Council President Brian Dougherty, who is also the borough council’s liaison to the Recreation Committee, reported at this week’s meeting of the Mayor and Council just how active., busy and careful the department is with all its programs for children and teens.
In reviewing some of the activities this month, Dougherty noted in an update on the basketball program which will begin in early January, the committee agreed to a proposal by Program Director Caitlin Bottiglieri to move the Little Hoops program for children in Kindergarten and 1st grades to Friday late afternoons.
Games for the other divisions, boys and girls in grades 2 – 8 will remain on Saturdays. The councilman said the committee also discussed and approved a new Code of Conduct for participants and their parents or guardians and all registrants must agree the new code signing up. Registration is now open on AHNJ.com under the Recreation tab. Cost is $95 for each participant in the main program, $60 for Little Hoops.
Dougherty noted the Committee plans to discuss a new coach’s Code of Conduct at its November meeting as well.
The annual Halloween Parade will be on Saturday, October, pushing off from the Harbor at 1 p.m. and finishing in Veteran’s Park. Dougherty said additions this year include a brand-new People’s Choice category for Best Costumes. Spectators will be able to vote via QR code for their favorite costumes.
The Councilman urged all to go to First Avenue on Saturday to check out all the costumes and cast votes! Prizes will be awarded in the categories for the Scariest, Funniest, Most Creative/Original, Best Group and People’s Choice.
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The Middletown Township Police Department will once again participate in the “National Take Back Initiative” in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New Jersey Division, and other state and local law enforcement agencies, Chief R. Craig Weber announced.
The program will occur Saturday, October 26 from 10:00am until 2:00pm at the Middletown Township Police Headquarters, located at 1 Kings Highway.
The goal of the National Take Back Initiative is to provide a safe opportunity for citizens to rid their homes of unused, unwanted, or expired medications by turning these medications over to law enforcement officials for disposal in a non-hazardous manner.
In October last year, New Jersey collected 14,449 pounds of unwanted medication with 240 participating state and local departments, making the bi-annual event a continued success and great benefit to the community.
Participants may dispose of medication(s) in the original container, or by removing the medication from the container and disposing of it directly into the disposal box. Individuals are encouraged to remove any identifying information from prescription labels that may be present. All solid dosage pharmaceutical products and liquids may be accepted. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container.
Intra-venous solutions, injectables, and syringes will not be accepted due to potential hazards posed by blood-borne pathogens. E-cigarette and vaping devices can also be disposed of only after the batteries are removed.
Middletown Police thanks those who participate in this event, and encourages residents to be mindful of any medications that may be in their households and take precautions to keep them out of the reach of small children.
A new bench facing the Shrewsbury River has been installed at Veterans Park in Highlands, the gift of the Giovenco family honoring their late father and mother, Sal and Juanita Giovenco.
Former residents of Highland Avenue, the Giovencos were active in the borough and at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. Sal was a retired Sergeant Major in the US Army and later served as secretary to the Henry Hudson Board of Education.
The family donated the bench, one of many at Veterans Park on Bay Avenue that honors veterans and other leaders of the borough over the years, Located on the boardwalk on the riverside of the Park, the bench is situated to allow for reflection on the water while the American flag flying behind it signifies a tribute to the Giovenco’s patriotism.
Family members had recently come from their home in varying states to attend the funeral of former neighbor Billy Ptak, and visited the Park to see where the bench would be located.
When Jane Frotton, a former councilwoman in Atlantic Highlands and former employee of the Red Cross learned that Highlands had adopted a family and a town in North Carolina to help after hurricanes devastated the area, it didn’t take her long to gather up friends to help Highlands in their quest to help their neighbors in the South.
Within a few hours of learning Highlands was transporting goods and funds to help, she advised friends in the American Legion, Post 141, the Atlantic Highlands Fire Auxiliary and the Atlantic Highlands Community Events Committee , knowing each of them is well known for their generosity in helping others.
After giving them details of the Highlands efforts, each of the organizations made donations of hundreds of dollars, Jane added your own, and more than $1000 was presented to Rosemary Ryan of Highlands, who is coordinating the borough’s efforts for aid.
Present for the presentation was Cynthia Fair, representing Valerie Montecalvo, of Highlands. The family owns Bayshore Recycling and several other businesses and are also known for their philanthropy. The Montealvos had advised Highlands they would match monetary donations to their North Carolina aid up to $50,000.
In making the presentation, Frotton said she was moved to tears by stories of the devastation, recalling many other storm damaged areas from the past where she had been assigned and led efforts for rehabilitation and restoration and wanted to part of Highlands efforts to continue the work of reaching out to strangers with assistance.
GROTON, Conn. (July 30, 2004) ñ PCU Virginia (SSN-774), the nationís newest and most advanced nuclear-powered attack submarine and the lead ship of its class, returns to the General Dynamics Electric Boat shipyard in Groton, Conn., July 30, following the successful completion of its first voyage in open seas ñ called "alpha" sea trials. Virginia is the Navyís only major combatant ready to join the fleet that was designed with the post-Cold War security environment in mind and embodies the warfighting and operational capabilities required to dominate the littorals while maintaining undersea dominance in the open ocean. ìNuclear submarines provide a unique contribution to our nationís security and will be increasingly important in the decades ahead,î said Electric Boat President John Casey. ìThe Virginia and the rest of the ships of its class are designed specifically to incorporate emergent technologies that will provide new capabilities to meet new threats.î Virginia will be delivered to the U.S. Navy this fall. Electric Boat is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics.
(Photo courtesy of General Dynamics Electric Boat Public Affairs)
When the USS New Jersey (SSN796) was commissioned at NWS Earle in Leonardo last month, there was considerable discussion on whether it should be referred to as a Ship or a Boat.
The correct term could be either, but the preferred term for Navy submarines is Boat.
According to the Bluejacket’s Manual: The original submarines were very small and manned only when in use, so “boat” was appropriate.
In Naval terminology, a boat is a vessel that is launched or tended from a larger ship. The earliest submarines required support vessels to maintain and launch them, hence they were termed boats.
However, the Bluejacket’s Manual continues to explain “ But as submarines developed into larger vessels—and rightfully should have been called ships—the original term stuck.
When the large nuclear subs began to appear, there was an attempt by some submariners to start calling them ships, but as with many things in the Navy, tradition trumped logic, and today, all submarines—even the giant “boomers” (fleet ballistic-missile submarines)—are called boats.
So three Navy vessels have held the name New Jersey…two battleships, BB16 and BB62, and one boat, SSN796.
Michaelangelo Fountains, statues, outdoor masonry work is all being completed on the Our Lady of Perpetual Help grounds, with volunteers and workmen working together to improve landscaping and exterior esthetics to the Route 36 church in Highlands.
While several volunteers are doing planting, weeding and general landscaping, Stan Wyckoff of DEITHAYNIAN Creations, a firm named for his four children, is repairing and repainting exterior statues on the grounds including the fountain on the front entry walk to the church and the St. Michael the Archangel statue.
The statue of St. Anthony of Padua, located in the church parking lot adjacent to the former OLPH school, was also recently restored and repainted, and other creations around the campus are restored to their former beauty.
At the same time, the bulletin board in front of church and visible from Route 36 has been changed on a regular basis and brought smiles to passersby and motorists with messages that have included “When prayers become your habit, Miracles become your lifestyle.”
The American flag always on display is often flown to honor a particular military veteran.
The Reverend Jarlath Quinn, pastor of OLPH – St Agnes parish, thanked all the workers and volunteers for all they are doing to enhance the exterior appearance of the church, and invited anyone who would like to assist or contribute towards the continued beautification to contact the parish office at parishoffice@olphstagnes.org or by calling 732-291-0272.
Opting for the Henry Clay Inn for a relaxing couple of days in Virginia is a good choice. Elegant yet casual and comfortable, located in the heart of town which makes it great for folks who enjoy walking and seeing new things, and with a staff helpful and happy to see you, it’s simply a pleasure. There are other hotels in Ashland, but none is as convenient and close to everything as the Inn. Sitting On the Porch
Andrew and William, two of the staff members at the Inn, were both eager to explain what they like about the town, what is there for others to see and enjoy and where to eat. Of course their first choice is the Inn itself, where breakfast, lunch and dinner are served every day but Tuesday and Wednesday. So, at least for me, for a Wednesday night dinner, they recommended the Iron Horse.
Of course the restaurant would be called Iron Horse. Situated half a block away from the Henry Clay Inn, it’s on the main street right across from those railroad tracks that split the main street. The term Iron Horse refers to steam locomotives and dates back to the 1800s when horses still powered most machinery.
As everything either William or Andrew suggested, it was a great choice. The decor of course, is railroad focused, and there’s a very large locomotive model right adjacent to the tables lining the windows looking out over the town and the railroad tracks. Here again, the staff went out of its way to ensure everything was perfect and the menu was not only enticing but unique in many ways.
From Truffle fries and fried oysters among the appetizers, to two homemade soup varieties every day, to simple fair like double hamburgers, quesadilla and pulled chicken BBQ, it’s a rather uncommon menu even before getting to the entrees.
The main course has daily specials, but on the menu are short ribs, steaks, salmon and a Chili Pecan Chicken served with a Makers Mark Whiskey gravy. A seafood lover of all varieties, I opted for a salmon steak special for that night, outstanding, perfectly cooked, and served with a maple syrup sauce. Incredible. Portions are so large, I couldn’t make it through dessert though the pecan pie sounded outstanding. The variety of wines offered at all prices and from all over the world also made this dinner a standout.
After a couple of days of walking, visiting shops, the library, Randolph Macon College, and meeting great friendly people, after nights of enjoying sleep in a second floor room overlooking the train station, it was time to think about catching the train back north the following late morning.
What if there’s a freight train passing through and Amtrak is on the opposite track, I asked Andrew? How can I be sure I’ll be able to get across to the other side, especially since you have no signals or anyway of knowing which track it’s coming on until you see the headlight in the distance? Not to worry, Anthony soothed, I’ll be sure you get on the train. But first, after breakfast in the morning, take in another tradition here in Ashland. Have one of our specialty drinks, sit on the porch and watch the trains go by.
An alcoholic drink in the morning I asked? Your choice, he teased, but a lot of people like it.
He showed me the menu of cocktails, which included Manhattans, and Old fashioneds, of course in the south both are made with Jim Beam. There were also Mojitos, Moscow Mules and even a Peach Mule, made with Peach Vodka, lime juice and ginger beer.
But I was more attracted to the names Andrew himself had designed for drinks he concocted. There was the Railside Relaxation, the Painkiller, and the Ashland Smash, a tall drink made with Bacardi Gold, St. Germaine, grapefruit juice and tonic. Secretariat was born here, so of course there was a Kentucky Derby, made with Woodfords, simple syrup and mint.
I liked the Train Station for its name, and though it was barely 11 o’clock in the morning, I sat on that spacious porch in a big comfortable chair, watched the activity on the street, and Andrew served a tall glass, complete with lots of ice and a straw, and I had my first Train Station: Belle Isle moonshine, iced tea, simple syrup, mint and honey. A distinct pleasure.
When it was time for Amtrak to arrive, true to his word, Andrew was out on the porch, walking across the street with me and spotting the train in the distance…on tracks on the opposite side. It was easy to cross, thank him for such service, greet the conductor when the train pulled in, and head back to Newark after a relaxing and unforgettable few days in Virginia.
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Middletown Police are asking for help from anyone who would have been in the area of Route 36 and Naval Weapons Station Earle in Leonardo Friday, October 18, prior to 8:07 p.m. and may have seen the victim prior to a crash that took the life of a pedestrian.
Anyone with information can call Middletown Twp. Police Cpl. Michael Reuter at (732) 615-2045 or Det. Nicolas Logothetis, of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office at (800) 533-7443.
Police reported that on Friday, at 8:07p.m., Middletown Twp. Police responded to State Route 36 for a report of a pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle. Upon arrival, officers located Dennis Bannon, 60, of Leonardo, lying on the roadway with serious bodily injuries.
The accident occurred on the highway in the northbound lanes a short distance past the Main Gate entrance to NWS Earle.
The initial investigation shows that Bannon was walking on the roadway prior to being struck by the vehicle.
The driver, whose identity is not being released at this time, was cooperative with Police during the investigation.
Bannon was treated and transported by Port Monmouth First Aid Squad to Hackensack Meridian Health Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank where he was pronounced dead.
Ashland, Virginia is simply a fun, neighborly laid-back city with a small-town atmosphere and a pace of living that forces you to sit back and enjoy the sights, scenes, people and even names of the many businesses up and down the city’s main street. Center of the Universe
So what if Railroad Ave is separated by two tracks of rail owned by CSX Railroad and accommodating trains of so many other companies, including Amtrak.
So what if trains with hundreds of freight cars rumble through at all hours of the day and night, a sign that business is up and running, for sure, between factories and points of sale.
Ashland is a town that convinces you that yes, every once in a while, it is important to sit back and smell the roses.
Getting off Amtrak from Newark’ Penn Station to Ashland, you practically run face to face with a life size sculpture of one of the reasons why the town makes headlines. This is where The Meadow was located, the horse farm where the famed Secretariat was born and bred.
In tribute to the thoroughbred, still regarded as the most perfect racehorse of all times, there is a life size sculpture of the horse, with rider Ron Turcotte up in the saddle, directly next to the station platform, and in front of one of the gates to Randolph Macon College. The Canadian born jockey rode the Virginia-bred horse to victory in all three races of the Triple Crown in 1973, the first winner in a quarter of a century with a still unbeaten speed records in all three races.
On the other side of the tracks, behind the train station converted into a visitors center, is the Henry Clay Inn, its large inviting porch and flower and shrub-filled front yard filled with sparkling white lights that offer a welcome shine for an evening arrival. On the corner is the Iron Horse, a fantastic restaurant with a railroad inspired décor and friendly staff.
But walking through town, it’s the names of the various small shops that draw you inside. You can’t help but think if they’re that creative with their names, they must be creative with their merchandise as well.
It’s true. Take the Center of the Yarniverse for instance. The town wants to be known as the Center of the Universe, as a large painting on the exterior wall of one of its buildings will tell you. Yet shop owner Stacey Williamson wants shoppers to know that the Center of the Yarniverse is not only an important part of the town, but also a shop for everyone who wants to create with a needle or other hand or finger original handiworks.
This is a great shop filled with yards, needles, crafts, models, and everything else a knitter, crocheter, embroiderer or other skilled or unskilled crafter wants or needs. Stacey is happy to show you all the unique crafts, kits and wools the shop has to offer, as well as a variety of great little kits and fun gift ideas even for those who don’t have any skills with handiwork. She’ll also let you know the variety of shops in town, pointing in all directions to ensure you don’t miss anything.
Across the street and up a little way is the Sugar Fix Bakery, a name that almost forces you to go in and see what’s offered.
There again, it’s the friendly folks who run the bakery that are eager to take some time to chat, to tell you what makes them proud about their city, and what’s inside the colorful, attractive, and very deliciously looking pastries, cookies and more. Since Ashland is very definitely a railroad town, of course there are packages of cookies in the shapes of trains, locomotives, and station crossing signs. And they taste even better than they look.
Then there’s the Slipped Disc, a Grammy Award winning recording studio. The Sweet Frog is a yogurt shop and Tiny Tim’s Toys and Trains is well, just that, lots of toys and trains of all sizes, models, together with all the parts and pieces needed for model railroading.
Tiny Tim’s Toys and Trains also has a dynamic and enthusiastic salesperson named Sonja, who not only loves trains and knows all about them, but loves her work, which, she will gently remind you, is not work, it’s something she does because she loves it.
Sonja’s been on the job for ten years ever since the day she told her best friend who owned the business she would help out for one day. Between helping out customers looking for kits of trains, planes and helicopters or tee shirts or railroad hats as commemoratives of visiting a railroad town, Sonja is on her computer checking how late the Auto Train is and what time it’s expected to pass through Ashland. She knows precisely where everything is in the store, from attractive Christmas ornaments and model railroad accessories to miniature railroad magnets and stuffed toys.
Sonja was excited as I was leaving the store because a miles long freight train was rumbling through, and she could hasten outdoors to get a better look as it headed south. Not only that, but she also called me as I was a distance up the street when the freight continued to rumble through. “Look between the cars,” Sonja called out joyously. “You’ll see the Auto Train on the other side heading North. She’s three hours and five minutes late.”
She was right on both counts. And up and down Railroad Avenue, both sides, folks stopped what they were doing to watch the trains pass, two different cargoes in two different directions.
Continuing walking through the downtown area, I found the town hall festooned with flags, a Coffee, Tea and Books shop which was just that…..tables if you wanted to sit and enjoy coffee or tea, and a bookcase of books if you wanted to make a purchase. The friendly owners there are quick to point out the top shelves are new books for sale, the bottom shelf is used books for a dollar or so.
It was another statue, this of a man sitting on the park bench, which drew me to the town library. The man was reading a book and was identified as Richard “Dick” S. Gillis a Randolph Macon graduate of the 1930s, Army Captain during World War II who earned two battle stars and a unit citation, and a successful 30-year career man with the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. He was also executive vice president and publisher of Commonwealth magazine. Mr. Gilis was the town’s mayor from 1977 to 1990 and was the first to describe Ashland as the Center of the Universe.”
During his tenure as mayor from 1977 to 1990, Ashland was given the town train station by the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad, was given a new post office by the federal government and saw water and sewer service extended to a north Ashland neighborhood. While he was mayor of the Town of Ashland, Mr. Gillis coined the phrase, “The Center of the Universe,” the name that still sticks. He was also largely responsible for the library coming to Ashland in the first place and though he died in 2001, his memory lives on at the library and throughout the town.
The library is another unique feature of a unique community. There are reams of information about everything going on in town. An entire section complete with plenty of literature on voting, the importance of it, and how to do it, local, state and interstate daily newspapers with comfortable chairs for reading, and even sheets of crossword puzzles daily to ensure sharp minds and daily challenges.
A friendly librarian is eager to respond to any questions with a broad knowledge of not only Ashland but Virginia history as well, and the adult section of the library has the latest bestsellers readily available.
But it’s the children’s library that reminds you you’re in Ashland which is a railroad town. Spread out the length of the room, at kid level, is a display table and all the houses, hotels, people, animals and other buildings so a youngster or group of youngsters can build their own village. It is Ashland, so instead of roads, there are also lots and lots of train pieces, so the youngsters can build their town around the railroad.
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Sand Critical beach replenishment for Jersey Shore towns in the Fourth Congressional District is primed to begin after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officially awarded a contract for the project to Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company, Congressman Chris Smith announced recently.
“After several contracting delays, this long-awaited project to restore our beaches that have suffered considerable erosion over the past years is finally ready to move forward,” said Smith, who secured $30.2 million in federal funding for the project.
The project, which has faced several setbacks, had been in serious jeopardy before Smith intervened in January 2022 and secured the entire federal share—or approximately half of the $73.5 million total cost—from the federal infrastructure bill passed by Congress.
“We have never let up on securing this long-overdue, unjustly delayed project,” said Smith. “Our shore communities will benefit greatly from the federal assistance and partnership to address significant safety concerns from beach erosion and help blunt damaging effects of major storms.”
Smith said that while the work schedule is yet to be finalized, the project will likely be completed over the winter months—or possibly sooner.
“I am confident that the Army Corps will work closely with the contract awardee to help see that this important operation, now finally awarded, is not derailed again,” said Smith.
