Joe Fiorentino, a member of the crew and historian who researched the history of the World War II training flights in New Jersey, will present a program on the first dives in 70 years to an underwater site identifying the lost World War II aircraft in another in a series of programs at Bahrs Restaurant, 2 Bay Avenue, Highlands.
Fiorentino will speak on the captain and crew of the dive boat MAC which, three years ago, inadvertently ran across a wreck in 100 feet of water. In 2012 they revisited the site and found a World War II aircraft. Last year, the dive boat Constellation Captain Harry Roecker and his crew returned to investigate the aircraft. After three trips to the site, the aircraft was identified.
Joe Fiorentino
The program is sponsored by the Navesink Maritime Heritage Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to engaging Eastern Monmouth County with maritime and water related historical, skill building, environmental, and recreational activities, and encouraging responsible use of the Navesink estuary through its Discover, Engage, and Sustain approach.
The program is open to the public and interested persons can REGISTER HERE.
The Zoom link will be e-mailed on November 13 to all who register by 6 p.m. Nov. 13.
The program will be held Wednesday, November 13 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. preceded by coffee and cookies beginning at 6:30 p.m.
The program is available both in person at Bahrs as well as on ZOOM.
Roads While every evening I like to think of three things that made me happy that day…..and there are always so many more than three things…..
This week it is my 12 year old car that is thinking about three things that made it happy….Linden Avenue, Waterwitch Avenue and Bay Avenue in Highlands.
For the first time in more months than most of us can remember, all three county roads are smooth, beautiful looking, easy to travel, and so wonderful to ride!
It was the lack of bumpety bump noises that I noticed first….I thought something had happened to my engine. Then it was how smooth everything was…I thought the tires turned to skis. But in the end, it was just great efficient work by those doing the job for Monmouth County, getting it done, and finally opening the roads to once again traveling comfortably through the main streets of Highlands.
Everyone should stop into Highlands to feel how good the roads feel, to visit the shops and restaurants who have certainly been impacted by months of uncomfortable travel and difficult parking to access their businesses, and let them all know you haven’t forgotten them and are happy to be back on a more regular basis.
As for making me happy, there were several things besides the roads that made me happy in this recent trip to Highlands. Seeing the new gourmet grocer that had its official opening last Friday night is enough to make the most fastidious and creative cook happy. Seeing so many great things to eat and use in creative recipes right in the heart of the borough is one more sign Highlands is continuing to grow, to be interesting and to offer the unusual.
Stopping in the laundry, I learned a lesson from Sue, one of those hard-working women who keep the Highlands Laundry so clean and a fun place to go, even if it is to do laundry. When a client wasn’t sure of the size washer she wanted it was Sue who led her to the most efficient, and not the most expensive choice. She was right and the customer was delighted. When another customer was a bit sharp, rude, and not very pleasant to her, it was Sue who shrugged it off saying, “you never know what kind of day the other person is having. You have to think about that instead of getting mad or answering back.”
Taking a walk through Veterans Park brought back memories of some former residents who have made differences in Highlands, contributed towards it and truly loved the borough. Stop in one of these sunny days and think about the names and families memorialized on the benches that allow for enjoyment of a beautiful setting. There are veterans and politicians alike, families and individuals who are all still a part of the town’s happy memories.
Best of all, seeing how Highlands is working so well together and doing so much to help the folks in North Carolina devastated by the hurricanes, is a reminder that this has always been a town where neighbor helps neighbor and the stranger in the laundry or bar or coffeeshop becomes an instant friend,
“I have reached a point in my career where I have the time so I can give back to the community,” is one of the primary reasons why Kevin Ege is seeking his first term on the Henry Hudson Regional Board of Education.
“I have a personal passion about school systems serving our children and leaving none behind,” he continued, to emphasize his interest in serving on the board.
Nor does Ege have any strong opinions on any issue under discussion, he explained, and promised to “have an open mind and make pragmatic decisions” once he is fully informed.
Ege is one of four Highlands residents seeking the two one-year terms open in Tuesday’s election. The three others seeking the two members voters can choose are Gena Melnyk, Allison Burel and Don Krueger.
The Virginia born resident, born and raised in the Virginia Beach area, graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in biochemistry and worked in the water treatment industry for nearly a decade. He then attended Wake Forest graduate school and turned to banking for his profession. He has been working in that field for the past 23 years.
Ege, who lives on Portland Rd and has been a Highlands resident for three years, said he is not a member of any clubs or organizations, preferring instead, to focus solely on his career . He and his wife, Elizabeth, have two grown children, a married daughter living in New York and a son nearing graduation from Marist College.
The family chose to live in Highlands because they were drawn to a community similar to their growing up years. After living in California, North Carolina Virginia and Glen Ridge, NJ they wanted to live by the beach once again after their children were grown. Ege’s primary hobby is surfing, a skill he has been enjoying for 45 years, and Highlands offered opportunities so he could continue to enjoy that, he said.
Although he has never run for any office before, Ege is drawn to serve on a board of education because he feels that it is the area in which he can best serve his community.
He has not attended any board meetings, candidly admits he is not aware of all the issues or reasons for opinions on any of the school matters under discussion, but will listen to everyone and gather as much information as available before making sensible and realistic decisions.
On the subject of regionalization with Sea Bright, Ege said that while he does not know all the details, “if it makes sense from a financial standpoint, children of Highlands and Atlantic Highlands can benefit and it’s the right decision for the Sea Bright children, I would be all for it. “
Looking at the overall picture on regionalization, Ege pointed out it is challenging since there are many nuances to understand in order to make an informed decision. He believes a community school can benefit from parental involvement, and said on the surface it appears the tension he has seen around regionalization and schools below peer schools are the major problems facing the district now citing how parental involvement could be beneficial.
” I need to understand the nuances around regionalization and the cost or benefit of staying involved in a legal fight concerning the Sea Bright issue, “Ege said. He pointed out as examples test scores, which typically are influenced by school administration (including teachers) and parent involvement. That can be pulled in by a sense of community and openness from the board and administration encouraging involvement, he explained. “School administration needs the right focus, namely our children as well as continued professional development for the front line teachers.”
Kevin Ege Kevin Ege Kevin Ege Kevin Ege Kevin Ege Kevin Ege Kevin Ege Kevin Ege Kevin Ege Kevin Ege Kevin Ege Kevin Ege
Independent Thinkers When it comes to the November 5 election to the Henry Hudson Regional Board of Education, let us cast the mudslinging aside and get down to facts supporting why it is crucial for Highlands taxpayers to elect candidates from Highlands who have not served on the transitional board for Henry Hudson Regional School Board (HHRSB) seats.
While there are undoubtedly educational issues to address along with unusually large numbers of staff who have left the district, as well as a significant drop in student enrollment, this article will only address the onerous financial issues that affect all taxpayers and that must be considered when voting for the board of education to its first term.
For background and a clearer understanding: The School Board currently in place is the Henry Hudson Regional PreK-12 Transitional School Board. This Transitional Board is comprised of three members from each of the now defunct Atlantic Highlands Elementary, Highlands Elementary, and Henry Hudson Regional School Boards. They were chosen among themselves to serve on the transitional board, not by any election.
Being an elected representative on a school Board may sound tame. One meeting a month, attendance at many extraordinary school events and activities, and the opportunity to get to know administrators, teachers, and those individuals hired to represent the interests of the School Board on a deeper level. Sounds good, doesn’t it? And a nice volunteer contribution to the town.
Yet, like every elected position in town, state, and federal government, this one comes with a burden that requires the electee to always exercise due diligence in their decision-making. This duty requires the electee to represent every child, every wallet, and all the legislation in place to protect the interests of the students and taxpayers and the well-being of the school district itself.
Four Highlands citizens who were not members of the Transitional Board have come forward to serve on the elected board after the November 5 election. They are Three-Year Term: Suzanne Thomas and One-Year Term: Allison Burel, Regina Melnyk, and Kevin Ege
Here are some of the misguided, unresearched decisions made by the Transitional and former Boards of Atlantic Highlands Elementary, Highlands Elementary, and Henry Hudson Schools that demand new leadership willing to do the heavy work and have the stamina to stand up and question the decisions made by the Superintendent, her attorneys and others employed.
Expansion of the Superintendent’s Contract to five years. The decision was made at the June 2024 meetings by the three soon-to-be dissolved school boards just days before becoming extinct. That was done, in violation of New Jersey Revised Statutes Section 18A:11-11 (2023)
A board of education shall not renegotiate, extend, amend, or otherwise alter the terms of a contract with a superintendent of schools, assistant superintendent of schools, or school business administrator,unless notice is provided to the public at least 30 days prior to the scheduled action by the board.
Imposition of a funding formula for Atlantic Highlands and Highlands by Dr. Beams that only uses equalized Property Valuations and ignores enrollment. The result?
Highlands pays a whopping $9,546 more per student for the same education as Atlantic Highlands.
For the 2024-25 school year, the tax paid per total enrolled students in each town is:
Highlands $32,951 each for a total of 273 students
Atlantic Highlands $23,435 each for a total of 445 students
Superintendent Tara Beams
Older residents of Highlands speak about an uneasy relationship with Atlantic Highlands in the past—one that has improved over the years. Sadly, the current funding formula, insisted upon by Dr. Beams, which heavily favors Atlantic Highlands at the expense of Highlands, is an injustice. Dr. Beams insisted that only she and the school boards can set a funding formula. This statement directly opposes the current Regionalization laws passed by the state, which allow municipalities the right to do so as well, If they are involved in the filing of the petition! Dr. Beams made sure that was not so in her quickly filed petition to go forward with just Atlantic Highlands and Highlands last spring, without consulting either municipality about the funding formula she installed in the petition.
Sea Bright:
In an ever-continuing effort to keep Sea Bright from bringing their students and funding to the School Board, Dr. Beams allowed her Regionalization specialist attorney to meet with legal representatives from Shore Regional and Oceanport Schools; the result was devising a resolution that would set up near-impossible hurdles for Sea Bright, such as filing a sole petition to join the HHR School district – which is impossible. One cannot have a wedding with only a bride…This resolution was reconstructed to omit the most onerous details only after an injunction was filed.
In further evidence of Dr. Beams disdain for Highlands, the revised resolution was sent to the mayor of Atlantic Highlands. It was not sent to anyone in Highlands.
Dr. Beams has repeatedly told everyone that uniting Atlantic Highlands and Highlands was STEP ONE – Sea Bright would be STEP 2. In September 2023, many voted in favor of Regionalization, believing their vote was for Sea Bright and Step 2. However, in the Spring of 2024, Dr Beams had her attorney tell Highlands and Sea Bright’s attorney the following with regard to pursing the steps needed to bring Sea Bright in: “Our client does not wish to file jointly at this point.” Things are very hectic now at the tasks of getting the new all-purpose regional district up and running.”
Dr. Beams lives in Oceanport, a district whose taxes will go up to cover the $3,348,696 (for approximately 20 students) lost to Shore Regional and $779,420 (for approximately 20 students) lost to Oceanport when Sea Bright moves on. Dr. Beams Seemingly has a conflict of interest
While they are well-meaning people who want to contribute, they have listened without reading or researching to ensure each member gave their best efforts to their towns during these critical times and to the Superintendent they employed.
How could anyone who can do math accept the formula given, which did not include enrollment? Particularly any whose career is involved in finance?
No state-funded studies employed equalized property valuation as the sole criteria . But now, Highlands is stuck with dwindling school enrollment and rising property values, which will ensure that those taxpayers carry an unduly heavy financial burden going forward.
Highlands needs school board members who know what has happened, and are prepared to stand up, question, research and make decisions that consider every facet involved going forward.
Highlands needs new School Board members who understand and practice the fact that “ their role is not to simply say yes….”
If there’s any one very serious problem to take from Henry Hudson Regional Board of Education member Don Krueger’s nearly 1,000 word comment on a VeniVidiScripto.com story this week, it is that in spite of his education, his experience, and his years on the Board of Education, he has not yet learned that the public not only has the right to know, but elected officials’ have an OBLIGATION to keep the public informed.
To discuss issues and actions in private, then act and say differently from how the board member might really want to see happen, without letting the public know any of his ideas, simply so the board can keep a “united” appearance isn’t what any elected official is put in position to do.
Donald H. Krueger
Mr. Krueger is running for a one- year term on the board to “finish the business” of regionalization as he has said in the past. But he takes issue in his response to the story on the group, Hudson Kids First, who are supporting the three Highlands candidates, Sue Thomas, Gena Melnyk and Kevin Ege and the two Atlantic Highlands candidates Justin Thomas and Richard Colangelo .
Donald H. Krueger
Mr. Krueger doesn’t like that the letter he was addressing from Hudson Kids First, a group of individual citizens, not board members or candidates, said the current board members vote as a clique.
My questions is: How else can they, or anybody else describe a group of people when that group, at every turn, all vote the exact same way?
Nobody ever has a new idea or a new way of doing things?
Nobody ever has a thought of his own?
Don’t cliques always agree and do things their way. Isn’t the definition of a clique a group that does not welcome others?
These are taxpayers funds that are being spent for education. And these are parents’ children who are educated with this money.
So why are not discussions on how the money is spent made public?
Why cannot the electorate hear the discussions which take place….in private, which is contrary to the spirit of the law… so they, too, can understand why and how money is spent?
Doesn’t anyone ever wonder why, since they have been named the transitional board before the first board is elected November 5, everyone of the nine members ALWAYS votes the same way?
There is NEVER a no vote cast. It was the same on the three former boards on which clique members sat as well.
Donald H. Krueger
Mr. Krueger explains that is because they discuss everything first, that the board members engage with the superintendent, consultants, attorneys “and others.”
But never with the people who elected them.
Donald H. Krueger
Mr. Krueger explains that board members “ discuss these issues…among ourselves.”
Isn’t that a violation of the people’s right to know?
Donald H. Krueger
Mr. Krueger actually put it in writing that the board members debate “behind the scenes!”
Isn’t that against the spirit and Legislative Intent of the Open Public Meetings Act?
Donald H. Krueger
Mr. Krueger states that in public, they all vote the same way so they can appear “unified.”
That sounds scary.
Why is that so necessary and where in the law does it say it’s the right thing to do?
Donald H. Krueger
Does Mr. Krueger have so little confidence in the people who put him in office that he does not find them worthy of knowing what the debate is about?
Or;
Why a board member might feel one way, but rather than stand up and have his own opinion, feels he has to put up a “united” front?
According to the New Jersey Board of Education, school board members are there to govern the school, to represent their community, to develop policies in compliance with the law, to see that the schools are well run, and through written policies provide guidance and direction to the chief school administrator for making decisions and taking action.
There is nothing in the law that allows for school board members to discuss how they’re going to accomplish all this privately, excluding the public, not letting then public see how they think , then vote all the same way just so it looks like they are united.
To Read the Entire Comment, Scroll to the Bottom of the Article HERE
RIGHT to Know RIGHT to Know RIGHT to Know RIGHT to Know RIGHT to Know
Britannia Look for several stories in the next couple of weeks on the Middletown Chapter of the Daughters of the Revolution and their ribbon cutting ceremony held Sunday in front of the Seabrook-Wilson house, in Port Monmouth. But first it is important to see why it was such a wonderful ceremony and what an eclectic group of talented people brought together from so many different areas besides history.
It also showed how well the Monmouth County Parks System, which co-sponsored the event with the DAR , and many of the historic organizations and commissions in Monmouth County came together to learn more about this British ship from Revolutionary times that broke loose from its moorings and subsequently was captured by the Patriots, its huge supply of foods and other necessities apparently intended for the British on Sandy Hook or the many British defenders living in Monmouth County or the New York area then taken over by the Patriots.
Sponsored by the Middletown Chapter of the DAR, the official uncovering and dedication of a sign in front of the Seabrook-Wilson House…..those of us who have been around here a few years know it as the Spy House, now a wonderful museum run by the county Parks System…..looks out over the bay adjacent to Shoal Harbor where the ship was captured.
The Britannia was then towed by Captain Asher Holmes and his militia to Cheesequake Creek where the militia then unloaded it, guarded their prize, and received a portion of the sale of the cargo and ultimately the ship’s infrastructure.
But the DAR event itself was historic. Present and speaking at it, in addition to a welcome from DAR chapter Regent Michele Donnelly and a great explanation of the county’s resources on the Britannia, by Monmouth County’s Kristen Hohn, artist Steve Schreiber of Toms River was on hand to not only display this oil painting of the Britannia but tell the story of every detail within the incredible history in oils.
The Middletown Militia Secures their Prize, by Steve Schreiber.
Also on hand to give great explanations of how 18th century ships were built was Tom Ruggiero of the Ship model Society of New Jersey whose model of a brigantine let the audience of approximately 50 guests see the detail and intricacy that went into building the wooden vessels.
Bill Brown from the Model Ship Society was also there to answer questions and entice more interest in shipbuilding. There was even a great talk by Maureen Foster, a DAR member who wrote the story for the Monmouth Timeline and is the descendant of one of the militia men that started the research and was captivated by the Britannia story.
There was so much interest and so many questions for more information that even after the beautiful but brief ribbon cutting ceremony outside, the crowd went back in to enjoy light refreshments and learn more from each of the experts present.
It was a terrific group of people who not only love American history, Monmouth County’s role in it and the importance of preserving it and keeping others informed.
The Eastern Monmouth Area Chamber of Commerce announced the upcoming Health & Wellness Expo set for Wednesday, January 29, 2025 from 12pm to 3pm at Brookdale Community College Student Life Center. This event is open to the public and will feature a variety of health and wellness resources, activities, and demonstrations.
Interested in becoming a sponsor or vendor? Learn more about showcasing your products or services by visiting EMACC.org or call our office at 732-741-0055.
The Health & Wellness Expo will offer attendees the opportunity to Learn about the latest health trends and innovations, connect with local healthcare providers and wellness experts, participate in interactive workshops and demonstrations and meet local vendors dedicated to improving the health and wellness of our community
“We are thrilled to host this event and provide our community with a valuable opportunity to improve their overall health and well-being,” said Jennifer Eckhoff, Executive Director of EMACC. “Our goal is to create a fun and informative experience that inspires people to take charge of their health.”
The Eastern Monmouth Area Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1928 has supported our business community for almost 100 years. EMACC plays an essential role in the health of the business community regionally and statewide. Proudly serving Eatontown, Fair Haven, Little Silver, Middletown, Monmouth Beach, Oceanport, Red Bank, Rumson, Sea Bright, Shrewsbury and Tinton Falls. All are welcome! Call for more information 732-741-0055 or send us an email at membership@emacc.org for membership details.
Health Wellness Expo Health Wellness Expo Health Wellness Expo Health Wellness Expo Health Wellness Expo
The Reverend Joseph Donnelly Council of the Knights of Columbus of Our Lady of Perpetual Help St Agnes parish will hold its annual Veterans day breakfast honoring veterans of all military branches on Sunday. November 10 from 9 a.m. to noon in the OLPH school gym, Miller St. Highlands.
The catholic men/s organization, which is part of the international Knights of Columbus, has long been known for its attention to the military and veterans as well as the poor and those especially in need. The local Council has sponsored numerous events for the OLPH St Agnes parish, and their fall entertainment dinners have become a tradition attract a standing room crowd each year.
The public is invited to the annual breakfast to honor all veterans and recalls the sacrifices they have made in all branches of the service in every war since World War II.
Veterans who are members of the local American Legion and VFW posts in Highlands, Atlantic Highlands and Leonardo have been invited to attend and be recognized. Public officials in the local boroughs have also been invited to attend and honor the military.
There is no charge for the breakfast, an event the Knights hold each month, however, donations are always accepted.
Veterans Day Breakfast Veterans Day Breakfast Veterans Day Breakfast Veterans Day Breakfast
Highlands Historical Society President Sheila Weinstock will present a special afternoon program at the Atlantic Highlands Senior Center giving the history of Veterans Day, celebrating and honoring all veterans, Saturday, on November 2, at 1 p.m. The public is invited to attend and honor and learn more about the contributions, sacrifices and hopes of the people of New Jersey between 1910 and 1920, focusing on “the war to end all wars,” World War I.
Weinstock will trace the history of Veterans Day, first created in 1918 as Armistice Day; ton November 11, when at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month the armistice was signed ending the first world war.
Weinstock will highlight New Jersey and World War I: Before, During and After Armistice Day in Monmouth County and how this County was critical to the war effort. She will discuss the run up to the war and the extent to which NJ’s geography and resources made the impact of NJ industries essential.
The NJ military installations and support services, primary among them Ft. Monmouth’s Signal Corps were crucial to the Allied success, the great flu epidemic, Woodrow Wilson’s Long Branch White House, the state’s pharmaceutical industry and the profound effect of the war on art, culture, the role of women and African Americans during and after the Armistice will all be discussed during the society president’s talk.
Calling them a “clique”referring to present interim school board chosen by members of the three boards of education rather than elected by voters, a group known as Hudson Kids First is supporting three Highlands residents for the board of election.
The group sent out letters to residents in both Highlands and Atlantic Highlands this week supporting their candidates in the November 5 election.
Hudson Kids First, with Donica Basinger as chairperson, Philip Spatola as treasurer and Arthur Gallagher as political director, sent the two-page letter citing two issues that their candidates feel have failed both the borough’s taxpayers and students.
The letter, entitled “Break Up the Clique! pointed out every one of the incumbents on the board appointed in July awarded a five year, one million dollar contract to its superintendent, including a telephone, travel expenses and other perks.
The letter also indicated that because of the board’s vote, administration at Henry Hudson Regional “are paid on a par with those of much larger and more complex regional districts, and described Henry Hudson regional district, with its three schools in two towns, as one of the smaller regional districts in the state.
The Hudson Kids First committee also took issue with the incumbent board’s failure to taxpayers and students by thwarting voters from voting on a referendum to include Sea Bright in the district, saying “they had indulged in and exacerbated the obstacles to a referendum, rather than working cooperatively with the boroughs to overcome obstacles.”
“They say they are for regionalization, but their actions have been contrary to their rhetoric,” the letter states.
Highlands and Sea Bright do have a question on the November ballot seeking the taxpayers’ opinion on whether Sea Bright should be included in the district with Highlands and Atlantic Highlands.
Atlantic Highlands chose not to put the opinion-seeking question on the ballot after the mayor indicated such a vote would be “frivolous.”
Atlantic Highlands Mayor Lori Hohenleitner
“Our kids and the taxpayers who pay for the schools deserve a board comprised of hardworking independent thinkers who will do the research and set the policies that will deliver the best possible educational opportunities at the most efficient costs, “the letter continued.
Hudson Kids First made it clear they support Suzanne Thomas, a lifelong borough resident, retired school nurse and former member of the Highlands school board who is running for the three year term, Gina Melnyk, a former teacher and former school board member who the letter describes as a candidate who “does her homework and speaks her mind to power.”. and Kevin Ege, a finance professional running with ‘Accountability” as his slogan, running for the two one-year terms.
Rebecca Wells and Diane Knox are unopposed for election to the two two-year terms open in November, so, barring a surprise write-in campaign they are expected to win the two seats.
The three candidates strongly supported by Hudson Kids First in Highlands, the letter continued, “are committed to improving our kids’ educational opportunities, reducing the burden on property taxpayers and overcoming the obstacles to regionalization with Sea Bright.” They urge sending a strong message to members of “the Clique” by not casting any ballot for the unopposed candidates for the two year terms since “they are going to be elected anyway with just their friends and families’ vote” .
“Let’s elect thoughtful independent leaders to the board of education, “the Hudson Kids First team urged, adding the message should also be sent to the administration and the incumbents that “we want the best education possible for Hudson kids…we want state money and the revenue that Sea Bright would contribute through regionalization.” What they do not want, the letter concluded, “are excuses or rubber stamp board members.”
Hudson Kids First, which is not affiliated with any candidate or candidate committee, identified itself as an independent political committee that paid for the letter and mailing, reminded residents of the importance of voting November 5 since it is “the first opportunity to vote for members of the newly formed Henry Hudson Regional School District.
Highlands voters have the opportunity to name five members to the new board with terms of one, two and three years, while Atlantic Highlands has the opportunity to elect four members to the new nine-member board, with similar staggered terms. Candidates for the three-year terms in both communities are unopposed.
