It is the third year the borough has participated, but already they are finalizing plans for a busy, fun, educational and celebratory Local Government Week event in the Borough of Highlands.
Highlands Mayor Carolyn Broullon
Mayor Carolyn Broullon confirmed the borough is once again participating in and conducting activities during the week of April 12 to 18. Highlight of the week will be the Open House at Borough Hall on Thursday, April 16, from 6 to 7:30 at Borough hall.
The state-wide week long celebration was organized by the NJ League of Municipalities and designed to engage residents, highlight the municipality’s beauty, and show the dedicated work of its municipal staff and volunteers, from the Police Department to the fire department and first aid squad.
The week is an opportunity for municipalities to encourage civic education, volunteerism and local pride. In organizing it, the League hopes to bring awareness to the role local government plays in achieving the best life for communities.
“ People have questions and are curious about how local government works,” Broullon said, “it’s a great way for people to meet the staff from Administration, Police, Fire and First Aid without it being in a confrontational environment.” It’s an opportunity to get together over light refreshments and learn from each other, she said.
The mayor said there will be flyers, information, and packets from the various departments of the borough, as well as a tour of the Borough Hall during the Open House and an opportunity to meet with employees.
Notices have already been sent to vario9us local organizations inviting them to participate in the Open House. Those interested are invited to call 732-872-1224, ext. 212 for further information.
The borough will also use the opportunity to continue its celebration of its 125th anniversary as a municipality separate from Middletown, as well as the 250th anniversary of the nation. Some of the activities planned for the July event will be announced at the April Open house. Broullon said committee members for 250th celebration within the borough include members of the Highlands Business Partnership as well as the Highlands Historical Society.
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Emphasizing the importance of happy marriages and family life, the Rev. Joseph Donnelly Council of the Knights of Columbus honored Bill and Eileen Skiff as their Family of the Month at their Valentine’s Breakfast Sunday.
The breakfast, held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Gym, Miller Street, Highlands, the second Sunday of every month, honors a family each month who exemplify the importance of family and setting high standards in marriage. In presenting the award, Grand Knight Kevin McKenna noted the couple has been married more than 68 years. The Skiffs are active members of the OLPH St Agnes Parish, generally at OLPH for the Sunday morning mas, and always exemplifying the importance of upholding Christian values both in their own home and in assisting and working with others.
McKenna is also a member of the Family of the Month Committee for the Council, which practices one of the goals and aims of the international Knights of Columbus in dedication to the development of strong, vibrant families. McKenna noted the monthly honors bring even greater awareness to the many outstanding families in the parish who outwardly exhibit strong ties of love and faith, exemplifying Catholic family values by attending mass each week throughout the year, and making contributions of support and involvement in their parish and surrounding community.
The Skiffs have been members of the parish since 1960 when they first came to Highlands as summer residents. Two years later,, when Bill retired, the family became full-time residents and full-time members of the church community. Since then, he said, in praising the couple, “they have consistently attended mass and supported our many various events over the years. They have remained steadfast over that span to our beautiful parish while enriching their growing family in our Catholic faith.”
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Advanced planning, excellent working apparatus and daily inspections are keeping the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Harbor piers safe and secure during the freezing icy, snowy weather conditions.
That is the message the Harbor Commission received at its meeting this week, when the Commission sought up-to-date information on the harbor situation, in view of the many reports of other docks collapsing because of ice and freezing.
Harbormaster Lou Fligor confirmed to VeniVidiScripto days after the meeting that piers are still secure at the harbor and regular inspections are made to assure the situation remains the same.
Fligo pointed out that years ago the Harbor Commission authorized a ‘bubbling’ system that keeps the waters near pilings moving, lessening the chance of freezing. Fligor said the systems are inserted in the harbor every year soon after boats are taken out for the winter season. Inspections are made of each of the units, and when temperatures or freezing conditions call for action, the harbor staff plugs in the units to keep the water stirring.
“It’s easy to check their operations,” the harbormaster added, noting it’s possible to see whether the water is actually moving and no or little ice has formed.
So far, in spite of damages at numerous other locations along the river and bay, the Atlantic Highlands harbor has had no problem with icing or destroying its pilings at the piers.
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Piers
Fligo pointed out that years ago the Harbor Commission authorized a ‘bubbling’ system that keeps the waters near pilings moving, lessening the chance of freezing. Fligor said the systems are inserted in the harbor every year soon after boats are taken out for the winter season. Inspections are made of each of the units, and when temperatures or freezing conditions call for action, the harbor staff plugs in the units to keep the water stirring.“It’s easy to check their operations,” the harbormaster added, noting it’s possible to see whether the water is actually moving and no or little ice has formed.So far, in spite of damages at numerous other locations along the river and bay, the Atlantic Highlands harbor has had no problem with icing or destroying its pilings at the piers.Fligo pointed out that years ago the Harbor Commission authorized a ‘bubbling’ system that keeps the waters near pilings moving, lessening the chance of freezing. Fligor said the systems are inserted in the harbor every year soon after boats are taken out for the winter season. Inspections are made of each of the units, and when temperatures or freezing conditions call for action, the harbor staff plugs in the units to keep the water stirring.“It’s easy to check their operations,” the harbormaster added, noting it’s possible to see whether the water is actually moving and no or little ice has formed.So far, in spite of damages at numerous other locations along the river and bay, the Atlantic Highlands harbor has had no problem with icing or destroying its pilings at the piers.Fligo pointed out that years ago the Harbor Commission authorized a ‘bubbling’ system that keeps the waters near pilings moving, lessening the chance of freezing. Fligor said the systems are inserted in the harbor every year soon after boats are taken out for the winter season. Inspections are made of each of the units, and when temperatures or freezing conditions call for action, the harbor staff plugs in the units to keep the water stirring.“It’s easy to check their operations,” the harbormaster added, noting it’s possible to see whether the water is actually moving and no or little ice has formed.So far, in spite of damages at numerous other locations along the river and bay, the Atlantic Highlands harbor has had no problem with icing or destroying its pilings at the piers.Fligo pointed out that years ago the Harbor Commission authorized a ‘bubbling’ system that keeps the waters near pilings moving, lessening the chance of freezing. Fligor said the systems are inserted in the harbor every year soon after boats are taken out for the winter season. Inspections are made of each of the units, and when temperatures or freezing conditions call for action, the harbor staff plugs in the units to keep the water stirring.“It’s easy to check their operations,” the harbormaster added, noting it’s possible to see whether the water is actually moving and no or little ice has formed.So far, in spite of damages at numerous other locations along the river and bay, the Atlantic Highlands harbor has had no problem with icing or destroying its pilings at the piers.
While there are 18 abandoned boats in slips at the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Harbor, it’s a vast improvement from the past and all are in the process of eventually being removed.
That’s what the harbor Commission explained at this month’s meeting, after Joseph Kokomo, an Ocean Boulevard resident, complained some boats are unsightly and the Commission should take action to remove masts and gas tanks from the privately owned vessels.
Harbor Commission Chairman Thomas Wall tried unsuccessfully several times to explain why the commission is as frustrated as he over abandoned boats, but its current actions are ambitious and successful, and the best they can legally do at this time.
Other members of the commission, as well as Commission Attorney. William McGuinn also attempted to tell the resident they are doing their best, with Commissioner Jim Krauss finally telling him, “you’re talking to the wrong people; you should go to the State DMV.”
Kokomo spoke during the public portion of the meeting, saying the abandoned boats take away from the esthetics of the harbor and take up space that could be used for paying customers. In response to his questions, Harbormaster Lou Fligor said there were approximately 17 boats that have been abandoned and are not paying lease space, and the matter is indeed frustrating to the Commission. A check of his records shows there are currently 18 abandoned boats, and each one of them is at some stage of activity in being removed.
The records also show that in the last 18 months, the Harbor has taken possession of, and removed, five abandoned boats without the expensive legal and research methods that have been used previously.
Wall, continuing to try to assuage Kokomo’s irritation, explained “It is not easy to take ownership of an abandoned vessel”: something that is necessary to do before boarding it or taking any action with it. He explained the Commission is aware the abandonment vessels take up space that could be income producing, but it is necessary to follow the law.
Like motor vehicles, boats are registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles, and without the official title, doing anything with the boat is trespassing and against the law.
Fligor explained that through McGuinn, he has been working with Abandoned Boat Titles LLC, a small but feisty and hard-working firm that has taken on the legalities of seeking the titles and turning them over to the Commission, enabling the commission to dispose of them in their own way. All of that takes time, he explained, and the firm is paid by the Harbor for their work, considerably less expensive than previously long drawn out searches or legal fees. For instance, after the firm secured titles for him., Fligor was able to sell two boats, each 38 feet in length or longer. One of them was purchased, the owner did not want it, gave the tile back to Fligor and he was then able to use the money to destroy the boat which was wooden and beyond salvation.
Wall assured Kokomo the Commission is being as aggressive as possible and will continue to stay within the law and continue to operate the Harbor as the professional business it is. He urged the resident to keep him informed should Kokomo found any other means of hastening the work that is being done currently to rid the harbor of the remaining 18 abandoned vessels.
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Harbor
Wall assured Kokomo the Commission is being as aggressive as possible and will continue to stay within the law and continue to operate the Harbor as the professional business it is. He urged the resident to keep him informed should Kokomo found any other means of hastening the work that is being done currently to rid the of the remaining 18 abandoned vessels.Wall assured Kokomo the Commission is being as aggressive as possible and will continue to stay within the law and continue to operate the Harbor as the professional business it is. He urged the resident to keep him informed should Kokomo found any other means of hastening the work that is being done currently to rid the of the remaining 18 abandoned vessels.Wall assured Kokomo the Commission is being as aggressive as possible and will continue to stay within the law and continue to operate the Harbor as the professional business it is. He urged the resident to keep him informed should Kokomo found any other means of hastening the work that is being done currently to rid the of the remaining 18 abandoned vessels.
Miniature chocolate roses, Hershey’s Valentine kisses and heart shaped lollipops are all on the menu for this Sunday’s Knights of Columbus Breakfast at Our Lady of Perpetual Help gym in Highlands, along with red velvet cake, Nutella spread and even cranberry juice as the Rev. Joseph Donnelly Council of the Knights celebrate Valentine’s Day at their monthly breakfast.
The breakfast, prepared by the Knights and offered to all at no cost, also includes the usual array of pancakes, hash browns, corned beef hash, pork roll, French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage, together with juices, fruits, donuts, muffins and a variety of breakfast beverages.
The Breakfast is offered from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m and donations are always accepted.
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Breakfast
Miniature chocolate roses, Hershey’s Valentine kisses and heart shaped lollipops are all on the menu for this Sunday’s Knights of Columbus at Our Lady of Perpetual Help gym in Highlands, along with red velvet cake, Nutella spread and even cranberry juice as the Rev. Joseph Donnelly Council of the Knights celebrate Valentine’s Day at their monthly
The , prepared by the Knights and offered to all at no cost, also includes the usual array of pancakes, hash browns, corned beef hash, pork roll, French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage, together with juices, fruits, donuts, muffins and a variety of breakfast beverages.
The is offered from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m and donations are always accepted.
Miniature chocolate roses, Hershey’s Valentine kisses and heart shaped lollipops are all on the menu for this Sunday’s Knights of Columbus at Our Lady of Perpetual Help gym in Highlands, along with red velvet cake, Nutella spread and even cranberry juice as the Rev. Joseph Donnelly Council of the Knights celebrate Valentine’s Day at their monthly
The , prepared by the Knights and offered to all at no cost, also includes the usual array of pancakes, hash browns, corned beef hash, pork roll, French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage, together with juices, fruits, donuts, muffins and a variety of breakfast beverages.
The is offered from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m and donations are always accepted.
Miniature chocolate roses, Hershey’s Valentine kisses and heart shaped lollipops are all on the menu for this Sunday’s Knights of Columbus at Our Lady of Perpetual Help gym in Highlands, along with red velvet cake, Nutella spread and even cranberry juice as the Rev. Joseph Donnelly Council of the Knights celebrate Valentine’s Day at their monthly
Miniature chocolate roses, Hershey’s Valentine kisses and heart shaped lollipops are all on the menu for this Sunday’s Knights of Columbus at Our Lady of Perpetual Help gym in Highlands, along with red velvet cake, Nutella spread and even cranberry juice as the Rev. Joseph Donnelly Council of the Knights celebrate Valentine’s Day at their monthly
The , prepared by the Knights and offered to all at no cost, also includes the usual array of pancakes, hash browns, corned beef hash, pork roll, French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage, together with juices, fruits, donuts, muffins and a variety of breakfast beverages.
The is offered from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m and donations are always accepted.
The , prepared by the Knights and offered to all at no cost, also includes the usual array of pancakes, hash browns, corned beef hash, pork roll, French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage, together with juices, fruits, donuts, muffins and a variety of breakfast beverages.
Miniature chocolate roses, Hershey’s Valentine kisses and heart shaped lollipops are all on the menu for this Sunday’s Knights of Columbus at Our Lady of Perpetual Help gym in Highlands, along with red velvet cake, Nutella spread and even cranberry juice as the Rev. Joseph Donnelly Council of the Knights celebrate Valentine’s Day at their monthly
The , prepared by the Knights and offered to all at no cost, also includes the usual array of pancakes, hash browns, corned beef hash, pork roll, French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage, together with juices, fruits, donuts, muffins and a variety of breakfast beverages.
The is offered from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m and donations are always accepted.
The is offered from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m and donations are always accepted.
Stitch Six more quilts will complete the official Centennial Quilt display at the Shrewsbury Historical Society honoring the Centennial incorporation of Shrewsbury Borough this year.
But the 94 quilts on display now hold a story of their own, a piece of that history and the kindness, generosity and involvement of local residents in wanting to share that history by offering family quilts for the historic display.
The 100-quilt display is a goal of the Shrewsbury Historical Society to celebrate the borough’s Centennial along with the nation’s 250th anniversary this year. The display of the 94 quilts, some on tables, some on display along the walls, some hanging, are available to see now Tuesdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.. or by appointment by calling 732-530-7974 at other times.
Historical Society president Donald Burden noted the display at the museum, located at Sycamore Ave. and Route 35, itself a historic site, has already drawn visitors for a variety of reasons in addition to seeing the intricacy of some stitches and colors. For instance, he pointed out, research has shown that the materials in the quilts on display have come from throughout the United States, including both California, and at least one on display was completed by a husband and wife.
“It’s the stories each of these magnificent quilts tell that is so intriguing,” Burden said. He highlighted the showcase quilt, the Friendship Quilt that greets visitors as they enter the building. Hanging above the foyer, the quilt dates to 1879, and includes the initials of the families that created it.
Another quilt drawing a lot of interest, the society president said, is one whose roots go back to a family who lived in Amsterdam during the Nazi occupation of the 1940s.
It was Susa Stielitz Kohnstam who made the quilt which is on loan for the collection by her son and daughter-in-law. Ms. Kohnstam’s husband, Peter, a Holocaust survivor, grew up with Anne Frank in Holland. While Anne’s father, Otto, remained in hiding with his family in Amsterdam, Peter’s father escaped Amsterdam by way of Spain and then on to Argentina. After the war, the family made it to New York City and eventually relocated to Tinton Falls.” The Kohnstams are putting the quilt on display “with much love….one example of Susan’s beautiful quality work. The quilt is a testament to love, survival and the desire to thrive.”
The quilt made by a husband and wife is one of several examples of quilts sewn by both genders. In this quilt, however, the woman who started it died before she completed her project; and her husband took it up after her death and completed her work.
Another quilt has a bit of red stain in the corner, which in itself tells a unique story. The woman who donated that quilt to the exhibit got it from her grandmother and it was her grandmother’s blood on display in the fabric. The donor was firm and wanted the stain to be preserved as is. By including a quilt with a blood stain, it included her ancestor’s DNA, she explained, and is therefore a visible display of her DNA which could show more than two centuries of historic lineage.
The display also vividly points out the differences in design, stitches and even materials used in what has been an art form that dates back to medieval times. One quilt on display is a collection of Hawaiian shirts; another is made with children’s clothing used to highlight specific stitch patterns. Some quilts are made with individual square pieces sewn together, while others are intricate designs of stars, triangles, flowers, and floral scenes.
Burden is quick to point out the unique quilt display, like each of the other unusual displays that have been highlighted in the museum, are the result of society members, residents, professionals and specialists in a variety of fields working together. Collections come from individuals, families, others who want to ensure their piece of history remains preserved for future generations. Burden himself is not above checking out things left at the curb as trash and seeking out the history that would make it a fascinating piece for a future collection display. Past exhibits have highlighted sewing machines, wedding gowns, even ketchup bottles and history from the former Shrewsbury Ketchup of the Hazard company.
Burden is inviting anyone who has a quilt with a history and wants to donate it to the Society to call the society at 732-530-7974. with their piece of history. The quilt display will be on exhibit at least through July 4.
The borough’s Centennial will be celebrated throughout the year, but Saturday, May 16, will be the highlight complete with a parade, honoring the month in 1926 when the voters went to the polls and by an overwhelming majority let it be known they wanted the village to be independent of the township. In addition to the parade, there will be a series of events honoring the borough on May 16, with opportunities to share the significance of Shrewsbury throughout the nation’s history.
Because of all his work, leadership, fascination and knowledge of history and sheer pride in the borough of Shrewsbury, it comes as no surprise former Mayor Donald Burden has been named the Grand Marshal of the May 16 event.
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Job The Rev. Joseph Donnelly Council of the Knights of Columbus has once again shown how talent, camaraderie, generosity, friendship and working well together results in community members getting together for fun, frolic, and good times at reasonable prices.
Approximately 220 residents from the Bayshore and beyond showed they like and appreciate all the efforts of the Catholic men’s group, when they turned out last month for an evening of outstanding Italian food, and chances on more than 170 gifts that ranged from perfumes and wine or fitness sessions, to auto parts, pet care and financial management.
The dinner and gift auction was one of the many similar events the Knights conduct during the year more for promoting opportunities for neighbors to enjoy themselves together than as fund raisers.
This Council of Knights, a part of the organization which began in Connecticut 143 years ago by the Rev. Michael J. McGivney, is part of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help St Agnes parish and Saturday’s event was held at the OLPH gym on Miller st.in Highlands.
The members of the Knights, led by Event Chairman Chancellor Sir Knight Steve Bagnetto with Knight Tommy Snow heading the kitchen staff, prepared the eggplant rollatini, spaghetti, meatballs, sausage, salad, desserts and more, while members of the Columbiettes, the women’s auxiliary who assist the Knights at all recreational activities, led by Louise Welch, a wife and mother of Knights active for generations in the Council, solicited, begged accepted, wrapped and displayed those 170 gifts for display on tables in the gym.
The $30 ticket price for adults, with a discounted rate for kids and no cost for infants, included a sheet of tickets for party goers to insert in jars by each gift in addition to the dinner.
“It takes a team to get good things accomplished and get them done efficiently so everyone, both worker and attendee, can enjoy the experience,” said former Grand Knight Mike Napolitano, who works on planning and implementing each of the activities the Knights conduct. “We have that kind of team among our Brother Knights. Everyone turns out to help, everyone does his best, and everyone is generous with his time and talent. Having the Columbiettes work as hard as they do is just as important and necessary, and so deeply appreciated and admired,” he said.
This latest event was an indication of how many Knights contribute so much time to ensure success. With Bagnetto the general chairman and Snow the main chef, the Kitchen staff included Grand Knight Kevin McKenna, current head of the local Council, along with past Grand Knights Napolitano, Ian McGinniss, Brian Anderson, advocate Shawn Taber, Outside Guard Greg Kane, and Brother Knight Jorge Knudson, with all the Knights helping in a variety of other ways to ensure the success of the evening.
Knight Mike Adamson served as auctioneer for the night, describing each of the 175 gifts that were received by happy winners and delivered to their tables by more Knights and Columbiettes.
Snow, who is in the OLPH kitchen from early morning until closing the night of every dinner event the knights present, heads up the creation and preparation of everything from the eggplant Rollatini to the Caesar Salad and always ensures there’s a plentiful supply.. “We were close this year because of the unanticipated overflow,” he smiled, “But we did it. It’s just next time we’ll plan for 100 more or so.”
In addition to their own generosity, the knights and Columbiettes are all quick to point out events could not be held without the support of outside sponsors. They all praised the generosity of local sponsors especially from Highlands and Atlantic Highlands, as well as from throughout the Bayshore area, many other areas of Monmouth County in addition to friends from throughout the state. The variety of gifts always makes events like the Gift Auction such an added thrill, Napolitano pointed out.
For instance, at the most recent event, in addition to numerous gift certificates from popular local restaurants including Off the Hook, Bahrs, Outback, the Atlantic House, Lusty Lobster, Waterwitch Café, Proving Ground and Gem’s Bagels, there were dozens of children’s gifts, from Preschool Activities, Mickey Mouse, Disney Puzzles, Crayola Learning Toys, Tweens Basket. There were tickets on Sea Streak or at Eastpointe Fitness, free sessions at Power Core and Eyes on First, as well as wine baskets, platter carousels, kitchen equipment and roofing discounts. There were also gifts for pets, from K-9 Resorts or a cat basket, books and gift cards, a basket of items from the NJ Devils, and jewelry and cologne.
With the Italian Night a successful event of the past, the Knights started work once again on their special Valentine ‘s Day treat held last Sunday, always a sought after Sunday breakfast once a month. And now the Council is already planning another major event in April. That will be their annual Line Dancing event, where tickets will be $35 for adults, and special discounts are offered for complete table reservations. There’s a $15 ticket price for youngsters and always, no charge for infants. More information will be available next month on this ever-popular event as well.
In the meantime, the Knights are completing their plans for the Bread & Soup they will be serving during Lent prior to the weekly Stations of the Cross service offered at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. This Bread & Soup supper will be conducted from Feb. 20 through March 7 and as always, everyone is invited to attend as well as stay for the Stations in the church.
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The Atlantic Highlands PBA Local 242 has sent letters advising residents of its 2026 Home & Business Registration system which gives the department instant access to information on contacts should emergencies arise at your home or business.
The program is one more way in which this department goes to extremes in its dedication towards assisting and protecting both businesses, homes and residences in the community.
Those interested in being included in this added area of protection are requested to fill out an information card for enrollment in which interested persons would entrust the department with their names, addresses, employer’s contact numbers, as well as other contacts either for phone communication or a key to the house, together with information on whether the building is alarmed .
According to the department’s Home Security Committee, Patrick Anderson and Joseph Labella, the program has been invaluable in the past in preventing crime and ensuring security. Police use the information on routine patrol following up on suspicious observations including property damages or unusual persons near the residence . Armed with the confidential information submitted during the Registration System program, the officers can then expedite making necessary contacts more efficiently.
Those interested should fill out an information card, available at police headquarters if you did not receive one. Mail the necessary information to PBA Local 242, PO Box 9, Atlantic Highlands. Once the Committee receives the information card, they will send a numbered decal to display on the door. In the event of an emergency, an officer at the scene would relay the code number from the decal to headquarters to quickly enable them to locate that specific information card and contact someone of your choice.
While there is no charge for this service, the PBA would accept donations which are used to defray the cost of the program. Any donations, all of which are tax deductible, that are in excess of the program costs would be used for other community programs including child abuse prevention, LEAD, crime prevention, Sandy hook Little League, the local elementary school First Aid squad, food drives, underprivileged children gifting, or PBA funds and activities.
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St. Vincent de Paul Society … Unsung Heroes that practices there is no work of charity they cannot provide.
You don’t hear much about them. You really only see one or two of them once a month. That’s when they are standing at the doors of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Highlands with grateful smiles when you drop some money into the baskets they’re holding.
Yet during the past year, this very quiet hardworking group of 16 people did everything from delivering food to hungry families, visited elderly and disabled neighbors, and financially helped folks with payments to keep their heat, electricity, water, and cell phones on. They paid back rent to stop evictions and even got a blood pressure monitor to assist someone who needed it to monitor their health.
That was all in addition to the annual Giving Tree Project, which this year, enabled 55 youngsters in 27 families in the Highlands and Sea Bright area to have toys and clothing they requested under their Christmas trees.
Besides all that, they have a hotline, a special number for people in need to call for comfort, advice, and prayer, in addition to referrals to whatever other help they need, be it for legal matters, veterans’ affairs, addictions or mental health.
And they could use some extra help if there is anyone who would like to volunteer and become active with a group that practices there is no work of charity they cannot provide.
That pretty well describes the members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society Conference of Our Lady of Perpetual Help church in Highlands.
This OLPH group was established some 70 years ago, lagged for a while in the earlier part of the 21th century; it was rejuvenated about 20 years ago to continue the work of an organization founded in France in 1833 when a couple of college kids decided to do something about the poverty they saw around them. Twelve years later, similarly kind people in the United States started their own St. Vincent de Paul Society in Missouri and it quickly spread to parishes here. Today, there are more than 100,000 Vincentian volunteers in the USA working in over 4,000 parishes, 46 Conferences of which are in the Catholic Diocese of Trenton.
Both OLPH and St. Agnes churches had St. Vincent de Paul Conferences for many years, both active and giving to residents in their towns, as well as Sea Bright and parts of Middletown. When the two parishes became one and OLPH St Agnes parish was formed, the Vincentians decided they would continue their individual conferences since both were working so well in their own neighborhoods and had no need to change.
Actually, today’s Society at OLPH had a similar rejuvenation to the original beginnings of the Society in France. About 20 years ago the OLPH Conference had only one member who asked another parishioner if he would join her efforts. They knew each other as both served as Eucharistic ministers. He accepted her invitation to help renew the activities of the original conference.
(Note: Vincentian members requested that their names not be used in this article because their focus is on their Neighbors in need and not on themselves.)
As in France, it was just a determined and dedicated duo who took on the assignment when these two OLPH parishioners agreed to work toward a rebirth of the Society here. So there were two. When one of them thought about retiring, the other worked harder to learn everything he could do. When he learned about a woman who needed help in paying a $14 gas bill and he could help, “I was hooked! And still am.”
And so, the little group grew, another parishioner joined and then another Eucharistic minister, who remains active today as Secretary and Spiritual Advisor. Then two more heard and joined.
And the five spread aid and assistance whenever called, always with prayer, always with conviction; they were little, but they were determined, and they could make a difference. After a pulpit appeal by one of the five, the group grew to twenty members, including their current treasurer who assures every donation received and funds spent are properly accounted for; and another who soon became a conference leader. A bit later two more joined as active members and organized the annual Friends of the Poor Walk which raised awareness and donations. Soon after, another came on board with his funding raising talents. The sixteen current members also serve in a variety of other ways including intake ministers, home visitors, special project teams, and case management software administrators.
This month, the OLPH Conference, under its current president, issued the annual report of the assistance they have provided in their area during the past year.
In 2025, according to their records, the St. Vincent de Paul Society Conference of OLPH gave $37,311 in financial assistance in addition to the Giving Tree Project; they also made 425 regular food deliveries to the elderly and disabled. In addition to aiding their own area, the conference donated $1,000 to similar groups in other areas devastated by natural disasters, keeping in mind the help they had received during Hurricane Sandy. They partner with the OLPH Food Pantry, where a dynamic Vincentian, who volunteers at both the Food Pantry and with St. Vincent de Paul, ensures not only are meals delivered but also secures rides so some can “food shop” themselves at the church pantry.
The Society has also collaborated with other charities to obtain nearly $15,000 in additional help for struggling local residents.
Vincentians believe that all things are possible with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. At OLPH the two struggling members sprouted into five which blossomed into twenty. In fact, the “Rule” of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, which is the core governing document, has the objective “to help nurture Vincentian Spirituality, enhance the relationship among members, and enrich Vincentian Service to those in need”.
To ensure the privacy and protection of all whom they assist, the Society also sets high standards for those who volunteer. Since food deliveries and other assistance are given to families in their own homes, the conference president assures that each member is fingerprinted and has the necessary background checks on a regular basis for security reasons.
Still volunteerism is not the only way others can help. Members of the Conference are at the doors of OLPH church on the 4th Sunday of every month, as well as the previous Saturday night mass, to accept donations from small to large. With no poor boxes in OLPH…because of previous thefts and damage…. It’s important for member volunteers to be present to remind others of what they do and to accept their donations. Checks can also be sent to the OLPH – St. Agnes Parish Office specifying they are for the OLPH St. Vincent de Paul Society, and phone calls can be made to see if there are other areas in which assistance or gifts can be given.
Interested persons are invited to call the contact number, 732-977-6347, leave their name, phone number and a request for more information. There is a special need for young adults to serve as members, associate members, or simply to help with Special projects.
By the next day, one of those 16 dedicated people will get back to you with information on how you can participate in “no work of charity is foreign to the St Vincent de Paul Society.”
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Stormy A blizzard that stuck the east coast from Virginia to Boston in February of 1940 caused several headlines in local newspapers, but all reports indicated there were no serious accidents though the snow was termed hazardous. Keyport was the only municipality in the Bayshore that had any power, light or telephone outages.
Both the Atlantic Highlands First Aid volunteers and the Coast Guard at Sandy Hook were kept busy, however, and accomplished their dangerous missions with little mishap.
The Atlantic Highlands squad rescued a Long Branch driver when his car skidded on ice near Hilton Park on Route 36. The vehicle hit the center island, rolled, and left him pinned inside. The squad responded, righted the car, and brought the driver to Monmouth Medical Center where his cuts and bruises were treated and determined to be “more painful than serious.”
On another night during the week the storm left roads impassable, the first aid squad responded to a call from Mrs. Fred Holstad of Leonardo that she was about to have a baby and needed to go to Monmouth Medical Center. Ocean Avenue was closed due to snow and ice, but the squad, adhering to her needs, drove through Red Bank in order to get from Leonardo to Long Branch.
Out on the Shrewsbury River, Furman Conover of Highlands was not letting ice storms interfere with his clamming profession. However, while he was out of his boat standing on ice and clamming in the river, the boat was swept away by the tide, and Conover was left standing marooned on a block of ice. When someone from the shore saw him, they notified the Coast Guard and Chief Boatswain Batem Miller and his crew battled a tide to get out to the ice flow as it was breaking up and Conover was heading further out to sea.
The clammer was treated for “exposure and fear” but otherwise weathered the incident.
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