The joy of fishing fishing off the dock in Highlands with his dad and brother to owning his own seafood restaurant in the borough will be celebrated Monday, August 19 when the Mayor and Council officiate at a ribbon cutting ceremony for the borough’s newest restaurant, Saltwater Social.
Saltwater Social, located at 128 Bay Ave. has been open for several weeks but representatives of the borough and the Highlands Business Partnershipwill officially welcome the dining room and pub at ceremonies beginning at 2 p.m. today.
Chef Mike Metzner, who owns the new dining facility with his brother Nick and sister-in-law Sherilyn Metzer, is the former owner and chef at Mike’s Little Red Store in Navesink.
But the Johnson and Wales University graduate has always wanted to own his own restaurant with an accent on fresh fish in the borough where he and Nick fished with their father as youngsters.
In addition to graduating from one of the nation’s leading culinary universities, Mike also studied under Chefs Four Diamond Award winner Nicholas Herrera, David Santos, former chef at Restaurant Nicholas and Craig Shelton., a pioneer in the farm to table movement in the culinary field.
Saltwater Social is both an elegant quiet dining room experience with a nautical theme, as well as a separate downstairs traditional bar with TV for watching sporting events.
The upstairs dining room offers a wide range of fare, from soups and salads, to sandwiches, dinner entrees, a kids menu, and delicious desserts. They have huge selections of sharable plates, with a great cocktail and local craft beer menu.
Saltwater Social also offers catering onsite and offsite, with both a catering menu and a custom boutique menu, where Mike sits with the customer and creates something unique to fit their iddeas. The restaurant offers catering at in-home parties, and various venues, as well as the restaurant made available for private parties of up to 80 people.
Saltwater Social is open Tuesday through Thursday, 4pm –11pm and Friday through Sunday, 11am – 11pm. For more information about Saltwater Social visit saltwatersocialnj.com or call 732-444-2055.
With the US Navy’s newest submarine, the New Jersey, (SSN 796) scheduled to be commissioned at NWS Earle’s pier in Leonardo on September 14, it is interesting to look back on the history of this naval installation that was built during World War II and encompasses 11,027.44 acres between Middletown and Colts Neck, with headquarters in Colts Neck and the world’s longest three vessel pier in Leonardo.
In its book containing maps, letters, documents and comments from crew, employees, and local residents at the onset of the base, the description of how Colts Neck and Leonardo appeared before construction began is interesting poetic and would most likely be criticized in the 21st century. But it is a charming piece of American and local history.
The book begins, as written shortly after the base opened:
“Earle was, in the beginning, largely oak forest and woodland swamp, glen paradise for deer and other game. Pheasant and fox, deer and rabbit dwelt here in a world of their own, with only the baying of an occasional hound or the tread of an occasional hunter to astound them into seeking cover. Even now, on bleak winter mornings, as we sit comfortably at breakfast in the windowed wardroom of our BOQ, we can smile to see a hen quail,; like a plump little bandy-legged woman, waddling over the crusted snow to our charitable handout of bread crumbs, her little family aligned behind her. Even now, on hot summer nights, as we return tired through the magazine areas, we may stop breathless as a stag, head lifted at the sound of our voices, stands in majesty, silhouetted against the rising moon atop a magazine.
Along its fringes and roadways a few ‘blind pigs’ had blinked their pale eyes during the Volstead Era and stories of violence in its quicksands are not yet entirely forgotten. Two of these legendary establishments still remained when the leveling of the land for what was to be the Main Gate commenced.
Leonardo, too, was not without its romantic history. Skirting its shoes had stood a cluster of gay little houses of prostitution to which harried New York business ladies were wont to retire during the summer months in order to play their trade in a cooler, quieter atmosphere.
It was June 23, 1943, when the Secretary of the Navy approved an ammunition depot in the New York area at an estimated cost of $14,000,000. The Chief of the Bureau of Ordnance urged that the cost be increased in order to provide a depot which would be adequate to meet the needs of the Port of New York and the logistics of this war. Final costs, including Army expansion, were $58,000,000. The Bureau of Ordnance named this depot after Rear Admiral Ralph A. Earle, the Chief of the Bureau during the First World War.
Rear Admiral Ralph A. Earle
Of the total acreage, Leonardo includes 81.16 acres and the railroad right of way between headquarters and the waterfront base is 200 acres. The railroad is 125 miles long to cover the 14-mile distance between the two sites. The pier is two and a half miles long.
Earle Naval Ammunition Depot was officially established December. 13, 1943, and had its own post office and telegraph office as well as fire department.
Councilman James Murphy reported the squad’s increase in work activity over the past two years at last week’s meeting of the Borough and council, praising both Chief Lance Hubeny and the squad for their volunteer efforts.
The July total, coupled with a dozen calls answered during the first two weeks of August, means the squad has answered 296 calls so far in 2024 or an average of 1.5 calls per day.
Murphy also noted that nearly every member of the squad turns out for each call, something he termed “an amazing testament to the commitment of our volunteers to serve and protect our families, businesses and overall residents, not to mention inspirational and dedicated leadership.”
Chief Hubeny also praised the squad, Murphy said, saying he expressed “nothing but love and admiration to the many members that have stepped it up and the line officers that are really working hard as volunteers.”
Murphy said Hubeny is working on plans for 2025 with a focus on continuing the momentum and position in fulfilling the needs of the community. He said the squad approved two new members at its last meeting and one of them is beginning EMT school this month.
The Cadet program for first aid is also doing well, with cadets receiving EMS training every week. Hubeny pointed out in his report that cadets have been instrumental in support during EMS calls and are overseen by a team of EMTS in a program led by Kevin Krippa and Hazel Burke, both Eagle Scouts and qualitied EMTs.
Because of the squad’s acquisition of a new (to them) ambulance, volunteers have also been able to respond to mutual aid calls in neighboring Highlands.
Hubeny cited a recent incident when the Highlands squad had an ambulance fire in which one member was injured and had to be transported to the hospital.
The Highlands squad is down to a single emergency vehicle, so line officers of 85-21, the Atlantic Highlands squad, will continue to offer mutual aid during their need, Hubeny said, citing the many times the Highlands squad has assisted this borough in the past.
Reporting on a variety of programs within the Department of Public Works, Murphy also noted that the state Department of Transportation has installed a battery backup system in the state’s traffic light at Route 36 and First Ave. This will enable the light to function when there is power cessation until power is restored or an alternate generator system can be supplied, the councilman said.
What Would We Do Without Them? What Would We Do Without Them? What Would We DoWhat Would We Do Without Them? Without Them? What Would We Do Without Them? What Would We Do Without Them?
The world premiere of a movie filmed in the Bayshore will be featured at Smodcastle Cinemas, First Avenue, Atlantic Highlands, on Saturday, August 24 at 4:30 p.m.
The film, The 4:30 Movie, was filmed in Highlands and Atlantic Highlands and specifically at the theater itself and is being presented as a fund raiser by Smodcastle-Cinemas, a 501-C non-profit organization seeking to restore and maintain the historic significance of the theater.
All tickets for the showing will be tax deductible.
Set in the summer of 1986, The 4:30 MOVIE is a coming-of-age story about three sixteen year old friends (played by Austin Zajur, Nicholas Cirillo and Reed Northrup) who spend their Saturdays sneaking into movies at the local multiplex.
But when one of the guys also invites the girl of his dreams (Siena Agudong) to see the latest comedy, each of the teens will learn something serious about life and love before the credits roll.
Set in the mobile phoneless, social media-free era of the 80’s, The 4:30 MOVIE was shot at Smodcastle Cinemas. And directed by Highlands native Kevin Smith.
He and other theater co-owners Ashley DiGennaro, Tony Zertuche , Jeff Swanson and Ernie O’Donnell, helped preserve the century-old theater from demolition two years ago and continue to operate it as a popular community movie house, as well as setting for live
Finding two handsome young boys selling three varieties of iced beverages on a really warm day is enough to make anyone happy, and that’s what happened to me today.
J&J Lemonade Stand, with owners Julian and JW, was set up on Avenue D in Atlantic Highlands near West Highland Avenue this week and the stand looked so clean and inviting it was too good to turn down.
J&J introduced themselves, asked whether I wanted Iced Tea, Iced lemonade or an Arnold Palmer…a combination of the two, and quoted the prices, cheap enough for sure.
While one of the J’s took a plastic cup out a sealed bag, filled it with ice from a spotlessly clean chest and the other J poured my a giant sized drink, they told me they set up their stand, not so much for the money they are making, but for the “fun of meeting people and spending some time with my friends.”
Neither one was sure what he would do with his well-earned cash, though both had some ideas. One thought he’d save it for a bike so he could ride to his classes at Bayshore; the other, a Henry Hudson student, thought he’d put it into his savings account for college. He wants to be a theoretical physicist, he informed me, not knowing I didn’t even know what that was! So he explained it, explained his goals, and after further questions, did concede he was an honor student in school now.
Congratulations to two young men who are taking up a tradition that has been around since kids wanted to make money and enjoy friends.
Look for these guys next week when they might be back in the same locale on a Wednesday afternoon. If not there, perhaps someplace else in town.
If not them, perhaps there are other young entrepreneurs doing more on the lazy days of summer than simply enjoying the sun, the ocean and sand. They’re making new friends, learning how to deal in business, and saving up for the future.
Also made me happy to see so many friends show up for the 7 a.m. Memorial Mass for former Mayor Helen Marchetti at St. Agnes Church.
Both past Commodore Ed Newins and Fire Auxiliary President Mickey Rast and other auxiliary members came in uniform to honor their former beloved member; the pastor, Father Jarlath, also told some heartwarming stories about the nonagenarian who lived practically her whole life across the street from St. Agnes.
Thanks to Barbara and Bill Kornek, Helen’s niece and nephew, for inviting so many to join them in remembering the former Mayor, former Mrs. Atlantic Highlands, former helpmate to so many and role model for so many more. It was a lovely, heartwarming final farewell from a town that will never forget native and former Mayor Helen Marchetti.
Smodcastle, the First Avenue movie theater in Atlantic Highlands, was honored as the Business of the Month at last week’s meeting of the Mayor and Council.
Mayor Lori Hohenleitner presented the certificate of honor to partners Ernie O’Donnell of Highlands and Jeff Swanton of Atlantic Highlands, representing all partners including Kevin Smith, Ashley Genaro and Antony Zertuche in restoring and preserving the historic theater for both live entertainment and movies as well as private events and fundraising programs.
Both Swanton and O’Donnell thanked the governing body for the honor and Swanton said he was proud to be a part of preserving a childhood theater for the next generation.
O’Donnell noted he and Smodcastle partner Kevin Smith, both of Highlands, were regular moviegoers at the Atlantic highlands theater throughout their early and teen years and are proud and happy to be a part of it now.
Swanton pointed out the variety of events that take place at the theater, urging everyone to relive their own youthful times by re-engaging with theater films. Hohenleitner praised the partners for bringing business back to the theater and providing a new foundation for a popular borough attraction.
Appointments can be made at https://telegov.njportal.com/njmvcmobileunit for registration renewal, initial permit s, non-driver ID, and duplicate or replacement of title or registration.
No appointments are necessary to surrendering license plates or for handicapped, veterans or Purple Heart placards.
The mobile unit is wheelchair accessible and easy for all to use.
For further information, contact the Motor Vehicle Commission or Borough Hall, the host of the mobile unit visitation.
With final preparations underway for the commissioning of the USS New Jersey (SSN796) set for the Leonardo pier of Naval Weapons Station Earle Saturday, September 14, the submarine is meeting its next milestone, successfully completing a series of acoustic and weapons tests, essential for validating the submarine’s stealth capabilities and combat readiness before it joins the Navy fleet.
Acoustic testing is crucial for ensuring the submarine’s stealth, a defining characteristic of Virginia-class submarines. By minimizing noise emissions, these subs can operate undetected in hostile environments, providing a strategic advantage.
During testing, engineers measure and analyze the submarine’s acoustic signature, identifying and mitigating any noise sources. The process ensures the sub remains as silent as possible, enhancing its ability to evade detection by enemy forces.
The Navigation Department is responsible for maintaining charts and positions of the submarine both while she is on the surface and submerged.
That department is led by the Navigator who reports directly to the commanding officer, the Assistant Navigator and a team of Navigation Electronic Technicians.
They are also responsible for operating and maintaining the navigation equipment on board, using systems and methods including GOP, NAVSAT and Inertial Navigation systems together with traditional methods to establish the ship’s location and heading
L3Harris, Marotta Controls, DE Fabricators and Imperial Weld Ring are four of the many New Jersey manufacturers, suppliers and contractors who have been involved in building the USS New Jersey.
The USS New Jersey Commissioning Committee has partnered with them in the preparations and financing of the commission ceremonies.
Weapons testing is also underway evaluating the submarine’s ability to deploy its arsenal effectively. Recent tests demonstrated the submarine’s proficiency in launching torpedoes and cruise missiles with precision, vital exercises for confirming the submarine can execute its offensive capabilities reliably in real-world scenarios.
The successful completion of these tests validates the design and engineering of New Jersey affirming her role as a formidable force in modern naval warfare.
The current Submarine crew is new since the first crew visited the Monmouth County area last year, and this crew has also been introduced to the state, its culture, history and people as well as its links to national defense in a recent visit to the state.
The visits also enable state residents and public officials to gain an appreciation of the navy, submarines, and specifically this boat, the third Navy vessel to be named for the state.
For further information on the New Jersey Commissioning Committee or to purchase souvenirs of the new ship, visit the Commissioning committee’s site at https://ussnjcc.myshopify.com/
With nine board members to be elected to the Henry Hudson Regional K-12 Board of Education in November, both Highlands and Atlantic Highlands voters will each have contests in only two of the three term limits that are to be decided.
Since this is the start of a new board of education, five seats from Highlands and four from Atlantic Highlands will be decided. Terms are staggered so it will never be necessary to vote for all new members from either borough any year.
In the November election, Highlands will have two persons running for the full three-year term, and only one will be elected. Running for that term are Irene F. Campell and Suzanne Thomas.
Highlands will choose two residents to run for the two-year terms to be decided, and only two residents, Rebecca Wells, and Diane Knox, have applied for those seats. Barring a surprise win by any write-in candidate, both Wells and Knox will be elected to the board in November.
Four candidates have filed for the two one-year terms to be decided in November. Vying for the one-year terms are Donald M. Krueger, Allison Burel, Regina Melnyk and Kevin Ege.
In Atlantic Highlands, two three-year terms on the board will be decided in November, and since only two persons have filed, Cory Wingerter and Claire Kozic, both would be elected to the terms barring any write-in candidates.
There will be contests for the one two-year seat and the one one-year set for Atlantic Highlands residents, since several persons filed for election. For each of the term lengths.
Vying for the one two-year seat on the board are Noreen A. Higgins, Bonnie Knechtel and Justin Thomas.
Vying for the single one-year term for an Atlantic Highlands resident are Allison Jacobs, Chelsea Witkowski, and Richard Colangelo.
Mike Napolitano of Highlands might be stepping down after his two-year term as Grand Knight of the Reverend Joseph Donelly Knights of Columbus. But he’s not stepping away. Instead, he is eagerly looking forward to joining all the other Knights assisting his successor, Ian McGinnis and carrying on the important business the Knights do.
Napolitano, who with his wife Lili moved to Highlands from Bloomfield in March of 2020, has been an enthusiastic and hard-working Grand Knight of the men’s catholic organization that meets at both Our Lady of Perpetual Help and St Agnes churches since he moved to the Bayshore. The fact is, since he first joined the Knights long before moving to the Bayshore, Mike has always been active, energetic, and creative in ways to reach out to people in need, then finding ways to help them achieve.
He is an achiever himself. Not only did Napolitano achieve all three degrees of the international organization in his first year after joining, but he also went on to achieve the Fourth Degree as well, the highest degree in the Knights and the foundation organization for even more work, philanthropy, and religious support.
At the same time as he was earning each of the degrees, the new Knight also served his council as Warden, then Deputy Grand Knight and Program chairman, then Program Chairman followed by the next two years as Grand Knight and Raffle Chairman. Stepping down at the end of his term as the head of the council, he is now in a three-year Trustee term, as well as continuing as Program Chairman and Raffle Chairman.
All this in his spare time. Mike is a public entities Compliance Liaison for a development company in Bloomfield.
As hard as he works, and as much as he accomplishes, Mike always strives for a bit more., He said the hard part of being the Grand Knight was “completing a productive meeting in a one-hour window.” The other Knights will say he accomplished that as well.
It’s his own generous nature that draws Mike Napolitano to being a Knight. He looked at the Council and all its activities as a means of making a meaningful difference for those with whom he interacts. For the Knights that means parishioners, ministries in the church, as well as “the surrounding community.”
That’s probably what makes this resolute Knight the happiest.
In addition to supporting the pastor and every priest at the church, Mike likes to highlight the service and accomplishments of his Brother Knights, local veterans, scouts, first responders, Uniformed Services and basically organization or individuals who have helped the Knights accomplish their goals of helping others.
Having a vibrant council like the Reverend Joseph Donnelly Council has made all of that happen, Mike says happily.
Looking back at some of his accomplishments over the past two years, he likes to highlight the fact meeting attendance has tripled, because more men are joining the organization, more are happy to be of assistance to others,more like the activities that have now become annual events, as well as all the fundraising events and religious programs within the parish.
The Knights now have a monthly breakfast at Our Lady of Perpetual Help parish hall, not to raise funds but simply to provide an opportunity for friends and neighbors to spend some time together.
Their Italian comedy and music nights complete with an Italian dinner quickly became an annual highlight, and their assistance in every local event that helps others is simply routine now.
The Knights help plan, organize and participate in numerous religious activities including a May crowning, initiation sacraments, and an active parish religious education program.
For that, Mike is quick to point out, he is especially grateful to a generous member of the parish who pledged monthly donations to recognize, reward and underwrite the charitable efforts of the Council. Mike is proud of the Catholic Education Memorial Scholarship named in honor of the late Frank Rahm and the council’s work in sponsoring students in need.
While the monthly Sunday breakfast has gotten to be a popular event that draws many local residents who come to sample their outstanding cooking, then come back for more every month because of the camaraderie, Mike also is proud that during his tenure as Grand Knight, he was able to coordinate and finance the timely emergency repairs to the OLPH sound system.
He has also made others know the excellence of the local council through their reception of Winning Spirit Awards for attracting a younger demographic, and back-to-back Star Council awards for encouraging a “Winning Spirit” of Charity, Unity Fraternity & Patriotism for the first time.
“While strengthening our Council, we also took the opportunity to support and cooperate with our cherished Parish Ministries in a much more familiar and ultimately effective way,” he explained when asked how his accomplishments have helped others.
So now as a past Grand Knight, what is Sir Knight Napolitano looking forward to for the Council? “ More of what we started,” he smiles without hesitation.
But he’s quick to add, confidently, “ There is always so much more to be done, but Ian and Kevin (McKenna, the deputy Grand Knight) have pledged themselves to the continuity of our initiatives while making their own additional inroads and innovations. I know that’s going to happen.”
