The Highlands Land Use Board will meet Thursday evening at 7 p.m. at Henry Hudson Regional School to conduct a public hearing on the variance request from Highlands Landing Corporation for the Seastreak parking area and property on Shore drive.

The meeting is being held at the school to ensure there is sufficient room for all who want to attend.

The application is for a preliminary major site plan to the existing parking lot and an existing seasonal use for the property located in the waterfront commercial district. The property is the upland portion of the Seastreak Ferry facility and includes both the parking lot for patrons and public access and the beach area at the northwest corner of the property.

During the summer, the Sandbox beach bar, as a second use on the lot, operates food trucks on the beach in the lot. The Applicant is seeking the Use Variance for the continued seasonal operation of the beach, including the Sandbox beach bar during the summer season with food trucks.

The parking lot and bar are permitted uses. The modifications planned include repaving, improved drainage, a reconfigured parking layout and traffic flow, sidewalks, ADA compliant walks and parking, concrete and gravel areas, traffic flow, signage, pedestrian safety, landscaping and lighting.

The application is presenting revisions from the original plan submitted and heard last year which included mechanical car lifts at one portion of the property.

The change includes 70 tandem spaces for parking as opposed to the original 140, which would create 734 parking places rather than 804, but no substantial change regarding the proposed circulation throughout the Primary Lot. The overflow parking lot, located at 348 Shore Drive, would include repaving to accommodate an additional 221 parking spaces. Plans also call for the permanent removal of the volleyball nets and relocation of the existing shed on the Sandbox at Seastreak Beach Bar .

Curbing in the eastern section of the Primary Lot is also planned for expansion. All previously proposed evergreen trees on the lot have now been removed, and the seven Hackleberry deciduous trees previously proposed in the Primary Lot, have now been reduced to five.

The Primary Lot’s average illumination has increased slightly, and the seven different lighting fixtures previously proposed throughout the entire parking lot has been changed to 13 fixtures, with all light poles still planned to be mounted to a height of 15 feet.

During the hearing, the applicant is also expected to provide testimony regarding parking logistics during the proposed construction and repaving and the impact those plans will have on Seastreak ferry operations.

The applicant will also have to show provisions for trash and recycling, including testimony regarding circulation of a garbage truck throughout the site based on the new arrangements. Plans should also include, but do not at the present time, bicycle parking spaces, given the nature of the beach and beach bar use.

The public will have the opportunity to express their opinions and comments following the presentations.

According to the HGA, the Land Use Board planners, the lot currently accommodates approximately 579 parked vehicles in the Primary Lot, and 40 in the Auxiliary Lot on a weekday afternoon in lots with a capacity of 957 spaces between the two lots. Seastreak ferry ridership data for the past year shows peak ridership during June through August with departure times highest at 8:00 am. The highest number of passengers to depart from the terminal on any given morning between 5:50 AM and 12:00 PM) was 1,172 on a Tuesday in July. The number of passengers departing the terminal decreased during the fall and winter months, with low points in December and January.

The trend of increased ridership in the spring, with peaks in the summer, was also reflected in the passenger arrival data. During the same period studied, the most populous arrival time was 5:20 PM, followed by 6:50 PM. During the summer months, most passengers arrived on Friday evenings, while during the rest of the year, most arrivals occurred on Tuesday evenings. The highest number of passengers to arrive at the terminal on any given day was 1,807 passengers on a Tuesday in July. Ultimately, the operation of the Sandbox during the summer months creates additional activity on the site during its peak period for ferry ridership, the planners noted.

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There are always so many things that make me happy, but for a day or two, it seems that the greatest majority of things that make and keep me happy were all happening in Highlands.

For those who go to Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual on Route 36, you’re going to be thrilled and delighted Saturday afternoon or Sunday when you see the spectacular paving job that has put new life in the church parking lot. Not only are all the bumps, cracks and crevices gone, but there is new and highly visible striping for parking places that are bright and easy to see. It was all done in two days and a very welcome sight.

Hearing the Mayor and Council at this week’s Council meeting should make everyone who lives in the borough proud and happy. The Resolution honoring the nation’s 250^th anniversary actually focuses on the borough, the role it played in the Revolution that brought about that Declaration, and why the people of Monmouth County … make that the nation … should know why Highlands people are so proud of their town.

The Highlands Historical Society talks about its pride in the borough’s history all the time, and it invites new members all the time to come and learn more about the people who helped create the town they all enjoy today. The Mayor is always bragging about Highlands and says it all in the Resolution…it’s a lesson in Highlands and American history just to read it.

The Mayor also took the time, energy, and enthusiasm to send a personal letter of congratulations to Sean Weinperl, a local resident who next week will be presented his Eagle Scout award he earned for doing something to help the borough!. Anyone who knows scouting knows this is not an easy achievement to attain with any project, but Sean selecting the Highlands beachfront and helping both the kids, families and the environment takes on community pride. Sean’s a sophomore at the College of Charleston in South Carolina but will have a whole bunch of new friends at home because of his work.

Sean isn’t the only Eagle as of next week. Middletown’s Ethan Bennett earned his award by not only helping to improve the appearance of an elementary school in Middletown, but by doing so also taught so many youngsters how important it is to help others and take pride in their community…and he did it all while working at one job and hunting for another! Both scouts are in Troop 22 which seems to always make it scouts happy and proud of all they do.

Then, continuing to make me happy, I was at Ptak Towers in Highlands during the week when Father Thomas of OLPH was there to say his once a month mass and is greeted with thanks and appreciation of all the residents; they night not all go to the service, but they all like to see his personable, smiling face in the building. And the homily he gave on the importance of saying the Lord’s Prayer made everyone stop and think and appreciate the words and thoughts of the prayer even more.

The Business Partnership and the borough welcoming the tallest of the tall ships for the Parade next month brought back happy memories of half a century ago when that same ship brought so many happy cadets, new friends, and lots of great activity to the borough during the 1976 celebrations. Those cadets on the Americo Vespucci in ’76 are long past their days on the training ship, but it’s fun to see an entire new group of young cadets coming back to the same town and be welcomed by another generation who want to share their pride Highlands and perhaps have some stories to tell about when the ship was here before. We already know the Vespucci has a particular affinity for Bahrs Restaurant!

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Paul and Betty Anderson of Atlantic Highlands and their family were honored at Sunday’s Knights of Columbus Family Breakfast at Our Lady of Perpetual Help gym and presented with a certificate and gift as Family of the Month for the Our Lady of Perpetual Help St Agnes Parish.

Michael Burke, Family Director for the Rev. Joseph J. Donnelly Council of the Knights of Columbus, together with Grand Knight Kevin McKenna made the presentations and praised the Andersons for their volunteer contributions and dedication to the community and the parish for many decades.

Paul, a life time member of the parish, and his wife, a member for more than 60 years, raised their children with the love and guidance that “people of good faith provide,” said Burke. “Both Paul and Betty have lived their lives together through Faith in Action while setting a great example for their children by each volunteering their time and talents to their Parish and surrounding communities,” the director continued.

The couple met through their hair stylist who took on the delightful challenge of matchmaker and “hit the mark with this wonderful couple.”

Paul has volunteered with the finance committee of the parish for many years, as well as the RCIA, now known as OCIA. He has also served as president of the St. Agnes Vincent de Paul Society.

Betty, a retired public school teacher, also served on the board to help create and serve when Mother Teresa Regional School first formed. She took it a step further with the help of her good friend the late Ann Campbell by introducing Algebra courses to the seventh and eighth grade students at the school to help better prepare them for high school. Currently, Betty volunteers teaching immigrant children mathematics at St. Anthony’s parish in Red Bank, giving special attention to youngsters whose parents often struggle with a language barrier in assisting with math. She is also a creative craftswoman especially in knitting and crocheting, and creates and gives baby infants to newborns at hospitals. She is active with the weekly Knitters & Crocheters who meet at St. Agnes Church Hall and volunteer to make hats, blankets and scarves for donation to those in need.

“As Knights of Columbus we have always been dedicated to the development of strong vibrant families,” Burke said at the Family Breakfast. “ In support of this mission and to create an even greater awareness of our many outstanding families the Supreme Council instituted the Family of the Month Program in 1978.” In making their selection to honor an individual family each month, the Family Committee of the Council recognizes those who outwardly exhibit strong ties of love and faith, exemplifying Catholic family values by attending mass each week throughout the year, while making contributions to their parish and surrounding community.

The presentation to the Andersons was the last Knights Breakfast at OLPH until September. For July and August, the Knights will feature a continental breakfast on the second Sunday of both months at St. Agnes Church, Center Avenue, Atlantic Highlands.

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A funeral mass will be held Friday, June 20 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church on Route 36 for Paul Henry Cefalo of Highlands, who died Monday, June 16.

Born in Staten Island, the son of Harry and Camille Cefalo. he attended New Dorp High School, where he served as defensive captain of the football team.

He was a member of IBEW Local 3 for more than 50 years, and was also a real estate agent. For several years, he was also a bartender at the Shore Casino in Atlantic Highlands.

Paul was deeply involved in his community, volunteering with the Highlands Business Partnership for more than 30 years, serving as a member of the Highlands Lions Club and at one time on the Board of Education. He was a longtime supporter of Tunnel to Towers and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Paul is survived by his wife of 40 years, Lynne, four children and their spouses, Christopher (Danielle) Cefalo, Aubrey (Timothy),Garrett, Harrison (Danielle) Cefalo, and Daria (Jake) Cefalo; his sisters, Carla Cefalo and Regina Cefalo; and his brother, Matthew Cefalo and grandchildren Maverick, Camille, Desmond, Stella, Quinn and Hudson.

In sharing the news of his death with members of the Lions Club, Highlands Lions Chair Karen Gretzner noted “It is with great sadness that I share the passing of our dear friend and fellow Lion, Paul Cefalo. Paul has been a Lion for the past eight years, and throughout that time he remained an active, reliable, and positive presence in our club, committed to our mission and always showing up for others. He will be greatly missed.

Prior to Friday’s Mass, there will be visitation will Thursday, June 18, from 2:00 to4:00 p.m. and 7:00–9:00 p.m. at Evergreen Memorial Funeral Home in Middletown,

The family welcomes floral expressions of sympathy and kindly suggests arrangements be coordinated through In the Garden Florist, 9 Waterwitch Avenue, Highlands, or by calling the florist at (732) 291-0311.  Memorial donations may also be made in Paul’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

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The 15th Annual Taste of Highlands is set on Saturday, June 27, from noon to 5:00 PM, rain or shine.

Sponsored by the Highlands Business Partnership , the event is an opportunity for guests to sample food and cocktails from 20 participating establishments while exploring the town’s vibrant restaurant scene and waterfront charm.

Tickets are $50 and include a map of participating locations, food and cocktail samplings, and complimentary parking. Participants must be 21 years of age or older and present a valid photo ID.

“Events like Taste of Highlands help introduce visitors to the unique character, cuisine, and waterfront charm of our town,” said Jay Cosgrove, President of the Highlands Business Partnership. “We’re proud to showcase our local restaurants and businesses while encouraging people to spend the day exploring Highlands..”

The self-guided tour features 20 participating businesses throughout the borough, offering attendees a variety of food and beverage options throughout the afternoon… Participating locations include Bahrs Landing, Chilangos Authentic Mexican, Chubby Pickle, Fresh, Moby’s, Off the Hook, Proving Ground, Seafarer, and many more., all offering a variety of tastes, menus, and ethnic sources.

Check-are at Huddy Park, the corner of Bay and Waterwitch Avenues, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, where participants will receive their official event map. Guests should present their map at each stop to receive a stamp. Those who collect stamps from all 20 locations will be entered into a drawing for a special prize by turning in their completed map at their final stop.

The Highlands Business Partnership is a nonprofit commercial alliance dedicated to fostering economic growth, supporting local businesses, reinvesting in community initiatives, and promoting Highlands as a premier destination for dining, recreation, and tourism.

Sponsors of HBP programs include Monmouth County Tourism, Montecalvo/Bayshore Family of Companies, Bahrs Landing, Farmacie, Dovetail Vintage Rentals, Gateway Marina, Hufnagel Tree Service, In the Garden, Off the Hook, Proving Ground, Seafarer, Sandbox at Seastreak, The Honorable Plant, Valley Bank, and WRAT 95.9.

For more information about Taste of Highlands, contact the Highlands Business Partnership at 732-291-4713 or hbpadmin@highlandsnj.com.

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eagle  eagle eagle eagle eagle eagle eagle eagle eagle eagle eagle eagle HAPTER 1 LOOMINGS. Call Me Ishmael. Some years ago—never mind how long precisely—having little or no money in my purse, and nothing particular to interest me on shore, I thought I would sail about a little and see the watery part of the world. It is a way I have of driving off the spleen, and regulating the circulation. Whenever I find myself growing grim about the mouth; whenever it is a damp, drizzly November in my soul; whenever I find myself involuntarily pausing before coffin warehouses, and bringing up the rear of every funeral I meet; and especially whenever my hypos get such an upper hand of me, that it requires a strong moral principle to prevent me from deliberately stepping into the street, and methodically knocking people’s hats off—then, I account it high time to get to sea as soon as I can. This is my substitute for pistol and ball. With a philosophical flourish Cato throws himself upon his sword; I quietly take to the ship. There is nothing surprising in this. If they but knew it, almost all men in their degree, some time or other, cherish very nearly the same feelings towards the ocean with me. There now is your insular city of the Manhattoes, belted round by wharves as Indian isles by coral reefs—commerce surrounds it with her surf. Right and left, the streets take you waterward. Its extreme down-town is the Battery, where that noble mole is washed by waves, and cooled by breezes, which a few hours previous were out of sight of land. Look at the crowds of water-gazers there. Circumambulate the city of a dreamy Sabbath afternoon. Go from Corlears Hook to Coenties Slip, and from thence, by Whitehall, northward. What do you see?—Posted like silent sentinels all around the town, stand thousands upon thousands of mortal men fixed in ocean reveries. Some leaning against the spiles; some seated upon the pier-heads; some looking over the bulwarks of ships from China; some high aloft in the rigging, as if striving to get a still better seaward peep. But these are all landsmen; of week days pent up in lath and plaster—tied to counters, nailed to benches, clinched to desks. How then is this? Are the green fields gone? What do they here? CHAPTER 1 LOOMINGS. Call Me Ishmael. Some years ago—never mind how long precisely—having little or no money in my purse, and nothing particular to interest me on shore, I thought I would sail about a little and see the watery part of the world. It is a way I have of driving off the spleen, and regulating the circulation. Whenever I find myself growing grim about the mouth; whenever it is a damp, drizzly November in my soul; whenever I find myself involuntarily pausing before coffin warehouses, and bringing up the rear of every funeral I meet; and especially whenever my hypos get such an upper hand of me, that it requires a strong moral principle to prevent me from deliberately stepping into the street, and methodically knocking people’s hats off—then, I account it high time to get to sea as soon as I can. This is my substitute for pistol and ball. With a philosophical flourish Cato throws himself upon his sword; I quietly take to the ship. There is nothing surprising in this. If they but knew it, almost all men in their degree, some time or other, cherish very nearly the same feelings towards the ocean with me. There now is your insular city of the Manhattoes, belted round by wharves as Indian isles by coral reefs—commerce surrounds it with her surf. Right and left, the streets take you waterward. Its extreme down-town is the Battery, where that noble mole is washed by waves, and cooled by breezes, which a few hours previous were out of sight of land. Look at the crowds of water-gazers there. Circumambulate the city of a dreamy Sabbath afternoon. Go from Corlears Hook to Coenties Slip, and from thence, by Whitehall, northward. What do you see?—Posted like silent sentinels all around the town, stand thousands upon thousands of mortal men fixed in ocean reveries. Some leaning against the spiles; some seated upon the pier-heads; some looking over the bulwarks of ships from China; some high aloft in the rigging, as if striving to get a still better seaward peep. But these are all landsmen; of week days pent up in lath and plaster—tied to counters, nailed to benches, clinched to desks. How then is this? Are the green fields gone? What do they here? CHAPTER 1 LOOMINGS. Call Me Ishmael. Some years ago—never mind how long precisely—having little or no money in my purse, and nothing particular to interest me on shore, I thought I would sail about a little and see the watery part of the world. It is a way I have of driving off the spleen, and regulating the circulation. Whenever I find myself growing grim about the mouth; whenever it is a damp, drizzly November in my soul; whenever I find myself involuntarily pausing before coffin warehouses, and bringing up the rear of every funeral I meet; and especially whenever my hypos get such an upper hand of me, that it requires a strong moral principle to prevent me from deliberately stepping into the street, and methodically knocking people’s hats off—then, I account it high time to get to sea as soon as I can. This is my substitute for pistol and ball. With a philosophical flourish Cato throws himself upon his sword; I quietly take to the ship. There is nothing surprising in this. If they but knew it, almost all men in their degree, some time or other, cherish very nearly the same feelings towards the ocean with me. There now is your insular city of the Manhattoes, belted round by wharves as Indian isles by coral reefs—commerce surrounds it with her surf. Right and left, the streets take you waterward. Its extreme down-town is the Battery, where that noble mole is washed by waves, and cooled by breezes, which a few hours previous were out of sight of land. Look at the crowds of water-gazers there. Circumambulate the city of a dreamy Sabbath afternoon. Go from Corlears Hook to Coenties Slip, and from thence, by Whitehall, northward. What do you see?—Posted like silent sentinels all around the town, stand thousands upon thousands of mortal men fixed in ocean reveries. Some leaning against the spiles; some seated upon the pier-heads; some looking over the bulwarks of ships from China; some high aloft in the rigging, as if striving to get a still better seaward peep. But these are all landsmen; of week days pent up in lath and plaster—tied to counters, nailed to benches, clinched to desks. How then is this? Are the green fields gone? What do they here? Honoring Honoring Honoring Honoring Honoring

Sean Weinperl is giving his home town of Highlands one more reason to be proud when he is one of two Boy Scouts who will achieve the Eagle Scout award in ceremonies at the Navesink Fire House June 23.

The son of Jennifer Molloy and Franc Weinperl, the College of Charleston sophomore is a graduate of Henry Hudson Regional School, class of 2024 and has been a member of Boy Scout Troop 22 since he was 11 years old.

Looking back, Sean said he first joined the scouts as a Cub in Troop 22 when he was in first grade. When he turned 11, he liked everything he had learned from Cub Pack 22, liked all the new friends he had met, and eagerly stayed with Boy Scout Troop 22 eager to stay with his friends.

Today, the mature collegian admits that during his first few months with the Boy Scouts, he did have some doubts on whether he wanted to stay. While he said he joined to maintain his friendships and activities, he was not really prepared for all the obligations of scouting and the amount of work and structure that comes with being part of an active scout troop. Now, he readily admits, looking back, “it was something I absolutely needed.”

“Discipline is an important part of growing up, and some people never learn it,” he said. But experiencing this in Troop 22, Sean said he now candidly admits that “having that structure at a young age, as well s learning real skills like leadership, teamwork, and communication have had a huge part in my development.”

It is in that learning and practicing the balance between freedom and discipline that Sean now considers the very best part of years of many best parts of scouting.

For instance, he added with enthusiasm, “on camping trips, we were often given freedom to choose our activities, within certain limits of course. But we always had to return to camp at certain times to collect wood, begin cooking, or simply meet for headcounts.” That’s learning the structure of freedom and discipline.

“ Even in meetings, we always had a Troop game at the beginning, which strengthened our teamwork skills, as well as being fun, But that never came without time to work on skills and advance in rank.”

That’s the balance between fun and work, the collegian now uses and which has proven to be helpful in everyday life.

That’s especially true now that he’s at the College of Charleston, he added, “where completing course work is required, but having fun is encouraged.”
All of which explains how learning the balance between discipline and freedom also meant great memories of “being outside in nature while hiking and camping with the troop.”

With the Eagle Award the highest award in Boy Scouting, and one earned and cited by President Gerald Ford, the only President to have achieved the honor, Sean has also earned a number of other awards.

He is a member of the Order of the Arrow in Na Tsi Hi Lodge 71, which he completed four years ago, and a member of the Brotherhood of the OA which he earned the following year. He also has served as the Senior Patrol Leader for Troop 22 for more than a year, overseeing the other two patrol leaders as well as the rest of the troop, and dealing directly with the Scoutmaster and other adult leaders.

As required by all those earning the Eagle Scout Award, Sean had to select a project that would be helpful to his church or community. Working with the director of the Highlands Recreation Center, Jackie Kane, Sean decided to come up with a project that would benefit one of the programs she leads for Highlands residents and guests.

So the Beach Box was created.

A beach box is a structure placed on the beach to serve as a receptacle for used beach toys and equipment, the scout explained. Instead of leaving beach toys or other items on the sand to be washed away, beach boxes now collect and hold them to be used by children again and again. “These boxes do not need to be locked or secured, as they collect items that otherwise would have been wasted,” he said, “Besides, that way, anyone can use them. “ His boxes were made with recycled palettes, further reducing waste from the local community and giving a boost to the environment.

To complete all phases of the mandate surrounding successful achievement of the award, Sean worked with Director Kane giving a boost to the Community Center adjacent to the beach in Waterwitch, and the Recreation Center after school program, where he also volunteered to work in order to further complete his Eagle Scout rank.

Planning the project was the most difficult part, Sean added, since it included scheduling, having meetings at his home at specific times and listing and purchasing the required materials. He also had to meet with the Public Works department officials to retrieve the palettes, and borrowed tools and equipment from members of the troop to complete the work . “Luckily “ he said, “ it all worked out perfectly, and there was no extra stress involved after planning.”

It took about one month to complete the project, and it’s been two years now that the boxes have been in place. And Sean can happily say “they have accomplished their goal of providing a space for toys and other abandoned beach items to be collected and reused.” 

With that accomplishment behind him, Sean the college sophomore, is looking forward to graduating in 2028 with a degree in Exercise Science.

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