Very definitely the best book I’ve read in a long time is Killing the Witches by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard.
Whether you liked O’Reilly in his Fox News days or not, this book will hold your attention every page of the way both for its quick action as well as its very thorough research and great presentation. If Mr. Dugard is the researcher for O’Reilly’s book, he’s done an outstanding job. If they’ve written it together, they’re masterful.
The author have written a series of “Killing “ books, including Killing Reagan, Killing Kennedy, Killing the Mob and Killing the Killers, and I’m eager to start on another in the series, most likely Killing the Mob, the story of Lincoln’s last day.
But top of the list is Killing the Witches, the story of Salem, Massachusetts, how religion ad tradition were really behind the Massachusetts’ town’s frightening years in the late 1600s when women who simply acted strange were suspected and hunted down as witches, women who were demonic possessed and should be burned at the stake.
While the book is sensational in tracking down the hysteria of the day and how the very strange affliction of two young girls caused a terror in Salem, it gets even better when it tracks the impact of those few years in later centuries, influencing such greats as Jefferson, Washington and Adams, as well as the Constitution itself.
The book shows how religion helped shape the very birth of the United States and how witch hunts are still the subject of social media. Think Roseann Barr claiming witch hunters destroyed her career, or how JK Rowling took so much heat for promoting traditional and real gender. Think of how teachers and police are charged with crimes that destroy their lives, are highly publicized and ruin their futures, only to be found innocent in the end…a modern day witch hunt.
The Highlands Business Partnership’s 6th Annual Brew by the Bay will take place Saturday, May 11 with a rain date on the next day, May 12 from noon to 5:00 PM at the Seafarer, 1 Atlantic St.
The festival features craft beers from New Jersey for beer lovers to sample.
Sample local craft beers on the pier at this picturesque location overlooking the NY City skyline and Sandy Hook. Local breweries participating in this years Brew by the Bay include Artis Brewery, Birdsmouth Beer, Carton Brewing, Grin Brewing, Jersey Cyclone Brewing Co., Last Wave Brewing Co., Ross Brewing Co., Twin Lights Brewing, Yale Terrace Brewery and Wild Air Beerworks.
General admission tickets for the event are $40 and include seven 4-ounce samples and one pint of the craft beer of your choice. Additional tasting can be purchased at the event for $3. Enjoy local craft beer on the scenic waterfront, with cozy fire pits on the beach and delicious cuisine by Cuts & Catch for an additional fee.
The Highlands Business Partnership is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Brew By the Bay is made possible with the generous support of our sponsors, which include Monmouth County Tourism, Montecalvo/Bayshore Family of Companies, Bahrs Landing, Off the Hook, Proving Ground, Seafarer, Valley Bank, Feed & Seed, Farmacie by the French Market, Dovetail Vintage Rentals, Hufnagel Tree Service, In the Garden, Sandbox at Seastreak Ferry, Bridge Marina, and WRAT, 95.9.
For more information on the Brew by the Bay or to purchase tickets, visit www.highlandsnj.com or call 732-291- 4713
In celebration of their 150th anniversary in the United States,the Sisters of St. Francis invite the public to join them May 31, with Mass at 8:30 a.m., followed by a breakfast reception at Mary Mother of God Church, 19 Cherry Tree Farm Road, Middletown.
Sister Aloysius Lenders
In 1874, women of courage, Mother Aloysia Lenders, and Sisters Veronica Conradi, Felicitas Dues, and Leonarda Hannappel crossed a threshold, leaving Germany to sail to America, arriving in New York on June 5h, 1874.
After establishing foundations in Buffalo, NY and Columbus, OH, the Sisters of St. Francis were invited to teach at St. Agnes in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey in 1924, thus completing the continental expansion of the Congregation in the United States. By the 1950s, the Sisters would begin teaching at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Highlands as well as St. Mary’s in New Monmouth, and later at Mater Dei High School in Middleton.
In addition to teaching, they applied their gifts and talents to ministry in parishes, social work, and spiritual direction.
This year, the Sisters are celebrating their 150th anniversary, “Crossing the Threshold – Then and Now!” with small gatherings across the United States. Little could Mother Magdalen Damen, the foundress, imagine that her small community would grow and expand beyond the borders of the Netherlands and Germany to far reaching lands. With her, the Sisters continue to trust that “It is God’s work” and “God will provide,” as they walk together into the future.
In order to adequately prepare, please contact Barbara Johnson, Sisters of St. Francis, at 716-754-2193 if you are able to attend.
On hand to greet guests will be Provincial First Assistant, Sister Nancy Zelma; Provincial Councilor, Sister Regina Snyder; Sisters Diane Bernbeck, Virginia Dehner, Joanne Fogarty, Patricia McMahon, Patricia Russo, Christella Ritchey, and associate Elaine Schuttinger.
Although New Jersey is not credited with his Congressional Medal of Honor, Isaac Harrison Carman was born in Monmouth County, served honorably during the Civil War, and received the nation’s highest military honor for his bravery at Vicksburg, Mississippi.
A Corporal in Company A. 48th Ohio Infantry, Carman’s family apparently moved to that state during his youth and he was sworn into the Army as an Ohioan, though born in Monmouth County, New Jersey November 17, 1841.
The soldier joined the Infantry in September 1861 and was promoted to corporal May 1, 1863. Twenty-one days later, he was serving the Union in the Battle of Vicksburg. He had already served in battles at Shiloh, Holly Springs, Corinth, Chickasaw Bluffs Arkansas. Fort Gibson and Champion Hills as well as a time of detached service aboard the Gunboat Chillicothe in early 1863.
The Battle of Vicksburg is considered a major turning point in the Civil War. Coming one day after the Union victory at Gettysburg, the battle split the Confederacy in half. When General Pemberton, who had rebuffed General U S Grant’s “unconditional surrender” terms at Fort Donelson, Tennessee earlier, finally accepted the surrender terms at Vicksburg with parole for his army, it was July 4, 1863. For that reason, the town of Vicksburg did not celebrate Independence Day for 81 years.
With the taking of Vicksburg, the Confederacy had no further means of getting supplies or communications across the Mississippi River.
Carman’s company was part of the assault on the fort, the second major assault on Vicksburg. He was serving as color guard during the battle on May 22, 1863 and had been severely wounded in the leg by a bayonet. However, he was determined, successfully, to prevent the capture of his colors to the Confederate forces.
Recovering from his wounds. Carman continued serving with the army and was captured at the Battle of Mansfield. He was held as a prisoner of war from April 8, 1864 until Nov. 3, 1864 when he was part of a prisoner exchange. He was mustered out of service in December. 1864 and returned to his home in Ohio.
Cpl. Carman died in Fayette County, Ohio, and is buried at Washington Cemetery, Washington Courthouses, Ohio. His name, through poor Army record keeping, has been spelled both Carman and Carmen.
His Medal of Honor Citation Reads:
Saved his regimental flag; also seized and threw a shell, with burning fuse, from among his comrades.
Call them baby cabbages, call them by their official name Brassica oleracea, or recognize them as part of the mustard family, but by all means try Brussels Sprouts in some easy recipes if they haven’t tried them since you didn’t like them as a kid. And when you also realize they are loaded with dietary fiber, folic acid, manganese, good for all round health, but further loaded with vitamins A, C and K outstanding for both eye and heart health, they become even tastier.
The little vegetable probably got its name from the fact it was known to be a popular vegetable growing in Brussels and pretty much all of Belgium in the 1500s, Brussels sprouts are usually eaten cooked in some manner and have a reputation for being most flavorful when they are young as opposed to older sprouts.
This recipe is terrific in an air fryer, and takes 20 minutes to cook
Heat air fryer to 390 degrees; toss sprouts with olive salt, add salt to taste (if you must) and stir to combine. Place in air fryer basket and fry for 14-16 minutes, shaking once halfway. Sprouts will be lightly charred. Top with walnuts and cranberries, drizzle on orange juice and enjoy.
Or try them with cheese!
BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH CHEESE
1 lb. brussels sprouts, halved
2 Tbls olive oil
1 Cup breadcrumbs
1 Tbls. Paprika
2 Tbls. Grated parmesan cheese (or any tasty hard cheese)
1 Tbls. chopped sage or bay leaf
Preheat Air Fryer to 400 degrees, line the basket with parchment paper
Mix breadcrumbs, cheese and paprika; drizzle sprouts with oil and blend into crumb mixture, tossing to coat. Place in the fryer basket and Air Fry for 15 minutes, shaking every 5 minutes. Sprinkle herb on top and serve
This highly anticipated event celebrates the Society’s current volunteers for their dedication, and provides an opportunity for individuals interested in joining as volunteers to learn more about the Society’s missions and initiatives at Twin Lights Historic Site.
This includes events like the beloved Full Moon Climb, and the site restoration projects.
The day begins with a light breakfast, featuring a recap of the past year’s events and activities and a preview of the 2024 season. Society members will be on hand to answer questions and signup volunteers, who typically work a weekly four-hour shift in the museum gift shop.
“The return on this modest time commitment is extraordinary,” says Twin Lights HistoricalSociety president Jeff Tyler. “Come and ask the folks who are on the team now. Whether you enjoy interacting with the public or working in the background, I encourage you to come experience the sense of community that exists here. It’s unbeatable.”
In addition to the information sessions, Volunteer Day offers ample time for attendees to explore the historic site, expand their knowledge, and meet current and prospective volunteers. A lunch will be held to conclude the event.
The Twin Lights Historical Society is a non-profit organization formed by volunteers in 1955. Today, the Society partners with the New Jersey State Park Service, which owns and operates Twin Lights State Historic Site, to share its illustrious history. It is located at 2 Lighthouse Rd. Highlands. For further information call (732) 872-1814 or visit
twinlightshistoricalsociety@gmail.com
Your Donations for a New (Used) Ambulance … Made a Difference!
That used ambulance from Union Beach the Atlantic Highlands First Aid Squad recently acquired through private donations went into high speed Sunday as the squad answered six separate calls for service.
Multiple volunteer crews remained at the First Aid Squad building, Chief Lance Hubeny reported.
“Our new used ambulance (85-57) really came in handy for its first weekend in service,” an elated Chief Hubeny said, “ All our officers besides myself, Ann Schoeller, Tim Farkas and Brian Boms along with all our volunteers really stepped up Sunday. The level of excitement and enthusiasm around the building was amazing!”
The squad responded to calls for a cardiac arrest, an unconscious persons, a back injury, dog bite, altered mental status and a severe allergic reaction and were able to use both ambulances in response to each of the emergencies and provide necessary transportation. ,
The volunteers provide emergency treatment and assistance for all borough residents from 5 p.m Friday through 5 a.m. Sunday along with every weekday night from 5 p.m.
“The line officers and I are very proud of all the members, in a job well done for our community,” Hubeny reported.
The Women of Achievement and the Woman of the Year were each honored at the annual Scholarship Luncheon of the AAUW, American Association of University Women held earlier this month at Beacon Hill Country Club.
Honored as Women of Achievement for 2024 were, co-founder of No Limits Café, Route 35, Middletown, and Patty Whyte, a retired nurse who played a key role in the Red Bank Library Let’s Talk About Race Program.
Stephanie CartierPatty Whyte
Honored as the Member of the Year was Kathy Olsen, member of the Monmouth County Chapter of the AAUW since 1977 and a driving forced in the organization’s book sale and scholarship luncheon activities, both leading annual events for the AAUW.
Kathy Olsen
AAUW presidents Marian Wattenbarger and Heather Balczarek made the presentations to the outstanding members to the applause of the early 100 persons attending this year’s scholarship luncheon.
Present at the event to shower more praise and congratulations on the Monmouth County chapter was Sharon Suber, the state AAUW president. She praised the chapters more than one million dollars in scholarships that have provided New Jersey women opportunities to pursue college degrees.
In presenting the award to Whyte, President Balczarek said “I met Patty Whyte several years ago in a Red Bank group called Citizens for A Diverse and Open Society founded by one of our previous Women of Achievement, Gilda Rogers, and Syd Bernstein.
“The goal of that group was to provide a place where members of the Black community and the White community could meet knowing they could speak about their experiences and concerns, be listened to, and treated with respect.”
The president said that in that group “Patty struck me as a thoughtful and caring person, and it’s certainly the case that everyone in the room took seriously the need for individuals of diverse backgrounds and racial and ethnic groups to meet together and learn from one another. Patty was a good listener … went to nursing school, studied midwifery, earned a BSN and had a career as a nurse in New Jersey and Maine as well as one year as a midwife on a large Navajo reservation in the southwest… Patty worked for 20 years for the Monmouth Medical Center group that provided pre-natal care for women primarily in medically undeserved communities. .. a group that was surely making a difference.”
Her work, the president continued, resulted in their ability “to significantly lower the rate of unnecessary C-sections in these communities and provide quality, compassionate care for women in Asbury Park, Long Branch, and Keyport. … as populations changed, more than half their patients spoke Spanish, and Patty’s learning experience in Guatemala made a difference for women in Monmouth County as she frequently got called on to translate. Patty delivered more than 800 babies before retiring in 2017 and described delivering babies as a gift.”
With the Library program Let’s Talk About Race which started 2015, Patty has served as a volunteer on its steering committee. With a goal to create a safe, caring and respectful place where individuals could have conversations and opportunities to learn about the impact of racial disparities and experiences on various communities. “The program recently won a Multicultural Award from the NJ State Library Association.
In presenting the award to Stephanie Cartier, President Balczarek noted that many guests at the luncheon have already “enjoyed more than one lunch at a favorite spot in Middletown, one with a unique name, No Limits Cafe….food delicious and a welcome that is always warm and the staff ready to serve.
Even the inspiring words and quotes on the walls, have you leave happier after enjoying a meal, the president continued, but the origin of the restaurant is even more inspiring.
It was a few years ago, Balczarek continued, when Stephanie and Mark Cartier were considering what lay ahead for their daughter, Katie, born with Down’s Syndrome ad knowing there was little left for young adults with intellectual disabilities at some point.
The couple then pursued options including visiting a restaurant in Texas called Hugs Café and returned inspired and dedicated to the idea of expanding on the concept of that restaurant. In Middletown. The result No Limits Café, has expanded its program to not only train young people to prepare and serve food but has also training and placing 25 young people with ID to work outside of No Limits following a 10-week training program.
Stephanie is a graduate of Rider University with a degree I communications. The mission of No Limits Café is statement is to “Empower adults with intellectual disabilities by providing jobs and job training to help them lead fulfilling lives within our community and to increase awareness of their potential.”
The award winner credits her daughter Katie Cartier with the inspiration. “Having a child with Down Syndrome is such a blessing sometimes I say to my husband ‘I feel sorry for people that are missing out by not having a child with Down Syndrome. Katie is such a blessing to our family.”
The Northern Monmouth County Branch of AAUW is honored to recognize the contributions made to the entire community by Stephanie’s vision, energy, and dedication to making a difference in the lives of community members with Intellectual Disabilities – in fulfilling that vision she has touched all our lives and made Monmouth County a better place.
Olsen, who was honored as the Member of the Year Award for 2023, joined this branch almost as soon as she moved to the state in 1977, and she served as president from 1979 to 1981. Recognized as a woman ‘who knows how to get a job done well and on time with all who participate feeling a sense of accomplishment,” Olsen was an educator and school administrator and always showed her belief in AAUW’s mission to open doors for women and girls. In retirement, she continues to make a difference with the Used Book Sale and last year’s chair of the 2023 Scholarship Luncheon under sudden and sad circumstances.
But it was Olsen’s daughter, Melissa, whose letter drew ohs, has, and much admiration and applause when read at the luncheon. Unable to attend, the daughter still wanted to share in her mo’s honors, an wrote “CONGRATULATIONS!!! I am, “Over the Moon”, to have this opportunity to celebrate You! I’m only sorry I couldn’t be there in person. When your friend Marian called to tell me that you were going to be honored, I was not surprised in the least. I would vote for you every time! I am tremendously grateful your peers chose to recognize your outstanding first-rate qualities; to name a few: your generosity, astonishing work ethic, creativity and kindness. You are always reaching out and going the extra mile. So much of me is made from what I learned from you. You are an inspiration and blessing to me and many others. I am honored to be your daughter and I’m so proud of you! I LOVE you, Mom.”
Heather presented the traditional clock award to Olsen inscribed AAUW Northern Monmouth County Branch Member of the Year 2023 Kathy Olsen A great organizer with a deep commitment to Equity for Women, Book Sale Co-Chair and a Past President. Kathy rose to the occasion to successfully chair the 2023 scholarship luncheon. We are all beneficiaries of her vision and hard work. “
Borough Attorney Marguerite Schaffer showed clearly at Thursday’s meeting of the Mayor and Council that not only is she a woman of her word and believes in transparency, but she’s also sure enough of herself and can admit she doesn’t know everything in spite of nearly half a century practicing law.
The attorney had promised at the previous council meeting she would research the question of whether a board, council, or commission member can vote to approve minutes of a meeting they did not attend. As has been the practice at almost every meeting of every board for decades, she opined she did not believe they should vote on minutes they did not attend, an opinion practiced by most.
The questions came up at the meeting after Harbor Commission attorney Gregory Cannon had told that appointed board an absent member could indeed vote to approve minutes of a meeting he or she did not attend. Schaffer, as the borough attorney, was asked if that was correct.
At this week’s meeting the attorney said has spoken with the harbor commission attorney and further researched the question and determined surprisingly there is no state law making the distinction. In those cases, she said, boards and commissions follow Roberts Rules of Order which says absentee members can vote to approve minutes, indicating they believe they are an accurate portrayal of what happened at a meeting, even if they did not attend. Boards can, however, adopt their own rules or the borough can enact ordinances or statutes to make it clear a member has to be present for a meeting in order to vote to approve its minutes.
Not as gracious or transparent as the borough attorney, however, was Mayor Lori Hohenleitner. When asked if the Mayor and Council would then suggest or advise the Harbor Commission of the suggestion to adopt a position that would be more in line with what is the practice in so many committees and commissioners, the mayor’s response was “we are not bullies.” The statement seemed to indicate the mayor felt elected officials would be overstepping their bounds in making a suggestion to the appointed commission rather than be more open to residents who expect only people who attend a meeting should vote on whether the official report of it is accurate.
Here again, however, attorney Schaffer showed she listens to the people and believes they should be kept up to date on recommendations and decisions of attorneys. Schaffer explained she has spoken with Cannon and neither feels comfortable with the idea of voting when not present and both feel the best practices policy should be followed. She said Cannon indicated he is going to recommend to the commission they go by the best practices position and recommend members only vote on approval of minutes of meetings they have attended.
The Atlantic Highlands First Aid Squad, in addition to its 22 men and women who answer emergency and fire calls throughout the night boasts of an ambulance they can now trust.
What’s more, Squad Chief Lance Hubeny said today the squad is about two weeks away from signing a contract to purchase a brand-new ambulance, one that will further ensure the health and safety these volunteers want for the borough. However, it takes approximately two years from contract signatures until arrival of the ambulance, he said.
Hubeny also said one of the first things he did was contact Highlands First Aid Chief Jay Terwilliger to let him know the Atlantic Highlands squad can now provide mutual aid to neighboring Highlands just as that borough has been providing to them.
The new ambulance means the squad now has two ambulances, a 2010 vehicle they have little faith in because of its extensive problems, and the recent acquisition, a 2012 Chevrolet 4500 with 27,000 miles on it.
Hubeny confirmed what Councilman James Murphy said at Thursday night’s meeting of the Mayor and Council, news that failed to invoke any applause, praise or congratulations from the governing body.
In his regular report to Council on the First Aid Squad, Murphy said “Chief (Hubeny) is proud to announce through their massive fundraising efforts, the squad was able to raise enough funds to purchase a “gently used” ambulance as a back-up rig to ensure their ability to properly service our community. Fundraising efforts continue though, as they are still in need of replacing their other rig, but this is an enormous win for the squad and our residents.”
No one from the governing body commented on the report.
Contacted today, Hubeny confirmed that the squad was able to purchase the Chevrolet ambulance valued in the neighborhood of $80,000 from the Union Beach First Aid Squad. The Chief said he had received a call from that squad after he had been seeking a used vehicle for months. After seeing the vehicle, trying it out and having it checked by mechanics, Hubeny conceded he also managed to negotiate a lower price for the purchase than originally set. Thanks to his persuasive abilities and the generosity of the Union Beach squad, the Atlantic Highlands squad purchased the vehicle for $40,000.
Two days ago, squad members formed a work party at the First Aid station and refitted the new ambulance after having acquired it and having it registered. The ambulance is now in service.
Hubeny said Union Beach has three vehicles, one of which is new, so they sold one their older vehicles after learning of this borough’s great need and lack of ability to provide mutual aid as all squads do.
Overwhelmed with the purchase and the price, Hubeny said it has all taken place within the last two weeks and every squad member is deeply appreciative of the many generous residents and businesses who have made the purchase possible.
He also noted there has been a small group of extremely thoughtful and generous benefactors who donated large sums of money to make the purchase possible and to enable the squad to soon sign a contract for a new vehicle as well.
To show their appreciation, the ’new’ used ambulance is being painted and lettered now, he said. The rear doors of the emergency vehicle will be printed with the names of the ten donors whose generous support made the purchase possible. It is a tradition the squad will start and continue for the purchase of the new ambulance as well.
“Every member of our First Aid Squad is overwhelmed with appreciation and gratitude for the generosity of so many wonderful people,” Hubeny said. “Our volunteers work hard, attain their certifications sometimes under difficult circumstances, and show up for these calls in the evening, early morning and anytime during the night. To be able to have not one, but two ambulances they can now use in the event of dual emergencies and to help neighboring towns with their emergencies makes them even more happy they themselves can go out and help their neighbors.”
Like myself, Hubeny said, they know we have to depend on the generosity of our friends and neighbors to continue to provide the support and aid we want to provide for everyone. He said fund raising efforts will continue to be a priority to ensure the new vehicle purchase, and urges anyone who wants to play a role, large or small, in helping others in need, can make donations to the Atlantic Highlands First Aid Squad, or get further information by contacting info@ahfirstaid.org.
The Squad is the recipient of the Atlantic Highlands Police PBA’s annual Charity Ball set forMay 24 at the Shore Casino. Donations are still needed for baskets that are always ahighlight of the annual event and further information on how to donate for these baskets isalso available at info@ahfirstaid.org.
