Temperatures in Monmouth County were in the high 90s the second week of July in 1876, when local residents were still celebrating the 100th birthday of the nation the week before. By July 21, the weather was down in the 80s, probably because of heavy rain the night before.
Newpaper reports wrote of the severe thunder showers, as one reporter put it, “the hardest thunder in six years.” Markets reported blackberries were selling for 8 to 10 cents a box in New York, and 13 to 15 cents a box in Newark. The yacht Mohawk capsized in New York Bay and three persons were drowned.
But at the Twin Lights in Highlands, where lighthouse keepers kept their logs carefully and precisely, recording the weather three times a day, once at each shift, the report on July 21, 1876, also included the notation: “A.B.Johnson, chief clerk of Lighthouse board, in Washington DC, visited this station and made an inspection through both towers and found them to be in good order except the damper chimney in the north tower.”
Succinct in their logs, the keeper gave no more information, nor what was wrong with the damper chimney or if it was rectified.
Even when the lighthouse is on land, and other keepers are living in the same building, a lighthouse keeper’s life was lonely and at most times humdrum and mundane.
It is difficult to tell whether the Atlantic Highlands Planning Board wants to try to keep everything secret to entice interest and make me and others want to delve more into the actions they take, or whether they simply do not want residents and taxpayers to know everything they do at their public meetings.
You remember the planning board member who said publicly with no objections from anyone else … that people in one part of town shouldn’t have to know what somebody someplace else in town is doing with his property.
You remember this is the board that says if you’re interested you should come to a meeting in person, not have the opportunity to participate virtually … 21 century style.
You know this is the official body that doesn’t take advantage of that $17,000 plus expenditure for audio/visual equipment the governing body spent buying … although not yet using completely and perfectly, so that even those residents who can’t make meetings, for personal disability or other reasons, can still participate in the governance of their community.
Well, now the planners have printed their agenda for Thursday’s meeting which begins after the workshop meeting that starts at 7. The public can only talk during the workshop meeting, though, but if they are present for the regular meeting … they can listen.
The agenda explains that “Consistency Review, Ordinance 09-2022” is on the agenda.
Clear enough.
Honest enough.
Seems like a routine item on a routine agenda.
Until you research Ordinance 09-2022… or remember it was the ordinance that was introduced last month by the Mayor and Council and is set for a public hearing at their meeting next week.
Wouldn’t you think if the planners really wanted the folks to know what’s going on they would have mentioned what’s in 09-2022?
Wouldn’t you think more people would turn out for a meeting, 21st century style and in person, if it simply said: review and discussion on the question of CANNABIS BUSINESSES in Atlantic Highlands?
Because that 12 page ordinance is what it’s all about on Thursday’s planning board agenda.
It’s that kind of stuff that makes me think they really don’t want folks to know what they do with the power they have.
That’s on top of items not included on the agenda, like the one about whether they’ll have some kind of hybrid meetings ….
They talked about it in June, but took no action.
So now it’s July, and wouldn’t you think they would talk about it this month?
It is not on the agenda. Does that mean it’s pushed off again?
Back to cannabis, since by its very nature will have a major impact on the borough, its real estate, its schools, its businesses, its taxpayers. And all of that is now in the hands of the planning board, whether you know it or not.
Besides the law which now enables towns to consider six different kinds of businesses for cannabis, there’s another one that calls for the requirement the Land-Use Board, in the case of this borough, that’s the Planning Board, has to compare whether cannabis business can match up with the borough’s Master Plan.
So the planners have to read the proposed ordinance, discuss it, and decide, by vote, whether the allowances and restrictions of what the governing body is proposing fit in with the Master Plan or if they don’t.
If they do, the the public hearing scheduled for next week’s council meeting is a go… But if the planners make any changes, any at all, to what the borough is proposing, then they have to tell the governing body that, and poof, next week’s public hearing is off. So is the proposed ordinance.
The governing body then has to write their proposal all over again with the planning board changes, then have an introduction and public hearing on THAT proposed ordinance.
That isn’t the end of the planning board involvement with Cannabis business. The poor applicants who are looking to open up one of the kinds of cannabis business that would be permitted in town still have to go before this board with their own individual application since they will need a variance for the business and these are the folks who grant them.
Wouldn’t you think the agenda would say more than “Consistency Review, Ordinance 09-2022”???
Like it or not, Planning Board, it’s my guess there will be more than a few folks at your Thursday evening meeting.
Oh yeah… they have to be present. You don’t do virtual meetings that lets them be hear, see, and even be recognize to talk with that new expensive borough equipment.
This is an editorial I wrote for The Courier after the Fourth of July, 1976 and it mentions so many names that are still known as the patriotic, fun loving, dedicated families and friends that are still part of Atlantic Highlands today.
Op Sail and the Fourth of July anniversary celebration of America here have come and gone for Monmouth County but the memories linger on.
And some of the happiest memories carried to hometowns in Chile and Spain, in Argentine and Poland, in Portugal and Denmark and Norway are directly because of the warmth and friendship of the people in Atlantic Highlands.
That community celebrated the Fourth of July as it should be celebrated.
Locally, they continued their plans for a festive parade and family day of food, entertainment, games and prizes while internationally they prepared their homes and typical American dishes for the guests members of the Bicentennial Commission had invited to dinner.
Both of these events brought crowds of people to the Bayshore town, and while the county and state failed to feel the impact of untold thousands of visitors, the community did get more than its share. And handled it all admirably, thanks to a well thought out and implemented plan spearheaded by police Capt. Sam Guzzi and Sg. Ken Gover, under the watchful eye of Chief Jim Egidio.
While cars poured into Atlantic Highlands headed both for the harbor and terrific vantage points along Ocean Blvd, a diligent and ever pleasant police force kept traffic moving smoothly, kept tempers cooled and cooperated with the public with dedication and zeal and courtesy.
A happy and busy Bicentennial Committee, people like the Wallaces, Wheatons, McCullums and the Ruddys and many more like them, organized their homes and dinner plans so as not to miss out on any of the excitement of the town while still providing home cooked meals for the cadets.
Dedicated people like John Fox, head of the harbor commission, harbormaster Lou Papa and employees at the harbor went about the job of keeping things running as smooth as greased wheels while still having the time to smile, welcome every visitor and enjoy themselves.
Sunday night’s fireworks were spectacular.
The parade on Monday was beautiful, a colorful array of floats and people proud of their heritage, proud of the celebration and proud of their community. The family fun time was excitement, smiles, gossip and good food, just like family days are supposed to be.
The town as a whole, and the Bicentennial Commission in particular, deserve a great round of applause for a job well done. There’s got to be great satisfaction in knowing your neighbors at home are pleased and delighted. And the new friends you met from the tall ships carried back with them, besides the apple and pecan pies, the platters of Virgnia baked ham and turkey..the buckets from the Clam Hut dinners they won’t forget, hearts full of love, admiration and respect for the American people because of the lasting impression you gave.
Uncle Sam, Tall Man, otherwise known as Michael St. Amour of Highlands, was at Care One at King James Care Center on the Fourth of July greeting all the residents like Aide who appreciate the frequent visitor’s many outfits costumes, and musical renditions on the kazoo!.
Mr. St Amour is also a generous giver of his blood platelets, having donated close to 1,000 different donations to two different organizations. He will be back at Care One later in July for their annual Christmas in July celebration.
Visitors to the Twin Lights during the afternoon of July 4 gathered together and with historian Nick Wood recited the Pledge of Allegiance as it was first said at the historic site for the first time April 25, 1893.
The ceremony was part of the Fourth of July celebrations at the site, where visitors can climb both towers or have a private tour of the museum and the grounds and outbuildings as well as make their own tours and visits to all the sites on the grounds.
Dressed in the official lighthouse keeper’s uniform of the earlier part of the 20th century, Historian Nick Wood gave a brief history of the importance of the flag at the Twin Lights, and how it was raised on a 135-foot tall “national flagpole” for a review of US Naval vessels as well as visiting ships invited by President Grover Cleveland during east coast ceremonies that coincided with the Chicago World’s Fair.
The site was selected so that immigrants coming to America in the 1890s would see the stars and stripes of the 44 start flag as their first view on the country as they entered from across the Atlantic Ocean.
Wood traced the history of the pledge, the several changes that were made from the first “I pledge allegiance to my flag and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” To the present. The latest change was in 1955 when the Knights of Columbus petitioned for “under God” to be included as a reminder during the Cold War that in the United States there is freedom of religion.
“The Bernie Sweeney Fund allows us as a PBA to pick up where he left off and continue his legacy,” said Officer Travis Morgan, in explaining the basis for establishing the fund initiated in memory of the late owner of The Shore Casino in the Municipal Yacht Harbor.
PBA Local 242 had announced at its 33rd annual ball May 27 that it had established the Bernie Sweeney Foundation under which funds are set aside to be used for those in need within the community.
Morgan, president of the PBA, said the money could be used to aid families who suffer a catastrophic event such as a fire in their home, or other serious problems. The fund could also be used to help community organizations in need he said.
Funds raised from the ball were the primary foundation for the fund. The PBA traditionally publishes an extensive program booklet in connection with the Ball, and local businesses, service organizations, church groups, political parties, county officials families, and numerous others advertise in the booklet, making those contributions a part of the basis of the new Fund to help others.
Funds are being managed by the PBA, who will also be the selectors for the benefactors through the years. Morgan said future events are also anticipated in order to help the fund grow and keep the Foundation alive to help any in need in the community.
“Bernie Sweeney was a great man and a pillar of this community,” the police officer explained, adding, ”he supported our PBA for over 30 years. In addition to that he also supported the Atlantic Highlands Fire Department and Atlantic Highlands First Aid among many other local organizations.”
For these reasons, Morgan said, “when Bernie passed away the PBA wanted to honor him. We decided the best way to honor him was to continue to support the community as he did.” And so the Foundation was started.
Anyone wishing to donate to the Foundation can contact any member of the PBA. Checks can be made the AHPBA Civic Association, with the “Bernie Sweeney Fund” in the memo.
The stories of the Esmeralda tall ship being a torture ship under Pinochet’s regime in Chile are no worse than the history of our own Coast Guard’s magnificent training ship, the Eagle.
That three masted square rigger was once the Horst Wessel, a ship under Hitler during World War II. It was named to honor the man who was a follower of Hitler and actually wrote the Nazi national anthem, a man who reports said was killed by his girlfriend’s ex-lover. the ship was turned over the United States when the Allies were divvying up the spoils of World War II.
But the renamed Eagle has a wonderful story of its past before becoming the training ship at our Coast Guard Academy in New London.
Commander Gordon McGowan was the seamanship instructor at the Coast Guard Academy and had seen service with the Coasties since Prohibition times when he served on a destroyer.
The Coast Guard had seen the benefits of seamanship training on a tall ship during the war when its cadets trained aboard the Danmark while it was in American waters after the Nazis invaded Denmark. So when the Horst Wessel came up for grabs among the Allies, Commander McGowan was given orders to go to Bremerhaven and sail the war prize back to America.
And so he did, but not without excitement and his own extreme naval capability and dexterity at sea.
First the ship was in Bremerhave harbor in a city reduced to nothingness from the war; it was in bad shape and at the bottom of the Weser River when the tide was out. There was still a German crew aboard, with no navy, no orders, and no place to go.
McGowan had a compliment of 50 Coast Guardsmen, but knew he needed another 250 more in order to sail the vessel. So he simply negotiated, was friendly and communicative with a willing and eager Bertold Schnibbe who was still “in command” of the poorly maintained ship and took on many of the former German sailors under his own direction.
It took a couple of months to get the necessary parts, including even paint in war-torn Germany to get the Horst Wessel into shape to sail, but when she was ready, the name, of course had to be changed as well.
Since Eagle has long been associated with the Coast Guard, the name was chosen and the shipyard crew who had been working so hard on all the repairs, gave the new crew a piece of teak, hand-carved into a shield, to replace the swastika the wooden eagle clutched in his talon.
The Eagle was commissioned in the US Coast Guard on May 15, 1946.
Once at sea, life was no easier, Just before leaving, Commander McGowan learned there was a stowaway aboard and he had to reluctantly advise the Coasties who were trying to help the young orphan, the boy could not be smuggled back to America.
There were good days in England and and some more calm sailing as they crossed the Atlantic; there were festive stops in Madeira and Bermuda, and life on the open sea in a magnificent tall ship seemed too good to be true.
It was…
Two days out of New York, the Eagle ran into a hurricane that ripped apart the topsails and most of the remaining sails. The ship’s captain had to face the heavy seas and high winds and let his new ship ride out the rest of the storm. But he did and the battered but proud ship sailed into New York, dropped off its German crew members to a POW camp, and sailed on to New London where the Eagle began its career as the Coast Guard Academy’s training ship.
It will always be my favorite Fourth of July celebration!
It was in 1976 that the Tall Ships came to New York Harbor to help us all celebrate the 200th anniversary of the founding of the nation.
Sea cadets from countries all over the world, men and women who were training for life on the seas in defense of their own nations, were all gathering in New York Harbor to celebrate our freedom.
Yacht Clubs, historical societies and just plain nice generous people were hosting all kinds of activities and celebrations for our visitors, and Atlantic Highlands played a major role in providing the base for the cadets’ coming and going to their ships.
There were parties for them in Keyport, at Monmouth Hills, and so many other places and cadets of all nationalities and languages got treated to everything from American hots dogs and pizza to watermelon and corn on the cob, many for the first time.
It was a time we all also heard the terrible stories, true or not, of the Esmeralda, one of two four masted barquentines in this magnificent array of tall ships. The Esmeralda was the training trip of Chile and the sister ship of the Juan Sebastian de Elcano, though built 20 years earlier. The Juan Sebastian was also here as Spain’s training ship in the parade.
The Esmeralda was hosted during OpSail ’76 by the Keyport Yacht Club, and that club faced residents who marched in front of it carrying anti Esmeralda signs.
Stories preceded the Esmeralda that she was a “torture ship” having been a prison ship under the Pinochot regime in the late 1970s. Horrific stories of how Chile’s jails overflowed under the cruel dictator and the ship was used to crowd in more prisoners who were tortured and abused.
In Keyport protestors complained the ship’s history should mean the training ship should have no place in America’s freedom display. The protests and angry sign carrying Americans all derided the ship and their signs in front of the Yacht Club were meant to indicate the crew would not be recognized or treated to festivities.
Not so in Atlantic Highlands where the ship anchored off shore and the cadets came on land. The McCallums and other families, like the Ruddys and the Sundins not only welcomed the crew but hosted events, had them sleep in their homes, and in general showed them what the folks in these parts of America are really like.
At the end of festivities on July 3, the cadets had to report back to the ship for their early morning preparation for the Parade of the Tall Ships to New York July 4.
Fanny McCallum had made arrangements for the Capt. Louie out of Highlands and that boat owner volunteered to take the crew back to their ship. The cadets and American hosts and other friends, including me, were on the Capt. Louie heading back to the Esmeralda.
Minutes before midnight, the Capt Louie pulled up to the side of the Esmeralda, and as the cadets gave hugs and farewell wishes to new friends, they scrambled up the sides of their ship, asking us to wait a few minutes.
We did.
As the cadets lined the deck of the ship, resplendent in their white uniforms and bright white broad smiles shining forth from happy brown faces, a bell on the ship tolled; it was midnight , the moon was shining and July 4 had arrived.
And the sea cadets on the Esmeralda, in broken but beautiful English, sang Happy Birthday to America, and us in the Capt. Louie.
Jenna Lewandowski, who graduated last week from MAST, the Marine Academy of Science and Technology on Sandy Hook, was one of the 302 men and women who began Swab Summer at the US Coast Guard Academy in New London Monday.
The traditional start of training at the academy begins with Swab Summer, the intensive seven week course designed to transform civilian students into military members ready to accept the challenges that await them in their pursuit of becoming Coast Guard officers.
Swab Lewandowski is one of the 44 per cent of the incoming class who are women, the largest group of females in an incoming class in the history of the academy. In order to achieve this, the former NJROTC cadet at MAST was among the 1800 applicants to sought to attend the Academy where approximately only 300 are accepted each year.
After the swearing in ceremony Rear Adm. Bill Kelly, academy superintendent welcomed the Swabs to their new environment. “We are committed to your success, and we will ensure you live, learn, and grow in the safest and most inclusive environment possible,” Kelly said.
“The Core Values and the Oath we just took are conditions of employment in the U.S. Coast Guard and they are the first step in the 200-week journey that will ultimately lead to your commission,” he added. “That 200-week journey starts today! I challenge you to fully commit to rising above whatever challenges you may faceas you begin your training and education.”
During their first day at the Academy, the Swabs cycle through a whirlwind of haircuts, uniform issue, various administrative in-processing and drill practice. At the end of the day the swabs march out to the parade field, take the oath of office, and pose for a group photo, before saying goodbye to their families.
A few semi-private room are available for Medicaid residents at the Care One Care Center, Administrator Jimmie King announced this week.
“We are fortunate to be able to have a few beds open to welcome new residents,” said Brittany Webber, Admissions Director at the facility. “We are even happier to note there are no Covid cases at the present time, and all the activities and programs are at a normal status,” she said.
During the height of the Covid epidemic, in keeping with state regulations and its own dedication to the highest health standards, many of the daily activities and meals were modified at the facility to continue to provide all services for its residents while at the same time enabling them to remain safe distances apart.
Visitation at the facility was also curtailed but all programs are now at their normal status. Webber said this also includes residents enjoying the dining room for their afternoon and evening meals, as well as their numerous activities in the dining room and in the exterior courtyard which is surrounded by the building.
Persons wishing further information about the availability of rooms or wants a tour of the facility should contact MS Webber at 551-275-6215 or by e-mail at bwebber@Care-One.com
