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No Shortcuts, Just Traffic Jams.

By
Muriel J. Smith
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2

Highlands Mayor Carolyn Broullon is hopping mad over traffic and needs your help .

For the 23 years she has called Highlands her home, she has watched and gotten annoyed and concerned about the traffic along route 36, waiting to get into Gateway National Recreation Area at Sandy Hook.

As a councilwoman for several years, she and other members of council complained about the growing traffic and the problems it was causing in Highlands…..motorists couldn’t get across the highway to attend church on Sundays because of rude beach going drivers who blocked the intersection at Miller Street; Bay Avenue traffic increased as shore bound motorists thought they could “beat the crowd” on the highway and go through town and up under the bridge to access Route 36 closer to Sandy Hook.

It would be different if those motorists stopped at one of the stores along the way, the Mayor said, either to pick up a newspaper, or breakfast, or something to take to the beach for lunch, or even a tank of gas in preparation for their homeward bound trip in the afternoon. But there wasn’t even that. Beach bound motorists simply came through Bay Avenue, as well as Shore Drive, sure they knew a “short cut” and could beat the other shore bound folks.

Highlands Mayor Carolyn Broullon

In more recent years, as Mayor, and with Police Chief Rob Burton, Broullon met with park officials and made several suggestions. Why not put a gate at the beach parking lots on Sandy Hook for which the park charges? That way, traffic might be delayed inside the park, rather than on the highway waiting in line for the access on the Sea Bright side of the Captain Joseph Azzolina Bridge.

Why not charge beach goers on the way out of the park rather than in? That way, the traffic would certainly be eased in the morning as thousands were clamoring for their spot on the beach. Why not have Easy Pass for seasonal visitors to at least rush them through? Why not have a separate gate for easy pass visitors?

All of her suggestions, and all her pleas have come to no avail.

This year, it appears to be getting even worse. For the first time, the park is not accepting cash at the entry. Whether it has been advertised to alert beach goers they have to carry a credit card along with their bathing suits and beach umbrellas is not clear; what is clear is that dealing with credit cards, waiting while the driver fishes it out, awaiting signatures, all takes time and adds to cars with motorists and families waiting to get into those Sandy Hook beaches sitting in cars along Router 36 in Highlands and into Middletown.

“What happens if someone in Highlands needs to get to the hospital?” the Mayor asked? What happens if an ambulance can’t get through a bunch of cars waiting in line bumper to bumper? Are we going to wait for someone to die before we resolve a very serious problem? I don’t think we can wait any longer. We’ve tried everything.”

The Mayor said it was even suggested that the federal government provide an emergency boat equipped with emergency supplies to dock in Highlands in case anyone needs a lifesaving trip to the hospital. . “The Feds are not going to give us a dime for n EMS boat and staff, then when some terrible thing happens, they will offer prayers?????” she asked . “We need something first, she said.

And the Mayor isn’t about to wait any longer. Now she’s asking everyone in Highlands, everyone along the shore impacted by the traffic situation on sunny summer days, to get involved.

She is asking everyone to email the National Park Service and let the park service know the dilemma they are causing. “If they won’t listen to one voice, however loud I may be, maybe they will listen to thousands,”“ she said.

“I’m sure my frustration shows in my posts, but I don’t know what else to do,” Broullon said. “ We’ve had many meetings with Fed/State/County and NPS and nothing changes. Senator Declan O’Scanlon did call me and said he would try to help.” But that hasn’t happened yet either.

“It really should not be this hard, “ the feisty and determined mayor said.. “but they listen and do nothing. It’s very disheartening.”

Defending her anger and frustration with officials not paying attention to resolving an obvious serious situation before it results in deaths or serious injuries, the Mayor said “ I will go bananas on all of them because the clearly do not care about quality of life nor the well being of everyone in Highlands, Atlantic Highlands, Sea Bright, Monmouth Beach or Middletown. They even started charging 10am to 6pm when it used to be 10am to 4pm. They take people’s money and give ZERO back. You bet I’m hopping mad!”

E-Mails can be sent to https://www.nps.gov/gate/learn/management/staffandoffices.htm Let your voice be heard in the interest of safety, and to keep traffic moving along Route 36.

Traffic Traffic Traffic

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The Honorable Plant – Unbe-weed-able!

By
Muriel J. Smith
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0
unbe-weed-able

Unbe-weed-able! More than 50 local residents were on hand to celebrate the opening and ribbon cutting for The Honorable Plant, the marijuana dispensary which opened at the site of the former Food Basket, later a pizzeria, on Bay Avenue recently.

Mayor Carolyn Broullon cut the ribbon with dispensary owner Beth Stavola and other principals of the dispensary, the first on its kind in the borough. By current borough ordinances, this is also the only dispensary which will be permitted in the borough, as the ordinance establishing it as a use and established the parameters on which it could be opened, limited the borough to a single dispensary.

While regulations governing the operation of cannabis businesses are set in state law, boroughs have the option of establishing the type of cannabis business it would allow and the number.

In contrast to Highlands limiting the business to a single dispensary, Atlantic Highlands ordinance would allow for two dispensaries and one manufactured business within stipulated portions of that borough. Since that ordinance was only approved recently, there are currently no applications for any type of cannabis business before the borough council in Atlantic Highlands.

Highlands Mayor Carolyn Broullon

In welcoming the business to Highlands, Mayor Broullon thanked Stavola for the time and effort she has taken to ensure both state and local laws are being met, and the property will continue to be maintained as it is now. Th building was completely renovated to adhere to all state regulations covering locks, entries, cameras and lighting. Among other things, the dispensary offers sufficient parking as well as handicapped parking for customers .

Food trucks, music, giveaways and outdoor fun were all part of the opening celebration. While the celebratory activities were in the parking lot and surrounding area of the shop, business continued as usual within the dispensary.

The Honorable Plant has a number of activities and cooperatives planned for the incoming months, and all are available for viewing on the business page at Honorableplant.com

One of the announcements made recently is The Honorable Plant is a sponsor of the 2025 Smodcastle Film Festival at First Ave, Atlantic Highlands, celebrating bold voices, creative storytelling, and community on the Jersey Shore from August 7 through August 10, The event supports independent cinema and local artists shaping the future of film.

Also planned are special sale days at the dispensary, participation in Highlands Pride at Huddy Park this month, and a Judge Kits Launch in September for persons who want to try their knowledge of cannabis products, cultivators and processors who are invited to submit products for the competition for a Best in Grass Award to be determined in October.

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weed weed weed weed weed weed

Thomas Jefferson still survives

By
Muriel J. Smith
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0
Jefferson

While on the Fourth of July this year we begin to focus on the start of a year full of activity, celebration, and remembrance of the day 250 years ago July 4, 2026 when the colonies took the giant and successful step to refute the strongest power in the world, we should still remember and commemorate July 4, 2026, as the 200th anniversary of the death of the two men who were such formidable forces in having the Declaration written, approved, and the birth of a new nation a reality.

Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were friends, one from Virginia, one from Massachusetts.

John Adams

One was tall and red-headed, the other short, dark haired;

One was quiet, preferring to write than speak publicly, the other boisterous, outspoken, impulsive.

The Southerner was younger by nine years, both were married and had devoted wives, both were fathers who had lost children to the disease and medical insufficiency of the era.

Both loved their country. So much so that they continued to serve it for decades after they first put their signatures on the Declaration.

So much so that they were both thinking of July 4, 1776, even at the time of their deaths 50 years later.

It was Thomas Jefferson who died first; weak and ill in his bed at Monticello, Jefferson’s last words, uttered shortly after midnight, were “Is it the Fourth?” a signal that the third President of the United States was aware the nation was about to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its independence.

Several hours later, in his death bed at home in Quincy, Massachusetts, John Adams last words were “Thomas Jefferson still survives.” He had no way of knowing his former friend had died earlier the same day hundreds of miles away.

That Adams and Jefferson were friends at the time of their deaths is indicative of the kind of men they were….smart, understanding, practical, forgiving.

It had not always been so. Adams beat Jefferson when both vied to be the second President of the United States, after both had served under Washington’s first presidency, Adams as vice-president, Jefferson as secretary of state. But Adams lost to Jefferson when running for his second term as the second President of the United States and the differences in the way the two governed caused consternation between them.

But years later a friend drew them back together, suggesting they write to each other, and thus began many years of renewing a friendship and mutual respect they had forged before they signed the Declaration.

The two Presidents also each made names and significant accomplishments for  themselves in other than being two of the 56 delegates on that famous document.

Adams was the first vice-president of the United States, the first to live in the White House, though it was only for a matter of months; Jefferson was the first President to live there for his entire two terms in office. Abigail Adams may have hung her wash to dry in the Blue Room for a couple of months, but Martha Jefferson never got to live there; she had died six years after her husband left her at home in Virginia to fight for independence in the Continental Congress in Philadelphia.

Neither the second nor third President served in the military; after General George Washington commanded these troops in the Revolution, it wasn’t until James Madison became president that a former army officer was commander-in-chief.

Colonel Madison had served as commander of the Orange County Regiment in the Virginia Militia.

John Adams became the first of only two presidents whose sons also became President, when his son, John Quincy, was elected in 1825 when the House of Representatives decided the outcome of the election.

Thomas Jefferson earned his degree from the College of William and Mary, Adams earned his from Harvard. Jefferson was a farmer, inventor, and musician, Adams a minister for a short time, a teacher, and finally a lawyer.

As a farmer and thinker who learned wherever he was, Jefferson introduced the tomato to the nation, bringing it, along with knowledge of how to make ice cream back from his times in France. He also introduced French fries to America, liking the way the French prepared their potatoes; Adams felt his friend was putting on airs, though French fries not only caught on immediately but are still so popular today.

Jefferson was the first President to have the State of the Union read to Congress rather than presenting it in person. As a requirement under Article 2 of the Constitution, Washington had delivered his Address in New York, then the capital. Adams delivered the first State of the union Address in the new Capitol at Washington.

But Jefferson, who was adverse to public speaking and also felt giving the address himself would be too similar to England’s Speech from the Throne, had copies of his Address read by clerks in both the House and the Senate.

It wasn’t until Woodrow Wilson revived the original tradition in 1913 that the address was given in person.

In addition to Adams and Jefferson, only President James Monroe died on the Fourth of July, when he died on the Fourth of July in 1831, six years after he stepped down as President.

Calvin Coolidge is the only President to have been born on the nation’s birthday. He was born in Plymouth Notch, Vermont on July 4, 1872, and served as President from 1823 to 1928, declining to serve more than two terms in office.

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For the Love of Highlands

By
Muriel J. Smith
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0
Highlands

If you love anything about Highlands history and the people who made it, be sure to see Walt Guenther’s stories on Facebook. He’s on the Highlands page as well as the Highlands Historical Society page and he’s got yet another of his great stories going up soon, this one on one of the World War II heroes from Highlands that is honored with one of the pennants along Bay Avenue.

Private First Class Charles Rugg

What a great series Walt has. Can’t wait to see his book when it comes out about all ten of the Highlands heroes who died in the War. The July 6 story is about one of the Robertsons, another great name in the borough known to anyone who’s been around for a few years.

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Knights Present Chasubles and Stoles

By
Muriel J. Smith
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0
Chasubles

The Reverend Joseph Donnelly Council of the Knights of Columbus presented chasubles and stoles to both Father Jarlath Quinn and Father Thomasaiah Mallavarapu before masses at St. Agnes and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Churches Sunday.

Both presentations honored the pastor and pastoral assistant as members of the Knights of Columbus and in appreciation for all they do not only for the parish but for the international Catholic men’s organization.

The presentations were made by Deputy Grand Knight Kevin McKenna, one of his last acts as deputy Grand Knight before assuming the position of Grand Knight in ceremonies this week. Knight McKenna was assisted by past Grand Knight John Flynn.

The first presentation as made to Father Thomas for Father Jarlath at the 7:30 mass at St. Agnes, and the second, for Father Thomas himself, at the 9:30 mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help church.

Photo’s Thanks to M Schoales

At the 9:30 a.m. mass, the Knights processed with Father and Deacon RJ Johnson to the sanctuary, where Deputy Grand Knight McKenna and Flynn presented the vestments. Father blessed the vestments, then wore them for the mass.

The chasuble is the outermost  liturgical vestment worn by the priest for the celebration of the mass. It is worn over the Alb and the stole and is in the liturgical color of the Mass being celebrated. The Knights presented a white chasuble which can always be the color worn for Sunday mass.

The Stole is the narrow material the priest wears around his neck for mass and is always the same color as the chasuble. The stole symbolizes the authority of the priest in the church as well as his duty to spread the word of God.

Father Thomas expressed thanks for both himself and Father Jarlath, who was unable to attend because of mass obligations, and praised the work and dedication the Knights of Columbus do on a regular basis for the church.

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Chasubles Chasubles Chasubles Chasubles Chasubles

A Change in Breakfast

By
Muriel J. Smith
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0
breakfast

The July and August breakfast sponsored by the Rev. Joseph Donnelly Council of the Knights of Columbus will be held at the lower church level at St. Agnes Church in Atlantic Highlands .

Monthly, the Knights of Columbus create interesting and delicious breakfasts in the gym at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School. Held the second Sunday of each month from 8 am to noon, the breakfasts are prepared by members of the knights council, who serve everything from eggs in a variety of styles and several kinds of meat to French toast, waffles, pancakes, pastries, fruits and more.

Because of elevated temperatures and lack of air conditioning in the OLPH school, the July 13 and Aug.10 breakfasts will be held at St. Agnes Church in the downstairs room.

For the summer months, the breakfasts will also be lighter fare, with pastries and donuts the prime entrees.

All are always invited to attend and enjoy all of the breakfasts. Thought offered at no charge, the Knights to accept donations to offset the costs of the monthly meals which draw dozens of local residents for the camaraderie and friendship as much as the outstanding food.

The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic fraternal organization dedicated to charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. It was founded in 1882 by Father Michael J. McGivney, with a primary purpose of providing financial assistance and support to members and their families, as well as to engage in charitable works within the community. 

The local Council was started at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in 1995 and is named after the former pastor, the late Father Joseph Donnelly, who became pastor in 1947 and began saving to fulfill his dream of having a parochial school in Highlands.

Before the school was completed, Father Donnelly also began elementary school classes in the basement of the church in 1951 with education of the first 72 students by the Sisters of St. Francis. The first graduating class of 22 students received their diplomas from Fr. Donnelly in 1956. Fr. Donnelly served the parish for 20 years until his death December 8, 1961.

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Pastor Brandon Cho

By
Muriel J. Smith
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0

Pastor Brandon Cho will worship as the new pastor of the Beacon United Methodist Church, 96 Third Avenue, Atlantic Highlands, at 10 a.m. Sunday,, and invites all to come meet him and hear his plans for what he terms his “new journey with you…trusting God’s guidance as we grow in faith, hope and love together.”

Pastor Cho will be formally installed during a special service on Sunday, July 13 when his wife, Rev. Dr. Jennifer Cho, will also be on hand to meet churchgoers. Pastor Dr. Cho is lead pastor at the Bridgewater United Methodist Church and the couple will live in the parsonage in Atlantic Highlands. A reception is planned following the service.

In a letter to the Beacon family and friends this week, Pastor Cho gave a brief history of his own background, saying he feels honored to be the new pastor.

Raised in Honolulu, Hawaii with the dream of becoming a medical missionary, Cho said he was 15 years old when he felt a calling to be a “soul doc” instead. He earned his Masters degree in Divinity and a Doctorate of Ministry from Claremont School of Theology and a Masters of Sacred Theology from Drew Theological School. But, he added, “I remain a lifelong learner, continually shaped by God’s grace.”

During his ministry, Pastor Cho served as a local pastor, and district superintendent as well as a national director for congregational development and has served from California to New Jersey in his ministries. “My passion lies in nurturing vital congregations and equipping disciples to transform lives and communities through Christ,” he told his new congregation in the latter.

He and his wife,, Rev. Dr. Cho, have two adult children “and two lively grand dogs.” Their hobbies are traveling, music, movies, reading, dining with friends and walks on the beach.

Pastor Cho is replacing Pastor Nicole Maggs who will now be serving at the United Methodist Church in Swedesboro, NJ.

In accepting the position, Pastor Cho expressed thanks to the Transition Team and staff as well as all those who have already welcomed him to the community and noted “I believe with all my heart that God has great things in store for use. This is a season of new possibilities, a time to dream, to grow, and to live more fully into the mission of Christ. God is calling us into a future filled with light, love and purpose. Together, with open hears and willing hands, we will build a vibrant community where faith is deepened, lives are changed, and hope shines bright.”

Thursday, July 3, the Church is conducting a blood drive from noon to 6 p.m. with walk- ins invited to participate. For more information on the blood drive, or to sign up, visit www.NYBC.org/drive and us sponsor code 72294.

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Polite but Sometimes Preposterous

By
Muriel J. Smith
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2
Polite

As polite, considerate, thoughtful and intelligent as the Atlantic Highlands Planning Board is, one still wonders why so many variances are granted to people who purchase land in the borough for investment purposes, knowing full well the regulations at the time they make their purchase.

One also wonders why a resident who happens to live in a home on the corner of two streets, had to go through an expensive,  long and drawn out procedure simply to have a generator installed on the side of her house furthest away from her neighbor. She got her variance after presenting strong evidence as she should have. But she only had to apply in the first place because the borough has identified her side street as frontage simply because she is on the corner.

Another resident who purchased a house on Center Avenue a few years ago has been modifying a variance request and delaying its presentation for several months in seeking a variance for a change to a garage apartment stairs and railing. That variance request is yet to be heard.

Also troubling is the variance this same board gave last year for the property on Avenue C where the Fireman’s Fieldhouse was. Borough law says the property is only big enough to build two houses. But the person who bought the property, obviously as an investment, wanted to build three. So there was a variance application, all kinds of drawings, a public hearing with residents speaking both for and against granting the variance. In the end, after hearing comments from neighbors of the proposed construction that three houses would mean smaller buildings, more in keeping with the neighborhood, etc., the planners granted the variance.

Today, the center of the three houses proposed for the property is now under construction. Anyone going north on South Avenue can see that as soon as they turn onto South Avenue from First, the building is changing the skyscape and it will only get worse when all three houses are built.

Doesn’t anyone look at the drawings and check the height of these three “small “ buildings where only two should be built according to current regulations?

Doesn’t anybody care that the height of the buildings will indeed alter the appearance of the neighborhood?

Doesn’t anyone notice that the first floor of the building certainly provides enough room for more living space?

Does anyone really think that the variance granted, and the building permits approved, really adds to the “small neighborhood homes” that surround it?

Polite Polite Polite Polite

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Gem’s More Than “Just” Bagels

By
Muriel J. Smith
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0
Bagels

Donna Gemellaro, the owner of Gem’s Bagels was just 21 years old when she opened the first Gem’s location alongside her brothers Joey and John in 1992.

The trio had grown up working in their uncle’s Brooklyn bagel shops from the time they were 12, gaining hands-on experience and a deep appreciation for the business. “We were raised in it,” says Donna. “It’s something we were always passionate about. So one day we said, let’s open our own store.”

With the support of their parents—her father worked for the Port Authority, and her mother at a local high school—the siblings turned that dream into reality. “If it wasn’t for them pushing us and believing in us, we probably would’ve never done it,” she reflects.

When it came time to name the business, the family kept it close to home, literally. “The name Gem’s Bagels comes from our last name, Gemellaro,” Donna explains. “We were sitting around the kitchen table throwing around ideas, and my brother John said, ‘What about Gem’s House of Bagels?’ It was all about welcoming people in, like feeding them in our own home.”

Since then, the family business has grown steadily, now boasting nine locations across New Jersey, including Keansburg, Belford, South Amboy, Little Silver, Middletown, Port Monmouth, and two in Hazlet.

From a single storefront to several busy spots across the state, Gem’s Bagels has always been about family, great bagels, and keeping things simple and delicious. Highlands had been on Donna’s radar for years. “There’s something special about this town,” she says. “It’s by the water, it has an old-town charm, and it hasn’t been overdeveloped like some other places. It just feels homey.”

Though the Highlands store has only been open a few months, Donna says the town already feels like home. “The people in Highlands are like family,” she says. “Everyone comes in and treats you like you’ve been here for a hundred years. I feel like I’m truly part of the community.”

At the Highlands location, customers can enjoy both breakfast and lunch made with the same care and quality that have defined Gem’s Bagels for decades. From hearty signature sandwiches to their famously crave-worthy chicken salad, a standout so beloved that customers go out of their way just to get it, there’s something for everyone. “Our chicken salad is one of our top sellers,” says Donna. “People travel from all over just to have it.”

Through hard work, family dedication, and a true love for what they do, the Gemellaros have turned a childhood job into a lasting local institution.

Gem’s Bagels is open seven days a week, from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Visit gemsbagels.com or call 732-204-2058 for more info

 

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Cruise the A.J. Meerwald

By
Muriel J. Smith
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0
Cruise the A.J. Meerwald

The Navesink Maritime Heritage Association will have its annual fundraising Cruise/Sail aboard the Schooner A.J. Meerwald on Thursday, July 17 from 6 to 8 p.m.

The A.J. Meerwald, considered New Jersey’s official Tall Ship, is an oyster schooner that was commissioned by the Meerwald family in 1928 and built at Charles H Stowman & Sons shipyard. A two-masted gaff rigged oyster dredge, she is 85 feet on deck and 115 feet overall, with a 22-foot beam, and a sail height of 68 feet. She draws six feet of water.

The ship will be in Atlantic Highlands harbor and the NMHA chartered her for a cruise Thursday, July 17, with boarding at 6:45 p.m. for a two-hour sail around Sandy Hook Bay and Raritan Bay.

This is the Association’s third annual social and educational sail. Passengers will be encouraged to assist the crew in raising sail. Sea shanties may be sung by the crew and guests will be encouraged to join in! It is also an opportunity to learn about the history of the vessel from oyster schooner to enlisted vessel to land marked educational vessel.

Refreshments will be served.  Boarding will be at Pier 4 I across from the Shore Casino and the schooner will leave the pier at 6:00pm.

The event takes place rain or shine, and while tickets are transferable, they will not be refundable, as this is a fundraising event. 

For further information or accessibility concerns, contact The Bayshore Center at Bivalve on (856) 785 2060 . 

The Navesink Maritime Heritage Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to engaging Eastern Monmouth County with maritime and water related historical, skill building, environmental, and recreational activities, and encouraging responsible use of the Navesink estuary through its Discover, Engage, and Sustain approach.

Cruise Cruise Cruise

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