it’s profitable, the police department has added new levels on demand to their already busy schedules, and all the borough departments keep on top of any violations, as they generally do on all businesses in town.

But there’s another bit of borough business the towns people aren’t paying a speck of attention to. That’s the multi-million dollar cost of that new borough hall on the hill.  The builder and borough have a camera on site so you can watch the construction as it’s happening. It’s a bit ahead of schedule, I think and going up as it should be … I suppose.

But try and find the paperwork that guides it. Try and find out how they’re paying the architect his close to a million dollars and what he’s doing to earn it. For that matter, try and find the architect’s contract!

Kevin M.   Settembrino  is the architect. He’s also overseeing the construction, along with, yes, another salary, the project manager. So far, he’s been paid over $700,000 over the past few years.

But where is his contract?

I asked for it. Couldn’t get it.

I OPRAed it. Still couldn’t get it.

Waited after the clerk told me they couldn’t find it.

OPRAed it again. Still couldn’t get it.

Clerk told me they were asking Sentebrino for it!

Ok, stop and think of that for a minute.

The borough is paying all the bills. Hopefully, but I don’t know, they wrote the contract with the architect. But they told me they don’t have it. They told me they had to ASK him for it?

Are you kidding me?

It only gets worse.  He never sent it. Or maybe he did, how would I know? They never told me.

Then they closed my OPRA request and deemed it complete. Complete without giving me what I was asking for.

And the firm gets paid every month or so.  Based on what? If there’s no contract, or it’s a contract he supplies…don’t know if it’s signed by the borough, because of course I haven’t seen it, how do they figure how much he gets paid each month?

That’s only the tip of the iceberg. The borough accepted a bid of $10,599,000 for the building.

Then they said it would cost   $10,400,000. Where did that figure come from?

Now the cost, when you add them all up..which I can’t of course, because thee again, I asked for the actual contract with Kappa Construction, the builder, and I only got the routine one every contractor has, not the specifics for this specific construction.

I asked for the bids and estimates for Furniture … The Borough refused to provide them;

I asked for the bids and estimates for Fixtures … The Borough refused to provide them;

I asked for the bids and estimates for Equipment … The Borough refused to provide them;

You’ve heard of Kappa Construction’s name. You’ve seen it in writing in recent months. It’s the same company who two years ago built that $1.5 million building in the Yacht Harbor in Atlantic Highlands, the next town over. That’s the building that now involves lawyers, the Harbor Commission, the Mayor and Council trying to figure out how the things that were done improperly when it was built and bonded haven’t been fixed, replaced, or modified in the 20 months the tenant has been pointing them out.  Actually, the renter has gotten so frustrated with the dangerous situation the faulty construction puts him in, he’s asked to be released from his lease.

Is this what Highlands wants, fighting two years after construction is complete  after official borough, court  and police protection are moved in?

Stick around; I’ve asked a lot more questions, gotten many non answers and I can explain what hasn’t been answered and possibly why, and then tell you some of the answers I have received, with information that might shock you.

And if that happens, I hope it shocks you enough to wake up, ask questions, demand answers, find out actual costs, look at approved bills and save my town from economic disaster.

My heart is still there and I don’t want it broken..

 

 

Check out recent related articles concerning the new Borough Hall

Borough Hall Update

10 Million to 10.6 Million

Live!

Healthy Eyes with Mediterranean Chowder

By
Muriel J. Smith
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Eye Chowder

  Fish of all kinds have always been known as healthy food for not only good eye health but general good health and especially good for avoiding heart problems as well.

The oily fish, those fish that have oil in their body tissue, are considered the best because they are so rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Having oil fish as part of your diet at least twice a week gives you a generous supply of fish oil without any need to take supplements.

Among the fish highest in omega-3 fish oil are mackerel, salmon and sardines, as well as tuna, trout, herring and anchovies. But check about salt content as well with the canned fillets,  if it’s necessary to maintain salt intake.

There are still arguments on both sides, but a lot of research also shows that fish oil is particularly good for dry eye syndrome, another age -related disease which can also be caused by other diseases but is damaging regardless of cause.

Dry Eye Syndrome leaves the viewer with blurry vision, often with burning or itching. Spending too much time in front of a computer without blinking or facing strong winds on a windy day can also cause discomfort from dry eye.

Aging causes all fluids normally excreted through various means from the body to dry up; so older people may urinate less, sweat less, cry less, and lose fluid through the skin less, causing those wrinkles in age.

Aging also dries the natural liquids in the eyes that keep the cornea from becoming irritated.  The cornea is the covering over the front part of the eye where the iris and pupil are. Without enough tears, the fluid in the eyes, and blinking, prevents the cornea from being lubricated enough and results in dry eyes.

But dry eyes can also be a symptom of a variety of conditions, and can result from such things as being outside on a windy day or staring too long at your computer without blinking to keep the lubricant moving across the cornea. You may also experience the discomfort of dry eyes due to a health problem or a new medication you’re using. Regular visits to the eye doctor can help you and will also determine whether eye drops or a prescription medicine is the best.

In every case however, all that copper, lutein, and zeaxanthin found in seafood are necessary for eye health of all kinds.

 

Soups are such an easy and delicious way both to prepare a great dish to enjoy as a meal  lunch, or as a smaller bowl before an entrée for a multicourse dinner.

What makes fish soups even better, is that in addition to vegetables, always good for eyesight as well as heart health,  fish high in oil have added benefits.

Try this Mediterranean Chowder for healthy heating.

 Ingredients

 

1 onion, chopped

½ green bell pepper, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 lb. diced tomatoes,  or 1 28 oz. can diced tomato, drained

2 cups chicken broth, canned or homemade

1 8 ounce can tomato sauce

½ ounces canned mushrooms

1/4 cup sliced black olives

½ cup orange juice

½ cup dry white wine

2 bay leaves

1 teaspoon dried basil

¼ teaspoon fennel seed, crushed (optional)

⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

1 Cup shredded carrots (optional but great tasting)

1 pound medium shrimp,  peeled and deveined

1 pound cod, mackerel, trout  or tuna, cubed

 

Directions

Put everything except the seafood in a slow cooker, Cover, and keep on low for 4 hours or until the vegetables are crisp tender.

Stir in shrimp and fish, cover and cook 15 to 30 minutes, until shrimp are opaque. Serve and enjoy.

Presidential Traffic Jam

By
Muriel J. Smith
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Middletown Traffic

Due to an anticipated Presidential visit in Middletown on Thursday, October 6th, TODAY, motorists should expect delays, intermittent road closures, and temporary frozen zones (no vehicles, pedestrians, or bikes on roadway) in the afternoon and early evening hours in the vicinity of the Lincroft, River Plaza, Oak Hill and Navesink sections of the township, as well as the Route 35 corridor near Red Bank.

Please avoid the area and plan alternate routes.

Happy 100th Birthday!

By
Muriel J. Smith
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0
Happy Birthday

The Monmouth County Library is 100 years old this year, and each of the branches has done some pretty spectacular ways of celebrating it. By all means, stop in Eastern Branch in Shrewsbury and see the Dewey Decimal system creative display. Shrewsbury’s former Mayor Don Burden, who is also a former member of the Library Commission, said it’s fantastic and well worth everyone seeing.

Also fascinating was the talk County Commissioner Lillian G. Burry was scheduled to give. Unfortunately the Commissioner, who has rarely missed anything to do with the Library, was unable to attend, and the Executive Director read her talk. For those not in attendance, here’s a copy of what  Commissioner Burry said. She has been the County’s representative on the Library for years and years. Also absent from the festivities was Renee Schwartz, that petite dynamo who headed the Library Commission for 50 years and made such an impression the children’s room at Eastern Branch was named in her honor.

Mrs. Burry, historian, library lover, scholar, and historian, wrote the following, giving all of us who could not attend the ceremony something to think about and learn.

“Every great civilization has had its own unique qualities but one thing they’ve had in common is a recognition of the importance of learning.

For the advancement of learning they all sought to acquire knowledge and to give it a home in a library.

Twenty-three hundred years ago, the greatest library in the Classical world was built in Egypt in the city of Alexandria which became the center of culture and learning for the Mediterranean world.

It is reported to have held the writings of all of the greatest minds of Antiquity…Homer, Plato, Aristotle and many more as well as texts from Egypt and many other cultures. It is reported that it met its final end in 391 AD because it was filled with the works of pagan writers and those in power wanted to put an end to pagan culture.

I’m reminded of this because the two ideas that built and destroyed the greatest library of its Age are still with us. One is the desire for knowledge,  to possess it and to share it freely and widely. The other is the desire to limit the freedom to experience the words and thoughts of the great thinkers of every age and culture without bias or prejudice or censorship.

As freedom of speech is more than the right to say, “have a nice day,” implicit in that right is the right to be heard or read, as the case may be.
Values and beliefs change over time. But the right to express and share them must remain a constant in a truly free society

This is why we build libraries that are ‘free’ and ‘public’ so that everyone can come together and share in the vast diversity of thought and expression that is available to us now.

For a hundred years, we have been pursuing these values here in Monmouth County and it is my greatest hope that this pursuit will continue for many hundreds of years after all of us are gone.

And now allow me to go back in recent time and recognize several personalities that assisted us in the Library’s growth over the years. Some of the early directors include Livingston,– who brought jazz to Monmouth County, Ken Sheinbaum, and our current director, Judi Tolchin – who survived the pandemic.

Some of the early chairs of the Board of Directors include the outstanding Renee Schwartz, whom I have credited with taking us from the book mobile stops to 13 branches and one of the largest circulating libraries in the state.

Others that stood at her side:

Don Burden “Mr. Shrewsbury” himself and even more recent and current board members Nancy Grbelja and her outstanding leadership, Frank Wells,  always Mr.  Dependable, Grace Abernof and her large measure of common sense, Freeholder Ted Narozanick, who always kept the library in the hearts and minds of all, Peter Doyle with his devotion to Atlantic Highlands that resulted in Atlantic Highlands becoming a branch, Donald Burry, who has libraries in his DNA and became part of a group of Colts Neck individuals who built the Colts Neck Library with local donations.

There are more to whom we are all grateful, including Heidi Amici; Muriel Smith who wrote wonderful articles regarding the library, Brian Boms, the current chair , and ably assisted by Barbara McMorrow, not a new arrival to Monmouth County Library.

I hope I didn’t leave anyone out.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MONMOUTH COUNTY LIBRARY – 100 YEARS!!

Kate Moore or Kate Moore … THAT is the Question

By
Muriel J. Smith
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0
Author Kate Moore-British

When is an author not THE author?  When she’s an American romance novelist.

Having met the brilliant British author of The Radium Girls, Kate Moore, and knowing she was coming out with a new book she couldn’t talk about at the time I met her, I was anxious and eager to read that book, “The Woman They Couldn’t Silence”  when I finally saw it advertised.

I knew the reviews  all said how spectacular it is; Kate’s Radium Girls had won dozens of awards and acclaims for her story of the women, mostly young,  who worked at the factory in Orange, NJ in the early 1940s painting the faces o watches so the numbers cold glow in the dark. No one told the girls the paint was radium and the cause of their broken bones, pains, agonies and terrible deaths.

I also knew Kate was more than a sensational author; I knew she loved theater and wrote The Radium Girls because their story was in  play and she was drawn to tell the story of the horrors of their life. I also knew she was an actress, was  an editorial director for a leading publishing company in England and had written an earlier book  published as “Roses are Red, A Book for Lovers.”

And after meeting and chatting with her, I knew she was an incredibly wonderful person with as much kindness and British sophistication as she had talent in her writing.

The library had a waiting list for the newest historical novel, so in waiting for that, I heard of two other titles by Kate Moore that were in the library, “To Tempt a Saint” and “To Seduce an Angel.”  Unusual titles, it’s true, but after the Lovers Book, I figured what the heck.

Starting to read “To Tempt a Saint,” I immediately saw Kate’s different writing style; great, an easy read, set in the 19th century, and interesting. I marveled at Kate’s ability to be able to write in a completely different style. I didn’t know the history of the setting for the story, so I liked learning some  more about the English courtiers of the 1800s. But the book had a lot of sex and sex related interludes in it as well and I was surprised that this very proper British wonder woman could write the heartbreaking story of the Radium Girls  as well as the sex-laden story of the wealthy in England and their habits.

I wrote to Kate to tell her I had to wait for that newest book, and that I had been thinking of her on a recent trip to Ottawa, Illinois, which Kate had also visited because of the girls working in that city’s radium painting factory as well. I told her how touched I was by the statue in a park in Ottawa commemorating the Radium Girls.

Then I told her how exciting “To Tempt a Saint” was, what a great book it was, and how much I enjoyed her different writing style, even though I was still waiting for “The Women They Could not Silence.”

That’s when Kate wrote back: She referenced the time we met, when I brought Rose Penta from Highlands to chat with her when she was in New Jersey a few years ago. Rose’s mother and four aunts were among the Radum Girls Kate had written so well about and Kate wanted to talk with Rose as well.

So here I was. Praising my favorite author for a book she did not write simply because I admired the fact that she I thought she could write in two different styles. So I researched “the other “ Kate Moore.” She identifies herself as “the American Kate Moore” and does indeed write romance novels, a lot of them, though I do not know how historical they are.

In the meantime, The Woman they Could Not Silence became available at the library, and I began reading immediately.

As much as I loved The Radium Girls  possibly in part because it was about a friend’s relatives were the basis of the story, this newest novel is hands down even better!

The Woman They Could not Silence” is set in the 19th century, Civil War era, in Illinois. Elizabeth Packard is a women married for 21 years with six children. Her husband, a preacher, had her committed to an insane asylum because he felt she talked too much, disagreed with him too much, and dared to have her own opinions!  Men could do that to their wives in the 19th century in the United States.

But the likes of Elizabeth Packard, housed in an insane asylum or not, would not let this happen and indeed, she would not be silenced. And Kate Moore, the British wonder, tells her story with heartbreaking detail and empathy.

You have to read it!  It’s one of those books you simply can’t put down!

That American Kate Moore? She writes well and holds your interest.

But that outstanding British Kate Moore? She is simply spectacular.

Build it and Forget it

By
Muriel J. Smith
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Tow Boats US

With nothing to report from the Harbor Commission attorney and no unfinished business to report by commissioners, tenant Harold Smith was advised he has to wait even longer for repairs to be made in the $1.5 million building he has complained about for the past 20 months.

The building, which houses Towboats US and a unit of the NJ State Police, was built by Kappa Construction, the firm currently building the more than $10 million new Borough Hall in Highlands.

Construction of the harbor building was deemed complete in 2020 and Smith was permitted to move in in January, 2021. He had been conducting his business in a trailer art the harbor for eight years after the original building was destroyed during Hurricane Sandy. While his rent was frozen during the time he operated from the trailer, he has been paying an increased rent since moving into the new building.

At first, Smith advised the Harbor Commission of five major problems in the building all related to problems with construction, ranging from the main door failing to open, close or stay in a stationery position all the time, to a malodorous smell in the bathrooms and gas heaters and emergency shutoffs improperly operating or in the proper place..  When no permanent corrections were made, nor the gas heater problem resolved, despite numerous notices to the Harbor Commission, he appeared at a borough council meeting last month to say the Commission was acting like they wanted him to leave. Council promised some action and did make some temporary fixes.

But at last night’s harbor commission meeting, Edward Washburn, standing in for the commission’s attorney Michael DuPont, advised commissioners not to answer any questions pertaining to the issue and said he himself would also not answer questions because of the possibility of litigation once new information received is reviewed. He indicated he was giving this advice since the Harbor Commission could possibly be drawn into the litigation if it became reality. The information is so new, he said, it is still being reviewed. There was no executive session after the meeting, so no apparent discussion with the Commission on the new information.

During the public portion Smith said he had sent a formal request to the Harbor Commission and had not received any comments or response to that. After the meeting, he indicated that request was that the Harbor release him from his contract effective Jan. 1, 2023, if the repairs are not paid. He said Attorney Dupont had advised him he should seek an attorney to represent him in the matter.

“I hope we can work this out,” Smith said, That is my standard goal, I really would rather than that being released from my lease”

Ever the optimist, Smith added that “they’re trying,” praising Harbor Chairman Thomas Wall for all his efforts. “They’re trying,” he repeated, “but I’ve heard that before. And nothing’s been done.”

The tenant has not ever asked or received for a reduction in his monthly rent he has been paying over the past 20 months saying, “I’m not that kind of person. I have to put my head on the pillow and sleep every night.”

Washburn could not give any indication when any information could be released or what action is being considered. The only response to Smith’s letter asking for release from his lease was the fact that decision had to be made by the Harbor Commission.

Guardian Angel

By
Muriel J. Smith
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1
Guardian Angel

One thing that makes me happiest today is that I have a Guardian Angel smarter and more careful that I am.  It’s bigger than any other two or five or ten things that will also make me happy today, I’m sure.

With a long-term visual problem that makes it impossible to drive at night , I am watchful of sunrise and sunset times and check them regularly to be sure I’m not behind the wheel when there isn’t enough sun to let me see clearly.

It’s my habit to walk the  under half mile to St. Agnes Church four mornings a week, Sundays,  Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I’ve only been doing that since May and realize that as the days get shorter, I’ll either have to miss some of these masses or walk in the dark.

But this morning was the first morning since May that it has been raining before 7 a.m. At least raining hard enough that I didn’t think it wise to walk that almost half mile.

The sun rose this morning at 6:55, a minute later than yesterday, and I saw and heard the heavy rainfall.  There was too much rain, I decided, to walk, but I could drive two or three minutes before sunrise, I figured. So I did.

Concerned with the water building up along the side of the road, I didn’t give much thought to starting the car, putting on wipers and headlights, and pulling away from the curb. I was in the middle of the street when I realized in spite of the sunrise within two minutes, I simply couldn’t see clearly enough to drive. I panicked! I knew I couldn’t back up to get back to the curb, and couldn’t  stop in the middle of the street or pull to the side since it’s a narrow one way street with no parking on one side since it would block all traffic on the road.

Smart or not, full of faith or not, I made the decision to go slow and go forward, knowing I only had 2 turns to make to get to the church and into a parking area. I said a few prayers to my Guardian Angel and decided God and the Angel would protect me since I was heading to church.

It took me longer to drive to church than it does to walk! But I made it safely, encountering no other vehicles on the way.

Once inside church, I simply fell apart. Not literally, just figuratively. I don’t scare easily, and I don’t scare often, so the emotional toll it took on me when I got inside church forced to sit down in the nearest pew rather than proceed to where I usually sit. (Doesn’t everyone who goes to church on a regular basis have a “regular seat”? )

That’s when I remembered. I had just gone to the eye surgeon three days before and was diagnosed with a second visual problem, Dry Eye Syndrome. It makes everything blurry. I received an eye drop medication for that  I have to put in my eyes five times a day!  I have done it regularly for the three days as well as once this morning before leaving the house. I knew I had gotten immediate release from some of the blurriness after the first two days. But apparently, I reasoned, between my own blurriness from this added diagnosis and a heavy rainfall, I am going to be dealing with that syndrome as well as my long time visual problem.

After mass, I stayed another 15 minutes just to be sure that  I would be able to see with no problem to go the short distance back home.  Hew rain had stopped, it was certainly lighter, and I had no problem getting home.

But the experience unnerved me. Stupid of me, I thought. I should have thought to take into consideration that of course the rain being as heavy as it was would make for a duller sunrise and fuzzy windows and the added syndrome would create almost the very same conditions that prevent me from driving at night.

I was stupid, I admit it. I may have made a poor choice in deciding to forge ahead rather than block traffic on my street, I admit it.  Did it teach me a lesson? You bet it did! In addition to not driving at night, I cannot drive in heavy rain because of the addition of yet another visual problem.

Will  I try it again? Absolutely not! My Guardian Angel might be very kind, observant, and helpful, but I’m not about to press my luck. I don’t know that the Angel would be as quick to protect me a second time  once I had been warned, and without mishap,  that my vision problem impacts me in heavy rains as well as nightfall.

Fall Taste of Highlands

By
Muriel J. Smith
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Taste of Highlands

The Highlands Business Partnership (HBP) will host its Fall Taste of Highlands Saturday, October 8, from noon to 5:00 PM., a rain or shine date for the event. This is the first of two major October events sponsored by the Business Partnership this year.  Oktoberfest will be celebrated Saturday , Oct. 22, at Veterans Park from noon to 7 p.m.

Tickets for the Fall Taste of Highlands, which can be purchased online, are $45.00 per person, and include a Fall Taste of Highlands map of participating businesses and free parking.

Tickets can also be purchased  the day of the event from 11AM to 1 PM. At Huddy Park, Bay and Waterwitch avenues where the Farmer’s Market is held..

The Fall Taste will feature an autumn theme and offers food-lovers five hours to enjoy delicious samples of diverse cuisine as well as cocktails at 21 establishments throughout the town.  Patrons must be 21+ with valid photo ID.

Participating establishments include Absolute Audio , U.N. Owens Musicafe, Bahrs Landing, Bridge Marina, Café La De Da, Dock Donuts at Captains Cove Marina, Chilangos Authentic Mexican, Chubby Pickle, Et Al Fine Food, Feed & Seed, Franny’s Pizzeria & Restaurant, Fresh, Gert’s Snacks & Spices, Hinlickity’s Ice Cream Parlor, Inlet Café, Moby’s, Off the Hook, Porcini, Proving Ground, Sandbox at Seastreak Beach, Seafarer Bar and Spiritual Beauty.

Visit ALL stops and be eligible to win  $200 in BID Cards, good at any participating establishment. All maps stamped by the establishments must be returned to Huddy Park by 5 pm. To be eligible for the award.

To purchase tickets online or for further information on the Partnership visit Highlandsnj.com.  Participation ID bracelets are included in the ticket price.

Oktoberfest will also feature contests together with German foods, German bands, German beers and plenty of music and activities.

Two popular contests during Oktoberfest are the Steinholding Contest, a traditional Bavarian feat of strength. Entrants must hold a one liter stein of German beer in front of them in outstretched arm parallel to the ground., The holder who maintains the feat the longest will be declared the winner. Less stressful and strenuous are the costume contests for men, women and children, with prizes in each category for German finery from lederhosen to dirndls. Registration forms for the contests are available at the above links.

The Highlands Business Partnership is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Programs and events are made possible through sponsors including  the  NJ State Department of Travel & Tourism, Montecalvo/Bayshore Family of Companies, Bahrs Landing, Bridge Marina, Captains Cove Marina, Char-Ron Construction, Feed & Seed, Fleur La Fete/Dovetail Vintage Rentals, Hufnagel Tree Experts, In the Garden, Inlet Café, Off the Hook, Proving Ground, Seafarer, Sandbox at Seastreak Ferry and WRAT, 95.9.

For directions or any additional information on the Partnership’s events, please visit www.highlandsnj.com or call (732) 291-4713.

Joy & Atonement

By
Muriel J. Smith
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Atonement

Those of the Jewish faith celebrated Rosh Hashanah last week, their New Year and a joyful two days of celebration, family, great food and looking forward to a new year filled with blessings and health. Ten days later, tomorrow ,Jews put aside those celebrations and observe Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year, and one in which Jews feel closest to God and ask forgiveness for their faults. That day, observed this year on Tuesday, is also known as the Day of Atonement. While Rosh Hashanah is actually a two day celebration, Yom Kippur is a solemn day of prayer and atonement.

In between those two days observing joy and atonement, the Jewish people reflect and repent, creating a time which makes those of other faiths realize and appreciate the depth of this religion. In reflecting and repenting, many Jews will call or write letters to friends or acquaintances of all faiths, asking forgiveness for any wrongs, hurts, or failures to help they may have committed, intentionally or not, throughout the year. It’s a practice everyone should observe at some time in their lifetime.

But the Jewish people are also people of great laughter and joy ,as has been evidenced by some of the best comedians we have ever known. Think of Red Buttons, Joey Bishop, Jack Benny, Rodney Dangerfield, Sid Caesr, Buddy Hackett, Groucho Marx, Jackie Mason, All King, George Jessel, Mel Brooks and Don Rickles, to name a few.  Each of these was a headliner in keeping people laughing and appreciating a good joke, even if it was about themselves.

And what is probably a big shock to many of today’s comedians, they could do it all with a humor that made you think, that made fun of themselves and their spouses, and so many one-liners that made you stop and think but always laugh. Here is a small sampling of things that can make you laugh and appreciate Jewish humor.  And also notice…..they didn’t use a single swear work to keep their listeners in high humor.

A belated Rash Hashanah to many Jewish friends and my prayers and thanks to you for friendship and  understanding as you observe Yom Kippur.

May we all always laugh with the great comedians who brought us these: (and they really loved their wives and their doctors, in spite of their one liners!)

 

I just got back from a pleasure trip. I took my mother-in-law to the airport.

 

* I’ve been in love with the same woman for 49 years! If my wife ever finds out, she’ll kill me!

 

* What are three words a woman never wants to hear when she’s making love?

 

“Honey, I’m home!”

 

* Someone stole all my credit cards, but I won’t be reporting it. The thief spends less than my wife did.

 

* We always hold hands. If I let go, she shops.

 

* My wife and I went back to the hotel where we spent our wedding night. Only this time I stayed in the bathroom and cried.

 

* My wife and I went to a hotel where we got a waterbed. My wife called it the Dead Sea.

 

* She was at the beauty shop for two hours. That was only for the estimate. She got a mudpack and looked great for two days. Then the mud fell off.

 

* The Doctor gave a man six months to live. The man couldn’t pay his bill, so the doctor gave him another six months.

 

* The Doctor called Mrs. Cohen saying, “Mrs. Cohen, your check came back.” Mrs. Cohen answered, “So did my arthritis!”

 

* Doctor: “You’ll live to be 60!” Patient: “I am 60!” Doctor: “See! What did I tell you?”

 

* Patient: “I have a ringing in my ears.” Doctor: “Don’t answer it!”

 

* A drunk was in front of a judge. The judge says, “You’ve been brought here for drinking.” The drunk says “Okay, let’s get started.”

 

* Why do Jewish divorces cost so much? They’re worth it.

 

* The Harvard School of Medicine did a study of why Jewish women like Chinese food so much. The study revealed that this is due to the fact that Won Ton spelled backward is Not Now.

 

*There is a big controversy on the Jewish view of when life begins. In Jewish tradition, the fetus is not considered viable until it graduates from medical school.

 

Q: Why don’t Jewish mothers drink?

A: Alcohol interferes with their suffering.

 

Q: Why do Jewish mothers make great parole officers?

A: They never let anyone finish a sentence!

 

A man called his mother in Florida, “Mom, how are you?” “Not too good,” said the mother. “I’ve been very weak. “The son said, “Why are you so weak?” She said, “Because I haven’t eaten in 38 days. “The son said, “That’s terrible. Why haven’t you eaten in 38 days?” The mother answered, “Because I didn’t want my mouth to be filled with food if you should call.”

 

A Jewish boy comes home from school and tells his mother he has a part in the play. She asks, “What part is it?” The boy says, “I play the part of the Jewish husband.” The mother scowls and says, “Go back and tell the teacher you want a speaking part.”

 

Q: How many Jewish mothers does it take to change a light bulb?

A: (Sigh) “Don’t bother. I’ll sit in the dark. I don’t want to be a nuisance to anybody.”

 

Did you hear about the bum who walked up to a Jewish mother on the street and said, “Lady, I haven’t eaten in three days.”

“Force yourself,” she replied.

 

Q: What’s the difference between a Rottweiler and a Jewish mother?

A: Eventually, the Rottweiler lets go.

 

Q: Why are Jewish men circumcised?

A: Because Jewish women don’t like anything that isn’t 20% off.

 

OLPH-St. Agnes & John Wilkes Booth

By
Muriel J. Smith
-
0
olph-St.Agnes

In addition to its being such a well run and organized picnic for the OLPH- St Agnes parish, and in addition to everyone having such a great time at the event, the Trivial Pursuit game event which most of the adults participated in as one of the many activities throughout the day has kept people chatting, researching and laughing ever since. Cheers to the Rev. Joseph Donnelly Council of the Knights of Columbus for such a great day and more cheers to Jeannie and her crew for the Trivial Pursuit questions and answers.

It was John Wilkes Booth that drew a lot of attention. And the bottom line is, yes, it could be very true the man who assassinated Abraham Lincoln  may have indeed spent a night or two at the Mantell  home, currently the St. Agnes Thrift Shop.

Mantell was a renowned Shakespearean actor in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and whether he built the house in 1854 or whether one of the Leonard brothers built it isn’t certain. But Mantell certainly lived there and certainly had numerous actors stay at his home during the summer when they were doing summer theater. Wilkes, being an actor, may have been one of those actors, but there doesn’t seem to be any proof, just great gossip and a wonderful legend to tell.

Mantell had built a dormitory on the top floor of the house, keeping tabs on actors so they wouldn’t sneak out for pursuits other than acting lessons or performances in local theaters. So perhaps Booth was a friend of Mantell or was one of those struggling actors who stayed there to learn more from him.

Mantell has been described as “a beast of an actor,” a tragedian whose troupe could perform a different Shakespearean play every night.  He had four wives in his lifetime, and his middle name, Bruce, is reportedly because he was believed to be a descendant of Robert the Bruce. He called his home Brucewood

But Booth also had three brothers, and each of them was also an actor.

Each of them owned a beautiful home in Long Branch. Edwin Booth, who was probably the best performer in the Booth family, also had a mansion on Gramercy Park in New York; today it is the Players Club.

So you’re left to wonder…..if he were spending the summer in Monmouth County because of the heat of the city, would John Wilkes preferred to spend it sleeping in a third floor dormitory with a bunch or actors or in his own room overlooking the oceanfront in one of the palatial homes of his brothers less than ten miles away?

With the Knights of Columbus planning that great Comedy night at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Gym  Saturday, Oct. 15, it might be worth it to get tickets to attend to see whether  Uncle Floyd will have even more great stories to tell. Tickets are only $40 and include that Oktoberfest buffet menu that includes everything from Bratwurst to German Soup  along with hot pretzels and a whole buffet of desserts along with a comedy night that had everyone laughing and clapping last year throughou9t the performance.  Contact Mike at 862-368-0801 for all the details.

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