Monmouth County’s Glenn Cashion has another book recently published and now available in time for the Christmas season. My Irish Heart
Glenn Cashion
“My Irish Heart,” the story of the author’s tribute to family, faith and the Irish spirit, gives the joys and sadness of an Irish spirit that came through generations from the green fields of County Kildare to the streets of Freehold. It is the story of Irish immigrants who dared to cross an ocean and build new lives during the Great Famine.
When Cashion, a long time historian, and member of the Monmouth County Historical Commission and local historical societies, wanted to preserve his family’s fascinating stories, he was amazed after all his research to discover the extraordinary tapestry that spanned more than 175 years beginning with the ancestors who helped grow an American town to his own and culminating in his own journey from small-town boy to international corporate executive.
Cashion uses candid reflections on baseball dreams, Marine Corps service, and ventures across Ukraine and Saudi Arabia, showing how his life was shaped by Catholic school values, a father he never knew, and a love story with his wife, Karen, that has endured more than five decades.
He recounts triumph and struggle — including his path to sobriety — while celebrating the bonds of family and the enduring power of home.
Published by RGC PUBLISHING and available in both hardcover or paperback, “My Irish Heart” has won acclaim from other local historians and local leaders, including Kevin Coyne, Freehold historian and highly recognized author of several books as well as being an adjunct professor at Columbia School of Journalism.
Former Mayor Nolan Higgins acclaimed the book as “a journey through the twists and turns of an ordinary man living an extraordinary life” and called the book “a must read.” Former Freehold Township Mayor and Howell High School principal Barbara McMorrow described Cashion as “ an eloquent chronicler” and Coyne noted that “Glenn portrays his family with candor and anecdotes that keep a reader turning pages.”
For more information or to get a signed copy of the book from the author, contact Cashion at gcashion@comcast.net. The book is dedicated to his Irish ancestors and is highly praised by modern day readers for its history, joy and honesty.
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Pennsylvania’s state Capitol building, in Harrisburg, makes it very clear from the moment you step inside that the Keystone state’s history and heritage are rooted in religious significance. Wherever you go in the Capitol you can see testimony of William Penn’s vision for the state and the emphasis he put on religion.
As a result, in addition to historic accuracy, magnificent sculptures and architecture, the Capitol is the site of numerous religious murals and no fewer than 40 Biblical references, all written along the walls and under the dome of the seat of government for the state.
It was the Speaker of the Pennsylvania House Isaac Norris who commissioned the original Liberty Bell, one of the most important symbols of the United States and its liberty. And the Speaker also dictated that a Biblical verse be inscribed on the Bell. “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land and unto all the inhabitants thereof” comes from Leviticus, 25:10 in the King James version of the Bible.
The Bell, which was ordered from the Whitechapel Foundry in London first rang in the State House to call lawmakers to meetings and to alert townspeople when there was news. It cracked when it was moved to Philadelphia and rung there for the first time.
But in Harrisburg, it was only one sign of the importance of religion to the citizens.
Edwin Austin Abbey
Edwin Austin Abbey was one of the most respected artists of the 19th century, recognized at a very early age as an illustrator of poetry and drama for Harper’s Weekly before he went to England to further a career as a history painter. Commissioned to decorate the Rotunda of the Capitol as well as the House and Senate chambers and the Supreme Court, Abbey painted the murals in his studio in England. He exhibited those murals that are in the Rotunda today at the University of London the year before they were shipped to Harrisburg and installed around the massive dome .
The Apotheosis of Pennsylvania
When Abbey died suddenly two years later, he had completed those murals and another three for the Houses chambers, leaving nine works of art in the Capitol. The Capitol architect then asked Violet Oakley, an acclaimed Pennsylvanian recognized for all her illustrations in the leading magazines of the day, to complete Abbey’s contract for more murals.
mural by Edward Austin Abbey depicting The Spirit of Light
The appointment also introduced a woman to the art form generally assumed to be male dominated, giving her the largest public commission ever given to a woman until that time.
Oakley completed Abbey’s contact for murals for the Senate and Supreme Court, creating a total of 43 murals in the Capitol, including a mural in the Governor’s Reception Room.
The Creation and Preservation of the Union
Inscribed under each of these murals throughout all the public rooms of the Capitol that the Biblica passages are on the walls and ceilings. Reading them it becomes obvious specific passages as well as specific murals were placed specifically to include lessons from the Bible in the thoughts and ideas of the legislators while they went about their work governing the state of Pennsylvania.
For instance, in the Governor’s reception room, a saying from Isaiah “He shall build my city and he shall let go my captives” is on one wall while “The voice of one crying in the wilderness” from Matthew is on another.
Some of the Senate Chamber Biblical passages include Psalms “and they knew assuredly that none ever trusted in the Lord and were confounded” and Ezekiel’s “Behold this is the law of the house and this know assuredly that looked and behold the glory of the Lord filled the house.”
Among the murals and Biblical readings in the House Chamber of the Capitol are John’s “You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free, “and, from Revelation, “He carried me away in a great and high mountain and showed me that great city.”
The Supreme Court rooms include not only the Ten Commandments as quoted in Exodus, but also the Beatitudes from Matthew…”Blessed are the meek, they shall inherit the earth.. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” as well as “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.”
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Henry Hudson Regional School senior Cole Harbison’s monthly report to the Board of Education last month included everything from awards at the Atlantic Highlands Grammar School and a trip to New for Highlands elementary school students to learn and appreciate more about the 9/11 disaster to National Honor Society awards at the high school.
The senior student makes monthly reports at each board meeting, all of which are included in the minutes as well as both the administrator’s, business administrator’s and board president’s reports. The principals of each school also give their reports during the meetings along with reports from each of the board committees.
Harbison’s report, however, focuses on daily and planned activities and recognizes the work of individual teachers , staff members and students. He presents his reports as student representatives under the guidance of Student Council Advisors Dawn DeSanto and Miranda Saaryian.
In reporting on his information from the Atlantic Highlands elementary school, Harbison noted Mrs. Bellantoni’s class took a first-place award in October in the Prodigy Math State Challenge, answering more than 20,000 questions correctly. He highlighted the work the students completed to accomplish the honor, and noted their success and enthusiasm earned a Prodigy package to the school and officially qualified it for the prodigy National Cup in May.
Also in Atlantic Highlands Tech Club, students planned, prepared and presented “All About Me” with multimedia slide decks, photos and videos to introduce themselves to their Tech Club-mates.
Students also organized a Veterans Day project with STARS Organization, led by Ms. Plaia and Mrs. Voorhees. To honor veterans, the groups hosted a Red, White, and Blue-Ribbon Fundraiser to support Community Hope: Hope for Veterans, an organization in New Jersey that provides housing, counseling, and other important support to veterans and their families.
Students, staff, and families were invited to purchase ribbons for $5 each to recognize a veteran. The ribbons were tied to the playground fence, and stars with veterans’ names were displayed on the school bulletin board as a tribute to those who served. The Student Council , thanks to the generosity of the school community, raised $515 it donated to Community Hope,” a means of enabling students to show gratitude and make a meaningful impact in support of veterans,” Harbison said.
In order to reduce food waste, the Student Council also conducted a one-day Food Audit in which they collected unopened items from breakfasts and lunches that were being thrown away. In just one day, students gathered over 150 items — including milk cartons, cheese sticks, fruit, and breads — totaling 52 pounds of food, all donated to the Food Pantry in Atlantic Highlands. To keep the program going, the PTO purchased a wire rack, cooler bags, two clear storage totes, and a mini storage fridge and set Boxes on every floor, so students can now place unopened breakfast items. The Student Council collects the food daily and stores it until the food pantry picks it up, weekly. It’s a great way to recycle food back into the community and shows how students can make a real difference Harbison said.
Mrs. Melissa Phair’s class led the school’s annual Election Day when the class engaged the entire school in the voting process, providing students with hands-on experience in civic engagement and decision-making. The Room was transformed into a lively polling station, the young election team of first and second graders took charge of everything from planning and setting up, to greeting voters and collecting ballots. Students and staff streamed in throughout the day to cast their votes for either Pajama Day or Decades Day. When the results were tallied, Pajama Day took the win! The tradition continues to remind everyone that participating in the community and making voices heard is something worth celebrating.
In Highlands, the 6th grade trip via Sea Streak ferry to New York enabled students to visit the 9/11 Memorial and deepen their connection to their unit on the novel Eleven by Tom Rogers. Prior to the trip, students participated in a live Zoom Q&A with the author, which helped bring the story and its themes to life.
As part of Feel-Good Friday, students at the Highlands Elementary School got a lesson from Mr. DiLorenzo on the importance and means of identifying and leaning on trusted adults in the school to help manage challenges and build resilience. In addition to the lesson, each class was paired with a buddy class. As an example. Harbison cited a 6th grade student pairing with Pre-K students, and 5th grade with 2nd grade throughout the school, to foster mentoring relationships and strengthen the school community.
For the annual Veterans Day Assembly, the National Elementary Honor Society organized a Veterans Day assembly at the Highlands School to honor and learn from local veterans. The program included a respectful flag-folding ceremony and a discussion about the meaning of Veterans Day. Students also had the opportunity to hear directly from veterans during a Q&A session.
The High School’s activities as reported by Harbison included Spirit Day, a national anti-bullying movement when all are encouraged to wear purple and pledge to take a stand against bullying and support LGBTQ+ youth. GSA member Irena Evelich participated in a virtual Pride 5K when she and Mrs. Boylan met at Popamora Point Highlands and made their way down and back the trail to Atlantic Highlands. Hudson alumnus Madison Boylan also participated with Allie Burgaletta from Middletown. Pride 5K was organized by USA Olympian Nikki Hiltz to raise money for Point of Pride.
The National Honor Society welcomed guest speakers from Grace Healthcare Services who gave a presentation on Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia and explained the on-profit organization’s collaboration through a service project in which members create Memory Books to help prompt memories for patients living with these conditions.
Advisors Dawn DeSanto and Sarah Fahmie announced eight students from the junior and senior classes were inducted into the William H. Barrett Chapter of the National Honor Society when President Blakely Smith presided over the candlelight ceremony and inducted Josie Corr, Alexander Estrada Diaz, Charles Grooters, Lake Gulian, Addison Krzycki, Aurora O’Neill, Sydney Pettigrew and Liliana Zertuche into the Society.
The HHRS Drama Club presented “Be More Chill” In November a musical that tells the story of Jeremy Heere, an awkward teenager who gets access to a supercomputer called a Squib meant to help him navigate high school with swagger, confidence, and pride.
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In spite of all the negativity, remarks and lack of information on those Facebook messages on the Highlands sites in recent weeks, only a small gathering of residents turned out for the Mayor and Council meeting, none opposing the approval of a financial agreement paving the way for future development of Scenic Highlands, the former Shadow Lawn Trailer Park property.
Residents who spoke during the public hearing were assured they would have more opportunity to voice their opinions and make suggestions at the Land Use Board public hearing which is also essential as the project advances to that stage in the overall development plans over the new year or more.
Only half a dozen local residents spoke during the 39-minute public hearing, no one opposing but rather questioning all aspects of the financial agreement which guarantees the borough millions of dollars over the 30-year period agreed upon in the ordinance.
The public hearing followed a comprehensive explanation of precisely what the ordinance includes, with presentations given by representatives of both financial firms which have been working with the borough over the past several years before the proposed project advanced to this stage. The construction and ownership firm has already invested approximately $20 million in soft costs which engineering and Geotechnical studies, and other research.
The ordinance unanimously approved by the governing body at this meeting is just one step in a long series of steps expected to be made over several years before actual construction can begin.
Planned for the site which formerly was the site of several dwellings and 100 trailer homes, is construction of a $150 million dollar building to include 99 one bedroom, 24 two bedroom and 25 three bedroom units for lease in addition to another eight one bedroom, 27 two bedroom and nine 3 bedroom affordable units to enable the borough to maintain its Mount Laurel state requirements. The proposed construction is estimated would house approximately 640 residents with an approximate 36 new students in the borough’s regional K-12 school district.
While a couple of residents questioned the impact of additional students in the school district, and the higher cost for educating that many more students, Mayor Carolyn Broullon pointed out the Highlands student population at the regional school district is currently more than 60 students fewer in the K-12 district than it was three years ago. Adding more students would not increase educational costs, she pointed out, since the borough pays half of the overall budget regardless of the number of students. With the addition of this rationality, she pointed out, the overall cost of education would simply come from a broader tax base, not added payments from local residents. “Highlands is a small community,” she responded to a resident,” and if anything, the many young families with young children moving into the borough is keeping it that way”
Several residents of Eastpointe, the adjacent 14-story high rise which was itself the subject of strong opposition more than half a century ago when it was built on one of the highest hills on the coast, expressed concern for their own homes should construction and dredging on the hill impact the stability of their complex. Broullon explained the financial agreement included in the ordinance under consideration at this meeting is just another in a long series of steps the builder, Urban Renewal Entity LLC, has to face before any construction can begin.
The builder must still present all plans, construction drawings and proposed ideas to not only Monmouth County, but state and federal officials as well , all of which must approve the package before construction can begin. The mayor pointed out the property, though set back from the road, is considered to have frontage on State Highway 36, which as it passes through Highlands, is also under Monmouth County ownership, making approvals by those entities necessary before final approval. Also necessary to be approved are technical and geological impacts.
Broullon also noted the setbacks for proposed construction are back from the steep slope area indicting no impact on that area. Work would include more than $2 million in ground improvements, she said. “This is challenging land,” she agreed, “and the builder must go through a lot of hoops before he gets his final approvals. This is just one step in the process to enable him to move forward.”
In addition to the overall 292 units, the owner is also planning 393 parking spaces, a community room and other amenities on the site. The builder would also include curbing and sidewalk on the Route 36 side of the road in front of the complex, as well as a designated path and an overlook area in the front of the property facing the Shrewsbury River and ocean for public use.
Under the financial agreement, if all else is approved, the company would pay a service fee rather than taxes over a 30-year period based on its own income from the apartments, moves necessary and encouraged under the state’s plans for construction on sites within communities termed necessary for redevelopment. The borough had secured that designation for the former trailer site, which had been vacant for several years, approximately four years ago.
In addition to Eastpointe residents who spoke at the meeting, one resident questioned the impact of the additional traffic more housing would produce, another questioned the impact on school taxes, which Bouillon explained, and one asked if there could be anything done to ensure residents of the rental, which would remain rentals for at least 30 years as opposed to condominium sales, would become a part of the community, rather than simply sleeping here and going to New York to spend their money. “How can we be sure of their investment in our town?” she asked.
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Santa Claus will be one of the honored guests at the monthly holiday breakfast sponsored by the Rev. Joseph J. Donnelly Council #11660 of the Knights of Columbus, along with members of the Highlands Fire Department and First Aid Squad who are also assisting with this month’s holiday festivities.
Open to all with no admission charge, the Breakfast, complete with holiday specialties, is offered at the Our lady of Perpetual Help gym, Miller Sreet Highlands, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30.
Also featured at the December breakfast will be a Christmas Raffle drawing with a limited number of tickets still available for purchase at the Breakfast up until 10 a.m.. The winner will be drawn during the Breakfast after the final accounting of all tickets purchased at the Breakfast.
The winner need not be present to win the Raffle.
Donations are always accepted to offset the cost of the Breakfast with Santa,
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An Ugly Sweater Contest, Christmas caroling, a Christmas concert, photos with Santa and crafts, decorating, and a bake sale are all being featured at the Christmas Market scheduled for Sunday, December 14, from 1 to 6 p.m. at the St. Agnes Church Hall.
The Christmas Market features unique gift items for sale by local crafters and professionals. The various booths at the Market will include hand crafted ornaments, ornaments with legends, knit and crochet gift items, hand and facial beauty items, gifts for dogs, local history books, and numerous items for Christmas gift giving.
The Christmas Market at St. Agnes is only one of many local shops offering unique and last-minute Christmas ideas.
With statistics showing that 80 per cent of Gen Z people are seeking out used items for purchase, Not 2 Shabby Market on Bay Avenue in Highlands is filled with all varieties of Christmas items, clothing, boots, books, jewelry and housewares in perfect and near-perfect condition. Purchases here are two-fold, inasmuch as this month a percentage of all sales is going to veterans groups in the Bayshore area. The shop is open Tuesdays through Saturdays throughout the day.
And any time you’re shopping in Highlands along Bay Avenue, stop in at the Farmacie Café, just a couple of shops east of their former location at Bay and Miller street. Not only are the cafes and desserts outstanding, but there are some unusual gift ideas in here as well.
Or if you don’t have time to stop for a relaxing coffee, stop at Gem’s or call in and order a sub. For the month of December, Gem’s is offering their gigantic subs with a 15 % discount, their own Christmas gift to all the customers who have showed how happy they are Gem’s is now a business in the middle of town.
At the other end of town on Waterwitch Avenue, both the florist now filled with all kinds of balsam and pine along with numerous plants and the Gourmet Market are well known for their excellence and unique offerings. But stopping in at the One Stop shop next door gives you even more ideas for unusual stocking stuffers and just plain fun items to purchase.
First Avenue in Atlantic Highlands has great shops as well, including Renaissance, with its many booths of used and fascinating items, here again with some booths benefiting the maintenance and upkeep of a local church.
Bungalow Road offers some unique items, as well as numerous items highlighting Leonardo, Atlantic Highlands and Highlands, and the Atlantic Highlands Arts Council has outstanding talent from local artists and artisans. Even First Cup Coffee on First Avenue has some unique items for Christmas giving. At the Route 3 Foodtown Mall, Bayshore Pharmacy is filled to overflowing with numerous gifts ranging in price from a lottery ticket to perfumes, cosmetics, clothing and decorative items.
And the St. Agnes Thrift Shoppe is open additional hours for the holiday season, from this week through December 20, the shop at Ave D and South Avenue is open Wednesdays through Saturdays.
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WinsThe New Jersey Supreme Court today put an end to the years of expensive and legal arguments brought by Oceanport and Shore Regional High School and has ruled unanimously that indeed Sea Bright does have the right to leave those school districts and join Henry Hudson Regional School district. The school regionalization for Pre-K to 12th grade that Sea right has been seeking for years is one step closer to reality.
The verified petition for the proposed creation of a PK-12 All-Purpose Regional School District by the Borough of Sea Bright was argued in October and decided today, December 8, 2025, with Supreme Court Justice Anne Patterson writing for the unanimous Court decision.
Supreme Court Justice Anne Patterson
This unanimous decision by the highest court in the state that supports what Highlands and Sea Bright have been saying for several years, now makes it possible for both the borough of Sea Bright and the Henry Hudson Regional School District, which itself was newly formed this year, to petition the Department of Education Commissioner to approve the expansion of the Hudson district to include Sea Bright, actions which follow through of the state’s comprehensive plan to save taxpayers money by creating larger regional school districts.
Highlands residents through a non-binding vote had already let both the Mayor and Council as well as the Henry Hudson Board of Education know they welcomed Sea Bright into the district and favored the larger school district. The Atlantic Highlands governing body had not polled its residents to determine their opinion, preferring to wait until all the legal battles brought by Oceanport and Shore Regional were resolved.
The Justices ruled, in this appeal brought by Oceanport and Shore Regional against lower court and Appellate Court decisions, the Court considered whether Sea Bright can withdraw from the two school districts currently serving its public-school students and join an all-purpose regional school district pursuant to state law N.J.S.A. 18A:13-47.11(a).
When the Legislature enacted that legislation, Sea Bright was exploring the possibility of withdrawing from the Oceanport School District where it had been merged for education of its kindergarten to eighth grade students, and the Shore Regional High School District, where it sent its ninth to twelfth grade students, to join the school districts of the Borough of Highlands and the Borough of Atlantic Highlands as well as Henry Hudson Regional High School in a proposed all-purpose regional school district.
Sea Bright adopted a resolution incorporating that proposal in June 2022.The districts from which Sea Bright sought to withdraw challenged their eligibility to take that action.
The two school districts maintained heir opposition to Sea Bright leaving, incurring heavy legal costs for taxpayers in continuing to fight what Sea Bright had maintained and proven in numerous meetings and courts.
At that time, the Commissioner of Education found the law empowers Sea Bright to seek to withdraw from the two school districts. The Appellate Division affirmed that determination and granted certification based on the plain language of the relevant statutes, namely, a municipality in Sea Bright’s position is a governing body authorized to pursue withdrawal from a school district to form or enlarge a regional school district.
Vito Gagliardi, Jr
Isabel Machado argued for Oceanport and Shore Regional High and Vito A. Gagliardi, Jr. and Kerri A. Wright argued the cause for Sea Bright.
Isabel Machado
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The Harbor Commission last night unanimously voted to reject the RFP offered for lease on the former Shore Casino and will more than likely submit a new RFP for consideration as soon as possible.
Following a 50 minute public hearing in which the Commission discussed both the RFPand the litigation on the State Police and SeaTow building near the harbor office, Finance chairman Michael Curry read a brief synopsis of the terms offered jointly by the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club and Sea Streak ferry for use of the former Shore Casino. Their proposal was the only one submitted in response to the RFP offered by the Commission in October.
Curry said the terms offered by the joint firms submitting the response offered a lease of $180,000 a year for ten years with an option to renew for five years, and also cited other issues that the Commission apparently did not find plausible.
The Shore Casino lease was approximately $20,000 a month or more than $200,000 annually , and the RFP had offered a proposal for a five year period.
Lease Committee Chairman Jim Krauss then offered a motion to reject the lease, a motion unanimously approved by voting members Alyson Forbes, Krauss, Curry and Chairman Thomas Wall . Harbor Commissioners Vito Colasurdo and Curtis Sawyer abstained from the vote, inasmuch as both are members of the Yacht Club.
“It was disappointing,” said Wall after the meeting. However, he pointed out Krauss and Sutton will work on modifying the RFP and anticipate having another proposal for the Commission to consider by the next meeting. Since it was a RFP proposal as opposed to a bid for the lease, there was no room for negotiations with the offer at this meeting.
The former 20,500 square foot Shore Casino, which has been a part of the Harbor for more than half a century, lost its lease two months ago and the facility has been vacant since that time. The Yacht Club remains as the upstairs tenant at the facility under terms of their own lease.
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Pennsylvania’s state Capitol building, in Harrisburg, makes it very clear from the moment you step inside that the Keystone state’s history and heritage are rooted in religious significance. Wherever you go in the Capitol you can see testimony of William Penn’s vision for the state and the emphasis he put on religion.
mural by Violet Oakley The Creation and Preservation of the Union
As a result, in addition to historic accuracy, magnificent sculptures and architecture, the Capitol is the site of numerous religious murals and no fewer than 40 Biblical references, all written along the walls and under the dome of the seat of government for the state.
mural by Edward Austin Abbey depicting The Spirit of Light
It was the Speaker of the Pennsylvania House Isaac Norris who commissioned the original Liberty Bell, one of the most important symbols of the United States and its liberty. And the Speaker also dictated that a Biblical verse be inscribed on the Bell. “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land and unto all the inhabitants thereof” comes from Leviticus, 25:10 in the King James version of the Bible.
The Bell, which was ordered from the Whitechapel Foundry in London first rang in the State House to call lawmakers to meetings and to alert townspeople when there was news. It cracked when it was moved to Philadelphia and rung there for the first time.
But in Harrisburg, it was only one sign of the importance of religion to the citizens.
Edwin Austin Abbey was one of the most respected artists of the 19th century, recognized at a very early age as an illustrator of poetry and drama for Harper’s Weekly before he went to England to further a career as a history painter. Commissioned to decorate the Rotunda of the Capitol as well as the House and Senate chambers and the Supreme Court, Abbey painted the murals in his studio in England. He exhibited those murals that are in the Rotunda today at the University of London the year before they were shipped to Harrisburg and installed around the massive dome .
When Abbey died suddenly two years later, he had completed those murals and another three for the Houses chambers, leaving nine works of art in the Capitol. The Capitol architect then asked Violet Oakley, an acclaimed Pennsylvanian recognized for all her illustrations in the leading magazines of the day, to complete Abbey’s contract for more murals.
The appointment also introduced a woman to the art form generally assumed to be male dominated, giving her the largest public commission ever given to a woman until that time.
Oakley completed Abbey’s contact for murals for the Senate and Supreme Court, creating a total of 43 murals in the Capitol, including a mural in the Governor’s Reception Room.
Inscribed under each of these murals throughout all the public rooms of the Capitol that the Biblica passages are on the walls and ceilings. Reading them it becomes obvious specific passages as well as specific murals were placed specifically to include lessons from the Bible in the thoughts and ideas of the legislators while they went about their work governing the state of Pennsylvania.
For instance, in the Governor’s reception room, a saying from Isaiah “He shall build my city and he shall let go my captives” is on one wall while “The voice of one crying in the wilderness” from Matthew is on another.
Some of the Senate Chamber Biblical passages include Psalms “and they knew assuredly that none ever trusted in the Lord and were confounded” and Ezekiel’s “Behold this is the law of the house and this know assuredly that looked and behold the glory of the Lord filled the house.”
Among the murals and Biblical readings in the House Chamber of the Capitol are John’s “You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free, “and, from Revelation, “He carried me away in a great and high mountain and showed me that great city.”
The Supreme Court rooms include not only the Ten Commandments as quoted in Exodus, but also the Beatitudes from Matthew…”Blessed are the meek, they shall inherit the earth.. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” as well as “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.”
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I like the Two River Times, the weekly newspaper publication that has lots of ads, lots of photos, many stories, and some obituaries…they limit the number they print in a week.
Claudia Ansorge Photo Courtesy of the Two River Times
I like the Two River Times because I wrote for it when Claudia Ansorge first took that feisty step and dared to put out another weekly newspaper in the area more than 30 years ago. She did it with hard work, talent, and a lot of class.
When Claudia sold it to Geraldo Rivera I worked for him as well, though we did not always agree on editorial content. He listened to reason, however, understood different points of view and even allowed them. For that, I have respect for him.
But today, this weekly publication isn’t a newspaper anymore. It is a nonprofit organization, though it’s difficult to see what the non-profit is that it is supporting. Is it supporting this publisher’s versions of what are the important news stories of the day?
Or is it supporting a non-profit status that is now exempt from taxes because it is a “public charity.” You can contribute to the Two River Times….those dollar a week costs should count….and have them be tax deductible. Or you can send over a gift of $100 and get home delivery along with the tax deduction.
The publisher makes it clear “The Two River Times wouldn’t exist without your support.” But what do you get with your support? More news than you would get from a newspaper that pays its own way without a tax deduction?
More news than you would get from say, The Patch,” which comes out every day with news from throughout Monmouth County?
Heck, the Two River Times doesn’t even promise accuracy, truthfulness or both sides of a story in their non-profit publication. Every week they let you know that by clearly explaining that “The Two River Times takes no position with respect to the accuracy or otherwise as to the content of any article published or opinion expressed herein.”
The publication used the same media on which it does not publish its publication as a non-profit organization to solicit funds for its non-profit status.
Recently, it posted “Today is Giving Tuesday, an annual global movement that encourages people to give back to their communities and support causes they care about. “ It goes on to explain it is “ a crucial fundraising day for us “ asking for donations over an above” your purchase of the paper every week” ii you feel they have been giving the best reporting possible. They needed to raise $2,000 by that night, their plea said, since they have a campaign goal of $10,000.
Why does a publication, that charges if you want to buy one, and have other means of support, still have to ask for donations because it is a non-profit? Again, as a non-profit, what worthy cause is it supporting other than its own publication?
The publication makes it clear “The work we do is only possible when our readers step up to support it…funding our reporters and helping keep our stories free for those who can’t afford it otherwise.”
The truth may lie in the law passed this year and taking full effect March 1. Finally, municipalities will no longer to have their legals printed in local newspapers.
Finally, the state legislature has come to realize people can use the state, or the county, or the borough’s own websites to print the legals it now costs them by the line to publish in a paper. People have to pay to get. The legislature has apparently listened and realizes that today’s readers tend to read lots of different types of media, do look at municipal pages with all their information and finally do appreciate being able to read in larger than 4 or 5 point print.
The move will save thousands of tax dollars for people throughout New Jersey
No longer will there be a mandate requiring all legal advertising for municipalities, be it for notice of a meeting, adoption of a new regulation or a public hearing for a variance, be printed in a legal newspaper. Instead, the law makes it clear municipalities and counties have to meet specific mandates as well, publishing all their legal advertising on their official website, and offer free and easy access to it.
They must make the website free and accessible, with a direct hyperlink to legal notices placed “conspicuously” on the homepage. The law even says the secretary of state would help set up a website to include notices from public entities statewide. Public agencies will have to display notices on the website for at least one week and store them in an online archive for at least one year afterward. Starting January 1, all public entities will have to publish an advertisement twice a month in online news outlets, together with links to their legal notices webpage. Municipalities will also have to show they are printing their legals with notices in a conspicuous place on their website, and they have to keep the legals available for at least one week and store them for at least one year.
It’s one of the few laws in New Jersey that was passed either unanimously or with only two or three folks dissenting in one House, approved unanimously in the Senate.
So how much will it save taxpayers? Perhaps only $100 or $200 every time they advertise a special meeting, or an event. But several hundreds of dollars when they have to publish a proposed ordinance or the complete budget. Those hundreds of dollars turn to thousands and add up even quicker when municipalities advertise them in more than one newspaper, which is also fairly common,
It’s even considerably more savings at the Monmouth County level. Did you ever notice the number of Sheriff’s Sales that are advertised on a regular basis? Or don’t you even look at the legal advertising sections of newspapers?
Erasing those hundreds of dollars of checks every week from a variety of local municipalities does save the taxpayers money. But it means that one time newspaper that is now a non-profit TAX free organization and has been collecting those hundreds of dollars each month now has to find other sources of income to keep its publication afloat.
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