Haven’t had much Highlands news to report, simply because the Mayor and Council doesn’t care enough about people with handicaps, folks who need to stay at home with family or simply have no transportation to get to the Highlands Council meetings to offer the meetings virtually … or maybe it is just their way of censuring reporting that they don’t like

It is just so difficult to see how and why the borough could immediately jump in with ZOOM and virtual meetings when the Governor ordered it, but now that that mandate has been lifted, at least temporarily, they can’t offer the same convenience to the taxpayers and others interested in what’s going on in this great town.

Looking at the Highlands webpage gives some insight into activities, even though official place for borough information, isn’t so user friendly. Even with what they have posted, though, it really looks like a lot of good things are happening in Highlands.

Love the idea of the pre-teens…the 6,th,7th, and 8th graders getting a lesson in how to make Irish Soda Bread tomorrow evening. That’s from 6:30 to 8:30 March 11 in the Community Center. Hopefully, it isn’t too late for pre-teens who want to sign up because registration is a must. Go to the borough site at www.HighlandsBorough.org to learn more.

The Mayor’s Wellness campaign always sounds busy and active, and there are several items on the borough’s website that should be of interest to a lot of folks.

Then there’s another event that sounds great, on Friday, March 18 at 6:30, but couldn’t read the flyer clearly enough to get all the facts. Apparently there’s going to be a Grab ’N Go Corned Beef Dinner being offered at the Highlands Skate Park on the corner of Bay Avenue and Shore Drive…don’t know exactly where these two parallel roads intersect but it’s where the skate park is. The information on the website says even delivery is available for those in need, and an RSVP is requested, and the dinners will be offered so long as the supply lasts. To learn more about that one, write JKane@HighlandsBorough.org.

What I didn’t see on the webpage at all is the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, a huge event, a wonderful afternoon and something so many look forward to every year. Hopefully, I’m correct in thinking it is taking place on Saturday, March 18 at 2 p.m. along Bay Avenue starting at Huddy Park and going to Bahrs Restaurant. Heard there are going to be some fascinating exhibits in the line of march in addition to some pretty spectacular music and lots of dignitaries. Also saw that new Monopoly piece golden trike Mike Mullens will be riding in the parade. The sharp looking conveyance does look like one of the playing pieces in the Monopoly game, but I’m sure Mike and just about everybody else will tell you that Highlands is a lot better than the Atlantic City the original Monopoly board portrays. Look for Mike in the parade….and look for a surprise or two as he moves along!

And while on the subject of Mike and Highlands, can’t wait until next month when The Girls Café will once again have all its outdoor dining ready and available and Mike will continue to beautify that cozy and friendly little corner of Washington and Bay avenues wit h his creativity and great flowers and plants. Will be great to see all those tables filled with happy people. Stop in the Café, grab a cup of coffee, and check out their new and very beautiful new menus.

A variety of programs, new creative ideas, and an enthusiasm to overcome challenges all resulted in a packed schedule for children using the Monmouth County Library system in spite of Covid 19 regulations.

That was the report of Children’s Coordinator Pat Findra last month, in giving her annual report to the Monmouth County Library Commission. The library hears annual reports from each of the department heads, highlighting the accomplishments and strong points of the program, as well as reporting on specific problems or needs.

The librarian noted while Covid restrictions continued throughout the year, staff members worked long and hard continuing to provide library services while at the same time ensuring health and safety protection for families and communities.

While at the beginning of the year, door-side service was the primary means of providing needs for the children’s community, Findra said virtual programs and take-home crafts were also included in the modified plans.

All these efforts enabled the children’s library to provide limited in-person services during the second half of the year, while still maintaining social distance for all programs.

One advantage of all the department’s efforts, Findra continued, was the popularity growth of take-home crafts, an option that exceeded records for previous in-person options.

Department members also joined other employees in assisting in other library services, including door-side services, shelving materials, conducting reference services, ordering new materials and covering chat an e-mail service requests, along with numerous other areas, Findra said.

The 2021 summer reading program, Tales and Tails, presented a challenge in promoting the program and increasing participation as staff was unable to conduct in person school visits and students were overloaded with screen time due to various schooling formats. However, summer reading statistics were higher than the previous year, although approximately only at 50% compared to 2019.

Throughout last summer and into late fall, the children’s staff conducted outdoor story time; staff conducted Zoom story-times in branch library areas without outdoor facilities for story time.

By the last two months of the year, story time was continued indoors with social distancing. In spite of library efforts, the indoor story times showed a large decline in participants compared to the previous year.

Special virtual events were scheduled throughout the year with presentations virtually as well as with on demand replay options available for up to thirty additional days.

The department underwent many staffing changes during the year, but is looking forward to increasing staff and continuing to engage the community with programs, Findra concluded.

For more information on the range of programs offered by the Monmouth County Library for children, and for more information on all the library offers, visit www.MonmouthCountylib.org.

Frank Allsman was sworn in as Commodore of the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club at the annual Change of Watch ceremony at the Yacht Club, located in the Municipal Yacht Harbor. He succeeds Christopher Stone as the 69th commodore of the historic association.

Lou Melillo was sworn in as VIce Commodore. Melillo is a Past Commodore who served in 2004. Joe Patsco was sworn in as Rear Commodore.

Elaine Hayden and Helen Parker were sworn in to continuing terms as recording and corresponding secretaries, respectively, and Sue Hillers continues as treasurer. Fleet Captain Emily Smith and Fleet Medical officers, Cathy Patsco, RN and Dr. Mike Ferguson, as well as fleet chaplains, Carol and Peter Andrews, Club Historian Kristen Gantt Applin were also sworn in. Christopher Stone became the Immediate Past Commodore.

Board of Governors members Karen Harris, Sue Mikaitis and Kevin O’Brien will continue in their positions this year, and were joined by Barbara Nevius, Chuck Parker, and Bob Williams.

In relieving Commodore Stone of duties, Commodore Allsman assured club members he would continue the high standards set by Stone and commended the past officer for outstanding leadership during the trying times of the pandemic, establishing and overseeing stringent health guidelines while continuing to lead the club in its waterfront activities and the onset of renovations in the clubhouse.

The new Commodore also promised a year of programs and innovations and a vibrant membership drive encouragement more growth and social activities for the historic Yacht Club.

Borough Administrator Robert Ferragina laid out the Monmouth County plans for its reconstruction and repairs to Monmouth County roads in the borough, setting dates over the next two years.

At last Thursday’s meeting of the Mayor and Council, Ferragina reported he had met with the Monmouth County engineering firm, together with the borough engineer and the director of the Department of Public works, earlier this month in learning the county plans in more detail.

The administrator said it has been agreed that in the area of the County bridge on Ocean Blvd., plans scheduled for 2023 include the sidewalk and railing being replaced and the bridge to be resurfaced. The administrator further pointed out that the bridge resurfacing will require detours of the area for approximately six months.

The County also plans to repair portions of the wall on Ocean Blvd, also slated for 2023. Those repairs, but not replacement, are scheduled to be completed within the same time period as the bridge repairs.

Between 2023 and 2024, Ferragina continued, Monmouth County plans to resurface all of Ocean Blvd., with repaving to begin after the bridge work has been completed.

A joyous Kathleen Sweeney and son Jay welcomed hundreds to the Shore Casino for its first annual St. Patricks Day event.

It was the evening after the day set aside to honor the patron Saint of Ireland, but close to 400 partygoers turned out at the Shore Casino last night to celebrate the first annual St. Patrick’ Day celebration hosted by the Sweeney and Strebb family, owners of the Casino.

And what a celebration it was! Jay, who is the head manager of the Casino with his mother, Kathleen Sweeny, gathered the kitchen crew and wait staff weeks in advance to plan a menu that’s reportedly like nothing that’s ever been served before this side of the Atlantic.

Starting with Guinness beer the favorite drink during the cocktail hour, which featured every other kind of beverage as well, from tea to Shore Casino designed special Irish themed cocktails, the kitchen’s culinary staff prepared everything from miniature twice baked potatoes filled with cheese and bacon along with whipped potatoes and mushrooms stuffed with shrimp to cheeses, dips, miniature hot dogs and more, all while preparing every popular buffet dish known to typical Irish buffets. The corned beef, accompanied naturally with potatoes and cabbage, vied for popularity with the pork, Irish stews, Shepherd’s Pie, vegetables, scones, Irish breads and more, and the dessert tray with its outstanding brownies and chocolate cake had to take a back seat to the Irish style rice pudding with raisins, fruit tarts, and bread pudding.

“It was wonderful seeing so many people so happy and enjoying themselves,” said Jay Strebb, as he greeted and welcomed the nearly 400 people who attended.

But those in attendance had more to say about the spectacular evening. “This is what Atlantic Highlands is all about,” said one guest, “everybody is out here together, everyone is laughing, enjoying themselves, it’s like one big happy family.”

And while she might be a former mayor, a former freeholder and a current immigration judge who commutes to New York to sit on the bench, Anna Little and her husband Rob wowed the crowd with their energy and Irish dancing.

With the Ancient Order of Hibernians bagpipers welcoming the crowd at the beginning of the evening, music was the theme for the night, with Irish tunes and dance the highlight. The Daly Irish Dance School came from its First Avenue studio to show to great applause and ovations the talent these youngsters have on the dance floor.

The Irish Step Dancers School on First Avenue provided joy, talent, and Irish music and dance for the crowd at the Shore Casino.

Then Irish Kevin and the Round the house Band kept young and old on the dance floor for hours, with their medley of well known Irish dance music as well as popular American rock and roll and Irish waltz. It was the Irish anthem and God Bless America that put the final touch on the evening, with guests renewing friendships with others, promising future get togethers and thanking Kathleen and Jay for bringing old-fashioned hometown fun and friendship.

“It was a fine evening,” said Kathleen Sweeney, as she sat quietly with some close friends after the party broke up, “it made me so happy to see everyone having such a good time. The wait staff, the bartenders, and the kitchen help with our wonderful chef went out of their way to make everything so very special for everyone, we have wonderful friends who pitched in and helped, too, wherever they could. It was wonderful to see how everybody enjoyed it all.”

Although it has not yet been confirmed, it appears the Shore Casino will be hosting a special celebration for Easter as well, the second of what appears to be a full season of unique activities and events at the Yacht Harbor’s Shore Casino.

Two generations of Strykers, Richard Sr, and Jr, and wives Pat and Jill were among the hundreds celebrating St. Patricks Day at the Shore Casino

The New Jersey State Park Service’s Twin Lights Historic Site will open its doors to visitors seven days a week this summer, increasing the need for volunteers, the Twin Lights Historical Society is inviting those interested in volunteering to attend the historical society’s annual Volunteers Day on Saturday, April 23, from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

While the day is set aside annually to honor Twin Lights volunteers, Society President Jeff Tyler is extending an invitation to prospective volunteers this year to learn more about the program. Guests will have the opportunity to meet with volunteers, some of whom have been at Twin Lights for more than ten years, during the informal meeting planned, weather permitting, for the grounds in front of the Lighthouse. Light refreshments will be served during the meeting.

Most volunteers at the lighthouse offer their services at the entry point to the museum and the gift shop, answering questions and giving directions, as well as running the gift shop. Volunteers work under the direction of the Twin Lights Historical Society staff and the State Park Service Historian at the Twin Lights. Volunteers are also needed in specialized areas, including accounting, digitalization, social media and research.

Volunteers will undergo a brief educational session before assuming their duties, and will sign up for three-hour sessions on either a monthly or weekly basis. Volunteers of all ages are welcome, with high school students eligible for internship programs in which they can fulfill community service obligations.

Tyler, who started volunteering himself after his daughter gained experience during a high school internship program, said there are numerous opportunities volunteering at the Twin Lights provides. In addition to being able to be of service to others, “it is an opportunity to meet with interesting people, people from all over the world, to discuss local history with experts in the field, and to become a part of the Twin Lights family,” said Tyler. “Being a part of the Twin Lights Historical Society is such a unique benefit. To me, it is the place that everyone wants to be.”

Those wishing further information about the Twin Lights, the museum, and the volunteer program can visit the website at www.twinlightslighthouse.org, or visit the Twin Lights Society Facebook page.

The Twin Lights Historical Society is a non-profit organization formed by volunteers in 1955. Today, the Society partners with The New Jersey State Park Service, which owns and operates Twin Lights, to share its illustrious history.

For further information, visit the Twin Lights website at www.twinlightslighthouse.org