Indefatigable volunteer Tom Caizza accepted the Little League Award as the Atlantic Highlands volunteer of the Month on behalf of all the volunteers who work tirelessly with youngsters in the Little League program in Atlantic Highlands.
Mayor Lori Hohenleitner, in resenting the certification of appreciation noted Little League has been a borough program for 50 years, with Caizza a part of it for more than 20 years, both when he had his own children in the program as well as when they were not.
The mayor thanked Caizza for everything he has done for the borough “in countless ways” and noted the many different roles he has played in volunteering, including as a member of the Fire Department. She described him as a “team player” and a hometown hero for his uplifting ways.
Caizza accepted the honors on behalf of everyone who volunteers for the Little League he said, and declining any lengthy acceptance speech, simply said “thank you from all of us.”
Atlantic Highlands Councilman Jon Crowley was named Executive Director of the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission (NJMPTVC), part of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), last month, but he showed at last night’s Borough Council meeting his extensive duties in that position will not hamper his commitment to the borough as an active Councilman.
Despite some difficulties with the borough’s ZOOM system at the regular meeting of the borough council, along with the fact Crowley was in his car and driving, he was able to attend the meeting and participate in all activities.
The press release issued at the time of his new status made it clear why he was selected for such a powerful position as Executive Director serving as the senior leader of all of New Jersey’s film initiatives, leading both the NJEDA’s film sector development work, as well as the management of the NJMPTVC.
Prior to joining the NJEDA, Crowley worked within the television industry for more than two decades, producing and directing several well-known television series including “Impractical Jokers”, “House Hunters International”, “Big Brother”, “Lizard Lick Towing”, “Love After Lock-Up”, “Trading Spouses”, “Breaking the Ice”, “Full Contact”, and “Upload with Shaquille O’Neal”, among others. Crowley is a two-time EMMY award winner, and CableACE Writing Nominee.
“As the film industry continues to expand across the state, I am excited to welcome Jon to the NJEDA where he will use his skills and experience to lead the Film Commission’s efforts to attract top-tier film and television production to the Garden State, “ said Economic Development Authority Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. He added that in this role, the Atlantic Highlands councilman will “help boost Governor Phil Murphy’s mission to strengthen New Jersey’s leadership in the film sector, which will fuel our economy and create good-paying jobs for our residents.” He continued that Crowley’s experiences will be a tremendous asset to the Commission as it works towards promoting the state as a top destination to film.
Officials in the industry have noted how film production has grown in substantial amounts since Murphy has been Governor, and Crowley’s leadership will lead to even more growth in attracting major productions and expanding the film industry’s presence in New Jersey.
Crowley has served on the borough council since 2017 and has worked with the staff of the Commission to certify the borough as “film ready.”
The Submarine New Jersey (SSN796) Commissioning Committee is sponsoring a comedy shows featuring Mike Marino, Wednesday, April 3.
The event will be held at The Vogel, 99 Monmouth St., Red Bank. Doors will open at 6:30 for the Comedy show which will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets for the event are $75 each, and include, in addition to the show, light refreshments, two drinks, and a private viewing area for the entertainment.
Tickets, which are limited, are available at : https://ussnjcc.myshopify.com. Donations to the same address are also welcome to help underwrite the cost of ceremonies and activities planned for the commissioning of the Submarine, the third Naval vessel named in honor of New Jersey, September 14. The boat will be commissioned at the NWS Earle pier in Leonardo.
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 including the recently introduced Full Moon Climb, and site restoration projects.
Most recently, the Twin Lights Historical Society has secured funding through grants awarded by the New Jersey Historic Trust and the New Jersey Lighthouse Society to aid in the Twin Light Historic Site’s native plants reforestation project.
The May 11 Volunteer Day begins with a light breakfast and discussion of the past year’s events and activities as well as a preview of the 2024 season. Society members will be on hand to answer questions and sign up 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 Historical Society president Jeff Tyler. “Newcomers are invited to 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,. ” the president said.
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.
This event is free and open to the public. For those unable to attend but interested in learning more about the Twin Lights Historical Society and its mission at the Twin Lights State Historic Site, visit www.twinlightslighthouse.org, or connect with the Society on Facebook.
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.
The Grand Opening of the Vintage Sewing Machine exhibition at the Shrewsbury Historical Societywill be celebrated Thursday, April 4, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the museum, located in the Borough Hall complex at 319 Sycamore Avenue, Shrewsbury.
Society president Donald president Donal d Burden extends a welcome to all interested persons who want to learn more about the manufacture and operations of sewing machines since the Domestic Fiddle base VS treadle machine was first invented in 187.
The exhibit also highlights the artistry and mechanisms of sewing machines from several different manufacturers, including Singer Sewing Machine Co., a New Jersey firm well known in the field.
Also on display will be an assortment of patterns, spools, buttons, needles and threads.
The Museum will be open for the grand opening activities, and is open every Sunday and Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or by appointment. Persons with groups are always invited to make an appointment for guided tours and demonstrations.
A small fraction of what is on display at the Museum is exhibited at the Eastern Branch of the Monmouth County Library on Route 3, Shrewsbury as well.
For further information, contact the museum at 732-747-3635
It’s always a busy time at the Atlantic Highlands library for everyone, including children, And this month is no different.
This Thursday, April 4, there will be a workshop on Artificial Intelligence for youngsters beginning at 3:15 p.m.
On Saturday, April 6 at 2 p.m., teens and adults are invited to learn how to do some genealogical research, finding the roots and birth nations of their ancestors.
For those who have suffered the loss of a friend, relative, or other loved one, there is a bereavement session twice this month, once on April 8 and again on April 22. Both sessions begin at 4 p.m. and give a person the opportunity to share their grief, learn from others how they deal with grief, and get some idea of how to accept a death or loss and move forward.
But it’s the Storytimes for children of all ages from ten months on that make this library so special. Children’s librarian Lauren Garcia, who also doubles as head librarian for this branch of the county library, sings, dances, laughs, reads, acts, plays and jumps all around in her fantastic story telling programs that parents love as much as the kids. Stop in on April 3 for baby story time at 9:30, stay for the two to three year old story time at 10 a.m. for another 20 minutes and see why youngsters whose parents and caregivers bring them to the Atlantic Highlands branch love books, learning, and the library so much. Lauren obviously loves her job, but the youngsters captivated by her personality not only love her but learn so much more and are so eager to keep coming back.
Another great asset for this library is Siobhan Quinn, a wonderful woman adept at four or five languages, who is also a teacher in the Middletown school system. Siobhan will be at the local library on April 11 to give an adult language class for adults at 6:30 p.m. and she’ll be back on April 18 at 3:15 to give another language class for children. Call the library to find out which language Siobhan is featuring and learn more about vocabulary, pronunciation and simply enjoying the sounds of another language.
The Shrewsbury Historical Society’s display of sewing machines currently on exhibit at the Eastern Branch of the Monmouth County Library, Route 35, Shrewsbury, includes models of Singer Sewing machines in addition to machines from several other companies over the past more than 100 years.
But Singer machines have left an indelible mark on New Jersey, and the story behind this one company alone is enough to generate considerable interest and invitation to the library display which will have an official Grand Opening on April 4 from 5 to 7 pm. A larger exhibition of sewing machines will be in the Historical Society museum on Sycamore Avenue at Four Corners throughout the spring and summer.
The Singer Corporation was first established in New York in 1851, by Isaac M. Singer and Edward C. Clark, a New York attorney. The name was changed to Singer Manufacturing Company 14 years later, and once again to the Singer Company in 1963.
Although currently based in La Vergne, Tennessee, its first largest factory for mass production of sewing machines was built in Elizabeth, New Jersey in 1863. Two years after obtaining its first patent, Singer was the largest manufacturer of sewing machines in the world, creating an average of 13,000 machines a week. The company was also the first to promote payment plans for purchasers and won the blue ribbon at the Paris World’s Fair in 1855.
The company’s original design is recognized as the first practical sewing machine for domestic use, using a need and lock stitch created by Elias Howe. Singer patented Howe’s model, the creator fought and won a patent-infringement suit, and Singer then created an improved model with a circular feed wheel and power from gear wheels to which it secured the patent.
The Singer company played a significant role in World War I, halting sewing machine production to produce millions of artillery shells, fuses, grenades and airplane parts as well as horseshoes. Before the end of the war, approximately 70 percent of the labor force in its factory in Scotland was female.
During World War ii, The Singer company again had government contracts for weapons manufacturing.
The facility in Elizabeth included 48 different buildings covering 113 areas, or 2.6 million square feet. It was a completely integrated and self-sufficient plant, building all the parts and machinery it needed for their own sewing machine manufacture.
It played a crucial role during both wars, producing cannons and .45 automatic pistols during the first World War, in addition to other munitions, and numerous armaments and spare parts during the second World War.
Post war, it produced more than 20,000 machines of two different models between the end of the war and the late 1970s when the company switched its focus to industrial sewing machines.
Today the Singer plant in Elizabeth is no longer functional, but it remains a vital part of the history of the city and Union County.
Mayor Lori Hohenleitner presented a certificate to Bridget Duffy, one of the owners of Bungalow Road, the popular unique gift on First Avenue named the Business of the Month by the Atlantic HighlandsMayor and Council.
The shop is owned by five enterprising and creative women who offer a unique supply of gifts described for anyone “who cherishes the art of gift giving and can’t get enough sand between their toes.”
Included in the eclectic mix are varieties of gifts for babies to seafarers, to party givers, to readers to Oriental ideas, along with teas and more. There is a second Bungalow Road the owners operate in Avon by the Sea.
The Construction Delaying Osprey Comes Home to Roost
Is this really for real? Is that really an osprey and a piece of straw up in that very expensive per day boom on the side of Building 23 at Fort Hancock?
Is the osprey actually going to build a nest on the boom the Monmouth County Vocational Board of Education placed adjacent to the building MAST plans to rehabilitate for its NJROTC facility at the county vocational high school?
The original nest which has halted that rehabilitation for the past several years was gone last week, though it is not clear how. The following day, the boom was put in place, although no reason given in response to several questions.
As of this morning, the osprey is back at Fort Hancock, back at building 23, and sitting right in the boom Monmouth County taxpayers are paying to keep in place Is there something wrong with this picture?
Long past when she was due, the Battleship New Jersey (BB62) gracefully left the Camden pier where she draws thousands of visitors to view history last week. Under tow, she headed to the Philadelphia Shipyard for renovations, rehabilitation and a return to her decades old beauty to continue as a museum back at the Camden dock in a few months.
The nation’s most decorated Navy vessel will arrive at the Philadelphia Navy Yards where she was built in 1941 to undergo the hull work that ensures her longevity; she will return as a site for history, overnight visits, tours, seminars, lectures and more in the spring.
After leaving the Camden pier, the ship went under the Walt Whitman Brider and is staying at the Paulsboro Marine Terminal in Paulsboro, across the Delaware River from the shipyard’s Dock 3 until Wednesday, when she will complete the last several hours of her trip to the berth where she was built.
For this writer, to be present for the battleship’s first move in 25 years was especially poignant and memorable. I was aboard her in Panama when she came from the Washington State shipyards where she had been in mothballs and traveled through the Panama Canal to arrive in Camden to begin her new life as a museum.
As a guest in 1999 of the late Senator Joseph Azzolina, a Highlands native who was primarily responsible for having the highly decorated ship come back to New Jersey, it was a thrill to travel with the last Senator and late Senator S. Thomas Gagliano and Governor Christine Whitman among numerous other state leaders and Naval officers at that time for the historic event. To be the guest of the late Azzolina’s son, Joe, who is a member of the Battleship New Jersey Commission, to see her move once again was another opportunity to appreciate the dedication the Azzolina family has given not only to American history but to naval history and pride as well.
Governor Phil Murphy was present for the gala Dry Docking ceremonies in Camden last week, along with Congressman Donald Norcross, Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, Camden County Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli, Jr., and hundreds more residents, veterans, active duty personnel and historians to cheer as the bow and stern American flags were lowered, and the large American flag raised at the center of the ship in Naval tradition marking the ship was seabound, albeit by tow. Norcross acknowledged that Azzolina had played a role in securing the ship back to New Jersey but failed to acknowledge how long and hard the late Senator, businessman and newspaper owner had worked to have it accomplished. Capt. Azzolina had served aboard the New Jersey as well.
The ceremony included a welcome from the Battleship NJ CEO Marshall Spevak, and the pledge of allegiance led by Maser Chief Winfred Keith Cameron, USN. Master Chief Winfred is chief of the boat, the USS New Jersey (SSN796) the nation’s newest sub scheduled to be commissioned at NWS Earle in Leonardo in September. The crew from the submarine has visited and toured the battleship of the same name as well as having made several trips to other sites in New Jersey. When the submarine crew made its first visit, it was to Monmouth County where they were hosted by the NJROTC Cadets at MAST, the Marine Academy of Science and Technology at Fort Hancock.
Lieutenant Commander Chaplain James Johnson offered an invocation, before Mayor Carstarphen read a letter of congratulations and best wishes from President Biden. Rear Admiral Thomas J. Anderson USN also spoke, likening in good humor the many ways the naval ship, always referred to as female, has the spunk and spirit of every New Jersey woman. Even, he laughed, to the point that like New Jersey women, “she doesn’t even pump her own gas.”
Admiral Anderson and 98-year-old World War II Navy veteran Johnny Quin Esso, Sr., cast a POW Veteran wreath during the ceremony and the New Jersey State Police saluted the ship with a helicopter pass striking in the blue sky and chilling winds. Ken Kersch, a Vietnam combat veteran from the ship, led the gun salute presentation.
The battleship is nearly 900 feet in length, the length of three football fields, with a beam of 108 feet, 3 inches. Her complement as a naval vessel is 1,921 officers and men and the ship and its crews have earned 19 battle stars during her extensive career which began with World War II. She was launched Dec. 7, 1942, the first anniversary of Pearl Harbor, and served in the Korean, Vietnam and Cold Wars in addition to the second world war.
There will be shipyard visits as well for the New Jersey, with interested persons able to purchase tickets to go beneath the ship in drydock. For further information, ticket purchase or donations, visit www.battleshipnewjersey.org
