There were few fish caught, but that isn’t what veterans were thinking when they gathered together for support at On the Deck with their new friends, captains of more than two dozen boats that volunteered to take close to 100 veterans out for a day of fishing.
In the program marking its fifth year this year, Fins for Freedom officers said this has been the absolutely best year yet and expresses great thanks to On the Deck as well as numerous other businesses and individuals who helped make the day the success it was for all veterans. Fins for Freedom treasurer Dan Brady said it from statistics he gathered, it seems that more than 60 percent of the veteran fishermen had never been out for a day’s fishing in the Atlantic Ocean before this year’s trip.
Brady also praised the numerous businesses and local persons who donated basket gifts or monetary or gift cards so that in a drawing at the end of the day, every veteran received a gift which included everything from gift tickets to movies or restaurants to handmade fishing poles.
There was one unique coincidence that drew applause from the fishermen, a few tears from one retired sailor and a lot of laughs.
Lieutenant Angus Yeoman, United States Navy
A local resident had donated a basket for the drawing, saying she was giving the gift to honor an active-duty sailor, Lieutenant Angus Yeoman of Bayville, whose mother was brought up in Highlands. Yeoman, a graduate of the University of South Carolina, recently completed aviation classes at Pensacola in Florida and is a helicopter pilot in the US Navy.
His parents were among the veterans on the Fins for Freedom outing. Tracie Smith-Yeoman and her husband Chris, both Navy veterans who have given more than 42 years to the service, were on their first Fins for Freedom outing and praising not only the founders of Fins for Freedom but all the residents and businesses who had donated so much to make the day perfect.
When Brady made the announcement of the gift honoring their son, he said it was only right that the Yeomans present the gift to the lucky veteran.
Coincidentally, the winner of the gift, an Army veteran, laughed and thanked them saying how much it meant to him. Like Lieutenant Yeoman, he, too, was a helicopter pilot when he was serving on active duty.
Fins for Freedom is already planning and preparing for next year’s event. Anyone who wants to participate, either by helping the day of the event, making a donation, or offering a boat and captain for the day’s outing can visit Fins for Freedom and learn the numerous ways they can show their appreciation for all veterans. Contacts can be made by visiting Fins for Freedom.org, searching info@finsforfreedom.com or calling (904) 616-3101.
Officers of Fins for Freedom are Mike Mavrnac, president, Jake Campi, vie-president and Brady, treasurer.
Fins for Freedom is a NJ Nonprofit Corporation organized under the laws of the State in.. 2023 whose address is 27 Devon Rd., Middletown, NJ 07748.
Cadet Lieutenant Commander Nicholas Amey of Keansburg, a junior at MAST, the Marine Academy of Science and Technology at Fort Hancock, ,was honored Sunday and presented with the SAR Sounds of the Revolution ROTC award.
The ceremony, held at the Princeton Marriott at Forrestal, recognized the cadet’s outstanding leadership and dedication to service.
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It was the signs in the window that drew my attention to the Seasoned Skillet Restaurant. It was a storefront, did not look much like a restaurant, but the signs promoted an upcoming poetry contest. So I stopped in to see what the shop had to offer.
Seasoned Skilletis a simply fantastic restaurant on the main street of Randolph, Vermont, the village of friendly people in the heart of the Green Mountain state. It’s fairly new in a town with several nice restaurants meeting a variety of tastes, but its focus is not only on individual attention and excellent staff, but on farm-to-table freshness offered in chef-designed recipes that also cover a variety of different cuisines.
The restaurant is relatively small, perhaps eight to ten tables, is only open four evenings a week and by 5:30 every table is either reserved or already filled, so reservations are almost a foregone conclusion.
But Nick, the friendly, knowledgeable and helpful waiter, had a suggestion for a lone diner who wanted to drySeasoned Skillet. Pointing to the window that had drawn me in in the first place, he noted the comfortable living room chair and sea chest and asked if I’d like to sit there, a space generally reserved for diners waiting for a table. I agreed.
It turned out to be perfect! Here I was, sitting in a comfortable chair, a neat little wooden chest serving as my table, complete with linens and silver, and a bird’s eye view of the street and downtown area. Best of all, as friendly as Randolph is, everyone who came in smiled and said Hi before being seated.
Chef Nora Rice, Owner of the Seasoned Skillet, Randolph Vermont Photo Courtesy of the Randolph Vibe
Nick is as knowledgeable of the menu as he is proud of the chef owner, Nora, and as busy as he is greeting and seating everyone, he still takes the time to explain in detail the excellence of the menu. Nora and her sister Jenna Rice have written cookbook, The Vermont Farm to Table Cookbook which is available in bookstores but offered for sale at the restaurant with autographed copies as well. Some of the recipes in the book are on the table at Seasoned Skillet, and tempting enough to require more than one visit to dine.
It was only after I ordered an appetizer that I learned the portions are also so large, that for many, even an appetizer is enough for a full meal.
The yellow nut squash appetizer with garlic , sage and leeks, served with a cheddar cheese sauce could certainly be served as an entrée or appetizer to share, and was more than enough to enjoy for dinner with an inexpensive glass of pinot grigio.
Well satiated after enjoying the unique blend of tastes in that dish, I had to turn down the chicken pot pie I wanted for an entrée. So I immediately made a reservation for the following evening, with Nick even promising I could once again have what had already turned out to be my favorite seat in the window.
Returning the next evening to a once again filled restaurant, Nick greeted me by name, told me my table was ready, and asked if I wanted another glass of pinot grigio before my chicken pot pie or did I want another choice. From his memory and thoughtfulness, it was not only downright pleasant but easy to see how attentive Nick is to detail and assuring his customers are content and happy.
Once again, the entree was large, filled with chicken and variety of fresh vegetables, prepared differently in that instead of a crust covering the pie, half dozen crisp, fresh buttermilk biscuits were the topping. The size of the entrée plus the fact I did want to try dessert, meant I took half home, more than enough for not only another meal but for a couple of muffins heated in the B&B microwave for breakfast the next morning.
Nora should win blue ribbons and kudos all over the universe for her dessert of pears poached in a red wine syrup and whipped mascarpone cream. It’s indescribable.
The Seasoned Skillet menu is brief but unique, blending recipes from a variety of cultures, but all offered with invitations for enjoying a cozy atmosphere that also offers live music, and those made from scratch dishes.
Whether it be the beef ribs braised in red wine, a ginger quinoa bowl with edamame, cucumber and purple cabbage served with a ginger sesame sauce or pork shoulder with a maple bourbon sauce, or the chicken pie I so enjoyed, all entrees are attractive, from what all other diners said outstanding, and all under $30, an almost bargain price in the current day.
When you’re in Randolph, put aside an evening from Wednesday to Saturday and make a reservation for Seasoned Skillet … And tell Nick I said hello.
volunteers If you have the time, want to take pride in helping others, and want to be part of a great organization, you don’t even have to be a resident of Atlantic Highlands to volunteer for the borough’s fire department.
Persons who live or work within two miles of the borough can contact the fire department through their membership hot line at 732- 291-1444, X 3609 to find out more about being part of a community that helps family, friends, neighbors and the borough.
Fire Chief Chris Vasto has invited all to find out more about the department, noting “being a member of the Atlantic Highlands Fire Department is a rewarding job and you will feel proud and satisfied to be a part of our fine organization. We are always looking for members to join our ranks to make a difference in someone’s life. No matter what age, we have a place on our organization for you.”
If you have the time, want to take pride in helping others, and want to be part of a great organization, you don’t even have to be a resident of Atlantic Highlands to volunteer of the borough’s fire department.Persons who live or work within two miles of the borough can contact the fire department through their membership hot line at 732- 291-1444, X 3609 to find out more about being part of a community that helps family, friends, neighbors and the borough.Fire Chief Chris Vasto has invited all to find out more about the department, noting “being a member of the Atlantic Highlands Fire Department is a rewarding job and you will feel proud and satisfied to be a part of our fine organization. We are always looking for members to join our ranks to make a difference in someone’s life. No matter what age, we have a place on our organization for you.” If you have the time, want to take pride in helping others, and want to be part of a great organization, you don’t even have to be a resident of Atlantic Highlands to volunteer of the borough’s fire department.Persons who live or work within two miles of the borough can contact the fire department through their membership hot line at 732- 291-1444, X 3609 to find out more about being part of a community that helps family, friends, neighbors and the borough.Fire Chief Chris Vasto has invited all to find out more about the department, noting “being a member of the Atlantic Highlands Fire Department is a rewarding job and you will feel proud and satisfied to be a part of our fine organization. We are always looking for members to join our ranks to make a difference in someone’s life. No matter what age, we have a place on our organization for you.” If you have the time, want to take pride in helping others, and want to be part of a great organization, you don’t even have to be a resident of Atlantic Highlands to volunteer of the borough’s fire department.Persons who live or work within two miles of the borough can contact the fire department through their membership hot line at 732- 291-1444, X 3609 to find out more about being part of a community that helps family, friends, neighbors and the borough.Fire Chief Chris Vasto has invited all to find out more about the department, noting “being a member of the Atlantic Highlands Fire Department is a rewarding job and you will feel proud and satisfied to be a part of our fine organization. We are always looking for members to join our ranks to make a difference in someone’s life. No matter what age, we have a place on our organization for you.” If you have the time, want to take pride in helping others, and want to be part of a great organization, you don’t even have to be a resident of Atlantic Highlands to volunteer of the borough’s fire department.Persons who live or work within two miles of the borough can contact the fire department through their membership hot line at 732- 291-1444, X 3609 to find out more about being part of a community that helps family, friends, neighbors and the borough.Fire Chief Chris Vasto has invited all to find out more about the department, noting “being a member of the Atlantic Highlands Fire Department is a rewarding job and you will feel proud and satisfied to be a part of our fine organization. We are always looking for members to join our ranks to make a difference in someone’s life. No matter what age, we have a place on our organization for you.” If you have the time, want to take pride in helping others, and want to be part of a great organization, you don’t even have to be a resident of Atlantic Highlands to volunteer of the borough’s fire department.Persons who live or work within two miles of the borough can contact the fire department through their membership hot line at 732- 291-1444, X 3609 to find out more about being part of a community that helps family, friends, neighbors and the borough.Fire Chief Chris Vasto has invited all to find out more about the department, noting “being a member of the Atlantic Highlands Fire Department is a rewarding job and you will feel proud and satisfied to be a part of our fine organization. We are always looking for members to join our ranks to make a difference in someone’s life. No matter what age, we have a place on our organization for you.”
Forge It didn’t seem to matter where I went in Randolph Vermont or what time or day it was, there are simply friendly folks living there who welcome visitors, love to talk about their town and point out some of the newest businesses that are opening up there.
And that’s how I found The Forge, another terrific restaurant with a different feel, and a great chef owned named Clinton who doesn’t stand on any ceremony, simply wants everyone to come in, sit down, enjoy a terrific meal, and feel comfortable.
Clinton is a chef extraordinaire with an incredible background of cuisine education and experience. But he’s also a Navy veteran, proud to not only have served the country but also being able to be back at home to offer up great meals in a casual setting.
From his outgoing personality, it’s hard to believe Clinton as a submariner in the service, seamen not necessarily known for outgoing personalities or extreme care in cuisine selection. But he is a veteran, like many others I met in walks through town and hardworking and energetic as one would expect.
The Forge is at the lower level of the main street, located in the actual former forge, and appears to have three separate sections though all joined. It’s just that folks can either be by a bar with huge blackboards on the wall outlining the menu, in comfortable chairs at tables nicely spaced, or on the side trying their hand at one of the pool tables. It’s also a restaurant so wonderfully casual that the coffee pots and all the fixings and trimmings are on a separate counter with a Help Yourself invitation.
Clinton is also rightfully proud that he and some of his staff are expertly trained both in the dining room and in the kitchen, so guests can expect excellence in food and service whenever they arrive. His maple chili is a fascinating choice, blending both the farm to fresh attitude of many of the local eateries with the maple flavor for which Vermont is so well known. And the hamburgers are huge and delicious, to say nothing of all the fixings surrounding them!
The Forge is known as the go-to spot for casual dining, and a laid-back vibe that encourages great conversations. He offers catering on site as well as deliveries and has nightly specials like Wing Night, Music Night, even Half-Off (the price!) Burgers and brunch on weekends. Tuesday’s are his only closed day for this terrific and friendly chef whose motto for The Forge is “come hungry … leave happy.” That’s what happens there.
Coming back up the hill, it’s a spectacular walk across the bridge crossing the White River and seeing a current and shiny white waves spilling over the rocks with such force you can understand why even in winter it isn’t always possible to ice skate. But the old timers will tell you how the river was where the local kids learned to swim until they built a terrific swimming pool in town. Then there’s the fantastic ice rink that’s filled and popular throughout the winter but cleverly enough, also the ball courts for games and fun during the warm months. Vermonters are practical and don’t like to see anything, time or place, go to waste.
Just next to the river is another wonderful gift shop, and another business owner who is a Navy veteran. Royal Towne Gifts has all the souvenirs every tourist to Vermont wants….maple sugar, maple syrup, tee shirts, magnets, coasters, glasses mugs, all promoting the city or state of Vermont, along with handmade items, great jewelry, and lots of unique gift ideas. Renee Scott is the proprietor, pleasant lady and ye, another Navy veteran who worked in cryptology during her Navy years. Her shop is open seven days a week in a wonderful old historic building jammed with wonderful gifts, lamps, bears of all kinds, incense, unique baskets and all those wonderful handcrafted items.
For Catholics wanting to attend Sunday mass, it truly is a good thing Vermont is friendly. Enter Rusty, the lone taxi cab driver in town, the Jack-of-all-trades, the wizard who can fix everything, do yard work, paint, pressure wash and more. But in true honest Vermont style, Rusty also makes it clear he doesn’t do plumbing or electrical work. Nor does he work on Sundays, even driving the taxi.
Well, that’s what he says. But when I called and said how important it was to go to mass , he grumbled just a bit, but agreed. “Just be sure to tell everyone I don’t work on Sundays!” he said. I promised I would.
Rusty the taxi cab driver in Randolph Vermont does not work on Sundays.
Yet he picked me up at my B&B at 19 Randolph Ave., and drove me through some of that glorious Vermont scenery, including some forested areas where we could admire the deer and hear the birds, before we arrived at Our Lady of the Valley Church. Like just about every place else in the United States, there is indeed a shortage of priests, In this diocese, that means that Father Robert Murphy is administrator and sole priest for not only Our Lady of the Valley but also St. John the Evangelist in Northfield and St. Anthony’s in Bethel.
But for the one mass at Our Lady of the Valley, Father Murphy was assisted by Rev. Mr. Chris Noble, a deacon and another Naval officer retiree. The church was filled near to capacity, the attendees lusty with their hymn singing, friendly with their greetings to strangers, and delighted with the noise of the many babies and youngsters at the mass.
Another call to Rusty who doesn’t work on Sundays, and he promptly appeared to bring me back into Randolph, to continue to enjoy the friendliness of a community where it was truly beginning to feel like home.
Tyrants and Rogues Understanding the Declaration of Independence
By Robert G. Parkinson
W.W. Norton & Co. 2026.
Whether you are a historian, simply want to learn more about American history, or need to find more reasons to appreciate the wisdom and thoughtfulness of Thomas Jefferson, it will be to your advantage to get to a book store soon and order Robert Parkinson’s newest book due for publication June 2.
George III was King of Great Britain and Ireland from 25 October 1760 until his death in 1820 (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
This West Virginia professor and author of several books explains in great detail, backed up with facts and figures, the real reasons why we as a nation went to war against the tyrants who were doing the work of George III in what was a land foreign to the one in which the King ordered taxation, forbade a court systems to settle differences, and simply invaded pretty much all of the rights of people trying to elect and run their own government where all were represented.
Parkinson did it all simply by researching and explaining each of the 27 reasons Jefferson included in the Declaration that told the King in no uncertain terms specifically why the colonists were fighting to become free and independent.
His research into the lords and leaders of England and their intermarriages and other relationships, along with the impact of all of this on the politics of England and the treatment of the colonists must have taken years of research, compilation of information from numerous sources and an understanding of human nature.
Yet Parkinson did all of that, and still presented his findings in a thoughtful, fascinating and understanding manner that makes a reader feel not only proud of our founding fathers but more aware of the sacrifices and hardships they all faced in taking such powerful action.
The book also helps explain the feuding among Congress members over both major and minor details of the Declaration and the brilliance of Jefferson in explaining every aspect of every detail of every reason why he included each charge against the King in the Declaration.
The book is essential reading, especially as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. It is the only book that takes you through every word of the Declaration, showing what Jefferson wrote in the first place, how his words were challenged, his thoughts questioned and his words changed once all members of the Congress got to read and insert their own questions into his reasoning.
It highlights how minuscule some of the changes were … adding the word “certain instead of inherent, or obstructed instead of suffered, but also shows how intent these 55 men were to ensure the King of England knew clearly this was a country of colonies or states, whichever they wanted to call the 13, that was not going to sit back any longer.
The book is terrific. It simply makes you want to read the Declaration of Independence again and again, word for word, and say a prayer of thanks for the Thomas Jeffersons and John Adams that made it happen.
The book is essential reading, especially as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. It is the only book that takes you through every word of the Declaration, showing what Jefferson wrote in the first place, how his words were challenged, his thoughts questioned and his words changed once all members of the Congress got to read and insert their own questions into his reasoning.It highlights how minuscule some of the changes were … adding the word “certain instead of inherent, or obstructed instead of suffered, but also shows how intent these 55 men were to ensure the King of England knew clearly this was a country of colonies or states, whichever they wanted to call the 13, that was not going to sit back any longer.The book is terrific. It simply makes you want to read the Declaration of Independence again and again, word for word, and say a prayer of thanks for the Thomas Jeffersons and John Adams that made it happen. The book is essential reading, especially as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. It is the only book that takes you through every word of the Declaration, showing what Jefferson wrote in the first place, how his words were challenged, his thoughts questioned and his words changed once all members of the Congress got to read and insert their own questions into his reasoning.It highlights how minuscule some of the changes were … adding the word “certain instead of inherent, or obstructed instead of suffered, but also shows how intent these 55 men were to ensure the King of England knew clearly this was a country of colonies or states, whichever they wanted to call the 13, that was not going to sit back any longer.The book is terrific. It simply makes you want to read the Declaration of Independence again and again, word for word, and say a prayer of thanks for the Thomas Jeffersons and John Adams that made it happen. The book is essential reading, especially as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. It is the only book that takes you through every word of the Declaration, showing what Jefferson wrote in the first place, how his words were challenged, his thoughts questioned and his words changed once all members of the Congress got to read and insert their own questions into his reasoning.It highlights how minuscule some of the changes were … adding the word “certain instead of inherent, or obstructed instead of suffered, but also shows how intent these 55 men were to ensure the King of England knew clearly this was a country of colonies or states, whichever they wanted to call the 13, that was not going to sit back any longer.The book is terrific. It simply makes you want to read the Declaration of Independence again and again, word for word, and say a prayer of thanks for the Thomas Jeffersons and John Adams that made it happen.
Important Captains, many with their mates, all gathered at the Senior Center in the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Harbor Friday night to get their assignments and itinerary for the fifth annual Fins for Freedom” event which this year is honoring approximately 100 veterans with the boat captains treating them to a day of fishing, complete with breakfast and a victory dinner at the end of the day at On the Deck Restaurant.
“This is the biggest group of veterans we’ve had, thanks to the generosity of so many of these captains and other sponsors,” said Mike Mavernac, president of the non-profit Fins for Freedom organization that created, designed, and sponsors this day of thanking veterans for their service.
“We have found that wanting to help our veterans is wonderfully contagious,” said vice president Jacke Campi, “just look at the generosity of all these boat owners and add to that, all the other sponsors who have given us some spectacular gift baskets we can present to our veterans at dinner at the end of the fishing day,” added Fins for Freedomtreasurer Dan Brady.
The Captains themselves were surprised with a gift this year from Jersey Cape Yacht Salesof southern New Jersey. Not only is Jersey Cape Yacht Sales owner Scott Krawiec of Tuckerton here for the day’s event, but his firm presented each of the boat captains with a $50 gift card at the assignment meeting Friday to help offset the high cost of fuel for the day. “We do it to support our veterans, Krawiec said. It’s important to enable them to have a day on the water . Fins for Freedom is a great cause because all of these people working to ensure the success of the day know that nothing heals better than the ocean. “ Whether they had good or bad experiences in their service time, being on the ocean enables them to rest, relax, and simply forget any bad memories, he added.
Fins for Freedom also presented each of the captains with hats and mugs reminiscent of the event as well as pizza at the assignment dinner.
Scott Krawiec of Tuckerton
Mike Taffuri of Oceanport, who works for Jersey Coast Yacht Sales, is taking several of the veterans on his own boat, a 34-foot Regulator he named “Overregulated,” his third year of volunteering. “It’s important,” he said, recalling his father was a veteran and in a way he is also doing it for him. “It’s really just a good thing to do, remembering all veterans,” he said.
There are two female captains heading boats in this year’s Fins event, the first time for that, Brady said.
Kathy Eisen, and Lenny Zagrecki
Kathy Eisen, along with Lenny Zagrecki of Atlantic Highlands share the honors as co-Captains this year treating veterans on Zagrecki’s 32-foot Blackfin which is docked on pier 3 at the harbor. Kathy’s Double Take, a 23-foot North Coast is also docked in the Harbor where she has been a patron for more than 30 years. This is their second year volunteering for Fins for Freedom and both say they do it simply because they want to support veterans. “They just don’t get the respect they deserve,” both said, “so at least we want to do our share.”
Cindy Johnston of Eatontown is the second female captain, taking her 23-foot Tidewater center console, C Dreams, out with veterans. Johnston said she has waned to do this other years, but since her craft is somewhat smaller than most involved in the day, she has shied away because of weather concerns. “This year looks good and I’m ready and eager to help in this effort,” she said. Johnston also volunteers for Habitat for Humanity and believes in the importance of “giving back.”
One of the mates for the Fins event, Steve Deghapp was raised in north Jersey but now lives in Oregon. He came back specifically the Fins day to mate for his friend, John Neyhart, whose Hooked Up is one of the boats volunteering for Fins. The pair were college roommates, the Oregonian was a captain of his own craft in Oregon, but wants to be part of this event because “my whole family were veterans. Besides, “ he laughed, “I love to see how excited they get when they catch a fish.”
Brian Rice of Fair Haven is captain of the Jersey Devil, a 31-foot craft he’s has in the Fins event with his son Jack as mate. Rice is the Director of the Foundation for the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County, but also is president of Rice Wealth Fund his own Foundation. With his experience working with mental health, Rice said it is obvious how a day on the water is therapeutic and helps anyone, but especially veterans, forget any horrors they’ve faced in the past. “Besides,” he adds, “it’s just nice to give back.”
Though petite in stature, Renée Becker Swartz was a giant when it came to her impact ensuring people of all ages know, appreciate and take advantage of the importance of reading.
Her mission is best summed up by one of her favorite children’s books, written by Patricia C McKissack “Goin’ Someplace Special.” In Patricia and Renée’s words, libraries should be the one place where “All Are Welcome.”
The woman responsible for the origination of the Monmouth County Library, founding member of the NJ Citizens for Better Libraries, founder of the New Jersey Center for the Book, past president of the American Library Trustee Association and so much more died peacefully at her son’s home in Red Bank Thursday, May 14, with two generations of her loving family by her side.
Former Freeholder Director and Library Liaison Lillian G. Burry presented Swartz with a special proclamation from the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders honoring her years of dedicated service and declaring October 11 as “Renee Becker Swartz Day.” with Former Freeholder Deputy Director Gary J. Rich, Sr.
Renée was undaunted by challenges most would shy away from. She stood at bus stops and railroad stations, and went to club meetings and public events in order to secure 10,000 signatures to push local politicians to allocate land and funds to establish the first physical library branch in Monmouth County.
What is now the Eastern Branch of the Library opened in 1966, replacing the bookmobiles that were the only thing available for Monmouth County residents.
In the first full year of operation, the new library circulated over 200,000 items. Renee went on to serve 54 years on the Monmouth County Library Commission, 44 of them as Chairman. Today, the library she worked so hard to establish averages 1.5 million visitors a year, with over two million items in the collection and lends or circulates more than three and a half million items annually.
Monmouth County Library Commission Chair Renee Swartz (left) and Former Monmouth County Clerk Claire French (right)
“She instilled a love of storytelling, reading, and making the world a better place in each of us,” said Aliza Rosen of New York, the oldest of Renee’s five grandchildren.
“But she did all this while also taking us to the ballet, the opera, and the beach,” added Eliana Swartz, the third oldest grandchild. “What I will also always remember are all those summer days on the beach at Ocean Beach Club in Elberon. She was Gigi to each of us, and what I will always remember is that we were all always together. Gigi will always be at the center of our family, and her presence will continue to be felt in each of our lives.”
Renée was a civic leader in the strongest sense of the word. She never held a paid position for any of the work she did, all the committees on which she served, all the state and national organizations in which she was a member and for whose goals she traveled far and wide to promote. But she was also so quick to point out that she learned at home from the time she was born in Newark in 1935 from her parents Sidney and Adeline, who brought her up believing she indeed had an obligation to always do something that would make the world a better place.
Educated at Barnard College, she later served as chair of the building committee for the Dorothy L. Spiwak Memorial Library in Rumson, a trustee on the Graduate School of Communications, Information at Rutgers and was the Governor’s appointee to the NJ State Library.
She was justifiably proud of founding the New Jersey Center for the Book and serving as its state coordinator and chair, which celebrated New Jersey authors and amplified our most important stories. At the pinnacle of her career, she was proud to receive the foremost recognition in her field: the Presidential appointment from President George W. Bush to the National Institute Museum Library Services Board. Her whole family stood by her side for the honor, which was presented by Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.
It would take pages to list all the honors, awards, and celebrations given Renée for all she did for encourage and provide for reading programs and materials for children. Some of the most prestigious include those citing her as an American library advocate, the Hanna G. Solomon award, Greater Red Bank section National Council Jewish Women award in 1979, the President medal, Barnard College-Columbia University, 1984, Columbia University medal, 1985, Woman of Achievement award, Monmouth County Advisory Committee, 1991; named National Trustee of Year, American Library Association, 1991, the lists goes on. She has been listed as a noteworthy Civic volunteer by Marquis ‘Who’s Who.
The library she was responsible for starting in Monmouth County has grown to 13 branches and 14 members and serves residents throughout all of Monmouth County. Renee received much deserved recognition when, on the 50th anniversary of the Eastern Branch, Monmouth County dedicated and named their children’s library the Renée Swartz Children’s Library, a live and lively daily reminder of the importance she spent her entire life promoting: the importance of reading starting at an early age for all children in order to be successful and productive throughout their lifetimes.
At the time of the Renée Becker Swartz Children’s Library dedication, then Freeholder Lillian G. Burry described Renée as a pioneer and creative thinker, She was a true leader who brought the library from books to technology serving the more than 300,000 Monmouth County residents. She put the Monmouth County library on the national stage with its presentation of everything from technology to arts, music and entertainment, developing it truly into a community center.
Renée Swartz, through her more than half century creating, leading, and working for it, was the true constant in the Monmouth County Library.
If we add up the impact that Renee Swartz has had on the county’s residents in just the last 60 years, by championing the library and its services, we can count it in over 90 million people who have walked through the doors, taking out over 125 million items. 90 million people = 10 times the entire population of the state of New Jersey! I’m sure if we counted the years from 1923 – 1965, it would be well over 100 million people.
David and Debbie Convery of Highlands were honored as the Family of the Month by the Rev. Joseph Donnelly Council of the Knights of Columbus at the regular Honors Breakfast held earlier this month at Our Lady of Perpetual Help school gym.
Knight Michael Burke, the Family Director for the local council of Knight, and Kevin McKenna, Grand Knight of the Council, presented the couple with a certificate and gift honoring their dedication to the parish and the community.
Convery, who is an attorney practicing in Highlands and throughout Monmouth County, is himself a member of the Knights of Columbus and has been a member for more than 12 years. He served as Deputy Grand Knight as well as Grand Knight of the Council in addition to holding several other offices within the Council.
Both Converys have been examples of Catholic faith in action, Grand Knight McKenna said, in citing some of the many reasons why the couple is being honored this month. Both have been active in the community as well as in the parish and practice their religion openly and faithfully.
Both Burke and McKenna also cited Convery’s actions during the years of Covid restrictions, citing the several ways he kept the council strong and vibrant in spite of limited meetings as mandated under Covid, and was instrumental in helping renew the mass celebrations in the church parking lot at St. Agnes during that time. The Converys also assisted in disinfecting the church after masses once meetings were able to resume.
The couple’s large extended family includes 11 nieces and nephews.
The Knights Breakfast is held the second Sunday of each month in the Our Lady of Perpetual Help school gym, and is open to all at no cost, though donations are always accepted. During these monthly breakfasts, different themes are selected to honor specific occasions or people, and most often the menu for the lavish breakfast is in keeping with the theme. Members of the Columbiettes, the auxiliary group that assists the Knights in their many activities, aid in decorating the tables and room for the gala breakfasts,, as well as offer their support in numerous ways in keeping with their own tenets of practicing their Catholic faith.
Theme for the May Breakfast was honoring Mary, Mother of God during the month dedicated in her honor. Boys and girls who received the sacraments of Holy Eucharist, Penance and Confirmation this month were also honored at the Breakfast with Christine Ferreri, coordinator of Religious Education for the parish, introducing each of the honorees and explaining the importance of their sacraments.
Men wishing to join the Knights can contact McKenna at 732-492-3392 for further information.
Women wishing to join the Columbiettes auxiliary do not have to be related to members of the Knights. Further information is available through Louise Welch at 732-397-5601 or Ann Dmmaira at 732-500-1785 or visit their website at www.vtlcolumbiettes6552.com.
Convery, who is an attorney practicing in Highlands and throughout Monmouth County, is himself a member of the Knights of Columbus and has been a member for more than 12 years. He served as Deputy Grand Knight as well as Grand Knight of the Council in addition to holding several other offices within the Council. Both Converys have been examples of Catholic faith in action, Grand Knight McKenna said, in citing some of the many reasons why the couple is being honored this month. Both have been active in the community as well as in the parish and practice their religion openly and faithfully. Convery, who is an attorney practicing in Highlands and throughout Monmouth County, is himself a member of the Knights of Columbus and has been a member for more than 12 years. He served as Deputy Grand Knight as well as Grand Knight of the Council in addition to holding several other offices within the Council. Both Converys have been examples of Catholic faith in action, Grand Knight McKenna said, in citing some of the many reasons why the couple is being honored this month. Both have been active in the community as well as in the parish and practice their religion openly and faithfully. Convery, who is an attorney practicing in Highlands and throughout Monmouth County, is himself a member of the Knights of Columbus and has been a member for more than 12 years. He served as Deputy Grand Knight as well as Grand Knight of the Council in addition to holding several other offices within the Council. Both Converys have been examples of Catholic faith in action, Grand Knight McKenna said, in citing some of the many reasons why the couple is being honored this month. Both have been active in the community as well as in the parish and practice their religion openly and faithfully. Convery, who is an attorney practicing in Highlands and throughout Monmouth County, is himself a member of the Knights of Columbus and has been a member for more than 12 years. He served as Deputy Grand Knight as well as Grand Knight of the Council in addition to holding several other offices within the Council. Both Converys have been examples of Catholic faith in action, Grand Knight McKenna said, in citing some of the many reasons why the couple is being honored this month. Both have been active in the community as well as in the parish and practice their religion openly and faithfully. Convery, who is an attorney practicing in Highlands and throughout Monmouth County, is himself a member of the Knights of Columbus and has been a member for more than 12 years. He served as Deputy Grand Knight as well as Grand Knight of the Council in addition to holding several other offices within the Council. Both Converys have been examples of Catholic faith in action, Grand Knight McKenna said, in citing some of the many reasons why the couple is being honored this month. Both have been active in the community as well as in the parish and practice their religion openly and faithfully.
friendly It was Marissa Mazzucco’s enthusiasm for her home town that prompted me to visit Randolph Vermont when choosing to take Amtrak to spend a few days in someplace fun. And it took five minutes once I de-boarded at the historic little depot to learn on my own why she loves this little village in the heart of central Vermont so much. Marissa is Marissa Mazzucco, executive director of the White River Chamber of Commerce which covers the 11 or so villages along the White River. As a busy, cheerful, friendly, hardworking and staunch supporter of Orange County Vermont, Marissa boasts that the area is “a region of people with big smiles, big hearts, and big ideas.”
Arriving from the train after an eight-hour scenic and spectacular ride, I walked to the corner of the main street to try to orient myself to the town and locate Randolph Avenue, where the B&B I reserved was located.
On the corner, squeezed in between sidewalk and grass, was little ‘garden’ with one blooming tulip and some daffodils and a woman standing there just admiring them. As I passed, she called my attention to the colors and natural beauty of the flowers, with an invitation to stop and look at them myself. She asked where I came from, and when I said New Jersey, told me she had been employed in the Archives at Princeton, loved her work, loved the town, was originally from Chicago but came to Randolph after both she and her husband retired because he liked it here. Unlike him, she said, she enjoyed walking and walked all over different parts of the town every day.
We shared some more conversation, laughter, and stories about the differences between Princeton and the Jersey Shore, and then she THANKED me! She thanked me for stopping to talk with her. I thanked her for the great introduction to the town and we departed.
Marissa was right, I thought … people in Randolph are friendly!
When I got to the corner and noticed the street sign was topped with another sign apparently showing the way to one of the town’s newer restaurants, a James Beard award winning Thai restaurant, I stopped in the store on the corner, not sure if it were the restaurant or something else, seeing only the name was Red Door. Turns out it’s a large, neat, and fascinating jewelry store with cases of very unique and beautiful jewelry. Both a man and woman behind the counters welcomed me, asked if they could help, and when I said I only wanted directions to Randolph Avenue, they gave them, but not without an invitation to come back again to visit, look around, or shop.
Yep, Marissa, you’re right. The people are friendly!
I walked to the intersection, saw where Randolph Avenue started and began my way to 19 Randolph, past some more shops, an inviting little breakfast and lunch breakfast, the Wit and Grit, and headed towards #19, walking past some attractive turn of the century (20th) large residences. Passing one where a woman was just getting out of her car in the driveway on the opposite side, I responded to her cheery greeting and told her, in response to her asking if I needed any help … maybe it was toting my luggage that gave me away as a newcomer … that I was headed towards #19.
“Oh, that’s Leslie’s Air B&B,” she laughed. “She’s so nice, you’ll love it there. “ she enthused before once again asking if I needed help with my luggage.
Marissa, once again, knows the people and shops of Randolph and their personality.
Number 19 is about a block and a half from the center of town, up a couple of steps to an enclosed porch, and entry to an attractive inner foyer and steps to the second-floor apartment that would be my home for the next three nights. No need to bother anyone to gain access, Air B&B and Leslie had supplied me with the codes.
There’s a lot to be said for having a beautiful, comfortable, cozy apartment in a private home over a small hotel room in an inn. The welcome message explained everything, from how to operate the massive tv in the bedroom or the electric stove or microwave in the kitchen, to the electric towel warmer and hamper in the bathroom where I could dump after use any of the lush, thick large towels attractively arranged in a basket near the shower. I wasn’t planning on cooking any meals, but it only took me another day to realize food portions in what turned out to be my favorite restaurant, the Seasoned Skillet, were so large I’d be using the refrigerator to store enough for a second dinner and the stove to reheat not only muffins for breakfast but a sensational Chicken Pot Pie.
