An Initiation Sacraments Breakfast honoring dozens of youngsters and adults was held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church Hall Sunday, with the Knights of Columbus and the Columbiettes hosting all those who recently received one or more sacraments for the first time in the Our Lady of Perpetual Help St Agnes churches of the parish.
Festivities were held in coordination with the Knights popular monthly breakfast held generally the second Sunday of each month from 8:30 to noon. The Vincent T. Lombardi Columbiettes 6552, the auxiliary organization for the Knights, prepared the monthly breakfast, which is supported by several local businesses,
Highlight of the Breakfast was the presentation of scholarship awards to Finley Murphy and Liam Kenney, eighth grade students who received the scholarships to attend a catholic high school. The Columbiettes Award presented by Mary Vernarelli, president of #6552 was presented to Ms. Murphy , who has been accepted at Red Bank Catholic High School and the Francis O Rahm Memorial Scholarship Award was presented by McGinniss to Mr. Kenney. who will attend Christian Brothers Academy.
Mary McKelvey, Director, and Karen Garbayo, assistant director of the parish’s Religious Education department, were also honored and thanked by Fr. Quinn and the parish for all their work throughout the year in providing CCD classes and other assistance.
More than 50 people, most of them infants, received Baptism in the parish during the year, while more than 25 others received their First Communion, the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist and another more than 25 young adults and adults receive the sacrament of Confirmation. There were many marriages in the parish this year as well, all indications of the growth of the parish that invites Catholics to join from throughout the Bayshore community
Crashes By coincidence, VeniVidiScripto is going to have an interesting comparison to make this month.
In the past three days, more than 10,000 people have read the stories concerning the problems in the Henry Hudson Regional School districtwhere parents have complained about the decrease in apparent educational standards at the Atlantic Highlands Elementary School, some have said they want to tell more but are fearful of having their names attached to any criticism of what goes on in the district, and still others are patiently waiting to see whether the mayors meeting together will resolve the issue of whether the question of letting Sea Bright into the new regional district can be put on the ballot in November for the people to express their opinions.
That’s a lot of readers for a couple of articles on a comparatively small school district. It is an indication, psychologists will tell you, that people like to read the ‘bad’ stuff, the ‘controversial’ stuff, the “gossipy’ stuff.
People are not so interested in hearing the good news, the happy stories, the stories that could make them proud and put a bit of sunshine in their day.
In the next few days, VeniVidiScripto will have several stories about good things happening, great kids making achievements, unusual events and awards presented in local schools and churches, even mind blowing accomplishments that appear almost every day feats at MAST the vocational tech school at Sandy Hook.
There will be stories about an innovative thinker starting a new job at a care center and a volunteer who would get praise every day if everyone knew how much he and others like him do for their first aid squads and fire departments.
The stories are all about things that are going on on a regular basis, They are all true, and many are similar to other ‘great news’ stories that have appeared in VeniVidiScripto and newspapers throughout the years.
But will they get 10,000 readers like the “Bad News” stories get? DO people like to hear good things as much as they love bad things?
Time will tell. This VeniVidiScripto writer is an optimist and thinks yes, good news attracts readers, people who want to start or end their days felling good about something great that’s happened to someone else.
We’ll see. VeniVidiScripto will count numbers and report back on these page May 30.
Atlantic Highlands Elementary School teachers Susan Evans (from left), Jim Filoso and Patricia Shea performed in the ‘Faculty Follies’
Filoso It appears the absence of a beloved teacher and the lack of communication into his absence is what caused the onset of criticism at the last Henry Hudson Regional board meeting. But the result has been the release of a torrent of complaints that include a poor substitute teacher by comparison, a host of other problems in the Atlantic Highlands Elementary School, and a change in students who their parents say loved going to school but now are reluctant, or reticent to go or simply burst into tears.
While not all parents want to talk publicly and others want to talk but do not want their names used, others, like (NAME REDACTED) of Highlands believe they can help improve matters by making their story public.
(NAME REDACTED) is the mom of two sons. Since she lives in Highlands, her son would be going to elementary school there when he started kindergarten several years ago, not a very long walk from her home. But she looked into neighboring Atlantic Highlands and there were things about that school district that attracted her enough to pay the tuition necessary to have her son educated in an out-of-district school (Before Henry Hudson Regional Districtwas formed last year, the two elementary schools came under two separate boards of education and while both were under a single superintendent, they were individual schools. (NAME REDACTED) paid tuition as her son was considered an out-of-district student)
Oceanport Resident and Henry Hudson School District Superintendent Tara Beams
It was worth the tuition cost, (NAME REDACTED) says now, since her son thrived until now when he is in the fourth grade. Up until the sudden and unannounced change, he loved his teacher and was constantly challenged by him to do better and achieve all he could. (NAME REDACTED) no longer has to pay tuition to continue to attend the same school he was attending, since regionalization was approved last year.
Atlantic Highlands Elementary School teachers Susan Evans (from left), Jim Filoso and Patricia Shea performed in the ‘Faculty Follies’
The fourth-grade teacher, James Filoso, knew my son, (NAME REDACTED) explained, and could understand him. He is a budding musician, his mom said, and the teacher recognized those talents, praised his abilities, and even sent e-mails complimenting his talents. “”The teacher really saw him, really knew him” (NAME REDACTED) said.
But then, sometime around February, parents received an e-mail saying Filoso was out on leave and a substitute teacher would be in the classroom. After spring break, parents were advised that Filoso would not be back, but no reason was given.
What (NAME REDACTED) remembers most is her son’s morning rituals, which changed from eagerness to get to his friends and the classroom to “I don’t want to go to school.”
She is more critical of the system and administration than she is of the substitute teacher. “She’s new, she’s coming in close to the end of the year, she doesn’t know everything” she explains, though questioning why the teacher gives the children candy. Parents do not know whether she is a certified teacher she said, or simply a substitute.
Even so, a substitute isn’t bad for a couple of days, the mother said, but to have a substitute this late in the year for the rest of the school year degrades the education the student is getting, makes it difficult for him to go to school creates an unhappy child. “His academics are no longer challenged,” (NAME REDACTED) said. The lack of information about Filoso’s absence is just creating rumors, gossip and more dissatisfaction,” she said.
Board Member Gena Melnyk
She was critical of the board not answering questions at the meeting this week but praised board member Gena Melnyk. “She might have the kind of personality not everyone likes,” (NAME REDACTED) said, “but she lets you know where you stand, and she takes a stand on what she believes in. I’m glad she’s serving on the board.”
Board Chairman Richard Colangelo
Board president Richard Colangelo said at the meeting that it is improper for board members to have any public discussion about personnel and they could not comment nor have the superintendent comment on Filoso’s situation. There was an executive session at the end of the meeting both for litigation and personnel, but no action was taken following the executive session, so it is not known whether the future of the 4th grade teacher was a topic at that meeting.
Stinks The outpouring of complaints, concerns and criticisms at this week’s Henry Hudson Board meeting in Highlands sounded like the final release of an awful lot of pent-up emotions and frustration with any number of things in all three schools over the past three or four years.
The story in VeniVidiScripto also brought out thousands of readers, many of whom contacted me personally or VeniVidiScripto to say thank you for making it all public.
There were those who complained they couldn’t get up to the meeting; some who asked why the meetings have to be held at Hudson now that it’s a regional district.
Why not take turns and have meetings in all three schools?
Or in Highlands, which is the most central of the three?
Or how come they can’t attend the meetings on line?
All of which are solutions to yet another problem the district is facing, but that’s another story.
Parents are afraid, it seems, not only of retaliation should they be critical of some teachers or programs, but they’re also frustrated by the lack of communication.
This teacher who was the subject of this week’s complaints is apparently a gentleman and perfect instructor who has been beloved for so many years and appreciated by so many.
Atlantic Highlands Elementary School teachers Susan Evans (from left), Jim Filoso and Patricia Shea performed in the ‘Faculty Follies’
Sadly, apparently, he is not coming back to school. All the parents are asking is why have they not been told?
Why did they not know there would be a substitute for the remaining weeks of school?
Why were they advised in an e-mail he was going to be out, expected back after the spring break then find out that isn’t so either?
Not sure of all the means of conversation, but what is clear is the parents of children affected by many different problems don’t seem to either be heard by administration or have their problems addressed, let alone resolved.
One parent also pointed out there are members on the current school board who did nothing about her complaints years ago when they were, yes, on the school board then.
Some of the parents say the problems , especially when youngster with special needs, go back many years. But all say things have gotten much worse in recent years, and while Highlands seemed to have more complaints about their elementary school in the past, it’s Atlantic Highlands elementary that seems to be suffering now.
Sad to hear parents say things like “I can’t see how we can ever get better” or “the principal tries, but I guess he can’t do something if the superintendent doesn’t want it to happen.”
Oceanport Resident and Henry Hudson School District Superintendent Tara Beams
One bright spot in all of this discouraging conversation is a Highlands lady named Jessica Noonan.
She stood up at the meeting and said she’s been through it all and is offering her help to anyone having trouble especially with youngsters needing special education help. “We all have to work together,” she said.
Jessica faced her problem several years ago and when she couldn’t get help, decided to take matters into her hands. She did, her son is now happily in another school and she’s offering to help anyone who wants to know how to fight city hall …or, in this case, the superintendent’s office……
Author Anastasia Rubis was guest speaker at the AAUW annual luncheon held at Beacon Hill Country Club last week, and presented the details of her newest book, Oriana, in an unusual and thought provocative way for the nearly 100 members and guests at the gala event..
Rubis, who also told the story of why she was personally fascinated by the subject of her novel, introduced her husband at the beginning of her talk, explaining she would present her program in the format of being interviewed by a newspaper reporter.
And she did.
Orianna Fallaci was a rebellious female in Italy, and her story as told by Rubis is one of guts, rebellion, love and regrets [n the biographical novel, Rubis tells how the daughter who fought beside her father when she was 14 and he was part of Italy’s resistance against the Nazis eventually moved to New York where she was hailed as the greatest interviewer of her time, made famous by her courage and hard hitting interviews. She fell in love with one of the men she interviewed, a Greek poet who was ten years her junior, and traveled the world with him, continuing to do her interviewing, her writing, and setting the pace for journalism.
Rubis holds an undergraduate degree magna cum laude from Brown University and a masters from Montclair State University, where she was an adjunct professor of English.
Her work has appeared in the New York Times, Huffington Post, New York Observer, and literary journals. She also co-wrote and co-directed a 13-minute documentary titled Breakfast Lunch Dinner: The Greek Diner Story on YouTube.
AAUW Northern Monmouth County Branch president Marian Wattenbarger, in thanking everyone for attending the scholarship lunch, also expressed thanks to all the local businesses who support their mission of advancing gender equity for women and girls through research, education and advocacy. Their fundraising programs fund local scholarships, educational programs and academic awards in addition to support programs of the national AAUW organization.
Local businesses who helped support the Scholarship Luncheon, many with gifts for the traditional and popular raffle, are Anderson’s Florist of Metuchen,, the Bagel Station and Greek Spot, in Red Bank, Bahr’s Restaurant and Lusty Lobster, Highlands, Balance Massage and Energy in Hazlet, Brennan’s Deli with locations in Oakhurst and Middletown, as well as Rumson, Delicious Orchards, Colts Neck, Little Silver Fish Market, Massage Envy, Shrewsbury Car Wash, Trader Joe’s, all of Shrewsbury, Organize Your Space, Atlantic Highlands, Patricia’s Holmdel, Porta, Asbury Park, River Road Books, Fair Haven, Wild Birds Unlimited, Middletown, and The Turning Point, and Starbucks’ with several locations in the area Salt Creek Grille, Rumson, and Seabrook Senior Living and Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace, Tinton Falls.
Ashes It only took a couple of hours, but once Mayor and Council were made aware that ahnj.com was shut down, it was back up and working correctly.
Councilman Brian Dougherty said he did not know the cause of the shutdown, but he will look into it and report on it.
The full agenda for the Monday night meeting of the Atlantic Highlands Mayor and Council is available to view, along with resolutions, on the borough site at ahnj.com
The Atlantic Highlands borough official website, ahanj.com, is temporarily unavailable, apparently for non-payment of the payment.
The site, which was available Saturday, directs you to Name Jet, the leading provider of after market domain name auctions. Quite possibly, you could enter a starting bid of $79 and AHNJ.com could be yours!
Calls and e-mails to Mayor Lori Hohenleitner and most council members went unanswered Sunday afternoon. Councilman Crowley did return the call, and indicated that he was aware of the problem and work was ongoing to address the issue.
Monday night is the regular Borough Council meeting at 7 p.m., and the agenda for that meeting, normally available on the website, will be available at Borough Hall Monday, and will also be available at the door of the meeting room at 7 p.m. Monday night. The agenda is also posted on the bulletin board at Borough Hall.
In addition to the public hearings on several ordinances, the Mayor and Council plans to introduce on first reading a cannabis ordinance. A proposed ordinance was on the agenda for the last meeting, however, council withheld introduction after conducting informational sessions during the meeting both for the council and residents present at the meeting.
If adopted at Monday’s meeting on first reading, there will be a public hearing on the ordinance before final adoption which would be held in all probability at the June meeting.
Carton Brewery and Oasis TLC will feature their annual Beer tasting and Plant sale on Saturday, May 10 at the farm on Deep Hollow Road and Navesink River Road, Locust.
The benefit enables visitors to enjoy farm fresh treats along with Carton’s Planning Jersey Beer which is made with Oasis TLC hops.
The event will be at 911 Navesink River Road, Locust, with entry on Deep Hollow Road.
Oasis is a farm center in Locust whose mission is to promote the inclusion and acceptance of autistic individuals in their local communities by establishing environmentally exemplary farms that provide meaningful work, healthy and peaceful residences, and community interaction.
Oasis created a model that involves local and state governments in the purchasing or leasing of property for farming. The 501(c)3 organization helps support open space initiatives and offers a source of natural, wholesome food for the local community to purchase. Additionally, farm centers provide housing, employment, and volunteer opportunities.
People with autism are naturally in tune with the rhythm of nature and the seasons. Farming and agriculture are connected to the calendar as well. People with autism are concrete thinkers and farm work provides almost immediate, tangible results. Partnering with neurotypical coworkers provides natural opportunities for therapeutic interventions.
People with autism are over-stimulated by the pace of society today. They also have special health needs. Farms and open space offer peace and stimulation from natural sources that are real and therapeutic for everyone involved. Using sustainable and environmentally responsible practices is healthy for everyone in every way.
The idea provides a means for volunteerism and education for the community as a whole. Farm centers are set up as examples of “green” living which are open to the public to observe.
Oasis provides a variety of programs inviting the community to visit its store as well as participate in activities. Upcoming are a series of yoga sessions where interested persons can bring their mats and participate in a yoga program outdoors, which includes the farm’s goats cavorting, climbing, and simply enjoying the activities with yoga participants in a program that is fun, healthy and unusual
With a One Year Out kickoff at the Monmouth County Fair on July 23 this year, the Monmouth 250 celebrations honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States next year promises to be a highlight not only for many boroughs and towns in Monmouth County but for the County as well.
County Clerk Christine Hanlon led dozens of representatives from many Monmouth County towns through a series of programs the County is planning and has undertaken for next year’s celebration, encouraging each of the towns to stage their own events, keep the County office included, and share events, dates and locations for all their Monmouth 250 celebrations.
At last week’s meeting, Hanlon released a series of dates beginning with the July 23, 2025 kickoff at the Monmouth County Fair and Archives Day on October 25 when the theme will be the Revolutionary era.
Next year’s activities include a Revolutionary weekend in Old Monmouth on May 3, a Revolutionary Hunter Pace at Tatum Park in Middletown on May 17, a 250 Monument unveiling on June 4 and a 10 K and family fun run at Bell Works in Holmdel on June 14. Also slated for next June are a 250 Gala on June 25, and a massive 250 Parade in Middletown on June 28.
Highlight of the celebration will be Sail 250, the July 3 and 4, visit by tall ships from many different nations led by the Coast Guard’s own Eagle. Topsail 76, celebrating the 200th anniversary of the country, was a massive event throughout the waterfront towns as cadets from many nations spent the weekend hosted by towns and yacht clubs before the Topsail Parade of Ships in New York Harbor.
Hanlon noted the number of activities and gifts available right now in preparation for Monmouth 250, including post cards with views of a variety of Monmouth County sites from a lighthouse and churches to historic homes and the oceanfront.
The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office has released information sheets of restaurants and quick service food, convenience stores and fuel stops to local hotels, downtown areas and shopping malls The Monmouth County Division of Transportation has brochures available showing Ride in Monmouth and the Wellness Transportation programs for seniors, residents with disabilities and the general public in rural areas, where facilities are provided for shared transportation for shopping, senior centers, recreation, veteran’s hospitals and medical appointments.
The Monmouth 250 Committee has opened its Semi quincentennial Poetry Comfort for Monmouth County students in grades 3 to 5 as well as an art competition for professional and non-professional artists The Committee has designed coloring books highlighting revolutionary figures and places. The coloring book, which is as fascinating for children as it is for senior citizens, is designed, according to Hanlon “with the hope it inspires you and your family to join us in celebrating America’s 250 birthday.
The Monmouth NJ 250 Committee was formed by Monmouth County officials to celebrate the event, honoring Monmouth County’s role in the fight for independence. Plans call for highlighting and honoring the people, places and events that made Monmouth County a special place as the Crossroads of the American Revolution.
HBPWhether they were enjoying a quiet leisurely Marguerita at the Proving Ground, Bahrs Landing or the Seafarer, joining in the fun at the Chubby Pickle, Chilangos, or Off the Hook, or sampling a “Moo-garita” walking with Mike the wandering Cow at the Bridge Marina, Cuts & Catch, Fresh or the Waterwitch Grocer, crowds in Highlands certainly enjoyed the Fiesta de Mayo Saturday afternoon, joining in the Margarita Contest and visiting each of the 11 stops, sampling their margarita then voting for their favorite to win four tickets for the June 21 big event, the Taste of Highlands.
At Gem’s Bagels, Donna and crew welcomed all to sample their Margarita that had “everything in it but the bagel!” and where Mexican opera music, smiling faces and staff decked out in bright red Fiesta de Mayo tee shirts greeted visitors with frosty glasses and warm smiles.
The day is one of the many programs organized by the Highlands Business Partnership and promises to be the forerunner of a busy summer in Highlands. The second annual Roar on the River will be held at Veterans Park and the Highlands waterfront on May 17 and 18 when the offshore power boat racing takes place, and the Taste of Highlands celebrates its 14th year of inviting everyone to sample food and cocktails from nearly 20 restaurants in the borough. That event is June 21 from noon to 5 p.m.
