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A Mustard Seed is All You Need

By
Muriel J. Smith
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If you’re planting a vegetable garden this spring, you might want to consider trying some mustard seeds for a pretty little herb that is so beneficial to eye care. Like its cousins yellow fruits and vegetables, it is full of beta carotene which means lots of vitamin A, a great protector for the eyes.

 

This is a vitamin that converts to r11-cis retinal, the protein that’s in the rods of the retina, the part of your eye that helps you see in dim light. If it’s mustard greens you like to eat, know that a half cup of cooked greens provides more than half the Vitamin A the body requires in a day.

In the garden growing mustard is quick and easy to grow and is a nice accompaniment for all the vegetables in your harvest.

 

You can start with either seeds or from seedlings. From seeds, start them outdoors three weeks before the end of frost then every three weeks after that but before the hot summer sun if you want continued harvests.

 

Plant each seed just under the soil about a half inch apart. After they sprout, thin the seedlings to 3 inches apart.

If you’re planting seedlings, plant them 3 to 5 inches apart beginning three weeks before the last frost. And like the seeds, you can plant every three weeks until summer, then pick it up in mid-summer for a fall harvest as well.

The plants don’t need much care, just plenty of sun or partial shade and you’ll see them grow quickly. No need for any special fertilizer, they like any garden soil, and need to be watered once a week or so if there isn’t much rain. And keep out the weeds! Mustard doesn’t need the competition.

 

Harvesting the greens while they’re still young and tender, since the older leaves get tough and more bitter. You can either pick individual leaves and leave the plant to grow more, or cut the entire plant harvest all the leaves at once.

You can boil the leaves and serve as a vegetable, put the flowers and seed pods in salads, or grind the seeds for mustard, the second most popular spice in the USA. (Pepper is the first.)

Besides being so great for the eyes, mustard is considered to be beneficial in lowering the risk of some forms of cancer, something that is still being studied. On the negative side, it’s not the herb to choose if you like a bland diet.

 

Here’s an old Southern recipe for cooked mustard greens, which is, like kale and celery, terrific miced with bacon and onion

Greens and Bacon

2 bunches mustard greens

2 1/2 cups water, divided

4 strips bacon diced,

1 onion, chopped

Pepper and salt if desired, or add

1 teaspoon sugar or a dash of red pepper flakes.

 

Wash the greens to ensure all grit is gone. Discard the thick pieces and coarsely chop the rest.

 

Bring 1 Cup water to a boil in a stockpot, add the greens in handfuls, giving each handful a chance to wilt before adding the next.

 

Cover pot, reduce heat to low and simmer about 15 minutes, until tender. Drain in a colander and get out all the excess moisture.

 

Add bacon to the pot and fry until crisp, then transfer to a paper towel to drain.

 

Add copped onion to the bacon drippings and sauté until lightly brown. Put the bacon back in and stir.

 

Add the cooked greens and the remaining 1 1/2 cups water,

 

Salt (if you must) and pepper, perhaps the sugar if desired or pepper flakes. Cover and cook on a medium heat about 30 minutes until tender.

 

Enjoy! And help your eyes!

 

As far as its place in history, mustard seeds have been found in Stone Age settlements and are mentioned in the Bible. In the New Testament it has been used as a symbol of faith…. “The Lord said, “If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and be planted in the sea’; and it would obey you.

It has been used as a spice from the earliest recorded times, and was used by Hippocrates and ancient physicians in medicine. Today, it is the most sold of all herbs around the world.

Selected as a Naval Aviator

By
Muriel J. Smith
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You’ve all seen the photos I posted before when my youngest grandson, Angus, was in a brief training with the Navy a few months back as a senior at the University of South Carolina and had the opportunity to sit in the pilot’s seat and fly over Niagara Falls.

 
 

It was his thrill of that experience that put that broad smile on his face. Or the other time, when he met with Sailors in front of that helicopter on another training mission.

 

Angus gets commissioned in May, the second in the family to become a Naval officer and this was the week each of those soon-to-be officers in Carolina got to know whether they were accepted into their field of choice after commissioning.

 

Of course Angus’ field was aviation, which you’d know from his smiles in these photos and we are all thrilled to know that’s what he got! So after commissioning, it will be Pensacola for more education and experience.

 

So with his mom Tracie a retired Navy diver, and he now wanting to protect the nation from the air, be it rotary or fixed wing, it’s a good thing Chris his dad was a yeoman and protected us between sky and ocean depth!

 

Couple that with my two Marine children who served both here and abroad, a grandson another Navy veteran, and now a great grandson James who’s excelling in NJROTC and is a terrific volunteer on BB62, the New Jersey battleship museum in Camden, you bet I’m proud of the military service my family has given.

 

The patriarch of the group, Jimmy, who served in the Army during the Korean war, is duly proud in heaven as well. Me? Heck, I’m just so proud and happy I bred them all!

 
 
 

And while they are not my children, I am also so proud of the Color Guard from MAST who have been given the honor of being the color guard next month when the newest submarine, the New Jersey, is christened in Newport News, Va. I’m proud of these young cadets, not only because they all live up to the excellence demanded of them by their chief naval officer at MAST, that retired Navy Commander daughter of mine, but because each of those cadets has worked so hard, done so much, achieved so much and excelled in their annual inspection last week, carrying the burdens of hard work and stress with maturity beyond their years.

Tommy Ptak

By
Muriel J. Smith
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Tomorrow, March 22, is the anniversary of the death of Spec 4 Thomas J. Ptak … Tommy, the only Highlands resident to be killed during the Vietnam War.

54 years Fifty-four years since the death of a great kid from a great family.

Fifty-four years since the death of a soldier who wrote home to his little brothers and sisters to tell them to take care of mom and dad.

Fifty-four years since every kid who went to Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, regardless of what year they were in from first to eight, heard the shocking and terrible news that made them cry, made them wonder, and made them all grow up to the horrors of war way too soon.

Each of those kids remember where he was, what he was doing, which Ptak kid he knew when he heard the news.

Each of those kids remembers standing up in class and saying special prayers for Annie’s brother, or Billy’s brother, or Karen’s, Greg’s, Eileen’s, Andrew’s, Maryann’s, Joan’s, Peggy’s, and Peter’s brother.

But other than them, and all the people who lived in Highlands in 1968, everybody who knew Tommy or his parents Gerry and Ben, who else remembers this Highlands hero?

Yes, the borough named Ptak Towers after the fallen hero.

Yes, people vaguely know the building was named for somebody or other. But what else do they know?

And what has the town done since Tommy’s funeral?

Do they acknowledge his death even on his anniversary?

Do they offer any special memorial for Tommy and every other Highlands man who gave his life in any of our awful wars?

Do they offer special prayers, or a mass for Tommy or the wife he never had, the children he never sired, the job he never held?

I can’t do much other than pray for Tommy Ptak and all the Ptaks, some of whom were so young they don’t remember firsthand the precise facts of that time.

But it’s time for me to print once again, and for you to read once again, the funeral of Tommy Ptak, Specialist 4, United States Army … our Tommy

Read it and weep.

 Weep for every soldier who has put his life on the line, lost it, or had it significantly changed, so you and I can enjoy a free America.

Read it and weep for today’s military, who continue to meet the challenge Tommy met, kept, and for which he should evermore be remembered.

 
 

They buried Tommy Ptak Monday morning, the local newspaper in Highlands reported April 4, 1968.

It was Specialist fourth class Thomas Ptak, 270 Highland Avenue, son of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Ptak, to the very militarily correct Army sergeant who escorted the soldier’s body from the place where he died in Hue, Vietnam, back home to Highlands for the funeral, then on to Mt. Olivet Cemetery where he will rest forever.

It was Spec 4/c Thomas Ptak to the six ramrod straight and Army-perfect soldiers who served as pallbearers at the military funeral at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church where Tommy and his family had worshipped all his life.

To all Americans, to all citizens of a free country, it was Spec. 4/c Thomas Ptak whose body lay in the plain casket under the American flag.

But to the hundreds of people who crowded into Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church for a last goodbye and a funeral mass, to the dozens more who spilled out onto the steps of the Church that gave a spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean, it was just plain Tommy.

It was Tommy to young brothers and sisters, some of whom weren’t old enough to comprehend the ugly way in which he died.

It was Tommy to sorrowing parents who couldn’t begin to comprehend what wonderful parents they had been and how much love they received from all ten of their children.

It was Tommy, the son who would have been proud of their strength at his funeral.

It was Tommy to the dozens and dozens of high school students from the regional high school he attended, and the two local Catholic high schools where some of his friends attended. They all could remember happier days when Tommy was skillfully performing on a gym horse or tossing a ball with them in the middle of the street.

It was Tommy to the school principals who remembered Tommy as a “good boy, a typical boy, the kind you’d want in any class.”

It was Tommy to practically every neighbor along Highland Avenue and Valley St. where Tommy grew up, folks who remembered a friendly wave or a smile from a busy youth working on a motorcycle in the yard as they passed the always happy, always busy Ptak home. Neighbors who had broken all the rules of protocol and flew their American flags at half-staff even before Highlands Mayor John A. Bahrs ordered it for the entire town. The neighbors had all gone out to front yards to lower their flags the minute they heard of Tommy’s death.

It was Tommy to the three priests who concelebrated the funeral mass: the one who grew up in the parish and knew the whole Ptak family, the one who spent five years in the parish and knew and visited often with the family, and the one who just arrived in Highlands the year previous, not lucky enough to get closely acquainted with the young hero.

It was Tommy to the police chief and members of the police department who could remember he was ‘a nice kid, we ought to have more like him.”

It was Tommy to the altar boys who formed their own guard of honor as his body left the church. Boys who were classmates of Tommy’s younger brothers or sisters.

It was Tommy to the grammar schoolgirls who sorrowfully sang a very special funeral mass. It was a mass for the Tommy some of them had looked up to when they were very small, and he was a big eighth grader. It was Tommy, the big brother of their classmates, the big brother who looked so grown up and handsome in his army uniform.

It was Tommy to a neighbor who had served more than twenty years himself in the service of his country. Now retired as a Sergeant Major, Sal Giovenco attended the funeral in full dress uniform, perhaps to show the family of the young hero that he was proud of this particular soldier, proud to have known him, and proud to show that he too believes in the cause for which Tommy died. Sal knew, and showed, Tommy deserved the honor and respect of the American soldier’s uniform.

The official records refer to Tommy as Thomas John Ptak. Born Feb. 1, 1948, died March 22, 1968. The Army records indicate he was an E4, Specialist Fourth Class, ID # 11755688, a member of C Company, Second Battalion, 501st Infantry, 101st Infantry Regiment…Geronimo, as it was known. He had been promoted twice. He started his Vietnam tour on March 14, 1967, and he was in Thua Thien Province, South Vietnam, March 22, 1968, 98 days later, when he was killed in a hostile ground attack of multiple fragmentation wounds. Died outright, the records say. Body recovered. He did have many honors, though: the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Combat Infantry Badge and several Vietnam Campaign Medals presented by the South Vietnamese government in appreciation for our American forces.

They buried Tommy Ptak Monday morning; the newspaper continued. The nation lost a soldier, parents lost a son, and Highlands lost a very special youth.

Captain Joseph Azzolina

By
Muriel J. Smith
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On April 15, we observed the 12th anniversary of the death of Capt. Joseph Azzolina, a businessman, municipal and state leader, Highlands native, military officer, newspaper publisher and so much more. Continued sympathy to his family on this anniversary.

 

A piece of History on a busy bridge

 

Changing the name of the bridge that spans the Shrewsbury River between Highlands and Sea Bright was clinched in 2011, when the state General Assembly approved Senate Bill 2073. The bill had already passed the Senate offering a change of name to honor the late Highlands native, Middletown businessman, and state Assembly, Senator, and United States Naval Captain, Joseph A. Azzolina.

It was old friends from even before they worked together at the Senate level who took the lead in the action to honor Capt. Azzolina. Sen. Sean Kean knew Azzolina from his reputation as an Assemblyman beginning in 1966, then later worked with him in the Assembly when Kean was elected to his first term in 2002. Senator Joe Kyrillos, who retired in 2018 and was honored himself when the Red Bank Bridge was named in his honor, knew Azzolina when the latter owned The Courier weekly newspaper in Kyrillos’ home town, and the young then assemblyman dropped off his own press releases for publication.

Azzolina lived in Middletown with his family, and was a successful businessman, growing his family’s first business on Miller St. to the Food Basket supermarket on the main street Highlands, then to the Food Circus in Middletown, eventually the heart of the Foodtown Enterprises still in the family today. He knew the Kyrillos family well. Kyrillos always commented on how his friend Joe loved New Jersey especially Monmouth County, and how the businessman’s immigrant parents had started their own small market, the one on Miller St. in Highlands, shortly after arriving from their native Italy.

Sen. Jennifer Beck had worked side by side with Azzolina when he was an Assemblyman and she was his chief of staff. But Beck had worked with and known Azzolina even earlier and always referred to him as her mentor. She spoke of his special affinity for the Bayshore and at the time of introducing the bill to name the bridge, said how honored and humbled the Sailor would have been at the honor paid to his memory.

The new construction was designed to eliminate the bridge openings that backed up traffic along the state highway. The construction on the higher bridge included high railings, putting an end to the summer ritual of daring Highlands kids who reveled at jumping from its highest peaks to the channel below, a ritual a young Azzolina also pursued. Yet even the new higher bridge could not quite put an end to traffic tie-ups on sunny days when everyone wants to go to the National Recreation Area at Sandy Hook.

Trying to put a Sunday early afternoon ride along Ocean Avenue in Sea Bright into a Hidden History context is only possible because of a recent 45-minute trip from the Sea Bright side of the Highlands to the Rumson bridges. There was plenty of time to reminisce about the 1950s when the same trip at the same time on a sunshiny-y weekend day would have taken three minutes, maybe five if keeping below the speed limits.

The new and beautiful Captain Joseph Azzolina bridge is successful in its purpose of keeping boat traffic sailing smoothly along the Shrewsbury River. No longer do bridge tenders stroll out, close the gates and stop traffic, to reappear again in the same slow pace to reverse the pattern and let vehicular traffic pass, once the boats are safely through. There was even a time when the bridge opened on demand of the river traffic; that was improved somewhat when openings were changed to twice an hour and even boats had to occasionally wait or improve their own arrival timing at the bridge.

The old Highlands-Sea Bright Bridge opened to allow marine traffic to pass. But for the vehicular traffic on the state highway between the two communities, the new improved situation only works if drivers are courteous, polite, and intelligent. On a recent weekend this was a tough combination to find.

Heading towards Rumson from Middletown along Route 36 at 1 p.m. on a July Sunday seemed like it would be a quick trip. But once the vehicle rounded the last curve before Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, it was evident the Oceanic Bridge in Locust would have been the longer but better option.

Traffic in the ‘through’ lane, the one NOT heading into Sandy Hook, was moving slowly but steadily, but one wonders why the lane heading into Sandy Hook was stopped. West of the bridge, there had been two signs posted indicating the park was closed. There was plenty of opportunity for drivers to choose other options rather than continue across the bridge, options that included going under the bridge, into the wonderful town of Highlands, and visiting a river beach…same water, same beautiful sand, simply a lot quieter, and much calmer. Far better than sitting in a car with impatient kids, angry drivers, and no beach in sight for an afternoon’s enjoyment. Another pleasant option could be going down into Buttermilk Valley and perhaps stopping at Hartshorne Park for a walk through the woods or heading back to Atlantic Highlands for a stroll through the Yacht Harbor. Or up the hill either to the magnificent Twin Lights or via Portland Road to see the newly renovated defense site complete with that huge gun from the Battleship New Jersey (and where the temperature inside the battery hovers somewhere in the ‘70s!).

Yet the cars were at a stop at the top of the bridge all waiting to get into Sandy Hook… for what? To turn around and head back? Didn’t drivers see signs saying the park was closed? To visit the Sandy Hook Lighthouse? Getting to Twin Lights would take less time, offer more spectacular views, and include a sensational museum full of great history and artifacts. Does anyone even know a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient from the Spanish-American War was once a lighthouse keeper here?

It was about the middle of the bridge where the rudeness showed up. Among all those cars NOT going to Sandy Hook lane were half a dozen drivers who WERE going to Sandy Hook, but knew they could move faster in the opposite lane and cut in at the last minute. Forget about the anger that caused; the stopping it created in BOTH lanes, the near misses, and the language children shouldn’t be hearing. Think of the idiocy of it. Why would you still try so hard to cut into a lane heading to where the Park folks were going to turn you back anyway? Even the smarter folks who made that apparently illegal turn at the end of the bridge to head back toward Highlands didn’t impede traffic as much.

But something happened to drivers on the other side of the bridge, once the vehicles going to Sandy Hook were out of the way. Suddenly, they seemed nicer, calmer, politer. The cars coming off the Hook…turned back by rangers who advised them once again the signs were telling the truth…the park really was closed to beachgoers…..had to get into that lane of traffic heading through Sea Bright. But they were waiting in line for a break, waiting patiently in line for a break. And they got it. Drivers continuing to Sea Bright from Highlands began to cooperate with the outgoing Hook cars; they were taking turns, the way it should be done! One car would continue the road, the next car would pause to enable a car leaving the Hook to blend in, then another road car would proceed, then a Hook car would blend in. Alternating, one car at a time. There were hand waves, signs of thanks, even smiles. It worked! Alternating cars actually worked! No more foul language, angry looks, instead, smiles, signs of appreciation. Life was getting better.

Because of the added traffic, the situation continued slowly along Ocean Avenue, but steadily moving with no horn blowing, no fist shakes, nothing but peaceful driving. What’s more, drivers were not only stopping at cross streets to enable other cars to get out, they were even stopping to allow those leaving the ‘rocks’ to cross safely. More waves, more thanks, more smiles.

For the drivers, there was time to enjoy the unique houses along the Strip. Sadly, these are not the gracious old Victorian mansions that provided many a fire drill for the volunteers in the Highlands, Sea Bright, Rumson, Atlantic Highlands and Navesink fire companies in the ‘50s and ‘60s when alarms sounded in the middle of the night and these volunteers rushed out to ‘save the fireplace’ and surrounding homes. But they are magnificent new dwellings, both single and multi-family, well-kept, attractive, and a credit to Sea Bright.

The twice hourly bridge closure at the Rumson bridge slowed traffic somewhat, but people didn’t seem to mind so much. At that point, there were walkers to watch, cyclists to see, and motorcyclists who carefully wended their way creating their own lane but safely moving forward. And when there was some type of emergency in the north end of Sea Bright requiring police from the center of town, cars moved quickly and safely to the sides of the road to create a lane for the police cars to pass.

Ocean Avenue is the same width it was 60 years ago. The ocean is still the same, albeit not visible because of the higher sea wall. The land side view is different, and the river is still vibrant to see in many areas. Actually, driving slowly along the Strip can truly be an enjoyable experience, once angry and frustrated drivers realize it doesn’t get them there any faster, any happier, or any safer, than simply accepting how popular we’ve become and enjoying the ride.

Nellie McHenry, a Stage Star Living in Highlands

By
Muriel J. Smith
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While it has always been an area that movie stars, journalists like Jim Bishop, tv personalities, and entertainers like to call home because of its serenity and natural beauty, Highlands had more than its share of popular stars of the stage and screen in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Nellie McHenry Webster was just such one of those famous names.

Known professionally as Nellie McHenry, she was born in St. Louis, Missouri, this lady who toured the country as well as Canada with other stage stars like Edwin Booth and Lillian Russell. She began her career in her native city but then went on to Chicago, where she performed with the Hooley Comedy Company. She met John Webster, whom she later married, and Nate Salsbury, a theatrical impresario, and the trio formed the Salisbury Troubadors, touring for nearly 20 years in the 1870s and 1880s.

It was Salsbury, who also lived in Highlands, who organized actors into a small series of plays joined with a single threat of a plot, an idea that was hugely successful and led to the troop, Nellie included, even going to Australia and Tasmania of all places, to display their talent. The Troubadors disbanded around 1890 but Salisbury kept things alive as co-owner of the Buffalo Bill Wild West Show which went on to even greater acclaim.

Nellie toured numerous countries of Europe as well, bringing her stage talent to the public through her expertise in both comedy and drama. At one time, in the 1880s, she had a week’s engagement at the Chestnut Street Theater in Philadelphia, and many extras were needed for minor roles at those performances. They were provided by none other than J.S. Hoffman, who also happened to be a Highlands councilman in 1935 at the time of her death.

Nellie and her husband had their home atop the hill on Portland Road, a gracious old Victorian with massive porches on two levels to ensure constant views of the Shrewsbury river and Atlantic Ocean. Salsbury also lived in the area, as did Wallace Reed and Franchon Campbell Webster, Nellie’s daughter, who, like Nellie’s son, John, Jr., made her living on stage and was a highly regarded actress.

After starring in “M’liss” and having a huge success with that one-act play, Nellie bought the rights to the play, then conducted her own highly successful tour around the country with it.

Nellie died at Monmouth Medical Center, then known as Hazard Hospital in Long Branch, when she was 82 years old. Her funeral was at the A.M. Posten Funeral Home in Atlantic Highlands and the service was held at All Saints Memorial Church in Locust, with the rector, the Rev. Charles P. Johnson, officiating. She is buried in the church cemetery.

Her husband, John Webster, disappeared on night in 1899 and it is believed he committed suicide by jumping into the rapids at Niagara Falls. His body has never been found. Their son, John, Jr. died in 1925 in his dressing room at the Henry Miller Theater on West Forty-Third Street, NY, of a heart attack. It was a scarce few minutes before his curtain call for the play “The Poor Nut”.

Stop, Slow Down, Appreciate

By
Muriel J. Smith
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Every once in a while, it’s great fun to slow down and appreciate life. And doing that in Atlantic Highlands this week was a wonderful experience. For instance, I noticed the fresh tulips in bloom on First Avenue. Spring really is coming. Had some of the greatest pizza ever at Julio’s with some of my terrific family some great folks at the adjoining table hearing our conversation and opinions about the Johnny Depp court case joined in the conversation, added their own opinions, and then we launched into more opinions we shared, included the Oscar night fiasco, which, we all decided, was really fixed and meant to liven up what is now a dying annual event.

Then there’s that bright new colorful huge flag in front of Emilio’s on Center Avenue advertising the Mexican flair to what we already knew is some very spectacular and unique cuisine for breakfast and lunch. It’s a must go place for sure at a great price.

Then of course there’s Jaspan’s where none of the staff ever seems to get harried, irritated, rushed or so business-like that you’d be afraid to ask where something is! Witnessed a not very nice man belittling the great guy cutting him new keys, and thought how out-of-place he looked…and must not be a resident of this town.

Also had two separate reasons to contact both the Mayor and the borough clerk this week, and both responded with speed, smarts, and professional courtesy. Doesn’t happen in every town but it’s a regular thing here.

My mail carrier, Rachel, took a moment to stop and chat, giving me the opportunity to tell her how great she is. Also learned we share a love for American history so we’ll be comparing notes and opinions in the future.

All this, without even mentioning the thoughtfulness, kindness and generosity of so many of my friends who are so willing and almost even eager to help me with a recent need I had! So thoughtful! So appreciated!

And I could go on about my family as well, but you all already know how perfect I think they are!

 

So think about what you’ve appreciated this week. It will feel spectacular!

Prayers from the Porch

By
Muriel J. Smith
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Approximately two dozen people from several churches and denominations gathered on the lawn of the United Methodist Church on Third Avenue last evening for the first of this season’s Prayers on the Porch, a monthly prayer session organized last year by Mayor Loretta Gluckstein.

Reverend Jill Hubbard-Smith, pastor of the church, welcomed all to the outdoor session, inviting all to gather in a circle around the purple draped cross set up on the church lawn in observance of Good Friday this week. Joining her were members from all denominations in the borough and leading in prayer with her was Pastor. Dr. Dale R. Miller interim pastor of the Central Baptist Church.

Pastor. Dr. Miller also announced that Pastor Matt Agresti will be the new pastor at the Central Baptist Church, and preached at this past Sunday’s service. The church will formally welcome their new pastor in other gatherings next week.

Gluckstein, who began Prayers on the Porch last year, has organized the monthly session as a private citizen rather than her capacity as mayor, inviting all to join in prayer and thanksgiving for whatever they feel is needed. With a leader to open the half hour long non-denominational and informal program, attendees are all invited to share their needs, their thanks and their joy at being able to gather publicly to pray as a group of neighbors and friends. Prayers were included for the governing body, the police and fire departments, as well as first aid squad members and all volunteers who contribute towards making life better for others. Attendees also prayed for local residents who are ill or in distress, and everyone who asked for their prayers.

Gluckstein ended the meeting leading the group in a singalong of thanksgiving, and invited all interested persons to attend the next Prayers on the Porch.

That will be held at the Gluckstein porch on Ocean Blvd. at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 10.

For further information on Prayers on the Porch, or to volunteer to offer a porch or lawn for any monthly gathering, contact either any local pastor or Mayor Gluckstein. The Sunday bulletins in many churches also list the time, date and location of Prayers on the Porch.

Palm Sunday

By
Muriel J. Smith
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Ruth, one of the residents of Care One at King James in Middletown, showed her delight in receiving palms yesterday, thanks to the cooperative efforts of the Rev. Jarlath Quinn, pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help-St Agnes Church and the Bayshore and Activities Director Karen Cohen at Care One.

 

Father Quinn had blessed palms delivered to the care center Sunday morning for distribution to all residents requesting them. Ms. Cohen expressed the appreciation of the residents, many filled with joy and thanks for the ability they had to receive a remembrance of this major Sunday preceding Easter in Christian religions.

Many Minds Giving Input

By
Muriel J. Smith
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Several residents, many accompanied by their small children, came together with their own creative ideas on how the South Avenue Neighborhood Park should be restored as remediation of the contaminated land is close to being completed.

However, agreeing with information presented by resident Thomas Broadbent, Borough Engineer Douglas Rohmeyer, confirmed that part of the park falls within 50 feet of the mean high water mark for Many Mind Creek. Broadbent noted that at least one-third of the basketball court would not be allowed under both federal and state laws governing wetlands. Under the 1970 Wetlands Act, construction of anything, including fences or paved surfaces, is prohibited within 50 feet on either side of Many Mind Creek.

The South Avenue park is part of the land the NJ Natural Gas Company has been restoring from contamination that dates back to the second World War. The company, like many other companies had dumped contaminants in local waters, in this case, through an outlet pipe into Many Mind Creek.

Mayor Loretta Gluckstein called a committee meeting to get input from residents of the area as to what they would like when the neighborhood park is restored.

Residents responded and gave input to the mayor ,Councilwoman Lori Hohenleitner, the administrator and borough engineers.

Borough Administrator Robert Ferragina encouraged residents to voice their opinions and further noted suggestions, comments and information will continue to be accepted either by e-mail, in person at Borough Hall, or any other means residents wish. Gluckstein also assured the gathering this is the first of several meetings before any work is begun on restoring the South Avenue Park. It is likely residents will be in attendance at Thursday’s regular 7 p.m. Council meeting of the Mayor and Council to hear more about plans, funding, and ideas.

“I think this has been a great meeting and a way for residents to come together to begin putting together the decades old Many Mind Creek Green Corridor Project,” Broadbent said after the meeting. The resident has done exhaustive research on the Creek, the environment and state and federal regulations governing non-disturbed areas such as Many Mind Creek. “This is giving the residents the opportunity to play a role in the greenway project, restoring the creek and salt marches, and being able to enhance their own neighborhood and properties with the encouragement of birds, small fish and terrapins, who thrive in the brackish waters of a creek,” He said.

The Greenway Project first came up two decades ago when the Friends of Many Mind Creek, in concert with Rutgers University, designed and urged a greenway project to restore the creek and salt marshes.

Erin Dougherty, who attended the meeting with the youngest of her three children, urged walking paths which would enable children to see and experience the natural elements within the area. “This could be nature inspired,” she said, “there could be programs where our children could learn about the environment and nature at play.” Such an idea would fit in perfectly with the Greenway project, Broadbent said.

Dougherty was one of a minority of residents at the meeting who said she did not feel the basketball court is the best use for the park, naming the several other locations in the borough where there are basketball hoops. It was this surface in the park Broadbent said would not be allowed because of the 50 foot prohibition on non-disturbed land.

Other residents said they would like a basketball court, some suggesting one where the net was either lower or adjustable; others said they wanted swings, with Rohmeyer explaining while it is a popular recreation, it requires considerable space for safety reasons and might limit what other equipment is offered. A picnic table, benches, a jungle gym, rock climbing wall and fencing were all also suggested. Residents suggested more natural colors for equipment, with the engineer adding that surface materials must also be designed to be compatible with the ground and water levels. Residents appear to be in general agreement that the recreational equipment that had been in the park and has been stored during remediation should no longer be used.

Kate Sharkey, 39 South Avenue, said something has been promised for the park for the 29 years she has lived here and first brought her children to the park. “I just want to be sure it happens,” she told the Mayor.

In response to questions, Councilwoman Lori Hohenleitner said the Gas Company is financing approximately $100,000 toward whatever improvements the borough decides on, and the borough might also have some funds available to help finance whatever is decided.

Moms & Mimosas

By
Muriel J. Smith
-
0

With the dining room about filled to capacity, reservations are closed for the first annual Mother’s Day Brunch at the Shore Casino, set for 11 a.m. Sunday, May 8.

“So many families asked us Easter if we could do something again for Mother’s Day, we agreed,” say Shore Casino manager Jay Strebb. “We’ve made a few changes from Easter to make it more special and so families can enjoy a little more time together.” The manager said many reservations come in before any advertisement of the May event.

The price for the buffet brunch will remain at $50, plus tip and taxes, Strebb said, with children three and under free and reservations for children three to 12 set at half price at $25. The manager added the Brunch will include most of the most popular items from the Easter Brunch as well as some other dishes for Mother’s Day.

In addition to the Brunch, tickets will include a complimentary Mimosa for every Mother present.

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