Celebrating its fifth year of honoring military and active duty military veterans with a day of fishing out in Sandy Hook Bay, the Fins for Freedom volunteers are offering the opportunity for all to help honor the men and women who have served in the armed forces on Saturday, May 16.

Mike Mavrinac of Middletown, who heads Fins for Freedom along with Jake Campi of West Long Branch and Dan Brady of Tinton Falls, announced that in addition to the breakfast, lunch, accolades from many who come to observe and a full day of fishing from private boats, Fins for Freedom plans on presenting each of its veteran participants with a Basket of gifts, one more way to show appreciation for their time in service.

Brady said anyone interested in donating items for the basket, which could range from bottles of cheer, gift certificates, books to games to fishing gear and more, can contact any of the officers or visit their page at Fins for Freedom.org or call 908-433-5330.

“We invite everyone to show their appreciation for our military,” Mavrinac continued. “ In addition to gifts for the gift baskets, we encourage any boater with a craft 26 feet or larger who wants to offer his vessel and captaincy for a day’s adventure to register his vessel with Fins for Freedom as soon as possible.

Brady, who serves as treasurer of the non-profit organization, which was formed specifically to provide the day of fishing from privately owned craft, noted that more than 80 military members and veterans have signed on for the trips. The organization has set a goal of reaching 100 military members for the event, and is in need of more fishing boats to enable that to happen.”

Anyone with a vessel 26 or larger who wants to be part of this great event can contact Brady or any member of Fins for Freedom or register their vessel at finsforfreedom.org

“From experienced fishermen who never get the chance to go out in a private fishing vessel to retired sailors who have never fished since childhood, the day with other military celebrating on the water is a never to be forgotten event,” Mavrinac continued . “We simply want to give back to those who have given so much for us. That’s why we are a non-profit organization; it all goes back to our military.”

The day culminates with a dinner in which the military and veterans can share their stories not only of their day but of their experience as active or retired men and women of all the military forces.

“Our Gift Baskets, and our aim is to have one basket for every veteran on our trip,” Brady continued, “are really Honor Baskets rather than gift baskets, since they will be given to those who are serving and living veterans, simply to show our appreciation . That’s what it’s all about.”

“This is our 5-year anniversary and boy , have we come a long way from meeting in the parking lot at Atlantic Highlands Municipal Harbor and opening up our own pockets to get around 6 boats with 24 service members participating,” Brady said enthusiastically. “ We have grown it each year to our current capacity limit at On The Deck where our dinners are held .  Once something goes into the Casino building we hope to grow with the available space that may open up for us there,” he said hopefully..

The Fins for Freedom event is open to ANY active duty (including reserves) or veteran that has served our country.  The only requirements are that they be able to swim and be able to walk down the piers unassisted.  Fins for Freedom ensures there is a vessel that will take wheelchairs, but capacity is limited.

Twenty-six foot is the minimum size for vessels in the fleet for Fins for Freedom Day, since vessels of that size and greater have some type of a bathroom facility and more stability that smaller boats.

Once again NJROTC cadets from MAST, the Marine Academy of Science and Technology at Sandy Hook will be on the scene throughout the day, assisting veterans with sign-ups in the morning, helping to distribute gifts, serve meals, and taking the opportunity to learn from their guests about some of their military careers.

The Atlantic Highlands Harbor Commission also contributes towards the success of the cay, offering the Senior Center for morning sign-up and breakfast at no cost, as well as ease in parking and pickup for passengers at the ends of the long piers, or where needed for handicap assistance.

With the event just one month away, Campi, who has his own boat on the pier and will be hosting a group on the fishing trip, said as of today “we have 67 service members signed up with some slots still available.  Twenty 20 boats have committed for the day with a goal of 30 to 35.  “We have the funds for the event, but will gladly accept donations toward next year,” he said. “What we are in need of is door prizes for our Honor Baskets. Our goal is to put something in every service members hand at the end of the day besides those fish I feel certain they are going to catch.”

Persons interested in donating to the Honor Baskets can do so in “honor” of their own family member serving or who has served. “We will put that right into the hands of a service member or veteran who will greatly appreciate that gift being paid forward,” Campi said. “ We will announce the “Honorees” name, branch and rank for the room to hear. That will enable us to honor even more veterans, those who are not able to be with us for the event.

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Four generations of the Butler Family who have been part of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help St Agnes Parish for nearly a quarter of a century, were honored as the Family of the Month by the Knights of Columbus, Rev. Joseph A. Donnelly council 11660 at ceremonies Sunday at the OLPH gym.

Grand Knight Kevin McKenna and Knights Council Family Director Michael Burke presented the matriarch of the family, Jean Butler with a gift during the ceremonies which followed the 9:30 mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church.

The Butler family was established in the parish in 1959 when Jean and the late John Burke were married at St. Agnes Church. The couple were married for 59 years until John’s death in 2018, but the family has carried on the traditions and lessons both parents taught them throughout their lives.

The Butlers had eight children, five daughters and three sons, all of whom attended St. Agnes School and all received their early sacraments of Baptism, Holy Eucharist and Confirmation in St. Agnes.

Later in life, all five daughters followed their mother’s pattern and taught CCD in the parish, with Katherine also becoming a Eucharistic minister like her mother.

For 20 years, Jean’s husband John was also groundskeeper at both St. Agnes Church and St. Agnes school and with his wife was also engaged in several other ministries in the parish.

The family is well known throughout the parish and the community for their dedication to their religion, as well as their tireless efforts to help anyone in need.

In addition to the numerous acts of charity each of the family members has done throughout the years, and passing the need to help others on to each generation, family members recall their parents were involved in numerous community and parish activities, from PTA and Rosary Altar Society to Renew and Marriage Encounter for married couples, including Jean singing in the church choir for more than 60 years.

Daughter Eileen Bolognese continues to teach arts and crafts to parish children as well as hand making rosary beads which are always given to anyone requesting them and were distributed by the Knights at the recent St. Patrick’s Day parade in Highlands. Her sister, the late Jeanie Butler Corey and her husband, Vince raised their two sons in the parish community, where she also taught CCD, coached basketball at the parochial school and volunteered for the highly successful parish picnic every summer.

The family continues to grow and carry on the Butler family traditions, with Jean now grandmother to 20 and great grandmother to three.

In making the presentations with Grand Knight McKenna, Burke pointed out the Knights, as an international organization, have always been dedicated to the development of strong vibrant families. It is in support of this mission as well as to create an even greater awareness of the many outstanding families within the Diocese as well as the parish, the Supreme Council instituted the Family of the Month Program in 1978.

“ The Reverend Joseph J. Donnelly Council recognizes families who outwardly exhibit strong ties of love and faith, exemplifying Catholic family values by attending mass each week throughout the year, while making contributions to their parish and surrounding community.,” Burke noted. Each month a parish family is cited as the Family of the Month and the certificate acknowledging the honor is presented at the monthly breakfast the knights also host and offer to everyone in the community.

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“ The Reverend Joseph J. Donnelly Council recognizes families who outwardly exhibit strong ties of love and faith, exemplifying Catholic family values by attending mass each week throughout the year, while making contributions to their parish and surrounding community.,” Burke noted. Each month a parish family is cited as the Family of the Month and the certificate acknowledging the honor is presented at the monthly breakfast the knights also host and offer to everyone in the community.“ The Reverend Joseph J. Donnelly Council recognizes families who outwardly exhibit strong ties of love and faith, exemplifying Catholic family values by attending mass each week throughout the year, while making contributions to their parish and surrounding community.,” Burke noted. Each month a parish family is cited as the Family of the Month and the certificate acknowledging the honor is presented at the monthly breakfast the knights also host and offer to everyone in the community.

Bayshore Pharmacy, a cornerstone of community wellness in Monmouth County for over 60 years has officially received Medicare approval to provide Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES), Pharmacist and owner Richard P Stryker, RPh announced this week. This milestone achievement makes Bayshore Pharmacy a premier local destination for comprehensive, accredited diabetes care.

The DSMES program is an evidence-based standard of care designed to empower individuals living with diabetes. By earning Medicare approval, Bayshore Pharmacy can now offer these vital services—often at no out-of-pocket cost to Medicare beneficiaries— locally, in the heart of the Atlantic Highlands community.

“The wait is finally over,” said Stryker. “We are incredibly excited to bring this level of specialized education to our neighbors. Managing diabetes is about more than just a prescription; it’s about providing the tools, technology, and community support necessary for our patients to thrive and maintain their vitality.”

The DSMES program at Bayshore Pharmacy focuses on practical, real-world applications, including:

Technological Mastery: Hands-on training with glucometers and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems;

Clinical Insight: In-depth education on managing blood sugar levels and understanding the “why” behind the numbers;

Lifestyle Integration: Guidance on nutrition and functional movement tailored to the needs of the local community, and Sustained Support: A collaborative environment that connects patients with professional educators and peers.

As a locally owned and second-generation family business, Bayshore Pharmacy’s transition into an accredited DSMES provider reinforces its commitment to proactive community health. This program bridges the gap between the doctor’s office and daily life, ensuring that Monmouth County residents have accessible, high-quality resources to prevent complications and improve their quality of life.

The Pharmacy is currently forming its inaugural DSMES classes. Due to high demand, a priority registration list has been established for those eager to begin their journey toward better health. For more information on the program or to join the priority list, visit www.bayshorepharmacy.com or call (732) 291-2900.

Bayshore Pharmacy is a locally owned and operated independent pharmacy committed to providing personalized, high-quality healthcare to the Bayshore area for over 60 years.  Beyond filling prescriptions, the pharmacy offers a range of clinical services, including immunizations, medication therapy management, and specialized wellness programs, focusing on making comprehensive healthcare convenient and accessible for every patient. The Pharmacy is also a leading gift store in the Bayshore area, offering both quality sou9venirs and mementos of the shore area as well as toys, books, and clothing.

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The Highlands Historical Society as well as the Fire Department will have tables set up to highlight some of their activities. Other organizations still have time to arrange table space and explain their mission and how they help make Highlands the close knit community it is.Mayor Broullon and members of council will be on hand to welcome all and to answer questions or provide information on government activities.Purpose of the Local Government Week celebration, which is held annually in Highlands, is to bring awareness to the community and residents as the state celebrates Local Government Week.Anyone wishing further information on the evening’s presentations or wanting to set up informational station during the evening should contact Borough Hall at 732-872-1224, ext. 202.Light refreshments will be served throughout the evening The Highlands Historical Society as well as the Fire Department will have tables set up to highlight some of their activities. Other organizations still have time to arrange table space and explain their mission and how they help make Highlands the close knit community it is.Mayor Broullon and members of council will be on hand to welcome all and to answer questions or provide information on government activities.Purpose of the Local Government Week celebration, which is held annually in Highlands, is to bring awareness to the community and residents as the state celebrates Local Government Week.Anyone wishing further information on the evening’s presentations or wanting to set up informational station during the evening should contact Borough Hall at 732-872-1224, ext. 202.Light refreshments will be served throughout the evening The Highlands Historical Society as well as the Fire Department will have tables set up to highlight some of their activities. Other organizations still have time to arrange table space and explain their mission and how they help make Highlands the close knit community it is.Mayor Broullon and members of council will be on hand to welcome all and to answer questions or provide information on government activities.Purpose of the Local Government Week celebration, which is held annually in Highlands, is to bring awareness to the community and residents as the state celebrates Local Government Week.Anyone wishing further information on the evening’s presentations or wanting to set up informational station during the evening should contact Borough Hall at 732-872-1224, ext. 202.Light refreshments will be served throughout the evening